Rack housing equipment, liquid chromatograph, liquid handler and rack

Abstract

The objective is to provide a rack-mounted housing system that reduces the user's workload without increasing the equipment configuration or cost. [Solution] The rack storage device 1 comprises a first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and a second-row rack mounting section RCS2 arranged substantially parallel to a first direction D1, and a sensor 11 that can move along a route substantially parallel to the first direction near the boundary between the first-row rack mounting section and the second-row rack mounting section. The sensor 11 is capable of reading barcodes 23 displayed on each of the multiple first racks RC1, RC3 arranged in the first-row rack mounting section and barcodes 23 displayed on each of the multiple second racks RC2, RC4 arranged in the second-row rack mounting section, and the positions of the first barcodes 23F in each first rack and the positions of the first barcodes 23F in each second rack are arranged so as not to overlap with respect to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack storage device capable of storing a plurality of racks, a liquid chromatograph equipped with the rack storage device, a liquid handler equipped with the rack storage device, and a rack used in the rack storage device.

Background Art

[0002] In an autosampler or a fraction collector, a rack capable of storing a plurality of sample containers is used. In an autosampler or a fraction collector, a rack storage device capable of storing a plurality of such racks is further used.

[0003] There is a rack storage device having a function for automatically recognizing the presence or absence of a rack and the type of the rack in order to improve user convenience. To realize this function, there is a rack storage device provided with a plurality of sensors corresponding to a plurality of racks. In this type of device, the rack can be recognized by each sensor recognizing the barcode displayed on each rack. Alternatively, there is a rack storage device provided with an arm mechanism that allows the sensor to move. In this type of device, by controlling the arm to move the sensor, a single sensor recognizes each of the plurality of racks one by one.

[0004] Patent Document 1 below discloses a rack recognition device that automatically recognizes a rack placed on a rack placement section. This rack recognition device can recognize the rack by reading the label of the rack with a barcode reader.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Among the rack housing devices exemplified above, configurations equipped with multiple sensors to accommodate multiple racks present challenges such as a larger sensor-related device configuration or higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when users place racks within the rack housing device, they need to align the orientation of the racks to accommodate multiple sensors, making the rack placement process cumbersome. Additionally, rack housing devices equipped with an arm mechanism that allows for the movement of sensors require the arm to be driven to cycle through each rack individually each time a rack is replaced. This results in a time-consuming barcode reading process.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a rack housing device that reduces the user's workload without increasing the device configuration or cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A rack storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is a rack storage device capable of mounting a plurality of racks for holding a plurality of sample containers, comprising: a rack mounting section having a first row rack mounting section and a second row rack mounting section arranged substantially parallel to a first direction; a reading device that can move along a route substantially parallel to the first direction near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section and the second row rack mounting section; and a control unit that controls the reading device, wherein the reading device reads barcodes displayed on each of the plurality of first racks arranged in the first direction in the first row rack mounting section and on each of the plurality of second racks arranged in the first direction in the second row rack mounting section The displayed barcodes are readable, and each first rack and each second rack has a first barcode displayed on one side facing the route with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the positions of the first barcodes in each first rack and each second rack are arranged so as not to overlap with respect to the first direction, and the control unit moves the reader along the route and sequentially reads the first barcodes displayed on each of the multiple first racks arranged in the first row rack mounting section and the first barcodes displayed on each of the multiple second racks arranged in the second row rack mounting section.

[0009] The present invention is also directed to a liquid chromatograph or liquid handler equipped with the rack housing device described above.

[0010] The present invention is also directed towards racks used in the rack housing device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rack housing device, liquid chromatograph, liquid handler, and rack that reduce the user's workload without increasing the device configuration and cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows a liquid chromatograph according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a liquid handler according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the rack according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the rack according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a magnified plan view of a portion of the rack. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the rack housing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the rack housing device with four racks installed. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the rack housing device. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a rack mounting section where three or more racks are arranged in a left-right direction. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a rack mounting section where four rows of racks are arranged in a left-right direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention, including a rack housing device, a liquid chromatograph, and a liquid handler, will be described.

[0014] (1) Overall configuration of a liquid chromatograph (1-1) First usage form First, a first usage configuration of the rack storage device according to this embodiment will be described. The first usage configuration is when the rack storage device is installed in the fraction collector of a liquid chromatograph.

[0015] Figure 1 is an overall view of the liquid chromatograph 100A according to this embodiment. The liquid chromatograph 100A comprises a mobile phase tank 101, a liquid transfer pump 102, a sample injection unit 103 (autosampler), a separation column 104, and a fraction collector 110. The fraction collector 110 includes a rack housing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0016] The liquid delivery pump 102 sends out the mobile phase stored in the mobile phase tank 101 to the analysis flow path 105. The sample injection unit 103 injects a sample into the analysis flow path 105 through which the mobile phase flows. The separation column 104 separates the sample flowing through the analysis flow path 105 into components. The sample separated into components flows downstream through the analysis flow path 105 together with the mobile phase and is supplied to the fraction collector 110.

[0017] The fraction collector 110 fractions each sample separated in the separation column 104. The fractionated sample is discharged into the sample container held in the rack accommodated in the rack accommodating device 1.

[0018] (1-2) Second usage form Subsequently, a second usage form of the rack accommodating device according to the present embodiment will be described. The second usage form is a case where the rack accommodating device is provided in a liquid handler attached to a liquid chromatograph.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an overall view of the liquid chromatograph 100B according to the present embodiment. The liquid chromatograph 100B includes a mobile phase tank 101, a liquid delivery pump 102, and a separation column 104. A liquid handler 200 is connected to the liquid chromatograph 100B. The liquid handler 200 includes the rack accommodating device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] The liquid handler 200 has functions as a sample injection unit (autosampler) and as a fraction collector. The liquid handler 200 sucks a sample from the sample container held in the rack accommodated in the rack accommodating device 1 using a needle and injects the sucked sample into the analysis flow path 105. The liquid handler 200 also fractions each sample separated in the separation column 104. The fractionated sample is discharged into the sample container held in the rack accommodated in the rack accommodating device 1.

[0021] (2) Configuration of the rack accommodating device Figure 3 is a perspective view showing rack RC according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view showing rack RC. Note that the rack housing device 1 shown in Figure 7, which will be described later, comprises four racks RC1 to RC4. The racks RC shown in Figures 3 and 4 show a configuration common to racks RC1 to RC4. In Figures 3 and 4, each rack RC is defined as having a forward direction F, a rearward direction B, a rightward direction R, and a leftward direction L. The left-right direction is an example of the first direction D1 according to the present invention, and the front-back direction is an example of the second direction D2 according to the present invention.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the rack RC is equipped with multiple holding sections 21. Sample containers are housed in the holding sections 21. Sample containers include, for example, vials and test tubes, and a rack RC corresponding to the sample container is used, which is appropriately selected according to the type and quantity of the analytical sample. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rack RC can accommodate 48 sample containers arranged in an 8x6 grid. In this way, the rack RC can hold multiple sample containers.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, barcodes 23F and 23B are displayed on the outer perimeter 22 surrounding the multiple holding parts 21 of the rack RC. In the following description, when describing barcodes 23F and 23B in common, they will be collectively referred to as barcode 23. Barcode 23 may be printed directly on the outer perimeter 22, or a sticker with barcode 23 printed on it may be affixed to the outer perimeter 22. Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of the rack RC shown in Figure 4.

[0024] In this embodiment, the barcode 23 is located at two locations on the outer perimeter 22. As shown in Figure 4, the two barcodes 23F and 23B are located diagonally opposite each other on the outer perimeter 22. Specifically, one barcode 23F is located on the outer perimeter 22F, which is on the front side of the outer perimeter 22, and the other barcode 23B is located on the outer perimeter 22B, which is on the rear side of the outer perimeter 22. More specifically, if the center line of the rack RC is CL, the barcode 23F located on the outer perimeter 22F is positioned to the right of the center line CL, and the other barcode 23B located on the outer perimeter 22B is positioned to the left of the center line CL. Barcode 23F is an example of a first barcode according to the present invention, and barcode 23B is an example of a second barcode according to the present invention.

[0025] Barcodes 23F and 23B both contain information for identifying rack RCs. Therefore, each rack RC can be identified by reading either barcode 23F or barcode 23B.

[0026] (3) Configuration of the rack housing device Figure 6 is a plan view showing the rack housing device 1. Figure 7 is a plan view of the rack housing device 1 with four racks RC1 to RC4 placed on it. Figure 8 is a side view of the rack housing device 1 shown in Figure 7, viewed from the right side of Figure 7. In Figures 6 to 8, the left-right direction (first direction D1) and the front-back direction (second direction D2) of the rack housing device 1 are defined.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the rack housing device 1 of this embodiment includes a rack mounting section RCS. The rack mounting section RCS consists of a first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and a second-row rack mounting section RCS2, both extending in the left-right direction (first direction D1). In other words, the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2 are arranged substantially parallel to each other along the left-right direction (first direction D1). When a rack RC is placed on the rack mounting section RCS, the left-right direction (first direction D1) of the rack RC is aligned with the left-right direction (first direction D1) of the rack mounting section RCS, and the front-rear direction (second direction D2) of the rack RC is aligned with the front-rear direction (second direction D2) of the rack mounting section RCS.

[0028] The rack housing device 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the rack housing device 1. The control unit 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The control unit 10 controls the operation of the rack housing device 1 by executing a program stored in ROM on the CPU.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, in the first row rack mounting section RCS1, racks RC1 and RC3 are arranged from left to right in the left-right direction (first direction D1). Similarly, in the second row rack mounting section RCS2, racks RC2 and RC4 are arranged from left to right in the left-right direction (first direction D1). Racks RC1 and RC2 are arranged in the front-back direction (second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction), and racks RC3 and RC4 are arranged in the front-back direction (second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction). Racks RC1 to RC4 have the same configuration as described in Figures 3 and 4. Racks RC1 and RC3 are examples of the first rack according to the present invention. Racks RC2 and RC4 are examples of the second rack according to the present invention. However, the number and arrangement of racks RC that can be mounted in the rack housing device 1 are not limited to the example in Figure 6.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the racks RC1 to RC4 have barcodes 23F displayed on the outer periphery 22F and barcodes 23B displayed on the outer periphery 22B. In the example in Figure 7, racks RC1 and RC2 are positioned with their respective outer peripheries 22F facing each other. Also in the example in Figure 7, racks RC3 and RC4 are positioned with their respective outer peripheries 22F facing each other. However, the orientation of racks RC1 to RC4 in Figure 7 is just one example. A feature of the rack housing device 1 of this embodiment is that racks RC1 to RC4 may be positioned with their outer peripheries 22F and outer peripheries 22B reversed. In other words, the front-to-back direction (second direction D2) of racks RC1 to RC4 should match the front-to-back direction (second direction D2) of the rack mounting section RCS, and the outer peripheries 22F and outer peripheries 22B may be positioned on either side. In other words, racks RC1 to RC4 can be freely positioned by rotating them 180 degrees in a plane.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the rack housing device 1 also includes a sensor 11. The sensor 11 is an example of a reading device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the sensor 11 is a one-dimensional barcode reader. The sensor 11 is movable in the left-right direction (first direction D1) on the rack mounting section RCS. As shown in Figure 6, a rail 12 is provided near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second row rack mounting section RCS2 to guide the sensor 11 as it moves in the left-right direction. The sensor 11 moves in the left-right direction along the rail 12 under the control of the control unit 10. The rail 12 is an example of a "route substantially parallel to the first direction" according to the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the rail 12 is located above the racks RC arranged in the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2. Therefore, the sensor 11 moves left and right above the racks RC arranged in the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2. This allows the sensor 11 to read the barcodes 23 arranged on the boundary side (rail 12 side) of the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2. In the example shown in Figure 8, the outer periphery 22F of rack RC1 and the outer periphery 22F of rack RC2 are arranged opposite each other. In this case, by moving left and right, the sensor 11 can sequentially read the barcodes 23F displayed on the outer periphery 22F of rack RC1 and the barcodes 23F displayed on the outer periphery 22F of rack RC2.

[0033] Refer to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the outer perimeter 22F of rack RC1 and the outer perimeter 22F of rack RC2 are positioned opposite each other, and the outer perimeter 22F of rack RC3 and the outer perimeter 22F of rack RC4 are positioned opposite each other. In other words, the outer perimeters 22F of racks RC1 to RC4 are positioned on one side opposite the rail 12 (a route approximately parallel to the first direction). Therefore, in the example in Figure 7, near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second row rack mounting section RCS2, the barcodes are arranged from left to right in the order of rack RC1's barcode 23F → rack RC2's barcode 23F → rack RC3's barcode 23F → rack RC4's barcode 23F. The four barcodes 23F are positioned so as not to overlap with respect to the first direction. In other words, the four barcodes 23F are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the second direction. As a result, the control unit 10 can read all four barcodes 23F in a single scan by moving the sensor 11 to the right only once. Of course, the reading operation can also be performed by moving the sensor 11 from left to right only once.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 7, the outer perimeter 22F of racks RC1 to RC4 is positioned on one side facing the rail 12 (a route substantially parallel to the first direction). As described above, in the rack storage device 1 of this embodiment, the user can freely change the orientation of racks RC1 to RC4 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the outer perimeter 22B of racks RC1 to RC4 may be positioned on one side facing the rail 12 (a route substantially parallel to the first direction). As described above, the barcodes 23F and 23B of each rack RC are displayed at diagonal positions on the outer perimeter 22 of each rack RC. Information identifying each rack RC is recorded in both barcode 23F and barcode 23B. Therefore, even if one or more of racks RC1 to RC4 are rotated 180 degrees in the plane from the state shown in Figure 7, the arrangement of the barcodes 23 remains the same. Therefore, even if the front-to-back orientation of each rack RC is arbitrarily changed, all four barcodes 23 can be read with a single reading operation (single scan) using the sensor 11.

[0035] As the rack storage device 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to read all barcodes 23 sequentially with a single scan by one sensor 11. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the device configuration related to the barcode reader, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when the user places the rack RC inside the rack storage device 1, there is no problem even if the orientation in the front-to-back direction is reversed. This reduces the burden of preparation work on the user.

[0036] (4) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2 are each capable of arranging two racks RC in the left-right direction. However, as shown in Figure 9, the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2 may be configured to accommodate three or more racks RC in the left-right direction.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the rack mounting section RCS is configured to arrange racks RC in two rows using the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2, but this is just one example. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the rack mounting section RCS may be configured to arrange racks RC in four rows. In Figure 10, the first-row rack mounting section RCS1, the second-row rack mounting section RCS2, the third-row rack mounting section RCS3, and the fourth-row rack mounting section RCS4 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In this case, by configuring the sensors to be movable near the boundary of every two rows of racks RC, all racks RC can be sequentially recognized in a single scan performed simultaneously. That is, one sensor can read the barcodes of the racks RC placed on the first-row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second-row rack mounting section RCS2, and the other sensor can read the barcodes of the racks RC placed on the third-row rack mounting section RCS3 and the fourth-row rack mounting section RCS4.

[0038] In the above embodiment, a one-dimensional barcode was used, but this is just one example. In the rack storage device 1 of this embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode may be used as the barcode. When a two-dimensional barcode is used as the barcode, an image acquisition device is used as the reader instead of the sensor 11 in the above embodiment. With the same configuration as above, by moving the image acquisition device along the rail 12, it is possible to recognize the rack RC by sequentially capturing images of the two-dimensional barcode.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the sensor 11 is guided and moved by the rail 12 under the control of the control unit 10. Alternatively, the sensor 11 may be supported by an arm, and the sensor 11 may be moved by driving the arm. For example, by using a multi-joint robot as the arm, the sensor 11 can be moved along a route near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section RCS1 and the second row rack mounting section RCS2.

[0040] (5) Aspect Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0041] (Section 1) A rack housing device according to one aspect of the present invention is: A rack storage device capable of mounting multiple racks for holding multiple sample containers, A rack mounting section having a first row rack mounting section and a second row rack mounting section arranged substantially parallel to a first direction, A reading device that can move along a route substantially parallel to the first direction near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section and the second row rack mounting section, A control unit that controls the reading device, Equipped with, The reading device is capable of reading barcodes displayed on each of the multiple first racks arranged in the first direction in the first row rack mounting section and barcodes displayed on each of the multiple second racks arranged in the first direction in the second row rack mounting section. Each first rack and each second rack has a first barcode displayed on one side facing the route with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the positions of the first barcodes in each first rack and each second rack are arranged so as not to overlap with respect to the first direction. The control unit moves the reading device along the route and sequentially reads the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks arranged in the first row rack mounting section and the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks arranged in the second row rack mounting section.

[0042] As the rack housing device is configured as described above, it is possible to reduce the size of the device configuration related to the barcode reader, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

[0043] (Section 2) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, Each first rack and each second rack displays a second barcode on the opposite side of the route with respect to the second direction. When each first rack and each second rack are rotated 180 degrees in a plane, the position of the second barcode is approximately the same as the position of the first barcode. Information identifying each first rack may be recorded in either the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each first rack, and information identifying each second rack may be recorded in either the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each second rack.

[0044] When a user places a rack into the rack housing device, it is acceptable to reverse the orientation of the rack with respect to a second direction. This reduces the burden of preparation work on the user.

[0045] (Section 3) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, The first barcode and the second barcode include one-dimensional barcodes. The reading device may include a sensor capable of reading the one-dimensional barcode.

[0046] Racks can be identified by reading one-dimensional barcodes.

[0047] (Section 4) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, The first barcode and the second barcode include a two-dimensional barcode. The reading device may include an imaging device for capturing images of the two-dimensional barcode.

[0048] The racks can be identified by reading their 2D barcodes.

[0049] (Section 5) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, The control unit may move the reading device along the route to read the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks and the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks in a single scan.

[0050] The reader can sequentially read all barcodes in a single scan, thus reducing the recognition time for the rack.

[0051] (Section 6) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 2, The control unit may move the reading device along the route to read the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks and the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks in a single scan.

[0052] The reader can sequentially read all barcodes in a single scan, reducing the rack recognition time. Furthermore, it can read barcodes even if the rack is oriented in the opposite direction.

[0053] (Section 7) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, The reading device may be moved while being guided along rails arranged along the route.

[0054] The barcodes can be read sequentially as the reader moves along the rail.

[0055] (Section 8) In the rack housing device described in paragraph 1, An arm supporting the aforementioned reading device, Furthermore, The control unit may move the reading device along the route by controlling the arm.

[0056] The barcodes can be read sequentially by moving the reading device under the control of the arm.

[0057] (Section 9) A liquid chromatograph according to another aspect of the present invention is: It is equipped with a rack housing device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8.

[0058] The overall configuration of a liquid chromatograph equipped with a rack housing can be made smaller. Furthermore, the equipment cost can be reduced.

[0059] (Section 10) A liquid handler according to another aspect of the present invention is: It is equipped with a rack housing device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8.

[0060] The overall configuration of a liquid handler equipped with a rack housing system can be made smaller. Furthermore, equipment costs can be reduced.

[0061] (Section 11) A rack according to another aspect of the present invention is: It is used in the rack housing device described in any one of the items from paragraphs 1 to 8.

[0062] Regarding the second aspect, since the barcodes can still be read even if the rack's orientation is reversed, the user's preparation burden is reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1: Rack housing device 11: Sensor 12: Rail 21: Holding part 22,22F,22B:Outer periphery 23, 23B, 23F: Barcode CL: Center line D1: First direction D2: Second direction RC, RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4: Rack RCS: Rack mounting section RCS1: First row rack mounting section RCS2: Second row rack mounting section

Claims

1. A rack storage device capable of mounting multiple racks for holding multiple sample containers, A rack mounting section having a first row rack mounting section and a second row rack mounting section arranged substantially parallel to a first direction, A reading device that can move along a route substantially parallel to the first direction near the boundary between the first row rack mounting section and the second row rack mounting section, A control unit that controls the reading device, Equipped with, The reading device is capable of reading barcodes displayed on each of the multiple first racks arranged in the first direction in the first row rack mounting section and barcodes displayed on each of the multiple second racks arranged in the first direction in the second row rack mounting section. Each first rack and each second rack has a first barcode displayed on one side facing the route with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the positions of the first barcodes in each first rack and each second rack are arranged so as not to overlap with respect to the first direction. The control unit moves the reading device along the route and sequentially reads the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks arranged in the first row rack mounting section and the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks arranged in the second row rack mounting section, in a rack storage device.

2. Each first rack and each second rack displays a second barcode on the opposite side of the route with respect to the second direction. When each first rack and each second rack are rotated 180 degrees in a plane, the position of the second barcode is approximately the same as the position of the first barcode. The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein information identifying each first rack is recorded in either the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each first rack, and information identifying each second rack is recorded in either the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each second rack.

3. The first barcode and the second barcode include a one-dimensional barcode. The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device includes a sensor capable of reading the one-dimensional barcode.

4. The first barcode and the second barcode include two-dimensional barcodes. The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device includes an imaging device for capturing images of the two-dimensional barcode.

5. The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the reading device along the route to read the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks and the first barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks in a single scan.

6. The rack housing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit moves the reading device along the route to read the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each of the plurality of first racks and the first barcode or the second barcode displayed on each of the plurality of second racks in a single scan.

7. The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device moves guided by rails arranged along the route.

8. An arm supporting the aforementioned reading device, Furthermore, The rack housing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the reading device along the route by controlling the arm.

9. A liquid chromatograph comprising a rack housing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A liquid handler comprising a rack storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A rack used in a rack housing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images