JP2010133784A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of replenishing a detergent without interrupting measurement operation. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes detergent storage sections 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, 50-6 that have a supply port 51 and a suction port 52 provided in a casing 1 and store a detergent for a sample probe 26, a first reagent probe 36, and a second reagent probe 46. The supply port 51 is provided outside the operation range of dispensation mechanisms, thus allowing an operator who has confirmed information on shortage of the detergent to replenish the detergent without stopping measurement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for cleaning a probe with a detergent.

  The automatic analyzer cleans the sample or reagent attached to the sample probe or reagent probe using water or a dedicated detergent in order to improve the reliability of the measurement result (for example, see Patent Document 1). The probe is washed by inhaling and discharging a certain amount of detergent with the probe. Usually, these detergents are installed in a sample disk, a reagent storage, or a dedicated detergent storage installed outside these.

If there is insufficient or no detergent during measurement of the measurement item, cleaning cannot be performed, and measurement cannot be continued. Therefore, it is necessary to interrupt the measurement and replace the detergent bottle. However, if the measurement operation is interrupted, the processing amount per unit time is reduced, and the measurement result report is delayed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-62303

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can be replenished with a detergent without interrupting the measurement operation.

  An automatic analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a dispensing mechanism that dispenses a reagent and a sample with a probe, a housing in which the dispensing mechanism is provided, a supply port and a suction port provided in the housing. And a reservoir for storing a liquid for cleaning the probe.

  According to the present invention, the detergent can be replenished without interrupting the measurement operation.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 1 of the automatic analyzer is provided with a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes a reaction disk 10, a sample disk 20, a first reagent container 30, and a second reagent container 40. The reaction disk 10 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 12 arranged on a circumference. The reaction disk 10 is repeatedly rotated and stopped in a certain cycle. The sample disk 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 10. The sample disk 20 holds a plurality of sample containers 22 in which samples are stored. The sample disk 22 rotates so that the specific reaction tube 12 is positioned at a predetermined sample suction position 22A (a sample container 22 indicated by hatching in FIG. 1). The first reagent storage 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 10. The first reagent storage 30 holds a plurality of first reagent containers 32 in which a first reagent that selectively reacts with each measurement item of a sample is accommodated. The first reagent storage 30 rotates so that the specific first reagent container 32 is positioned at a predetermined first reagent suction position 32B (the first reagent container 32 indicated by the oblique lines in FIG. 1). The second reagent store 40 is disposed inside the reaction disk 10. The second reagent store 40 holds a plurality of second reagent containers 42 in which a second reagent corresponding to the first reagent is accommodated. The second reagent storage 40 rotates so that a specific second reagent container 42 is positioned at a predetermined second reagent suction position 42C (second reagent container 42 indicated by hatching in FIG. 1).

  Further, the housing 1 includes a sample arm 24 between the reaction disk 10 and the sample disk 20 as one of dispensing mechanisms. A sample probe 26 is attached to the tip of the sample arm 24. The sample arm 24 holds the sample probe 26 so as to be movable up and down. The sample arm 24 holds the sample probe 26 so as to be rotatable on a rotation locus 28 with the support column as a central axis. During measurement of the measurement item, the sample arm 24 moves the sample probe 26 to the sample suction position 22 </ b> A on the sample disk 20. Then, the sample arm 24 causes the sample probe 26 to suck a predetermined amount of the sample in the sample container 22 disposed at the sample suction position 22A. The sample arm 24 raises the sample probe when the sample probe 26 finishes inhaling the sample. When the sample probe 26 finishes ascending, the sample arm 24 rotates the sample probe 26 and the sample discharge position 12A of the reaction disk 10 (reaction tube 12 indicated by oblique lines arranged on the rotation locus 28 in FIG. 1). Move to. Thereafter, the sample arm 24 causes the sample probe 26 to discharge a sample sucked into the reaction tube 12 disposed at the sample discharge position 12A by a predetermined amount.

  Further, the housing 1 includes a first reagent arm 34 between the reaction disk 10 and the first reagent storage 30 as one of dispensing mechanisms. A first reagent probe 36 is attached to the tip of the first reagent arm 34. The first reagent arm 34 holds the first reagent probe 36 so as to be movable up and down. Further, the first reagent arm 34 holds the first reagent probe 36 so as to be rotatable on a rotation locus 38 with the support column as a central axis. During the measurement, the first reagent arm 34 moves the first reagent probe 36 to the first reagent suction position 32 </ b> B on the first reagent storage 30. The first reagent arm 34 causes the first reagent probe 36 to inhale a predetermined amount of the first reagent in the first reagent container 32 disposed at the first reagent inhalation position 32B. The first reagent arm 34 raises the first reagent probe 36 when the first reagent probe 36 finishes inhaling the first reagent. When the first reagent probe 36 finishes moving up, the first reagent arm 34 rotates the first reagent probe, and the first reagent discharge position 12B (represented by the oblique lines arranged on the rotation locus 38 in FIG. Move to indicated reaction tube 12). Thereafter, the first reagent arm 34 causes the first reagent probe 36 to discharge a predetermined amount of the first reagent sucked into the reaction tube 12 disposed at the first reagent discharge position 12B.

  Further, the housing 1 includes a second reagent arm 44 in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction disk 10 as one of dispensing mechanisms. A second reagent probe 46 is attached to the tip of the second reagent arm 44. The second reagent arm 44 holds the second reagent probe 46 so as to be movable up and down. Further, the second reagent arm 44 holds the second reagent probe 46 so as to be rotatable on a rotation locus 48 with the support column as a central axis. During the measurement of the measurement item, the second reagent arm 44 moves the second reagent probe 46 to the second reagent suction position 42C on the second reagent storage 40. Then, the second reagent arm 44 causes the second reagent probe 46 to inhale a predetermined amount of the second reagent in the second reagent container 42 arranged at the second reagent inhalation position 42C. The second reagent arm 44 raises the second reagent probe 46 when the second reagent probe finishes inhaling the second reagent. When the second reagent probe finishes rising, the second reagent arm 44 rotates the second reagent probe to indicate the second reagent discharge position 12C of the reaction disk 10 (indicated by the oblique lines arranged on the rotation locus 48 in FIG. 1). Moved to the reaction tube 12). Thereafter, the second reagent arm 44 causes the second reagent probe 46 to discharge a predetermined amount of the second reagent sucked into the reaction tube 12 arranged at the second reagent discharge position 12C.

  The sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent dispensed to the reaction tube 12 are stirred and chemically reacted by a stirring arm (not shown). The mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction tube 12 is measured by a photometric unit (not shown), and the measurement items of the sample are analyzed based on the photometric result.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 1 includes a detergent storage unit 50 that stores a detergent. The detergent storage unit 50 includes a first detergent storage unit 50-1 that stores an acidic detergent for the sample probe 26, a second detergent storage unit 50-2 that stores an alkaline detergent for the sample probe 26, and a first reagent probe 36. A third detergent storage unit 50-3 for storing the acidic detergent, a fourth detergent storage unit 50-4 for storing an alkaline detergent for the first reagent probe 36, and a fifth detergent for storing the acidic detergent for the second reagent probe 46. A detergent storage unit 50-5 and a sixth detergent storage unit 50-6 for storing an alkaline detergent for the second reagent probe 46 are provided.

  Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the detergent storage unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of each of the detergent storage units 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, and 50-6. The detergent storage units 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, and 50-6 have substantially the same structure. Parts 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, and 50-6 are not distinguished.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detergent storage unit 50 includes a supply port 51 and a suction port 52 provided on the upper surface of the housing 1. More specifically, the supply port 51 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 1 so that the operator can easily replenish the detergent. The front surface means a surface in contact with a space in which an operator works among the four side surfaces of the housing 1. A supply-side tank 53 provided inside the housing 1 is connected to the supply port 51. One end of a detergent path 54 that is a flow path for detergent is connected to the lower part of the supply side tank 53. The detergent path 54 connects the supply side tank 53 and the suction side tank 55. The suction side tank 55 is provided inside the housing 1 and connected to the suction port 52. The supply port 51 has a funnel shape so that an operator can easily pour the detergent. More specifically, the supply port 51 is formed so that the opening area thereof is reduced from the outside of the housing 1 toward the supply side tank 53. The detergent poured into the supply side tank 53 flows to the suction side tank 55 via the detergent path 54 and is stored. The detergent stored in the suction side tank 55 is sucked by the sample probe 26, the first reagent probe 36, or the second reagent probe 46.

  The supply-side tank 53 is provided with a float 56 that moves up and down according to an increase or decrease in the amount of detergent in the tank. The float 56 has a floating portion 561 that floats on the detergent, and an exposed portion 562 that is connected to the floating portion 561 and exposed to the outside of the housing 1. In the exposed portion 562, a memory indicating the height of the detergent liquid surface is written. The operator can replenish an appropriate amount of detergent by injecting the detergent into the supply side tank 53 while observing the memory written in the exposed part, the height of the exposed part 562, and the like.

  Further, a sensor 57 for detecting the level of the detergent is provided on the inner wall of the supply side tank 53. The sensor 57 is provided at the upper limit position of the liquid level of the supplied detergent. When the sensor 57 touches the detergent, the sensor 57 electrically detects the detergent and generates an electric signal. As will be described later, when the sensor 57 detects the liquid level, information indicating that the detergent is full is notified to the operator via the console unit 2. Although the sensor 57 is provided on the inner wall of the supply side tank 53, it may be provided on the inner wall of the suction side tank 55.

  The acidic detergent suction port 52-1 and the alkaline detergent suction port 52-2 of the sample probe 26 are provided between the sample disk 20 and the reaction tube disk 10 on the rotation locus 28 of the sample probe 26. ing. The acidic detergent suction port 52-3 and the alkaline detergent suction port 52-4 of the first reagent probe 36 are located between the first reagent storage 30 and the reaction tube disk 10, and the rotation of the first reagent probe 36 is performed. It is provided on the locus 38. The acidic detergent suction port 52-5 and the alkaline detergent suction port 528 of the second reagent probe 46 are provided in the vicinity of the reaction disk 10 and on the rotation locus 48 of the second reagent probe 46. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent path 54 may be inclined so as to descend from the supply side tank 53 to the suction side tank 55. Further, when the reaction disk 10, the sample disk 20, the first reagent container 30, or the second reagent container 40 is between the supply port 51 and the suction port 52, the lower part of these mechanisms 10, 20, 30, or 40 is provided. A detergent path 54 may be provided to pass. The detergent path 54 may be provided not only linearly between the supply port 51 and the suction port 52 but also non-linearly.

  As described above, the detergent storage unit 50 includes the supply port 51 and the suction port 52, so that the operator can replenish the detergent without stopping the apparatus even during measurement of the measurement item.

  The operation of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the automatic analyzer. As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic analyzer includes a console unit 2, a control unit 3, a drive unit 4, a dispensing mechanism (reaction disk 10, sample disk 20, sample arm 24, sample probe 26, first reagent storage 30, The first reagent arm 34, the first reagent probe 36, the second reagent storage 40, the second reagent arm 44, and the second reagent probe 46), the probe liquid level detection unit 5, and the tank liquid level detection unit (described above) Sensor) 57.

  The console unit 2 is a console that accepts various instructions and information input from an operator. The console unit 2 includes input devices such as cursor keys, buttons, a touch panel, and a keyboard, and output devices such as a monitor and a speaker.

  When a measurement start instruction is input by the operator via the console unit 2, the control unit 3 supplies a control signal for the measurement operation to the drive unit 4 in order to cause the dispensing mechanism to perform a predetermined measurement operation. Upon receiving the control signal, the drive unit 4 supplies a drive signal to each mechanism of the dispensing mechanism to perform a predetermined operation. As described above, during the measurement, the driving unit 4 operates the sample arm 24 to cause the sample probe 26 to dispense the sample into the reaction tube 12. Further, as described above, the drive unit 4 operates the first reagent arm 34 to cause the first reagent probe 36 to dispense the first reagent into the reaction tube 12. Further, as described above, the drive unit 4 operates the second reagent arm 44 to cause the second reagent probe 46 to dispense the second reagent into the reaction tube 12.

  During the measurement, the control unit 3 supplies a control signal for the cleaning operation of each probe 26, 36, 46 to the drive unit 4 after a predetermined solution is dispensed. The drive unit 4 that has received a control signal for cleaning supplies a drive signal to each of the arms 24, 34, 44 to clean the probes 26, 36, 46. The cleaning operation of the sample probe 26 is started after dispensing a predetermined sample. The cleaning operation of the first reagent probe 36 is started after dispensing a predetermined first reagent having a risk of carryover or the like. The cleaning operation of the second reagent probe 46 is started after dispensing a predetermined second reagent having a risk of carryover or the like.

  The cleaning operation of each probe 26, 36, 46 is the same. Further, the cleaning operation when the probes 26, 36, and 46 are cleaned with an acidic detergent and the cleaning operation when they are cleaned with an alkaline detergent are the same. Hereinafter, the cleaning operation of each of the probes 26, 36, and 46 will be described by taking a cleaning operation when the sample probe 26 is cleaned with an acidic detergent as an example.

  First, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to move the sample arm 24 and the sample probe 26 to the upper part of the suction port 52-1 of the first detergent storage unit 50-1 for acidic detergent. When the sample probe 26 is moved to the upper part of the suction port 52-1, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to lower the sample probe 26 into the suction side tank 55-1 from the lowering start point. At this time, the control unit 3 supplies a descent start signal indicating that descent has started to the detergent shortage determination unit 6.

  The sample probe 26 is lowered until its tip comes into contact with the liquid level. Information on the amount of descending of the tip of the sample probe 26 from the descending start position to the liquid level is supplied to the detergent shortage determining unit 6 by the controller 3. When the tip of the sample probe 26 comes into contact with the liquid level, the control unit 3 controls the driving unit 4 to lower the sample arm 24 further into the acidic detergent by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount is set in advance and is determined according to the amount of detergent to be inhaled. When the sample probe 26 is lowered by a predetermined amount, the control unit 3 controls the driving unit 4 to cause the sample probe 26 to suck the acid detergent by a predetermined amount. When the sample probe 26 finishes inhaling the acid detergent, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to raise the sample probe 26 to the sample arm 24 to the lowering start point.

  When the sample probe 26 has been raised to the lowering start point, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to cause the sample arm 24 to move the sample probe 26 to a detergent discharge position (not shown). This detergent discharge position is provided on the rotation locus 28 of the sample probe 26. When the sample probe 26 is moved to the detergent discharge position, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to cause the sample probe 26 to discharge the acidic detergent. A mechanism for washing the sample probe 26 with water is provided at the detergent discharge position. The sample probe 26 that has ejected the detergent is washed with water at the detergent ejection position. When the sample probe 26 is washed with water, the control unit 3 controls the driving unit 4 to cause the sample arm 24 and the sample probe 26 to perform a sample dispensing operation.

  The inhaled acidic detergent may be discharged to the reaction tube 12 on the sample discharge position 12A instead of the water cleaning mechanism. When the control unit 3 sucks the acidic detergent and raises the sample probe 26 to the lowering start point, the control unit 3 controls the driving unit 4 to move the sample probe 24 to the sample discharge position 12A. When the sample probe 26 is moved to the sample discharge position 12A, the control unit 3 controls the drive unit 4 to cause the sample probe 26 to discharge the acidic detergent into the reaction tube 12. When the acidic detergent is discharged, the control unit 3 controls the driving unit 4 to cause the sample arm 24 and the sample probe 26 to perform a sample dispensing operation.

  The probe liquid level detection unit 5 electrically detects that the sample probe 26 has come into contact with the liquid level of the detergent using a known technique. The probe liquid level detection unit 5 supplies the liquid level detection signal to the detergent shortage determination unit 6.

  The detergent shortage determination unit 6 determines whether or not the detergent in each of the detergent storage units 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, and 50-6 is insufficient. Specifically, the detergent deficiency determination unit 6 determines the detergent storage unit based on the descending amount of the probes 26, 36, and 46 from the time when the lowering start signal is supplied to the time when the liquid level detection signal is supplied. The height of the detergent liquid surface in 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, 50-6 is calculated. And the detergent shortage determination part 6 determines whether the calculated liquid level height is below a predetermined value. When it is determined that the detergent is insufficient, that is, the detergent shortage determination unit 6 supplies information indicating that the detergent is insufficient to the control unit 3. This detergent deficiency information includes identification information of a detergent storage unit that is deficient in detergent. When it is determined that the detergent is not insufficient, that is, the detergent shortage determination unit 6 supplies information indicating that the detergent is not insufficient to the control unit 3.

  When the detergent shortage information is supplied from the detergent shortage determination unit 6, the control unit 3 supplies the console unit 2 with the detergent shortage information. The console unit 2 that has received the supply of the lack of detergent information notifies the operator of information derived from the liquid level detected by the probe liquid level detection unit 5, that is, information indicating that the detergent is insufficient. . For example, the console unit 2 displays a message such as “Insufficient acid detergent for sample probe” on the monitor, or generates a sound through a speaker.

  The operator who has confirmed the information indicating that the detergent is insufficient injects the necessary detergent into the supply side tank 53 from the supply port 51. As described above, the supply port 51 is provided outside the operating range of the dispensing mechanism. Therefore, the operator can replenish the detergent without stopping the measurement.

  When the detergent is replenished, the sensor (in-tank liquid level detection unit) 57 supplies a liquid level detection signal to the control unit 3 when detecting the liquid level of the detergent. Receiving the supply of the liquid level detection signal from the sensor 57, the control unit 3 supplies detergent full information to the console unit 2. This detergent full information includes the identification information of the detergent reservoir where the detergent is fully replenished. Upon receiving the supply of the detergent full information, the console unit 2 notifies the operator of information derived from the liquid level detected by the sensor 57, that is, information indicating that the detergent is full. For example, the console unit 2 displays a message such as “The acid detergent for the sample probe is full” on the monitor or generates a sound through a speaker. When the console unit 2 notifies the detergent full information, the operator can replenish the detergent storage unit 50 with an appropriate amount of detergent even when it is difficult to visually recognize the inside of the supply side tank 53.

  Note that the sensor 57 may not be provided. In this case, the operator can replenish an appropriate amount of detergent by observing the float 66 that rises as the amount of detergent increases. More specifically, the detergent capacity can be confirmed by observing the memory written in the exposed portion 562 of the float 66 or observing the height of the exposed portion 562.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can be replenished with detergent without interrupting the measurement operation.

  The detergent storage unit 50 stores an acidic detergent or an alkaline detergent. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detergent storage unit 50 can store any liquid for cleaning the probe, such as a detergent such as a neutral detergent or water.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The top view which looked at the automatic analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention from the upper part. Sectional drawing of the detergent storage part of FIG. The other sectional view of the detergent storage part of FIG. The functional block diagram of the automatic analyzer of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Housing, 10 ... Reaction disk, 12 ... Reaction tube, 12A ... Sample discharge position, 12B ... First reagent discharge position, 12C ... Second reagent discharge position, 20 ... Sample disk, 22 ... Sample container, 22A ... Sample Inhalation position, 24 ... sample arm, 26 ... sample probe, 28 ... rotation locus of sample probe, 30 ... first reagent storage, 32 ... first reagent container, 32B ... first reagent inhalation position, 34 ... first reagent arm, 36: First reagent probe, 38: Rotating locus of the first reagent probe, 40: Second reagent storage, 42: Second reagent container, 42C: Second reagent suction position, 44: Second reagent arm, 46: Second Reagent probe, 48 ... rotation locus of second reagent probe, 50 ... detergent storage, 51 ... supply port, 52 ... suction port, 53 ... supply side tank, 54 ... detergent path, 55 ... suction side tank, 56 ... Funnel, 561 ... float portion, 562 ... exposed portion, 57 ... sensor.

Claims (5)

A dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent and a sample by a probe;
A housing provided with the dispensing mechanism;
A storage unit having a supply port and a suction port provided in the housing, and storing a liquid for cleaning the probe;
An automatic analyzer comprising: The storage unit is
The supply port provided on the surface of the housing;
The inlet provided on the surface of the housing;
A supply-side tank connected to the supply port and storing the liquid supplied from the supply port;
A suction side tank connected to the suction port and storing the liquid sucked by the probe;
A flow path for the liquid connecting between the supply side tank and the suction side tank;
An automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the supply port is provided on a front side of the housing.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detergent storage unit includes a float that moves up and down according to an increase or decrease in the amount of the stored liquid. A detection unit that electrically detects the liquid level of the liquid in the detergent storage unit;
An informing unit for informing information derived from the detected liquid level height;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

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