A sample rack transport device, an analytical instrument equipped therewith, and a method for recovering samples spilled from sample containers.

Abstract

To provide a specimen rack conveyance device capable of reducing a man-hour of cleaning required by a specimen spilt from a specimen container, and a specimen analysis device including the same.SOLUTION: A specimen rack conveyance device includes a conveyance mechanism unit 2000 that conveys a specimen rack R holding a specimen container C on a placing surface 202p, channel members (246-247, 240x, 240y and 341-344 ) that receive and flow the specimen spilt from the specimen container on the placing surface, and a recovery container 250 that receives the specimen flowing in the channel member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen rack transport device, an analyzer including the same, and a method for collecting a specimen spilled from a specimen container.

Background Art

[0002] A specimen rack transport device provided in an analyzer is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This specimen rack transport device includes a transport mechanism unit that transports a specimen rack, a control unit that controls the operation of the transport mechanism unit, and a housing that holds them. A part of the upper portion of the housing is recessed, and a start stocker for storing a plurality of specimen racks before analysis, a transport path for transporting the specimen rack to a position where it is supplied to the analyzer, and an end stocker for storing the specimen rack after analysis are formed here. A transport mechanism unit is disposed below the start stocker, the transport path, and the end stocker. An intermediate plate is disposed directly below the transport mechanism unit, and a control box housing the control unit is disposed so as not to protrude outside the intermediate plate directly below the intermediate plate. The edge of the intermediate plate is bent upward and formed in a concave shape. For example, when analyzing a specimen using an unsealed specimen container, when an operator installs a specimen rack in the start stocker, the specimen rack may accidentally fall over. In this case, the specimen may spill from the specimen container on the specimen rack and enter the housing, but since the spilled specimen is received by the intermediate plate, it is prevented from reaching the control unit provided in the control box. [[ID=1st]]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If a sample spills from a sample container, in the sample rack transport device described in Patent Document 1, the sample that enters the housing may travel along the components inside the housing and reach the intermediate plate. In that case, a considerable amount of work is required to clean the components to which the sample has adhered.

[0005] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a sample rack transport device that can reduce the amount of cleaning required due to spilled samples from sample containers, an analytical device equipped therewith, and a method for recovering spilled samples from sample containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a sample rack transport device. This sample rack transport device (200) comprises a transport mechanism (2000) that transports a sample rack (R) holding sample containers (C) on a mounting surface (202p), flow path members (241-247, 240x, 240y, 341-344) that receive and drain samples spilled from the sample containers on the mounting surface, and a collection container (250) that collects the samples that have flowed through the flow path members. With this configuration, even if a sample spills from the sample container on the mounting surface, the sample flows through the flow channel and is collected in the collection container. This reduces the amount of cleaning required due to spilled samples from the sample container.

[0007] According to the present invention, a sample analyzer is provided. This sample analyzer (100) comprises the aforementioned sample rack transporter (200) and a measuring device (101) for measuring samples in sample containers in sample racks transported by the sample rack transporter. With this configuration, even if a sample spills from a sample container on the mounting surface of the sample rack transport device, the sample flows through the flow channel and is collected in the recovery container. This reduces the amount of cleaning required due to spilled samples from sample containers.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for recovering a sample spilled from a sample container on the mounting surface of a sample rack transport device equipped with a transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on the mounting surface. This method for recovering a sample spilled from a sample container is a method for recovering a sample spilled from a sample container on the mounting surface of a sample rack transport device equipped with a transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers, and includes the steps of receiving the sample with a flow channel member, directing the sample received by the flow channel member toward a recovery container with the flow channel member, and recovering the sample that has been directed toward by the flow channel member with the recovery container. With this configuration, even if a sample spills from a sample container on the mounting surface of the sample rack transport device, the sample flows through the flow channel and is collected in the recovery container. This reduces the amount of cleaning required due to spilled samples from sample containers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sample rack transport device that can reduce the amount of cleaning required due to samples spilled from sample containers, an analytical device equipped therewith, and a method for recovering samples spilled from sample containers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing a specimen analyzer equipped with a specimen rack transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device and sample rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a sample rack and sample containers being transported by the sample rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment, viewed from the front left. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment, viewed from the front right. [Figure 4C] It is a perspective view showing the openings and gaps of the specimen rack transport device shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the state where the collection container of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment is pulled out and the locations of the openings and gaps. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10A] It is a perspective view of the seal member disposed at the back of the fifth opening of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10B] It is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the seal member provided at the back of the fifth opening of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a schematic longitudinal cross-section viewed from the front side explaining the positional relationship between the opening, the flow path member, and the collection container of the specimen rack transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the hanging part provided in the opening of the table of the specimen rack transport device of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken from above explaining the arrangement of the flow path member of the specimen rack transport device of the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting this invention. (First Embodiment) The specimen rack transport device according to this embodiment is used to sequentially transport a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a liquid specimen such as blood or urine to a specimen analyzer such as a blood analyzer or a urine analyzer in order to efficiently perform specimen tests. As a specific example of the scene where the specimen rack transport device is used, first, the outline of a specimen analyzer equipped with the specimen rack transport device will be described. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a specimen analyzer equipped with the specimen rack transport device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1A, the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions are indicated by arrows. The directions in the description of the specimen analyzer 100 and the specimen rack transport device 200 described below are based on the illustrated directions.

[0012] The specimen analyzer 100 is a urine analyzer that analyzes formed components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, cylinders, and bacteria contained in urine. As shown in FIG. 1A, the specimen analyzer 100 includes a measuring device 101 and a specimen rack transport device 200 installed in front of the measuring device 101. The specimen rack transport device 200 transports a specimen rack R holding a specimen container C on a table 202. The measuring device 101 sucks a urine specimen from the specimen container C of the specimen rack R transported by the specimen rack transport device 200 and measures and analyzes it.

[0013] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device and the specimen rack transport device. As shown in FIG. 1B, the measuring device 101 includes a suction unit 101a, a sample preparation unit 101c, a detection unit 101d, an operation control unit 101e, an analysis control unit 101f, and an operation unit 101b. The aspiration unit 101a aspirates the urine sample contained in the sample container C. The sample preparation unit 101c mixes reagents with the urine sample aspirated by the aspiration unit 101a to prepare the measurement sample. The detection unit 101d detects the formed elements contained in the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation unit 101c using flow cytometry. The analysis control unit 101f analyzes the formed elements detected by the detection unit 101d and calculates the concentration of the formed elements contained in the urine sample. The operation unit 101b outputs the analysis results, including the concentration of formed elements calculated by the analysis control unit 101f, and accepts various operations from the operator for the sample analyzer 100.

[0014] The sample rack transport device 200 includes a transport mechanism 2000, an identification information reading unit 260, and multiple sensors. The transport mechanism unit 2000 transports the sample rack R on the table 202. The identification information reading unit 260 reads the identification information of the samples from each sample container C in the sample rack R being transported on the table 202. Each sensor detects the sample rack R on the table 202 and consists of first sensors 251a, 251b, second sensors 252a, 252b, third sensors 253a, 253b, fourth sensor 254, and fifth sensor 255. The operation control unit 101e of the measuring device 101 controls the measurement operation by the measuring device 101 and the transport operation by the sample rack transport device 200. The operation control unit 101e controls the reading of identification information by the identification information reading unit 260 and controls the operation of the suction unit 101a, sample preparation unit 101c, detection unit 101d and transport mechanism unit 2000 based on the output from each of the sensors 251a, 251b, 252a, 252b, 253a, 253b, 254 and 255.

[0015] The suction unit 101a includes a suction nozzle 101ab for aspirating a urine sample, a nozzle movement mechanism 101ac that can move the suction nozzle 101ab in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a liquid delivery mechanism 101ae that delivers the urine sample aspirated by the suction nozzle 101ab to the sample preparation unit 101c. The nozzle moving mechanism 101ac is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism that can move the suction nozzle 101ab in the vertical and horizontal directions. For example, it can be configured by appropriately combining a motor with a power transmission mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism or a pulley and belt mechanism. The liquid delivery mechanism 101ae is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism capable of delivering the urine sample aspirated by the suction nozzle 101ab to the sample preparation unit 101c. For example, it can be configured by appropriately combining a pump and a valve. The suction nozzle 101ab can be positioned above the specimen rack transport device 200, as shown in Figure 1A, by the operation of the nozzle movement mechanism 101ac.

[0016] The operation unit 101b is a touch panel located on the front of the measuring device 101, as shown in Figure 1A. The operation control unit 101e is equipped with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the analysis control unit 101f is equipped with a processor, memory such as ROM and RAM, and storage devices such as a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk. However, the analysis control unit 101f does not necessarily have to be incorporated into the measuring device 101. For example, a measuring device 101 comprising a suction unit 101a, a sample preparation unit 101c, a detection unit 101d, and an operation control unit 101e may be connected to an analysis control unit 101f located outside the measuring device 101 in a communication manner. As the measuring device 101, for example, the device described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018-0348200 can be used, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] Next, we will describe the sample racks that this embodiment of the sample rack transport device is intended to transport. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the sample rack R and sample container C being transported by the sample rack transport device of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the sample container C is a long, slender tube with a rounded bottom at one end, and a label B with a barcode indicating the identification information of the sample is affixed to its side. The sample rack R has a shape that allows it to hold multiple sample containers C in an upright position. In this embodiment, the sample rack R has 10 sample container holding sections r so that it can hold 10 sample containers C. The sample container C, containing the sample and without a stopper, is held in the sample container holding section r of the sample rack R and transported by the sample rack transport device 200. An example of a sample that is contained in the sample container C without a stopper and analyzed by the sample analyzer is urine. Other examples of samples include serum and plasma.

[0018] The following describes the specimen rack transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the specimen rack transport device according to this embodiment, and Figure 4A is a perspective view of the specimen rack transport device according to this embodiment viewed from the left front. Figures 4B and 4C are perspective views viewed from the right front. Figure 5 is a perspective view viewed from the left front showing the specimen rack transport device shown in Figure 4A with the collection container pulled out. Figure 6 is a front view of the specimen rack transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II shown in Figure 6, and is a view of the cross-section along line II in Figure 6 viewed from above. As shown in Figures 1A, 3, and 4A, the specimen rack transport device 200 according to this embodiment comprises a table 202 including a mounting surface 202p for placing specimen racks R, a transport mechanism 2000, a housing 201, and an identification information reading unit 260. A portion of the transport mechanism 2000 is positioned below the mounting surface 202p and includes a first moving mechanism 210, a second moving mechanism 220, and a third moving mechanism 230 for transporting the sample rack R placed on the mounting surface 202p. The housing 201 houses the transport mechanism 2000 with the mounting surface 202p exposed. The identification information reading unit 260 reads the identification information of the sample from the barcode on the label B of the sample container C of the sample rack R placed on the mounting surface 202p.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting surface 202p consists of a start stocker area 202s, a transport area 202t, and an end stocker area 202e. The start stocker area 202s is an area whose length in the left-right direction is slightly longer than the longitudinal length of the sample rack R, and is the area for transporting the sample rack R backward after it has been placed by the operator so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the left-right direction of the start stocker area 202s. The end stocker area 202e is an area whose length in the left-right direction is slightly longer than the longitudinal length of the sample rack R, and is the area for transporting the sample rack R positioned at the rear end of the end stocker area 202e forward. The transport area 202t is an area whose length in the front-back direction is slightly longer than the short-side length of the sample rack R, and is the area between the rear end of the start stocker area 202s and the rear end of the end stocker area 202e. The start stocker area 202s, the transport area 202t, and the end stocker area 202e constitute a flat mounting surface 202p on which the sample rack R can slide and be transported. The mounting surface 202p is made of a hydrophobic material so as not to absorb or allow liquid to pass through.

[0020] The first moving mechanism 210 operates to transport the sample rack R placed in the start stocker area 202s to the rear end of the start stocker area 202s. The second moving mechanism 220 operates to transport the sample rack R positioned at the rear end of the start stocker area 202s to the left to the rear end of the end stocker area 202e. The third moving mechanism 230 operates to transport the sample rack R positioned at the rear end of the end stocker area 202e to the front end of the end stocker area 202e. The identification information reading unit 260 is equipped with a barcode reader and reads the identification information of the sample from the sample container positioned on the transport area 202t by the second moving mechanism unit 220.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the table 202 has an upright surface 203ar that rises from the rear edge of the start stocker area 202s, the transport area 202t, and the end stocker area 202e relative to the mounting surface 202p. Also, as shown in Figure 4A, the table 202 has a guide portion 202sg that extends forward from a part of the right end of the upright surface 203ar behind the start stocker area 202s and is perpendicular to both the upright surface 203ar and the mounting surface 202p. The guide portion 202sg that extends from the upright surface 203ar and is perpendicular to the mounting surface 202p can be considered an upright surface relative to the mounting surface 202p. Furthermore, the table 202 has a rail portion 202sa which has an upright surface rising from the mounting surface 202p at the edge of the right central part of the start stocker area 202s (excluding the right front and right rear parts), and a tip portion which bends toward the mounting surface 202p at the upper end of the upright surface. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4B, the table 202 has an upright surface 203sb at the left front edge of the start stocker area 202s. Also, as shown in Figure 4A, the end stocker area 202e has a small upright surface 203ea which rises slightly from the mounting surface 202p at the edge of the right central part, and as shown in Figure 4B, the end stocker area 202e has a left side wall portion 202eb at the edge of the part excluding the left front. The left side wall portion 202eb has an upright surface 203eb that rises from the mounting surface 202p, with the upper end of the upright surface 203eb bending outward from the mounting surface 202p, and the portion beyond that bending upward. As shown in Figure 4A, the table 202 consists of a single component comprising a mounting surface 202p consisting of a start stocker area 202s, a transport area 202t, and an end stocker area 202e, upright surfaces 203ar, 203sb, and 203ea, a guide section 202sg, a rail section 202sa, and a left side wall section 202eb. Note that the upright surface 203sb and the left side wall section 202eb are hidden in Figure 4A, but they are shown in Figure 4B.

[0022] The enclosure 201 is made of a separate component from the table 202, and there are openings and gaps between the table 202 and the enclosure 201. There are also openings and gaps in the table 202 itself. Here, an opening is a space provided on the mounting surface 202p or upright surface of the table 202 to allow light or moving components to pass through, or a space provided between one part of the table 202 and another part, or a space provided between the table 202 and surrounding components. In contrast, a gap is a space that occurs between components even without the intention of creating a space, for example, between the table 202 and the enclosure 201, or between one part of the table 202 and another part.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4B, the housing 201 has an outer periphery 201a surrounding the table 202. The outer periphery 201a has an outer wall portion 201aw that forms the outer wall of the specimen rack transport device 200, and an upper surface portion 201au that extends inward from the upper end of the outer wall portion 201aw. Furthermore, the housing 201 has hanging surfaces that hang down from the upper surface portion 201au above the rear end of the mounting surface 202p, the left and right ends of the start stocker area 202s, and the left and right ends of the end stocker area 202e. As shown in Figure 3, the upper portion 201au is located around the mounting surface 202p but is not above the mounting surface 202p. Therefore, the mounting surface 202p is exposed above. At the rear end of the mounting surface 202p, the hanging surface 201ar hangs down from the upper surface 201au (see Figure 4B). The lower end of the hanging surface 201ar is close to the upper end of the upright surface 203ar. The lower end of the hanging surface 201ar and the upper end of the upright surface 203ar are not in close contact, and a gap exists between them.

[0024] At the front left end of the start stocker region 202s, the hanging surface 201sb hangs down from the upper surface 201au. Furthermore, at the left end of the end stocker region 202e, the hanging surface 201eb hangs down from the upper surface 201au. Also, although hidden by the outer periphery 201a in Figure 4B, as shown in Figure 4A, at the right end of the start stocker region 202s, the hanging surface 201sa hangs down from the upper surface 201au. Furthermore, at the front right end of the end stocker region 202e, the hanging surfaces 201ea and 201ec hang down from the upper surface 201au. Furthermore, the hanging surfaces 201ar, 201sa, 201sb, 201ea, 201eb, and 201ec, and the upright surfaces 203ar, 203sb, 203ea, and 203eb are not limited to being perpendicular to the mounting surface 202p, but may be non-parallel to the mounting surface 202p. Also, the hanging and upright surfaces do not need to be flat and may be bent or curved.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4B, the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar on the end stocker area 202e side are partially cut out, and the movable arm 231 is housed in the cut-out portion. The movable arm 231 is a movable member that pushes the specimen rack R in the end stocker area 202e and transports it forward. As shown in Figure 5, there is an opening (first opening 204sa) extending in the front-rear direction between the rail portion 202sa at the right end of the start stocker region 202s and the hanging surface 201sa of the housing 201. Furthermore, there is an opening (third opening 204ea) between the mounting surface 202p at the front right end of the end stocker region 202e and the hanging surface 201ea of ​​the housing 201. A second gap 206ea exists between the small upright surface 203ea behind the third opening 204ea and the hanging surface 201ec. The upright surface 203ar rising from the rear end of the mounting surface 202p and the end stocker area 202e side of the hanging surface 201ar of the housing 201 are partially cut out, and an opening (fifth opening 204ec) capable of accommodating the movable arm 231 exists in this cutout portion. When the movable arm 231 is accommodating it, the opening is located between the table 202 and the movable arm 231.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4C, there is an opening (second opening 204sb) extending in the front-rear direction between the upright surface 203sb at the front left end of the start stocker region 202s and the downward surface 201sb of the housing 201. In addition, there is an opening (fourth opening 204eb) extending in the front-rear direction between the left side wall portion 202eb and the downward surface 201eb of the end stocker region 202e.

[0027] The upright surfaces 203ar and 203eb of the table 202 are provided with openings necessary for controlling the transport operation of the sample rack R. As shown in Figure 5, the guide portion 202sg at the rear right end of the start stocker region 202s restricts the position of the right end of the sample rack R that has been transported to the rear end of the start stocker region 202s. A sixth opening 205sa is formed between the guide portion 202sg and the downward surface 201sa, and a gap (first gap 206sa) is formed between the guide portion 202sg and the start stocker region 202s. Furthermore, a seventh opening 205sc and an eighth opening 205sd are provided on the upright surface 203ar on the rear end side of the start stocker region 202s. As shown in Figure 4C, a ninth opening 205eb is provided on the upright surface 203eb of the left wall portion 202eb of the end stocker region 202e. Furthermore, a tenth opening 205ec is provided on the upright surface 203ar on the rear end side. The lower ends of the seventh opening 205sc, the eighth opening 205sd, the ninth opening 205eb, and the tenth opening 205ec are all located higher than the mounting surface 202p of the table 202.

[0028] An opening is also provided on the mounting surface 202p. As shown in Figure 7, an 11th opening 205ta extending in the left-right direction is provided in the area of ​​the mounting surface 202p that spans the start stocker area 202s and the transport area 202t. A 12th opening 205tb extending in the left-right direction is provided in the area of ​​the mounting surface 202p that spans the transport area 202t and the end stocker area 202e. A 13th opening 205tc is provided in the transport area 202t behind the 11th opening 205ta, and a 14th opening 205td is provided behind the 12th opening 205tb.

[0029] When an operator places a sample rack R in the start stocker area 202s, or when removing a sample rack from the end stocker area 202e, the sample rack R may be accidentally tipped over. Since the sample containers are not stoppers, if the sample rack R is tipped over, for example, urine samples may spill from the sample containers held in the sample rack R onto the table 202. The urine samples spilled onto the table 202 may fall through any of the openings located around the mounting surface 202p, such as the first opening 204sa to the fourth opening 204eb, the sixth opening 205sa to the fourteenth opening 205td, the first gap 206sa, or the second gap 206ea, and enter the interior of the housing 201. Alternatively, the samples may fall through gaps around the table 202, such as the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar, and enter the interior of the housing 201. The sample rack transport device 200 is equipped with a flow channel member for transporting samples (see Figures 8 and 9) and a collection container 250 (see Figures 5 and 9) for receiving samples that have flowed through the flow channel member, anticipating such a scenario. The flow channel member and the collection container 250 will be described later.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the transport mechanism 2000 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the transport mechanism 2000 comprises a first moving mechanism 210, a second moving mechanism 220, and a third moving mechanism 230. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 6, showing the cross-section of the specimen rack transport device 200, including the mounting surface 202p, as seen from above. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 7, showing the cross-section of line III-III in Figure 7 as seen from the front.

[0031] The first moving mechanism 210 includes a left-side moving claw 217 (see Figure 7) that passes through the second opening 204sb (see Figure 4C) at the left end of the start stocker region 202s, and a right-side moving claw 218 (see Figure 7) that passes through the first opening 204sa (see Figure 5) at the right end of the start stocker region 202s. Furthermore, it includes a first motor 211 (see Figure 8) that is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions and has a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and a first power transmission mechanism that converts the rotational output of the first motor 211 into a reciprocating force in the linear forward and backward direction to move the left-side moving claw 217 and the right-side moving claw 218. The left-side moving claw 217 and the right-side moving claw 218 are provided as moving parts of the first moving mechanism 210 that moves the sample rack R in the start stocker area 202s. The left-side movable claw 217 has its base end on the lower left side of the second opening 204sb, and its tip protrudes approximately 1 cm to the right through the second opening 204sb, with its tip positioned above the mounting surface 202p. The right-side movable claw 218 has its base end on the lower right side of the first opening 204sa, and its tip protrudes approximately 1 cm to the left through the first opening 204sa, with its tip positioned above the mounting surface 202p.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the first power transmission mechanism is located directly below the center of the start stocker area 202s in the left-right direction. The first power transmission mechanism comprises a guide plate 212 extending in the front-rear direction, a slide plate 213 slidably attached to the guide plate 212 and extending in the left-right direction, and a pulley-belt mechanism 216 that moves the slide plate 213 in the front-rear direction. The slide plate 213 is provided with a pivot shaft 214 that supports the base ends of the left-side moving claw 217 and the right-side moving claw 218, respectively, so that they can rotate around the vertical axis P1. The first motor 211 drives the pulley-belt mechanism 216. The slide plate 213 is connected to the upper part of the belt driven by the pulley-belt mechanism 216. Motors that require power are highly likely to fail if subjected to stress. Therefore, the first motor 211 is positioned away from below both the first opening 204sa and the second opening 204sb.

[0033] The left-side moving claw 217 (see Figure 7) is biased to rotate clockwise by a tension coil spring or torsion coil spring, etc. The slide plate 213 is equipped with a restricting projection 215a (see Figure 8) to restrict the clockwise rotation of the left-side moving claw 217, and the left-side moving claw 217 stops in a position where its tip can contact the specimen rack R placed on the mounting surface 202p. The right-side moving claw 218 (see Figure 7) is biased to rotate counterclockwise by a tension coil spring or torsion coil spring, etc. The slide plate 213 is equipped with a restricting projection 215b (see Figure 8) to restrict the counterclockwise rotation of the right-side moving claw 218, and Figure 7 shows the position where the left-side moving claw 217 is in contact with the restricting projection 215a and the right-side moving claw 218 is in contact with the restricting projection 215b, and their respective rotations are restricted. This also means that the tips of the left-side moving claw 217 and the right-side moving claw 218 are in a position to contact the specimen rack R on the mounting surface 202p. The front-to-back positions of the slide plate 213, the left-side moving claw 217, and the right-side moving claw 218 shown in Figures 7 and 8 are their initial positions. The slide plate 213, the left-side moving claw 217, and the right-side moving claw 218 can move backward from their positions.

[0034] Next, the second moving mechanism 220 will be described. The second moving mechanism 220 includes a pair of locking claws 223 and 224 (see Figure 7), a second motor 221 (see Figure 8) having a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction, and a second power transmission mechanism that converts the rotational output of the second motor 221 into a reciprocating force in the left-right linear direction and transmits it to the locking claws 223 and 224. The second power transmission mechanism includes a pulley-belt mechanism 222 located below the transport area 202t (see Figure 8). The second motor 221 drives the pulley-belt mechanism 222. Motors that require power are highly likely to malfunction if a sample is applied to them. Therefore, the second motor 221 is positioned away from below the 11th opening 205ta to the 14th opening 205td (see Figure 7). The locking claw 223 can protrude from below the 11th opening 205ta and above the mounting surface 202p. The locking claw 224 can protrude from below the 12th opening 205tb and above the mounting surface 202p. Both locking claws 223 and 224 are connected to the pulley-belt mechanism 222 by a cam mechanism. When the second motor 221 is driven, the locking claw 223 protrudes above the mounting surface 202p at the right end of the 11th opening 205ta, moves to the left, and returns to below the mounting surface 202p at the left end of the 11th opening 205ta. At the same time, the locking claw 224 protrudes above the mounting surface 202p at the right end of the 12th opening 205tb, moves to the left, and returns to below the mounting surface 202p at the left end of the 12th opening 205tb. As a result of this operation, if the sample rack R is on the transport area 202t, the sample rack R moves to the left by the distance between adjacent sample containers C in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] Next, the third moving mechanism 230 will be described. The third moving mechanism 230 includes a moving arm 231 (see Figures 4B, 4C, 5, and 7) that contacts the specimen rack R in the end stocker area 202e, and a third motor 232 (see Figure 8) having a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it includes a third power transmission mechanism that converts the rotational output of the third motor 232 into a reciprocating force in the linear forward-backward direction and transmits it to the moving arm 231. As shown in Figure 8, the third power transmission mechanism includes a pulley-belt mechanism 233 and a connecting plate 234 that connects the upper part of the belt of the pulley-belt mechanism 233 to the moving arm 231. The moving arm 231 is a plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction, and its left end is connected to the connecting plate 234. The third motor 232 drives the pulley-belt mechanism 233. The forward and backward positions of the movable arm 231 and connecting plate 234 shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5, and 8 are all initial positions. The movable arm 231 and connecting plate 234 can move forward from their initial positions. In this case, the connecting portion between the movable arm 231 and the connecting plate 234 moves in the forward and backward direction along the fourth opening 204eb.

[0036] A space capable of accommodating a movable arm 231 is provided behind the fifth opening 204ec at the rear end of the end stocker region 202e. A sealing member is positioned in this space. The sealing member is positioned to prevent samples spilled from the sample container onto the mounting surface 202p from entering the interior of the housing 201 through the fifth opening 204ec. Figure 10A is a perspective view of the sealing member positioned in the space behind the fifth opening 204ec in this embodiment. Figure 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the sealing member shown in Figure 10A relative to the fifth opening 204ec, and is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rear of the end stocker region 202e viewed from the left.

[0037] As shown in Figure 10A, the sealing member 249 located at the back of the fifth opening 204ec is made of waterproof sponge, with its rear surface 249a, bottom surface 249b, and a pair of side surfaces 249c joined together, and its top and front surfaces open. The top surface may also be closed by a sealing member. The distance between the pair of side surfaces 249c is equal to or greater than the lateral distance of the fifth opening 204ec. As shown in Figure 10B, the front end of the sealing member 249 is connected to the rear end of the end stocker area 202e to prevent sample leakage. The side surfaces 249c are also connected to the back side of the upright surface 203ar of the table 202, which is the surrounding material of the fifth opening 204ec. This closes the back (rear) of the fifth opening 204ec with the sealing member 249. Even if a sample penetrates from the rear end of the end stocker area 202e into the back of the fifth opening 204ec, it remains in the area sealed by the waterproof sponge. The sealing member 249 prevents any sample spilled from the sample container from falling into the interior of the housing 201 through the fifth opening 204ec.

[0038] Next, the sensors provided in the sample rack transport device 200 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the sample rack transport device 200 further comprises a pair of first sensors 251a, 251b, a pair of second sensors 252a, 252b, and a pair of third sensors 253a, 253b. The pair of first sensors 251a, 251b, the pair of second sensors 252a, 252b, and the pair of third sensors 253a, 253b are through-beam photoelectric sensors.

[0039] The first sensor 251a is a light emitter and is positioned behind the seventh aperture 205sc (see Figure 5) at a distance (approximately 5 mm in this embodiment) from the seventh aperture 205sc. The first sensor 251b is a light receiver and is positioned in front of the front end of the start stocker area 202s, opposite the first sensor 251a. The second sensor 252a is a light emitter and is positioned to the left rear of the eighth aperture 205sd (see Figure 5) at a distance (approximately 5 mm in this embodiment) from the eighth aperture 205sd. The second sensor 252b is a light receiver and is positioned to the front right of the sixth aperture 205sa (see Figure 5) at a distance (approximately 5 mm in this embodiment) from the sixth aperture 205sa. The third sensor 253a is a light emitter and is positioned to the right rear of the tenth aperture 205ec (see Figure 4C) at a distance (approximately 5 mm in this embodiment) from the tenth aperture 205ec. The third sensor 253b is a light receiver and is positioned to the front left of the ninth aperture 205eb (see Figure 4C) at a distance (approximately 5 mm in this embodiment) from the ninth aperture 205eb. Apertures 205sa (6th aperture) to 205ec (10th aperture) are used as paths for light emitted from the light emitter towards the light receiver.

[0040] When a sample rack R is placed in the start stocker area 202s, the sample rack R blocks the light emitted from the first sensor 251a. The operation control unit 101e (see Figure 1B) detects that the sample rack R has been placed by detecting the change in output of the first sensor 251b due to this light blocking. When the sample rack R is transported backward and arrives at the rear end of the start stocker area 202s, the sample rack R blocks the light emitted from the second sensor 252a. The operation control unit 101e detects that the sample rack R has arrived at the rear end of the start stocker area 202s by detecting the change in output of the second sensor 252b due to this light blocking. When the sample rack R is transported to the left and arrives at the rear end of the end stocker area 202e, the sample rack R blocks the light emitted from the third sensor 253a. The motion control unit 101e detects that the sample rack R has arrived at the rear end of the end stocker area 202e by detecting the change in output of the third sensor 253b due to this light shielding.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the fourth sensor 254 is positioned below the 13th opening 205tc provided in the transport area 202t. The fourth sensor 254 is a mechanical switch, and its movable part protrudes upward from the 13th opening 205tc. When the sample rack R is transported onto the 13th opening 205tc, the weight of the sample rack R causes the movable part of the fourth sensor 254 to move downward. The fourth sensor 254 detects the signal change accompanying the movement of the movable part and outputs the detected signal to the operation control unit 101e. The operation control unit 101e can determine from the signal from the fourth sensor 254 that the sample rack R has arrived in the transport area 202t. Similarly, the fifth sensor 255 is positioned below the 14th opening 205td provided in the transport area 202t. The fifth sensor 255 is a mechanical switch, and its movable part protrudes upward from the 14th opening 205td. Once the sample rack R has finished passing over the 14th opening 205td, the weight of the sample rack R is released, and the movable part of the 5th sensor 255 moves upward. The 5th sensor 255 detects the signal change accompanying the movement of the movable part and outputs the detected signal to the operation control unit 101e. The operation control unit 101e can determine from the signal from the 5th sensor 255 that the sample rack R has arrived at the rear left end of the end stocker area 202e.

[0042] <Automatic Mode> The sample analyzer 100 operates in either automatic mode or manual mode. The operator can select which mode to operate in by operating the control unit 101b. In automatic mode, the sample analyzer 100 transports the sample rack R using the sample rack transporter 200, and the measuring device 101 aspirates samples from the sample containers in the transported sample rack R and performs measurement and analysis. The transport of the sample rack R by the sample rack transporter 200 is performed by the operation control unit 101e controlling the transport mechanism unit 2000 based on the outputs from the first sensor 251b to the fifth sensor 255 and the identification information reading unit 260.

[0043] <Manual Mode> In manual mode, the sample rack transporter 200 does not transport the sample rack R. In manual mode, the operator takes one sample container at a time, each containing a sample to be analyzed, and moves it to a position where the suction nozzle 101ab, which has moved above the concave space S (see Figures 1A, 4A, and 4B) provided in the sample rack transporter 200, can enter the sample container, and then holds it still. After that, when the operator operates the control unit 101b to instruct the start of measurement, the suction unit 101a sucks up the sample from the sample container, and the measurement device 101 performs the measurement and analysis of the sample.

[0044] The concave space S is the area enclosed by the start stocker area 202s, the transport area 202t, and the end stocker area 202e of the sample rack transport device 200, and is open upwards and forwards. The concave space S is provided as a space for the operator to perform aspiration by moving the suction nozzle 101ab forward (the area excluding the front end of the concave space S) while supporting the sample container with their hand in manual mode. The concave space S may also be open upwards only.

[0045] <Flow channel components and recovery containers> The sample rack transport device 200 is equipped with a flow channel member that receives and flows samples that have spilled due to tipping on the mounting surface 202p and have entered the interior of the housing 201 through openings or gaps. Furthermore, it is equipped with a collection container 250 that receives the samples that have flowed through the flow channel member. Examples of openings or gaps through which samples can pass include any of the first opening 204sa to the fourth opening 204eb, the sixth opening 205sa to the fourteenth opening 205td, the first gap 206sa, and the second gap 206ea. Alternatively, examples include gaps around the table 202, such as the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar. Figure 11 is a schematic longitudinal section illustrating the positional relationship between the openings and gaps provided at both ends of the start stocker area 202s and end stocker area 202e of the sample rack transport device 200, as well as on the upright surface 203ar, the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar, and the multiple flow path members provided below them. Furthermore, it shows the positional relationship between the downstream end of the flow path member and the collection container 250. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sample rack transport device 200 viewed from the front. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 11, and is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the sample rack transport device 200 shown in Figure 11, viewed from above along the cross-section IV-IV. The flow path components and the recovery container 250 will be described below with reference to the diagram.

[0046] The housing 201 of the specimen rack transport device 200 has a bottom plate 201b at its bottom. As shown in Figure 6, the bottom plate 201b is positioned higher than the mounting surface F by a pair of left and right legs 201ca. The pair of left and right legs 201ca are adjustable legs whose height can be adjusted. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the bottom plate 201b has a substantially flat plate shape below the start stocker area 202s, the transport area 202t, the end stocker area 202e, and below the front end of the concave space S.

[0047] The housing 201 has a notch 201cb formed at the lower end of its front surface to receive the recovery container 250, which will be described later, from the front (see Figure 5). On the lower surface of the bottom plate 201b, there is a pair of left and right guide pieces 201by that extend in the front-to-back direction to receive the left and right outer flanges 250b of the recovery container 250. For example, the left guide piece 201by is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom plate 201b at its left end, bends downward and separates from the lower surface of the bottom plate 201b on its way to the right end, and then bends parallel to the bottom plate 201b at a predetermined distance from the bottom plate 201b to reach its right end. Therefore, there is space between the right end of the left guide piece 201by and the bottom plate 201b. The right guide piece 201by has a cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical to that of the left guide piece 201by.

[0048] Next, the collection container 250 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the collection container 250 has a rectangular dish-shaped container body 250a, a pair of left and right outer flanges 250b provided along the upper left and upper right edges of the outer circumference of the container body 250a, and a handle portion 250c provided along the front end of the outer circumference of the container body 250a. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the collection container 250 is inserted rearward from the notches 201cb of the housing 201 so that its left and right outer flanges 250b fit into the space between the left and right guide pieces 201by and the bottom plate 201b, and is stored below the bottom plate 201b. In the stored state, the handle portion 250c of the collection container 250 fits into the notches 201cb of the housing 201 (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 12, the bottom plate 201b is provided with multiple outlets in a part of it for discharging the sample downwards. The outlets are openings provided in the bottom plate 201b.

[0049] The bottom plate 201b located below the start stocker area 202s has a first discharge port 201bs at a portion of its rear end. The bottom plate 201b located below the end stocker area 202e has a second discharge port 201be at a portion of its rear end. The bottom plate 201b located below the concave space S has a large third discharge port 201bc extending from its rear to its central portion, with a bottom plate 201b only at its front end. The bottom plate 201b located below the transport area 202t has a fourth discharge port 201ba and a fifth discharge port 201bb at a portion of its rear end. The fourth discharge port 201ba is located below the 11th opening 205ta and the 13th opening 205tc of the transport area 202t. The fifth discharge port 201bb is located below the 12th opening 205tb and the 14th opening 205td of the transport area 202t.

[0050] The first to fifth outlets 201bs to 201bb are located above the container body 250a when the collection container 250 is housed below the bottom plate 201b. The collection container 250 collects the sample L that falls through any of the first to fifth outlets 201bs to 201bb. Maintenance workers can pull the collection container 250 forward to remove it from the sample rack transport device 200 and dispose of the sample L collected in the collection container 250. Multiple flow channel members (the first to seventh flow channel members 241 to 247, described later) are arranged on the base plate 201b. These multiple flow channel members are fixed to the base plate 201b via support members provided on the base plate 201b, or are fixed directly to the base plate 201b. The first flow channel member 241, the third flow channel member 243, and the fourth flow channel member 244 are fixed to the base plate 201b via support members. The upstream end of the second flow channel member 242 and the fifth flow channel member 245 is fixed to the base plate 201b via support members, and the downstream end is fixed directly to the base plate 201b. The sixth flow channel member 246 and the seventh flow channel member 247 are fixed directly to the base plate 201b.

[0051] As shown in Figure 12, the sample rack transport device 200 includes a first flow channel member 241 positioned below the right front end of the start stocker area 202s, and a second flow channel member 242 positioned below the right rear and rear end of the start stocker area 202s. Furthermore, it includes a third flow channel member 243 positioned below the left rear end of the end stocker area 202e, a fourth flow channel member 244 positioned below the left front end of the end stocker area 202e, and a fifth flow channel member 245 positioned between the third flow channel member 243 and the fourth flow channel member 244. It also includes a sixth flow channel member 246 positioned below the right side (outside) of the right end of the concave space S, and a seventh flow channel member 247 positioned below the left side (outside) of the left end of the concave space S.

[0052] As shown in Figure 12, the second flow channel member 242 is a trapezoidal flow channel member in plan view, located on the right rear side of the housing 201, which allows the sample L to flow from right to left. The second flow channel member 242 has a smooth inclined surface 242c, with the right end being fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member, and the left end being directly fixed to the bottom plate 201b, such that the wider right end 242a is higher than the narrower left end 242b. The inclined surface 242c extends from the right end 242a, which is the upstream side of the flow channel, to the left end 242b, which is the downstream side. In a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on the inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242, the second flow channel member 242 has ends 242d that are bent upward at both ends in the horizontal direction. This cross-sectional shape prevents the sample L from bouncing back and scattering outside the flow path when it falls from an opening, gap, or the first flow path member 241 on the upstream side and is received by the second flow path member 242.

[0053] The second flow channel member 242 has a shape in which its right end 242a is also bent upward. The left end 242b of the second flow channel member 242 extends to a position that overlaps with the first outlet 201bs in a plan view. The inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242 has an inclination angle of 3° when the horizontal is set to 0°. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 242c is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10°. If the inclination angle of the inclined surface 242c is between 1 and 10°, the sample L received by the second flow channel member 242 can be quickly flowed to the collection container 250, and the height of the sample rack transport device 200 can be kept low. In other words, if the inclination angle of the inclined surface 242c is less than 1°, the sample L tends to accumulate on the second flow channel member 242, and if the inclination angle of the inclined surface 242c exceeds 10°, the overall height of the sample rack transport device 200 increases, leading to a larger sample analyzer 100.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, the inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242 is located below the sixth opening 205sa, the seventh opening 205sc, and the eighth opening 205sd (see Figure 5). It is also located below the first gap 206sa and the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar at the rear end of the start stocker region 202s. There are no components of the first moving mechanism 210 between the sixth opening 205sa, the seventh opening 205sc, the eighth opening 205sd, the first gap 206sa, and the inclined surface 242c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the sixth opening 205sa, the seventh opening 205sc, the eighth opening 205sd, and the first gap 206sa falls onto the inclined surface 242c, flows along the inclined surface 242c, and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the first outlet 201bs. Furthermore, the inclined surface 242c is positioned below the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar at the rear end of the start stocker region 202s, and there are no components of the first moving mechanism 210 between this gap and the inclined surface 242c. Therefore, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the aforementioned gap falls onto the inclined surface 242c, flows along the inclined surface 242c, and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the first outlet 201bs. The second flow channel member 242 receives samples L from multiple openings (sixth opening 205sa, seventh opening 205sc, and eighth opening 205sd) and gaps (first gap 206sa and the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar at the rear end of the start stocker region 202s) and flows them to the collection container 250. Therefore, the number of flow channel members can be reduced compared to the case where a flow channel member is provided for each opening and gap, contributing to a reduction in the number of parts of the sample rack transport device 200.

[0055] The first flow channel member 241 is a rectangular flow channel member in plan view, located at the front right end of the housing 201, which allows the sample L to flow from front to rear. The first flow channel member 241 is fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member such that the front end 241a is higher than the rear end 241b, and has a smooth inclined surface 241c. The inclined surface 241c extends from the front end 241a, which is the upstream side of the flow channel, to the rear end 241b, which is the downstream side. In a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on the inclined surface 241c of the first flow channel member 241, the first flow channel member 241 has ends 241d that are bent upward at both ends in the horizontal direction. This cross-sectional shape prevents the sample L from bouncing back and scattering outside the flow channel when it is received by the first flow channel member 241 as it falls from the opening. The rear end 241b of the first flow channel member 241 is positioned higher than the inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242 and extends to a position where they overlap in a plan view. In other words, the first flow channel member 241 and the second flow channel member 242 are arranged at different levels from each other so that the sample L can be transferred from the first flow channel member 241 to the second flow channel member 242. Alternatively, the second flow channel member 242 and the first flow channel member 241 may be positioned such that the rear end 241b of the inclined surface 241c of the first flow channel member 241 abuts the right end 242a of the inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242 without any step difference.

[0056] The inclined surface 241c of the first flow channel member 241 has an inclination angle of 3° when horizontal is defined as 0°. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 241c is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10° as described above. A pair of flow path members is formed by the second flow path member 242 and the first flow path member 241. As described above, the pair of flow path members formed by the second flow path member 242 and the first flow path member 241 are arranged non-linearly in a plan view. This makes it possible to suppress the length of the flow path members in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction, and thus reduces the installation area required for the specimen rack transport device 200. Note that the non-linear flow path members are not limited to being composed of multiple members, but may be composed of a single member.

[0057] The inclined surface 241c of the first flow channel member 241 is located below the first opening 204sa (see Figure 5). There are no components of the first moving mechanism 210 between the first opening 204sa and the inclined surface 241c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the first opening 204sa falls onto the inclined surface 241c, flows along the inclined surface 241c, and is received by the inclined surface 242c of the second flow channel member 242. Furthermore, the sample L that flows along the inclined surface 242c is collected in the recovery container 250 through the first outlet 201bs.

[0058] The fifth flow channel member 245 is a rectangular flow channel member in plan view that extends from the center of the front-to-back direction at the left end of the housing 201 toward the second outlet 201be, allowing the sample L to flow from left to right. The fifth flow channel member 245 has a smooth inclined surface 245c, with the left end 245a being higher than the right end 245b, fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member on the left side, and the right end directly fixed to the bottom plate 201b on the right side. This inclined surface 245c extends from the left end 245a, which is the upstream side of the flow channel, to the right end 245b, which is the downstream side. In a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245, the fifth flow channel member 245 has ends 245d that are bent upward at both ends in the horizontal direction. This shape prevents the sample L from bouncing back and scattering outside the flow path when it is received by the fifth flow path member 245 after falling from the opening or the upstream third flow path member 243 and fourth flow path member 244. The fifth flow path member 245 also has a shape in which its left end 245a is bent upward. The right end 245b of the fifth flow path member 245 extends to a position that coincides with the center of the second outlet 201be in the front-to-back direction in a plan view. The inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow path member 245 has an inclination angle of 3° when the horizontal is set to 0°. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 245c is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10° as described above. The inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245 is located below the central part of the fourth opening 204eb. There are no components of the third moving mechanism 230 between the fourth opening 204eb and the inclined surface 245c. Therefore, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the central part of the fourth opening 204eb falls onto the inclined surface 245c, flows along the inclined surface 245c, and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the second outlet 201be.

[0059] The third flow channel member 243 is a rectangular flow channel member in plan view, located on the left rear side of the housing 201, which allows the sample L to flow from the rear to the front. The third flow channel member 243 is fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member such that its rear end 243a is higher than its front end 243b, and has a smooth inclined surface 243c. The inclined surface 243c extends from the rear end 243a, which is the upstream side of the flow channel, to the front end 243b, which is the downstream side. In a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on the inclined surface 243c of the third flow channel member 243, the third flow channel member 243 has ends 243d that are bent upward at both ends in the horizontal direction. The rear end 243a of the third flow channel member 243 also has a bent upward shape. This shape prevents the sample L from bouncing back and scattering outside the flow path when it is received by the third flow path member 243 as it falls from the opening. The front end 243b of the third flow path member 243 is higher than the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow path member 245 and extends to a position where they overlap in a plan view. In other words, the third flow path member 243 and the fifth flow path member 245 are arranged at different levels from each other so that the sample L can be transferred from the third flow path member 243 to the fifth flow path member 245. Alternatively, the fifth flow path member 245 and the third flow path member 243 may be arranged so that the front end 243b of the inclined surface 243c of the third flow path member 243 abuts against the left end 245a of the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow path member 245 without any step difference. The inclined surface 243c of the third flow path member 243 has an inclination angle of 3° when the horizontal is set to 0°. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 243c is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10° as described above.

[0060] The inclined surface 243c of the third flow channel member 243 is located below the ninth opening 205eb and the tenth opening 205ec (see Figure 4C). It is also located below the central part to the rear of the fourth opening 204eb, between the left side wall portion 202eb and the hanging surface 201eb. There are no components of the third moving mechanism 230 between the fourth opening 204eb, the ninth opening 205eb, the tenth opening 205ec and the inclined surface 243c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the fourth opening 204eb, the ninth opening 205eb, and the tenth opening 205ec falls onto the inclined surface 243c, flows along the inclined surface 243c, and is received by the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245. Furthermore, it flows along the inclined surface 245c and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the second outlet 201be. The third flow channel member 243 receives the sample L from multiple openings (fourth opening 204eb, ninth opening 205eb, and tenth opening 205ec) and directs it downward. This reduces the number of flow channel members compared to the case where a flow channel member is provided for each opening, contributing to a reduction in the number of parts of the sample rack transport device 200.

[0061] The fourth flow channel member 244 is a rectangular flow channel member in plan view, located on the left front side inside the housing 201, which flows the sample L from front to rear. The fourth flow channel member 244 is fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member such that its front end 244a is higher than its rear end 244b, and has a smooth inclined surface 244c. The inclined surface 244c extends from the upstream front end 244a to the downstream rear end 244b. In a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on the inclined surface 244c of the fourth flow channel member 244, the fourth flow channel member 244 has ends 244d that are bent upward at both ends in the horizontal direction. This shape prevents the sample L from bouncing back and scattering outside the flow channel when it is received by the fourth flow channel member 244 as it falls from the opening. The rear end 244b of the fourth flow channel member 244 is positioned higher than the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245 and extends to a position where it overlaps with the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245 in a plan view. In other words, the fourth flow channel member 244 and the fifth flow channel member 245 are arranged at different levels from each other so that the sample L can be transferred from the fourth flow channel member 244 to the fifth flow channel member 245. Alternatively, the fifth flow channel member 245 and the fourth flow channel member 244 may be arranged so that the rear end 244b of the inclined surface 244c of the fourth flow channel member 244 abuts against the left end 245a of the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245 without any step difference. The inclined surface 244c of the fourth flow channel member 244 has an inclination angle of 3° when the horizontal is defined as 0°. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 244c is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10° as described above.

[0062] The inclined surface 244c of the fourth flow channel member 244 is located below the center to the front of the fourth opening 204eb (see Figure 4C) between the left side wall portion 202eb and the downward surface 201eb of the housing 201. There are no components between the fourth opening 204eb and the inclined surface 244c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the fourth opening 204eb falls onto the inclined surface 244c, flows along the inclined surface 244c and is received by the inclined surface 245c of the fifth flow channel member 245, and further flows along the inclined surface 245c and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the second outlet 201be.

[0063] A pair of flow path members is formed by the fifth flow path member 245 and the third flow path member 243. As described above, the pair of flow path members formed by the fifth flow path member 245 and the third flow path member 243 are arranged non-linearly in a plan view. Furthermore, a pair of flow path members is formed by the fifth flow path member 245 and the fourth flow path member 244. As described above, the pair of flow path members formed by the fifth flow path member 245 and the fourth flow path member 244 are also arranged non-linearly in a plan view. This makes it possible to suppress the length of the flow path members in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction, and thus reduce the installation area required for the specimen rack transport device 200. Note that the non-linear flow path members are not limited to being composed of multiple members, but may be composed of a single member. Furthermore, since the fifth flow channel member 245 is shared between a set of flow channel members composed of the fifth flow channel member 245 and the third flow channel member 243, and a set of flow channel members composed of the fifth flow channel member 245 and the fourth flow channel member 244, the number of flow channel members can be reduced compared to the case where each set of flow channels is provided individually, contributing to a reduction in the number of parts of the specimen rack transport device 200.

[0064] Since the third outlet 201bc is located directly below the area excluding the front end of the concave space S, in manual mode, any urine sample spilled above or inside the concave space S will fall directly into the collection container 250 below and be collected. For example, suppose in manual mode, the operator attempts to insert a sample container into the suction nozzle 101ab located in the area excluding the front end of the concave space S, but accidentally spills a urine sample from the sample container. In that case, the sample L will fall into the collection container 250, which is exposed below the third outlet 201bc located in the area excluding the front end of the concave space S, and be collected.

[0065] The sixth flow channel member 246 is fixed to the bottom plate 201b and is an inclined plate that rises diagonally upward to the right from the right-side opening edge of the third outlet 201bc (see Figures 9 and 11). The upper end of the sixth flow channel member 246 is positioned to the right of the second opening 204sb (see Figure 4C), and the lower end is positioned slightly inward (to the left) of the right end of the third outlet 201bc. Furthermore, the length of the sixth flow channel member 246 in the front-to-back direction is longer than the length of the second opening 204sb in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when a sample L falls from the start stocker area 202s through the second opening 204sb, the sample L flows down along the sixth flow channel member 246 and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the third outlet 201bc (see Figure 11).

[0066] The seventh flow channel member 247 is fixed to the bottom plate 201b and is an inclined plate that rises diagonally upward to the left from the left opening edge of the third outlet 201bc. The upper end of the seventh flow channel member 247 is positioned to the left of the third opening 204ea and the second gap 206ea, and the lower end is positioned slightly inward (to the right) of the left end of the third outlet 201bc. Furthermore, the length of the seventh flow channel member 247 in the front-to-back direction is greater than the length in the front-to-back direction from the front third opening 204ea to the rear second gap 206ea. Therefore, when a sample L falls from the end stocker area 202e through at least one of the third opening 204ea or the second gap 206ea, the sample L flows down along the seventh flow channel member 247 and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the third outlet 201bc (see Figure 11).

[0067] The fourth outlet 201ba is located above the collection container 250. The fourth outlet 201ba is located below the eleventh opening 205ta and the thirteenth opening 205tc (see Figure 7). Sample L that enters the housing 201 through the eleventh opening 205ta and the thirteenth opening 205tc is collected into the collection container 250 through the fourth outlet 201ba. The fifth outlet 201bb is located above the collection container 250. The fifth outlet 201bb is located below the twelfth opening 205tb and the fourteenth opening 205td (see Figure 7). Sample L that enters the housing 201 through the twelfth opening 205tb and the fourteenth opening 205td is collected into the collection container 250 through the fifth outlet 201bb.

[0068] As described above, the specimen rack transport device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a transport mechanism 2000 that transports a specimen rack R holding specimen containers C on a mounting surface 202p. It also includes first to seventh flow path members 241 to 247 that receive and drain specimens L spilled from specimen containers on the mounting surface 202p, and a collection container 250 that collects the specimens L that have flowed through the flow path members. With this configuration, even if a sample spills from the sample container onto the mounting surface, the amount of cleaning required due to the spilled sample can be reduced.

[0069] The first to seventh flow channel members 241 receive the sample L that has passed through any of the following: the first to fourth openings 204sa to 204eb and 205sa, which are openings between the housing 201 and the table 202; the seventh to tenth openings 205sc to 205ec, which are provided on the upright surface; the first gap 206sa; the second gap 206ea; and the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar (see Figures 4C and 5). Sample L spilled on the mounting surface 202p due to tipping is highly likely to enter the housing 201 through these openings or gaps. By providing the first to seventh flow channel members 241 to 247, the sample L can be received and collected in the collection container 250. The first to seventh flow channel members 241 to 247 are positioned below the first to fourth openings 204sa to 204eb and 6th to tenth openings 205sa to 205ec, the first gap 206sa, the second gap 206ea, and the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar. With this configuration, the first to seventh flow channel members 241 to 247 can receive samples that fall naturally through their openings or gaps. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate member to guide the sample L from the openings or gaps into the first to seventh flow channel members 241 to 247.

[0070] The first to fifth flow path members 241 to 245 have inclined surfaces 241c to 245c for flowing the sample L. The sixth flow path member 246 and the seventh flow path member 247 have surfaces that rise diagonally upward from both the left and right ends of the third outlet 201bc. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a power source such as a pump for flowing the sample L. The lower ends of the 7th opening 205sc to the 10th opening 205ec, which are located on the upright surface, are positioned higher than the mounting surface 202p. This configuration prevents spilled samples L from entering the housing 201 through the 7th opening 205sc to the 10th opening 205ec.

[0071] In the sample rack transport device 200 used in the sample analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the collection container 250 is open. The measuring device 101 can position the suction nozzle 101ab in a position where the top of the collection container 250 is open. With this configuration, even if the operator makes a mistake while aspirating the sample with the suction nozzle 101ab and spills the sample from the sample container, the sample L will fall into the collection container 250 located below the suction nozzle 101ab, so the sample L can be easily recovered. In the sample analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, an operation control unit 101e (see Figure 1B) that controls the transport operation of the sample rack R is provided on the measuring device 101. This configuration eliminates the need to provide an operation control unit on the sample rack transport device 200 side, thereby reducing the risk of the operation control unit failing due to the sample.

[0072] (Modified version of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the first to fifth flow path members 241 to 245 may have a shape in which both ends in the horizontal direction are curved upward in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample flows through the flow path members. The first to fifth flow path members 241 to 245 may be formed in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows, for example, a semicircular tube shape, a semielliptical tube shape, or a V-shaped cross section. By making the first to fifth flow path members 241 to 245 such shapes, it is possible to suppress the bounce of the sample L when it falls through an opening or gap and is received by the flow path member, causing it to scatter outside the flow path.

[0073] (Second Embodiment) Figure 13 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a hanging portion provided at the opening of the table of the specimen rack transport device in the second embodiment. In Figure 13, elements similar to those in Figure 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 13, the sample rack transport device 200 of the second embodiment has an opening 204x on the mounting surface 202p. Below the opening 204x is a flow channel member 240x, and at the downstream end of the flow channel member 240x is a flow channel member 240y. As a result, the sample L that enters the housing 201 through the opening 204x is received by the flow channel member 240x, flows through the flow channel member 240y, and is collected in the recovery container 250 through the discharge port 201bx provided on the bottom plate 201b.

[0074] Furthermore, the edge of the opening 204x is provided with a hanging portion 204xa that is bent downward from the mounting surface 202p. The hanging portion 204xa is provided above the flow channel member 240x.

[0075] With this configuration, the sample L can be flowed along the hanging portion 204xa and fall onto the flow channel member 240x. In other words, the hanging portion 204xa prevents droplets of the sample L from traveling to the back side (bottom side) of the mounting surface 202p. Therefore, the possibility of droplets of the sample L dripping onto the components of the transport mechanism 2000 located below the mounting surface 202p, particularly electrical components (e.g., motor M), can be further reduced.

[0076] (Modified version of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the hanging portion 204xa (see Figure 13) is bent perpendicular to the mounting surface 202p, but the hanging portion 204xa may be inclined toward the upright surface 203ar side (opposite side of the motor M). Alternatively, the lower end of the hanging portion 204xa may be slightly curved toward the upright surface 203ar side (opposite side of the motor M) to form a J-shape. With this configuration, the sample L falling from the opening 204x can be received by the flow channel member 240x at a position further away from the components of the transport mechanism 2000 located below the mounting surface 202p, particularly electrical components (e.g., the motor M). Therefore, if the sample L that falls onto the flow channel member 240x is scattered, the possibility of the droplets coming into contact with electrical components can be reduced.

[0077] (Third embodiment) Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view from above illustrating the arrangement of multiple flow path members in the sample rack transport device of the third embodiment. In Figure 14, elements similar to those in Figure 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 14, the sample rack transport device of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the multiple flow path members provided inside the housing 201 and the bottom plate 201b of the housing 201. The following will mainly describe the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0078] The arrangement of the flow path members in the sample rack transport device 200 of the first embodiment (see Figure 12) can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the flow path members are arranged along the outer circumference of the mounting surface 202p. In the example shown in Figure 14, the 11th to 14th flow channel members 341 to 344 are arranged along the inside of the housing 201, from the front end to the rear end of the right end, from the right end to the left end of the rear end, from the rear end to the front end of the left end, and along a portion near the left side of the front end. Each flow channel member is provided to allow the sample L to flow in a straight line and in different directions. Furthermore, in addition to the third outlet 201bc provided in the center of the bottom plate 201b, an outlet 201bz is provided to the left front of the third outlet 201bc.

[0079] The 11th flow channel member 341, extending from the front to the rear end at the right end, is positioned so that its rear end 341a is located on the right end 342a of the 12th flow channel member 342, and is fixed via a support member provided on the bottom plate 201b. The 12th flow channel member 342, extending from the right end to the left end at the rear end, is positioned so that its left end 342b is located on the rear end 343a of the 13th flow channel member 343, and is fixed via a support member provided on the bottom plate 201b. The 13th flow channel member 343, extending from the rear end to the front end at the left end, is positioned so that its front end 343b is located on the left end 344a of the 14th flow channel member 344, and is fixed via a support member provided on the bottom plate 201b. The 14th flow channel member 344, which extends from the left end to the right end at the front end, is fixed to the bottom plate 201b via a support member provided on the bottom plate 201b such that, in a plan view, its right end 344b is positioned to overlap with the discharge port 201bz. These 11th to 14th flow channel members 341 are located below the first opening 204sa, the fourth opening 204eb, the sixth to tenth openings 205sa to 205ec, the first gap 206sa, and the gap between the upright surface 203ar and the downward surface 201ar.

[0080] The 11th to 14th flow channel members 341 to 344 each have a smooth inclined surface through which the sample L flows, and are arranged at different levels from each other to allow for the transfer of sample L. Each inclined surface of the 11th to 14th flow channel members 344 has an inclination angle of 3° when the horizontal is set to 0°. The inclination angle of each inclined surface is not limited to 3°, but is preferably in the range of 1 to 10° as described above. In a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on their inclined surfaces, the 11th to 14th flow channel members 344 have a shape in which both ends in the horizontal direction are bent upward. In a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample L flows on their inclined surfaces, the 11th to 14th flow channel members 341 to 344 may have both ends in the horizontal direction curved upward, or they may be bent in a V-shape. The 11th, 13th, and 14th flow channel members 344 are each formed with a constant width. The 12th flow channel member 342 has a wide portion 342c positioned below the 11th opening 205ta and the 12th opening 205tb. Alternatively, the 12th flow channel member 342 may be formed with a constant width throughout, matching the width of the wide portion 342c.

[0081] According to the third embodiment, the 11th flow channel member 341 to the 14th flow channel member 344 can be arranged along the outer periphery of the mounting surface 202p. This makes it easier to secure a large space inside the 11th flow channel member 341 to the 14th flow channel member 344. Of the 11th flow channel member 341 to the 14th flow channel member 344, the 11th flow channel member 341 is positioned at the highest position. Therefore, for example, the 11th flow channel member 341 can be positioned above the components of the first moving mechanism 210 (e.g., the first motor 211) without interference, allowing the sample L to flow through. In other words, components can be installed in the right-side space on the bottom plate 201b, and the 11th flow channel member 341 can be installed in the space above those components, thus enabling further effective use of the space inside the housing 201.

[0082] (Modified version of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the 11th to 14th flow path members 341 to 344 may be joined together adjacent to each other to form a single flow path member. In this case, the single flow path member is inclined.

[0083] (Fourth Embodiment) In the first embodiment, no flow path members are arranged below the 11th opening 205ta to the 14th opening 205td. However, all or at least some of the first flow path members 241 to the 5th flow path members 245 may be arranged above the first moving mechanism 210 to the 3rd moving mechanism 230, and below the first opening 204sa, the 4th opening 204eb, the 6th opening 205sa to the 10th opening 205ec, and the 11th opening 205ta to the 14th opening 205td.

[0084] (Other embodiments) 1. In the embodiments described above, openings are provided on the mounting surface and the upright surface, and examples have been given of cases where there are openings or gaps between the mounting surface and the upright surface, between the mounting surface and the housing, or between the upright surface and the housing, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, openings may be provided only on the mounting surface or only on the upright surface, or there may only be gaps between the housing and the mounting surface. At least one flow path member is provided to receive the sample falling through at least one opening or gap.

[0085] 2. In the embodiments described above, all flow channel members had inclined surfaces, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the second flow channel member 242 and the fifth flow channel member 245 in the first embodiment may not have inclined surfaces (the surface that receives the sample is a horizontal plane). In this case, the second flow channel member 242 has a closed upstream end (right end 242a) and an open downstream end (left end 242b) to discharge the sample, so the sample that accumulates on the second flow channel member 242 naturally flows into the first outlet 201bs and is collected in the collection container 250. The fifth flow channel member 245 has a closed upstream end (left end 245a) and an open downstream end (right end 245b) to discharge the sample, so the sample that accumulates on the fifth flow channel member 245 naturally flows into the second outlet 201be and is collected in the collection container 250. Furthermore, the first flow channel member 241, the third flow channel member 243, and the fourth flow channel member 244 may also not have inclined surfaces (the surface that receives the sample is a horizontal plane). In this case, the second flow channel member 242 and the first flow channel member 241 may be formed at different levels, or the second flow channel member 242 and the first flow channel member 241 may be integrated to form a single flow channel member. Similarly, the third flow channel member 243 and the fourth flow channel member 244 may be formed at different levels with respect to the fifth flow channel member 245, or the fourth flow channel member 244 and the fifth flow channel member 245 may be integrated to form a single flow channel member.

[0086] 3. In the first embodiment, a configuration using a pulley-belt mechanism as the power transmission mechanism for the first to third moving mechanism parts was illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a ball screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a linear motor, etc. may be used. Also, in the first embodiment, a configuration using moving claws 217, 218, locking claws 223, 224, and a moving arm 231 was illustrated as the moving parts for the first to third moving mechanism parts, but a conveyor belt may be used in which a part is placed on the mounting surface 202p and is configured to move the sample rack R by contacting the bottom surface of the sample rack R. 4. In the embodiments described above, a urine analyzer for measuring formed elements contained in urine was described, but the invention is not limited to this, and other specimen analyzers such as blood coagulation analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, biochemical analyzers, blood cell counters, and genetic testing devices may also be used. 5. In the above-described embodiment, only a portion of the transport mechanism 2000 is positioned below the mounting surface 202p, but the entire transport mechanism 2000 may be positioned below the mounting surface 202p.

[0087] Preferred embodiments of this invention include combinations of any of the embodiments described above. In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this invention are possible. These modifications should not be considered outside the scope of this invention. This invention should include the meaning of the claims and equivalents and all variations within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 100: Sample analyzer, 101: Measurement device, 101a: Suction section, 101b: Operation section, 101c: Sample preparation section, 101d: Detection section, 101e: Operation control section, 101f: Analysis control section, 200: Sample rack transport device, 201: Housing, 201ar, 201sa, 201ea, 201sb, 201eb, 201ec: hanging surface, 201b: bottom plate, 201bs: 1st outlet, 201be: 2nd outlet, 201bc: 3rd outlet, 201ba: 4th outlet, 201bb: 5th outlet, 201a: outer periphery, 201aw: Outer wall, 201au: Top, 202: Table, 202s: Start stocker area, 202t: Transfer area, 202e: End stocker area, 202p: Mounting surface, 203ar, 203sb, 203ea, 203eb: Upright surface, 204sa: First opening, 204sb: Second opening, 204ea: Third opening, 204eb: Fourth opening, 204ec: Fifth opening, 205sa: Sixth opening, 205sc: Seventh opening, 205sd: Eighth opening, 205eb: Ninth opening, 205ec: Tenth opening, 205ta: Eleventh opening, 205tb: Twelfth opening, 205tc: Thirteenth opening, 205td: Fourteenth opening, 206sa: First gap, 206ea: Second gap, 210: First moving mechanism, 220: Second moving mechanism 230: Third moving mechanism, 231: Moving arm, 241: First flow path member, 242: Second flow path member, 243: Third flow path member, 244: Fourth flow path member, 245: Fifth flow path member, 246: Sixth flow path member, 247: Seventh flow path member, 250: Collection container, 260: Identification information reading unit, 341: Eleventh flow path member, 342: Twelfth flow path member, 343: Thirteenth flow path member, 344: Fourteenth flow path member, 2000: Transport mechanism, B: Label, C: Sample container, L: Sample, R: Sample rack

Claims

1. A transport mechanism that transports a sample rack holding sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, A housing is arranged to form at least one of an opening or gap between the edge of the mounting surface or an upright surface rising from the mounting surface, Equipped with, The flow channel member is a sample rack transport device that receives the sample that has passed through at least one of the opening or gap between the edge of the aforementioned mounting surface or an upright surface rising from the aforementioned mounting surface and the housing.

2. The sample rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the flow channel member is positioned below the periphery of the aforementioned surface, and receives the sample that has fallen from the periphery of the aforementioned surface.

3. The sample rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path member receives the sample that has passed through a second opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or a second gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface.

4. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the flow path member is positioned below the second opening or the second gap.

5. The sample rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel member has an inclined surface for flowing the sample.

6. The sample rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel member has an inclination angle of 1 to 10° over the entire flow channel, with horizontal being 0°.

7. A plurality of the second openings are provided on the mounting surface or the upright surface, The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the flow path member is positioned below the plurality of second openings.

8. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel members are arranged in a non-linear manner in a plan view.

9. The aforementioned flow channel member consists of a plurality of members through which the sample flows, The specimen rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the upstream member among the plurality of members is arranged so as to enable the transfer of the specimen to the subsequent downstream member.

10. The sample rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel member has a shape in which both ends are bent upward or curved upward in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the sample flows.

11. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein the lower end of the second opening on the upright surface is higher than the previously described mounting surface.

12. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, further comprising a sealing member provided on the back side of the upright surface at the position of the second opening.

13. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein the edge of the second opening of the mounting surface has a hanging portion that is bent downward or curved downward from the mounting surface described above.

14. The housing has side walls and a bottom plate, The bottom plate is provided with an outlet at a position corresponding to the downstream end of the flow channel member. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is located below the discharge port provided in the bottom plate.

15. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is removable from the specimen rack transport device.

16. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein the transport mechanism has a movable part that protrudes from the second opening to a position above the aforementioned surface, and the specimen rack on the aforementioned surface is transported by the movement of the movable part.

17. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, further comprising a sensor for detecting the specimen rack on the aforementioned surface via the second opening.

18. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 1, wherein the specimen rack holds specimen containers that do not have stoppers.

19. The specimen rack transport device according to claim 3, wherein the transport mechanism is equipped with a motor, and the motor is positioned away from below the second opening and the second gap.

20. A specimen analyzer comprising a specimen rack transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and a measuring device for measuring specimens in specimen containers of specimen racks transported by the specimen rack transport device.

21. The specimen rack transport device has an open top to at least a portion of the collection container. The specimen analyzer according to claim 20, wherein the measuring device is equipped with a suction nozzle capable of aspirating a specimen at a position above the collection container.

22. The specimen analyzer according to claim 20, wherein a control unit for controlling the transport operation by the specimen rack transport device is provided in the measuring device.

23. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The flow channel member receives the sample that has passed through an opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or the gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface. Multiple openings are provided on the mounting surface or the upright surface, At least a portion of the flow path member is a specimen rack transport device positioned below the plurality of openings.

24. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The aforementioned flow channel members are arranged in a non-linear manner in a specimen rack transport device in a plan view.

25. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The aforementioned flow channel member consists of a plurality of members through which the sample flows, A specimen rack transport device in which the upstream of the plurality of members is arranged so as to enable the transfer of the specimen to the subsequent downstream member.

26. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The flow channel member receives the sample that has passed through an opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or the gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface. The lower end of the opening on the upright surface is higher than the previously described surface of the specimen rack transport device.

27. ​​A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The flow channel member receives the sample that has passed through an opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or the gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface. A specimen rack transport device further comprising a sealing member provided on the back side of the upright surface at the location of the opening.

28. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The housing further comprises a side wall and a bottom plate, and has at least one of the following: an opening or gap is formed between the edge of the mounting surface or an upright surface rising from the mounting surface described above. The bottom plate is provided with an outlet at a position corresponding to the downstream end of the flow channel member. The aforementioned collection container is a sample rack transport device positioned below the discharge port provided in the bottom plate.

29. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The flow channel member receives the sample that has passed through an opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or the gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface. A sample rack transport device further comprising a sensor for detecting the sample rack on the aforementioned surface via the opening.

30. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, A specimen rack is a specimen rack transport device that holds specimen containers without stoppers.

31. A transport mechanism for transporting a sample rack that holds sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, The flow channel member receives the sample that has passed through an opening provided on the aforementioned surface or on an upright surface rising from the aforementioned surface, or the gap between the aforementioned surface and the upright surface. The transport mechanism is equipped with a motor, and the motor is positioned away from the opening and the gap below, in the specimen rack transport device.

32. A specimen rack transport device and a measuring device for measuring specimens in specimen containers of specimen racks transported by the specimen rack transport device, The aforementioned specimen rack transport device, A transport mechanism that transports a sample rack holding sample containers on a mounting surface, A flow channel member that receives and drains the sample spilled from the sample container on the aforementioned mounting surface, A collection container for collecting the sample that has flowed through the flow channel member, Equipped with, At least a portion of the top of the aforementioned collection container is open, The measuring device is a sample analyzer equipped with a suction nozzle capable of aspirating a sample at a position above the collection container.

33. The specimen analyzer according to claim 32, wherein a control unit for controlling the transport operation by the specimen rack transport device is provided in the measuring device.

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