JP2004061173A - Sample preparing apparatus and sample analyzing apparatus using preparing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively drive a turntable and agitate a sample, using a single power source. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus comprises a rotatably supported turntable, a first holder for holding a first vessel rotatably supported by the turntable, a rotatably supported second holder for holding the first vessel, a pipette for sucking or discharging liquid to a first and a vessels, a rotation driving source, and a power transmission mechanism which transmits a torque of the rotation driving source to rotate the first holder, the second holder and the turntable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sample preparation device and a sample analyzer using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The following are known as prior arts related to the present invention.
In a plurality of reagent turntables, a plurality of reagent containers each having a detachable pipette are set in a plurality of rows concentrically, and a reagent statement injection mechanism having a plurality of probes corresponding to each reagent turntable is used for each probe. The pipettes of the desired reagent containers are connected to each other, a desired amount of the reagent is aspirated into each pipette, and these reagents are withdrawn from the reagent containers and divided into a plurality of reaction containers which are conveyed along a predetermined reaction line. The pipette is configured such that each pipette is returned to the original reagent container after dispensing, so that analysis of a plurality of items can be performed at random in one cycle (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-10957).
[0003]
A sample turntable in which sample containers are arranged, a reaction turntable in which reaction containers are arranged, a sampling pipette, a reagent turntable in which reagent containers containing reagents are arranged, a reagent pipette, and the inside of the reaction container A stirrer for stirring the sample and the reagent is provided, and the stirrer is provided with a stir bar provided to be able to advance and retreat in the reaction vessel, a linear reciprocating means for linearly reciprocating the stir bar, and rotating the stir bar. A biochemical automatic analyzer that includes a rotating motion means and simultaneously agitates the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel by causing the stirring rod to simultaneously perform the linear reciprocating motion and the rotating motion in the reaction vessel. See JP-A-10-62430).
[0004]
Automatic biochemical analysis comprising a rotating body in which a sample container is arranged in a circumferential direction, and a non-rotating body containing a sample container held by the rotating body and having a heat retaining groove for maintaining the sample container at a predetermined temperature. A turntable of a device, in which a rotating body and a non-rotating body, which are main components thereof, are vertically fitted, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating body is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the rotating body. (See, for example, JP-A-2000-46840).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the conventional sample preparation apparatus, since the rotation operation of the turntable and the stirring operation of the sample and the sample are performed by respective individual driving sources (motors and air cylinders), the configuration and control thereof are complicated. There was a problem of becoming.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a sample preparation apparatus capable of performing a rotation operation of a turntable and a stirring operation of a specimen and a sample with a single driving source, and an analysis using the same. An apparatus is provided.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a turntable rotatably supported, a first holder accommodating the first container and rotatably supported by the turntable, and a second holder accommodating the second container and rotatably supported. A holder, a pipette for sucking or discharging the liquid to the first and second containers, a rotary drive source, and transmitting the torque of the rotary drive source to the first holder, the second holder, and the turntable. An object of the present invention is to provide a sample adjustment device including a power transmission mechanism for rotating.
[0007]
According to this configuration, the operation of transporting the first container to the suction or discharge position of the pipette by rotating the turntable and the operation of stirring the first and second containers by rotating the first holder and the second holder are simply performed. It can be performed by one rotation drive source.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The analysis sample prepared by the sample preparation device of the present invention is a sample obtained by chemically treating a sample for blood analysis or urine analysis. Samples include bodily fluids such as urine, ascites, pleural effusion, bone marrow fluid, tannin, and blood, beverages, and organic or inorganic foods collected from mammals including humans.
[0009]
When the specimen is urine, the processing is, for example, a processing of diluting the urine to a predetermined concentration and staining it, and when the specimen is blood, for example, a processing of diluting, staining, and hemolyzing it. is there.
[0010]
The first container can be used as a sample container and the second container can be used as a mixing container.
When used as a sample container and a mixing container, it is preferable from a sanitary point of view that disposable containers are used as the first and second containers.
One of the features of the present invention is that there is a single rotary drive source, and a stepping motor or a servomotor with an encoder can be suitably used as the rotary drive source.
[0011]
In the present invention, the power transmission mechanism transmits a rotational force to the turntable when the rotational drive source rotates forward, and transmits the rotational force to the first holder when the rotational drive source rotates reversely; A second mechanism for transmitting a rotational force at the time of forward and reverse rotation of the source to the second holder.
[0012]
The first mechanism may include a rotating member that rotates by receiving a rotational force from a rotational drive source, and a magnetic coupling member that transmits the rotational force of the rotational member to the first holder by magnetic coupling.
[0013]
The first mechanism may include a one-way clutch that transmits a rotational force to the turntable only when the rotary drive source rotates forward.
The power transmission mechanism may include a pulley provided on the rotary drive source, the turntable, and the rotating member, respectively, and a belt connecting between the pulleys.
[0014]
The second mechanism may include a mechanical coupling member that couples the rotary drive source and the second holder.
The second holder may include a heater for heating the second container.
The present invention also provides a turntable rotatably supported, a first holder accommodating the first container and supported by the turntable, and a third holder accommodating the third container and supported by the turntable. And a pipette that can move linearly, and a sample preparation device provided with a turntable such that the first holder and the third holder are arranged on the movement trajectory of the pipette. Here, an empty container can be used as the third container.
A second holder accommodating the second container may be further provided, and the first holder, the second holder, and the third holder may be configured to be arranged on a movement locus of the pipette.
Further, the present invention provides a sample analyzer provided with the above-described sample preparation device and an analyzer for analyzing an analysis sample prepared by the sample preparation device.
[0015]
Example
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings. This does not limit the present invention.
Sample preparation device
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a sample preparation device according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the main frame 1 is provided with a sliding rail 2 in the horizontal direction, and the sliding rail 2 supports the slider 3 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction.
[0016]
The main frame 1 supports a driving pulley 5 driven by a stepping motor 4 and rotatably supports a corresponding driven pulley 6. A timing belt 7 is suspended between the pulleys 5 and 6 in parallel with the slide rail 2. The slider 3 has a horizontal moving plate 8 mounted thereon, and the plate 8 is connected to the timing belt 7 by a connecting member 9. Here, when the stepping motor 4 rotates, the plate 8 moves in the arrow X1 or X2 direction according to the rotation direction.
[0017]
The plate 8 is provided with three sliding rails 10, 11, and 12 in the vertical direction, and the sliding rails 10, 11, and 12 respectively support the sliders 13, 14, and 15 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. .
[0018]
The plate 8 supports driving pulleys 18 and 19 driven by stepping motors 16 and 17, respectively, and rotatably supports driven pulleys 20 and 21 corresponding thereto. Timing belts 22 and 23 are suspended vertically between the pulleys 18 and 20 and between the pulleys 19 and 21, respectively.
[0019]
The sliders 13 and 14 carry a first pipette 28 and a second pipette 29 via supporting members 24 and 25, respectively, and the slider 15 carries a catcher 27 via a supporting member 26. The first pipette 28 has a pipette heater 36 on the outer periphery and heats the sucked liquid to 42 ° C.
[0020]
The slider 13 is connected to the timing belt 22 by a connector 30, and the sliders 14 and 15 are connected to the timing belt 23 by connectors 31 and 32, respectively. Here, when the stepping motor 16 rotates, the first pipette 28 moves in the arrow Y1 or Y2 direction according to the rotation direction, and when the stepping motor 17 rotates, the second pipette 29 and the catcher 27 according to the rotation direction. Move in the directions of the arrows Y1 and Y2, respectively.
[0021]
On the other hand, the support frame 41 includes a turntable 42, a turntable rotating mechanism 43, a mixing vessel rotating mechanism 44, a stepping motor 45 as a rotation drive source, and a vessel discarding section 46. A third pipette 48 is fixed to the upper end of the support frame 47, and a slide rail 49 is fixed vertically. The sliding rail 49 supports the slider 50 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.
[0022]
The slider 50 has a cleaning device 52 mounted thereon via a support member 51. Note that a stopper 53 is provided below the support frame 47, and the slider 50 is locked at the position shown in FIG. 1 by the stopper 53 so as not to separate downward from the slide rail 49. A mounting table 33 is provided on the right side of the support frame 41, and a diluent container 34 is mounted thereon.
[0023]
2 is a top view of the support frame 41, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the turntable rotating mechanism 43, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mixing vessel rotating mechanism 44, and FIG. FIG.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 4, a pulley 53 is coupled to the output shaft 40 of the stepping motor 45. As shown in FIG. 3, a pulley 56 is connected to a drive shaft 54 of the turntable 42 via a one-way clutch 55.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 5, a sample container rotating mechanism 57 is provided between the turntable 42 and the support frame 41, and the pulley 58 is rotatably supported by the shaft 59 on the support frame 41. Having.
[0026]
Then, the pulleys 53, 56, 58 are connected by one timing belt 60 as shown in FIG. That is, the rotational force of the stepping motor 45 is transmitted to the mixing container rotating mechanism 44 (FIG. 4), and at the same time, the turntable rotating mechanism 43 (FIG. 3) via the timing belt 60 and the pulleys 53, 56, 58. Is transmitted to the sample container rotating mechanism 57 (FIG. 5).
[0027]
Note that the third pipette 48, the cleaning device 52, the container disposal unit 46, the pulley 53, and the pulley 58 are aligned in a line on the straight line L shown in FIG. 2, and the first pipette 28, the second pipette 29, and the catcher 27 It is set to move on a straight line L by driving the stepping motor 4. The turntable 42 is arranged so that one specimen tube T described later and two empty tubes T on both sides thereof are aligned on a straight line L.
[0028]
Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.
Turntable
FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view showing a vertical section of the turntable 42.
As shown in the figure, the turntable 42 includes a disc-shaped container mounting portion 61 made of resin, and a rotating plate 62 made of a nonmagnetic material (made of stainless steel or aluminum) on which the container mounting portion 61 is detachably mounted. Consists of 7 and 8 are a side view and a top view of the turntable 42 showing a state in which the container mounting portion 61 is removed from the rotating plate 62.
[0029]
As shown in these figures, a guide block 63 for guiding the container mounting portion 61 is provided on the upper surface of the rotating plate 62. The guide block 63 has a positioning pin 65 at a center position of the rotating plate 62, and the positioning pin 65 is urged upward by a compression spring 64. In addition, the guide block 63 includes a protruding portion 66 that is locked to the container mounting portion 61 at a peripheral position of the rotating plate 62.
[0030]
9 is a top view of the container mounting portion 61 removed from the rotary plate 62, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 9, and FIG. It is a bottom view of the part 61. As shown in FIG. 9, the container mounting unit 61 includes five empty container accommodation holes 67 and five first holders 68 that accommodate sample containers at equal intervals on two concentric circles having different diameters.
[0031]
The container mounting portion 61 includes a groove 70 that fits into the guide block 63 when the container mounting portion 61 is mounted on the rotating plate 62. The groove 70 includes a positioning hole 69 at a center position of the container mounting portion 61 for receiving the positioning pin 65. . Further, the container mounting portion 61 is provided with a handle 71 on the upper surface for use in attaching and detaching to and from the rotating plate 62.
[0032]
In the sample preparation apparatus of this embodiment, a sample container for accommodating a sample collected from a subject and a mixing dissolver for preparing a sample for analysis by mixing the sample and a predetermined solution include: A disposable container (hereinafter referred to as a tube) T shown in FIG. 15 is used.
[0033]
Tube T has height H = 39,85 ± 0.1 mm, outer diameter D_T= 7.6-8.2 mm, a cylindrical container made of styrene (transparent) resin having a volume of about 0.7 mL, and a flange F (outer diameter D) for preventing falling off when being gripped by the catcher 27 as described later._F= 10 mm) on the periphery of the upper end.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 10, the first holder 68 is inserted from below into each of the five cylindrical through recesses 72 provided in the container mounting portion 61, and a bottom plate 73 made of a nonmagnetic material (stainless steel or aluminum) is provided. Supported by
[0035]
The first holder 68 is provided with a hole 74 for receiving the tube T at an upper portion, and is supported by the peripheral wall of the concave portion 72 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the tube T. Further, the first holder 68 has a bar magnet 75 penetrating therethrough in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and receives a rotating magnetic field from below the bottom plate 73 so that the first holder 68 rotates about the axis.
[0036]
Turntable rotation mechanism
As shown in FIG. 3, the drive shaft 54 of the turntable 42 has its base end fixed to the center of the back surface of the rotating plate 62 via a boss 78. The support frame 41 supports a bearing holder 76, and the drive shaft 54 is rotatably supported by the support frame 41 via a bearing 77 held by the bearing holder 76. The drive shaft 54 is fixed to a bearing holder 76 via a one-way clutch 79.
[0037]
On the other hand, the one-way clutch 55 is interposed between the pulley 56 and the drive shaft 54 and connected to each other as described above. A spur gear 80 provided at the tip of the drive shaft 54 meshes with a spur gear 82 provided on the rotation shaft of the damper 81, and the damper 81 always acts on the drive shaft 54.
[0038]
Here, the clutches 55 and 79 operate as follows.
When the stepping motor 45 (FIG. 2) rotates clockwise as viewed from the output shaft side and thereby the pulley 56 rotates clockwise as viewed from above, the one-way clutch 55 is turned on (operated) and the one-way clutch 79 is turned on. It turns OFF (open), and the turntable 42 rotates clockwise as viewed from above while receiving the action of the damper 81.
[0039]
Conversely, when the stepping motor 45 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the one-way clutch 55 is turned off and the one-way clutch 79 is turned on, whereby the drive shaft 54 is fixed to the bearing holder 76 and is prevented from rotating. 56 idles.
[0040]
Mixing container rotation mechanism
As shown in FIG. 4, in the mixing vessel rotating mechanism 44, a cylindrical holding member 85 is fixed to a mounting plate 84 installed on the support frame 41. The holding member 85 has a through hole at the center for receiving the second holder 86 from above, and a film heater 87 is wound around the outer periphery.
[0041]
The second holder 86 has a hole 88 at an upper portion for receiving and holding a tube T as a mixing container. Further, the holding member 85 has a thin cylindrical oiles bush 89 fitted in the through hole, and the inner peripheral surface of the oiles bush 89 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second holder 86 so that the second holder 86 is axially centered. It can rotate smoothly.
[0042]
On the other hand, a coupling 83 is fixed to an upper portion of the pulley 53, and the coupling 83 includes two pins 90 projecting upward. The second holder 86 has two holes on the bottom surface to receive two pins 90. Thereby, the second holder 86 is mechanically coupled to the pulley 53 so as to be detachable. Then, when the stepping motor 45 rotates, the second holder 86 smoothly rotates about the axis by the action of the oilless bush 89.
[0043]
Sample container rotation mechanism
As shown in FIG. 5, in the sample container rotating mechanism 57, a cylindrical magnet coupling 91 is fitted and fixed on the upper part of the pulley 58, and the upper surface of the magnet coupling 91 is symmetrical about the axis 59 of the pulley 58 as a center. Two bar magnets 92 and 93 are embedded vertically. The bar magnet 92 is arranged so that the north pole faces the turntable 42, and the bar magnet 93 is arranged such that the south pole faces the turntable 42.
[0044]
Since the bottom plate 73 and the rotating plate 62 are non-magnetic materials as described above, when the first holder 68 built in the turntable 42 faces the magnet coupling 91 as shown in FIG. The N pole is magnetically attracted to the S pole of the bar magnet 75, and the S pole of the bar magnet 93 is magnetically attracted to the N pole of the bar magnet 75. That is, the first holder 68 is magnetically coupled to the pulley 58 via the magnet coupling 91. Accordingly, when the pulley 58 rotates in this state, the first holder 68 rotates about the axis of the tube T accordingly.
[0045]
Catcher
13 and 14 are a side view and a top view of the catcher 27, respectively. As shown in these figures, the catcher 27 includes a main body 98 and two fingers 94 and 95, and the two fingers 94 and 95 are opened by the pins 96 and 97 in the directions of arrows C and D, respectively. 98 supported. Then, the fingers 94 and 95 are urged by the tension spring 99 in the closing direction, and are held in the state shown in FIG.
[0046]
Then, when the catcher 27 approaches the fixed tube T in the direction of arrow M in FIG. 13, the fingers 95, 95 are engaged with the flange F across the side surface of the tube T. When the catcher 27 is moved to the arrow N in FIG. 13 with the tube T fixed, the catcher 27 is separated from the tube T.
[0047]
Preparation of sample for analysis by sample preparation device
First, the user loads a tube (hereinafter, referred to as a sample tube) T containing a sample (eg, urine) into each of the holes 74 of the five first holders 68 of the container mounting portion 61 shown in FIG. An empty tube (hereinafter, referred to as an empty tube) T is loaded into each of the five empty container accommodation holes 67.
[0048]
The user holds the handle 71 and places the container mounting portion 61 on the rotating plate 62 shown in FIG. At this time, the container mounting portion 61 is slid on the rotating plate 62 and pushed in so that the guide block 63 shown in FIG. 8 is inserted into the groove 70 shown in FIG. 11, and the positioning pin 65 is inserted as shown in FIG. It is fitted into the positioning hole 69 by the urging force of the compression spring 64. Accordingly, the container mounting portion 61 is locked to the projecting portion 66 and positioned so as to be coaxial with the rotating plate 62. When the container mounting portion 61 is removed from the rotating plate 62, the reverse operation may be performed.
[0049]
Next, the following steps (1) to (17) are automatically performed.
(1) The stepping motor 45 rotates clockwise, and accordingly, the turntable 42 rotates clockwise from a predetermined initial position. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when one sample tube T and two empty tubes T on both sides thereof are aligned on the straight line L, the stepping motor 45 stops. At this time, the first holder 68 that houses the central sample tube T faces the magnet coupling 91 as shown in FIG.
[0050]
(2) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 shown in FIG. 1 are driven, and the catcher 27 grips the right empty tube T among the two empty tubes T on the straight line L in FIG. The rotation mechanism 44 is inserted into the second holder 86. At this time, power is already supplied to the film heater 87 (FIG. 4) of the mixing container rotating mechanism 44, and the temperature of the second holder 86 is maintained at 42 ° C.
[0051]
(3) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven to separate the catcher 27 from the second holder 86 while leaving the empty tube T in the second holder 86.
(4) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 16 are driven to insert the first pipette 28 into the diluent container 34, aspirate 340 μL of diluent, and heat the pipette heater 36 to 42 ° C.
(5) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 16 are driven to insert the first pipette 28 into the sample tube T existing on the straight line L in FIG. At this time, the first pipette 28 is held at a position eccentric from the axis of the sample tube T.
[0052]
(6) Next, the stepping motor 45 rotates counterclockwise for a predetermined time. As a result, the pulley 58 rotates counterclockwise, and the sample tube T on the straight line L also rotates counterclockwise. While the sample tube T is rotating, the first pipette 28 repeatedly sucks and discharges the sample in the sample tube T. The sample is sufficiently stirred by the rotation operation of the sample tube T with respect to the eccentric first pipette 28 and the suction / discharge operation of the first pipette 28.
[0053]
(7) Next, the first pipette 28 aspirates the stirred sample by 50 μL and heats it to 42 ° C. together with the previously aspirated 340 μL diluent.
(8) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 16 are driven to pull out the first pipette 28 from the sample tube T and insert it into the empty tube T inserted in the second holder 86 in the step (2). At this time, the first pipette 28 is held at a position eccentric from the axis of the inserted empty tube T.
[0054]
(9) Next, the first pipette 28 discharges 340 μL of the diluted solution heated to 42 ° C. and 50 μL of the sample into the empty tube T. At the same time, the stepping motor 45 rotates counterclockwise for a predetermined time. Therefore, a tube (hereinafter, referred to as a mixing tube) T containing the diluent and the sample also rotates about the axis.
While the mixing tube T is rotating, the first pipette 28 repeats the suction / discharge operation. By the rotation operation of the mixing tube T with respect to the eccentric first pipette 28 and the suction / discharge operation of the first pipette 28, a diluted specimen uniformly diluted 8-fold is prepared.
[0055]
(10) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 16 are driven to pull out the first pipette 28 from the mixing tube T.
(11) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven to insert the second pipette 29 into the mixing tube T. At this time, the second pipette 29 is held at a position eccentric from the axis of the mixing tube T.
[0056]
(12) Next, the second pipette 29 aspirates 10 μL of the staining solution from the staining solution container described later and discharges it to the mixing tube T. At the same time, the stepping motor 45 rotates counterclockwise for a predetermined time. Therefore, the mixing tube T also rotates about the axis. During the rotation of the mixing tube T, the second pipette 29 repeats the suction / discharge operation. By the rotation operation of the mixing tube T with respect to the eccentric second pipette 29 and the suction / discharge operation of the second pipette 29, the stain is uniformly mixed with the diluted sample, and the analysis sample is prepared.
The prepared analysis sample is kept at 42 ° C. by the film heater 87 of the mixing container rotating mechanism 44.
[0057]
(13) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven to pull out the second pipette 29 from the mixing tube T.
(14) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven, the mixing tube T is pulled out from the second holder 86 by the catcher 27, transported to the third pipette 48, and the third pipette 48 is inserted into the mixing tube T. Then, the third pipette 48 sucks the sample for analysis from the mixing tube 1.
(15) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven, and the mixing tube T with the empty catcher 27 is inserted into the disposal hole 35 of the container disposal section 46 and disposed.
[0058]
(16) Next, the stepping motors 4 and 17 are driven, the catcher 27 grasps and lifts the upper part of the cleaning device 52, and inserts the third pipette 48 into the cleaning device 52. Thereby, the third pipette is washed.
(17) Next, the stepping motors 4, 16 and 17 are driven to return the cleaning device 52 to the position shown in FIG. 1, and the first pipette 28, the second pipette 29, the catcher 27 and the horizontal moving plate 8 are moved in FIG. Return to the position shown in.
Next, when the stepping motor 45 rotates clockwise, a new sample tube T and an empty tube T are arranged on the straight line L in FIG. 2 to prepare for the next sample for analysis.
[0059]
Sample analyzer
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical system and a fluid system of the sample analyzer according to the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a control system thereof.
[0060]
Optical and fluid systems
As shown in FIG. 16, the sheath flow cell 107 includes a nozzle 106 for injecting an analysis sample upward toward the orifice 111, a sheath liquid supply port 110, and a drain port 114. In the vicinity of the sheath flow cell 107, a laser light source 117, a condenser lens 118, a beam stopper 119, a collector lens 120, a light shielding plate 130 having a pinhole 121, a dichroic mirror 122, a filter 123, a photomultiplier tube 124, and a photodiode 125 are provided. Has been.
[0061]
A sheath liquid container 109 pressurized with positive pressure is connected to the sheath liquid supply port 110 via a valve 105. The nozzle 106 is connected to the third pipette 48 of the sample preparation device (FIG. 1) via a valve 101, and further connected to a negative pressure source via a flow path 139 and the valve 102. The syringe pump 133 is connected to the side.
[0062]
The first pipette 28 of the sample preparation device (FIG. 1) is connected to the syringe pump 131, and the second pipette 29 is connected to the syringe pump 132 via the valve 103. The syringe pump 132 is further connected to the staining liquid container 112 via the valve 104.
[0063]
Control system
As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 134 receives outputs from the input unit 135 and the analysis unit 136, outputs analysis conditions and analysis results to the output unit 138, and outputs a plurality of position sensors and temperature sensors (not shown). In response to this, the driving circuit 137 is controlled. Here, the control unit 134 and the analysis unit 136 are integrally configured by a personal computer, and the input unit 135 and the output unit 138 are each configured by a keyboard and a CRT.
[0064]
The drive circuit unit 137 includes a stepping motor drive circuit, a syringe pump drive circuit, a valve drive circuit, and a heater drive circuit, and receives an output from the control unit 134 to receive the stepping motors 4, 16, 17, 45 and the syringe pump 131. To 133, the valves 101 to 105, the film heater 87, and the pipette heater 36.
[0065]
Sample analysis operation
In the configuration shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, first, when the valves 101 and 102 are opened for a predetermined time, the analysis sample prepared by the sample preparation device shown in FIG. The flow path 139 between 102 is filled. Then, the valves 101 and 102 are closed.
[0066]
Next, the sample is discharged from the nozzle 106 to the sheath flow cell 107 by the syringe pump 133 pushing the sample in the flow path 139 to the nozzle 106 at a constant flow rate.
At the same time, the sheath liquid is supplied to the sheath flow cell 107 by opening the valve 105.
[0067]
As a result, the sample is wrapped in the sheath liquid and further narrowed down by the orifice 111 to form a sheath flow. The orifice 111 has a square hole with a side of 100 to 300 μm, and is made of optical glass.
[0068]
By forming the sheath flow in this manner, the particles or formed components contained in the sample can be flowed in a line through the orifice 111 one by one. The sample and the sheath liquid that have passed through the orifice 111 are discharged from a drain port 114.
[0069]
Then, a laser beam emitted from the laser light source 117 is applied to the sample stream 126 flowing through the orifice 111 by being narrowed down to an elliptical shape by the condenser lens 118. The size of the ellipse is approximately the same as the test particle diameter in the sample flow direction, for example, about 10 μm, and is sufficiently larger than the test particle diameter in the direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction, for example, about 100 to 400 μm. is there.
[0070]
Laser light that has passed through the flow cell 107 as it is without hitting particles in the sample is shielded by the beam stopper 119. Forward scattered light and forward fluorescent light emitted from the particles that have received the laser light are collected by the collector lens 120 and pass through the pinhole 121 of the light shielding plate 130. Then, the light reaches the dichroic mirror 122.
[0071]
Fluorescence having a wavelength longer than the scattered light passes through the dichroic mirror 122 as it is, and after the scattered light is further removed by the filter 123, detected by the photomultiplier tube 124 and output as a fluorescence signal 127 (pulse analog signal). . The scattered light is reflected by the dichroic mirror 122, received by the photodiode 125, and output as a scattered light signal 128 (pulse analog signal). Then, the fluorescence signal 127 and the scattered light signal 128 are input to the analyzer 136 shown in FIG.
[0072]
The analysis unit 136 calculates the scattered light pulse width Fscw and the scattered light intensity Fsc from the pulse width and the maximum value of the scattered light signal 128, respectively.
Further, the analysis unit 136 similarly calculates the fluorescence pulse F1w and the fluorescence intensity F1 from the pulse-like fluorescence signal 127.
[0073]
Thus, the analysis unit 136 creates a distribution map (histogram or scattergram) based on the obtained Fscw, Fsc, Flw, and F1, and classifies red blood cells, cylinders, glass cylinders, bacteria, and the like. Then, the classified particles are counted (counted) and converted into the number per 1 μL of the sample. The result is output to the output unit 138 together with various distribution maps.
[0074]
The syringe pump 131 shown in FIG. 16 operates in the above-described analysis sample preparation steps (4), (6), (7), and (9), and causes the first pipette 28 to aspirate and discharge a sample or diluent. Let it do.
[0075]
The syringe pump 132 and the valves 103 and 104 shown in FIG. 16 operate in the above-described analysis sample preparation step (12). That is, the valve 104 is opened, the stain is sucked from the stain solution container 112 by the syringe pump 132, then the valve 104 is closed and the valve 103 is opened, and a predetermined amount of the sucked stain is injected into the second pipette 29 by the syringe pump 132. From the nozzle. Further, by opening and closing the valve 103 and reciprocating the syringe pump 132, the second pipette 29 is caused to perform a suction / discharge operation.
[0076]
In the embodiment described above, the sample sucked from the sample container stored in the first holder 68 is configured to be discharged to the mixing container stored in the second holder 86, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, various configurations can be adopted, such as discharging a sample aspirated from a sample container placed in another place to a mixing container accommodated in the first holder 68.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the rotation operation of the turntable and the stirring operation of the sample container and the mixing container can be performed by a single rotary drive source, so that the configuration and control of the sample preparation device are simplified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a sample preparation device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a main part of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state where a container mounting portion is removed from the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a top view showing a state where a container mounting portion is removed from the apparatus shown in FIG.
9 is a top view of a container mounting portion of the device shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 9;
11 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 9;
12 is a bottom view of the container mounting portion of the device shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a catcher of the device shown in FIG. 1;
14 is a top view of the catcher of the device shown in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a side view of a disposable container used in the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical system and a fluid system of the sample analyzer according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a control system of the sample analyzer according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Main frame
2 sliding rail
3 slider
4 stepping motor
5 drive pulley
6 driven pulley
7 Timing belt
8mm horizontal moving plate
9 Connector
10 sliding rail
11 sliding rail
12mm sliding rail
13 slider
14 slider
15 slider
16 stepping motor
17 stepping motor
18 drive pulley
19 drive pulley
20 ° driven pulley
21 driven pulley
22mm timing belt
23mm timing belt
24 support member
25mm support member
26 support member
27 catcher
28 first pipette
29 pipette 2
30 connector
31 connector
32mm connector
33 mounting table
34 diluent container
35mm disposal hole
40 ° output shaft
41 support frame
42 turntable
43 turntable rotation mechanism
44 ° rotation mechanism for mixing vessel
45 ° stepper motor
46 Container Disposal Department
47 support frame
48 3rd pipette
49 sliding rail
50mm slider
51 support member
52 cleaning equipment
53 pulley
54 ° drive shaft
55 ° one-way clutch
56 pulley
57 ° sample container rotation mechanism
58mm pulley
59 ° axis
60 ° timing belt
61 container mounting part
62 ° rotating plate
63 guide block
64mm compression spring
65 ° positioning pin
66 ° projection
67 Empty container receiving hole
68mm first holder
69 positioning hole
70mm groove
71mm handle
72 ° through recess
73 bottom plate
74mm hole
75mm bar magnet
76 bearing holder
77 bearing
78 boss
79 one way clutch
80 ° spur gear
81mm damper
82 spur gear
83 coupling
84 mounting plate
85 ° holding member
86 2nd holder
87mm film heater
88mm hole
89 OILES bush
90 pin
91 magnetic coupling
92mm bar magnet
93 mm bar magnet
94 finger
95 finger
96mm pin
97mm pin
98 body
99 tension spring
100mm extension spring
101 valve
102 valve
103 valve
104 valve
105 valve
106 nozzle
107 ° sheath flow cell
108 ° sheath flow cell
109 sheath liquid container
110 ° sheath liquid supply port
111 orifice
112 staining solution container
114 drain
117 ° laser light source
118 condenser lens
119 beam stopper
120 ° collector lens
121 pinhole
122 dichroic mirror
123 filter
124 Photo Multiplier Tube
125 ° photodiode
126 Sample flow
127 fluorescent signal
128 ° scattered L light signal
129 ° scattered L light signal
130 light shield plate
131 syringe pump
132 syringe pump
133 syringe pump
134 control unit
135 input section
136 Analysis Department
137 drive circuit
138 output section
139 flow path
F flange
T tube

Claims (10)

A turntable supported rotatably,
A first holder accommodating the first container and rotatably supported by the turntable;
A second holder that accommodates the second container and is rotatably supported;
A pipette for sucking or discharging liquid to the first and second containers,
A rotary drive source,
A sample preparation device comprising a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the rotary drive source to rotate the first holder, the second holder, and the turntable. The power transmission mechanism transmits a rotational force to the turntable when the rotary drive source rotates forward, and transmits the rotational force to the first holder when the rotary drive source rotates reversely. 2. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second mechanism for transmitting a rotational force during rotation to the second holder. 2. The sample preparation according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanism includes a rotating member that rotates by receiving a rotational force from a rotational drive source, and a magnetic coupling member that transmits the rotational force of the rotational member to the first holder by magnetic coupling. apparatus. 3. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first mechanism includes a one-way clutch that transmits a rotational force to the turntable only when the rotary drive source rotates forward. 4. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power transmission mechanism includes a pulley provided on the rotary drive source, the turntable, and the rotary member, respectively, and a belt connecting between the pulleys. The sample preparation device according to claim 2, wherein the second mechanism includes a mechanical coupling member that couples the rotary drive source and the second holder. The sample preparation device according to claim 1, wherein the second holder includes a heater for heating the second container. A turntable supported rotatably,
A first holder that houses the first container and is supported by the turntable;
A third holder that houses the third container and is supported by the turntable;
With a linearly movable pipette,
A sample preparation device comprising a turntable configured such that a first holder and a third holder are arranged on a movement locus of a pipette. A second holder accommodating the second container;
9. The sample preparation device according to claim 8, wherein the first holder, the second holder, and the third holder are arranged on a movement locus of the pipette. A sample analyzer, comprising: the sample preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an analyzer configured to analyze the analysis sample adjusted by the sample preparation device.

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