JP2008180538A - Analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analyzer capable of efficiently performing specimen dispensation processing in a specimen dispensation mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The analyzer 1 includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle for sucking a prescribed amount of a specimen stored in a specimen container 11a, and discharging the sucked specimen into a reaction container; a plurality of first arms 121a and second arms 122a provided on each dispensation nozzle, for transferring each dispensation mechanism to a specimen sucking position or a specimen discharge position, respectively; and a specimen dispensation control part 32 for controlling dispensation processing at each nozzle, respectively, independently, and controlling transfer processing of each arm, respectively, independently. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer for dispensing a sample to be analyzed in a reaction container and analyzing the sample.

  Conventionally, as a device that automatically analyzes specimens such as blood and body fluids, analysis is performed by optically detecting the reaction between the reagent in the reaction container and the specimen by adding the specimen to the reaction container in which the reagent has been dispensed The device is known. In such an analyzer, the sample in the sample container is sequentially dispensed into the reaction container on the reaction table, and the sample is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution in which each reagent and the sample have reacted. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3152711

  By the way, in an analyzer for analyzing blood, when analyzing both a serum sample, which is a normal sample, and a whole blood sample, the whole blood sample is aspirated also using a nozzle for aspirating the serum sample. Since this whole blood sample needs to contain blood cells, when the whole blood sample is aspirated from the sample container, it is necessary to sink the nozzle to a depth where the blood cells are thought to be floating. In other words, when the whole blood sample is aspirated, the nozzle is lowered into the blood deeper than when the serum sample is aspirated. As a result, after the whole blood sample is aspirated, the outer wall of the nozzle is contaminated with blood cells in a wider range than after the serum sample is aspirated. For this reason, the conventional analyzer is provided with a washing tank dedicated to whole blood specimens, which can wash a wide range of nozzle outer walls after whole blood specimen aspiration, in addition to the washing tank after serum specimen aspiration.

  However, when a whole blood sample is aspirated, the wide area of the outer wall of the nozzle is contaminated, so that the washing time after a whole blood sample is aspirated more than several times the washing time after a serum sample is aspirated. In other words, since the washing time after the whole blood sample is aspirated is longer than the washing time after the serum sample is aspirated, the whole blood sample can be aspirated next, compared to the case where the serum sample is aspirated. It takes a long time. As a result, when a whole blood sample is analyzed during the analysis of a serum sample or when a whole blood sample is continuous, the analysis time becomes longer compared to the case where only a serum sample is sequentially analyzed. There was a problem that the processing capacity was lowered. Even if the circuit constant that determines the detection sensitivity for liquid level detection varies between the normal sample and the whole blood sample, the circuit constant is used for the sample because the same nozzle is used for both the normal sample and the whole blood sample. Each time it cannot be changed, there is a possibility that the accuracy of liquid level detection is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an analyzer capable of efficiently performing a sample dispensing process in a sample dispensing mechanism.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention is accommodated in a sample container in an analyzer that dispenses a sample to be analyzed in a reaction container and analyzes the sample. A plurality of dispensing mechanisms for aspirating and sucking a predetermined amount of the sample into the reaction container, and provided for each of the dispensing mechanisms, each dispensing mechanism at a sample aspirating position or a sample discharging position, respectively. A plurality of transfer mechanisms to be transferred, and a control mechanism for independently controlling the dispensing process in each dispensing mechanism and independently controlling the transfer process in each transferring mechanism are provided.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the dispensing mechanism includes a first dispensing mechanism having a first nozzle that performs a dispensing process at a predetermined dispensing timing, and a dispensing process in the first nozzle. A second dispensing mechanism having a second nozzle that performs a dispensing process at a timing independent of the timing, wherein the transfer mechanism follows a first path that passes through the sample aspiration position and the sample ejection position. A first transfer mechanism that transfers the first nozzle, and a path that is at least partially different from the first path, and is configured to follow the second path that passes through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. And a second transfer mechanism for transferring the two nozzles.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is provided in an area other than the overlapping area where the first path and the second path overlap in the first path, and the first path after sample dispensing is provided. A first cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle; and the second after the sample is dispensed at a timing independent of the cleaning timing of the first cleaning mechanism, provided in a region other than the overlapping region in the second path. And a second cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzles, wherein the control mechanism independently controls the cleaning processes in the first cleaning mechanism and the second cleaning mechanism.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the control mechanism is configured such that the first transfer mechanism is configured such that the first transfer mechanism moves the second nozzle over the overlapping region while the second transfer mechanism transfers the second nozzle. The nozzle is moved to a region other than the overlapping region, and the control mechanism is configured to transfer the first nozzle over the overlapping region to the second transfer mechanism while the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle. The second nozzle is moved to a region other than the overlapping region.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the first path has a first waiting area where the first nozzle can wait in an area other than the overlapping area, and the second path is the overlapping area. The control mechanism has a second standby area in which the second nozzle can wait in an area other than the area, and the control mechanism is configured such that the second transfer mechanism moves over the overlap area with respect to the first transfer mechanism. While the second nozzle is being transferred, the first nozzle is transferred to the first standby area, and the control mechanism is configured such that the first transfer mechanism moves over the overlapping area with respect to the second transfer mechanism. During the transfer of the first nozzle, the second nozzle is transferred to the second standby area.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the control mechanism is configured such that the first transfer mechanism is configured such that the first transfer mechanism moves the second nozzle over the overlapping region while the second transfer mechanism transfers the second nozzle. The nozzle is transferred to the first cleaning mechanism, and the control mechanism is configured to transfer the first nozzle to the second transfer mechanism while the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle over the overlapping region. The second nozzle is transferred to the second cleaning mechanism.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the first transfer mechanism is provided with the first nozzle at one end and rotates around a vertical line passing through the other end as a central axis and moves up and down in the vertical direction. The second transfer mechanism includes a first arm, the second transfer mechanism is provided with the second nozzle at one end, and rotates around a vertical line passing through the other end as a central axis and moves up and down in the vertical direction. An arm is provided, and the control mechanism controls independently the rotation process and the lifting process in the first arm and the rotation process and the lifting process in the second arm.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the first arm and the second arm rotate about the same central axis and have the same arm length, and the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position are determined. The first nozzle and the second nozzle can be respectively transferred on the same circumference passing therethrough.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the first arm moves the first nozzle onto a first arc passing through the sample aspirating position and the sample discharge position, and the second arm is The second nozzle is transferred onto a second arc that is different from the first arc and passes through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the first arm includes an arc connecting the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position, and the first arm is on a first arc extending from one end of the arc. The second arm includes an arc connecting the sample suction position and the sample discharge position, and the second nozzle is placed on a second arc extending from the other end of the arc. It is transported.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the first arm and the second arm have different rotation center axes, and the first arm has the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position. The first nozzle is transported on a first circumference that passes through, and the second arm moves the second nozzle on a second circumference that passes through the specimen suction position and the specimen discharge position. It is transported.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the first arm is on the first arc on the first circumference and on the outer circumference formed by the second circumference. The first nozzle is transferred, and the second arm is on the second arc on the second circumference and on the circumference outside the circle formed by the first circumference. The nozzle is transported.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the second arm can move up and down to a position at least higher than the upper end of the first arm by the height of the second nozzle, and the control mechanism can When the arm and the second arm cross each other, the second arm is rotated up and down to a position higher than the upper end of the first arm by at least the height of the second nozzle. And

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the plurality of sample discharge positions are provided, the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle to one sample discharge position, and the second transfer mechanism The second nozzle is transferred to the sample discharge position different from the sample discharge position where the first nozzle is located.

  The analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that an opening diameter of the second nozzle is larger than an opening diameter of the first nozzle.

  According to the present invention, each dispensing mechanism is provided with a plurality of dispensing mechanisms for each sample and a plurality of transfer mechanisms that are provided for each dispensing mechanism and respectively transfer the dispensing mechanisms to the sample suction position or the sample discharge position. Since the dispensing mechanisms can be dispensed at independent timings and can be transferred at independent timings, the sample dispensing process in the sample dispensing mechanism can be performed efficiently.

  Hereinafter, an analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example an analysis apparatus for analyzing each sample based on the absorbance of a serum sample or a whole blood sample. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, by providing a plurality of sample dispensing nozzles and a plurality of transfer mechanisms that are provided for each of the sample dispensing nozzles and respectively transfer each nozzle, The transfer process in each transfer mechanism can be executed independently.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment dispenses a sample and a reagent to be analyzed into a reaction vessel 21 and optically measures a reaction that occurs in the dispensed reaction vessel 21. And a control mechanism 3 that controls the entire analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 2 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2. The analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens by the cooperation of these two mechanisms.

  The measurement mechanism 2 is roughly divided into a sample transfer unit 11, a first sample dispensing mechanism 121, a second sample dispensing mechanism 122, a reaction table 13, a reagent storage 14, a reading unit 16, a reagent dispensing mechanism 17, a stirring unit 18, A photometric unit 19 and a cleaning unit 20 are provided.

  The sample transfer unit 11 includes a plurality of sample racks 11b that hold a plurality of sample containers 11a containing liquid samples such as blood and urine, and sequentially transfer them in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample in the sample container 11a transferred to a predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 11 is transported in an array on the reaction table 13 by the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. 21.

  The first sample dispensing mechanism 121 includes a first arm 121a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its proximal end as a central axis. A first nozzle for aspirating and discharging the sample is attached to the tip of the first arm 121a. The first nozzle is connected to a suction / discharge mechanism using a suction / discharge syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The first sample dispensing mechanism 121 sucks a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 11a transferred to the sample suction position on the sample transfer unit 11 described above by the first nozzle, and rotates the first arm 121a clockwise in the drawing. Alternatively, the sample is rotated counterclockwise, and the sample is discharged into the reaction container 21 located at the sample discharge position on the reaction table 13 to perform dispensing. The first sample dispensing mechanism 121 dispenses a serum sample that is a normal sample. The first sample dispensing mechanism 121 includes a first cleaning tank 121b that cleans the outer wall of the first nozzle contaminated with the sample after sample dispensing. The first cleaning tank 121b includes one or more tanks filled with a cleaning liquid such as a detergent or cleaning water, and the contaminated first nozzle 121n is infiltrated into each tank to a predetermined depth and cleaned.

  The second specimen dispensing mechanism 122 includes a second arm 122a that can be moved up and down in the vertical direction and freely rotated on the same central axis as the first arm 121a. The second arm 122a has the same arm length as the first arm 121a. A second nozzle for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the second arm 122a. The second nozzle is connected to a suction / discharge mechanism using a suction / discharge syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The second sample dispensing mechanism 122 sucks the sample from the sample container 11a transferred to the sample suction position on the sample transfer unit 11 described above by the second nozzle, and moves the second arm 122a clockwise or counterclockwise in the drawing. The sample is swung around, and the sample is discharged into the reaction container 21 located at the sample discharge position on the reaction table 13 for dispensing. The second sample dispensing mechanism 122 dispenses the whole blood sample. Since the second nozzle sucks blood cells having a particle diameter larger than that of serum without clogging, the opening diameter of the second nozzle is set larger than the opening diameter of the first nozzle. The second sample dispensing mechanism 122 includes a second cleaning tank 122b that cleans the outer wall of the second nozzle contaminated with the sample after sample dispensing. The second cleaning tank 122b includes one or more tanks filled with a cleaning liquid such as a detergent or cleaning water, and the contaminated second nozzle 122n is infiltrated into each tank to a predetermined depth and cleaned.

  The reaction table 13 transfers the reaction container 21 to a predetermined position in order to dispense a sample or reagent into the reaction container 21, to stir, wash or measure the reaction container 21. The reaction table 13 is rotatable about a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction table 13 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. An openable and closable lid and a thermostat (not shown) are provided above and below the reaction table 13, respectively.

  The reagent storage 14 can store a plurality of reagent containers 15 in which reagents to be dispensed in the reaction container 21 are stored. In the reagent store 14, a plurality of storage chambers are arranged at equal intervals, and a reagent container 15 is detachably stored in each storage chamber. The reagent storage 14 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the reagent storage 14 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. The desired reagent container 15 is transferred to the reagent suction position by the reagent dispensing mechanism 17. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reagent storage 14. In addition, a thermostatic bath is provided below the reagent storage 14. For this reason, when the reagent container 15 is stored in the reagent container 14 and the lid is closed, the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is kept at a constant temperature, and the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is evaporated. Denaturation can be suppressed.

  A recording medium on which reagent information related to the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is recorded is attached to the side surface of the reagent container 15. The recording medium displays various encoded information and is optically read. A reading unit 16 for optically reading the recording medium is provided on the outer periphery of the reagent storage 14. The reading unit 16 reads information on the recording medium by emitting infrared light or visible light to the recording medium and processing reflected light from the recording medium. Further, the reading unit 16 may acquire the information of the recording medium by performing an imaging process on the recording medium and decoding the image information obtained by the imaging process.

  The reagent dispensing mechanism 17 includes an arm 17a to which a nozzle for sucking and discharging the reagent is attached at the tip. The arm 17a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The reagent dispensing mechanism 17 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 15 moved to the reagent suction position on the reagent storage 14 with a nozzle, and rotates the arm 17a in the clockwise direction in FIG. To the reaction vessel 21 transported to the reactor. The stirring unit 18 stirs the specimen dispensed into the reaction vessel 21 and the reagent to promote the reaction.

  The photometry unit 19 irradiates the reaction container 21 conveyed to a predetermined photometry position with light, receives the light transmitted through the liquid in the reaction container 21, performs spectral intensity measurement, and measures the absorbance of the liquid. The measurement result by the photometry unit 19 is output to the control unit 31 and analyzed by the analysis unit 34.

  The cleaning unit 20 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 21 that has been measured by the photometry unit 19 by using a nozzle (not shown) and injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. . Although the cleaned reaction container 21 is reused, the reaction container 21 may be discarded after completion of one measurement depending on the contents of inspection.

  Next, the control mechanism 3 will be described. The control mechanism 3 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 33, an analysis unit 34, a storage unit 35, and an output unit 36. These units included in the measurement mechanism 2 and the control mechanism 3 are electrically connected to the control unit 31.

  The control unit 31 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The control unit 31 includes a sample dispensing control unit 32 that controls the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122.

  The sample dispensing control unit 32 controls the dispensing process in each sample dispensing mechanism independently, and controls the transfer process of the transfer mechanism that transports each sample dispensing mechanism independently. In other words, the sample dispensing control unit 32 independently controls the dispensing process of the first nozzle in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second nozzle in the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. In addition, the sample dispensing control unit 32 independently controls the transfer processes such as the raising / lowering operation and the rotating operation of the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a constituting the transfer mechanism for transferring each sample dispensing mechanism. The specimen dispensing control unit 32 independently controls the cleaning process in the first cleaning tank 121b and the second cleaning layer 122b.

  The input unit 33 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The input unit 33 may acquire various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside via a communication network (not shown). The analysis unit 34 performs component analysis of the specimen based on the absorbance measurement result obtained from the photometry unit 19.

  The storage unit 35 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 35 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.

  The output unit 36 is configured using a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample. Further, the output unit 36 may output information including the analysis result of the sample to an external device via a communication network (not shown).

  In the analyzer 1 configured as described above, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 or the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 is provided in the sample container 11a for the plurality of reaction containers 21 that are sequentially conveyed in a row. After the sample is dispensed and the reagent dispensing mechanism 17 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 15, the photometry unit 19 measures the spectral intensity of the sample in a state where the sample and the reagent are reacted, and the measurement result is obtained. The analysis of the sample is automatically performed by the analysis unit 34. In addition, a series of analysis operations are continuously and repeatedly performed by cleaning the reaction container 21 being transported after the cleaning unit 20 completes the measurement by the photometry unit 19.

  Next, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part of the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121, the first arm 121a has a first nozzle 121n attached to one end and a first shaft column 121c connected to the other end. Also in the second sample dispensing mechanism 122, similarly to the first sample dispensing mechanism 121, the second arm 122a has a second nozzle 122n attached to one end and the second axial column 122c to the other end. Is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second shaft column 122c is hollow, and the first shaft column 121c passes through the second shaft column 122c. Since the inner diameter of the second shaft column 122c is larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft column 121c, the first shaft column 121c can freely move up and down and rotate in the second shaft column 122c. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first shaft 121c is hollow, and the first tube 121m and the first tube are connected at one end from the lower end of the first shaft 121c to an intake / exhaust syringe (not shown). A second tube 122m having one end connected to an intake / exhaust syringe (not shown) different from the intake / exhaust syringe to which 121m is connected is inserted. The first tube 121m extended from the upper end of the first shaft column 121c is connected to the first nozzle 121n of the first arm 121a. Further, the second tube 122m extended from the upper end of the first shaft column 121c is connected to the second nozzle 122n of the second arm 122a. Therefore, the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n can perform a dispensing process at independent timings under the control of the sample dispensing control unit 32.

  The first shaft 121c includes a first lifting mechanism 121p that drives the lifting processing of the first shaft 121c under the control of the specimen dispensing control unit 32, and a rotation processing of the first shaft 121c. Is connected to the first rotation mechanism 121q for driving the motor. As the first shaft column 121c moves up and down, the first arm 121a also moves up and down, and when the first shaft column 121c rotates, the first arm 121a also rotates.

  Also in the second shaft column 122c, under the control of the specimen dispensing control unit 32, the second lifting / lowering mechanism 122p that drives the lifting / lowering processing of the second shaft column 122c and the rotation processing of the second shaft column 122c. Is connected to the second rotating mechanism 122q for driving the motor. When the second shaft column 122c moves up and down, the second arm 122a also moves up and down, and when the second shaft column 122c rotates, the second arm 122a also rotates.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 4, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a are independently driven by each lifting process and each rotating process in the first shaft column 121c and the second shaft column 122c. It can be moved up and down and rotated.

  The first elevating mechanism 121p includes an elevating motor 121d connected to the pulley 121e, an elevating belt 121g arranged in parallel with the first shaft column 121c and over which the pulleys 121e and 121f are stretched, and an elevating belt A movable plate 121h is provided that is fixed at a predetermined position of 121g and that can be moved up and down integrally with the first shaft column 121c. When the lifting motor 121d rotates in the direction corresponding to the ascending direction or the descending direction under the control of the sample dispensing control unit 32, the rotation of the lifting motor 121d is sequentially applied to the pulley 121e, the lifting belt 121g, and the moving plate 121h. By transmitting, the first shaft column 121c is raised or lowered. The first rotating mechanism 121q is connected to the pulley 121i provided on the first shaft column 121c, the rotating belt 121k over which the pulley 121i and the pulley 121j are stretched, and the pulley 121j, and the apparatus main body does not move. A rotating motor 121l fixed to the portion. When the rotation motor 121l rotates in a direction corresponding to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation under the control of the sample dispensing control unit 32, the rotation of the rotation motor 121l is sequentially applied to the pulley 121j, the rotation belt 121k, and the pulley 121i. By transmitting, the first shaft column 121c rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

  Similarly to the first elevating mechanism 121p, the second elevating mechanism 122p is arranged in parallel with the elevating motor 122d connected to the pulley 122e and the second shaft column 122c, and the pulleys 122e and 122f are stretched over the second elevating mechanism 122p. The elevating belt 122g and a moving plate 122h fixed to a predetermined position of the elevating belt 122g and provided so as to be movable up and down integrally with the second shaft column 122c. Similarly to the first rotating mechanism 121q, the second rotating mechanism 122q includes a pulley 122i provided on the second shaft post 122c, a rotating belt 122k around which the pulley 122i and the pulley 122j are stretched, A rotation motor 122l connected to the pulley 122j and fixed to the stationary part of the apparatus main body.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the transfer path through which the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a transfer the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n, respectively, will be described. The first arm 121a and the second arm 122a rotate about the same central axis. The first arm 121a and the second arm 122a have the same arm length. For this reason, the front-end | tip part of the 1st arm 121a and the front-end | tip part of the 2nd arm 122a can move on the same periphery. In other words, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a are respectively attached to the same circumference passing through the sample aspirating position in the sample transporting section 11 and the sample discharge position on the reaction table 13 respectively. Each of the 121n and the second nozzle 122n can be transferred. Therefore, the first path through which the first arm 121a transfers the first nozzle 121n and the second path through which the second arm 122a transfers the first nozzle 122n are the sample aspiration position and the reaction table 13 in the sample transfer unit 11. They are provided on the same circumference passing through the upper sample discharge position.

  Here, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the position P0 and the position out of the circumference passing through the position P0 that is the sample aspiration position and the position P1 that is the sample discharge position as the first path. A path T1 that is a first arc passing through P1 is set. The first arm 121a moves the first nozzle 121n on the path T1.

  As a second path, a path T2 that is a second arc that is different from the first arc and that passes through the position P0 and the position P1 among the circumferences that pass through the position P0 and the position P1 is set. Has been. The second arm 122a moves the second nozzle 122n on the path T2.

  In the route T1 and the route T2, only the position P0 and the position P1 overlap. For this reason, the first arm 121a freely places the first nozzle 121n in a region other than the arrangement of the second nozzle 122n on the path T1 while the second nozzle 122n is arranged at the position P0 or the position P1 by the second arm 122a. Can be transported to. Further, the second arm 122a freely places the second nozzle 122n in a region other than the arrangement of the first nozzle 121n on the path T2 while the first nozzle 121n is arranged at the position P0 or the position P1 by the first arm 121a. It can be transported. Of course, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a can freely move the nozzles along the paths T1 and T2 when one arm end is not located at the position P0 or the position P1.

  And as shown in FIG. 5, the 1st washing tank 121b is provided in the position P2 which is positions other than the position P0 and the position P1 on the path | route T1, for example. In other words, the first cleaning tank 121b is provided in an area other than the overlapping area where the path T1 and the path T2 overlap in the path T1. And as shown in FIG. 5, the 2nd washing tank 122b is provided in the position P4 which is positions other than the position P0 on the path | route T2, and the position P1, for example. In other words, the second cleaning tank 122b is provided in an area other than the overlapping area where the path T1 and the path T2 overlap in the path T2. The first cleaning tank 121b may be installed in any area other than the overlapping area where the path T1 and the path T2 overlap in the path T1, and the second cleaning tank 122b may be installed in the path T2. Of these, any area other than the overlapping area where the path T1 and the path T2 overlap may be installed.

  Therefore, the first arm 121a can transfer the first nozzle 121n to the first cleaning tank 121b without being affected by the transfer process of the second arm 122a in the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. Similarly to the first arm 121a, the second arm 122a also transfers the second nozzle 122n to the second cleaning tank 122b without being affected by the transfer process of the first arm 121a in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121. It is possible. Accordingly, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a can independently transfer the nozzles to be connected to the first cleaning tank 121b or the second cleaning tank 122b. As a result, the first cleaning tank 121b and the second cleaning layer 122b can clean the nozzles at independent timings under the control of the sample dispensing control unit 32. In addition, each cleaning tank can perform a cleaning process corresponding to the type of specimen dispensed by each nozzle, so each nozzle can be cleaned with an appropriate amount of cleaning water, and the amount of cleaning water can be eliminated. .

  Specifically, as shown in the time chart illustrated in FIG. 6, the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 moves up and down and rotates the second arm 122a according to the path T2 from time t1 to time t4, thereby moving the position P4. The second nozzle 122n is disposed in the second cleaning tank 122b located at the position to perform the cleaning process. On the other hand, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 moves the first nozzle 121n from the position P0 to the position P1 between the time t1 and the time t2 by moving the first arm 121a up and down and rotating along the path T1. Then, the dispensing process is performed. Then, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 moves the first nozzle 121n from the position P1 to the position P2 between the time t2 and the time t3 according to the path T1, and performs the cleaning process of the first nozzle 121n. Then, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 performs the dispensing process again by transferring the first nozzle 121n from the position P2 to the position P0 from time t3 to time t5 according to the path T1. Since the second arm 122a is located at the position P4 during the cleaning process in the second cleaning tank 122b, the first arm 121a can freely transfer the first nozzle 121n along the path T1. Even if the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 requires a long time to clean the second nozzle 122n after the whole blood sample is aspirated, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 dispenses and cleans separately from the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. Processing can be performed.

  Then, in order to avoid a collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the position P0 and the position P1, the second arm 122a performs the second operation until the time t5 when the dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 ends. It stops on the washing tank 122b as it is, and makes the second nozzle 122n stand by. The standby position of the second nozzle 122n is not limited to the position on the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P4, and may be a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 in the path T2. That is, in order to avoid a collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the position P0 and the position P1, the sample dispensing control unit 32 overlaps the second arm 122a with the path T1 and the path T2 overlapping. While the first arm 121a moves the first nozzle 121n on the region, the second nozzle 122n may be transferred to a region other than the overlapping region.

  Next, the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 moves the second nozzle 122n from the position P0 to the position P1 between the time t5 and the time t8 when the dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is completed according to the path T2. Then, after the dispensing process is performed, the second nozzle 122n is transferred from the position P1 to the position P4 between the time t8 and the time t11 to perform the cleaning process for the second nozzle 122n.

  On the other hand, the first arm 121a has a second sample dispensing mechanism from time t7 when the cleaning of the first nozzle 121n is completed in order to avoid a collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the positions P0 and P1. Until time t8 when the dispensing process at 122 ends, for example, it stops on the first cleaning tank 121b at the position P2, and the first nozzle 121n is kept waiting. The standby position of the first arm 121a is not limited to the position on the first cleaning tank 121b at the position P2, but may be any position other than the position P0 and the position P1 in the path T1. That is, in order to avoid the collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the position P0 and the position P1, the specimen dispensing control unit 32 overlaps the first arm 121a with the path T1 and the path T2 overlapping. While the second arm 122a moves the second nozzle 122n over the region, the first nozzle 121n may be transferred to a region other than the overlapping region.

  The first sample dispensing mechanism 121 performs the dispensing process from the time t8 to the time t9 according to the path T1 from the time t8 to the time t11 when the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 performs the cleaning process. The cleaning process is performed from time t9 to time t10.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the second sample dispensing mechanism dedicated to the whole blood sample is provided separately from the first sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses the serum sample that is a normal sample. The transfer process, the sample aspirating and discharging process, and the cleaning process are independently controlled. For this reason, even if the first sample dispensing mechanism requires a long time for the second nozzle 122n cleaning process after the whole blood sample is aspirated, the first sample dispensing mechanism 122 is provided with the first nozzle 121n separately from the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. Dispensing treatment and cleaning treatment can be performed. Therefore, in the analyzer 1, even when the whole blood sample is analyzed during the serum sample analysis or when the whole blood sample is continuous, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is the second sample dispensing mechanism. The serum sample dispensed next to the whole blood sample dispensed by 122 can be aspirated and discharged. As a result, the analyzer 1 can shorten the transfer process, the sample aspirating / discharging process, and the cleaning process of the sample, compared to the conventional case where the whole blood sample is aspirated by using the nozzle for aspirating the serum sample, Since the sample dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 can be performed efficiently, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing capacity in the analyzer.

  Further, in the analyzer 1, even when the circuit constant for determining the detection sensitivity of the liquid level detection varies between the normal sample and the whole blood sample, dedicated probes corresponding respectively to the normal sample and the whole blood sample are provided. Since it is provided, the circuit constant can be changed for each specimen, and the accuracy of liquid level detection can be maintained.

  Further, the opening diameter of the second nozzle 122n for dispensing the whole blood sample is set to be larger than the opening diameter of the first nozzle 121n for dispensing the serum specimen, corresponding to the blood cell diameter contained in the whole blood. Yes. For this reason, the second nozzle 122n can suck blood cells having a particle size larger than that of serum without clogging, and can avoid deterioration of dispensing accuracy due to clogging of blood cells, and therefore can perform accurate dispensing processing continuously. .

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 7, the control process in the sample dispensing control part 32 in the analyzer 1 is demonstrated concretely. As shown in FIG. 7, the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines whether or not there is a sample dispensing instruction until there is a sample dispensing instruction in the sample container 11a (step S2). When the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that there is a sample dispensing instruction (step S2: Yes), the sample dispensing mechanism to be dispensed according to the instructed analysis item is the first sample dispensing mechanism. Whether it is 121 or the second specimen dispensing mechanism 122 is determined (step S4).

  When the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that the sample dispensing mechanism to be dispensed is the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 (step S4: first sample dispensing mechanism), the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 uses the second dispensing mechanism 122. It is determined whether or not the two nozzles 122n are located at either the position P0 that is the specimen aspirating position or the position P1 that is the specimen ejection position (step S6). When the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that the second nozzle 122n is located at either the position P0 or the position P1 (step S6: Yes), the second nozzle 122n is finished after the dispensing process at the second nozzle 122n is completed. Is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 on the route T2 (step S8).

  When the movement process of the second nozzle 122n in step S8 is completed or when the second nozzle 122n determines that the second nozzle 122n is not located at either position P0 or position P1 (step S6: No), The first arm 121a is controlled to move the first nozzle 121n to the position P0, which is the specimen suction position (step S10), and after the specimen is sucked by the first nozzle 121n (step S12), the first nozzle 121n is moved. The sample is moved to the position P1 which is the sample discharge position (step S14), and the sample is discharged into the reaction container 21 located at the position P1 by the first nozzle 121n (step S16). Then, the sample dispensing control unit 32 controls the first arm 121a to move the first nozzle 121n after the sample dispensing to the first cleaning tank 121b (step S18) and to wash the first nozzle 121n ( Step S20) Next, when a dispensing instruction is given to the first sample dispensing mechanism 121, the first nozzle 121n is moved to the position P0, and then a dispensing instruction is given to the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. If there is, the first nozzle 121n is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 in the path T1 (step S22).

  On the other hand, when the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that the sample dispensing mechanism to be dispensed is the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 (step S4: second sample dispensing mechanism), the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is used. It is determined whether or not the first nozzle 121n is positioned at either the position P0 that is the sample aspirating position or the position P1 that is the sample discharge position (step S26). When the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that the first nozzle 121n is located at either the position P0 or the position P1 (step S26: Yes), the sample dispensing control unit 32 controls the first arm 121a to dispense the first nozzle 121n. After the process is completed, the first nozzle 121n is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 on the path T1 (step S28).

  When the movement process of the first nozzle 121n in step S28 is completed or when it is determined that the first nozzle 121n is not located at either the position P0 or the position P1 (step S26: No), By controlling the second arm 122a, the second nozzle 122n is moved to the position P0 which is the sample suction position (step S30), the sample is sucked by the second nozzle 122n (step S32), and then the second nozzle 122n is moved. The sample is moved to the position P1 that is the sample discharge position (step S34), and the second nozzle 122n is caused to discharge the sample into the reaction container 21 located at the position P1 (step S36). Then, the sample dispensing control unit 32 controls the second arm 122a to move the second nozzle 122n after the sample dispensing to the second cleaning tank 122b (Step S38), and to clean the second nozzle 122n ( Step S40) Next, when a dispensing instruction is given to the second sample dispensing mechanism 122, the second nozzle 122n is moved to the position P0, and then a dispensing instruction is issued to the first sample dispensing mechanism 121. If there is, the second nozzle 122n is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 in the path T2 (step S42).

  Then, after the first nozzle movement process in step S22 and the second nozzle movement process in step S42 are completed, the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines whether or not the analysis process is completed (step S44). If the sample dispensing control unit 32 determines that the analysis process has ended (step S44: Yes), the sample dispensing control unit 32 ends the analysis process, and if it determines that the analysis process has not ended (step S44: No), step S2 Returning to, it is determined whether or not there is a sample dispensing instruction.

  FIG. 7 shows a processing procedure when one sample dispensing instruction is given, but the analyzer 1 has issued a sample dispensing instruction while the sample dispensing process for the previous instruction is being performed. In some cases, the processing operations shown in FIG. 7 can be performed in parallel as long as even the collision of the nozzles at the positions P0 and P1 can be avoided.

(Modification 1)
Next, Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the analyzer according to the first modification. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a transfer path in the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the analyzer 1a according to the first modification, the control mechanism 3a includes a control unit 31a having a sample dispensing control unit 32a instead of the control unit 31. Similar to the sample dispensing control unit 32, the sample dispensing control unit 32a independently performs the transfer process, the suction discharge process, and the cleaning process of the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. To control. The control unit 31a has the same function as the control unit 31.

  In the measurement mechanism 2a, the first cleaning tank 121b is provided at a position P12 that exceeds the position P1 that is the sample discharge position in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the first arm 121a includes an arc connecting the position P0 and the position P1, and an end extending from one end of the arc is on the path T11 corresponding to the first arc whose position is the position P12. The first nozzle 121n is transferred to the first. As shown in FIG. 8, in the analyzer 1a, the second cleaning tank 122b is provided at a position P14 that exceeds the position P1 in the counterclockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 122a includes an arc connecting the position P0 and the position P1, and the end extended from the other end of the arc is shown in FIG. The second nozzle 122n is transferred onto the path T12 corresponding to the second arc at the position P14.

  The route T11 and the route T12 overlap between the position P1 and the position P0. In the path T11, a position P11 in an area where the path T11 and the path T12 do not overlap is set as a standby area for the first nozzle 121n. The sample dispensing control unit 32a positions the first nozzle 121n as a standby area while the second arm 122a moves the second nozzle 122n over the overlapping area in the path T11 and the path T12 with respect to the first arm 121a. Transfer to P11 and wait. Also in the path T12, the standby area of the second nozzle 122n is set in an area where the path T11 and the path T12 do not overlap. The standby area in the path T12 is, for example, a position P14 where the second cleaning tank 122b is located. The sample dispensing control unit 32a positions the second nozzle 122n as a standby area while the first arm 121a moves the first nozzle 121n over the overlapping area in the path T11 and the path T12 with respect to the second arm 122a. Transfer to the second cleaning layer 122b of P14 and wait.

  Similarly to the analyzer 1, the first cleaning tank 121b is provided at a position P12 where the path T11 and the path T12 do not overlap in the path T11, and the second cleaning tank 122b is the path T11 in the path T12. And the path T12 are provided at a position P12 where they do not overlap. For this reason, the cleaning process of the first nozzle 121n in the first cleaning tank 121b and the cleaning process of the second nozzle 122n in the second cleaning layer 122b can be performed independently.

  Specifically, as shown in the time chart illustrated in FIG. 10, from the time t11 to the time t12, the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 rotates the second arm 122a from the position P0 to the position P1 according to the path T12. During the injection process, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 causes the first arm 121a to stand by at the position P11 to avoid collision with the second arm 122a and the second nozzle 122n. From time t12 to time t14, while the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 performs the cleaning process of the second nozzle 122n in the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P14, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 follows the path T11. During the period from time t12 to time t13, the first arm 121a is rotated from the position P0 to the position P1, and the dispensing process is performed. A cleaning process is performed.

  Furthermore, while the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is performing the dispensing process from time t14 to time t15, and while the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is performing the cleaning process from time t15 to time t16, the second sample. The dispensing mechanism 122 stands by on the second cleaning layer 122b and avoids collision with the first arm 121a and the first nozzle 121n. In addition, although the case where the position P11 is set as the standby area in the path T11 has been described, it is needless to say that the position P11 is provided in any of the areas where the path T11 and the path T12 do not overlap. The position P12 to be set may be set as the standby area. In this case, the specimen dispensing control unit 32a moves the first nozzle 121n to the first arm 121a at the position P12 while the second arm 122a moves the second nozzle 122n through the overlapping region in the path T11 and the path T12. 1 It moves to the washing tank 121b and makes it wait. Similarly, it is sufficient that the standby area in the path T12 is provided in any area where the path T11 and the path T12 do not overlap. Also in this case, the sample dispensing control unit 32a waits for the second nozzle 122n while the first arm 121a moves the first nozzle 121n over the overlapping region in the path T11 and the path T12 with respect to the second arm 122a. What is necessary is just to make it transfer to an area and to wait.

  Thus, even if the analyzer 1a overlaps the path T11 in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the path T12 in the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 at positions other than the positions P0 and P1, the path By providing standby areas in areas other than the overlapping areas of T11 and path T12, it is possible to avoid collision of the constituent members of each specimen dispensing mechanism, and, similar to the analyzer 1, transfer processing in each specimen dispensing mechanism, The sample dispensing process and the cleaning process can be controlled independently to increase the efficiency of the sample dispensing process.

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 11, the control process in the sample dispensing control unit 32a will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 11, the sample dispensing control unit 32a performs a sample dispensing instruction presence / absence determination process (step S52) and a sample dispensing mechanism determination process (step S54) for dispensing as in step S2 shown in FIG. To do.

  When the sample dispensing control unit 32a determines that the sample dispensing mechanism to be dispensed is the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 (step S54: first sample dispensing mechanism), the second nozzle 122n moves along the path T11 and the path. It is determined whether or not it is located on the overlapping area with T12 (step S56). When the sample dispensing control unit 32a determines that the second nozzle 122n is positioned on the overlapping region (step S56: Yes), the sample dispensing control unit 32a controls the second arm 122a and finishes the dispensing process in the second nozzle 122n. The second nozzle 122n is moved to a standby position on the path T12, for example, the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P14 to be standby (step S58).

  When the movement process of the second nozzle 122n in step S58 is completed or when it is determined that the second nozzle 122n is not located on the overlapping area (step S56: No), the sample dispensing control unit 32a moves the first nozzle 121n. After moving to the position P0 which is the specimen aspirating position (step S60) and controlling the first arm 121a to suck the specimen to the first nozzle 121n (step S62), the first nozzle 121n is the specimen ejection position. The sample is moved to the position P1 (step S64), and the first nozzle 121n is caused to discharge the sample into the reaction container 21 located at the position P1 (step S66). Then, the sample dispensing control unit 32a controls the first arm 121a to move the first nozzle 121n after sample dispensing to the first cleaning tank 121b at the position P12 (step S68), and to move the first nozzle 121n. When the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 is instructed to dispense, the first arm 121a is moved to the position P0, and then the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 is dispensed. If there is a note instruction, the first arm 121a is moved to the position P11 which is the standby position in the path T11 (step S72).

  On the other hand, when the sample dispensing control unit 32a determines that the sample dispensing mechanism to be dispensed is the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 (step S54: second sample dispensing mechanism), the first nozzle 121n is connected to the path T11. And whether it is located on the overlapping area of the route T12 (step S76). When the sample dispensing control unit 32a determines that the first nozzle 121n is positioned on the overlapping region (step S76: Yes), the sample dispensing control unit 32a controls the first arm 121a and finishes the dispensing process in the first nozzle 121n. The first nozzle 121n is moved to a position P11 which is a standby area on the path T11 to be on standby (step S78).

  When the movement process of the first nozzle 121n in step S78 is completed or when it is determined that the first nozzle 121n is not located on the overlapping area (step S76: No), the sample dispensing control unit 32a moves the second nozzle 122n. After moving to the position P0 which is the specimen aspirating position (step S80) and controlling the second arm 122a to cause the second nozzle 122n to aspirate the specimen (step S82), the second nozzle 122n is the specimen ejection position. The sample is moved to the position P1 (step S84), and the second nozzle 122n is caused to discharge the sample into the reaction container 21 located at the position P1 (step S86). Then, the sample dispensing control unit 32a controls the second arm 122a to move the second nozzle 122n after the sample dispensing to the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P14 (Step S88), and move the second nozzle 122n. The second nozzle 122n is moved to the position P0 when the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 is instructed to dispense (step S92). When there is a dispensing instruction next to the first sample dispensing mechanism 121, the sample dispensing control unit 32a causes the second nozzle 122n to stand by on the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P14.

  Then, after the first nozzle movement process in step S72 and the second nozzle movement process in step S92 are completed, the sample dispensing control unit 32a performs an analysis process completion determination process in the same manner as in step S44 in FIG. S94). FIG. 11 shows a processing procedure in the case where one sample dispensing instruction is given, but the analyzer 1a performs the sample dispensing instruction when the sample dispensing process is performed for the previous instruction. As long as the collision of the nozzles at the position P0 and the position P1 can be avoided, the processing operations shown in FIG. 11 can be performed in parallel.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the first arm and the second arm are rotated based on different central axes to improve the efficiency of the sample dispensing process.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the analyzer according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the analyzer 201 according to the second embodiment, the measurement mechanism 202 is replaced by a predetermined center instead of the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 shown in FIG. A first sample dispensing mechanism 221 having a first arm 221a that can rotate based on an axis, and a second arm 222a that can rotate based on a central axis different from the central axis of the first arm 221a. Is provided with a second specimen dispensing mechanism 222. As with the first arm 121a in the first embodiment, the first arm 221a has a first nozzle 121n attached to the tip. Similarly to the second arm 122a in the first embodiment, the second arm 222a has a second nozzle 122n attached to the tip. Further, the control mechanism 203 is a control provided with a sample dispensing control unit 232 that controls the dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 221 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 222 in place of the control unit 31 shown in FIG. Part 231.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the transfer path through which the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a shown in FIG. 12 transfer the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n will be described.

  The first arm 221a and the second arm 222a have different rotation center axes. For this reason, the front-end | tip part of the 1st arm 221a and the front-end | tip part of the 2nd arm 222a can each move on a different circumference. The first arm 221a can transfer the attached first nozzle 121n according to a circumference C1 that passes through the position P0 that is the sample aspiration position and the position P1 that is the sample discharge position. Further, the second arm 222a can transfer the attached second nozzle 122n according to a circumference C2 passing through the position P0 and the position P1. In the case shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the arm length of the first arm 221a to which the first nozzle 121n for dispensing a serum sample that is a normal sample having a larger number of analysis processes than the whole blood sample is attached is set to the first arm length 221a. By setting it shorter than the arm length of the two arms 222a, the transfer path of the first nozzle 121n is shortened, and the analysis processing time of the normal specimen is shortened. Of course, the arm length of the first arm 221a may be set to a length equivalent to the arm length of the second arm 222a.

  Here, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the first arm 221a serves as the first path for transferring the first nozzle 121n on the path T21, that is, on the circumference C1, and the second arm A first circular arc is set on the outer circumference formed by a circumference C2 in which 222a can transfer the second nozzle 122n. The first arm 221a transfers the first nozzle 121n onto this path T21.

  The second arm 222a serves as a second path for transferring the first nozzle 122n. The circumference C1 is on the path T22, that is, on the circumference C2, and the first arm 221a can transfer the first nozzle 121n. An arc that is on the outer circumference of the circle formed by is set. The second arm 222a transfers the second nozzle 122n onto this path T22.

  In the path T21 and the path T22, only the position P0 and the position P1 overlap. Therefore, the first arm 221a places the first nozzle 121n in a region other than the arrangement position of the second nozzle 122n on the path T21 while the second nozzle 122n is arranged at the position P0 or the position P1 by the second arm 222a. It can be transferred freely. Further, the second arm 222a allows the second nozzle 122n to be freely placed in a region other than the arrangement position of the first nozzle 121n on the path T22 while the first nozzle 121n is arranged at the position P0 or the position P1 by the first arm 121a. Can be transported to. Of course, the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a can freely move the nozzles according to the paths T21 and T22 when one arm end portion is not located at the position P0 or the position P1.

  And as shown in FIG. 13, the 1st washing tank 121b is provided in the positions other than the position P0 and the position P1 which are the overlapping area | regions in the path | route T21 and the path | route T22 among the paths T21, for example in the position P22. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the 2nd washing tank 122b is provided in position P24 which is positions other than the position P0 and the position P1 among the path | route T22. The first cleaning tank 121b may be installed in any area other than the overlapping area where the path T21 and the path T22 overlap in the path T21, and the second cleaning tank 122b is connected to the path T22. Of these, any region other than the overlapping region where the route T21 and the route T22 overlap may be installed.

  Therefore, the first arm 221a can transfer the first nozzle 121n to the first cleaning tank 121b without being affected by the transfer process of the second arm 222a in the second sample dispensing mechanism 222. Similarly to the first arm 221a, the second arm 222a also transfers the second nozzle 122n to the second cleaning tank 122b without being affected by the transfer process of the first arm 221a in the first sample dispensing mechanism 221. It is possible. Therefore, the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a can independently transfer the nozzles to be connected to the first cleaning tank 121b or the second cleaning tank 122b.

  Specifically, as shown in the time chart illustrated in FIG. 14, in the second sample dispensing mechanism 222, the second arm 222a is located at the position P24 along the path T22 from time t21 to time t24. The second nozzle 122n is disposed in the second cleaning tank 122b to perform the cleaning process.

  On the other hand, in the first sample dispensing mechanism 221, the first arm 221a moves the first nozzle 121n from the position P0 to the position P1 between the time t21 and the time t22 according to the path T21 to perform the dispensing process. To do. Then, the first arm 221a moves the first nozzle 121n from the position P1 to the position P22 between the time t22 and the time t23 according to the path T21 to perform the cleaning process of the first nozzle 121n, and from the time t23 to the time t23. During t25, the first nozzle 121n is transferred from the position P22 to the position P0, and the dispensing process is performed again. Then, according to the path T21, the first arm 221a moves the first nozzle 121n to perform the cleaning process of the first nozzle 121n between time t25 and time t26, and moves the first nozzle 121n to the position P0. Thus, the dispensing process is performed again from time t26. From time t21 to time t24, the second nozzle 122n is positioned at the position P24 for nozzle cleaning, and thus the first arm 221a can freely transfer the first nozzle 121n along the path T21. Thus, even if the first sample dispensing mechanism 221 takes a long time to clean the second nozzle 122n after the second blood sample dispensing mechanism 222 sucks the whole blood sample, Dispensing processing and cleaning processing can be performed separately from the injection mechanism 222.

  Next, the second arm 222a performs the sample suction process by transferring the second nozzle 122n from the position P24 to the position P0 at time t24 when the first nozzle 121n finishes the sample suction process at the position P0 according to the path T22. Make it. Then, the second arm 222a performs the sample discharge process by transferring the second nozzle 122n from the position P0 to the position P1 at time t25 when the first nozzle 121n finishes the sample discharge process at the position P1 according to the path T22. Make it. Then, at time t27, the second arm 222a moves the second nozzle 122n from the position P1 to the position P24 according to the path T22 to perform the cleaning process on the second nozzle 122n. The second arm 222a can freely move the second nozzle 122n along the path T22 in accordance with the timing at which the first arm 221a is positioned at the position P0 or the position P1. Thus, the second sample dispensing mechanism 222 can perform the dispensing process and the cleaning process separately from the first sample dispensing mechanism 221.

  Note that the first arm 221a avoids a collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the position P0 and the position P1, and when the second nozzle 122n is located at the position P0 or the position P1, the first arm 221a The first nozzle 121n is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 to stand by. For example, when the second nozzle 122n is positioned at the position P0 or the position P1, the first arm 221a moves the first nozzle 121n onto the first cleaning tank 121b at the position P22 and stands by. Further, the second arm 222a avoids a collision between the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n at the position P0 and the position P1, and when the first nozzle 121n is located at the position P0 and the position P1, the second arm 222a The second nozzle 122n is moved to a position other than the position P0 and the position P1 to stand by. For example, when the first nozzle 121n is located at the position P0 or the position P1, the second arm 221a moves the second nozzle 122n onto the second cleaning tank 122b at the position P24 and stands by.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, even when the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a rotate based on different central axes, the transfer path of the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a The first sample dispensing mechanism 221 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 222 are provided by providing the first washing tank 121b and the second washing tank 122b in areas other than the position P0 and the position P1 where the transfer path overlaps, respectively. Independently, it is possible to perform the sample aspirating and discharging process, the transfer process, and the cleaning process. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the sample dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 221 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 222 can be efficiently performed. It is possible to suppress a decrease in processing capacity in the analyzer.

  In the analyzer 201, it is possible to perform control processing for each sample dispensing mechanism in the sample dispensing control unit 232 by performing a processing procedure similar to the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  Further, in FIG. 13, the path T21 and the path T22 that overlap only at the position P0 and the position P1 have been described in order to make the collision between the nozzles and the degree of freedom of the transfer process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the second arm 222a can move up and down to a position at least as high as the second nozzle 122n from the upper end of the first arm 221a, the sample dispensing control unit 232 When the arm 221a and the second arm 222a cross each other, the second arm 222a is moved up and down to a position higher by at least the height of the second nozzle 122n than the upper end of the first arm 221a, and is rotated. The collision of the two nozzles 122n can be avoided. Specifically, the height H2 that can be raised and lowered in the second shaft column 222c to which the second arm 222a is attached is the height that can be raised and lowered in the first shaft column 221c to which the first arm 221a is attached. If the height of the second nozzle 122n is higher than H1 by at least the height L2, the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a can intersect without causing the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n to collide with each other.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the first arm 221a can transfer the first nozzle 121n onto the path T21a over the entire circumference of the circumference C1. Further, the second arm 222a can transfer the second nozzle 122n onto a path T22a over the entire circumference C2. For example, when the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a intersect at the position P261 in the path T21a and the position P262 in the path T22a, the sample dispensing control unit 232 moves the second arm 222a to the first arm 221a. The second nozzle 122n is moved up and down to a height H2 that is at least a height L2 higher than the height H1. As a result, the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a can smoothly intersect without causing the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n to collide. As described above, the first arm 221a and the second arm 222a can avoid collision of each nozzle and freely select a transfer path as compared with the case of following the path T21 and the path T22 shown in FIG. Can do.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, by setting a plurality of sample discharge positions on the reaction table and enabling the sample discharge process in the first sample dispensing mechanism and the sample discharge process in the second sample dispensing mechanism to be performed simultaneously, The sample dispensing process is made more efficient.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the analyzer according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, in the analyzer 301 according to the third embodiment, the position P31 that is the second sample discharge position is the sample discharge position on the reaction table 13 together with the position P1 that is the first sample discharge position. Is set. In the analysis apparatus 301, the control mechanism 303 replaces the control unit 31 shown in FIG. 1 with the sample discharge processing at the positions P1 and P31 in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122. The control part 331 provided with the sample dispensing control part 332 which controls the dispensing process containing this is provided.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the transfer path through which the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a shown in FIG. 17 transfer the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the first arm 121a serves as a first path for transferring the first nozzle 121n, passes through the position P2 where the first cleaning tank 121b is disposed, and is the position P0 and the first specimen discharge position. A path T31 which is a first arc connecting the position P1 is set. The first arm 121a transfers the first nozzle 121n to the position P1, and the first nozzle 121n discharges the sample sucked into the reaction container 21 located at the position P1. In addition, as a second path through which the second arm 122a moves the second nozzle 122n, the position P4 that is the position where the second washing tank 122b is disposed passes through the position P0 and the position P31 that is the second specimen discharge position. A path T32 that is a second arc is set. The second arm 122a transfers the second nozzle 122n to a position P31 that is a specimen discharge position different from the position P0 where the first nozzle 121n is located, and the second nozzle 122n is placed in the reaction container 21 located at the position P31. The aspirated specimen is discharged.

  Thus, since the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a transfer the nozzles to different sample discharge positions, the nozzles can be simultaneously transferred to the sample discharge positions. As a result, the sample dispensing control unit 332 does not need to shift the sample discharge timing in the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n. Further, since the path T31 and the path T32 overlap only at the position P0, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a can freely set the nozzles according to the respective paths as long as the collision of the nozzles at the position P0 is avoided. Can be transported to.

  Specifically, the dispensing process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 performs a dispensing process from time t32 to time t33 after the cleaning of the first nozzle 121n, and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 starts from time t31. Dispensing processing is performed over time t33.

  In this way, each sample dispensing mechanism discharges a sample to a different sample discharge position, so that the sample discharge processing can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 can simultaneously end the dispensing process. In addition, since the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a do not overlap the path T31 and the path T32 except for the position P0, the nozzles are transferred to each cleaning tank without being affected by the transfer process of one arm. Can do. Moreover, each washing tank can perform each washing | cleaning process independently.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 19, the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 performs the cleaning process of the first nozzle 121n between the time t33 and the time t34 and performs the dispensing process from the time t34, whereas The two-sample dispensing mechanism 122 can perform a cleaning process from time t33 independently of each process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a transfer each nozzle to a different sample discharge position, so that collision of the nozzles at the sample discharge position can be reliably avoided. Is possible. In the third embodiment, the first arm 121a and the second arm 122a can simultaneously transfer the nozzles to the sample discharge positions. For this reason, in the third embodiment, the sample discharge process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 121 and the sample discharge process in the second sample dispensing mechanism 122 can be executed simultaneously. Compared with the first embodiment, Furthermore, the efficiency of the sample dispensing process can be improved.

  Of course, the sample discharge position is not limited to the position P1 and the position P31, and may be further provided. In the second arm 122a, the first nozzle 121n is positioned so that the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n do not collide. What is necessary is just to transfer a 2nd nozzle to the sample discharge position different from a sample discharge position.

  In the first to third embodiments, the opening diameter of the second nozzle 122n is set larger than the opening diameter of the first nozzle 121n so that blood cells having a particle diameter larger than that of serum can be sucked without clogging. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, but the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n have the same opening diameter, and the dispensing accuracy in the first nozzle 121n and the second nozzle 122n is kept substantially the same. Note processing may be managed. The second nozzle 122n has been described as a nozzle dedicated to the whole blood sample, but may of course be a nozzle that sucks and discharges the same serum sample as the first nozzle 121n. In this case, while the first nozzle 121n performs nozzle cleaning, the second nozzle 122n sucks and discharges the normal specimen, and while the second nozzle 122n performs nozzle cleaning, the first nozzle 121n The normal specimen may be aspirated and discharged, and the efficiency in the specimen dispensing process may be improved.

  Moreover, the analyzers 1, 1a, 201, and 301 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer system. This computer system implements the processing operation of the analyzer by reading and executing a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Here, the predetermined recording medium is not only a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card, but also inside and outside the computer system. It includes any recording medium that records a program readable by a computer system, such as a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short time when transmitting the program, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) provided. In addition, this computer system obtains a program from a management server or another computer system connected via a network line, and executes the obtained program to realize the processing operation of the analyzer.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the first sample dispensing mechanism and the second sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 1. It is AA sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the 1st sample dispensing mechanism and 2nd sample dispensing mechanism which are shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the transfer path | route of the 1st arm and 2nd arm which are shown in FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of processing in the first sample dispensing mechanism and the second sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control process in the sample dispensing control part shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to a first modification example in the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the transfer path | route of the 1st arm shown in FIG. 8, and a 2nd arm. It is a time chart which shows an example of the process in the 1st sample dispensing mechanism and 2nd sample dispensing mechanism which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control processing in the sample dispensing control part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to a second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the transfer path | route of the 1st arm shown in FIG. 12, and a 2nd arm. It is a time chart which shows an example of the process in the 1st sample dispensing mechanism and 2nd sample dispensing mechanism which are shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the raising / lowering height of the 1st arm and 2nd arm which are shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the other transfer path | route of the 1st arm and 2nd arm which are shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to a third embodiment. It is a figure explaining the transfer path | route of the 1st arm shown in FIG. 17, and a 2nd arm. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control process in the sample dispensing control part shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 201, 301 Analyzer 2, 2a, 202 Measuring mechanism 3, 3a, 203, 303 Control mechanism 11 Specimen transfer unit 11a Specimen container 11b Specimen rack 121, 221 First specimen dispensing mechanism 121a, 221a First arm 121b First cleaning tank 121c, 221c First shaft column 121d, 122d Lifting motor 121e, 121f, 121i, 121j, 122e, 122f, 122i, 122j Pulley 121g, 122g Lifting belt 121h, 122h Moving plate 121k, 122k Rotation Belt 121l, 122l Rotating motor 121m First tube 121n First nozzle 121p First lifting mechanism 121q First rotating mechanism 122, 222 Second sample dispensing mechanism 122a, 222a Second arm 122b Second washing tank 122c, 22 2c 2nd axial pillar 122m 2nd tube 122n 2nd nozzle 122p 2nd raising / lowering mechanism 122q 2nd rotation mechanism 17a Arm 13 Reaction table 14 Reagent storage 15 Reagent container 16 Reading part 17 Reagent dispensing mechanism 18 Stirring part 19 Photometry Section 20 Washing section 21 Reaction vessel 31, 31a, 231, 331 Control section 32, 32a, 232, 332 Sample dispensing control section 33 Input section 34 Analysis section 35 Storage section 36 Output section

Claims (15)

In an analyzer for dispensing a sample to be analyzed in a reaction vessel and analyzing the sample,
A plurality of dispensing mechanisms for aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container by a predetermined amount and discharging the aspirated specimen into the reaction container;
A plurality of transfer mechanisms provided for each of the dispensing mechanisms, each of which transports each dispensing mechanism to a sample aspirating position or a sample discharging position;
A control mechanism for independently controlling the dispensing process in each dispensing mechanism and independently controlling the transfer process of each transfer mechanism;
An analyzer characterized by comprising: The dispensing mechanism is
A first dispensing mechanism having a first nozzle that performs dispensing processing at a predetermined dispensing timing;
A second dispensing mechanism having a second nozzle that performs dispensing processing at a timing independent of the dispensing processing timing in the first nozzle;
With
The transfer mechanism is
A first transfer mechanism for transferring the first nozzle according to a first path passing through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position;
A second transfer mechanism that is at least partially different from the first path, and that transfers the second nozzle according to a second path that passes through the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position;
The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: A first cleaning mechanism that is provided in a region other than the overlapping region where the first route and the second route overlap in the first route, and that cleans the first nozzle after sample dispensing; ,
A second cleaning mechanism that is provided in a region other than the overlapping region in the second path and that cleans the second nozzle after sample dispensing at a timing independent of the cleaning timing of the first cleaning mechanism; ,
With
The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the control mechanism independently controls a cleaning process in the first cleaning mechanism and the second cleaning mechanism. The control mechanism transfers the first nozzle to an area other than the overlap area while the second transfer mechanism transfers the second nozzle on the overlap area with respect to the first transfer mechanism. Let
The control mechanism transfers the second nozzle to an area other than the overlap area while the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle on the overlap area with respect to the second transfer mechanism. The analyzer according to claim 3, wherein: The first path has a first standby area where the first nozzle can wait in an area other than the overlapping area,
The second path has a second standby area where the second nozzle can wait in an area other than the overlapping area,
The control mechanism transfers the first nozzle to the first standby area while the second transfer mechanism transfers the second nozzle over the overlapping area with respect to the first transfer mechanism. Let
The control mechanism transfers the second nozzle to the second standby area while the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle over the overlapping area with respect to the second transfer mechanism. The analyzer according to claim 4, wherein: The control mechanism transfers the first nozzle to the first cleaning mechanism while the second transfer mechanism transfers the second nozzle over the overlapping region with respect to the first transfer mechanism. Let
The control mechanism transfers the second nozzle to the second cleaning mechanism while the first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle over the overlapping area with respect to the second transfer mechanism. The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein The first transfer mechanism includes a first arm that is provided with the first nozzle at one end and rotates around a vertical line passing through the other end as a central axis and moves up and down in the vertical direction.
The second transfer mechanism includes a second arm that is provided with the second nozzle at one end and rotates around a vertical line passing through the other end as a central axis and moves up and down in the vertical direction.
7. The control mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the control mechanism independently controls rotation processing and lifting processing in the first arm and rotation processing and lifting processing in the second arm. The analyzer according to one.   The first arm and the second arm rotate on the same central axis and have the same arm length, and the first arm and the second arm have the same arm length, and the first arm and the second arm have the same circumference passing through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle can be transferred. The first arm transfers the first nozzle onto a first arc passing through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position,
The second arm moves the second nozzle onto a second arc which is an arc different from the first arc and passes through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The analyzer according to claim 8. The first arm includes an arc connecting the sample suction position and the sample discharge position, and transfers the first nozzle onto a first arc extended from one end of the arc;
The second arm includes an arc connecting the sample aspirating position and the sample ejection position, and the second nozzle is transferred onto a second arc extending from the other end of the arc. The analyzer according to claim 8. The first arm and the second arm have different rotation center axes,
The first arm transfers the first nozzle onto a first circumference passing through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position;
The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the second arm transfers the second nozzle onto a second circumference passing through the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The first arm transfers the first nozzle onto a first arc on the first circumference and on a circumference outside the circle formed by the second circumference;
The second arm moves the second nozzle onto a second arc on the second circumference and on a circumference outside the circle formed by the first circumference. The analyzer according to claim 11. The second arm can move up and down to a position at least as high as the height of the second nozzle from the upper end of the first arm,
When the first arm and the second arm cross each other, the control mechanism raises and lowers the second arm to a position higher than the upper end of the first arm by at least the height of the second nozzle. The analyzer according to claim 11, wherein the analyzer is rotated. A plurality of the specimen discharge positions are provided,
The first transfer mechanism transfers the first nozzle to one of the specimen discharge positions,
The said 2nd transfer mechanism transfers the said 2nd nozzle to the said sample discharge position different from the said sample discharge position in which the said 1st nozzle is located, The one of Claims 2-13 characterized by the above-mentioned. The analyzer described in 1.   The analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein an opening diameter of the second nozzle is larger than an opening diameter of the first nozzle.

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