Inspection equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection device that can determine, with a simple configuration, whether specimen containers are not mounted on a specimen holder, what type of containers specimen containers mounted on the specimen holder are, and whether inspection of specimen containers has been completed.SOLUTION: An inspection device has: a first sensor that, when a specimen holder is held at a first holding position, can detect the vicinity of a lower end of the specimen holder; a second sensor that, when the specimen holder is held at a second holding position, can detect the vicinity of upper ends of at least two types of specimen containers; an inspection unit that inspects specimens stored in the at least two types of specimen containers mounted on the specimen holder; and a control unit that, according to results of detection performed by the first sensor and the second sensor, determines whether the specimen containers are not mounted on the specimen holder, which of the at least two types of specimen containers are mounted on the specimen holder, and whether inspection of the at least two types of specimen containers performed by the inspection unit has been completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Many clinical testing devices exist that quantitatively and qualitatively examine specific components contained in specimens such as blood, urine, or saliva to diagnose specific diseases (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In recent years, as clinical testing has become more diverse, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) has been attracting attention.

[0003] Point-of-Cost Testing (POCT) is a real-time test performed using a small analyzer or rapid diagnostic kit. While POCT testing equipment primarily measures only one sample at a time, some systems utilize a table or rack to hold multiple sample containers, moving the containers to the testing location to sequentially test the samples contained within. In recent years, multiple types of sample containers have also been used. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 043196 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-209332 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] When performing tests by placing sample containers in a sample holder, it was desirable to determine whether or not a sample container was placed in the sample holder, and whether or not the sample container placed in the sample holder had already been tested. Furthermore, when multiple types of sample containers were used, it was also desirable to determine which type of container was placed in the sample holder.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an inspection apparatus that can determine, with a simple configuration, whether a specimen container is not mounted on a specimen holder, what type of container the specimen container mounted on the specimen holder is, and whether the inspection of the specimen container has been completed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a specimen holder capable of mounting at least two types of specimen containers having different heights, a holding unit capable of holding the specimen holder, and capable of holding the specimen holder at a first holding position preset along the height direction of the specimen holder and a second holding position higher than the first holding position, a first sensor capable of detecting near the lower end of the specimen holder when the specimen holder is held at the first holding position, a second sensor capable of detecting near the upper ends of at least two types of specimen containers when the specimen holder is held at the second holding position, an inspection unit for inspecting specimens stored in at least two types of specimen containers mounted on the specimen holder, and a control unit for determining, according to detection results by the first sensor and the second sensor, whether a specimen container is not mounted on the specimen holder, which of at least two types of specimen containers is mounted on the specimen holder, and whether the inspection of at least two types of specimen containers by the inspection unit has been completed.

[0008] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit controls the specimen holder, for which the inspection by the inspection unit has been completed, to shift from a state of being held at the first holding position to a state of being held at the second holding position.

[0009] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a moving mechanism for shifting the specimen holder held at the first holding position to a state of being held at the second holding position after the inspection by the inspection unit has been completed.

[0010] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a rotary table capable of arranging a plurality of holding units for holding the specimen holder.

[0011] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, when the control unit does not detect the specimen holder by the first sensor and does not detect the specimen container by the second sensor, it is preferable to determine that the specimen container is not mounted on the specimen holder.

[0012] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, when the control unit does not detect the specimen holder by the first sensor and detects the specimen container by the second sensor, it is preferable to determine that the inspection of the specimen container is completed.

[0013] In the inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, when the control unit detects the specimen holder by the first sensor and detects the specimen container by the second sensor, it is determined that a specimen container having a first height for which the inspection is not completed is mounted on the specimen holder. When the control unit detects the specimen holder by the first sensor and does not detect the specimen container by the second sensor, it is preferable to determine that a specimen container having a second height different from the first height for which the inspection is not completed is mounted on the specimen holder.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] The inspection apparatus according to the present invention can determine, with a simple configuration, whether or not a specimen container is not mounted on a specimen holder, what type of container the specimen container mounted on the specimen holder is, and whether or not the inspection of the specimen container is completed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the inspection apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a specimen mounting portion fixed to the inspection apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view seen from the back side of the specimen mounting portion. [Figure 4] It is a top view of the specimen mounting portion seen from above. [Figure 5](a) is a magnified view of the holding section including the specimen holder held in the second holding position, and (b) is a view of the holding section as seen from arrow α2. [Figure 6] (a) is a magnified view of the holding section including the specimen holder held in the first holding position, and (b) is a view of the holding section as seen from arrow α2. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the mechanism for determining the type of specimen. [Figure 8] This is a close-up view of the lock release mechanism. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the relative positional relationship between the unlocking mechanism and the locking mechanism. [Figure 10] This is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the relationship between the specimen type determination position, sampling position, unlock position, and the specimen container exchange position. [Figure 11] This is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the relationship between the specimen type determination position, sampling position, unlock position, and the specimen container exchange position. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates a series of processing steps when using a sample container. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates a series of processing steps when using a sample container. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the inspection sequence by the inspection device. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of an actual inspection sequence performed by the inspection device. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a test result obtained by testing a sample in a sample container placed in a sample holder using a test sequence. [Figure 17] This figure shows the total inspection time required for the inspection sequence. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0017] Figure 1 is a front view of the inspection device 1. In the following embodiments, the short side of the inspection device 1 (direction X in Figure 1) will be referred to as the width direction of the inspection device 1. The long side of the inspection device 1 (direction Y in Figure 1) will be referred to as the height direction of the inspection device 1. The width direction and height direction are perpendicular to the depth direction of the inspection device 1 (direction Z in Figure 1). In addition, the width direction of the inspection device 1 may be simply referred to as the width direction, the height direction as the height direction, and the depth direction as the depth direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the testing device 1 uses a sampling mechanism 3 to aspirate samples from sample containers 100 and 200 mounted in the sample loading unit 2, and introduces the aspirated samples into the testing unit 4. The testing unit 4 quantitatively and qualitatively tests for specific components contained in the samples and outputs the test results using a display unit 5 or printer 6. The operation of each component included in the testing device 1 is centrally controlled by a control unit 7. Samples include blood, urine, or saliva.

[0019] The sample loading section 2 is a rotary table for loading sample containers 100 and 200 onto the testing device 1. The sampling mechanism 3, as described later, has a sampling needle 31 for aspirating samples from the sample containers 100 and 200, which move up and down along the height direction of the testing device 1.

[0020] The testing unit 4 quantitatively / qualitatively tests for specific components contained in a sample by known component detection methods, such as irradiating the sample with light to detect the absorbance or fluorescence intensity of the sample, or separating a specific component from the sample and detecting the signal intensity related to that specific component. The testing unit 4 is, for example, a glycated hemoglobin analyzer based on the principle of liquid chromatography used in the diagnosis of diabetes, and for glycated hemoglobin analysis, for example, the GX glycated hemoglobin analyzer manufactured by Tosoh Corporation can be used.

[0021] The control unit 7 determines, based on the detection results from the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 (described later), whether or not sample containers 100 and 200 are not loaded in the sample holders 201 to 210, whether or not at least two types of sample containers 100 and 200 are loaded in the sample holders 201 to 210, and whether or not at least two types of sample containers 100 and 200 have been inspected by the inspection unit 4.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the testing device 1 can utilize at least two types of sample containers 100 and 200 with different heights. The samples to be stored in each sample container 100 and 200 are predetermined. For example, sample container 100 stores samples such as blood, urine, or saliva actually collected in a clinical test. Sample container 200 stores diluted samples. In other words, since the samples to be stored in each sample container 100 and 200 are predetermined, if the type of sample container 100 or 200 can be determined, the samples to be stored in the sample container 100 or 200 can also be determined.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sample mounting unit 2 fixed to the inspection device 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sample mounting unit 2 seen from the rear side, and Figure 4 is a top view of the sample mounting unit 2 seen from above.

[0024] Figures 2 to 4 show an example of a sample loading unit 2 capable of loading 10 sample containers 100, 200. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the sample loading unit 2 is composed of a disc-shaped table 22, a motor 23 fixedly supported by the housing 300 of the inspection device 1, a sample type determination mechanism 25, a locking mechanism 9, and an unlocking mechanism 26. The motor 23 is a known motor such as a stepping motor or a servo motor. A predetermined current is input from the driver (not shown) to the stepping motor in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 7 to the driver. A predetermined current is input from the driver to the servo motor such that the difference between the numerical value of the motor's rotation angle / rotation speed detected by an encoder (not shown) and the numerical value of the motor's rotation angle / rotation speed included in the control signal input from the control unit 7 to the driver becomes zero.

[0025] A rotation axis A is provided on the table 22. The table 22 is rotated around the rotation axis A by power generated by the motor 23 and transmitted by the belt 24 under the control of the control unit 7, with arrow α 11 Or arrow α 12 It is rotatable in the direction. Multiple holding parts 8 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the table 22. The table 22 is provided with multiple sample holders 201 to 210, each supported by the multiple holding parts 8. The sample holders 201 to 210 have a cylindrical shape. Sample containers 100 and 200 can be mounted in the sample holders 201 to 210. Each of the sample holders 201 to 210 is supported by the table 22 by the holding parts 8. Details of the holding parts 8 will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, at the position corresponding to #1 on the table 22, the sampling needle 31 of the sampling mechanism 3 is inserted into the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 201, and the sample contained in the sample container 100 is aspirated. The aspiration of the sample by the sampling mechanism 3 is performed in the order of #1, #2, #3, ..., #10, starting from the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 201 located at the position corresponding to #1 on the table 22. The position where the sample is aspirated by the sampling mechanism 3 is sometimes referred to as the sampling position. Instead of the sample container 100, a sample container 200 may be mounted on the sample holder 201.

[0027] At the position corresponding to #2 in Table 22, the presence or absence of sample holders 201-210 is detected by the first sensor 251 included in the sample type determination mechanism 25, and the presence or absence of sample containers 100 and 200 is detected by the second sensor 252. The position where detection is performed by the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 is sometimes referred to as the sample type determination position. Details of the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 will be described later.

[0028] At positions corresponding to #3 to #9 on Table 22, sample containers 100 and 200 can be loaded or removed. Loading or removing sample containers 100 and 200 is possible even while the testing device 1 is operating. That is, the testing device 1 can remove sample containers 100 and 200 after testing is complete and load new sample containers 100 and 200. The testing device 1 can continuously test 10 or more samples without stopping the testing sequence. The positions where sample containers 100 and 200 can be loaded or removed are sometimes referred to as sample container exchangeable positions.

[0029] At the position corresponding to #10 in Table 22, the lock release mechanism 26 releases the lock on sample holders 201-210 by the lock mechanism 9. The position at which the lock release mechanism 26 releases the lock on sample holders 201-210 is sometimes referred to as the unlock position. Details of the lock mechanism 9 and the lock release mechanism 26 will be described later.

[0030] Figure 5(a) is a partially enlarged view of the holding section 8, including the sample holder 206 held in the second holding position. Figure 5(b) is a view of the holding section 8 as seen from arrow α2 shown in Figure 5(a). Since the configuration of the holding section 8 for holding all sample holders 201 to 210 is the same, for the sake of explanation, the following explanation will use the holding section 8 that holds the sample holder 206.

[0031] The holding section 8 is capable of holding the sample holder 206, and can hold the sample holder 206 in a first holding position preset along the height direction of the sample holder 206, and in a second holding position higher than the first holding position. As shown in Figure 5(a), the holding section 8 is composed of a first holder holding member 811, a second holder holding member 812, a third holder holding member 813, and a guide member 82, etc. The first holder holding member 811 is fixedly supported on the end face of the table 22 in the depth direction. The second holder holding member 812 is fixedly supported on the end face of the table 22 in the height direction. The third holder holding member 813 is fixedly supported on the end face of the sample holder 206 in the height direction and on a part of the end face in the depth direction. The guide member 82 extends along the height direction and is inserted through the first holder holding member 811 and the second holder holding member 812.

[0032] A third holder holding member 813 is fixedly supported by a guide member 82 located between the first holder holding member 811 and the second holder holding member 812. In other words, as the guide member 82 moves in the height direction, the specimen holder 206 to which the third holder holding member 813 is fixedly supported can move along the guide member 82.

[0033] A coil spring 83 is provided between the second holder holding member 812 and the third holder holding member 813. The ends of the coil spring 83 are fixedly supported by the second holder holding member 812 and the third holder holding member 813, respectively. A guide member 82 is inserted through the center of the coil spring 83. The specimen holder 206 is held in a predetermined position in the height direction by the elastic force of this coil spring 83. The predetermined position in which the specimen holder 206 is held by the coil spring 83 is sometimes referred to as the second holding position.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the holding portion 8 is provided with a locking mechanism 9 located below the second holder holding member 812 in the height direction. The locking mechanism 9 consists of a receiving portion 91, a key portion 92, and a torsion spring 93, etc. The receiving portion 91 is fixedly supported on the end face of the guide member 82 in the height direction. The key portion 92 is positioned around the rotation axis B fixedly supported on the second holder holding member 812, as indicated by arrow α 31 Or arrow α 32 It is supported so as to be rotatable in that direction. The ends of the torsion spring 93 are fixedly supported by the second holder holding member 812 and the key portion 92, respectively. The rotation shaft B is inserted through the center of the torsion spring 93.

[0035] When no external force is acting on the key portion 92, the torsion spring 93 causes the arrow α shown in Figure 5(b) to move. 32 It rotates in the direction of. When the specimen holder 206 is held in the second holding position, the position of the receiving portion 91 in the height direction and the position of the key portion 92 in the height direction are approximately the same, so the key portion 92 comes into contact with the receiving portion 91 and the key portion 92 does not rotate more than necessary.

[0036] On the other hand, when the operator of the inspection device 1 places the sample containers 100 and 200 onto the sample holder 206, the sample holder 206 is pushed down in the direction of arrow α4. As the sample holder 206 is pushed down, the guide member 82 is also pushed down in the direction of arrow α4, causing a shift in the height position of the receiving portion 91 and the height position of the lock portion 92. As a result, the lock portion 92 is pushed down by the torsion spring 93 in the direction of arrow α 32 It rotates in the opposite direction, and the key portion 92 and the guide member 82 engage.

[0037] The specimen holder 206 is held in a predetermined position in the height direction by the engagement of the key portion 92 and the guide member 82. The predetermined position in which the specimen holder 206 is held by the engagement of the key portion 92 and the guide member 82 may be referred to as the first holding position.

[0038] Figure 6(a) is a partially enlarged view of the holding section 8, including the specimen holder 206 held in the first holding position. Figure 6(b) is a view of the holding section 8 as seen from arrow α2 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0039] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), when the sample holder 206 is pushed down in the direction of arrow α4, the key portion 92 is moved by the torsion spring 93 towards arrow α 32 The key portion 92 and the guide member 82 engage as the key portion 92 rotates in the opposite direction. The specimen holder 206 is held in the first holding position by the engagement of the key portion 92 and the guide member 82. When the end of the key portion 92 in the depth direction contacts the unlocking mechanism 26, which will be described later, from a predetermined direction, the key portion 92 moves towards arrow α 31 By rotating in that direction, the engagement between the key portion 92 and the guide member 82 is released. This releases the lock on the sample holder 206 by the locking mechanism 9. With the engagement between the key portion 92 and the guide member 82 released, the sample holder 206 returns from the first holding position to the second holding position by the elastic force of the coil spring 83.

[0040] In other words, the first holder holding member 811, the second holder holding member 812, the third holder holding member 813, the guide member 82, and the torsion spring 93 function as a moving mechanism that moves the sample holder 206, which is held in the first holding position, to the second holding position after the inspection by the inspection unit 4 is completed. At this time, the control unit 7 controls the sample holder 206, which has been inspected by the inspection unit 4, to move from the state in which it is held in the first holding position to the state in which it is held in the second holding position.

[0041] Figures 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams illustrating the specimen type determination mechanism 25. Since the configuration of the specimen type determination mechanism 25 is the same for all specimen holders 201 to 210, for the sake of explanation, the following explanation will use the specimen type determination mechanism 25 located near specimen holder 202.

[0042] The specimen type determination mechanism 25 is comprised of a first sensor 251 and a second sensor 252. The first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 are provided along the height direction of the specimen holder 202 at the specimen type determination position where detection by the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 is performed. The first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 detect the presence or absence of an object and are non-contact sensors such as photoelectric sensors or image sensors having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part (not shown), or contact sensors.

[0043] The first sensor 251 can detect the vicinity of the lower end of the sample holder 202 when it is held in the first holding position by the holding unit 8. On the other hand, the first sensor 251 is positioned so as not to be able to detect the vicinity of the lower end of the sample holder 202 when it is held in the second holding position by the holding unit 8. Since the first sensor 251 detects the sample holder 202, the detection result is the same even if the sample holder 202 is loaded with either the sample container 100 or the sample container 200 of different sizes.

[0044] In Figure 7(a), the first sensor 251 is shown being held in a first holding position by the holding part 8 and detecting the vicinity of the lower end of the sample holder 202 on which the sample containers 100 and 200 are mounted. In Figure 7(b), the first sensor 251 is shown being held in a second holding position by the holding part 8 and not detecting the sample holder 202 on which the sample containers 100 and 200 are mounted. In Figure 7(c), the first sensor 251 is shown being held in a second holding position by the holding part 8 and not detecting the sample holder 202 on which the sample containers 100 and 200 are not mounted.

[0045] The second sensor 252 is positioned to detect the vicinity of the upper end of the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 202, which is held by the holding unit 8 in the first and second holding positions. The second sensor 252 can also detect the vicinity of the upper end of the sample container 200 mounted on the sample holder 202, which is held by the holding unit 8 in the second holding position. On the other hand, the second sensor 252 is positioned in a location where it cannot detect the vicinity of the upper end of the sample container 200 mounted on the sample holder 202, which is held by the holding unit 8 in the first holding position. Therefore, the second sensor 252 cannot detect anything even when the sample holder 202 is held by the holding unit 8 in the second holding position and no sample containers 100 and 200 are mounted on it.

[0046] In Figure 7(a), the second sensor 252 detects the vicinity of the upper end of the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 202 held in the first holding position by the holding unit 8, but does not detect the vicinity of the upper end of the sample container 200 mounted on the sample holder 202 held in the first holding position by the holding unit 8. In Figure 7(b), the second sensor 252 detects the vicinity of the upper ends of the sample containers 100 and 200 mounted on the sample holder 202 held in the second holding position by the holding unit 8. In Figure 7(c), the second sensor 252 detects nothing when the sample holder 202 is held in the second holding position by the holding unit 8 and no sample containers 100 and 200 are mounted.

[0047] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are enlarged views of the unlocking mechanism 26. Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show the relative positional relationship between the unlocking mechanism 26 and the locking mechanism 9. For the sake of explanation, only the relationship between the locking mechanism 9 and the unlocking mechanism 26 of the specimen holder 202 is explained in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) and Figures 9(a) and 9(b).

[0048] The unlocking mechanism 26 is fixedly supported on the housing 300 of the inspection apparatus 1, and is provided below the specimen holder 202 in the height direction that is transferred to the unlocking position where the lock is released by the unlocking mechanism 26. The unlocking mechanism 26 is a door that can be opened only in one direction, and is provided to release the fitting between the key portion 92 and the guide member 82. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) and FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the unlocking mechanism 26 includes a base member 261, a door member 262, a hinge 263, a stopper 264, a coil spring 265, and the like.

[0049] The door member 262 is supported by the base member 261 via the hinge 263, and is rotatably supported about the rotation axis C in the direction of arrow α 51 or the direction of arrow α 52 . The door member 262 is provided on the path through which the key portion 92 passes due to the rotation of the table 22. The stopper 264 is fixedly supported on the base member 261. The stopper 264 is provided on the path through which the door member 262 passes when it rotates in the reverse direction of the arrow α 52 . Thereby, the door member 262 comes into contact with the stopper 264, and the door member 262 does not rotate reversely more than necessary in the direction of arrow α 52 and assumes a stationary form.

[0050] The ends of the coil spring 265 are fixedly supported on the base member 261 and the door member 262, respectively. The door member 262 is held at a predetermined position by the coil spring 265. For example, when the key portion 92 contacts the door member 262 and the door member 262 rotates in the direction of arrow α 51 , the door member 262 is returned to the predetermined position by the elastic force of the coil spring 265.

[0051] When the table 22 rotates in the direction of arrow α 11 , the key portion 92 contacts the door member 262, and the door member 262 rotates in the direction of arrow α 51 . At this time, even if the key portion 92 contacts the door member 262, the lock of the specimen holder 202 by the locking mechanism 9 is not released.

[0052] Table 22 is arrow α 12 When rotated in the reverse direction, the key portion 92 comes into contact with the door member 262, and the door member 262 is stopped by the stopper 264. At this time, the lock mechanism 9 releases the lock on the sample holder 202, and as shown in Figure 9(b), the elastic force of the coil spring 83 causes the sample holder 202 to rise in the direction of arrow α6. This movement causes the sample holder 202, which was held in the first holding position, to move to the second holding position.

[0053] Figure 10 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the relationship between the sample type determination position, sampling position, unlock position, and the sample container exchange position.

[0054] Figure 10 schematically shows the sample container exchange positions where sample containers 100 and 200 can be loaded or removed, assuming the sample type determination position is at position #2, the sampling position is at position #1, and the unlock position is at position #10. As shown in Figure 10, the sample type determination position is represented as "PA", the sampling position as "PB", the unlock position as "PC", and the sample container exchange position as "PD". The inspection sequence performed in the inspection device 1 is in the order of "loading of sample containers 100 and 200", "determination of sample type", "aspiration / inspection of sample", and "unlocking of sample holders 201 to 210". Therefore, the rotation direction α of table 22 11 Therefore, the location where "Specimen Type Determination" is performed must be before the location where "Specimen Aspiration / Testing" is performed, and the location where "Release of Specimen Holders 201-210" is performed must be after the location where "Specimen Aspiration / Testing" is performed.

[0055] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the sample type determination position PA is set to position #2, the sampling position PB to position #1, the unlock position PC to position #10, and the sample container exchangeable positions PD to positions #3 to #9. In the state shown in Figure 10, sample containers 100 and 200 can be exchanged in sample holders 203 to 209 corresponding to positions #3 to #9. The positions for performing "sample type determination," "sample aspiration / testing," and "unlocking sample holders 201 to 210" are located in the rotation direction α of the table 22. 11 By providing them in a continuous manner, the range of interchangeable sample containers 100 and 200 can be widened. Also, after the locking mechanism 9 passes the unlocking mechanism 26, the table 22 is moved by arrow α 12 Rotate it in the opposite direction. This will release the lock on the sample holder 202 by the locking mechanism 9.

[0056] Figure 11 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the relationship between the sample type determination position, sampling position, unlock position, and the sample container exchange position. The arrangement example in Figure 11 is one of the modified versions of the testing device 1.

[0057] Figure 11 schematically shows the sample container exchangeable positions where sample containers 100 and 200 can be loaded or removed, when the sample type determination position PA is at position #4, the sampling position PB is at position #1, and the unlock position PC is at position #10. As shown in Figure 11, the sample type determination position PA is at position #4, the sampling position PB is at position #1, the unlock position PC is at position #10, and the sample container exchangeable positions PD are at positions #5 to #9. In the state shown in Figure 11, sample containers 100 and 200 can be exchanged in sample holders 205 to 209 corresponding to #5 to #9. Also, after the lock mechanism 9 passes the unlock mechanism 26, the table 22 moves along arrow α 12 Rotate it in the opposite direction. This will release the lock on the sample holder 202 by the locking mechanism 9.

[0058] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a series of processing operations when using the sample container 100. For the sake of explanation, the following will be explained regarding the sample holder 202.

[0059] First, the initial operation of the testing device 1 is performed by powering it on, and all sample holders 201-210, including sample holder 202, are held in the second holding position (step S101). Note that outside of the testing sequence, the table 22 is manually operated using arrow α. 11 Or arrow α 12 It can be rotated in the direction of arrow α by the operator. 11 Rotate in the direction to select the predetermined sample holder 202 and load the sample container 100. By loading the sample container 100, the sample holder 202 moves from the second holding position to the first holding position and is held in that position. After loading the required sample containers 100 into the sample holder 202, press the test start button (not shown) to start the test.

[0060] Next, arrow α of table 22 11 The sample holder 202 is rotated one holder length in the direction indicated, and moved to the sample type determination position PA (step S102). At the sample type determination position PA, it is detected that the sample container 100 is mounted in the sample holder 202. As shown in step S102 of Figure 12, if the first sensor 251 turns on and the second sensor 252 turns on, the control unit 7 determines that the sample holder 202 is loaded with the "sample container 100" and is a "sample before testing".

[0061] Next, arrow α of table 22 11The sample holder 202 is rotated one holder length in the direction indicated, moving it to the sampling position PB (step S103). If it is determined in step S102 that the "sample container 100" is loaded, the sampling needle 31 of the sampling mechanism 3 descends and aspirates a certain amount of sample from the sample container 100. In this case, since the sample type is determined to be "sample container 100" in step S102, the sampling needle 31 will descend to near the bottom surface of the sample container 100. After the sampling needle 31 rises, the aspirated sample is pre-treated and used for actual analysis.

[0062] Next, arrow α of table 22 11 Rotate the holder by one holder length in the direction indicated by arrow α, moving the sample holder 202 to the unlock position PC (step S104). At this time, the lock mechanism 9 passes through the unlock mechanism 26 (step S105). After the lock mechanism 9 has passed through the unlock mechanism 26, move the table 22 towards arrow α 12 Rotate it in the opposite direction by one holder turn. This releases the lock on the sample holder 202 by the locking mechanism 9 (step S106).

[0063] When the lock is released, the sample holder 202 moves from the first holding position to the second holding position by the elastic force of the coil spring 83 and is held in that position (step S107). In step S107, if the first sensor 251 is off and the second sensor 252 is on, the control unit 7 determines that the sample placed in the sample holder 202 is "tested".

[0064] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a series of processing operations when using the sample container 200.

[0065] First, the initial operation of the testing device 1 is performed by powering it on, and all sample holders 201-210, including sample holder 202, are held in the second holding position (step S201). Note that outside of the testing sequence, the table 22 is manually operated using arrow α. 11 Or arrow α 12It can be rotated in the direction of arrow α by the operator. 11 Rotate in the direction to select the predetermined sample holder 202 and load the sample container 200. By loading the sample container 200, the sample holder 202 moves from the second holding position to the first holding position and is held in that position. After loading the required sample containers 200 into the sample holder 202, press the test start button (not shown) to start the test.

[0066] Next, arrow α of table 22 11 The sample holder 202 is rotated one holder length in the direction indicated, and moved to the sample type determination position PA (step S202). At the sample type determination position PA, it is detected that the sample container 200 is mounted in the sample holder 202. As shown in step S202 of Figure 13, if the first sensor 251 is ON and the second sensor 252 is OFF, the control unit 7 determines that the sample holder 202 is loaded with the "sample container 200" and is a "sample before testing".

[0067] Next, arrow α of table 22 11 The sample holder 202 is rotated one holder length in the direction indicated, moving it to the sampling position PB (step S203). If it is determined in step S202 that the "sample container 200" is loaded, the sampling needle 31 of the sampling mechanism 3 descends and aspirates a certain amount of sample from the sample container 200. In this case, since the sample type is determined to be "sample container 200" in step S202, the sampling needle 31 will descend to near the bottom surface of the sample container 200. After the sampling needle 31 rises, the aspirated sample is immediately used for analysis.

[0068] Next, arrow α of table 22 11 The holder is rotated one turn in the direction indicated by arrow α, and the sample holder 202 moves to the unlock position PC (step S204). At this time, the lock mechanism 9 passes through the unlock mechanism 26 (step S205). After the lock mechanism 9 passes through the unlock mechanism 26, the table 22 moves along arrow α 12Rotate it in the opposite direction by one holder turn. This releases the lock on the sample holder 202 by the locking mechanism 9 (step S206).

[0069] When the lock is released, the sample holder 202 moves from the first holding position to the second holding position by the elastic force of the coil spring 83 and is held in that position (step S207). In step S207, if the first sensor 251 is off and the second sensor 252 is on, the control unit 7 determines that the sample placed in the sample holder 202 is "tested".

[0070] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of inspection sequences performed by the inspection device 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 14 is executed by the control unit 7 in cooperation with each component of the inspection device 1, according to a program pre-stored in a memory unit (not shown).

[0071] Before the flowchart shown in Figure 14 is executed, the operator manually points to the table 22 with arrow α. 11 The device is rotated in the direction shown (see Figure 10), and the predetermined sample holders 201-210 are selected and the predetermined sample containers 100 and 200 are mounted on them.

[0072] First, the control unit 7 selects a sample holder to start a series of testing sequences (step S301). For example, the control unit 7 selects one of the sample holders 201 to 210, each containing a sample container 100 or 200, as the sample holder to start the testing sequence, based on the selection made by the operator of the testing device 1. The selection method may be, for example, selecting the sample holder closest to the sample type determination position PA, or other methods may be used. For the sake of explanation, the following description will assume that sample holder 201 has been selected.

[0073] Next, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 to arrow α in order to transfer the selected sample holder 201 to the sample type determination position PA. 11 Rotate in the direction of (step S302).

[0074] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the first sensor 251 is turned on for the sample holder 201 (step S303). If the first sensor 251 is turned on (Yes in step S303), the control unit 7 determines whether the second sensor 252 is turned on for the sample holder 201 (step S304).

[0075] If the second sensor 252 is ON (Yes in step S304), the control unit 7 determines that a sample container 100 that has not been tested is loaded into the sample holder 201 (step S305). This state is the same as the state in Figure 7(a) where the first sensor 251 is ON and the second sensor 252 is ON.

[0076] If the second sensor 252 is off (No. in step S304), the control unit 7 determines that the sample container 200 is loaded in the sample holder 201 (step S306). This state is the same as the state in Figure 7(a) where the first sensor 251 is on and the second sensor 252 is off.

[0077] If the first sensor 251 is off (No. in step S303), the control unit 7 further determines whether the second sensor 252 is on or not (step S307).

[0078] If the second sensor 252 is ON (Yes in step S307), the control unit 7 determines that an inspected sample container 100 or 200 is loaded in the sample holder 201 (step S308). This state is the same as the state in Figure 7(b).

[0079] If the second sensor 252 is off (No. in step S307), the control unit 7 determines that no sample container is loaded in the sample holder 201 (step S309). This state is the same as the state in Figure 7(c).

[0080] After step S305, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sample type determination position PA to the sampling position PB, one sample holder at a time. 11Rotate it in the direction shown (see Figure 10) (step S310).

[0081] Next, the control unit 7 instructs the sampling mechanism 3 to aspirate a sample from the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 201 (step S311). At this time, since the sample type was determined to be "a sample container 100 having a first height" in step S305, the control unit 7 operates the sampling needle 31 of the sampling mechanism 3 so that the sampling needle 31 descends to near the bottom surface of the sample container 100.

[0082] Next, the control unit 7 performs a dilution operation (step S312). The dilution operation involves causing the sampling mechanism 3 to dilute the sample aspirated by the sampling mechanism 3 with a hemolytic / washing solution, and then aspirate the diluted sample again and discharge it to the testing unit 4. In the flowchart of Figure 14, the dilution operation is performed only in the case of sample container 100, but the dilution operation may also be performed in the case of sample container 200, and depending on the type of test, the dilution operation may not be performed even in the case of sample container 100.

[0083] After step S306, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sample type determination position PA to the sampling position PB, one sample holder at a time. 11 Rotate it in the direction shown in Figure 10 (step S313).

[0084] Next, the control unit 7 instructs the sampling mechanism 3 to aspirate a sample from the sample container 200 mounted on the sample holder 201 (step S314). At this time, since the sample type was determined to be "a sample container 200 having a second height" in step S306, the control unit 7 operates the sampling mechanism 3 so that the sampling needle 31 descends to near the bottom surface of the sample container 200. Since the sample stored in the sample container 200 is already diluted, the aspirated sample is used directly for analysis.

[0085] After steps S312 and S314, the control unit 7 instructs the testing unit 4 to test the sample (step S315). The control unit 7 instructs the testing unit 4 to quantitatively / qualitatively test for specific components contained in the sample and outputs the test results of the sample using the display unit 5 or printer 6.

[0086] Next, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for one sample holder at a time in order to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sampling position PB to the unlock position PC. 11 Rotate it in the direction shown (see Figure 10) (step S316). At this time, the locking mechanism 9 located below the sample holder 201 passes through the unlocking mechanism 26.

[0087] Next, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for one sample holder. 12 The sample holder 201 is rotated in the opposite direction (see Figure 10) (step S317). This releases the lock on the sample holder 201 by the locking mechanism 9. With the lock released, the sample holder 201 moves from the first holding position to the second holding position by the elastic force of the coil spring 83 and is held in that position. Steps S316 and S317 in Figure 14 correspond to steps S104 to S107 in Figure 12 for the sample container 100, and to steps S204 to S207 in Figure 13 for the sample container 200.

[0088] After steps S308 and S309, the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for one sample holder at a time in order to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sample type determination position PA to the sampling position PB. 11 Rotate it in the direction shown in Figure 10 (step S318).

[0089] Next, the control unit 7 determines that the sample has already been inspected or that the sample container is not loaded, and therefore there is no need to perform sampling and inspection, and thus skips the inspection of the sample by the inspection unit 4 (step S319).

[0090] After steps S317 and S319, the control unit 7 determines whether to continue the test sequence (step S320). If the test sequence is to be continued (Yes in step S320), the system returns to step S303 and continues the test sequence for the next sample holder 202. On the other hand, in predetermined cases, the control unit 7 terminates the series of test sequences (No in step S320).

[0091] In step S320, the completion of the series of tests occurs, for example, when all of the sample holders 201-210 located on table 22 have been tested or when there are no sample containers 100 and 200 loaded. Although not explicitly shown in the flowchart of Figure 14, during the series of tests, the operator may remove the tested sample containers 100 and 200 and load new sample containers 100 and 200 into the empty sample holders 201-210.

[0092] Figures 15(a) to 15(f) show examples of actual inspection sequences performed by inspection device 1. In the inspection sequences shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(f), the position corresponding to #1 is the starting position of the inspection sequence.

[0093] At the beginning of the testing sequence, as shown in Figure 15(a), the ten sample holders 201-210 on table 22 do not contain sample containers 100 and 200. In the state shown in Figure 15(a), the sample type determination position PA is at position #8, the sampling position PB is at position #7, the unlock position PC is at position #6, and the sample container exchangeable positions PD are at positions #1-#5, #9, and #10. In the state shown in Figure 15(a), sample containers 100 and 200 can be exchanged at positions corresponding to #1-#5, #9, and #10 on table 22.

[0094] Next, the operator places the sample containers 100 into the sample holders 201(#1) and 202(#2) located in the sample container exchangeable position PD, and places the sample containers 200 into the sample holders 203(#3) to 205(#5). At this time, the sample holders 201 to 205 are locked by the locking mechanism 9 and held in the first holding position. This state corresponds to step S301 in Figure 14.

[0095] Next, as shown in Figure 15(b), the control unit 7 moves the table 22 to arrow α to transfer the sample holder 201, which has been set as the position to start the test sequence, to the sample type determination position PA. 11 Rotate in this direction. This state corresponds to step S302 in Figure 14.

[0096] In the state shown in Figure 15(b), the control unit 7 determines, based on the outputs of the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252, that a sample container 100 that has not been tested is loaded into the sample holder 201 at the sample type determination position PA (see Figure 7(a)). This state corresponds to step S305 in Figure 14.

[0097] Next, as shown in Figure 15(c), the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for each sample holder in order to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sample type determination position PA to the sampling position PB. 11 Rotate in the direction shown. This state corresponds to step S310 in Figure 14. At this time, the operator places a new sample container 100 into the sample holder 206 corresponding to #6.

[0098] In the state shown in Figure 15(c), the control unit 7 instructs the sampling mechanism 3 to aspirate a sample from the sample container 100 mounted on the sample holder 201 at the sampling position PB. At this time, since the sample type is determined to be "sample container 100", the control unit 7 operates the sampling needle 31 of the sampling mechanism 3 so that the sampling needle 31 descends to near the bottom surface of the sample container 100. This state corresponds to step S311 in Figure 14.

[0099] Next, as shown in Figure 15(d), the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for one sample holder at a time in order to transfer the sample holder 201 from the sampling position PB to the unlock position PC. 11 Rotate in the direction indicated. At this time, the locking mechanism 9 located below the sample holder 201 passes through the unlocking mechanism 26. This state corresponds to step S316 in Figure 14.

[0100] Next, as shown in Figure 15(e), the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for one sample holder. 12 The mechanism is rotated in the opposite direction. This releases the lock on the sample holder 201 by the locking mechanism 9 at the unlocked position PC. With the lock released, the sample holder 201 rises due to the elastic force of the coil spring 83 and is held in the second holding position. This state corresponds to step S317 in Figure 14.

[0101] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 15(e), the control unit 7 determines, based on the outputs of the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252, that a sample container 100 that has not been tested is loaded into the sample holder 202 at the sample type determination position PA (see Figure 7(a)).

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 15(f), the control unit 7 moves the table 22 by arrow α for each sample holder in order to transfer the sample holder 202 from the sample type determination position PA to the sampling position PB. 11 Rotate it in that direction. At this time, the operator loads a new sample container 200 into the sample holder 207 corresponding to #7.

[0103] Subsequently, the control unit 7 repeats the same operation, inspects a predetermined number of sample containers, and then completes the series of inspection sequences.

[0104] Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show examples of test results obtained by testing the samples in sample containers 100 and 200 mounted on sample holders 201 to 210 using the test sequence shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0105] As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), the inspection unit 4 provides a chromatogram corresponding to a specific component in the sample, and the concentration percentage of that specific component is calculated. The output shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b) is displayed on the display unit 5 and / or printed by the printer 6.

[0106] Figure 17 shows the total inspection time required for the inspection sequence shown in Figure 14.

[0107] In Figure 17, the vertical axis represents the total testing time T (min), the horizontal axis represents the number of samples S (pieces), line 400 represents the case when using the testing device 1 according to the present invention, and line 401 represents the case when using the comparative testing device.

[0108] A "comparative testing device" has the same configuration as testing device 1, but it is a device that does not allow for the exchange or addition of sample containers during the testing sequence. Specifically, in a "comparative testing device," once all of the 10 initially loaded sample containers 100,200 have been tested, the 10 completed sample containers 100,200 are removed, new sample containers 100,200 are loaded, and testing is resumed.

[0109] On the other hand, in "Inspection Apparatus 1 according to the present invention," the operator can remove the completed sample containers 100 and 200 at the sample container exchangeable position PD, and even in the middle of the inspection sequence, a new sample container can be placed in an empty sample holder 201 to 210. In other words, in "Inspection Apparatus 1 according to the present invention," it is possible to continue inspections continuously without interrupting the inspection sequence. Of course, the inspection sequence may be terminated by setting predetermined conditions (for example, when 100 tests have been completed) (see step S320 in Figure 14). Furthermore, even if the operator forgets to replace a tested sample container, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a tested sample container (see step S308 in Figure 14), so the same sample will not be tested again, thus preventing operator error.

[0110] As shown in Figure 17, when testing 20 samples, the time required for the testing sequence of the testing device 1 according to the present invention is "48.4 minutes". On the other hand, the time required for the testing sequence of the comparative testing device is "52.8 minutes". Since the testing device 1 according to the present invention can test samples continuously without stopping the testing sequence midway, the total testing time can be shortened compared to the comparative testing device. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the effect of shortening the total testing time with the testing device 1 according to the present invention becomes more pronounced as the number of samples tested increases.

[0111] As detailed above, the inspection device 1 has a simple configuration and can determine whether or not sample containers 100 and 200 are not loaded in the sample holders 201 to 210, what type of containers the sample containers 100 and 200 loaded in the sample holders 201 to 210 are, and whether or not the inspection of sample containers 100 and 200 has been completed. Furthermore, since the inspection device 1 can reload new uninspected samples even while in operation, it can continuously inspect samples without stopping the inspection sequence.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the processing of each part described above may be performed in a different order as appropriate within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1. Inspection device 2. Sample loading section 4. Inspection Department 7 Control Unit 8 Holding part 9. Locking mechanism 22 tables 26. Unlock mechanism 82 Guide member 93 Torsion spring 100, 200 sample containers 201-210 Sample holders 251 First Sensor 252 Second Sensor 811 First holder retaining member 812 Second holder retaining member 813 Third holder retaining member

Claims

1. A specimen holder capable of accommodating at least two specimen containers of different heights, A holding part capable of holding the sample holder, and capable of holding the sample holder at a first holding position and a second holding position higher than the first holding position, along the height direction of the sample holder, When the sample holder is held in the first holding position, a first sensor capable of detecting the vicinity of the lower end of the sample holder, When the sample holder is held in the second holding position, a second sensor capable of detecting the vicinity of the upper end of the at least two types of sample containers, An inspection unit for inspecting samples stored in the at least two types of sample containers mounted on the sample holder, A control unit that determines, based on the detection results from the first and second sensors, whether or not the sample container is not mounted in the sample holder, which of the at least two types of sample containers is mounted in the sample holder, and whether or not the at least two types of sample containers have been inspected by the inspection unit. An inspection device characterized by having the following features.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sample holder, after inspection by the inspection unit has been completed, to move from a state in which it is held in the first holding position to a state in which it is held in the second holding position.

3. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a moving mechanism for moving the specimen holder, which is held in the first holding position, to a second holding position after the inspection by the inspection unit has been completed.

4. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary table on which a plurality of holding parts for holding the sample holder can be arranged.

5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines that the sample holder is not loaded with the sample container if the sample holder is not detected by the first sensor and the sample container is not detected by the second sensor.

6. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines that the inspection of the sample container is complete when the sample holder is not detected by the first sensor and the sample container is detected by the second sensor.

7. The control unit, If the sample holder is detected by the first sensor and the sample container is detected by the second sensor, it is determined that the sample container having a first height and whose inspection has not been completed is placed in the sample holder. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein if the sample holder is detected by the first sensor and the sample container is not detected by the second sensor, it is determined that the sample container having a second height different from the first height, which has not yet been inspected, is mounted on the sample holder.

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