Abstract:
A sample processing system is disclosed that comprising: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a third sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving, in a first direction, the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving, in a second direction crossing the first direction, at least one among the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application 2006-324442 filed on Nov. 30, 2006, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a sample processing system, and specifically relates to a sample processing system provided with a plurality of sample processing devices installed in a line in a predetermined direction. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Large numbers of sample tests are efficiently being performed in recent years by sample processing systems which have a plurality of connected sample processing devices for processing samples. In such sample processing systems, a plurality of sample processing devices are disposed adjacently and connected, and the plurality of sample processing devices are further connected to a conveying device which conveys samples and the like. In such sample processing systems, adequate space is provided between each of the sample processing devices by using a mechanism to separate the sample processing devices to facilitate repair and maintenance of the sample processing devices. 
     As an example of such a sample processing system, known is a sample processing system which is configured to allow easy repair and maintenance of the plurality of sample processing devices (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-349897). 
     The sample processing system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-349897 is configured so that one among two adjacent sample processing devices is capable of sliding in a single predetermined direction (horizontal direction). A user can easily perform maintenance and repair of each of the sample processing devices by sliding one sample processing device relative to the other sample processing device so as to separate the two sample processing devices. 
     In the sample processing system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-349897, however, the sample processing device can only slide in a single predetermined direction. Therefore, it is difficult to separate the two sample processing devices when there is an obstruction in the direction in which the sample processing device slides. This situation is inconvenient in that it becomes difficult to maintain and repair the sample processing device. A problem therefore arises with the sample processing system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-349897 insofar as the location of the installation is limited by consideration of the ability of the user to maintain and repair the sample processing devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     A first sample processing system embodying features of the present invention includes: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a third sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving, in a first direction, the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving, in a second direction crossing the first direction, at least one among the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus. 
     A second sample processing system embodying features of the present invention includes: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a third sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving, in a first direction, the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving, in a second direction crossing the first direction, the second sample processing apparatus and the third sample processing apparatus. 
     A third sample processing system embodying features of the present invention includes: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a third sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving the second sample processing apparatus in a first direction relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving the third sample processing apparatus in a second direction crossing the first direction. 
     A fourth sample processing system embodying features of the present invention includes: a first sample processing apparatus; a second sample processing apparatus; a first moving mechanism for moving the second sample processing apparatus in a first direction relative to the first sample processing apparatus; and a second moving mechanism for moving the second sample processing apparatus in a second direction crossing the first direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the layout of an embodiment of an automatic blood image analyzing system of the present invention during analysis; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view schematically showing the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view schematically showing the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view schematically showing a sample image obtaining device of the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 3  which has been moved in the arrow X 1  direction; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view schematically showing a sample image obtaining device and sample conveying device of the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 3  which have been moved in the arrow X 1  direction; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view schematically showing a sample image obtaining device and sample conveying device of the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 3  which have been moved in the arrow Y 1  direction; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view schematically showing a sample image obtaining device of the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 6  which has been moved in the arrow X 1  direction; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view schematically showing a sample image obtaining device and sample conveying device of the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 6  which have been moved in the arrow X 1  direction; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a variable deployment unit of an automatic blood image analyzing system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the variable deployment unit of  FIG. 9  which corresponds to the deployment condition shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the variable deployment unit of  FIG. 9  which corresponds to the deployment condition shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a base unit of an automatic blood image analyzing system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the base unit of  FIG. 12  when viewed from behind; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 12  which corresponds to the deployment condition shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 14  when viewed from another direction; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 14  when viewed from another direction; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 16  which corresponds to the deployment condition shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 16  which corresponds to the deployment condition shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing the installation unit and various covers removed from the mounting base of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of the base unit of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged perspective view showing the installation unit and various covers removed from the mounting base of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross section view of the slide rail and oscillating part along the 500-500 line of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 23  is a front view schematically showing the blood smear preparation device of the automatic blood image analyzing system of a modification of the embodiment of the present invention when the blood smear preparation device has been moved in the arrow Y 1  direction. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter based on the drawings. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an automatic blood image analyzing system of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a front view schematically showing the automatic blood image analyzer of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 3 through 8  illustrate the deployment patterns of the automatic blood image analyzing system of  FIG. 1 . The structure of an embodiment of the automatic blood image analyzing system of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
     The automatic blood image analyzing system  100  prepares a blood smear (glass slide) in a blood smear preparing device  101 , transports the prepared blood sample to a sample image obtaining device  103  by a sample conveying device  102 , and obtains and image of the transported blood sample in the sample image obtaining device  103 . The obtained image is subjected to digital image processing and the blood cells are automatically classified by a personal computer  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the automatic blood image analyzing system  100  is provided with a blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , sample image obtaining device  103 , personal computer  104 , base unit  105 , and base unit  1 . The base unit  105  is for the installation of the blood smear preparing device  101 . The base unit  1  is for the installation of the sample conveying device  102 , sample image obtaining device  103 , and personal computer  104 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the automatic blood image analyzing system  100  of the present embodiment has a variable deployment unit  100   a , and a stationary unit  100   b . The variable deployment unit  100   a  has the sample conveying device  102 , sample image obtaining device  103 , and personal computer  104 , and is configured so that the deployment of each device is variable. The stationary unit  100   b  has the blood smear preparing device  101  and base unit  105 , and is positionally fixed relative to a sample conveying line  200 . The blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  are disposed in a line in a predetermined direction (X direction). The sample conveying line  200 , which transports racks  151 , is laid out so as to extend in the X direction on the front side of the automatic blood image analyzing system  100 . The rack  151  holds test tubes  150  which contain samples (blood) to be analyzed. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the automatic blood image analyzing system  100  is arranged along the sample conveying line  200 . A sample conveying line (not shown in the drawings) which extends in the X direction is further connected at both ends of the sample conveying line  200  in the X direction. 
     The blood smear preparing device  101  takes the sample (blood) from the test tube  150  in the rack  151  which is transported by the sample conveying line  200 . The blood smear preparing device  101  prepares a sample for automatic analysis by smearing an obtained sample on a glass slide (not shown in the drawing). This sample is analyzed by the sample image obtaining device  103  and the personal computer  104 . A sample acquisition port  101   a , which is provided for obtaining the sample (blood) from the test tube  150 , is disposed on the front side (the side with the sample conveying line  200 ) of the blood smear preparing device  101 . The sample (glass slide) prepared in the sample smear preparing device  101  is configured to be transferred by the sample conveying device  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sample conveying device  102  is provided to transport the sample (glass slide) received from the blood smear preparing device  101  to the sample image obtaining device  103 . 
     The sample image obtaining device  103  has the function of obtaining a blood image of the sample (glass slide) received from the sample conveying device  102 , and sending the obtained image data (digital data) to the personal computer  104 . The personal computer  104  is connected to the sample image obtaining device  103 . 
     The personal computer (PC)  104  has the functions of performing digital image processing of the sample image (blood image) obtained in the sample image obtaining device  103 , and performing automatic classification of the blood cell types, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The personal computer (PC)  104  further has a controller  104   a , display  104   b , and input unit  104   c.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sample conveying line  200  has the function of transporting the rack  151  in the arrow X 1  direction along a conveying path  201 . Specifically, a rack  151 , which has been transported from a connecting part  201   a  connected to a sample conveying line in the arrow X 2  direction (not shown in the drawing), is fed in the arrow Y 1  direction in a conveying part  201   b . Thereafter, the rack  151  is transported in the arrow Y 1  direction to an acquisition position S in front of the sample acquisition port  101   a  of the blood smear preparation device  101 . The sample (blood) held in the test tube  150  at the acquisition position S is taken up by the blood smear preparing device  101  through the sample acquisition port  101   a . The rack  150  is then transported from the acquisition position S in the arrow X 1  direction. The rack  151  is thereafter transported in the arrow Y 2  direction by a conveying unit  201   c . The rack  151  is subsequently transported in the arrow X 1  direction by a connecting unit  201   d . The rack  151  is thus transported to a sample conveying line connected in the arrow X 1  direction (not shown in the drawing). 
     The base unit  105 , on which the blood smear preparing device  101  is installed, is stationary relative to the sample conveying line  200 . That is, the blood smear preparing device  101  is mounted stationary relative to the sample conveying line  200 . 
     The base unit  1  is configured to have the sample conveying device  102  and sample image obtaining device  103 , which are installed on the base unit  1 , slidable in the X direction and the Y direction which is perpendicular to the X direction relative to the blood smear preparing device  101 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  are aligned in the X direction when analysis is performed by the automatic blood image analyzing system  1 . When performing maintenance or repair work on these devices, the positions of the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  can be changed by sliding the variable deployment unit  100   a.    
     Specifically, the deployment positions of the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and blood image obtaining device  103  can be changed from the positions during analysis as shown in  FIG. 3  to the positions shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  shows the sample image obtaining device  103  separated from the sample conveying device  102  and by sliding only the sample image obtaining device  103  in the arrow X 1  direction. In the deployment positions of  FIG. 4 , the facing surfaces (the area indicated by the diagonal (hatched) lines in  FIG. 4 ) are exposed between the sample conveying device  102  and sample image obtaining device  103 , which confront one another when deployed for analysis (refer to  FIG. 3 ). 
     Furthermore, the deployment positions of the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and blood image obtaining device  103  can be changed from the positions shown in  FIG. 3  to the positions shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows the sample conveying device  102  and the blood smear preparing device  101  in separated deployment positions achieved by sliding the sample conveying device  102  in the arrow X 1  direction. In the deployment positions of  FIG. 5 , the facing surfaces (the area indicated by the diagonal (hatched) lines in  FIG. 5 ) are exposed between the sample conveying device  102  and blood smear preparing device  101 , which confront one another when deployed for analysis (refer to  FIG. 3 ). 
     The deployment of the devices can also be changed from the deployment positions for analysis shown in  FIG. 3  to the deployment positions shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  shows deployment positions in which the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  extend in the arrow Y 1  direction relative to the blood smear preparing device  101  by sliding the sample conveying device  102  and sample image obtaining device  103  in the arrow Y 1  direction. In the deployment positions of  FIG. 6 , the facing surfaces (the area indicated by the diagonal (hatched) lines in  FIG. 6 ) are exposed between the sample conveying device  102  and blood smear preparing device  101 , which confront one another when deployed for analysis (refer to  FIG. 3 ). 
     The deployment of the devices can also be changed from the deployment positions shown in  FIG. 6  to the deployment positions shown in  FIG. 7 . In the deployment positions of  FIG. 7 , the facing surfaces (the area indicated by the diagonal (hatched) lines in  FIG. 7 ) are exposed between the sample conveying device  102  and sample image obtaining device  103 , which confront one another when deployed for analysis (refer to  FIG. 3 ) by sliding the sample image obtaining device  103  in the arrow X 1  direction. The deployment of the devices can also be changed from the deployment positions for analysis shown in  FIG. 7  to the deployment positions shown in  FIG. 8 . In the deployment positions of  FIG. 8 , the facing surfaces (the area indicated by the diagonal (hatched) lines in  FIG. 8 ) are exposed between the sample conveying device  102  and blood smear preparing device  101 , which confront one another when deployed for analysis (refer to  FIG. 3 ) by sliding the sample conveying device  102  in the arrow X 1  direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 through 8 , a user can access each of the devices (blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103 ) from the exposed facing surfaces by sliding the variable deployment unit  100   a.    
       FIGS. 9 through 11  are perspective views of the variable deployment unit  100   a  of the automatic blood image analyzing system of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 12  through  22  illustrate structural details of the base unit on which are installed the sample conveying device and sample image obtaining device of the variable deployment unit shown in  FIGS. 9 through 11 . Structural details of the base unit  1  on which are installed the sample conveying device  102  and sample image obtaining unit  103  are described below with reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIGS. 9 through 22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIGS. 9 through 14 , the base unit  1  includes a stationary part  10 , two slide rails  20 , a moving part  30  (refer to  FIG. 13 ), two slide rails  40 , a moving part  50 , two slide rails  60 , and a moving part  70 . The stationary part  10  is fixedly installed so that the blood smear preparing device  101  is adjacent to the side of the base unit  105  in the arrow X 1  direction (refer to  FIG. 2 ). The two slide rails  20  are fixedly attached to the stationary part  10  and extend in the Y direction. The moving part  30  is movable in the Y direction along the slide rails  20 . The two slide rails  40  are fixedly attached to the moving part  30  and extend in the X direction. The moving part  50  has the sample image obtaining device  103  installed thereon and is movable in the X direction along the slide rails  40 . The two slide rails  60  are fixedly attached to the moving part  30  and extend in the X direction. The moving part  70  has the sample conveying device  102  installed thereon and is movable in the X direction along the slide rails  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , two guide base ends  11 , which project to extend in the arrow Y 1  direction toward the moving part  30 , are fixedly attached to the stationary part  10 . Slide members  12  are mounted on the guide base ends  11 , and are slidable in the Y direction relative to the guide base ends  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 16 , two projections  13  are provided on the stationary part  10  so as to project in the arrow Y 1  direction toward the moving part  30  below the respective slide rails  20 . The leading ends of the two projections  13  on the moving part  30  side are provided with a screw holes  13  (refer to  FIG. 16 ) into which a screw  300  (refer to  FIGS. 13 and 16 ) is inserted to secure the stationary part  10  and moving part  30 . A plurality of support legs  14  are provided on the bottom surface of the stationary part  10  to prevent the stationary part  10  from moving. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the slide rails  20  are fixedly attached to the top surface of the stationary part  10 . Furthermore, an elastically deformable flat spring type stopper  20   a  is provided at the end of the rail  20  on side in the arrow Y 2  direction. The stopper  20   a  prevents the moving part  30  from moving relative to the stationary part  10  when the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  are in a closed condition. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the moving part  30  has a moving body  31 , oscillating part  32 , two slide rail support members  33 , and a plurality of casters  34 . The two oscillating parts  32  are movable in the Y direction along the two slide rails  20 . The two slide rail support members  33  are fixedly attached to the moving body  31  and the two oscillating parts  32 . Furthermore, the slide rails  40  and  60  are fixedly attached to the two slide rail support members  33 . The plurality of casters  34  are mounted on the bottom surface of the moving body  31  to support the moving body  31  so as to be movable. Therefore, the moving body  31 , with the casters  34  mounted on the bottom surface thereof, is fixedly attached through the slide rail support members  33  to the oscillating part  32 , which is movable in the Y direction. The moving part  30  is thus configured to be slidable in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , two slide connectors  35  are fixedly attached to the moving body  31  and project so as to extend in the arrow Y 2  direction toward the stationary part  10  side. The slide connector  35  is provided at a position which corresponds to the previously mentioned slide member  12  and guide base end  11  of the stationary part  10 . The slide connector  35  is fixedly attached to the slide member  12  mounted on the guide base end  11  of the stationary part  10 . The sliding movement of the moving part  30  is guided in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10  by a slide guide  80  which is configured buy the slid connector  35 , guide base end  11 , and slide member  12 . 
     The oscillating part  32  has the structure shown in  FIG. 22 . A metal roller  32   b  and a rubber roller  32   c  are mounted on an oscillating body  32   a  which is mounted on the slide rail support member  33 . The roller  32   b  rotates on the bottom surface  20   b  of the slide rail  20 . The roller  32   b  supports the load above. The roller  32   c  rotates along the side surface  20   c  of the slide rail  20 . The roller  32   c  smoothly oscillates the oscillating part  32 . The metal roller  32   b  is latched and held by the flat spring stopper  20   a  (refer to  FIG. 15 ) of the slide rail  20 . Thus, the moving part  30  is prevented from moving relative to the stationary part  10  when the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  are closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , one guide base end  36  is fixedly attached to the moving body  31  so as to extend in the arrow X 1  direction toward the moving part  60  side. A slide member  37  is mounted on the guide base end  36 , and is slidable in the X direction relative to the guide base end  36 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , a handle  31   b  and two screw holes  31   c  are provided on the wall  31   a  on the back side of the moving body  31 . The handle  31   b  is provided for a user can grasp when moving the moving part  30  and the moving part  60  in the Y direction. Screws  300  are inserted into the screw holes  31   c  to fixedly attach the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30 . When the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  are in a closed condition, the two screw holes  31   c  of the moving part  30  and the screw holes  13   a  (refer to  FIG. 16 ) respectively provided on the two projections  13  of the stationary part  10  are engaged by the screws  300 . Therefore, the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  are configured so as to be fixedly attached together. Furthermore, a screw hole (not shown in the drawings) is provided on the back part of the moving body  31  (refer to  FIG. 15 ) at a position corresponding to the screw hole  51   b  (refer to  FIG. 13 ) of a moving part  50  which is described later, and a screw  310  (refer to  FIG. 13  is inserted into this screw hole to fixedly attach the moving part  30  and the moving part  70 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , fixedly attached to the top surface  33   a  of the slide rail support member  33  are a direct-acting guide  38  for guiding the movement of the moving part  50  in the X direction, and a direct-acting guide  39  for guiding the movement of the moving part  70  in the X direction. The direct-acting guide  38  has a slide rail  38   a  and a slider  38   b . Slide rail  38   a  is fixedly attached to the top surface  33   a  of the slide rail support member  33 . The slider  38   b  is mounted so as to be slidable in the X direction on the slide rail  38   a . The slider  38   b  is fixedly attached to the moving part  50 . The direct-acting guide  39  has a slide rail  39   a , a slider  39   b , and a mounting member  39   c  (refer to  FIG. 21 ). The slide rail  39   a  is fixedly attached to the slide rail support member  33 . The slider  39   b  is mounted so as to be slidable in the X direction on the slide rail  39   a . The mounting member  39   c  is mounted on the top surface of the slider  39   b , and is fixedly attached to the moving part  70 . As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , a plate member  110  is fixedly attached to the top surface  33   a  of the slide rail support member  33 . A screw hole  110   a  is provided in the plate member  110 , and a screw  311  is inserted into this screw hole to fixedly attach the moving part  50  to the moving part  30 . 
     The slide rail  40  is fixedly attached to the top surfaces  33   a  of the two slide rail support members  33  of the moving part  30 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , an elastically deformable flat spring stopper  40   a  is provided at a position a predetermined distance from the end part of the slide rail  40  in the arrow X 2  direction. The stopper  40   a  prevents the moving part  50  from moving once the moving part  50  has been moved in the arrow X 2  direction. Since the specific structure of the slide rail  40  and an oscillating part  52  of the moving part  50 , which is described later, are respectively identical to structure of the previously mentioned slide rail  20  and the oscillating part  32  of the moving part  30  (refer to  FIG. 22 ), detailed description is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 through 16 , the moving part  50  has a moving body  51 , two oscillating parts  52 , a plurality of casters  53 , a handle  54  (refer to  FIG. 13 ), and two handles  55  (refer to  FIG. 12 ). The plurality of casters  53  are mounted on the bottom surface of the moving body  51  to support the moving body  51  so as to be movable. The handle  54  is provided for the user to grasp when moving the moving part  30  and the moving part  50  in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10 . The two handles  55  are provided for the user to grasp when moving the moving part  50  in the X direction relative to the stationary part  10 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , one slide connector  56  is fixedly attached to the moving body  51  so as to extend in the arrow X 2  direction toward the moving part  30  side. The slide connector  56  is provided at a position corresponding to the guide base end  35  (refer to  FIG. 15 ) and the slide member  37  (refer to  FIG. 15 ) of the previously mentioned moving part  30 . The slide connector  56  is fixedly attached to the slide member  37  mounted on the guide base end  36  of the moving part  30 . The movement of the moving part  50  relative to the moving part  30  is guided in the X direction by the direct-acting guide  38  and a slide guide  90  which is configured by the slide connector  56 , the guide base end  36 , and the slide member  37 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 , the controller  104   a  of the personal computer  104  is housed in the control housing  51   a  of the moving body  51  (refer to  FIG. 12 ). An mounting base  57  is provided on the top surface of the moving body  51  for installing the sample image obtaining device  103 . The sample image obtaining device  103  is installed on the mounting base  57  positioned on four cylindrical convex parts  57   a  provided on the mounting base  57 . A support arm  57   b  for mounting the display  104   b  and input part  104   c  of the personal computer  104  is fixedly attached to the mounting base  57 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a protruding tab  58  is mounted on the side surface of the moving body  51  on the moving part  70  side. A screw hole  58   a  is provided in the protruding tab  58  through which is inserted a screw  311  (refer to  FIG. 17 ) for fixedly attaching the moving part  50 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the back part of the moving body  51  is provided with a screw hole  51   b  at a position corresponding to a screw hole (not shown in the drawing) provided on the back part of the previously mentioned moving part  30 , and through the screw hole  51   b  is inserted a screw  310  for fixedly attaching the moving part  70  and the moving part  30 . When the moving part  70  and the moving part  50  have been moved in the arrow X 2  direction as shown in  FIG. 17 , the screw  311  engages the screw hole  58   a  provided in the protruding tab  58  of the moving part  50  and the screw hole  110   a  provided in the plate member  110  which is fixedly attached to the slide rail support member  33  of the moving part  30 . Thus, the configuration fixedly attaches the moving part  50  to the moving part  30 . In this condition, the screw  310  engages the screw hole (not shown in the drawing) provided on the back part of the moving part  30  and the screw hole  51   b  of the moving part  50 . Therefore, the moving part  50  and the moving part  30  are configured so as to be fixedly attached together. 
     The two slide rails  60  are fixedly attached to the top surface  33   a  of the two slide rail support members  33  of the moving part  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 21 , an elastically deformable flat spring stopper  60   a  is provided on the end of the slide rail  60  on the side in arrow X 2  direction. The stopper  60   a  prevents the moving part  70  from moving relative to the moving part  30  once the moving part  70  has been moved in the arrow X 2  direction. A screw hole  60   b  (refer to  FIG. 21 ) is provided on the bottom surface of the respective two slide rails  60 . A screw  320  (refer to  FIG. 20 ) is inserted into the screw hole  60   b  to fix the position of the moving part  70  when the moving part  70  has been moved in the X 2  direction. Since the specific structure of the oscillating part  72  of the moving part  70 , which is described later, and the structure other than that of the slide rail  60  are respectively identical to structure of the previously mentioned slide rail  20  and the oscillating part  32  of the moving part  30 , detailed description is omitted. 
     The moving part  70  has a mounting base  71  for installing the sample conveying device  102 , two oscillating parts  72  fixedly attached to the mounting part  71 , and two handles  73  for a user to grasp to move the moving part  70  in the X direction relative to the moving part  30 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . The sample conveying device  102  is installed on the mounting base  71  so as to be positioned on four cylindrical convex parts  71   a  provided on the mounting base  71 . The slider  39   a  of the direct-acting guide  39  is fixedly attached to the mounting base  71  through the mounting member  39   c . Thus, the movement of the mounting base  71  is guided along the X direction. Furthermore, a fixing tab  74  is attached to the mounting base  71 . The fixing tab  74  has a screw hole  74   a  into which a screw  320  is inserted to fix the position of the moving part  70 . When the moving part  70  has been moved in the arrow X 2  direction, the screw  320  (refer to  FIG. 20 ) engages the screw hole  60   b  (refer to  FIG. 21 ) provided in the respective slide rails  60 , and the screw hole  74   a  (refer to  FIG. 20 ) of the fixing tab  74  which is attached to the moving part  70 . Thus, the configuration fixedly attaches the moving part  70  to the slide rail  60 . 
     In the present embodiment, the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  are slidable in the X direction by the base unit  1  on which are installed the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  as described above. Furthermore, the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  are slidable in the Y direction by the base unit  1 . Therefore, the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  installed on the base unit  1  are movable not only in the X direction, but also the Y direction relative to the blood smear preparing device  101 . For example, in this way the facing surfaces of the blood smear preparing device  101  and the sample conveying device  102 , and the facing surfaces of the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  can be opened by moving the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  in the Y direction even when the automatic blood image analyzing system  100  has been installed at a location in which there is an obstruction on the X direction side of the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103 . Maintenance and repair of the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  can therefore be easily performed through the opened facing surfaces. Accordingly, limitations are therefore eased on the installation location due to obstructions in the automatic blood analyzing system  100  of the present embodiment. Maintenance and repair of the devices (blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103 ) are also easily performed. 
     In the present embodiment, the slide rails  40  and  60  are fixedly attached to the moving part  30 , which is movable in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10  as described above. Furthermore, the sample image obtaining device  103  is installed on the moving part  50 , which is movable in the X direction along the slide rail  40 . Moreover, the sample conveying device  102  is installed on the moving part  70 , which is movable in the X direction along the slide rail  60 . In this way the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  can be slidably moved in the X direction, and the ample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  can be slidably moved in the Y direction. 
     In the present embodiment, the guide base end  36  and slide member  37  of the moving part  30 , and the slide connector  56  of the moving part  50  are connected. Further, the moving part  50  is mounted on the slider  38   b  of the direct-acting guide  38 , which is fixedly attached to the moving part  30 . The moving part  50  on which is installed the sample image obtaining device  103  can therefore be guided so as to move in the X direction by the slide guide  90  and the direct-acting guide  38 . Furthermore, the movement of the moving part  50  is performed smoothly in the X direction relative to the moving part  30 . The movement of the moving part  70 , on which the sample conveying device  102  is installed, relative to the moving part  30  can be guided in the X direction by mounting the moving part  70  on the slider  39   b  of the direct-acting guide  39  which is attached to the moving part  30 . Thus, the movement of the moving part  70  is performed smoothly in the X direction relative to the moving part  30 . 
     The present embodiment has the slide guide  80  which is configured by the guide base end  11  and slide member  12  of the stationary part  10 , and the slide connector  35  of the moving part  30 . The movement of the moving part  30  is therefore guided in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10 . Thus, the movement of the moving part  30  is performed smoothly in the Y direction relative to the stationary part  10 . 
     In the present embodiment, the stationary part  10  and moving part  30 , the moving part  30  and moving part  50 , the moving part  70  and slide rail  60  are respectively attached by screws  300 ,  310 ,  311 , and  320 . The blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  can therefore be fixed in a deployment condition arrayed in the X direction during the sample (blood) processing operation by the automatic blood image analyzing system  100 . 
     In the present embodiment, the moving part  30  of the base unit  1  is provided with a handle  31   b , the moving part  50  is provided with handles  54  and  55 , and the moving part  70  is provided with a handle  73 . In this way a user can grasp the handles  31   b ,  54 ,  55 , and  73 . The sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  can therefore be easily moved relative to the blood smear preparing device  101 . 
     In the automatic blood image analyzing system  100  the present embodiment, the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  are movable in the X and Y directions relative to the blood smear preparing device  101  even when the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103  are deployed along the sample conveying line  200 . Maintenance and repair operations can therefore be performed on the blood smear preparing device  101 , sample conveying device  102 , and sample image obtaining device  103 . 
     The embodiment of the present disclosure is in all aspects an example and should be considered in any way limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims and not be the description of the embodiment, and includes all modifications within the scope of the claims and the meanings and equivalences therein. 
     For example, although an example of the present invention applied to an automatic blood analyzing system  100  for imaging and analyzing the image of a sample (blood) has been described in the embodiment above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The present invention may also be applied to other analyzing systems which use different analyzing objects and analyzing methods and the like. 
     Furthermore, the base unit  105  on which is installed the blood smear preparing device  101 , and the base unit  1  on which are installed the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  are separate in the example described in the embodiment above. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration inasmuch as the base unit  105  and the base unit  1  may be integrated as a single unit. 
     The blood smear preparing device  101  is fixedly deployed relative to the sample conveying line  200  in the example described in the embodiment above. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A variable deployment unit  100   e , on which the blood smear preparing device  101  is installed, may also be provided on a base unit  100   d  which has a slide mechanism  100   c  that is slidable in the Y direction, as in the modification shown in  FIG. 23 . In this way the blood smear preparing device  101  is also slidable in the Y direction relative to the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , maintenance and repair operations can be performed on the blood smear preparing device  101  and the sample conveying device  102  from the opened facing surfaces (the areas indicated by the diagonal lines in  FIG. 23 ) by moving only the blood smear preparing device  101  in the Y direction. 
     The stationary part  10 , moving part  30 , moving part  50 , and moving part  70  are described in the example of the embodiment above as only being fixed when the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  are in the closed condition, or when the moving part  30 , moving part  50 , and moving part  70  are in the closed condition. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration inasmuch as the stationary part  10  and the moving part  30  may also be fixed in the open condition for maintenance and repair, and the moving part  30 , moving part  50 , and moving part  70  may also be fixed in the opened condition. Maintenance and repair can therefore be easily performed. 
     The present embodiment has been described by way of an example in which both the sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  can be simultaneously moved in the Y direction relative to the blood smear preparing device  101 . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The sample conveying device  102  and the sample image obtaining device  103  may also be moved independently in the Y direction relative to the blood smear preparing device  101 . In this case, for example, a guide rail used by the moving part  50  for moving the moving part  50  in the Y direction, and a guide rail used by the moving part  70  for moving the moving part  70  in the Y direction may be provided, and the guide rail of the moving part  50  can be movably guided by the guide rail  40 , and the guide rail used by the moving part  70  can be movably guided by the guide rail  60 .