JP2011112540A - Dispensing device and analyzing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispensing device easily performing washing treatment for removing a specimen while reducing the clogging of a dispensing nozzle, and also to provide an analyzing system. <P>SOLUTION: The dispensing device has: a specimen container 11a having a housing for housing the specimen; a specimen dispensing mechanism 15 for sucking the specimen by the dispensing nozzle 15a to discharge the same to a reaction container 16a; a specimen supplier 11 for feeding the specimen container 11a to a dispensing position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 15; a separation member 22 which has a body 22a formed into a hollow tapered shape having an opening, of which the width is larger than the outer diameter of the dispensing nozzle 15a, formed thereto on the base end side thereof, is characterized in that the longitudinal length thereof is shorter than the depth of the housing, the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral surface thereof is below the opening diameter of the housing, and also has a plurality of holes 22b having a predetermined diameter formed thereto, and the flange 22c provided in the vicinity of the opening on the base end side and widened in the direction crossing the body 22a in the longitudinal direction at a right angle; and the dropping mechanism 14 provided to the feed way to the dispensing position and dropping the separation member 22 to the specimen container 11a in the state where the separation member 22 is upward directed on the base end side thereof. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and an analysis system having a dispensing mechanism that sucks a sample in a sample container by a dispensing nozzle and discharges the sample into a predetermined container.

  Conventionally, in a dispensing mechanism that sucks a sample in a sample container with a dispensing nozzle and discharges the sample into a predetermined container, foreign matter mixed in the sample may clog the dispensing nozzle. For example, in the case of blood, fibrin clogs the dispensing nozzle. In order to solve this problem, serum dispensing assistance prevents clogging of the dispensing nozzle by pushing the fibrin in the specimen downward from the suction position of the specimen by the dispensing nozzle by pushing the flattening member into the specimen by the pushing mechanism. An apparatus (see Patent Document 1) has been proposed. In addition, a sample suction nozzle tip (see Patent Document 2) is proposed in which a filter is attached to the tip of the dispensing nozzle or a plurality of suction ports are provided at the tip of the dispensing nozzle to prevent clogging of the dispensing nozzle. ing.

Japanese Patent No. 2859845 JP-A-11-153605

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when the fibrin is pushed in by the flattening member, a part of the pushing mechanism enters the sample, and therefore the pushing mechanism has to be washed every time the sample is dispensed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to clean the dispensing nozzle because it is necessary to clean the dispensing nozzle with the filter attached and to remove the sample attached to the plurality of suction ports. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a dispensing device and an analysis system capable of easily performing a cleaning process for removing a sample while reducing clogging of a dispensing nozzle. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a sample container having an opening at one end and a storage unit for storing the sample, and a component for sucking and discharging the sample. A dispensing mechanism that has a dispensing nozzle, sucks the sample in the sample container by the dispensing nozzle, and discharges the sample to a predetermined container; and a transport unit that transports the sample container to a dispensing position by the dispensing mechanism And a hollow tapered shape having an opening larger than the outer diameter of the dispensing nozzle on the base end side, the length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the depth of the housing portion, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral surface is the housing Provided in the vicinity of the opening on the base end side, and a trunk portion in which a plurality of penetrating portions having gaps less than a predetermined width are formed at least in part, and the longitudinal direction of the trunk portion. A separating member having a flange portion extending in an orthogonal direction; A dropping mechanism that is provided in the middle of conveying the sample container to the dispensing position by a conveying unit and that causes the separation member to drop into the sample container with the proximal end side of the separation member as an upper side. .

  The dispensing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a push-in mechanism that contacts the flange portion of the separation member that has fallen into the sample container by the drop mechanism from above and pushes the separation member downward. It is characterized by having.

  In the dispensing device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the dispensing mechanism includes an arm portion that supports the dispensing nozzle, and the push-in mechanism is provided at a lower portion of the arm portion. An elastic member that can be expanded and contracted in a direction; and a push-in member that is coupled to a lower end portion of the elastic member and is provided so as to come into contact with the flange portion when the dispensing nozzle is lowered at the dispensing position. It is characterized by that.

  In the dispensing device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the push-in mechanism includes a pressure detection unit that is provided between the arm portion and the elastic member and detects a pressure transmitted through the elastic member. And determining whether the push-in member or the separation member has come into contact with the sample container and stopped descending based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection means, and the push-in member or the separation member When the descent is stopped due to contact with the specimen container, the apparatus further includes a speed adjusting unit that reduces the descent speed of the dispensing nozzle.

  In the dispensing device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the through portion is formed by a hole having a predetermined diameter.

  In the dispensing device according to the present invention, the diameter of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the suction / discharge port of the dispensing nozzle.

  In the dispensing device according to the present invention, the penetrating portion is formed by a slit.

  Moreover, the dispensing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the slit has a gap smaller than the diameter of the suction / discharge port of the dispensing nozzle.

  Further, the dispensing device according to the present invention is the detecting means provided in the above invention, which is provided in the course of transport of the sample container to the dropping mechanism by the transport means and detects an object mixed in the sample in the sample container. And a foreign matter determination unit that determines whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the sample based on the detection result by the detection unit, and the fall when the foreign matter determination unit determines that foreign matter is mixed in the sample. And a drop control unit that controls to drop the separation member onto the sample container by a mechanism.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the analysis system of the present invention reacts the sample and the reagent contained in the reaction container, and optically reacts the reaction solution of the sample and the reagent. An analysis system for analyzing the sample by measuring characteristics, wherein the sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel using the dispensing device, and the reaction solution in the reaction vessel is analyzed. To do.

  According to the present invention, the specimen is sucked through the separation member formed in the body portion with the plurality of through portions having gaps less than the predetermined width, so that an object having a size larger than the predetermined width can be obtained by the dispensing nozzle. Suctioning can be reduced. Moreover, when the separation member is inserted into the sample container, the separation member is dropped into the sample container by the dropping mechanism, so that each part of the apparatus is not brought into contact with the sample. For this reason, it is possible to easily perform a cleaning process for removing the specimen while reducing clogging of the dispensing nozzle.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a dispensing apparatus and an analysis system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing both a dispensing nozzle, a separating member, and a sample container included in the dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing both the dispensing nozzle, the separation member, and the sample container that the dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the dropping mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the specimen dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation in which the pushing member shown in FIG. 1 pushes the separation member into the sample container. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing controller shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a modification of the pushing member shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing apparatus and the analysis system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the dropping mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first modification of the separating member shown in the first and second embodiments. FIG. 13 is a view showing a second modification of the separating member shown in the first and second embodiments.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a dispensing device and an analysis system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 concerning the dispensing device and analysis system of the present invention is explained in detail, referring to drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing device and an analysis system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing both a dispensing nozzle, a separating member, and a sample container included in the dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. The analysis system 1 includes a measurement unit 10 and a control device 40. The measurement unit 10 optically measures the reaction that occurs when the sample in the sample container 11a with the separation member 22 inserted is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 15a, discharged to the reaction container 16a, and mixed with the reagent in the reaction container 16a. To do. The control device 40 controls the entire analysis system 1 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement unit 10. The dispensing device 30 includes a dispensing unit 31 and a dispensing control unit 32.

  The measurement unit 10 includes a sample supply unit 11, a reading device 12, a foreign substance detection optical system 13, a dropping mechanism 14, a dispensing unit 31 including a sample dispensing mechanism 15, a reaction table 16, a stirring mechanism 17, an analysis optical system 18, A cleaning mechanism 19, a reagent table 20, and a reagent dispensing mechanism 21 are provided.

  The sample supply unit 11 transports the sample container 11a as a transport unit to a dispensing position by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. The sample supply unit 11 sequentially transports a plurality of sample racks 11c holding sample containers 11a for storing samples along the transport path 11e.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sample container 11a has an open end at one end, and has a storage unit 11b for storing the sample, and stores the sample (serum) in the storage unit 11b. The sample container 11a is given a barcode label (not shown) as a recording medium on which information related to the sample in the sample container 11a is recorded. The recording medium is not limited to a bar code label, and a two-dimensional code or the like may be used as long as sample information can be recorded. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample rack 11c is formed in a box shape and holds a plurality of sample containers 11a therein. The sample rack 11c has a window portion 11d formed on the side portion by an opening or a transmissive member capable of transmitting light.

  The reading device 12 is provided along the conveyance path 11 e of the sample supply unit 11, reads a barcode label attached to the sample container 11 a, and outputs read information to the control device 40.

  The foreign object detection optical system 13 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path 11e of the sample container 11a to the dropping mechanism 14, and detects an object mixed in the sample in the sample container 11a as a detection unit. The foreign object detection optical system 13 includes a light emitting element 13a and a light detection element 13b.

  The light emitting element 13a is provided along the transport path 11e of the sample container 11a, and irradiates light to the sample container 11a transported to the light irradiation position. The light detecting element 13b is provided at a position facing the light emitting element 13a via the transport path 11e. The light detection element 13b detects the intensity of light irradiated from the light emitting element 13a and passed through the sample through the window portion 11d and the sample container 11a for each divided region of the sample container 11a, and sends a detection signal to the control device 40. Output.

  Here, details of the separation member 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing both the dispensing nozzle 15a, the separation member 22, and the sample container 11a included in the dispensing apparatus shown in FIG.

  The separation member 22 has a trunk portion 22a and a flange portion 22c. The trunk portion 22a has a hollow conical shape in which an opening 22d having a width larger than the outer diameter d1 of the dispensing nozzle 15a is formed on the proximal end side. The trunk portion 22a has a length L1 in the longitudinal direction shorter than a depth L2 of the accommodating portion 11b, a maximum diameter I1 of the outer peripheral surface is less than the opening diameter I2 of the accommodating portion, and at least a gap that is less than a predetermined width. A plurality of holes 22b having a diameter equal to the diameter d2 of the intake / exhaust port 15c of the dispensing nozzle 15a are formed as a plurality of through portions having the same. The flange portion 22c is provided in the vicinity of the opening on the proximal end side, and has a hollow disk shape spreading in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the body portion 22a.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the dropping mechanism 14 shown in FIG. The dropping mechanism 14 is provided in the middle of transporting the sample container 11a to the dispensing position by the sample supply unit 11, and drops the separation member 22 to the sample container 11a with the proximal end side of the separation member 22 as the upper side. As shown in FIG. 4, the dropping mechanism 14 includes a separating member accommodating portion 14 a and a holding mechanism 14 b.

  The separation member accommodating portion 14a accommodates a plurality of separation members 22 stacked with the base end side facing up. The holding mechanism 14b includes two pairs of claw members 14c having a pair of L-shaped cross sections disposed at positions facing each other with the separation member 22 interposed therebetween. In addition, the holding mechanism 14b includes a driving unit (not shown) that simultaneously moves the pair of claw members 14c in the vertical direction and the horizontal reverse direction. The dropping mechanism 14 moves the claw member 14c by a driving unit (not shown), thereby holding the separation member 22 located at the bottom in a state where the separation member 22 located second from the bottom is held by the pair of claw members 14c. It is dropped by the remaining pair of claw members 14c.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 15 has a dispensing nozzle 15a that sucks and discharges a sample, and the sample in the sample container 11a is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 15a and discharged to the reaction container 16a. As shown in FIG. 5, the sample dispensing mechanism 15 includes an arm portion 15 b that supports the dispensing nozzle 15 a and a pushing mechanism 23. The dispensing nozzle 15a has an inlet / outlet port 15c having a predetermined diameter d2 at the tip. The arm portion 15b is driven by a drive portion (not shown) and freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end portion as a central axis. The pushing mechanism 23 contacts the flange portion 22c of the separating member 22 from above and pushes the separating member 22 downward. The pushing mechanism 23 includes a pressure sensor 23a, a spring member 23b, and a pushing member 23c.

  The pressure sensor 23a is provided between the arm portion 15b and the spring member 23b, and detects the pressure transmitted through the spring member 23b as pressure detection means. The pressure sensor 23 a outputs a pressure detection signal to the control device 40. The spring member 23b is provided below the pressure sensor 23a and can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction. The pushing member 23c has a hollow cylindrical shape. The pushing member 23c is coupled to the lower end portion of the spring member 23b, and is provided so as to come into contact with the flange portion 22c when the dispensing nozzle 15a is lowered at the dispensing position.

  The reaction table 16 has a wheel (not shown). The wheel holds the plurality of reaction vessels 16a and rotates by a driving mechanism (not shown) to transfer the reaction vessels 16a in the circumferential direction. The stirring mechanism 17 stirs the mixed solution of the reagent dispensed into the reaction container 16a and the specimen to promote the reaction.

  The analysis optical system 18 irradiates the reaction vessel 16a, which has been transferred to a predetermined measurement position, with measurement light from the light source 18a, splits the light transmitted through the reaction solution of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel 16a, and receives the light receiving element 18b. By measuring the intensity of light of each wavelength according to, the absorbance at a wavelength peculiar to the reaction solution of the sample to be analyzed and the reagent is measured.

  The cleaning mechanism 19 sucks and discharges the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 16a that has been measured by the analysis optical system 18 through the nozzle 19a, and performs cleaning by injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. .

  The reagent table 20 has a wheel (not shown). The wheel holds the plurality of reagent containers 20a and rotates by a driving mechanism (not shown) to transfer the reagent containers 20a in the circumferential direction.

  The reagent dispensing mechanism 21 has a dispensing nozzle 21a that sucks and discharges the reagent and an arm portion 21b supported by the dispensing nozzle 21a. The arm part 21b is driven by a driving part (not shown) and freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The reagent dispensing mechanism 21 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 20a transferred to a predetermined position on the reagent table 20 by the dispensing nozzle 21a, rotates the arm portion 21b clockwise in the figure, and The reagent is discharged into the reaction container 16a transported to a predetermined position and dispensed.

  The control device 40 includes a control unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, and a storage unit 44. Each unit in the measurement unit 10 and the control device 40 is connected to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 is realized by a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analysis system 1. The control unit 41 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. Further, the control unit 41 obtains the concentration of the detection target in the sample based on the measurement result measured by the analysis optical system 18, and performs component analysis of the sample.

  Further, the control unit 41 includes a dispensing control unit 32 that controls processing and operation of the dispensing unit 31. The dispensing control unit 32 includes a foreign matter determination unit 32a, a drop control unit 32b, and a speed adjustment unit 32c.

  The foreign matter determination unit 32a determines whether foreign matter is mixed in the sample based on the detection result by the foreign matter detection optical system 13. When the foreign matter is mixed in the sample, the foreign matter determination unit 32a adds foreign matter mixing information indicating that the foreign matter is mixed in the sample to the sample information.

  The drop controller 32b controls the drop member 14 to drop the separation member 22 onto the sample container 11a when the foreign matter determiner 32a determines that a foreign matter is mixed in the sample. More specifically, the drop control unit 32b drops the separation member 22 when the foreign matter contamination information is added to the sample information, and drops the separation member 22 when the foreign matter contamination information is not added to the sample information. Do not control.

  Based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 23a, the speed adjustment unit 32c determines whether or not the pushing member 23c or the separation member 22 has come into contact with the sample container 11a to stop the lowering, and the pushing member 23c or the separation member 22c is separated. When the member 22 contacts the sample container 11a and the descent is stopped, the descent speed of the dispensing nozzle 15a is reduced. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor 23a greatly increases when the lower surface of the flange portion 22c is in contact with the upper end portion of the sample container 11a or when the lower end portion of the pushing member 23c is in contact with the upper end portion of the sample container 11a. . For this reason, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 23a is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the speed adjustment unit 32c determines that the push-in member 23c or the separation member 22 has come into contact with the sample container 11a and stopped descending. Then, the lowering speed of the dispensing nozzle 15a is decreased.

  The input unit 42 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and can input various kinds of information related to analysis of analysis items of the sample. The display unit 43 is realized by a display panel, a printer, or the like, and outputs various types of information such as sample analysis data and alarms. The storage unit 44 includes a hard disk that magnetically stores information, and a memory that electrically reads various programs related to this process from the hard disk when the analysis system 1 executes the process. The storage unit 44 stores the analysis data of the sample including the absorbance and the like that have been processed.

  In this analysis system 1, the reagent dispensing mechanism 21 dispenses a reagent from the reagent container 20a to the reaction container 16a with respect to the plurality of reaction containers 16a that are sequentially transported, and the sample dispensing mechanism 15 includes the sample container 11a. A predetermined amount of sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 16a. Subsequently, after the stirring mechanism 17 stirs and reacts the reagent in the reaction container 16a and the sample, the analysis optical system 18 measures the absorbance of the mixed solution of the reagent and the sample. And the control part 41 analyzes a measurement result and performs the component analysis etc. of a sample automatically. Further, the cleaning mechanism cleans and dries the reaction vessel 16a that has been measured by the analysis optical system 18, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation in which the pushing member 23c pushes the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a by the lowering of the dispensing nozzle 15a will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the pushing member 23c pushes the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a.

  First, when the sample container 11a in which the separation member 22 is inserted is transported to the dispensing position, the arm portion 15b is lowered (FIG. 6A). Here, in order to explain the function of the push-in member 23c, before the lower surface of the flange portion 22c comes into contact with the upper end portion of the sample container 11a, that is, the state where the separation member 22 has stopped descending during insertion into the sample container 11a. Is shown.

  Thereafter, when the arm portion 15b is further lowered, the lower end portion of the pushing member 23c and the upper surface of the flange portion 22c come into contact with each other, and the separating member 22 is pushed downward (FIG. 6B). The spring member 23b is compressed by the contact between the pushing member 23c and the flange portion 22c.

  Thereafter, when the lower surface of the flange portion 22c comes into contact with the upper end portion of the sample container 11a by further lowering the arm portion 15b, the lowering of the separation member 22 is stopped, so that the pushing member 23c in contact with the flange portion 22c is lowered. Will be stopped. (FIG. 6C). The spring member 23b is further compressed by the contact between the lower surface of the flange portion 22c and the upper end portion of the sample container 11a.

  Thereafter, while the push-in member 23c is stopped from descending, the dispensing nozzle 15a descends to the position where the sample is aspirated as the arm portion 15b descends (FIG. 6D). The spring member 23b is further compressed by the lowering of the arm portion 15b while the pushing member 23c is kept from being lowered. In this way, the separating member 22 is pushed into the sample container 11a by the pushing member 23c being lowered as the dispensing nozzle 15a is lowered.

  Next, the procedure of the sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 32 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 32.

  First, the reading device 12 reads the barcode label given to the sample container 11a (step S101). The barcode label is read when the sample held in the sample rack 11c and sequentially conveyed passes through the reading device 12. Thereafter, the sample supply unit 11 transports the sample container 11a to the light irradiation position by the foreign object detection optical system 13 (step S102). Thereafter, the foreign matter determination unit 32a determines whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the sample (step S103). This determination is made based on the detection result by the foreign object detection optical system 13. If foreign matter is mixed in the sample (step S103, Yes), the foreign matter determination unit 32a adds foreign matter mixing information indicating that foreign matter is mixed in the sample to the sample information (step S104). Thereafter, the foreign matter determination unit 32a determines whether or not foreign matter is mixed in / without all the samples in the sample rack 11c (step S105).

  When it is determined whether or not foreign matter is detected for all the samples in the sample rack 11c (Yes in step S105), the sample supply unit 11 transports the sample to the drop position of the separation member 22 (step S106). Thereafter, the drop controller 32b determines whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped into the sample container 11a that has been transported to the drop position of the separation member 22 (step S107). This determination is made based on whether or not foreign substance contamination information is added to the sample information.

  When dropping the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a (step S107, Yes), the drop controller 32b causes the drop mechanism 14 to drop the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a (step S108). Thereafter, the drop controller 32b determines whether or not the determination of whether or not to drop the separation member 22 has been made for all sample containers in the sample rack 11c (step S109).

  When it is determined whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped for all the sample containers 11a in the sample rack 11c (Step S109, Yes), the sample supply unit 11 transports the sample containers 11a to the dispensing position (Step S109). 110). Thereafter, the specimen dispensing mechanism 15 lowers the dispensing nozzle 15a (step S111). Thereafter, the speed adjustment unit 32c determines whether or not the push-in member 23c or the separation member 22 has come into contact with the sample container 11a and stopped descending (step S112). This determination is made based on the pressure detection signal output from the pressure sensor 23a.

  When the push-in member 23c or the separation member 22 comes into contact with the sample container 11a and the descent is stopped (step S112, Yes), the speed adjustment unit 32c reduces the descent speed of the dispensing nozzle 15a (step S113). For this reason, for example, the detection of the liquid level by the liquid level sensor attached to the dispensing nozzle 15a and detecting the liquid level by the change in capacitance can be performed by reducing the descending speed of the dispensing nozzle 15a. Thereafter, the specimen dispensing mechanism 15 lowers the dispensing nozzle 15a to the specimen suction depth (step S114) and sucks the specimen by the dispensing nozzle 15a (step S115). Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 15 moves the dispensing nozzle 15a to the sample discharge position, and discharges the sample to the reaction container 16a (step S116). Thereafter, the dispensing control unit 32 determines whether or not all the samples in the sample rack 11c have been dispensed (step S117).

  When the dispensing process for all the samples in the sample rack 11c has been performed (step S117, Yes), the dispensing control unit 32 determines whether or not the dispensing process for all the samples registered for the analysis process has been completed. (Step S118). When the dispensing process for all the samples registered for the analysis process is completed (step S118, Yes), the dispensing control unit 32 ends this process.

  If no foreign matter is mixed in the sample (No at Step S103), the foreign matter determination unit 32a moves the process to Step S105. Further, when it is determined that all the samples in the sample rack 11c are not contaminated / not contaminated (step S105, No), the foreign matter determination unit 32a moves the process to step S102 and repeats the above-described processing. If the separation member 22 is not dropped into the sample container 11a (step S107, No), the drop controller 32b moves the process to step S109.

  In addition, when it is not determined whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped for all the sample containers 11a in the sample rack 11c (Step S109, No), the drop control unit 32b moves the process to Step S106, and the above-described process. Repeat the process. If the push-in member 23c or the separation member 22 is not in contact with the sample container 11a and the descent is not stopped (step S112, No), the speed adjustment unit 32c moves the process to step S111 and performs the above-described process. repeat. If the dispensing process for all the samples in the sample rack 11c has not been performed (No at Step S117), the dispensing control unit 32 moves the process to Step S110 and repeats the above-described processes. If the dispensing process has not been completed for all samples registered for the analysis process (No at Step S118), the dispensing control unit 32 moves the process to Step S101 and repeats the above-described process.

  In the first embodiment, since the specimen is sucked through the separation member 22 formed in the body portion 22a through the hole 22b having the same diameter as the diameter d2 of the suction / discharge port 15c of the dispensing nozzle 15a, an object larger than the suction / discharge port 15c. Can be prevented from being sucked by the dispensing nozzle 15a. In addition, when the separation member 22 is inserted into the sample container 11a, the separation member 22 is dropped onto the sample container 11a by the dropping mechanism 14, so that each part of the apparatus is not brought into contact with the sample. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform a cleaning process for removing the specimen while reducing clogging of the dispensing nozzle 15a.

  In the first embodiment, since the separation member 22 dropped into the sample container 11a is pushed by the push-in mechanism 23, the separation member 22 can be reliably inserted into the sample container 11a.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the pushing mechanism 23 is lowered by lowering the arm portion 15b. Therefore, there is no need to provide a driving unit for lowering the pushing mechanism 23, and as a result, a simple apparatus configuration is provided. It can be.

  In the first embodiment, the separation member 22 is dropped in the sample container 11a when a foreign substance is mixed in the sample, so that the consumption of the separation member 22 can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, when the push-in member 23c or the separation member 22 comes into contact with the sample container 11a and the descent is stopped, the descent speed of the dispensing nozzle 15a is reduced. The liquid level of the specimen can be detected by reducing the descending speed of the nozzle 15a. As a result, the liquid level of the specimen can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the first embodiment, the push-in member 23c is illustrated as having a hollow cylindrical shape. However, the push-in member 23c is not limited to this, as long as it can contact the upper surface of the flange portion 22c and push the separation member 22 downward. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the push-in member 28 may have a plurality of rod-shaped members 28a, and the plurality of rod-shaped members 28a may contact the upper surface of the flange portion 22c.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing device 50 and the analysis system 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the dispensing device 30 of the first embodiment, the pushing mechanism 23 is provided in the sample dispensing mechanism 15, but in the dispensing device 50 of the second embodiment, the pushing mechanism 60 a is provided in the dropping mechanism 60. The dispensing device 50 includes a dispensing unit 51 and a dispensing control unit 52.

  The dispensing unit 51 includes a dropping mechanism 60 instead of the dropping mechanism 14, and includes a sample dispensing mechanism 70 instead of the sample dispensing mechanism 15. The dropping mechanism 60 has a pushing mechanism 60a. As shown in FIG. 10, the push-in mechanism 60a includes a pair of L-shaped claw members 60b provided so as to contact the flange portion 22c, and a drive unit (not shown) that simultaneously moves the pair of claw members 60b in the vertical direction. Have The dropping mechanism 60 pushes the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a by lowering the pair of claw members 60b by a driving unit (not shown). The sample dispensing mechanism 70 is obtained by removing the push-in mechanism 23 from the sample dispensing mechanism 15.

  The dispensing control unit 52 includes a foreign matter determination unit 32a and a drop control unit 52a. When the foreign substance contamination information is added to the specimen information, the drop controller 52a drops the separation member 22, and then pushes the separation member 22 into the specimen container 11a by the push-in mechanism 60a, and the foreign substance contamination information is added to the specimen information. If not, it is determined that the separation member 22 is not dropped. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

  Next, the procedure of the sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 52 shown in FIG. The processes in steps S201 to S206 are the same as steps S101 to S106 described in the sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 32 according to the first embodiment.

  In step S207, the drop control unit 52a determines whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped into the sample container 11a transported to the drop position of the separation member 22 (step S207). This determination is made based on whether or not foreign substance contamination information is added to the sample information.

  When dropping the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a (step S207, Yes), the drop controller 52a causes the drop mechanism 14 to drop the separation member 22 into the sample container 11a (step S208), and the push-in mechanism 60a causes the sample container 11a to drop. The separation member 22 is pushed into (step S209). Thereafter, the drop controller 52a determines whether or not the determination of whether or not to drop the separation member 22 has been made for all the sample containers in the sample rack 11c (step S210).

  When it is determined whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped for all the sample containers 11a in the sample rack 11c (Step S210, Yes), the sample supply unit 11 transports the sample containers 11a to the dispensing position (Step S210). 211). Thereafter, the specimen dispensing mechanism 70 lowers the dispensing nozzle 15a to the specimen suction depth (step S212). The subsequent steps S212 to S216 are the same as steps S114 to S118 described in the procedure of the sample dispensing process performed by the dispensing control unit 32 according to the first embodiment.

  If the separation member 22 is not dropped into the sample container 11a (step S207, No), the drop controller 52a moves the process to step S210. When it is not determined whether or not the separation member 22 is dropped for all the sample containers 11a in the sample rack 11c (step S210, No), the drop control unit 52a shifts the process to step S206, and the above-described process. Repeat the process.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the specimen is sucked through the separation member 22 formed in the body portion 22a through the hole 22b equal to the diameter d2 of the suction / discharge port 15c of the dispensing nozzle 15a. It is possible to prevent an object larger than the suction / discharge port 15c from being sucked by the dispensing nozzle 15a. In addition, when the separation member 22 is inserted into the sample container 11a, the separation member 22 is dropped onto the sample container 11a by the dropping mechanism 60, so that each part of the apparatus is not brought into contact with the sample. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform a cleaning process for removing the specimen while reducing clogging of the dispensing nozzle 15a.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the separation member 22 dropped into the sample container 11a is pushed by the push-in mechanism 60a, so that the separation member 22 is securely inserted into the sample container 11a. Can be inserted into.

  In the first and second embodiments, the sample stored in the sample container 11a is exemplified as serum. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample in which urine or blood is centrifuged, that is, serum, The specimen may be separated into three layers of a separating member and a blood clot. In this case, it is preferable that the separation member 22 has a length of the body portion 22a so as to be inserted into the specimen container 11a above the boundary position between the serum and the separation agent.

  In Embodiments 1 and 2, the separating member 22 is exemplified by the body portion 22a having a conical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a tapered shape. For example, the body 22a may be a pyramid shape.

  In the first and second embodiments, the separation member 22 is pushed into the accommodating portion 11b by the push-in mechanisms 23 and 60a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the separation member 22 only drops into the sample container 11a. If it is inserted in the accommodating part 11b, it is not necessary to push in the separation member 22 by the pushing mechanisms 23 and 60a. In this case, since the pushing mechanisms 23 and 60a are not provided, a simple device configuration can be obtained.

  In the first and second embodiments, the flange portion 22c is illustrated as having a hollow disk shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flange portion 22c is provided in the vicinity of the opening on the proximal end side, and the trunk portion. What is necessary is just to spread in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of 22a.

  Further, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the separation member 22 is exemplified in which a plurality of holes 22b having a diameter equal to the diameter d2 of the suction / discharge port 15c of the dispensing nozzle 15a are formed in the body portion 22a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary that a plurality of through portions having gaps with a width less than a predetermined width are formed in the body portion 22a. For example, the diameter of the hole 22b may be smaller than the diameter d2 of the suction / discharge port 15c of the dispensing nozzle 15a. Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the penetrating portion 24 a of the separation member 24 may have a slit shape, and may have a gap with a width less than a predetermined width t at least in a portion that enters the specimen. Or as shown in FIG. 13, the penetration part 25a of the separation member 25 is good also as a mesh shape which has the clearance gap below predetermined width t.

  In the first and second embodiments, the foreign object detection optical system 13 is exemplified as having the light emitting element 13a and the light detecting element 13b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an object mixed in the sample in the sample container 11a is used. What is necessary is just to be able to detect. For example, a CCD camera may be provided, and an object mixed in the specimen may be detected by analyzing an image captured by the CCD camera.

  In the first and second embodiments, it is determined whether or not a foreign substance is mixed in the sample, and only the sample that is determined to be mixed with the foreign substance is dropped into the sample container 11a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the separation member 22 may be dropped to all the specimen containers 11a regardless of whether or not foreign matters are mixed in the specimen. In this case, since the reading device 12 and the foreign matter detection optical system 13 are not provided, a simple device configuration can be achieved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the dropping mechanism 14, 60 moves the claw member 14c to drop the separation member 22 positioned at the bottom of the stacked separation members 22 into the sample container 11a. Although illustrated, not only this but the separation member 22 should just be able to be dropped to the sample container 11a. For example, the separation member 22 may be transferred to the dropping position one by one with the proximal end held upward, and then the separation member 22 may be released and dropped into the sample container 11a.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Analysis system 10,90 Measuring part 11 Specimen supply part 11a Specimen container 11b Storage part 11c Specimen rack 11d Window part 11e Conveyance path 12 Reader 13 Foreign substance detection optical system 13a Light emitting element 13b Photodetection element 14,60 Drop mechanism 14a Separating member accommodating portion 14b Holding mechanism 14c, 60b Claw member 15, 70 Sample dispensing mechanism 15a Dispensing nozzle 15b, 21b Arm portion 15c Intake / exhaust port 16 Reaction table 16a Reaction vessel 17 Stirring mechanism 18 Analysis optical system 18a Light source 18b Light receiving element 19 Cleaning mechanism 19a Nozzle 20 Reagent table 20a Reagent container 21 Reagent dispensing mechanism 21a Dispensing nozzle 22, 24, 25 Separating member 22a Body 22b Hole 22c Flange 22d Opening 23, 60a Pushing mechanism 23a Pressure sensor 23b Spring member 23c, 8 Pushing member 28a Bar-shaped member 30, 50 Dispensing device 31, 51 Dispensing unit 32, 52 Dispensing control unit 32a Foreign matter judging unit 32b, 52a Drop control unit 32c Speed adjusting unit 40, 80 Control unit 41, 81 Control unit 42 Input unit 43 Display unit 44 Storage unit F Fibrin S Sample

Claims (10)

One end has an open end, a sample container having a storage portion for storing a sample,
A dispensing nozzle that sucks and discharges the sample, and sucks the sample in the sample container by the dispensing nozzle and discharges the sample into a predetermined container;
Transport means for transporting the sample container to a dispensing position by the dispensing mechanism;
It has a hollow tapered shape formed on the proximal side with an opening having a width larger than the outer diameter of the dispensing nozzle, the length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the depth of the housing portion, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral surface is that of the housing portion. Provided in the vicinity of the opening on the base end side, which is less than the diameter of the opening, and is provided in the vicinity of the opening on the base end side, and is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the body A separating member having a flange portion extending in the direction;
A dropping mechanism that is provided in the middle of transporting the sample container to the dispensing position by the transport means, and that causes the separation member to drop into the sample container with the proximal end side of the separation member as an upper side
A dispensing device characterized by comprising:   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a push-in mechanism that contacts the flange portion of the separation member dropped onto the sample container by the drop mechanism from above and pushes the separation member downward. The dispensing mechanism has an arm portion that supports the dispensing nozzle;
The pushing mechanism is
An elastic member provided at a lower portion of the arm portion and capable of expanding and contracting vertically;
A push-in member that is coupled to the lower end of the elastic member and is brought into contact with the flange portion by lowering the dispensing nozzle at the dispensing position;
The dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: The push-in mechanism includes a pressure detection unit that is provided between the arm portion and the elastic member and detects a pressure transmitted through the elastic member,
Based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection means, it is determined whether or not the pushing member or the separation member has come into contact with the sample container and stopped descending,
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a speed adjusting unit that reduces a descending speed of the dispensing nozzle when the pushing member or the separating member comes into contact with the sample container and stops descending. Dispensing device.   The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the penetrating portion is formed by a hole having a predetermined diameter.   6. The dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein a diameter of the hole is smaller than a diameter of an intake / exhaust port of the dispensing nozzle.   The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the penetrating portion is formed by a slit.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the slit has a gap less than a diameter of an intake / exhaust port of the dispensing nozzle. A detecting means provided in the middle of transporting the sample container to the dropping mechanism by the transport means for detecting an object mixed in the sample in the sample container;
A foreign matter judgment unit for judging whether foreign matter is mixed in the sample based on the detection result by the detection means;
A drop controller for controlling the drop member to drop the separation member onto the sample container when the foreign matter determiner determines that a foreign matter is mixed in the sample;
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein   An analysis system for analyzing the sample by reacting the sample and a reagent contained in a reaction container, measuring an optical characteristic of a reaction solution of the sample and the reagent, and analyzing the sample. An analysis system, wherein the sample is dispensed into the reaction container using the dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 and the reaction solution in the reaction container is analyzed.

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