Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a sample analyzer that irradiates light on a measurement sample prepared by adding a reagent to a plasma sample, and performs optical measurement of the plasma sample using a coagulation method, a synthetic substrate method, an immunoturbidimetric method, and an aggregation method, and analyzes the results thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, continuous measurement and urgent measurement are usually performed in this sample analyzer. In the case of normal continuous measurement, a sample rack <NUM> holding a sample container <NUM> is transported in the depth direction along a rack setting area <NUM>, and is delivered to the right end of a transport area <NUM>. The sample rack <NUM> positioned at the right end of the transport area <NUM> is transported leftward along the transport area <NUM>. When the sample container <NUM> is positioned at the sample suction position <NUM>, the sample stored in the sample container <NUM> is suctioned by a sample dispensing unit <NUM>. On the other hand, in the case of urgent measurement, a sample container <NUM> for performing urgent measurement is set in a sample holder <NUM> positioned at the right end position of a transport path <NUM>. Then, the sample holder <NUM> is transported in the leftward direction. When the sample container <NUM> held by the sample holder <NUM> is positioned at a suction position <NUM>, the sample stored in the sample container <NUM> is suctioned by the sample dispensing unit <NUM>.

In the above-described sample analyzer, two paths are provided for transporting a sample container to suction a sample. In such a sample analyzer, it is preferable to have a suction unit penetrate the stopper installed in the opening of the sample container to suction the sample from within the sample container by a simpler configuration regardless of the route through which the sample container is transported.

The dependent claims describe optional features and distinct embodiments A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to the present aspect includes a suction unit (<NUM>) for suctioning a sample in a sample container (<NUM>) through a stopper (<NUM>) installed in the opening (<NUM>) of the sample container (<NUM>); a rack transport unit (<NUM>) configured to transport a sample rack (<NUM>) holding a sample container (<NUM>)along a transport path (42a), and position the sample container (<NUM>) held by the sample rack (<NUM>) at a suction position (<NUM>) by the suction unit <NUM>; a sample transport unit (<NUM>) for installing a sample container (<NUM>) other than the sample container (<NUM>) transported by the rack transport unit (<NUM>), and to transport the installed sample container (<NUM>) to the suction position (<NUM>) provided on the transport path (42a); a measurement unit (<NUM>) configured to measure a sample suctioned by the suction unit (<NUM>) from the sample container (<NUM>) positioned at the suction position (<NUM>); and an analysis unit (<NUM>) configured to analyze the sample based on the measurement result of the measurement unit (<NUM>).

According to the sample analyzer of the present aspect, both the sample container transported by the rack transport unit and the sample container transported by the sample transport unit, that is, the sample containers transported respectively by the two paths, are positioned at the same suction position. Then, the sample is suctioned using a common suction unit which can penetrate the stopper at the suction position. In this way, according to the sample analyzer of the present aspect, even if the sample container is transported by either of the two paths, the suction unit can penetrate the stopper installed in the opening of the sample container and the sample can be suctioned from within the sample container with a simple configuration.

The sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect may be configured to include a pressing member (<NUM>) provided above the sample container (<NUM>) positioned at the suction position (<NUM>). In this way the sample container can be prevented from moving upward as the suction unit moves, and being pulled out from the sample rack or the sample transport unit when the suction unit that has penetrated the stopper is pulled out of the sample container.

In this case, the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect may be configured to include a cleaning unit (<NUM>) provided on the pressing member (<NUM>) to clean the outer surface of the suction unit (<NUM>). In this way contamination of a sample can be prevented since the sample attached to the outer surface of the suction unit can be removed.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect, the sample transport unit (<NUM>) is configured to have a holding member (<NUM>) for holding the sample container (<NUM>), and a rotation drive unit (<NUM>) for rotating the holding member (<NUM>) in a horizontal direction to transport the sample container to the suction position. In this way the sample transport unit can smoothly transport the sample container installed in the sample transport unit from outside of the transport path to the suction position in the transport path.

In this case, the sample transport unit (<NUM>) comprises a rotation shaft (<NUM>) configured to rotate the holding member (<NUM>), and the holding member (<NUM>) may be formed on an opposite side of the rotation shaft (<NUM>) relative to the transport path. In this way it is possible to smoothly switch between a state in which the holding member is in the suction position and a state in which the holding member is not in the suction position according to the rotational position of the holding member.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to the present aspect, the shape of the holding member (<NUM>) in plan view may be configured to include an arc centered on the rotation shaft (<NUM>). In this way the flat area required for the rotation of the holding member can be reduced.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect, the holding member (<NUM>) may be formed with a plurality of container holding parts (311a) for holding the sample container (<NUM>). In this way the operator can continuously analyze the plurality of samples through the sample transport unit by setting the plurality of sample containers in the container holding part.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect, the sample transport unit (<NUM>) is configured to include a detection unit (<NUM>) that detects that the sample container (<NUM>) is held by the holding member (<NUM>).

In this case, the sample transport unit (<NUM>) is configured to transport the sample container (<NUM>) which is held by the holding member (<NUM>) to the suction position (<NUM>) based on the detection that the sample container (<NUM>) is held by the holding member (<NUM>). In this way analysis of the sample via the sample transport unit can be smoothly started by setting the sample container in the holding member.

The sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect may be configured to include a cover (<NUM>) that covers the sample transport unit (<NUM>). In this way it is possible to prevent the operator from inadvertently touching the sample transport unit in operation.

In this case, the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect may be configured to include a lock mechanism (<NUM>) that locks the cover (<NUM>). In this way it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally opening the cover and touching the sample transport unit in operation.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect, the cover (<NUM>) may be configured to include a transparent member (<NUM>) which allows the operator to see the position of the sample container (<NUM>) installed in the sample transport unit (<NUM>). In this way the operator can visually determine whether the sample container is installed in the sample transport unit.

The sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect may be configured to include a notification unit (<NUM>) to notify that the sample transport unit (<NUM>) is in operation. The notification unit is, for example, an indicator or a liquid crystal panel. In this way the operator can determine whether the sample transport unit is operating by referring to the notification unit.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to the present aspect, the suction unit (<NUM>) may be a nozzle with a pointed tip (411a). In this way the suction unit can be easily penetrate through the stopper of the sample container.

In the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to this aspect, the rack transport unit (<NUM>) is configured to transport the sample rack (<NUM>) holding the sample container (<NUM>) containing a normal sample along the transport path (42a), position the sample container (<NUM>) held in the sample rack (<NUM>) at the suction position (<NUM>) and the sample transport unit (<NUM>) is configured to transport a priority sample container (<NUM>) to the suction position (<NUM>) when a sample container containing a priority sample that requires analysis prior to normal sample (<NUM>) is installed in the sample transport unit (<NUM>).

When analyzing a priority sample, the sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to the present aspect is configured to transport the priority sample to the suction position (<NUM>) after retracting the sample rack (<NUM>) positioned at the suction position (<NUM>) from the suction position (<NUM>) by the rack transport unit (<NUM>). In this way priority sample suction can be performed prior to normal sample suction.

The sample analyzer (<NUM>) according to the present aspect may be configured to include a reading unit (<NUM>) that reads sample information from the sample container (<NUM>) positioned at the suction position (<NUM>). In this way one reading unit can read sample information from each sample container positioned at the suction position through different paths.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample analyzing method. The method includes: if a sample container containing a priority sample is installed in a sample analyzer when a sample container containing a normal sample has been transported along a transport path to a suction position by a suction unit, retracting the sample container containing the normal sample from the suction position and transporting the installed sample container containing the priority sample to the suction position; penetrating a stopper installed in an opening of the sample container positioned at the suction position by the suction unit to suction the priority sample in the sample container positioned at the suction position; measuring the priority sample suctioned from the sample container positioned at the suction position; and analyzing the priority sample based on a measurement result of the priority sample.

According to the sample analysis method of this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect is achieved. The priority sample also can be suctioned prior to the suction of the normal sample.

A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes: a suction unit configured to suction a sample in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport a sample rack holding a sample container along a transport path, and position the sample container held by the sample rack at a suction position by the suction unit; a sample transport unit comprising a holding member configured to hold a sample container other than the sample container transported by the rack transport unit, and a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the holding member in a horizontal direction to transport the sample container held by the holding member to the suction position; a measurement unit configured to measure a sample suctioned by the suction unit from the sample container positioned at the suction position; and an analysis unit configured to analyze the sample based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, wherein a transport route of the sample container by the rack transport unit and a transport route of the sample container by a rotational operation of the rotation drive unit intersect at the suction position, and the holding member is arranged to hold the sample container at a position away from the transport path, and the rotation drive unit transports the sample container held by the holding member to the suction position from the position away from the transport path.

According to the sample analyzer of this aspect, the sample container is positioned at the same suction position by two different transport paths and the sample is suctioned using the shared suction unit at the same suction position while suppressing the complication of the analyzer. Therefore, even when a suction unit that can penetrate the stopper of the sample container is used as the shared suction unit, it is possible to prevent the analyzer from becoming complicated.

According to the present invention, regardless of which of the two paths the sample container is transported, the suction unit is caused to penetrate the stopper attached to the opening of the sample container, and the sample is suctioned from the sample container by a simple configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample analyzer <NUM> includes a transport unit <NUM> and a measurement unit <NUM>. The transport unit <NUM> transports the sample container <NUM> held by the sample rack <NUM> by transporting the sample rack <NUM> to the suction position <NUM> where the measurement unit <NUM> suctions the sample. The transport unit <NUM> transports the sample container <NUM> held by the holding member <NUM> of the sample transport unit <NUM> to the suction position <NUM> by driving the sample transport unit <NUM>. The entire structure of the transport unit <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>. The structures of the sample analyzer <NUM> and the measurement unit <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the XYZ axes are orthogonal to each other, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to directions parallel to the horizontal plane. The positive direction of the X axis corresponds to the left direction, the positive direction of the Y axis corresponds to the backward direction, and the positive direction of the Z axis corresponds to the vertically downward direction. Note that in the other drawings, the XYZ axes are set the same as in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> includes a rack transport unit <NUM> and a sample transport unit <NUM>.

The rack transport unit <NUM> transports the sample rack <NUM> sent to the end on the X axis negative side of the rack transport unit <NUM> in the X axis direction along the transport path 42a, and the sample container <NUM> held by the sample rack <NUM> is positioned at the suction position <NUM>. The sample rack <NUM> includes a plurality of container holding parts <NUM>. The container holding part <NUM> is a hole formed downward from the upper surface of the sample rack <NUM>. The sample container <NUM> contains a sample therein, and the upper end of the sample container <NUM> is sealed by a stopper <NUM>. The operator causes the sample rack <NUM> to hold the sample container <NUM> containing a normal sample that does not need to be preferentially analyzed, and sets the sample rack <NUM> in the transport unit <NUM>. Then, the operator starts measurement and analysis of the sample in the sample container <NUM> held in the sample rack <NUM>. Hereinafter, normal samples which do not need to be analyzed preferentially will be referred to as "normal samples".

The sample transport unit <NUM> includes a holding member <NUM> and a rotating shaft <NUM>. The holding member <NUM> rotates around a rotation axis <NUM> extending in the Z-axis direction. The holding member <NUM> includes one container holding part 311a. The container holding part 311a is a hole which can hold the sample container <NUM> in the state of standing upright in the Z-axis direction. The sample transport unit <NUM> positions the sample container <NUM> held by the container holding part 311a at the suction position <NUM> by rotating the holding member <NUM> around the rotation shaft <NUM>. The operator causes the holding member <NUM> to hold the sample container <NUM> containing the sample requiring analysis in priority to the normal sample, and starts measurement and analysis of the sample in the sample container <NUM> held by the holding member <NUM>. Hereinafter, a sample requiring analysis in preference to a normal sample is referred to as a "priority sample". Priority samples include those that need to be analyzed urgently.

In this way the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample is installed in the sample transport unit <NUM>, and the sample transport unit <NUM> transfers the installed sample container <NUM> to the suction position <NUM>. In other words, the sample transport unit <NUM> receives the sample container <NUM> different from the sample container <NUM> transported by the rack transport unit <NUM>, and transports the received sample container <NUM> to the suction position <NUM>.

The measurement unit <NUM> includes a sample dispensing unit <NUM>. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> includes a suction unit <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, and a mechanical unit <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is installed at the tip of the arm <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is configured by a nozzle. The tip of the suction unit <NUM> is pointed so as to be able to penetrate the stopper <NUM> of the sample container <NUM>. The mechanical unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the arm <NUM> in the circumferential direction and move the arm <NUM> in the vertical direction. In this way the suction unit <NUM> can move in the circumferential direction and in the vertical direction. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> is lowered from above and penetrates the stopper <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>. Then, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> suctions the sample from the sample container <NUM> via the suction unit <NUM>.

The measurement unit <NUM> measures the sample suctioned by the suction unit <NUM> from the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>, and transmits the measurement result of the sample to the analysis unit <NUM>. The analysis unit <NUM> analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measurement unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rack transport unit <NUM> transports the sample container <NUM> held in the sample rack <NUM>, that is, the sample container <NUM> containing a normal sample, along the transport path 42a, and positions the sample container <NUM> at the suction position <NUM> of the suction unit <NUM>. Then, the suction unit <NUM> is lowered from directly above the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> and penetrates the stopper <NUM> and suctions the normal sample from within the sample container <NUM>. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, the sample transport unit <NUM> rotates the sample container <NUM> held by the holding member <NUM>, that is, the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample, around the rotation shaft <NUM> via the holding member <NUM>, and positions the sample container <NUM> at the suction position <NUM>. Then, the suction unit <NUM> is lowered from directly above the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> and penetrates the stopper <NUM> and suctions the priority sample from the inside of the sample container <NUM>.

As described above, both the sample container <NUM> transported by the rack transport unit <NUM> and the sample container <NUM> transported by the sample transport unit <NUM>, that is, the sample containers <NUM> transported by two paths, are positioned at the same suction position <NUM>. Then, the sample is suctioned using the common suction unit <NUM> capable of penetrating the stopper <NUM> at the suction position <NUM>. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the suction unit <NUM> penetrates the stopper <NUM> installed in the opening of the sample container <NUM> and suctions the sample from within the sample container <NUM> via a simple structure, regardless of which of the two paths the sample container <NUM> is transported. More specifically, the suction unit <NUM> penetrates the stopper <NUM>, the normal sample can be suctioned from the inside of the sample container <NUM> containing the normal sample transported by the rack transport unit <NUM> and the priority sample can be suctioned from within the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample transported by the transport unit <NUM>.

The holding member <NUM> is formed on one side of the rotation shaft <NUM>, that is, on the Y-axis negative side of the rotation shaft <NUM> in the state shown in <FIG>. In this way it is possible to smoothly switch between the state in which the holding member <NUM> is at the suction position <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and the state in which the holding member <NUM> is not at the suction position <NUM> as shown in <FIG> according to the rotation position of the holding member <NUM>.

The holding member <NUM> has a circular arc shape wherein the arc is aligned with a circle centered on the rotation shaft <NUM> in plan view. In other words, the shape in plan view of the holding member <NUM> includes an arc centered on the rotation shaft <NUM>. In this way the planar area required for the rotation of the holding member <NUM> can be reduced in plan view. The suction unit <NUM> is a nozzle with a pointed tip. In this way the suction unit <NUM> can easily penetrate the stopper <NUM> of the sample container <NUM>. Next, detailed configurations of the sample rack <NUM>, the sample container <NUM>, and the transport unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer shape of the sample rack <NUM> is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the width in the X-axis direction is longer than the width in the Y-axis direction. The container holding unit <NUM> holds the sample container <NUM> in an upright state in the Z-axis direction. When the sample rack <NUM> includes a plurality of container holding units <NUM>, a plurality of samples can be transported to the measurement unit <NUM> by transporting of a single sample rack <NUM>. Note that the number of container holders <NUM> formed in the sample rack <NUM> is not limited to six, and may be another number.

The identification member <NUM> is attached to the Y-axis positive side of the sample rack <NUM>. The identification member <NUM> is a barcode label on which a barcode indicating rack information is printed. The rack information is information that can individually identify the sample rack <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample container <NUM> includes an identification member <NUM>, a stopper <NUM>, a body <NUM>, and a lid <NUM>. The body <NUM> is a blood collection tube made of translucent glass or synthetic resin, and accommodates a sample therein. An opening <NUM> is formed at the upper end of the body <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is made of an elastic synthetic resin or the like. The stopper <NUM> seals the opening <NUM> at the upper end of the trunk <NUM> containing the sample. The lid <NUM> is made of plastic and covers the stopper <NUM> attached to the body <NUM> from the upper side. A hole <NUM> penetrating vertically is formed at the center of the lid <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> of the measurement unit <NUM> penetrates the stopper <NUM> in the Z-axis direction via the hole <NUM>.

The identification member <NUM> is attached to the side surface of the body <NUM>. The identification member <NUM> is a barcode label on which a barcode indicating sample information is printed. The sample information is information that can individually identify the sample.

As shown in <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> includes a rack storage unit <NUM>, a rack transport unit <NUM>, a rack collection unit <NUM>, a sample transport unit <NUM>, a shield member <NUM>, a cover <NUM>, and a notification unit <NUM>.

The sample rack <NUM> is set in the rack storage unit <NUM>. The sample rack <NUM> set in the rack storage unit <NUM> is supported by the bottom surface 41a of the rack storage unit <NUM>. The feed member 41b of the rack storage unit <NUM> is a claw-shaped member provided at the end on the X-axis positive side and the end on the X-axis negative side of the rack storage unit <NUM>. The feed member 41b is movable in the Y-axis direction. The feed member 41b pushes the side surface on the Y-axis negative side of the sample rack <NUM> in the Y-axis positive direction, whereby the sample rack <NUM> set in the rack storage unit <NUM> is transported from the rack storage unit <NUM> to the transport path 42a of the rack transport unit <NUM>.

The rack transport unit <NUM> includes two belts <NUM>, motors <NUM> and <NUM>, a reading unit <NUM>, a pressing member <NUM>, a cleaning unit <NUM>, and a pushing member <NUM>. The transport path 42a of the rack transport unit <NUM> is configured by the upper surfaces of the two belts <NUM>.

The two belts <NUM> extend in the X-axis direction in parallel with each other, and are connected to the pulleys at the ends on the X-axis positive side and the X-axis negative side. The motor <NUM> rotates a pulley to which the belt <NUM> on the Y-axis positive side is connected to drive the belt <NUM> on the Y-axis positive side. The motor <NUM> rotates a pulley to which the belt <NUM> on the Y-axis negative side is connected to drive the belt <NUM> on the Y-axis negative side. Each of the two belts <NUM> includes one protrusion <NUM> protruding in the Z-axis negative direction. The sample rack <NUM> is transported in the X-axis direction in the transport path 42a by driving the belt <NUM> in a state in which the protrusion <NUM> is engaged with the notch provided on the lower surface of the sample rack <NUM>.

The reading unit <NUM> is a bar code reader. The reading unit <NUM> reads the barcode from the identification member <NUM> of the sample rack <NUM> transported by the rack transport unit <NUM> and the identification member <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> held by the sample rack <NUM>. The reading unit <NUM> is supported movably in the X-axis direction and moves in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive side of the transport path 42a by a drive unit (not shown), and reads the barcode from the identification members <NUM> and <NUM>. The reading unit <NUM> moves to the Y-axis positive side of the suction position <NUM> and reads the barcode from the identification member <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>.

As described above, the reading unit <NUM> reads the sample information by reading the barcode from the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>. In this way the sample information can be read by one reading unit <NUM> from both the sample container <NUM> containing the normal sample positioned at the suction position <NUM> and the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample delivered through different paths.

Note that the reading unit <NUM> may be an antenna for reading an RFID. In this case, the identification member <NUM> attached to the sample rack <NUM> and the identification member <NUM> attached to the sample container <NUM> are RFID tags.

The pressing member <NUM> is provided above the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> is installed on the lower surface of the pressing member <NUM> above the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> cleans the outer surface of the suction unit <NUM> extracted from the sample container <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> and the cleaning unit <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The sample rack <NUM> is transported in the X-axis direction so that the plurality of sample containers <NUM> being held are sequentially positioned at the suction position <NUM>. When the suction of all the sample containers <NUM> is completed, the sample rack <NUM> is positioned at the end on the X-axis positive side of the transport path 42a. Then, the pushing member <NUM> pushes the side surface on the Y-axis positive side of the sample rack <NUM> in the Y-axis negative direction, and the sample rack <NUM> is fed onto the bottom surface 43a of the rack collection unit <NUM>. In this way the sample rack <NUM> is collected by the rack collection unit <NUM>.

The shield member <NUM> is installed to cover the rack transport unit <NUM> on the Y-axis negative side near the center position of the rack transport unit <NUM> in the X-axis direction. An opening <NUM> is provided in the shield member <NUM> at a position on the Y-axis negative side of the suction position <NUM>. The sample transport unit <NUM> is installed inside the opening <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is provided at the opening <NUM> and covers the sample transport unit <NUM>. More specifically, the cover <NUM> switches between opening the inside of the opening <NUM> to the outside and shielding the opening from the outside. It is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally touching the sample transport unit <NUM> in operation by providing the cover <NUM>.

The notification unit <NUM> is configured by an indicator provided on the outer surface of the shield member <NUM>. The notification unit <NUM> indicates that the sample transport unit <NUM> is in operation. Specifically, the notification unit <NUM> flashes during the operation of the sample transport unit <NUM>, and lights continuously while the sample transport unit <NUM> is not in operation. In this way the operator can determine whether the sample transport unit <NUM> is in operation with reference to the notification unit <NUM>.

Note that the notification unit <NUM> is not limited to an indicator, and may be configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like. When the notification unit <NUM> is configured by a liquid crystal panel, characters such as "the sample transport unit for transporting a priority sample is in operation" are displayed on the notification unit <NUM> while the sample transport unit <NUM> is operating.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample transport unit <NUM> includes a holding member <NUM>, a rotation shaft <NUM>, a rotation drive unit <NUM>, and a detection unit <NUM>. A container holding part 311a extending in the Z-axis direction is formed on the holding member <NUM>. The holding member <NUM> is fixed to a rotation shaft <NUM> extending in the Z-axis direction. An opening 311b is formed on the side of the container holding part 311a opposite to the rotation shaft <NUM>.

The rotation drive unit <NUM> includes pulleys 313a and 313b, a belt 313c, and a motor 313d. The pulley 313a is connected to the lower end of the rotation shaft <NUM>. The belt 313c is looped around pulleys 313a and 313b. The pulley 313b is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 313d. By driving the motor 313d, the rotation shaft <NUM> is rotated via the belt 313c.

The sample transport unit <NUM> positions the sample container <NUM> held by the container holding part 311a at the suction position <NUM> by rotating the holding member <NUM> around the rotation shaft <NUM>, and the sample container <NUM> set in the container holding part 311a of the holding member <NUM> is positioned at the suction position <NUM>.

When the rotation drive unit <NUM> rotates the holding member <NUM> around the rotation shaft <NUM>, the sample transport unit <NUM> smoothly moves the sample container <NUM> installed on the holding member <NUM> from the outside of the transport path 42a to the suction position <NUM> in the transport path 42a.

The detection unit <NUM> is a reflection type sensor, and is fixed in the transport unit <NUM>. When the container holding part 311a of the holding member <NUM> is positioned on the Y-axis negative side as shown in <FIG>, the detection unit <NUM> detects that the sample container <NUM> is held in the container holding part 311a via the opening 311b.

As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes a transparent member <NUM>, a hole <NUM>, a flange <NUM>, a hole <NUM>, and a shielding member <NUM>. The transport unit <NUM> also includes a lock mechanism <NUM> and a detection unit <NUM> near the cover <NUM>.

The transparent member <NUM> is provided on the front surface of the cover <NUM>, that is, the surface on the Y-axis negative side. The transparent member <NUM> is provided on the front surface of the cover <NUM> so that the position of the sample container <NUM> installed in the sample transport unit <NUM> can be seen therethrough. In this way the operator can visually determine whether the sample container <NUM> is installed in the sample transport unit <NUM> even when the cover <NUM> is closed.

The holes <NUM> are provided one each in two planes parallel to the YZ plane of the cover <NUM>. The two holes <NUM> face each other in the X-axis direction. The cover <NUM> can rotate around the X-axis via a rotation shaft (not shown) passing through the two holes <NUM> in the transport unit <NUM>. As the cover <NUM> rotates around the X-axis, the sample transport unit <NUM> disposed inside the cover <NUM> is switched between the state of being opened to the outside and the state of being shielded from the outside. The flange <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the cover <NUM>. The operator changes the open/close state of the cover <NUM> by holding the flange <NUM> and moving the cover <NUM> along the thick arrow in <FIG>.

The shaft <NUM> of the lock mechanism <NUM> is attached to and detached from the hole <NUM>. The lock mechanism <NUM> includes a shaft <NUM> and a cylinder <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> moves in the X-axis direction by driving the cylinder <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can not rotate around the X-axis, and the cover <NUM> is locked by inserting the shaft <NUM> into the hole <NUM>. The removal of the shaft <NUM> from the hole <NUM> allows the cover <NUM> to rotate about the X-axis. During operation of the sample transport unit <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is locked. The lock mechanism <NUM> can prevent the operator from accidentally opening the cover <NUM> and touching the sample transport unit <NUM> while in operation.

The shield member <NUM> is disposed on the X-axis negative side of the cover <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> is a transmission sensor, and includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. When the cover <NUM> is closed as shown in <FIG>, the shield member <NUM> is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the detection unit <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> rotates around the X-axis, the shield member <NUM> is retracted from between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the detection unit <NUM>. In this way the open/close state of the cover <NUM> can be detected by to the detection unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing the transport control of a priority sample and a normal sample by the transport unit <NUM>. The transport control shown in <FIG> is performed by a control unit 32a of a measurement unit <NUM> described later. Note that the transport control also may be performed by the control unit 33a of the analysis unit <NUM> described later, or may be performed by an external device other than the sample analyzer <NUM>. When a control unit is provided in the transport unit <NUM>, the control unit of the transport unit <NUM> may perform transport control.

In step S11, the control unit 32a determines whether the sample container <NUM> accommodating the unsuctioned priority sample is set in the container holding part 311a of the sample transport unit <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> is closed. The control unit 32a determines whether the sample container <NUM> is set in the container holding part 311a based on the output signal of the detection unit <NUM>, and determines whether the cover <NUM> is closed based on the output signal of the detection unit <NUM>. Note that the operator sets the measurement order of the priority sample in advance via the input unit 33d of the analysis unit <NUM> described later before setting the sample container <NUM> in the sample transport unit <NUM>.

When the sample container <NUM> containing the unsuctioned priority sample is set in the sample transport unit <NUM> and the cover <NUM> is closed, the controller 32a determines whether the sample rack <NUM> being processed is present at the suction position <NUM> in step S12. The state in which the sample rack <NUM> is being processed at the suction position <NUM> is a state in which a part of the sample rack <NUM> overlaps the lower side of the suction position <NUM>, that is, an unsuctioned sample container <NUM> remains in the sample rack <NUM>. When the sample rack <NUM> being processed is present at the suction position <NUM>, in step S13, the control unit 32a drives the rack transport unit <NUM> to move the sample rack <NUM> in the negative direction of the X axis to retract the sample rack <NUM> from the suction position <NUM>. When there is no sample rack <NUM> being processed at the suction position <NUM>, the process of step S13 is skipped.

In step S14, the control unit 32a drives the sample transport unit <NUM> to rotate the holding member <NUM> around the rotation shaft <NUM>, and transports the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample to the suction position <NUM>. In step S15, the control unit 32a positions the reading unit <NUM> behind the suction position <NUM>, and reads the barcode from the identification member <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample positioned at the suction position <NUM>. In step S16, the control unit 32a drives the sample dispensing unit <NUM> to suction the priority sample from the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> via the suction unit <NUM>.

Then, the control unit 32a rotates the holding member <NUM> around the rotation shaft <NUM>, and positions the holding member <NUM> at a position for installing the sample container <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The position of the holding member <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a position at which the sample container <NUM> is installed in the sample transport unit <NUM>. The operator opens the cover <NUM> and removes the sample container <NUM> for which suction has been completed from the holding member <NUM>. When the suction of the priority sample is completed, the temporarily retract sample rack <NUM> is again transported to the suction position <NUM> in step S18 described later, and a normal sample is suctioned from the sample container <NUM> held by the sample rack.

If it is determined in step S11 that a priority sample is not set or the cover <NUM> is not closed, the control unit 32a determines whether there is a normal sample to be analyzed in step S17. The state in which a normal sample to be analyzed is present includes the state in which the sample rack <NUM> is set in the rack storage unit <NUM>, and the state in which an unsuctioned sample container <NUM> is present in the sample rack <NUM> of the rack transport unit <NUM>. If there is no normal sample to be analyzed, the process returns to step S11. When there is a normal sample to be analyzed, in step S18, the control unit 32a drives the rack storage unit <NUM> and the rack transport unit <NUM> to transport the sample rack <NUM>, and moves the sample container <NUM> accommodating the normal sample held in the sample rack <NUM> to the suction position <NUM>.

Thereafter, the control unit 32a performs the processes of steps S15 and S16 as in the case of the priority sample. That is, in step S15, the control unit 32a positions the reading unit <NUM> behind the suction position <NUM> and reads the barcode from the identification member <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> containing the normal sample positioned at the suction position <NUM>. In step S16, the control unit 32a drives the sample dispensing unit <NUM> to suction the normal sample from the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> via the suction unit <NUM>.

Thus, when the process ends, the process is started again from step S11, and the transport control of <FIG> is repeatedly performed. As described above, the sample container <NUM> held by the holding member <NUM> is transported to the suction position <NUM> based on the detection of the sample container <NUM> held by the holding member <NUM>. In this way analysis of the priority sample can be smoothly started by setting the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample in the holding member <NUM>.

When analyzing a priority sample, the priority sample is moved to the suction position <NUM> by the sample transport unit <NUM> after the sample rack <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> is temporarily retracted from the suction position <NUM> by the rack transport unit <NUM>. In this way the priority sample can be suctioned prior to the suction of the normal sample.

As shown in <FIG>, the measurement unit <NUM> is disposed behind the transport unit <NUM>. The measurement unit <NUM> performs measurement regarding a blood coagulation test. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the sample contained in the sample container <NUM> is plasma. Note that the liquid stored as the sample in the sample container <NUM> is not limited to plasma.

That is, the sample stored in the sample container <NUM> is not limited to plasma, and may be whole blood, serum, urine, lymph fluid, body cavity fluid, or the like. For example, when the measurement unit <NUM> performs measurement related to blood tests on the sample, the sample may be whole blood. For example, when the measurement unit <NUM> performs measurement of a sample, such as a coagulation test, immunoassay test, or biochemical test, the sample may be plasma. For example, when the measurement unit <NUM> performs measurement on sample, such as an immunological test or a biochemical test, the sample may be serum.

The measurement unit <NUM> includes a sample dispensing unit <NUM>, a reaction container table <NUM>, a heating table <NUM>, a reagent table <NUM>, reagent dispensing units <NUM> and <NUM>, a transport unit <NUM>, a detection unit <NUM>, and a dispensing unit <NUM>. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> lowers the suction unit <NUM> from the upper side of the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> to penetrate the stopper <NUM>. Then, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> suctions the sample from the sample container <NUM> via the suction unit <NUM>, and discharges the suctioned sample to the reaction container <NUM> held by the holding hole <NUM> of the reaction container table <NUM>.

Similar to the sample dispensing unit <NUM>, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> includes a suction unit <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, and a mechanical unit <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is installed at the tip of the arm <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is configured by a nozzle. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> is used to suction a small amount of sample from the sample container <NUM> in which the opening <NUM> is opened, so the tip of the suction unit <NUM> has a flat shape. The mechanical unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the arm <NUM> in the circumferential direction and to move the arm <NUM> in the vertical direction. In this way the suction unit <NUM> can move in the circumferential direction and in the vertical direction.

The sample dispensing unit <NUM> inserts the suction unit <NUM> into the sample container <NUM> by lowering the suction unit <NUM> from above relative to the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM> on the transport path 42a of the rack transport unit <NUM>. Then, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> suctions the sample from the sample container <NUM> via the suction unit <NUM> and discharges the suctioned sample to the reaction container <NUM> held in the holding hole <NUM> of the reaction container table <NUM>.

The reaction container table <NUM> has an annular shape in plan view, and is disposed outside the reagent table <NUM>. The reaction container table <NUM> is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reaction container table <NUM> has a plurality of holding holes <NUM> for holding the reaction container <NUM>.

The heating table <NUM> includes a plurality of holding holes <NUM> for holding the reaction container <NUM>, and a transport unit <NUM> for transporting the reaction container <NUM>. The heating table <NUM> has a circular outline in plan view, and is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The heating table <NUM> heats the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole <NUM> to <NUM>.

When a sample is discharged to the reaction container <NUM> held on the reaction container table <NUM>, the reaction container table <NUM> is rotated, and the reaction container <NUM> containing the sample is transported to the vicinity of the heating table <NUM>. Then, the transport unit <NUM> of the heating table <NUM> holds the reaction container <NUM> and sets it in the holding hole <NUM> of the heating table <NUM>.

The reagent table <NUM> is configured to accommodate a plurality of reagent containers <NUM> containing reagents used for measurement related to a blood coagulation test. The reagent table <NUM> is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. A plurality of reagent containers <NUM> containing reagents used in measurement of measurement items are installed on the reagent table <NUM>.

The reagent dispensing unit <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> and a mechanical unit <NUM>. The mechanical unit <NUM> is configured to move the nozzle <NUM> in the horizontal direction so as to transect the reagent table <NUM>, and to move the nozzle <NUM> in the vertical direction. Similarly, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> and a mechanical unit <NUM>. The mechanical unit <NUM> is configured to move the nozzle <NUM> in the horizontal direction so as to transect the reagent table <NUM>, and to move the nozzle <NUM> in the vertical direction. The reagent dispensing units <NUM> and <NUM> are installed below the upper surface of the measurement unit <NUM>.

The reagent dispensing units <NUM> and <NUM> dispense the reagent into the reaction container <NUM> heated by the heating table <NUM>. When dispensing the reagent, the transport unit <NUM> or the transport unit <NUM> removes the reaction container <NUM> from the holding hole <NUM> of the heating table <NUM>, and positions the reaction container <NUM> at a predetermined position near the heating table <NUM>. Then, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM>, <NUM> suctions the reagent from the reagent container <NUM> through the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and discharges the suctioned reagent to the reaction container <NUM>. In this way the reagent is mixed with the sample to prepare a measurement sample. Thereafter, the transport unit <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole <NUM> of the detection unit <NUM>.

The measurement principle of the detection unit <NUM> is, for example, a coagulation method, a synthetic substrate method, an immunoturbidimetric method, an agglutination method, or the like. The detection unit <NUM> includes a plurality of holding holes <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> irradiates light on the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole <NUM>, receives the light transmitted through the measurement sample, and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received light. The control unit 32a of the measurement unit <NUM> stores the signal output from the detection unit <NUM> as a measurement result, and transmits the measurement result to the analysis unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> includes a suction unit <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, and a mechanical unit <NUM>. The mechanical unit <NUM> includes a shaft 413a, a guide member 413b, and driving units 413c and 413d. In addition to the sample dispensing unit <NUM>, <FIG> also illustrates the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>, the sample rack <NUM> holding the sample container <NUM>, the pressing member <NUM> provided immediately above the suction position <NUM>, and the cleaning unit <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is a nozzle in which the tip 411a on the Z-axis positive side is pointed.

The drive unit 413c moves the shaft 413a in the Z-axis direction. The drive unit 413d rotates the shaft 413a with the Z axis as the center of rotation. The drive units 413c and 413d are configured by stepping motors. The shaft 413a supports the arm <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> is installed downward at the end of the arm <NUM>. The guide member 413b is rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 413a, and is installed relative to the shaft 413a so that the position in the Z-axis direction does not change. A hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the tip of the guide member 413b, and the suction unit <NUM> passes through the hole at the tip of the guide member 413b.

The pressing member <NUM> is attached to the transport unit <NUM>. A hole 334a which penetrates the pressing member <NUM> in the vertical direction is formed in the pressing member <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> is installed on the lower surface of the pressing member <NUM>. A hole 335a penetrating the cleaning unit <NUM> in the vertical direction is formed in the cleaning unit <NUM>. Two flow paths (not shown) extending horizontally also are formed in the hole 335a. When the suction unit <NUM> is extracted from the sample container <NUM>, the cleaning part <NUM> causes a cleaning liquid to flow in one of the flow paths connected in the horizontal direction to the hole 335a and discharges the cleaning liquid from the other flow path. In this way the outer surface of the suction unit <NUM> passing through the hole 335a is cleaned, so that contamination of the sample can be prevented.

The pressing member <NUM> is provided above the sample container <NUM> positioned at the suction position <NUM>. In this way, even when the sample container <NUM> moves upward in conjunction with the movement of the suction unit <NUM> when the suction unit <NUM> which has penetrated the stopper <NUM> is extracted from the sample container <NUM>, the top end of the sample container <NUM> is pressed by the pressing member <NUM> through the cleaning unit <NUM>. In this way it is possible to prevent the sample container <NUM> from moving upward with the movement of the suction unit <NUM> and being removed from the sample rack <NUM> or the sample transport unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample analyzer <NUM> includes a transport unit <NUM>, a measurement unit <NUM>, and an analysis unit <NUM>.

The measurement unit <NUM> includes a control unit 32a, a storage unit 32b, and various mechanical units illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Control unit 32a is, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 32b is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. The control unit 32a controls each part in the measurement unit <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> in accordance with a program and data stored in the storage unit 32b. The control unit 32a suctions the sample supplied by the transport unit <NUM>, performs measurements related to the blood coagulation test for the sample, and transmits the measurement results to the analysis unit <NUM>.

The analysis unit <NUM> includes a control unit 33a, a storage unit 33b, a display unit 33c, and an input unit 33d. Control unit 33a is, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 33b is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk. The control unit 33a controls each unit in the analysis unit <NUM> and the measurement unit <NUM> according to a program or data stored in the storage unit 33b. The display unit 33c is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit <NUM> d is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The display unit 33c and the input unit 33d may be integrally configured by a touch panel display or the like.

The control unit 33a analyzes the blood coagulation test of a sample based on the measurement result received from the measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, the control unit 33a analyzes measurement items including PT, APTT, Fbg, extrinsic coagulation factor, intrinsic coagulation factor, coagulation factor XIII, HpT, TTO, FDP, D dimer, PIC, FM, ATIII, Plg, APL, PC, VWF: Ag, VWF: RCo, ADP, collagen, epinephrine.

In the second embodiment shown in <FIG>, the sample transport unit <NUM> also is provided at a suction position <NUM> at which the sample dispensing unit <NUM> of the measurement unit <NUM> suctions a sample from the transport path 42a, similarly to the suction position <NUM>. In this way, in the second embodiment, the shield member <NUM> extends to the X-axis negative side so as to protect the suction position <NUM> as compared with the first embodiment, and the cover <NUM> also is provided on the Y-axis negative side. In the second embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> also extends in the X-axis direction so as to straddle above the suction positions <NUM> and <NUM>. A cleaning unit <NUM> is provided on the lower surface of the pressing member <NUM> immediately above the suction position <NUM>.

In the second embodiment, a sample dispensing unit <NUM> also is disposed at the position of the sample dispensing unit <NUM> rather than the sample dispensing unit <NUM>. That is, the measurement unit <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes two sample dispensing units <NUM> including the suction unit <NUM> which has a sharp tip 411a. In this way the sample dispensing unit <NUM> on the X-axis negative side can suction the sample from the inside of the sample container <NUM> by making the suction unit <NUM> penetrate the stopper <NUM> of the sample container <NUM> situated at the suction position <NUM>. Other structures of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the sample can be suctioned from the sample container <NUM> containing the normal sample and the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample via the stopper <NUM> at the suction position <NUM>, similarly to the suction position <NUM>. Hence, multiple priority samples can be analyzed quickly. In the second embodiment, the reading unit <NUM> also is movable in the X-axis direction to the positions of the suction positions <NUM> and <NUM>. In this way the barcode can be read by one reading unit <NUM> at the suction positions <NUM> and <NUM> from both the sample container <NUM> containing the normal sample and the sample container <NUM> containing the priority sample.

As shown in <FIG>, in the third embodiment, three container holding parts 311a are provided on the holding member <NUM> of the sample transport unit <NUM>. All three container holding parts 311a are arranged on the circumference centering on the rotation shaft <NUM>. Other structures of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, when a plurality of container holding parts 311a are formed on the holding member <NUM>, the operator sets the plurality of sample containers <NUM> containing the priority samples in the holding member <NUM> to continuously analyze the plurality of priority samples. Note that the number of objects of the container holding part 311a provided in the holding member <NUM> is not limited to three, and may be another number.

In the fourth embodiment shown in <FIG>, the holding member <NUM> of the sample transport unit <NUM> has an elliptical shape in plan view. Other structures of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Claim 1:
A sample analyzer comprising:
a suction unit configured to suction a sample in a sample container through a stopper installed in an opening of the sample container;
a rack transport unit configured to transport a sample rack holding a sample container along a transport path, and position the sample container held by the sample rack at a suction position by the suction unit;
a sample transport unit in which a sample container other than the sample container transported by the rack transport unit is installed and which is configured to transport the installed sample container;
a measurement unit configured to measure a sample suctioned by the suction unit from the sample container positioned at the suction position; and
an analysis unit configured to analyze the sample based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, characterised in that
the sample transport unit comprises a holding member configured to hold the sample container, and a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the holding member in a horizontal direction such that the sample in the sample container can be sucked by the suction unit.