Patent Description:
A sample smear apparatus includes, as main constituent components: various processors such as a slide feeder which feeds a slide glass, a smear unit which smears a sample on the slide glass, a drier which dries the sample on the slide glass, and a printer which makes print on the slide glass; and a transporter which transports the slide glass. The slide glass is a plate having a thickness of about <NUM>, and processing of smearing and printing on the slide glass requires precise positioning.

In <CIT> (Patent Literature <NUM>), a smear unit positions a slide glass in a vertical direction by lifting a support member that supports the slide glass from the lower surface side and bringing the upper surface of the slide glass into contact with a fixed plate for positioning.

As described above, in the conventional sample smear apparatus, each of the slider feeder and the processors has to be equipped with a mechanism for moving the slide glass up and down, such as a slide glass elevator mechanism provided in the smear unit. Therefore, the structures of the slide feeder and the processors are complicated.

<CIT> is concerned with a sample preparing apparatus. <CIT> is concerned with a sample transport system.

The invention aims to simplify structures of a slide feeder and processors in a sample smear apparatus.

A sample smear apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

The structures of the slide feeder and the processors in the sample smear apparatus can be simplified.

With reference to the drawings, an embodiment is described below.

With reference to <FIG>, description is given of an overview of sample smear apparatus <NUM> according to this embodiment.

Sample smear apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for smearing a sample on slide glass <NUM>. The sample is a biological specimen collected from a sample under test (subject), for example, blood, urine, cells, and the like.

As illustrated in <FIG>, sample smear apparatus <NUM> includes slide feeder <NUM>, smear processor <NUM>, and slide transporter <NUM>.

Slide glass <NUM> is a rectangular plate-like member, for example. Slide glass <NUM> has, for example, a smear region for smearing the sample and a print region for displaying various kinds of information such as sample information, on its surface. The smear region is formed in a predetermined range extending in a longitudinal direction in the center of slide glass <NUM> in the longitudinal direction, for example. The print region is formed away from the smear region at one end of slide glass <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The print region is a part that is processed to be printable by coating slide glass <NUM> with a resin material or the like, for example. In the print region, a sample number, a date, a bar code or two-dimensional code, and the like can be printed.

Slide feeder <NUM> has a function to feed slide glasses <NUM> before processing. Slide feeder <NUM> can house more than one slide glass <NUM>. Slide feeder <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to slide transporter <NUM>. In sample smear apparatus <NUM>, slide glass <NUM> fed from slide feeder <NUM> is transported to print processor <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>.

In accordance with the claimed invention, sample smear apparatus <NUM> includes a print processor <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, sample smear apparatus <NUM> includes print processor <NUM>. Print processor <NUM> has a function to perform printing on slide glass <NUM>. Print processing by print processor <NUM> is processing of printing various kinds of information such as sample information in the print region on the surface of slide glass <NUM>. Print processor <NUM> uses a heretofore known printer such as a thermal-transfer printer and an ink-jet printer, for example, to perform the print processing.

Smear processor <NUM> has a function to smear the sample on slide glass <NUM>. Smear processing by smear processor <NUM> is processing of smearing the sample in the smear region on the surface of slide glass <NUM>. The sample is smeared in an amount and an application thickness suitable for microscopical examination using slide glass <NUM>. For the smear processing, a smear method (so-called wedge method) using a smear member such as a drawing glass, or other smear methods can be adopted. Smear processor <NUM> performs the smear processing by using a smear mechanism corresponding to the smear method to be adopted.

Slide transporter <NUM> is configured to be movable to slide feeder <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> includes: slide holder mechanism <NUM> with an upper surface for holding slide glass <NUM>; and transfer mechanism <NUM> which moves slide holder mechanism <NUM> in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction.

Slide transporter <NUM> can use transfer mechanism <NUM> to position slide holder mechanism <NUM> at slide feeder <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>.

In the configuration of sample smear apparatus <NUM> further including print processor <NUM>, and in accordance with the claimed invention, slide transporter <NUM> is configured to be movable to slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. Unlike the claimed invention, generally, slide transporter <NUM> may also be movable to slide feeder <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>, and not to print processor <NUM>. In such a case, a transporter provided separately from slide transporter <NUM> may transport slide glass <NUM> to print processor <NUM>, for example. Slide transporter <NUM> may further transport slide glass <NUM> to parts other than slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>.

When positioning slide holder mechanism <NUM> at slide feeder <NUM>, slide transporter <NUM> receives slide glass <NUM> before smearing from slide feeder <NUM> onto slide holder mechanism <NUM>. When positioning slide holder mechanism <NUM> at print processor <NUM>, slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> held on slide holder mechanism <NUM> to a predetermined processing position at print processor <NUM>. When positioning slide holder mechanism <NUM> at smear processor <NUM>, slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> held on slide holder mechanism <NUM> to a predetermined processing position at smear processor <NUM>.

Slide holder mechanism <NUM> holds slide glass <NUM> on its upper surface in a flat placement state where a smear surface of slide glass <NUM> faces upward, for example. Thus, print processor <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>, for example, can perform print processing and smear processing on slide glass <NUM> held on the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM> without handing over the slide glass to another holding mechanism.

Transfer mechanism <NUM> is an orthogonal triaxial transfer mechanism for moving slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the vertical and horizontal directions, for example. Transfer mechanism <NUM> may also be a biaxial transfer mechanism with one vertical axis and one horizontal axis. Transfer mechanism <NUM> includes a combination of direct operated mechanisms, which perform linear movement, for example. The direct operated mechanisms may be, for example, a belt-pulley mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a linear motor mechanism, an actuator such as an air cylinder and a solenoid, and the like.

Here, in accordance with the claimed invention, sample smear apparatus <NUM> also includes vertical positioning members <NUM>. In more than one of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>, vertical positioning members <NUM> are configured to position slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM> in a vertical direction by coming into contact with predetermined portions of slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, sample smear apparatus <NUM> includes vertical positioning members <NUM>.

Vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided in more than one of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a configuration example where vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided in all of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. In a configuration in which slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> to only some of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>, vertical positioning members <NUM> may be provided in portions of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>, to which slide transporter <NUM> can be moved.

<FIG> illustrates configuration examples of vertical positioning members <NUM> in each of slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. As illustrated in (A) of <FIG>, vertical positioning member <NUM> is provided in slide feeder <NUM>, for example. In the configuration example (A) of <FIG>, vertical positioning member <NUM> is provided to come into contact with predetermined portion 60a of slide holder mechanism <NUM>, which is lifted from below, in the vertical direction (Z-direction) in slide feeder <NUM>. Slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined feed height position by vertical positioning member <NUM> coming into contact with predetermined portion 60a. Thus, slide glass <NUM> is passed to slide holder mechanism <NUM> from slide feeder <NUM> at the feed height position thus set.

As illustrated in (B) of <FIG>, vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided in print processor <NUM>, for example. In the configuration example (B) of <FIG>, vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided to come into contact with predetermined portions 60a of slide holder mechanism <NUM>, which is lifted from below, in the vertical direction (Z-direction) in print processor <NUM>. Slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined print height position by vertical positioning members <NUM> coming into contact with predetermined portions 60a. Thus, slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> is printed by print processor <NUM> at the print height position thus set.

As illustrated in (C) of <FIG>, vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided in smear processor <NUM>, for example. In the configuration example (C) of <FIG>, vertical positioning members <NUM> are provided to come into contact with slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>, which is lifted from below, in the vertical direction (Z-direction) in smear processor <NUM>. Slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined smear height position by vertical positioning members <NUM> coming into contact with slide glass <NUM>. Thus, slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> is printed by smear processor <NUM> at the smear height position thus set.

Next, description is given of a sample smear method using the sample smear apparatus with the above configuration. Sample smear apparatus <NUM> moves slide holder mechanism <NUM> to a feed position of slide glass <NUM>. Sample smear apparatus <NUM> performs vertical positioning of slide holder mechanism <NUM> by lifting slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Sample smear apparatus <NUM> feeds slide glass <NUM> to slide holder mechanism <NUM> thus positioned.

After feeding slide glass <NUM>, sample smear apparatus <NUM> moves slide holder mechanism <NUM> to a processing position for smear processing. Sample smear apparatus <NUM> performs vertical positioning of slide glass <NUM> by lifting slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Sample smear apparatus <NUM> performs smear processing on slide glass <NUM> thus positioned.

Note that, in the case of performing feeding, print processing, and smear processing, the print processing is performed as in the above case. Specifically, slide holder mechanism <NUM> is moved to a processing position for the print processing, and then vertical positioning of slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM> is performed. Thereafter, the print processing is performed on slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM> thus positioned. In this case, the print processing may be performed either before or after the smear processing.

With the above configuration, vertical positioning of slide glass <NUM> can be performed by transfer mechanism <NUM> lifting slide holder mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM>. In such a configuration of slide transporter <NUM> transporting slide glass <NUM> while moving to more than one location, an elevator mechanism for the vertical positioning can be shared at more than one location by providing transfer mechanism <NUM> capable of vertical movement on slide transporter <NUM> side. Therefore, the structures of slide feeder <NUM> and smear processor <NUM> can be simplified compared with a case where elevator mechanisms are individually provided in slide feeder <NUM> and the respective processors. As a result, the structures of slide feeder <NUM> and the processors can be simplified in sample smear apparatus <NUM>.

Moreover, when sample smear apparatus <NUM> is provided with print processor <NUM>, common slide transporter <NUM> can transport slide glass <NUM> between slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. Thus, the apparatus configuration can be simplified. Furthermore, when sample smear apparatus <NUM> is provided with vertical positioning members <NUM>, a simple configuration in which predetermined portions 60a of slide holder mechanism <NUM> or a slide glass come(s) into contact with vertical positioning members <NUM> can be adopted, which enables easy accuracy control for the positioning of slide glass <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, description is given below of a configuration example of smear preparation apparatus <NUM>, in which sample smear apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is applied to a sample smear unit in smear preparation apparatus <NUM>. Smear preparation apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for performing smear processing of smearing a sample on slide glass <NUM> and also performing sample stain processing on slide glass <NUM> with the sample smeared thereon. The sample is blood, for example.

Sample smear apparatus <NUM> including slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, smear processor <NUM>, slide transporter <NUM>, and vertical positioning members <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is provided as smear unit <NUM> in smear preparation apparatus <NUM> in the configuration example of <FIG>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, smear unit <NUM> further includes removal mechanism <NUM>, first drying processor <NUM>, and discharge mechanism <NUM>. Also, in the configuration example of <FIG>, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> includes transport mechanism <NUM>, stain processor <NUM>, slide setup unit <NUM>, transport mechanism <NUM>, second drying processor <NUM>, and slide storage unit <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> further includes sample transporter <NUM>, aspirator <NUM>, and controller <NUM>.

In the following description, it is assumed that two directions orthogonal to each other within a plane parallel to an installation surface of smear preparation apparatus <NUM> (that is, within a horizontal plane) are X-direction and Y-direction, respectively. In the example of <FIG>, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> has a square external shape along the X-direction and Y-direction in a planar view. It is also assumed that the X-direction is a width direction (or lateral direction) of smear preparation apparatus <NUM> and the Y-direction is a depth direction of smear preparation apparatus <NUM>. The Y1-direction side is the front side of the apparatus, while the Y2-direction side is the back side of the apparatus. Moreover, it is assumed that a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane is a Z-direction.

Sample containers <NUM>, each containing a sample, can be installed in sample transporter <NUM>. Sample transporter <NUM> transports installed sample containers <NUM> to a predetermined pickup position. Sample transporter <NUM> transports rack <NUM> holding sample containers <NUM>, for example. Aspirator <NUM> aspirates a liquid sample such as blood and urine from each of sample containers <NUM> transported to the pickup position by sample transporter <NUM>. Aspirator <NUM> feeds the aspirated sample to smear unit <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide feeder <NUM> includes first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM>. Slide feeder <NUM> may include one or three or more feeders. Slide feeder <NUM> can house slide glasses <NUM> in an unused state before smearing of the sample in first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM>. Slide glasses <NUM> are housed flat with their smear surfaces facing upward in first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM>. Slide feeder <NUM> is configured to hold slide glasses <NUM> in a state where the long-side direction of slide glass <NUM> corresponds to the Y-direction and the short-side direction of slide glass <NUM> corresponds to the X-direction.

First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> have substantially the same configuration. First and second feeders <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged side by side in the X-direction. First and second feeders <NUM> and <NUM> can each feed slide glasses <NUM> before smearing housed therein, one by one, by moving slide glasses <NUM> in the Y2-direction.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide transporter <NUM> is provided to transport slide glass <NUM> while moving between slide feeder <NUM>, removal mechanism <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. More specifically, slide transporter <NUM> functions as a transporter shared among slide feeder <NUM>, removal mechanism <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>.

Slide transporter <NUM> can receive slide glass <NUM> from first feeder <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> can also receive slide glass <NUM> from second feeder <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> can transport held slide glass <NUM> to respective processing positions in removal mechanism <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> received from slide feeder <NUM> to removal mechanism <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM> in this order. In a state of being held by slide transporter <NUM>, slide glass <NUM> is subjected to predetermined processing in each of removal mechanism <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> in a state where the long-side direction of slide glass <NUM> corresponds to the Y2-direction and the short-side direction of slide glass <NUM> corresponds to the X-direction.

Removal mechanism <NUM> has a function to remove extraneous matter adhering to the surface of slide glass <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, removal mechanism <NUM> is arranged on the Y2-direction side of slide feeder <NUM>. Removal mechanism <NUM> performs extraneous matter removal processing on slide glass <NUM> held on the upper surface of slide transporter <NUM>. The extraneous matter is, for example, small foreign matter such as glass powder and dust.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, print processor <NUM> is arranged on the Y2-direction side of slide feeder <NUM>. Print processor <NUM> is arranged on the Y2-direction side of removal mechanism <NUM>. Print processor <NUM> can print various kinds of information such as sample information in print region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM>. Also, print processor <NUM> performs printing on slide glass <NUM> held on the upper surface of slide transporter <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, smear processor <NUM> is arranged on the X1-direction side of print processor <NUM>. Smear processor <NUM> can smear the sample in smear region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM>. Smear processor <NUM> smears the sample on slide glass <NUM> held on the upper surface of slide transporter <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, discharge mechanism <NUM> has a function to discharge slide glass <NUM>, which is transported to smear processor <NUM>, to first drying processor <NUM>. Discharge mechanism <NUM> is provided to extend in the Y-direction, and can transport slide glass <NUM> in the Y1-direction. Discharge mechanism <NUM> places slide glass <NUM>, which is transported to smear processor <NUM>, at a processing position in first drying processor <NUM> by moving slide glass <NUM> in the Y1-direction.

First drying processor <NUM> has a function to receive slide glass <NUM> with the sample smeared thereon from smear processor <NUM>, and to blow air to smear region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM>. First drying processor <NUM> can dry the sample smeared on slide glass <NUM> by blowing air.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, discharge mechanism <NUM> is configured to further discharge slide glass <NUM>, which is discharged to first drying processor <NUM>, to transport mechanism <NUM> from first drying processor <NUM>. Discharge mechanism <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM>, which is transported to first drying processor <NUM>, to transport mechanism <NUM> by moving slide glass <NUM> in the Y1-direction.

Transport mechanism <NUM> is arranged on the Y1-direction side of first drying processor <NUM> and stain processor <NUM>, and is provided to extend in the X-direction. Transport mechanism <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> in the X1-direction from first drying processor <NUM> to pickup position <NUM> between stain processor <NUM> and slide setup unit <NUM>. Transport mechanism <NUM> includes accommodation unit <NUM> that accommodates slide glass <NUM>, and can move accommodation unit <NUM> in the X-direction. Transport mechanism <NUM> receives slide glass <NUM> laid approximately parallel to the installation surface into accommodation unit <NUM>, and transports slide glass <NUM> to pickup position <NUM> while setting slide glass <NUM> up approximately perpendicularly to the installation surface. At pickup position <NUM>, slide glass <NUM> is held upright such that the smear surface is set in the vertical direction (Z-direction). Slide glass <NUM> transported to pickup position <NUM> is transported to stain processor <NUM> or slide setup unit <NUM>.

Stain processor <NUM> is configured to stain the sample smeared on slide glass <NUM>. Stain processor <NUM> is arranged on the X1-direction side of first drying processor <NUM>. Stain processor <NUM> is arranged on the Y2-direction side of pickup position <NUM>. Stain processor <NUM> is provided to extend in the Y-direction. Stain processor <NUM> includes a stain tank for storing a staining solution and a cleaning tank for storing a cleaning liquid. Stain processor <NUM> performs stain processing and cleaning processing on smeared slide glass <NUM> in the stain tank and the cleaning tank.

Slide setup unit <NUM> is arranged on the Y1-direction side of stain processor <NUM>, and is configured to hold slide glass <NUM> such that slide glass <NUM> can be taken in and out. Slide setup unit <NUM> includes slide storage container <NUM>, for example, and holds slide glasses <NUM> in slide storage container <NUM>.

Transport mechanism <NUM> can transport slide glass <NUM> between stain processor <NUM>, slide setup unit <NUM>, and pickup position <NUM>. Transport mechanism <NUM> can be moved in the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction at a height position above stain processor <NUM>, slide setup unit <NUM>, and pickup position <NUM>, for example. Thus, transport mechanism <NUM> can pick up slide glass <NUM> arranged at each of stain processor <NUM>, slide setup unit <NUM>, and pickup position <NUM>, and can transport slide glass <NUM> to each of stain processor <NUM>, slide setup unit <NUM>, and pickup position <NUM>.

In smear preparation apparatus <NUM>, transport mechanism <NUM> can transport slide glass <NUM> subjected to the print processing and smear processing in smear unit <NUM> not only from pickup position <NUM> to stain processor <NUM> but also from pickup position <NUM> to slide setup unit <NUM>. Moreover, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> can transport slide glass <NUM> with the sample smeared thereon, which is manually placed in slide setup unit <NUM> by a user, to stain processor <NUM> from slide setup unit <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, transport mechanism <NUM> can transport slide glass <NUM> to second drying processor <NUM> and slide storage unit <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, second drying processor <NUM> is arranged on the Y2-direction side of stain processor <NUM>. Second drying processor <NUM> has a function to dry slide glass <NUM>, which is stained by stain processor <NUM>, by blowing air, for example.

Slide storage unit <NUM> has a function to receive and store processed slide glass <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide storage unit <NUM> is arranged on the X1-direction side of second drying processor <NUM>.

For example, slide storage containers <NUM> can be placed in slide storage unit <NUM>. Also, slide storage unit <NUM> can transport slide storage containers <NUM> placed therein. Slide storage unit <NUM> holds slide glasses <NUM> in slide storage container <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> includes unillustrated CPU and memory, and controls operations of the respective units in smear preparation apparatus <NUM>. Controller <NUM> includes output unit <NUM>. Output unit <NUM> is a display unit such as a liquid crystal monitor, for example.

With such a configuration, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> can automatically prepare smears by performing the print processing, sample smear processing, and stain processing on slide glass <NUM>.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a configuration example of slide transporter <NUM> is described.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of slide holder mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM>. In this configuration example, slide holder mechanism <NUM> includes mount plate <NUM>, catcher <NUM>, abutting part <NUM>, and wall parts <NUM>.

Slide holder mechanism <NUM> is configured to be able to mount and hold slide glass <NUM> on an upper surface of mount plate <NUM>. To be more specific, slide holder mechanism <NUM> holds slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of mount plate <NUM> in a flat placement state where a smear surface of slide glass <NUM> faces upward. Mount plate <NUM> forms the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Mount plate <NUM> is formed in a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction (XY-direction). Mount plate <NUM> supports slide glass <NUM> from below (Z2-direction side). Slide transporter <NUM> can use transfer mechanism <NUM> to move slide holder mechanism <NUM> holding slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface thereof to print processor <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>.

Catcher <NUM> includes press part 62a, switch part 62b, and rotary shaft 62c. Catcher <NUM> can be moved between an open position (see <FIG>) where slide glass <NUM> can be taken in and out and a catch position (see <FIG>) where slide glass <NUM> is held. Catcher <NUM> can hold slide glass <NUM> so as not to move on slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

In the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, catcher <NUM> is arranged on the Y1-direction side of slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Also, abutting part <NUM> is provided to protrude upward at the Y2-direction side end on the upper surface of mount plate <NUM>. Catcher <NUM> can be rotated to the Y1-direction side and the Y2-direction side about rotary shaft 62c extending in the X-direction. Catcher <NUM> uses an unillustrated spring member to pull press part 62a to the Y2-direction side. Thus, catcher <NUM> catches the short side of slide glass <NUM> in the longitudinal direction by pressing the end face of slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of mount plate <NUM> against abutting part <NUM> on the Y2-direction side.

Press part 62a is arranged above (on the Z1-direction side of) rotary shaft 62c. Switch part 62b is arranged below (on the Z2-direction side of) rotary shaft 62c. Catcher <NUM> can be rotated to the Y1-direction side about rotary shaft 62c against tensile force of the spring member by pushing switch part 62b to the Y2-direction side. With such a configuration, catcher <NUM> can be moved between the open position where slide glass <NUM> can be taken in and out by press part 62a retreating below the upper surface of mount plate <NUM> and the catch position where slide glass <NUM> is held by press part 62a protruding above the upper surface of mount plate <NUM>.

Moreover, slide holder mechanism <NUM> includes wall parts <NUM> for regulating movement of slide glass <NUM> placed on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Wall parts <NUM> are provided in a pair on either end of slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the X-direction. More specifically, a pair of wall parts <NUM> are provided on the ends in the short-side direction perpendicular to the long-side direction in which catcher <NUM> catches slide glass <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, notch part 61a extending for a predetermined length in the X1-direction is provided on the X2-direction side end of slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Slide glass <NUM> on the upper surface of mount plate <NUM> can be moved to the X1-side by moving an unillustrated press part in the X1-direction from the X2-direction side of slide holder mechanism <NUM> to the inside of notch part 61a. Thus, slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> can be positioned in the X-direction by the end face of slide glass <NUM> coming into contact with wall part <NUM> on the X1-side. Note that slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> is positioned in the Y-direction by catcher <NUM> brining the end face of slide glass <NUM> into contact with abutting part <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide holder mechanism <NUM> includes resilient elastic body <NUM> for supporting the lower surface side of mount plate <NUM>. Elastic body <NUM> supports the lower surface side of mount plate <NUM> such that elastic body <NUM> can extend and contract in the vertical direction. Thus, when the print processing or the smear processing is performed on slide glass <NUM> on mount plate <NUM>, the position of slide glass <NUM> can be fine-adjusted with elastic body <NUM> extended or contracted along with application of pressure to slide glass <NUM>. This absorbs a variation in thickness of slide glass <NUM>, and enables print quality and smear state to be stabilized.

In a configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, elastic bodies <NUM> are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of mount plate <NUM>. Thus, even when a height position of a printer for print processing or a smear member for smear processing is slightly different from a height position of the surface of slide glass <NUM>, the long-side of slide glass <NUM> can be inclined according to the height position of the counterpart by deform ing elastic bodies <NUM>. As a result, print quality and smear state can be stabilized by absorbing a deviation in height position attributable to an assembly error and the like. Elastic bodies <NUM> may be cushion materials such as rubber.

In the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, three or more elastic bodies <NUM> are provided to surround the center of gravity of mount plate <NUM>, and each include spring members 65a that support the lower surface of mount plate <NUM>. Thus, even when the printer for print processing or the smear member for smear processing is inclined with respect to the surface of slide glass <NUM> due to the assembly error and the like, the posture of slide glass <NUM> can be fine-adjusted with spring members 65a extended or contracted such that the printer or the smear member comes into surface contact with the surface of slide glass <NUM>. As a result, the print quality and smear state can be stabilized by absorbing a deviation in posture attributable to the assembly error and the like.

In the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, the center of gravity of mount plate <NUM> may be considered as the center of mount plate <NUM> having an approximately rectangular shape in a planar view. Spring members 65a are provided such that two thereof are arranged at a predetermined interval in the long-side direction (Y-direction) of held slide glass <NUM> and the other two thereof are arranged at a predetermined interval in the short-side direction (X-direction) thereof. Two spring members 65a in the long-side direction (Y-direction) are arranged on either side of the center of mount plate <NUM> in the long-side direction. Meanwhile, two spring members 65a in the short-side direction (X-direction) are arranged on either side of the center of mount plate <NUM> in the short-side direction. Therefore, four spring members 65a are arranged in total at vertices of a rhombus shape surrounding the center of gravity of mount plate <NUM>.

Note that, although four elastic bodies <NUM> are provided in the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, two elastic bodies <NUM>, for example, may be provided at a predetermined interval along the long-side direction of mount plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, one, three, or five or more elastic bodies <NUM> may be provided.

In a configuration example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, transfer mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM> includes first transfer mechanism <NUM>, second transfer mechanism <NUM>, and third transfer mechanism <NUM>. First transfer mechanism <NUM> can move held slide glass <NUM> in the X-direction. Second transfer mechanism <NUM> can move held slide glass <NUM> in the Y-direction. Third transfer mechanism <NUM> can move held slide glass <NUM> in the Z-direction. Thus, transfer mechanism <NUM> can move slide mechanism <NUM> holding slide glass <NUM> in the XY-direction within the horizontal plane and in the vertical direction (Z-direction).

First transfer mechanism <NUM> includes a belt-driven direct operated mechanism including base part 71a, motor 71b, belt 71c, and an unillustrated rail. Second transfer mechanism <NUM> includes a belt-driven direct operated mechanism including motor 72a, a pair of rails 72b, and belt 72c.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, transfer mechanism <NUM> includes air cylinder 73a for moving slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the vertical direction. More specifically, third transfer mechanism <NUM> includes an air-driven mechanism including air cylinder 73a. Thus, the apparatus configuration can be simplified compared with a case where third transfer mechanism <NUM> includes a servo motor and the like to move slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the vertical direction, for example. Here, it is difficult for air cylinder 73a itself to accurately control the position in the vertical direction. However, the need for accurate positional control to be performed on transfer mechanism <NUM> side is eliminated by providing vertical positioning members <NUM> for positioning by coming into contact with the predetermined portions of slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM>. Therefore, the configuration of transfer mechanism <NUM> can be simplified by using air cylinder 73a while ensuring positioning accuracy.

Third transfer mechanism <NUM> for moving slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the vertical direction may be configured using, for example, a combination of a motor and a direct operated mechanism, a linear motor mechanism, or an actuator such as a solenoid, other than the air-driven mechanism including air cylinder 73a. Note that vertical positioning of slide holder mechanism <NUM> or slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> is described later.

Slide holder mechanism <NUM> is supported to be movable in the vertical direction by air cylinder 73a. Air cylinder 73a can extend and contract column part 73b in the vertical direction (Z-direction). Column part 73b includes a piston rod of air cylinder 73a. Slide holder mechanism <NUM> is attached to column part 73b through elastic bodies <NUM> provided on an upper end of column part 73b.

Third transfer mechanism <NUM> is supported to be movable in the X-direction by first transfer mechanism <NUM>. Motor 71b, belt 71c, and the rail in first transfer mechanism <NUM> are arranged on base part 71a. Belt 71c is rotated by drive motor 71b, and thus slide holder mechanism <NUM> is moved in the X-direction together with third transfer mechanism <NUM>. Base part 71a is installed above rail 72b in second transfer mechanism <NUM>, and can be moved in the Y-direction.

First transfer mechanism <NUM> is supported to be movable in the Y-direction by second transfer mechanism <NUM>. Second transfer mechanism <NUM> can move slide holder mechanism <NUM> in the Y-direction by moving base part 71a in the Y-direction. To be more specific, belt 72c is rotated by drive motor 72a, and thus slide holder mechanism <NUM>, third transfer mechanism <NUM>, and first transfer mechanism <NUM> are all moved in the Y-direction.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide holder mechanism <NUM> includes contact member <NUM> that is lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM> together with mount plate <NUM>. Contact member <NUM> is arranged below (in the Z2-direction) mount plate <NUM>. Contact member <NUM> functions as the predetermined portion 60a of slide holder mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Contact member <NUM> is configured to perform vertical positioning of slide holder mechanism <NUM> by coming into contact with flat plate member <NUM> to be described later in vertical positioning member <NUM>.

Slide holder mechanism <NUM> can be moved to lowered position <NUM> and lifted positions, which are set by vertical positioning member <NUM>, by air cylinder 73a. At lowered position <NUM>, contact member <NUM> is arranged at a position separated downward (in the Z2-direction) from flat plate member <NUM>.

In a configuration example of <FIG>, smear processor <NUM> includes drop unit <NUM> and smear member <NUM>. Drop unit <NUM> has a function to drop a sample on transported slide glass <NUM>. Smear member <NUM> has a function to smear the dropped sample on slide glass <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, drop unit <NUM> is configured to drop the sample on slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Smear member <NUM> is configured to smear the dropped sample by coming into contact with slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, in smear processor <NUM>, the sample can be dropped and smeared directly on slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> transported by slide transporter <NUM>. As a result, smear processor <NUM> can quickly perform smear processing of the sample. Moreover, slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM> can be positioned by vertical positioning member <NUM>. Thus, the smear processing can be accurately performed on slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

Drop unit <NUM> and smear member <NUM> are both arranged at positions above slide glass <NUM> transported by slide transporter <NUM>. Smear member <NUM> is, for example, a drawing glass. Smear member <NUM> can be moved in the vertical direction (Z-direction) and in the Y-direction by an unillustrated transfer mechanism. In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide holder mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM> can be moved in the XY-direction. This eliminates the need for providing a mechanism to move smear member <NUM> in the X-direction. Drop unit <NUM> is fluidically connected to aspirator <NUM>, and includes a nozzle for discharging the sample aspirated by aspirator <NUM>. Drop unit <NUM> can be moved in the X-direction (direction perpendicular to the page space of <FIG>), for example, by an unillustrated transfer mechanism.

Slide transporter <NUM> is moved in the horizontal direction at lowered position <NUM> (see <FIG>), thereby positioning slide holder mechanism <NUM> at processing position <NUM> in smear processor <NUM> from print processor <NUM> side. As illustrated in <FIG>, slide transporter <NUM> uses transfer mechanism <NUM> to lift slide holder mechanism <NUM> at processing position <NUM> in smear processor <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, vertical positioning member <NUM> includes first positioning member <NUM> provided in smear processor <NUM>. First positioning member <NUM> is arranged at smear height position <NUM> for smearing the sample on slide glass <NUM>. First positioning member <NUM> comes into contact with slide glass <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM>, thereby positioning the surface of slide glass <NUM> at smear height position <NUM>. Thus, the vertical positioning to smear height position <NUM> can be performed based on the upper surface position of slide glass <NUM>. Therefore, the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> can be accurately aligned to smear height position <NUM> regardless of a variation in thickness of slide glass <NUM>.

First positioning member <NUM> includes a metal plate-like member, for example. First positioning member <NUM> is fixed to a housing (not illustrated) of smear preparation apparatus <NUM>, a chassis portion included in smear processor <NUM>, or the like, for example, in a state of being aligned to smear height position <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a shape example of first positioning member <NUM>. In the configuration example of <FIG>, first positioning member <NUM> is arranged to come into contact with corners <NUM> of the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM>. Thus, even when first positioning member <NUM> is provided to come into direct contact with the upper surface of slide glass <NUM>, first positioning member <NUM> does not interfere with the smear processing. In <FIG>, contact portions between first positioning member <NUM> and the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> in a planar view are illustrated by hatching. First positioning member <NUM> comes into contact, from above, with corners <NUM> outside smear region <NUM> in a state where smear region <NUM> on the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> is exposed.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, first positioning member <NUM> is configured to come into contact with four corners of the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM>. Thus, not only the height position of slide glass <NUM> but also the posture of slide glass <NUM> can be accurately maintained constant. Therefore, even when the smear processing is performed using smear member <NUM>, the end face of smear member <NUM> and the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> can be allowed to come into parallel contact with each other so as to achieve surface contact or line contact as much as possible. Thus, stable smear quality can be achieved. First positioning member <NUM> includes four contact portions 81a, which come into contact with four corners <NUM> of slide glass <NUM>, respectively.

More specifically, a minute difference in inclination between first positioning member <NUM> and slide glass <NUM> is absorbed by deformation of elastic bodies <NUM> supporting slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, a contact state between first positioning member <NUM> and slide glass <NUM> is ensured. As a result, parallelism between the end face of smear member <NUM> and smear region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM> is ensured.

In a state of being set at smear height position <NUM> by first positioning member <NUM>, smear processor <NUM> performs smear processing on slide glass <NUM> held on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Smear processor <NUM> drops the sample onto smear region <NUM> by moving drop unit <NUM> to above smear region <NUM>. Then, smear processor <NUM> allows the end face of smear member <NUM> to come into contact with droplets of the sample, and moves smear member <NUM> in the long-side direction (Y-direction) of slide glass <NUM>, thereby smearing the sample in smear region <NUM>.

As described above, in smear processor <NUM> that particularly requires accuracy because of the use of smear member <NUM> such as a drawing glass, the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> itself comes into contact with first positioning member <NUM>. Thus, the vertical positioning to smear height position <NUM> is performed based on the upper surface position of slide glass <NUM>. Therefore, the upper surface of slide glass <NUM> can be accurately aligned to smear height position <NUM> even when there is an individual difference in thickness between slide glasses <NUM>. As a result, a variation in smear quality attributable to such a difference in thickness between slide glasses <NUM> can be effectively suppressed.

In a configuration example of <FIG>, print processor <NUM> includes printer <NUM>. Printer <NUM> is arranged at a position above slide glass <NUM> transported by slide transporter <NUM>. Printer <NUM> is configured to perform printing by coming into contact with slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, print processor <NUM> can perform printing directly on slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Therefore, print processor <NUM> can quickly perform the print processing. Moreover, vertical positioning member <NUM> can position slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, print quality can be ensured even when printer <NUM> comes into direct contact with slide glass <NUM> on slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

Printer <NUM> is a thermal-transfer printer, for example. Printer <NUM> includes a print head at its lower end, and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-direction). In the configuration example of <FIG>, slide holder mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM> can be moved in the XY-direction. This eliminates the need for providing an XY-direction transfer mechanism in printer <NUM>.

Slide transporter <NUM> is moved in the horizontal direction at lowered position <NUM> (see <FIG>) where slide holder mechanism <NUM> is lowered, thereby positioning slide holder mechanism <NUM> at processing position <NUM> in print processor <NUM> from slide feeder <NUM> side. Slide transporter <NUM> uses transfer mechanism <NUM> to lift slide holder mechanism <NUM> at processing position <NUM> in print processor <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, vertical positioning member <NUM> includes second positioning member <NUM> provided in print processor <NUM>. Second positioning member <NUM> is arranged below slide glass <NUM> held by mount plate <NUM>. Second positioning member <NUM> comes into contact with contact member <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM>, thereby locating mount plate <NUM> at print height position <NUM> of slide glass <NUM>. Thus, with a simple configuration in which second positioning member <NUM> and contact member <NUM> come into contact with each other, slide glass <NUM> on mount plate <NUM> can be aligned to print height position <NUM>.

The lifted position of slide holder mechanism <NUM> can be set by contact member <NUM> coming into contact with second positioning member <NUM>. At print height position <NUM> set by second positioning member <NUM>, print processor <NUM> performs print processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

Print processor <NUM> lowers printer <NUM> and presses the print head against print region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM>. In this event, a minute difference in inclination between the print head and slide glass <NUM> is absorbed by deformation of elastic bodies <NUM> supporting slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, a contact state between the print head and print region <NUM> on slide glass <NUM> is ensured. Printer <NUM> can perform printing over the entire print region <NUM> by moving slide transporter <NUM> in the Y-direction in a state where downward pressing force is applied by the print head in printer <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, as described above, contact member <NUM> is configured to be horizontally moved by transfer mechanism <NUM> in a contact state with second positioning member <NUM> during the print processing. Thus, a movement operation for printing can be performed using transfer mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM>. This eliminates the need for providing a horizontal transfer mechanism in print processor <NUM>. As a result, the configuration of print processor <NUM> can be simplified. Moreover, in the configuration example of <FIG>, contact member <NUM> includes a resin member. Contact member <NUM> made of resin enables easy and stable horizontal movement of slide glass <NUM> while maintaining the contact state between contact member <NUM> and second positioning member <NUM>. A resin material with good slide characteristics, such as POM (polyacetal), for example, is preferable as contact member <NUM>. The good slide characteristics mean properties with a low friction coefficient and with resistance to abrasion.

Note that, in the configuration in which vertical positioning member <NUM> includes first positioning member <NUM> and second positioning member <NUM>, smear height position <NUM> (see <FIG>) is set lower than print height position <NUM> (see <FIG>). Smear height position <NUM> where first positioning member <NUM> comes into contact with slide glass <NUM> is set to a height position between print height position <NUM> of slide glass <NUM> in a state where contact member <NUM> comes into contact with second positioning member <NUM> and the height position of slide glass <NUM> at lowered position <NUM>. Therefore, when first positioning member <NUM> comes into contact with slide glass <NUM> in smear processor <NUM>, contact member <NUM> does not come into contact with second positioning member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In a configuration example of <FIG>, removal mechanism <NUM> is configured to remove extraneous matter by emitting an air blast onto the surface of slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Removal mechanism <NUM> includes nozzle <NUM> for emitting an air blast. Nozzle <NUM> is arranged above slide holder mechanism <NUM> at a predetermined removal position, and is provided to emit an air blast obliquely downward. Slide transporter <NUM> locates slide holder mechanism <NUM> at the removal position from slide feeder <NUM> side at lowered position <NUM> (see <FIG>) where slide holder mechanism <NUM> is lowered. Foreign matter on the surface of slide glass <NUM> is removed by the force of the air blast emitted onto the surface of slide glass <NUM> from nozzle <NUM>. Note that <FIG> omits the illustration of the configurations of flat plate member <NUM> and transfer mechanism <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, smear preparation apparatus <NUM> includes air pressure source <NUM> for supplying an air pressure to removal mechanism <NUM> and air cylinder 73a. Therefore, an air supply source for removal mechanism <NUM> and a drive source for air cylinder 73a are unified. Thus, the apparatus configuration can be simplified. Air pressure source <NUM> includes positive pressure source <NUM> for supplying a positive pressure and negative pressure source <NUM> for supplying a negative pressure. Removal mechanism <NUM> uses the positive pressure supplied from air pressure source <NUM> to emit an air blast onto slide glass <NUM>. Air cylinder 73a uses the positive pressure supplied from air pressure source <NUM> to lift slide holder mechanism <NUM>, and uses the negative pressure supplied from air pressure source <NUM> to lower slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

In a configuration example of <FIG>, slide feeder <NUM> includes: case part <NUM> for holding slide glasses <NUM> before processing in a stacked state; and discharger <NUM> which feeds slide glasses <NUM> by pushing slide glasses <NUM> stacked in case part <NUM>, one by one, from case part <NUM>. Thus, slide glasses <NUM> can be fed one by one while suppressing an installation area by stacking slide glasses <NUM>.

First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> in slide feeder <NUM> each include case part <NUM> and discharger <NUM>. Case part <NUM> has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-direction). Case part <NUM> has a rectangular parallelepiped external shape surrounding the perimeter of a predetermined number of slide glasses <NUM> stacked in the vertical direction.

Discharger <NUM> is provided below each of first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM>. Also, contact member <NUM> is provided at a hand-over position of slide glass <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> is moved in the Y1-direction so that switch part 62b of catcher <NUM> comes into contact with contact member <NUM> arranged at the hand-over position of slide glass <NUM>. Thus, press part 62a of catcher <NUM> is rotated about rotary shaft 62c and moved to the open position.

Discharger <NUM> is provided to protrude upward (in the Z1-direction) from the setup surface of slide glass <NUM>. The protrusion amount of discharger <NUM> is smaller than the thickness of slide glass <NUM>. Discharger <NUM> can be moved in the Y-direction by an unillustrated drive source such as a motor. In each of first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM>, slide glass <NUM> is pushed in the Y2-direction by discharger <NUM> and fed to slide transporter <NUM> in a state where catcher <NUM> is located at the open position. Discharger <NUM> discharges lowest slide glass <NUM> among the stacked slide glasses to slide transporter <NUM>. Thus, slide glasses <NUM> can be fed one by one to slide transporter <NUM> from first feeder <NUM> or second feeder <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, vertical positioning member <NUM> includes third positioning member <NUM> provided in slide feeder <NUM>. Third positioning member <NUM> is configured to locate mount plate <NUM> at feed height position <NUM> of slide glass <NUM> by coming into contact with contact member <NUM> lifted by transfer mechanism <NUM>. Thus, with a simple configuration in which third positioning member <NUM> and contact member <NUM> come into contact with each other, mount plate <NUM> can be aligned to feed height position <NUM>. Therefore, slide glass <NUM> can be stably passed to slide transporter <NUM> from slide feeder <NUM> without providing an elevator mechanism or the like in slide feeder <NUM>.

Here, in the configuration example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, second positioning member <NUM> and third positioning member <NUM> are an integrally formed flat plate member <NUM>. Print height position <NUM> and feed height position <NUM> are the same height position. More specifically, second positioning member <NUM> and third positioning member <NUM> are included in a common flat plate member <NUM>. Thus, second positioning member <NUM> and third positioning member <NUM> can be unified. As a result, the configuration for positioning slide glass <NUM> in the vertical direction can be further simplified.

Flat plate member <NUM> is made of metal, for example, and is formed to extend in the horizontal direction. Flat plate member <NUM> is arranged at a predetermined height position so that mount plate <NUM> is arranged at print height position <NUM> and feed height position <NUM> in a contact state with contact member <NUM>. Flat plate member <NUM> is arranged at a height position between transfer mechanism <NUM> and slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Flat plate member <NUM> is fixed to an unillustrated housing of smear preparation apparatus <NUM>, for example.

In a configuration example of <FIG>, flat plate member <NUM> is arranged to cover a horizontal movable range of transfer mechanism <NUM>. Flat plate member <NUM> includes slit hole <NUM> provided along a movement path of slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Also, column part 73b of transfer mechanism <NUM> is provided to vertically stand through slit hole <NUM> to support slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Thus, even when flat plate member <NUM> is provided at the height position between transfer mechanism <NUM> and slide holder mechanism <NUM>, flat plate member <NUM> does not interfere with the movement of slide holder mechanism <NUM>. Moreover, small foreign matter such as glass powder and dust can be suppressed from dropping to transfer mechanism <NUM> side by flat plate member <NUM> covering the horizontal movable range of transfer mechanism <NUM> and thus receiving the foreign matter. In the configuration example of <FIG>, flat plate member <NUM> is formed to cover the positions where slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, smear processor <NUM>, and removal mechanism <NUM> are provided.

Note that contact member <NUM> is formed in a plate-like shape that is too large to pass through slit hole <NUM> in a planar view. Therefore, even when slide holder mechanism <NUM> is lifted, contact member <NUM> is not moved to above flat plate member <NUM> through slit hole <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, transfer mechanism <NUM> is configured to feed slide glass <NUM> onto the upper surface of slide holder mechanism <NUM> by moving slide holder mechanism <NUM> to slide feeder <NUM>, and to locate slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM> to the respective height positions by horizontally moving slide holder mechanism <NUM> to print processor <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>, in turn, and lifting slide glass <NUM> in print processor <NUM> and smear processor <NUM>. Thus, common transfer mechanism <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM> can sequentially perform receiving of slide glass <NUM>, print processing, and smear processing. As a result, the apparatus configuration can be simplified compared with a case where dedicated transfer mechanisms are provided in slide feeder <NUM>, print processor <NUM>, and smear processor <NUM>, respectively.

To be more specific, slide feeder <NUM> (see <FIG>) feeds slide glass <NUM> onto slide holder mechanism <NUM> at first feed position <NUM> for first feeder <NUM> or at second feed position <NUM> for second feeder <NUM>. At removal position <NUM> aligned with first feed position <NUM> and second feed position <NUM> in the X-direction, removal mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>) performs extraneous matter removal processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM>. At processing position <NUM> located on the Y2-direction side of second feed position <NUM>, print processor <NUM> (see <FIG>) performs print processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM>. At processing position <NUM> located on the X1-direction side of processing position <NUM> for print processor <NUM>, smear processor <NUM> (see <FIG>) performs smear processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide holder mechanism <NUM>.

Thus, transfer mechanism <NUM> moves slide holder mechanism <NUM> along approximately Z-shaped path <NUM>. Slit hole <NUM> in flat plate member <NUM> is formed into a shape corresponding to path <NUM>. Along with the movement of slide holder mechanism <NUM>, column part 73b that supports slide holder mechanism <NUM> is moved along path <NUM> on the inside of slit hole <NUM>.

In a configuration example of <FIG>, discharge mechanism <NUM> is provided at the position where smear processor <NUM> is arranged. Discharge mechanism <NUM> can hand over slide glass <NUM> to first drying processor <NUM> by pushing slide glass <NUM> in the Y1-direction from slide transporter <NUM>.

Discharge mechanism <NUM> is movable in the Y-direction. Discharge mechanism <NUM> includes first pusher <NUM>. First pusher <NUM> can discharge slide glass <NUM> in the Y1-direction from slide transporter <NUM> positioned at smear processor <NUM> to first drying processor <NUM> by coming into contact with the Y2-direction side end face of slide glass <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, discharge mechanism <NUM> includes second pusher <NUM>, third pusher <NUM>, and contact member <NUM>. Second pusher <NUM> discharges slide glass <NUM> in first drying processor <NUM> to transport mechanism <NUM>. Second pusher <NUM> is moved in the Y1-direction in a lifted state, thereby pushing slide glass <NUM> in first drying processor <NUM> toward transport mechanism <NUM>. Also, second pusher <NUM> is moved in the Y2-direction in a lowered state, and thus returned to its original position while avoiding slide glass <NUM> on first drying processor <NUM>.

Third pusher <NUM> can rotate transport mechanism <NUM> by pushing accommodation unit <NUM> in transport mechanism <NUM> in the Y1-direction. To be more specific, accommodation unit <NUM> in transport mechanism <NUM> can be rotated about rotary shaft <NUM> in the X-direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, accommodation unit <NUM> in a horizontal posture receives slide glass <NUM> pushed in the Y1-direction by second pusher <NUM>. Then, after receiving slide glass <NUM>, accommodation unit <NUM> is set in a posture lone in the vertical direction under the force of gravity by third pusher <NUM> retreating in the Y2-direction.

Contact member <NUM> can move catcher <NUM> in slide transporter <NUM> to the open position by coming into contact with catcher <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, description is given of an example of a smear preparation operation by smear preparation apparatus <NUM>. Controller <NUM> controls smear preparation apparatus <NUM>.

First, in Step S1 of <FIG>, a sample is aspirated. Aspirator <NUM> aspirates the sample from sample container <NUM> transported to an aspiration position by sample transporter <NUM>. In parallel with the processing in Step S1, slide glass <NUM> is fed to slide transporter <NUM> from slide feeder <NUM> in Step S2. To be more specific, slide transporter <NUM> locates slide holder mechanism <NUM> at feed height position <NUM> (see <FIG>) at first feed position <NUM> or second feed position <NUM> (see <FIG>). Slide feeder <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to slide holder mechanism <NUM>. In Step S3, slide glass <NUM> held by slide transporter <NUM> is transported to removal position <NUM>, and removal mechanism <NUM> performs processing of removing extraneous matter adhering to slide glass <NUM> held by slide transporter <NUM>.

In Step S4, slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass to print processor <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> locates slide holder mechanism <NUM> at print height position <NUM> (see <FIG>) at processing position <NUM> (see <FIG>). In Step S5, print processor <NUM> performs print processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide transporter <NUM>.

In Step S6, slide transporter <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> to smear processor <NUM>. Slide transporter <NUM> locates slide glass <NUM> at smear height position <NUM> (see <FIG>) at processing position <NUM> (see <FIG>). In Step S7, smear processor <NUM> performs smear processing on slide glass <NUM> held by slide transporter <NUM>.

In Step S8, slide glass <NUM> is transported to first drying processor <NUM>. To be more specific, discharge mechanism <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to first drying processor <NUM> from slide transporter <NUM>. In Step S9, first drying processor <NUM> performs drying processing on the sample smeared on slide glass <NUM>.

In Step S10, transport mechanism <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> to pickup position <NUM> (see <FIG>). To be more specific, discharge mechanism <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to accommodation unit <NUM> in transport mechanism <NUM> from first drying processor <NUM>. Transport mechanism <NUM> transports slide glass <NUM> set in accommodation unit <NUM> to pickup position <NUM>.

In Step S11, slide glass <NUM> is transported to stain processor <NUM>. To be more specific, transport mechanism <NUM> picks up slide glass <NUM> from transport mechanism <NUM> at pickup position <NUM>, and transports slide glass <NUM> to stain processor <NUM>. In Step S12, stain processor <NUM> performs stain processing on the sample smeared on slide glass <NUM>.

In Step S13, slide glass <NUM> is transported to second drying processor <NUM>. To be more specific, transport mechanism <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to second drying processor <NUM> from stain processor <NUM>. In Step S14, second drying processor <NUM> performs drying processing on the sample smeared and stained on slide glass <NUM>. Thus, a smear is prepared on slide glass <NUM>.

In Step S15, slide glass <NUM> is transported to slide storage unit <NUM>. To be more specific, transport mechanism <NUM> passes slide glass <NUM> to slide storage container <NUM> arranged in slide storage unit <NUM> from second drying processor <NUM>. Thus, slide glass <NUM> with the smear prepared thereon is stored in slide storage unit <NUM>. Then, the smear preparation processing is terminated.

Claim 1:
A sample smear apparatus comprising:
a slide feeder (<NUM>) for feeding a slide glass (<NUM>) before processing;
a smear processor (<NUM>) for smearing a sample on the slide glass (<NUM>); and
a slide transporter (<NUM>) including a slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) with a mount plate (<NUM>) which forms an upper surface where to hold the slide glass (<NUM>) in a flat placement state where a smear surface of slide glass (<NUM>) faces upward such that the mount plate (<NUM>) supports the slide glass (<NUM>) from below and a transfer mechanism (<NUM>) that moves the slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, the slide transporter (<NUM>) arranged movably to position the slide glass (<NUM>) at the slide feeder (<NUM>) and the smear processor (<NUM>),
the sample smear apparatus further comprising a print processor (<NUM>) for performing printing on the slide glass (<NUM>), wherein
the slide transporter (<NUM>) is arranged movably to the slide feeder (<NUM>), the print processor (<NUM>), and the smear processor (<NUM>), and
further comprising a vertical positioning member (<NUM>) provided in more than one of the slide feeder (<NUM>), the print processor (<NUM>), and the smear processor (<NUM>), for positioning the slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) or the slide glass (<NUM>) on slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) in a vertical direction by coming into contact with a predetermined portion of the slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) or the slide glass (<NUM>) lifted by the transfer mechanism (<NUM>) in the slide transporter (<NUM>), wherein the transfer mechanism (<NUM>) is configured to lift the slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) or the slide glass (<NUM>) on slide holder mechanism (<NUM>) from below in the slide feeder (<NUM>), the print processor (<NUM>), and the smear processor (<NUM>).