SPECIMEN-CONTAINER LOADING/STORING UNIT

1 . A specimen loading or storing unit, comprising:

a plurality of types of specimen trays configured to have a different size of a specimen tray that is provided with a plurality of specimen container installation parts for holding a specimen container;

a specimen container transferring mechanism configured to transfer the specimen container between a conveyance line and the specimen tray; and

a specimen tray installation part configured to install the plurality of types of specimen trays.

2 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:

an identification information tag configured to be attached to the specimen tray; and

an identification information reader configured to be arranged directly under the specimen tray installation part and to read information for identifying a type of the specimen tray.

3 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 2 , wherein

when the identification information tag is positioned within a predetermined distance range from the identification information reader, the identification information tag is readable.

4 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 3 , wherein

the specimen tray installation part is a drawer type, and

the identification information reader is arranged in such a manner that the identification information tag of the specimen tray normally arranged is positioned within a predetermined distance range from the identification information reader when the specimen tray installation part is closed.

5 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 3 , wherein

the plurality of identification information readers are installed, and

a position where the specimen tray is arranged is determined based upon a combination of successful or unsuccessful reading of the plurality of identification information readers.

6 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 1 , wherein

the number of specimens stored vertically and horizontally in the plurality of types of specimen trays is an integer multiple of the number of the specimens stored vertically and horizontally in a specimen tray having a minimum size.

7 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 1 , wherein

the specimen tray installation part includes a projected part or a recessed part configured to be engaged with a recessed part or a projected part provided in a bottom surface of the specimen tray.

8 . The specimen loading or storing unit according to claim 1 , wherein

the plurality of the specimen container installation parts are arranged to achieve a relationship which is p 1 >d 1 +d 2 and p 2 >d 3 +d 4 ,

when d 1 is set as a distance from a first side surface of the specimen tray to a specimen container installation part which is most closely adjacent to the first side surface,

d 2 is set as a distance from a second side surface of the specimen tray opposite to the first side surface of the specimen tray to a specimen container installation part which is most closely adjacent to the second side surface,

p 1 is set as a distance in a direction perpendicular to the first side surface and the second side surface between the specimen container installation parts,

d 3 is set as a distance from a third side surface of the specimen tray to a specimen container installation part which is most closely adjacent to the third side surface,

d 4 is set as a distance from a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface of the specimen tray to a specimen container installation part which is most closely adjacent to the fourth side surface, and

p 2 is set as a distance in a direction perpendicular to the third side surface and the fourth side surface between the specimen container installation parts.