JP3801349B2 - Sample processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sample processing system, and more particularly, to a sample processing system capable of automatically testing a sample such as blood in a clinical laboratory field.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A sample processing system according to the prior art includes a plurality of various processing units having a built-in rack transport unit, such as a centrifuge unit, an opening unit, a dispensing unit, a barcode labeling unit, a closing unit, a classification unit, and an analysis unit. Etc., and a transport line that couples these processing units, and is generally configured by processing units and processing units, transport lines and processing units, or transport lines and transport lines connected in series. .
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the sample processing system according to the prior art described above, each of a plurality of types of processing units constituting the system is individually designed for each processing unit, and the dimensions such as the width, height, and depth of each casing are set for each casing. Is different. For this reason, these processing units are arranged in series, and the sample processing system according to the prior art has an uneven height dimension and an uneven depth dimension, which impairs the landscape of the laboratory where the sample processing system is installed and deteriorates the environmental condition. Have the problem of letting
[0004]
That is, the unevenness in the height dimension impairs the landscape and causes the problem that when the inspector performs the work in each processing unit, the work posture must be changed for each unit. In addition, the unevenness of depth dimensions means that when multiple processing units are arranged with the back side of each processing unit aligned, the operation side on the front side becomes uneven and the flow line of the operator becomes complicated, which poses a danger to the operator. Cause problems. Furthermore, the unevenness of the depth dimension is caused by the fact that when multiple processing units are arranged with the front side of each processing unit aligned, the front surface of the other unit is aligned with the unit with the largest depth dimension. There is a problem that a space is wasted on the back side and the installation efficiency of the entire processing system is lowered. For this reason, the whole space by the installation space of a processing system and the operator's walk space which performs inspection etc. becomes large, and the problem that the floor area of an inspection room becomes large is produced.
[0005]
In addition, in the sample processing system according to the prior art, when a plurality of processing units are arranged with the front side of each processing unit aligned, the depth dimension of the new unit replaced by the replacement of a certain processing unit becomes the depth of the existing processing unit. If it is larger than the size, there arises a problem that all the processing units constituting the sample processing system must be rearranged.
[0006]
Furthermore, the sample processing system according to the prior art cannot see the operations performed by the units having moving parts in each processing unit, for example, the opening unit, the dispensing unit, the barcode labeler unit, and the closing unit from the outside. In many cases, the inspector cannot confirm the work status from the outside of the unit.
[0007]
The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, unify the height and depth dimensions of the housings of the plurality of types of processing units constituting the sample processing system, unify them, and improve the work environment. An object of the present invention is to provide a sample processing system that can constitute a good laboratory.
[0008]
In addition, an object of the present invention is to configure each processing unit so that a moving part in the unit can be seen from the outside by an operator, so that an operating operator can easily check the operation state of the unit and It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample processing system that can obtain accurate information and can prevent an operator from feeling tired.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the object is to provide a sample transport line that transports a sample rack that holds a sample, and a plurality of types of sample processing units that are linearly arranged along the sample transport line. In the sample processing system disposed between the rack storage unit, the sample transport line linearly connects the sample rack input unit and the rear of the sample rack storage unit, and the sample processing unit includes: Depending on the front panel and both side plates A box-shaped main body case and an upper part of the main case An opening provided with a transparent window that can be opened is formed on the front surface of the casing so as to cover the processing section provided. A sample processing cover, wherein the main body case is provided in front of the transport line unit, and the front surface of the main body case has a depth dimension that fits the front surface of the sample rack loading unit and the sample rack storage unit. Prepared, And, The top plate of the main body casing But This is achieved by having a height dimension that fits the top of the sample rack loading section and the sample rack storage section.
[0010]
Each of the specimen processing units has a depth dimension of about 760 mm, a height dimension to the top surface of the top plate of about 930 mm, and a height dimension of 1360 mm or less. Further, the object is that the width dimension of each of the sample processing units is set to an integral multiple of a predetermined dimension, and each processing unit is used in common with the member having the predetermined dimension as a unit. This is achieved by configuring each processing unit with a member that can be shared with each other.
[0011]
Also, the purpose is In the foregoing, a central control unit for controlling processing operations and transport line operations in each sample processing unit, a centrifuge unit, and a buffer unit disposed between the centrifuge unit and the sample rack input unit. The central control unit causes the buffer unit to wait for a sample rack to be centrifuged next during the centrifugation in the centrifuge unit. Is achieved.
[0012]
Further, the object is that the plugging unit is configured such that a hopper into which the plug is inserted is exposed, the hopper is provided with a transparent window through which the plug is inserted, and the plugging unit is configured to open the plug. By providing a transparent window through which the hole to be discarded can be seen, and further, by providing a transparent window in which the barcode labeler unit can see the motion of the robot performing the rotational movement to grab and stick the barcode label, it is also possible to dispense online. The unit or off-line dispensing unit is achieved by providing a transparent window through which the movement range of the dispensing nozzle can be seen.
[0013]
In the sample processing system of the present invention, the height dimensions of the plurality of processing units constituting the sample processing system are unified to about 1360 mm or less, which is the height of eyes of Japanese women with a small height of 1500 mm. It can be a laboratory with a good view. In addition, since the sample processing system of the present invention has the same height of the top plate of the plurality of processing units constituting the sample processing system, it is easy to clean and can quickly remove scattered samples and reagents. Can be kept clean with good workability.
[0014]
In addition, since the sample processing system of the present invention has a uniform depth dimension of the plurality of processing units constituting the sample processing system, it is easy to install the unit and can construct a system without unevenness. An environment can be created and the operator can concentrate on the work. Furthermore, the sample processing system of the present invention prevents the operator from feeling tired because the operator can easily confirm the operating state of each processing unit and obtain necessary information. can do.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sample processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the external appearance of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the sample rack 10 as viewed from the top of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the function of a part. 1 to 3, 1 is a transport line unit, 1a is a sample loading unit, 1b is a transport line, 1c is a sample rack storage unit, 2 is a buffer unit, 3 is a centrifuge unit, 4 is an opening unit, 5 is Online dispensing unit, 6 is a barcode labeler unit, 7 is a capping unit, 8 is a classification unit, 9 is an offline dispensing unit, 10 is a sample rack, 11 is a general sample erection unit, 12 is an emergency sample erection unit, and 13 is Priority sample erection unit, 14 is a default buffer unit, 15 is a reading unit, 16 is a rack removal buffer unit, 17 is a central control unit, 18a and 18b are inlets, and 19 is a sample rack on which an empty test tube or an empty cup is placed. is there.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transport line unit 1, a buffer unit 2, a centrifuge unit 3, an opening unit 4, an online dispensing unit 5, and a barcode labeler unit 6. Sample processing units such as a capping unit 7, a classification unit 8, an offline dispensing unit 9, and an analysis unit (not shown) are linearly arranged. This arrangement may be an arrangement that is bent in an L shape in the middle instead of a straight line according to the size of the examination room or the like. An analysis unit not shown in the figure may be installed between the offline dispensing unit 9 and the default buffer unit 14, or linearly or perpendicularly to a position following the sample rack storage unit 1c. You may bend and install in L shape.
[0018]
The detailed shape and the like of each processing unit in the above-described sample processing system will be described later. The characteristic point of the sample processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is the maximum height of all the processing units. The dimension, the height dimension to the top plate, and the depth dimension are configured to be the same, and the width dimension is configured to be an integral multiple of a certain predetermined dimension.
[0019]
That is, the maximum height is 1360 mm or less, which is slightly lower than the height of the eyes when the average height of Japanese women is 1530 mm, and the height to the top is the elbow when the arm is lowered. Is set to about 930 mm. As a result, even a person with a height of 1500 mm can sufficiently see through the processing system, and work on the top board and cleaning on the top board can be easily performed. Further, the depth dimension is set to 760 mm, which is a distance that can reach the back side sufficiently when the hand is stretched forward. Further, the width dimension is set as an integer multiple of 150 mm. Thereby, it becomes possible to comprise a front part and a side part combining the member of width 150mm, and it becomes possible to share many members. If a member with a width of 300 mm is also prepared and used in combination with a member with a width of 150 mm, the number of members increases, but the number of assembly steps can be reduced.
[0020]
Next, the function of each processing unit constituting the system and the outline of the entire processing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. A sample to be processed, for example, blood or the like is put in a test tube or the like, and is loaded on a sample rack 10 capable of holding a plurality of test tubes and is carried into the illustrated system. In the following description, a sample placed in a test tube or the like is referred to as a sample including the test tube. Further, the processing operation and the transport line operation in each processing unit are controlled by the central control unit shown in FIG.
[0021]
First, the sample rack 10 on which the sample is placed (held) is set on the general sample erection unit 11 of the sample input unit 1a, or the sample rack 10 on which the emergency sample is placed (held) on the emergency sample erection unit 12 is set. After that, the system starts processing. The processing is performed by preferentially transporting the sample rack 10 conveyed from the emergency sample erection unit 12 over the sample rack 10 conveyed from the general sample erection unit 11.
[0022]
The sample racks 10 are sequentially transported and sent to the reading unit 15 where the rack type (rack ID) and sample recognition (identification) number (sample number, sample ID) are read and communicated to carry the transport line 1. It is registered in the central control unit 17 that controls. The sample rack 10 in which the reading error has occurred is taken out to the rack take-out buffer unit 16. The sample rack 10 taken out to the buffer unit 16 can be loaded again from the general sample erection unit 11 again. The sample rack whose rack information is registered in the central control unit 17 is transported to the next transport line 1b.
[0023]
The sample rack 10 to be stopped by the centrifuge unit 3 is first stored in the buffer unit 2, and either the buffer unit 2 is filled with eight racks or the preset time-out time is reached. As a result, the racks are successively transferred to the next transfer line 1b. When the sample rack 10 is transported to an arbitrary position on the transport line 1 b connected to the centrifuge unit 3, the sample rack 10 is carried into the centrifuge unit 3 one rack at a time by the handling of the centrifuge unit 3. Are centrifuged for a preset centrifugation time, and are carried out one rack at a time on the transport line 1b at an arbitrary position.
[0024]
The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the centrifuge unit 3 is transported to the transport line 1 b connected to the centrifuge unit 3 without stopping at the buffer unit 2. The buffer unit 2 is provided in order to improve the processing speed by waiting the sample rack 10 that has finished the processing in the reading unit 15 of the sample rack 10 to be centrifuged next during the centrifugal processing. May not be provided.
[0025]
In the next process, the sample rack 10 to be stopped by the opening unit 4 is transferred to the transfer line 1 b connected to the opening unit 4 and is transferred into the opening unit 4. The unplugging unit 4 unplugs the test tube of the sample on the sample rack 10, and then the sample rack 10 is connected to the unplugging unit 4 and is carried out to the transport line 1b connected to the unit for performing the next processing. . The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the opening unit 4 is transferred from the transfer line 1b connected to the opening unit 4 to the next unit. Since the centrifuge unit 3 centrifuges a maximum of 8 racks at a time, it carries in and out continuously. Therefore, a buffer unit may be provided between the centrifuge unit 3 and the opening unit 4 so that the transport line 1b does not stagnate when the sample rack 10 is carried out from the centrifuge unit 3.
[0026]
Next, if there is no sample rack 10 on the transport line 1b connected to the online dispensing unit 5, the sample rack 10 to be stopped by the online dispensing unit 5 is transferred to the transport line 1b connected to the online dispensing unit 5. It is conveyed and carried into the online dispensing unit 5. In the online dispensing unit 5, a sample rack 19 is set at the input port 18 in which the serum of the centrifuged sample is aspirated and an empty test tube or empty cup for discharging the aspirated serum is placed (held). It is made to wait in advance at the discharge position. In this state, the sample rack 10 that has dropped into the online dispensing unit 5 from the transport line 1b is dispensed only for the sample requested by the central control unit 17. After completion of the dispensing, the sample rack 10 is carried out to the transport line 1b connected to the online dispensing unit 5. In addition, the child sample rack 19 made by dispensing is also carried out. The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the online dispensing unit 5 is connected to the online dispensing unit 5 and is transferred to the transfer line 1b connected to the next unit.
[0027]
Thereafter, the sample racks 10 and 19 are mixedly transported on the transport line. In the following description, the mixed racks are described as the sample rack 10 without being distinguished.
[0028]
Next, the sample rack 19 to be stopped by the barcode labeler unit 6 is transported to the transport line 1 b connected to the barcode labeler unit 6 and is transported into the barcode labeler unit 6. A sample recognition number related to the dispensed parent sample or a different sample recognition number is affixed to each test tube of the sample rack 19 that has been loaded, and after being confirmed to be read, the transport connected to the barcode labeler unit 6 It is carried out to the line 1b. The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the bar code labeler unit 6 is connected to the bar code labeler unit 6 and transferred to the transfer line 1b connected to the next unit.
[0029]
Next, the sample racks 10 and 19 to be stopped by the capping unit 7 are transported to the transport line 1 b connected to the capping unit 7 and are carried into the capping unit 7. The capping unit 7 plugs the test tube of the sample on each sample rack that has been carried in and transports it to the transport line 1 b connected to the capping unit 7. The sample racks 10 and 19 that do not stop at the closing unit 7 are connected to the closing unit 7 and are transferred to the transfer line 1b connected to the next unit.
[0030]
Next, the sample rack 10 to be stopped by the classification unit 8 is transported to the transport line 1 b connected to the classification unit 8 and is transported into the classification unit 8. Of the test tubes in the sample rack 10 that have been carried in, only the test tubes for which an on-line test is requested are transferred to the specified position, and after the transfer is completed, they are transferred to the transfer line 1b connected to the classification unit 8 and are not shown. It is transported to the analysis unit. The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the sorting unit 8 is transported to the transport line 1b connected to the classification unit 8, and is transported to the transport line 1b connected to the next unit.
[0031]
Next, the sample rack 10 that should stop at the offline dispensing unit 9 is transported to the transport line 1b connected to the offline dispensing unit 9, and only the sample for which an inspection is requested is dispensed into the designated container. Then, it is transported to a transport line 1 b connected to the offline dispensing unit 9. The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the offline dispensing unit 9 is carried out to the next transport line 1b. The sample rack 10 that stops at an analysis unit (not shown) is carried into a transport line 1b connected to the analysis unit. In the analysis unit (not shown), only a requested sample is dispensed and analyzed in a designated container. Then, it is transported back to the transport line 1b connected to the analysis unit.
[0032]
The sample rack 10 that does not stop at the analysis unit is unloaded to the next transport line 1b and unloaded to the next sample rack storage unit 1c. The sample rack 10 delivered to the default buffer unit 14 due to a reset process or an opening error can be reset to the priority sample erection unit 13 and the processing can be continued. That is, the sample rack 10 set in the priority sample erection unit 13 is transported to the transport line 1b, transported to the emergency sample erection unit 12, and thereafter processed in the same manner as described above.
[0033]
Next, the configuration of each processing unit constituting the sample processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the interior of each unit housing is not shown, each unit housing has a mechanism for moving the unit, a control circuit board, a power supply, an unnecessary lid, etc. A disposal box for taking out is provided. Since these mechanisms and the like are not directly related to the present invention, description thereof will be omitted.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of the sample rack loading unit 1a. In FIG. 4, 41 is a sample rack inlet, 42 is an error rack outlet, 43 is a liquid crystal display, 44 is an emergency sample inlet, 45 is a side plate, 46 is a front panel, 47 is a top plate, and 48 is a transparent cover. It is.
[0035]
The sample rack loading unit 1a is provided with a sample rack loading port 41 and a rack removal buffer unit 16 (not shown in FIG. 4) at the upper part of a box formed by a front panel 46 and a side plate 45. In addition, an emergency sample insertion port 44 for the emergency sample erection unit 12 and a barcode reading unit 15 are provided on the back side. As shown in FIG. 4A, an error rack take-out port 42 for taking out a sample rack from the rack take-out buffer unit 16 and various types of information in this unit are displayed on the rack take-out buffer unit 16, A top plate 47 having a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 43 for instructing necessary operation information is provided. A transparent cover 48 is provided on the error rack take-out port 42 and the sample rack input port 41, as shown in FIG. 4B, which allows the operator to see the state of the internal sample rack. ing.
[0036]
In the illustrated sample rack loading section 1a, the front panel 46 is composed of two members each having a width of 150 mm, each having a different length, or one member having a width of 300 mm, each having a different length, and has a total width of 600 mm. is there. As the two types of members constituting the front panel 46, common members are used in other units described later. Further, the height dimension to the upper surface of the transparent cover 48 is set to be the same as the height dimension to the upper surface of the top plate 47.
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the shape of the centrifuge unit 3. In FIG. 5, 51 is a rack gripper, 52 is a front panel, 53 is a side plate, 54 is a cover, 55 is a transparent window, and 56 is a top plate.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the centrifuge unit 3 is provided in the upper part of the casing, with the centrifuge housed in a casing formed by a front panel 52 and a side plate 53 in a box shape. The sample rack 10 is set in the centrifuge from the notch hole of the top plate 56, or a rack gripper 51 for taking out the centrifuged sample rack 10 from the centrifuge is provided. The rack gripper 51 is covered with a cover 54, and a transparent window 55 is provided on a part of the cover 54 as shown in FIG. 5B so that the operation state of the rack gripper 51 can be seen from the outside. ing.
[0039]
The front panel 52 of the centrifuge unit 3 in the illustrated example is composed of five members having a width of 150 mm, and has a total width of 750 mm. The member constituting the front panel 52 is the same as the member having the larger length constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a. The height of the cover 54 is about 125 mm, which is the height at which the sample rack 10 on which the test tube is placed can be carried.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the shape of the stopper opening unit 4. In FIG. 6, 61 is a cap disposal port, 62 is a front panel, 63 is a side plate, 64 is a cover, 65 is a transparent window, 66 is a top plate, 67 is a cover front plate, 68 is a front member, and 69 is an operation switch. is there.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the opening unit 4 includes a housing formed in a box shape by a front panel 62 and a side plate 63, and a cutout in an upper portion of a top plate 56 provided on the upper portion of the housing. A cap disposal opening 61 is provided in the hole, and a robot arm (not shown) is provided to remove the cap of the test tube carried on the sample rack 10 inside the cover 64 provided on the top plate. When the sample rack 10 is carried into the cover 64, the cap is removed from the test tube, and the cap is discarded from the cap disposal port 61 into a disposal box (not shown) provided inside the housing. As shown in FIG. 6B, the front surface of the cover 64 provided on the top of the top plate 66 is composed of a transparent window 65, two cover front plates 67, and a front member 68. You can see the inside. An operation switch 69 is provided at the front end of the top plate 66. A removable ring-shaped member is provided around the entrance of the cap disposal port 61 described above, and the ring-shaped member can be removed and cleaned even when it is contaminated by the specimen attached to the cap. .
[0042]
The front panel 62 of the illustrated opening unit 4 is composed of three members having a width of 150 mm, or two members having a width of 150 mm and a width of 300 mm, and has a total width of 450 mm. The member constituting the front panel 62 is the same as the member having the larger length constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a. The height of the cover 64 is about 125 mm, which is the height at which the sample rack 10 on which the test tube is placed can be carried.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the shape of the online dispensing unit 5. In FIG. 7, 71 is a dispensing head, 72 is a front panel, 73 is a side plate, 74 is a dispensing robot, 75 is a liquid crystal display unit, 76 is a transparent window, 77 is a transparent cover, and 78 is a transparent plate.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the online dispensing unit 5 divides a part of the sample from the sample into an empty test tube on a box formed by a front panel 72 and a side plate 73. A portion provided with a dispensing robot 74 having a book dispensing head 71 and inlets 18a and 18b into which a sample rack loaded with an empty test tube or an empty cup is provided on the housing are provided. It consists of parts. The dispensing robot 74 is provided at the height position of the top plate of each unit up to the above-described case. A liquid crystal display unit 75 is provided in a shape protruding from the front panel at a height position substantially the same as the height of the work surface at the corner of the front end portion of the front panel 72. Although not shown in the drawing, the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 75 displays the positional relationship between the dispensing robot 74, the sample, and the empty test tube, and is a touch-type that instructs the dispensing robot 74 to operate. A button is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7B, a transparent window 76 is provided on the side surface of the dispensing robot 74, and a transparent cover 77 that can be opened and closed is provided on the upper side. Further, on the inlets 18a and 18b, A transparent plate 78 is provided. These transparent windows, covers, and transparent plates are for allowing the operator to see the inside.
[0045]
The maximum height of the illustrated online dispensing unit 5 is about 1360 mm, and the transparent cover 77 that can be opened and closed from this position by a hinge or the like can be easily opened upward even by a person with a height of about 1500 mm. It is possible. Further, since the liquid crystal display unit 75 is oriented in the direction of the work surface and is provided at a height of about 900 mm, the liquid crystal display unit 75 is operated in a standing manner when an operation is performed according to an instruction displayed on the display unit 75. This is suitable, and the occurrence of erroneous operations can be reduced by reducing the operator's viewpoint movement.
[0046]
The front panel 72 of the dispensing unit 5 in the illustrated example is configured by eight members having a width of 150 mm or four members having a width of 300 mm, and has a total width of 1200 mm. The members at the positions of the inlets 18a and 18b of the members constituting the front panel 72 and the members at the position of the display unit 75 are the shorter members constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading part 1a. The same members are used, and the other members are the same as the longer members constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading section 1a. Moreover, the height dimension to the upper surface of the transparent plate 78 is handled the same as the height dimension to the upper surface of the top plate of another unit.
[0047]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the shape of the bar code labeler unit 6. In FIG. 8, 81 is a barcode labeler robot, 82 is a front panel, 83 is a side plate, 84 is a cover, 85 is a transparent window, 86 is a top plate, 87 is a cover front plate, 88 is a cover side plate, and 89 is an operation. Switch.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the barcode labeler unit 6 is provided on the top of a housing formed in a box shape by a front panel 82 and a side plate 83 and a top plate 86 provided on the top of the housing. The barcode labeler robot 81 is configured. The barcode labeler unit 6 provided on the top board 86 is covered with a cover 84, and when the sample rack 10 is carried into the cover 84, a barcode label is grasped from a printer (not shown) and tested. Take it to the position where the tube is and stick it. Since the robot 81 performs the above-described operation with a rotational motion, the transparent window 85 provided in the cover 84 for viewing the inside is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. It can be opened and closed while rotating. A cover front plate 87 and a cover side plate 88 are provided on both sides of the transparent window 85. The cover front plate 87 and the cover side plate 88 have the same shape as the cover front plate 67 described with reference to FIG. An operation switch 89 is provided at the front end of the top plate 86.
[0049]
The front panel 82 of the barcode labeler unit 6 in the illustrated example is composed of three members having a width of 150 mm, or two members having a width of 150 mm and a width of 300 mm, and has a total width of 450 mm. The member constituting the front panel 82 is the same as the member having the larger length constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a. The height of the cover 64 is about 125 mm, which is the height at which the sample rack 10 on which the test tube is placed can be carried.
[0050]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the shape of the closing unit 7. In FIG. 9, 91 is a hopper, 92 is a front panel, 93 is a side plate, 94 is a cover, 95 is a transparent window, 96 is a top plate, 97 is a cover front plate, 98 is a lid, and 99 is an operation switch.
[0051]
The closing unit 7 basically has the same shape as the opening unit 4 and is formed in a box shape by a front panel 92 and a side plate 93 as shown in FIG. And a capping robot (not shown) that caps a test tube loaded with the sample rack 10 placed inside a cover 94 provided on the top plate 96 on a top plate 56 provided on the top of the case. Provided and configured. When the sample rack 10 is carried into the cover 64, the capping robot performs an operation of attaching the cap put in the hopper 91 to the test tube.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the hopper 91 has a transparent window 95 on the front surface, a lid 98 that opens when the cap is inserted, and an upper portion, and FIG. 9 (c). As shown, it constitutes a part of the housing. A cover front plate 97 is provided on both sides of the cover 94 in contact with the transparent window 95 of the hopper 91. The cover front plate 97 has the same shape as the cover front plate 67 described with reference to FIG. Is done. An operation switch 99 is provided at the front end of the top plate 96.
[0053]
The front panel 92 of the capping unit 7 in the illustrated example is composed of three members having a width of 150 mm, or two members having a width of 150 mm and a width of 300 mm, and has a total width of 450 mm. The member constituting the front panel 92 is the same as the member having the larger length constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a. The height dimension of the cover 64 is about 125 mm, which is the height at which the sample rack 10 with the test tube placed therein can be carried.
[0054]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the shapes of the offline dispensing unit 9 and the classification unit 8. In FIG. 10, 101 is a dispensing head, 102 is a chuck, 103 is a transparent window, and 104 is a transparent cover.
[0055]
The offline dispensing unit 9 and the classification unit 8 are basically configured in the same manner as the portion of the online dispensing unit 5 described with reference to FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the offline dispensing unit 9 is configured such that a sample is transferred from a sample to an empty test tube or an empty cup on a box formed by a front panel and a side plate. A dispensing robot having a dispensing head 101 for separating the parts is provided. The offline dispensing robot of the offline dispensing unit 9 is different from the online dispensing unit 5 in that only one dispensing head 101 is provided, and the other configuration is the same as the online dispensing unit 5. It is configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the classification unit 8 is a robot having a chuck 102 that grasps a test tube and moves it to a predetermined position according to the classification instead of the dispensing head 101 of the dispensing robot. Just like the dispensing unit. The robot portions of the offline dispensing unit 9 and the classification unit 8 are provided with a transparent window 103 on the side surface and a transparent cover 104 that can be opened and closed as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0056]
The front panels of the offline dispensing unit 9 and the classification unit 8 in the illustrated example are configured by four members having a width of 150 mm or two members having a width of 300 mm, and have a total width of 600 mm. Two members constituting the front panel are the same as the longer and shorter members constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a.
[0057]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the shape of the sample rack storage unit 1c. In FIG. 11, 111 is a sample rack storage line, 112 is a front panel, 113 is a side plate, and 114 is a transparent plate.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 11A, the sample rack storage unit 1c includes a plurality of samples in which processed sample racks are stored on a box formed by a front panel 112 and a side plate 113. A rack storage line 111 is provided. The sample rack storage line 111 is provided with a transparent plate 114 so as to be removable.
[0059]
The front panel 112 of the sample rack storage unit 1c in the illustrated example is configured by four members having a width of 150 mm or two members having a width of 300 mm, and has a total width of 600 mm. As the members constituting the front panel, the same members as those of the longer member constituting the front panel 46 of the sample rack loading unit 1a are used. Moreover, the height dimension to the upper surface of the transparent plate 114 is the same as the height dimension to the upper surface of the top plate in other units.
[0060]
The sample processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has been described as including one online dispensing unit and one offline dispensing unit. However, the present invention includes a plurality of these dispensing units. You can also
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the height and depth dimensions of the housings of the plurality of types of processing units constituting the sample processing system are unified, the inspection room has a good view and a good working environment. Can be configured.
[0062]
Further, according to the present invention, each processing unit is configured so that the moving part in the unit is visible to the operator from the outside, so that the operating operator can easily check the operating state of the unit, In addition, necessary information can be obtained, and the operator can be prevented from feeling tired.
[0063]
In addition, according to the present invention, the height of the top plate and the height of the display unit of each unit are unified, so that it is not necessary for the operator to change the work posture for each unit, and even if work is performed for a long time. This can prevent the operator from getting tired.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state of movement of a sample rack as viewed from the upper surface of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating functions of main parts of the sample processing system.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of a sample rack loading unit.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the shape of a centrifuge unit.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the shape of the opening unit.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the shape of a dispensing unit.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the shape of a barcode labeler unit.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the shape of a capping unit.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing shapes of an offline dispensing unit and a classification unit.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the shape of a sample rack storage unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Transport line unit
1a Sample input part
1b Transport line
1c Sample rack storage
2 Buffer unit
3 Centrifuge unit
4 Opening unit
5 Online dispensing unit
6 Barcode label unit
7 Capping unit
8 Classification unit
9 Offline dispensing unit
10 Sample rack
11 General specimen installation section
12 Emergency specimen installation department
13 Priority specimen installation section
14 Default buffer section
15 Reading unit
16 Rack take-out buffer
17 Central control unit
18a, 18b inlet
19 Sample rack with empty test tubes or empty cups
41 Sample rack inlet
42 Error rack outlet
43, 75 Liquid crystal display
44 Emergency sample inlet
45, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 113 Side plate
46, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 112 Front panel
47, 56, 66, 86, 96 Top plate
48, 77, 104 Transparent cover
51 Rack gripper
54, 64, 84, 94 Cover
55, 65, 76, 85, 95, 103 Transparent window
61 Cap disposal outlet
67, 87, 97 Cover front plate
68 Front member
69, 89, 99 Operation switch
71, 101 dispensing head
74 dispensing robot
78, 114 Transparent plate
81 Barcode Labeler Robot
88 Cover side plate
91 Hopper
98 lid
102 chuck
111 Sample rack storage line

Claims (4)

A sample transport line for transporting a sample rack for holding a sample;
In a sample processing system in which a plurality of types of sample processing units arranged linearly along the sample transport line are arranged between a sample rack input unit and a sample rack storage unit,
The sample transport line linearly connects the sample rack loading unit and the rear of the sample rack storage unit,
The sample processing unit protrudes upward from the top plate of the casing so as to cover a main body casing formed in a box shape by a front panel and both side plates and a processing unit provided at an upper portion of the main body casing. A specimen processing cover provided with an opening having a transparent window that can be opened on the front surface ,
The main body casing is provided side by side in front of the transport line unit, and the front surface of the main body casing has a depth dimension that matches the front surfaces of the sample rack insertion section and the sample rack storage section, and the main body casing The sample processing system, wherein the top plate of the body has a height dimension that matches the top plate of the sample rack loading unit and the sample rack storage unit.   A central control unit that controls processing operations and transport line operations in each of the sample processing units, a centrifuge unit, and a buffer unit disposed between the centrifuge unit and the sample rack input unit, The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit causes the buffer unit to wait for the next sample rack to be centrifuged during the centrifugation in the centrifuge unit.   The specimen processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the specimen processing units has a depth dimension of about 760 mm and a height dimension to the top surface of the top plate of about 930 mm.   Each of the sample processing units has a width dimension set to an integral multiple of a predetermined dimension, and each sample processing unit is configured by using the member in common with a member having the predetermined dimension as a unit. The sample processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

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