Transporting apparatus and specimen analyzing apparatus

A transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen, comprising: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation. A specimen analyzing apparatus is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transporting apparatus, and specifically relates to a transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen such as blood or the like.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, some specimen analyzing apparatuses for analyzing specimens, such as blood analyzers and coagulation analyzers, supply a specimen using a specimen rack. The specimen rack is configured so as to be capable of holding a row of a plurality of specimen containers that contain specimen. A specimen rack, which holds a plurality of specimen containers, is placed on the transporting apparatus of the specimen analyzing apparatus. The transporting apparatus transports the specimen rack so that each specimen container is sequentially delivered to a specimen aspirating position. The specimen analyzing apparatus aspirates the specimen from the specimen container positioned at the specimen aspirating position, measures the components contained in the aspirated specimen, then analyzes the measurement result.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,487 discloses a specimen analyzing apparatus provided with a transporting apparatus such as described above. The transporting apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,487 is provided with a horizontal transport section for transporting the specimen rack on the transport path in a horizontal direction. The specimen aspirating position is set on the transport path. The horizontal transport section is provided with a rack moving part which has an engage member capable of engaging with the specimen rack, and a drive part for moving the rack moving part in a horizontal direction (transport direction). The horizontal transport section is disposed below the transport path of the specimen rack.

FIG. 23is a front elevation view showing a horizontal transport section901disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,487. As shown inFIG. 23, an engage member902of the horizontal transport section901is configured to be capable of vertically ascending and descending via a solenoid903. The engage member902extends from the transport path904when elevated, and extends into a concavity906of the bottom surface of a specimen rack905disposed at the horizontal transport start position. The horizontal transport section901is configured so that the engage member902engages with the wall906awithin the concavity906when a track conveyor907is moved in the arrow X1direction, and the specimen rack905is transported in the same direction to sequentially position the specimen containers908at the specimen aspirating position.

The horizontal transport section901is configured so that a specimen container908which has already passed the specimen aspirating position can be returned to the specimen aspirating position for reanalysis. When performing reanalysis, the horizontal transport section901transports the specimen rack905in the reverse direction by moving the engage member902in the arrow X2direction to return the specimen rack905to the horizontal transport start position. Thereafter, the horizontal transport section901positions the specimen container908at the specimen aspirating position by again moving the specimen rack905in the arrow X1direction.

The horizontal transport section901shown inFIG. 23returns the specimen rack905to the horizontal transport start position when performing reanalysis. The transport distance of the specimen rack905is therefore increased by repositioning the specimen container908at the specimen aspirating position, and the time required to perform the specimen aspirating operation is likewise increased. Processing efficiency is reduced accordingly.

To eliminate this problem, consideration has been given to moving the specimen container908to the specimen aspirating position directly, that is, not by way of the horizontal transport start position, in the process of moving the specimen rack905in the arrow X2direction. However, such an operation can not be performed by the horizontal transport section901. That is, the engage member902of the horizontal transport section901engages with the concavity906of the specimen rack905with a gap S therebetween. Therefore, when the specimen rack is transported in the arrow X2direction after being transported in the arrow X1direction, the pitch of the specimen rack905is shifted to the degree of the gap S within the concavity906when the engage member902is moved. The position of the specimen container908can not be accurately determined therefore in the process of moving the specimen rack905in the arrow X2direction, which makes it difficult to dispose the specimen container908at the specimen aspirating position without passing through the horizontal transport start position.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is a transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding a specimen container containing a specimen; comprising: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation.

A second aspect of the present invention is a specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding specimen containers in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, each of the specimen containers containing a specimen; a transport controller for controlling the operation of the transporting apparatus; a dispensing unit for dispensing a specimen from a specimen container in the specimen rack transported by the transporting apparatus; a measuring unit for measuring the specimen dispensed by the dispensing unit; and an analyzing unit for analyzing the measurement result by the measuring unit, wherein the transporting apparatus comprises: an engage unit capable of engaging with the specimen rack; and a moving mechanism for moving the engage unit in a transport direction of the specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with the specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation.

A third aspect of the present invention is a specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting a specimen rack holding specimen containers in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, each of the specimen containers containing a specimen; a dispensing unit for dispensing a specimen from a specimen container in the specimen rack transported by the transporting apparatus; a measuring unit for measuring the specimen dispensed by the dispensing unit; an analyzing unit for analyzing the measurement result by the measuring unit; a reading unit for reading identification information provided on the specimen container; and a transport controller for controlling an operation of the transporting apparatus, wherein the transporting apparatus comprises: one engage unit capable of engaging with one specimen rack; another engage unit capable of engaging with another specimen rack, being configured to move in a track parallel to that of the one engage unit; one moving mechanism for moving the one engage unit in a transport direction of the one specimen rack, the transport direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and another moving mechanism for moving the another engage unit in the transporting direction of the another specimen rack, wherein each of the one engage unit and the another engage unit comprises: a pair of engage members, capable of mutually approaching and separating relative to the transport direction, and engaging with a specimen rack gaplessly relative to the transport direction by the approaching operation or the separating operation; and a driver for driving the pair of engage members so as to perform the approaching operation and the separating operation, and the transport controller for controlling the transporting apparatus so as to perform, in parallel, an operation of transporting a specimen container in the one specimen rack to a specimen aspirating position by the dispensing unit using the one engage unit, and an operation of transporting a specimen container in the another specimen rack to a information reading position by the reading unit using the another engage unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The embodiments of the specimen transporting apparatus and the specimen analyzing apparatus using the transporting apparatus of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

FIG. 1is a general view of the specimen analyzing apparatus. The specimen analyzing apparatus1of the present embodiment is a blood coagulation measuring apparatus for optically measuring and analyzing a specimen using a blood coagulation time, synthetic substrate, immunoturbidity, and platelet aggregation methods. The specimen analyzing apparatus1is provided with a measuring device2for optically measuring components contained in a specimen (blood), and an information processing device3for analyzing the measurement data obtained by the measuring device2.

FIG. 2is a plan view briefly showing the general structure of the measuring device2. The measuring device2is configured by a transport unit (transporting apparatus)201, barcode reader202, sensor unit203, first dispensing unit204, second dispensing unit205, first table unit206provided with a reagent table206dand cuvette table206c, second table unit207, cuvette supplying unit208, first catcher unit209, table heating unit210, second catcher unit211, first reagent dispensing unit212, third catcher unit213, second reagent dispensing unit214, third reagent dispensing unit215, detection unit216, and control unit200(refer toFIG. 3).

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing the structure of the measuring device2. As shown inFIG. 3, the control unit200is mutually connected to the transport unit201, barcode reader202, sensor unit203, first dispensing unit204, second dispensing unit205, first table unit206, second table unit207, cuvette supplying unit208, first catcher unit209, table heating unit210, second catcher unit211, first reagent dispensing unit212, third catcher unit213, second reagent dispensing unit214, third reagent dispensing unit215, and detection unit216so as to be capable of controlling the operation of each unit. The control unit200is also connected to the information processing device3so as to be mutually capable of communication.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing the structure of the control unit200. As shown inFIG. 4, the control unit200is configured by a CPU200a, input/output (I/O) interface200b, RAM200c, communication interface200d, and ROM200e. The CPU200a, I/O interface200b, RAM200c, communication interface200d, and ROM200eare connected by a bus200f.

The CPU200ais provided for executing the computer programs stored in the ROM200eand the computer programs loaded in the RAM200c.

The ROM200eis configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or the like, and records the computer programs to be executed by the CPU200aas well as the data used by those computer programs.

The RAM200cis configured by SRAM, DRAM or the like. The RAM200cis used when reading the computer programs recorded in the ROM200e. The RAM200cis also used as the work area of the CPU200awhen the CPU200aexecutes computer programs.

The I/O interface200boutputs instructions from the CPU200ato each unit of the measuring device2. The I/O interface200balso receives the information transmitted from each unit, and sends the received information to the CPU200a.

The communication interface200dis an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, which allows the measuring device2to send and received data to/from the information processing device3which is connected by a LAN cable using a predetermined communication protocol (TCP/IP) via the communication interface200d.

The specimen container containing a specimen for analysis by the specimen analyzing apparatus, and the specimen rack for holding the specimen container are described below.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the specimen rack with specimen containers held in the rack.

The specimen container401contains a specimen (blood) collected in a hospital or the like. A barcode402, which includes identification information for identifying the specimen container401, is adhered to the specimen container401. A cap403may also be installed on the specimen container401.

The specimen rack404is provided with a row of ten holders404a. The specimen containers401are accommodated one at a time in the ten holders404a. An adapter is mounted on the holder404awhen the size of the specimen container401is smaller than the size of the holder404a. In this way the specimen container401is prevented from inclining or falling out.

The specimen rack404is provided with an aperture402bso the barcode402of the specimen container401can be read by the barcode reader unit202(refer toFIG. 2). A barcode405, which includes identification information for identifying the specimen rack404, is adhered to the specimen rack404.

FIG. 6Ais a frontal view of the specimen rack with specimen containers held in the rack.FIG. 6Bis also a bottom view of the specimen rack. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, a plurality (ten, the same as the number of holders404a) of concavities404b, which open downward, are provided along the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface of the specimen rack404. The concavities404bare divided by a bottom outer walls404cof the specimen rack404, and the walls404dbetween each concavity404b.

FIG. 8is a perspective view showing another example of a specimen container. A specimen container406shown inFIG. 8may also be used in the present embodiment. The specimen container406has a smaller capacity and is shorter in the vertical direction than the specimen container401shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. The specimen container406is held by the specimen rack404when the bottom part406aof the specimen container406is inserted into the holder404aof the specimen rack404, and the top part406bis disposed on the top edge of the holder404a.

The specimen container406may be used, for example, when only a small amount of specimen is collected from a patient, or when only a single measurement will be performed. The specimen container406may also be used when measuring small qualities as will be described later.

FIG. 7is a perspective view showing another example of a specimen rack. A specimen rack407has a row of five holders407afor accommodating the specimen containers401, so that one specimen container401is held in each holder407a. A single concavity407bis formed on the bottom of the specimen rack407.

As shown inFIG. 2, the transport unit201is configured to transport a specimen rack404holding specimen containers401. The transport unit201is provided with a rack setting region A for placing the specimen rack404holding the specimen containers401, transporting region B, and rack retaining region C. In the regions A through C, the specimen rack404is disposed with the longitudinal direction of the rack oriented in the arrows X1and X2direction.

The transport unit201is configured to transport a specimen rack404placed in the rack setting region A in the arrow Y1direction (backward direction) transport a specimen rack404that has entered the transporting region B in the arrow X1or arrow X2direction (lateral directions), and transport a specimen rack404that has entered the rack retaining region C in the arrow Y2direction (forward direction).

The rack setting region A is capable of accepting the placement of a plurality of specimen rack404aligned in a front-to-back direction. A rack moving mechanism A1is provided in the rack setting region A for moving a placed specimen rack404in the arrow Y1direction. The rack moving mechanism A1is provided with a feeding member All which is engageable to the specimen rack404disposed in the rack setting region A, and a moving mechanism for moving the feeding member A11in the arrow Y1direction and arrow Y2direction. The feeding member A11is disposed so as to engage the back surface at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the specimen rack404disposed at the farthest upstream side in the arrow Y1direction among the specimen racks404in the rack setting region A. The rack moving mechanism A1transports the specimen rack404in the arrow Y1direction toward the transporting region B by moving the feeding member A11in the arrow Y1direction via the moving mechanism.

The rack setting region A is provided with a detection sensor A2for detecting the presence and absence of the specimen rack404in the region A. The detection sensor A2is configured by transmission type photosensors or the like provided at the bottom end and top end in the arrow Y1direction of the rack setting region A. The detection sensor A2detects the blocked light when a specimen rack404is present in the rack setting region A. The detection sensor A2also detects the transmitted light when a specimen rack404is not present in the rack setting region A.

The transporting region B is provided a disposition space that has a width in the arrows Y1and Y2direction which allows one specimen rack404to be moved laterally, and a width in the arrows X1and X2directions which is three times the length of the specimen rack404. The transporting region B is also provided with a horizontal rack moving mechanism (second rack transporting mechanism) B1for moving the specimen rack404in the arrows X1and X2directions between the rack setting region A and the rack retaining region C.

Details of the structure of the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1are described below with reference toFIG. 2, andFIGS. 9 through 16B.

As shown inFIG. 2, the transporting region B of the transporting unit201is provided with plate B2for supporting the specimen rack404from the bottom. The transport path of the specimen rack404is formed by the plate B2. The horizontal rack moving mechanism B1is disposed below the plate B2.

FIG. 9is a plan view briefly showing the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1. The horizontal rack moving mechanism B1of the present embodiment is arranged in a pair at front and back. Each horizontal rack moving mechanism B1has an engage unit B3for engaging the specimen rack404, and a moving mechanism B4for moving the engage unit B3in the arrow X1direction and the arrow X2direction.

The moving mechanism B4is provided with a pair of pulleys B41disposed at both ends of the transporting region B, conveyor belt B42looped around the pulleys B41, electric motor B43for rotating one of the pulleys B41, and encoder B44for detecting the number of rotations of the electric motor B43. The conveyor belts B42of the moving mechanisms B4of the two horizontal rack moving mechanisms B1are arranged so as to be mutually parallel along the arrow X1and X2directions.

The engage unit B3is connected to the conveyor belt B42of the moving mechanism B4, and moves in the arrow X1and arrow X2directions via the operation of the electric motor B43. The amount of movement of the engage unit B3is detected by the encoder B44as the number of rotations of the electric motor B43. The operation of the electric motor B43is controlled by the control unit200based on the detection result of the encoder B44. The movement start position and movement end position of the engage unit B3are respectively set on the upstream side and the downstream side in the arrow X1direction. Detection sensors B85,B86such as transmission type photosensors or the like for detecting the engage unit B3are disposed at the movement start position and movement end position of the engage unit B3.

FIG. 10is a side illustration briefly showing the main part of the engage unit.FIG. 11is a frontal view of the engage unit showing the engage unit before engagement with the specimen rack.FIG. 12is a frontal view of the engage unit showing the engage unit after engagement with the specimen rack.

The engage unit B3is provided with a base B31, a pair of engage members B32, drive unit B33, elevator guide B34, resistance member B35, and elevator sensor B36.

FIG. 14is a perspective view showing the base B31of the engage unit B3, and the components mounted thereon.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 14, the base B31is configured by a plate of stainless steel or the like. The top part of the base B31is disposed so that the plate surface is oriented along the arrows1and X2direction.

A guide shoe B31ais mounted to the top part of the base B31. The guide shoe B31ais fitted, so as to be oscillatable, to the guide rail B5which is disposed along the arrow X1, X2directions below the transport path B2. The base B31is supported by the guide rail B5so as to be movable in the arrow X1, X2directions.

A pair of engage members B32is mounted on the top part of the base B31so as to be rotatable around the axis in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the arrow X1, X2direction.FIGS. 16A and 16Bare frontal views showing the pair of engage members B32. The pair of engage members B32are disposed so as to be mutually opposed relative to the arrow X1, X2direction. The pair of engage members B32is also formed by plates of stainless steel or the like. The pair of engage members is also arranged so that the plate surface is oriented along the arrow X1, X2direction.

Engage hooks B32aare also formed on the top part of the pair of engage members B32. Supports B32bare also formed on the bottom part of the pair of engage members B32. Laterally extending arms B32care provided between the engage hooks B32aand the supports B32b.

The tip of the arm B32cis mounted to the base B31so as to be rotatable via a mounting fixture B31bconfigured by a nut and bolt. An engage roller B32dis provided on the bottom end of the support B32b. The engage roller B32dis supported, so as to be movable, by a regulator hole B31cformed in the base B31. The regulator hole B31cis arc-shaped (or similarly slot-shaped) and centered on the mounting fixture B31b. The regulator hole B31cregulates the rotation range (movement range of the engage roller B32d) of the pair of engage members B32.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 14, an air cylinder B33a, which configures the drive source of the drive unit B33, is mounted on the bottom part of the base B31via a bracket B33b. Compressed air from an air compressor is supplied to the air cylinder B33a. The air compressor B33ais provided with a rod B33c, which is raised and lowered in vertical directions via the supply of compressed air.

An operating member B33d(refer toFIG. 11), which configures the drive source B33together with the air cylinder B33a, is fixedly attached to the tip of the rod B33cof the air cylinder B33a.FIG. 15is a perspective view of the operating member B33d. The operating member B33dis formed of a plate of stainless steel or the like. A rectangular engage hole B33e, extending in a lateral direction is formed in the top part of the operating member B33dfor engaging the engage rollers B32of the pair of engage members B32. The bottom part of the operating member B33dis connected to the rod B33cof the air cylinder B33aby a mounting screw B33f.

When the rod B33cof the air cylinder B33ais vertically raised and lowered, the operating member B33dis also raised and lowered therewith, and the pair of engage members B32are vertically rotated through the engage rollers B32dthat engage the engage hole B33a. The engage hooks B32aof the pair of engage members B32operate so as to mutually separate while being rising (refer toFIG. 16B), and also operate so as to mutually close together while being lowered (refer toFIG. 16A).

As shown inFIG. 11, when the pair of engage members B32is rotated downward, the engage hooks B32aare positioned below the transport path B2, and do not engage the specimen rack404. As shown inFIG. 12, when the pair of engage members B32rotate upward, the engage hooks B32aprotrude from the transport path B2and penetrate within the concavity404bformed in the bottom of the specimen rack404, so as to contact the side walls404cand404din the arrow X1, X2directions in the concavity404bby the mutual separation of the pair of engage hooks B32a. In this way the pair of engage members B32engage the specimen rack404so that the specimen rack404attains a transportable state.

Note that two front-to-back channels B21are formed along the arrow X1, X2direction in the transport path B2, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 10. The engage hooks B32aof the pair of engage members B32pass through the channel B21and extend above the transport path B2so as to be movable in the arrow X1, X2direction along the channel B21.

The elevator guide B34(refer toFIGS. 11 and 12) of the engage unit B3is configured by a vertically extended guide rail B34aprovided on one lateral side of the bottom part of the operating member B33d, and guide block B34bprovided at one lateral side of the bottom part of the base B31and that is fitted to the guide rail B34aso as to be oscillatable. The elevator guide B34guides the ascending and descending movement of the operating member B33drelative to the base B31.

The resistance member B35(refer toFIGS. 11 and 12) applies resistance to the rotation operation of the pair of engage members B32via the drive unit B33, that is, the operation of engaging with the specimen rack404. The resistance member B35is an oil-type shock absorber fixedly attached via a nut to the mounting piece B31dformed on the base B31. The resistance member B35is configured by a sheath B35aarranged facing vertically, and a rod B35bextending upward from the bottom end of the sheath. The rod B35bexerts a downward force via the oil filling the interior of the sheath B35a. The rod B35babuts a contact piece B33gprovided on the other lateral side of the operating member B33d.

When the operating member B33dis raised by the operation of the air cylinder B33a, the rod B35bof the resistance member B35is also raised. The lifting speed of the operating member B33dis slowed by the downward force exerted by the rod B35bof the resistance member B35. Therefore, the pair of engage members B32alleviate the force when the specimen rack404is rotated in the engage direction, and the pair of engage members B32forcibly impact the specimen rack404.

The elevator sensor B36(refer toFIGS. 11 and 12) is a transmission-type sensor fixedly attached to the other lateral side of the base B31. The elevator sensor B36is configured so that when the operating member B33dis lowered by the operation of the air cylinder B33a, the light is blocked by the detection piece B33hformed on the operating member B33d. It can therefore be determined when the pair of engage members B32have been raised and engaged to the specimen rack404via the transmission state of the elevator sensor B36. It can also be determined when the pair of engage members B32has disengaged from the specimen rack404by the blockage of the light of the elevator sensor B36by the detection piece B33h.

The pair of engage members B32is thin relative to the front-to-back direction and are disposed so that the plate surface is oriented along the arrow X1, X2direction. The air cylinder B33a, elevator guide B34, elevator sensor B36, and resistance member B35configuring the engage unit B3are deployed in a row in the arrow X1, X2direction. According to this deployment, the entirety of the engage unit B3is thin in the front-to-back direction, and two engage units B3can be arranged in the narrow available space in the front-to-back direction below the transport path B2.

As shown inFIG. 2, a first specimen aspirating position B91and a second specimen aspirating position B92are provided in the transporting region B. The specimen of a specimen container401positioned at the first specimen aspirating position B91by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1is aspirated by the first dispensing unit204. The specimen of a specimen container401positioned at the second specimen aspirating position B92by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1is aspirated by the second dispensing unit205.

A barcode reading position B93is provided in the transporting region B in order to read the barcodes402and405respectively adhered to the specimen container401and the specimen rack404.

The rack retaining region C is structured to allow the deployment of a plurality of specimen racks404aligned in the front-to-back direction. The rack retaining region C is also provided with a rack moving mechanism (third rack transporting mechanism) C1for moving the placed specimen rack404in the arrow Y2direction. The rack moving mechanism C1is provided with a moving member C11for contacting a specimen rack404placed at the transport end (left end) side of the transporting region B, and a moving mechanism for moving the moving member C11in the arrow Y2direction and the arrow Y1direction. The rack moving mechanism C1moves the specimen rack404in the arrow Y2direction by an amount equivalent to the width segment of the specimen rack404in the latitudinal direction when the moving mechanism moves the moving member C11in the arrow Y2direction. In this way the rack moving mechanism C1moves the specimen rack404from the transporting region B to the rack retaining region C.

The rack retaining region C is provided with a sensor C2for detecting the presence/absence of the specimen rack404. The sensor C2is a transmission-type or reflective-type photosensor or the like. The sensor C2detects the specimen rack404delivered to the farthest downstream side (transport end) of the rack retaining region C.

As shown inFIG. 2, the barcode reader unit202is capable of reading the barcodes402and405disposed at the barcode reading position B93. The barcode reader unit202is also capable of transmitting the identification information included in the respective barcodes402and405to the control unit200.

Note that corresponding sensors B81, B82, and B83are respectively provided at the first specimen aspirating position B91, second specimen aspirating position B92, and barcode reading position B93. The sensors B81, B82, and B83are transmission-type or reflective-type photosensors or the like. The sensors B81, B82, and B83detect the specimen rack404and the specimen container401transported to the positions B91, B92, and B93. The transporting region B is also provided with a sensor B84for detecting the specimen rack404placed at the upstream end in the X1direction. The sensor B84is a transmission-type or reflective-type photosensor or the like.

As shown inFIG. 2, the sensor unit203is configured to obtain information for the control unit to determine the presence/absence of the cap403of the specimen container401. The sensor unit203determines the presence/absence of the cap403by whether the light emitted from a light-emitting device from above the specimen container401is received by a light-receiving device positioned below the specimen container401.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first dispensing unit204is configured to aspirate the specimen from the specimen container401transported to the first aspirating position B91by the transporting unit201, and discharge the specimen to a cuvette217disposed at the container position206aon the cuvette table206c. The first dispensing unit204rotates the arm204aprovided with a pipette to the first specimen aspirating position B91, aspirates the specimen from the specimen container401disposed at the specimen aspirating position B91through the pipette, then rotates the arm204ato the container position206a, and discharges the aspirated specimen into the cuvette217disposed at the container position206a. Note that when a cap403is mounted on the specimen container401, the first dispensing unit204aspirates the specimen through the cap403after the pipette has pierced through the cap403.

The second dispensing unit205is configured to aspirate the specimen from the specimen container401transported to the second specimen aspirating positionB92by the transporting unit201, and discharge the specimen into the cuvette217hold on the second table unit207. The second dispensing unit205also aspirates a predetermined amount of specimen, which has been previously determined depending on the measurement item, from the cuvette217disposed at the container position206bwhere the specimen was dispensed by the first dispensing unit204, and discharges the specimen into the cuvette217on the second table unit207.

The second dispensing unit205rotates the arm205aprovided with a pipette to the second specimen aspirating position B92or the container position206b, aspirates the specimen from the cuvette217or the specimen container401at the container position B92or the container position206bthrough the pipette, then rotates the arm205aand discharges the specimen into the cuvette217on the second table unit207.

Note that the specimen analyzing apparatus of the present embodiment is capable of performing two types of measurements, standard measurement and micro quantity measurement. Standard measurement is a measurement process which includes a process of dispensing from the specimen container401an amount of a specimen sufficient for a performing a plurality of measurements of a single measurement item. Micro quantity measurement is a measurement process which includes a process of dispensing from the specimen container401an amount of a specimen sufficient for a performing a single measurement of a single measurement item.

The first dispensing unit204is used for aspirating a specimen from the specimen container401at the first specimen aspirating position B91on the transporting unit201when performing a standard measurement.

The second dispensing unit205is used when performing a standard measurement for aspirating the specimen from the cuvette217at the container position206bon the cuvette table206c, and is also used for aspirating the specimen from the specimen container401at the second specimen aspirating position B92on the transporting unit201when performing a micro quantity measurement.

As shown inFIG. 2, the reagent table206dof the first table unit206is a circular table capable of holding a first reagent container212bcontaining a first reagent, a second reagent container214bcontaining a second reagent, and a third reagent container215bcontaining a third reagent. The reagent table206dcan rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

The cuvette table206cof the first table unit206is disposed on the outer side of the reagent table206d. The cuvette table206cis an annular table provided with a plurality of insertion holes for holding cuvettes217. The cuvette table206ctransports the cuvette217to the container position206aand the container position206bby rotating in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

The second table unit207is capable of holding cuvettes217in the provided insertion holes. The second table unit207is laterally slidable on a slide rail207a. The second table unit207holds a cuvette containing a specimen dispensed by the second dispensing unit205, and moves to the right end of the slide rail207a.

As shown inFIG. 2, the cuvette supplying unit208sequentially supplies a plurality of cuvettes217, which have been introduced in a batch by a user, to the cuvette storage section208a. The cuvettes217supplied to the cuvette storage section208aare moved to the cuvette table206cby the second catcher unit211, and moved to the second table unit207by the first catcher unit209.

[Catcher Unit and Heating Table Unit Structures]

As shown inFIG. 2, the first catcher unit209moves the cuvette217held by the second table unit207that have been moved to the right end slide rail207ato the container position210aof the heating table210. The first catcher unit209also moves the cuvettes217stored in the cuvette storage section208ato the second table unit207when there is no cuvette217held in the second cuvette table207moved to the right end of the slide rail207a.

The heating table unit210holds the cuvette217and heats the specimen contained in the cuvette217to a predetermined temperature. The heating table unit210is an annular table provided with a plurality of insertion holes for holding cuvettes217. The heating table unit210is rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The heating table unit210moves the cuvette217at the container position210ato the container position for heating and the container position210b. A heater is provided in the heating table unit210, which is capable of heating the specimen within the cuvette217held in the heating table unit210.

The second catcher unit211is provided at a position circumscribed by the annular heating table unit210, and is capable of moving the cuvette217. The second catcher unit211moves the cuvette217from the heating table unit210above the first reagent position212a, and holds the cuvette217at this position. The second catcher unit211also moves the cuvette217into which the first reagent has been dispensed from the position above the first reagent position212ato the heating table unit210. The second catcher unit211also moves the cuvette217stored at the cuvette storage section208ato the cuvette table206c.

The third catcher unit213is laterally slidable on a slide rail213aprovided parallel to the slide rail207aof the second table unit207. The third catcher unit213is capable of moving the cuvette217disposed at the container position210bon the heating table unit210to the second reagent dispensing position214aand the third reagent dispensing position215a, and holding the cuvette217at these positions. The third catcher unit213is also capable of moving the cuvette217disposed above the second reagent dispensing position214aor the third reagent dispensing position215ato the detection unit216.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first reagent dispensing unit212is configured to dispense the first reagent contained in the first reagent container212binto the cuvette217held above the first reagent dispensing position212aby the second catcher unit211.

The second reagent dispensing unit214is configured to dispense the second reagent contained in the second reagent container214binto the cuvette217held above the second reagent dispensing position214aby the third catcher unit213.

The third reagent dispensing unit215is configured to dispense the third reagent contained in the third reagent container215binto the cuvette217held above the third reagent dispensing position215aby the third catcher unit213.

As shown inFIG. 2, the detection unit216optically measures the specimen contained in the cuvette217with added reagent, and detects optical information of the specimen. The detection unit216is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for inserting the cuvettes217. The detection unit216detects the transmission light and scattered light generated when the specimen in the cuvette217inserted in the insertion hole is irradiated with light, and outputs electrical signals corresponding to the detected transmission light and scattered light.

As shown inFIG. 1, the information processing device3is realized by a computer. The information processing device3includes a control unit301, display unit302, and input device303.

The information processing device3transmits a measurement start signal to the measuring device2, queries a host computer regarding measurement orders including information for determining whether the order is for a measurement item or remeasurement based on the identification information received from the measuring device2, transmits the information for determining whether the order is for a measurement item or remeasurement received from the host computer to the measuring device2, and analyzes the measurement results received from the measuring device2.

FIG. 17is a block diagram of the information processing device3. The control unit301is configured by a CPU301a, ROM<301b, RAM301c, hard disk301d, reading device301e, I/O interface301f, image output interface301g, and communication interface301i. the CPU301a, ROM301b, RAM301c, hard disk301d, reading device301e, I/O interface301f, image output interface301g, and communication interface301iare connected by a bus301h.

The CPU300ais provided for executing the computer programs stored in the ROM301band the computer programs loaded in the RAM301c. The ROM301bis configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or the like, and records the computer programs to be executed by the CPU301aas well as the data used by those computer programs.

The RAM300cis configured by SRAM, DRAM or the like. The RAM301cis used when reading the computer programs recorded in the ROM301band on the hard disk301d. The RAM301cis also used as the work area of the CPU301awhen the CPU301aexecutes computer programs.

The hard disk301dstores an operating system, application programs and the like, and the various computer programs to be executed by the CPU301aas well as the data used in the execution of the computer programs.

The reading device301eis configured by a floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive or the like, and is capable of reading computer programs or data recorded on a portable recording medium304or the like. The portable recording medium304stores an analysis program307. The CPU301acontrols the reading device301eso as to read the analysis program307from the portable recording medium304, and stores the read analysis program307on the hard disk301d.

An operating system which provides a graphical user interface such as, for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, USA) may also be installed on the hard disk301d.

The I/O interface301fmay be a serial interface such as, for example, a USB, IEEE 11594, RS-2152C or the like, a parallel interface such as a SCSI, IDE, IEEE 1284 or the like, and an analog interface configured by an D/A converter, A/D converter or the like. The I/O interface301fis connected to the input device303configured by a keyboard and mouse. An operator can input data to the information processing device3using the input device303. The I/O interface301fis also connected to an output device306configured by a printer or the like.

The communication interface301iis an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The information processing device303is capable of sending and receiving data to/from the measuring device2connected by a LAN cable using a predetermined communication protocol (TCP/IP) via the communication interface301i.

Note that the analysis program307can not only be provided by the portable recording medium304, the analysis program307may also provided over an electrical communication line from an external device which is connected to the communication interface301ivia the electrical communication line (either wireless or wired). For example, the analysis program307may be stored on the hard disk of a server computer on the Internet so that the CPU301acan access the server computer, download the analysis program307, and install the analysis program307on the hard disk301d.

The image output interface301gis connected to the display unit302which is configured by an LCD, CRT or the like, and outputs image signals corresponding to the image data from the CPU301ato the display unit302. The display unit302displays images (screens) according to the image signals input via the image output interface301g.

[Measuring Device and Information Processing Device Operation]

The operations of aspirating of the specimen from the specimen container401and performing of predetermined measurements by the measuring device2, and analyzing the measurement results by the information processing device3are described briefly below. Note that the operations described below are performed by controlling the CPU200aof the measuring device2and the CPU301aof the information processing device3. The operation of the transporting unit201is abbreviated below and will be described in detail later.

As shown inFIG. 2, after starting the measuring device2, the cuvette217is supplied to the cuvette storage section208aby the cuvette supplying unit208. The cuvette217retained in the cuvette storage section208ais moved to the second table unit207by the first catcher unit209, and moved to the cuvette table unit206cby the second catcher unit211.

When performing a standard measurement, the cuvette217of the cuvette table206cis moved to the container position206a. The specimen is then aspirated from the specimen container401disposed at the first specimen aspirating position B91by the first dispensing unit204. The aspirated specimen is subsequently discharged by the first dispensing unit204into the cuvette217disposed at the container position206aof the cuvette table206c.

Thereafter, the cuvette217containing the dispensed specimen at the container position206ais moved to the container position206bby the cuvette table206c. Then, 30-40% of the total amount of the specimen of the cuvette217moved to the container position206bis aspirated and discharged into the cuvette217held on the second table unit207.

When performing a micro quantity measurement, however, the specimen is aspirated from the specimen container401disposed at the second specimen aspirating position B92by the second dispensing unit205, and the aspirated specimen is then discharged into the cuvette217held on the second table unit207.

The second table unit207moves to the right end of the slide rail207a. The cuvette217held on the second table unit207is moved to the heating table unit210by the first catcher unit209. The cuvette217which has been transported to the heater is then moved above the first reagent dispensing position212aby the second catcher unit211. The first reagent is then dispensed into the cuvette217held by the second catcher unit211via the first reagent dispensing unit212.

When the first reagent is dispensed into the cuvette217held by the second catcher unit211, the cuvette217is again moved to the heating table unit210by the second catcher unit211. The heating table unit210heats the specimen in the cuvette217for a set time.

When the specimen in the cuvette217being heated by the heating table unit210attains a predetermined temperature, the second reagent or third reagent is dispensed into the same cuvette217.

When dispensing the second reagent, the cuvette217is moved from the container position210bof the heating table unit210to above the second reagent dispensing position214aby the third catcher unit213. The second reagent is then dispensed into the cuvette217by the second reagent dispensing unit214.

When dispensing the third reagent, the cuvette217is moved from the container position210bof the heating table unit210to above the third reagent dispensing position215aby the third catcher unit213. The third reagent is then dispensed into the cuvette217by the third reagent dispensing unit215.

The cuvette217containing the dispensed second or third reagent is then moved from above either the second reagent dispensing position214aor the third reagent dispensing position215ato the detection unit216by the third catcher unit213. The specimen within the cuvette217is then optically measured by the detection unit216. The detection unit216outputs electrical signals which correspond to the transmission light and the scattered light detected when the specimen in the cuvette217is irradiated with light. The measuring device2transmits the measurement results to the information processing device3.

The information processing device3performs analysis processing of the measurement results received from the measuring device2. For example, analysis results such as specimen prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fbg) and the like may be calculated based on the optical information of the measured transmission light and scattered light of the specimen, and the analysis result may be displayed on the display unit302.

FIGS. 21 and 22are flow charts showing the processing sequence of the transporting operation of the specimen rack404by the transport unit201.FIGS. 18A through 20Bare brief plan views showing the sequential operation of transporting the specimen rack404by the transport unit201. The flow chart illustrates the operation of the transport unit201with reference toFIGS. 18A through 20B.

The user first sets the specimen rack404holding the specimen container401in the transport unit201.FIGS. 18A and 18Bshow two specimen racks404placed in the rack setting region A. After placing the specimen racks404, the user starts the measuring device2and the information processing device3.

In step S1, the CPU200aof the measuring device2performs processing to determine whether a specimen rack404is placed in the rack setting region A of the transport unit201. This process is performed based on whether or not a specimen rack404has been detected by the sensor A2. When the CPU200adetermines that a specimen rack404is not present in the rack setting region A (step S1: NO), the CPU200athen performs processing in step S2to stop the rack moving operation of the rack moving mechanism A1and return the moving member A11in the arrow Y2direction.

When the CPU200ahas determined that a specimen rack404is present in the rack setting region A (step S1: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S3to move the engage unit B3of the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1to the movement start position.FIG. 18Ashows the engage unit B3returned to the movement start position.

In step S4, the CPU200athen performs processing to start transporting the specimen rack404which is placed in the rack setting region A via the rack moving mechanism A1. This transporting is accomplished by engaging the moving member A11to the back surface on both ends of the specimen rack404on the farthest upstream side in the arrow Y1direction, and moving the moving member A11in the arrow Y1direction, as shown inFIG. 18A.

In step S5, the CPU200aagain performs processing to determine whether a specimen rack404is present in the rack setting region A of the transport unit201. This process is performed in situations corresponding to when the user removed a specimen rack404from the rack setting region A during the transport of the specimen rack404by the rack moving mechanism A1. When the CPU200ahas determined that a specimen rack404is not present in the rack setting region A (step S5: NO), the CPU200athen executes the process of step S2.

When the CPU200ahas determined that a specimen rack404is present in the rack setting region A (step S5: YES), the CPU200athen performs processing in step S6to determine whether the specimen rack404has been detected by the sensor B84. When the CPU200adetermines that the sensor B84has not detected the specimen rack404(step S6: NO), the CPU200astops the transporting operation of the specimen rack404by the rack moving mechanism A1in step S7. The CPU200athen performs processing to sound a warning to alert the user of the transport operation error when several seconds, for example, five seconds, elapse after the transport operation has stopped.

When the CPU200adetermines that a specimen rack404has been detected by the sensor B84(step S8: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing to stop the transport operation of the specimen rack404by the rack moving mechanism A1in step S8.

In step S9, the CPU200athen controls the rack moving mechanism A1so as to perform an additional transport operation of the specimen rack404. This operation is performed by the rotation of the electric motor of the transport mechanism by several pulses. In this way the specimen rack404is moved completely to the transporting region B.FIG. 18Bshows the specimen rack404positioned farthest downstream in the arrow Y1direction moved completely to the transporting region B.

In step S10, the CPU200athen starts the transport operation of the specimen rack404by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1and moves the specimen rack404toward the barcode reading position B93after a predetermined time has elapsed following the complete movement of the specimen rack404to the transporting region B.

The transport operation of the specimen rack404in step S10is described below. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the air cylinder B33aof the engage unit B3first raises the engage hooks B32aof the pair of engage members B32of the engage unit B3. In this way the engage hook B32aenters into the concavity404bdisposed on the upstream side in the arrow X1direction among the concavities404bprovided on the bottom of the specimen rack404. Then, the pair of engage hooks B32aengage the opposite walls404cand404dof the concavity404bwhen the pair of engage hooks B32amutually separate. In this way the pair of engage hooks B32aachieve a gapless engagement with the specimen rack404in the arrow X1, X2directions so as to reliably grasp the specimen rack404. The engage unit B3is then moved in the arrow X1direction via the rotation of the electric motor B43of the moving mechanism B4by a predetermined number of pulses. The specimen rack404is thus transported.

In step S11, the CPU200aperforms processing to determine whether the specimen rack404has been moved to the barcode reading position B93of the barcode reading unit202. This determination is performed based on whether or not the sensor B83has detected the specimen rack404.FIG. 19Ashows the condition when the top specimen container401of the specimen rack404has been positioned at the barcode reading position B93.

When the CPU200ahas determined that the specimen rack404has not been moved to the barcode reading position B93(step S11: NO), the CPU200athen performs processing to stop the operation of the moving mechanism B4of the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1and sound a warning to alert the user of the error.

When the CPU200adetermines that the specimen rack404has been moved to the barcode reading position B93by the barcode reader unit202(step S11: YES), the CPU200athen performs processing in step S13to have the barcode reader unit202read the barcodes405and402adhered to the specimen rack404and all the specimen containers401. In the present embodiment, the pair of engage members B32of the engage unit B3of the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1gaplessly engages the concavity404bof the specimen rack404in the arrow X1, X2direction. The specimen rack404can therefore be moved small distances with excellent precision. The barcodes405and402can also be accurately read by the barcode reader unit203during transport. In the present embodiment, the barcodes405and402are read with higher accuracy by being read four times by the barcode reader unit202.

In step S14, the CPU200aperforms processing to transmit the information read by the barcode reader unit202to the host computer, and query for a measurement order. The host computer stores the measurement order which includes information relating to the existence of a reflex test, and the measurement items of the specimen contained in the specimen container401held by the specimen rack404. The host computer transmits the measurement order corresponding to the query from the CPU200a.

In step S15, the CPU200aperforms processing to determine whether a measurement order has been received from the host computer. When the CPU200adetermines that a measurement order has been transmitted (step S15: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S16ofFIG. 22to determine where each specimen container401held in the specimen rack404has been moved to, be it the first specimen aspirating position B91or second specimen aspirating position B92, based on the received measurement order. In step S17, the CPU200aperforms processing to start the horizontal transporting operation of the rack404by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1.

In step S18, the CPU200aperforms processing to confirm whether a cap403is mounted on the specimen container401passing below the sensor unit203via the sensor unit203. In step S19, the CPU200athen performs processing to determine whether a cap403is attached to the specimen container401based on the result of the process of step S19.

When the CPU200adetermines that a cap403is attached to the specimen container401(step S19: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S20to determine whether the specimen aspirating position determined in the process of step S16for the specimen container401with the mounted cap403is the first specimen aspirating position (normal aspirating position) B91.

When the CPU200adetermines that the specimen aspirating position of the specimen container401is not the first specimen aspirating position B91(step S20: NO), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S21to stop the transport by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1. In this case, the CPU200astops the movement of the engage unit B3by stopping the electric motor B43of the moving mechanism B4, and also stops the supply of compressed air to the air cylinder B33aof the engage unit B3.

When the CPU200adetermines that a cap403is not mounted on the specimen container401(step S19: NO), or when the CPU200adetermines that the specimen aspirating position of the specimen container401is not the first specimen aspirating position B91(step S20: NO), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S22to transport each specimen container401held in the specimen rack404to the first or second specimen aspirating position B91or B92in accordance with the measurement order via the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1.FIG. 19Bshows the top specimen container401of the specimen rack404positioned at the first specimen aspirating position B91.

For example, when a measurement order specifies a standard measurement of a first specimen container401(left end specimen container401) of the specimen rack404, specifies micro quantity measurement of a second specimen container401, and specifies standard measurement of a third specimen container401, the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1moves the specimen rack404so as to position the first specimen container401at the first specimen aspirating position B91, position the second specimen container401at the second specimen aspirating position B92, and position the third specimen container401at the first specimen aspirating position B91.

In this case, the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1moves the specimen rack404in the arrow X1direction from the barcode reading position B93to the first specimen aspirating position B91, then moves the specimen rack404in the arrow X2direction from the first specimen aspirating position B91to the second specimen aspirating position B92, then moves the specimen rack404in the arrow X1direction from the second specimen aspirating position B92to the first specimen aspirating position B91. That is, the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1reciprocatingly transports the specimen rack404between the first specimen aspirating position B91and the second specimen aspirating position B92.

Since the pair of engage members B32of the engage unit B3of the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1attain a gapless engagement with the specimen rack404in the arrow X1, X2direction in the present embodiment, there is no shifting of the movement pitch even when the specimen rack404is reciprocatingly moved between the first and second specimen aspirating positions B91and B92as described above. Therefore, the specimen containers401held in the specimen rack404can be accurately positioned directly at each specimen aspirating position without returning to the movement start position.

In step S23, the CPU200aperforms processing to determine whether each specimen container401has arrived at the corresponding specimen aspirating position B91or B92without positional dislocation. This process is performed based on whether or not the sensors B81and B82respectively provided at the specimen aspirating positions B91and B92have detected the specimen container401. Alternatively, the process may be performed based on whether or not the electric motor B43of the moving mechanism B4has been actuated for a number of pulses corresponding to the distance the specimen container401is to be transported.

When the CPU200adetermines that the specimen container401is positionally dislocated from the predetermined specimen aspirating position B91or B92(step S23: NO), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S21to stop the transport by the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1. In this case, the CPU200astops the movement of the engage unit B3by stopping the electric motor B43of the moving mechanism B4, and also stops the supply of compressed air to the air cylinder B33aof the engage unit B3. In this way the rod B33cof the air cylinder B33adrops, and the pair of engage members B32detach from the specimen rack404and retract to below the transport path B2of the transporting region B. The specimen rack404in which the anomaly occurs can therefore be easily removed from the transporting region B by the user.

When the CPU200adetermines that the specimen container401has arrived at the predetermined specimen aspirating position B91or B92without positional dislocation (step S23: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S24to aspirate the specimen from the specimen container401positioned at either the first or second specimen aspirating position B91or B92via the first or second dispensing unit204or205. Before completing the process of aspirating specimen from all specimen containers401, that is, before the process of step S24is completed, the CPU200astarts the process of the previous step S1ofFIG. 21for the next specimen rack404waiting in the rack setting region A.

That is, since two horizontal rack moving mechanisms B1are provided in the transporting region B of the present embodiment, two specimen racks404can be transported simultaneously, so that an operation can be performed to read the barcodes405and402adhered to the specimen rack404and specimen containers401by the barcode reader unit202by means of one horizontal rack moving mechanism B1while specimen is being aspirated from the specimen containers401of the other horizontal rack moving mechanism B1.

Note that a next specimen rack404is processed without obstructing the specimen aspirating operation of the prior specimen rack404, specifically, until the barcodes405and402of the specimen rack404and specimen containers401are read and the host computer is queried about the measurement order (step S1through S15).FIG. 20Ashows both specimen racks404being transported.

In step S25, the CPU200acontrols the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1so that the specimen rack4004for which the specimen aspiration processes have been completed is moved to the retraction position, that is, the end position, in the arrow X1direction.

In step S26, the CPU200aperforms processing to determine whether all measurements of the specimen aspirated by the first and second dispensing units204and205has been completed and the measurement results have been obtained. When the CPU200adetermines that all measurement results have been obtained (step S26: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing to determine whether storage space for the specimen racks404remains in the rack retaining region C in step S27. This process is performed based on whether or not the sensor C2has detected a specimen rack404at the downstream end of the rack retaining region C in the arrow Y2direction. Hence, since the specimen rack404is transported one pitch at a time in the arrow Y2direction in the rack retaining region C, the rack retaining region C is filled up with specimen racks404if a specimen rack404is present at the downstream end in the arrow Y2direction.

When there is no remaining storage space for the specimen racks404in the rack retaining region C (step S27: NO), the CPU200aperforms processing to sound a warning to alert the user that the rack retaining region C is filled with specimen racks404in step S28. The CPU200aperforms processing to stop the next specimen rack404via the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1at a position which does not interfere with the prior specimen rack404, for example, at the first specimen aspirating position B91.

When the CPU200adetermines that there is storage space remaining for the specimen racks404in the rack retaining region C (step S27: YES), the CPU200aperforms processing in step S29to move the specimen rack404in the arrow Y2direction by moving the moving member C11of the rack moving mechanism C1in the arrow Y2direction.

The CPU200athen returns the moving member C11of the rack moving mechanism C1to the standby position in step S30.FIG. 20Bshows the first specimen rack404moved one pitch in the arrow Y2direction and the next specimen rack404positioned at the first specimen aspirating position B92for the specimen aspirating operation.

Since the horizontal rack moving mechanism B1of the transport unit201is provided with a pair of engage members B32for engaging the specimen rack404by an operation in which the members B32mutually separate so that the pair of engage members B32gaplessly engage the specimen rack404within the concavity404bmin the arrow X1, X2direction as described above, the specimen analyzing apparatus1of the present embodiment can transport the specimen rack404with precise follow-up to the movement of the pair of engage members B32. The transport pitch therefore does not deviate even when the specimen rack404is transported in either the arrow X1or arrow X2direction. Therefore, the specimen containers401can be accurately positioned one at a time at the specimen aspirating positions B91and B92by reciprocatingly moving the specimen rack404between the first specimen aspirating position B91and the second specimen aspirating position B92in order to perform the standard measurements and the micro quantity measurements.

The pair of engage members B32gaplessly engage the concavity404bof the specimen rack404in the arrow X1, X2direction to substantially grip the specimen rack404and minimize the front-to-back inclination of the specimen rack during transport. Therefore, the engage members B32can be configured by a thin plate in the front-to-back direction, thus making the engage unit B3compact in the front-to-back direction. This configuration allows for two horizontal rack moving mechanisms B1to be deployed.

The pair of engage members B32of the engage unit B3are configured to engage the concavity404bof the specimen rack404by mutually separating while being raised; the lateral width of the pair of engage members B32is less than the space between the opposed walls404cand404dof the concavity404bat the stage before insertion into the concavity404b, and the lateral width of the pair of engage members B32widens after insertion into the concavity404bso that the pair of engage members B32contact the walls404cand404d, respectively. Therefore, the pair of engage members B32reliably attain a gapless engagement in the arrow X1, X2direction after insertion into the concavity404b. As shown inFIG. 7, the pair of engage members B32also engage the specimen rack407, which has a concavity of a different size and shape (refer toFIG. 13).

Since the pair of engage members B32are provided on the base B31so as to be rotatable, the operation of drawing together and the raising operation can be accomplished simultaneously with a simple structure. The pair of engage members B32can also simultaneously perform the mutual separation operation and the lowering operation. Since these operations are performed by a single air cylinder B33a, the structure of the engage unit B3is much simplified.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and may be variously modified.

For example, the drive source of the engage unit B3is the air cylinder B33ain the above embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive source of the engage unit B3may also be a hydraulic cylinder, electromagnetic solenoid or the like. In these instances, the pair of engage members B32can be detached from the specimen rack404by releasing the power of the drive source when an error occurs during the transport of the specimen rack404, to allow the user to easily remove the specimen rack from the transporting region B.

The pair of engage members B32of the engage unit B3may also be configured to engage the specimen rack404by mutually approaching one another. In this case, the pair of engage members B32may be engaged by respectively inserting the pair of engage members B32into the two adjacent concavities404bof the specimen rack404so the wall404dat the border of the two concavities404bis interposed therebetween. When the pair of engage members B32mutually separate to engage the specimen rack404as described in the above embodiment, the pair of engage members B32may also engage a specimen rack in which only a single concavity is formed (for example, the specimen rack407shown inFIG. 7).

In the above embodiment, two horizontal rack moving mechanisms B1are arranged in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, insofar as there is space for such deployment, three or more horizontal rack moving mechanisms B1may be deployed. Alternatively, a single horizontal rack moving mechanism B1may also be deployed. In the above embodiment, the specimen aspirating positions B91and B92are provided at two locations. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a specimen aspirating position may also be provided at one, or three or more locations.

In the above embodiment, an operator records the measurement order on a host computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an operator may also record the measurement order on the information processing device3.

In the above embodiment, the specimen analyzing apparatus is configured as a blood coagulation measuring device. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the specimen analyzing apparatus may also be configured as a blood cell counter, urine solid component analyzer, immunoanalyzer, or biochemical analyzer. Furthermore, whole blood, blood serum, blood plasma, urine, and bone marrow fluid may be used as the specimen.

In the above embodiment, the transport unit is provided in the specimen analyzing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the transport unit may also be provided in a smear specimen preparing device.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the moving mechanism of the transport unit is controlled by a control unit provided in the measuring device. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the transport unit may itself be provided with a control unit separate from the control unit provided in the measuring device to control the operation of the moving mechanism of the transport unit via this control unit.

In the above embodiment, the specimen rack404is described by way of example in which the specimen rack404is from the upstream side in the arrow X1direction to the barcode reading position B93. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the specimen rack404may also be moved from the downstream side in the arrow X1direction to the barcode reading position B93. In this case, the pair of engage members B32gaplessly engage and accurately grip the specimen rack404in the arrow X1, X2direction. Therefore, the specimen rack404can be directly moved to the barcode reading position B93without returning to the movement start point.