JP5757694B2 - Conveying device, conveying method, conveying program, analyzing device, analyzing method, and sample analyzing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device, a transport method, a transport program, an analysis device, an analysis method, and a sample analysis program for transporting a sample to be analyzed in a state of being accommodated in a sample container.

  When analyzing a sample such as urine, a plurality of analyzers may be used depending on the analysis purpose of the user. At this time, in the case of performing analysis for all analysis items carried by each analyzer, it is necessary to sequentially transport the sample to all analyzers. Depending on the result, it may be determined whether or not to perform an analysis using another analyzer. In this way, when a sample is analyzed across a plurality of analyzers, various sample transport techniques have been disclosed for the purpose of shortening the time required for the analysis (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). ).

  For example, in the technique shown in Patent Document 1, in a system in which a plurality of analyzers are arranged, the order of transporting samples is adjusted based on the processing capability of each analyzer, that is, the time required for analysis. In the techniques shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3, in a configuration in which a sample is sequentially flowed by an analyzer having a plurality of analysis modules, a sample that is not analyzed by a certain measurement module is analyzed there. In the case of a sample that overtakes the order of analysis during a period of time, or a sample that is subjected to a specific analysis, a configuration in which the sample corresponding to the uptake area provided in the apparatus is taken in from the main flow of sample transport and analyzed. It is disclosed.

JP-A-7-92171 Japanese Patent No. 3031242 Japanese Patent No. 3031374

  In order to perform various analyzes on the sample according to the user's needs, a plurality of analyzers, particularly a plurality of analyzers having different functions, are provided in a series of analysis flows, and a configuration for performing analysis as necessary is provided. Generally adopted. The throughput of a series of analyzes is an extremely important judgment parameter in judging the analysis ability. This value is kept as good as possible, and more samples are subjected to analysis processing by a plurality of analyzers. Is required.

  The throughput of a series of analyzes is affected by the time required for sample collection and analysis processing in each analyzer and the time required for transporting samples between analyzers. Depending on the contents of the analysis process, it is necessary to periodically collect and analyze the sample at a predetermined interval. In such a case, if the timing of the sample transport and the timing of the analysis process collide, Since a sample cannot be collected and an analysis process cannot be performed, at least one of the processes must be canceled. As a result, the final throughput of a series of analysis processes may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when performing a series of analyzes including a plurality of analyses, avoids a significant decrease in the throughput of the series of analyzes, and provides the best possible throughput. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample transport device, a transport method, a transport program, and a transport system capable of maintaining the above.

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, sampling timing for performing periodic sample analysis, the position at which the periodic sampling is performed, and sampling and analysis of another sample are performed. A configuration is adopted in which the timing of sample transport between the positions is controlled to be asynchronous. The term “asynchronous” as used herein means a state in which the sample transport timing is not always constant with respect to the periodic sample collection timing. As a result, the relative timing of sample transport relative to the timing of periodic sample collection fluctuates, so that collisions at both timings are suppressed as much as possible, and even if a collision occurs, the collision ends temporarily. It is possible to avoid a significant decrease in the throughput of a series of analyses.

  Therefore, first, the present invention is grasped from the side of the conveying device. Specifically, the present invention provides a plurality of sample containers for storing samples to be analyzed, mounted on the container mounting portion, positioned upstream in the transport direction and used for the first analysis process. Transported from the first sampling section that collects the sample from the container to the second sampling section that is located downstream of the first sampling section in the transport direction and collects the sample from the sample container for the second analysis process One of the first collection unit and the second collection unit is a periodic collection unit that performs sample collection from the sample container at a predetermined cycle. And the said conveying apparatus conveys the conveyance part which conveys the sample container on the said container mounting part from the said 1st collection part side to the said 2nd collection part side, and whether the conveyance by the said conveyance part is possible The conveyance timing by the conveyance unit is made asynchronous with respect to the timing of sample collection at the predetermined period of the periodic collection unit, which is executed based on the determination result of the determination unit and the conveyance determination unit A transport timing control unit for controlling the control.

  In the transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the sample is transferred by the transfer unit from the position where the sample is collected by the first collection unit to the position where the sample is collected by the second collection unit. This sample conveyance is performed in a state where a plurality of sample containers for storing samples are mounted on the container mounting portion. Therefore, the transport apparatus can transport a plurality of sample containers collectively, in a state where the plurality of sample containers are mounted on a physically integrated structure. And, based on the fact that the transport by this transport unit cannot be performed while collecting a sample from the sample container, the state of sample collection in the first collection unit and the state of sample collection in the second collection unit, Based on other conditions related to sample conveyance, the conveyance determination unit determines whether the conveyance is possible.

  Here, one of the first collection unit and the second collection unit is a periodic collection unit that performs periodic sample collection. This is determined in accordance with the content of the analysis process in which the collected sample is provided. For example, when it is necessary to react a sample with a test drug, there is a case where periodic sampling is performed in order to ensure the reaction time. The sample collection by the periodic collection unit is performed periodically, and whether or not the periodic collection can be executed is controlled based on the determination result of the conveyance determination unit. That is, when the periodic sampling is canceled based on the determination result of the conveyance determination unit, as a result, the sampling by the periodic sampling unit is performed until the next sampling timing according to the periodicity. There will be no. Therefore, cancellation of sample collection by the periodic collection unit tends to lead to a decrease in throughput of a series of analyses. In particular, since periodic sampling is performed in the periodic sampling unit, once the sampling is canceled, the cancellation itself may occur periodically, resulting in a reduction in throughput. obtain.

However, the transport apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which the transport timing control unit controls the transport timing by the transport unit to be asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit, As a result, even if the availability of sample collection by the periodic collection unit is controlled based on the determination result of the conveyance determination unit, the conveyance timing and the periodic sample collection timing vary intentionally. It is possible to avoid as much as possible that any processing is canceled due to collision. Even if both timings collide, this intentional variation can make the occurrence of a collision temporary.

  Here, when it is determined by the transport determination unit that the transport by the transport unit is possible, the transport is prioritized, and the sampling at the predetermined cycle by the periodic sampling unit may be avoided. . That is, this configuration is a configuration in which the sample transport from the first sampling unit to the second sampling unit is prioritized over the sampling by the periodic sampling unit. In such a configuration, since the sample collection is easily canceled by the periodic collection unit, the asynchronous control of the conveyance timing by the conveyance timing control unit is considered to be extremely useful.

  Here, in the transfer device, the distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position by the first sampling section and the sampling position by the second sampling section is in the transport direction in the container mounting section. The structure which is below the maximum distance between sample containers may be sufficient. Considering that a plurality of sample containers are transported in a state where they are mounted on the container mounting portion, all the sample containers are transported integrally by the transport portion. And, since the distance between the two sampling positions is equal to or less than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting portion, the transport timing and the periodic sample sampling timing easily collide, Asynchronous control of the conveyance timing by the timing control unit is considered to be extremely useful.

  Here, in the transport apparatus described above, the transport timing control unit is configured to determine whether the transport determination unit determines whether or not transport is possible, and the periodic sampling of the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit. By changing at least one of the predetermined sampling times related to sampling by the sampling unit not corresponding to the part, the transport timing by the transport unit is asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit It may be configured to. Asynchronous control of the conveyance timing is effectively performed by appropriately changing these times. This asynchronous control may be performed constantly or intermittently, or may be performed when the throughput falls below the reference value.

  The transport timing control unit extends the predetermined determination time longer than a reference determination time that is the predetermined determination time when the transport timing control unit does not perform asynchronous control of the transport timing. The conveyance timing by the unit may be asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit. Alternatively, by increasing the predetermined sampling time from the reference sampling time that is the predetermined sampling time when asynchronous control of the transfer timing by the transfer timing control unit is not performed, the transfer timing by the transfer unit is It is good also as asynchronous with respect to the timing of the sample collection by a periodic collection part. For those skilled in the art, increasing these times is thought to lead to a decrease in throughput, so it is not easily performed, and in order to maintain good throughput, the above-mentioned reference determination time, which is a shorter time, The standard sampling time is generally used. However, in the transport apparatus according to the present invention, the asynchronous control is performed by adopting a time longer than the reference determination time and the reference sampling time, and as a result, the throughput of a series of analyzes is improved. .

In the transport apparatus up to the above, the first sampling unit is the periodic sampling unit, and in this case, the first sampling unit can change the sampling position of the sample along the transport direction by the transport unit. There may be a configuration in which each of the two or more sample containers arranged in the transport direction in the container mounting portion can be accessed by changing the sampling position. Since the sampling position of the periodic sampling unit can be changed, cancellation of periodic sampling can be avoided as much as possible. As an example of the change of the sampling position, when the transport determination unit determines that the transport of the container mounting unit is not possible, the first sampling unit does not transport the container mounting unit and the container mounting unit is not transported. There is a mode in which the sampling position of the sample is changed from one transport container side arranged in the transport direction in the section to another transport container side adjacent in the opposite direction to the transport direction. In this case, although the sample cannot be transported to the second sampling unit, it is possible to perform periodic sample sampling by the first sampling unit, thereby preventing a decrease in throughput.

  Here, in the transport apparatus described above, the container mounting unit may be a sample rack on which the plurality of sample containers are arranged in a straight line. The container mounting unit may be a rotary table. In this case, the plurality of sample containers are mounted along the periphery of the rotary table, and the transport unit rotates the rotary table to rotate the rotary table. The sample container on the table is transported from the first collection unit side to the second collection unit side. In addition, about a container mounting part, you may be forms other than these.

  Next, it is possible to grasp the present invention from the aspect of the transport method. That is, the present invention is located upstream from the transport direction in the state where a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting portion, and from the sample container for the first analysis process. Conveying from the first collecting part for collecting the sample to the second collecting part for collecting the sample from the sample container for the second analysis process, located downstream of the first collecting part in the conveying direction It is a method, Comprising: One collection part of said 1st collection part and said 2nd collection part is a periodic collection part which performs sample collection from the said sample container with a predetermined | prescribed period. And in the said conveyance method, the conveyance determination step which determines whether conveyance from the said 1st collection part side to the said 2nd collection part side of the sample container on the said container mounting part is possible, In the said conveyance determination step The second sampling unit from the first sampling unit side of the sample container on the container mounting unit with respect to the timing of sample sampling in the predetermined cycle of the periodic sampling unit, which is executed based on the determination result A transport timing control step for controlling the transport timing to the side to be asynchronous.

  Thus, in the configuration in which sampling is performed by the periodic sampling unit for sample analysis, the transport timing control step is configured to transfer the sample container on the container mounting unit from the first sampling unit side to the second sampling unit side. By making the timing asynchronous with respect to the timing of sample collection by the periodic collection unit, it is possible to avoid a decrease in throughput of a series of analysis and maintain a good state, as in the case of the above-described transport device. It becomes possible. Moreover, the technical idea disclosed about the said conveying apparatus is applicable also to the conveying method which concerns on this invention similarly.

  Next, it is possible to grasp the present invention from the aspect of the conveyance program. That is, according to the present invention, a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting portion by a computer and positioned upstream in the transport direction and used for the first analysis process. From a first sampling unit that samples a sample from a sample container to a second sampling unit that is located downstream of the first sampling unit in the transport direction and collects a sample from the sample container for a second analysis process It is a conveyance program for conveying, Comprising: One collection part of said 1st collection part and said 2nd collection part is a periodic collection part which performs sample collection from the said sample container with a predetermined | prescribed period. And the said conveyance program determines the conveyance determination step which determines whether the said sample container on the said container mounting part can be conveyed from the said 1st collection part side to the said 2nd collection part side in the said computer, With respect to the timing of sample collection at the predetermined period of the periodic collection unit, which is executed based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step, the sample collection unit on the container mounting unit from the first collection unit side And a conveyance timing control step for controlling the timing of conveyance to the second collection unit side to be asynchronous.

Thus, in the configuration in which sampling is performed by the periodic sampling unit for sample analysis, the transfer program controls the computer from the first sampling unit side of the sample container on the container mounting unit in the transfer timing control step. By making the timing of transport to the sampling section asynchronous to the timing of sample collection by the periodic sampling section, as in the case of the transport apparatus, avoiding a decrease in the throughput of a series of analysis, good It is possible to maintain a stable state. Moreover, the technical idea disclosed about the said conveying apparatus is applicable also to the conveying program which concerns on this invention similarly. Further, a recording medium that records the program and can be read by a computer also belongs to the category of the present invention.

  Next, the present invention can also be understood from the aspect of the analyzer. That is, the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a sample in a sample container in a state where a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting unit, A first sampling unit positioned upstream in the transport direction, for sampling the sample from the sample container for the first analysis process; and positioned downstream of the first sampling unit in the transport direction; A second collection unit for collecting the sample from the sample container for the analysis processing, a transport unit for transporting the sample container on the container mounting unit from the first collection unit side to the second collection unit side, A conveyance determination unit that determines whether or not conveyance by the conveyance unit is possible, and one of the first collection unit and the second collection unit performs sample collection from the sample container at a predetermined cycle A periodic sampling part, wherein the predetermined part of the periodic sampling part A sampling control unit that controls the execution of sampling in a period based on the determination result of the transfer determination unit, and the timing of transfer by the transfer unit is asynchronous with respect to the timing of sample sampling by the periodic sampling unit And a conveyance timing control unit that controls to be.

  Thus, in the configuration in which sampling is performed by the periodic sampling unit for sample analysis, the transport timing control unit is configured to transfer the sample container on the container mounting unit from the first sampling unit side to the second sampling unit side. By making the timing asynchronous with respect to the sample collection timing by the periodic collection unit, it is possible to avoid a reduction in throughput of a series of analyzes in the analyzer and maintain a good state. Moreover, the technical idea disclosed about the said conveying apparatus is applicable also to the analyzer which concerns on this invention similarly.

  Next, it is possible to grasp the present invention from the aspect of the analysis method. That is, the present invention is an analysis method for analyzing a sample in a sample container in a state in which a plurality of sample containers containing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting unit. A first sampling step for collecting the sample from the sample container for the first analysis process on the upstream side in the transport direction, and a downstream side from the sample collection position in the first sampling step in the transport direction, A second collection step for collecting the sample from the sample container for the second analysis process, and a sample position on the container mounting portion from the collection position in the first collection step to the collection position in the second collection step. A transport step for transporting to, a transport determination step for determining whether transport in the transport step is possible, a sample collection in the first collection step, and a sample collection in the second collection step The sample collection is a periodic collection in which a sample is collected from the sample container at a predetermined cycle, and the collection control step for controlling the execution of the periodic collection based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step; A transport timing control step for controlling the transport timing in the transport step so as to be asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing.

  Thus, in the configuration in which the periodic sampling is performed for sample analysis, the sampling position in the second sampling step from the sampling position in the first sampling step of the sample container on the container mounting unit in the transport timing control step By making the transport timing to the side asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing, it is possible to avoid a decrease in throughput of a series of analyzes in sample analysis and maintain a good state. Moreover, the technical idea disclosed about the said conveying apparatus is applicable also to the analysis method which concerns on this invention similarly.

Next, the present invention can be understood from the aspect of a sample analysis program. That is, the present invention is a sample analysis program for analyzing a sample in a sample container in a state where a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting portion by a computer. A first sampling step for sampling the sample from the sample container for a first analysis process on the upstream side in the transport direction of the container mounting unit; and a first sampling step in the transport direction. A second sampling step for sampling the sample from the sample container for the second analysis process on the downstream side of the sample sampling position, and a sampling position for the sample container on the container mounting portion in the first sampling step A transport step for transporting to the sampling position in the second sampling step, a transport determining step for determining whether transport in the transport step is possible, and the first sampling step. One of the sampling at the second sampling step and the sampling at the second sampling step is periodic sampling in which a sample is collected from the sample container at a predetermined cycle, and the execution of the periodic sampling is performed. A sampling control step for controlling based on the determination result in the transport determination step, a transport timing control step for controlling the transport timing in the transport step to be asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing, Let's execute.

  Thus, in the configuration in which the periodic sampling is performed for the sample analysis, the computer analyzes the sample analysis program from the sampling position side in the first sampling step of the sample container on the container mounting unit in the transport timing control step. By making the timing of transport to the sampling position in the second sampling step asynchronous to the timing of the periodic sampling, a decrease in throughput of a series of analysis in sample analysis is avoided and a good state is maintained. It becomes possible to do. Moreover, the technical idea disclosed about the said conveying apparatus is applicable also to the sample analysis program which concerns on this invention similarly. A recording medium that records the sample analysis program and that can be read by a computer also belongs to the category of the present invention.

  When a series of analyzes including a plurality of analyzes is performed, it is possible to avoid a significant decrease in the throughput of the series of analyzes and maintain as good a throughput as possible.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an analysis system that includes two analyzers for analyzing a sample and in which a transfer device according to the present invention is applied to transfer a sample between the analysis devices. It is a top view of the analysis system shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an operating state of system components at the time of sample analysis in the analysis system shown in FIG. 1. In the analysis system shown in FIG. 1, it is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conveying apparatus which conveys a sample container. In the analysis system shown in FIG. 1, it is the 1st figure which compares and shows the analysis process state of a 1st analyzer and a 2nd analyzer. In the analysis system shown in FIG. 1, it is the 2nd figure which compares and shows the analysis process state of a 1st analyzer and a 2nd analyzer. FIG. 5 is a first flowchart for sample transport control, which is executed in the transport apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 5 is a second flowchart for controlling the transport of a sample, which is executed in the transport apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a transport apparatus, a transport method, a transport program, and a transport system according to embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure of the following embodiment is an illustration and this invention is not limited to the structure of this embodiment.

<Outline of analysis system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an analysis system S that performs a predetermined analysis of a sample, and FIG. 2 is a top view of the analysis system S. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation state of system components related to collection of a sample for analysis performed in the analysis system S. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the analysis system S includes first and second analyzers A1 and A2 that are housed and aggregated in one housing 1 and a plurality of urine collection tubes 30 as sample containers. And a transport device 2 for transporting between the analyzers while being supported by the sample rack 3. In the present embodiment, eight urine collection tubes 30 are linearly arranged in the sample rack 3.

  This analysis system S is used for collecting urine B as a sample accommodated in a plurality of urine collection tubes 30 and performing urine component analysis. The first analyzer A1 and the second analyzer A2 each perform an analysis process related to urine. Specifically, the first analyzer A1 performs an analysis process related to urine qualification, and performs a second analysis. The device A2 performs an analysis process relating to urine sediment. The analysis processing contents of the analysis devices A1 and A2 are examples, and an analysis device that performs analysis processing other than this is also applicable as the analysis system S. For example, urine analysis items other than the urine qualitative analysis and urine sediment analysis may be processed, and various analysis processes related to blood may be performed. Therefore, the specific types of samples analyzed by the analyzers A1 and A2 and the specific contents of the analysis process are not limited.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the first analyzer A1 has a first nozzle 4A for sucking and collecting the urine B from the urine collection tube 30. The first nozzle 4A is supported by the arm 50 of the nozzle moving device 5 and is movable in the vertical direction. Further, the first nozzle 4A is configured to be movable along the direction in which the sample rack 3 is conveyed, and details of this point will be described later.

  Further, the basic configuration of the first analyzer A1 can be the same as that of a conventionally known urine qualitative analyzer. That is, the first analyzer A1 includes syringe pumps 52a and 52b, a cleaning liquid tank 53, a cleaning container 54, a measurement unit 60, and a control unit 61 connected to the upper part of the first nozzle 4A via a tube 51. It has. The syringe pumps 52a and 52b perform an operation of sending the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 53 into the first nozzle 4A through the tube 51 and an operation of generating a negative pressure for sample suction in the first nozzle 4A. Do. The cleaning container 54 is for cleaning the first nozzle 4 </ b> A, and the cleaning liquid is introduced into the first nozzle 4 </ b> A via the tube 51 in a state where the first nozzle 4 </ b> A has entered the cleaning container 54. The first nozzle 4A is cleaned by feeding. The cleaning liquid supplied into the cleaning container 54 is supplied to the waste liquid tank 57 through the intermediate bottle 56 by the switching operation of the air pump 55 and the plurality of on-off valves V.

  The measurement unit 60 is a spotting unit (not shown) in which the urine B is sucked by the first nozzle 4A and discharged to a test piece installed in the measurement unit 60, and a test in which the urine is spotted. A device (not shown) for performing urine qualitative analysis using a piece is provided. Although details will be described later, the urine qualitative analysis process in the first analyzer A1 using the first nozzle 4A is a process periodically performed at regular intervals. Therefore, collection of urine from the urine collection tube 30 by the first nozzle 4A is also periodically performed. Since the apparatus configuration for this urine qualitative analysis is already known, its detailed description is omitted. Moreover, the control part 61 is comprised using the computer, and performs the predetermined arithmetic processing based on the measurement data obtained by the measurement part 60, the operation | movement process of each part of 1st analyzer A1, etc.

  As the specific configuration of the second analyzer A2, any conventional configuration capable of performing urine sediment analysis can be applied. However, in the present embodiment, the second nozzle 4B for collection provided in the second analyzer A2 is configured to be movable only in the vertical direction and not movable in the transport direction. Yes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each urine collection tube 30 is provided with an identification code 31 such as a barcode, and the analysis system S includes a barcode reader 71 for reading the identification code 31. . The individual identification data read by the bar code reader 71 is data for identifying the individual of each urine collection tube. After being read, the individual identification data is transmitted to the control unit 61 in the analysis system S. Are used as reference data associated with urine B analysis processing result data. Furthermore, the individual identification data is also transmitted to a transport control unit 70 that is a control unit of the transport device 2 that is responsible for transporting the urine collection tube 30 between the analyzers A1 and A2. Note that the control unit 61 of the first analyzer A1 shown in FIG. 3 can be shared to execute various data processing and operation control in the second analyzer A2. The second analyzer A2 may be configured not to include a specific control unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of operation switches 63 and a data display 64 are provided on the outer surface of the casing 1 of the analysis system S. These are also the first and second analysis. It can be shared for the devices A1 and A2 and the transfer device 2.
<Configuration of transport device>
Here, the transport device 2 transports the sample from the first analyzer A1 to the second analyzer A2 in a state in which a maximum of eight urine collection tubes 30 are held upright on the sample rack 3, whereby the sample is transported. It becomes possible to use for the analysis process in each analyzer. The transport device 2 includes a frame 20 connected to the lower front portion of the housing 1, three sets of belts 21a and 21b that can be circulated on the upper surface 20a of the frame 20, and two horizontally movable belts 21a and 21b. Lever 22a and 22b (refer FIG. 2) are provided. In the transport device 2, when the sample rack 3 is supplied to the position indicated by reference numeral n1, the sample rack 3 is transported in the direction of arrow N1 by the belt 21a and then transported by being pushed in the direction of arrow N2 by the lever 22a. . As will be described later, the urine B accommodated in the urine collection tube 30 is collected into each analyzer during the movement process in the direction of the arrow N2. Next, the sample rack 3 is conveyed in the direction of arrow N3 by the belt 21b.

  Since the transport apparatus 2 configured as described above is installed in the analysis system S, first, the sample rack 3 placed in the position indicated by the reference sign n1 of the transport apparatus 2 has the arrows N1 to N1 as described above. It is sequentially conveyed along the route indicated by N3. In the process of transporting the sample rack 3 in the direction of the arrow N2, the identification code 31 of each urine collection tube 30 is first read by the bar code reader 71. Next, the upstream first analyzer A1 sequentially collects urine B from the plurality of urine collection tubes 30 using the first nozzle 4A, and performs urine qualitative analysis thereof. The second analyzer A2 on the downstream side collects urine B using the second nozzle 4B and performs urine sediment analysis.

  Here, details of transport of the sample rack 3 from the first analyzer A1 to the second analyzer A2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the transport device 2, the lever 22a forms a contact state with the sample rack 3 that supports the plurality of urine collection tubes 30, and the sample rack 3 is transported in the direction of the arrow N2 by the pressing force from the lever 22a. It has become. The lever 22a is connected to a drive screw 25 connected to an output shaft of a drive motor 24 installed on the lower surface of the frame 20 (located on the back side of the upper surface 20a in FIG. 2). , The lever 22a can move in the direction of the arrow N2 or in the opposite direction. Therefore, the direction of the arrow N2 corresponds to the transport direction of the sample rack 3 that enables collection of urine by each analyzer, and the path along which the sample rack 3 is transported is referred to as “analysis transport path”. Called.

As described above, the sample rack 3 can support a maximum of eight urine collection tubes 30 in a straight line. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the eight urine collection tubes 30 are arranged along the transport direction. Are arranged in the sample rack 3 so that the distance between the urine collection tubes 30 is ΔL of a certain distance. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the urine collection tube 30 located on the left and right ends and the end of the sample rack 3 in the vicinity thereof is ΔL / 2, and therefore, in the transport direction of the sample rack 3. Its length along is 8L. In addition, ribs 6 are provided at equal intervals between the urine collection tubes 30 adjacent to the left and right ends of the sample rack 3 at a position facing the floor surface of the analysis transport path below the sample rack 3. Yes. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the interval between the adjacent rib portions 6 is the same ΔL as the interval between the urine collection tubes 30.

  Here, a passage sensor 74 for detecting the passage amount of the sample rack 3 is provided in the analysis transport path between the first analyzer A1 and the second analyzer A2. The passage sensor 74 has a projecting portion that slightly protrudes on the floor surface of the analysis transport path, and the projecting portion comes into contact with the rib portion 6 of the sample rack 3 to be transported, so that the analysis transport path It is configured to be pushed into the floor. Then, in the floor of the analysis transport path, the movement of the pushed-in protrusion is optically detected using a photodiode, and thus the passage of the rib 6 of the sample rack 3 is electrically detected. It becomes possible. When the sample rack is further transported after the rib portion 6 comes into contact with the projecting portion and the contact state is eliminated, the projecting portion is again on the floor surface of the transport route for analysis by the biasing force of the spring or counterweight. To be ready for contact with the next rib portion 6. Therefore, the passage sensor 74 can detect the passage amount of the sample rack 3 in units of the interval ΔL between the rib portions 6.

  Here, the transfer device 2 is provided with a transfer control unit 70 for electrically controlling the transfer of the sample rack 3. The transport controller 70 corresponds to a computer, and the transport of the sample rack 3 supporting the urine collection tube 30 is realized by a computer program executed on the computer including a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, and the like (not shown). An operation switch 63 provided in the analysis system S can be used to input an operation instruction to the transfer device 2. The bar code reader 71 is installed on the most upstream side of the analysis transport path. As described above, the barcode reader 71 performs individual identification of each urine collection tube 30 supported by the sample rack 3, and transmits the identification result to the transport control unit 70 as individual identification data.

  In addition, the sample rack 3 is positioned at a position corresponding to a urine collection position (hereinafter referred to as “first collection position”) by the first nozzle 4A on the downstream side of the barcode reader 71 in the analysis transport path. A first position confirmation sensor 72 for confirming the presence of the supported urine collection tube 30 is installed. The first position confirmation sensor 72 is a sensor that optically detects whether a urine collection tube that accommodates the urine B to be collected is located at the sample collection position by the first nozzle 4A. The emitted detection light is reflected by the urine collection tube 30, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiving unit, thereby detecting the presence of the urine collection tube at the first collection position. Because of the relatively simple configuration of emitting detection light and receiving reflected light, the first confirmation sensor 72 is more compact than the bar code reader 71 and can be reduced in cost. The same applies to the second position confirmation sensor described later. Then, the detection result by the first position confirmation sensor 72 is electrically transmitted to the transport control unit 70 as first collection position data.

  Furthermore, in the transport path for analysis, the sample rack 3 is positioned at a position downstream of the first position confirmation sensor 72 and corresponding to a urine collection position (hereinafter referred to as “second collection position”) by the second nozzle 4B. A second position confirmation sensor 73 for confirming the presence of the urine collection tube 30 supported by the urine collecting pipe 30 is installed. The second position confirmation sensor 73 is an optical device similar to the first position confirmation sensor 72 that determines whether the urine collection tube 30 that accommodates the urine B to be collected is located at the sample collection position by the second nozzle 4B. It is a sensor that detects automatically. A result of detection by the second position confirmation sensor 73 is electrically transmitted to the conveyance control unit 70 as second collection position data.

Further, the drive motor 24 is provided with an encoder capable of detecting the rotation state thereof, and the rotational position information of the output shaft of the drive motor 24 is transmitted from the encoder to the conveyance control unit 70. Thereby, the conveyance control part 70 can grasp | ascertain the position of the lever 22a in the conveyance path | route for analysis.

  In the transport device 2 shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the first collection position where urine B is collected by the first nozzle 4A and the second collection position where urine is collected by the second nozzle 4B is as follows. The maximum distance between the urine collection tubes in the sample rack 3 is set to be equal to or less than the maximum distance (distance 7ΔL between the P1 urine collection tube 30 on the right end side and the P8 urine collection tube 30 on the left end side in this embodiment). ing. That is, one sample rack 3 lies between the first nozzle 4A and the second nozzle 4B, and both nozzles can access different urine collection tubes 30 on the same sample rack 3 at the same time. Can be in a state.

  The transport device 2 configured in this manner transports the sample rack 3 supporting the urine collection tube 30 from the first analyzer A1 side to the second analyzer A2 side, so that the first analyzer A1 Urine collection and analysis processing (hereinafter simply referred to as “first analysis processing”) through the first nozzle 4A is performed, and urine collection through the second nozzle 4B in the second analyzer A2; An analysis process (hereinafter simply referred to as “second analysis process”) is performed. Here, the correlation between urine collection and analysis performed in both analyzers and the transport of the sample rack 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5A.

  The lower part of FIG. 5A shows a time chart of the first analysis process for each urine collection tube in the first analyzer A1. In the first analyzer A1, the first analysis process is continuously performed at a period of time ΔT, and the timing at which the first nozzle 4A is lowered into the urine collection tube in the process is indicated by T1, and the first nozzle 4A The state where is moving down is indicated by a hatched bar. Here, the first nozzle 4A has three urine collection positions corresponding to the three urine collection tubes 30 as shown in FIG. 4 (positions corresponding to P8, P7, and P6 in FIG. 4). ) Can be changed. Therefore, even if the state in which the sample rack 3 is not transported continues, the first nozzle 4A itself changes its collection position, so that the first urine in at least three urine collection tubes 30 is continuously collected. Analysis processing can be performed. In addition, the first nozzle 4A also accesses another urine collection tube 30 (a urine collection tube located on the right side of P6) by transporting the sample rack 3 to the second analyzer A2 side (in the N2 direction). It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, the upper part of FIG. 5A shows a time chart of the second analysis process for each urine collection tube in the second analyzer A2. In the upper stage and the lower stage, the time axes of the respective time charts are the same. In the second analysis process, the timing at which the second nozzle 4B is lowered into the urine collection tube is indicated by T2, the state in which the second nozzle 4B is being lowered is indicated by a hatched bar, and the second nozzle The timing at which the descending state of 4B ends is indicated by T2 ′. Unlike the first analysis process, the second analysis process is a more detailed urine analysis process, and is not performed on urine in all the urine collection tubes 30 as in the first analysis process. Therefore, unlike the first analysis process, the second analysis process is not performed periodically. As a result of the first analysis process, the urine collection tube containing urine determined to be the target is the second nozzle. This is done when it reaches below 4B. As described above, the position of the urine collection tube can be calculated by calculating the position of the lever 22a based on the information from the encoder in the drive motor 24 and taking the dimensions of the sample rack 3 into consideration. is there. As described above, the number of samples subjected to the second analysis process does not exceed the number of samples subjected to the first analysis process. On the other hand, the time required for the second analysis process is longer than the time required for the first analysis process, and in this embodiment is about twice the time required for the first analysis process.

Here, in order to perform the periodic first analysis process continuously, the sampling position of the first nozzle 4A is changed at the position corresponding to P6 to P8 as described above, and the lever 22a at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the sample rack 3 needs to be transported. However, in the first analysis process and the second analysis process, when any nozzle is lowered into the target urine collection tube, the sample rack 3 cannot be transported naturally, so the first nozzle The sample rack 3 can be transported only when both 4A and the second nozzle 4B are not lowered. In view of this point, in the state shown in FIG. 5A, a period (a period indicated by an arrow in the figure) from the timing when the second first analysis process is completed until the second second analysis process is started. This is specified as a candidate period during which the sample rack 3 can be transported. During the candidate period, the sample rack 3 is pushed by the lever 22a to be conveyed.

  Here, the temporal relative relationship between the first analysis process and the second analysis process does not necessarily maintain the state shown in FIG. 5A, but includes the first analysis process performed by the first analyzer A1. There is a possibility that the time varies depending on the time required for various processes and the time required for various processes performed between the first analyzer A1 and the second analyzer A2. In particular, since the second analysis process is not an analysis process performed periodically unlike the first analysis process, the relative relationship between the two may change due to the second analysis process. An example of the change is shown in FIG. 5B as a comparison of time charts of both analysis processes. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the lowering timing T1 of the first nozzle 4A in the second first analysis process coincides with the end timing T2 'of the lowering state of the nozzle in the first second analysis process. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, it is assumed that the first nozzle 4A is in the rightmost position in FIG. 4 and cannot move further to the right position. In this case, if the second first analysis process is to be executed at the initial timing, the second first analysis process immediately after the lowering state of the second nozzle 4B is released in the first second analysis process. The first nozzle 4A is lowered, and immediately after the lowered state is released, the second nozzle 4B is lowered in the second second analysis process. As a result, since either the first nozzle 4A or the second nozzle 4B continues to be lowered, it becomes impossible to specify a candidate period for transporting the sample rack 3.

  Therefore, in such a case, the second first analysis process that should have been performed is cancelled. This is because the first nozzle 4A for the first analysis process can change the collection position of the urine so that it can be relatively flexible, and the second analysis process takes the time required for the first analysis process. This is because the cancellation is longer, leading to a significant decrease in throughput. In FIG. 5B, the cancellation of the second first analysis process is represented by a dotted line. By canceling the first analysis process in this way, a candidate period for transporting the sample rack 3 can be secured, but at least the first analysis process, which is a periodic analysis process, is canceled. So some result in reduced throughput. In particular, since the first analysis process is performed periodically, once the process is canceled, the process is likely to be canceled for a while after that.

  Based on the above, transport control related to transport of the sample rack 3 by the transport device 2 will be described based on FIG. This conveyance control is a series of conveyance processes realized by repeatedly executing a program recorded in a memory in the conveyance control unit 70 which is also a computer. Then, the conveyance timing control for avoiding the cancellation of the first analysis process as shown in FIG. 5B as much as possible in the conveyance apparatus 2 in which the conveyance control is performed will be described based on FIG. This transport timing control is a series of transport processes realized by repeatedly executing a program recorded in the memory in the transport control unit 70, similarly to the transport control.

First, conveyance control will be described. In S101, it is determined in the analysis system S whether or not the second nozzle 4B is in the lowered state in the second analysis process. If an affirmative determination is made here, it means that the sample rack 3 cannot be transported, and therefore the process of S101 is repeated again. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to S102. In S102, it is determined whether or not there is a transport request for transporting the sample rack 3. For example, when the first nozzle 4A is present at the leftmost position in FIG. 4, the nozzle 4A can change the sampling position to the right side, so that no conveyance request is issued. If the first nozzle 4A is present at any other position, the conveyance request is issued because the room for changing the sampling position is narrow or there is no room for change. Note that assuming that the sample rack 3 is transported to the second analyzer A2 side as much as possible, there is always a transport request, and the process of S102 may be substantially excluded from the transport control. If a positive determination is made in S102, the process proceeds to S103, and if a negative determination is made, the present control is terminated.

  In S103, the conveyance candidate period for conveying the sample rack 3 as shown in FIG. 5A to the second analyzer A2 side is specified. As described above, in the conveyance candidate period, the second nozzle 4B is not in the lowered state in the second analysis process, and the first nozzle 4A starts to be lowered in the first analysis process. Say the period until. Within this period, the sample rack 3 is pushed by the lever 22a, and can be transported. When the process of S103 ends, the process proceeds to S104.

  In S104, it is determined whether the sample rack 3 can be transported based on the transport candidate period specified in S103. This process corresponds to the process performed by the conveyance determination unit according to the present invention. Specifically, if the specified transfer candidate period is longer than the time required for transfer, it is determined that transfer is possible. Here, the minimum transport distance is a distance ΔL between adjacent urine collection tubes 30 in the sample rack 3. Therefore, when the conveyance candidate period is longer than the time calculated by dividing the distance ΔL by the traveling speed of the lever 22a, it is determined that the conveyance is possible. When the first nozzle 4A is present at the rightmost position in FIG. 4, it is preferable to move the nozzle 4A to the leftmost position to prepare for subsequent rapid sampling. Therefore, in this case, since the transport distance of the sample rack 3 is 2ΔL, if the transport candidate period is longer than the time calculated by dividing the distance 2ΔL by the traveling speed of the lever 22a, It is determined that conveyance is possible. If a positive determination is made in S104, the process proceeds to S106, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, as described with reference to FIG. 5B, even when it is determined that the conveyance is not possible, the first analysis process is canceled in order to give priority to the conveyance of the sample rack 3. Thereby, even when it is determined that the transfer candidate time is short or missing and the transfer is impossible, the sample rack 3 can be transferred. The process of S105 corresponds to the process by the collection control unit according to the present invention. When the process of S105 ends, the process proceeds to S106.

  In S106, the sample rack 3 is actually transported by pressing the lever 22a. The transport amount of the sample rack 3 is calculated based on the detection by the passage sensor 74 and the detection from the encoder in the drive motor 24, and a necessary distance (ΔL or 2ΔL as described above in this embodiment). The conveyance is executed.

  According to this transport control, when there is a transport request for the sample rack 3, the transport is performed with priority over the first analysis process. As a result, the sample rack 3 is smoothly transported to the second analyzer A2 side, but the throughput of the analysis system S is somewhat reduced by canceling the first analysis process. Therefore, in the transport apparatus 2, cancellation of the first analysis process can be avoided as much as possible by executing the transport timing control shown in FIG. 7 together with the main transport control. Below, conveyance timing control is demonstrated.

  In S201, the cancellation frequency Cf of the first analysis process in S105 is totaled. For example, the cancellation frequency Cf may be counted as the number of cancellations occurring within the most recent predetermined time. When the process of S201 ends, the process proceeds to S202.

In S202, it is determined whether or not the summed cancellation frequency Cf is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency. This predetermined frequency is a threshold value when it is determined that the decrease in the throughput of the analysis system S is unacceptable due to the cancellation of the first analysis process. If an affirmative determination is made in S202, the process proceeds to S203, and if a negative determination is made, the processes in and after S201 are repeated.

  In S203, at least one of the predetermined determination time defined in the conveyance control shown in FIG. 6 and the predetermined sampling time related to the second analysis process is changed. The predetermined determination time is a time required for processing by the transport determination unit according to the present invention, and is a time required for the processing of S104 of transport control. When the process of S203 is not performed, in order to keep the throughput of the analysis system S in a better state, the predetermined determination time is maintained at the reference determination time that is the minimum time. However, in the process of S203, the predetermined determination time is intentionally made longer than the reference determination time. Further, the predetermined sampling time is the time itself for which the second analysis process is performed. In the state shown in FIG. 5A, the second sampling process starts from the timing T2 when the second nozzle 4B starts to descend in the first second analysis process. This is the time until the timing T2 at which the second nozzle 4B starts to descend in the second analysis process. When the process of S203 is not performed, in order to keep the throughput of the analysis system S in a better state, the predetermined sampling time is maintained at the reference sampling time that is the minimum time. However, in the process of S203, the predetermined sampling time is intentionally made longer than this reference determination time.

  As described above, the predetermined determination time and the predetermined sampling time affect the correlation between the lowered state of the first nozzle 4A in the first analysis process and the lowered state of the second nozzle 4B in the second analysis process. By changing the time, the conveyance candidate period is likely to vary. In other words, the process of S203 performs control so that the timing of carrying the sample rack 3 with respect to the lowering timing of the first nozzle 4A in the first analysis process is not synchronized, that is, desynchronized. It will be. As a result, the cancellation of the first analysis process as shown in FIG. 5B can be more effectively avoided, and even if the first analysis process is canceled, the cancellation is suppressed to a single occurrence. Can do. The process of S203 corresponds to the process by the transport timing control unit according to the present invention. Even after the process of S203 is performed, the aggregation of the cancellation frequency Cf of the first analysis process is continued. When the process of S203 ends, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not the cancellation frequency Cf has shifted to an allowable low frequency state as a result of the processing in S203. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S205, and if a negative determination is made, the processes after S203 are repeated. In the process of S203 in this repetition, the predetermined determination time, the predetermined sampling time is further lengthened, or the time once lengthened is shortened. In S205, based on the fact that the cancellation frequency Cf has recovered to a low frequency state and the throughput of the analysis system S has recovered to an acceptable level, the predetermined determination time and the predetermined sampling time that have been extended in S203 are set to the respective values. Return to the minimum standard judgment time and standard sampling time. Thereby, the improvement of the throughput of the analysis system S by minimizing the required time can be expected.

  As described above, by performing the transport control and the transport timing control, it is possible to maintain the throughput of the analysis system S as good as possible. In the transport timing control, the predetermined determination time and the predetermined sampling time in S203 are increased when the cancel frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined frequency. The predetermined determination time and the predetermined sampling time in S203 may be lengthened. In this case, the predetermined determination time and the predetermined sampling time are longer than the reference determination time and the reference sampling time, respectively, and are adjusted so as to vary with time so that the length of the time is not constant.

In the first embodiment, the sample rack 3 on which the plurality of urine collection tubes 30 are mounted has the urine collection tubes 30 mounted in a straight line. Instead of this aspect, the plurality of urine collection tubes 30 are driven to rotate. You may mount on a turntable. In this case, the urine collection tube on the rotary table is transported from the sample collection position of the first analyzer A1 to the sample collection position of the second analyzer A2 by the rotation of the rotary table. 6. It is possible to substantially apply the conveyance control and the conveyance timing control disclosed in FIG.

<Other examples>
As described above, the present invention includes a computer program that performs transport control and transport timing control in the embodiment. Furthermore, a medium in which these programs are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium also belongs to the category of the present invention. With respect to the recording medium on which the program is recorded, the conveyance control and the conveyance timing control can be performed by causing a computer to read and execute the program of the recording medium.

  Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium in which information such as data and programs is accumulated by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from a computer. Examples of such recording media that can be removed from the computer include a floppy disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R / W, DVD, Blu-ray disk, DAT, 8 mm tape, and memory card. Etc. Further, there are a hard disk, a ROM (read only memory), and the like as a recording medium fixed to the computer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 .... Case 2 ... Conveying device 3 ... Sample rack 4A ... First nozzle 4B ... Second nozzles 22a, 22b ... Lever 24 ... ··· Drive motor 30 ··· Urine collection tube 63 ··· Operation switch 64 ··· Display 70 ··· Transport control unit 74 ··· Passing sensor A1 ··· First analyzer A2 .... Second analyzer

Claims (36)

A first sample is collected from the sample container for the first analysis process, located upstream in the transport direction, with a plurality of sample containers containing samples to be analyzed being mounted on the container mounting portion. A transporting device for transporting from a sampling unit to a second sampling unit that is located downstream of the first sampling unit in the transport direction and collects a sample from the sample container for a second analysis process;
One of the first collection unit and the second collection unit is a periodic collection unit that performs sample collection from the sample container at a predetermined cycle,
The transfer device
A transport section for transporting the sample container on the container mounting section from the first collection section side to the second collection section side;
A transport determination unit that determines whether transport by the transport unit is possible;
The predetermined of the periodic collection unit is executed based on a determination result of the conveyance determination unit without the conveyance unit returning the container mounting unit from the second collection unit side to the first collection unit side. A transport timing control unit for controlling the timing of transport by the transport unit to be asynchronous with respect to the timing of sampling in the cycle of
A conveying device comprising: When it is determined by the transfer determination unit that transfer by the transfer unit is not possible , sample collection at the predetermined cycle by the periodic sampling unit is avoided, and the transfer is performed with priority .
The transport apparatus according to claim 1. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position by the first sampling section and the sampling position by the second sampling section is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting section. ,
The transport apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The conveyance timing control unit relates to a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not conveyance is possible by the conveyance determination unit, and sampling by a sampling unit that does not correspond to the periodic sampling unit among the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit By changing at least one of the predetermined sampling times, the transport timing by the transport unit is asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit,
The conveying apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3. The transport timing control unit is configured to make the predetermined determination time longer than a reference determination time that is the predetermined determination time when the transport timing asynchronous control is not performed by the transport timing control unit, or transport timing control By making the predetermined sampling time longer than the reference sampling time which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing by the unit is not performed, the timing of the transport by the transport unit is determined by the periodic sampling unit. Asynchronous with sampling timing,
The transport apparatus according to claim 4. The first collection unit is the periodic collection unit,
The first collection unit is capable of changing a sample collection position along the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit, and changing the collection position allows the two or more places arranged in the conveyance direction in the container mounting unit. Accessible to each of the sample containers,
The conveying apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5. When the transport determination unit determines that the container mounting unit cannot be transported, the first sampling unit is arranged along the transport direction in the container mounting unit in a state where the container mounting unit is not transported. Changing the sampling position of the sample from one transport container side to another transport container side adjacent in the opposite direction to the transport direction;
The transport apparatus according to claim 6.   The transport apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container mounting portion is a sample rack on which the plurality of sample containers are mounted in a straight line. The container mounting portion is a rotary table, and the plurality of sample containers are mounted along the periphery of the rotary table,
The transport unit transports the sample container on the rotary table from the first sampling unit side to the second sampling unit side by rotating the rotary table.
The conveyance apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A first sample is collected from the sample container for the first analysis process, located upstream in the transport direction, with a plurality of sample containers containing samples to be analyzed being mounted on the container mounting portion. A transport method for transporting from a sampling section to a second sampling section that is located downstream of the first sampling section in the transport direction and that collects a sample from the sample container for a second analysis process,
One of the first collection unit and the second collection unit is a periodic collection unit that performs sample collection from the sample container at a predetermined cycle,
The transport method is:
A conveyance determination step for determining whether or not the sample container on the container mounting unit can be conveyed from the first collection unit side to the second collection unit side;
The container mounting unit is executed based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step without returning the container mounting unit from the second sampling unit side to the first sampling unit side, at the predetermined cycle of the periodic sampling unit. A transport timing control step for controlling the timing of transport from the first sampling section side of the sample container on the container mounting section to the second sampling section side to be asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing;
Containing method. When it is determined in the transport determination step that the transport is not possible , the sampling of the predetermined period by the periodic sampling unit is avoided, and the transport is performed with priority .
The transport method according to claim 10. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position by the first sampling section and the sampling position by the second sampling section is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting section. ,
The transport method according to claim 10 or claim 11. In the transport timing control step, a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not the transport is possible in the transport determination step, and sampling by a sampling unit that does not correspond to the periodic sampling unit among the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit The timing of transporting the sample container on the container mounting portion from the first collection portion side to the second collection portion side is changed by changing at least one of the predetermined collection times related to Asynchronous with the timing of sample collection by the collection unit,
The conveyance method according to any one of claims 10 to 12. In the transport timing control step, the predetermined determination time is made longer than the reference determination time that is the predetermined determination time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the transport timing control step is not performed, or the transport The predetermined sampling time is made longer than the reference sampling time, which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the timing control step is not performed, so that the first of the sample containers on the container mounting portion is The conveyance timing from one sampling unit side to the second sampling unit side is asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit,
The conveyance method according to claim 13. A computer collects a sample from the sample container for the first analysis process, located upstream in the transport direction, with a plurality of sample containers containing samples to be analyzed mounted on the container mounting portion. A transport program for transporting from the first sampling unit to the second sampling unit that is located downstream of the first sampling unit in the transport direction and collects a sample from the sample container for the second analysis process Because
One of the first collection unit and the second collection unit is a periodic collection unit that performs sample collection from the sample container at a predetermined cycle,
The transport program is
In the computer,
A conveyance determination step for determining whether or not the sample container on the container mounting unit can be conveyed from the first collection unit side to the second collection unit side;
The container mounting unit is executed based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step without returning the container mounting unit from the second sampling unit side to the first sampling unit side, at the predetermined cycle of the periodic sampling unit. A transport timing control step for controlling the timing of transport from the first sampling section side of the sample container on the container mounting section to the second sampling section side to be asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing;
A transfer program that allows When it is determined in the transport determination step that the transport is not possible , the sampling of the predetermined period by the periodic sampling unit is avoided, and the transport is performed with priority .
The conveyance program according to claim 15. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position by the first sampling section and the sampling position by the second sampling section is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting section. ,
The conveyance program according to claim 15 or 16. In the transport timing control step, a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not the transport is possible in the transport determination step, and sampling by a sampling unit that does not correspond to the periodic sampling unit among the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit The timing of transporting the sample container on the container mounting portion from the first collection portion side to the second collection portion side is changed by changing at least one of the predetermined collection times related to Asynchronous with the timing of sample collection by the collection unit,
The conveyance program according to any one of claims 15 to 17. In the transport timing control step, the predetermined determination time is made longer than the reference determination time that is the predetermined determination time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the transport timing control step is not performed, or the transport The predetermined sampling time is made longer than the reference sampling time, which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the timing control step is not performed, so that the first of the sample containers on the container mounting portion is The conveyance timing from one sampling unit side to the second sampling unit side is asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit,
The conveyance program according to claim 18.   A computer-readable recording medium for recording the conveyance program according to any one of claims 15 to 19. An analyzer for analyzing a sample in the sample container in a state where a plurality of sample containers containing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting unit,
A first sampling section that is located upstream in the transport direction of the container mounting section and samples the sample from the sample container for a first analysis process;
A second sampling unit that is located downstream of the first sampling unit in the transport direction and samples the sample from the sample container for a second analysis process;
A transport section for transporting the sample container on the container mounting section from the first collection section side to the second collection section side;
A transport determination unit that determines whether transport by the transport unit is possible;
One of the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit is a periodic sampling unit that executes sampling of the sample container at a predetermined cycle, and the predetermined cycle of the periodic sampling unit A sampling control unit for controlling the execution of sample sampling in accordance with the determination result of the conveyance determination unit;
The conveyance unit does not return the container mounting unit from the second collection unit side to the first collection unit side, and the conveyance timing by the conveyance unit is set to the sample collection timing by the periodic collection unit. A transport timing control unit for controlling to be asynchronous,
An analysis device comprising: When the conveyance determination unit determines that the conveyance by the conveyance unit is not possible , the collection control unit avoids sample collection at the predetermined period by the periodic collection unit, and the conveyance is performed with priority. Called
The analyzer according to claim 21. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position by the first sampling section and the sampling position by the second sampling section is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting section. ,
23. The analyzer according to claim 21 or claim 22. The conveyance timing control unit relates to a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not conveyance is possible by the conveyance determination unit, and sampling by a sampling unit that does not correspond to the periodic sampling unit among the first sampling unit and the second sampling unit By changing at least one of the predetermined sampling times, the transport timing by the transport unit is asynchronous with respect to the sample sampling timing by the periodic sampling unit,
The analysis device according to any one of claims 21 to 23. The transport timing control unit is configured to make the predetermined determination time longer than a reference determination time that is the predetermined determination time when the transport timing asynchronous control is not performed by the transport timing control unit, or transport timing control By making the predetermined sampling time longer than the reference sampling time which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing by the unit is not performed, the timing of the transport by the transport unit is determined by the periodic sampling unit. Asynchronous with sampling timing,
The analyzer according to claim 24. An analysis method for analyzing a sample in a sample container in a state where a plurality of sample containers containing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on a container mounting portion,
A first collection step for collecting the sample from the sample container for a first analysis process on the upstream side in the transport direction of the container mounting unit;
A second collection step for collecting the sample from the sample container for a second analysis process on the downstream side of the sample collection position in the first collection step in the transport direction;
A transport step for transporting the sample container on the container mounting portion from the sampling position in the first sampling step to the sampling position in the second sampling step;
A transport determination step for determining whether the transport in the transport step is possible;
One of the sample collection in the first collection step and the sample collection in the second collection step is periodic collection in which a sample is collected from the sample container at a predetermined cycle, and the periodic collection A sampling control step for controlling execution based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step;
A transport timing control step for controlling the transport timing in the transport step to be asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing without returning from the second sampling section side to the first sampling section side ,
Including analytical methods. 27. The analysis according to claim 26, wherein, in the collection control step, if it is determined in the conveyance determination step that the conveyance in the conveyance step is not possible , the periodic collection is avoided and the conveyance is performed with priority. Method. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position in the first sampling step and the sampling position in the second sampling step is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting portion. ,
The analysis method according to claim 26 or claim 27. The transport timing control step corresponds to a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not transport is possible in the transport determination step, and the periodic sampling among the sample sampling in the first sampling step and the sample sampling in the second sampling step. By changing at least any one of the predetermined sampling times related to sample collection, the transport timing in the transport step is asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing,
The analysis method according to any one of claims 26 to 28. In the transport timing control step, the predetermined determination time is made longer than the reference determination time which is the predetermined determination time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the transport timing control step is not performed, or the transport timing By making the predetermined sampling time longer than the reference sampling time, which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the control step is not performed, the transport timing in the transport step is changed to the periodic Asynchronous with the collection timing,
The analysis method according to claim 29. A sample analysis program for analyzing a sample in a sample container in a state where a plurality of sample containers containing a sample to be analyzed are mounted on the container mounting unit by a computer,
In the computer,
A first collection step for collecting the sample from the sample container for a first analysis process on the upstream side in the transport direction of the container mounting unit;
A second collection step for collecting the sample from the sample container for a second analysis process on the downstream side of the sample collection position in the first collection step in the transport direction;
A transport step for transporting the sample container on the container mounting portion from the sampling position in the first sampling step to the sampling position in the second sampling step;
A transport determination step for determining whether the transport in the transport step is possible;
One of the sample collection in the first collection step and the sample collection in the second collection step is periodic collection in which a sample is collected from the sample container at a predetermined cycle, and the periodic collection A sampling control step for controlling execution based on the determination result in the conveyance determination step;
A transport timing control step for controlling the transport timing in the transport step to be asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing without returning from the second sampling section side to the first sampling section side ,
A sample analysis program that allows The sample according to claim 31, wherein, in the collection control step, when it is determined in the conveyance determination step that the conveyance in the conveyance step is not possible , the periodic collection is avoided and the conveyance is performed with priority. Analysis program. The distance between the sampling positions between the sampling position in the first sampling step and the sampling position in the second sampling step is not more than the maximum distance between the sample containers in the transport direction in the container mounting portion. ,
The sample analysis program according to claim 31 or claim 32. The transport timing control step corresponds to a predetermined determination time for determining whether or not transport is possible in the transport determination step, and the periodic sampling among the sample sampling in the first sampling step and the sample sampling in the second sampling step. By changing at least any one of the predetermined sampling times related to sample collection, the transport timing in the transport step is asynchronous with respect to the periodic sampling timing,
The sample analysis program according to any one of claims 31 to 33. In the transport timing control step, the predetermined determination time is made longer than the reference determination time which is the predetermined determination time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the transport timing control step is not performed, or the transport timing By making the predetermined sampling time longer than the reference sampling time, which is the predetermined sampling time when the asynchronous control of the transport timing in the control step is not performed, the transport timing in the transport step is changed to the periodic Asynchronous with the collection timing,
The sample analysis program according to claim 34.   A computer-readable recording medium for recording the sample analysis program according to any one of claims 31 to 35.

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