Sample container holding device

Abstract

Provided is a sample container holding device capable of determining the placement state of a sample container and maintaining the state of the sample container when the sample container is placed in an appropriate placement state. The sample container holding device is provided with: a first sensor that detects the presence of a sample container on a first detection line; a second sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a second detection line; a third sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a third detection line; and a fourth sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on the fourth detection line, in a suitable placement state, the first restriction section faces the first edge section on the left side, the second restriction section faces the second edge section on the rear side, the third restriction section faces the third edge section on the right side, and the fourth restriction section faces the fourth edge section on the front side, and in the suitable placement state, the first restriction section faces the first edge section on the left side, the second restriction section faces the second edge section on the rear side. The first detection line intersects a front surface and a rear surface of the first edge portion, the second detection line intersects a left surface and a right surface of the second edge portion, the third detection line intersects a front surface and a rear surface of the third edge portion, and the fourth detection line intersects a left surface and a right surface of the fourth edge portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample container holding device. Background Art

[0002] There is known a sample container holding device that holds a sample container (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-222634

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-116336

[0005] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-99256

[0006] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-192763

[0007] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-98286

[0008] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-180411 Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen container holding device capable of discriminating the placement state of a specimen container and maintaining the proper placement state when the specimen container is placed in the proper placement state.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0011] [1] A sample container holding device for holding a sample container, wherein the sample container is formed into a rectangular shape having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, a third edge portion, and a fourth edge portion in the clockwise direction in a plan view, wherein:

[0012] The sample container holding device comprises: a loading portion; a first limiting portion; a second limiting portion; a third limiting portion; a fourth limiting portion; a first sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a linear first detection line; a second sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a linear second detection line; a third sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a linear third detection line; and a fourth sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a linear fourth detection line.

[0013] In a state where the sample container is not placed on any of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion but is placed on the placing portion,

[0014] The first limiting portion is opposed to the first edge portion on the left side in such a manner that the first edge portion is restricted from moving along the second edge portion to the left side from the third edge portion toward the first edge portion in the plan view by contact.

[0015] The second limiting portion is opposed to the second edge portion at the rear so as to limit the movement of the second edge portion along the first edge portion from the fourth edge portion toward the rear of the second edge portion in the plan view by contact.

[0016] The third limiting portion is opposed to the third edge portion on the right side in such a manner as to limit the movement of the third edge portion to the right side by contacting the third edge portion.

[0017] The fourth limiting portion is opposed to the fourth edge portion at the front so as to limit the forward movement of the fourth edge portion by contacting the fourth limiting portion.

[0018] The first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion limit the rotation of the sample container relative to the sample container holding device in the plan view.

[0019] The first detection line intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the first edge portion,

[0020] The second detection line intersects the left surface and the right surface of the second edge portion,

[0021] The third detection line intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the third edge portion,

[0022] The fourth detection line intersects the left surface and the right surface of the fourth edge portion.

[0023] [2] The sample container holding device according to [1], wherein:

[0024] The sample container holding device includes a fifth sensor for detecting the presence of the sample container on a linear fifth detection line.

[0025] In the properly placed state, the fifth detection line intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the sample container.

[0026] [3] The sample container holding device according to [1] or [2], wherein:

[0027] The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are reflective sensors, respectively.

[0028] In the appropriate placement state, the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are arranged in order in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction in a plan view so as to face the four corners of the sample container.

[0029] [4] A sample analysis device, wherein:

[0030] The sample analysis device comprises the sample container holding device described in any one of [1] to [3].

[0031] [5] The sample analysis device according to [4], wherein:

[0032] The sample analyzer includes a moving unit that moves the sample container holding device in a state where the sample container is placed.

[0033] [6] The sample analysis device according to [5], wherein:

[0034] The sample analysis device includes an analysis unit for analyzing the sample contained in the sample container.

[0035] The moving unit transports the specimen container holding device in a state where the specimen container is placed to the analyzing unit.

[0036] [7] The sample analysis device according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein:

[0037] The sample analyzer includes a discriminating unit for discriminating a placement state of the sample container of the sample container holding device.

[0038] When the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor all detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination portion discriminates that the sample container is in the proper loading state, and when one to three of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination portion discriminates that the sample container is in an improperly tilted loading state in which the sample container is loaded on at least one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion in an inclined posture relative to a horizontal plane.

[0039] [8] The sample analysis device according to [7], wherein:

[0040] The sample container holding device includes a fifth sensor for detecting the presence of the sample container on a linear fifth detection line.

[0041] In the appropriate placement state, the fifth detection line intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the sample container.

[0042] When the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor all fail to detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination unit discriminates that the sample container is in a non-loading state where it is not loaded on any one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, the fourth limiting portion and the loading portion; and when the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the fourth sensor all fail to detect the presence of the sample container but the fifth sensor detects the presence of the sample container, the discrimination unit discriminates that the sample container is in an inappropriate horizontal loading state where it is loaded on at least one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion in a horizontal posture parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0043] Effects of the Invention

[0044] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a specimen container holding device that can determine the placement state of a specimen container and, when the specimen container is placed in an appropriate placement state, can maintain the state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing a state in which a sample container is placed in an appropriate placement state on a sample container holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional front view of the state shown.

[0047] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional right view of the state shown.

[0048] Figure 4 Before placing the sample container Figure 1 A top view of a sample container holding device is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 Before placing the sample container Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front view of a sample container retaining device is shown.

[0050] Figure 6 Before placing the sample container Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional right side view of the sample container retaining device is shown.

[0051] Figure 7 This means that the sample container is placed in an improperly tilted position. Figure 1 A top view of the state of the sample container holding device is shown.

[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial sectional front view of the state shown.

[0053] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A partial sectional right view of the state shown.

[0054] Fig.10 This means that the sample container is placed in an improper horizontal position. Figure 1 A top view of the state of the sample container holding device is shown.

[0055] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A partial sectional front view of the state shown.

[0056] Fig.12 Yes Figure 1 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a method for determining a placement state of a specimen container in a specimen container holding device shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig.13 This is a block diagram of a sample analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] like Figure 1 to Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a specimen container holding device 1 holds a specimen container 2 that is formed into a rectangle having a first edge portion 2a, a second edge portion 2b, a third edge portion 2c, and a fourth edge portion 2d in the clockwise direction in a plan view, and includes a placing portion 3, a first limiting portion 4, a second limiting portion 5, a third limiting portion 6, a fourth limiting portion 7, a first sensor 8 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear first detection line 8a, a second sensor 9 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear second detection line 9a, a third sensor 10 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear third detection line 10a, and a fourth sensor 11 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear fourth detection line 11a. When the specimen container 2 is not placed on any of the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, and the fourth limiting portion 7 but is placed on the placing portion 3 in an appropriate placing state ( Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the state shown in the figure), the first limiting portion 4 limits the first edge portion 2a from the third edge portion 2c to the left side of the first edge portion 2a along the second edge portion 2b when viewed from above ( Figure 1The second limiting portion 5 is opposite to the first edge portion 2a on the left side, and the second limiting portion 5 limits the movement of the second edge portion 2a along the first edge portion 2a to the rear (from the fourth edge portion 2d toward the second edge portion 2b) from the fourth edge portion 2d when viewed from above. Figure 1 The first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6 and the fourth limiting portion 7 are opposite to the fourth edge portion 2d in the front so as to limit the movement of the fourth edge portion 2d forward. The first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6 and the fourth limiting portion 7 are used to limit the rotation of the sample container 2 relative to the sample container holding device 1 when viewed from above. The first detection line 8a intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the first edge portion 2a (in the present embodiment, they are orthogonal in a plan view), the second detection line 9a intersects the left surface and the right surface of the second edge portion 2b (in the present embodiment, they are orthogonal in a plan view), the third detection line 10a intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the third edge portion 2c (in the present embodiment, they are orthogonal in a plan view), and the fourth detection line 11a intersects the left surface and the right surface of the fourth edge portion 2d (in the present embodiment, they are orthogonal in a plan view).

[0060] According to the above-mentioned structure, when the sample container 2 is placed in the sample container holding device 1 in an appropriate placement state, the sample container 2 can be maintained in the appropriate placement state by the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, and the fourth limiting portion 7. In addition, the placement state of the sample container 2 on the sample container holding device 1 can be determined by the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11. When the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 all detect the presence of the sample container 2, it can be known that the sample container 2 is not placed on any of the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, and the fourth limiting portion 7, but is placed on the placement portion 3 in an appropriate placement state (refer to Fig.12 When one to three of the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 detect the presence of the sample container 2, it is known that the sample container 2 is in an improperly inclined placement state (e.g., Figure 7 to Figure 9 Status shown) (See Fig.12). When the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 do not detect the presence of the sample container 2, it is known that the sample container 2 is in an improperly tilted placement state, and is placed in an improperly horizontal placement state (e.g., the sample container 2 is placed in a horizontal posture parallel to the horizontal plane) on at least one of the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, and the fourth limiting portion 7. Figure 10-11 ), and a non-mounted state (not shown) in which the sample container 2 is not mounted on any of the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, the fourth limiting portion 7, and the mounting portion 3 (see Fig.12 ). Therefore, it is possible to realize the sample container holding device 1 that can determine the placement state of the sample container 2 and, when the sample container 2 is placed in an appropriate placement state, can maintain the state.

[0061] The structure for limiting the rotation of the sample container 2 relative to the sample container holding device 1 in a plan view by the first limiting portion 4, the second limiting portion 5, the third limiting portion 6, and the fourth limiting portion 7 in the appropriate placement state is not particularly limited. For example, the first limiting portion 4 may have a first limiting front side portion 4a that is opposite to the front side portion of the first edge portion 2a in the appropriate placement state, and a first limiting rear side portion 4b that is opposite to the rear side portion of the first edge portion 2a in the appropriate placement state, or the second limiting portion 5 may have a second limiting left side portion 4b that is opposite to the left side portion of the second edge portion 2b in the appropriate placement state. The third limiting portion 6 has a third limiting front side portion 6a opposite to the front side portion of the third edge portion 2c in the proper loading state, and a third limiting rear side portion 6b opposite to the rear side portion of the third edge portion 2c in the proper loading state, or the fourth limiting portion 7 has a fourth limiting left side portion 7a opposite to the left side portion of the fourth edge portion 2d in the proper loading state, and a fourth limiting right side portion 7b opposite to the right side portion of the fourth edge portion 2d in the proper loading state.

[0062] The specimen container holding device 1 includes a fifth sensor 12 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear fifth detection line 12a. In a properly placed state, the fifth detection line 12a intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the specimen container 2 (in the present embodiment, intersects orthogonally when viewed from the front and from the right). According to the above structure, when the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, the fourth sensor 11, and the fifth sensor 12 do not detect the presence of the specimen container 2, it can be known that the specimen container 2 is in a non-placed state (see Fig.12). In addition, when the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 do not detect the presence of the sample container 2, but the fifth sensor 12 detects the presence of the sample container 2, it can be known that the sample container 2 is in an improper horizontal placement state (refer to Fig.12 ).

[0063] The first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 are reflective sensors, respectively, and in a properly placed state, the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 are arranged in order in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction in a plan view so as to face the four corners 2e of the sample container 2. According to the above structure, the four corners 2e are arranged close to the reflective sensors (e.g., photoelectric sensors), so that the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0064] like Fig.13 As shown, in this embodiment, the sample analyzer 13 includes the sample container holder 1. According to the above structure, it is possible to realize the sample analyzer 13 that can determine the loading state of the sample container 2 on the sample container holder 1, and when the sample container 2 is loaded in an appropriate loading state, it is possible to maintain the state. In addition, by determining the loading state, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormalities in the sample analyzer 13 due to abnormalities such as the sample container 2 itself being in an inappropriate loading state or being unable to be in an appropriate loading state (for example, damage to the outer peripheral portion, dirt attached, etc.). The sample analyzer 13 can be preferably used as a pharmaceutical preparation supporting device, for example.

[0065] When it is determined that the placement state is inappropriate, the sample analyzer 13 may be stopped so as not to proceed to the next action. According to the above structure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormality in the next action (e.g., damage to the sample analyzer 13) due to the inappropriate placement state. When it is determined that the placement state is inappropriate, the abnormality may be notified (e.g., an alarm is issued) to an operator such as a person or a robot (e.g., a placement subject).

[0066] The sample analyzer 13 includes a moving unit 14 for moving the sample container holding device 1 with the sample container 2 placed thereon. The above configuration can suppress abnormalities in movement caused by the sample container itself being inappropriately placed or unable to be properly placed.

[0067] The sample analyzer 13 includes an analysis unit 15 for analyzing a sample 16 contained in a sample container 2, and a moving unit 14 transports the sample container holding device 1 in a state where the sample container 2 is placed to the analysis unit 15. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress abnormalities in operations such as transportation and analysis due to an inappropriate placement state. In addition, the moving unit 14 may be configured to move the sample container holding device 1 in a state where the sample container 2 is placed in addition to transporting the sample to the analysis unit 15. In addition, the moving unit 14 may be configured to move the sample container holding device 1 in a state where the sample container 2 is placed in addition to transporting the sample to the analysis unit 15. In addition, the moving unit 14 may be configured to move the sample container holding device 1 in a state where the sample container 2 is placed in addition to transporting the sample to the analysis unit 15.

[0068] The sample analyzer 13 includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the placement state of the sample container 2 of the sample container holding device 1. When the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 all detect the presence of the sample container 2, the discriminating unit discriminates that the sample container 2 is in a proper placement state, and when one to three of the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 detect the presence of the sample container 2, the discriminating unit discriminates that the sample container 2 is in an improperly tilted placement state. According to the above configuration, the placement state of the sample container 2 can be easily discriminated by the discriminating unit. The discriminating unit can be constituted by a computer.

[0069] The specimen container holding device 1 includes a fifth sensor 12 for detecting the presence of the specimen container 2 on a linear fifth detection line 12a. In the proper placement state, the fifth detection line 12a intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the specimen container 2. When the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, the fourth sensor 11, and the fifth sensor 12 do not detect the presence of the specimen container 2, the determination unit determines that the specimen container 2 is in the non-placed state. When the first sensor 8, the second sensor 9, the third sensor 10, and the fourth sensor 11 do not detect the presence of the specimen container 2 but the fifth sensor 12 detects the presence of the specimen container 2, the determination unit determines that the specimen container 2 is in the improper horizontal placement state. According to the above configuration, the determination unit can easily determine the placement state of the specimen container 2 including the non-placed state and the improper horizontal placement state.

[0070] The sample 16 is, for example, a cell, a tissue, etc. The sample container 2 is a microplate, but is not limited thereto. The microplate is not particularly limited, and preferably has an outer dimension recommended in the SBS standard. The analysis unit 15 has an optical system that irradiates the sample 16 with light (e.g., excitation light) and detects light from the sample 16 (e.g., light emitted by the sample 16 excited by the excitation light), but is not limited thereto. The optical system can be configured to have a microscope structure. The sample analysis device 13 can be configured to have a processing unit (computer) that generates an image based on the detection result of the optical system. The moving unit 14 transports the sample container holding device 1 to the analysis unit 15 while the sample container 2 is maintained in a horizontal posture, but is not limited thereto. The moving unit 14 can be, for example, composed of a direct-acting mechanism, a rotating mechanism, or a combination thereof. The moving path is not particularly limited, and can have a horizontal path, a vertical path, or both. The sample analysis device 13 can be configured to have a structure having a robot arm that places the sample container 2 on the sample container holding device 1, or can be formed into a structure for placing a person.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0072] Description of the label

[0073] 1 Sample container holder

[0074] 2 Sample container

[0075] 2a 1st edge

[0076] 2b Second edge

[0077] 2c Third edge

[0078] 2d 4th edge

[0079] 2e Corner

[0080] 3 Loading section

[0081] 4 Restriction 1

[0082] 4a 1st limit front part

[0083] 4b Rear part of the first restriction

[0084] 5. Section 2 Restriction

[0085] 5a Left side of the second limit

[0086] 5b Right side of the second limit

[0087] 6 Section 3 Restriction

[0088] 6a 3rd limit front part

[0089] 6b Rear part of the third limit

[0090] 7 Section 4 Restriction

[0091] 7a Left side of the 4th limit

[0092] 7b Right side of the 4th limit

[0093] 8 1st sensor

[0094] 8a 1st test line

[0095] 9 Second sensor

[0096] 9a Second test line

[0097] 10 3rd sensor

[0098] 10a 3rd test line

[0099] 11 4th sensor

[0100] 11a 4th test line

[0101] 12 No. 5 sensor

[0102] 12a 5th test line

[0103] 13 Sample analysis device

[0104] 14 Mobile Department

[0105] 15 Analysis Department

[0106] 16 Samples

Claims

1. A sample container holding device for holding a sample container, wherein the sample container is formed into a rectangular shape having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, a third edge portion, and a fourth edge portion in the clockwise direction in a plan view, wherein: The sample container holding device comprises: a loading portion; a first limiting portion; a second limiting portion; a third limiting portion; a fourth limiting portion; a first sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a first linear detection line; a second sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a second linear detection line; a third sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a third linear detection line; and a fourth sensor that detects the presence of the sample container on a fourth linear detection line. In a state where the sample container is not placed on any of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion but is placed on the placing portion, The first limiting portion is opposed to the first edge portion on the left side in such a manner that the first edge portion is restricted from moving along the second edge portion to the left side from the third edge portion toward the first edge portion in the plan view by contact. The second limiting portion is opposed to the second edge portion at the rear so as to limit the movement of the second edge portion along the first edge portion from the fourth edge portion toward the rear of the second edge portion in the plan view by contact. The third limiting portion is opposed to the third edge portion on the right side in such a manner as to limit the movement of the third edge portion to the right side by contacting the third edge portion. The fourth limiting portion is opposed to the fourth edge portion at the front so as to limit the forward movement of the fourth edge portion by contacting the fourth limiting portion. The first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion are used to limit the rotation of the sample container relative to the sample container holding device in the plan view. The first detection line intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the first edge portion, The second detection line intersects the left surface and the right surface of the second edge portion, The third detection line intersects the front surface and the rear surface of the third edge portion. The fourth detection line intersects the left surface and the right surface of the fourth edge portion.

2. The specimen container holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The sample container holding device includes a fifth sensor for detecting the presence of the sample container on a linear fifth detection line. In the properly placed state, the fifth detection line intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the sample container.

3. The specimen container holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are reflective sensors, respectively. In the appropriate placement state, the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are arranged in order in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction in a plan view so as to face the four corners of the sample container.

4. A sample analysis device, wherein: The sample analysis device includes the sample container holding device according to claim 1 .

5. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, wherein: The sample analyzer includes a moving unit that moves the sample container holding device in a state where the sample container is placed.

6. The sample analysis device according to claim 5, wherein: The sample analysis device includes an analysis unit for analyzing the sample contained in the sample container. The moving unit transports the specimen container holding device in a state where the specimen container is placed to the analyzing unit.

7. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, wherein: The sample analyzer includes a discriminating unit for discriminating a placement state of the sample container of the sample container holding device. When the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor all detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination portion discriminates that the sample container is in the proper loading state, and when one to three of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination portion discriminates that the sample container is in an improperly tilted loading state in which the sample container is loaded on at least one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, and the fourth limiting portion in an inclined posture relative to a horizontal plane.

8. The sample analysis device according to claim 7, wherein: The sample container holding device includes a fifth sensor for detecting the presence of the sample container on a linear fifth detection line. In the appropriate placement state, the fifth detection line intersects the upper surface and the lower surface of the sample container. When the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor and the fifth sensor all fail to detect the presence of the sample container, the discrimination unit discriminates that the sample container is in a non-loading state where it is not loaded on any one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion, the fourth limiting portion and the loading portion; and when the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the fourth sensor all fail to detect the presence of the sample container but the fifth sensor detects the presence of the sample container, the discrimination unit discriminates that the sample container is in an inappropriate horizontal loading state where it is loaded on at least one of the first limiting portion, the second limiting portion, the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion in a horizontal posture parallel to the horizontal plane.

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