阅读说明：本技术 用于诊断机器的样本运输单元 (Sample transport unit for a diagnostic machine ) 是由 尼基尔·瓦齐拉尼 西尔万·安德洛埃 瓦伦丁·古里斯 于 2019-11-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于运输样本容器的单元,所述样本容器容纳将被诊断机器分析的样本,其中所述单元包括：·-用于运输样本搁架(3)的路线(10),所述路线(10)沿第一方向延伸,所述路径(10)包括适于从第一装置接收样本搁架的第一端部(102),并且包括适于将样本搁架传送到第二装置的第二端部(101)；·-可移动的盘(15),其包括沿一平面延伸的定位表面；·-布置在所述定位表面内的分析区域(13)和布置在所述定位表面内的等待区域(12),所述分析区域和所述等待区域都适于接收样本搁架(3),并且都偏离运输路线(10)；·-选择装置(14),其构造成在运输路线(10)和等待区域(12)之间移动样本搁架(3)。(The invention relates to a unit for transporting sample containers containing samples to be analyzed by a diagnostic machine, wherein the unit comprises: -a route (10) for transporting sample racks (3), the route (10) extending in a first direction, the route (10) comprising a first end (102) adapted to receive a sample rack from a first device and comprising a second end (101) adapted to transfer a sample rack to a second device; -a movable disc (15) comprising a positioning surface extending along a plane; -an analysis zone (13) arranged within the positioning surface and a waiting zone (12) arranged within the positioning surface, both being adapted to receive a sample rack (3) and both being offset from the transport route (10); -a selection device (14) configured to move the sample rack (3) between the transport route (10) and the waiting area (12).)

1. A transport unit for sample containers enclosing a sample to be analyzed by an automated diagnostic unit, the unit comprising:

-a transport route (10) of sample racks (3), said route (10) extending according to a first direction (a), said route comprising a first end (102) adapted to receive a sample rack from a first device and comprising a second end (101) adapted to transfer a sample rack to a second device;

-a movable disc (15) comprising a positioning surface extending in a plane;

-an analysis zone (13) arranged within the positioning surface and a waiting zone (12) arranged within the positioning surface, the analysis zone (13) and the waiting zone (12) both being adapted to receive a sample rack (3) and both being offset from the transport route (10);

-a selection device (14) configured to move a sample rack (3) between the transport route (10) and the waiting area (12);

wherein the tray (15) is configured to move the rack along the plane so as to allow a movement of the rack out and back between the waiting area (12) and the analysis area (13) in both directions.

2. Transport unit according to claim 1, further comprising a transport device (11) configured to transport sample racks (3) along the transport route (10), wherein the operation of the transport device (11) is independent of the displacement of the tray (15).

3. Transport unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said selection means (14) comprise a sliding stop (140), the sliding of which stop (140) is carried out according to a second direction (B) not parallel to said first direction (a), said selection means (14) further comprising stop displacement means (141).

4. A transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the tray (15) being a rotating tray,

the transport unit further comprises an actuator (151) controlling the rotation of the tray (15) which moves the sample rack (3) between the waiting area (12) and the analysis area (13).

5. The transport unit according to claim 4, wherein the waiting area (12) and the analysis area (13) are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis (C) of the tray (15).

6. Transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tray (15) comprises a transfer area (16), the transfer area (16) further extending over the transport route (10).

7. Transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a separation surface (17) passing through the centre of the tray (15), said surface being configured to prevent uncontrolled passage of sample containers towards the analysis region (13) during sample analysis, said surface (17) preferably being a glass plate.

8. Transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the tray (15') being configured to allow a sample rack to be displaced in translation according to an additional direction not parallel to the first direction (A).

9. Transport unit according to claim 8, wherein the tray (15') is movable in translation according to the additional direction.

10. The transport unit according to claim 8 or 9, comprising:

-a first waiting area (12' a),

-a transfer area (16') extending over the transport route (10),

-a second waiting area (12' b),

-an analysis area (13'),

-a third waiting area (12' c),

the tray (15') is configured to guide a sample shelf (3) in any one of the regions.

11. Transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ends of the waiting area (12) and the analysis area (13) are aligned, the extension direction of the waiting area (12) and the extension direction of the analysis area (13) being parallel to the first direction (a) of the transport route.

12. The transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a stop element (110) configured to stop a sample shelf (3) present on the transport route (10).

13. A transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, adapted to transport sample racks (3) along the transport route (10) from a first end (102) to a second end (101) in a single direction.

14. A transport unit according to any one of claims 1-13, the maximum width of the transport unit according to the first direction (a) being less than or equal to twice the length of a shelf (3).

15. An automated diagnostic unit comprising:

-a first transport unit (1a) of sample containers according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

a first operating unit (2a) of the sample,

the first operating unit of the sample includes:

a displacement module (20) for moving the sample container towards the sampling position,

a needle support module (23) comprising a needle (230) configured to collect a sample from the sampling location,

a processing unit configured to control displacement of the displacement module (20) and the needle support module (23).

16. The automated diagnostic unit of claim 15, the displacement module (20) being configured to translate a sample container according to a second additional direction (X) and according to a third additional direction (Z), the second additional direction being a direction of alignment of the analysis zone (13) of the first transport unit (1 a).

17. The automatic diagnostic unit of claim 15 or 16, further comprising:

-a second transport unit (1b) of sample containers, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, associated with a second operating unit (2b) of samples, comprising a displacement module, a needle support module and a handling unit, said second operating unit (2b) being preferably attached to said first operating unit (2a),

and/or further comprising an inlet compartment (4) comprising a first space (42) for accommodating a sample rack,

and/or further comprising an outlet compartment (5) comprising a second space (52) for accommodating a sample rack,

the transport route (10) of the first transport unit of samples extends from the transport route of the second transport unit of samples and/or from the first space (42) for accommodating the rack and/or from the second space (52) for accommodating the rack.

18. The automated diagnostic unit of claim 17, wherein a first maximum sample processing rate that the first operating unit (2a) is configured to achieve is independent of a second maximum sample processing rate that the second operating unit (2b) is configured to achieve.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of medical analysis instruments, in particular hematology and diabetes.

The invention relates more particularly to a sample transport unit for an automated unit for sampling and analyzing body fluid samples for diagnosis and to an automated unit comprising one or more such transport units.

Background

The handling and analysis of individual body fluid samples, such as blood or urine samples, is currently largely automated. The samples are stored in containers, each with its own identifier for tracing back to the individual, transported in sequence on the analysis line.

The analysis includes, for example, biochemical or physiological measurements. The analysis is performed by an analyzer, which is connected to an operating unit of the samples, which moves the samples one by one in sets on the analysis path. Each sample must follow several phases: agitation for a predetermined period, authentication, incubation, transfer, counting, etc. of the result associated with the individual. The total duration of all these phases end-to-end is about one minute.

The tubes of samples are usually transported in groups in shelves, in order to make it easier for the laboratory to handle the samples and to ensure an analysis rate measured in the number of samples processed per hour.

A mechanical device (also called "auto sampler") that performs sample rack transport is placed vertically below the analyzer.

In some prior devices, a column of shelves extends below the analyzer, and the analysis route collects samples at given locations of the column. The order of introduction of the shelves on the column defines the order of analysis of the samples. In this configuration, analyzing the acceleration spindle of the rate includes moving to a subsequent rack immediately after all tubes of the current rack have been analyzed.

In some of these prior devices, the shelves are transported in a column in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the tubes. The transport direction extends according to the width of the column.

However, this solution imposes a completely sequential analysis order and depends on the introduction order of the shelves. To perform the analysis in another order of priority, the only solution is to manually introduce "urgent" samples.

In many cases, non-sequential analysis sequences are preferred without the need to introduce one or more samples, preferably manually.

For example, a given sample or shelf may be preferred over another even if it is not at the front of the column.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the automated diagnostic unit allows for waiting time of the sample after analysis to determine if additional testing proves necessary. The waiting time corresponds to the time to obtain the first test result. Now, in existing systems, any latency imposed on the sample affects the subsequent shelves of the column.

For example, according to the current terminology, it is common to perform additional tests of the "rerun" type (in the case of suspected errors, a new iteration is performed on the initial test to specify or verify the measurement) or of the "reflection" type (secondary tests are performed on only a subset of the tubes) in the field.

International patent application WO2017/081410 describes an automatic diagnostic unit comprising a sample changer that collects samples independently of the sequential positioning of the samples in a rack. The sample changer is controlled by a scheduler that manages the sampling actions to optimize its rate. The sampling order is determined by the scheduler's optimization algorithm.

However, the automatic diagnosis unit has a considerable volume. It is complex to operate and risks causing mechanical failures related to the multiple movements of the rotation of the shelves and to the vertical height of these shelves on several levels. Furthermore, the automation unit is not arranged to be easily placed in series with other automation units, since the rack is oriented perpendicular to the communication path between the automation units, preferably facing the instrument from left to right or from right to left.

European patent application EP 2299278 describes (see fig. 4) a rack transport unit comprising three routes for rack passage. The first route and the second route correspond to the same direction of passage, respectively through or not through the analyzer; samples that do not require analysis can be passed through the transport unit more quickly to optionally reach another subsequent analyzer. The third route allows the shelf to pass in the opposite direction.

However, the last such solution to limit shelf traffic is not only mechanically complex and difficult to manage, but also bulky.

None of the prior art systems ensure satisfactory performance in moderate volumes, especially if flexibility in the sequence of sample analysis is required.

The performance of the automatic diagnostic unit includes not only the rate of analysis but also the reliability of the results obtained. In particular, an excessive shortening of the agitation phase, for example less than 10 seconds, greatly impairs the reliability of the analysis, as does an excessively long agitation.

Another performance criterion is the ability to handle different types of tests. For example, some samples may require highly specific reflectance tests, such as fluorescence tests, or specific processing events that most analyzers do not suggest.

The aim is therefore to let the end user of the automatic diagnostic unit link several analyzers which do not necessarily ensure the same type of test and which therefore do not necessarily have the same rate, in particular for processing the same sample in several fields (for example hematology and diabetes).

In fact, it is hardly advantageous to operate the linked analyzers containing the transport units in series as a sequence, since the slowest analyzer imposes its minimum speed on the overall system.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, there is a need for a transport unit capable of ensuring an optimal analysis rate of a sample contained in a vial or tube by reducing the waiting time or the impact of isolated "urgent" samples on the analysis rate.

In particular, there is a need for a transport unit which, after the end of a first test, simply returns the analysis results to the sample on which the first test object has been formed very quickly, without greatly disturbing the analysis rate.

Another requirement is to obtain a transportation unit of a minimum volume of moderate complexity in the displacement of the shelves.

Furthermore, there is also a need for a sample transport unit designed to be able to be connected in series with other transport units in the same automation unit (to increase the sample handling capacity), optionally associated with analyzers having independent maximum rates.

In response to these needs, the invention, according to a first aspect, relates to a transport unit for sample containers according to claim 1.

In the transport unit of the invention, the waiting area constitutes a buffer for temporarily storing samples waiting for the first analysis results, so that said samples are quickly replaced in the analysis area if a second test is required.

An interesting advantage of the invention is that the transport route remains free when the rack is moved between the waiting area and the analysis area and during the analysis of the samples. Thus, the sorting of samples for analysis is independent of the transport of shelves in the column.

More specifically, the tray is configured such that the rack can describe a move-out and return movement between the waiting area and the analysis area without having to traverse the transport route again.

This combines the possibility of performing secondary tests, such as rerun or reflex tests (shelves resting temporarily in waiting areas) and maintaining high rates.

An additional advantage is that the transport unit comprises the necessary return route added parallel to the transport route. During the full speed rotation of the automatic diagnostic unit, the wait area remains a sufficient margin after the initial test to allow a secondary test.

Thus, the volume of the transport unit of the invention is reduced both in width and in length.

Furthermore, the transport unit of the invention is modular in that the ends of the transport routes can be connected to other transport routes of other transport units or to storage spaces of shelves, such as the spaces of the entrance or exit compartments.

Additional non-limiting features of the transport unit defined above are expressed as follows, alone or in any possible combination:

the unit further comprises a transport device configured to transport the sample rack along a transport route.

The selection means comprise a sliding stop, the sliding of which occurs according to a second direction non-parallel to the first direction, and stop displacement means.

The disc is a rotating disc, the transport unit further comprising an actuator controlling the rotation of the rotating disc, said rotation moving the sample rack between the waiting area and the analysis area.

The waiting area and the analysis area are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating disk.

The tray comprises a transfer area which extends further on the transport route.

The unit further comprises a separation surface through the center of the disc, said surface being configured to prevent uncontrolled passage of the sample container towards the analysis area during sample analysis, preferably a glass plate.

The tray is configured to allow translational displacement of the sample rack according to a third direction that is not parallel to the first direction.

The disc is movable in translation according to a third direction.

The unit comprises a first waiting area, a transfer area extending on the transport route, a second waiting area, an analysis area and a third waiting area, the tray being configured to guide a sample rack in any one of said areas.

The waiting area and the analysis area have aligned ends, the direction of extension of the waiting area and the direction of extension of the analysis area being parallel to the first direction of the transport route.

The unit further comprises a stop element configured to stop a sample rack present on the transport route.

The transport unit is adapted to transport the sample rack in a single direction along the transport route from the first end to the second end.

The maximum width of the transport unit according to the first direction is less than or equal to twice the length of the shelf.

According to a second aspect, the object of the invention is an automatic diagnostic unit comprising a first transport unit of sample containers as defined above, and a first operating unit of samples comprising:

a displacement module for moving the sample container towards the sampling position,

a needle support module comprising a needle configured to collect a sample from a sampling site,

a processing unit configured to control displacement of the displacement module and the needle support module.

Additional non-limiting features of the automation unit defined above are expressed below, alone or in any possible combination:

the displacement module is configured to translate the sample container according to a fourth direction and according to a fifth direction, the fourth direction being a direction aligning the analysis region of the first transport unit.

-the automation unit further comprises:

a second transport unit of the sample container as defined above, associated with a second handling unit of the sample, the second handling unit comprising a displacement module, a needle support module and a processing unit, the second handling unit preferably being attached to the first handling unit,

and/or further comprises an inlet compartment comprising a first space for accommodating a sample shelf,

and/or further comprising an outlet compartment comprising a second space for accommodating a rack of samples, the transport route of the first transport unit of samples extending from the transport route of the second transport unit of samples and/or from the first space for accommodating a rack and/or from the second space for accommodating a rack.

The first maximum sample processing rate that the first operation unit is configured to achieve is independent of the second maximum sample processing rate that the second operation unit is configured to achieve.

Drawings

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description, which is illustrative and not restrictive, and which must be considered through the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional architecture of an automatic diagnostic unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan overview of the automation unit according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sample transport unit according to a first mode;

FIG. 4a is a plan view of the transport unit of FIG. 3 with the sliding stops in a first position;

FIG. 4b is a side elevational view of the transport unit of FIG. 3 with the sliding stops in a second position;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a first portion of the selection module and the displacement module shown in FIG. 3;

6a, 6b and 6c are top perspective, bottom view and bottom view, respectively, in a first position and in a second position of the second part of the selection module and the displacement module shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a sample transport unit according to a second mode;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first part of a sample analysis and manipulation unit associated with a portion of the transport unit according to the mode of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second portion of the sample analysis and manipulation unit of FIG. 8;

fig. 10a to 10g show several successive positions of two sample racks during operation of the sample transport unit according to the mode of fig. 3;

fig. 11a to 11i show several successive positions of several sample racks during operation of the sample transport unit according to the mode of fig. 7;

figures 12a to 12h show several successive positions of several sample shelves during operation of a sample transport unit according to an alternative mode;

fig. 13 shows an architecture with two consecutive sample transport units.

Detailed Description

In the following description, several examples of transport units of a sample container intended to be functionally coupled with an analyzer of an automated medical diagnostic unit are described. "sample" refers to a liquid or solid volume that an automated diagnostic unit performs one or more tests, and "sample container" refers to any enclosure capable of separately transporting a sample from an individual.

In the following example, the sample containers are tubes transported on shelves, each shelf comprising ten places, each place being able to enclose one container. It will be apparent that other numbers of placements or other modes for transporting the containers may be used.

In the description and drawings, like elements are designated with the same alphanumeric reference numerals.

Overall architecture of an automated diagnostic Unit-example 1

Fig. 1 shows a functional diagram, seen from above, represented by blocks of an automatic diagnostic unit. Such an automated unit may be assembled and used in medical analysis laboratories or in hospitals, for example in diabetes or hematology.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the same automation unit, also seen from above.

Hereinafter, the sample container is a tube. The automatic unit comprises a unit 1 for transporting the tubes, a unit 2 for handling the tubes for analysis, and an inlet compartment 4 and an outlet compartment 5.

The transport unit, the inlet compartment and the outlet compartment are operated in synchronism to ensure that the shelves of pipes, which are not shown in fig. 1 and 2, are transported according to the transport direction a.

In a possible variant, the rack of tubes is only movable from right to left according to the orientation of fig. 2.

The operation of the units 1 and 2 and the compartments 4 and 5 is controlled by one or more processors of a control unit not shown in fig. 1.

The transport unit 1 comprises a transport route 10, which is dimensioned in length and width to accommodate at least one rack of pipes. Furthermore, the transport unit comprises a displacement device of the sample rack for guiding the sample according to the morphology described below to the location where it is analyzed. Here, the displacement means is in the form of a movable disc 15. More precisely, the movable disk is here circular.

The transport unit 1 further comprises transport means for transporting the shelves along the transport route 10. In the following, the transport means correspond to an attachment unit 11, which is parallel to the transport route, comprising a track.

The unit 1 also comprises shelf selection means 14.

The operating unit 2 is programmed to prepare a sample for analysis and then perform the analysis. In this regard, it includes space for storing the reactants, as well as computer memory for storing and outputting the results of the analysis.

The operating unit 2 comprises a module 20 for displacement of the sample container, a needle support module 23 in particular comprising a needle for taking a sample and inserting into the analysis space 22, and a processing unit 24 programmed to control the displacement of the modules 20 and 23. An analysis, such as a diabetes or hematology analysis, is performed in the analysis space 22.

Advantageously, the unit 2 also comprises a module 21 for preparing and providing samples for analysis. The structure of the operation unit 2 will be described below.

The entrance compartment 4 constitutes a space for storing shelves, each of which includes a sample to be analyzed, or does not.

The compartment 4 includes an access surface 40 sized to accommodate an array of shelves (here aligned in length).

The entrance surface is arranged to comprise a number of shelves larger than 2, here 20.

The compartment 4 also comprises a space 42 for accommodating at least one shelf and which is positioned in the extension of the transport route 10 of the unit 1 according to the transport direction a. The compartment 4 further comprises a tappet 41 configured to guide the shelf from the surface 40 towards the space 42, where the tappet 41 is mounted on the rail.

The compartment 4 comprises transport means for accompanying the movement of the shelves from the space 42 to the transport route 10, here an attachment unit 43 parallel to the space 42 and comprising a track.

Thus, when in operation, the shelf may be guided from the entrance surface 40 via the space 42 over the transport route 10.

The entrance compartment 4 further comprises a sample and shelf detection unit 44 configured to reference the identifier of the sample contained in the shelf and to detect the position of the shelf in the direction a.

The outlet compartment 5 also constitutes a space for a storage shelf. The structure of which is here very similar to that of the inlet compartment 4.

The compartment 5 comprises an exit surface 50 that can accommodate a row of shelves (here aligned in length), as well as a tappet 51, a space 52 that can receive a shelf at the exit of the transport route 10, and an attachment unit 53 comprising a rail.

The advantage of providing an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment is that the space for storing the sample rack is significantly increased to allow a large number of analyses to be performed.

It should be noted that the transport unit 1 is modular. Here, the transport unit 1 is connected to the inlet compartment and the outlet compartment, but it may alternatively be connected to other transport units, as required.

Sample transport unit

Fig. 3 is a schematic partial top view of a transport unit according to a first embodiment (which corresponds to the transport unit shown in fig. 1 and 2).

In this particular embodiment, the disc 15 is movable. The displacement of the tray 15 causes a positioning zone of the rack and moves the rack between the waiting zone and the analysis zone.

The tray 15 comprises a positioning surface 150 of the shelf, which itself can rotate according to direction E with respect to a frame, not shown here. The frame is stationary.

The tray 15 passes through the route for transporting the shelves according to the direction a. Advantageously, the tray 15 comprises a transfer area 16 at the intersection with the transport path, the transfer area 16 thus extending according to the direction a.

According to the invention, the tray comprises an analysis zone 13 and a waiting zone 12, each adapted to receive a sample rack.

It will be apparent that the term "region" relates to a fixed volume relative to the frame. Thus, the regions 12, 13 and 16 do not follow the rotational movement of the surface 150 of the tray 15 and therefore do not follow the movement of a given shelf. Rather, the tray 15 is configured to move the shelf between these different regions.

Thus, the tray 15 is configured to move according to the direction E to guide the rack between the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13. Here, it is possible to achieve a movement of the rack out and back between the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13 in both directions, depending on the angular position of the rotating surface 150.

At the same time, the tray 15 thus forms a support and movement surface of the rack comprising the samples to be analyzed.

Here, the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13 are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis C of the rotating disk, the axis C passing through the center of the disk.

The disk 15 is therefore rotated through 180 ° about the axis C to guide the rack located in the waiting area up to the analysis area and/or to guide the rack located in the analysis area up to the waiting area. The advantage of the waiting and analysis zones being located at angular positions separated by 180 ° is that the spatial volume of the disk is significantly reduced according to the direction a.

In fact, the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13 have ends aligned two by two according to the direction D, as shown in fig. 3, and have a total extension equal to the shelf width according to the direction a. The maximum width of the transport unit according to direction a is preferably less than or equal to twice the length of the sample rack. Here, the maximum width is equal to approximately 1.5 times the shelf length.

In an alternative configuration (not shown in the figures), the analysis zone 13 is offset on the disc by 90 ° with respect to the waiting zone 12. The tray 15 is therefore turned 90 ° about its own axis of rotation to guide the rack located in the waiting area to the analysis area.

In this configuration, the position of the waiting area can be, for example, the same as in fig. 3, and the analysis area then extends perpendicular to the waiting area on the left side of the tray. The tray according to the latter case can be used in particular in combination with an operating unit of the specimen comprising a needle-holding module movable perpendicularly to the direction a. Such a needle support module allows the needle to pierce and collect samples directly at the ten tube locations in the rack.

It is evident that in all the configurations described above, a fixed tray may be provided as an alternative to a movable tray, the movement of which moves the rack between the waiting area and the analysis area. Electronically controllable attachment means are added to the disc to allow displacement of the shelf on a fixed surface of the disc between the waiting area and the analysis area.

For example, the selection means 14 can be configured to perform the sliding of the rack not only between the transfer zone and the waiting zone, but also between the waiting zone and the analysis zone.

For all the trays described above, the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13 deviate from the transport path extending according to the direction a (the areas 12 and 13 are particularly separated from the transfer area 16).

The main advantage of this positioning of the waiting area and the analysis area is that the shelves can circulate from right to left through the transfer area 16 without obstructing the transport route during their displacement between the waiting area 12 and the analysis area 13.

The transport of the samples is highly advantageously separated according to the direction a and the samples are sorted before their analysis for a first test and/or a second test after the first test result.

Given that a second transport unit similar to unit 1 is inserted between unit 1 and outlet compartment 5 of fig. 1 and 2, it is now possible to transport the shelves directly between inlet compartment 4 and said second unit without having to stop on unit 1.

Furthermore, the transfer of the rack to the second unit does not reduce the sample analysis rate during the analysis on the tray 15 of the unit 1.

The waiting area 12 absorbs the time for determining whether the sample requires the secondary test. The samples can remain resting in the waiting area 12 without interfering with the transport of other shelves via the transport route 10. When they wait, the samples are not replaced without the transport route 10 and therefore do not hinder the transport of other shelves.

The selection transport unit 1 further comprises means 14 for selecting a shelf, which are configured to move the shelf between the transport route 10 and the waiting area 12.

Fig. 3 shows the direction B of displacement of the shelves between the transfer area 16 and the waiting area 12 by the selection means.

In this first embodiment of the transport unit, the displacement direction B of the shelves from the transport line is perpendicular to the transport direction a of the shelves. Thus, the selection device 14 is configured to vertically offset the shelf from the transit line, which guides the shelf on the waiting area to extract it from the transit line. The device 14 also returns the shelves present on the waiting area 12 to the transport route.

In the first position shown in fig. 3, the selection means 14 are located at the end of the disc 15.

An example of the operation of the tray 15 and the selection means 14 during a series of analyses on samples contained in the rack will be given below in figures 10A to 10G.

Fig. 4a is a close-up plan view of the transport unit 1 of fig. 1 and 2. Fig. 4b is a side elevation of the same transport unit on which two shelves 3 have been placed, one in the waiting area and the other in the process of being inserted on the transport route 10 of the unit 1.

Fig. 4b shows a low surface 190 of the transport unit 1, which may for example rest on a table, and a high surface 191 located at the same level as the transport route and the rotating disc. The surfaces 190 and 191 belong to a frame.

Each shelf 3 comprises a support 31, for example made of polymer, in the form of a rectangle in its entirety. The partitions of the support separate the samples of each pair of two consecutive samples. In fig. 4b, each placement is occupied by a tube 30. The tube 30 contains a sample of bodily fluid, such as blood, and is closed by a stopper (which may be pierced by a needle of the analyzer). Alternatively, some of the places may be empty.

The transport route 10 extends between a first left end 101 and a second right end 102 according to the transport direction a. The space 42 of the inlet compartment 4 (not shown here) is in the extension of the right end 102 and the space 52 of the outlet compartment 5 (not shown here) is in the extension of the left end 101.

Thus, the right end 102 is adapted to receive a sample rack from a device, e.g. from the inlet compartment 4 (at the level of the space 42), and to transfer the sample rack to another device, e.g. the outlet compartment 5 (at the level of the space 52).

In addition to the waiting, analysis and transfer areas, the carousel 15 optionally comprises a separation surface 17 passing through the centre of the carousel, preventing uncontrolled passage of the tubes towards the analysis area 13, in particular during analysis of the sample. The surface 17 preferably extends in height from the diameter of the rotating disc. If the disc is rotating, the separating surface is integral with the rotational movement of the rotating disc.

Here, the surface 17 is a glass plate. Advantageously, a rounded end of the surface 17 can be provided, configured to pass over the top of the tube of the shelf located in the waiting area.

Furthermore, the transport unit 1 optionally comprises:

a sensor 180 for detecting the presence of a shelf in the analysis zone;

a sensor 181 for detecting the presence of a shelf in the waiting area;

a sensor 182 for detecting the presence of a rack in the transfer area;

a sensor 183 for detecting the presence of a shelf in the transport route, for example for detecting whether a shelf is in the process of being transferred towards the route 52 of the exit compartment 5 or towards another transport unit 1.

The means of transportation of the shelves on the transport route 10 comprise fingers 110, fixing parts 111 and rails 112.

The finger 110 has a folded-back position in which it is aligned with the fixing member 111, and a deployed position in which the end of the finger 110 extends toward the transportation path 10. In the deployed position, the ends of the fingers 110 may stop a shelf located on the haul route 3 to obstruct the shelf.

The position of the fingers along the track is selected so that the shelf stopped by the fingers extends over the transfer area 16, ready to be moved by the selection means 14 on the waiting area 12.

The rails 112 extend along the transport route 10 according to a direction parallel to the direction a to guide the displacement of one or more shelves along the transport route 10.

The fingers 110 have the advantage of not impeding the rotation of the disc 15. Thus, the fingers do not interfere with any movement of the rack out and back between the waiting area and the analysis area.

Fig. 5a and 5b are a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively, of the rotating disc of the transport unit of fig. 2. Fig. 6a shows the actuator 141 associated with the selection means 14, positioned against the face of the base of the disc 15, seen from above. Fig. 6b and 6c are bottom plan views of the disc, with the disc-mounted actuators 141 and 151 associated with rotation of the selection device 14 and the disc 15, respectively.

In this example, the selection means for transferring the shelves between the transfer zone and the waiting zone comprise two elements mounted facing each other on the diameter of the tray, translationally movable according to the direction B.

Each of these elements includes an outer stop 140 and an inner stop 142 on the upper surface of the disc, the outer stop being integral with the inner stop. Thus, the outer and inner stops remain parallel and the same gap is maintained between them.

The stop is integral with a part 143 which extends beyond the bottom surface of the disc and which is visible in figures 6a, 6b and 6 c.

The member 143 is coupled to the actuator 141. By moving the part 143, the actuator can also move the outer stop and the associated inner stop in a translational manner according to the direction B.

To allow such displacement, the part 143 here comprises a female element which can be engaged with a male element 1410 which is movable by an actuator. The male element 1410 is mounted at the free end of the lever, the other end being mounted on a shaft 1411 which is arranged to be rotated by the actuator.

As seen in fig. 6b and 6c, the actuator 141 is arranged on one side of the displacement path of the stops 140 and 142, so that rotation of the lever supporting the male element 1410 causes a translational displacement of the stops. The actuator 141 may be electronically controlled.

Fig. 6b and 6c show the high position and the low position of the selection means, respectively.

An actuator 151 is positioned on the bottom of the disk 15 opposite the center of the disk and is electronically controllable to adjust the angular position of the disk to describe motion E.

In an alternative configuration in which the disc does not rotate, a disc such as that shown in figures 5a to 6c may be used without the need for an actuator configured to modify the angular position of the disc.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a movable part of a sample transport unit according to an alternative embodiment with respect to the embodiment of fig. 3.

In this embodiment, the disc is not movable. By displacement of the inner and outer tappets 160, 161, the sample rack is pulled along between the several regions. The inner shelf here comprises an arm extending through the tray, in the course of which it is configured to carry away the shelf to be located on the tray. In this example, the arms extend substantially parallel to the direction of the transport route. The outer shelf includes similar arms.

The sample rack is displaced by the tappet in a translational manner according to a third direction E', which is not parallel to the transport direction a of the sample rack. In this mode, the disc 15' is non-rotationally movable. The tappet is associated with an electronically controllable actuator (not shown). The tappets are equipped with a stop system which moves each tappet according to the following direction E'.

Together with the first mode, the transport route according to the direction a passes the tray 15 'in the region of the transfer area 16'.

The disc 15 'comprises a waiting area and an analysis area offset with respect to the transfer area 16'. In particular, the waiting area and the analysis area extend parallel to the direction a, and the ends of said areas are aligned to limit the volume.

In the example of fig. 7, the disc 15' comprises, in order from bottom to top: a first waiting area 12 ' a, a transfer area 16 ', a second waiting area 12 ' b, an analysis area 13 ', a third waiting area 12 ' c. All of these areas are of sufficient size to be able to accommodate a rack of ten tubes.

In operation, if a shelf arrives from the transport route to the tray 15 'and is in the transfer zone 16', it can be pulled along the tappet to move in one of the waiting or analysis zones. Conversely, the rack can be moved from the analysis zone towards the waiting zone or towards the transfer zone. The tappet also moves the tappet from the transport path towards one of the waiting areas or towards the analysis area.

An example of a displacement sequence of a sample shelf according to this alternative embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 11a to 11 i.

An advantage of this embodiment with a tappet is its small volume according to a direction perpendicular to the transport route direction, since the total number of areas that the shelf can occupy is equal to five.

In an alternative configuration (not shown), the disk is movable in translation according to the direction E'. The system no longer necessarily comprises a tappet configured to move the rack between the waiting area and the analysis area.

In this alternative configuration, the tray has a width corresponding to, for example, four times the width of the shelf. The total number of areas that the shelf can occupy (depending on the position of the movable plate) is for example equal to 7.

According to this alternative configuration of the embodiment corresponding to a rack translational displacement, an example of a displacement sequence of the sample rack is described below in connection with fig. 12a to 12 h. The tray 15' according to any of these configurations may be used in combination with other elements of the above-described transport unit as an alternative to the rotating tray 15 of the first mode.

Unit for manipulating samples for analysis

Fig. 8 shows a part of a sample transport unit comprising a rotating surface 150 according to fig. 3 on which a sample shelf 3 is placed opposite a unit 2 for handling samples in an analysis area.

It will be apparent that the sample manipulation unit described below may also be used with a tray according to any of the other configurations described above.

The specific function of the operating unit 2 is to perform operations on the tubes one by one towards the analysis line and, once the tubes are placed on the analysis line, to collect the samples contained in said tubes and to perform the planned tests.

Fig. 8 shows the front panel of the unit 2.

The front panel comprises a surface 25 on which the displacement module 20 of the sample container is fixed towards the sampling position 211 (which constitutes the sample analysis path).

The module 20 comprises a track 200 extending according to the direction Z. The direction Z is substantially vertical when the automatic diagnostic unit is operating. The module 20 further comprises a block 201 controllable to move along the track 200.

A clamp 202 is arranged on block 201. The clamp is configured to hold a tube containing a sample and direct it onto a sampling location 211.

The gripper 202 is thus movable according to the direction Z.

The module 20 is also movable in translation according to the direction X, and therefore the gripper is also movable according to the direction X.

Preferably, the direction X corresponds to the direction of alignment of the analysis area of the sample transport unit, wherein the shelf 3 extends in the view of fig. 8.

When operating, the gripper 202 can be lowered according to the direction Z and moved according to the direction X to grip any one of the tubes of the rack and then guide it on the analysis route.

The operating unit 2 further comprises a module 21 for preparing and providing samples for analysis.

In this example, the module 21 comprises a sampling location 211 with a placement section for placing the tube.

Fig. 9 shows a second part of the unit 2 for manipulating the sample.

The needle support module 23 is shown in fig. 9. Module 23 includes a needle 230 configured to collect a sample from location 211.

The needle is integral with a block 231 of the module 23, which is movable along a path 232 according to the direction Y.

Once the needle is placed vertically with respect to the tube containing the sample, the needle can be moved further, here according to direction Z, to take the sample from position 211. The direction Y is perpendicular to the direction Z.

The unit 2 further comprises a processing unit 24, not shown in fig. 8 and 9, configured to control the displacement of the modules 20 and 23 and for synchronizing the sampling operation and the sample analysis.

Preferably, the unit 2 is configured to perform the identification, agitation and analysis of the sample. The agitation time for any type of blood sample is preferably greater than 10 seconds for each sample. The full speed rate of cell 2 is 80 to 150 samples per hour. This rate is for example equal to 100 samples per hour, the processing time for analyzing the samples (once the fixed speed is set) being 36 seconds.

The time period (e.g., duration of the test in minutes) is typically equal to the duration of the reference unit period (1h) divided by the number of samples processed in that period, multiplied by the duration of the new reference unit (e.g., 60 seconds).

[ Table 1]

Test/hour	Time of treatment of sample
		80	45 seconds
90	40 seconds
		100	36 seconds
120	30 seconds
		150	24 seconds

Example of operation of sample transport Unit

The sequence of operation of the sample transport unit 1 according to the embodiment of fig. 3 is shown in chronological order in fig. 10a to 10g, with the disk being rotated. The sequence extends from the entry of shelf 3a on the tray (during sample analysis of another shelf 3 b) to the output of shelf 3 b.

In fig. 10a, the shelf 3b is located in the analysis zone 13. Thus, the tube displacement module can select a tube of the rack 3b for analysis.

Independently of the analysis of the tubes of the shelf 3b, a new shelf 3a is moved along the transport route 10 (for example from the entrance compartment) to be inserted.

The outer stop 140a of the selection device is in the low position.

In fig. 10b, the shelf 3a reaches the transfer area 16. The shelf 3a is now positioned on the rotating surface 150 of the disc. At the same time, the analysis of the tubes of the shelf 3b can be continued.

In fig. 10c, the selection means starts to move; in this way, the outer stopper 140a moves from its low position toward its high position. This displacement pulls the shelf 3a from the transfer area 16 towards the waiting area 12. At the same time, the analysis of the tubes of the shelf 3b can be continued.

Once the shelf 3a is placed in the waiting area, the rotating disc can be put into motion, as seen in fig. 10 d. The carousel pivots on itself until it completes a 180 ° rotation.

After the 180 ° rotation is completed, the shelf 3a is guided into the analysis zone 13 and the shelf 3b is guided into the waiting zone 12, as can be seen in fig. 10 e. Thus, samples of the rack 3b may remain rested while the analyzer processes the test results of the sample rack 3 b. While waiting, the sample of the shelf 3a can be analyzed.

In fig. 10f, the shelf 3a is brought back on the transport route of the unit 1. This occurs, as the inner stop 142b (located opposite stop 140 a) moves from the high position toward the low position. This displacement pulls the shelf 3a from the waiting area 12 towards the transfer area 16 located on the transport route.

In fig. 10g, the shelf 3b is pulled by the transport means 11 to be displaced along the transport route 10 (e.g. towards the exit compartment or towards another transport unit). Thus, the shelf 3b is taken out from the rotating disk.

As an alternative, instead of pulling the shelf 3b out after analysis of the sample, the tray 15 may be rotated again by 180 °, the effect of which would be to guide the shelf 3b back to the analysis area. If, among the samples of the sample shelf 3b, one or more samples require a rerun or a secondary test of the reflection type and must therefore be sent back to the analysis route, the system can be parameterized to complete this second rotation.

Furthermore, it is evident that during the step of disengaging the transport route 10 (fig. 10c to 10e), a third sample rack can be conveyed along the transport route and through the transport unit 1 without the respective sample forming the analysis object.

The latter case is of interest especially in the case of high rates and to avoid interference between two shelves. The second pass is for managing coverage between the last tube of the first shelf and the first tube of the second shelf. This operation can also be used in the case where the third rack is empty, or where the sample of the third rack must not be tested by the analyzer associated with the transport unit 1.

In the case of a tray comprising inner and outer tappets for moving a rack on one of a total of five areas, the operating sequence of the sample transport unit 1 according to the embodiment of fig. 7 is shown in chronological order in fig. 11a to 11 i. The sequence extends from the entry of the shelf 3a on the tray (during sample analysis of the other shelf 3 b) to the sample analysis of the shelf 3 a.

In the state shown in fig. 11e, it should be noted that the third shelf 3c is re-entered via the right side on the sample transport unit. In fig. 11f, the shelf 3c is removed via the left side. The movement of the shelves 3a and 3b between the waiting area and the analysis area is not disturbed by the passage of the shelf 3c on the transport route.

In the case where the disks are movable in a translational manner according to the direction perpendicular to the transportation route direction and do not include the inner and outer tappets, the operation sequence of the sample transportation unit 1 according to the embodiment of fig. 7 is shown in chronological order in fig. 12a to 12 h. The sequence extends from the displacement of the shelf 3b towards the analysis zone and from the entry of the shelf 3a on the tray to the output of the shelf 3 b.

In the state shown in fig. 12e, it should be noted that the third shelf 3c is re-entered via the right side on the sample transport unit. In fig. 12f, the shelf 3c is removed via the left side; also suitable for fig. 11a to 11i, the transport of the shelf 3c does not interfere with the movement of the shelves 3a and 3 b.

Overall architecture of an automated diagnostic Unit-example 2

Fig. 13 is a functional diagram of a block representation of an automated diagnostic unit according to an alternative mode, seen from above.

Unlike the automation unit of fig. 1, the automation unit comprises two aligned analyzers.

The transport unit 1a corresponding to the first analyzer 2a and the transport unit 1b corresponding to the second analyzer 2b are arranged so that the shelf 3 can be transported according to the same direction a from the entrance compartment 4 to the exit compartment 5, passing through the transport routes of both transport units.

All units are controlled by the control unit 6.

The transport units 1a and 1b may correspond to any of the structural examples described with respect to fig. 3 or fig. 7.

Advantageously, the tray of the first sample transport unit is free to move relative to the tray of the second sample transport unit. But the two units are synchronized in respect of the transport of the sample rack in the transport direction a.

The above-described transport unit is particularly advantageous if the analyzers of units 2a and 2b do not have the same maximum analysis rate, wherein the shelves are transported along the transport route independently of the displacement of the shelves between the waiting area and the analysis area.

In fact, both units 2a and 2b can be used at their maximum rate, and samples that do not need to be tested by the lowest rate unit can pass through the unit without impeding the analysis of the other samples.

Thus, a low rate unit does not impose its cadence on a high rate unit.

The result is a better overall sample processing rate, making it possible to place analyzers of different rates, optionally for different types of tests, or even different medical specialties, in series.

In the case of reflection tests on systems of lower speed, these systems are preferably connected in the transport direction of the rack in order from the lowest to the highest professional level.