JPS6228669A - Reaction line for biochemical analysis instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the instruction of contingent dropping liquid into a reaction vessel even if such dropping arises by synchronizing or interlocking the action of a reaction line and the action to open or close a cap. CONSTITUTION:A device of which the whole view is shown by 50 is a device for opening and closing the cap and is provided in the position corresponding to the position where a nozzle 23 for dispensing a reagent, etc. is installed. A motor 52 is run backward to close the cap members 58a-58e via the 2nd rack gear 51b and open/shut gear groups 55a-55e and thereafter the reaction line 1 is moved when the prescribed dispensing operation ends. The intrusion of the contigent dropping liquid from the nozzle 23 into the reaction vessel 1a is then obviated even if the home position of the nozzle 23 is positioned overhead the reaction line 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a biochemical analyzer capable of testing multiple items, which belongs to the technical field of medical equipment for diagnosis. relates to a biochemical analyzer that can perform multiple tests on test samples such as urine (hereinafter simply referred to as samples).

[Technical background of the invention and its problems] Analysis of components in body fluids such as blood, serum, or urine provides important data for the discovery of diseases in subjects, 1 diagnosis, and the course of prognosis. It is something to do. The measurement items selected to obtain such data generally range from several items to more than ten items that are significant for a predicted disease or a disease confirmed by diagnosis.

Therefore, there has been a demand for a biochemical analyzer that can simultaneously perform the above-mentioned multi-item analysis on the same sample, and various multi-item component biochemical analyzers have been provided.

An example of this conventional multi-item component biochemical analyzer will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

1 is a reaction line that is configured to move and circulate intermittently on an endless track in the direction of the arrow X in the figure, relative to the main body of the analyzer (not shown). , a plurality of reaction vessels 1a arrayed in a row in the y direction of the figure are arranged in a plurality of rows in the X direction (chronologically) in the figure.

2 is a constant temperature bath having a constant temperature medium maintained at 37° C., for example, and by immersing the intermittently moving reaction vessels 1a row group in this constant temperature medium, the reaction inside the reaction vessels is carried out at a low temperature. It is designed to signal. 3 is a sample dispensing nozzle, which horizontally reciprocates in the y direction over the row of reaction containers 1a located in front of the thermostatic chamber 2 and the sample containers 18a placed on the sample stand 18, and dispenses the sample. A predetermined amount of the sample in the sample container 18a is aspirated by the collection pump 4 (for example, a syringe pump), and a predetermined amount of the sample can be dispensed into each reaction container in the row. Note that 17 is a nozzle moving device for moving the sample dispensing nozzle 3.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a reagent dispensing nozzle for dispensing a liquid such as a reagent (hereinafter referred to as a reagent etc.) to the reaction vessels 1a group on the reaction line 1, and as in the case of the sample dispensing nozzle 3, X
At least y for the reaction line 1 that moves intermittently in the direction
-y' It is configured to be movable in the force direction, and is also on the reagent fR@ stand (not shown) installed on the side of the reaction line 1, as in the case of the sample stand 18 and the sample 8 vessel 18a. A predetermined amount of reagents, etc. can be sucked from inside a reagent container (not shown) using the syringe pump 24, and dispensed into a specific reaction container in the reaction container 1a row located in the thermostatic chamber 2. This is configured in advance by appropriate means.

In addition, the reagent dispensing nozzle 23 is connected to several reaction vessels 1a.
In order to freely select a specific reaction container in a row group, it is provided so as to be movable in the X' direction in the figure as necessary.
The nozzle 23 may be configured to be movable in a plane (in the x' direction and the y' direction) with respect to the plurality of rows of reaction containers 1a. 27 is a nozzle moving device for moving the reagent dispensing nozzle 23 in the y' direction or in the x'-y' force direction in the manner described above;
It is constructed by appropriate means, similar to the mobile device for use in transportation. And these nozzles 23. The pump 24 and the nozzle moving device 27 constitute a reagent dispensing device.

5 is a colorimeter suction nozzle, and a nozzle is arranged for each reaction container 1a arranged in the y direction, and sucks the reaction liquid in each reaction container 1a that has passed through the thermostatic chamber 2. It is configured so that it can be sucked by a pump 9. Reference numeral 6 denotes a flow cell provided in the same number as the colorimeter suction nozzles 5, each having a flow path (not shown) through which the reaction liquid sucked by the colorimeter suction nozzle 5 passes. By arranging a colorimetric light source lamp 7 and a photodetector 8 facing each other in this flow path, the absorbance of the reaction liquid passing through the flow path can be measured. Note that 10 is a discharge pipe for discharging the reaction solution after the measurement is completed, and 13 is a washing and drying device for washing and drying the reaction container 1a after discharging the reaction solution.

When performing analysis work with different purposes for each sample (multi-item analysis work), as shown in Figure 2, the analysis items are arranged in the y direction (analysis items are determined for each item). After dispensing the sample A into a specific reaction container 11 (indicated by hatching) among the plurality of reaction containers, a predetermined amount of reagent is poured into the specific reaction container 11 that has been moved into the thermostatic chamber 2. The reagents are dispensed by the reagent dispensing devices 23, 24, and 27, and the sample and reagent are reacted in the constant temperature bath 2. After completely passing through the constant temperature bath 2, the reaction liquid obtained in these reaction vessels is sucked by a colorimetric suction nozzle 5, sent to a flow cell 6, and irradiated with light by a colorimeter light source lamp 7. Then, by detecting the light passing through this reaction stop with a photodetector 8, a predetermined absorbance measurement is performed.

However, in the conventional discrete type biochemical analyzer having the above configuration, the following problems often occur.

That is, in this type of apparatus, the sample, reagent, and in some cases liquid such as washing water to be dispensed into a group of reaction containers arranged in a row are all jetted out from a nozzle that moves in the space above the reaction container 1a. Above, a liquid surface remains at the tip of the nozzle immediately after ejection due to the surface tension of the liquid, and this drips naturally due to its own weight or due to vibration of the equipment, etc., and is not used for other purposes). Accidents will occur where this happens. In this case, if the same type of liquid is contained in the reaction vessel of the falling light, there will be relatively little harm caused by the dripping, but if the falling light falls into a reaction vessel into which a different liquid has been dispensed, This causes serious problems, such as poor dispensing accuracy, reagent interference, and dilution of the reaction solution.

[Object of the Invention] An object of the present invention is to eliminate this drawback and provide a highly accurate reaction line for a biochemical analyzer.

[Summary of the Invention] The outline of the present invention for achieving the above object is to install an openable and closable lid member on a reaction line that moves intermittently in a certain direction, and to close the lid member during the intermittent movement of the reaction line. , so that this lid member can be opened only when the reaction line is stopped.
It is characterized in that the operation of the reaction line and the operation of opening and closing the lid are synchronized or linked.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in the first diagram. To avoid this, a detailed explanation of its configuration will be omitted.

1 is a reaction line equipped with a large number of reaction containers 1a rows.

2 is a constant temperature bath, 3 is a sample dispensing nozzle, and 4 is a sample collection pump. The relationship between the sample dispensing nozzle moving device 17, the sample stage 18, and the sample container 18a is as described above.

23 is a reagent dispensing nozzle, a syringe pump 24, a nozzle moving device 27. The relationship between the reagent stage and the reagent containers (none of which are shown) is as described above.

5 is a colorimetric suction nozzle, 6 is a flow cell, 7 is a colorimetric light source lamp, 8 is a photodetector, 9 is a suction pump, 10 is a discharge pipe, and 11 is a specific reaction vessel.

Reference numeral 13 indicates a washing/drying device.

The device indicated by 50 as a whole is an opening/closing lid device according to the present invention, and the device 50 is provided at a position corresponding to the installation position of the above-mentioned reagent etc. dispensing nozzle 23. is installed in such a manner that it can move two-dimensionally in the x'-y' force direction, the opening/closing lid device 50 has the character of being installed over a range that can cover the entire movement range of the dispensing nozzle 23. It is something.

Reference numeral 51 denotes an operation rack member that is provided on the biochemical analyzer fixing parts (hereinafter simply referred to as analyzer fixing parts) 50a on both sides of the reaction line so as to be able to reciprocate in the direction of arrow E, and on its upper surface there are two sets of operation rack members. Rack gear portions 51a and 51b are formed. Reference numeral 52 denotes a forward/reverse motor for reciprocating the rack member 51 by a predetermined amount via a pinion 53 that meshes with the first rack gear portion 51a of the operating rack member 51.

Note that an appropriate method may be used to reciprocate the operation rack member 51 by a predetermined amount.

For example, the movement range limiting section 5 may be attached to the analyzer fixing section 50a in advance.
4a and 54b, and a friction clutch (not shown) is provided between the drive shaft of the motor 52 and the pinion 53, so that when the operating rack member 51 moves when the motor 52 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, When the end of the rack member 51 hits either of the movement range limiting parts 54a or 54b, the rack member 51 can be forcibly stopped at that position, and at that time, the motor 51 and the motor 51 are connected by the friction clutch. If the structure is configured so that the mechanical interference caused by the forced stop of the operating rack member 51 can be eliminated by causing slippage between the operating rack member 51 and the pinion 53, the purpose of reciprocating the operating rack member 51 by a predetermined amount can be achieved. It will be possible.

Furthermore, the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 52 can be set in advance by a rotation amount control means (not shown) such as an encoder, and this rotation amount control can be used to achieve the purpose of the reciprocating motion for the predetermined period.

55a to 55e are a group of opening/closing gears that mesh with the second rack gear part 51b of the operation rack member 51, and the pitch of each of these opening/closing gears is equal to the pitch of the reaction vessels 1a row group on the reaction line 1. It is determined according to the column spacing. 56a to 56e are the opening/closing gear groups 55a to 55e.
57 is a pair of bearing members for rotatably supporting these support shafts 568 to 56e (however, the member on the opening/closing gear side is omitted for convenience of illustration). ), both of which have the above-mentioned analyzer fixing part 50.
It is provided on a. 58a to 58e are the support shafts 5
The length and width of the lid members respectively attached to 68 to 56e are set to such a length and width that they can cover the openings of all the reaction containers in the reaction container 1a row on the reaction line 1. has been done. Then, the aforementioned operation rack member 5
10 A predetermined amount of reciprocating movement vJ@ and rack gear 51a.

51b and each group of opening/closing gears 55a to 55e, the number of teeth is as follows:
The opening/closing gears 55a to 55e are set to an amount that allows them to be rotated in the forward and reverse directions within an angular range of 90'.

59 is a control circuit for the motor 52, and a control circuit for the reaction line 1.
The lid members 588 to 58e are kept closed while the reaction line 1 is moving, and when the reaction line 1 is stopped, the lid members are rotated 90' via the opening/closing gears 55a to 55e.
Open the mouths of the reaction vessels 1a in each row 1
It is configured so that

For example, after a certain delay time from a signal indicating that the reagent dispensing nozzle 23 has finished a predetermined dispensing operation and returned to its home position (starting position), the motor 52 is operated in reverse and the lid member 58
8 to 58e are closed, and upon detecting this closing completion signal, the rotation of the motor 52 is stopped, and movement of the reaction line 1 is started, and after movement of the reaction line 1 by a predetermined amount, this is stopped. Then, after some delay time from the stop of the reaction line 1, the motor 52 is rotated in the normal direction, and the lid members 58a to 58a.
58e, detect this lid opening completion signal, and restart the dispensing operation of the dispensing nozzle 230. If the circuit is configured to realize this sequence, this control purpose can be achieved. It becomes possible to achieve this.

With the above configuration, when dispensing reagents etc. when the reaction line 1 is stopped, the lid members 58a to 58e
Since the dispensing device maintains an upright open state (the state shown in the first figure), the dispensing operation itself can be performed in the same manner as in the conventional device. When the predetermined dispensing operation is completed, the motor 52 is operated in reverse to close the lid members 58a to 58e via the second rack gear 51b and the opening/closing gear group 55a to 55e, and then the reaction line 1, even if the reagent dispensing nozzle 23 is moved to the fixed position (
Even if the starting position (start position) is located above the reaction line 1, the unintentionally dripped liquid from the dispensing nozzle 23 will not enter into other reaction vessels 1a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening/closing lid device 50 is provided on one side for the 1* reaction line, and the lid members 588 to 58e
Although an example has been shown in which five columns are provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without changing the gist of the invention.

For example, in the case of a biochemical analyzer equipped with several types of reagent dispensing nozzles, each dispensing nozzle may be provided with an opening/closing lid device, or a lid device may be provided for a purpose other than reagent dispensing. Even in the case of a dispensing nozzle, the switch device according to the present invention can be applied to cases where damage is caused by liquid dripping from the nozzle into other reaction vessels.

In addition, in the case of a device in which the reagent dispensing nozzle can be displaced two-dimensionally (planarly), it is necessary to cover not only the nozzle displacement range but also the reaction container rows beyond the nozzle displacement range. It goes without saying that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide such a number of rows of lid members.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, one row of reaction vessels is covered with one lid member, but this may be constructed with several lid members as necessary. Furthermore, the type and direction of movement of the lid member itself and the type and direction of movement for driving the lid member are not particularly limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[5R, Effect of light] As described above, when using the present invention, even if there is unintentionally dripped liquid from the reagent dispensing nozzle during movement of the reaction line, it is possible to prevent this from entering the reaction vessel. Before preventing infiltration,
This has the effect that highly accurate measurement results can be expected.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure shows an explanatory diagram of its operation, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional device. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Reaction line, 1a... Reaction container, 2... Constant temperature chamber, 3... Sample dispensing nozzle, 5... Colorimeter suction nozzle, 17... Sample nozzle moving device, 18 ...sample stand, 23...reagent etc. dispensing nozzle,
27... Reagent dispensing nozzle moving device, 5Q... Opening/closing lid device, 51... Operation rack member, 52... Forward/reverse motor, 55a-e... Opening/closing gear group, 58a-e ...Lid member group.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In a reaction line device of a biochemical analyzer that supplies a liquid such as a reagent from above to a plurality of rows of reaction containers arranged in parallel on a reaction line that moves intermittently in a certain direction, In addition to installing an opening/closing lid or opening/closing lid group capable of covering the opening of the single or plural reaction vessels located at the position of the nozzle for supplying liquid such as a reagent or within the movement range of the nozzle, the operation of the reaction line is An automatic lid opening/closing means synchronized or interlocked with is provided, and the automatic lid opening/closing means closes the opening/closing lid or opening/closing lid group during intermittent movement of the reaction line, and closes the opening/closing lid group when the reaction line is stopped. 1. A reaction line for a biochemical analyzer, characterized in that the lid or lid group is configured to be openable. (2) Claim 1, wherein the opening/closing lid corresponding to one reaction container row is a single lid having a shape that can cover the mouths of all reaction containers arranged in the corresponding reaction container row. Reaction line device of the biochemical analyzer described. (3) Claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of nozzles for dispensing the reagent, etc. are provided, and the opening/closing lid and the automatic lid opening/closing means are provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles. Reaction line device of the biochemical analyzer described.