Sample transport device, sample analysis system and sample pre-treatment device

Abstract

The present application provides a sample transport device, a sample analysis system and a sample pretreatment device, which have high position accuracy when the sample is stopped and can adjust the fine position when the sample is stopped. The sample transport device (1a) of the present application includes a sample provided with a permanent magnet (10), a transport path for transporting the sample using the permanent magnet (10), a plurality of coils provided on the surface of the transport path opposite to the surface on which the sample is transported, and a driving circuit for supplying current to the coils. The driving circuit adjusts the force acting in the vertical direction of the permanent magnet using the current flowing in the first coil (30B) located directly below the position at which the permanent magnet (10) is to be stopped, adjusts the force acting in the horizontal direction of the permanent magnet (10) using the current flowing in the second coil (30C) adjacent to the first coil, and adjusts the stopping position of the permanent magnet (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sample transport devices, sample analysis systems, and sample pretreatment devices. Background Technology

[0002] In a sample analysis system used for clinical examinations, samples such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, and other bodily fluids are subjected to the indicated analytical tests. This sample analysis system can connect multiple functional devices and automatically process each step. That is, to streamline laboratory operations, analytical units in multiple analytical fields such as biochemistry and immunology, along with pretreatment units for the necessary pretreatment processes, are connected by a transport line and used as a single system.

[0003] Existing sample analysis systems primarily use belt-driven transport lines. This belt-driven system presents a problem: if the transport stops due to some abnormality during transport, samples can no longer be supplied to downstream devices. Therefore, belt wear needs to be carefully monitored.

[0004] In recent years, with advancements in medicine and the development of an aging society, the importance of sample processing has increased significantly. Therefore, to improve the analytical processing capabilities of sample analysis systems, it is necessary to achieve high-speed, simultaneous, and multi-directional sample transport. As one example of a technology to achieve this transport, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is relevant.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a laboratory sample delivery system comprising: a plurality of container carriers (1), each having at least one magnetically active device—preferably at least one permanent magnet—and adapted to transport a sample container containing a sample; a transport plane adapted to transport the plurality of container carriers; a plurality of electromagnetic actuators, stationarily disposed below the transport plane, adapted to move the container carriers on the transport plane by applying magnetic force; and at least one transfer device configured to transfer a sample between the transport plane and a laboratory site—preferably a pre-analysis site, an analysis site, and / or a post-analysis site—the sample being a container carrier, a sample container, a portion of a sample, and / or a set of samples. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure for transporting a container carrier carrying a sample container using magnetic force.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-227648 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The technology described in Patent Document 1 involves activating the electromagnetic actuator in a stepped manner according to the position of the container carrier. However, in the system of Patent Document 2, the electromagnetic actuator to be activated is switched only according to the position of the container carrier. That is, a current is applied to the electromagnetic actuator located at the position where the permanent magnet of the container carrier is to be transported, causing the container carrier to stop at the target position due to the attraction between the permanent magnet and the electromagnetic actuator. The attraction of the electromagnetic actuator generates a force (thrust) in the direction of transporting the permanent magnet and a force (vertical force) pressing the permanent magnet against the transport surface. However, when the permanent magnet is directly above the electromagnetic actuator, the thrust becomes approximately zero, but the vertical force does not decrease. That is, there is a problem that the closer the permanent magnet is to the target position, the smaller the force (thrust) that moves the permanent magnet laterally, while the friction between the permanent magnet and the transport surface increases relatively due to the vertical force, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of the permanent magnet's stopping position.

[0011] Furthermore, when slightly changing the position of the permanent magnet from a stationary state, there is a problem that the frictional force relative to the thrust changes from static friction to dynamic friction, making it difficult to obtain precise positional accuracy of the permanent magnet.

[0012] In view of the above, the present invention provides a sample transport device, a sample analysis system, and a sample pretreatment device with high positional accuracy when the sample stops and the ability to adjust the fine position when the sample stops.

[0013] Technical means to solve the problem

[0014] A first aspect of the present invention, which addresses the above-mentioned problems, provides a sample transport apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a sample having a permanent magnet disposed thereon; a transport path for transporting the sample using the permanent magnet; a plurality of coils disposed on a surface of the transport path opposite to the surface for transporting the sample; and a drive circuit supplying current to the coils, wherein the drive circuit adjusts the force acting on the permanent magnet in the vertical direction using a current flowing in a first coil located directly below the position where the permanent magnet is to be stopped, and adjusts the force acting on the permanent magnet in the horizontal direction using a current flowing in a second coil adjacent to the first coil, thereby adjusting the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a sample analysis system including the sample transport apparatus of the present invention described above.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention provides a sample pretreatment apparatus including the sample transport apparatus of the present invention described above.

[0017] More specific details of the present invention are described in the claimed technical solutions.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, a sample transport device, a sample analysis system, and a sample pretreatment device with high positional accuracy when the sample stops and the ability to adjust the fine position when the sample stops can be provided.

[0020] Other technical issues, technical features, and technical effects not described above will be clarified through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the transport device of Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a graph representing the force acting in the Z-axis direction near position B.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the thrust (force acting in the X direction) at each position when the permanent magnet is moved from position A to position B.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 2.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 3.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 4.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 4.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20 in Embodiment 5.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 6.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the sample transport device in Example 7.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the sample analysis system of Example 8.

[0034] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the sample pretreatment system of Example 9. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate embodiments of the transport device, sample analysis system, and sample pretreatment device of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the conveying device of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the conveying device in Embodiment 1. (As shown...) Figures 1-3 As shown, the sample transport device 1a of this embodiment includes a sample (not shown) on which a permanent magnet 10 is provided, and a transport path 15 for transporting the sample via the permanent magnet 10. Figure 2 The system includes multiple coils disposed on the side of the transport path 15 opposite to the sample transport side, and a drive circuit (not shown) that supplies current to the coils. A permanent magnet 10 is disposed on the transported object, such as a sample container, and the sample moves along the transport path 15 together with the permanent magnet 10. The coils include a magnetic core 20 made of a magnetic material and a winding 30 wound around the outer periphery of the magnetic core 20.

[0038] Figure 1 This is an example of a transport device configured with five coils, wherein the coils are formed by arranging windings 30 around a magnetic core 20 made of magnetic material. The permanent magnet 10 disposed on the sample is transported using magnetic poles generated by the current flowing in the windings 30. That is, the magnetic core 20 in the desired direction (travel direction) generates magnetic poles, and these magnetic poles pull the permanent magnet 10 to transport the object being transported in the travel direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, five magnetic cores 20 are magnetically coupled to the magnetic yoke 40 of a magnetic body on the opposite side (the side in the -Z-axis direction) of the permanent magnet 10, i.e., the sample 10, on which the transported object is mounted. This allows for the maintenance of multiple magnetic cores 20 and the achievement of positional accuracy for the cores 20, while also increasing the magnetic flux acting on the permanent magnet 10. In this embodiment, the five magnetic cores 20 are arranged in a cross shape, enabling the permanent magnet 10 to move in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, while the number of magnetic cores 20 in this embodiment is five, it is not limited to this number. By laying the magnetic cores 20 in the area to be transported, a wide range of transport can be achieved.

[0040] Figure 1In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 10 is disposed opposite to the magnetic core 20 along the Z-axis and moves along the transport path. Current is supplied to the winding 30 in the direction to be traveled, causing the magnetic core 20 in that direction to generate magnetic poles that attract the permanent magnet 10, thus moving the permanent magnet 10 to its position. In this embodiment, a flat transport path 15 is disposed on one side of the permanent magnet of the magnetic core 20. The permanent magnet 10, disposed on the transported object, moves by sliding on the transport surface.

[0041] use Figure 3 This describes the stopping method for the permanent magnet 10 when it moves from position A to position B in the X-axis direction and stops at position B. The transport path is not shown in this figure. For example, when a robot or similar device holds a sample for dispensing reagents at position B, or when dispensing or adding reagents is performed on the transport surface, if the position of the sample or other transported object deviates, sample or reagent spillage may occur. Depending on the situation, there may also be cases where an opened sample tipps over or spills onto the transport surface. In other words, errors in positional accuracy on the transport surface can lead to operational errors.

[0042] The objective of this invention is to bring the sample to a precise stop at the target position of the magnetic core 20. When the permanent magnet 10 is to be stopped at position B, an attractive force acts on the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20B directly below it in the X direction near position B. That is, a force is generated on the permanent magnet 10 in the -Z direction. This force in the -Z direction is the force that presses the permanent magnet 10 against the transport surface, becoming the frictional force during the movement of the permanent magnet 10. Therefore, by supplying a current to the winding 30B wound on the magnetic core 20B directly below the permanent magnet 10, generating a magnetic pole that repels the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet 10, this force in the -Z direction can be reduced.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a graph representing the force acting in the Z-axis direction near position B. Figure 4 The diagram shows the current that generates a magnetic pole in winding 30B that repels the magnetic poles of permanent magnet 10, and the force acting on permanent magnet 10 in the Z direction. As the current generating the repelling magnetic poles increases, the force in the Z direction decreases; a current of approximately 0.3A to 0.35A can bring the force in the Z direction close to zero. Figure 4 Position 0 is the force acting in the Z direction when the permanent magnet 10 is in position B. Here, without supplying a current to the winding 30B to generate repulsive magnetic poles, a force of more than 1.7N is generated in the -Z direction, which generates a frictional force that presses the permanent magnet 10 against the transport surface.

[0044] Figure 5It is a graph showing the thrust (force acting in the X direction) at each position when the permanent magnet is moved from position A to position B. Figure 5 This refers to the force (thrust) acting on the permanent magnet 10 in the X direction when the X-direction position of the permanent magnet 10 moves from position A (position -1.0) to position B (position 0.0) after a current is supplied to the winding 30B to attract the permanent magnet 10. In existing methods, when moving to the target location and stopping, if the permanent magnet 10 is at position A, a current is supplied to the winding 30B at position B to generate an attractive magnetic pole in the core 20B, thereby pulling the permanent magnet to position B and stopping it. However, the characteristic of the thrust and position in this case is that as the permanent magnet 10 moves from position A to position B, the thrust first gradually increases, but gradually decreases from near the middle, and the thrust becomes approximately zero at position B. That is, when the permanent magnet 10 approaches the vicinity of position B, which is the target, the thrust that enables it to move in the X direction becomes approximately zero. Therefore, the positioning accuracy near the target, i.e., position B, deteriorates.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the force acting on the permanent magnet 10 in the -Z direction does not change significantly, so the frictional force increases relatively relative to the thrust, and it can no longer generate a thrust that overcomes the frictional force, making it difficult to stop accurately at position B. Furthermore, if it stops at a location deviating from the target, i.e., position B, static friction will be generated, preventing the generation of a sufficient thrust for further movement. When using the adjacent magnetic core for attraction, the transported body moves rapidly at the moment of transition from static friction to kinetic friction, making precise positioning difficult.

[0046] To this end, at least two coils are provided. Current is supplied to a first coil (the first winding 30B wound on the magnetic core 20B) opposite the permanent magnet at the position where the permanent magnet is to be stopped, and to a second coil (the winding 30C wound on the coil 20C) adjacent to the winding 30B of the first coil wound on the magnetic core 20B. The first coil (first winding 30B) is used to mainly adjust the force (friction) in the Z direction, and the second coil (second winding) 30C is used to mainly adjust the force (thrust) in the X direction. This reduces the influence of friction and improves positioning accuracy. Supplying current to the windings generates forces in both the X and Z directions. However, when the first winding 30B directly below the permanent magnet 10 is energized, the thrust is less than the attraction. When the second winding 30C adjacent to the first winding 30B is energized, the thrust is greater than the attraction. Therefore, by simultaneously supplying current to at least two windings, the thrust and attraction can be adjusted, improving the accuracy of stopping at the target position.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Example 2. The basic structure of the sample transport device 1b in Example 6 is similar to... Figure 1 The sample transport device 1a shown is the same.

[0049] Let x1 be the distance from the target stopping position of permanent magnet 10, i.e., the center of magnetic core 20B in the X-axis direction, to permanent magnet 10. Here, let D be the diameter of permanent magnet 10 and d be the diameter of magnetic core 20B.

[0050] If the distance x1 from the center of the magnetic core to the permanent magnet 10 is shorter than the radius D / 2 of the permanent magnet 10 and the radius d / 2 of the magnetic core 20B, the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20B are positioned opposite each other across the transport path 15. If the area of ​​this opposite (face-to-face) position increases, the force in the -Z direction increases. That is, the friction between the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20B increases. Therefore, within this range, the friction can be reduced by generating a magnetic pole that repels the permanent magnet 10 in the first coil (the winding 30B wound on the magnetic core 20B). At this time, the second coil 20, located in front of the permanent magnet 10 in the transport direction, generates a magnetic pole that attracts the permanent magnet 10, or the inertial force of the permanent magnet 10 is used to move it in the X direction. That is, in the interval x1≤(D / 2+d / 2), by supplying a current in the first winding 20B that generates magnetic flux that repels the polarity of the permanent magnet, friction can be reduced and positioning accuracy improved.

[0051] Alternatively, when the permanent magnet 10 moves at a certain speed, it can also move in the X direction by means of the inertial force of the transported body, and generate a repulsive force in the winding 20B directly below only in the range of x1≤(D / 2+d / 2) to reduce friction.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Example 3. The basic structure of the sample transport device 1c in Example 7 is similar to... Figure 1 The sample transport device 1a shown is the same.

[0054] Figure 7In this diagram, the diameter of the permanent magnet 10 is D, and the diameter of the magnetic core 20B is d. When the center of the permanent magnet 10 is within ±d / 2 of the center of the magnetic core 20B opposite to the permanent magnet at the position where the permanent magnet is to be stopped, the force exerted on the permanent magnet 10 by the magnetic core 20B in the -Z direction increases, and the frictional force increases sharply. Furthermore, the change in the amount of magnetic flux flowing from the permanent magnet 10 to the magnetic core 20B does not change significantly, while the thrust is determined by the change in magnetic flux, so this is a region with relatively small thrust. Therefore, this region is where the frictional force increases and the thrust decreases. By supplying a current in the first winding 20B that generates magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the ratio of thrust to friction acting on the permanent magnet 10, i.e., thrust / friction, can be increased. Therefore, the effective thrust is improved, and the accuracy of the stopping position is improved.

[0055] Example 4

[0056] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Example 4. The basic structure of the sample transport device 1d in Example 8 is similar to... Figure 1 The conveying device 1 shown is the same.

[0057] Figure 8 In the figure, let the diameter of the permanent magnet 10 be D and the diameter of the magnetic core 20B be d. Figure 8 In this configuration, the diameter D of the permanent magnet 10 is larger than the diameter d of the magnetic core 20B opposite to the permanent magnet 10 at the position where the permanent magnet 10 is to be stopped. When the center of the permanent magnet 10 is within ±(Dd) / 2 of the center of the magnetic core opposite to the permanent magnet 10 at the position where the permanent magnet 10 is to be stopped, the magnetic core 20B, with the smaller diameter, is always opposite the permanent magnet 10, resulting in a larger opposing area, and the change in the opposing area is small when moving within this range. That is, this is a range where the force in the -Z direction of the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20B is larger, and the thrust is smaller. At this time, by supplying a current in the first winding 20B that generates a magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force reduced.

[0058] Here, the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20 are not limited to cylindrical shapes, as long as the same effect can be achieved.

[0059] Figure 9 In the figure, let the diameter of the permanent magnet 10 be D and the diameter of the magnetic core 20B be d. Figure 9In this configuration, the diameter D of the permanent magnet 10 is smaller than the diameter d of the magnetic core 20B opposite to the permanent magnet 10 at the position where the permanent magnet 10 is to be stopped. When the center of the permanent magnet 10 is within ±(dD) / 2 of the center of the magnetic core opposite to the permanent magnet 10 at the position where the permanent magnet 10 is to be stopped, the magnetic core 20B with the smaller diameter always opposes the permanent magnet 10, resulting in a larger opposing area, and the change in the opposing area is small when moving within this range. That is, this is a range where the force in the -Z direction of the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20B is larger, and the thrust is smaller. At this time, by supplying a current in the first winding 20B that generates a magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force reduced.

[0060] Example 5

[0061] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the shapes of the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20. This embodiment illustrates an example of the shapes of the magnetic core 20 and the permanent magnet 10 disposed on the sample. Figure 10 Figures (a), (b), (c) and (d) are projections of the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20 onto the transport plane (XY plane).

[0062] Figure 10 In case (a), the permanent magnet 10 and the core 20 are cylindrical, and the diameter of the permanent magnet 10 is smaller than the diameter of the core 20. In this case, within the region where the XY-plane projection area of ​​the permanent magnet 10 is contained within the XY-plane projection area of ​​the core 20, by supplying a current in the first winding 20 that generates a magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force reduced.

[0063] Figure 10 In case (b), the permanent magnet 10 and the core 20 are cylindrical, and the diameter of the permanent magnet 10 is larger than the diameter of the core 20. In this case, within the region where the XY plane projection area of ​​the core 20 is contained within the XY plane projection area of ​​the permanent magnet 10, by supplying a current in the first winding 20 that generates a magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force reduced.

[0064] Figure 10 In case (c), the permanent magnet 10 is rectangular and the magnetic core 20 is rectangular. This is an example where the area of ​​the permanent magnet 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the cylindrical magnetic core 20. In this case, the XY plane projection area of ​​the rectangular permanent magnet 10 is contained within the XY plane projection area of ​​the rectangular magnetic core 20. By supplying a current in the first winding 20 that generates magnetic flux that repels the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force can be reduced.

[0065] Figure 10 In case (d), there is a cylindrical permanent magnet 10 and a rectangular magnetic core 20. This is an example where the area of ​​the permanent magnet 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the cylindrical magnetic core 20. In this case, the XY plane projection area of ​​the cylindrical permanent magnet 10 is contained within the XY plane projection area of ​​the rectangular magnetic core 20. By supplying a current in the first winding 20 that generates magnetic flux that repels the polarity of the permanent magnet 10, the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 can be increased and the frictional force can be reduced.

[0066] Example 6

[0067] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the transport device in Embodiment 6. The basic structure and function are the same as in other embodiments, but the shape of the side of the magnetic core 20 opposite to the permanent magnet 10 is increased, making it larger than the cross-section of the magnetic core inside the winding 30 (forming a T-shape). At this time, the magnetic flux generated by the current supplied in the winding increases, and the area of ​​the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20 facing each other can also be increased, thus increasing the peak value of the thrust acting on the permanent magnet 10 in the transport section. Figure 5 (The peak thrust shown increases). However, since the thrust is zero directly above the magnetic core 20, the thrust near the X direction of the magnetic core 20 is approximately zero. On the other hand, the opposing area between the permanent magnet 10 and the magnetic core 20 increases, and the force in the -Z direction, i.e., the frictional force, increases. Thus, by making the shape of the magnetic core 20 T-shaped, a larger peak thrust is obtained and the frictional force directly above the magnetic core 20 is reduced, thereby providing a transport device with high transport capacity, large thrust, and low friction.

[0068] Example 7

[0069] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the sample transport device of Embodiment 7. This embodiment describes the peripheral structure of the sample transport device described in Embodiments 1 to 6 in more detail. The sample transport device 100 of Embodiment 7 has three magnetic cores 20A, 20B, and 20C, and windings 30A, 30B, and 30C are arranged around each magnetic core. A drive circuit 50 is provided for each winding, which can control the current value of each winding individually. For this current value, a position or speed detection unit 60 that detects the position of the permanent magnet 10 is provided, and the current value is calculated by a current command calculation unit 55 based on the information. With this structure, by adjusting the current value of each winding based on the position of the permanent magnet 10, fine positioning can be achieved, improving the accuracy of the transport position.

[0070] Example 8

[0071] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analysis system of Example 8. This example describes a sample analysis system equipped with the sample transport device of the present invention.

[0072] like Figure 13 As shown, the sample analysis system 200a is a device that dispenses samples and reagents into reaction containers to allow them to react, and measures the resulting liquid. It includes a feed unit 101, an emergency sample rack inlet 113, a transport line 102, a buffer zone 104, an analysis unit 105, a storage unit 103, a display unit 118, and a control unit 120.

[0073] The feed section 101 is where the sample rack 111 is located, which houses multiple sample containers 122 for holding live samples such as blood or urine. The emergency sample rack inlet 113 is used to feed the sample rack (calibration rack) containing standard solutions and the sample rack 111 containing sample containers 122 that require emergency analysis into the device.

[0074] The buffer 104 holds multiple sample racks 111 transported by the transport line 102 in a manner that allows for changing the dispensing order of samples in the sample racks 111.

[0075] The analysis unit 105 analyzes the samples transported from the buffer zone 104 via the conveyor belt assembly line 106. Details will be described later.

[0076] The storage section 103 is used to store the sample rack 111, which contains the sample container 122 that holds the sample after it has been analyzed by the analysis section 105.

[0077] The transport line 102 is a transport line for transporting the sample holder 111 provided in the feed section 101, and has the structure of the sample transport device of the present invention described in Embodiments 1 to 6 above. In this embodiment, the magnetic body, preferably a permanent magnet, is provided on the back side of the sample holder 111.

[0078] The analysis unit 105 consists of a conveyor belt assembly line 106, a reaction tray 108, a sample dispensing nozzle 107, a reagent tray 110, a reagent dispensing nozzle 109, a cleaning mechanism 112, a reagent tray 114, a reagent ID reader 115, a reagent loader 116, a spectrophotometer 121, etc.

[0079] The conveyor belt production line 106 is a production line that feeds the sample holder 111 in the buffer 104 into the analysis unit 105, and has the structure of the sample transport device of the present invention described in Examples 1 to 6 above.

[0080] The reaction dish 108 includes multiple reaction containers. The sample dispensing nozzle 107, driven by rotation and vertical movement, dispenses the sample from the sample container 122 into the reaction containers of the reaction dish 108. The reagent dish 110 holds multiple reagents. The reagent dispensing nozzle 109 dispenses reagents from reagent bottles within the reagent dish 110 into the reaction containers of the reaction dish 108. The cleaning mechanism 112 cleans the reaction containers of the reaction dish 108. The spectrophotometer 121 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source (not shown) through the reaction solution in the reaction containers.

[0081] The reagent tray 114 is a component used to set reagents when registering reagents into the sample analysis system 200a. The reagent ID reader 115 is a device that obtains reagent information by reading the reagent ID attached to the reagent set on the reagent tray 114. The reagent loader 116 is a device that feeds reagents into the reagent tray 110.

[0082] Display unit 118 is a display device for displaying the analytical results of the concentration of a specified component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine.

[0083] The control unit 120, consisting of a computer and the like, controls the operation of each mechanism within the sample analysis system 200a and performs calculations to determine the concentration of specified components in samples such as blood or urine.

[0084] The above describes the overall structure of the sample analysis system 200a.

[0085] The sample analysis and processing performed by the sample analysis system 200a described above is generally carried out in the following order.

[0086] First, the sample rack 111 is set in the feed section 101 or the emergency sample rack inlet 113 and is fed into the buffer zone 104 that can be randomly entered and exited via the transport line 102.

[0087] The sample analysis system 200a sends the highest priority sample rack 111 from the sample rack stored in the buffer 104 to the analysis unit 105 via the conveyor belt assembly line 106, according to the priority rules.

[0088] Upon reaching the analysis unit 105, the sample rack 111 is then moved by the conveyor belt 106 to the sample dispensing position near the reaction plate 108, where the sample dispensing nozzle 107 dispenses the sample into the reaction vessel of the reaction plate 108. The sample dispensing nozzle 107 performs the necessary number of sample dispensing operations according to the analytical requirements assigned to the sample.

[0089] Samples are dispensed from all sample containers 122 mounted on the sample rack 111 using the sample dispensing nozzle 107. The sample rack 111, where all sample containers 122 have been dispensed, is then moved back to the buffer zone 104. Furthermore, the sample rack 111, where all sample dispensing, including automatic re-detection, has been dispensed, is moved to the storage section 103 via the conveyor belt 106 and transport line 102.

[0090] Additionally, the reagents to be used in the analysis are dispensed from the reagent bottles on the reagent tray 110 into the reaction vessel where the sample has already been dispensed, using the reagent dispensing nozzle 109. Next, the mixture of sample and reagents in the reaction vessel is stirred using a stirring mechanism (not shown).

[0091] Next, light generated by the light source is passed through a reaction vessel containing a stirred mixture, and the luminosity of the transmitted light is measured using a spectrophotometer 121. The luminosity measured by the spectrophotometer 121 is sent to the control unit 120 via an A / D converter and interface. The control unit 120 then performs calculations to determine the concentration of a specified component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and displays the result on a display unit 118 or similar device, or stores it in a storage unit (not shown).

[0092] In addition, the sample analysis system 200a does not require such Figure 13 The illustrated configuration includes all the above-described structures, allowing for the addition of pretreatment units or the deletion of certain units or structures. Furthermore, the analytical unit 105 is not limited to biochemical analysis but can also be used for immunoassay, and it does not need to be a single unit; two or more units can be included. In this case, the analytical unit 105 is connected to the feed unit 101 via a transport line 102, and the sample holder 111 is transported from the feed unit 101.

[0093] Example 9

[0094] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a sample pretreatment system. This embodiment uses... Figure 14 The overall structure of the sample pretreatment device 150 is described.

[0095] Figure 14 In this context, the sample pretreatment device 150 is a device for performing various pretreatments required for sample analysis. Figure 14 From left to right, the unit includes: multiple units with basic elements such as a closure unit 152, a sample storage unit 153, an empty support stacking section 154, a sample input unit 155, a centrifugation separation unit 156, a liquid volume measurement unit 157, a closure unit 158, a sub-sample container preparation unit 159, a dispensing unit 165, and a transfer unit 161, and an operation unit PC163 that controls the operation of these multiple units.

[0096] As a moving target for the sample after it has been processed by the sample pretreatment device 150, a sample analysis system 200a for performing qualitative / quantitative analysis of the sample components is connected.

[0097] The sample loading unit 155 is used to load the sample container 122 containing the sample into the sample pretreatment device 150. The centrifugation unit 156 is used to centrifuge the loaded sample container 122. The liquid volume measurement unit 157 is used to measure the liquid volume of the sample contained in the sample container 122. The plug opening unit 158 ​​is used to open the plug of the loaded sample container 122. The sub-sample container preparation unit 159 is used to prepare the sample contained in the loaded sample container 122 for subsequent dispensing in the dispensing unit 165. The dispensing unit 165 is used to subdivide the centrifuged sample for analysis using a sample analysis system, etc., and to affix barcodes, etc., to the subdivided sample containers 122 and sub-sample containers 122. The transfer unit 161 is used to classify the dispensed sub-sample containers 122 and prepare them for transfer to the sample analysis system. The plug-closing unit 152 is a unit for closing the plug on the sample container 122 and the sub-sample container 122. The sample storage unit 153 is a unit for storing the sample container 122 after the plug has been closed.

[0098] As a mechanism for transporting and holding the sample holder and sample rack between these units and between the sample pretreatment device 150 and the sample analysis system 200a, any one of the transport devices of Examples 1 to 6 is used.

[0099] In addition, the sample pretreatment device 150 does not need to have all the above structures, and can further add units, or delete some units or some structures.

[0100] In addition, the sample analysis system of this embodiment can be composed of, for example, Figure 14 The sample analysis system 200 consists of the sample pretreatment device 150 and the sample analysis system 200a shown. In this case, the sample transport device described in Examples 1 to 3 can be used to connect not only within each system but also between systems, and to transport the sample container 122.

[0101] The sample analysis system 200a and sample pretreatment apparatus 150 of Embodiment 7 of the present invention include the transport device 1a of Embodiment 1 described above, thereby enabling efficient transport of the sample container 122 to the transport target and shortening the time required to obtain analytical results. In addition, transport failures are less frequent, reducing the burden on laboratory technicians.

[0102] In addition, this embodiment illustrates the case where a sample rack 111 holding five sample containers 122 containing samples is used as the transport object. However, in addition to the sample rack 111 holding five sample containers 122, a sample holder holding two sample containers 122 can also be used as the transport object.

[0103] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes various modifications.

[0104] The above embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but are not limited to having all the structures described.

[0105] Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, or the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0106] For example, Examples 1 to 8 describe the case where the transported objects are sample holders 111 and sample holders, but the transported objects are not limited to sample holders or holders that hold sample containers 122, and can be various objects that need to be transported on a large scale.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0108] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e… Sample transport device, 10… Permanent magnet, 15… Transport path, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C… Magnetic core (pole), 30, 30A, 30B, 30C… Winding, 40… Yoke, 50… Drive circuit, 55… Current command processing unit, 60… Position or speed detection unit, 100… Sample analysis system, 101… Feeding unit, 102… Transport line, 103… Storage unit, 104… Buffer zone, 105… Analysis unit, 106… Conveyor belt line, 107… Sample dispensing nozzle, 108… Reaction tray, 109… Reagent dispensing nozzle, 110… Reagent tray, 111… Sample holder (transported) 112… Cleaning mechanism, 113… Emergency sample rack inlet, 114… Reagent tray, 115… Reader, 116… Reagent loader, 118… Display unit, 120… Control unit, 121… Spectrophotometer, 122… Sample container, 150… Sample pretreatment device, 152… Locking unit, 153… Sample storage unit, 154… Holder stacking unit, 155… Sample input unit, 156… Centrifugation unit, 157… Liquid volume measurement unit, 158… Locking unit, 159… Sub-sample container preparation unit, 161… Transfer unit, 163… Operation unit PC, 165… Dispensing unit, 200a… Sample analysis system.

Claims

1. A sample transport device, characterized in that, include: The sample is equipped with a permanent magnet; The transport path utilizes the permanent magnet to transport the sample while generating friction between the sample and the surface of the transport path; Multiple coils are disposed on the side of the transport path opposite to the side that transports the sample; and A driving circuit supplies current to the coil, wherein, The drive circuit uses the current flowing in a first coil located directly below the position where the permanent magnet is to be stopped to adjust the force acting on the permanent magnet in the vertical direction. The force exerted by the permanent magnet in the horizontal direction is adjusted by using the current flowing in the second coil adjacent to the first coil. The driving circuit supplies a current to the first coil that generates a magnetic flux that is repulsive to the polarity of the permanent magnet, and simultaneously supplies a current to the second coil that generates a magnetic flux that is attractive to the polarity of the permanent magnet, in order to adjust the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

2. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Let the distance between the center of the permanent magnet and the center of the first coil be x1. The distance from the center of the permanent magnet to the end of the permanent magnet is D / 2, and When the distance from the center of the first coil to the end of the permanent magnet is d / 2, In the interval x1≤(D / 2+d / 2), the driving circuit supplies the first coil with a current that generates magnetic flux that repels the polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby adjusting the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

3. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the distance between the center of the permanent magnet and the center of the first coil is set to d / 2, When the center of the permanent magnet is located in the range of ±d / 2, the driving circuit supplies the first coil with a current that generates a magnetic flux that is repulsive to the polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby adjusting the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

4. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The coil includes a magnetic core made of a magnetic material and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the magnetic core. The diameter D of the permanent magnet is larger than the diameter d of the magnetic core of the first coil. When the center of the permanent magnet is within the range of ±(Dd) / 2, the driving circuit supplies the first coil with a current that generates a magnetic flux that is repulsive to the polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby adjusting the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

5. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The coil includes a magnetic core made of a magnetic material and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the magnetic core. The diameter D of the permanent magnet is smaller than the diameter d of the magnetic core of the first coil. When the center of the permanent magnet is within the range of ±(dD) / 2, the driving circuit supplies the first coil with a current that generates a magnetic flux that is repulsive to the polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby adjusting the stopping position of the permanent magnet.

6. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The coil includes a magnetic core made of a magnetic material and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the magnetic core. The area of ​​the permanent magnet projected onto the transport surface is smaller than the area of ​​the magnetic core projected onto the transport surface.

7. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The coil includes a magnetic core made of a magnetic material and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the magnetic core. The area of ​​the magnetic core projected onto the transport surface is included within the area of ​​the permanent magnet projected onto the transport surface.

8. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic core of the first coil is T-shaped, with a large cross-sectional area on the side opposite to the permanent magnet.

9. The sample transport device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first coil includes a second coil winding and a third coil winding arranged apart from the first coil winding. A current that generates magnetic flux repelling the polarity of the permanent magnet is supplied to the first coil winding, and a current that generates magnetic flux attracting the polarity of the permanent magnet is supplied to the second coil winding and the third coil winding.

10. The sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: Includes a unit for detecting the position of the permanent magnet.

11. A sample analysis system, characterized in that: Includes the sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A sample pretreatment apparatus, characterized in that: Includes the sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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