JP2008003010A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly analyze a specimen to be reinspected. <P>SOLUTION: A rack feed part 44 is constituted not only to make the rack feed part 44 transportable in both forward and backward directions with respect to the feed direction, but also to have twice the length of the feed length of a rack over the time until the reinspection result is output, after the distribution of the rack and the rack after distribution is fed forward to the downstream side of a distribution position by the rack feed part 44, according to the control of a transfer control part. When the rack necessary for the reinspection of the specimen is present, the rack is fed in a direction reverse to the distribution position, from the downstream side by the rack feed part 44 and enables distribution of the specimen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that automatically performs analyzes such as biochemical analysis and immunological tests.

  Automatic analyzers that automatically perform analyzes such as biochemical analysis are widely known. The automatic analyzer has a sample supply unit, an analysis unit, and a data processing unit. The sample supply unit sequentially supplies racks loaded with sample containers. This sample container contains a sample. The analysis unit has a reaction tank and a reagent cold storage. The reaction tank includes a cuvette wheel and a measurement optical system inside, and a reagent bottle containing a reagent that reacts with the sample is stored in the reagent cool box. Further, the cuvette wheel accommodates a cuvette (reaction container), and dispenses the reagent from the reagent bottle while dispensing the specimen from the specimen container. Then, the absorbance of the test solution (mixed solution composed of the reagent and the sample) reacted in the cuvette is measured using a measurement optical system. And a data processing part acquires an analysis result from the measured light absorbency. When dispensing the sample, the rack in which the sample container is mounted on the transport line is stopped, and the sample in the sample container is dispensed to the analysis unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-26882

  However, in Patent Document 1, for example, when an abnormal value is obtained as a result of analyzing a sample, in order to determine whether the sample itself is abnormal or the automatic analyzer is abnormal, You may want to re-inspect quickly. However, in Patent Document 1, since the sample is dispensed while the rack is stopped on the transport line, for example, when a sample that needs to be reexamined later is generated, the rack ( Dispensing work of the normal test rack (normal rack) that holds the specimen for the first initial test by the rack (emergency rack) that holds the specimen that requires reexamination) It was waited on the transport line until it was done, and re-inspection might be delayed.

  In addition, some transport lines are provided, and the re-examination rack and emergency rack are transported on a separate transport line from the normal rack transport line to improve the efficiency of rack transport. In some cases, the size of the apparatus increases, the space occupied by the apparatus increases, and installation in a limited space becomes difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can quickly analyze a sample that needs to be retested or urgently tested with a simple configuration.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer having an analyzer for analyzing a test solution obtained by reacting a reagent and a sample held in a rack. The rack can be transported in both the forward and reverse directions, and the length of the rack is more than twice the length that the rack is transported in the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. A rack transporting unit, and a rack loading unit that is disposed upstream of the dispensing position of the rack transporting unit, temporarily holds the rack and transports it to the dispensing position so that the rack can be transported to the dispensing position, A rack collection unit that is arranged downstream of the dispensing position of the rack transport unit and collects the rack after sample dispensing, and the rack loaded from the rack loading unit is forwarded from the upstream side to the dispensing position. The rack transport unit is And a transport control unit that performs control so that the rack transport unit transports the rack from the downstream side to the dispensing position in the reverse direction when there is a rack that requires retesting of the sample. It is characterized by that.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention is capable of transporting the rack in both the forward and reverse directions in the transport direction in an automatic analyzer having an analyzer for analyzing a test solution obtained by reacting a reagent and a sample held in the rack. In addition, a rack transport unit having a length exceeding the length that the rack is transported in a time period until the result of the retest after dispensing of the sample is output, and upstream of the dispensing position of the rack transport unit A rack loading unit for loading the rack into the rack transport unit so that the rack can be temporarily held and transported to the dispensing position, and disposed downstream of the dispensing position of the rack transport unit. Collecting the rack after injection, and a rack recovery unit having a length exceeding the length for transporting the rack during the time until the result of retest after dispensing of the sample is output, The rack When the rack transport unit transports the sample from the upstream side to the dispensing position in the forward direction, and there is a rack that requires re-examination of the sample, the rack that needs to be re-inspected is retrieved from the rack recovery unit. A transfer control unit that performs control so that the rack transport unit transports in a reverse direction from the downstream side to the dispensing position.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the rack input section and the rack collection section are arranged in parallel with the rack transport section.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects that an emergency rack holding an emergency test sample is placed on the rack input unit in the above invention, and the rack input unit includes: The rack can be transported both forward and backward in the transport direction, and a normal rack holding a normal test sample is temporarily held on the upstream side of the rack loading position for loading the rack into the rack transport section, and the rack loading position downstream. The emergency rack is temporarily held on the side, and the transfer control unit moves the normal rack from the upstream side to the rack loading position in the forward direction when the detection unit does not detect the emergency rack. When the rack loading section transports and the detection section detects the emergency rack, the rack loading section carries the emergency rack from the downstream side to the rack loading position in the reverse direction. And performing control such that.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the dispensing position and the rack loading position are provided at or near the upstream end of the rack transport unit so as to form a line, and the rack recovery unit Has a rack collection position of the rack collection unit for collecting the rack from the rack conveyance unit, and a rack return position for returning the collected rack to the rack conveyance unit, and the rack collection position is the rack conveyance unit Is provided in a row in line with the dispensing position, or is provided on the downstream side in the vicinity of the dispensing position, and the rack return position is a time until the result of the retest after dispensing of the sample is output. The rack is provided at a position that is longer than the length at which the recovered rack is transported from the rack recovery position.

  An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer that dispenses and analyzes a sample held in a rack, and conveys the rack from a dispensing-compatible position to a position for rack collection and is opposite to the conveyance direction. A rack transport line that can be transported also in the direction of the rack, a rack input line that supplies the rack to the rack transport line, and a rack recovery that recovers the rack from a position for rack recovery in the rack transport line The transport time from the dispensing position in the rack and the rack transport line to the position for rack recovery is longer than the time necessary to determine whether the dispensed sample needs to be retested. When there is a rack that needs to be reexamined, the sample is moved by causing the rack transport line to perform the transport operation in the reverse direction. Yu racks, characterized in that so as to re-position to the dispensing position corresponding.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the dispensing-compatible position includes a first dispensing position for dispensing a sample from a normal examination rack, and a sample from a rack determined to require the re-examination. And a second dispensing position for dispensing.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, an emergency inspection rack storage unit is further provided adjacent to the rack input line, and the second dispensing position is a sample from the emergency inspection rack. Is also dispensed.

  An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer that dispenses and analyzes a sample held in a rack from a rack located at a predetermined dispensing position, and moves the rack in one direction while moving the rack in the other direction. Re-inspection is required for a rack transport line capable of transporting the rack, a rack input line for supplying the rack to the rack transport line, a dispensed rack receiving section for receiving racks after the dispensing operation from the rack transport line A rack return section for returning the racks to the transport line, and a rack collection line for transporting the dispensed rack from the dispensed rack receiving section to the rack collection position via the rack return section; Determine whether the rack transport time from the dispensed rack receiving part to the rack return part in the rack collection line needs to be retested from the sample dispensing When there is a rack that needs to be re-inspected, the rack is returned from the rack return section to the rack transport line, and is returned to the rack transport line in the other direction. The rack is positioned at a position corresponding to the dispensing position by carrying out a transport operation.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention enables the rack to be transported in both the forward and reverse directions of the transport direction, and the time until the result of the re-inspection after the rack is dispensed is 2 A rack transport unit having a double length, the rack transport unit transports the rack after dispensing in the forward direction to the downstream side of the dispensing position, and there is a rack that requires re-examination of the sample. By controlling so that the rack transport unit transports the sample from the downstream side to the dispensing position in the reverse direction, it is possible to quickly analyze a sample that needs to be retested with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The automatic analyzer according to the present invention can be applied to an automatic analyzer that automatically performs analyzes such as biochemical analysis and immunoassay. Here, a biochemical analyzer used for clinical tests and the like will be described as an example. . This automatic analyzer is configured so that the rack transport unit constituting the transport line can transport the rack in both forward and reverse directions, for example, when a retest target rack to be retested prior to the normal rack occurs. By transporting the retest target rack from the downstream side to the dispensing position in the reverse direction, it is possible to dispense the sample that needs retesting at the dispensing position in preference to the normal rack.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present invention, the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the automatic analyzer according to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a rack transport operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a sample supply unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the state by which a rack is conveyed by.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes an analyzer 1 </ b> A, a sample supply unit 4 that is a sample supply unit, and a data processing unit 7. In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, the analyzer 1A includes a reagent storage unit 2 and a reaction unit 3 as shown in FIG.

  The reagent storage unit 2 has a circular table 21. The table 21 is rotatably provided around the center 21a and is rotated by driving means (not shown). The table 21 holds a plurality of reagent containers 22 containing reagents in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 22 is radially arranged in the circumferential direction from the center 21 a in a plan view, and moves from the center 21 a to a circumferential suctionable position as the table 21 rotates. The reagent storage unit 2 includes a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the table 21, and cools and stores the reagent in the reagent container 22 by cooling the case to a predetermined temperature. The reagent storage unit 2 includes a first reagent storage unit 2A and a second reagent storage unit 2B for storing the first reagent and the second reagent, respectively. The first reagent storage unit 2A is arranged in a container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 described later, and the second reagent storage unit 2B is arranged outside the container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3. The reagent container 22 is affixed with an identification code label such as a barcode having various information such as the type, amount, and lot number of the stored reagent. On the other hand, the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) is provided with an identification code reader (not shown) for reading the identification code of the reagent container 22.

  Here, the reagent container 22 has a fan-shaped outer shape in plan view, and is a synthetic resin container in which the fan shapes are connected in the vertical direction, and has an opening on the upper surface thereof. The opening of the reagent container 22 is sealed with a stopper when not in use, and the stopper is removed when the reagent container 22 is accommodated in the reagent storage unit 2.

  The reaction unit 3 includes a cylindrical container holding unit (cuvette wheel) 31. The container holding part 31 is rotatably provided around the center 31a and is rotated by a driving means (not shown). The container holding part 31 has a plurality of recesses (not shown) along its circumferential direction. Each recess holds a reaction container (cuvette) 32 for mixing the reagent and the specimen. The container holding part 31 has a light-shielding member (not shown) between the recesses adjacent in the circumferential direction, and shields between the adjacent reaction containers 32. Furthermore, the container holding part 31 is provided with an opening (not shown) penetrating in the radial direction in each recess, and the reaction container 32 is exposed through the opening. The reaction unit 3 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the container holding unit 31, and the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) using the case as a thermostat. Incubate the reaction solution that reacted with the sample.

  Here, the reaction vessel 32 is a bottomed rectangular tube-like vessel having an open top, and a material that transmits 80% or more of light contained in the analysis light described later (for example, glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, Synthetic resin such as polystyrene). And the reaction container 32 is used as a photometry area | region where the surrounding wall lower part permeate | transmits analysis light.

  The reaction unit 3 is provided with an analysis optical system 33. The analysis optical system 33 includes a light source 331, a spectroscopic unit 332, and a photometric sensor 333. The light source 331 emits analysis light (for example, 340 to 800 nm) for analyzing the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32. This analysis light passes through the opening of the container holding unit 31 in the reaction unit 3 and passes through the reaction solution in the photometric region of the reaction vessel 32. The spectroscopic unit 332 is located on the optical axis of the outgoing light from the light source 331 and splits the analysis light transmitted through the reaction liquid toward the photometric sensor 333. The photometric sensor 333 measures the absorbance by measuring the analysis light (parallel light) split by the spectroscopic unit 332.

  The reaction unit 3 is provided with a stirring unit and a reaction vessel cleaning unit, though not shown in the figure. The stirring unit is for mixing the reagent in the reaction container 32 and the specimen, and includes a part in which a stirring bar is inserted into the reaction container 32 and a non-contact type using ultrasonic waves. When a stir bar is used, a stir bar cleaning section for cleaning the stir bar is required. The reaction container cleaning unit is for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 32. For example, the reaction liquid in the reaction container 32 is sucked and discharged, and then the cleaning liquid is repeatedly injected into the reaction container 32 and discharged. Further, the inside of the reaction vessel 32 is then dried and wiped off.

  Meanwhile, a reagent dispensing unit 5 is provided in the vicinity of the reaction unit 3. The reagent dispensing unit 5 here includes a first reagent dispensing unit 5A provided at a position substantially opposite to the second reagent storage unit 2B with the reaction unit 3 as the center, a second reagent storage unit 2B, and the reaction unit 3. And a second reagent dispensing unit 5B provided between the two. The reagent dispensing unit 5 has an arm 51 and a probe 52. The arm 51 is provided with a base end portion attached to the upper end of a central shaft 51a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 51 rotates around the central axis 51 a by the rotation of the central axis 51 a driven by the driving means 53. The tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 or a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 by rotation. Further, the arm 51 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 51 a driven by the driving means 53. The probe 52 dispenses a reagent and is attached to the distal end portion of the arm 51 with the distal end directed downward. That is, the reagent dispensing unit 5 moves the probe 52 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 51 and moving up and down, and the probe 52 aspirates the reagent from the reagent container 22 of the reagent storage unit 2 on the locus, The reagent is injected into the reaction vessel 32 of the reaction unit 3 that is also on the locus.

  The predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 is a position of an opening hole provided in the upper surface of the case of the reagent storage unit 2 (not explicitly shown in the figure). The position of the opening of the reagent container 22 coincides with the opening hole of the case of the reagent storage unit 2 in a state where the rotation of the table 21 of the reagent storage unit 2 is stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 is moved to a predetermined position in the reagent storage unit 2, the probe 52 is located at the opening of the reagent container 22 through the opening hole of the case of the reagent storage unit 2. The reagent can be aspirated from the container 22. Further, the predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 is a position of an opening provided in the upper surface of the case of the reaction unit 3 although it is not clearly shown in the drawing. The position of the opening of the reaction vessel 32 coincides with the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3 in a state where the rotation of the container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3, the probe 52 is located at the opening of the reaction vessel 32 through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3. Reagent can be injected into Further, another predetermined position where the probe 52 is moved by the reagent dispensing unit 5 is a cleaning position. Although not clearly shown in the figure, a cleaning unit that sucks and discharges the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position.

  A sample dispensing unit 6 is provided between the reaction unit 3 and a sample supply unit 4 (rack transport unit 44) described later. The sample dispensing unit 6 has an arm 61 and a probe 62. The arm 61 is provided with a base end portion attached to the upper end of a central shaft 61a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 61 rotates around the central axis 61 a by the rotation of the central axis 61 a driven by the driving means 63. The arm 61 is rotated at a tip portion at a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3, a dispensing position of the rack transport unit 44, or dispensing positions 41 a and 41 b that can perform dispensing at two locations in the first embodiment. Moving. Further, the arm 61 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 61 a driven by the driving means 63. The probe 62 dispenses a specimen and is attached to the distal end portion of the arm 61 with the distal end directed downward. In other words, the sample dispensing unit 6 moves the probe 62 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 61 and moving up and down, and the sample container (for example, the probe 62 taken into the dispensing positions 41a and 41b on the locus) , A sample is aspirated from the blood collection tube 82 and the sample is injected into the reaction container 32 of the reaction unit 3.

  The dispensing positions 41a and 41b of the rack transport unit 44 are located between the rack transport unit 44 and the reaction unit 3 and in the vicinity of the sample dispensing unit 6, and are transported by the rack transport unit 44 and stopped. The racks 81 a to 81 j are positions where the racks pushed out in the direction of the reaction unit 3 from the rack transport unit 44 by the push-out mechanism having the driving means 42 provided outside the rack transport unit 44 are accommodated. At this dispensing position, a belt conveyor capable of transporting the rack in the forward and reverse directions of the transport direction with the rack transport unit 44 is disposed. Therefore, when the distal end portion of the arm 61 moves to the dispensing positions 41 a and 41 b of the sample supply unit 4, the probe 62 is located at the dispensing position of the predetermined sample container 82 that is opened. The specimen can be aspirated from (see FIG. 2). The probe 62 is alternatively positioned at the dispensing positions 41a and 41b during normal inspection and during emergency / re-examination. The drive mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism described above may be any one that performs a reciprocating operation such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, or a solenoid. The predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 means that the probe 62 is located at the opening of the reaction vessel 32 through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3 when the tip of the arm 61 is moved to the predetermined position of the reaction unit 3. This is the position where the sample can be injected into the reaction container 32 by the probe 62. Furthermore, there is a cleaning position as another predetermined position on the trajectory along which the probe 62 moves by the specimen dispensing unit 6. Although not shown in the drawing, a cleaning unit that sucks and discharges the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position to clean the probe 62.

  The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample supply unit 4 that sequentially supplies a rack 81 in which a sample container 82 is mounted to the analyzer 1A, that is, ten racks 81a to 81j in the first embodiment. For example, ten sample containers 82 can be mounted on the racks 81a to 81j, and identification code labels (not shown) for identifying the racks are attached to the side surfaces thereof. This identification code label relates to an indication or sample regarding whether the rack 81a to 81j is an emergency rack on which an emergency sample requiring urgent inspection is mounted or a normal rack on which a normal inspection sample for normal inspection is mounted. Information is displayed. In the first embodiment, the racks 81a to 81j are normal racks.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sample supply unit 4 of the automatic analyzer 1 includes a rack loading unit 43, a rack transport unit 44, and a rack collection unit 45. The rack input unit 43 and the rack collection unit 45 are arranged side by side with the rack conveyance unit 44 and arranged side by side with the rack conveyance unit 44. In the first embodiment, the rack loading section 43 and the rack collection section 45 are arranged in a row in parallel with the rack transport section 44. The rack loading unit 43 is arranged on the upstream side of the dispensing positions 41a and 41b of the rack conveyance unit 44, and is arranged continuously along the parallel direction of the analyzer 1A, for example, L orthogonal to the conveyance direction. It consists of a belt conveyor provided with a plurality of character-shaped attachments 43a. The rack input unit 43 temporarily holds the racks 81a to 81j placed on the belt conveyor and inputs the racks into the rack transport unit 44 so that the racks can be transported to the dispensing position. The rack loading position 43d of the rack loading unit 43 is provided in a line with a conveyance position “11” of a rack conveyance unit 44, which will be described later, set upstream in the vicinity of the dispensing position 41a.

  In the first embodiment, the rack insertion portion 43 has an extrusion mechanism having a driving means 42 provided outside the rack insertion position 43d, and this extrusion mechanism sends out the racks 81a to 81j one by one, The racks are sequentially loaded from the rack loading position 43d to the conveyance position “11” of the rack conveyance unit 44 so as to be conveyed to the dispensing positions 41a and 41b. Further, an identification code reader 48 is disposed outside the rack insertion position 43d, and this identification code reader 48 can acquire an identification code label attached to the side surface of the rack that is transported to the rack insertion position. .

  The rack transport unit 44 includes a plurality of L-shaped attachments 43a attached to the analyzer 1A and arranged continuously along the parallel direction of the analyzer 1A, for example, orthogonal to the transport direction. It is a belt conveyor that can carry racks forward and backward. The rack transport unit 44 temporarily holds the racks 81a to 81j placed on the belt conveyor and transports them in the direction in which the analyzers 1A are arranged. The rack transport unit 44 has a length that is more than twice the length of the rack transported in the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. A pre-pouring conveyance unit 44b and a post-dispensing conveyance unit 44c are provided. The rack transport unit 44 transports the racks 81a to 81j loaded from the rack loading unit 43 arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction in a normal inspection from the post-dispensing transport unit 44c via the dispensing positions 41a and 41b. To the rack collection unit 45 disposed downstream in the direction. In addition, when there is a rack that requires reexamination of the sample, the rack transport unit 44 transports the rack in the reverse direction from the downstream post-dispensing transport unit 44c to the upstream dispensing position 41b.

  In the first embodiment, the pre-dispensing transport unit 44b has a length that exceeds the length in which the rack is transported in the time until the result of the retest after the sample is dispensed, and the rack loading unit. The racks loaded from 43 are sequentially held and conveyed to the dispensing position 41a in the forward direction. Further, the pre-dispensing transport unit 44b sequentially holds the racks transported in the reverse direction from the post-dispensing transport unit 44c, and transports them again in the forward direction to the post-dispensing transport unit 44c after dispensing the retest specimen. In the first embodiment, the post-dispensing transport unit 44c has such a length that the rack is transported during the time until the result of the retest after the sample is dispensed, and sequentially holds the racks after the dispensing. Then, it is conveyed in the forward direction to the rack collection position of the rack collection unit 45. In addition, the post-dispensing transport unit 44c transports a rack that requires reexamination of the specimen to the dispensing position 41b in the reverse direction. In other words, the post-dispensing transport unit 44c sequentially holds the racks to be transported for the time until the result of the retest after the sample is dispensed, in addition to the function of transporting the racks after the dispensing to the rack collection unit 45. It also has the function of a buffer (retest buffer).

  The dispensing position 41a is a position where, for example, a normal rack that holds a specimen for performing a normal examination for the first time is transported from the rack transport unit 44 and dispensed. The dispensing position 41 b is a position where, for example, a retest target rack that holds a sample that needs retesting or an emergency rack that holds a sample that needs urgent testing is transported from the rack transport unit 44 to perform dispensing. The rack transport unit 44 includes an extruding mechanism having driving means 42 provided outside the dispensing positions 41a and 41b (conveying positions “12” and “13”, which will be described later), and this extruding mechanism is used for the rack 81a. -81j are sent out one by one and conveyed to the dispensing positions 41a and 41b. The rack transport unit 44 also includes an extrusion mechanism having driving means 42 provided inside the dispensing positions 41a and 41b (on the analyzer 1A side), and this extrusion mechanism includes one of the racks 81a to 81j. It is sent out one by one and conveyed onto the belt conveyors at the conveying positions “12” and “13”. Furthermore, the rack transport unit 44 includes an extruding mechanism having a driving means 42 provided inside a transport position “24”, which will be described later, and this extruding mechanism sends out the racks 81a to 81j one by one, and the rack collection unit It is transported to the 45 rack collection position 45b.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, numbers “1” to “25” are assigned to the pre-dispensing transport unit 44b and the post-dispensing transport unit 44c from the upstream side corresponding to the transport positions for transporting the rack. ing. Among the assigned numbers, “1” to “12” indicate the transport position of the pre-dispensing transport unit 44b, “13” to “23” indicate the transport position of the post-dispensing transport unit 44c, and dispensing. The front transport unit 44b is configured to be one rack longer than the post-dispensing transport unit 44c. The transfer control unit 40 to be described later performs rotation control of a drive motor (not shown) that drives the rack transport unit 44, for example, rotation position control of a stepping motor, and any transport position is read by the identification code reader 48. It is possible to recognize which rack is present.

  The rack collection unit 45 is disposed on the downstream side of the dispensing positions 41 a and 41 b of the rack transport unit 44. The rack collection unit 45 is composed of a belt conveyor provided with a plurality of, for example, L-shaped attachments 45a orthogonal to the conveyance direction, which are arranged continuously along the direction in which the analyzers 1A are arranged. The rack collection unit collects the racks 81a to 81j placed on the rack conveyance unit 44 and conveyed one by one at the rack collection position 45b, temporarily holds them, and conveys them downstream in the conveyance direction.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the automatic analyzer. As shown in FIG. 3, the control system of the automatic analyzer is composed of a control system of the analyzer 1A, a control system of the sample supply unit 4, and a control system of the data processing unit 7, and these control systems are synchronized with each other. To input / output data. In the control system of the analyzer 1A, the reagent storage unit 2, the reaction unit 3, the reagent dispensing unit 5, and the reagent remaining amount detection unit 12 are connected to the analysis control unit 11, and are controlled in an integrated manner by the analysis control unit 11. Yes. Various information of the reagent container 22 read by an identification code reader (not shown) provided in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) is stored in a memory (not shown) in the analysis control unit 11. The reagent remaining amount detection unit 12 detects the reagent remaining amount in each reagent container 22 held in the reagent storage unit 2. The reagent remaining amount can be detected by, for example, comparing various information of the reagent container 22 with the past reagent usage amount and calculating the current reagent remaining amount.

  In the control system of the sample supply unit 4, the rack input unit 43, the rack transport unit 44, the rack collection unit 45, and the identification code reader 46 are connected to the transfer control unit 40, and are comprehensively controlled by this transfer control unit 40. . That is, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack loading unit 43 to transfer the racks 81a to 81j one by one to the rack transport unit 44, and the rack transport unit 44 transfers the racks 81a to 81j to the corresponding dispensing of the analyzer 1A. Control is carried out to the positions 41a and 41b and transported to the rack collection unit 45 after dispensing of the sample, and the rack collection unit 45 performs control to collect the racks 81a to 81j from the rack conveyance unit 44. In addition, when a sample that needs to be retested or a sample that needs an urgent test is generated, the transfer control unit 40 interrupts the normal test and transports the rack that holds the sample to the corresponding dispensing position 41b. Also do.

  The data processing unit 7 is a part that processes various data acquired by the analyzer 1A. The data processing unit 7 includes an output unit 71, an input unit 72, and a reexamination determination unit 73. The input unit 72 is a keyboard or a mouse, for example, and can input various information such as the number of samples and analysis items. The output unit 71 is, for example, a display panel or a printer, and can output various types of information such as analysis contents including an analysis result and an alarm. For example, the data processing unit 7 calculates the remaining amount of reagent in the entire automatic analyzer based on the remaining amount of reagent detected by each analyzer 1A, and outputs the calculation result from the output unit 71.

  The retest determination unit 73 processes various data input from the analyzer 1A to determine whether there is a sample that needs to be retested. That is, the analysis control unit 11 of the analyzer 1A, the transfer control unit 40 of the sample supply unit 4, and the reexamination judgment unit 73 of the data processing unit 7 are synchronized with each other. The transfer control unit 40 outputs, for example, information on the rack and sample read by the identification code reader 46 and information such as which rack is at the dispensing positions 41a and 41b to the analysis control unit 11 and the retest determination unit 73. The From the analysis control unit 11, the analyzed various data are output to the reexamination determination unit 73 in association with the corresponding rack and sample information. The retest determination unit 73 performs data processing based on various types of input data, extracts a sample that needs to be retested from an abnormal value of the data, etc., and applies information on a retest instruction indicating the result of the retest. The information is output to the transfer control unit 40 in association with rack and sample information. The transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the corresponding rack (retest target rack) to the dispensing position 41b based on the retest instruction input from the retest determination unit 73.

  Next, rack transport control of the transfer control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer control unit 40 supplies the rack to the rack transport unit 44 when the normal racks 81 a to 81 j that hold the specimen to be initially tested are placed on the rack loading unit 43. Next, transport control of the rack loading unit 43 is performed (step S11). That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the transfer control unit 40, the rack input unit 43 conveys the normal racks 81a to 81j one by one to the rack input position 43d and is provided outside the rack input position 43d. Using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism, control is performed to sequentially supply the rack from the rack loading position 43d to the transport position “11” of the rack transport unit 44. The transfer control unit 40 reads and controls the identification code attached to the side surface of the rack using the identification code reader 48 with respect to the rack transported to the rack loading position 43d (step S12). The information of the read identification code is output from the transfer control unit 40 to the analyzer 1A and the data processing unit 7.

  Next, the transfer control unit 40 controls the transport of the rack transport unit 44 while monitoring the transport position of the rack loaded into the rack transport unit 44 (step S13). That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the transfer control unit 40 uses the rack 81 a first supplied from the rack loading unit 43 to the transfer position “11” and the rack transfer unit 44 on the downstream transfer position “ Transport to 12 ”in the forward direction. Thereafter, the transfer control unit 40 performs control to transport the rack to the dispensing position 41a (step S14). That is, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the transfer control unit 40 pushes the rack 81a from the transport position “12” using the driving means 42 of the push-out mechanism provided outside the dispensing position 41a, and the dispensing position. The control which supplies to 41a is performed. The transfer control unit 40 notifies the analyzer 1A that the rack 81a has been supplied to the dispensing position 41a, and the dispensing operation of the analyzer 1A is enabled by this notification.

  When all the dispensing of the samples held in the rack 81a is completed, the analyzer 1A notifies the transfer control unit 40 of the completion of the dispensing, and the transfer control unit 40 is provided inside the dispensing position 41a by this notification. The rack 81a is pushed out from the dispensing position 41a using the driving means 42 of the pushing mechanism and supplied to the transport position “12” (see FIG. 5A). During the dispensing operation, the second rack 81b is transported to the rack loading position 43d, and is supplied from the rack loading position 43d to the transport position “11” of the rack transport unit 44. Next, the transport control unit 40 moves the racks 81a and 81b present at the transport positions “12” and “11” to the transport positions “13” and “12” of the downstream post-dispensing transport unit 44c. Control to transport. Thereafter, the transfer control unit 40 controls the supply of the rack 81b to the dispensing position 41a using the driving means 42, thereby enabling the dispensing operation by the analyzer 1A. In this way, the transfer control unit 40 supplies the racks 81a to 81j one by one from the rack loading unit 43 to the rack conveyance unit 44 as shown in FIG. 5B, and the rack conveyance unit 44 dispenses the dispensing position 41a. Then, after the dispensing, control is performed to convey to the downstream post-dispensing conveyance unit 44c.

  By the way, the data processing unit 7 determines the presence / absence of re-examination of the sample after dispensing, and outputs the determination result to the transfer control unit 40. The transfer control unit 40 determines whether there is a retest target rack based on the input determination result (step S15). Here, when there is a retest target rack (step S15: Yes), the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 (post-dispensing transport unit 44c) to transport the retest target rack to the dispensing position 41b. (Step S16) If there is no retest target rack (Step S15: No), the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 (the post-dispensing transport unit 44c) to transport the rack downstream in the transport direction. The rack recovery unit 45 enables rack recovery (step S17).

  That is, the data processing unit 7 determines the presence or absence of re-examination by the time until the rack transported by the rack transport unit arrives at the transport position “23” after the sample is dispensed. As shown in FIG. 5B, it is determined whether or not the rack that has arrived at the transfer position “23” is a retest target rack. When the rack that has arrived at the transfer position “23” is a normal rack that does not need to be re-inspected, the transfer control unit 40, as shown in FIG. 5C, shows the rack transfer unit 44 (the post-dispensing transfer unit 44c). ) Performs control to transport the normal racks 81a to 81c one by one to the transport position “24”. Next, the transfer controller 40 transports the racks 81 a to 81 c to the rack recovery position 45 b one by one using the drive mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the transport position “24”. Control is performed to collect the racks 81a to 81c.

  Further, if there is a rack for which re-inspection is determined by the data processing unit 7, that is, a rack (re-inspection target rack) 81d in the first embodiment (see the hatched portion in FIG. 5C), the transfer control unit 40 As shown in FIG. 5D, the rack transport unit 44 transports the retest target rack 81d and the following racks 81e to 81j from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction in the reverse direction, and the retest target rack 81d. Is moved to the transfer position “13”. With this conveyance, the racks 81e to 81j move to the conveyance positions “12” to “7” of the pre-dispensing conveyance unit 44b. Next, the transfer control unit 40 performs control to push the retest target rack 81d from the transport position “13” and supply it to the dispensing position 41b using the driving mechanism 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the dispensing position 41a. The transfer control unit 40 notifies the analyzer 1A that the rack 81a has been supplied to the dispensing position 41b, and this notification enables the dispensing operation of the analyzer 1A.

  Next, when the analysis by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer controller 4 pushes the retest target rack 81d from the dispensing position 41b using the driving mechanism 42 of the pushing mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41b, and the transfer position. Control to supply "13" is performed. Next, the transfer control unit 4 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport again to the downstream post-dispensing transport unit 44c, and is provided inside the transport position “24” when there is no retest target rack. Using the drive mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism, the rack 81d is pushed out from the transport position “24” and supplied to the rack collection position 45b, so that the rack can be collected into the rack collection unit 45.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the rack transport unit can be transported in both the forward and reverse directions of the transport direction, and the time until the rack transport unit is re-examined after the rack is dispensed, The length is more than twice the length to transport the rack, and the rack transport unit transports the dispensed rack to the downstream side of the dispensing position in the forward direction under the control of the transfer control unit, and reexamines the sample. If there is a rack that requires re-examination, the rack transport unit transports the rack from the downstream side to the dispensing position in the reverse direction to enable sample dispensing. Even if there is no separate return lane, the rack transport unit can immediately transport the rack holding the sample for retesting from the downstream side to the dispensing position, which requires retesting with a simple configuration. Quickly transport the sample to the dispensing position for analysis Can.

  In the first embodiment, since the rack loading position is provided so as to be in a line with the upstream conveyance position in the vicinity of the dispensing position, the conveyance position is at most above the conveyance unit before dispensing during rack conveyance. Since there is only one rack supplied to the rack, if the pre-dispensing transport unit is configured to be at least one rack longer than the post-dispensing transport unit, there is a rack on the rack transport unit that needs to be re-inspected. In this case, the rack temporarily held in the conveyance unit after dispensing can be easily conveyed to the conveyance unit before dispensing.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a rack transport operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a state in which the rack is transported by the sample supply unit.

  The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a normal transport unit 43 b that temporarily holds a normal rack upstream of the rack loading position 43 d of the rack loading unit 43. And an emergency transport section 43c that temporarily holds an emergency rack downstream of the rack input position 43d of the rack input section 43, and the rack input section 43 can transport the rack in both the forward and reverse directions, This is the point that a rack detection unit 49 that detects the presence or absence of an emergency rack in the transport unit 43c is provided.

  Further, the transfer control unit 40 determines the presence or absence of an emergency rack from the detection result of the rack detection unit 49. If the emergency rack is not on the emergency transport unit 43c, the normal rack is moved to the normal transport unit 43b. When the rack loading unit 43 is transported in the forward direction from the upstream side to the rack loading position 43d and the emergency rack is on the emergency conveyance unit 43c, the emergency rack is moved from the downstream side of the emergency conveyance unit 43c to the rack loading position. The difference is that control is performed so that the rack loading unit 43 is transported to 43d in the reverse direction.

  Next, rack transport control of the transfer control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10. Steps S21 to S23 in the second embodiment are the same as steps S11 to S13 in the first embodiment. That is, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack loading unit 43 and the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism to transfer the normal racks 81a to 81j to the rack loading position 43d, and from the rack loading position 43d to the conveyance position “11”. Supply sequentially. Next, the transfer control unit 40 controls the reading of the identification code on the side of the rack by the identification code reader 48 and the rack conveyance control by the rack conveyance unit 44, and further determines whether there is an interrupting rack (emergency rack) ( Step S24).

  Here, when there is no emergency rack (step S24: No), the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the normal rack to the dispensing position 41a (step S25), and the retest target rack. It is determined whether there is any (step S26). Further, when there is an emergency rack (step S24: Yes), the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the emergency rack to the dispensing position 41d (step S27).

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, after the normal rack 81b is supplied to the transfer position “11”, the rack detection unit 49 moves the emergency racks 81x and 81y to the emergency transfer unit 43c indicated by hatching in FIG. When placed, this emergency rack is detected, and the transfer control unit 44 is informed of the detection of the emergency racks 81x and 81y. The transfer control unit 40 recognizes that the interruption by the emergency rack has occurred from this notification, and sequentially transports the emergency racks 81x and 81y from the downstream side of the emergency transport unit 43c to the rack loading position 43d in the reverse direction. The rack loading unit 43 is controlled. By this control, the emergency racks 81x and 81y are sequentially supplied after the normal rack 81b on the rack transport unit 44 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). As in the first embodiment, at the rack loading position 43d, the identification code attached to the side surface of the emergency rack is read by the identification code reader 48 and output to the analyzer 1A and the data processing unit 7. At this time, the dispensing of the sample in the normal rack 81a by the analyzer 1A is stopped, and the normal rack 81a postpones the dispensing until the dispensing of the emergency rack is finished and waits on the dispensing position 41a. Is done.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the transfer control unit 40 transports the emergency rack 81x to the transport position “13” in the forward direction and the push mechanism provided outside the dispensing position 41b. The rack 81x is pushed out from the transport position “13” using the driving means 42 and supplied to the dispensing position 41b. The transfer control unit 40 notifies the analyzer 1A that the emergency rack 81x has been supplied to the dispensing position 41b, and the dispensing operation of the analyzer 1A is enabled by this notification.

  Next, when all the dispensing of the specimens held in the emergency rack 81x is completed, the transfer control unit 40 dispenses the emergency rack 81x using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41b. It is pushed out from the position 41b and supplied to the transport position “13”. Thereafter, the transfer control unit 40 transports the racks 81b, 81x, 81y to the transport positions “15” to “13” of the downstream post-dispensing transport unit 44c, and uses the drive means 42 to perform the dispensing position 41b. The emergency rack 81y is supplied to the analyzer 1A to enable the dispensing operation of the analyzer 1A. After dispensing, the emergency rack is returned to the transfer position “13”. When the emergency rack is not detected by the rack detection unit 49 thereafter, the sample held in the normal rack 81a is dispensed (see FIG. 9C).

  Next, when the dispensing of the normal rack 81a by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 conveys the normal rack 81b to the conveyance position “12” in the reverse direction, and supplies the normal rack 81b to the dispensing position 41a. (See (d) of FIG. 10). Further, the transfer control unit 40 transports the racks 81x, 81y, 81a in the forward direction from the transport positions “11” to “9” to the transport positions “15” to “13” during the dispensing, and the normal rack 81c. Is supplied from the rack loading unit 43 to the transfer position “11” (see FIG. 10E), the order in which the racks are dispensed, for example, the emergency racks 81x and 82y and the normal racks 81a to 81j. By arranging in order, it is possible to dispense the samples of the racks 81c to 81j thereafter by the analyzer 1A.

  After dispensing, each rack is conveyed to the downstream post-dispensing conveyance unit 44c, and subsequent conveyance control operations from conveyance to the dispensing position 41b of the retest target rack to rack collection (steps S26, S28, Since S29) is the same as steps S15 to S17 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the rack loading unit can transport the rack in both the forward and reverse directions, and the emergency loading unit temporarily holds the emergency rack on the downstream side of the rack loading position. A normal transport unit that temporarily holds the normal rack on the upstream side, and when the rack detection unit detects that the emergency rack is placed on the emergency transport unit, the emergency rack is moved from the downstream side of the emergency transport unit to the emergency rack. Since the transfer controller controls the rack loading position so that the rack loading section is transported in the reverse direction, there is no need to provide a separate lane for interruption, and an emergency is required for the normal rack loaded into the rack conveyance section. An emergency rack that holds specimens can be interrupted and loaded into the rack transport unit, which enables quick analysis of specimens that require urgent testing to a dispensing position with a simple configuration. Door can be.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the normal conveyance unit 43b and the emergency conveyance unit 43c of the rack loading unit 43 are configured by one belt conveyor has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the normal conveyance unit 43b. And the emergency transport unit 43c are configured by separate belt conveyors, and the normal transport unit 43b is controlled to be transported in the forward direction from the upstream side to the rack loading position, and operates independently (but operates synchronously). It is also possible to transfer the respective emergency racks 43c separately to the rack transport section 44 by controlling transport of the emergency transport section 43c from the downstream side to the rack loading position in the reverse direction. In the second embodiment, the transfer control unit can transfer the emergency rack from the emergency transfer unit 43b to the rack transfer unit even if the normal transfer unit does not have a buffer free area.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sample supply unit according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a case in which the rack loading unit 43 is arranged in the vicinity of the rack transporting unit 44 and the rack collection unit 45 is arranged in the vicinity of the rack loading unit 43. Since the length of the emergency transport unit 43c of the loading unit 43 can be increased, the number of emergency racks mounted on the emergency transport unit can be increased.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the configuration of the sample supply unit according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12-16 is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit of Embodiment 3. FIG. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the rack is transported by the rack transport section 44 and the rack collection section 45 after the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. In the third embodiment, for example, the lengths corresponding to the lengths of the transfer positions “15” to “5” are provided.

  Further, the transfer control unit 40 transports the normal rack loaded from the rack loading unit 43 in the forward direction from the position corresponding to the dispensing position 41a to the downstream side, and there is a sample retest target rack. In this case, the reinspection target rack is taken in from the rack return position 45c of the rack recovery unit 45, and the reinspection target rack is transported from the downstream side of the rack transporting unit 44 to the position corresponding to the dispensing position in the reverse direction. The control is different.

  Further, the dispensing position 41a of the rack transport unit 44 and the rack input position 43d of the rack input unit are provided in the vicinity of the upstream end of the rack transport unit so as to form a line. In the third embodiment, for example, the dispensing position 41a and the rack loading position 43d are arranged in a line with the conveyance position “4” interposed therebetween. Then, the racks are sent one by one from the rack loading position 43d by the pushing mechanism having the driving means 42 provided outside the rack loading position 43d, and conveyed to the dispensing position 41a. It should be noted that the dispensing position 41a and the rack loading position 43d can be provided so as to be arranged in a line with the upstream end of the rack transport section 44, for example, the transport position “1” interposed therebetween.

  The rack collection position 45b is provided on the downstream side in the vicinity of the dispensing position 41b. In the third embodiment, the rack collection position 45b is provided, for example, in a line with the transport position “6” in the vicinity of the dispensing position, and has driving means 42 provided inside the transport position “6”. The racks are sent one by one from the transport position “6” by the push-out mechanism and transported to the rack recovery position 45 b of the rack recovery unit 45. The rack collection position 45b can be provided so as to be aligned in a line with the dispensing position 41b of the rack transport section 44 and, for example, the transport position “5”.

  The rack collection unit 45 is provided with a rack return position 45 c for returning a retest target rack among the collected racks to the rack transport unit 44. This rack return position 45c is a position exceeding the length over which the rack recovered at the rack recovery position is transported during the time from the sample dispensing until the result of the retest is output. In the third embodiment, the rack transport unit 44 is provided at a position aligned with the transport position “15” of the rack transport unit 44. Then, the reexamination target racks are sent out one by one by the push-out mechanism having the driving means 42 provided outside the rack return position 45c and transported to the transport position “15” of the rack transport unit 44.

  The transfer control unit 40 in the sample supply unit dispenses from the rack loading position 43d via the conveyance position “4” of the rack conveyance unit 44 using the driving mechanism 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the rack loading position 43d. The racks are supplied one by one to the position 41a so that the sample dispensing unit 6 can dispense the sample.

  Next, in the third embodiment, an example of the conveyance control of the normal racks 81a and 81b will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 12B, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack loading unit 43 to carry the normal racks 81a and 81b one by one to the rack loading position 43d. Next, the transfer control unit 40 moves from the rack loading position 43d to the dispensing position 41a via the position “4” of the rack transporting unit 44 using the driving means 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the rack loading position 43d. Control for supplying the normal rack 81a is performed, and this control enables the dispensing operation of the analyzer 1A.

  Thereafter, when the dispensing of the sample held in the rack 81a by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 dispenses the normal rack 81a using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41a. Control is performed to push out from the injection position 41a and supply it to the transport position “4”. Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the normal rack 81a from the transport position “4” to the transport position “5”. Further, the transfer control unit 40 controls the transfer of the rack input unit 43 to transfer the normal rack 81b to the rack input position 43d, and uses this drive mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided outside the rack input position 43d. Control is performed to supply the normal rack 81b from the loading position 43d to the dispensing position 41a via the position “4” of the rack transport section 44.

  Thereafter, when the dispensing of the sample held in the normal rack 81b by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 dispenses the rack 81b using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41a. Control is performed to push out from the injection position 41a and supply it to the transport position “4”. Next, the transfer control unit 40 causes the rack transport unit 44 to transport the normal racks 81a and 81b from the transport positions “5” and “4” to the transport positions “6” and “5”, and inside the transport position “6”. The normal rack 81a is controlled to be supplied from the transport position “6” to the rack collection position 45b by using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided in the above. Next, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the normal rack 81b from the transport position “5” to the transport position “6”. Further, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack collection unit 45 to carry one normal rack 81a downstream, thereby enabling the normal rack 81b to be collected.

  Next, the interrupt control of the emergency rack will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 14A, when the emergency racks 81x and 81y are placed on the rack loading unit 43 after the normal rack 81a is supplied to the dispensing position 41a, the rack detection unit 49 detects this, The transfer control unit 40 recognizes that the interruption by the emergency rack has occurred, and controls the rack loading unit 43 so as to sequentially transport the emergency racks 81x and 81y to the rack loading position 43d in the reverse direction. That is, first, control is performed to supply the emergency rack 81x from the rack loading position 43d to the position “4” of the rack transporter 44 using the driving mechanism 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the rack loading position 43d.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the emergency rack 81 x from the transport position “4” to the transport position “5”. Further, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack loading unit 43 to carry the emergency rack 81y to the rack loading position 43d.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15C, the transfer control unit 40 sends out the emergency rack 81x from the transfer position “5” by using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided outside the transfer position “5”. To the dispensing position 41b. Further, the transfer control unit 40 controls the supply of the emergency rack 81y from the rack loading position 43d to the position “4” of the rack transporting unit 44 using the driving means 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the rack loading position 43d. Do.

  Thereafter, when the dispensing of the sample held in the emergency rack 81x by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 uses the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41b to use the emergency rack 81x. Is pushed out from the dispensing position 41b and supplied to the transport position “5”. Next, the transfer control unit 40 causes the rack transport unit 44 to transport the emergency racks 81x and 81y from the transport positions “5” and “4” to the transport positions “6” and “5”, and inside the transport position “6”. The emergency rack 81x is controlled to be supplied from the transport position “6” to the rack collection position 45b by using the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided in FIG. Further, the transfer control unit 40 performs control to supply the emergency rack 81y from the transport position “5” to the dispensing position 41b by using the driving means 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the transport position “5”.

  Thereafter, when the dispensing of the sample held in the emergency rack 81y by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 uses the drive mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the dispensing position 41b to use the emergency rack 81y. Is pushed out from the dispensing position 41b and supplied to the transport position “5”. Thereafter, the analyzer 1A dispenses the specimens in the normal rack 81a, and the transfer control unit 40 performs the same transport control of the rack transport unit 44 as in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the emergency racks 81x, 81y, The racks are conveyed in the order of the normal racks 81a and 81b, and can be supplied to the rack collection unit 45.

  Next, transport control when a specimen for reexamination occurs will be described with reference to FIG. The normal racks 81a to 81l are supplied from the rack loading position 43d of the rack loading section 43 to the dispensing position 41a by the conveyance control of the transfer control section 40, as in FIG. After this dispensing, the transfer control unit 40 performs conveyance control of the rack conveyance unit 44 and the rack collection unit 45 so that the rack collection unit 45 collects from the conveyance position “6” through the rack collection position 45b. Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, the transfer control unit 40 takes in the determination result of the reinspection of the rack 81a that has arrived at the transport position upstream of the post-recovery rack return position 45c, as shown in FIG. When the rack, in this third embodiment, the rack 81a does not need to be re-inspected, the transfer control unit 40 transports the normal rack to the rack recovery position downstream of the rack return position 45c, and The rack rack collection unit 45 is controlled to collect the rack.

  If the data processing unit 7 determines that the rack 81a needs to be re-inspected, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack collection unit 45 to perform the transport control, as shown in FIG. As shown in b), the retest object rack 81a is transported to the rack return position 45c, and the retest object rack 81a is pushed out from the rack return position 45c using the drive mechanism 42 of the pushing mechanism provided outside the rack return position 45c. Control to supply to the transfer position “15” is performed. As shown in FIG. 16A, when the determination result of the reinspection of the normal rack 81a is given, the normal racks 81i and 81j exist on the rack transport unit 44. When the result is lowered, the normal rack 81i is supplied to the rack collection position 45b by the driving means 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the transport position “6”. Further, the normal rack 81j, as shown in FIG. 16B, pushes the retest target rack 81a from the rack return position 45c and supplies it to the transport position “15” by the drive means 42 from the transport position “6”. Only the retest target rack 81a exists on the rack transporting portion 44, which is supplied to the rack collection position 45b.

  Therefore, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the retest target rack 81a in the reverse direction from the downstream transport position “15” to the upstream transport position “5”, and uses the driving means 42. Thus, the retest target rack 81a is supplied to the dispensing position 41b so that the sample can be dispensed by the analyzer 1A. After this dispensing, the transfer control unit 40 moves the retest target rack 81a from the transport position “6” to the rack recovery position 45b by the driving mechanism 42 of the push-out mechanism provided inside the transport position “6” in the same manner as other normal racks. Control to supply to.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the rack transport unit and the rack recovery unit have a length that exceeds the length that the rack is transported in the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. The rack collection unit disposed downstream of the dispensing position collects the rack after sample dispensing, and among the collected racks, the retest target rack that holds the sample for retesting is stored in the rack collection unit. Since the rack to be retested can be transported in the reverse direction from the rack return position to the rack transport unit and from the downstream side to the dispensing position, the rack that holds the sample for retesting when a sample that requires retesting occurs Can be immediately transported from the downstream side to the dispensing position, so that a sample that needs to be retested can be quickly transported to the dispensing position and analyzed with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the dispensing position and the rack loading position of the rack loading section are provided in the vicinity of the upstream end of the rack transport section so as to form a line, and the rack collection position is provided on the downstream side near the dispensing position. Therefore, the dispensed rack is immediately collected from the rack collection position to the rack collection unit and is not present in the rack transport unit. When a sample requiring retesting occurs, the rack that holds the sample for retesting Can be immediately transported from the downstream side to the dispensing position, so that the sample that needs to be retested can be quickly transported to the dispensing position for analysis.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, the transfer control unit 40 controls the transfer of the rack transfer unit 44 without providing a dispensing position for drawing the rack from the rack transfer unit 44 to the analyzer 1A. The held specimen is transported both forward and backward in the transport direction, and the specimen retained in the rack 81 is dispensed on the rack transport section 44. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the relationship among the reaction unit 3, the rack transport unit 44, and the arm 61 of the analyzer 1A. In FIG. 17, the arm 61 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 61a by the drive of the driving means (not shown). The probe 62 dispenses a specimen and is attached to the tip of the arm 61. Then, the probe 62 is moved in an arc by moving the position of the tip of the arm 61 around the center axis 61a and moving up and down, and one of the sample containers 82 of the rack 81 on the arc-shaped locus of the probe intersects. The rack position on the transport unit 44 is defined as a dispensing location. In the fourth embodiment, dispensing points P1 to P10 are provided for all sample containers 82a to 82j of the rack 81.

  This arm 61 is a length in which the sample container 82j of the rack 81 located farthest from the center axis 61a is on the locus of the probe 62 when the rack 81 transported to the rack transport unit 44 is closest to the center axis 61a. Is set. Further, the arm 61 conveys the sample dispensed at the dispensing location into the opening hole 3 a of the case of the reaction unit 3 existing on the locus of the probe 62. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, all the specimen containers 82a held in the rack are placed on the locus of the probe 62 having a substantially ¼ circumference in which the arm 61 uses the opening hole 3a of the case of the reaction unit 3 as a base point of the locus. Dispensing points P1 to P10 of ~ 82j can be provided, whereby the sample in the sample container can be dispensed at each dispensing point.

  Further, on the trajectory of the next approximately 1/4 round probe 62, a rack position where one of the sample containers 82 held in the retest target rack on the rack transport unit 44 intersects is set as a retesting dispensing point. Reexamination dispensing points P11 to P20 can be provided for all sample containers 82a to 82j of the reexamination target rack.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the rack transport unit 44 includes a pre-dispensing transport unit 44b and a post-dispensing transport unit 44c having a retest buffer function, and the post-dispensing transport unit 44c performs retesting after sample dispensing. The rack has a length for which the rack is transported until the result is output, and sequentially holds the racks 81 after being dispensed. When a sample that requires retesting is generated, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 so that the rack 81 that holds the sample for retesting is dispensed for retesting P20 (in this embodiment 4). The specimen can be dispensed by transporting it in the reverse direction to the same dispensing spot as the last dispensing spot P10). The last dispensing site P10 and the reinspection dispensing site P20 are the same on the coordinate axis, but in the fourth embodiment, different numbers are added for convenience.

  Next, the carrying operation of the rack 81 by the rack carrying unit 44 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 18A, when the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transport unit 44 to transport the rack 81 from the first sample container 82a to the dispensing point P1 where the sample is dispensed, the probe 62 is moved. Moves to a position intersecting the first sample container 82a, and the sample in the sample container 82a is aspirated and dispensed. Next, the probe 62 injects the sucked specimen into the opening hole 3 a of the reaction unit 3. During the injection operation of the sample into the reaction unit 3 by the probe 62, the rack transport unit 44 moves the rack 81 to the dispensing point P2 that is a distance d1 away from the dispensing point P1, as shown in FIG. Transport. When the sample injection operation is completed, the rack transporter moves the probe 62 to a position intersecting the second sample container 82b, dispenses the sample in the sample container 82b by the probe 62, and sucks the sample. The sample thus prepared is injected into the opening 3 a of the reaction unit 3. During the injection operation of the sample into the reaction unit 3 by the probe 62, the rack transport unit 44 moves the rack 81 to a dispensing point P3 that is a distance d2 away from the dispensing point P1, as shown in FIG. Transport. When the sample injection operation ends, the probe 62 moves to a position intersecting the second sample container 82b, dispenses the sample in the sample container 82b, and the sucked sample is opened in the reaction unit 3. Injection into the hole 3a. Then, as shown in FIG. 19D to FIG. 21J, the transfer control unit 40 controls the conveyance of the rack conveyance unit 44, and dispense points P4 and d4 that are separated by d3 distance from the dispense point P1. Dispensing point P5, d5 away, dispensing point P6, d6 distance away, dispensing point P7, d7 distance away, dispensing point P8, d8 distance away, dispensing point P9, d9 distance away. The rack 81 is sequentially conveyed to the location P10. The probe 62 sucks the sample in predetermined fourth to tenth sample containers 82d to 82j located at the dispensing points P4 to P10, and injects the sucked sample into the opening hole 3a of the reaction unit 3. When all the dispensing by the probe 62 is completed at the dispensing point P10 that is d9 distance away from the first dispensing point P1, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack transportation unit 44 to transport the rack 81 after the dispensing. 44c is temporarily held and transported downstream in the transport direction.

  Next, when a sample that needs to be retested occurs in the dispensed rack 81 and the normal sample test by the analyzer 1A stops, the transfer control unit 40 moves the rack transport unit 44 from the downstream side to the upstream side. Then, the reinspection target rack 81 is controlled to reach the reinspection dispensing point P11. Thereafter, the probe 62 can move to a position intersecting with the first sample container 82a (re-examination dispensing point P11) to aspirate the sample in the first sample container 82a and perform dispensing. . Next, the probe 62 injects the sucked specimen into the opening hole 3 a of the reaction unit 3.

  Next, the transfer controller 40 controls the rack transporter 44 to transport the rack 81 to a reinspection dispensing point P12 (not shown) that is a distance d1 away from the reinspection dispensing point P11. Next, the injection operation of the sample in the second sample container 82b by the analyzer 1A is completed. Similarly, whenever the injection operation of the sample in the sample container 82 by the analyzer 1A is completed, the transfer control unit 40 causes the rack transport unit 44 to sequentially transport the rack 81 to the reinspection dispensing points P13 to P20. Control. Thereafter, the probe 62 sequentially aspirates the specimens in the predetermined third to tenth specimen containers 82d to 82j located at the reexamination dispensing points P13 to P20, and the aspirated specimen is opened to the opening hole of the reaction unit 3. Inject into 3a. Next, when all the dispensing by the probe 62 is completed at the reinspection dispensing point P20 by the analyzer 1A, the transfer control unit 40 controls the rack conveyance unit 44 to stop conveyance in the reverse direction and rack conveyance. The unit 44 is conveyed in the forward direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, so that normal specimen testing can be resumed.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the rack position on the rack transport section where each sample container held in the rack on the probe trajectory intersects is set as a dispensing location, and dispensing is performed for all the sample containers in the rack. If a rack that has been dispensed is transported in the forward direction to the downstream side of the transport section after dispensing under the control of the transfer control section, and there is a rack that requires re-examination of the sample, the rack transport section is Since it is possible to perform a re-inspection dispensing operation by transporting the pipe from the downstream side to the re-inspection dispensing point in the reverse direction, there is no need to provide a dispensing position for pulling in the rack. The transport time for pulling in and pulling out is reduced, and the specimen can be analyzed by performing the specimen inspection and retesting more quickly with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, since the dispensing location of each specimen and the dispensing location for retesting are provided on the probe trajectory, the rack transport distance during the dispensing operation is shortened, and the examination is performed. The sample to be performed can be further quickly transported to the dispensing site for analysis. Further, in the fourth embodiment, even when dispensing for each sample held in one rack is completed only halfway, if a sample for retesting occurs, the rack is transported in the reverse direction. Since the rack to be retested can be transported to the reinspection dispensing point, even when dispensing for each specimen held in the rack is interrupted, a dispensing operation for retesting can be performed. After the dispensing operation for retesting is completed, the dispensing operation for normal testing can be resumed again, and the versatility of the automatic analyzer can be enhanced.

  FIG. 22 is a plan view according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. This modification is characterized in that the length of the arm 61 is longer than that of the arm of the fourth embodiment. By extending the arm in this way, as shown in FIG. 22, the transport distance d between the dispensing locations of each specimen container and between the dispensing locations for reexamination is the separation of each specimen container in the case of the fourth embodiment. Since it is shorter than the transport distance d9 between the injection points and between the re-inspection dispensing points, the moving distance of the probe 62 can be shortened, and the time for the dispensing operation can be shortened. Can be analyzed. Furthermore, in this modification, for example, the rack existing in the post-dispensing transport unit is retracted to the pre-dispensing transport unit by transporting the rack in the reverse direction at the time of re-inspection. It is also possible to reduce the length of the pre-dispensing transport unit 44b.

  In this modified example, depending on the length of the arm, it is possible to provide a reinspection dispensing point downstream of the reinspection buffer (conveying unit after dispensing), so that a sample for reinspection is generated. In this case, the dispensing operation can be performed while the retest target rack is transported in the forward direction, and it is not necessary to transport the rack in the reverse direction for dispensing the retest sample. Retesting can be performed more quickly to analyze the specimen.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer concerning this invention. It is a top view of the analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit. It is a flowchart explaining the conveyance operation of the rack of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the analyzer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed. It is a flowchart explaining the conveyance operation of the rack of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sample supply unit of Modification 1 of the sample supply unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a rack is transported by a sample supply unit according to a third embodiment. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit of Embodiment 3. FIG. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit of Embodiment 3. FIG. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit of Embodiment 3. FIG. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the sample supply unit of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a top view concerning Embodiment 4 which shows the relationship between the reaction part of an analyzer, a rack conveyance part, and an arm. It is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the rack conveyance part. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the rack conveyance part. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the rack conveyance part. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the state in which a rack is conveyed by the rack conveyance part. It is a top view concerning the modification of Embodiment 4 which shows the relationship between the reaction part of an analyzer, a rack conveyance part, and an arm.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 1A-1C Analyzer 2 Reagent storage part 3 Reaction part 4 Sample supply unit 40 Transfer control part 41a, 41b Dispensing position 43 Rack input part 43d Rack input position 44 Rack conveyance part 45 Rack collection part 45b Rack collection position 45c Rack return position 46 Identification code reader 49 Rack detection unit 5 Reagent dispensing unit 6 Sample dispensing unit 61 Arm 62 Probe 7 Data processing unit 73 Reexamination judgment unit 81, 81a to 81j, 81x, 81y Rack 82, 82a to 82j Sample container

Claims (9)

In an automatic analyzer having an analyzer for analyzing a test solution obtained by reacting a reagent and a sample held in a rack,
The rack can be transported in both the forward and reverse directions, and the length of the rack is more than twice the length that the rack is transported in the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. A rack transport section having
A rack loading unit disposed on the upstream side of the dispensing position of the rack conveying unit, and temporarily loading the rack so that the rack can be conveyed to the dispensing position;
A rack collection unit that is arranged downstream of the dispensing position of the rack transport unit and collects the rack after sample dispensing;
The rack transport unit transports the rack loaded from the rack loading unit in the forward direction from the upstream side to the dispensing position, and when there is a rack that requires re-examination of a sample, the rack is moved to the downstream side. A transfer control unit that performs control so that the rack transport unit transports in a reverse direction from the side to the dispensing position;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising: In an automatic analyzer having an analyzer for analyzing a test solution obtained by reacting a reagent and a sample held in a rack,
The rack can be transported in both forward and reverse directions in the transport direction, and has a length that exceeds the length that the rack is transported in the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. A transport section;
A rack loading unit disposed on the upstream side of the dispensing position of the rack conveying unit, and temporarily loading the rack so that the rack can be conveyed to the dispensing position;
A length of the rack transport unit that is disposed downstream of the dispensing position, collects the rack after sample dispensing, and transports the rack during the time until the result of retesting after the sample dispensing is output. A rack recovery unit having a length exceeding the length;
When the rack transported by the rack transporter transports the rack loaded from the rack loader in the forward direction from the upstream side to the dispensing position, and there is a rack that requires re-examination of the sample, the rack recovery unit A transfer control unit that performs control so that the rack transport unit transports the taken-in rack that needs re-inspection from the downstream side to the dispensing position in the reverse direction;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising:   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the rack input unit and the rack collection unit are arranged in parallel with the rack transport unit. A detection unit for detecting that an emergency rack that holds an emergency test sample is placed in the rack input unit;
The rack loading unit is configured to be capable of transporting the rack in both the forward and reverse directions of the transport direction, and a normal rack that holds a normal test sample upstream of a rack loading position for loading the rack into the rack transport unit. Temporarily holding the emergency rack on the downstream side of the rack loading position,
When the emergency rack is not detected by the detection unit, the transfer control unit transports the normal rack from the upstream side to the rack insertion position in the forward direction, and the detection unit performs the emergency control. 4. The control according to claim 1, wherein when an emergency rack is detected, control is performed so that the rack input unit conveys the emergency rack from the downstream side to the rack input position in the reverse direction. The automatic analyzer as described in one. The dispensing position and the rack loading position are provided at or near the upstream end of the rack transport unit so as to form a line.
The rack recovery unit has a rack recovery position of the rack recovery unit for recovering the rack from the rack transporter, and a rack return position for returning the recovered rack to the rack transporter,
The rack collection position is provided so as to be aligned with the dispensing position of the rack transport unit, or provided on the downstream side in the vicinity of the dispensing position,
The rack return position is provided at a position that is longer than the length at which the collected rack is transported from the rack collection position during the time from when the sample is dispensed until the result of the retest is output. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses and analyzes samples stored in a rack,
A rack transport line that enables the rack to be transported from a dispensing-compatible position to a position for rack recovery and transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
A rack input line for supplying the rack to the rack transport line;
A rack recovery line for recovering the rack from a position for rack recovery in the rack transport line;
Set the transport time from the dispensing position on the rack transportation line to the rack collection position so that it is longer than the time required to determine whether the dispensed sample needs to be retested. When there is a rack that needs to be re-examined, the rack carrying line is moved in the reverse direction so that the rack holding the sample is repositioned to the dispensing corresponding position. Automatic analyzer characterized by   The dispensing corresponding position includes a first dispensing position where a sample is dispensed from a normal examination rack, and a second dispensing position where a specimen is dispensed from a rack determined to require re-examination. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.   8. The emergency test rack storage section is further provided adjacent to the rack input line, and the second dispensing position also dispenses a sample from the emergency test rack. The automatic analyzer described. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses and analyzes samples held in a rack from a rack located at a predetermined dispensing position,
A rack transport line capable of transporting the rack in one direction and capable of transporting in the other direction;
A rack input line for supplying the rack to the rack transport line;
A dispensed rack receiving unit for receiving racks after the dispensing operation from the rack conveyance line, and a rack return unit for returning racks requiring re-inspection to the conveyance line; A rack recovery line for transporting from the received rack receiving part to the rack recovery position via the rack return part;
Set the rack transport time from the dispensed rack receiving part to the rack return part in the rack collection line so that it is longer than the time necessary to determine whether or not retesting is necessary after sample dispensing. When there is a rack that needs to be re-inspected, the rack is returned to the rack transport line from the rack return section, and the rack transport line is moved in the other direction so that the rack is dispensed. An automatic analyzer characterized by being positioned to a position corresponding to the position.

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