Automatic analysis system and method for transporting samples

Abstract

In the automatic analysis system of the present invention, the conveyor line (104) and the plurality of dispensing lines (209, 309) are arranged not to be parallel to each other, and the device layout of the analysis modules (200, 300) arranged with the sample holder dispensing module (100) interposed therebetween is line-symmetric with respect to a straight line (100A) passing through the rotation center of the standby disk (106). Thus, it is possible to provide an automatic analysis system that can improve the transfer efficiency of the sample holder and has good user accessibility even in a structure where samples are provided from a common sample holder dispensing module to a plurality of analysis modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analysis system for measuring the concentration and activity value of a target component in a biological sample such as plasma, serum, urine (hereinafter referred to as a sample), and a method for transporting a sample suitable for such an automatic analysis system. Background Art

[0002] As an example of a technique applied to a device that transports a holder holding a sample to an analysis unit and analyzes the sample, and that does not complicate the holder transport system regardless of whether the number of analysis units is one or increased to two or more, the following is described in Patent Document 1: There is a standby disk that can rotate and stop in a state where a plurality of holders are on standby, and a dedicated holder reciprocating transport line is provided between each analysis unit and the standby disk; and each holder reciprocating transport line guides only a single holder, and the holder returns to the standby disk after sample collection processing.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-204129 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Diagnostic symptoms provide a lot of information from the analysis results of samples. As a device for automatically analyzing such samples, there is an automatic analysis system.

[0008] In an automatic analysis system, different measurement methods are used according to the items of the components to be measured. For example, there are functions for performing the following analysis methods, etc.: an analysis method (colorimetric analysis) using a reagent that reacts with the analysis target component in the sample and causes a color change in the reaction solution, an analysis method (immunoassay) for counting a label using a reagent with a label added to a substance that binds directly or indirectly to the analysis target component in a special way, etc.

[0009] Here, in an automatic analysis system, there is an independent type that operates the analysis unit for sample analysis as an independent device. In addition, there is known a module type in which a plurality of analysis modules in different analysis fields such as biochemistry and immunology are connected as a system by a transport line that transports a sample holder that holds a sample container containing the sample.

[0010] As an example of the module type, Patent Document 1 describes the following structure: a structure in which a plurality of analysis modules are configured to be connected to a sample holder distribution module along a conveyor line constituted by a conveyor belt; a structure in which a plurality of analysis units are connected via a rotary type sample holder distribution module that holds a plurality of sample holders and can be handed over to different analysis modules, or a plurality of analysis modules in the same field.

[0011] In such a module type system, a sample transfer method is required to supply samples to a plurality of different analysis units from a common mechanism that distributes sample holders for analyzing a sample based on a plurality of measurement methods.

[0012] In recent years, automatic analysis systems have been required to be increasingly miniaturized. Even for module type devices, shortening the transfer distance of sample holders to reduce their footprint has become an important issue.

[0013] However, in a structure in which a plurality of analysis modules are arranged in the same direction with respect to a single sample holder distribution module as in the technology of Patent Document 1 above, it is necessary to extend the transmission line to the terminal analysis module, thus inevitably leading to the enlargement of the system.

[0014] In addition, in the case where a rotary type sample holder distribution module is arranged in the center and a plurality of analysis modules are connected, in a structure in which the left and right analysis modules are rotationally symmetrically arranged as shown in Patent Document 1, the user's access during reagent replacement, maintenance, etc. will be restricted.

[0015] For example, in the configuration as shown in Figure 8 Patent Document 1, the reagent trays in the left and right analysis modules in the figure are rotationally symmetrically arranged with respect to the line passing through the rotation center of the holder standby tray. Therefore, when accessing the reagent tray of the left analysis unit after accessing the reagent tray of the right analysis unit in the figure, it is necessary to go around half a circle around the system, and the accessibility for the user is insufficient, leaving room for improvement.

[0016] In the present invention, in view of the above problems, an object is to provide an automatic analysis system and a sample holder transfer method that can improve the transfer efficiency of sample holders and have good user accessibility even in a structure in which samples are supplied from a common sample holder distribution module to a plurality of analysis modules.

[0017] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0018] The present invention includes multiple ways to solve the above problems. Taking one example, the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a plurality of analysis modules that mix a sample with a reagent for analysis; a conveyor line that conveys a sample holder that holds a sample container containing the sample; and a sample holder distribution module that has a rotatable standby disk formed with a plurality of holding portions capable of holding the sample holder, and provides the sample holder to the analysis module. Each of the analysis modules includes: a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sample held by the sample holder; and a dispensing line that pulls in and delivers the sample holder from the sample holder distribution module to the sample dispensing position of the sample dispensing mechanism. The conveyor line and the plurality of dispensing lines are configured not to be parallel to each other, and the device layout of the analysis modules configured sandwiching the sample holder distribution module is line-symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through the rotation center of the standby disk.

[0019] Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analysis system that can improve the transfer efficiency of the sample holder and has good user accessibility even in a structure where samples are provided from a common sample holder distribution module to a plurality of analysis modules. Other problems, structures, and effects will become clearer through the following description of the embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing the basic structure of the automatic analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram showing an outline of a sample holder preferably used in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram showing an outline of the structure of a transfer protrusion in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing the structure obtained by observing the automatic analysis system shown Figure 1 from the X-X' direction.

[0025] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample holder distribution module and an analysis module in a prior art automatic analysis system for comparison.

[0026] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a sample holder distribution module and an analysis module in a prior art automatic analysis system for comparison.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample holder allocation module and an analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a sample holder allocation module and an analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a matrix illustrating the effect of shortening the transfer time in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample holder allocation module and an analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample holder allocation module and an analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an overview of the movement range of the transfer protrusion in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the transfer protrusion and the operation of the sample holder allocation module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the transfer protrusion and the operation of the sample holder allocation module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the transfer protrusion and the operation of the sample holder allocation module in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a timing diagram illustrating the effect of shortening the transfer time by the sample holder transfer method in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a timing diagram illustrating the effect of shortening the transfer time by the sample holder transfer method in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0038] Figure 18 This is a timing diagram illustrating the effect of shortening the transfer time by the sample holder transfer method in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2.

[0039] Figure 19This is a timing chart showing the effect of shortening the transfer time through the sample holder transfer method in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 2. Detailed implementation mode

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic analysis system and the sample transfer method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] <Embodiment 1>

[0042] Utilize Figures 1 to 9 To describe Embodiment 1 of the automatic analysis system and the sample transfer method of the present invention.

[0043] First, use Figure 1 To describe the overall structure of the automatic analysis system of this embodiment. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the basic structure of the automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0044] Here, in Figure 1 The automatic analysis system 1 shown is configured to analyze samples of plasma, serum or urine, and an example is shown in which two different analysis modules 200 and 300 are connected via one sample holder distribution module 100. In addition, a structure is shown in which a biochemical analysis module as the analysis module 200 and an immunoassay analysis module as the analysis module 300 are connected.

[0045] Among them, the connected analysis modules are not limited to these, and other analysis modules such as blood coagulation analysis modules can be appropriately configured according to the usage environment, and analysis modules that perform the same type of analysis on both the left and right can be used. In addition, the number of connected analysis modules is not limited to two, and can also be set to three or more.

[0046] Figure 1 The automatic analysis system 1 of the module type shown in this embodiment generally consists of two analysis modules 200 and 300, a sample holder distribution module 100 having a transfer line 104 for transferring the sample holder, and a control device 400 for controlling the overall operation of the automatic analysis system 1. One or more sample containers 12 containing samples to be analyzed are mounted on the above-mentioned sample holder (refer to Figure 2 etc.).

[0047] As Figure 2 Shown, one or more sample containers 12 are mounted on the sample holder 10 processed in the automatic analysis system 1, and the sample containers 12 contain samples to be subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis in the automatic analysis system 1.

[0048] Here, there are at least a sample holder 10 and an emergency sample holder 11 on the sample holder. The above-mentioned sample holder 10 carries a sample container 12 containing samples (general samples) to be analyzed with a general priority. The above-mentioned emergency sample holder 11 carries a sample container containing emergency samples with a higher emergency level for analysis and measurement than this sample holder.

[0049] The sample holder distribution module 100 is a device that provides the sample holder 10 and the emergency sample holder 11 for holding the sample container 12 containing samples to the analysis modules 200 and 300 connected on both sides via the standby disk 106, and has a sample holder loading section 102, an emergency sample holder input section 112, a sample identification device 105, a transfer line 104, a standby disk 106, a sample holder unloading section 103, and a control section 101 for the transfer module.

[0050] The sample holder loading section 102 is provided on the side surface of the transfer line 104 and provides the sample holder 10 carrying general samples to the transfer line 104.

[0051] The sample holder unloading section 103 is provided on the side surface of the transfer line 104 in the same way as the sample holder loading section 102, and houses the sample holder 10 unloaded from the transfer line 104.

[0052] The emergency sample holder standby area 113 is provided on the transfer line 104 and becomes an area where the emergency sample holder 11 can be temporarily standby.

[0053] The sample identification device 105 is a device for checking the analysis commission information related to the samples contained in the sample container 12 mounted on the sample holder 10 or the emergency sample holder 11 transferred on the transfer line 104, and reads and identifies identification media such as RFID and barcodes provided on the sample holder 10 or the emergency sample holder 11 and the sample container 12 (omitted in the figure).

[0054] The standby disk 106 is a disk arranged at one end of the transfer line 104 and having a plurality of one or more grooves 106A capable of carrying the sample holder 10 and the like on the outer circumference, and adopts a rotor structure for circular motion.

[0055] The standby disk 106 is configured to exchange the sample holder 10 between one end of the transfer line 104 and one end of the dispensing line 209 of the analysis module 200, and between one end of the transfer line 104 and one end of the dispensing line 309 of the analysis module 300.

[0056] A certain point on the radial circumference of the standby disk 106 is connected to the transfer line 104 to carry in and out the sample holder 10. If this point is set as the position of 0° on the circumference, the dispensing line 209 of the analysis module 200 is connected to a position other than the position parallel to the position where the transfer line 104 is connected (180°) (Figure 1 Counterclockwise 90°).

[0057] In addition, the dispensing line 309 of the analysis module 300 is connected to a position other than the position (180°) parallel to the position where the transfer line 104 is connected ( Figure 1 Clockwise 108° in).

[0058] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the dispensing line 209 is configured not to be parallel to the dispensing line 309.

[0059] In addition, the dispensing lines 209 and 309 are respectively configured such that the lines extending along the transfer direction of the sample holder 10 etc. of the dispensing line 209 and the lines extending along the transfer direction of the sample holder 10 etc. of the dispensing line 309 both pass through the slot 106A of the standby disk 106.

[0060] That is, the sample holder distribution module 100 and the left and right two analysis modules 200 and 300 are configured such that when the dispensing lines 209 and 309 of one analysis module 200 and 300 are connected to the slot 106A of the standby disk 106, the dispensing lines 209 and 309 of the other analysis module 200 and 300 are also connected to the slot 106A.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the dispensing lines 209 and 309 are respectively connected in a direction extending radially from the center of the standby disk 106 has been described, but the dispensing lines 209 and 309 and the slot 106A do not necessarily need to be configured and formed in a direction extending radially from the center of the standby disk 106.

[0062] In addition, the sample holder 10 stored in the standby disk 106 has address information for identifying in which slot 106A it is held. Therefore, the position of the slot 106A that returns after being transferred to each of the dispensing lines 209 and 309 is the same slot 106A within the standby disk 106. That is, the standby disk 106 rotates and stops at the position where the original slot 106A is connected to each of the dispensing lines 209 and 309, and receives the sample holder 10 from the dispensing lines 209 and 309.

[0063] In addition, the sample holder 10 newly transferred from the transfer line 104 is basically stored in the next (adjacent one) part of the last stored part.

[0064] With the above structure, it is not necessary to process the sample holders 10 that enter first in sequence. That is, in the case where there are sample holders 10 with high priority and emergency sample holders 11, they can be processed first.

[0065] The sample holder 10 that has completed aliquoting by the analysis modules 200 and 300 can also wait in the standby tray 106 for the output of the measurement result and perform processes such as automatic re-inspection as needed. In addition, in the case where the process is completed, it is transferred to the sample holder ejection unit 103 via the transfer line 104.

[0066] The transfer module control unit 101 is a part that controls the transfer actions such as the action of transferring an appropriate sample holder 10 from the standby tray 106 to the aliquoting lines 209 and 309 and the return of the sample holder 10 from the aliquoting lines 209 and 309 to the standby tray 106, and controls the actions of each mechanism based on instructions from the control device 400 described later.

[0067] The analysis modules 200 and 300 are modules that sample (aliquot) the sample stored in the sample container 12 mounted on the sample holder 10 etc. and mix it with a reagent to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis.

[0068] The analysis module 200 includes an aliquoting line 209, a sample identification device 210, a sample aliquoting mechanism 208, a reaction plate 211, a measurement unit 217 that measures the mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and the reagent aliquoted into the reaction container and performs qualitative and quantitative analysis, a reagent aliquoting mechanism 219, a reagent tray 218, a control unit 201, etc.

[0069] The aliquoting line 209 is a transfer mechanism that can perform the reciprocating movement of pulling in and delivering the sample holder 10 etc. from the standby tray 106 of the sample holder distribution module 100 to the sample aliquoting position of the sample aliquoting mechanism 208.

[0070] For example, as Figure 3 shown, it is composed of a transfer projection 220 that fits into a recess 13 provided on the bottom surface of the sample holder 10 etc. shown in Figure 2 for transfer, and a track 220A, a motor 220B, etc. for moving the transfer projection 220.

[0071] One such transfer projection 220 is provided in the aliquoting line 209, and its operating range extends from the end of the aliquoting line 209 to the inside of the groove 106A of the standby tray 106. Inside the standby tray 106, the transfer projection 220 can rotate 360° in the state of entering the standby tray 106 side.

[0072] With such a structure, as Figure 3 illustrated by the arrow, the sample holder 10 can be transferred within the operating range of the transfer projection 220.

[0073] During the exchange of the sample holder 10 with the dispensing line 209, the standby tray 106 will stop. However, if the exchange is completed, the position for the next exchange of the sample holder 10 will rotate to the position connected to the dispensing line 209.

[0074] In addition, as the dispensing line 209, a case where a protruding structure driven along the dispensing line 209 is fitted into a recess 13 provided in advance on the sample holder 10 for conveyance is illustrated. However, a conveyor belt type conveyance mechanism can also be adopted.

[0075] Such mechanisms are the same in the conveyance line 104 and the dispensing line 309 of the analysis module 300 described later, and one conveyance convex part 120 and 320 are respectively provided.

[0076] The sample identification device 210 is a device that reads identification media (not shown), such as RFID and barcodes, provided on the sample holder 10 and the sample container 12 in order to check the analysis commission information of the sample stored in the sample holder 10 pulled in by the dispensing line 209.

[0077] The sample dispensing mechanism 208 can perform rotational and vertical movements, and moves above the sample container 12 of the sample holder 10 transferred to the dispensing position (dispensing area) on the dispensing line 209. Then it descends and aspirates a specified amount of the sample held in the sample container 12.

[0078] The sample dispensing mechanism 208 that has aspirated the sample descends after moving above the reaction tray 211 and ejects the sample into one of the plurality of reaction vessels provided in the reaction tray 211. After dispensing the sample into the reaction vessel, the reaction tray 211 rotates and moves to the reagent dispensing position.

[0079] The reagent dispensing mechanism 219 can perform rotational and vertical movements. After moving above the reagent container in the reagent tray 218 whose temperature has been adjusted, it descends and aspirates a specified amount of the reagent in the reagent container.

[0080] The reagent dispensing mechanism 219 descends after moving above the reaction tray 211 and ejects the reagent into the reaction vessel where the sample has been previously dispensed. The reaction tray 211 that has ejected the reagent rotates and moves to the stirring position, and the sample and the reagent are stirred by a stirring mechanism (not shown).

[0081] After stirring, the reaction tray 211 rotates and moves to the measurement position, and the optical characteristics and the like of the mixture in the reaction vessel are measured by the measurement unit 217.

[0082] The control unit 201 is a computer that controls the operations required for the analysis processing in the analysis module 200, and controls the operations of each device within the analysis module 200 based on instructions from a control device 400 described later.

[0083] The analysis module 300 includes a dispensing line 309, a sample identification device 310, a sample dispensing mechanism 308, a thermostat disk 311, a measurement unit 323 that measures and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzes the mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing mechanism 319, a reagent disk 318, a sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel transfer mechanism 326, a reaction solution suction nozzle 327, a transfer mechanism 332, a magnetic separation unit 334, a sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328, a reaction vessel stirring mechanism 329, a sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel discard hole 330, and a control unit 301.

[0084] The structures of the dispensing line 309, the sample identification device 310, the sample dispensing mechanism 308, the reagent disk 318, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 319 are the same as those of the dispensing line 209, the sample identification device 210, the sample dispensing mechanism 208, the reagent disk 218, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 219 of the analysis module 200, respectively.

[0085] In the thermostat disk 311, a plurality of reaction vessels for holding the reaction solution after mixing the sample and reagent can be set, and a rotational movement can be performed to move the reaction vessels arranged in the circumferential direction to respective specified positions. Different from the reaction vessels of the analysis module 200, the reaction vessels on the thermostat disk 311 side are disposable.

[0086] The sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel transfer mechanism 326 can move in three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and move within the ranges of the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328, the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 329, the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel discard hole 330, the sample dispensing needle mounting position 331, and the specified parts of the thermostat disk 311 to transfer the sample dispensing needle and the reaction vessel.

[0087] A plurality of unused reaction vessels and sample dispensing needles are provided in the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328. The sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel transfer mechanism 326 moves above the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328, descends to hold an unused reaction vessel and then ascends, and then moves above the specified position of the thermostat disk 311 and descends to set the reaction vessel.

[0088] A plurality of reagent containers are provided in the reagent disk 318. A reagent disk cover is provided on the upper part of the reagent disk 318, and the inside of the reagent disk 318 is insulated at a specified temperature. A reagent disk cover opening is provided in a part of the reagent disk cover.

[0089] The reagent dispensing mechanism 319 can rotate and move up and down. After rotating and moving above the opening of the reagent tray cover plate, it descends, immerses the front end of the reagent dispensing mechanism 319 into the reagent in a specified reagent container, and aspirates a specified amount of reagent. Then, after the reagent dispensing mechanism 319 ascends, it rotates and moves above a specified position on the thermostat tray 311 and sprays the reagent into the reaction vessel.

[0090] The sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel transfer mechanism 326 moves above the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328, descends, holds an unused reaction vessel and then ascends, moves above the sample dispensing needle mounting position 331 and descends, thereby setting the reaction vessel.

[0091] The sample dispensing mechanism 308 can perform rotational and vertical movements. After rotating and moving above the sample dispensing needle mounting position 331, it descends, and a sample dispensing needle is mounted at the front end by pressing. The sample dispensing mechanism 308 with the sample dispensing needle mounted moves above the sample container 12 placed on the sample holder 10 and descends, and aspirates a specified amount of the sample held in the sample container 12 conveyed by the dispensing line 309.

[0092] The sample dispensing mechanism 308 that has aspirated the sample moves above the thermostat tray 311 and descends, and sprays the sample into the reaction vessel that has previously sprayed the reagent.

[0093] When the sample spraying is completed, the sample dispensing mechanism 308 moves above the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel discard hole 330 and discards the used sample dispensing needle.

[0094] The reaction vessel that has sprayed the sample and the reagent moves to a specified position by the rotation of the thermostat tray 311 and is conveyed to the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 329 by the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328. The reaction vessel stirring mechanism 329 stirs and mixes the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel by applying a rotational motion to the reaction vessel. After the stirring is completed, the reaction vessel returns to a specified position on the thermostat tray 311 through the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328.

[0095] After the reaction between the sample and the reagent starts by stirring, sometimes other reagents are added at a specific timing for further reaction. For example, there is a process of further binding an antibody to a magnetic bead on the surface to the above-mentioned antigen. Therefore, the reaction vessel placed on the thermostat tray 311 is conveyed to the magnetic separation unit 334 only at a specified time by the transfer mechanism 332 for magnetic separation treatment of the sample. After the magnetic separation treatment is completed, the reaction vessel is conveyed back to the thermostat tray 311 by the transfer mechanism 332.

[0096] Regardless of whether there is magnetic separation, the reaction vessel that has been in the thermostat tray 311 for a specified time is transferred by the moving mechanism 332 to directly below the reaction liquid suction nozzle 327, and the reaction liquid is guided to the measurement unit 323 through the reaction liquid suction nozzle 327.

[0097] The measurement unit 323 detects a signal from the reaction liquid and outputs it to the control device 400.

[0098] The reaction vessel that has sucked the reaction liquid returns to the thermostat tray 311 through the transfer mechanism 332. Then, it is moved to a specified position by the rotation of the thermostat tray 311, moved from the thermostat tray 311 to above the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel holding member 328 and the sample dispensing needle and reaction vessel discard hole 330, and is discarded.

[0099] The control unit 301 is a computer that controls the operations required for the analysis process in the analysis module 300, and based on an instruction from the control device 400 described later, controls the operations of each device in the analysis module 300.

[0100] Here, in the present invention, the device layout within the modules of the analysis modules 200 and 300, which are arranged sandwiching the sample holder dispensing module 100, that is, the so-called configuration relationship between the devices is line-symmetric with respect to the straight line 100A passing through the rotation center of the standby tray 106.

[0101] Among them, among the devices included in the device layout, any one or more of the following are included, namely: the dispensing lines 209 and 309, the sample dispensing mechanisms 208 and 308, the reaction trays 211 that hold the reaction vessels for mixing the samples and reagents, the thermostat trays 311, and the consumable setting unit that sets the consumables for analyzing the samples.

[0102] For example, the dispensing lines 209 and 309 are both arranged on the Figure 1 upper side of the sample holder dispensing module 100 within their respective analysis modules 200 and 300. In addition, the sample dispensing mechanisms 208 and 308 are arranged around their respective dispensing lines 209 and 309. Furthermore, the reaction trays 211 or the thermostat trays 311 for reacting the samples and reagents are arranged by the sample dispensing mechanisms 208 and 308 on the Figure 1 lower side.

[0103] In addition, the measurement units 217 and 323 are arranged around the reaction trays 211 or the thermostat trays 311 within their respective analysis modules 200 and 300, and are arranged in an easily accessible position.

[0104] In addition, although in Figure 1Although not shown in the figure, sometimes a measurement unit for measuring electrolyte items is also mounted on the analysis module 200 side. Regarding this measurement unit, it is also preferably arranged around the reaction disk 211, and particularly preferably arranged between the dispensing line 209 and the reaction disk 211.

[0105] In addition, the reagent disks 218 and 318 are arranged to be in the positions farthest from the sample holder dispensing module 100 within their respective analysis modules 200 and 300, and there are no other mechanisms arranged on the lower side in Figure 1 so that they are arranged to be easily accessible to the user. In addition, these reagent disks 218 and 318 are included in the above-mentioned consumable setting unit and are devices that the user frequently accesses by exchanging reagent containers, etc. The above-mentioned reagent containers store the reagents used in the analysis and the assay reagents separately prepared for each so-called measurement target item.

[0106] In the consumable setting unit, in addition to the reagent disks 218 and 318, it also includes the sample dispensing needle and the reaction container holding member 328 in the analysis module 300, a reagent bottle setting unit (not shown in the figure) that sets reagent bottles for storing system reagents commonly used in various measurement target items, etc. In addition, the reagent bottle setting unit is mostly arranged on the Figure 1 lower side of the side surface in the analysis modules 200 and 300.

[0107] In addition, in order to make the operability excellent, as Figure 4 shown, the analysis modules 200 and 300 respectively have cover plates 200A and 300A that open in the same direction, and the user can access each device from the same direction. In addition, Figure 4 is a view of the cover plate 200A when looking at the analysis module 300 from the A-A' direction and when looking at the analysis module 200 from the B-B' direction. Figure 1 In

[0108] Returning to Figure 1 , the control device 400 is a device that controls the overall operation of the automatic analysis system 1, and includes a display unit 403, an input unit 404, a storage unit 402, and a control unit 401.

[0109] The display unit 403 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays various parameters required for analysis, an input screen for setting, analysis inspection data for initial inspection or reinspection, information related to the progress of analysis, measurement results, etc.

[0110] The input unit 404 is a device for inputting various parameters, settings, analysis entrustment information, instructions for starting analysis, etc., and is composed of a keyboard and a mouse.

[0111] The storage unit 402 is a device that stores various parameters, settings, measurement results, analysis order information of samples stored in the sample containers 12 mounted on each sample holder, etc., and is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as an HDD, etc. The storage unit 402 also records various computer programs for executing the control of the operations of each device in the automatic analysis system 1, various display processes described later, etc.

[0112] The control unit 401 is a computer equipped with a CPU, a memory, etc., controls various operations of the above-mentioned respective components, and performs arithmetic processing for obtaining the concentration of a specified component in a sample based on the detection results obtained by the measurement units 217 and 323. The control of the operations of each device performed by the control unit 401 is executed based on various programs stored in the storage unit 402.

[0113] In addition, the control processing of the operations executed by the control unit 401 can be aggregated into one program, can be divided into multiple programs separately, or can be a combination of them. In addition, part or all of the program can be implemented by dedicated hardware or can be modularized.

[0114] Next, Figures 5 to 9 the relationship between the configuration structures of the sample holder allocation module and the analysis module and the moving angle of the sample holder will be described. Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. is an example showing the configuration of the sample holder allocation module and the analysis module in the automatic analysis system of the prior art for comparison. Figure 7 FIG. is an example showing the configuration of the sample holder allocation module and the analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 FIG. is another example showing the configuration of the sample holder allocation module and the analysis module in the automatic analysis system according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a matrix for explaining the effect of shortening the transfer time in the automatic analysis system according to the first embodiment.

[0115] In addition, in the following description, from the connection part between the standby disk 106 of the sample holder allocation module 100 and the transfer line 104 to the connection part between the standby disk 106 and the dispensing line 209 of the analysis module 200, the angle when the standby disk 106 is rotated counterclockwise is set as θ1. In addition, from the connection part between the standby disk 106 and the transfer line 104 to the connection part between the standby disk 106 and the dispensing line 309 of the analysis module 300, the angle when the standby disk 106 is rotated clockwise is defined as θ2.

[0116] Here, from the viewpoint of the necessary movement angle until the holder is provided to the analysis module, the configuration of the transfer line and the dispensing line can be divided into the following Figures 5 to 8 shown in 4 cases.

[0117] In addition, until the sample is provided to the analysis module, the transfer path of the stent is divided into two types. One is the transfer path for measuring the sample only through the analysis module 200, and the other is the path for measuring the sample after measuring the sample in the analysis module 200 and then transferring it to the analysis module 300. Here, as a prerequisite, compared with the analysis module 300, the analysis requirements of the analysis module 200 are higher and the transfer frequency is more.

[0118] In addition, regarding the path for measuring the sample only through the analysis module 300 or the path for measuring the sample after measuring the sample through the analysis module 300 and then transferring it to the analysis module 200, they are substantially the same in concept as the path of the analysis module 200 only and the path of the analysis module 200 → analysis module 300, respectively. Therefore, the discussion is omitted.

[0119] There are angular conditions for shortening the necessary movement angle of the stent for each transfer path. Therefore, the following uses Figures 5 to 8 to illustrate four configuration structures in different cases under this condition.

[0120] The dispensing line of the transfer line and one analysis module are arranged on parallel lines Figure 5 and the dispensing lines of two analysis modules are arranged on parallel lines Figure 6 are examples of a comparison example in which at least two lines among the transfer line and the dispensing lines of two analysis modules are arranged in parallel.

[0121] In contrast, the transfer line and the dispensing lines of two analysis modules are not arranged on parallel lines Figure 7 and Figure 8 are examples of the configuration of this embodiment.

[0122] Here, the movement angle of the actual sample stent 10, etc. in the standby tray 106 actually includes the rotational movement angle for stent loading and unloading of other sample stents 10, etc. in addition to the necessary movement angle. However, here, the rotational movement angle of other sample stents 10, etc. is not considered and only the necessary movement angle is described.

[0123] The reason is that the movement angle of other sample stents 10, etc. is also caused by the necessary movement angle of each sample stent 10, etc. Therefore, by reducing the necessary movement angle, the actual movement angle can also be reduced.

[0124] As Figure 5As shown, in a structure where the transfer line 1104 and the dispensing line 1209A of an analysis module are arranged in parallel lines, the conditions of 0° < θ1 ≤ 180°, 0° < θ2 ≤ 180°, and θ1 + θ2 < 360° are satisfied. At this time, if the number of sample holder filling parts for the standby tray 1106 is set to 2n (n is a natural number, 2n = the number of sample holders stored in the sample holder distribution module), the interval angle between adjacent sample holder filling parts is 180° / n. Figure 5 It shows the case where n = 10.

[0125] As Figure 5 shown, under the condition of θ1 = 180°, when the sample holder 10 moves in the order of the transfer line 1104 → the dispensing line 1209A, as Figure 5 shown by the arrow (A) in, the moving angle becomes θ1, and the maximum angle of 180° is obtained.

[0126] In addition, when moving in the order of the transfer line 1104 → the dispensing line 1209A → the dispensing line 1309A, as Figure 5 shown by the arrow (B) in, the necessary moving angle after removing the rotation of the standby tray 1106 in standby becomes 180° + (180° - θ2) = 360° - θ2. In order to reduce the necessary moving angle at this time, θ2 needs to be increased. In Figure 5 θ2 = 90°, so the necessary moving angle of the sample holder 10 becomes 360° - 90° = 270°.

[0127] As Figure 6 shown, in a structure where the dispensing line 1209B and the dispensing line 1309B are arranged in parallel lines, the conditions of 0° < θ1 < 180°, 0° < θ2 ≤ 180°, and θ1 + θ2 = 180° are satisfied. At this time, if the number of sample holder filling parts for the standby tray 1106 is set to 2n (n is a natural number), the interval angle between adjacent sample holder filling parts is 180° / n. Figure 6 It shows the case where n = 10.

[0128] In Figure 6 the configuration structure shown, when moving in the order of the transfer line 1104 → the dispensing line 1209B, as Figure 6 shown by the arrow (A) in, the moving angle becomes θ1, which is 90°.

[0129] In addition, when moving in the order of the transfer line 1104 → the dispensing line 1209B → the dispensing line 1309B, as Figure 6As shown by the middle arrow (B), the required movement angle after subtracting the rotation of the standby tray 106 in standby is 360°-θ2 (=180°+θ1). In this case, the movement angle of the bracket in this structure = 360°-90° = 270°.

[0130] Compare Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in the transmission path of (A), relative to Figure 5 θ1=180°, the necessary moving angle of the sample holder 10 is Figure 6 In the transmission path (B), θ1 = 90°, which shortens the necessary movement angle, i.e., the movement time. Figure 5 Configuration and Figure 6 The configurations are all 360°-θ2(=270°), which is the same.

[0131] Next, if Figure 7 As shown, when 0°<θ1<180°, 0°<θ2≤180°, θ1+θ2>180° are satisfied, for example, a structure is considered in which the angle θ1 formed by the conveying line 104 and the dispensing line 209 satisfies a relationship of less than 90° and the angle θ2 formed by the conveying line 104 and the dispensing line 309 satisfies a relationship of greater than 90° and less than 180°. In this case, if the number of sample rack filling positions of the standby disk 106 is set to 2n (n is a natural number), the interval angle of adjacent sample rack filling positions is 180° / n.

[0132] In this structure, the above-defined θ1 and θ2 are respectively taken as examples of the case where θ1=90° and θ2=(180°×m) / n (m is a natural number, and n / 2<m≤n-1). Figure 7 , which represents the state where n=10 and m=6.

[0133] In such a structure, when the sample holder 10 moves in the order of the conveying line 104 → the dispensing line 209, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown by the arrow (A) in FIG. 1 , the required movement angle is θ1, which is 90°.

[0134] In addition, when the sample holder 10 moves in the order of the conveying line 104 → the dispensing line 209 → the dispensing line 309, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown by the arrow (B) in FIG. 1 , the necessary movement angle after subtracting the rotation of the standby disk 106 in standby is 360°-θ2.

[0135] Will Figure 7 and Figure 5 By comparison, in case (A), Figure 7 The necessary moving angle θ1 is less than 180°, so it must be less than Figure 5The necessary movement angle θ1 (=180°) is required.

[0136] In addition, in case (B), Figure 5 and Figure 7 The necessary movement angle in is 360°-θ2. Here, if the same θ2 is used for comparison, Figure 7 In the case of θ2>180°-θ1, the necessary moving angle must be less than 270°. Figure 5 θ2 = 90°, so 360°-θ2 is 270°, so Figure 7 The necessary movement angle of the configuration is smaller.

[0137] Next, Figure 7 and Figure 6 By comparison, in case (A), Figure 6 and Figure 7 The necessary movement angles are all θ1 (=90°), so the necessary movement angles are the same.

[0138] In addition, in the case of (B), Figure 7 The necessary moving angle 360°-θ2 must be less than 270°. Figure 6 θ2=90°, so 360°-θ2 is 270°. Figure 7 The necessary movement angle of the configuration structure in is smaller.

[0139] As mentioned above, Figure 7 Even with the configuration structure Figure 5 , Figure 6 That is, it is known that the conveying time of the sample rack 10 can be shortened by not arranging the conveying line 104 and the dispensing lines 209 and 309 parallel to each other.

[0140] Then, if Figure 8 As shown, when 0°<θ1<180°, 0°<θ2<180°, θ1+θ2<180° are satisfied, for example, a structure can be considered in which the angle θ1 formed by the conveying line 104 and the dispensing line 209A satisfies a relationship of less than 90° and the angle θ2 formed by the conveying line 104 and the dispensing line 309A satisfies a relationship of less than 90°. In this case, if the number of sample rack filling positions of the standby disk 106 is set to 2n (n is a natural number), the interval angle of adjacent sample rack filling positions is 180° / n.

[0141] In this structure, the cases where θ1 and θ2 defined as above are respectively taken as examples: θ1 = (180°×p) / n, θ2 = (180°×q) / n (p, q are natural numbers, and 1≤p, q<n / 2).Figure 8 , which represents the state where n=10 and p=q=4.

[0142] In such a structure, when the sample holder 10 moves in the order of the conveying line 104 → the dispensing line 209A, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown by the arrow (A) in FIG. 1 , the required movement angle is θ1.

[0143] In addition, when the sample rack 10 moves in the order of the conveying line 104 → the dispensing line 209A → the dispensing line 309A, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown by the arrow (B) in FIG. 1 , the necessary movement angle after subtracting the rotation of the standby disk 106 in standby is θ1+(θ1+θ2)=2θ1+θ2.

[0144] Will Figure 8 and Figure 5 By comparison, in case (A), Figure 8 The necessary moving angle θ1 is less than 180°, so it must be less than Figure 5 The necessary movement angle.

[0145] In addition, in the case of (B), Figure 8 The necessary movement angle 2θ1+θ2 is Figure 5 The necessary movement angle is 360°-θ2, compared with Figure 8 In the equation, θ1 and θ2 are both below or less than 90°, so 2θ1+θ2 will not be greater than 270°. On the other hand, since θ2 is less than 90°, 360°-θ2 will not be less than 270°. Therefore, Figure 8 The necessary moving angle must be less than Figure 5 The necessary movement angle.

[0146] Next, Figure 8 and Figure 6 By comparison, in case (A), Figure 6 , Figure 8 The necessary movement angle is θ1, but if the same θ1 is used for comparison, then Figure 6 θ1=90°, Figure 8 In the example, since θ1 is less than 90°, the necessary movement angle is the same or smaller.

[0147] In addition, in the case of (B), Figure 8 The required movement angle 2θ1+θ2 will not be greater than 270°. Figure 6 The necessary moving angle 360°-θ2 (=270°) must be greater than Figure 8 The necessary movement angle.

[0148] As mentioned above, Figure 8 Even with the configuration structure Figure 5, Figure 6 Compared with any of the above, this configuration structure is advantageous from the perspective of necessary movement.

[0149] The following table 1 shows Figures 5 to 9 A table of the configuration structure and transmission conditions and the necessary movement angles required under each condition.

[0150] [Table 1]

[0151]

[0152] Figure 9 is a matrix illustrating the effect of shortening the transport time based on the sample rack transport method involved in this embodiment. Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis is θ1 and the vertical axis is θ2, and the necessary movement angle of the conveying path (B) relative to the values ​​taken by θ1 and θ2 is shown.

[0153] like Figure 9 As shown, it can be seen that the existing configuration structure Figure 5 , Figure 6 Compared with the configuration structure of the present embodiment, Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the embodiment, the necessary moving angle of the conveying path (B) is equalized or reduced, and the conveying time can be shortened.

[0154] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0155] The automatic analysis system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of analysis modules 200, 300, which mix samples with reagents for analysis; a conveyor line 104, which conveys a sample rack 10, etc., which holds a sample container 12 containing a sample; and a sample rack distribution module 100, which has a rotatable standby disk 106 formed with a plurality of slots 106A capable of holding the sample rack 10, etc., and provides the sample rack 10, etc. to the analysis modules 200, 300, and the analysis modules 200, 300 respectively have: a sample dispenser Structures 208, 308, which dispense samples held in sample racks 10, etc.; and dispensing lines 209, 309, which pull in and deliver sample racks 10, etc. from the sample rack distribution module 100 to the sample dispensing positions of the sample dispensing mechanisms 208, 308, the conveying line 104 and the plurality of dispensing lines 209, 309 are configured to be non-parallel to each other, and the device layout of the analysis modules 200, 300 configured to clamp the sample rack distribution module 100 is line symmetrical with respect to the straight line 100A passing through the rotation center of the standby disk 106.

[0156] Thus, even in a structure in which samples are provided from a common sample rack distribution module 100 to a plurality of analysis modules 200 and 300, the amount of sample rack 10 conveyed and moved and the time waiting for the sample rack 10 to be conveyed can be reduced by the device layout structure, thereby preventing the device from becoming large-scale, and the conveying distance of the sample rack 10 and the emergency sample rack 11 can be reduced compared to the prior art structure. Therefore, the conveying time of the entire sample rack 10 can be shortened, and efficiency can be achieved in terms of the sample providing speed in the processing capacity of the automatic analysis system. As a result, the TAT (Turn Around Time) required from the input of the sample to the output of the measurement result can be shortened compared to the prior art system. In addition, compared to the prior art device structure, user accessibility can be better.

[0157] Furthermore, the dispensing lines 209 and 309 are arranged so that the lines extending in the conveying direction of the sample rack 10 and the like all pass through the grooves 106A of the standby disk 106 . Therefore, the device structure can be simplified compared with the structure of the second embodiment described later.

[0158] In addition, since there are further conveying protrusions 120, 220, 320, the conveying protrusions 120, 220, 320 engage with the recesses 13 provided on the bottom surface of the sample rack 10, etc. when the sample rack 10, etc. is pulled in and delivered from the standby tray 106, there is no need to consider consumption such as a conveyor belt, and a mechanism that can simply convey the sample rack 10, etc. can be used, which can more reliably prevent the device from being enlarged.

[0159] Furthermore, when there are two dispensing lines 209 and 309, when the operating rate of the analysis module 200 side is higher than that of the analysis module 300, the dispensing line 209 is accessed more often than the dispensing line 309. In this case, the angle formed by the transmission line 104 and the dispensing line 209 satisfies a relationship of less than 90°, and the angle formed by the transmission line 104 and the dispensing line 309 satisfies a relationship of greater than 90° and less than 180°, so that a structure can be adopted that reduces the necessary movement angle for the frequently accessed dispensing line 209 side, and the time required for transmission can be more reliably shortened.

[0160] In addition, when high processing capacity is required for either of the analysis modules 200 and 300, it is desirable to minimize the required moving angle of the sample rack 10 and the like in the standby tray 106. Therefore, the angle formed by the conveyor line 104 and the dispensing line 209 satisfies a relationship of less than 90°, and the angle formed by the conveyor line 104 and the dispensing line 309 satisfies a relationship of less than 90°, so that the required moving angle can be minimized, which is a particularly suitable configuration structure when high processing capacity is required.

[0161] Furthermore, by connecting the dispensing lines 209 and 309 in a direction extending radially from the center of the standby disk 106 , the grooves 106A for holding the sample racks 10 and the like can be efficiently formed in the standby disk 106 , and the standby disk 106 can be miniaturized.

[0162] In addition, the equipment included in the device layout includes any one or more of the dispensing lines 209, 309, the sample dispensing mechanisms 208, 308, the reaction disk 211 for holding the reaction container for the mixed sample and reagent, the thermostat disk 311, and the consumables setting unit for setting the consumables for sample analysis, so that the equipment that is greatly related to the transmission of the sample rack 10 and the equipment that the user frequently accesses can be arranged on the same side within the system, which helps to improve user access.

[0163] Furthermore, by disposing the sample dispensing mechanisms 208 and 308 between the dispensing lines 209 and 309 and the reaction disk 211 and the thermostat disk 311, the moving distance of the sample dispensing mechanisms 208 and 308 can be reduced, the analysis cycle can be reliably shortened, and TAT can be more reliably shortened.

[0164] In addition, the consumables setting section includes reagent disks 218 and 318 for holding reagent containers storing reagents, so that the device layout of the reagent disks 218 and 318 that users frequently access to insert or remove test reagents can be set to be the same in the analysis modules 200 and 300, which can reliably improve user access.

[0165] <Example 2>

[0166] use Figures 10 to 19 The automatic analysis system and the sample transfer method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. This is also the case in the following embodiments.

[0167] In the first embodiment, the configuration is described in which when one dispensing line 209 or 309 is connected to the groove 106A holding the sample rack 10 of the standby disk 106 , the other dispensing line 209 or 309 is similarly connected to the groove 106A.

[0168] In contrast, Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, when one dispensing line 209B or 309B is connected to the groove 106A, the other dispensing line 209B or 309B is connected to the area 106B that does not hold the sample rack 10 , and is not connected to the groove 106A in the standby disk 106 .

[0169] That is, the grouping line 309B is configured so that among the lines of multiple dispensing lines 209B and 309B extending along the conveying direction of the sample rack 10, etc., the line of the dispensing line 309B extending along the conveying direction does not pass through the groove 106A of the standby disk 106, but passes through the area 106B between the groove 106A and the adjacent groove 106A.

[0170] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement according to the second embodiment in which the conveyance angles of the sample rack from the sample rack dispensing module 100 to the left and right dispensing lines 209B and 309B are shifted by a predetermined angle.

[0171] Such as these Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the standby disk 106 has a groove 106A and an area 106B. The groove 106A enables the conveying protrusion 220 to move back and forth at each position that can accommodate the sample rack 10, and the area 106B exists between the two grooves 106A, and enables the conveying protrusion 220 to move back and forth at a position that cannot accommodate the sample rack 10.

[0172] Figure 12 FIG. 2 is a top view showing the structure of the standby tray 106 and the moving path 222 of the conveying convex parts 120, 220, and 320. Figure 12 As shown, the moving path 222 of the conveying protrusions 120, 220, 320 is provided with a moving path 224 in addition to the groove 106A portion in the standby tray 106 so that the conveying protrusions 120, 220, 320 can reciprocate in each area 106B.

[0173] Here, it is assumed that two adjacent grooves 106A are offset by one pitch, and that the two grooves 106A and the region 106B existing therebetween are offset by half a pitch.

[0174] Figures 13 to 15 The diagrams are for explaining the operation of the conveying projections 120 , 220 , and 320 and the operation of the standby tray of the sample rack dispensing module according to the present embodiment.

[0175] First, if Figure 13 As shown, the conveying projection 220 moves toward the standby tray 106 on the dispensing line 209B in a state where the sample rack 10 is loaded, and delivers the sample rack 10 to a predetermined position on the standby tray 106 .

[0176] Then, if Figure 14 As shown, the conveying projection 220 moves to the above-mentioned area 106B where no sample rack 10 is stored as the standby tray 106 rotates.

[0177] And, ifFigure 15 As shown, only the conveying projection 220 moves to the dispensing line 209B in a state where no sample rack 10 is loaded.

[0178] By repeating such operations, the sample racks 10 can be exchanged and prepared for exchange between the standby disk 106 and the dispensing line 209B. Similarly, the sample racks 10 can be exchanged and prepared for exchange between the dispensing line 309B and the transfer line 104 of another analysis module 300.

[0179] Figures 16 to 19 1 is a matrix for explaining the effect of shortening the transport time by transporting a sample rack according to the structure of this embodiment.

[0180] In the analysis modules with different measurement principles, the cycle time from receiving the sample rack 10 through the dispensing lines 209B and 309B of the analysis modules 200 and 300 to returning the sample rack 100 to the standby disk 106 may differ depending on the difference in measurement principles.

[0181] In these Figures 16 to 19 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time (seconds), and the vertical axis represents four action units (transmission line 104, standby disk 106, left and right dispensing lines 209B, 309B). Each module shows the linear motion of the transmission convex part 120 of the transmission line 104, the rotational motion of the standby disk 106, the linear motion of the transmission convex part 220 of the dispensing lines 209, 209A, 209B, and the linear motion of the transmission convex part 320 of the dispensing lines 309, 309A, 309B.

[0182] In addition, Figures 16 to 19 , a case is described in which the sample racks 10 are exchanged continuously between the left and right dispensing lines 209 , 209A, 209B, 309 , 309A, 309B and the standby disk 106 (with the right first) without intervention of the emergency sample rack 11 .

[0183] In the case where the left and right dispensing lines 209B and 309B hold the sample holder 10 in advance, in the structure of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, in the dispensing line 209B on the right side, the sample rack 10 is recovered to the standby tray 106, and then the sample rack 10 to be dispensed is conveyed (received).

[0184] Next, the same transfer is performed in the dispensing line 309B on the left, and then the sample rack 10 recovered from each dispensing line 209B and 309B is sent from the standby disk 106 to the transfer line 104, and the sample rack 10 containing the next unmeasured sample is delivered from the transfer line 104 to the standby disk 106.

[0185] During each sample rack transfer operation, the standby disk 106 is rotated.

[0186] In this way, even when the left and right dispensing lines 209B and 309B hold the sample rack 10 in advance, in the second embodiment, the following operation does not occur: when the sample rack 10 is received in one dispensing line 209B and 309B, only the conveying projection 320 moves alone in the other one.

[0187] Therefore, if Figure 17 As shown, in Example 1, the time required for one cycle, which is a cycle unit from when the dispensing lines 209 , 209A, 309 , 309A collect the sample rack 10 to when the conveyor line 104 sends the collected sample rack 10 to the sample rack unloading unit 103 , is the same.

[0188] On the other hand, for example, when only the right dispensing lines 209, 209A, and 209B hold the sample holder 10 in advance, Figure 18 As shown, in the structure of Example 1, while the right dispensing line 209, 209A receives the sample rack 10 from the standby disk 106, the sample rack 10 cannot be exchanged with the dispensing line 309, 309A or its preparation operation (only the conveying protrusion 320 moves) can not be performed.

[0189] In contrast, in the structure of the second embodiment, the time during which the sample holder 10 is obtained from the dispensing line 209B can be utilized, and only the conveying protrusion 320 can be moved to the standby tray 106. Therefore, in the next operation cycle, the sample holder 10 can be moved from the dispensing line 309B to the standby tray 106, so the time required for the above-mentioned one cycle can be shortened compared with the first embodiment.

[0190] More specifically, compared with the structure of Example 1, in the structure of Example 2, the amount of time spent on the action of sending the conveying protrusion 320 into the standby tray 106 using the left dispensing line 309B and its preparation, that is, the tray rotation action, can be shortened.

[0191] In addition, when the left and right dispensing lines 209, 209A, 209B, 309, 309A, and 309B do not have the sample holder 10, in the structure of Example 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown, in terms of the arrangement structure, while the conveying protrusion 220 is moving from the right dispensing line 209 , 209A into the standby tray 106 , the conveying protrusion 320 cannot be moved from the left dispensing line 309 , 309A.

[0192] On the other hand, in the structure of Example 2, while the conveying convex portion 220 is moved from the right dispensing line 209B to the standby tray 106, the conveying convex portion 320 can be simultaneously moved from the left dispensing line 309B to the standby tray 106. Therefore, the time required for one cycle can be shortened, and by repeating this cycle, the overall conveying time can be shortened.

[0193] Next, the timing at which a cycle that can shorten the transfer time occurs will be described.

[0194] Here, the analysis module with a shorter analysis cycle is the main one, and the slower analysis module is the secondary one. For example, if the analysis module 200 (e.g., biochemical analysis module) is the main one, and the analysis module 300 (e.g., immune analysis module) is the secondary one, and the cycle time of each is set to as seconds and at seconds (a, s, t are natural numbers, s and t are prime numbers, s<t), then in the structure of Example 1, the action of receiving or delivering the sample holder 10 can be performed simultaneously only at the timing of the least common multiple of s and t.

[0195] For example, if the analysis cycle of the main analysis module 200 is 4 seconds and the analysis cycle of the auxiliary analysis module 300 is 30 seconds, the timing of the least common multiple becomes 60 seconds. That is, in the structure of Example 1, the conveying convex parts 220 and 320 are connected only to the grooves 106A corresponding to the positions where the sample racks 10 can be stored. In the above structure, the sample racks 10 are replaced at the same time every 60 seconds.

[0196] On the other hand, in the structure shown in the second embodiment, since one dispensing line 209B or 309B is offset from one half of one groove 106A, the sample rack 10 cannot be transferred at the same time, but while the sample rack 10 is transferred in the other dispensing line 209B, the transfer projection 320 can be taken out from or inserted into the standby tray 106. This operation can be performed when the number of seconds is an integer multiple and not an integer multiple of t.

[0197] For example, if the analysis cycle of the main analysis module 200 is set to 4 seconds, the sample rack 10 is exchanged 14 times through one dispensing line 209B within 60 seconds, and then the timing of the transfer preparation action of only storing the transfer protrusion 320 to the standby disk 106 is simultaneously performed in another dispensing line 309B in order to receive the sample rack 10.

[0198] Therefore, for Example 1 Figure 7 The simultaneous transport of the sample holder 10 in the structure shown in FIG. 1 is compared with the example 2 in terms of the occurrence frequency. Figure 10 The dominant degree to which the transport+preparation action of the sample holder 10 in the illustrated configuration occurs.

[0199] In this case, the simultaneous transmission action occurs once every ast seconds, and the transmission + preparation action occurs a total of t-1 times every as seconds before ast seconds.

[0200] (1) At t = 1, the total number of transmission + preparation actions occurs 0 times. Here, according to s < t, s cannot exist and cannot be in a state of comparative advantage.

[0201] (2) At t=2, the transmission + preparation actions occur once in total, and the frequency of occurrence is the same, so neither the first embodiment nor the second embodiment has an advantage.

[0202] (3) When t≥3, the total number of transmission + preparation actions occurs more than 2 times, and the frequency of transmission + preparation actions exceeds the frequency of simultaneous transmission actions. Therefore, Figure 10 The configuration is dominant.

[0203] In summary, it can be seen that through Figure 10 The effect obtained by the configuration is Figure 7 Compared with the effect in, in most cases, the same or greater effect can be obtained from the perspective of frequency of occurrence.

[0204] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis system and the sample transfer method of the first embodiment, and the details are omitted.

[0205] In the automatic analysis system and the sample transport method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the automatic analysis system and the sample transport method according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0206] Furthermore, the dispensing lines 209 and 309 are arranged so that at least one of the lines extending in the conveying direction of the sample rack 10 and the like passes between the groove 106A and the adjacent groove 106A, and does not pass through the groove 106A of the standby disk 106, so that, for example, while the dispensing line 209B of the analysis module 200 exchanges the sample rack 10 in the groove 106A of the standby disk 106 via the conveying convex portion 120, the conveying convex portion 220 can be conveyed from the dispensing line 309B of the analysis module 300 to the area 106B of the standby disk 106. Therefore, compared with the structure of the first embodiment, the sample rack 10 can be moved to the dispensing lines 209B and 309B at an earlier timing.

[0207] <Others>

[0208] The above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments including all the structures described.

[0209] Description of symbols

[0210] 1Automatic analysis system

[0211] 10 sample holders

[0212] 11 Emergency Sample Holder

[0213] 12 sample containers

[0214] 13 recesses

[0215] 100 sample rack distribution module

[0216] 100A straight line

[0217] 101 transmission module control unit

[0218] 102 Sample rack loading unit

[0219] 103 Sample rack removal unit

[0220] 104 transmission line

[0221] 105 Sample Identification Device

[0222] 106 standby disk

[0223] 106A slot (holding part)

[0224] Area 106B

[0225] 112 Emergency sample rack input unit

[0226] 113 Emergency sample rack standby area

[0227] 120, 220, 320 conveying convex part (convex part for conveying sample holder)

[0228] 200, 300 analysis modules

[0229] 200A, 300A cover

[0230] 201, 301 Control Department

[0231] 208, 308 sample injection mechanism

[0232] 209, 209A, 209B injection lines (first injection line)

[0233] 210, 310 sample identification device

[0234] 211 reaction plate

[0235] 217, 323 Measurement Department

[0236] 218, 318 reagent tray

[0237] 219, 319 reagent dispensing mechanism

[0238] 220A Guide Rail

[0239] 220B electric motor

[0240] 222, 224 movement path

[0241] 309, 309A, 309B injection lines (second injection lines)

[0242] 311 Thermostat Plate

[0243] 326 reaction container conveying mechanism

[0244] 327 Reaction liquid suction nozzle

[0245] 328 reaction vessel holding member

[0246] 329 reaction vessel stirring mechanism

[0247] 330 Reaction vessel discard hole

[0248] 331 Sample dispensing needle installation position

[0249] 332 Transfer Agency

[0250] 334 Magnetic separation unit

[0251] 400 control device

[0252] 401 Control Department

[0253] 402 Storage

[0254] 403 Display Department

[0255] 404 Input

[0256] 1104 transmission line

[0257] 1106 Standby disk

[0258] 1209A, 1209B, 1309A, 1309B injection lines.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis system, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of analysis modules that mix a sample with a reagent for analysis; A transfer line that transfers a sample holder that holds a sample container containing the sample; And A sample holder distribution module that has a rotatable standby disk formed with a plurality of holding portions capable of holding the sample holder, and supplies the sample holder to the analysis module, Each of the analysis modules has: A sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sample held on the sample holder; and A dispensing line that pulls in and delivers the sample holder from the sample holder distribution module to the sample dispensing position of the sample dispensing mechanism, The transfer line and the plurality of dispensing lines are arranged so as not to be parallel to each other, and The device layout of the analysis modules arranged sandwiching the sample holder distribution module is line-symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through the rotation center of the standby disk, The dispensing lines are arranged such that at least one or more of the lines extending in the transfer direction of the sample holder pass between the holding portions and adjacent holding portions, and do not pass through the holding portions of the standby disk.

2. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that It further has a convex portion for transferring the sample holder, which engages with a concave portion provided on the bottom surface of the sample holder when pulling in and delivering the sample holder from the standby disk.

3. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that When there are two dispensing lines, the angle formed by the transfer line and the first dispensing line satisfies a relationship of 90° or less, and the angle formed by the transfer line and the second dispensing line satisfies a relationship of greater than 90° and less than 180°.

4. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that When there are two dispensing lines, the angle formed by the transfer line and the first dispensing line satisfies a relationship of 90° or less, and the angle formed by the transfer line and the second dispensing line satisfies a relationship of less than 90°.

5. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that The dispensing lines are connected in a direction extending radially from the center of the standby disk.

6. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that The devices included in the device layout include any one or more of the dispensing line, the sample dispensing mechanism, a reaction disk that holds a reaction vessel for mixing the sample and the reagent, and a consumable setting portion for setting consumables for the sample analysis.

7. The automatic analysis system according to claim 6, characterized in that The sample dispensing mechanism is arranged between the respective dispensing lines and the reaction disk.

8. The automatic analysis system according to claim 6, characterized in that The consumable setting portion includes a reagent disk that holds a reagent container containing the reagent.

9. A method for transferring a sample, which is a method for transferring a sample to an analysis module in an automatic analysis system, characterized in that The automatic analysis system includes: a plurality of analysis modules that mix a sample with a reagent for analysis; a conveyor line that conveys a sample holder that holds a sample container containing the sample; and a sample holder distribution module that has a rotatable standby disk formed with a plurality of holding portions capable of holding the sample holder, and supplies the sample holder to the analysis module. The device layout of the analysis module disposed sandwiching the sample holder distribution module is configured to be line-symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through the rotation center of the standby disk. The sample is conveyed to respective analysis modules by the conveyor line and a dispensing line that are configured not to be parallel to each other. The dispensing line performs the introduction and delivery of the sample holder from a plurality of the sample holder distribution modules to a sample dispensing position of a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sample held by the sample holder. The dispensing line is configured such that at least one or more of the plurality of dispensing lines pass between the holding portions adjacent to the holding portion and do not pass through the holding portion of the standby disk along a line extending in the conveyance direction of the sample holder.

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