JP3164380B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for automatically analyzing components such as blood.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various automatic analyzers have been proposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-13063,
While rotating the turntable, a cuvette as a reaction vessel is sequentially supplied to the turntable to perform required analysis operations such as sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, and photometry, and the cuvette after the analysis is discarded from the turntable. It has been proposed to do so.

[0003]

However, in a conventional automatic analyzer, sample dispensing and reagent dispensing are performed using one probe, and probe cleaning, suction, and discharge are defined as one cycle. Analyze items.
For this reason, when trying to increase the processing capacity, there is a problem that the cleaning time of the probe becomes short and carry-over occurs, and the photometric time becomes short and the photometric data becomes unstable, thereby lowering the analysis accuracy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has been appropriately configured so that a probe cleaning time and a photometric time can be sufficiently long in performing high-speed processing, and high-precision analysis can always be performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for performing a multi-item analysis by mixing a plurality of types of samples and reagents in a plurality of reaction vessels. A reaction vessel transport means having a configuration for simultaneously moving and stopping a plurality of reaction vessels to be dispensed, and a desired analysis for each of a plurality of reaction vessels stopped simultaneously at different positions in the transport direction. Dispensing means having a plurality of probes for dispensing a sample or a reagent according to an item, and stirring means having a number of stirring rods corresponding to a plurality of reaction vessels dispensed almost simultaneously by the dispensing means. A common photometric unit for measuring photometers of a plurality of reaction vessels that are simultaneously moving by the reaction vessel transport unit at the same time, and dispensing to separate reaction containers by the dispensing unit. Different types of samples or reagents are sucked into each of the plurality of probes, and the sucked different types of samples or reagents are sucked into a plurality of reaction vessels at different positions with respect to a transport direction by the reaction vessel transport means. And then, the plurality of dispensed reaction vessels are mixed by injecting the plurality of stirring rods according to the mixing of the sample and the reagent by the stirring means, and then photometry is performed almost simultaneously. It is characterized by having such a configuration. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of probes provided in the dispensing means are positioned at corresponding suction positions and discharge positions by a common moving means.

[0006]

As described above, different types of samples or reagents are dispensed almost simultaneously by the dispensing means to a plurality of reaction vessels at different positions in the transport direction by the reaction vessel transport means, and these dispensed. After agitation is performed on multiple reaction vessels according to the mixing of the sample and the reagent by the agitation means, photometry is performed almost simultaneously by the photometry means. High-accuracy analysis can be performed at high speed.

[0007]

1 is an external perspective view showing the structure of an embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention. The apparatus main body 11 is provided with a sampler section 13 and an operation panel 15 composed of a keyboard for inputting analysis items and analysis conditions for each item to a microcomputer for controlling the entire apparatus at an easy-to-operate portion of the front surface thereof. A liquid crystal display 17 for displaying input information, analysis results, and the like from the panel 15 is provided so as to be drawn out. A drive device 19 for a floppy disk is provided below the operation panel 15, and the drive device 19 is provided.
Data is exchanged between the microcomputer and input information from the operation panel 15 via a floppy disk set in the microcomputer. Further, a printer base 21 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 11, and a printer 23 is placed on the printer base 21 to print out an analysis result and the like, and a U-shaped so as to escape the printer base 21. The top cover 25 is provided so as to be openable and closable. Thus, the printer 23
Is placed on the upper surface of the device body 11,
The operability of the system can be improved, and the size of the device can be reduced. Also,
On one side of the apparatus body 11, an empty cuvette pack disposal case 27 described later is detachably provided, a door 28 for setting a new cuvette pack is provided, and an ion sensor is further provided as necessary. Electrolyte measuring device
29 is provided detachably.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing the top cover 25 removed. In this embodiment, the cuvette 33 is detachably held on the cuvette wheel 31,
Cuvette 31 is disposable and cuvette wheel 31
While rotating, various items are analyzed by the random access method. Therefore, around the cuvette wheel 31, in addition to the sampler section 13, the cuvette loader 35, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 37, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 39,
A reagent storage 41, a sample mechanism 43, stirring mechanisms 45, 47, 49, a photometric unit 51, and a cuvette disposal unit 52 are provided. Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

<Sampler Unit 13> The sampler unit 13 is configured to sequentially convey a number of sample cups containing a sample to be analyzed via a predetermined sample suction position. In this embodiment, a partition 53 is provided in the sampler section 13, and a flexible chain 59 for holding a large number of sample cups 57 each containing a sample such as serum in one space 55 is set in one space 55 of the partition 53. The rotation of the sprocket 61 causes the step 59 to move stepwise through the passage 63 and the sample suction position A so as to be sequentially conveyed to the other space 65. Thus, the partition 53
Is provided to separate the entrance side and the exit side of the flexible chain 59, thereby preventing the flexible chain 59 from being entangled. The outlet side of the flexible chain 59 on the front surface of the apparatus main body 11 is formed into a curved surface so as to prevent a jam. Further, the passage 63 is provided with a cup presence / absence detector 67 for detecting whether or not the flexible chain 59 holds the sample cup 57, and whether the sample cup 57 to be conveyed is for general analysis or not. A detection unit 69 is provided for identifying whether it is for another analysis or the like. In addition, the identification of the sample cup 57 by the detection unit 69 is performed, for example, by providing a notch in the flexible chain 59, and detecting the notch in the detection unit 69, or color-coding the flexible chain 59 and detecting the color in the detection unit 69. By doing so, general analysis, functional analysis, etc. are identified. Further, a turntable 71 dedicated to the stat is provided above the sprocket 61, and a sample cup for the stat is set on the turntable 71 and transferred to the sample suction position A by a drive mechanism (not shown), so that night analysis or Be able to handle interrupt analysis. The turntable 71 has
A notch 73 is provided at the periphery of the flexible chain.
When a sample is to be sucked from the sample cup 57 held by the sample 59, the notch 73 is positioned at the sample suction position A. Further, a cup presence / absence detector 75 for detecting the presence / absence of setting of the sample cup on the turntable 71 is provided around the turntable 71.

<Cuvette Wheel 31> The cuvette wheel 31 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by a motor 77 via a spur gear 79 and an internal gear 81 as also shown in a sectional view in FIG. . The cuvette wheel 31 is formed of a material having good heat conductivity, and a plurality of cuvette holding portions 83 having T-shaped grooves are formed around the cuvette wheel 31, as shown in FIG. The cuvette 33 is detachably held by the cuvette holder 83, and is conveyed in a ring-shaped constant-temperature groove 87 formed in a constant-temperature member 85 having good thermal conductivity. In addition, the periphery of the constant temperature member 85 is surrounded by a heat insulating material 89, and a sheet-like heater 91 is provided on the back surface, and the heater 91 is turned on and off to maintain the temperature of the cuvette 33 at a desired temperature. . The heater
The reference numeral 91 designates a partially increased volume density at the cuvette loading position, the first reagent dispensing position, the second reagent dispensing position and the sample dispensing position on the transfer line (reaction line) of the cuvette 33, Change the temperature distribution near the position to improve the temperature rise.

<Cuvette Loader 35> Cuvette Loader
Numeral 35 is provided above the reaction line, and at a predetermined cuvette loading position P, the cuvette loader 35 automatically supplies and sets an empty cuvette 33 to the cuvette holding portion 83 of the cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the cuvette loader 35 is configured by a cuvette pack storage unit 93, a cuvette buffer unit 95, and a cuvette wheel loading unit 97 having a vertical movement mechanism. Cuvette 33 from the bottom cuvette pack 99 to the cuvette buffer section.
The cuvette 33 is supplied to the cuvette wheel loading unit 97 via the 95, and the cuvette 33 is loaded into the cuvette holding unit 83 from above the cuvette wheel 31 by moving the cuvette wheel loading unit 97 up and down.

Each cuvette pack 99 contains a cuvette 33
10 rows x 10 rows (total of 100 pieces), and the lowermost cuvette pack 99 by the vertical feed mechanism 101 and the horizontal feed mechanism 103
The cuvettes 33 are sequentially supplied to the cuvette buffer unit 95 through the vertical feed outlet 105 from the cuvette buffer unit 95.
95 multiple cuvettes 35 and cuvette wheel 31
Heat and heat up before loading into When the lowermost cuvette pack 99 is empty, the claw 107
Is laterally moved and the lowermost cuvette pack 99 is slid so as to fall into the case 27 on the side surface of the apparatus main body through the inclined surface 109, and the next cuvette pack 99 is positioned at the lowermost stage by its own weight. Thus, the cuvette loader 35 is provided on the reaction line, and the empty cuvette pack is provided.
By disposing 99 on the side of the device body,
The device can be downsized, and maintenance can be facilitated. The cuvette 33 is supplied from the lowermost cuvette pack 99 in the cuvette pack storage unit 93, so that the side door of the apparatus main body 11 shown in FIG.
Cuvette pack 99 from 28 to cuvette pack storage 93
Can be added at any time.

<Cuvette 33> As shown in FIG. 6, the cuvette 33 has two reaction tanks 34A and 34B, and each reaction tank performs one item of analysis. Therefore, one cuvette pack 99 containing 100 cuvettes 33 can analyze 200 items. The cuvette 33 is formed with concave portions 34C which engage with the T-shaped grooves of the cuvette holding portions 83 at both end surfaces in the direction in which the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are arranged, and these concave portions 34C are filled by the cuvette wheel loading portion 97 with the cuvette holding portions 83. The cuvette 33 is positioned vertically and radially with respect to the cuvette wheel 31 by engaging with the T-shaped grooves of the two reaction tanks 34A, 34A.
The cuvette wheel 31 is loaded so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction. In addition, each reaction tank 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33
Flat sides 34D for direct photometry
To form In this way, by forming two reaction vessels 34A and 34B in one cuvette 33 and analyzing two items, one cuvette of the same size can be used for one cuvette.
Compared with the case of analyzing the items, the maximum sample amount can be reduced, the cost of the cuvette can be reduced, and the industrial waste can be reduced by half. Further, since the size of the cuvette pack 99 with respect to the number of analysis items can be reduced, the volume of the cuvette pack storage unit 93 can be reduced, and the apparatus can be downsized.

<First reagent dispensing mechanism 37> First reagent dispensing mechanism
37 is a cuvette 33 held on a cuvette wheel 31
Next, a desired first reagent stored in the reagent storage 41 is dispensed. In this embodiment, since two items are analyzed by one cuvette 33, two independent reagent probes are used.
111A and 111B are provided, and these reagent probes 111A and 111B are respectively held on swivel arms 113A and 113B that can rotate integrally about the same fulcrum and that can move up and down independently. The transfer arm 113B can be transferred onto the reagent storage 41 by a transfer arm 115 that can move in the horizontal direction.

<Second reagent dispensing mechanism 39> Second reagent dispensing mechanism
39 is a cuvette 33 held on a cuvette wheel 31
For dispensing the desired second reagent stored in the reagent storage 41, two independent reagent probes 117A and 117B are provided similarly to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 37, and these reagent probes are provided.
117A and 117B are respectively held by pivoting arms 119A and 119B that can rotate integrally about the same fulcrum and that can move up and down independently, and these pivoting arms 119A and 119B can be moved horizontally. Reagent hangar 41 by arm 121
So that it can be transported up.

<Reagent Storage 41> FIG.
As shown in the detail view, two square tables 123,
The first reagent container 127 is provided in one table 123.
The other table 125 has a plurality of the second reagent containers 129 respectively. In this embodiment, each table has a maximum of 6 columns × 6 rows.
36 reagent containers can be set according to the analysis items. In addition, the periphery of the reagent storage 41 is covered with a heat insulating material 130, and a door 131 is provided on the upper part so as to be openable and closable, thereby sealing the inside of the reagent storage 41. A heater is embedded in the door 131 to prevent dew condensation, and holes 133 are formed in the first and second reagent containers 127 and 129 for the reagent probes to enter, corresponding to the respective reagent containers 127 and 129. It is opened and closed at the same time in synchronization with the reagent dispensing operation so that it is opened when the reagent is sucked, and closed otherwise. The mouths of the first and second reagent containers 127 and 129 are sealed by an openable / closable lid 137 made of rubber or the like to prevent evaporation of the reagent.
Are opened in conjunction with the opening operation of the shutter 135. Further, a circulation fan 139 is provided below the reagent storage 41.
And an electronic cooling device 143 having a heat absorber 141
The interior of the refrigerator is cooled by absorbing heat by the heat absorber 141, and the temperature distribution in the refrigerator is kept uniform by the circulation fan 139.

In this embodiment, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 37
In dispensing the desired first reagent by
The reagent probe 111A, 111B is laterally moved by the transfer arm 115, and the swivel arms 113A, 113B are swiveled to, for example, move the reagent probe 111A to the first reagent container corresponding to the analysis item.
At the same time, the shutter 135 is driven to open the hole 133 and the lid 137. In this state, the swivel arm 113A is lowered to allow the reagent probe 111A to enter the corresponding first reagent container 127 through the hole 133. And a predetermined amount of the first
Aspirate reagent. Next, after raising the swivel arm 113A, the reagent probes 111A and 111B are similarly laterally moved and swiveled by the transfer arm 115 and the swivel arms 113A and 113B, and the reagent probe 111B is moved to the first reagent container corresponding to the analysis item. Position above the swing arm 11
3B is lowered, and a predetermined amount of the first reagent is aspirated from the corresponding first reagent container 127 by the reagent probe 111B. afterwards,
When the swivel arm 113B is raised, the shutter 135
133 is closed, and the first reagent container 12 is closed by the lid 137.
Seal the mouth of 7. Note that the swivel arm 113B waits at the raised position during the reagent suction operation by the reagent probe 111A, and the swivel arm 113A during the reagent suction operation by the reagent probe 111B.
In the up position.

When the suction of the first reagents by the reagent probes 111A and 111B is completed, these are laterally transferred and turned by the transfer arm 115 and the turning arms 113A and 113B to be positioned at the first reagent dispensing position R1, and in this state. Reagent probe
The first reagent sucked into 111A and 111B is dispensed to the first reagent dispensing position R
1 are simultaneously discharged to the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33. Thereafter, the swivel arms 113A and 113B are rotated together to position the reagent probes 111A and 111B on the cleaning tank 145, and in this state, the swivel arms 113A and 113B are lowered integrally to remove the reagent probes 111A and 111B from the cleaning tank. 145, and the inside and outside of the probes 111A and 111B are washed to prepare for the next dispensing operation.

The dispensing of the second reagent by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 39 is also performed in the same manner as the dispensing of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 37 described above, and aspirated by the reagent probes 117A and 117B, respectively. The second reagent is a cuvette at the second reagent dispensing position R2.
33 are simultaneously discharged into the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B,
In the washing tank 147, the reagent probes 117A and 117B are washed. Each reagent probe 111A, 111B, 117A, 117B of the first and second reagent dispensing mechanisms 37, 39 is provided with a liquid level sensor (not shown). By controlling the downward movement of 113A, 113B, 119A, and 119B, the amount of the reagent probe penetrating into the reagent is kept constant to minimize the contamination. In addition, in the dispensing of the first and second reagents, the reagents are also diluted by using the reagent pushing water at the time of discharging the reagents depending on the analysis items and analysis conditions. As described above, two rectangular tables 123 and 125 are provided in the reagent storage 41, the first reagent container 127 is provided in one table 123, and the second reagent container 129 is provided in the other table 125.
By setting, the loading density of the reagent containers can be increased, and the reagent storage 41 can be downsized. Further, since the first and second reagent dispensing mechanisms 37 and 39 are made to move laterally and pivotally, the moving range thereof can be narrowed in conjunction with the downsizing of the reagent storage 41, and therefore the apparatus can be downsized. In addition, the operation can be speeded up effectively.

<Sample Mechanism 43> The sample mechanism 43 sucks the sample in the sample cup set in the sampler section 13 at the sample suction position A, and transfers the sample to the cuvette 33 set on the cuvette wheel 31 by a predetermined amount. Dispense at the pouring position S. This sample mechanism 43
In the same manner as in the first and second reagent dispensing mechanisms 37 and 39, two independent sample probes 149A and 149B are provided while being held by arms 151A and 151B.
Are configured to be rotatable integrally about the same fulcrum, and to be able to move up and down independently. In addition, sample probe 149A, 1
Suction and discharge syringes 153A and 153B are connected to 49B, respectively, so that a desired amount of sample is sucked to each sample probe 149A and 149B.

In this embodiment, first, the arms 151A, 151B
Are pivoted together to position one sample probe 149A at the sample suction position A, and in this state, the arm 151A
To lower the sample in the sample cup at the sample suction position A by the amount corresponding to the analysis item.
After suction by 3A, the arm 151A is raised. Thereafter, the arms 151A and 151B are rotated integrally to position the other sample probe 149B at the sample suction position A,
In this state, the arm 151B is lowered and the sample suction position A
After aspirating the sample in the sample cup at the amount corresponding to the analysis item by the suction / discharge syringe 153B, the arm 151B
To rise. Note that the arm 151B stands by at the raised position during the sample suction operation by the sample probe 149A, and the arm 151B during the sample suction operation by the sample probe 149B.
Let 151A stand by in the raised position. Next, arms 151A, 151B
Are rotated together to position the sample probes 149A and 149B at the sample dispensing position S. In this state, the sample sucked into each probe is placed in the two reaction tanks 34A of the cuvette 33 at the sample dispensing position S. , 34B at the same time.

Thereafter, the sample probes 149A and 149B are positioned on the cleaning tank 155 by rotating the arms 151A and 151B together, and in this state, the arms 151A and 151B are lowered integrally to clean the sample probes 149A and 149B. The probe 149A, 149B is made to penetrate into the tank 155, and the inside and outside of the probe 149A and 149B are washed to prepare for the next dispensing operation. Each of the sample probes 149A and 149B is provided with a liquid level sensor (not shown), which detects the liquid level of the sample and controls the lowering of the arms 151A and 151B. The amount of intrusion is kept constant to minimize the contamination. When the electrolyte is measured by mounting the electrolyte measuring device 29, the sample in the sample cup set in the sampler unit 13 is suctioned at the sample suction position A by the sample mechanism 43, and this is sucked into the electrolyte measuring device 29. Dispense at a predetermined sample dispensing position.

<Stirring Mechanisms 45, 47, 49> The stirring mechanism 45 is a first stirring mechanism.
After stirring the liquid in the cuvette 33 after dispensing the reagent, the arm 157 that can rotate and move up and down is provided with two stirring rods 161A and 161B that are rotationally driven by a motor 159.
After the arm 157 is rotated to position the stirring rods 161A and 161B at the predetermined stirring position M1, the arm 157 is lowered to allow the stirring rods 161A and 161B to enter the reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33, respectively. In this state, the stirring rod 16 is
By rotating 1A, 161B, the liquids in the reaction tanks 34A, 34B are simultaneously stirred. After stirring, the drive of the motor 159 is stopped to raise the arm 157, and at the same time, the arm 157 is rotated to position the stirring rods 161A and 161B on the cleaning tank 163. In this state, the arm 157 is lowered and the stirring rod is lowered. 161
A, 161B is configured to enter the cleaning tank 163 for cleaning.

The stirring mechanism 47 stirs the liquid in the cuvette 33 after dispensing the sample. Similar to the stirring mechanism 45, the stirring mechanism 47 is driven by a motor 167 on an arm 165 that can rotate and move up and down. Of stirring bars 169A and 169B,
After the arm 165 is rotated to position the stirring rods 169A and 169B at the predetermined stirring position M2, the arm 165 is lowered to allow the stirring rods 169A and 169B to enter the reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33, respectively. In this state, the stirring rod 16 is
By rotating 9A and 169B, the liquids in the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are simultaneously stirred. After the stirring, the drive of the motor 167 is similarly stopped to raise the arm 165, and at the same time, the arm 165 is rotated to position the stirring rods 169A and 169B on the cleaning tank 171. In this state, the arm 165 is lowered. It is configured that the stirring rods 169A and 169B enter the cleaning tank 171 for cleaning.

The stirring mechanism 49 stirs the liquid in the cuvette 33 after dispensing the second reagent.
The motor 173 that can be rotated and raised and lowered in the same way as
Two stirring rods 177A and 177B, which are rotated by 175, are provided. The arm 173 is rotated to position the stirring rods 177A and 177B at a predetermined stirring position M3. 177B into reaction tanks 34A and 34B of cuvette 33
Into the reaction vessels 34A, 34B by rotating the stirring rods 177A, 177B by the motor 175 in that state.
It is configured to simultaneously agitate the liquids therein. After the stirring, the drive of the motor 175 is stopped to raise the arm 173, and the arm 173 is rotated to position the stirring rods 177A and 177B on the cleaning tank 179. In this state, the arm 173 is lowered and the stirring rod is lowered. 177A and 177B are configured to enter the cleaning tank 179 for cleaning.

In this embodiment, as shown in the plan view of the reaction line in FIG. 8, when the cuvette loading position P is set to the first cuvette position, the cuvette loading position P
The fifteenth cuvette position is the stirring position M1, the 22nd cuvette position is the stirring position M3, and the twenty-fourth cuvette position is the first cuvette position.
The reagent dispensing position R1, the 31st cuvette position is the second reagent dispensing position R2, and the 36th cuvette position is the stirring position M
The second and 45th cuvette positions are set to the sample dispensing positions S, respectively, and the photometric position and the cuvette disposal position are set to arbitrary cuvette positions between the cuvette loading position P and the stirring position M1. Therefore, the cuvette loading position P and the first reagent dispensing position R1 have a positional relationship of 180 ° -1 cuvette. Further, the stirring positions M1, M2 and M3 are set at the corresponding dispensing positions R
The positions are separated by 9 cuvettes from 1, 1, and R2, respectively, and are separated by 7 cuvettes between the stirring positions M1 and M3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stirring mechanism
45,49 each arm 157,173 equal length,
The rotation angle between the stirring position M1 and the cleaning tank 163 in the stirring mechanism 45 is made equal to the rotation angle between the stirring position M3 and the cleaning tank 179 in the stirring mechanism 49, and the arms 157 and 173 of the stirring mechanisms 45 and 49 are shared. It is configured to be driven by the driving source.

<Light Metering Unit 51> The light metering unit 51 performs direct light measurement of the cuvette 33 conveyed along the reaction line on the circumference of the cuvette wheel 31 sequentially at a predetermined light measurement position. The light source 181, the diffraction grating 183 and the mirror 185 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the reaction line and the light receiving element 187 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the reaction line, and the light from the light source 181 is reacted with the cuvette 33 via the diffraction grating 183 and the mirror 185. Vessel 34
Light is incident on the flat portion 34D of A (34B), and light transmitted through the reaction tank 34A (34B) is received by the light receiving element 187. The diffraction grating 183 is rotated by a motor 189, so that a specific wavelength corresponding to the analysis item is
5 so as to be incident on the reaction tank 34A (34B) of the cuvette 33.

<Cuvette disposal section 52> Cuvette disposal section
Reference numeral 52 denotes a cuvette 33 for which analysis has been completed is removed from the cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined cuvette disposal position and discarded. As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the cuvette 33 can be moved in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 31 and can be moved up and down. A take-out machine 191 is provided. The take-out machine 191 is provided with an upper pawl 193A and a lower pawl 193B at the tip thereof, and the upper pawl 193A is used as a fulcrum.
195 is selectively rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown), and an extruder 197 is provided inside. In the cuvette disposal section 52, the unloader 19
1 is moved in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 31 while rotating the upper claw 193A upward from the initial state shown in FIG.10A, and the upper claw 193A and the lower claw 193B are moved to the cuvette disposal position as shown in FIG.10B. It is positioned above and below a certain cuvette 33. In this state, the upper claw 193A is rotated downward to clamp the cuvette 33 between the upper claw 193A and the lower claw 193B, and thereafter, as shown in FIG. Then, it returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 10D. Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The upper claw 193A is pivoted upward, and the cuvette 33 taken out is pushed out by the pusher 196 and dropped into the waste cylinder 199.

Hereinafter, an example of the analyzing operation of this embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, the operation of each unit is controlled by inputting the analysis items and the analysis conditions for each item to a microcomputer (not shown) via the operation panel 15. First, a flexible chain holding a number of sample cups 57 containing the sample to be analyzed
59, the start position 201 of the entrance of the passage 63 of the sampler section 13
The analysis operation is started by pressing the start button on the operation panel 15 in this state. When the analysis operation is started, each time the cuvette wheel 31 rotates 180 ° -1 cuvette counterclockwise at the cuvette loading position P, the cuvette wheel 31 is moved from the cuvette loader 35.
Set the cuvette 33 in. Cuvette loading position P
Is transferred to the first reagent dispensing position R1, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 37 corresponds to two items to be analyzed in the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33. The first reagent is aspirated from the reagent storage 41, and the first reagent is simultaneously dispensed to the corresponding reaction tanks 34A and 34B while the cuvette 33 is transferred to the first reagent dispensing position R1. At this time, after dispensing the first reagent according to the analysis conditions,
The first reagent is diluted with the extruded water. After dispensing the first reagent at the first reagent dispensing position R1, the cuvette wheel 31 is once rotated backward (clockwise) to
The cuvette 33 having received the reagent is positioned at the stirring position M1, and the stirring is performed by the stirring mechanism 45. That is, in this embodiment, the rotation of the cuvette wheel 31 counterclockwise by 180 ° -1 cuvette is defined as one cycle,
In this one cycle, the cuvette wheel 31 is rotated clockwise by nine cuvettes to perform stirring.

When the above operation proceeds for four cycles from the first cuvette loading, the cuvette 33 loaded first is positioned at the sample dispensing position S. At the sample aspirating position A, two sample volumes corresponding to the analysis conditions are aspirated, and these are simultaneously dispensed to the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33 at the sample dispensing position S. At this time, after dispensing the sample according to the analysis conditions, dilution is performed with the extruded water. The first
After the dispensing of the reagent, the cuvette 33 passes through the photometric unit 51 until it is positioned at the sample dispensing position S, so that a reagent blank measurement is performed during this time. After dispensing the sample at the sample dispensing position S, the cuvette wheel 3
1 is once reversed, and the cuvette 33 having received the sample dispensed is positioned at the stirring position M2.
The mixture is stirred by 7 to start the reaction between the first reagent and the sample. Thereafter, each time the cuvette 33 passes through the photometric section 51, the reaction liquid in each of the reaction tanks 34A and 34B is measured at almost the same time to measure their optical characteristics.

After progressing for 18 cycles from the first cuvette loading, the cuvette 33 loaded first and having received the first reagent and the sample has been dispensed into the second reagent dispensing position R2.
In synchronization therewith, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 39 aspirates the second reagent corresponding to two items to be analyzed in the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33 from the reagent storage 41 by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 39. To the second reagent dispensing position R2
, The mixture is simultaneously dispensed into the reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33. At this time, after dispensing the second reagent according to the analysis conditions, the second reagent is diluted with the extruded water. After dispensing the second reagent, the cuvette wheel 31
Is once reversed, and the cuvette 33 having received the dispensed second reagent is positioned at the stirring position M3.
To start the reaction with the second reagent, and thereafter, each time the cuvette 33 passes through the photometric unit 51, the reaction liquids in the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are measured almost simultaneously, and their optical characteristics are measured. Is measured.

After a predetermined number of photometry operations are completed, a computer performs necessary calculations based on the photometric data and the previously measured reagent blank to obtain an analysis result.
This is printed out from the printer 23, and when the cuvette 33 is positioned at a predetermined cuvette disposal position, the cuvette 33 is removed from the cuvette wheel 31 by the cuvette disposal unit 52 and disposed. As described above, the sequential samples are completely and sequentially analyzed in accordance with the analysis items and the analysis conditions for each item without leaving the cuvette 33.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since two items are analyzed in one cycle by the random access method, compared to a conventional automatic analyzer that analyzes one item in one cycle, when the analysis speed is the same, the photometric time and the probe The cleaning time can be extended. Accordingly, stable photometric data can be obtained, carryover can be effectively prevented, and highly accurate analysis can be always performed. (2) Since the temperature of the thermostatic chamber 87 is made constant by using the sheet-shaped heater 91, the maintenance becomes unnecessary and the thermostat can be made smaller as compared with the case where the thermostatic liquid is flown to make the temperature constant. In addition, since the capacity density of the sheet-shaped heater 91 is increased at the cuvette loading position P, the first reagent dispensing position R1, the second reagent dispensing position R2, and the sample dispensing position S, the temperature near each position is reduced. The rise can be improved, and a highly accurate analysis can be performed. (3) Since two reaction tanks 34A and 34B are provided in one cuvette 33, two items in one cuvette are analyzed.
Compared to the case of analyzing one cuvette and one item using a cuvette of the same size, the maximum sample amount can be reduced, the cost of the cuvette can be reduced, and the industrial waste can be reduced to half. Further, since the size of the cuvette pack 99 with respect to the number of analysis items can be reduced, the cuvette pack storage 93
Can be reduced in size, and the size of the device can be reduced. (4) Since the cuvette holding portion 83 having a T-groove is formed on the cuvette wheel 31 and the cuvette 33 is loaded into the cuvette holding portion 83 from above, the occurrence of cuvette jam can be effectively prevented. In addition, the number of loading of the cuvette is also such that two reaction tanks 34A,
With the provision of the 34B, it is only half that required for the analysis of one cuvette and one item. Therefore, an automatic analyzer with excellent reliability can be obtained. (5) Since the cuvette loader 35 is provided on the reaction line and the empty cuvette pack 99 is discarded on the side of the apparatus main body, the apparatus can be downsized as compared with the case where the cuvette loader is provided on the same plane as the reaction line. , Maintainability can be improved. (6) Since the plurality of cuvette packs 99 are stacked in the cuvette pack storage unit 93 and the cuvettes 33 are supplied from the lowermost cuvette pack 99, the cuvette packs 99 can be added at any time during the analysis. Can be improved. (7) The probes of the first and second reagent dispensing mechanisms 37 and 39 are laterally and pivotally moved to be positioned on a desired reagent container of the reagent storage 41, so that the X is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The moving range can be narrowed as compared with the case where the positioning is performed by moving in the Y direction. Therefore, the moving time can be reduced, so that high-speed processing can be performed, and the device can be downsized.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications or changes can be made. For example, three or more reaction vessels may be formed in one cuvette, and a sample, a reagent, or the like may be simultaneously dispensed into these reaction vessels, so that three or more items can be analyzed in one cuvette. Further, it is also possible to configure so that samples, reagents and the like are simultaneously dispensed to a plurality of sequential cuvettes in one cuvette one item analysis. Also in this case, the analysis of a plurality of items can be performed in one cycle, so that the photometric time and the cleaning time of the probe can be lengthened, and thus stable photometric data can be obtained.
Carryover can be effectively prevented, and highly accurate analysis can always be performed.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, different kinds of samples or reagents can be dispensed almost simultaneously by the dispensing means to a plurality of reaction vessels located at different positions in the direction of conveyance by the reaction vessel conveying means. After dispensing and stirring the plurality of dispensed reaction vessels according to the mixing of the sample and the reagent by the stirring means, the photometry is performed almost simultaneously by the photometry means. The processing capacity can be increased while taking a long time, and high-precision analysis can always be executed at high speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of an example of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 with a top cover removed.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a cuvette wheel.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cuvette holding unit.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cuvette.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a reagent storage.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a reaction line.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photometric unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a cuvette disposal unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Main unit 13 Sampler section 15 Operation panel 17 LCD display 19 Drive unit 21 Printer stand 23 Printer 25 Top cover 27 Case 28 Door 29 Electrolyte measuring device 31 Cuvette wheel 33 Cuvette 34A, 34B Reaction tank 35 Cuvette loader 37 Dispensing the first reagent Mechanism 39 Second reagent dispensing mechanism 41 Reagent storage 43 Sample mechanism 45,47,49 Stirring mechanism 51 Photometry section 52 Cuvette disposal section

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Machida 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside the Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mutsuro Kashiba 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo o (56) References JP-A-4-106472 (JP, A) JP-A-63-27763 (JP, A) JP-A-2-99868 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An automatic analyzer for performing a multi-item analysis by mixing a plurality of types of samples and reagents with respect to a plurality of reaction vessels, and simultaneously moving and stopping a plurality of reaction vessels to be dispensed. And a plurality of reaction containers for dispensing a sample or a reagent corresponding to a desired analysis item to a plurality of reaction containers simultaneously stopped at different positions with respect to the transfer direction. Dispensing means having a probe, stirring means having a number of stirring rods corresponding to a plurality of reaction vessels to be dispensed almost simultaneously by the dispensing means, and after the reaction being simultaneously moved by the reaction vessel transport means A common photometric means for photometrically measuring a plurality of reaction vessels at substantially the same time, wherein different types of samples or reagents to be dispensed into separate reaction vessels by the dispensing means are provided in the plurality of reagent vessels. Aspirating each of the samples, dispensing these different types of samples or reagents to a plurality of reaction vessels located at different positions in the transport direction by the reaction vessel transport means almost simultaneously, About the multiple reaction vessels
An automatic analyzer wherein the plurality of stirring rods are caused to enter by the stirring means in accordance with the mixing of the sample and the reagent, and then the photometry is performed almost simultaneously. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of probes provided in said dispensing means are positioned at corresponding suction positions and discharge positions by a common moving means.