Inspection system, storage device and rack storage method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an inspection system, a storage device, and a rack storage method. A method for storing racks corresponding to the conditions of a facility is set. The inspection system (1) is provided with a storage device (240) for storing racks (R) holding containers (A) containing specimens inspected by inspection components (13, 14), and the storage device (240) is provided with: a loading platform (130) capable of storing multiple racks (R); a setting unit (230) for setting a first mode for storing multiple racks starting from a first end (130a) of the loading platform (130) and a second mode for storing multiple racks starting from a second end (130b) of the loading platform (130); and a moving unit (102) for moving the rack (R) according to the mode set by the setting unit (230).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an inspection system, a storage device and a rack storage method. Background Art

[0002] One example of an inspection system that automatically performs specimen inspections for blood coagulation analysis, immunoserological analysis, and the like is the specimen processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1. The specimen processing system of Patent Document 1 sequentially transports racks containing containers holding multiple specimens along a predetermined transport path, measures the specimens in the containers in a measuring unit, and recovers the racks in a recovery unit.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-112682 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The conditions of facilities where the inspection system is installed vary. Depending on the installation location of the inspection system and the use of the inspection, users may feel uncomfortable when taking out the rack containing the recycled parts.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system, a storage device, and a rack storage method capable of setting the storage of racks according to the conditions of a facility.

[0008] like Figure 1 As shown, an inspection system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inspection device (inspection components 13, 14) for inspecting a specimen in a container (A) held on a rack (R); a conveying device (conveying component 12) for conveying a rack (R) holding a container (A) of the specimen inspected by the inspection device (inspection components 13, 14); and a storage device (240) for accommodating the rack (R) conveyed by the conveying device (conveying component 12). The storage device (240) comprises: a storage portion (loading table 130) capable of accommodating a plurality of racks (R); a setting unit (refer to Figure 7 :230), setting a first mode for accommodating a plurality of racks (R) in a first manner in the accommodating portion (loading table 130) and a second mode for accommodating a plurality of racks in a second manner different from the first manner; and a moving unit (refer to Figure 7 : 102), moves the rack (R) according to the mode set by the setting unit.

[0009] According to this aspect, the storage method of a plurality of racks can be set by the setting unit. Thus, in the inspection system, an appropriate storage method of the racks corresponding to the conditions of the facility can be set.

[0010] like Figure 16 As shown, the inspection system (301) involved in another embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inspection device (13, 14) for inspecting a specimen held in a container on a rack; a storage device (340) for storing a rack holding a container of a specimen inspected by the inspection device (13, 14); a transport device (12) for transporting the rack from the specimen device (13, 14) to the storage device (340); a setting unit (230) for selecting a storage method for the rack in the storage device (340); and a moving unit (302). ), so that the rack transported to the storage device (340) by the transport device (12) moves to the storage device (340); and the control unit (142) controls the moving unit (302) to store the rack in the storage device (340) in the first manner when the first mode is selected by the setting unit (230), and controls the moving unit (302) to store the rack in the storage device (340) in the second manner when the second mode is selected by the setting unit (230).

[0011] According to this aspect, the setting unit can set the storage method of the plurality of racks. Thus, in the inspection system, an appropriate storage method of the racks can be set according to the layout of the inspection device and the transport device.

[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, the storage device (240) involved in another embodiment of the present invention is a storage device (240) for storing a rack (R) capable of holding a container (A), and the storage device comprises: a storage portion (loading table 130) capable of storing a plurality of racks (R); a setting unit (refer to Figure 7 :230), setting a first mode for accommodating a plurality of racks (R) from a first reference position (first end 130a) of the accommodating portion (loading table 130) and a second mode for accommodating a plurality of racks from a second reference position (second end 130b) of the accommodating portion (loading table 130) that is different from the first reference position (first end 130a); and a moving unit (referring to Figure 7 : 102), moves the rack (R) according to the mode set by the setting unit.

[0013] According to this method, by setting the first mode using the setting unit, multiple racks are stored starting from the first reference position in the storage section. Furthermore, by setting the second mode using the setting unit, multiple racks are stored starting from the second reference position in the storage section. This allows the storage device to be set so that racks are stored starting from, for example, near the work position of an operator of the storage device.

[0014] like Figure 1As shown, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a rack storage method for storing a rack (R) capable of holding a container (A), the rack storage method comprising the steps of setting a first mode for storing a plurality of racks starting from a first reference position (first end 130a) of a storage portion (loading table 130) capable of arranging and storing the racks (R) and a second mode for storing a plurality of racks starting from a second reference position (second end 130b) of the storage portion (loading table 130) different from the first reference position (first end 130a) (see Figure 8 :B4, B5); and according to the set mode, the step of moving the rack (R) (refer to Figure 12 :C3~C4, C5~C9).

[0015] According to this aspect, a plurality of racks can be stored starting from the first reference position or the second reference position by setting the mode. Thus, racks can be stored starting from a position suitable for an operator to remove the racks.

[0016] According to the present invention, in the inspection system, the storage device, and the rack storage method, an operator can appropriately take out stored racks regardless of the installation location of the inspection system, the operation of the inspection, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the inspection system in a plan view.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a rack.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the receiving member in a plan view.

[0020] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the loading unit.

[0021] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the first transport mechanism.

[0022] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the second transport mechanism.

[0023] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the inspection system 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the mode setting process.

[0025] Figure 9 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of a setting screen when the first mode is set. Figure 9(b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the setting screen when the second mode is set.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing main processes in the components constituting the inspection system.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the process of selecting the storage unit of the storage rack in the second control unit.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the rack storage process in the storage unit.

[0029] Figure 13 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are plan views showing the rack storage state in the first mode in the storage unit. Figure 13 (e), (f), (g), and (h) are plan views showing the rack storage state in the second mode in the storage member.

[0030] Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing another example of the layout of the inspection system.

[0031] Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing another example of the layout of the inspection system.

[0032] Figure 16 Schematic diagram showing another example of the layout of the inspection system.

[0033] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0034] 1: Inspection system; 10: Loading part; 12: Transporting part; 13, 14: Inspection part; 15, 16: Accommodation part; 17: First control part; 18: Second control part; 100: Loading part; 102: Moving unit; 130: Loading table (accommodation part); 230: Setting unit; 240: Accommodation device; A: Container; R: Shelf; P1: First area; P2: Second area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an inspection system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the inspection system 1 in a top view. Figure 1The areas S1 and S2 indicated by the dashed lines are examples of the main work areas for a worker W working in a room where the inspection system 1 is installed. The work area S1 is the area facing one side of the inspection system 1 when viewed from above, and the work area S2 is the area facing the other side of the inspection system 1. Hereinafter, the side of the inspection system 1 facing the work area S1 is referred to as the "front," and the side of the inspection system 1 facing the work area S2 is referred to as the "rear." The right side of the inspection system 1 when viewed from the front is referred to as the "right," and the left side of the inspection system 1 when viewed from the front is referred to as the "left."

[0036] The inspection system 1 includes loading units 10 and 11, a conveying unit 12, inspection units 13 and 14, storage units 15 and 16, a first control unit 17, and a second control unit 18. In this embodiment, the storage units 15 and 16 and the second control unit 18 constitute a storage device 240.

[0037] The operator places a rack R holding a plurality of containers A containing specimens in the carrying-in unit 10. The carrying-in unit 10 is configured to be able to place a plurality of racks R and to sequentially carry each rack R to the carrying-in unit 11. The rack R has, for example, Figure 2 The plurality of holding holes R1 arranged in a row are shown as being capable of holding a container A inserted into the holding holes R1. A barcode label BL1 is attached to the container A, and a barcode BC1 including identification information of the container A is printed on the barcode label BL1. A barcode label BL2 is attached to the rack R, and a barcode BC2 including identification information of the rack R is printed on the barcode label BL2.

[0038] Figure 1 The illustrated loading unit 10 includes a table 30 on which racks R can be arranged in a longitudinal direction. The racks R are arranged on the table 30 so that containers A are arranged side by side. The loading unit 10 can move the rack R arranged at the frontmost portion of the table 30 to the rearmost portion in the longitudinal direction, and then move the rack R to the left at the rearmost portion, unloading the rack R to the loading unit 11 adjacent to the left.

[0039] The loading unit 11 has a loading platform 31 on which the racks R can be arranged in the front-to-back direction. The loading unit 11 can move the rack R loaded at the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction on the loading platform 31. Furthermore, the loading unit 11 can move the rack R to the left at the front and carry the rack R out to the conveying unit 12 adjacent to the left. The loading unit 11 has a rack information reading unit 21 composed of a barcode reader. The rack information reading unit 21 is provided at the rear of the loading unit 11 and can read the racks R and containers A loaded into the loading unit 11. Figure 2The barcodes BC1 and BC2 shown acquire the identification information of the rack R and the container A.

[0040] The conveying unit 12 includes a conveying path 50 for conveying the rack R received from the loading unit 11 to the storage unit 15 which is a predetermined distance away on the left side from the loading unit 11. The conveying path 50 includes a main conveying path 51 and two inspection paths 53. The main conveying path 51 is formed in a straight line that is long in the left-right direction, and can convey the rack R from the loading unit 11 to the storage unit 15 in a straight line. The two inspection paths 53 are respectively provided on the rear side of the main conveying path 51, and convey the rack R on the main conveying path 51 to the front of the inspection unit 13 and the front of the inspection unit 14. Each of the two inspection paths 53 is configured to branch from the main conveying path 51, pass in front of the inspection units 13 and 14, and return to the main conveying path 51 again. The conveying unit 12 can convey the rack R brought in from the loading unit 11 to the recovery unit 15 on the left side of the main conveying path 51 via one or both of the inspection paths 53. Furthermore, the transport unit 12 is configured to stop the rack R in front of the inspection units 13 and 14 in the inspection path 53 .

[0041] The inspection units 13 and 14 are units that inspect specimens, such as blood coagulation analyzers and blood immunoassay units. The inspection units 13 and 14 have a square shape when viewed from above and are located adjacent to the rear of the inspection path 53 of the transport unit 12. The specimens held in the containers A transported by the transport unit 12 to the inspection path 53 are inspected by either or both of the inspection units 13 and 14. The inspection units 13 and 14 include a rack setting unit 70 and a specimen extraction arm 71. The rack setting unit 70 is located to the right of the inspection units 13 and 14, allowing the operator to directly set the racks R. The specimen extraction arm 71 is configured to extract the containers A from the racks R in the rack setting unit 70 and from the racks R that are stopped in the inspection path 53. The specimen extraction arm 71 extracts the specimens from the containers A for inspection and introduces them into the inspection units 13 and 14.

[0042] The receiving parts 15 and 16 are parts for receiving the racks R brought in from the conveying part 12. Each rack R brought in from the conveying part 12 is received in one of the receiving parts 15 and 16. The receiving parts 15 and 16 are long in the front-to-back direction and have a loading platform (receiving part) 130 on which the racks R can be arranged in the front-to-back direction. The rack R brought in to the frontmost part can be transferred to the loading platform 130 and received. The receiving parts 15 and 16 can receive a plurality of racks starting from the first end (first reference position) 130a on the front side of the loading platform 130, and can receive a maximum of 25 racks R on the loading platform 130. In addition, the receiving parts 15 and 16 can also receive a plurality of racks R starting from the second end (second reference position) 130b on the rear side of the loading platform 130, and can receive a maximum of 25 racks R on the loading platform 130.

[0043] The first control unit 17 is a computer connected to the inspection units 13 and 14 to manage information related to specimen inspection and control the operations of the inspection units 13 and 14. The first control unit 17 is also communicatively connected to the second control unit 18 and the host computer 19 via the in-facility network N.

[0044] The display unit 250 is connected to the first control unit 17 and is a display that displays information related to the inspection of the specimen and information related to the operations of the inspection units 13 and 14 .

[0045] The second control unit 18 is located to the right of the loading unit 10 and is connected to the loading units 10 and 11, the transport unit 12, and the storage units 15 and 16 via dedicated lines. It manages the transport status of the racks R and controls the transport destination of the racks R. The display unit 180 is connected to the second control unit 18 and displays a setting screen for the storage units 15 and 16 of the inspection system 1.

[0046] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing a plan view of the storage units 15 and 16. Each of the storage units 15 and 16 includes a loading section 100 into which racks R are loaded, a loading platform 130 capable of accommodating up to 25 racks R, and a moving unit 102 for moving the racks R loaded into the loading section 100 to the loading platform 130.

[0047] The loading section 100 is located in front of the storage units 15 and 16. Located on an extension of the main conveying path 51 of the conveying unit 12, the loading section 100 loads racks R in an orientation where the containers A are arranged in a horizontal direction. The loading section 100 has a width in the front-to-back direction and a length in the left-to-right direction sufficient to accommodate a single rack R. A sensor 123 is provided in the loading section 100 to detect when a rack R has been loaded. The sensor 123 is an infrared sensor.

[0048] The loading unit 100 has the following features: Figure 4 The belt conveyor 110 shown. The belt conveyor 110 has two rollers 121 arranged in a horizontal direction, a belt 120 wound between the two rollers 121, and a driving source 124 connected to the rollers 121. The two rollers 121 are rotated by the driving source 124. The belt 120 is rotated by the rollers 121. The carrying-in section 100 can receive the rack R from the conveying path 50 of the conveying part 12 by rotating the belt 120 using the driving source 124, and move the rack R to the center of the carrying-in section 100 in the horizontal direction. In addition, the carrying-in section 100 of the storage section 15 can also carry the rack R out to the carrying-in section 100 of the storage section 16 adjacent on the left.

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, the loading platform 130 is located behind the storage components 15 and 16 in a plan view, adjacent to the rear side of the loading section 100. The loading platform 130 is formed from a horizontal rectangular plate that is long in the front-to-back direction. Up to 25 racks R arranged with containers A aligned in the left-right direction can be arranged and stored on the loading platform 130. Furthermore, the loading platform 130 has a length of at least 50 cm in the front-to-back direction.

[0050] The moving unit 102 includes a first conveying mechanism 140, a second conveying mechanism 141, and a control unit 142. The first conveying mechanism 140 moves the rack R of the loading unit 100 toward the first end (first reference position) 130a on the front side of the loading platform 130 and toward the rear. The second conveying mechanism 141 moves the rack R on the loading platform 130 toward the second end (second reference position) 130b on the rear side of the loading platform 130 and toward the rear. The control unit 142 receives an instruction from the second control unit 18 to set the mode to the first mode or the second mode, and controls the first conveying mechanism 140 and the second conveying mechanism 141 according to the set mode.

[0051] In the first mode, the moving unit 102 stores the plurality of racks R starting from the first end portion 130 a of the mounting table 130 via the first conveying mechanism 140 . Figure 3 The first area P1 shown represents the area on the front side of the loading platform 130 where three racks R are stored. The first area P1 extends from the first end 130a to the position where the three racks R are stored, toward the rear side of the loading platform 130. As the number of racks R increases, the area where the racks R are stored expands toward the rear side of the loading platform 130. When 25 racks R are stored on the loading platform 130, the racks R are stored in the entire area of the loading platform 130 from the first end 130a to the second end 130b.

[0052] In the second mode, the moving unit 102 stores the plurality of racks R starting from the second end portion 130 b of the mounting table 130 b using the first transport mechanism 140 and the second transport mechanism 141 . Figure 3 The second area P2 shown represents the area on the rear side of the loading platform 130 where three racks R are stored. The second area P2 extends from the second end 130b to the position where the three racks R are stored, all the way to the front side of the loading platform 130. As the number of racks R increases, the area where the racks R are stored expands toward the front side of the loading platform 130. When 25 racks R are stored on the loading platform 130, the racks R are stored in the entire area of the loading platform 130 from the second end 130b to the first end 130a.

[0053] Figure 514. It is a top view showing a state in which the first conveying mechanism 140 is exposed from the receiving parts 15 and 16. The first conveying mechanism 140 includes a flat-plate-shaped pushing member 150 that is long in the left-right direction and a driving unit 151 that moves the pushing member 150 in the front-to-back direction. The driving unit 151 is configured to convert the rotation of the motor into the front-to-back movement of the pushing member 150 through gears. The pushing member 150 is configured to have a position Q1 that is located in front of the loading section 100 as an initial position. The driving of the driving unit 151 is controlled by the control unit 142. The first conveying mechanism 140 moves the pushing member 150 to a position Q2 that is a certain distance rearward from the preset initial position Q1 by the driving unit 151 controlled by the control unit 142, thereby being able to push the rack R of the loading section 100 with the pushing member 150 and move it to the first end 130a.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a top view of the second transport mechanism 141, with the loading platform 130 removed and exposed from the storage units 15 and 16. The second transport mechanism 141 includes two pressing members 160 positioned on either side of the loading platform 130 in the left-right direction, a slider 161 supporting the two pressing members 160, a rail 162 extending across the front-to-back length of the two ends 130a and 130b of the loading platform 130, and a drive mechanism 163 that moves the slider 161 along the rail 162 in the front-to-back direction. The pressing members 160 are positioned at a position Q3, located behind the loading unit 100 and forward of the first end 130a, as their initial position. The drive mechanism 163 includes a belt 164 extending across the two ends 130a and 130b of the loading platform 130, and a drive unit 165 that rotates the belt 164. The slider 161 is attached to the belt 164 so that it can move in the front-to-back direction as the belt 164 rotates. The control unit 142 controls the driving of the drive unit 165. The second conveying mechanism 141 is capable of moving the pressing member 160, which is fixed to the slider 161 via a belt 164, in the front-to-back direction via the drive unit 165 controlled by the control unit 142. The second conveying mechanism 141 moves the pressing member 160 from the initial position Q3 through the first end 130a of the platform 130 to the front of the wall 170 on the second end 130b side, thereby moving the rack R positioned at the first end 130a toward the second end 130b. The two pressing members 160 are each configured to transition between an initial state α1 and a retracted state α2, with springs returning the retracted state α2 to the initial state α1. When the rack R moves from the loading section 100 to the first end 130a, the pressing member 160 is pressed by the rack R and rotates from the initial state α1 to the retracted state α2, thereby retracting from the rack R's rails. Then, when the rack R reaches the first end portion 130 a , the rack returns from the retracted state α2 to the initial state α1 , and the rack R can be moved rearward.

[0055] Furthermore, the second conveying mechanism 141 includes a sensor 171 on the wall 170 on the second end 130b side for detecting the presence or absence of pressure. The sensor 171 detects pressure by moving the wall 170 on the second end 130b side rearward. The information detected by the sensor 171 is output to the control unit 142. Based on this information, the control unit 142 can stop the drive unit 165 and thus stop the movement of the pressing member 160. Thus, the second conveying mechanism 141 can move the rack R on the platform 130 rearward using the pressing member 160, moving the rack R until the sensor 170 detects pressure.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of each component that constitutes the inspection system 1. The storage unit 15 includes, in addition to the aforementioned control unit 142, belt conveyor 110 and sensor 123, first conveying mechanism 140, and second conveying mechanism 141, a communication unit 175. The communication unit 175 is configured to communicate with the second control unit 18. The control unit 142, first conveying mechanism 140, and second conveying mechanism 141 constitute the moving unit 102. The control unit 142 includes a CPU 176 and a memory 177. The CPU 176 executes a program stored in the memory 177 to perform storage processing for the racks R in the storage unit 15. The memory 177 includes storage media such as ROM, RAM, and a memory card, and stores the program for executing the storage processing for the racks R. It also stores the program's execution file, data generated by the execution of the program, and data such as setting information obtained from the second control unit 18 via the communication unit 175.

[0057] The first control unit 17 includes a control unit 220, a communication unit 221, a hard disk 222, an input unit 225, and a display unit 250. The communication unit 221 is configured to communicate with the inspection units 13 and 14. Furthermore, the communication unit 221 is configured to communicate with the second control unit 18 and the host computer 19 via a network N. The hard disk 222 stores programs and various data for executing various processes. The control unit 220 includes a CPU 223 and a memory 224. The CPU 223 reads programs stored on the hard disk 222 and expands them into the memory 224 to execute the various programs. The memory 224 stores program execution files, data generated by executing the programs, and data obtained from external inspection units 13 and 14, the host computer 19, and the second control unit 18 via the communication unit 221. By executing the programs, the control unit 220 obtains the sample ID of the sample being inspected by the inspection units 13 and 14 and queries the host computer 19 for measurement commands. Furthermore, the control unit 220 analyzes the measurement results detected by the inspection units 13 and 14 and transmits the analysis results to the host computer 19. The measurement order means a measurement item registered in advance in association with the specimen ID.

[0058] The second control unit 18 includes a control unit 210, a communication unit 211, a hard disk 213, an input unit 212, and a display unit 180. The communication unit 211 can communicate with the loading units 10 and 11, the conveying unit 12, the storage units 15 and 16, and the first control unit 17. In addition, the communication unit 211 can communicate with the first control unit 17 and the host computer 19 via the network N. The hard disk 213 stores programs for executing various processes and various setting information. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 214 and a memory 215. The CPU 214 reads the program stored in the hard disk 213 and expands it in the memory 215 to execute the program. The memory 215 stores the program execution file, data generated by the execution of the program, and data obtained from the external loading units 10 and 11, the conveying unit 12, the storage units 15 and 16, the first control unit 17, and the host computer 19 via the communication unit 211. The control unit 210 obtains signals from each of the loading parts 10, 11, the transporting part 12, and the storage parts 15, 16 through the communication unit 211 by executing the program, detecting the passage of the rack R at the predetermined position, and sends and receives signals between each part in a manner to indicate the transport destination of the rack R.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 210 of the second control unit 18, the communication unit 211, and the hard disk 213 together constitute a setting unit 230. The setting unit 230 is a unit that realizes the function of setting the first mode and the second mode for the storage units 15 and 16, and can execute the mode setting process when the inspection system 1 is in a state where various settings can be changed.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the mode setting process performed by the control unit 210 constituting the setting unit 230. Figure 7 The symbols shown are explained. In the mode setting process, the control unit 210 first reads the setting information about the previously set mode from the hard disk 213 (step B1). Next, the control unit 210 displays the setting screen for setting the mode on the display unit 180 (step B2). The setting screen is a screen corresponding to the read setting information. Then, the control unit 210 uses the input unit 212 to accept the operation input for the setting screen, and after determining the next mode (step B3: "Yes"), it generates the setting information of the mode and sends it to the storage component 15 and the storage component 16 via the communication unit 211 (step B4). As a result, the control unit 142 of each of the storage components 15 and 16 stores the received setting information in the memory 177 (step B5), and then performs the action in the mode corresponding to the setting information. The mode set for the storage component 15 and the mode set for the storage component 16 can be the same as or different from each other.

[0061] In the setting process of the above-mentioned mode, the display unit 180 displays the following information: Figure 9 (a) Figure 9 In the setting screen 190 shown in FIG. (b), the mode for storing components 15 and 16 is determined by inputting operations corresponding to the setting screen 190 using the input unit 212. The setting screen 190 includes a selection item 200 for selecting the mode to be set, a display item 201 for displaying the component layout 203 of the inspection system, and a decision button 202 for accepting an operation for determining the mode. The selection item 200 is an area that displays a pull-down menu for accepting a selection operation for selecting whether to store racks R starting from the first end 130a on the front side of the loading platform 130 by setting the first mode or starting from the second end 130b on the rear side of the loading platform 130 by setting the second mode. The decision button 202 is an area for accepting a decision operation for confirming the selection in the selection item 200. Furthermore, an object 204, whose display position changes in conjunction with the selection in the selection item 200, is displayed on the component layout 203 of the display item 201.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), when the operator selects "front side" in the pull-down menu of the selection item 200, the target 204 is displayed at the corresponding front side position on the recovery components 15 and 16 of the component layout 203. Next, when the operator operates the operation item 202, it is determined that the first mode is selected as the mode corresponding to the selection in the selection item 200, and the corresponding setting information is sent from the second control component 18 to the storage components 15 and 16. As a result, the storage components 15 and 16 operate in the first mode corresponding to the received setting information. On the other hand, as Figure 9 As shown in (b), when the operator selects "Rear" from the pull-down menu of selection item 200, target 204 is displayed at the corresponding rear position on the collection components 15 and 16 in component layout 203. Next, when the operator operates operation item 202, the second mode corresponding to the selection in selection item 200 is selected, and the corresponding setting information is transmitted from second control unit 18 to storage components 15 and 16. As a result, storage components 15 and 16 operate in the second mode corresponding to the received setting information. In this manner, the mode for storage components 15 and 16 is selected using setting screen 190.

[0063] When the first mode is set by the above-mentioned mode setting, Figure 3The illustrated receiving members 15 and 16 begin to receive a plurality of racks R starting at the first end 130a. As the number of racks R increases, the racks R are stored from the first end 130a of the mounting platform 130 to the rear. Furthermore, when the second mode is set, the receiving members 15 and 16 begin to receive a plurality of racks R starting at the second end 130b. As the number of racks R increases, the racks R are stored from the second end 130b of the mounting platform 130 to the front.

[0064] Next, main processes of various components from carrying in to storing the racks R in the inspection system 1 configured as described above will be described. Figure 10 1 is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the loading units 10 and 11, the conveying unit 12, the storage units 15 and 16, and the second control unit 18. Figure 1 、 3 , 7, and Figure 9 The symbols shown are explained.

[0065] When the loading unit 10 is loaded with a rack R containing multiple containers A containing unexamined specimens, it moves the rack R to the rear, then to the left at the rear, and delivers it to the loading unit 11 (step T1). The loading unit 11 uses the rack information reader 21 to read the barcodes BC1 and BC2 of the rack R and container A delivered from the loading unit 10, obtains the identification information of the rack R and container A, and transmits the obtained identification information of the rack R and container A to the second control unit 18 (step T2). Furthermore, the loading unit 11 moves the rack R from the rear to the front, then to the left at the front, and delivers the rack R to the transport unit 12 (step T3). The control unit 220 of the second control unit 18 determines the transport destination of the rack R based on the received information and notifies the transport unit 12 and the storage units 15 and 16 (step T4). At this time, the control unit 220 of the second control unit 18 determines the transport destination of the rack R so that the inspection load is distributed between the two inspection units 13 and 14 and the number of racks stored in the two storage units 15 and 16 is distributed. Based on the transport destination information of the rack R received from the second control unit 18, the transport unit 12 transfers the rack R from the main transport path 51 to the inspection path 53 and transports it to either or both of the inspection units 13 and 14. The rack R, having been inspected by the inspection units 13 and 14, is then unloaded from the inspection path 53 to the main transport path 51 and transported to the storage unit 15 (step T5). Based on the transport destination information of the rack R received from the second control unit 18, the storage unit 15 either stores the rack on the loading platform 130 or transfers the rack R to the storage unit 16 (step T6). The storage unit 16 stores the rack R sent from the storage unit 15 on the loading platform 130 (step T7).

[0066] When the second control unit 18 determines which of the storage units 15 and 16 the rack R is to be transported to (step T4), the second control unit 18 can use Figure 11 The processing flow shown. Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the selection process for selecting which of the storage units 15 and 16 the racks in the second control unit 18 are to be stored. The control unit 210 of the second control unit 18 determines the number N of racks R stored in the storage unit 15 (step D1) and the number M of racks R stored in the storage unit 16 (step D2). The second control unit 18 then compares the number N with the number M (step D3). If the number N is greater than the number M, the storage unit 16 is selected as the next storage destination for the racks R (step D4). If the number N is less than the number M, the storage unit 15 is selected as the next storage destination for the racks R (step D5). This disperses the number of racks R stored in the storage unit 15 and the storage unit 16.

[0067] Figure 12 The following shows the flow of the rack R storage process performed by the storage units 15 and 16. The control unit 142 of the storage units 15 and 16 reads the setting information about the mode stored in the memory 177 (step C1), and determines whether to adopt the first mode or the second mode based on the read setting information (step C2).

[0068] When the control unit 142 of the storage units 15 and 16 determines that the first mode is being used, and when the sensor 123 of the loading unit 100 detects that a rack R has been loaded into the loading unit 100 (step C3: "Yes"), it drives the first conveying mechanism 140 to move the rack R in the loading unit 100 to the first end 130a (step C4). Each time the control unit 142 detects that a rack R has been loaded into the loading unit 100, it repeatedly moves the rack R toward the first end 130a. Through this process, the first conveying mechanism 140 uses the pushing member 150 to sequentially move the racks R to the first end 130a in front of the loading platform 130. Therefore, multiple racks R can be stored starting from the first end 130a, with a maximum of 25 racks R being stored.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit 142 of the storage units 15 and 16 determines that the second mode is being used, if the sensor 123 of the loading unit 100 detects that the rack R has been loaded into the loading unit 100 (step C5: "Yes"), the control unit 142 drives the first conveying mechanism 140 to move the rack R in the loading unit 100 to the first end 130a (step C6). Subsequently, the control unit 142 drives the second conveying mechanism 141 to convey the rack R toward the second end 130b (step C7). Then, if the sensor 171 of the second conveying mechanism 141 detects pressure due to the rack R pressing against the wall 170 adjacent to the second end 130b (step C8: "Yes"), the control unit 142 stops driving the second conveying mechanism 141 (step C9).

[0070] Whenever the control unit 142 detects that a rack R has been loaded into the loading unit 100, it repeatedly transports the rack R using the first transport mechanism 140 and the second transport mechanism 141. Through this process, the second transport mechanism 141 uses the pressing member 160 to move the rack R to the rear of the loading platform 130, moving the rack R until it abuts against the wall 170 on the second end 130b side or against a rack R already stored on the second end 130b side (an existing rack R). The rack R pushes against the wall 170, causing the sensor 171 to react. This allows multiple racks R to be stored starting from the second end 130b, with a maximum of 25 racks R being stored.

[0071] Figure 13 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are top views schematically showing changes in the storage conditions of the racks R in the first mode in the storage components 15 and 16. In the first mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (a), the rack R1 initially carried into the carrying-in portion 100 of the storage components 15 and 16 is as follows. Figure 13 As shown in (b), the first end portion 130a of the mounting table 130 is conveyed by the pressing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140. Figure 13 The next rack R2 carried into the carrying-in section 100 as shown in (c) is as follows. Figure 13 As shown in (d), the racks R are conveyed to the first end 130a of the loading platform 130 by the pushing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140. As a result, the rack R1 conveyed first is pushed by the rack R2 and moves to a rear position adjacent to one rack in the first area P1. As described above, the plurality of racks R brought into the loading section 100 are conveyed to the first end 130a by the pushing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140, pushing the existing racks R on the loading platform 130 and moving them rearward. As a result, the plurality of racks R are accommodated starting from the first end 130a, sequentially conveyed to the first end 130a, and collected from the first end 130a of the loading platform 130 to the rear. Therefore, in Figure 1In the case where the operator W shown mainly works in the working area S1 in front of the storage parts 15 and 16, for example, if the operation is carried out in a manner of taking out 5 racks R from the storage parts 15 and 16 at a fixed time when the 5 racks R are respectively stored in the storage parts 15 and 16, the operator W can take out 5 racks R from the front side of the storage parts 15 and 16, which can achieve good workability.

[0072] Figure 13 (e), (f), (g), and (h) are top views schematically showing changes in the storage conditions of the racks R in the second mode in the storage components 15 and 16. In the second mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (e), the rack R1 initially carried into the carrying-in portion 100 of the storage components 15 and 16 is as follows. Figure 13 As shown in (f), the first end portion 130a of the loading platform 130 is conveyed by the pressing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140, and then Figure 13 As shown in (g), the rack R2 is conveyed to the second end portion 130b of the mounting table 130 by the pushing member 160 of the second conveying mechanism 141. At this time, the sensor 171 of the second conveying mechanism 141 detects that the wall 170 is pushed by the rack R1. With this detection as an opportunity, the movement of the pushing member 160 stops and the conveyance of the rack R1 stops. Next, the rack R2 carried into the carrying-in portion 100 is conveyed backward on the mounting table 130 by the pushing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140 and the pushing member 160 of the second conveying mechanism 141, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (h), it moves to the front corresponding to one shelf amount from the second end 130b. At this time, the rack R1 and the wall 170 are pushed by the rack R2, so this situation is detected by the sensor 171 and the movement of the pushing member 160 stops, and the conveyance of the rack R2 stops. As described above, the multiple racks R carried into the carry-in section 100 are received starting from the second end 130b of the platform 130 by the pushing member 150 of the first conveying mechanism 140 and the pushing member 160 of the second conveying mechanism 141, and are sequentially sent to the second end 130b side of the platform 130, and are sequentially received from the second end 130b of the platform 130 to the front. Therefore, in Figure 1 The operator W shown is mainly working in the working area S2 behind the storage parts 15 and 16. For example, when the operation is performed in a manner of taking out 5 racks R from the storage parts 15 and 16 at a fixed time when the 5 racks R are stored in each of the storage parts 15 and 16, the operator W can take out 5 racks R from the rear side of the storage parts 15 and 16, which can achieve good workability.

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, by using Figure 7The setting unit 230 shown in the figure sets a mode, and can switch the position where the rack R is to be stored to the front or rear side according to the mode of the storage parts 15 and 16. Therefore, the rack R can be stored starting from a position closer to the work area S of the operator W, making it easier for the operator W to remove the rack R from the loading platform 130.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the first end 130a and the second end 130b are on the same horizontal plane, so there is no need to move the rack R in the vertical direction, and the first moving mechanism 140 and the second moving mechanism 141 can be constructed without complicating them. In the first mode, the first rack to be accommodated is stopped at the first end 130a, and the racks are arranged from the first end 130a toward the rear (first direction) toward the center of the loading platform 130, making it easier for the operator working in the front to remove the rack. Similarly, in the second mode, the first rack to be accommodated is stopped at the second end 130b, and the racks are arranged from the second end 130b toward the front (second direction) toward the center of the loading platform 130, making it easier for the operator working in the rear to remove the rack. This effectively simplifies the operation of the operator W removing the rack R from the loading platform 130.

[0075] The moving unit 102 includes: a first conveying mechanism 140 for moving the rack R of the loading section 100 to the loading platform 130; and a second conveying mechanism 141 for moving the rack R on the loading platform 130, so that they can be made into simple structures respectively, and the rack R can be appropriately moved to the loading platform 130 through the moving unit 102.

[0076] The first transport mechanism 140 is configured to move the racks R from the loading unit 100 a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction to the first end portion 130a of the loading platform 130. This eliminates the need to control the movement distance of each rack R, allowing the racks R to be moved to the loading platform 130 with simple control.

[0077] The second transport mechanism 141 is configured to move the rack R on the mounting table 130 to abut against the wall 170 of the second end portion 130b of the mounting table 130 or to another rack R already stored on the second end portion 130b side. This eliminates the need to manage the positions of the individual racks R in a storage device and eliminates the need for complex control, allowing the racks R to be moved to the mounting table 130 using simple control.

[0078] The receiving parts 15 and 16 are equipped with a sensor 171 for detecting that the wall 170 of the second end portion 130b of the loading platform 130 is pressed. Thus, the sensor 171 can detect that the rack R on the loading platform 130 has moved to abut against the wall 170 of the second end portion 130b of the loading platform 130 or that another rack R has been received on the second end portion 130b side, thereby making it possible to easily control the movement of the rack R.

[0079] like Figure 9 The inspection system 1 shown includes a display unit 180 that displays a setting screen 190 for setting a starting position for storing racks R. The setting unit 230 changes the starting position for storing racks R on the mounting table 130 of the moving unit 102 based on the setting on the setting screen 190 of the display unit 180. This allows the operator W to start storing racks R at an appropriate position on the mounting table 130.

[0080] The setting screen 190 includes a selection item 200 for selecting a position at which the racks R are to be stored. This allows the operator to appropriately select a position at which the racks R are to be stored.

[0081] The display item 201 changes its display in conjunction with the selection of the selection item 200. This makes it easier to understand the area of the centralized rack in the layout 203 of the storage device 240 displayed on the setting screen 190.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the inspection system 1 includes a loading unit 10, inspection units 13 and 14, a storage device 240, and a conveying unit 12. The inspection units 13 and 14 are arranged adjacent to the conveying path 50 of the conveying unit 12, and are capable of retrieving a container of racks R from the conveying path. While the inspection system 1 described above tends to be large, the work area S of the operator W tends to be wide. However, in the inspection system 1, the position on the stage 130 where the racks R are first stored can be changed using the setting unit 230. This significantly increases the advantage of changing the position on the stage 130 where the racks R are first stored to a position closer to the work area of the operator W. Consequently, the operator W can more easily remove the racks R from the stage 130.

[0083] In the inspection system 1, the conveyor path 50 extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the loading section 100 of the storage device 240. The loading platform 130 extends in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the conveyor path 50. In this case, the work area S of the worker W is divided into two sides: the front side and the rear side of the conveyor path 50. In the above-described inspection system 1, the ability to change the position on the loading platform 130 at which the racks R are to be stored is a significant advantage.

[0084] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various variations or modifications within the scope of the concepts described in the claims, and these naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, Figure 7 The second control component 18 shown in the figure includes the setting unit 230, but another component may also include the setting unit 230. For example, the storage components 15 and 16 and the first control component 17 may have the function of the setting unit 230, or two or more of the storage components 15 and 16, the first control component 17, or the second control component 18 may cooperate to have the function of the setting unit 230.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, in the above embodiment, the setting unit 230 of the storage device 240 sets the storage method of the sample rack in the storage device 240, and according to the setting, the control unit 142 of the storage device 240 controls the first transport mechanism 140 and the second transport mechanism 141. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may also be as follows. Figure 16 The setting unit 230 and the control unit 142 are provided independently from the storage device 240 . Figure 16 Reference numeral 315 in the figure denotes a control unit having the independently provided control unit 142 , and the control unit includes the hard disk 222 and the communication unit 175 a .

[0087] Figure 13 The positions on the platform 130 shown as the starting position for storing racks R are not limited to the first end 130a and the second end 130b. For example, the racks R can be stored from the reference position in front of the platform 130 toward the front. Alternatively, the racks R can be stored from the reference position toward the rear of the platform 130. The first reference position and the second reference position can also be located at different heights on different horizontal planes. For example, a structure in which the racks R are transported in the vertical direction can also be employed. The number of areas set as the starting position for storing racks R is not limited to two, and can be three or more.

[0088] The structure of the receiving parts 15 and 16 is also not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the receiving part can also be configured to arrange a plurality of racks R in the left-right direction. In addition, the receiving part can also have a plurality of carry-in parts. For example, two carry-in parts 100 can be arranged in parallel in the front-to-back direction on the front or rear side of the receiving part. In addition, a carry-in part 100 can be provided on the front and rear sides of the receiving part respectively. In addition, one carry-in part 100 can be provided near the center of the front-to-back direction of the loading platform 12. The structure and operation of the moving unit 102 are also not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in the first mode, not only the first conveying mechanism 140 but also the second conveying mechanism 141 can be operated. In addition, it can be configured so that in the second mode, the rack R is transported only by the first conveying mechanism 140.

[0089] The structure of the inspection system 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the layout of the components of the inspection system is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and the number and position of the receiving components 15 and 16 can also be changed appropriately. Figure 14 The receiving part 15 shown can also be one. Figure 15 As shown, the storage units 15 and 16 may be provided adjacent to the loading unit 10. In this case, the transport path 50 may include an outgoing path 50a extending from the loading unit 11 (the loading unit 10 side) toward the inspection units 13 and 14, and a return path 50b extending from the inspection units 13 and 14 side toward the storage units 15 and 16. The structure of the transport path 50 may be modified as appropriate depending on the component layout of the inspection system 1. The storage device and inspection system according to the present invention are not particularly limited to the type of specimen or the type of inspection.

[0090] Industrial Applicability

[0091] The present invention is useful in providing an inspection system, a storage device, and a rack storage method capable of setting the storage of racks according to the conditions of a facility.

Claims

1. An inspection system comprising: an inspection device for inspecting a specimen held in a container on a rack; a transport device that transports a rack holding containers of specimens inspected by the inspection device; and a receiving device for receiving the racks transported by the transport device; The receiving device comprises: A storage section capable of storing a plurality of racks, wherein the storage section (15, 16) has a shape long in the front-to-back direction and has a loading platform (130) capable of arranging the racks (R) in the front-to-back direction, so that the rack (R) brought into the frontmost portion can be transported to the loading platform (130) for storage; and The moving unit (102) moves the rack (R) loaded into the loading section (100) to the loading platform (130), and the moving unit (102) includes a first conveying mechanism (140) and a second conveying mechanism (141). The first conveying mechanism (140) moves the rack (R) of the loading section (100) toward the first end (130a) on the front side of the loading platform (130) to the rear, and the second conveying mechanism (141) moves the rack (R) on the loading platform (130) from the first end (130a) toward the second end (130b) on the rear side of the loading platform (130) to the rear. The receiving device is characterized in that it further comprises: The setting unit sets the first mode and the second mode for accommodating multiple racks. In the first mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) receives a plurality of racks (R) starting from the first end (130a) of the mounting table (130). In the second mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) and the second conveying mechanism (141) receive a plurality of racks (R) starting from the second end portion (130b) of the mounting platform (130). The moving unit moves the rack according to the mode set by the setting unit.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein: A sensor (171) is also provided, which detects the pressure from the rack (R) on the wall (170) of the second end portion (130b) of the storage portion (15, 16).

3. The inspection system (1) according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a display unit (180) that displays a setting screen for setting the mode. The setting unit (230) sets a mode selected by an operation input based on the setting screen.

4. Inspection system (1) according to claim 3, wherein The setting screen includes selection items for selecting the first mode and the second mode. The setting unit (230) sets a mode according to the selection of the selection item.

5. A storage device that stores a rack capable of holding one or more containers of a specimen inspected by an inspection device, the storage device comprising: A storage section capable of storing a plurality of racks, wherein the storage section (15, 16) has a shape long in the front-to-back direction and has a loading platform (130) capable of arranging the racks (R) in the front-to-back direction, so that the rack (R) brought into the frontmost portion can be transported to the loading platform (130) for storage; and The moving unit (102) moves the rack (R) carried into the carrying-in portion (100) to the loading platform (130), and the moving unit (102) includes a first conveying mechanism (140) and a second conveying mechanism (141). The first conveying mechanism (140) moves the rack (R) of the carrying-in portion toward the first end portion (130a) on the front side of the loading platform (130) to the rear, and the second conveying mechanism (141) moves the rack (R) on the loading platform (130) from the first end portion (130a) toward the second end portion (130b) on the rear side of the loading platform (130) to the rear. The receiving device is characterized in that it further comprises: The setting unit (230) sets the first mode and the second mode for starting to accommodate a plurality of racks. In the first mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) receives a plurality of racks (R) starting from the first end (130a) of the mounting table (130). In the second mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) and the second conveying mechanism (141) receive a plurality of racks (R) starting from the second end portion (130b) of the mounting platform (130). The moving unit (102) moves the rack (R) according to the mode set by the setting unit (230).

6. A rack storage method for storing a rack capable of holding one or more containers of a specimen inspected by an inspection device in the storage device according to claim 5, the rack storage method comprising: The step of setting the mode for starting to accommodate a plurality of racks (R) is as follows: In the first mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) receives a plurality of racks (R) starting from a first end portion (130a) of the loading platform (130); and in the second mode, the first conveying mechanism (140) and the second conveying mechanism (141) receive a plurality of racks (R) starting from a second end portion (130b) of the loading platform (130); and Steps to move the rack (R) according to the set mode.

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