Sorting device and sorting method

Abstract

To suppress erroneous sorting of sorting objects.SOLUTION: A sorting device 100 includes: a supply unit 10 that supplies containers C containing PCR samples, respectively; a conveyance unit 20 that conveys the containers C supplied by the supply unit 10 to a sorting position; a reading unit 30 for reading each identification information attached to each container C conveyed by the conveyance unit 20; a control unit (acquisition unit) 70 for acquiring each PCR test result (predetermined information) associated with each identification information read by the reading unit 30; and a sorting unit 40 for sorting the container C at the sorting position according to a predetermined sorting criterion according to the PCR test result acquired by the control unit 70. When supplying the container C, the supply unit 10 supplies the container C arranging a predetermined interval at between the containers in a conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting device and a sorting method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a sorting device for sorting objects based on a predetermined sorting criterion has been known. In this sorting device, for example, for the purpose of surely discharging defective products, when a defective product detected by an inspection unit is conveyed to an opening / closing unit, the opening / closing unit is opened, and the defective product is dropped from the opening / closing unit and discharged (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, there is a risk of involving non-defective products being conveyed in front of and behind the defective products to be discharged and discharging them from the above opening / closing unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to suppress mis-sorting of sorting objects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the sorting device according to the present invention is a sorting device for individually sorting a plurality of sorting objects each attached with identification information according to a predetermined sorting criterion, a supply unit for supplying the sorting objects, a transport unit for transporting the sorting objects supplied by the supply unit to a sorting position, A reading unit that reads the identification information of the object to be sorted being conveyed by the conveying unit; An acquisition unit that acquires predetermined information associated with the identification information read by the reading unit; A sorting unit that sorts the object to be sorted at the sorting position according to the predetermined sorting criteria according to the predetermined information acquired by the acquisition unit; Comprising; The supply unit supplies each object to be sorted at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction of the conveying unit when supplying the object to be sorted and the conveying unit includes a conveyor belt for conveying the object to be sorted; the conveyor belt is provided with partitioning portions for partitioning the objects to be sorted supplied by the supply unit from each other; a determination unit that determines whether or not a plurality of the objects to be sorted are supplied within each section partitioned by the partitioning portions; a collection unit that collects other objects to be sorted so that one of the plurality of objects to be sorted is positioned within the section when the determination unit determines that there is a section in which the plurality of objects to be sorted are supplied; is provided with Characterized in that.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, mis-sorting of the object to be sorted can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Schematic Configuration of Sorting Device] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the schematic configuration of the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sorting device 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sorting device 100.

[0011] The sorting device 100 is, for example, a device that sorts a container C (see FIG. 4) containing a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) sample, which is an object to be sorted, according to the result of a PCR test (for example, positive or negative). An RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) tag T (described later), in which identification information for identifying the container C is stored, is attached to the container C.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sorting device 100 includes a supply unit 10, a conveyance unit 20, a reading unit 30, a sorting unit 40, a storage unit 50, an operation display unit 60, and a control unit 70.

[0013] The supply unit 10 includes a hopper 11 and a shutter device 12.

[0014] The hopper 11 is provided with an inlet 111 at the upper part into which each container C is inserted, and a discharge port 112 at the lower part for discharging each container C. The discharge port 112 is sized such that only one container C in a lying-down state can pass through at a time.

[0015] The shutter device 12 includes a shutter member (not shown) that can be converted between a state of closing the discharge port 112 of the hopper 11 and a state of opening it, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the shutter member. The supply unit 10 controls the shutter device 12 to perform an opening / closing operation of the shutter member in accordance with the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit 20, thereby supplying (discharging) the containers C at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction (MD direction) of the conveyance unit 20. As a result, each container C is supplied one by one to each region defined by each bar 22a of the conveyance belt 22 described later.

[0016] The conveyance unit 20 includes a plurality (for example, two) of conveyance rollers 21, a conveyance belt 22 wound around these conveyance rollers 21, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the conveyance rollers 21. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the containers C are always conveyed at a constant speed in the conveyance unit 20 while the container sorting process (described later) is being executed by the sorting device 100. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conveyance belt 22 is provided with bars 22a at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20. These bars 22a are for partitioning each container C supplied from the supply unit 10. It is desirable that the height of each bar 22a is lower than that of the container C during conveyance, that is, the container C in a lying-down state. FIG. 3 is a top view of the conveyance unit 20. Note that by providing the bars 22a on the conveyance belt 22 as described above, each container C supplied from the supply unit 10 is partitioned. However, for example, by providing protrusions or depressions at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction of the conveyance belt 22, each container C may be partitioned.

[0017] The reading unit 30 is an RFID reader for reading the identification information stored in the RFID tag T attached to the container C, that is, the identification information of the container C. The reading unit 30 is provided on the downstream side of the supply unit 10 and on the upstream side of the sorting unit 40.

[0018] The sorting unit 40 includes an arm 41 and an actuator (not shown) that drives the arm 41. The arm 41 is a member for pushing out and discharging the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result to the side of the transport unit 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 41 is normally arranged on the side of the transport unit 20. When it is determined that the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result has reached the sorting position by the sorting unit 40, the control unit 70 slides the arm 41 in the direction crossing the transport belt 22 (CD direction; the downward direction from top to bottom in the figure) via the actuator, so that the container C is pushed out to the side of the transport unit 20 and discharged.

[0019] Note that the container C discharged by the sorting unit 40 falls from the transport unit 20 and is stored in a box or the like for collecting the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result. On the other hand, the container C containing the PCR sample with a negative PCR test result is not sorted (discharged) by the sorting unit 40, is transported to the most downstream of the transport unit 20, and then falls from the transport unit 20 and is stored in a box or the like for collecting the container C containing the PCR sample with a negative PCR test result.

[0020] The storage unit 50 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc., and can read and write data such as program data and various setting data from the control unit 70. In addition, the storage unit 50 stores a PCR sample database (not shown) in which identification information for identifying the container C and the result of the PCR test of the PCR sample contained in the container C (for example, positive or negative) are associated for each container C. Therefore, when the identification information of the container C is read by the reading unit 30, the control unit 70 collates the identification information using the PCR sample database, so that the result of the PCR test of the PCR sample contained in the container C can be specified. In the above PCR sample database, in addition to the result of the PCR test, for example, information such as a sample identification number, a test date, a sample collection location, a sample collection area (administrative area), personal identification information of the subject, the subject's date of birth, the subject's attributes (presence or absence of close contact history with an infected person), the PCR test location, and test result additional information (positive detailed information / virus type) are associated and stored. The sorting device 100 can sort the container C based not only on the result of the PCR test but also on each piece of information in the above PCR sample database.

[0021] The operation display unit 60 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 61 and an operation unit 62. The display unit 61 displays various operation screens, the operation status of each function, etc. according to the display control signal input from the control unit 70. It also accepts touch operations by the user and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 70. The operation unit 62 is provided with various operation keys such as numeric keys and a start key, accepts various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 70.

[0022] The control unit 70 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU expands various programs stored in the ROM into the RAM, and in cooperation with the expanded various programs, comprehensively controls the operations of each part of the sorting device 100 such as the supply unit 10, the transport unit 20, the reading unit 30, the sorting unit 40, the storage unit 50, and the operation display unit 60.

[0023] [Configuration of the container] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a container C in which a PCR sample is accommodated. As shown in FIG. 4, an RFID tag T is attached within a predetermined attachment range C2 of the outer peripheral portion of the container C. Preferably, a cap C1 is provided at the tip of the container C. The container C is formed of, for example, plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate. However, it is not limited thereto, and the container C may be formed of other materials such as glass. Note that the container C is an example of a container for containing liquids, solids, or gases, and may be, for example, a container such as a blood collection tube, a test tube, a urine collection tube, or an ampoule. Also, the object to be placed in the container C may be, for example, something other than a PCR sample such as blood, urine, a drink, a drug, or water.

[0024] [Configuration of the RFID tag] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the RFID tag. As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID tag T includes, for example, a strip-shaped sheet 200, an IC chip 210 in which identification information is recorded, and an antenna 220 formed of a loop-shaped conductor connected to the IC chip 210. Also, the shape of the inner circumference 221 of the antenna 220 is T-shaped.

[0025] The sheet 200 and the antenna 220 have an outer shape corresponding to the container C containing the PCR sample, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. For example, it is desirable that the depth D0 of the sheet 200 and the depth D1 of the antenna 220 are shorter than the minimum value of the outer periphery within a predetermined pasting range C2 of the container C. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the RFID tag T can be pasted on the container C so that the RFID tags T do not overlap. Also, it is desirable that the width W0 of the sheet 200 and the width W1 of the antenna 220 fit within a predetermined pasting range C2 of the container C.

[0026] Note that the width W1 and the depth D1 of the antenna 220 can be arbitrarily determined within the above range. For example, when the operating frequency of the RFID tag T is 920 MHz, W1 can be 20.00 mm to 50.00 mm, preferably 30.00 mm to 40.00 mm. Also, D1 can be 13.00 mm to 18.00 mm, preferably 15.00 mm to 17.00 mm.

[0027] The sheet 200 is, for example, a film formed in a strip shape by laminating a plurality of synthetic resin films such as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. However, it is not limited thereto, and the sheet 200 may be paper or the like.

[0028] The IC chip 210 and the antenna 220 are arranged to be sandwiched, for example, between a plurality of laminated synthetic resin films or the like. Note that the RFID tag T may be provided on a label to be pasted on the container C.

[0029] The IC chip 210 is an integrated circuit for an RFID system in which identification information is recorded, and is electrically connected to the antenna 220. The IC chip 210 receives, by the antenna 220, a radio wave transmitted from a tag reader (reading unit 30) of the RFID system at a predetermined radio frequency (for example, 920 MHz band: 860 MHz to 960 MHz), generates power by the received radio wave, and is activated. Also, the IC chip 210 transmits, by the generated power, a radio wave including identification information pre-recorded in the IC chip 210 to the tag reader (reading unit 30).

[0030] The antenna 220 is formed in a loop shape by a highly conductive conductor (for example, a metal such as copper or aluminum). Further, the shape of the inner circumference 221 of the antenna 220 is T-shaped, and no conductor is formed inside this inner circumference 221. In the present embodiment, the portion where no conductor is formed inside the inner circumference 221 is referred to as the opening 222. Thus, the antenna 220 is formed of a loop-shaped conductor connected to the IC chip 210 and has a T-shaped opening 222 where no conductor is formed.

[0031] Preferably, the outer shape of the antenna 220 is a rectangle with a width W1 and a depth D1 as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the opening 222 includes a first opening 223 extending in a direction (X-axis direction) parallel to one side of the rectangle on which the IC chip 210 is mounted, and a second opening 224 connected to the central portion of the first opening 223 and extending in a direction (minus Y-axis direction) orthogonal to one side of the rectangle on which the IC chip 210 is mounted. In FIG. 5, the two-dot chain line indicating the boundary between the first opening 223 and the second opening 224 is a virtual line and does not actually exist.

[0032] Preferably, the RFID tag T is attached to the container C such that the longitudinal direction of the container C and the direction in which the first opening 223 extends (X-axis direction) are substantially parallel. Thereby, better communication characteristics can be obtained. When the RFID tag T is attached to the container C, there was no significant difference in communication characteristics between the case where the +X direction of the RFID tag T shown in FIG. 5 was directed toward the cap C1 side of the container C and the case where the -X direction was directed. Note that the RFID tag T can also be attached to the container C such that, for example, the longitudinal direction of the container C and the direction in which the first opening 223 extends intersect. Note that the width W2, depth D2 of the first opening 223, and the width W3, depth D3 of the second opening 224 can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when the operating frequency of the RFID tag T is 920 MHz, W2 can be 18.00 mm to 25.00 mm, preferably 20.00 mm to 23.00 mm, more preferably 21.10 mm to 22.10 mm. D2 can be 1.00 mm to 7.00 mm, preferably 3.00 mm to 5.00 mm, more preferably 3.50 mm to 4.50 mm. W3 can be 1.00 mm to 7.00 mm, preferably 3.00 mm to 5.00 mm, more preferably 3.7 mm to 4.7 mm. D3 can be 3.00 mm to 9.00 mm, preferably 5.00 mm to 7.00 mm, more preferably 5.50 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0033] The antenna 220 is formed by a conductor such as press working, etching, plating of a metal foil such as copper or aluminum, or silk screen printing of a metal paste. When the conductor is aluminum, the thickness of the conductor can be, for example, 5 μm to 40 μm, preferably 7 μm to 30 μm. Also, in FIG. 5 and the like, the antenna 220 is hatched, but this is hatching indicating that the antenna 220 is made of metal and does not indicate a pattern.

[0034] In the above configuration, the IC chip 210 has an internal capacitance, and a resonance circuit (matching circuit) is configured by this internal capacitance and the inductance component of the antenna 220. In this resonance circuit, at the resonance frequency at which the internal capacitance of the IC chip 210 and the inductance component of the antenna 220 resonate, the impedance is matched by the imaginary component becoming almost zero, and a sufficient communication distance can be ensured.

[0035] The RFID tag T is configured to obtain a good communication distance at a frequency in the 920 MHz band (860 MHz to 960 MHz, preferably 915 MHz to 935 MHz), regardless of the presence or absence of the contents of the container C (for example, a PCR sample).

[0036] [Shape of Antenna] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the shape of the antenna. This figure shows an example of the shape of the antenna 220 that has obtained good communication characteristics. In FIG. 6, the width W1 of the antenna 220 is 35.00 mm, the depth D1 is 16.00 mm, and the opening 222 is formed to be symmetric with respect to the center line 225. Note that, for the symmetric shape, an error or deviation that does not impair the effects of the present invention is allowed. Also, by changing the T-shaped form of the opening 222 of the antenna 220 and performing trial production and measurement, the T-shaped form of the opening 222 was determined so that good communication characteristics can be obtained regardless of the presence or absence of the content in the container C. As a result, when the width W2 of the first opening 223 is 21.60 mm, the depth D2 is 4.00 mm, the width W3 of the second opening 224 is 4.20 mm, and the depth D3 is 6.00 mm, good communication characteristics were obtained regardless of the presence or absence of the content in the container C. Note that the width D4 of the conductor portion connecting the IC chip 210 was 1.00 mm. Also, aluminum (thickness: 10 μm) was used as the conductor forming the antenna 220. As described above, in the conventional RFID tag, there is a problem that when the container contains a content such as a liquid, the impedance characteristics of the antenna change and sufficient communication characteristics cannot be obtained. However, according to the present embodiment, in the RFID tag T provided with the antenna 220, a good communication distance can be obtained regardless of the presence or absence of the content such as the PCR sample.

[0037] [Container Sorting Process] Next, the container sorting process performed by the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the container sorting process. Here, the container sorting process is a process that starts, for example, when an operation of a start key for instructing the start of sorting of the container C containing the PCR sample is performed through the operation unit 62.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, when the container sorting process is started, first, the control unit 70 determines whether there is a container C in which the identification information has been read in the reading unit 30 (step S1).

[0039] In step S1, when it is determined that there is a container C from which identification information has been read (step S1; YES), the control unit 70 specifies the result of the PCR test associated with the identification information from the PCR specimen database stored in the storage unit 50 (step S2).

[0040] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the result of the PCR test specified in step S2 is positive (step S3).

[0041] In step S3, when it is determined that the result of the PCR test is positive (step S3; YES), the control unit 70 determines whether a container C (container C with a positive determination) that contains a PCR specimen with a positive PCR test result being transported by the transport unit 20 has reached the sorting position by the sorting unit 40 (step S4).

[0042] In step S4, when it is determined that the container C that contains a PCR specimen with a positive PCR test result being transported by the transport unit 20 has not reached the sorting position by the sorting unit 40 (step S4; NO), the control unit 70 repeatedly performs the determination process of step S4 until the container C reaches the sorting position by the sorting unit 40.

[0043] Also, in step S4, when it is determined that the container C that contains a PCR specimen with a positive PCR test result being transported by the transport unit 20 has reached the sorting position by the sorting unit 40 (step S4; YES), the control unit 70 slides the arm 41 in a direction (CD direction) crossing the transport belt 22 via an actuator to push and discharge the container C to the side of the transport unit 20 (step S5).

[0044] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether an end key has been operated to instruct the end of sorting of the container C through the operation unit 62 (step S6).

[0045] In step S6, when it is determined that an end key operation for instructing the end of sorting of the container C has not been performed through the operation unit 62 (step S6; NO), the control unit 70 returns the process to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0046] Also, in step S6, when it is determined that an end key operation for instructing the end of sorting of the container C has been performed through the operation unit 62 (step S6; YES), the control unit 70 ends the container sorting process.

[0047] Also, in step S1, when it is determined that there is no container C from which identification information has been read (step S1; NO), or in step S3, when it is determined that the result of the PCR test is not positive, that is, negative (step S3; NO), the control unit 70 advances the process to step S6 and performs the subsequent processes.

[0048] As described above, the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment includes a supply unit 10 that supplies a container C containing a PCR sample, a transport unit 20 that transports the container C supplied by the supply unit 10 to a sorting position, a reading unit 30 that reads identification information attached to the container C being transported by the transport unit 20, a control unit (acquisition unit) 70 that acquires the result (predetermined information) of the PCR test associated with the identification information read by the reading unit 30, and a sorting unit 40 that sorts the container C at the sorting position according to a predetermined sorting criterion (whether the result of the PCR test is positive or negative) according to the result of the PCR test acquired by the control unit 70. The supply unit 10 supplies each container C at a predetermined interval in the transport direction of the transport unit 20 when supplying the container C. Therefore, according to the sorting device 100, when supplying the containers C in the supply unit 10, by supplying each container C at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20, when sorting each container C in the sorting unit 40, it is possible to prevent other containers C being conveyed from being involved in the sorting at the front and rear positions of the container C to be sorted, so that mis-sorting of the container C can be suppressed. In addition, in the case of manual sorting, there is a possibility that the PCR sample may leak from the container C and the virus may spread. However, since the sorting device 100 enables unmanned sorting, the spread of infection due to the spread of the virus can be suppressed.

[0049] Further, the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment includes a conveyor belt 22 that conveys the container C in the conveyance unit 20, and partition bars (partition portions) 22a for partitioning the containers C supplied by the supply unit 10 from each other are provided on the conveyor belt 22. Therefore, according to the sorting device 100, by providing the partition bars 22a on the conveyor belt 22, each container C can be conveyed while maintaining a state where a predetermined interval is kept, so that it is possible to more effectively prevent other containers C being conveyed from being involved in the sorting at the front and rear positions of the container C to be sorted. In addition, the identification information of the container C can be smoothly read in the reading unit 30.

[0050] Further, when the result of the PCR test acquired by the control unit 70 is positive, the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment controls the arm 41 to push out the corresponding container C in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20 when the container C reaches the sorting position of the sorting unit 40, so as to sort the container C. Therefore, the container C can be efficiently sorted according to the result of the PCR test.

[0051] In addition, since the sorting device 100 of the present embodiment uses an RFID reader capable of reading the identification information of the container C as the reading unit 30, the identification information of the container C can be read regardless of the orientation of the container C. Thereby, the reading of the identification information of the container C can be simplified.

[0052] As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above embodiment, by providing the shutter device 12 at the discharge port 112 of the hopper 11, it is possible to supply each container C with a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20 when supplying the container C. However, as shown in FIG. 8, a feeder 80 capable of aligning each container C and discharging it with a predetermined interval may be connected to the hopper 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the sorting device 100 may be provided with a labeler 90 that attaches a predetermined seal to the position where the container C of the feeder 80 shown in FIG. 8 is discharged. The labeler 90 is, for example, a device that attaches a sealing seal to the cap C1 of the container C (the container C with the RFID tag T attached) sent out from the feeder 80. This sealing seal is a seal for preventing the cap C1 from falling off in a subsequent process (for example, a conveyance process or a sorting process).

[0053] Note that the sorting device 100 having the configuration shown in FIG. 9 supplies an unused container C (a container C before the RFID tag T is attached) before the PCR sample is accommodated from the supply unit 10, and attaches the RFID tag T to each container C sent out from the feeder 80 with the labeler 90. Then, this sorting device 100 conveys each container C to which the RFID tag T is attached by the conveyance unit 20, and determines whether the RFID tag T is defective based on the writing information of the RFID tag T read by the reading unit 30. Then, the sorting device 100 also has a use of sorting the container C to which the RFID tag T determined to be defective is attached by the sorting unit 40. Further, the sorting device 100 having the configuration shown in FIG. 9 uses the supply unit 10, the feeder 80, and the labeler 90 as one unit, and supplies, for example, an unused container C (a container C before the RFID tag T is attached) before the PCR sample is put in from the supply unit 10, and attaches the RFID tag T to each container C sent out from the feeder 80 with the labeler 90. It may also be made possible to use it as a device (labeling device) that performs the process until.

[0054] Further, in the above-described feeder 80, after aligning the respective containers C in a state where the caps C1 are on the upper side, a feeding device may be provided to feed the respective containers C while maintaining the state where the containers C are standing upright. As shown in FIG. 10, the feeding device includes a mechanism that rotates two parallel wires W at the same speed with respect to each other, and by hooking the protruding portion of the cap C1 of the container C on each wire W, the container C is fed in a standing state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, a side sticker labeler 90 for attaching the RFID tag T to the container C in a standing state can be shared. In addition, when it is difficult to feed the container C in a standing state by the above-described feeding device, the container C may be fed in a lying-down state, and the RFID tag T may be attached to the container C in the lying-down state by the labeler 90.

[0055] Further, in the above embodiment, an RFID reader as a reading unit different from the reading unit 30 may be provided in each of a plurality of collection areas (for example, collection boxes) of the sorting destination. By the reading unit in this collection area, it is possible to reconfirm the determination of the containers C sorted (selected) according to the result of the PCR test. As a result, even when misselection occurs, the occurrence of misselection can be detected by reconfirming the determination of the container C, and a container C that does not meet the sorting criteria due to misselection can be detected and transferred to the original sorting destination. As a result, for example, it is possible to more reliably perform blocking management between the container C determined to be positive by the PCR test and the container C determined to be negative by the PCR test.

[0056] Further, in the upper embodiment, the sorting accuracy may be improved by providing a plurality of reading units 30 and sorting units 40 in the sorting device 100 to perform multi-stage sorting.

[0057] Also, in the above-described embodiment, while the container sorting process is being executed by the sorting device 100, the container C is always conveyed at a constant speed in the conveying unit 20. However, for example, under the control of the control unit 70, the conveying unit 20 may be intermittently operated. Specifically, for the purpose of improving the accuracy of sorting performed by the sorting unit 40, the conveying belt 22 may be stopped for a certain period of time each time each container C being conveyed by the conveying unit 20 reaches the sorting position by the sorting unit 40.

[0058] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the reading unit 30 has been described as an RFID reader. However, it may be any device that can read the identification information of the container C and is not limited to an RFID reader. For example, the reading unit 30 may be a barcode reader. In such a case, it is assumed that the container C is provided with a code (e.g., a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, etc.) for identifying the container C. Further, the reading unit 30 may be, for example, a color sensor capable of detecting the color of the tag. In such a case, it is assumed that the container C is provided with the above-described tag for identifying the container C by color. Also, the reading unit 30 may be, for example, an image recognition device capable of recognizing characters printed on the tag, etc. In such a case, it is assumed that the container C is provided with the above-described tag for identifying the container C by the above-described characters, etc.

[0059] Also, in the above embodiment, the sorting unit 40 is configured to push out and discharge the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result to the side of the transport unit 20 using the arm 41. However, for example, instead of the arm 41, when the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result reaches the sorting position by using an air injection device (not shown), compressed air may be injected to push out and discharge the container C to the side of the transport unit 20. Further, the sorting unit 40 is not limited to the mechanism that pushes out and discharges the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result to the side of the transport unit 20. For example, it may be a mechanism that pays out and discharges the container C to the side of the transport unit 20. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), it is in a downwardly inclined state toward the OK box B1 for storing the container C containing the PCR sample with a negative PCR test result, and as shown in FIG. 12(b), it is in a downwardly inclined state toward the NG box B2 for storing the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result. A sorting unit 40A having a seesaw unit 42 that can be converted into either state may be provided at the most downstream position of the transport unit 20.

[0060] Also, in the above embodiment, in the sorting unit, for example, by using a manipulator such as a robot arm, each container C may be individually adsorbed or gripped to sort the container C into each collection area according to a predetermined sorting criterion.

[0061] Also, in the above embodiment, the container C discharged by the sorting unit 40 falls from the transport unit 20 and is stored in a box or the like for collecting the container C containing the PCR sample with a positive PCR test result. However, for example, a slope for receiving and rolling the container C discharged by the sorting unit 40 may be provided, and a box or the like for collecting the container C may be provided at the end of the slope.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the identification information of the container C read by the reading unit 30 is collated using the PCR sample database stored in the storage unit 50. However, for example, the identification information of the container C read by the reading unit 30 may be collated by accessing an external PCR sample database.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a guide bar may be provided above the transport unit 20 to prevent the container C supplied by the supply unit 10 from being transported while riding on the rail 22a of the transport belt 22.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a determination unit for determining whether a plurality of containers C are supplied in each section partitioned by the rail 22a of the transport belt 22 is provided. When it is determined by this determination unit that there is a section in which a plurality of containers C are supplied, a recovery unit for recovering other containers C so that one of the plurality of containers C is located within the section may be provided.

[0065] In the sorting device 100 of the above embodiment, an example in which the container C containing the PCR sample is sorted according to the result of the PCR test is given. However, sorting may be performed according to other information associated with the identification information of the container C (for example, the collection source, date, attributes of the collector (gender, blood type, etc.)). Further, the object to be sorted is not limited to the container C containing the PCR sample, and may be a container C containing a sample such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, or a part of tissue.

[0066] In addition, the specific details of the configuration and control shown in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention, the configuration and control shown in the above embodiment can be appropriately combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 100 Sorting device 10 Supply unit 11 Hopper 12 Shutter device 20 Conveyor section 21 Conveyor roller 22 Conveyor belt 22a Stack 30 Reading section 40 Sorting section 41 Arm 50 Memory section 60 Operation display section 61 Display section 62 Operation section 70 Control section C Container T RFID tag

Claims

1. A sorting device for individually sorting a plurality of sorting objects each attached with identification information according to a predetermined sorting criterion, comprising: a supply unit for supplying the sorting objects; a transport unit for transporting the sorting objects supplied by the supply unit to a sorting position; a reading unit for reading the identification information of the sorting objects being transported by the transport unit; an acquisition unit for acquiring predetermined information associated with the identification information read by the reading unit; a sorting unit for sorting the sorting objects at the sorting position according to the predetermined sorting criterion according to the predetermined information acquired by the acquisition unit; and comprising: the supply unit supplies each sorting object at a predetermined interval in the transport direction of the transport unit when supplying the sorting objects; the transport unit comprises a transport belt for transporting the sorting objects; a partitioning unit for partitioning the sorting objects supplied by the supply unit from each other is provided on the transport belt; a determination unit for determining whether a plurality of the sorting objects are supplied in each section partitioned by the partitioning unit; and a recovery unit for recovering other sorting objects so that one of the plurality of sorting objects is positioned in a section determined by the determination unit to have a section in which the plurality of sorting objects are supplied; A sorting device characterized by comprising the above.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit stops the transport belt for a certain period of time each time each of the sorting objects reaches the sorting position.

3. An extrusion mechanism capable of extruding the sorting objects in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the transport unit is provided at the sorting position, the sorting unit controls the extrusion mechanism to extrude the corresponding sorting object in the intersecting direction when the sorting object reaches the sorting position when the predetermined information acquired by the acquisition unit satisfies the sorting condition, thereby sorting the sorting object. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The sorting object is a predetermined container containing a specimen. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. A sorting method in a sorting device for individually sorting a plurality of sorting objects each attached with identification information according to a predetermined sorting criterion, comprising: a supply step of supplying the sorting objects; ​ A conveying step of conveying the object to be sorted supplied by the supply step to a sorting position; A reading step of reading the identification information of the object to be sorted being conveyed by the conveying step; An acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information associated with the identification information read by the reading step; A sorting step of sorting the object to be sorted at the sorting position according to the predetermined sorting criteria according to the predetermined information acquired by the acquisition step; comprising; In the supply step, when supplying the object to be sorted, each object to be sorted is supplied at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction of the conveying unit; The sorting device includes a conveyor belt for conveying the object to be sorted; The conveyor belt is provided with a partitioning portion for partitioning the objects to be sorted supplied by the supply step from each other; A determination step of determining whether a plurality of the objects to be sorted are supplied in each section partitioned by the partitioning portion; When it is determined by the determination step that there is a section in which a plurality of the objects to be sorted are supplied, a recovery step of recovering other objects to be sorted so that one of the plurality of objects to be sorted is located in the section; A sorting method characterized by including the above.

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