Plate supply system, plate changer and analysis device

Abstract

The present invention provides a plate supply system, a plate changer and an analysis device that can flexibly cope with the number of plates that can be supplied to an automatic sampler according to user needs. The present invention provides a plate changer that supplies a plate containing a sample to an automatic sampler included in an analysis device, and includes: a receiving portion that receives the plate; and a plate conveying device that conveys the plate by holding the plate, and the plate conveying device receives the plate from a first plate changer disposed on one side of the plate changer, and conveys the plate received from the first plate changer to a second plate changer or an automatic sampler disposed on the other side of the plate changer, or conveys the plate contained in the receiving portion to the second plate changer or the automatic sampler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a plate supply system, a plate changer for supplying plates to an automatic sample injector, and an analysis device. Background Art

[0002] An analysis device such as a liquid chromatograph uses an autosampler that continuously supplies a sample to an analysis channel. The autosampler draws a sample from a sample bottle contained in a plate or a well provided in the plate and injects the sample into the analysis channel.

[0003] When a large number of samples are analyzed and processed in an analysis device, a large number of plates are required. If the number of plates contained in the autosampler is increased, the size of the autosampler needs to be increased. If the size of the autosampler is increased, the driving range of the needle for aspirating and injecting the sample becomes wider, so the mechanism of the driving system also becomes larger.

[0004] Therefore, a device called a plate changer has been used in the past, which has racks in which a large number of storage plates are arranged in the vertical direction. The plate changer includes a plate transport device. The plate transport device takes out the plates stored in the rack and supplies the plates to the automatic sample injector. As a result, a large number of plates can be used for analysis and processing without increasing the structure of the automatic sample injector. A rack changer is disclosed in the following patent document 1. In the rack changer in patent document 1, the container transport device transports the rack to the sample automatic injection device, and after the sample is injected, the rack is moved back to the original storage place.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-189362 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, the plate changer can store a large number of plates on the rack. However, the number of plates required varies from user to user. Increasing or decreasing the number of plates on the rack for each user will increase the manufacturing cost of the plate changer. In addition, when the number of plates required by the user increases, the user needs to purchase a new plate changer with a larger number of plates, which increases the cost.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a plate changer that can flexibly cope with the number of plates that can be supplied to an autosampler according to user needs.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] The first form of the present invention relates to a plate changer, which supplies a plate containing a sample to an automatic sampler included in an analysis device, and includes: a receiving portion, which receives the plate; and a plate transporting device, which transports the plate by holding the plate, and the plate transporting device receives the plate from a first plate changer arranged on one side of the plate changer, and transmits the plate received from the first plate changer to a second plate changer or automatic sampler arranged on the other side of the plate changer, or transmits the plate contained in the receiving portion to the second plate changer or automatic sampler.

[0011] One form of the present invention relates to an analysis device, comprising: an automatic sample injector; and a plurality of plate changers, which supply plates containing samples to the automatic sample injector; wherein each of the plurality of plate changers has: a plate transport device, which transports the plates by holding the plates; and a housing portion, which houses the plates, one plate changer transfers the plate housed in the housing portion of the one plate changer to another plate changer through the plate transport device of the one plate changer, and the other plate changer transfers the plate received from the one plate changer to the automatic sample injector through the plate transport device of the other plate changer.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the plate changer of the present invention, the number of plates that can be supplied to the autosampler can be flexibly handled according to the needs of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the automatic sample injector and the plate changer according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the internal structure of the automatic sample injector and the plate changer according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the automatic sample injector and the plate changer according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a side view showing the internal structure of the plate changer.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a figure which shows a conveying stage and an analysis stage.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer.

[0026] Fig.13 This figure shows the state in which three plate changers are connected.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a state in which a pre-processing device is connected to the front stage of a plate changer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] (1) Structure of automatic sample injector and plate changer

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B of the present embodiment. In the following description, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction shown in each figure are appropriately referred to. Figures 1 to 12 In the XY plane, the horizontal plane corresponds to the Z direction, and the vertical direction corresponds to the Z direction. Figures 1 to 12 In the description, the case where the X direction is the left-right direction and the Y direction is the front-back direction is taken as an example.

[0030] The automatic sample injector 1 is assembled as a unit in a liquid chromatograph 10 as an analysis device of the present embodiment. The liquid chromatograph 10 also includes a pump unit, a column oven unit, a detector unit, etc. The automatic sample injector 1 continuously supplies a sample to an analysis flow path of the liquid chromatograph 10.

[0031] The plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B supply the plate containing the sample to the automatic sampler 1. The sample is contained in a sample bottle arranged on the plate. A plurality of sample bottles can be arranged on the plate. Or the sample is contained in a hole formed on the plate. A plurality of holes can be formed on the plate. For example, 96 or 384 sample bottles can be contained on the plate or 96 or 384 holes can be formed.

[0032] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the automatic sample injector 1, the plate changer 2A, and the plate changer 2B are arranged along the X-axis direction (left-right direction). That is, the automatic sample injector 1 is arranged on one side (right side) of the plate changer 2A in the X-axis direction, and the plate changer 2B is arranged on the other side (left side) of the plate changer 2A in the X-axis direction.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the internal structure of the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 1 is a functional block diagram of the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2A and plate changer 2B of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B are covered by a housing. Figure 2 In the figure, in order to explain the internal structure of the automatic sample injector 1 and the plate changer 2A, 2B, the top surface of the housing is omitted.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the automatic sample injector 1 includes a needle driving unit 120. The needle driving unit 120 includes a Y-axis guide rail 121, an X-axis guide rail 122, and a Z-axis guide 123. The Z-axis guide 123 supports a needle (not shown). The needle injects the sample into the analysis flow path of the liquid chromatograph 10. Figure 3 As shown, the automatic sample injector 1 includes a control unit 11 .

[0035] The Y-axis guide rail 121 extends along the Y-axis direction. The X-axis guide rail 122 extends along the X-axis direction. The X-axis guide rail 122 can move in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis guide rail 121. The Z-axis guide 123 can move in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rail 122. The Z-axis guide 123 includes a drive unit that can move forward and backward in the Z-axis direction. Through the above structure, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 moves the X-axis guide rail 122 along the Y-axis guide rail 121, moves the Z-axis guide 123 along the X-axis guide rail 122, and moves the drive unit of the Z-axis guide 123 forward and backward in the Z-axis direction, thereby enabling the needle to move along the three-axis directions of the XYZ axes.

[0036] The control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 controls the automatic sampler 1. The control unit 11 controls the movement of the needle by controlling the X-axis guide 122, the Z-axis guide 123, and the driving unit of the Z-axis guide. The control unit 11 moves the needle to the position of the plate 5, thereby using the needle to absorb the sample contained in the plate 5. In addition, the control unit 11 moves the needle to the injection port of the analysis path, thereby injecting the sample aspirated by the needle into the analysis path.

[0037] The control unit 11 also has a communication function. The control unit 11 communicates with the system controller of the liquid chromatograph 10. Thus, the control unit 11 controls the automatic sample injector 1 according to the instructions of the system controller. In addition, the control unit 11 controls the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B by sending instructions to the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B include a plate transport device 22A and a plate transport device 22B. The plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B also include a rack 23A and a rack 23B for accommodating the plate 5. Figure 2 In the example shown, the rack 23A and the rack 23B are arranged on the front side of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B in the Y-axis direction. Figure 3 As shown, the plate changer 2A, 2B includes a control unit 21A, 21B; a drive unit 24A, 24B; and a recognition unit 25A, 25B.

[0039] The plate conveying device 22A and the plate conveying device 22B are devices for holding and conveying the plate 5. The plate conveying device 22A and the plate conveying device 22B hold the plate 5 by clamping the plate 5 with the arm. The plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B include a driving unit 24A and a driving unit 24B. The plate conveying device 22A and the plate conveying device 22B are driven by the driving unit 24A and the driving unit 24B to perform an advance and retreat action in the Y-axis direction, an elevation action in the Z-axis direction, and a rotation action in the XY plane. In addition, the plate conveying device 22A and the plate conveying device 22B are driven by the driving unit 24A and the driving unit 24B to perform an action of holding and releasing the plate 5 with the arm.

[0040] Figure 4 2A (2B) is a side view showing the internal structure of the plate changer 2A (2B). Figure 4 As shown, the rack 23A and the rack 23B include multiple slots arranged along the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), and each slot can accommodate a board 5. For example, the rack 23A and the rack 23B include 14 slots in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), and can accommodate 14 boards 5.

[0041] The control units 21A and 21B control the plate changers 2A and 2B. The control units 21A and 21B control the drive units 24A and 24B and the identification units 25A and 25B. The plate conveying devices 22A and 22B perform the forward and backward movement in the Y-axis direction, the lifting movement in the Z-axis direction, the rotation movement in the XY plane, and the holding movement of the plate 5 by the control units 21A and 21B controlling the drive units 24A and 24B.

[0042] The identification unit 25A and the identification unit 25B identify the plate 5 accommodated in the rack 23A and the rack 23B. An identifier of the type of the specific plate 5 or the content of the sample accommodated in the plate 5 is displayed on the plate 5. The identification unit 25A and the identification unit 25B obtain the information of the type of the plate 5 or the sample accommodated in the plate 5 by reading the identifier displayed on the plate 5. As the type of the plate 5, there are microplates with 96 holes or microplates with 384 holes. The identifier is, for example, a color, a text, etc. As an identifier, a barcode can also be used. The identification unit 25A and the identification unit 25B can be set near each slot of the rack 23A and the rack 23B. For example, when the rack 23A and the rack 23B include 14 slots, the identification unit 25A and the identification unit 25B are set in each slot. Or the identification unit 25A and the identification unit 25B are set in one place. In such a case, the board conveying devices 22A and 22B take out the board 5 from the rack 23A and 23B, and convey the board 5 to a position where the recognition units 25A and 25B can read the board 5.

[0043] The control unit 21A and the control unit 21B have a communication function. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 11 of the automatic sample injector 1 is connected to the control unit 21A of the plate changer 2A via a communication line 31. In addition, the control unit 21A of the plate changer 2A is connected to the control unit 21B of the plate changer 2B via a communication line 32. In this way, the automatic sample injector 1, the plate changer 2A, and the plate changer 2B are daisy-chain connected via the communication lines 31 and 32.

[0044] (2) Operation of Liquid Chromatograph

[0045] Next, the operation of the liquid chromatograph 10 using the autosampler 1 and the plate changer 2A, 2B according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0046] (2-1) Board identification

[0047] First, the operator prepares a plurality of plates 5 containing samples. As described above, each plate 5 displays an identifier that specifies the type of each plate 5 or the content of the sample contained in each plate 5. The operator stores the prepared plates 5 on the rack 23A and the rack 23B of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B. The housing of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B is provided with a plurality of insertion ports corresponding to the multi-stage slots of the rack 23A and the rack 23B. The operator inserts the prepared plates 5 from the plurality of insertion ports and stores them in the slots of the rack 23A and the rack 23B. The operator can store the plates 5 in any slot of the rack 23A and the rack 23B.

[0048] Next, the recognition units 25A and 25B of the plate changers 2A and 2B recognize the plate 5 accommodated in the racks 23A and 23B. The recognition units 25A and 25B provide the recognition information of the plate 5 to the control units 21A and 21B. The control units 21A and 21B notify the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 of the recognition information via the communication lines 32 and 31. Through the above operations, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 and the control units 21A and 21B of the plate changers 2A and 2B obtain the recognition information of the plate 5.

[0049] (2-2) Supply of plates to the autosampler

[0050] Next, the operation of supplying the plate 5 to the automatic sampler 1 will be described. First, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 receives an instruction to designate the plate 5 to be analyzed from the system controller of the liquid chromatograph 10. Then, the control unit 11 sends a supply instruction of the plate 5 to the plate changers 2A and 2B that accommodate the plate 5 to be analyzed.

[0051] Here, the case where the plate 5 to be analyzed is accommodated in the rack 23B of the plate changer 2B is described as an example. The control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 sends a supply instruction for the plate 5 with the plate changer 2B as the target position. The supply instruction is received in the control unit 21A of the plate changer 2A via the communication line 31, and is received in the control unit 21B of the plate changer 2B via the communication line 31 and the communication line 32. The control unit 21A confirms that the target position of the supply instruction is not its own plate changer 2A. The control unit 21B confirms that the target position of the supply instruction is its own plate changer 2B. The supply instruction sent from the control unit 11 includes information that specifies the plate 5 to be analyzed. The control unit 21B specifies the slot of the rack 23B that accommodates the plate 5 to be analyzed.

[0052] The control unit 21B gives the driving unit 24B an instruction to transport the analysis target plate 5. The driving unit 24B drives the plate transport device 22B to move to the slot storing the analysis target plate 5. Figure 5 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the plate changers 2A and 2B, and are diagrams showing the state in which the plate transport device 22B moves to the slot of the rack 23B that accommodates the plate 5 to be analyzed. The plate transport device 22B first moves along the Z-axis direction to the height of the slot that accommodates the plate 5 to be analyzed. Then, the plate transport device 22B moves forward in the Y-axis direction. Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the plate conveying device 22B moves to a position where the plate 5 to be analyzed is clamped by the arm. Next, the plate conveying device 22B performs the action of closing and retracting the arm to hold the plate 5 to be analyzed. For example, when the plate 5 to be analyzed is stored in the tenth slot from the bottom, the plate conveying device 22B first moves in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) to the position of the tenth slot. Next, the plate conveying device 22B moves forward in the Y-axis direction to hold the plate 5.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, before the plate transport device 22B starts to hold the plate 5 to be analyzed, or during the holding operation, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 issues a retreat instruction to the plate transport device 22A. The retreat instruction is an instruction to retreat the plate transport device 22A to a height that does not interfere with the conveying operation, so as to avoid interference between the plate transport device 22A and the plate 5 held by the plate transport device 22B.

[0054] In this embodiment, the plate transport device 22B performs the conveying operation of the plate 5 to the plate changer 2A at the position of the bottom plate in the housing of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B. Figure 6 As shown, a conveying platform 41 is provided at the position of the bottom plate in the shell of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B in a manner spanning the bottom plates of the two shells. In the shell of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, a conveying window 42 is formed at the configuration location of the conveying platform 41. That is, the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B are connected in the conveying window 42. Therefore, when the plate conveying device 22A is in a position corresponding to the lowest slot of the shelf 23A, in order to prevent the plate conveying device 22B from interfering with the conveying action, the plate conveying device 22A moves upward (Z-axis direction) and retreats. For example, the plate conveying device 22A rises to a position between the lowest slot and the second slot from the bottom. The height position is set as the retreat position. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the board conveying device 22A is indicated by a two-dot chain line, which indicates that the board conveying device 22A enters the retracted position.

[0055] Next, the control unit 21B drives the driving unit 24B to move the board conveying device 22B backward in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the board conveying device 22B separates from the rack 23B while holding the board 5. Figure 7 As shown, the plate changer 2B returns to the rear position. Next, the control unit 21B controls the drive unit 24B to lower the plate conveying device 22B to the position where the conveying table 41 is located. Figure 7This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, and is a diagram showing the state in which the plate conveying device 22B is lowered from the rear position to the position of the conveying platform 41. For example, when the plate 5 taken out by the plate conveying device 22B is accommodated in the tenth slot from the bottom, the plate conveying device 22B holds the plate 5 at the tenth position, returns to the rear position, and then lowers from the tenth position to the position of the conveying platform 41. Figure 7 In the process, the board conveying device 22A is on standby at the height of the retreat position.

[0056] Next, the control unit 21B controls the driving unit 24B to rotate the plate conveying device 22B within the XY plane. Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, and shows a state where the plate changer 2B is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise at the position of the conveyor table 41. Next, the control unit 21B controls the drive unit 24B to expand the interval between the arms of the plate transport device 22B, and release the plate 5. As a result, the plate 5 is placed on the conveyor table 41.

[0057] Next, the control unit 21B controls the driving unit 24B to raise the plate conveying device 22B to a predetermined height and then rotate 90 degrees clockwise. As a result, the plate conveying device 22B returns to the plate changer 2B without interfering with the plate 5 in a state where the plate conveying device 22B is at a height offset from the plate 5. Furthermore, the control unit 21B controls the driving unit 24B to raise the plate conveying device 22B to the height of the retreat position.

[0058] Next, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 sends a reception instruction of the plate 5 to the control unit 21A of the plate changer 2A. In response to the instruction, the control unit 21A first controls the drive unit 24A to lower the plate conveying device 22A to a position where the height is offset from the plate 5. Next, the plate conveying device 22A is rotated 90 degrees clockwise. Next, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to lower the plate conveying device 22A to the position of the conveying table 41. Next, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to narrow the interval between the arms of the plate conveying device 22A so that it holds the plate 5. Fig. 9 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the plate changers 2A and 2B, and are diagrams showing a state in which the plate transport device 22A holds the plate 5 at the position of the conveyor table 41. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the board conveying device 22B is indicated by a two-dot chain line, which indicates the height at which the board conveying device 22B enters the retracted position.

[0059] Next, the control unit 21A controls the driving unit 24A to rotate the plate conveying device 22A counterclockwise by 90 degrees. As a result, the plate conveying device 22A returns to the plate changer 2A while holding the plate 5 . Fig.10This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, and shows a state in which the plate transport device 22A returns to the plate changer 2A while holding the plate 5 .

[0060] Next, the control unit 21A controls the driving unit 24A to raise the plate transport device 22A to the height of the analysis plate stage 43 in the automatic sampler 1. Figure 6 The analysis plate stage 43 shown is located at the height of the fifth slot from the bottom of the plate changer 2A. Therefore, the plate transport device 22A rises to the height of the fifth slot. A window 44 is provided on the side of the housing of the plate changer 2A and the automatic sampler 1. The plate changer 2A and the automatic sampler 1 are connected at the window 44.

[0061] Next, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to rotate the plate transport device 22A counterclockwise by 90 degrees. Furthermore, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to move the plate transport device 22A rightward (toward the autosampler 1 in the X-axis direction). Fig.11 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, and are diagrams showing the plate transport device 22A moving into the automatic sampler 1 while holding the plate 5. As described above, the drive unit 24A of the plate transport device 22A includes a drive unit that can move forward and backward in the Y-axis direction. Fig.11 In the illustrated operation, the plate transport device 22A rotates 90 degrees, and therefore the drive of the drive unit 24 enables the plate transport device 22A to move forward and backward along the X-axis direction.

[0062] Next, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to expand the interval between the arms of the plate transport device 22A and release the plate 5. As a result, the plate 5 is placed on the analysis plate stage 43. Next, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to move the plate transport device 22A to the left (the direction away from the automatic sampler 1 in the X-axis direction) after the plate transport device 22A rises to a predetermined height in order to avoid interference with the plate 5. Furthermore, the control unit 21A controls the drive unit 24A to rotate the plate transport device 22A 90 degrees clockwise. As a result, the plate transport device 22A returns to the plate changer 2A in a state where the height is offset from the plate 5. Finally, the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 instructs the control unit 21A of the plate changer 2A and the control unit 22B of the plate changer 2B to move to the standby position. The control unit 21A and the control unit 21B control the drive unit 24A and the drive unit 24B to lower the plate transport device 22A and the plate transport device 22B and move to the standby position. Fig.12 The diagram is for explaining the operation of the plate changer 2A, 2B, and shows a state where the plate 5 is placed on the analysis plate stage 43 and the plate transport device 22A, 22B is located at the standby position.

[0063] Through the above operation, the plate 5 stored on the rack 23B of the plate changer 2B is transported to the analysis plate stage 43 of the automatic sampler 1 via the plate changer 2A. The control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 moves the needle to suck the sample from the plate 5 placed on the analysis plate stage 43 and injects the sucked sample into the analysis path.

[0064] As described above, the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B of the present embodiment transfer the plate 5 between the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B, thereby supplying the plate 5 to the automatic sampler 1. Therefore, the number of plates 5 that can be supplied to the automatic sampler 1 can be flexibly handled according to the needs of the user by increasing or decreasing the number of connected plate changers. The structure of the combined plate changer can use a common structure, so the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to manufacturing plate changers according to the number of plates separately.

[0065] (2-3) Plate recovery from the autosampler

[0066] After the analysis process of the plate 5 conveyed to the analysis plate stage 43 is completed, the plate 5 is returned to the rack 23B of the plate changer 2B. This operation is the reverse of the operation of "(2-2) Supply of plate to the autosampler" described above.

[0067] First, the plate transport device 22A rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise at the height of the analysis plate stage 43 in the automatic sampler 1 and moves into the automatic sampler 1. Next, the plate transport device 22A descends to a predetermined height and holds the plate 5 placed on the analysis plate stage 43. Next, the plate transport device 22A rises again to the height of the analysis plate stage 43 in the automatic sampler 1, rotates 90 degrees clockwise, and returns to the plate changer 2A.

[0068] Next, the plate transport device 22A descends from the height of the analysis plate stage 43 in the automatic sampler 1 to the position of the conveyor table 41. Then, the plate transport device 22A rotates 90 degrees clockwise and transports the plate 5 to the position of the conveyor table 41. At this time, the plate transport device 22B is on standby at the retreat position. Next, the plate transport device 22A opens its arm to release the plate 5. Next, the plate transport device 22A rises to a predetermined height to avoid interference with the plate 5, and then rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise. Thus, the plate 5 is placed on the conveyor table 41.

[0069] Next, in order to avoid interference with the board 5, the board conveying device 22B descends from the conveying table 41 to a position at a predetermined height and rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise. Then, the board conveying device 22B descends to the position of the conveying table 41 and holds the board 5. Next, the board conveying device 22B rises to a predetermined height and rotates 90 degrees clockwise while holding the board 5. Finally, the board conveying device 22B moves to the height of the slot for accommodating the board 5 and accommodates the board 5. In the example described, the board conveying device 22B rises to the height of the tenth slot and moves forward in the Y-axis direction. Then, the board conveying device 22B accommodates the board 5 in the tenth slot.

[0070] (2-4) Other actions

[0071] In the operation example described in the above “(2-2) Supply of plates to the autosampler”, the case where the plate changer 2A receives the plate 5 from the plate changer 2B and transfers the plate 5 to the autosampler 1 is described as an example. When the target position of the supply instruction of the plate 5 received from the control unit 11 of the autosampler 1 is the plate changer 2A, that is, when the plate 5 to be analyzed is stored in the rack 23A, the plate changer 2A takes out the plate 5 from the rack 23A and transfers it to the autosampler 1. That is, in the operation example of “(2-2) Supply of plates to the autosampler”, the plate transport device 22A receives the plate 5 from the transport stage 41 and transfers the plate 5 to the analysis plate stage 43 of the autosampler 1. When the target position of the supply instruction is the plate changer 2A, the control unit 21A performs control such that the plate 5 to be analyzed included in the supply instruction is specified, the plate 5 is taken out from the rack 23A, and is transferred to the analysis plate stage 43.

[0072] In the operation example described in the above-mentioned "(2-3) Plate recovery from the automatic sampler", the case where the plate changer 2A receives the plate 5 from the automatic sampler 1 and transfers the plate 5 to the plate changer 2B is described as an example. When the target position of the supply instruction received from the control unit 11 of the automatic sampler 1 is the plate changer 2A, the plate changer 2A stores the plate 5 recovered from the automatic sampler 1 on the rack 23A. That is, in the operation example of "(2-3) Plate recovery from the automatic sampler", the plate transport device 22A receives the plate 5 from the analysis plate stage 43 of the automatic sampler 1 and transports the plate 5 to the transport stage 41. When the return position of the plate 5 to be analyzed is the rack 23A of the plate changer 2A, the control unit 21A performs the following control, that is, the plate 5 is recovered from the analysis plate stage 43 and stored in the original slot of the rack 23A.

[0073] (3) Other connection forms

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where two plate changers 2A and 2B are connected to the side of the automatic sampler 1 has been described. The number of plate changers connected to the automatic sampler is not particularly limited. For example, three, four, or more plate changers may be connected.

[0075] Fig.13 2A, 2B and 2C are connected. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The plate changer 2C is additionally inserted between the plate changer 2A and the autosampler 1 in the embodiment shown in the figure. In the above case, the plate 5 stored on the rack 23B of the plate changer 2B is transported in the order of the plate changer 2B → the plate changer 2A → the plate changer 2C → the autosampler 1 and placed on the analysis plate stage 43. After the analysis process is completed, the plate 5 is transported in the order of the autosampler 1 → the plate changer 2C → the plate changer 2A → the plate changer 2B and stored in the original slot of the rack 23B.

[0076] The same operation is performed when four, five, or more plate changers are connected. Each plate changer receives the plate 5 to be analyzed and processed from the plate changer at the front stage, and transfers the plate 5 to the plate changer at the rear stage. The plate changer at the rear stage (the plate changer closest to the automatic sampler 1) transfers the received plate to the automatic sampler 1. In addition, the plate 5 for which the analysis and processing has been completed is received from the plate changer at the rear stage, and the plate 5 is transferred to the plate changer at the front stage, or is stored in the rack of its own plate changer. When three or more plate changers are connected, the automatic sampler 1 and the control units of the plurality of plate changers are connected via a daisy chain, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the case where two plate changers 2A and 2B are connected to the side of the automatic sampler 1 has been described. That is, a different plate changer 2B is connected to the front section of the plate changer 2A. As another example, a sample pretreatment device may be connected to the front section of the plate changer 2A.

[0078] Fig.14 2A and the pre-processing device 6 are connected. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The plate changer 2B in the embodiment shown in the figure is configured such that a pre-processing device 6 is additionally installed at the front stage of the plate changer 2A.

[0079] The pretreatment device 6 performs a process of removing components that are not necessary for the analysis process contained in the sample, a process of identifying specific components, or a process of extracting specific components. After the pretreatment of the sample is completed, the pretreatment device 6 places the plate containing the sample on the conveying table in the same manner as the plate changer 2B. That is, the pretreatment device 6 places the plate 5 containing the sample that has been pretreated on the conveying table. The plate changer 2A receives the plate 5 placed on the conveying table and supplies it to the automatic sampler 1. The conveying table is provided across the housings of the pretreatment device 6 and the plate changer 2A.

[0080] In this case, the plate 5 that has completed the pretreatment in the pretreatment device 6 is transported in the order of the pretreatment device 6 → the plate changer 2A → the automatic sampler 1 , and is placed on the analysis plate stage 43 .

[0081] The pretreatment device 6 may be arranged at the frontmost stage (the position farthest from the automatic sampler 1). For example, when three, four, or more plate changers are connected, the pretreatment device 6 is connected to the front stage of the plate changer at the frontmost stage. The plates 5 pretreated in the pretreatment device 6 are sequentially transferred between the plate changers and supplied to the automatic sampler 1.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B supply the plate containing the sample to the liquid chromatograph 10. The plate changer 2A and the plate changer 2B of this embodiment can be used for other analysis devices such as gas chromatographs in addition to liquid chromatographs.

[0083] In addition, the specific structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0084] (4) Correspondence between each structural element of the claims and each structural element of the embodiments

[0085] Hereinafter, examples of correspondence between the components of the claims and the components of the embodiments will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the embodiments, the liquid chromatograph 10 is an example of an analysis device. In addition, in the embodiments, the plate changer 2A is an example of a plate changer in the claims, and the plate changer 2B is an example of a first plate changer. In addition, in the embodiments, the plate changer 2C is an example of a second plate changer. In addition, in the embodiments, the rack 23A is an example of a storage unit.

[0086] As each structural element in the claims, various elements having the structures or functions described in the claims can also be used.

[0087] (5) Morphology

[0088] Those skilled in the art will understand that the multiple exemplified embodiments are specific examples of the following forms.

[0089] (Item 1) A plate changer in one form is a plate changer for supplying a plate containing a sample to an automatic sampler included in an analysis device, and includes

[0090] a receiving portion for receiving the plate; and

[0091] a board transport device that transports the board by holding the board, and

[0092] The plate transport device receives the plate from a first plate changer disposed on one side of the plate changer, and transmits the plate received from the first plate changer to a second plate changer or the automatic sample injector disposed on the other side of the plate changer, or transmits the plate accommodated in the accommodation portion to the second plate changer or the automatic sample injector.

[0093] The plate changer of this embodiment can supply the plate to the autosampler by transferring the plate between the plate changers. Thus, the number of plates that can be supplied to the autosampler can be flexibly handled according to the needs of the user.

[0094] (Item 2) A plate changer according to Item 1, wherein:

[0095] The plate transport device may receive the plate from the second plate changer or the autosampler and transfer the plate received from the second plate changer or the autosampler to the first plate changer, or store the plate received from the second plate changer or the autosampler in the storage portion.

[0096] The plate changer of this embodiment can collect the plate from the autosampler by transferring the plate between the plate changers. Thus, the number of plates that can be supplied to the autosampler can be flexibly handled according to the needs of the user.

[0097] (Item 3) A plate changer according to Item 1, wherein:

[0098] The plate transport device may receive the plate from a sample pre-processing device provided at one side of the plate changer, and transfer the plate received from the pre-processing device to the second plate changer or the automatic sampler.

[0099] The plate changer of this embodiment can supply the plate to the autosampler by transferring the plate between the pre-processing device and the plate changer.

[0100] (Item 4) A plate changer according to Item 1, wherein:

[0101] When the plate is transported from the first plate changer to a transfer location with the plate transport device, the plate transport device may retreat in the plate changer in a vertical direction to avoid interfering with a transport operation of the plate to the transfer location.

[0102] The space required for the board transfer operation can be reduced.

[0103] (Item 5) A plate changer according to Item 4, wherein:

[0104] The board may be placed on a conveyance table provided at the conveyance location by the conveyance operation, and the board conveyance device may hold the board placed on the conveyance table.

[0105] The plates are transferred between plate changers via the transfer table, making it easy to expand the number of plate changers.

[0106] (Item 6) A plate changer according to Item 5, wherein:

[0107] The conveying platform may be arranged to span the inside of a housing of the plate changer and the inside of a housing of the first plate changer.

[0108] It is easy to transfer the plates between the plate changers.

[0109] (Item 7) A plate changer according to Item 1, wherein:

[0110] The communication lines between the first plate changer, the plate changer and the second plate changer or the communication lines between the first plate changer, the plate changer and the automatic sample injector may be connected through a daisy chain.

[0111] The wiring of the communication line to the board changer is simplified, which can avoid the wiring around the analysis device becoming complicated.

Claims

1. A plate supply system for supplying a plate containing a sample to an automatic sampler included in an analysis device, and comprising: Plate changer; First plate changer; as well as A transfer platform is provided between the side portion of the plate changer on the first plate changer side and the side portion of the first plate changer on the plate changer side, spanning the plate changer and the housing of the first plate changer; Wherein, the plate changer and the first plate changer include: a board transport device that transports the board by holding the board, and a receiving portion receiving the plate, and The plate transfer device of the plate changer receives the plate placed on the transfer table by the first plate changer, and transfers the plate received from the first plate changer to the autosampler.

2. The board supply system according to claim 1, wherein The plate transport device of the plate changer transports the plate accommodated in the accommodation portion of the plate changer to the autosampler.

3. The board supply system according to claim 2, wherein The plate transport device of the plate changer receives the plate from the automatic sampler, and by placing the plate on the transport table, transports the plate received from the automatic sampler to the first plate changer, or accommodates the plate received from the automatic sampler into the accommodating portion of the plate changer.

4. The board supply system according to claim 1, wherein When the plate is conveyed to the transfer table by the first plate changer, the plate conveying device of the plate changer retreats in the plate changer in the up-down direction to avoid interfering with the conveying action of the plate to the transfer table.

5. The board supply system according to claim 1, wherein The communication lines among the first plate changer, the plate changer and the automatic sample injector are connected via a daisy chain.

6. A plate changer for supplying a plate containing a sample to an automatic sampler included in an analysis device, comprising: a board transport device that transports the board by holding the board, and a receiving portion receiving the plate, and The plate transport device receives the plate from the first plate changer and transports the plate received from the first plate changer to the automatic sampler. The first plate changer comprises: a first board transport device that transports the board by holding the board, and The first receiving portion receives the plate.

7. An analysis device comprising: Autosampler; and A plurality of plate changers connected in series supply plates containing samples to the automatic sample injector; Each of the plurality of plate changers has: a board transport device that transports the board by holding the board; and a receiving portion for receiving the plate, One of the plurality of plate changers in which the plate to be analyzed is stored in the storage section transfers the plate stored in the storage section of the one plate changer to a plate changer at a subsequent stage of the one of the plurality of plate changers through the plate transport device of the one plate changer. When the plate changer in the rear section is the plate changer in the final section that supplies the plate to the automatic sampler, the received plate is transferred to the automatic sampler by the plate transport device of the plate changer in the final section; when the plate changer in the rear section is not the plate changer in the final section, the plate is transferred to a plate changer in the rear section of the plurality of plate changers that is further rearward of the plate changers in the rear section.

Images