JP2010216889A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoanalyzer capable of being rapidly returned to a state before stoppage after the reopening of analysis even if the opening of a cover is detected to stop the autoanalyzer. <P>SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer 100 has an arm 6, which is repeatedly moved to the washing position and suction position of a probe and the discharge position of a sample to be inspected or reagent in this order and dispenses the sample to be inspected or reagent in a reaction tube, on a stage 110. The autoanalyzer 100 has the cover which covers the stage 110 and a sensor 113b detecting the opening and closing of the cover and moves the arm to the washing position when the opening of the cover is detected by the sensor 113b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for dispensing a test sample and a reagent, stirring them, and measuring a mixed solution.

  The automatic analyzer is a device that dispenses a test sample and a reagent and measures a mixed solution. After dispensing a test sample such as blood or urine and a reagent into a reaction tube and reacting them, the concentration or activity of the test substance or enzyme in the sample is measured by optically measuring the color change caused by the reaction. Measure.

  In this automatic analyzer, the upper surface of the housing is set to a stage, and on the stage, a sample container containing a test sample, a reagent container containing a reagent, a reaction tube into which the test sample and the reagent are dispensed, a sample A transport path for transporting containers, a transport path for transporting reagent containers, a transport path for transporting reaction tubes, an arm that rotates to suck a test sample from the sample container and discharge it to the reaction tube, and a reagent from the reagent container Then, an arm that rotates to discharge the reaction tube, a stirring unit that stirs the inside of the reaction tube, a photometric unit that measures the liquid mixture, a probe supported by each arm and each cleaning unit that cleans the reaction tube are arranged, Each is driving.

  Therefore, in order to protect these drive units, to maintain the temperature of the sample and reagent, and for safety to the operator, a cover that covers the stage is attached to the automatic analyzer so that it can be opened and closed.

  In such an automatic analyzer, when exchanging a test sample or a reagent, the cover is opened to open the stage, and the operator reaches out on the stage to exchange the sample container or the reagent container. For this reason, the operator's hand and arm interfere with each other, which may cause damage to the automatic analyzer or harm the operator.

  Therefore, conventionally, a sensor for detecting the opening of the cover is attached, and when the cover is opened, the measurement operation of the apparatus is stopped (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”). Specifically, the rotation of the transport path of the sample container, the transport path of the reagent container, the transport path of the reaction tube, and each arm is stopped. By eliminating the moving member, at least safety for the operator can be secured, and damage to the automatic analyzer can be prevented.

  However, in such an automatic analyzer, if the arm or the like is stopped immediately, the sample or reagent may remain attached to the probe supported by the arm. There was a delay in returning to the state before stopping.

Japanese Patent No. 3808895

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to promptly return to the state before the stop after resuming the analysis even if the opening of the cover is detected and the apparatus is stopped. An automatic analyzer that can be restored is provided.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an aspect of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is to measure a mixed solution by dispensing a test sample and a reagent into a reaction tube on a stage, and output the measurement result to a display means. An automatic analyzer having a probe, and on the stage, the cleaning position of the probe, the suction position of the test sample or the reagent, and the discharge position of the test sample or the reagent in this order By performing dispensing driving that repeats movement, an arm that dispenses the test sample or the reagent into the reaction tube, a cover that covers at least a part of the stage, and that can be opened and closed, and that the cover is opened and closed A sensor for detecting and controlling the dispensing drive of the arm, and when the opening of the cover is detected by the sensor, the control means for stopping the dispensing drive of the arm and moving the arm to the cleaning position; It is provided, characterized by.

  When the opening of the cover is detected by the sensor, the control means may move the arm to the cleaning position at a lower speed than the movement by the dispensing control.

  At least two or more of the arms are arranged, and a part of the arms is arranged in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the cover. When the opening of the cover is detected, the control means detects the part of the arms. The dispensing drive may be stopped and moved to the cleaning position, and the dispensing drive control of other arms may be continued.

  The cover is a plurality of lid parts that can be opened and closed to cover at least a part of the stage, the sensor detects the opening and closing of each lid part, and the arm is provided with at least two or more, The control means associates each of the lids with each of the arms disposed in the vicinity of the position covered by the lid, and detects the opening of any one of the lids. The dispensing drive of the arm corresponding to the lid portion thus made may be stopped and moved to the cleaning position.

  When the sensor detects the opening of the cover, it may further comprise a notifying means for notifying the opening of the cover.

  The notification means may be a speaker that outputs a buzzer.

  The display means may not output the measurement result for the test sample that was in the middle of the dispensing when the sensor detects the opening of the cover.

  When the sensor detects the closing of the cover, the control means may resume the control of the dispensing drive for the arm that has been moved to the cleaning position.

  The control means creates schedule data in which order contents for the test sample are recorded in order of conveyance, specifies order contents to be referred to from the schedule data, and controls the dispensing drive according to the order contents. Drive control means, and when the opening of the cover is detected, the creation means deletes the specified order content or less from the schedule data and newly detects that the cover is closed. The schedule data is re-created by re-recording the order content for the test sample that has been transported to the deleted portion, and the drive control means is re-created when the closing of the cover is detected. The dispensing drive may be controlled according to the schedule data.

  According to the present invention, since the arm is retracted to the cleaning position even when the operator who opens the cover reaches the stage, the risk of harming the operator can be reduced. Further, since the arm is moved to the cleaning position, when the automatic analyzer is resumed, the arm can be immediately moved to the suction and discharge processes, and can be quickly returned to the analysis process.

The structure on the stage of an automatic analyzer is shown. The appearance of the automatic analyzer is shown from the front. The external appearance of the automatic analyzer is shown from the side. The sensor which detects opening and closing of a cover is shown. The structure of the control part of an automatic analyzer is shown. Indicates schedule data. Indicates order information. Indicates status data. It is a timing chart which shows retraction to the washing position of an arm when moving to a suction position. It is a timing chart which shows retraction | saving to the washing | cleaning position of an arm when descend | falling to a test sample. It is a timing chart which shows retraction | saving to the washing | cleaning position of an arm when sucking the test sample. It is a timing chart which shows retreat to the washing position of an arm when raising from a test sample. It is a timing chart which shows saving to the washing position of an arm when moving to a discharge position. It is a timing chart which shows retraction to the washing position of an arm when descending to a reaction tube. It is a timing chart which shows retraction | saving to the washing | cleaning position of an arm when discharging the test sample. It is a timing chart which shows evacuation to the washing position of an arm when raising from a reaction tube. It is a schematic diagram which shows preparation of schedule data. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic analyzer when opening of the cover which concerns on a 1st cover part is detected. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an automatic analyzer when the closing of the cover which concerns on a 1st cover part is detected. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic analyzer when opening of the cover which concerns on a 2nd cover part is detected. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic analyzer when the closing of the cover which concerns on a 2nd cover part is detected.

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

  An automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for analyzing chemical components contained in a test sample by dispensing a test sample and a reagent and analyzing the reaction of the mixed solution. After transferring a test sample such as blood and urine and a reagent to the reaction tube 31 and reacting them, the concentration and activity of the component to be measured or the enzyme in the sample are measured by optically measuring the color change caused by the reaction. taking measurement.

  This automatic analyzer 100 has a stage 110 on the upper surface of a housing, and on this stage 110, the reaction disk 3, the disk sampler 4, the sample dispensing arm 5, the reagent storage 1, the first reagent dispensing arm 6, the first A two-agent dispensing arm 7, a stirring unit 8, a photometric unit 9, and a washing unit 10 are arranged.

  The reaction disk 3 is a circumferential conveyance path that conveys the reaction tube 31 and is disposed near the center of the stage 110. The reaction disk 3 rotates the reaction tube 31 in a line in the circumferential direction by a predetermined angle every cycle. The predetermined angle is, for example, one turn-1 cell. That is, the reaction disk 3 moves the reaction tube 31 by one cell as a result of rotation for each cycle.

  The disk sampler 4 is a transport path for transporting the sample container 41 containing the test sample, and is disposed along the front side of the stage 110 to reach the vicinity of the reaction disk 3. The disk sampler 4 arranges the sample containers 41 in a row and moves the sample container 41 by one for each cycle.

  A reader 42 such as a CCD for reading a barcode is installed in the middle of the conveyance path of the disk sampler 4. A bar code is attached to the sample container 41 as information indicating the test sample accommodated in the sample container 41. The reader 42 reads information indicating the test sample from the barcode attached to the sample container 41 that has passed therethrough. The information indicating the test sample is, for example, the ID of the patient who is the provider of the test sample.

  The sample dispensing arm 5 sucks the test sample from the sample container 41 on the disk sampler 4 and discharges it to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3. The sample dispensing arm 5 is a moving member standing between the reaction disk 3 and the disk sampler 4, and is arranged near the front of the stage 110. That is, if the hand is pushed onto the stage 110 from the front, the sample dispensing arm 5 and the hand are likely to interfere with each other.

  The sample dispensing arm 5 has an inverted L shape having a support column and a holding portion extending in the horizontal direction from the upper portion of the support column, and a probe (not shown) hangs downward and is supported at the end of the holding portion. The column of the sample dispensing arm 5 is held so as to be rotatable about the axis, has a double cylinder structure, and can be expanded and contracted, and rotates around the column following the drive of the driving device 12a (see FIG. 5). It rotates in the movable region and expands and contracts following the driving of the driving device 12a.

  Both ends of the rotation movable region of the sample dispensing arm 5 are located at one place on the disk sampler 4 and one place on the reaction disk 3, respectively. One place on the disk sampler 4 is set as the suction position 5a of the test sample, and the sample dispensing arm 5 is driven by the drive device 12a to position the probe on the sample container 41 located at the suction position 5a. The probe is lowered and the probe is inserted into the sample container 41. Further, one place on the reaction disk 3 is set as a discharge position 5b of the test sample, and the sample dispensing arm 5 moves the probe on the reaction tube 31 located at the discharge position 5b by being driven by the driving device 12a. Then, the probe is inserted into the reaction tube 31.

  A cleaning unit 10 is disposed in the middle of the rotationally movable region. The sample dispensing arm 5 is driven by the drive device 12a to position the probe at the cleaning position 5c of the cleaning unit 10 and cleans the probe to which the test sample is attached.

  The probe is a so-called straw, which sucks a test sample from the sample container 41 by a negative pressure applied from a pump (not shown) and discharges the test sample to the reaction tube 31 by a positive pressure.

  The reagent storage 1 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged on the left side as viewed from the front of the stage 110. In the reagent storage 1, a reagent rack 1b (see FIG. 5) is accommodated so as to be rotatable. The reagent rack 1b stores a reagent container 1a containing a first reagent and a reagent container 1a containing a second reagent. The reagent containers 1 a containing the first reagent are arranged along the circumferential direction on the outermost part of the reagent container 1. The reagent containers 1a containing the second reagent are arranged along the circumferential direction in the inner peripheral part rather than the arrangement of the reagent containers 1a containing the first reagent. The reagent storage 1 is a thermostatic chamber that adjusts the temperatures of the first reagent and the second reagent, and the upper surface is covered with a lid that opens by sliding.

  A reader (not shown) is disposed on the inner wall of the reagent storage 1, and reagent information indicated by a barcode or the like is attached to the reagent containers 1 a of the first reagent and the second reagent so as to face the reader. Has been. By rotating the reagent rack 1b once and reading the barcode with a reader, the type of reagent in the reagent container 1a and the placement position of the reagent container 1a are specified.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 6 sucks the first reagent from the sample container 41 arranged in the outermost part in the reagent storage 1 and discharges it to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3. The second reagent dispensing arm 7 sucks the second reagent from the sample container 41 arranged in the inner periphery of the reagent storage 1 and discharges it to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 also have an inverted L shape, and support the probe hanging downward. Further, the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are also driven by their respective driving devices 12b and 12c (see FIG. 5) to be rotatable and extendable.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are arranged in the vicinity of the left side surface of the stage 110 so as to stand between the reaction disk 3 and the reagent storage 1 respectively. In particular, the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is disposed in the vicinity of the opening of the lid that covers the reagent storage 1. In other words, when the hand is pushed onto the stage 110 from the left side where the reagent storage 1 is located, the hand is likely to interfere with the first reagent dispensing arm 6.

  In addition, both ends of the rotationally movable regions of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are also the suction positions 6a and 7a on the reagent storage 1 and the discharge positions 6b and 7b on the reaction disk 3, respectively. The first reagent and the second reagent are aspirated and discharged by a pump (not shown). Further, a cleaning unit 10 is disposed in the middle of the rotationally movable region, and the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are driven by the driving devices 12b and 12c to wash the cleaning unit 10. The probe is positioned at the positions 6c and 7c, and the probe to which the first reagent or the second reagent is attached is washed.

  The stirring unit 8 is located on the reaction disk 3 and mixes the test sample + first reagent or test sample + first reagent + second reagent in the reaction tube 31 stopped at the stirring position for each cycle. Stir the liquid.

  The photometric unit 9 is located on the reaction disk 3 and measures the reaction tube 31 containing the mixed solution from the photometric position. The photometric unit 9 has a light source and a light receiving unit that are arranged with the reaction tube 31 in between. For example, after measuring the absorbance of the mixed solution, the measurement result data is output.

  The washing unit 10 is disposed on the reaction disk 3 at the washing positions 5c, 6c, and 7c of the sample dispensing arm 5, the first reagent dispensing arm 6, and the second reagent dispensing arm 7, and the reaction tube 31 and each probe. Wash and dry.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic analyzer 100 has a cover that covers the stage 110 from the viewpoint of safety during operation and prevention of contamination of the sample, reagent, or mixed solution. This cover is composed of one or more lids such as a first lid 111 and a second lid 112, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first lid portion 111 is a cover that covers the entire stage 110, and is connected to the casing at the inner side of the stage 110 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge or the like. The first lid 111 has an opening / closing port on the front side of the stage 110. The first lid 111 is opened and closed when the automatic analyzer 100 is set and when the sample container 41 containing the test sample is placed and removed. The sample dispensing arm 5 located in the vicinity of the front surface of the stage 110 is located in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the first lid portion 111.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left side of the first lid portion 111 has a part of the ceiling wall and the side wall cut away, and the second lid portion 112 has a first notch in the cutout portion. The lid portion 111 is provided separately. This notch is located near the opening of the lid that covers the reagent storage 1. That is, the second lid portion 112 is mainly opened and closed when the first reagent and the second reagent are exchanged. Providing the second lid 112 eliminates the need to open the first lid 111 that covers the entire stage 110. The first reagent dispensing arm 6 located in the vicinity of the opening of the lid that covers the reagent storage 1 will be located in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the second lid 112.

  Each of the first lid portion 111 and the second lid portion 112 is provided with a sensor to detect opening and closing of the cover. The first lid portion 111 is provided with a magnetic sensor 113b that detects opening and closing of the first lid portion 111 and a magnetic body 113a paired therewith. The second lid portion 112 is provided with a magnetic sensor 113d that detects opening and closing of the second lid portion 112 and a magnetic body 113c paired therewith.

  FIG. 4 illustrates details of a sensor that detects opening and closing of the first lid 111. For example, projecting pieces are erected on the back surface of the first lid portion 111 and the opposing positions on the stage 110 when the first lid portion 111 is closed. The positions and heights of these projecting pieces are adjusted so that the tips close to each other when the first lid portion 111 is closed. A magnetic body 113a is attached to the tip of one protruding piece, and a magnetic sensor 113b for detecting magnetism is attached to the tip of the other protruding piece. The magnetic sensor 113b detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 113a when the first lid 111 is closed, and detects the disappearance of the magnetism when the first lid 111 is opened.

  The magnetic sensor 113d and the magnetic body 113c that detect the opening and closing of the second lid 112 are also close to the second lid 112 so that when the second lid 112 is closed, the magnetism is detected in close proximity. The magnetic sensor 113d detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 113c when the second lid 112 is closed, and when the second lid 112 is opened. Detect the loss of magnetism.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 11 that controls the automatic analyzer 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 11 drives each unit 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f... And its drive control unit 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f. ..., an operation unit 14, an order storage unit 15, a schedule creation unit 16, a schedule storage unit 17, a situation data creation unit 18, a situation data storage unit 19, a speaker 20, a data processing unit 21, and a monitor 22.

  The control unit 11 mainly performs drive control of each unit of the automatic analyzer 100, retract control of the mover when the cover is opened, and resumption control when the cover is closed.

  Each drive unit 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f,... Includes a motor, a gear, or a pump, an oscillator, etc., in addition to this, and drives each unit. For example, the drive devices 12d, 12e, 12f,... That drive the disk sampler 4, the reagent rack 1b, and the reaction disk 3 rotate them. The drive devices 12a, 12b, and 12c of the sample dispensing arm 5, the first reagent dispensing arm 6, and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are aspirated positions 5a, 6a, and 7a, and discharge positions 5b, 6b, and 7b, respectively. And move to the cleaning positions 5c, 6c, and 7c to lower or raise the probe and apply a negative pressure and a positive pressure to suck and discharge the test sample and reagent.

  The drive control units 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f,... Are determined in advance at timings determined in advance for each of the drive devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f,. By outputting a control signal only for time and driving forward or reverse, the driven reaction disk 3, disk sampler 4, reagent rack 1b, sample dispensing arm 5, first reagent dispensing arm 6, and first 2 Reagent dispensing arm 7 is moved to the desired position.

  The control of each unit by the drive control units 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f... Follows the schedule data 17a stored in the schedule storage unit 17. The schedule data 17a is created based on the order information 15a stored in the order storage unit 15. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the schedule data 17a. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the order information 15a.

  The schedule data 17a is data in which the order contents are arranged in the order of the test samples conveyed by the disk sampler 4. Information indicating the test sample read by the sample container 41 passing in front of the reader 42 is input to the schedule creation unit 16. The schedule creation unit 16 reads the order information 15a including information indicating the input test sample from the order storage unit 15, and schedule data including the information indicating the test sample and the measurement items included in the order information 15a as order contents. Record side by side in 17a.

  In the order information 15a, information indicating a test sample such as a patient ID as a test sample providing source and a measurement item are stored. The order information 15a is input in advance using the operation unit 14 such as a keyboard or a mouse and stores the order. Stored in the unit 15.

  The drive control unit 13d of the disk sampler 4 drives the disk sampler 4 by one container every cycle. When the sample container 41 is transported, the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 refers to the schedule data 17a and specifies the order contents arranged in the order that matches the transport order of the sample container 41. Further, the drive control unit 13a reads the measurement item from the specified order content, and specifies the dispensing amount of the test sample that matches the measurement item.

  Then, the drive control unit 13a causes the sample dispensing arm 5 to be dispensed. That is, the sample dispensing arm 5 is moved from the washing position 5c to the suction position 5a, the probe is lowered into the sample container 41, the specified dispensing amount is sucked, the probe is moved out of the sample container 41, and the discharge position. The movement to 5b, the lowering of the probe to the reaction tube 31 at the discharge position 5b, the discharge of the aspirated test sample, the rise of the probe to the outside of the reaction tube 31, and the movement to the washing position 5c are performed in this order. .

  The drive control unit 13f of the reaction disk 3 rotates the reaction disk 3 by one turn to one cell every cycle. When the reaction tube 31 into which the test sample is dispensed is transported, the drive control unit 13b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 matches the transport order of the reaction tube 31 with reference to the schedule data 17a. Identify the order contents in order. Furthermore, this drive control part 13b reads the measurement item from the specified order content, and specifies the 1st reagent and its dispensing amount which matched the measurement item.

  And this drive control part 13b carries out the dispensing drive of the 1st reagent dispensing arm 6. FIG. That is, the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is moved from the washing position 6c to the suction position 6a, the probe is lowered into the reagent container 1a, the specified dispensing amount is sucked, and the reagent container 1a is moved out of the reagent container 1a. Ascending the probe, moving to the discharge position 6b, lowering the probe to the reaction tube 31 at the discharge position 6b, discharging the aspirated test sample, raising the probe to the outside of the reaction tube 31, and moving to the washing position Let them be done in this order.

  At the same time, the drive controller 13e of the reagent rack 1b rotates the reagent rack 1b so that the reagent container 1a containing the first reagent that matches the measurement item is positioned at the suction position 7a of the first reagent dispensing arm 6. Let

  When the reaction tube 31 into which the test sample is dispensed is transported, the drive control unit 13c of the second reagent dispensing arm 7 refers to the schedule data 17a and matches the transport order of the reaction tube 31. Identify the order contents in order. Furthermore, this drive control part 13c reads a measurement item from the specified order content, and specifies the 2nd reagent and its dispensing amount which matched the measurement item.

  The drive control unit 13c causes the second reagent dispensing arm 7 to be dispensed. That is, the second reagent dispensing arm 7 is moved from the washing position 7c to the suction position 7a, the probe is lowered into the reagent container 1a of the second reagent, the specified dispensing amount is sucked, and the reagent container 1a is moved out of the reagent container 1a. Ascending probe, moving to discharge position 7b, descending probe to reaction tube 31 at discharge position 7b, discharging sucked sample, raising probe to outside reaction tube 31, and moving to cleaning position 7c In this order.

  At the same time, the drive controller 13e of the reagent rack 1b rotates the reagent rack 1b so that the reagent container 1a containing the second reagent that matches the measurement item is positioned at the suction position 7a of the second reagent dispensing arm 7. Let

  When the dispensing of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent is finished, the situation data creation unit 18 updates the situation data reflecting the completion. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing status data. The status data 18a is updated for each cycle so as to indicate the current dispensing status. In this status data, information indicating the end of the dispensing of the test sample, the dispensing of the first reagent, and the dispensing of the second reagent indicated by the order contents recorded in the schedule data 17a is recorded. For example, the information indicating the end is a flag, and a flag indicating the end of dispensing of the test sample, dispensing of the first reagent, and dispensing of the second reagent is set in the status data for each order content.

  The data processing unit 21 performs arithmetic processing on the measurement result data output from the photometry unit 9 to generate calibration curve data and analysis data, and outputs them to the monitor 22 or printer provided. The measurement result data to be output is for an order in which a flag indicating the end of all dispensing is set in the situation data creation unit 18.

  Here, a signal from the magnetic sensor 113b that detects opening / closing of the first lid 111 is input to the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 located in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the first lid 111. . In addition, the second lid 112 is opened and closed in the drive control unit 13b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 which are located in the vicinity of the opening and closing port of the second lid 112. A signal from the magnetic sensor 113d to be detected is input.

  That is, the type of lid that is opened and closed is associated with the arm whose opening and closing affects driving. The association depends on the positional relationship between the lid and the arm. The detection of the opening / closing of the second lid 112 is also input to the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 because the analysis is completed if the first reagent is not dispensed even when the sample is dispensed. This is because the downstream dispensing limit also affects the upstream dispensing.

  When a signal indicating the opening of the first lid 111 is input, the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 retracts the sample dispensing arm 5 to the cleaning position 5c. When a signal indicating the opening of the second lid 112 is input, the drive control unit 13b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 retracts the first reagent dispensing arm 6 to the cleaning position 6c. When a signal indicating the opening of the second lid 112 is input, the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 retracts the sample dispensing arm 5 to the cleaning position 5c.

  FIGS. 9A to 9H are timing charts showing the retracting of the moving element to the cleaning position. As described above, the sample dispensing arm 5 first moves to the suction position 5a with the cleaning position 5c as the origin position, then descends the probe into the sample container 41, and then sucks the specified dispensing amount. Next, the probe is lifted out of the sample container 41, then moved to the discharge position 5b, then the probe is lowered to the reaction tube 31 at the discharge position 5b, and then the aspirated sample is discharged, and the reaction The probe rises out of the tube 31, and finally returns to the washing position 5c.

  As shown in case 1, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected while the sample dispensing arm 5 is moved to the suction position 5a, the drive control unit 13a moves the sample dispensing arm 5 at a low speed. Rotate to cleaning position with.

  As shown in case 2, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected when the sample dispensing arm 5 is being lowered into the sample container 41, the drive control unit 13a 5 is extended at a low speed, the probe is pulled up, and rotated to the washing position 5c at a low speed.

  Further, as shown in case 3, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected while the sample to be tested is being sucked, the drive control unit 13a extends the sample dispensing arm 5 at a low speed. The probe is pulled up and rotated to the cleaning position 5c at a low speed.

  Further, as shown in case 4, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected while the probe is being lifted out of the sample container 41, the drive controller 13a moves the sample dispensing arm 5 at a low speed. Rotate to cleaning position 5c.

  Further, as shown in the case 5, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected while the sample dispensing arm 5 is being moved to the discharge position 5b, the drive control unit 13a causes the sample dispensing arm 5 to move. Is rotated to the washing position 5c at a low speed.

  Further, as shown in the case 6, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected when the sample dispensing arm 5 is being lowered into the reaction tube 31, the drive control unit 13a 5 is extended at a low speed, the probe is pulled up, and rotated to the washing position 5c at a low speed.

  Further, as shown in the case 7, when the opening of the first lid portion 111 is detected while the test sample is being discharged, the drive control unit 13a extends the sample dispensing arm 5 at a low speed. The probe is pulled up and rotated to the cleaning position 5c at a low speed.

  Further, as shown in case 8, when the opening of the first lid 111 is detected while the probe is being lifted out of the reaction tube 31, the drive control unit 13a moves the sample dispensing arm 5 at a low speed. Rotate to cleaning position 5c.

  The low speed is a speed lower than the rotational speed driven by the driving device 12a for dispensing. For example, when the driving device 12a is a stepping motor, the pulse repetition frequency is lowered.

  The control of the drive controller 13b is the same when the second lid 112 is opened. The drive control of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 when the second lid 112 is opened is the same.

  Furthermore, the schedule creation unit 16 deletes from the schedule data 17a all the order contents arranged in the lower order from the order contents specified when the opening signal is input. An example is shown in FIG. When the drive control unit 13a of the sample dispensing arm 5 specifies the fourth order content N4 when the signal indicating the opening of the first lid unit 111 is input, the schedule creation unit 16 subordinates to it. All the ordered contents N5, N6,... Are deleted from the schedule data 17a. In addition, when a signal indicating the opening of the second lid 112 is input, the schedule creation unit 16 receives all signals arranged in the lower order from the order contents specified by the drive control unit 13b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6. Delete the order contents.

  When the order contents are deleted, the status data creation unit 18 does not set any more flags related to the order contents. Therefore, the data processing unit 21 performs the dispensing process when the opening signal is input. Measurement result data for the test sample in the middle is not output.

  Further, when a signal indicating opening is input, the control unit 11 causes the speaker 20 to output a buzzer for notifying the opening of the first lid portion 111 or the second lid portion 112 for a certain period.

  On the other hand, even if a signal indicating the opening of the first lid 111 is input, driving other than the sample dispensing arm 5 is continued. Further, even if a signal indicating the opening of the second lid 112 is input, drive control other than the sample dispensing arm 5 and the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is continued.

  That is, the analysis process by the automatic analyzer 100 is performed in the order of dispensing of the sample to be examined, dispensing of the first reagent, dispensing of the second reagent, and the arms that perform the dispensing are washed positions 5c and 6c. , 7c, the analysis for all the test samples that have not been dispensed by the arm at that stage is terminated without being completed. However, the analysis on other test samples that have been dispensed by the arm at that stage continues to go through a more downstream process.

  When the first lid portion 111 or the second lid portion 112 is closed and a signal indicating the closing is input from the sensor, the schedule creation unit 16 recreates the schedule data 17a. The control unit 11 resumes control of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the re-created schedule data 17a.

  In the re-creation of the schedule data 17a, the order contents corresponding to the information indicating the test sample read after the restart by the reader 42 in the middle of the disk sampler 4 are sequentially recorded in the deleted portion of the schedule data 17a. As an example, as shown in FIG. 10B, after restarting, the barcode of the sample container 41 of a certain test sample a7 is read by the reader 42, and the order content N7 of the test sample a7 is the order information 15a. Is recorded, the order contents N7 are recorded next to N1, N2, and N3 which have been survived by deletion.

  After the restart, the arm that has been withdrawn is in the cleaning position 5c, 6c, or 7c, and thus the process proceeds in order from the cleaning position 5c, 6c, or 7c to the suction position 5a, 6a, or 7a.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when such opening of the cover is detected. In this description of operation, a case where the first lid 111 is opened when processing the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a will be described as an example.

  First, in the Xth cycle, the drive control unit 13a specifies the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a (S01), and the sample dispensing arm 5 is caused to suck and discharge the dispensing amount indicated by the order content. Then, drive control for dispensing is started (S02).

  When the first lid 111 is opened during the drive control for dispensing (S03), the magnetic sensor 113b detects the opening of the first lid 111 (S04), and the drive controller 13a A signal indicating opening is input to the schedule creation unit 16 (S05).

  When the signal indicating opening is input, the drive control unit 13a moves the sample dispensing arm 5 to the cleaning position 5c at a low speed (S06). At this time, the conveyance of the disk sampler 4 is also stopped. Further, the schedule creation unit 16 deletes the contents of the Xth order specified by the drive control unit 13a from the schedule data 17a (S07).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when the closing of the cover is detected. In this description of the operation, a case will be described as an example where the first lid 111 is opened when the X-th order content of the schedule data 17a is processed, and then the first lid 111 is closed.

  First, when the first lid 111 is closed (S11), the magnetic sensor 113b detects the closing of the first lid 111 (S12), and a signal indicating the closure is sent to the drive control unit 13a and the schedule creation unit 16. Input (S13).

  When a signal indicating closing is input, the drive control unit 13d of the disk sampler 4 starts driving the disk sampler 4 (S14). When the reader 42 installed in the middle of the disk sampler 4 reads the information indicating the test sample (S15), the schedule creation unit 16 stores the order information 15a of the information indicating the read test sample as the order storage unit. 15 (S16), the order contents of the read order information 15a are recorded in the Xth of the schedule data 17a (S17).

  When the sample container 41 to which the information indicating the test sample read in S15 is attached is conveyed to the suction position 5a (S18), the drive control unit 13a dispenses the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a. The drive control of the sample dispensing arm 5 is started to suck and discharge the amount (S19).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when the opening of the second lid 112 is detected. The description will be made on the assumption that the reaction disk 3 is rotated by one turn to one cell every cycle and the discharge position 6b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is adjacent to the discharge position 5b of the sample dispensing arm 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied in various modes.

  First, the drive control unit 13b specifies the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a in the (X + 1) th cycle (S21), and firstly draws and discharges the first reagent and the dispensed amount indicated by the order content. The drive control for dispensing is started with respect to the reagent dispensing arm 6 (S22).

  When the second lid 112 is opened during the drive control for dispensing (S23), the magnetic sensor 113d detects the opening of the second lid 112 (S24), and the drive controller 13b A signal indicating opening is input to the schedule creation unit 16 (S25).

  When the signal indicating the opening is input, the drive controller 13b moves the sample dispensing arm 5 and the first reagent dispensing arm 6 to the cleaning positions 5c and 6c, respectively, at low speed (S26). At this time, the conveyance of the disk sampler 4 and the first reagent by the reagent rack 1b is also stopped. Further, the schedule creation unit 16 deletes the contents of the Xth order specified by the drive control unit 13b from the schedule data 17a (S27).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when the closing of the second lid 112 is detected. In this description of the operation, the case where the second lid 112 is opened when the first reagent is dispensed according to the X-th order content of the schedule data 17a and then the second lid 112 is closed will be described as an example. To do.

  First, when the second lid 112 is closed (S31), the magnetic sensor 113d detects the closing of the second lid 112 (S32), and a signal indicating the closure is sent to the drive control unit 13b and the schedule creation unit 16. Input (S33).

  The drive control unit 13d of the disk sampler 4 and the drive control unit 13e of the reagent rack 1b of the first reagent start driving of the disk sampler 4 when a signal indicating closing is input (S34). When the reader 42 installed in the middle of the disk sampler 4 reads the information indicating the test sample (S35), the schedule creation unit 16 stores the order information 15a of the information indicating the read test sample as the order storage unit. 15 (S36), the order contents of the read order information 15a are recorded in the Xth of the schedule data 17a (S37).

  When the sample container 41 to which the information indicating the test sample read in S35 is attached is conveyed to the suction position 5a (S38), the drive control unit 13a dispenses the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a. The drive control of the sample dispensing arm 5 is started to suck and discharge the amount (S39). Further, when the reaction tube 31 into which the test sample is dispensed in S38 is transported to the discharge position 6b, the drive control unit 13b transfers the first reagent indicated by the Xth order content of the schedule data 17a and its dispensing. The drive control of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is started to suck and discharge the amount (S40).

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 100 moves the arm to the cleaning position when the opening of the cover is detected. Thereby, even if the operator who opened the cover reaches the inside of the stage 110, the arm remains in the cleaning position, so that the risk of harming the operator can be reduced. In addition, since the arm is moved to the cleaning position, when the automatic analyzer 100 is restarted, the arm can be immediately moved to the suction and discharge processes. When the arm is stopped, etc., the arm is moved once to the cleaning position. Compared with the case of moving to a suction and discharge process after cleaning, the analysis process can be quickly returned to.

  In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 is provided with at least two of a sample dispensing arm 5, a first reagent dispensing arm 6, a second reagent dispensing arm 7, etc., some of which are in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the cover. In this case, when the opening of the cover is detected, the arm arranged in the vicinity of the opening / closing port is moved to the cleaning position 5c, 6c or 7c, and the dispensing control of other arms is performed. To continue.

  For example, the cover is a plurality of lid parts such as a first lid part 111 and a second lid part 112 that can be opened and closed so as to cover at least a part of the stage 110, and detects the opening and closing of each lid part. And the lid and the arm arranged in the vicinity of the position covered by the lid are associated with each other in advance, and when any opening of the lid is detected, the lid where the opening is detected The arm corresponding to the part was moved to the cleaning position.

  In this way, only the arm that may cause harm is retracted, but the analysis is continued for the test sample that can continue the analysis process with a unit other than the arm that has been retracted. Continuity can be achieved.

  In this embodiment, the cover is composed of the first lid portion 111 and the second lid portion 112, and an example in which the arm retracting to the cleaning position is different from each lid portion has been described. The sample dispensing arm 5 located in the vicinity of the opening / closing port is retracted to the cleaning position only when the lid portion 111 is opened, and no special retracting operation is performed when the second lid portion 112 is opened. You may do it. Further, when the first lid portion 111 is opened, all the arms may be retracted to the cleaning position.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the dispensing of the test sample is stopped when the second lid portion 112 is opened has been described. However, the dispensing of the test sample may be continued. That is, the drive control for dispensing the sample dispensing arm 5 may be continued.

  At the time of resumption, the schedule data 17a is recreated based on the order information 15a for which dispensing has not been completed, for example, the order information 15a for the information indicating the test sample read after the resumption by the reader 42, Dispensing may be controlled according to the created schedule data 17a.

  In addition to the magnetic sensors 113b and 113d, various known sensors such as a proximity sensor can be used as sensors for detecting opening and closing of the cover.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reagent container 1a Reagent container 1b Reagent rack 3 Reaction disk 31 Reaction tube 4 Disc sampler 41 Sample container 42 Reader 5 Sample dispensing arm 5a Aspirate position 5b Discharge position 5c Washing position 6 1st reagent dispensing arm 6a Aspirate position 6b Discharge Position 6c Washing position 7 Second reagent dispensing arm 7a Aspirate position 7b Discharge position 7c Washing position 8 Stirring unit 9 Photometric unit 10 Washing unit 11 Control unit 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f Driving devices 13a, 13b, 13c , 13d, 13e, 13f Drive control unit 14 Operation unit 15 Order storage unit 15a Order information 16 Schedule creation unit 17 Schedule storage unit 17a Schedule data 18 Situation data creation unit 19 Situation data storage unit 20 Speaker 21 Data processing unit 22 Monitor 100 Automatic analyzer 110 Stage 111 First lid portion 112 Second lid portion 113a Magnetic body 113b Magnetic sensor 113c Magnetic body 113d Magnetic sensor

Claims (9)

An automatic analyzer that dispenses a test sample and a reagent onto a reaction tube on a stage, measures a mixed solution, and outputs the measurement result to a display means,
The probe has a probe, and is dispensed on the stage to repeat the movement in this order to the cleaning position of the probe, the suction position of the test sample or the reagent, and the discharge position of the test sample or the reagent. An arm for dispensing the test sample or the reagent into the reaction tube;
A cover that covers at least a part of the stage and can be opened and closed;
A sensor for detecting opening and closing of the cover;
Control means for controlling the dispensing drive of the arm and stopping the dispensing drive of the arm and moving it to the cleaning position when the sensor detects the opening of the cover;
Providing
Automatic analyzer characterized by The control means includes
When the opening of the cover is detected by the sensor, the arm is moved to the washing position at a lower speed than the movement by the dispensing control.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. At least two or more of the arms are arranged, and a part of the arms is arranged in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the cover,
The control means includes
When the opening of the cover is detected, the dispensing drive of the some arms is stopped and moved to the cleaning position, and the dispensing drive control of other arms is continued.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2. The cover is a plurality of lids capable of opening and closing each covering at least a part of the stage,
The sensors detect the opening and closing of the lids,
At least two or more of the arms are arranged,
The control means includes
The lid is associated with the arms arranged in the vicinity of the position covered by the lid in advance, and when any opening of the lid is detected, the lid from which the opening is detected Stopping the dispensing drive of the arm corresponding to the part and moving it to the washing position;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the sensor detects the opening of the cover, further comprising notification means for notifying the opening of the cover;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The notification means is a speaker that outputs a buzzer;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 5. The display means does not output the measurement result for the test sample that was in the middle of the dispensing when the sensor detected the opening of the cover;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control means includes
When the sensor detects the closing of the cover, the control of the dispensing drive for the arm that has been moved to the cleaning position is resumed.
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The control means includes
Creating means for creating schedule data in which the order contents for the test sample are recorded in the order of conveyance;
Identifying the order content to be referred to from the schedule data, and a drive control means for controlling the dispensing drive according to the order content;
Have
The creating means includes
When the opening of the cover is detected, the contents below the specified order are deleted from the schedule data, and when the closing of the cover is detected, the order contents for the newly transported sample are deleted. Re-create the schedule data by re-recording from the part,
The drive control means, when the closing of the cover is detected, controls the dispensing drive according to the re-created schedule data;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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