Sample transport device

Abstract

The invention provides a sample conveying device capable of easily replacing a sliding part in a short time without changing a magnetic attraction force generated between a magnetic pole and a magnetic body. A specimen transport device (501) transports a specimen container (103) disposed on the upper surface of a transport plane (108) by an electromagnetic force acting between a magnet or a magnetic body (104) and a magnetic pole (107). A specimen transport device (501) is provided with a reference position frame (202) that detachably supports a transport plane (108), and the reference position frame (202) has: an upper surface position specifying unit (202A) that is in contact with the upper surface of the transport plane (108) and specifies the position of the upper surface; and lifting mechanisms (301, 302, 303, 304) that support the lower surface of the conveyance plane (108) and move the upper surface of the conveyance plane (108) in a direction in which the upper surface of the conveyance plane (108) comes into contact with the lower surface of the upper surface position defining part (202A) and a direction in which the upper surface of the conveyance plane (108) is separated from the upper surface position defining part (202A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a specimen transport device in an automated specimen examination system for processing biological samples (hereinafter referred to as "specimens") required for analysis, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, and other bodily fluids. Background Technology

[0002] Automated specimen examination systems for clinical testing examine specimens. Since the results of these specimen examinations determine the doctor's diagnostic and treatment plans, there is a need for specimen transport systems that can automatically transport large quantities of specimens to the analysis device without stopping, and that can immediately resolve any malfunctions.

[0003] Electromagnetic conveying systems exist as devices for transporting large quantities of samples.

[0004] For example, the conveying system described in Patent Document 1 includes: a stator having a plurality of coils arranged along the conveying direction, each of the plurality of coils comprising a winding and an iron core; and a magnet arranged to be opposed to the plurality of coils. Furthermore, it includes a mover that can move along the conveying direction by electromagnetic force received from the plurality of coils by the magnet, and the stator has one of a first conveying member and a second conveying member for guiding the moving mover along the conveying direction.

[0005] The first conveying component includes an upper conveying component and a lower conveying component respectively positioned above and below the second conveying component. The mover has the other of the first and second conveying components. The conveying position of the mover is adjusted so that the upper surface of the magnet is positioned below or above the equilibrium position where the magnetic attraction force generated between the iron core and the magnet and the gravitational force acting on the mover are balanced. The mover is conveyed according to the conveying position, with the second conveying component in contact with either the lower or upper conveying component.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-125979 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The conveying system described in Patent Document 1 can reduce the pollutants generated by the sliding parts of the slave and stator without increasing the size and complexity of the accompanying devices.

[0011] However, although the conveying system described in Patent Document 1 can adjust the conveying position of the mover based on the balance between the magnetic attraction generated between the iron core and the magnet and the gravity acting on the mover, since the conveying component used to adjust the conveying position is in contact with other conveying components, although it can reduce the amount of contaminants generated, it is difficult to avoid the generation and deterioration of contaminants from the sliding part.

[0012] Since it is difficult to prevent the generation and deterioration of contaminants from the sliding parts, it is necessary to replace the sliding parts with new ones when they deteriorate.

[0013] The replacement of the sliding part in the specimen transport device is accompanied by the cessation of the operation of the accompanying device, so it is desirable to perform the replacement within a short time. Furthermore, after replacing the sliding part, the positional relationship (distance between the mover and stator) must be the same as before the replacement. Therefore, when replacing the sliding part, an adjustment operation is required to reinstall the mover and stator to ensure that the distance between the mover and stator remains constant.

[0014] This task is complex, involves a large workload, and takes a long time.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample transport device that allows for easy and short-time replacement of the sliding part without altering the magnetic attraction between the magnetic pole and the magnetic body.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0018] In a specimen transport device that transports a specimen container disposed on the upper surface of a transport plane by means of an electromagnetic force acting between a magnet or magnetic body and a magnetic pole, a reference position frame is provided to detachably support the transport plane. The reference position frame has: an upper surface position defining portion that contacts the upper surface of the transport plane and defines the position of the upper surface; and a lifting mechanism that supports the lower surface of the transport plane and moves the upper surface of the transport plane in a direction that contacts the lower surface of the upper surface position defining portion and in a direction that moves away from the upper surface position defining portion.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the present invention, a specimen transport device can be provided that allows for easy and short-term replacement of the sliding part without altering the magnetic attraction generated between the magnetic pole and the magnetic body.

[0021] Even when the thickness of the conveying plane becomes thinner due to grinding caused by sliding and the conveying plane is replaced, when the thickness of the conveying plane after replacement differs from that before replacement, and when the number of conveying planes with multiple overlapping conveying planes changes, the distance between the magnetic pole and the magnetic body can be kept constant.

[0022] Other issues, structures, and effects not described above will become clear through the following examples. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the general structure of the automated specimen inspection system equipped with the specimen transport device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of a specimen transport apparatus of a comparative example for comparison with embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of the specimen transport device of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the lifting mechanism in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a side view of the specimen transport device of Example 2.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a side view of the specimen transport device of Example 3.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a side view of the specimen transport device of Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the specimen transport apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, except where specifically stated or where it is clearly considered essential in principle, the constituent elements (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily required. Additionally, in the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding constituent elements are labeled with the same or similar symbols, and sometimes repeated descriptions of these constituent elements are omitted.

[0032] Example

[0033] (Example 1)

[0034] use Figures 1 to 3 The specimen transport device 501 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0035] Figure 1This is a top view showing the overall schematic structure of the automated specimen examination system 1000 equipped with the specimen transport device 501 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a side view of a comparative example of the specimen transport device 501.

[0036] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the automated specimen inspection system 1000 equipped with specimen transport device 501 is described.

[0037] Figure 1 The automated specimen examination system 1000 of Embodiment 1 shown is equipped with a system for examining specimens 101 (see reference 101) such as blood and urine. Figure 2 The system of the analytical device 502 automatically analyzes the components of ).

[0038] The main component of the automated specimen examination system 1000 is a specimen container 103 (see reference) that holds the specimen 101. Figure 2 ) transport container 102 (refer to Figure 2 Multiple sample transport devices 501 (in which) empty transport containers 102 without sample containers 103 are transported to a predetermined destination. Figure 1 There are eight or more analytical devices 502 (in the middle). Figure 1 The system includes a control device 503 for the comprehensive management of the automated examination system 1000.

[0039] The analytical apparatus 502 is a unit for performing qualitative / quantitative analysis of the components of the sample 101 delivered by the sample transport device 501. The analytical items in this unit are not particularly limited, and the structure of a known automated analytical apparatus capable of analyzing biochemical and immunological items can be adopted. Furthermore, multiple analytical apparatuses 502 can be installed. In this case, the specifications of the analytical apparatuses 502 can be the same or different, without particular limitation.

[0040] Each sample transport device 501 utilizes the action of magnetic pole 107 (refer to...) Figure 2 ) and the magnetic body 104 disposed on the transport container 102 (see reference) Figure 2 The electromagnetic force between them on the conveying plane 108 of the conveying path (refer to) Figure 2 This device slides along a transport container 102 to transport a sample container 103 containing a sample 101 to its destination (analytical device 502, extraction port, etc.). Details of the sample transport device 501 are provided below. Figure 2 The following diagrams will provide a detailed explanation.

[0041] The control device 503 controls the overall operation of the system, including the sample transport device 501 and the analysis device 502, and is composed of a computer equipped with display devices such as an LCD, input devices, storage devices, a CPU, and a memory. The control device 503 controls the operation of each device based on various programs recorded in the storage device.

[0042] Furthermore, the control processing of actions performed by the control device 503 can be summarized into a single program, divided into multiple programs, or a combination thereof. Additionally, part or all of the program can be implemented using dedicated hardware, or it can be modularized.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above Figure 1 The description focuses on the case where one analytical device 502 is provided, but the number of analytical devices is not particularly limited and can be two or more. Similarly, the number of sample transport devices 501 is not particularly limited and can be one or more.

[0044] Furthermore, in the automated specimen examination system 1000, various specimen pre-processing units / post-processing units can be installed on or as an alternative to the analysis device 502 to perform pre-processing or post-processing of the specimen 101. The detailed structure of the specimen pre-processing unit / post-processing unit is not particularly limited, and the structure of a known pre-processing device can be adopted.

[0045] Next, use Figure 2 The structure of the specimen transport device 501A of the comparative example of this embodiment will be described.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the sample transport device 501A is provided with multiple transport containers 102, each carrying a sample container 103 that contains a sample 101. A magnet or magnetic body 104 is disposed on the bottom surface of each of the multiple transport containers 102.

[0047] The magnetic body 104 is made of permanent magnets such as neodymium and ferrite, but it can also be made of other magnets and soft magnetic materials, and they can be appropriately combined.

[0048] The conveying plane 108 is composed of a flat surface with low friction, and magnetic poles 107 are arranged on its back side (bottom side). That is, the magnetic poles 107 are disposed on the lower surface side of the conveying plane 108.

[0049] One or more transport planes 108 are held by frame 201.

[0050] The transport container 102, which has a magnetic body 104, moves in a sliding manner on the transport plane 108. In order to generate the transport force, a plurality of magnetic poles 107, each consisting of a cylindrical iron core 106A and a coil 106B wound around the outer periphery of the iron core 106A, are provided at the lower part of the transport plane 108.

[0051] In the specimen transport device 501A, the magnetic pole 107 is responsible for transporting the magnetic body 104, that is, transporting the transport container 102 or the transport container 102 carrying the specimen container 103.

[0052] A drive unit 109 is connected to the magnetic pole 107, through which a predetermined current flows in the coil 106B by applying a predetermined voltage. The magnetic pole 107, energized by the drive unit 109, functions as an electromagnet, attracting the magnetic body 104 of the transport container 102 located on the transport plane 108 via electromagnetic force. After attracting the transport container 102 via the magnetic pole 107, the voltage applied from the drive unit 109 to the magnetic pole 107 is stopped. The same voltage is then applied from the drive unit 109 to different magnetic poles 107 adjacent to the magnetic pole 107, thereby attracting the magnetic body 104 of the transport container 102 to the adjacent magnetic pole 107. Furthermore, the generated driving force (electromagnetic force) is not limited to an attractive force; it can also be a repulsive force.

[0053] By repeatedly applying the steps to adjacent different magnetic poles 107 on all magnetic poles 107 of the multiple specimen transport devices 501A that constitute the transport path, the specimen 101 contained in the specimen container 103 held in the transport container 102 provided with the magnetic body 104 is transported to its destination in the specimen inspection automation system.

[0054] The control unit 110 uses various information such as the position, speed, and weight of the transport container 102 to calculate the current flowing through each coil 106B and outputs a command signal to each drive unit 109. The drive unit 109 applies a voltage to the corresponding coil 106B based on the command signal.

[0055] In addition, in the above structure, the magnetic pole 107 is fixed to the base of the conveying device and the conveying container 102 with magnetic body 104 is conveyed. However, it can also be configured such that the magnetic body 104 is fixed and the conveying container 102 with magnetic pole 107 such as an electromagnet is conveyed.

[0056] Next, use Figure 3 The characteristic structure of the specimen transport device 501 of Example 1 will be described.

[0057] The specimen transport device 501 includes a reference position frame 202. The reference position frame 202 includes a lifting mechanism 301 capable of raising and lowering. The lifting mechanism 301 slides up and down, for example, to hold the transport plane 108. The reference position frame 202 has, for example, an upper surface position defining portion 202A as a convex structure. By making the lifting mechanism 301 movable, the upper surface of the transport plane 108 is raised to contact the lower surface of the upper surface position defining portion 202A of the reference position frame 202. That is, the lifting mechanism 301 supports the lower surface of the transport plane 108, causing the upper surface of the transport plane 108 to move in the direction of contacting the lower surface of the upper surface position defining portion 202A and in the direction of moving away from the upper surface position defining portion 202A.

[0058] This allows the upper surface of the conveying plane 108 to be positioned at the reference position of the reference position frame 202.

[0059] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the lifting mechanism 301, which is from... Figure 3 A view of the lifting mechanism 301 as seen from the side opposite to the support and conveying plane 108 (from... Figure 3 (See the diagram viewed in the direction of arrow A).

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the reference position frame 202, a slit (longitudinal groove) 301C is formed, through which a lifting mechanism 301 can move vertically. The lifting mechanism 301 is configured to be fixed at any position in the slit 301C via a fixing member 301A and a fastening member 301B such as a screw. By adjusting the fastening member 301B, the lifting mechanism 301 is configured to move vertically within the slit 301C.

[0061] That is, the lifting mechanism 301 has a fixing component 301A and a fastening component 301B, is inserted into the longitudinal groove 301C formed in the reference position frame 202, moves in the longitudinal groove 301C, and is fixed to the reference position frame 202 by the fixing component 301A and the fastening component 301B.

[0062] The method of making the lifting mechanism 301 slide up and down and fix it can also be constructed by a known structure.

[0063] The magnitude of the magnetic force acting between magnetic poles is directly proportional to the product of their respective magnetic quantities and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the magnetic poles. For example, when the magnetic pole 107 of the sample transport device 501 is an electromagnet that applies a pulse voltage to the coil 106B and the magnetic body 104 contained in the transport container 102 is a permanent magnet, if the thickness of the transport plane 108 between them is changed, the distance between the magnetic poles changes. As a result, the magnitude of the magnetic force changes, and therefore, when the same pulse voltage as before the thickness of the transport plane 108 is changed, the transport operation of the transport container 102 will be approximately altered.

[0064] Therefore, it is important to keep the distance between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet constant.

[0065] There are several main reasons for the change in the distance between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104.

[0066] One issue is that the thickness of the transport plane 108 becomes thinner due to grinding caused by sliding. In this case, grinding only occurs at the portion where the transport container 102 and the transport plane 108 slide, and therefore no grinding occurs on the upper surface of the transport plane 108 that is in contact with the lower surface of the portion 202A that holds the upper surface of the transport plane 108. Therefore, it is assumed that the thickness of the transport plane 108 remains unchanged in the portion held at the reference position frame 202 where the transport container 102 does not slide, and the thickness of the transport plane 108 becomes thinner only in the portion where the transport container 102 is transported. This results in the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 becoming closer than initially at the transport plane, changing the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104, thus necessitating the replacement of the transport plane 108.

[0067] Another issue is that the thickness of the replaced conveyor plane 108 differs from the thickness of the original conveyor plane 108. In cases where the thickness of the conveyor plane 108 differs before and after replacement due to manufacturing deviations, if... Figure 2 The specimen transport device 501A shown is configured to hold the transport plane 108 from below, resulting in different distances between the magnetic poles. Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic force acting between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 changes.

[0068] Another situation involves multiple transport planes overlapping, resulting in a change in the number of sheets. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, multiple overlapping transport planes 108 are held by frame 201, and the uppermost transport plane 108 is ground or degraded by the transport container 102. If the uppermost transport plane 108 is removed and its next transport plane 108 is used as the uppermost surface, a new transport plane 108 that is neither ground nor degraded appears on the uppermost surface.

[0069] However, in this case, the amount of thickness of the removed conveyor plane 108 is reduced. Similarly, when more than one protective component (sheet, film) is overlapped on the conveyor plane 108, when removing a ground or deteriorated protective component located on the uppermost surface, the next protective component can be used as the uppermost surface. In this case, the amount of thickness of the removed protective component is also reduced.

[0070] Thus, consider a scenario where the distance between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 differs due to changes in the thickness of the conveying plane 108. In this case, the following method can also be considered: adjust the applied voltage according to the resulting different distances between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104, thereby changing the attractive force applied to the conveying container 102, so that the attractive force applied to the conveying container 102 remains unchanged, and the conveying action of the conveying container 102 remains unchanged.

[0071] However, in order to improve the stability of the force applied to the transport container 102, the distance between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 should be kept as constant as possible.

[0072] For the reasons stated above, if the transport plane 108 needs to be replaced, it must be re-installed so that the distance between the magnetic pole 107 of the specimen transport device 501 and the magnetic body 104 contained in the transport container 102 remains constant.

[0073] For users, adjusting the distance between the magnetic poles 107 and the magnetic body 104 while changing the transport plane 108 to ensure proper alignment is a laborious and time-consuming task. Furthermore, in large-scale automated specimen inspection systems 1000, there are sometimes hundreds of specimen transport devices 501, increasing the frequency of transport plane 108 changes and further consuming more time.

[0074] By providing a reference position frame 202 in the specimen transport device 501, the distance between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 is defined by the reference position. Furthermore, when the transport plane 108 is raised using the lifting mechanism 301, it only rises until its upper surface contacts the reference position frame 202. Therefore, the transport plane 108 can be maintained at the position defined by the reference position frame 202 without needing to measure or adjust the distance between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104 each time.

[0075] As described above, the specimen transport device 501 of this embodiment 1 includes a lifting mechanism 301 that holds the transport plane 108 and is capable of raising and lowering it, and a reference position frame 202 that serves as the reference position for the transport plane 108. By using the lifting mechanism 301 to raise the transport plane 108 to contact the upper surface position designation portion 202A of the reference position frame 202, the transport plane 108 can be easily positioned without changing the positional relationship between the magnetic pole 107 and the magnetic body 104. Therefore, the user can easily replace the transport plane 108 of the specimen transport device 501.

[0076] That is, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a specimen transport device 501 is provided that can easily and quickly replace the sliding part without changing the magnetic attraction generated between the magnetic pole and the magnetic body.

[0077] (Example 2)

[0078] Next, use Figure 5 Example 2 of the present invention is described below.

[0079] In addition, Figure 5 In, with Figures 1-3 The same symbols represent the same parts, so further explanation is omitted.

[0080] In Embodiment 1, a lifting mechanism 301 that slides up and down and holds the transport plane 108 relative to the reference position frame 202 is used. However, in Embodiment 2, a lifting mechanism 302 that holds the transport plane 108 by screws or the like protruding from the reference position frame 202 is used. This is the point of change compared to Embodiment 1.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a side view of the specimen transport device of Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, instead of the lifting mechanism 301 of the specimen transport device 501 of Embodiment 1, the transport plane 108 is raised to contact the lower surface of the upper surface position designation portion 202A of the reference position frame 202 using the lifting mechanism 302, which has a screw or similar ejection mechanism (a screw in the illustrated example) 302A mounted on the reference position frame 202. The lifting mechanism 302 is fixed to the reference position frame 202, and the transport plane 108 is moved upward by moving the screw or ejection mechanism mounted on the reference position frame 202 upward.

[0082] Therefore, compared to the lifting mechanism 301 of Embodiment 1, which requires the use of fixing component 301A and fastening component 301B to fix the conveying plane 108, the lifting mechanism 302 of Embodiment 2 can fix the conveying plane 108 using screws or a push-out mechanism. Thus, the structure is simple and the fixing operation is easy.

[0083] In other words, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in addition to achieving the same effect as Embodiment 1, the structure is simplified and the fixing operation is made easier.

[0084] (Example 3)

[0085] Next, use Figure 6 Example 3 of the present invention is described below.

[0086] In addition, Figure 6 In, with Figures 1-3 The same symbols represent the same parts, so further explanation is omitted.

[0087] In Embodiment 1, a lifting mechanism 301 that slides up and down and holds the conveying plane 108 relative to the reference position frame 202 is used. However, in Embodiment 3, a first gear 303A arranged in the up and down direction of the lifting mechanism 303 that holds the conveying plane 108, a second gear 303B arranged in the reference position frame 202 and meshing with the first gear 303A to drive the lifting mechanism 303, and a handle 303C arranged in the reference position frame 202 to rotate the second gear 303B are used. This is the change compared to Embodiment 1.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a side view of the specimen transport device 501 of Example 3.

[0089] exist Figure 6 In the rack and pinion mechanism, the first gear 303A and the second gear 303B constitute a rack and pinion. The first gear 303A is formed in the lifting mechanism 303, which is supported so that it can move in the vertical direction (the supporting components are omitted from the diagram).

[0090] The handle 303C is connected to the central shaft of the second gear 303B. Rotating the handle 303C causes the second gear 303B to rotate, thus driving the first gear 303A in the vertical direction. The central shaft of the second gear 303B is... Figure 6 The paper extends from the surface side to the back side and is supported so that it can rotate (illustration of the support member omitted). In addition, a suitable stop is provided to stop the up and down movement of the lifting mechanism 303 (illustration omitted).

[0091] In Embodiments 1 and 2, in order to raise the transport plane 108, the user needs to put their hand or tool inside the specimen transport device 501, which has a narrow operating range. In contrast, according to the structure of Embodiment 3, the lifting mechanism 303 can be easily moved up and down by the handle 303C located on the outside of the specimen transport device 501 in Embodiment 3, thereby moving the transport plane 108 up and down.

[0092] That is, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in addition to achieving the same effect as Embodiment 1, the lifting mechanism 303 can be easily moved up and down, and the conveying plane 108 can be moved up and down.

[0093] (Example 4)

[0094] Next, use Figure 7 Example 4 of the present invention is described below.

[0095] In addition, Figure 7 In, with Figures 1-3 The same symbols represent the same parts, so further explanation is omitted.

[0096] In Embodiment 1, a lifting mechanism 301 that slides up and down and holds the transport plane 108 relative to the reference position frame 202 is used. However, in Embodiment 4, a lifting mechanism that holds the transport plane using the elastic force of a spring or the like 304A pushed out from the lifting mechanism 304 of the reference position frame 202 is used. This is the point of change compared to Embodiment 1.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a side view of the specimen transport device 501 of Embodiment 4. It is configured such that, instead of the lifting mechanism 301 of the specimen transport device 501 of Embodiment 1, a lifting mechanism 304 is provided in the reference position frame 202. The transport plane 108 is automatically pushed upwards to contact the upper surface position designation portion 202A by an elastically extending member 304A (a spring is shown in the example) installed on the lifting mechanism 304.

[0098] Therefore, compared to the user's operation required to raise the conveying plane 108 in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, in Embodiment 4, the conveying plane 108 can be automatically raised and held using the upward thrust of the elastic push-out member 304A.

[0099] Furthermore, when replacing the conveying plane 108, it is envisioned that in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, after loosening the holding mechanisms 301, 302, and 303 that hold the conveying plane 108, the conveying plane 108 is pulled out in the horizontal direction to replace it. However, in the case of the elastic push-out member 304A such as the spring in Embodiment 4, it is envisioned that when one side of the conveying plane 108 is pressed down to tilt the conveying plane 108, the conveying plane 108 can be pulled out in the upward direction.

[0100] When the transport plane 108 of the specimen transport device 501 is less than two columns wide, it can be replaced by pulling the transport plane 108 out laterally. However, when the transport plane 108 of the specimen transport device 501 is more than three columns wide, it is useful to pull the transport plane 108 out upwards.

[0101] According to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in addition to achieving the same effect as Embodiment 1, the conveying plane 108 can be replaced more easily.

[0102] Furthermore, in the examples 1 to 4 described above, the illustrated example is an example where the transport plane 108 is a single sheet, but the present invention can also be applied to examples where multiple transport planes 108 are supported on a reference position frame 202.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, the magnetic body 104 is provided on the transport container 102 on the transport plane 108, and the plurality of magnetic poles 107 are disposed below the transport plane 108. However, the present invention can also be applied to the example where the magnetic poles 107 are provided on the transport container 102 on the transport plane 108 and the plurality of magnetic bodies 104 are disposed below the transport plane 108.

[0104] Symbol Explanation

[0105] 1000—Automated Specimen Examination System; 101—Specimen; 102—Transfer Container; 103—Specimen Container; 104—Magnetic Body; 106A—Iron Core; 106B—Coil; 107—Magnetic Pole; 108—Transfer Plane; 109—Drive Unit; 110—Control Unit; 201—Frame; 202—Reference Position Frame; 202A—Upper Surface Position Specification Unit; 301, 302, 303, 304—Lifting Mechanism; 301A—Fixing Component; 301B—Fastening Component; 301C—Slit; 302A—Push-out Mechanism; 303A—First Gear; 303B—Second Gear; 303C—Handle; 304A—Elastic Push-out Component; 501, 501A—Specimen Transfer Device; 502—Analysis Device; 503—Control Device.

Claims

1. A sample conveying device, which conveys a sample container disposed on the upper surface of a conveying plane by means of an electromagnetic force acting between a magnet or magnetic body and its magnetic poles, characterized in that, It has a reference position frame that can be detachably supported by the conveying plane. The reference position frame has: An upper surface position defining section, which contacts the upper surface of the conveying plane, defines the position of the upper surface; and A lifting mechanism supports the lower surface of the conveying plane and moves the upper surface of the conveying plane in a direction that contacts the lower surface of the upper surface position determination part and in a direction that moves away from the upper surface position determination part.

2. The specimen transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic poles are disposed on the lower surface side of the conveying plane. The magnet or magnetic object is disposed in the transport container for transporting the sample container. The lifting mechanism has a fixing component and a fastening component, and is inserted into a longitudinal groove formed in the reference position frame, moves within the longitudinal groove, and is fixed to the reference position frame by the fixing component and the fastening component.

3. The specimen transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic poles are disposed on the lower surface side of the conveying plane. The magnet or magnetic object is disposed in the transport container for transporting the sample container. The lifting mechanism has a pushing mechanism that pushes out the lower surface of the conveying plane, so that the upper surface of the conveying plane contacts the lower surface of the upper surface position-defined portion.

4. The specimen transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic poles are disposed on the lower surface side of the conveying plane. The magnet or magnetic object is disposed in the transport container for transporting the sample container. The specimen transport device includes: The first gear is arranged along the vertical direction of the lifting mechanism; The second gear is disposed on the reference position frame, meshes with the first gear, and drives the lifting mechanism; as well as A handle, which is configured on the reference position frame, and rotates the second gear.

5. The specimen transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic poles are disposed on the lower surface side of the conveying plane. The magnet or magnetic object is disposed in the transport container for transporting the sample container. The lifting mechanism has an elastic ejection component that ejects the lower surface of the conveying plane, causing the upper surface of the conveying plane to contact the lower surface of the upper surface position-defined portion.

6. The specimen transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Multiple transport planes are supported on the reference position frame.

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