JP2013148565A - Reagent container and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reagent container capable of improving the dispensation accuracy of a reagent, and an automatic analyzer.SOLUTION: A reagent container includes a first reagent suction chamber 63 for storing a first reagent to be sucked by a first reagent dispensation probe 14, a first reagent supply chamber 73 for storing the first reagent to be supplied to the first reagent suction chamber 63 in a lower layer and also holding inert gas of first pressure P1 higher than atmospheric pressure blocked from atmosphere by the first reagent stored in the lower layer in an upper layer, a communication port 62 for communicating between the first reagent suction chamber 63 and the first reagent supply chamber 73, an inert gas supply chamber 82 for storing inert gas of second pressure P2, and a pressure control valve 90 for maintaining the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 in the first pressure P1 by supply of the inert gas from the inert gas supply chamber 82, and maintains the liquid level of the first reagent of the first reagent suction chamber 63 to height H2 equal to a liquid level before suction in accordance with the suction of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensation probe 14.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a reagent container and an automatic analyzer that store a reagent for analyzing a component contained in a sample.

  The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items and immunological test items, etc., and changes in color tone and turbidity caused by the reaction between the test sample collected from the sample and the reagent of each test item Measured by irradiating the test sample and reagent mixture with light using a meter, etc., and based on the measurement results, the analysis data is represented by the concentration of each test item component, enzyme activity, etc. contained in the test sample Is generated.

  In this automatic analyzer, a reagent container containing a reagent for each inspection item is held in a reagent rack. Then, the reagent container held in the reagent rack is moved to the reagent suction position, and the reagent dispensing probe performs the dispensing in which the reagent in the reagent container at the suction position is sucked and discharged to the reaction container.

  By the way, a detector for detecting the reagent in the reagent container is provided, the reagent dispensing probe moves into the reagent container for aspiration of the reagent, the reagent is detected by contact between the liquid surface and the tip of the reagent dispensing probe, The reagent dispensing probe is stopped at a position that reaches a predetermined depth at which the reagent can be aspirated from the position where the liquid level is detected.

JP 2009-162734 A

  However, because the reagent dispensing probe cannot be stopped at a position that reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid surface due to vibration or bubbles on the reagent liquid surface that are likely to occur due to movement of the reagent rack, a predetermined amount of reagent is aspirated. There is a problem that the dispensing accuracy of the reagent is lowered. In addition, when dispensing a small amount of reagent, the reagent liquid level in the reagent container decreases according to the number of times the reagent is aspirated, so that the stopping position of the reagent dispensing probe fluctuates and the reagent dispensing accuracy decreases. There's a problem.

  The embodiment has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a reagent container and an automatic analyzer that can improve the accuracy of reagent dispensing.

  In order to achieve the above object, the reagent container of the embodiment stores a reagent suction chamber for storing a reagent sucked by a reagent dispensing probe, and stores the reagent to be supplied to the reagent suction chamber in a lower layer and in the lower layer. A reagent supply chamber for holding in the upper layer a gas having a first pressure that is blocked from the atmosphere by the stored reagent, and the reagent suction chamber provided at a lower portion of a partition wall that blocks between the reagent suction chamber and the reagent supply chamber And a communication port that communicates between the reagent supply chamber and the gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure for supplying the reagent supply chamber and maintaining the upper layer at the first pressure. And a gas supply chamber.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of each unit containing the 1st reagent dispensing probe in connection with dispensing of the 1st reagent which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the reagent container hold | maintained at the reagent rack which concerns on embodiment. The AA arrow directional cross-sectional view of the reagent container shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the cross section of the reagent container in which the small quantity of 1st reagent which concerns on embodiment remains.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. The automatic analyzer 100 dispenses a standard sample or test sample and a reagent, measures the mixed solution to generate standard data or test data, and each analysis unit in the analysis unit 24. An analysis control unit 25 that performs driving and control, and a data processing unit 30 that processes standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 24 to generate calibration data and analysis data are provided.

  The automatic analyzer 100 also includes an output unit 40 that prints out and displays the calibration data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 30, an operation unit 50 that inputs various command signals, and the analysis control unit 25. A data processing unit 30 and a system control unit 51 that controls the output unit 40 in an integrated manner.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 24. The analysis unit 24 includes a sample container 17 that stores a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample, and a sample disk 5 that holds the sample container 17. In addition, a reagent container 6 for storing, for example, a first reagent and a two-reagent system, which are reagents containing components that react with the components of each test item included in the sample, and holding an inert gas, and a reagent container And a reagent rack 1a for rotatably holding a reagent container 6 stored in the reagent container 1. In addition, a reagent container 7 that stores a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system and holds an inert gas, a reagent container 2 that keeps the reagent container 7 cold, and a reagent stored in the reagent container 2 And a reagent rack 2a for rotatably holding the container 7. In addition, a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on the circumference and a reaction disk 4 for rotatably holding the reaction vessel 3 are provided.

  In addition, a sample dispensing probe 16 for dispensing the sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 and sucking it into the reaction container 3, and a sample portion for holding the sample dispensing probe 16 movably. A note arm 10 is provided. In addition, a first reagent dispensing probe 14 for aspirating the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a and dispensing it into the reaction container 3 into which the sample has been dispensed, and the first reagent And a first reagent dispensing arm 8 that holds the dispensing probe 14 so as to be movable.

  Also, a second reagent dispensing probe 15 for aspirating the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the reagent rack 2a and dispensing it into the reaction container 3 into which the first reagent has been dispensed, A second reagent dispensing arm 9 that holds the two reagent dispensing probe 15 in a movable manner is provided. Moreover, the measurement part 13 which irradiates and measures the reaction container 3 which accommodates a liquid mixture, and the reaction container washing | cleaning unit 12 which wash | cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 which complete | finished the measurement by the measurement part 13 are provided.

  Then, the measurement unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction container 3 that rotates, and by this irradiation, the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction container 3 or the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The transmitted light is detected. Then, based on the detected signal, standard data and test data represented by the absorbance and the amount of change in absorbance are generated, and the generated standard data and test data are output to the data processing unit 30.

  The analysis control unit 25 in FIG. 1 includes a mechanism that drives each analysis unit of the analysis unit 24 and a control unit that controls the mechanism, and rotates the sample disk 5, the reagent rack 1a, and the reagent rack 2a, respectively. Further, the reaction disk 4 is rotated. Further, the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, and the second reagent dispensing arm 9 are rotated and moved up and down, respectively. Further, the reaction container cleaning unit 12 is moved up and down.

  The data processing unit 30 is generated by the calculation unit 31 and the calculation unit 31 that process the standard data and test data output from the measurement unit 13 of the analysis unit 24 to generate calibration data and analysis data of each inspection item. And a data storage unit 32 for storing standard data and analysis data.

  The calculation unit 31 generates calibration data representing the relationship between the standard value and the standard data from the standard data output from the measurement unit 13 and a standard value set in advance for the standard sample of the standard data. The data is output to the output unit 40 and stored in the data storage unit 32.

  In addition, the calibration data of the inspection item corresponding to the test data output from the measurement unit 13 is read from the data storage unit 32, and the concentration value and the test data output from the measurement unit 13 using the read calibration data are calculated. Generate analytical data expressed as activity values. The generated analysis data is output to the output unit 40 and stored in the data storage unit 32.

  The data storage unit 32 includes a memory device such as a hard disk, and stores the calibration data output from the calculation unit 31 for each inspection item. Moreover, the analysis data of each inspection item output from the calculation unit 31 is stored for each test sample.

  The output unit 40 includes a printing unit 41 that prints out calibration data and analysis data output from the calculation unit 31 of the data processing unit 30 and a display unit 42 that displays and outputs the calibration data. The printing unit 41 includes a printer or the like, and prints calibration data and analysis data on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 42 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays calibration data and analysis data. In addition, an analysis parameter setting screen for setting analysis parameters for analyzing each inspection item by the automatic analyzer 100 is displayed. Also, an inspection item setting screen for setting the inspection item to be inspected from the identification information for identifying the test sample for each test sample, the identification information such as name and ID, and the inspection item set on the analysis parameter setting screen Is displayed.

  The operation unit 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel, and performs input for setting analysis parameters for each inspection item. In addition, input is performed for setting identification information and inspection items to be inspected for each test sample.

  The system control unit 51 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and stores input information such as analysis parameter information of each test item, identification information for each test sample, and test item information input by an operation from the operation unit 50. After being stored in the circuit, the analysis control unit 25, the data processing unit 30, and the output unit 40 are integrated to control the entire system based on the input information.

  Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, dispensing of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 in the analysis unit 24, the configuration of the reagent container 6, and the first reagent and inert gas into the reagent container 6 The filling procedure will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of each unit including the first reagent dispensing probe 14 related to the dispensing of the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 forms a hollow cylinder having openings at the upper end and the lower end, and sucks and discharges a sample from the opening at the lower end. The upper end portion is connected to one end portion of a flexible tube 20 communicating with the syringe 19.

  The syringe 19 includes a cylinder 191 having one end connected to the other end of the tube 20, a plunger 192 that fits into an opening provided in the other end of the cylinder 191, a first reagent dispensing probe 14, the tube 20, and Each of the cylinders 191 is configured by a tank 193 that stores a liquid pressure transmission medium such as water that is filled in the cylinder 191. Further, the pump 194 supplies the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 193 to the cylinder 191, and the opening / closing valve 195 opens and closes the flow path communicating between the cylinder 191 and the pump 194.

  Then, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves horizontally at a height at the top dead center from the first reagent dispensing arm 8 and stops above the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a. The lower end moves to a lower position and stops at a preset suction height at which the first reagent in the reagent container 6 can be sucked. Next, in a state where the flow path between the cylinder 191 and the pump 194 is closed by the on-off valve 195, the first reagent in the reagent container 6 is sucked by the suction drive of the plunger 192 in the arrow M1 direction. Moreover, it rotates horizontally at the height at the top dead center and stops above the reaction vessel 3. Next, the aspirated first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 3 by the discharge drive of the plunger 192 in the arrow M2 direction.

  However, in dispensing the first reagent, the tube 20 moves as the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves. Then, when the first reagent dispensing probe 14 sucks the same amount of the first reagent at a plurality of first and second positions having different heights, for example, and discharges the same amount of the first reagent into the reaction container 3, The capacity of the tube 20 is different due to the difference in bending due to the different suction positions, and the amount of the first reagent sucked at the first position is discharged into the reaction container 3 and the first reagent sucked at the second position is The amount discharged into the reaction vessel 3 is slightly different, and there is a problem that the dispensing accuracy of the first reagent is lowered. In order to solve this problem, the position where the first reagent dispensing probe 14 sucks the first reagent is fixed to a preset suction height. Thereby, the improvement of the dispensing precision of a 1st reagent can be aimed at.

Next, the configuration of the reagent container 6 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a view showing the appearance of the reagent container 6. The reagent container 6 is configured by a reagent suction tube 60 that is held in the reagent rack 1 a and stores the first reagent sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 14. Further, a portion other than the upper end portion of the reagent suction tube 60 is inserted, the first reagent supplied to the reagent suction tube 60 is stored in the lower layer, and the first pressure is blocked from the atmosphere by the first reagent stored in the lower layer. It is comprised by the 1st container 70 holding an inert gas in the upper layer.

  In addition, the reagent container 6 is disposed on the first container 70, and supplies an inert gas into the first container 70 to maintain the upper layer at the first pressure, which is higher than the first pressure. It is comprised by the 2nd container 80 holding the inert gas of 2 pressures. Further, for example, a self-acting pressure regulating valve 90 for opening and closing between the upper layer in the first container 70 and the second container 80 to keep the upper layer of the first container 70 at the first pressure, And a check valve 91 for filling the container 80 with an inert gas having a second pressure.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent container 6 and the reagent rack 1a shown in FIG. The reagent suction tube 60 of the reagent container 6 is disposed at a position where the upper end is higher than the first container 70. Further, a portion other than the upper end portion is fixedly disposed on one side surface of the first container 70 in the arrow direction, and a part of the lower end is disposed in contact with one end portion of the bottom surface in the first container 70. . In addition, a suction port 61 through which the first reagent dispensing probe 14 enters is provided at the upper end. In addition, the lower end has a communication port 62 that communicates with the inside of the first container 70 and has an opening area smaller than the opening area of the suction port 61. Further, the first reagent suction chamber 63 is formed so as to penetrate between the suction port 61 and the communication port 62 and stores the first reagent sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 when supplied from the first container 70. .

  The first reagent aspirating chamber 63 has a portion in which a portion including the upper end portion into which the first reagent dispensing probe 14 enters has a tubular shape that allows the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to enter easily, and includes the upper end portion. A lower end portion other than the portion has a tubular shape with a smaller diameter than the upper end portion.

  The first container 70 has an opening that is sealed by a reagent suction tube 60 inserted through one end of the upper portion. Moreover, it has a recessed part engaged with the convex part of the 2nd container 80 formed in the upper end part vicinity. In addition, it has an inner bottom surface that is monotonously inclined with one end contacting the lower end of the reagent suction tube 60 as the lowermost portion and the other end as the uppermost portion.

  The first container 70 has a filling port 71 formed at the center of the upper portion and sealed with a lid for filling the first reagent. In addition, it has an opening 72 formed in the vicinity of the other end of the upper part and a packing fixed to the opening, and is sealed at the lower part of the pressure regulating valve 90.

  Further, the first container 70 includes an outer wall of the reagent suction tube 60, a communication port 62, an inner wall of the first container 70, a lid for sealing the filling port 71, and a pressure adjusting valve 90 for sealing the opening 72. A first reagent that is configured and stored in the lower layer from the communication port 62 of the reagent suction tube 60 and is shut off from the atmosphere by the stored first reagent is, for example, a first higher than atmospheric pressure. Having a first reagent supply chamber 73 for holding an inert gas at a pressure P1 in the upper layer.

  The first reagent supply chamber 73 stores more first reagent than the first reagent suction chamber 63 of the reagent suction tube 60, and the liquid level of the first reagent stored in the first reagent supply chamber 73 is The first reagent suction chamber 63 has a larger area than the first reagent liquid surface stored.

  Thus, the first reagent suction chamber 63 storing the first reagent whose liquid level is in contact with the atmosphere, and the liquid level is blocked from the atmosphere, and the liquid level is lower than the first reagent liquid level of the first reagent suction chamber 63. By providing the first reagent supply chamber 73 for storing the first reagent having a large area, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the first reagent in the reagent container 6 due to contact with oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air. it can. Then, by bringing the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 into contact with an inert gas such as nitrogen gas that does not contain a gas such as oxygen or carbon dioxide that degrades the first reagent, The deterioration of the first reagent can be further reduced.

  The bottom surface of the second container 80 is substantially the same as the top surface of the first container 70 so that the surface of the first container 70 and the outer side surface are substantially coincident with each other. It has a recessed part engaged with the filling port 71 sealed with the lid | cover. In addition, an opening sealed at the upper part of the pressure regulating valve 90 is provided in the vicinity of the other end of the lower part. Moreover, it has the opening part sealed by the non-return valve 91 in the upper end other end part vicinity.

  The second container 80 has a gas vent 81 formed in the vicinity of the other end of the bottom and sealed with a lid. The first container 70 includes the inner wall of the second container 80, the upper part of the pressure regulating valve 90 that seals the opening and the check valve 91, and the lid that seals the gas vent 81. An inert gas supply chamber 82 that holds an inert gas having a second pressure P2 higher than the first pressure P1 for supplying the supply chamber 73 to keep the upper layer at the first pressure P1 is provided.

  In addition, when the inert gas is filled in the inert gas supply chamber 82, the gas vent 81 is activated by the inert gas flowing in from the check valve 91 before the inert gas flows in. For example, it is an opening for discharging air remaining in the air.

  The pressure regulating valve 90 is provided across the partition walls constituted by the outer shells of the first and second containers 70 and 80 that block between the first reagent supply chamber 73 and the inert gas supply chamber 82. . Then, in accordance with the suction of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 14, the first reagent flows into the first reagent suction chamber 63 of the reagent suction tube 60 so as to balance the first reagent whose liquid level is lowered. The first reagent liquid level in the lower layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 is lowered and the pressure in the upper layer is lowered than the first pressure P1. Due to this pressure drop, the space between the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 and the inert gas supply chamber 82 is opened until the first pressure P1 is reached. When the upper layer reaches the first pressure P1, the space between the upper layer and the inert gas supply chamber 82 is closed.

  The check valve 91 is provided to stop the inert gas filled in the second container 80 from flowing back out of the second container 80 and hold it in the inert gas supply chamber 82. Then, for example, when an inert gas such as nitrogen gas having a specific gravity smaller than that of air is filled from the check valve 91, the air remaining in the bottom of the inert gas supply chamber 82 is released from the second container 80. 81 is discharged. When an inert gas having a specific gravity larger than that of air is filled, a gas vent 81 is provided at the upper portion of the second container 80 in order to discharge air remaining in the upper portion from the gas vent chamber 81.

Next, a procedure for filling the first and second containers 70 and 80 of the reagent container 6 with the first reagent and the inert gas will be described.
The first container 70 and the second container 80 are divided, and the reagent suction tube 60 is fixed to the first container 70. Then, a predetermined amount of the first reagent is filled from the filling port 71 of the first container 70 placed on the horizontal plane. A part of the filled first reagent in the first reagent supply chamber 73 flows into the first reagent suction chamber 63 from the communication port 62 of the reagent suction tube 60. The first reagent suction chamber 63 and the first reagent supply chamber 73 store the first reagent having the same liquid level. After filling the first reagent, the filling port 71 is sealed with a lid.

  After injecting an inert gas into the inert gas supply chamber 82 from the check valve 91 of the second container 80 with the gas vent 81 with the lid removed facing downward, the gas vent 81 is sealed with a lid. . Thereafter, the opening 72 is sealed with the pressure regulating valve 90 to fix the second container 80 on the first container 70. Next, the inert gas is injected from the check valve 91 into the inert gas supply chamber 82 at a predetermined pressure. In response to this injection, the inert gas supply chamber 82 holding the inert gas at the second pressure P2 is inactive until the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 reaches the first pressure P1 by the pressure regulating valve 90. Supply gas. The first reagent supply chamber 73 supplies the first reagent suction chamber 63 with an amount of the first reagent corresponding to the first pressure P <b> 1 of the supplied inert gas.

  The liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent supply chamber 73 after being supplied to the first reagent suction chamber 63 stops at a height H1 from the lowest end in the first container 70. Further, the liquid level of the first reagent supplied to the first reagent suction chamber 63 is higher than the height H1 that balances the first pressure P1 that presses the first reagent liquid level at the height H1 of the first reagent supply chamber 73. Stops at a high height H2.

  In this way, the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 is pressed with the inert gas having the first pressure P1 to press the liquid surface of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 to the first reagent supply. The chamber 73 can be stopped at a height H2 higher than the first reagent liquid level. Further, by pressing the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 having an area larger than the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 with the first pressure P1, the reagent rack 1a is moved. Vibrations and bubbles on the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 that are likely to occur can be suppressed.

  When the reagent container 6 filled with the first reagent and the inert gas is placed on the reagent rack 1a of the analysis unit 24 and measurement start is input from the operation unit 50, the automatic analyzer 100 starts operation. To do. The reagent rack 1a moves the reagent container 6 and stops it at a suction position where the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can suck the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves downward from above the reagent container 6 stopped at the suction position and enters from the suction port 61. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower end stops at a preset suction height that enters a predetermined depth at which the first reagent can be sucked from the liquid surface of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63.

  Thus, by stopping the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 at a height H2 higher than the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent supply chamber 73, the reagent container 6 is moved downward from above. It is possible to reduce the moving distance of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 that moves to and stops at the suction height. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for dispensing the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and to dispense the first reagent quickly.

  Further, by pressing the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 with the first pressure P1, the vibration of the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 that is likely to occur due to the movement of the reagent rack 1a, Since foam can be suppressed, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be stopped at a position where the lower end enters a predetermined depth from the liquid surface of the first reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in dispensing accuracy of the first reagent due to the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 being stopped at a position shallower than a predetermined depth and insufficient suction of the first reagent.

  Further, by pressing the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 with the first pressure P1, the vibration of the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 that is likely to occur due to the movement of the reagent rack 1a is caused. Since it can suppress, the 1st reagent dispensing probe 14 can be stopped in the position where the lower end approached the predetermined depth from the liquid level of the 1st reagent. Thereby, the lower end stops at a position deeper than a predetermined depth and a large amount of the first reagent adheres to the outer wall of the first reagent dispensing probe 14, thereby increasing carryover and lowering the dispensing accuracy of the first reagent. Can be prevented.

  The first reagent supply chamber 73 supplies the first reagent to the first reagent suction chamber 63 in accordance with the suction of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 14. In response to the supply of the first reagent, the inert gas supply chamber 82 supplies the inert gas until the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 in which the pressure decreases reaches the first pressure P1 by the pressure adjustment valve 90. . After the suction of the first reagent, the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 stops at the height H2. Further, the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent supply chamber 73 stops at a position lower than the height H1.

  Thus, the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 after the first reagent is sucked can be kept at the same height H2 as the liquid level before the suction. Thereby, the improvement of the dispensing precision of a 1st reagent can be aimed at.

  The first reagent is aspirated a plurality of times by the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the first reagent in the reagent container 6 is stored only in the first reagent aspirating chamber 63 as shown in FIG. The first reagent supply chamber 73 is filled with an inert gas having a first pressure P1 that pushes up the bottom of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63. At this time, the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 is stopped at a height H2 that balances with the first pressure P1 that presses the liquid bottom surface of the first reagent.

  Thus, the bottom surface which inclines in the 1st container 70 is provided, the communicating port 62 is arrange | positioned in the lowermost vicinity of the bottom face, and the lower end part of the 1st reagent suction chamber 63 is made smaller than the diameter of an upper end part. As a result, a small amount of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 is pushed up through the lower end by the inert gas having the first pressure P1 supplied from the first reagent supply chamber 73, and the first reagent suction chamber 63 A slight amount of the first reagent having a liquid level of height H2 can be stored at the upper end portion. As a result, the dead volume of the first reagent that cannot be aspirated can be reduced.

  The reagent container 7 is configured in the same manner as the reagent container 6. Then, the second reagent suction chamber for storing the second reagent whose liquid surface is in contact with the atmosphere in the reagent container 7 communicates with the second reagent suction chamber at the lower part, and from the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent suction chamber. A second reagent supply chamber for storing a second reagent having a large surface area as a liquid surface in a lower layer and holding an inert gas having a first pressure P1 in an upper layer is provided, and the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent supply chamber is provided. By contacting with an inert gas, deterioration of the second reagent can be reduced.

  Further, by pressing the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent supply chamber with the first pressure P1, vibrations and bubbles on the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent suction chamber that are likely to occur due to movement of the reagent rack 2a are eliminated. Since it can be suppressed, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 can be stopped at a position where the lower end enters a predetermined depth at which the second reagent can be sucked from the liquid surface of the second reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in dispensing accuracy of the second reagent due to the lower end of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 being stopped at a position shallower than a predetermined depth and insufficient suction of the second reagent. In addition, when the lower end stops at a position deeper than a predetermined depth and a large amount of the second reagent adheres to the outer wall of the second reagent dispensing probe 15, an increase in carryover and a decrease in dispensing accuracy of the second reagent are caused. Can be prevented.

  Further, by pressing the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent supply chamber with the first pressure P1, the second reagent liquid surface of the second reagent suction chamber is moved from the liquid surface of the second reagent of the second reagent supply chamber. Therefore, the moving distance of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 that moves from the upper side to the lower side of the reagent container 7 and stops at the suction height at which the second reagent can be sucked is reduced. be able to. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for dispensing the second reagent dispensing probe 15 and to dispense the second reagent quickly.

  In addition, an inert gas supply chamber for holding an inert gas at a second pressure P2 for supplying the second reagent supply chamber and a pressure regulating valve for maintaining the upper layer of the second reagent supply chamber at the first pressure P1. By providing 90, the liquid level of the second reagent in the second reagent suction chamber after the second reagent is sucked in accordance with the suction of the second reagent by the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is the liquid level before the suction. Can be kept at the same height. Thereby, the improvement of the dispensing accuracy of the second reagent can be achieved.

  The pressure adjustment valve 90 is replaced with a pressure adjustment valve 90a for maintaining the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 at the first pressure P1a below atmospheric pressure, and the upper layer is supplied to the first reagent supply chamber 73. An inert gas having a second pressure P2a higher than the first pressure P1a for maintaining the first pressure P1a is held in the inert gas supply chamber 82. After the first reagent is aspirated by stopping the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 at a predetermined height lower than the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent supply chamber 73. The liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 can be kept at the same predetermined height as the liquid level before suction. Thereby, the improvement of the dispensing precision of a 1st reagent can be aimed at.

  According to the embodiment described above, the first reagent suction chamber 63 for storing the first reagent whose liquid level is in contact with the atmosphere in the reagent container 6 and the liquid level are blocked from the atmosphere, and the liquid level is the first reagent suction. By providing the first reagent supply chamber 73 for storing the first reagent having an area larger than the first reagent liquid surface of the chamber 63, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the first reagent in the reagent container 6. And the deterioration of the 1st reagent in the reagent container 6 can further be reduced by making the 1st reagent liquid surface of the 1st reagent supply chamber 73 contact an inert gas.

  Further, by pressing the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 with the first pressure P1, the vibration of the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 that is likely to occur due to the movement of the reagent rack 1a, Since the bubbles can be suppressed, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be stopped at a position where the lower end has entered a predetermined depth at which the first reagent can be sucked from the liquid surface of the first reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in dispensing accuracy of the first reagent due to the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 being stopped at a position shallower than a predetermined depth and insufficient suction of the first reagent. In addition, when the lower end stops at a position deeper than a predetermined depth and a large amount of the first reagent adheres to the outer wall of the first reagent dispensing probe 14, an increase in carryover and a decrease in dispensing accuracy of the first reagent are caused. Can be prevented.

  In addition, the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent supply chamber 73 is pressed with the first pressure P 1, so that the first reagent liquid surface of the first reagent suction chamber 63 is moved to the first reagent liquid chamber 73. Since it can be stopped at a height H2 higher than the liquid level, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved from the upper side to the lower side of the reagent container 6 and stopped at a suction height at which the first reagent can be sucked. The distance can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for dispensing the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and to dispense the first reagent quickly.

  Further, an inert gas supply chamber 82 for holding an inert gas to be supplied to the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 and a pressure adjusting valve 90 for maintaining the upper layer of the first reagent supply chamber 73 at the first pressure P1. In accordance with the suction of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 14, the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent suction chamber 63 after the first reagent is sucked is the liquid level before the suction. Can be kept at the same height H2. Thereby, the improvement of the dispensing precision of a 1st reagent can be aimed at.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1a reagent rack 6 reagent container 14 first reagent dispensing probe 60 reagent suction tube 61 suction port 62 communication port 63 first reagent suction chamber 70 first container 71 filling port 72 opening 73 first reagent supply chamber 80 second Container 81 Gas vent 82 Inert gas supply chamber 90 Pressure adjustment valve 91 Check valve

Claims (8)

A reagent aspirating chamber for storing a reagent aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe;
A reagent supply chamber for storing the reagent to be supplied to the reagent suction chamber in a lower layer and holding a gas of a first pressure which is blocked from the atmosphere by the reagent stored in the lower layer in an upper layer;
A communication port that communicates between the reagent suction chamber and the reagent supply chamber provided at a lower portion of a partition that blocks between the reagent suction chamber and the reagent supply chamber;
And a gas supply chamber for holding the gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure for supplying the reagent supply chamber to keep the upper layer at the first pressure. Reagent container.   The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure.   Until the upper layer reaches the first pressure, which is provided in a partition wall that cuts off between the reagent supply chamber and the gas supply chamber disposed above the reagent supply chamber, and the pressure decreases in accordance with the suction of the reagent The reagent container according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure adjusting valve that opens between the upper layer and the gas supply chamber.   The liquid level of the reagent stored in the reagent supply chamber has an area larger than the area of the liquid level of the reagent stored in the reagent suction chamber. A reagent container according to claim 1.   The reagent suction chamber is characterized in that an upper end portion into which the reagent dispensing probe enters has a tubular shape having a predetermined diameter, and a lower end portion has a tubular shape having a diameter smaller than the predetermined diameter. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas is an inert gas.   A check valve for filling the gas supply chamber with the gas, and a seal for discharging residual gas remaining in the gas supply chamber before the gas flows in by the gas flowing in from the check valve. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a possible vent hole.   An automatic analyzer which sucks the reagent from the reagent container according to claim 1.

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