Sample processing system, cartridge, sample processing device, and valve control method

Abstract

A sample processing system according to an embodiment includes a cartridge and a sample processing device. The cartridge has a sample container, a reagent container, a mixing container, a flow path, and a valve. The sample container holds the sample. The reagent container holds the reagent. In the mixing container, the sample and the reagent are mixed. The flow path connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container, and is formed using a tube. The valve is provided with respect to the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force. The sample processing device has a valve drive unit. The valve drive unit drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening / closing member.

Description

Sample processing system, cartridge, sample processing device, and valve control method

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to a sample processing system, a cartridge, a sample processing device, and a valve control method.

[0002] Conventionally, the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (hereinafter referred to as iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells) has been performed manually by skilled workers in facilities such as a safety cabinet. Specifically, for the production of iPS cells, closed-system cell production devices that automate predetermined processes such as cell culture, and cell processing devices that allow users to configure any process, are known. However, there is no device on the market that performs all processes of iPS cell production, including blood cell separation processes, in a completely closed system. For this reason, facilities such as a safety cabinet are ultimately required for the production of iPS cells.

[0003] For this reason, the production of iPS cells requires a large amount of money, which is one of the barriers to their clinical application.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-269627

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to realize switching of a flow path for transporting a sample such as a cell suspension from outside the cartridge in a closed system cartridge incorporating the flow path. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems.

[0006] A sample processing system according to an embodiment includes a cartridge and a sample processing device. The cartridge includes a sample container, a reagent container, a mixing container, a flow path, and a valve. The sample container holds a sample. The reagent container holds a reagent. The mixing container mixes the sample and the reagent. The flow path connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container, and is formed using a tube. The valve is provided relative to the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force. The sample processing device includes a valve driving unit. The valve driving unit drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening / closing member.

[0007] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the open / close member is a permanent magnet.

[0008] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve supports the tube with a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube, and is attached to the cartridge so that the opening of the groove faces horizontally. The valve comprises a groove block made of a magnetic material, and a first magnet corresponding to the opening / closing member, which is positioned between the groove and the cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction, and the valve driving unit comprises a second magnet which attracts the first magnet via the cover.

[0009] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve driving unit further has a moving support unit that supports the second magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the second magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is opened.

[0010] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, when the second magnet is closest to the first magnet, the first magnetic force between the groove block and the first magnet is smaller than the second magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and when the second magnet is farthest from the first magnet, the first magnetic force is larger than the second magnetic force.

[0011] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the magnetic flux density of the second magnet is greater than the magnetic flux density of the first magnet.

[0012] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve supports the tube with a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube, and is attached to the cartridge so that the opening of the groove faces horizontally. The valve comprises a groove block made of a non-magnetic material, and a first magnet that corresponds to the opening / closing member and is positioned between the groove and the cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction, and the valve driving unit comprises a second magnet that repels the first magnet via the cover.

[0013] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve driving unit further has a moving support unit that supports the second magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the second magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is closed.

[0014] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve supports the tube with a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube, and is attached to the cartridge so that the opening of the groove faces horizontally. The valve comprises a groove block made of a non-magnetic material, a magnet or magnetic body arranged between the groove and the cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction, and an elastic body which has a natural length longer than the distance between the magnet or magnetic body and the cover and connects the magnet or magnetic body to the cover, and the valve driving unit has another magnet which attracts the magnet or magnetic body via the cover.

[0015] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve driving unit further has a moving support unit that supports the other magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the other magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is closed.

[0016] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the valve driving unit drives the opening and closing of the valve from outside the cartridge.

[0017] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the moving support unit is an air cylinder and further includes a control unit that controls the pressure of the air supplied to the air cylinder, the valve drive unit further includes a third magnet or magnetic body that is different from the second magnet, the moving support unit supports the third magnet or the magnetic body so that it can move horizontally, and the control unit changes the pressure to move the second magnet and the third magnet or the magnetic body in the horizontal direction, thereby including a determination unit that determines abnormalities in the opening and closing of the valve.

[0018] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the third magnet has a magnetic force weaker than that of the second magnet, the moving support unit supports the third magnet or the magnetic body so that it can be moved horizontally, and the determination unit determines an abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve by moving the second magnet and the third magnet or the magnetic body in the horizontal direction using a first pressure related to the opening by the control unit and a second pressure smaller than the first pressure.

[0019] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the moving support unit uses the second pressure to move the second magnet away from the cover after abutting the second magnet against the cover, and if the second pressure causes the second magnet to move away from the cover, the judgment unit judges that the valve is abnormal.

[0020] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the moving support unit uses the first pressure to move the second magnet away from the cover after abutting the second magnet against the cover, and uses the second pressure to move the third magnet or the magnetic body away from the cover after abutting the third magnet or the magnetic body against the cover, and if the third magnet or the magnetic body does not move away from the cover with the second pressure, the judgment unit judges that the valve is abnormal, and if the third magnet or the magnetic body moves away from the cover with the second pressure, the judgment unit judges that the valve is normal.

[0021] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the third magnet has a polarity opposite to that of the second magnet, and the determination unit determines an abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve by moving the second magnet and the third magnet in the horizontal direction while increasing the pressure using the control unit.

[0022] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the control unit increases the pressure after bringing the second magnet into contact with the cover until the second magnet separates from the cover, and if the first separation pressure at the time the second magnet separates from the cover is within a predetermined range, the judgment unit judges that the opening and closing of the valve is normal; if the first separation pressure is not within the predetermined range, the control unit increases the pressure after bringing the third magnet into contact with the cover until the third magnet separates from the cover, and the judgment unit judges the cause of the abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve based on the first separation pressure and the second separation pressure at the time the third magnet separates from the cover.

[0023] In the sample processing system according to the embodiment, the determination unit determines that the first magnet is not placed in the valve if the first isolation pressure and the second isolation pressure are equal to or less than a threshold value that is smaller than the predetermined range; determines that the size of the first magnet is smaller than a predetermined size if the first isolation pressure is between the lower limit of the predetermined range and the threshold value and the second isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value; determines that the polarity of the first magnet is the same as the polarity of the third magnet if the first isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value and the second isolation pressure is within the predetermined range; and determines that the size of the first magnet is larger than the predetermined size or that the first magnet is biting into a wall surface in the movable space of the first magnet if the first isolation pressure exceeds the predetermined range and the second isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0024] The cartridge according to the embodiment includes a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path formed using a tube that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container, and a valve that is provided in the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and the opening and closing of the valve is driven by magnetic interaction with the opening / closing member.

[0025] The sample processing device according to the embodiment includes a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path connecting the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container and formed using a tube, a moving unit that movably supports a cartridge having a valve that is provided to the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and a valve driving unit that drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening / closing member.

[0026] A valve control method according to an embodiment supports a cartridge having a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path formed using a tube that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container, and a valve that is provided to the flow path and uses an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member.

[0027] One of the effects achieved by the embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings is that in a closed cartridge incorporating a flow path for transporting a sample such as a cell suspension, the flow path can be switched from outside the cartridge. However, the effects achieved by the embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings are not limited to the above. Each effect corresponding to each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be considered as another effect.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a sample processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a cartridge according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the X direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge and a valve drive device in a state where the cartridge is in close proximity to the cartridge, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a valve and a valve drive device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a valve opening and closing process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a valve and a valve drive device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a valve and a valve drive device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a valve drive device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing exchange of a moving support mechanism that supports a magnetic body with a moving support mechanism that supports a second magnet, according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for an abnormality detection process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder from steps S122 to S124 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder from steps S122 to S124 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder from steps S122 and S125 to S128 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder from steps S122 and S125 to S128 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge and a valve drive device in a state in proximity to the cartridge according to an application example of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a cause identification process according to an application example of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of processing related to the cause of a valve abnormality according to an application example of the second embodiment. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality caused by an increase in pressure according to an application example of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a list of test results displayed on a display according to an application example of the second embodiment.

[0029] A sample processing system according to an embodiment includes a cartridge and a sample processing device. The cartridge includes a sample container, a reagent container, a mixing container, a flow path, and a valve. The sample container holds a sample. The reagent container holds a reagent. The mixing container mixes the sample and the reagent. The flow path connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container, and is formed using a tube. The valve is provided relative to the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force. The sample processing device includes a valve driving unit. The valve driving unit drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening / closing member.

[0030] The sample processing system, cartridge, sample processing device, and valve control method will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to modified examples, application examples, etc.

[0031] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a sample processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the sample processing system 1 includes a cartridge 3 and a sample processing device 5. The cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5 by an operator (user) OP. Before inserting the cartridge 3 into the sample processing device 5, the operator OP fills the cartridge 3 with a sample and a reagent.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sample processing device 5. As shown in Fig. 2, the sample processing device 5 has an input interface 51, an output interface 53, a memory 55, a moving device 57, a cooling device 59, a valve driving device 61, a liquid delivery device 63, an incubator 65, and a processing circuit 67.

[0033] The cartridge 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The cartridge 3 processes cells, which are samples, internally. Specifically, the cartridge 3 processes the cells through various operations by the sample processing device 5. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the cartridge 3 as viewed from the X direction. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge 3 and a valve drive device 61 in a state in which it is placed close to the cartridge 3. In Figure 4, the valve drive device 61 is spaced a predetermined distance (for example, several mm) from the cartridge 3, but this is not limiting and the valve drive device 61 may be in contact with the cartridge 3.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cartridge 3 includes, for example, a sample container, a reagent container, multiple storage containers 30, a filter 31, a waste liquid container 32, a spiral flow path 33, a tapered container 34, an expansion culture container 35, an infection container 36, a pre-culture container 37, a culture container 38, an insulating material 39, multiple tubes 40, and multiple valves 41.

[0035] In the cartridge 3 in Figures 3 and 4, a sample container and a reagent container are arranged on the side opposite the valve drive device 61. The sample container holds the sample to be aspirated. The sample is, for example, human blood. In this case, the sample container corresponds to a blood pack. Note that the sample is not limited to blood and may be other turbid liquids. The reagent container holds the reagent to be aspirated. When the sample processing device 5 produces induced pluripotent stem cells (hereinafter referred to as iPS (induced pluripotent stem cell) cells), the reagent is, for example, a reagent necessary for producing iPS cells. Known reagents can be used as the reagents necessary for producing iPS cells, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The plurality of storage containers 30 store, for example, physiological saline. As the physiological saline, for example, PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) may be used. The storage containers 30 store a sample aspirated from a sample container by a liquid delivery device 63 described below. Furthermore, among the plurality of storage containers 30, a storage container other than the storage container in which the sample is stored stores a sample aspirated from a reagent container by the liquid delivery device 63. In the other storage containers among the plurality of storage containers 30, residue remaining on the filter 31 is collected and stored by backwashing the filter 31. In this case, the other storage containers 30 may be referred to as collection containers.

[0037] The filter 31 filters out particles in the sample, which is a suspension. For example, the filter 31 collects target cells for cell culture performed in the culture vessel 38. The target cells, which are particles, are, for example, red blood cells, white blood cells, etc. The waste liquid container 32 is a container that collects the suspension after filtering by the filter 31. Descriptions of the spiral channel 33, the tapered container 34, the expansion culture container 35, the infection container 36, and the pre-culture container 37 will be omitted.

[0038] A sample and a reagent are mixed in the culture vessel 38. The culture vessel 38 may also be referred to as a mixing vessel in which a sample and a reagent are mixed. For example, a sample that has undergone various processes and a reagent are mixed in the culture vessel 38. The culture vessel 38 is a vessel used for cell culture. The contents of the culture vessel 38 are cultured in an incubator 65, which will be described later.

[0039] 3, a heat insulator 39 is disposed between the tapered container 34 and the expansion culture container 35. The heat insulator 39 keeps the temperature and other parameters of the culture container 38 and the expansion culture container 35 in the cartridge 3 inserted into the incubator 65 constant, for example.

[0040] 3 and 4, the plurality of tubes 40 connect, for example, the sample container, the reagent container, the plurality of storage containers 30, the filter 31, the waste liquid container 32, the spiral channel 33, the tapered container 34, and the expansion culture container 35, the infection container 36, the pre-culture container 37, the culture container 38, etc. The flow path formed by the plurality of tubes 40 is realized as a closed system (hereinafter referred to as a closed system flow path) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the flow path connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38 and is formed using the tubes 40.

[0041] The plurality of valves 41 are provided for the flow path. In other words, the flow path is provided with the plurality of valves 41. Each of the plurality of valves 41 uses an open / close member that can be driven by magnetic force. The open / close member is, for example, a magnet or a magnetic material. For concrete explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the plurality of valves 41 use a magnet. The magnet is, for example, a permanent magnet. That is, the open / close member is a permanent magnet. Note that the magnet is not limited to a permanent magnet and may be another magnet such as an electromagnet. A case in which the plurality of valves 41 use a magnetic material as an open / close member will be described later in a modified example. Each of the plurality of valves 41 switches the flow path in the closed flow path via a cover (wall) of the cartridge 3 that is parallel to the YZ plane under the control of a control function 673 of the processing circuit 67 by a valve drive device 61 (described later). The structure and operation of each of the plurality of valves 41 will be described later.

[0042] The configuration of the sample processing device 5 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. FIG.

[0043] The input interface 51 accepts various input operations from the operator OP who operates the sample processing device 5, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuitry 67. For example, the input interface 51 accepts selection instructions, various conditions, etc. from the operator. As the input interface 51, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate.

[0044] In this embodiment, the input interface 51 is not limited to one equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display. For example, an example of the input interface 51 is an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 67. The input interface 51 may also be configured as a tablet terminal or the like that is capable of wireless communication with the sample processing device 5 main body.

[0045] The output interface 53 includes, for example, a communication interface and a display. The communication interface performs data communication between, for example, the sample processing device 5 and a network. Any standard may be used for communication between the communication interface and the network.

[0046] The display displays various types of information. For example, the display outputs a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from the user. For example, the display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), an organic electroluminescence display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other display. The display may be a desktop type or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the sample processing device 5.

[0047] The memory 55 is a storage device that stores various information, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an integrated circuit storage device, etc. The memory 13 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information from / to a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), in addition to an HDD or SSD.

[0048] The memory 55 stores various programs related to the execution of, for example, the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673. The memory 55 stores information related to sample processing (hereinafter referred to as sample processing information) acquired from the input interface 51 or the like by the acquisition function 671. The sample processing information is information related to sample processing, such as the amount of sample aspirated from the sample container, the amount of reagent aspirated from the reagent container, and the placement time of the culture container (mixing container) 38 in the incubator 65.

[0049] The moving device 57 moves the cartridge 3 to a position for aspirating and discharging samples and reagents (hereinafter referred to as the aspirating and discharging position) under the control of the control function 673. The moving device 57 moves the cartridge 3 from the aspirating and discharging position to the incubator 65 using the control function 673. The moving device 57 moves the cartridge 3 from the incubator 65 to the aspirating and discharging position using the control function 673. The moving device 57 moves the cartridge 3 from the sample processing device 5 to the outside of the sample processing device 5 using the control function 673. The moving device 57 corresponds to a moving unit.

[0050] When the cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5, the cooling device 59 cools the cartridge 3 under the control of the control function 673. The cooling device 59 is realized by, for example, a Peltier element. The cooling device 59 cools, for example, one side of the cartridge 3 that is in contact with the cooling device 59 under the control of the control function 673.

[0051] The valve drive device 61 drives the opening and closing of the valve 41 by magnetic interaction with an opening and closing member of the valve 41 under the control of the control function 673. That is, the valve drive device 61 drives the opening and closing of the valve 41 by magnetic interaction from outside the cartridge 3, via the cover of the cartridge 3. Specifically, the valve drive device 61 has a magnet (hereinafter referred to as the second magnet) that attracts the magnet (hereinafter referred to as the first magnet) in the valve 41 via the cover of the cartridge 3, a movement support mechanism 611 that supports the second magnet so that it can move horizontally, and a power source that supplies power to the movement support mechanism 611. The valve drive device 61 corresponds to a valve drive unit.

[0052] The moving support mechanism 611 is realized by, for example, an actuator that supports a second magnet at its tip. For the sake of concreteness, the following description will be given assuming that the moving support mechanism 611 is a double-acting air cylinder. Note that the moving support mechanism 611 is not limited to a double-acting air cylinder, and any known actuator such as a single-acting air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder may also be used.

[0053] When the moving support mechanism 611 is realized by a double-acting air cylinder, the power source is realized by, for example, an air compressor. In this case, the moving support mechanism 611 has two ports. Each of the two ports is connected to a tube for supplying air from the power source and has a structure for exhausting air. Furthermore, multiple solenoid valves for supplying air are provided for the two ports. The operation and structure of the double-acting air cylinder are known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted. The control function 673 controls the opening and closing of the multiple solenoid valves for the two ports, so that the moving support mechanism 611 moves the second magnet toward or away from the cartridge 3. The operation of the moving support mechanism 611 will be described later, along with the structure and operation of each of the multiple valves 41. The moving support mechanism 611 corresponds to a moving support unit.

[0054] The liquid delivery device 63 has a pressure pad that can move in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a movement mechanism that can move in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the cartridge 3. The liquid delivery device 63 is moved under the control of the control function 673 so that the storage container is located directly below the pressure pad. Next, the control function 673 causes the liquid delivery device 63 to lower its tip (pressure pad) so that it comes into close contact with a pressure chamber connected to the upper end of the storage container. Next, the control function 673 causes the liquid delivery device 63 to suck or pressurize the air in the pressure chamber via the pressure pad. This reduces or increases the pressure in the storage container, and the sample, reagent, etc. is sucked or discharged through the tube 40.

[0055] The incubator 65 creates an environment suitable for culturing in the culture vessel 38. For example, the incubator 65 creates a carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, temperature, and humidity suitable for culturing under the control of the control function 673. As a known incubator 65 can be used, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The processing circuitry 67 controls the overall operation of the sample processing device 5 in accordance with the sample processing information output from the input interface 51 or the memory 55. For example, the processing circuitry 67 has, as hardware resources, processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM.

[0057] Furthermore, the processing circuit 67 may be realized by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), other complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), or the like.

[0058] The processing circuitry 67 has, for example, an acquisition function 671 and a control function 673. In the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673, each function is stored in the memory 55 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 67 executes the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673 by a processor that executes a program deployed in the memory of the processing circuitry 67 itself.

[0059] That is, the processing circuitry 67 corresponds to a processor that reads and executes programs from the memory 55 to realize the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuitry 67, once it has read each program, has the functions corresponding to the read program. Note that each function in the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function in the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673. The processing circuitry 67 that realizes the acquisition function 671 and the control function 673 is an example of an acquisition unit and a control unit.

[0060] The processing circuitry 67 acquires the sample processing information output from the input interface 51 using the acquisition function 671. The acquisition function 671 stores the acquired sample processing information in the memory 55.

[0061] The processing circuit 67 controls the entire sample processing device 5 using a control function 673. For example, the control function 673 controls the moving device 57, the cooling device 59, the valve driving device 61, the liquid delivery device 63, and the incubator 65 in accordance with the sample processing information. For example, when the cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5, the control function 673 controls at least one of the moving device 57 and the liquid delivery device 63 in accordance with the sample processing information so as to position the cartridge 3 at a position related to the aspirating and discharging of the sample. At this time, the control function 673 controls the cooling device 59 to cool the cartridge 3.

[0062] The processing circuit 67 controls the valve drive device 61 in accordance with the sample processing information using the control function 673. Specifically, the control function 673 moves the position of the valve drive device 61 relative to the cartridge 3 in accordance with the sample processing information. Next, the control function 673 controls the valve drive device 61 in accordance with the sample processing information to drive the valve 41 provided in the cartridge 3. The driving of the valve 41 by the valve drive device 61 will be described later.

[0063] The processing circuit 67 controls the liquid delivery device 63 using the control function 673 in accordance with the sample processing information. For example, the control function 673 controls the movement of the liquid delivery device 63 so that the storage container is located directly below the pressure pad at the tip of the liquid delivery device 63. Next, the control function 673 controls the liquid delivery device 63 so that the pressure pad is brought into close contact with a pressure chamber connected to the upper end of the storage container. Next, the control function 673 controls the liquid delivery device 63 so that air is sucked or pressurized via the pressure pad.

[0064] The processing circuit 67 controls the incubator 65 in accordance with the sample processing information using the control function 673. For example, when a reagent and a sample are delivered to the culture vessel 38, the control function 673 controls the incubator 65 to create an environment suitable for culture in the culture vessel 68. Note that control of the incubator 65 may be started from the point in time when the cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the valve 41 and the valve drive device 61. As shown in FIG. 5, the valve 41 has a grooved block 411 and a first magnet 412. As shown in FIG. 5, the grooved block 411 supports the tube 40 in a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube 40. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the grooved block 411 has a concave shape. The depth of the recessed portion of the grooved block 411, i.e., the depth of the groove, corresponds to, for example, twice the thickness of the tube 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the grooved block 411 is attached to the cartridge 3 using a screw 413 so that the opening of the groove in the grooved block 411 faces horizontally. That is, the bottom of the recessed portion of the grooved block 411 and the cartridge 3 are fastened together by the screw 413. The grooved block 411 is also made of a magnetic material.

[0066] The first magnet 412 is disposed between the groove (recess) in the groove block 411 and the cover (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge cover) 42 of the cartridge 3 so as to face the groove in the horizontal direction. The first magnet 412 corresponds to the opening / closing member of the tube 40. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first magnet 412 is disposed in a space (hereinafter referred to as the opening / closing member movement space) formed by the cartridge 3 and the cartridge cover 42. As shown in FIG. 5 , the width of the first magnet 412 is longer than the width of the recess in the groove block 411. Furthermore, the bottom and side surfaces of the opening / closing member movement space function, for example, as guides for the first magnet 412.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5 , the valve drive device 61 includes a moving support mechanism 611, a second magnet 613, and a magnet cover 615. As shown in FIG. 5 , the moving support mechanism 611 is configured as a double-acting air cylinder having two ports 617. The two ports 617 are connected to, for example, an air compressor that pressurizes air. The second magnet 613 is provided at the tip of the air cylinder 611 via the magnet cover 615. The magnet cover 615 is configured of a highly magnetically permeable material and a member having enough rigidity to support the second magnet 613 while maintaining the magnetic permeability. The polarity of the second magnet 613 facing the first magnet 412 is different from that of the first magnet 412. That is, the second magnet 613 has a polarity that attracts the first magnet 412 via the cartridge cover 42. For example, one surface of the first magnet 412 and one surface of the second magnet 613 facing the first magnet 412 have polarities that are different from each other (south pole and north pole, or north pole and south pole).

[0068] In state (1) shown in FIG. 5 , the groove block 411 and the first magnet (which may also be referred to as an internal magnet) 412 are attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the first magnet 412. As a result, the tube 40 is crushed by being pinched between the groove block 411 and the first magnet 412. This closes the tube 40. In state (1), the tube 40 is closed, and liquid cannot pass through the tube 40. State (1) may also be referred to as a closed state. Furthermore, the closed state (1) shown in FIG. 5 may also be referred to as a normally closed state, because the tube 40 is closed when the air cylinder 611 is retracted (normal state).

[0069] In the state (2) shown in Figure 5, the first magnet 412 and the second magnet (which may be referred to as an external magnet) 613 are attracted to each other by their magnetic force. That is, when the air cylinder 611 extends from the closed state (1) toward the cartridge cover 42 and the second magnet 613 comes into contact with the cartridge cover 42, the first magnet 412 is attracted to the second magnet 613. This causes the tube 40 to expand due to its own elasticity, allowing liquid to pass through. The state (2) may also be referred to as the open state.

[0070] In realizing the closed state (1) and the open state (2), the relationship between the magnetic force of the first magnet 412 (hereinafter referred to as the first magnetic force F1) and the magnetic force of the second magnet 613 (hereinafter referred to as the second magnetic force F2) will be described. When the second magnet 613 is closest to the first magnet 412, i.e., in the open state (2), the first magnetic force F1 between the magnetic groove block 411 and the first magnet 412 is smaller than the second magnetic force F2 between the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 (F1<F2). Also, when the second magnet 613 is furthest from the first magnet 412, i.e., in the closed state (1), the first magnetic force F1 is greater than the second magnetic force F2 (F1>F2). In other words, in order to achieve the closed state (1) and the open state (2) with first magnet 412 and second magnet 613 of the same size, the magnetic flux density of second magnet 613 is required to be greater than the magnetic flux density of first magnet 412. However, the sizes of first magnet 412 and second magnet 613 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0071] The components of the sample processing system 1 have been described above. Below, the procedure for the control process (hereinafter referred to as the valve opening / closing process) performed by the sample processing device 5 regarding the opening and closing of the valve 41 will be described. The method for realizing the valve opening / closing process may be referred to as a valve control method. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the valve opening / closing process. It is assumed that the sample and reagent are pre-loaded in the cartridge 3 prior to the valve opening / closing process. It is also assumed that the sample processing information is pre-loaded prior to the valve opening / closing process.

[0072] (Valve Opening / Closing Process) (Step S601) The processing circuitry 67 acquires sample processing information using the acquisition function 671. The acquisition function 671 may acquire the sample processing information from each server device or the like via a network. The acquisition function 671 stores the acquired sample processing information in the memory 55.

[0073] (Step S602) The operator OP operates to insert the cartridge 3 into the sample processing device 5. At this time, the moving device 57 supports the cartridge 3, which includes a sample container that holds a suspended sample, a reagent container that holds a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container 38 in which the sample and reagent are mixed, a flow path that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38 and is formed using a tube 40, and a valve 41 that is provided for the flow path and uses an opening / closing member that can be driven by magnetic force.

[0074] (Step S603) The processing circuit 67 controls the moving device 57, the cooling device 59, etc. using the control function 673. In addition, the control function 673 controls the valve driving device 61 in accordance with the sample processing information. Under the control of the control function 673, the valve driving device 61 drives the opening and closing of the valve 41 from outside the cartridge 3 by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member (first magnet 412 or magnetic body).

[0075] Specifically, the valve drive device 61 extends the air cylinder 611 for the valve 41 that opens the closed tube 40 (i.e., the valve to be opened among the valves in the closed state (1)). This causes the second magnet 613 to abut against the cartridge cover 42. At this time, the first magnet 412 is attracted to the second magnet 613, opening the tube 40 for the valve to be opened and achieving the open state (2). When transitioning the state of the valve 41 from the open state (2) to the closed state (1), the valve drive device 61 retracts the air cylinder 611 for the valve in the open state (2). This causes the second magnet 613 to move away from the cartridge cover 42. At this time, the first magnet 412 is attracted to the groove block 411, closing the tube 40 for the valve to be closed and achieving the closed state (1). Note that magnetic interaction with magnetic bodies will be described in a modified example. In this manner, the valve 41 is opened and closed.

[0076] (Step S604) The processing circuitry 67 controls the liquid delivery device 63 in accordance with the sample processing information using the control function 673. Under the control of the control function 673, the liquid delivery device 63 aspirates and discharges the sample and / or reagent.

[0077] (Step S605) If the liquid transfer is not completed (No in step S605), the processes from step S603 onward are repeated. If the liquid transfer is completed (Yes in step S605), the process of step S606 is executed.

[0078] (Step S606) The processing circuitry 67 controls the moving device 57 using the control function 673. As a result, the moving device 57 moves the cartridge 3 into the incubator 65.

[0079] The sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment described above supports a cartridge 3 having a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent, a mixing container 38 in which the sample and reagent are mixed, a flow path formed by a tube 40 connecting the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38, and a valve 41 provided in the flow path and using an open / close member that can be driven by magnetic force, and the valve 41 is opened and closed by magnetic interaction with the open / close member (first magnet 412). The open / close member in the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment is a permanent magnet (first magnet 412). The sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a groove block 411 made of a magnetic material that supports the tube 40 in a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube 40 and is attached to the cartridge 3 so that the opening of the groove faces horizontally, a first magnet 412 that corresponds to the open / close member and is positioned between the groove and the cartridge cover 42 so as to face the groove in the horizontal direction, and a second magnet 613 that attracts the first magnet 412 via the cartridge cover 42. In addition, the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment supports the second magnet 613 so that it can be moved horizontally, and when the valve 41 is opened, the second magnet 613 is moved so that it abuts against the cartridge cover 42.

[0080] Furthermore, in the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the second magnet 613 is closest to the first magnet 412, the first magnetic force F1 is smaller than the second magnetic force F2 (F1<F2), and when the second magnet 613 is furthest from the first magnet 412, the first magnetic force F1 is larger than the second magnetic force F2 (F1>F2). Furthermore, in the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the magnetic flux density of the second magnet 613 is larger than the magnetic flux density of the first magnet 412.

[0081] For these reasons, in the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the opening and closing member of the valve 41 has a magnet, and the magnetic force between the magnet and an opening and closing means outside the cartridge interacts to open or close the valve 41. Therefore, in the sample processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, flow path switching within a closed cartridge can be achieved with a simple configuration, without using a complex configuration such as providing an actuator or the like at each flow path switching point within the cartridge.

[0082] (First Modification) In a first modification of the first embodiment, the groove block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material. In this modification, the polarities of the opposing surfaces of the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 are the same. That is, the valve drive device 61 has the second magnet 613 that repels the first magnet 412 via the cartridge cover 42.

[0083] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a valve 41 and a valve drive device 61 according to a first modified example. The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 is that the grooved block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material, and the polarities of the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 are the same on the opposing surfaces where the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 face each other. In other words, the second magnet 613 has polarities that repel the first magnet 412 via the cartridge cover 42 (south pole and south pole, or north pole and north pole).

[0084] 7 , when the valve 41 is closed, the air cylinder 611 moves the second magnet 613 so that the second magnet 613 abuts against the cartridge cover 42. As a result, the first magnet (internal magnet) 412 and the second magnet (external magnet) 613 repel each other, and the first magnet 412 comes into close contact with the groove block 411. As a result, the tube 40 is crushed by being sandwiched between the groove block 411 and the first magnet 412. As a result, the tube 40 is closed.

[0085] In the state (2) shown in Figure 7, the second magnet (external magnet) 613 moves away from the first magnet 412, weakening the repulsive force between the second magnet (external magnet) 613 and the first magnet 412. As a result, the elastic force of the tube 40 restores the shape of the tube 40, allowing liquid to pass through. The closed state (2) shown in Figure 7 may also be called a normally open state, because the tube 40 is open when the air cylinder 611 is extended (normal state).

[0086] In the sample processing system 1 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment described above, the groove block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material, and the valve drive device 61 has a second magnet 613 that repels the first magnet 412 via the cartridge cover 42. Furthermore, the sample processing system 1 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment moves the second magnet 613 so that the second magnet 613 abuts against the cartridge cover 42 when the valve 41 is closed. Other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0087] (Second Modification) In a second modification of the first embodiment, the groove block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material. In this case, the polarities of the opposing surfaces of the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 are opposite. In addition, the first magnet 412 and the cartridge cover 42 are connected by an elastic body whose natural length is longer than the distance between the cartridge cover 42 and the groove block 411. As an application example of the second modification, a magnetic body may be used instead of the first magnet 412. The elastic body is realized by, for example, a spring. For the sake of concreteness, the following description will be given assuming that the elastic body is a spring.

[0088] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a valve 41 and a valve drive device 61 according to a second modified example. Fig. 8 differs from Fig. 5 in that the grooved block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material, and the first magnet 412 and the cartridge cover 42 are connected via a spring 414. As shown in Fig. 8, the natural length of the spring 414 is longer than the distance between the cartridge cover 42 and the grooved block 411.

[0089] In state (1) shown in Figure 8, the grooved block 411 and the first magnet (which may also be referred to as an internal magnet) 412 are in close contact with each other due to the elastic force of the spring 414. As a result, the tube 40 is crushed by being sandwiched between the grooved block 411 and the first magnet 412. This closes the tube 40. In state (1), the tube 40 is closed, and liquid cannot pass through the tube 40. State (1) corresponds to a normally closed state.

[0090] In the state (2) shown in Figure 8, the first magnet 412 and the second magnet (external magnet) 613 are attracted to each other by their magnetic force. That is, when the air cylinder 611 extends from the closed state (1) toward the cartridge cover 42 and the second magnet 613 comes into contact with the cartridge cover 42, the first magnet 412 is attracted to the second magnet 613. At this time, the spring 414 contracts due to the attraction between the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613. This expands the tube 40, allowing liquid to pass through.

[0091] In realizing the closed state (1) and the open state (2), the relationship between the first magnetic force F1 and the second magnetic force F2 is the same as in the first embodiment. In this modification, when the second magnet 613 is closest to the first magnet 412, i.e., in the open state (2), the second magnetic force F2 is required to be greater than the elastic force F3 when the spring 414 is in its most compressed state (F2>F3).

[0092] In the sample processing system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment described above, the groove block 411 is made of a non-magnetic material, and the valve 41 has a natural length that is longer than the distance between the first magnet 412 or magnetic material and the cartridge cover 42, and has an elastic body 414 that connects the first magnet 412 or magnetic material and the cartridge cover 42. Other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] (Application Example) An application example of the first embodiment is to use a magnet as the material of the groove block 411. In this case, a magnetic material may be used instead of the first magnet 412. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] When the technical features of the first embodiment are realized by a cartridge 3, the cartridge 3 includes a sample container that holds a sample, a reagent container that holds a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container 38 in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38 and is formed by a tube 40, and a valve 41 that is provided to the flow path and uses an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and the opening and closing of the valve 41 is driven by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member. The processing procedures and effects of the valve opening and closing process in the cartridge 3 are similar to those of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] When the technical features of the first embodiment are realized in a sample processing device 5, the sample processing device 5 includes a sample container that holds a sample, a reagent container that holds a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container 38 in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38 and is formed using a tube 40, a moving unit 57 that movably supports a cartridge 3 that has a valve 41 that is provided to the flow path and uses an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and a valve driving unit 61 that drives the opening and closing of the valve 41 by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member. The processing procedures and effects of the valve opening and closing processing in the sample processing device 5 are similar to those of the first embodiment, so description will be omitted.

[0096] When the technical features of the first embodiment are realized by a valve control method, the valve control method supports a cartridge 3 having a sample container that holds a sample, a reagent container that holds a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container 38 in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path that connects the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container 38 and is formed using a tube 40, and a valve 41 that is provided to the flow path and uses an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and drives the opening and closing of the valve 41 by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member. The valve opening and closing process procedures and effects of the valve control method are similar to those of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] According to at least one of the first embodiment, first variant, second variant, application example, etc. described above, in a closed system cartridge 3 incorporating a flow path for transporting a cell suspension, it is possible to switch the flow path from outside the cartridge 3.

[0098] Second Embodiment This embodiment is directed to checking whether the opening and closing of the valve 41 having the first magnet 412 is normal or abnormal, i.e., detecting abnormalities in the opening and closing of the valve 41 (hereinafter referred to as abnormality detection processing). An abnormal state in which the valve 41 is opening or closing corresponds to, for example, a state in which the valve 41 is unable to open or close the tube 40 due to a malfunction of the first magnet 412 in the cartridge 3, even though a command for the opening and closing operation has been output by the control function 673. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample processing device 7 according to this embodiment. The sample processing device 7 is mounted on the sample processing system 1. For the sake of concreteness, the following description will be given assuming that the movement support mechanism 611 is implemented by an air cylinder.

[0099] In the moving support mechanism 611, a second magnet 613 is provided at the tip of the rod that can be moved by air. In the moving support mechanism 611, a proximity sensor that detects the approach of the rod in a non-contact manner is provided at the other end of the rod in the moving direction. In other words, the moving support mechanism 611 further has a proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor detects the approach of the rod, the moving support mechanism 611 outputs a detection signal indicating the detection of the rod to the processing circuit 67. As a known proximity sensor can be used, a description thereof will be omitted. Note that a contact sensor that detects contact of the rod may be used instead of the proximity sensor.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the exterior of the valve drive device 61. As shown in FIG. 10, the valve drive device 61 includes a third magnet or magnetic body 621 that is different from the second magnet 613. The third magnet is, for example, a permanent magnet having a magnetic force weaker than the magnetic force (F2) of the second magnet 613. Note that the third magnet is not limited to a permanent magnet and may be another magnet, such as an electromagnet. The magnetic body 621 is, for example, iron. Note that the magnetic body is not limited to iron and may be another magnetic body. Furthermore, the second magnet 613 may be realized by a variable magnetic body whose magnetic force changes. That is, the attraction force F3 by which the third magnet or magnetic body attracts the first magnet 412 is weaker than the force F4 by which the second magnet 613 attracts the first magnet 412 (F3<F4). Hereinafter, for the sake of specificity, the valve drive device 61 will be described as further including a magnetic body.

[0101] 10, the magnetic body 621 is supported by a movement support mechanism 611 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, the movement support mechanisms 611 that support the magnetic body 621 are arranged in a row along the Z direction in correspondence with the arrangement of the second magnets 613 along the Z direction.

[0102] 10 , the magnetic body 621 (or the third magnet) is disposed at a different position from the second magnet 613, but the arrangement of the magnetic body 621 (or the third magnet) in the valve drive device 61 is not limited to this. For example, the moving support mechanism 611 that supports the magnetic body 621 (or the third magnet) may be mounted on the valve drive device 61 so as to be interchangeable with the moving support mechanism 611 that supports the second magnet 613.

[0103] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing interchangeability between the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the magnetic body 621 and the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the second magnet 613. As shown in Fig. 11, the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the magnetic body 621 and the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the second magnet 613 are supported by a rotary motor 625 so that these two moving support mechanisms 611 can rotate around a rotation transmission shaft 623. The rotary motor 625 is mounted on the valve drive device 61.

[0104] The rotation motor 625 rotates the rotation transmission shaft 623 around the X-axis as the rotation axis under the control of the control function 673. As a result, the position of the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the magnetic body 621 (or the third magnet) is swapped with the moving support mechanism 611 supporting the second magnet 613. The configuration shown in Fig. 11 is applicable, for example, to a case where the cartridge 3 is stationary and the number of valves 41 is small.

[0105] The processing circuit 67 uses a control function 673 to control the pressure of air supplied to the air cylinder, which is the movement support mechanism 611. This changes the pressure supplied to the air cylinder 611. For example, the control function 673 changes the pressure between a first pressure related to opening the valve 41 and a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The first pressure is, for example, a pressure used in the valve opening and closing process. The second pressure is, for example, a pressure lower than the pressure required to separate the first magnet 412 and the third magnet or magnetic body, which are attracted to each other by magnetic interaction via the cartridge cover 42, from the cartridge cover 42.

[0106] Furthermore, in an abnormality detection process for detecting abnormalities in the opening and closing operations of a plurality of valves in the cartridge 3, the control function 673 controls the movement device 57 so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic body 621. As a result, the cartridge 3 moves so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic body 621. Note that, if a rotary motor 625 is mounted on the valve drive device 61, the control function 673 controls the rotation of the rotary motor 625 in the abnormality detection process. At this time, the magnetic body 621 is positioned opposite the valve 41.

[0107] The processing circuit 67 determines an abnormality in the opening / closing of the valve 41 by changing the pressure under the control of the control function 673 using the determination function 675 to move the second magnet 613 and the third magnet or magnetic body 621 in the horizontal direction. For example, the determination function 675 determines an abnormality in the opening / closing of the valve 41 by using the first pressure and the second pressure to move the second magnet 613 and the third magnet or magnetic body 621 in the horizontal direction. Details of the determination of an abnormality in the valve 41 will be described later in the abnormality detection process. The processing circuit 67 that realizes the determination function 675 corresponds to the determination unit.

[0108] The output interface 53 displays, for example, on a display, the results of the abnormality detection process to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the valve 41. That is, the output interface 53 displays the operation confirmation results (normal or abnormal) for all valves (each of the multiple valves) in the cartridge 3 as a list related to the multiple valves on a user interface screen (UI screen) of the display.

[0109] The components of the sample processing system 1 according to the second embodiment have been described above. The process of detecting an abnormality in the operation of the valve 41 (abnormality detection process) will now be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the abnormality detection process. It is assumed that the cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5 prior to the execution of the abnormality detection process.

[0110] (Abnormality Detection Process) (Step S121) The processing circuit 67 moves the cartridge 3 to the position of the cylinder using the control function 673. As a result, the valve 41 in the cartridge 3 faces the movement support mechanism 611 that supports the second magnet 613.

[0111] (Step S122) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the second pressure to the air cylinder 611. The supply of air at the second pressure extends the air cylinder 611. As a result, the second magnet 613 abuts against the cartridge cover 42.

[0112] (Step S123) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the second pressure to the air cylinder 611. As a result, the second pressure is used to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42. That is, the moving support mechanism 611 uses the second pressure to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the second magnet 613 into contact with the cartridge cover 42.

[0113] (Step S124) If the proximity sensor is turned ON, i.e., if the other end of the air cylinder 611 approaches the proximity sensor within a predetermined distance (Yes in step S124), the process of step S130 is executed. The predetermined distance is the detection range of the proximity sensor. Note that if a contact sensor is used instead of a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor turning ON corresponds to the rod 612 of the air cylinder 611 coming into contact with the contact sensor. If the proximity sensor remains OFF, i.e., if the other end of the air cylinder 611 does not approach the proximity sensor within the predetermined distance (No in step S124), the process of step S125 is executed.

[0114] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder 611 from step S122 to step S124. (1) in Fig. 13 shows the state immediately before step S122 is performed. At this time, as shown in (1) in Fig. 13, the rod 612 of the air cylinder 611 is approaching the proximity sensor 619. Therefore, the proximity sensor 619 is in the ON state.

[0115] (2) in Fig. 13 shows the processing state of step S122. As shown in (2) in Fig. 13, air is supplied from port 617 with the second pressure, and the piston moves toward cartridge cover 42. This causes second magnet 613 to abut against cartridge cover 42 with the second pressure. At this time, as shown in (2) in Fig. 13, rod 612 of air cylinder 611 is moved away from proximity sensor 619. Therefore, proximity sensor 619 is in the OFF state.

[0116] (3) in Figure 13 shows the processing state of step S123. As shown in (3) in Figure 13, air is supplied from port 617 at the second pressure. In (3) in Figure 13, the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 are attracted to each other due to magnetic interaction via the cartridge cover 42. Therefore, even if air is supplied to the air cylinder 611 from port 617 at the second pressure, the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 remain attracted to each other due to magnetic interaction via the cartridge cover 42. At this time, as shown in (3) in Figure 13, the rod 612 of the air cylinder 611 is away from the proximity sensor 619. Therefore, the proximity sensor 619 is in the OFF state.

[0117] FIG. 14 shows an example of the operation of the air cylinder 611 from step S122 to step S124. (1) in FIG. 14 is the same as (1) in FIG. 13 , and therefore will not be described further. (2) in FIG. 14 shows the state of the process of step S122. As in (2) in FIG. 13 , in (2) in FIG. 14 , the second magnet 613 is abutted against the cartridge cover 42 with the second pressure. At this time, in (2) in FIG. 14 , the first magnet 412 is biting (BITing) the wall surface (cartridge 3) in the movable space of the first magnet 412. The magnetic interaction between the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 in (2) in FIG. 14 is weaker due to the magnetic interaction between the first magnet 412 and the second magnet 613 via the cartridge cover 42 in (2) in FIG. 13 .

[0118] (3) in Fig. 14 shows the processing state of step S123. As shown in (3) in Fig. 14, air is supplied from port 617 at the second pressure. Because the first magnet 412 is biting (BIT) into the wall surface of the movable space of the first magnet 412, when air is supplied from port 617 to the air cylinder 611 at the second pressure, the rod 612 of the air cylinder 611 approaches the proximity sensor 619, as shown in (3) in Fig. 14. At this time, the proximity sensor 619 is in the ON state.

[0119] (Step S125) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the first pressure to the air cylinder 611. As a result, the first pressure is used to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42. In other words, the movement support mechanism 611 uses the first pressure to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the second magnet 613 into contact with the cartridge cover 42.

[0120] (Step S126) The second magnet 613 is changed to the magnetic material 621. For example, the processing circuit 67 controls the movement device 57 by the control function 673 so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic material 621. Furthermore, if a rotary motor 625 is mounted on the valve drive device 61, the control function 673 controls the rotation of the rotary motor 625. Through the above processing, the second magnet 613 supported by the movement support mechanism 611 at the position opposite the valve 41 is changed to the magnetic material 621.

[0121] (Step S127) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the second pressure to the air cylinder 611. The supply of air at the second pressure extends the air cylinder 611. As a result, the magnetic body 621 abuts against the cartridge cover 42.

[0122] (Step S128) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the second pressure to the air cylinder 611. As a result, the second pressure is used to separate the magnetic body 621 from the cartridge cover 42. In other words, the moving support mechanism 611 uses the second pressure to separate the magnetic body 621 from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the magnetic body 621 into contact with the cartridge cover 42.

[0123] (Step S129) If the proximity sensor 619 is turned ON (Yes in step S129), the process proceeds to step S131. If the proximity sensor 619 remains OFF (No in step S129), the process proceeds to step S130.

[0124] (Step S130) The processing circuit 67 determines whether the valve 41 is abnormal using the determination function 675. That is, if the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42 at the second pressure, the determination function 675 determines that the valve 41 (is open) is abnormal. Also, if the magnetic material 621 does not separate from the cartridge cover 42 at the second pressure, the determination function 675 determines that the valve 41 (is closed) is abnormal. The determination function 675 associates the number of the valve determined to be abnormal with information that it is abnormal and stores this information in the memory 55.

[0125] (Step S131) ​​The processing circuit 67 determines, using the determination function 675, that the valve 41 is normal. That is, when the magnetic body 621 separates from the cartridge cover 42 at the second pressure, the determination function 675 determines that the valve 41 (closed and open) is normal. The determination function 675 associates the number of the valve determined to be normal with information that the valve is normal, and stores this information in the memory 55. Note that the determination processes in steps S130 and S131 may be performed using a correspondence table that indicates normality or abnormality for conditions related to the determination process.

[0126] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder 611 from step S122 to step S125 to step S128. (1) in FIG. 15 is the same state as (2) in FIG. 13, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. (2) in FIG. 15 shows the state of processing in step S125. As shown in (2) in FIG. 15, air is supplied from the port 617 at a first pressure, and the piston moves toward the proximity sensor 619. (3) in FIG. 15 shows the state of processing in step S126. As shown in (3) in FIG. 15, the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic body 621.

[0127] (4) in FIG. 15 shows the state of processing in step S127. As shown in (4) in FIG. 15, air is supplied from port 617 at the second pressure, and the piston moves toward cartridge cover 42. This causes magnetic body 621 to abut against cartridge cover 42 at the second pressure. (5) in FIG. 15 shows the state of processing in step S128. As shown in (3) in FIG. 15, air is supplied from port 617 at the second pressure. Because the first magnet 412 and magnetic body 621 are not attracted to each other via the cartridge cover 42, when air is supplied from port 617 to air cylinder 611 at the second pressure, rod 612 of air cylinder 611 approaches proximity sensor 619 as shown in (5) in FIG. 15. At this time, proximity sensor 619 is turned on, and the valve 41 is determined to be normal.

[0128] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air cylinder 611 from step S122 to step S125 through step S128. (1) in FIG. 16 is the same state as (1) in FIG. 15 , and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. (2) in FIG. 16 shows the state of the processing of step S125. As shown in (2) in FIG. 16 , air is supplied from the port 617 with a first pressure, and the piston moves toward the proximity sensor 619. At this time, in (2) in FIG. 16 , the first magnet 412, which is in contact with the cartridge cover 42, is biting (BIT) into the wall surface (cartridge 3) in the movable space of the first magnet 412.

[0129] (3) in FIG. 16 and (4) in FIG. 16 indicate step S126 and the processing state of step S126, respectively. (3) in FIG. 16 and (4) in FIG. 16 are similar to (3) in FIG. 15 and (4) in FIG. 15 except for the first magnet 412 biting into the wall surface, and therefore will not be described again. (4) in FIG. 16 indicates the processing state of step S127. As shown in (4) in FIG. 16, even if air is supplied from port 617 with the second pressure and the piston attempts to move toward cartridge cover 42, the first magnet 412 and magnetic material 621 remain attracted to each other due to magnetic interaction via cartridge cover 42. At this time, proximity sensor 619 remains in the OFF state, and the valve 41 is determined to be abnormal.

[0130] (Step S132) If inspection has been completed for all valves mounted on the cartridge 3 (Yes in step S132), the process of step S133 is executed. If inspection has not been completed for all valves mounted on the cartridge 3 (No in step S132), the processes from step S121 onwards are repeated for valves that have not yet been inspected.

[0131] (Step S133) Under control of the control function 673, the processing circuitry 67 notifies the user of the test results (normal or abnormal) for all the valves via the output interface 53. For example, the control function 673 displays the test results for all the valves on a display.

[0132] The sample processing system 1 according to the second embodiment described above controls the pressure of air supplied to the air cylinder 611, supports a third magnet or magnetic body 621 different from the second magnet 613 so that it can move horizontally, and changes the pressure to move the second magnet 613 and the third magnet or magnetic body 621 horizontally, thereby determining an abnormality in the opening or closing of the valve 41. For example, the sample processing system 1 according to the second embodiment supports a third magnet or magnetic body 621 having a weaker magnetic force than the second magnet 613 so that it can move horizontally, and determines an abnormality in the opening or closing of the valve 41 by moving the second magnet 613 and the third magnet or magnetic body 621 horizontally using a first pressure related to the opening of the valve 41 and a second pressure smaller than the first pressure.

[0133] For example, the sample processing system 1 according to the second embodiment uses a second pressure to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the second magnet 613 into contact with the cartridge cover 42, and determines that the valve 41 is malfunctioning if the second magnet 613 moves away from the cartridge cover 42 with the second pressure. Also, the sample processing system 1 according to the second embodiment uses a first pressure to move the second magnet 613 away from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the second magnet 613 into contact with the cartridge cover 42, and uses a second pressure to move the third magnet or magnetic body 621 away from the cartridge cover 42 after bringing the third magnet or magnetic body 621 into contact with the cartridge cover 42, and determines that the valve 41 is malfunctioning if the third magnet or magnetic body 621 does not move away from the cartridge cover 42 with the second pressure, and determines that the valve 41 is normal if the third magnet or magnetic body 621 moves away from the cartridge cover 42 with the second pressure.

[0134] For these reasons, according to the sample processing system 1 of the second embodiment, by replacing the magnet placed at the tip of the air cylinder 611 with a third magnet or magnetic material 621 and changing the pressure supplied to the air cylinder 611 to operate the air cylinder 611 and detect the rod 612, it is possible to easily check whether the valve 41 having the first magnet 412 in the closed-system cartridge 3 is opening or closing normally or abnormally. As a result, according to the sample processing system 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the valve before sample processing is performed using the cartridge 3, thereby improving the efficiency of sample processing, i.e., improving the throughput of sample processing. In addition, according to the sample processing system 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of sample processing attempts due to a malfunction of the valve, thereby reducing the cost related to the sample processing.

[0135] (Application Example) An application example of the second embodiment is to identify the cause of an abnormality related to the opening and closing of the valve 41 using a pressure-related threshold value. The cause of the abnormality may be, for example, a magnet being placed in the valve 41 with its magnetic pole facing in the opposite direction to that at the time of design (hereinafter referred to as a magnetic pole error), no magnet being placed in the valve 41 (hereinafter referred to as a forgotten magnet), a magnet being placed in the valve 41 that is smaller than the size set at the time of design (hereinafter referred to as a small size), or a magnet being placed in the valve 41 that is larger than the size set at the time of design (hereinafter referred to as a large size). In this application example, a third magnet having a polarity opposite to that of the second magnet 613 is used.

[0136] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge 3 and the valve drive device 61 in a state in which the cartridge 3 is brought close to the cartridge 3. A third magnet is provided in the air cylinder 628 of the valve drive device 61 at a position facing the cartridge cover 42. The third magnet has a polarity opposite to that of the second magnet 613. Note that the change from the second magnet 613 to the third magnet may be realized by using the third magnet in place of the magnetic body 621 in the mechanism shown in FIG.

[0137] The processing circuit 67 controls the pressure of air supplied to the air cylinder, which is the movement support mechanism 611, using a control function 673. This changes the pressure supplied to the air cylinders 611, 628. For example, the control function 673 continuously changes the pressure from atmospheric pressure to a limit pressure (hereinafter referred to as the limit pressure) that exceeds the first pressure related to the opening of the valve 41 and is allowed by the air cylinder 611. The limit pressure is set in advance and stored in the memory 55. The control function 673 controls the increase in air pressure to be equal to or less than the limit pressure until the proximity sensor 619 detects the rod 612.

[0138] After the control function 673 brings the second magnet 613 into contact with the cartridge cover 42, it increases the pressure until the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42. Furthermore, if the pressure at the time when the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42 (hereinafter referred to as the first separation pressure) is not within a predetermined range, after the control function 673 brings the third magnet into contact with the cartridge cover 42, it increases the pressure until the third magnet separates from the cartridge cover 42. The predetermined range is, for example, a range centered around the pressure (first pressure) at which the proximity sensor 619 turns on due to normal operation of the valve 41. The upper and lower limit pressures of the predetermined range are set in advance, for example, by hysteresis at which the proximity sensor 619 turns on, and are stored in the memory 55.

[0139] Furthermore, in a process for identifying the cause of the abnormality of the valve 41 (hereinafter referred to as the cause identification process), the control function 673 controls the moving device 57 so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic body 621. As a result, the cartridge 3 moves so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the magnetic body 621.

[0140] The processing circuit 67 determines, through the determination function 675, whether there is an abnormality in the opening or closing of the valve 41 by moving the second magnet 613 and the third magnet in the horizontal direction while increasing the pressure under the control of the control function 673. For example, if the first separating pressure at the time when the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42 is within a predetermined range, the determination function 675 determines that the opening or closing of the valve 41 is normal. The determination function 675 also determines the cause of the abnormality in the opening or closing of the valve 41 based on the first separating pressure and the pressure at the time when the third magnet separates from the cartridge cover 42 (hereinafter referred to as the second separating pressure).

[0141] For example, if the first separating pressure and the second separating pressure are equal to or less than a threshold, the determination function 675 determines that the first magnet 412 is not placed in the valve 41 (hereinafter referred to as a missing magnet). The threshold is a pressure value smaller than a predetermined range, is set in advance, and is stored in the memory 55. The threshold corresponds to, for example, the pressure when the piston in the air cylinder 611 starts moving and the proximity sensor 619 turns ON when the first magnet 412 is not present. Furthermore, if the first separating pressure is between the lower limit of the predetermined range and the threshold and the second separating pressure is equal to or less than the threshold, the determination function 675 determines that the size of the first magnet 412 is smaller than a predetermined size (hereinafter referred to as a small size). Furthermore, if the first separating pressure is equal to or less than the threshold and the second separating pressure is within the predetermined range, the determination function 675 determines that the polarity of the first magnet 412 is the same as the polarity of the third magnet (hereinafter referred to as a misaligned polarity). Furthermore, if the first separating pressure exceeds a predetermined range and the second separating pressure is below a threshold value, the judgment function 675 determines that the size of the first magnet 412 is larger than a predetermined size (hereinafter referred to as large size) or that the first magnet 412 is embedded in the wall surface of the movable space of the first magnet 412.

[0142] The output interface 53 displays, for example, on a display, the results of the valve abnormality determination made by the cause identification process under the control of the control function 673. For example, the output interface 53 displays the operation confirmation results (normal or abnormal) for all valves (each of the multiple valves) in the cartridge 3 and the cause of the abnormality as a list related to the multiple valves on a user interface screen (UI screen) of the display.

[0143] The components of the sample processing system 1 according to the application example of the second embodiment have been described above. The cause identification process will now be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the cause identification process. It is assumed that the cartridge 3 is inserted into the sample processing device 5 prior to the execution of the cause identification process. Furthermore, steps S181, S182, and S192 in Figure 18 are the same as steps S121, S122, and S132 in Figure 12, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0144] (Cause Identification Process) (Step S183) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to increase the pressure from atmospheric pressure to the limit pressure and supply air at that pressure to the air cylinder 611. As a result, the pressure is increased from atmospheric pressure and air at that pressure is supplied from the air compressor to the air cylinder 611 so as to separate the second magnet 613 from the cartridge cover 42.

[0145] (Step S184) If the proximity sensor 619 turns ON, that is, if the other end of the air cylinder 611 approaches the proximity sensor 619 to a predetermined distance (Yes in step S184), the process of step S185 is executed. The control function 673 stores the pressure (first separating pressure) at the time the proximity sensor 619 turns ON in the memory 55. If the proximity sensor 619 remains OFF, that is, if the other end of the air cylinder 611 does not approach the proximity sensor 619 to a predetermined distance (No in step S184), the process of step S185 is executed.

[0146] (Step S185) The processing circuit 67 determines whether the first separating pressure is within a predetermined range using the determination function 675. If the first separating pressure is within the predetermined range (Yes in step S185), the process proceeds to step S186. If the first separating pressure is not within the predetermined range (No in step S185), the process proceeds to step S187.

[0147] (Step S186) The processing circuit 67 determines that the valve 41 facing the air cylinder 611 associated with the proximity sensor 619 that has turned on is normal using the determination function 675. The determination function 675 associates the number of the valve determined to be normal with information that it is normal, and stores this information in the memory 55.

[0148] (Step S187) The second magnet 613 is changed to a third magnet. For example, the processing circuit 67 controls the movement device 57 using the control function 673 so that the valve 41 is positioned opposite the third magnet (i.e., the air cylinder 628 that supports the third magnet). Furthermore, if a rotary motor 625 is mounted on the valve drive device 61, the control function 673 controls the rotation of the rotary motor 625. Through the above processing, the second magnet 613 supported by the movement support mechanism 611 at a position opposite the valve 41 is changed to the third magnet.

[0149] (Step S188) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to supply air at the first pressure to the air cylinder 628. The supply of air at the first pressure extends the air cylinder 628. As a result, the third magnet abuts against the cartridge cover 42.

[0150] (Step S189) The processing circuit 67 controls the air compressor using the control function 673 to increase the pressure from atmospheric pressure to the limit pressure and supply air at that pressure to the air cylinder 628. As a result, the pressure is increased from atmospheric pressure and air at that pressure is supplied from the air compressor to the air cylinder 628 so as to separate the third magnet from the cartridge cover 42.

[0151] (Step S190) If the proximity sensor 619 is turned ON (Yes in step S190), the process of step S191 is executed. The control function 673 stores the pressure (second separating pressure) at the time when the proximity sensor 619 is turned ON in the memory 55. If the proximity sensor 619 remains OFF (No in step S190), the process of step S191 is executed.

[0152] (Step S191) The processing circuit 67 uses the determination function 675 to determine the cause of the abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve 41 based on the first isolating pressure and the second isolating pressure. For example, if the first isolating pressure and the second isolating pressure are equal to or lower than a threshold, the determination function 675 determines that the cause of the abnormality in the valve 41 is that a magnet has been left inserted. Alternatively, if the first isolating pressure is between the lower limit of a predetermined range and the threshold and the second isolating pressure is equal to or lower than the threshold, the determination function 675 determines that the cause of the abnormality in the valve 41 is that the size is small.

[0153] Furthermore, if the first separating pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value and the second separating pressure is within a predetermined range, the determination function 675 determines that the cause of the abnormality in the valve 41 is a magnetic pole error. Furthermore, if the first separating pressure exceeds the predetermined range and the second separating pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value, the determination function 675 determines that the cause of the abnormality in the valve 41 is a large size or jamming of the first magnet 412. The determination function 675 associates the number of the valve determined to be abnormal with the above-mentioned cause and stores them in the memory 55.

[0154] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of processing related to the cause of an abnormality in the valve 41. The MPM in FIG. 19 shows an example of processing when a magnetic pole error is determined. The upper part of the magnetic pole error MPM in FIG. 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 611 in step S182. As shown in the upper part of the magnetic pole error MPM in FIG. 19, the first separating pressure is equal to or lower than the threshold value. The lower part of the magnetic pole error MPM in FIG. 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 628 in step S188. As shown in the lower part of the magnetic pole error MPM in FIG. 19, the second separating pressure falls within a predetermined range.

[0155] The FP in Figure 19 shows an example of the processing performed when it is determined that a magnet has been left in place. The upper part of the magnet-left-in-place FP in Figure 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 611 in step S182. As shown in the upper part of the magnet-left-in-place FP in Figure 19, the first separating pressure is below the threshold value. The lower part of the magnet-left-in-place FP in Figure 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 628 in step S188. As shown in the lower part of the magnet-left-in-place FP in Figure 19, the second separating pressure is also below the threshold value.

[0156] SS in FIG. 19 shows an example of processing when a small size is determined. The upper part of the small size SS in FIG. 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 611 in step S182. As shown in the upper part of the small size SS in FIG. 19, the first separating pressure is located between the lower limit of the predetermined range and the threshold value. Furthermore, the lower part of the small size SS in FIG. 19 shows the state of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 628 in step S188. As shown in the lower part of the small size SS in FIG. 19, the second separating pressure is equal to or lower than the threshold value.

[0157] 19 shows an example of processing when the size is determined to be large. The upper part of the large size LS in FIG. 19 shows the states of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 611 in step S182. As shown in the upper part of the large size LS in FIG. 19, the first separating pressure exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range. The lower part of the large size LS in FIG. 19 shows the states of the valve 41 and the mobile support mechanism 628 in step S188. As shown in the lower part of the large size LS in FIG. 19, the second separating pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0158] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality caused by an increase in pressure. As shown in FIG. 20, in the magnet-missed FP, both the first and second separating pressures are below the threshold value TH. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, in the magnetic pole error MPM, the second separating pressure falls within a predetermined range centered on the first pressure NA. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, in the small size SS, the second separating pressure is located between the lower limit of the magnetic pole error range MPM corresponding to the predetermined range and the threshold value TH. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, in the large size LS, the first separating pressure exceeds the upper limit of the magnetic pole error range MPM corresponding to the predetermined range.

[0159] (Step S193) Under control of the control function 673, the processing circuitry 67 notifies the user of the inspection results (normal or abnormal, and the cause of the abnormality) for all valves via the output interface 53. For example, the control function 673 displays, via the output interface 53, the operation confirmation results (normal or abnormal) and the cause of the abnormality for all valves (each of the multiple valves) in the cartridge 3 as a list for the multiple valves on the user interface screen (UI screen) of the display.

[0160] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a list of inspection results displayed on a display. As shown in Fig. 21, the inspection results for the operation of valve 41 are displayed as a list on the display, including the number (No.) of the magnet corresponding to valve 41, a result indicating whether the valve 41 is normal or abnormal, and the cause if the valve 41 is abnormal.

[0161] The third magnet 629 in the sample processing system 1 according to the application example of the second embodiment described above has the opposite polarity to the second magnet 613, and the sample processing system 1 according to the application example of the second embodiment determines whether there is an abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve 41 by increasing the air pressure while moving the second magnet 613 and the third magnet 629 horizontally. For example, in a sample processing system 1 according to an application example of the second embodiment, after the second magnet 613 is brought into contact with the cartridge cover 42, the air pressure is increased until the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42, and if the first separation pressure at the time when the second magnet 613 separates from the cartridge cover 42 is within a predetermined range, the opening and closing of the valve 41 is determined to be normal; if the first separation pressure is not within the predetermined range, after the third magnet 629 is brought into contact with the cartridge cover 42, the air pressure is increased until the third magnet 629 separates from the cartridge cover 42, and the cause of the abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve 41 is determined based on the first separation pressure and the second separation pressure at the time when the third magnet 629 separates from the cartridge cover 42.

[0162] Specifically, the sample processing system 1 relating to the application example of the second embodiment determines that the first magnet 412 is not positioned in the valve 41 if the first isolation pressure and the second isolation pressure are equal to or less than a threshold value TH that is smaller than a predetermined range; determines that the size of the first magnet 412 is smaller than a predetermined size if the first isolation pressure is between the lower limit of the predetermined range and the threshold value TH and the second isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value TH; determines that the polarity of the first magnet 412 is the same as the polarity of the third magnet 629 if the first isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value TH and the second isolation pressure is within the predetermined range; and determines that the size of the first magnet 412 is larger than the predetermined size or that the first magnet 412 is biting into the wall surface in the movable space of the first magnet 412 if the first isolation pressure exceeds the predetermined range and the second isolation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value TH.

[0163] From these facts, according to the sample processing system 1 relating to the application example of the second embodiment, by changing the magnet placed at the tip of the air cylinder 611 to the third magnet 629 and increasing the pressure supplied to the air cylinders 611, 628 from atmospheric pressure to operate the air cylinders 611, 628 and detect the rod 612, it is possible to easily determine whether the opening and closing of the valve 41 having the first magnet 412 in the closed system cartridge 3 is normal or abnormal, and to identify the cause of the abnormality. Other effects are similar to those of the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0164] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0165] 1 Sample processing system 3 Cartridge 5 Sample processing device 30 Storage container 31 Filter 32 Waste container 33 Spiral channel 34 Tapered container 35 Expansion culture container 36 Infection container 37 Pre-culture container 38 Culture container (mixing container) 39 Heat insulator 40 Tube 41 Valve 42 Cartridge cover 51 Input interface 53 Output interface 55 Memory 57 Moving device 59 Cooling device 61 Valve drive device 63 Liquid delivery device 65 Incubator 67 Processing circuit 411 Groove block 412 First magnet 413 Screw 414 Elastic body (spring) 611 Moving support mechanism 613 Second magnet 615 Magnet cover 617 Port 671 Acquisition function 673 Control function 7 Sample processing device 612 Rod 619 Proximity sensor 621 Magnetic body 623 Rotation transmission shaft 625 Rotation motor 628 Air cylinder 675 Judgment function

Claims

1. A sample processing system comprising: a cartridge having a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path connecting the sample container, the reagent container and the mixing container and formed using a tube, and a valve provided to the flow path and using an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force; and a sample processing device having a valve drive unit that drives the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member.

2. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member is a permanent magnet.

3. The sample processing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve comprises: a groove block made of a magnetic material that supports the tube in a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube and is attached to the cartridge with the opening of the groove facing horizontally; and a first magnet that corresponds to the opening and closing member and is positioned between the groove and a cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction; and the valve drive unit comprises a second magnet that attracts the first magnet via the cover.

4. The sample processing system of claim 3, wherein the valve drive unit further comprises a moving support unit that supports the second magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the second magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is opened.

5. The sample processing system of claim 4, wherein when the second magnet is closest to the first magnet, a first magnetic force between the groove block and the first magnet is smaller than a second magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and when the second magnet is farthest from the first magnet, the first magnetic force is larger than the second magnetic force.

6. The sample processing system of claim 5, wherein the magnetic flux density of the second magnet is greater than the magnetic flux density of the first magnet.

7. A sample processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the valve comprises: a groove block made of a non-magnetic material that supports the tube in a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube and is attached to the cartridge with the opening of the groove facing horizontally; and a first magnet that corresponds to the opening and closing member and is positioned between the groove and a cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction; and the valve driving unit comprises a second magnet that repels the first magnet via the cover.

8. The sample processing system of claim 7, wherein the valve drive unit further comprises a moving support unit that supports the second magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the second magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is closed.

9. The sample processing system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve comprises: a groove block made of a non-magnetic material, which supports the tube with a groove having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tube and is attached to the cartridge with the opening of the groove facing horizontally; a magnet or magnetic body arranged between the groove and a cover of the cartridge so as to face the groove along the horizontal direction; and an elastic body which has a natural length longer than the distance between the magnet or magnetic body and the cover and connects the magnet or magnetic body to the cover; and the valve driving unit comprises another magnet which attracts the magnet or magnetic body via the cover.

10. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein the valve drive unit further comprises a moving support unit that supports the other magnet so that it can be moved horizontally, and the moving support unit moves the other magnet so that it abuts against the cover when the valve is closed.

11. The sample processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the valve driving unit drives the opening and closing of the valve from outside the cartridge.

12. The sample processing system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the moving support unit is an air cylinder and further comprises a control unit which controls the pressure of air supplied to the air cylinder, the valve drive unit further comprises a third magnet or magnetic body different from the second magnet, the moving support unit supports the third magnet or the magnetic body so that it can be moved horizontally, and the control unit changes the pressure to move the second magnet and the third magnet or the magnetic body respectively in the horizontal direction, thereby comprising a determination unit which determines abnormalities in the opening and closing of the valve.

13. The sample processing system of claim 12, wherein the third magnet has a weaker magnetic force than the second magnet, the moving support unit supports the third magnet or the magnetic body so that it can be moved horizontally, and the determination unit determines an abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve by moving the second magnet and the third magnet or the magnetic body respectively in the horizontal direction using a first pressure related to the opening by the control unit and a second pressure smaller than the first pressure.

14. The sample processing system of claim 13, wherein the moving support unit uses the second pressure to move the second magnet away from the cover after abutting the second magnet against the cover, and when the second pressure causes the second magnet to move away from the cover, the determination unit determines that the valve is abnormal.

15. The sample processing system described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the moving support unit uses the first pressure to move the second magnet away from the cover after abutting the second magnet against the cover, and uses the second pressure to move the third magnet or the magnetic body away from the cover after abutting the third magnet or the magnetic body against the cover, and if the third magnet or the magnetic body does not move away from the cover under the second pressure, the determination unit determines that the valve is abnormal, and if the third magnet or the magnetic body moves away from the cover under the second pressure, the determination unit determines that the valve is normal.

16. The sample processing system of claim 12, wherein the third magnet has an opposite polarity to the second magnet, and the determination unit determines an abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve by moving the second magnet and the third magnet in the horizontal direction while increasing the pressure using the control unit.

17. The sample processing system of claim 16, wherein the control unit increases the pressure after the second magnet is brought into contact with the cover until the second magnet is separated from the cover; if the first separation pressure at the time the second magnet is separated from the cover is within a predetermined range, the judgment unit judges that the opening and closing of the valve is normal; if the first separation pressure is not within the predetermined range, the control unit increases the pressure after the third magnet is brought into contact with the cover until the third magnet is separated from the cover; and the judgment unit judges the cause of the abnormality in the opening and closing of the valve based on the first separation pressure and the second separation pressure at the time the third magnet is separated from the cover.

18. The sample processing system of claim 17, wherein the determination unit: determines that the first magnet is not placed in the valve if the first separation pressure and the second separation pressure are equal to or less than a threshold value that is smaller than the specified range; determines that the size of the first magnet is smaller than the specified size if the first separation pressure is between the lower limit of the specified range and the threshold value and the second separation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value; determines that the polarity of the first magnet is the same as the polarity of the third magnet if the first separation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value and the second separation pressure is included in the specified range; and determines that the size of the first magnet is larger than the specified size or that the first magnet is biting into a wall surface in the moving space of the first magnet if the first separation pressure exceeds the specified range and the second separation pressure is equal to or less than the threshold value.

19. A cartridge comprising: a sample container for holding a sample; a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample; a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed; a flow path connecting the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container and formed using a tube; and a valve provided with respect to the flow path and using an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, wherein the opening and closing of the valve is driven by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member.

20. A sample processing device comprising: a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a moving unit for movably supporting a cartridge having a flow path connecting the sample container, the reagent container and the mixing container and formed using a tube, and a valve provided with respect to the flow path and using an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force; and a valve driving unit for driving the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member.

21. A valve control method comprising: supporting a cartridge having a sample container for holding a sample, a reagent container for holding a reagent to be mixed with the sample, a mixing container in which the sample and the reagent are mixed, a flow path connecting the sample container, the reagent container, and the mixing container and formed using a tube, and a valve provided to the flow path and using an opening and closing member that can be driven by magnetic force, and driving the opening and closing of the valve by magnetic interaction with the opening and closing member.

Images