JP2019027954A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique pertaining to an autoanalyzer equipped with a disc-type container placement mechanism, with which it is possible to allow for additional placement of a container or similar other work by an operator during analysis operation and realize the convenience and ease of work requiring less effort of the operator.SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer comprises: a normal specimen disc 1 that is driven to rotate and an additional specimen disc 2 that is driven to rotate as specimen container placement mechanisms where a specimen container is placed; and a container placement detection mechanism for detecting whether or not a specimen container 21 is placed in the additional specimen disc 2. When placement of the specimen container 21 in the additional specimen disc 2 is detected by the container placement detection mechanism, switching control is exercised so that the specimen container 21 placed in the additional specimen disc 2 is presented to an analysis operation that includes dispensation earlier than a specimen container of the normal specimen disc 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique of an automatic analyzer that performs biochemical analysis, and relates to a technique related to a container installation mechanism and a dispensing mechanism in the automatic analyzer.

  An automatic analyzer for clinical examination has a function of performing biochemical analysis that analyzes components in biological samples such as blood and urine (sometimes called specimens, samples, etc.) based on optical measurements. This automatic analyzer is provided with a mechanism for the purpose of operation (sometimes referred to as “dispensing” or “sampling”) including aspiration and discharge of a specimen or reagent. This mechanism includes a probe (sometimes called a nozzle or the like) and a movable arm. The probe has a sharp pointed shape for the purpose of minute dispensing.

  The automatic analyzer includes a rack system and a disk system as a container installation mechanism (including a function of transporting containers). The rack method is suitable for analyzing a plurality of containers at once. The disc method is suitable for analyzing individual containers. As a disk-type specimen container installation mechanism, there is a specimen disk or the like. The sample disk has a plurality of sample container placement portions arranged on the circumference of the annular portion. A container installation part is a part in which an individual container can be installed. When the annular portion of the sample disk is intermittently driven, each container installation portion is conveyed so as to be intermittently rotated. An operator who is a user can perform installation work such as taking in and out of individual specimen containers in and out of the container installation section at each position.

  As prior art examples related to an automatic analyzer equipped with the above-described disk-type container installation mechanism, there are JP-A-8-110342 (Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2013-134140 (Patent Document 2). Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that can add a sample at any time and can set an emergency sample at a previous position whenever an interruption of an emergency sample occurs. Patent Document 1 describes that an outer sample disk and an inner sample disk are provided, and the storage portion of the other disk is positioned at a preset position during the analysis of the specimen on one disk.

  Patent Document 2 describes an automatic analyzer that a user can add a sample at any time. Patent Document 2 has a plurality of concentric annular specimen disks, and when a specimen addition request is input, it is determined whether there is a vacant position where a specimen container can be added to the specimen container installation disk. It is described that the operation of an annular sample disk is stopped and the operation of the annular sample disk is started in response to a restart request input.

JP-A-8-110342 JP 2013-134140 A

  In an automatic analyzer equipped with a conventional disk-type container installation mechanism, in normal operation, an operator pre-analyzes the sample container in the container installation part of the sample disk with the operation of the automatic analyzer stopped. Work to install. The operator sets information such as a sample and an analysis item in the automatic analyzer and inputs an analysis start instruction. The automatic analyzer starts an analysis operation relating to the sample container set in advance on the sample disk. Once the analysis operation is started, the automatic analyzer basically does not stop until the analysis operation is completed. During the analysis operation, the annular portion of the sample disk moves intermittently as intermittent rotational movement. In other words, each container installation part repeats unit rotation movement and stationary.

  Here, during the analysis operation, the operator may want to additionally install a sample container on the sample disk. For example, as an additional sample, a sample to be analyzed urgently (sometimes referred to as an urgent sample) may occur. In that case, as a recommended operation, first, it is necessary to wait until the analysis operation of the existing sample is completed, and then install the additional sample on the sample disk. Alternatively, secondly, it is necessary to stop the operation of the whole or a part of the automatic analyzer and then install the additional sample on the sample disk. Some operations are operations of the sample disc and the sample dispensing mechanism around it. The reason for stopping is that when the container installation work is performed during operation of the mechanism, the safety of the operator and the specimen cannot be ensured. For example, when an operator's finger touches the tip of the probe, there is a risk of injury or infection, and there is a possibility that the analysis may be affected by contamination of the tip. Further, if the sample container contacts the moving mechanism, there is a risk of breakage or the like.

  The operator installs an additional sample container in an empty container installation unit on the sample disk while the apparatus operation is stopped. After that, the operator restarts the operation of the automatic analyzer again to perform the analysis operation on the additional sample container.

  As described above, in the conventional automatic analyzer, when it is desired to perform an analysis by additionally installing a sample container during an analysis operation, it takes time and effort for the operator to operate the container. In addition, as described above, there is a need to perform operations such as additional container installation during the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer, but in the automatic analyzer equipped with the disk-type container installation mechanism of the prior art example, the analysis operation It is hard to do the container installation work inside. That is, there are problems in terms of user convenience and ease of work.

  In addition, when an operator wants to immediately analyze an urgent sample, the sample container may be installed in a vacant container installation part on the operating sample disk. When the container is forcibly installed during operation in this way, the safety of the operator and the sample cannot be guaranteed.

  In addition, some automatic analysis apparatuses according to related arts perform a corresponding operation for forcibly stopping the whole or a part of the apparatus at a predetermined timing. By stopping the safety, safety can be ensured and additional containers can be installed. However, the sample that was in the middle of the analysis operation at the time of the stop may be terminated halfway and incompletely analyzed, the analysis result cannot be obtained, and the sample may be damaged. That is, there is a problem in terms of the overall analysis efficiency of the automatic analyzer.

  The object of the present invention relates to the technology of an automatic analyzer equipped with a disk-type container installation mechanism, which enables an operator to perform additional work such as additional container installation during an analysis operation, which requires less labor for the operator and is convenient for work. It is to provide technology that can realize ease of use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of ensuring the safety of an operator and a sample and improving the overall analysis efficiency.

  A typical embodiment of the present invention is an automatic analyzer having the following configuration.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, as a specimen container installation mechanism in which a specimen container in which a specimen is stored is installed, a normal specimen disk that is rotationally driven, an additional specimen disk that is rotationally driven, and a reagent are stored A reagent container installation mechanism in which a reagent container is installed; a reaction container installation mechanism in which a reaction container in which a reaction solution of the sample and the reagent is stored; and a sample from the sample container in the sample container installation mechanism A sample dispensing mechanism including a probe for dispensing operation that is aspirated and discharged into the reaction container of the reaction container installation mechanism, and the reaction container is installed by aspirating the reagent from the reagent container of the reagent container installation mechanism A reagent dispensing mechanism including a reagent probe for dispensing a reagent to be discharged into the reaction container of the mechanism, a photometer for optically measuring the specimen in the reaction container of the reaction container installation mechanism, A computer that performs an analysis process based on an optical measurement signal, a control unit that controls an analysis operation including the dispensing operation, and a container installation detection mechanism that detects whether or not the sample container is installed on the additional sample disk; When the installation of the sample container on the additional sample disk is detected by the container installation detection mechanism, the sample container installed on the additional sample disk is more than the sample container of the normal sample disk. The switching is controlled so that the analysis operation including the dispensing operation is performed first.

  According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, regarding the technology of an automatic analyzer equipped with a disk-type container installation mechanism, an operator can perform operations such as additional container installation during an analysis operation. It is to provide a technology that can realize the convenience and ease of work with less labor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of ensuring the safety of an operator and a sample and improving the overall analysis efficiency.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration including a circuit and the like in Embodiment 1. FIG. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning structures, such as a sample disk of an apparatus upper surface. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning outline | summary etc. of the sample disk etc. of an apparatus upper surface. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration in the vicinity of an additional sample disk in the first embodiment. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the structure outline | summary of the upper surface of an additional test substance disk. In Embodiment 1, it is a perspective view which shows the structure of an additional sample disc. In Embodiment 1, it is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the sensor of a container installation detection mechanism. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the structure outline | summary regarding drive switching. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the structural example of a drive switching mechanism. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the state of a drive switching mechanism. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first flow for performing an analysis operation of a normal sample in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second flow for performing an analysis operation of an additional sample in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of drive switching and the like in the first embodiment. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the structural example of the probe guard for normal specimen discs. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the additional sample disc in the automatic analyzer of the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the probe guard for additional sample discs in the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

[Issues]
A supplementary explanation will be given of the problems of the automatic analyzer described above. As described above, in the automatic analyzer equipped with the disk-type container installation mechanism of the conventional technology example, when it is desired to perform an additional installation of the sample container on the sample disk during the analysis operation, the operator's trouble, convenience, and There are problems in terms of ease, ensuring safety, and analysis efficiency.

  Furthermore, some automatic analyzers according to prior art examples include a probe guard on a sample disk. As described above, if the operator's body or container touches the moving mechanism, for example, the tip of the probe during the operation of the automatic analyzer, there is a risk of injury, etc. Cannot be secured. As measures for ensuring safety during dispensing operation, mounting of mechanisms such as a probe guard and a cover can be cited. For example, a probe guard that can be attached and detached is provided in a partial region of the specimen disk. The probe guard is a structure having a guard wall around the track of the probe. The probe guard restricts the operator's body from accessing the probe trajectory during dispensing operations, alerts and protects the probe tip from touching. In normal operation, an analysis operation including a dispensing operation is performed with the probe guard attached.

  In the case of a sample disc provided with a probe guard, it is not possible or difficult to add a sample container to the container setting part in the region covered with the probe guard. When the operator wants to additionally install a sample container on the sample disk, the operator additionally installs the sample container in a vacant container setting portion in an area not covered with the probe guard. Alternatively, after the operator removes the probe guard, the operator additionally installs a sample container in a vacant container installation part (that is, a container installation part near the dispensing position). The operator needs to attach the probe guard again and instruct to resume the operation.

  As described above, when the probe guard is provided, it is possible to improve the safety of the operator and the specimen, but it is time-consuming for the operator to install the container, which is disadvantageous in terms of convenience and ease of work. Moreover, it is difficult to cope with analysis of urgent samples, and there is a problem in terms of analysis efficiency.

  Further, the number of specimen containers that can be installed on the specimen disk is limited. In the conventional configuration, when it is desired to additionally install a large number of sample containers for analysis, it is difficult to cope with it, and it may be necessary to remove the probe guard before installation.

  As described above, in an automatic analyzer, it is desired to realize convenience and high functionality that can handle both analysis of a normal sample container and analysis of an additional sample container (such as an emergency sample). Ideally, it would be possible to install and analyze an additional sample container without stopping the operation of the entire apparatus or a part of the apparatus (sample disk or the like) during the analysis operation of a normal sample container. In the automatic analyzer of the prior art example, there is room for improvement in order to satisfy both the viewpoint of efficiency of work and analysis and the viewpoint of safety.

  The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a disk type specimen container installation mechanism. In the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, regarding the disk-type container installation mechanism provided with the probe guard, the analysis of the specimen is performed in consideration of both the above-described work and analysis efficiency viewpoints and safety viewpoints. The mechanism and control related to the note operation were devised. As described above, the conventional mechanism for installing a normal sample container and an additional sample container for the same sample disk does not satisfy both of the above viewpoints. In the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, an additional sample disk for installing an additional sample container is provided in addition to a normal sample disk, and control is performed so as to switch operations for these two types of sample disks. . Thereby, in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment, both the above viewpoints are satisfied in a well-balanced manner.

(Embodiment 1)
The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment has an additional sample disk in addition to a normal sample disk as a disk-type container installation mechanism for installing and transporting a sample container. The normal sample disk is a sample disk in which a normal sample container is installed. The additional sample disk is a sample disk in which an additional sample container such as an emergency sample is installed. This automatic analyzer includes a mechanism for detecting that an additional sample container is additionally installed in the container setting unit of the additional sample disk by the operator. Based on the detection, the automatic analyzer controls the sample dispensing operation to be switched from the dispensing operation for the normal sample container of the normal sample disk to the dispensing operation for the additional sample container of the additional sample disk. During the control, the automatic analyzer switches the driving of the two types of sample disks in a time division manner and switches the operation of the probe of the sample dispensing mechanism in a time division manner. As a result, the dispensing operation of the additional sample container is executed prior to the dispensing operation of the normal sample container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, an additional sample such as an emergency sample can be additionally installed at any time during the analysis operation of the normal sample. It is not necessary to stop the operation of the whole or a part of the automatic analyzer during the additional installation work. In the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, according to the detection of the additional installation, the dispensing operation of the additional sample is preferentially inserted as an interruption so that the analysis can be performed immediately. At that time, since the forced stop is not performed, the analysis result is obtained even for the normal sample in the middle of the analysis, and the sample is not damaged.

[Automatic analyzer (1) -mechanism]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of main mechanisms particularly in the vicinity of the upper surface of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment includes a disk-type container installation mechanism. This container installation mechanism includes a container transport mechanism, and is a mechanism that enables the container to be installed and transported. The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment includes two types of specimen disks that constitute the specimen container installation mechanism: a normal specimen disk 1 and an additional specimen disk 2. FIG. 1 schematically shows a state where an upper surface of the apparatus is viewed from an operator who is a user located in front of the apparatus. As directions for explanation, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are shown. The X direction and the Y direction are two orthogonal directions constituting a horizontal plane, and the Z direction is a vertical direction. In FIG. 1, the X direction corresponds to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the apparatus, the Y direction corresponds to the depth direction of the apparatus, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer includes, as main mechanisms, a normal specimen disk 1, an additional specimen disk 2, a reaction container disk 3 of a reaction tank mechanism, a reagent disk 4 constituting a reagent container installation mechanism, a specimen dispensing mechanism 5, A reagent pipetting mechanism, which is a reagent dispensing mechanism 6, a stirring mechanism 7, a photometer 8, a cleaning mechanism 9 and the like are provided.

  The normal sample disk 1 is a mechanism for installing and transporting a normal sample, and a known configuration can be applied. The normal sample disk 1 has a plurality of container setting portions 10 on the circumference of the annular portion, and a sample container 11 (may be described as a normal sample container) can be installed on each container setting portion 10. It has become. The normal specimen disk 1 is intermittently driven by a drive unit described later. Thereby, each container installation part 10 and the sample container 11 on the circumference of the normal sample disk 1 are intermittently rotated. In other words, the intermittent rotation is a movement in units of a predetermined arc distance.

  The normal specimen disk 1 includes an annular part and a rotating shaft part. A plurality of container placement portions 10 (normal specimen container placement portions) are arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular portion. The sample container 11 stores a sample such as blood or urine of a patient or the like. In this example, the normal sample disk 1 has double annular portions on the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and is driven to rotate, so that the sample container 11 can be set in the container setting portion 10. The sample container 11 can be installed in each vacant container installation unit 10 by the operator's work.

  The additional sample disk 2 is a mechanism for installing and transporting an additional sample. The additional specimen disk 2 has a plurality of container placement sections 20 on the circumference, and a specimen container 21 (which may be described as an additional specimen container) can be placed in each container placement section 20 (described later). FIG. 3 etc.). The additional sample disk 2 is intermittently driven by a drive unit described later. Thereby, each container installation part 20 and sample container 21 on the circumference of the additional sample disk 2 are intermittently rotated. The additional sample disk 2 is smaller than the normal sample disk 1 and has a smaller number of container installation parts. The sample container 21 can be installed in each vacant container installation unit 20 by the operator's work.

  The reaction vessel mechanism includes a reaction vessel disk 3, a constant temperature vessel, a constant temperature maintenance device 3B, and the like. The reaction vessel disk 3 has a plurality of vessel setting portions 30 on the circumference, and a reaction vessel 31 can be set in each vessel setting portion 30. The reaction vessel disk 3 is driven to rotate intermittently. Thereby, each container installation part 30 and reaction container 31 on the circumference of the reaction container disk 3 are intermittently rotated. The reaction vessel 31 is made of a translucent material. The reaction vessel 31 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) by a thermostatic bath. The temperature of the fluid in the thermostat is adjusted by the thermostat 3B.

  The reagent disk 4 has a plurality of container setting portions 40 on the circumference, and a reagent container 41 can be set in each container setting portion 40. The reagent disk 4 is driven intermittently. Thereby, each container installation part 40 and reagent container 41 on the circumference of the reagent disk 4 are intermittently rotated. The reagent disk 4 includes an annular portion and a rotating shaft portion. A plurality of container installation parts 40 (reagent container installation parts) are arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular part. Each reagent container 41 stores each reagent (reagent liquid) corresponding to an analysis item that can be analyzed by the automatic analyzer.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 5 is a mechanism that performs a sample dispensing operation, and includes a rotating shaft portion, a movable arm 52, a probe 53, and the like. The sample dispensing mechanism 5 performs a sample suction operation on the sample container of the normal sample disk 1 or the additional sample disk 2 and a sample discharge operation on the reaction container 31 of the reaction container disk 3.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 5 is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the normal sample disk 1, the additional sample disk 2, and the reaction container disk 3. In particular, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 is disposed at a position between the normal sample disk 1 and the reaction container disk 3. Has been. In the sample dispensing mechanism 5, a movable arm 52 extending in the horizontal direction is movably connected to a rotating shaft portion extending in the Z direction. A probe 53 extending downward in the Z direction is movably connected to the tip of the movable arm 52. The movable arm 52 moves up and down and rotates with respect to the rotating shaft portion based on driving. As the movable arm 52 moves, the probe 53 moves up and down and rotates.

  The reagent pipetting mechanism that is the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is a mechanism that performs a reagent dispensing operation, and includes a rotating shaft portion, a movable arm 62, a probe (reagent probe, pipette nozzle) 63, and the like. The outline of the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is the same as that of the sample dispensing mechanism 5. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 performs a reagent suction operation with respect to the reagent container 41 of the reagent disk 4 and a reagent discharge operation with respect to the reaction container 31 of the reaction container disk 3. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is disposed at a position near the reagent disk 4 and the reaction container disk 3, particularly at a position between the reagent disk 4 and the reaction container disk 3.

  The stirring mechanism 7 is a mechanism that generates a reaction liquid by stirring the reaction container 31 in which the specimen and the reagent are stored as a mixed liquid to promote the reaction. The stirring mechanism 7 is arranged at a position near the reaction vessel disk 3. The stirred reaction vessel 31 is transported to a photometric position for optical measurement by the photometer 8.

  The photometer 8 is an element constituting a light detection system (optical measurement unit), and performs optical measurement on the reaction vessel 31 (the reaction solution) of the reaction vessel disk 3. The photometer 8 is a multi-wavelength photometer, and detects transmitted light or scattered light from the reaction vessel 31 based on light from a light source. The photometer 8 is disposed, for example, outside the outer periphery of the reaction vessel disk 3. A light source is disposed at a position facing the photometer 8, for example, near the center of the reaction vessel disk 3. The light source is composed of, for example, a laser element. Light from the light source is applied to the reaction vessel 31 at the photometric position. A position between the photometer 8 and the light source is a photometric position. The reaction vessel 31 after stirring is optically measured at a timing passing through a photometric position on the circumference of the reaction vessel disk 3 based on the rotational movement.

  The cleaning mechanism 9 is a mechanism for cleaning the used reaction vessel 31 and the like. The cleaning mechanism 9 is arranged at a position near the reaction vessel disk 3. The inside of the reaction vessel 31 after the optical measurement is washed by the washing mechanism 9. Thereby, repeated use is possible. The cleaning mechanism 9 includes a probe cleaning mechanism.

  In addition, a probe guard 400 is attached to a part of the normal sample disk 1, particularly to a region accessed by the probe 53 of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 (FIGS. 4 and 15 described later). The probe guard 400 is provided for restricting and protecting access so that an operator's fingers do not come into contact with the probe 53 or the like of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 during operation.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, a configuration including a plurality of normal specimen disks 1 and a plurality of reagent disks 4 is also possible. A configuration without the probe guard 400 is also possible.

[Automatic analyzer (2)-circuit]
The control system and signal processing system of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a functional block configuration including a circuit and the like connected to the mechanism of FIG. In FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer includes a control unit 100 (control board 110, computer 120), a storage medium 131, an input device 132, a display device 133, a printer 134, a power supply unit 135, an operation unit 136, and the like. The interface circuit 150 is mutually connected. The automatic analyzer includes a sample disk control unit 200, a reaction container disk control unit 13, a reagent disk control unit 14, a sample dispensing control unit 15, a reagent dispensing control unit 16, a LOG conversion A / D converter 18, a washing A water pump 19 and the like are provided. These units are connected to each other by a bus, a cable, a LAN, or the like.

  A sample disk control unit 200 (FIG. 9 described later) is connected to the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2. A reaction vessel disk controller 13 is connected to the reaction vessel disk 3. A reagent disk control unit 14 is connected to the reagent disk 4. A sample dispensing control unit 15 is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 5. A reagent dispensing control unit 16 is connected to the reagent dispensing mechanism 6. A LOG conversion A / D converter 18 is connected to the photometer 8. A cleaning water pump 19 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 9.

  The sample disk control unit 200 performs drive control on the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2. The sample disk control unit 200 includes a drive unit such as a motor. As will be described later, the sample disk control unit 200 performs drive switching between these two types of sample disks. The sample disk control unit 200 drives the normal sample disk 1 or the additional sample disk 2 to rotate intermittently.

  The additional sample disk 2 or the sample disk control unit 200 includes a container installation detection mechanism (FIG. 9 and the like described later). This container installation detection mechanism detects whether or not the sample container 21 is installed on the additional sample disk 2. Based on the detection, the control unit 100 controls the sample disk control unit 200, the sample dispensing control unit 15, and the like to switch operations related to the two types of sample disks.

  The reaction container disk control unit 13 performs drive control on the reaction container disk 3. The reaction vessel disk control unit 13 includes a drive unit such as a motor and drives the reaction vessel disk 3 to rotate intermittently.

  The reagent disk control unit 14 performs drive control on the reagent disk 4. The reagent disk control unit 14 includes a drive unit such as a motor, and drives the reagent disk 4 to rotate intermittently.

  The sample dispensing control unit 15 drives and controls the sample dispensing operation by the sample dispensing mechanism 5. The sample dispensing control unit 15 includes a driving unit such as a motor, and drives the movable arm 52 and the probe 53. As will be described later, the sample dispensing control unit 15 switches between the dispensing operation for the normal sample disk 1 and the dispensing operation for the additional sample disk 2 according to the time division mode.

  The reagent dispensing control unit 16 drives and controls the reagent dispensing operation by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6. The reagent dispensing control unit 16 includes a drive unit such as a motor, and drives the movable arm 62 and the probe 63.

  The control unit 100 includes a control board 110 and a computer 120, and controls the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer. The control board 110 is composed of an LSI board or the like, and controls the entire automatic analyzer. The control board 110 controls the computer 120 and the like through the interface circuit 150. The control unit 100 controls each mechanism to be interlocked according to a prescribed sequence.

  The computer 120 controls the analysis operation based on the control from the control board 110. The computer 120 controls the analysis operation including the dispensing operation by giving a command signal to the control unit (specimen dispensing control unit 15 or the like) of each mechanism through the interface circuit 150. For example, the sample dispensing control unit 15 drives and controls the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 in accordance with a command signal from the computer 120. The computer 120 is configured by a PC or the like, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs software program processing. The computer 120 performs information processing such as analysis processing in accordance with the analysis operation. The computer 120 performs an analysis process according to the analysis item for each sample based on the measurement signal, and outputs analysis result information. The computer 120 stores analysis result information or the like in a memory or a storage medium 131 and outputs it to the operator through the display device 133 or the printer 134. The computer 120 accepts an input operation by the operator, and displays an operation function screen or the like on the display screen of the display device 133. On the operation function screen, buttons for various instructions, sample information, setting information related to analysis, analysis result information, and the like are displayed. The computer 120 handles various screen information, analysis request information, analysis items and analysis parameter information, calibration information, analysis result information, and the like, and stores them in a memory or the like.

  The storage medium 131 stores analysis result information and the like. The storage medium 131 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or a memory card, and may be composed of an external server or the like. Further, a system in which an external server or the like is connected to the automatic analyzer via a communication network may be used.

  The input device 132 is input means for the computer 120. The display device 133 is an output unit from the computer 120. Based on the processing of the computer 120, an operation function screen or the like is displayed on the display screen of the display device 133. The operation function screen is a screen serving as a graphical user interface for the operator. The printer 134 prints out analysis result information and the like based on control from the computer 120. The operation unit 136 has an operation panel, operation buttons, and the like as a user interface for the operator, and accepts an operation by the operator. The operation unit 136 and the input device 132 send an input operation signal to the control unit 100 when receiving an input operation by the operator. The control unit 100 controls each unit based on the input operation signal. The operator operates the automatic analyzer through the operation unit 136 and the input device 132 to perform sample analysis work. The operator can input and set instructions while looking at the operation function screen, and can confirm setting information, analysis result information, and the like.

  The control configuration of the automatic analyzer is not limited to the above. For example, the control board 110 and the computer 120 may be integrated. The control unit for each mechanism such as the sample dispensing control unit 15 may be configured by an LSI substrate or the like, or may be configured by a single LSI substrate by combining a plurality of control units.

  A LOG conversion A / D converter 18 is connected to the photometer 8. The LOG conversion A / D converter 18 inputs a signal detected and measured for each specimen (reaction solution) by the photometer 8, for example, an analog signal of scattered light, and performs LOG conversion (logarithmic conversion), analog / digital conversion, and the like. I do. In the LOG conversion, it is converted into a numerical value proportional to the amount of light. A measurement signal, which is a digital signal converted by the LOG conversion A / D converter 18, is transmitted to the computer 120 via the interface circuit 150. The measurement signal is temporarily stored in the memory of the computer 120 or the storage medium 131, for example. The computer 120 performs analysis processing according to the analysis item for each sample using the measurement signal. For example, the computer 120 calculates concentration data based on the calibration curve using the converted numerical value in the measurement signal. The calibration curve is measured in advance based on the analysis method designated for each inspection item. The computer 120 stores the analysis result information in the memory or the storage medium 131, displays it on the display screen of the display device 133, and prints it out with the printer 134. The analysis result information includes, for example, component concentration data for each analysis item corresponding to each inspection item. Thereby, the operator can confirm the analysis result for every sample.

[Automatic analyzer (3)-Setting]
The settings related to the sample analysis operation in the automatic analyzer are as follows. Prior to the analysis, information required for the analysis is input and set in advance in the automatic analyzer by the operator. The operator makes settings while viewing the operation function screen. The setting information includes information such as patient and sample registration information, examination item selection information, and analysis items and analysis parameters associated with the examination items. The setting information is stored in the memory or the storage medium 131 of the automatic analyzer.

  The operator registers information such as a patient ID (or sample ID) as appropriate. On the operation function screen, the operator selects a test item requested to be analyzed for each sample based on the analysis request information. An analysis item corresponding to the selected inspection item is selected. As the analysis items, a plurality of items that can be analyzed by an automatic analyzer are prepared. The operator sets analysis parameters for analysis items.

  During the sample dispensing operation, the probe 53 of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 performs the sample dispensing operation from the sample container at the dispensing position of the corresponding sample disk according to the analysis parameter of the designated analysis item of the designated sample. I do. Further, during the reagent dispensing operation, the probe 63 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 performs the reagent dispensing operation from the reagent container at the dispensing position of the corresponding reagent disk 4 according to the analysis parameter of the designated analysis item. .

[Automatic analyzer (4)-switching control]
The outline of the switching control of the analysis operation between the normal sample and the additional sample in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment is as follows. The control unit 100 controls the sample dispensing operation and the reagent dispensing operation, and also controls the operation of each disk associated with each dispensing operation.

  In the automatic analyzer, during the execution of the dispensing operation of the sample container 11 of the normal sample disk 1, the container setting that the sample container 21 of the additional sample is installed in the container setting unit 20 of the additional sample disk 2 by the operator. Detect using detection mechanism. Based on the detection, the control unit 100 of the automatic analyzer controls to switch the sample dispensing operation from the dispensing operation for the normal sample disk 1 to the dispensing operation for the additional sample disk 2. Based on the control from the control unit 100, the sample disk control unit 200 switches the drive state so that the additional sample disk 2 is in the drive state and the normal sample disk 1 is in the non-drive state. Further, based on the control from the control unit 100, the sample dispensing control unit 15 performs the dispensing operation for the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2 from the first mode in which the dispensing operation for the dispensing position P1 of the normal sample disk 1 is performed. It switches so that it may be set to the 2nd mode which performs dispensing operation | movement (FIG. 3).

  As a result, a dispensing operation is performed between the additional sample container at the dispensing position P <b> 2 of the additional sample disk 2 and the corresponding reaction container 31 on the reaction container disk 3. The reaction vessel 31 is optically measured at the photometric position and subjected to analysis processing. Note that the reaction container 31 corresponding to the additional sample container 21 for which the dispensing operation has been completed is inserted as an interrupt in the queue for optical measurement in the reaction container disk 3 before the reaction container 31 corresponding to the new normal sample. Will be.

  The automatic analyzer returns to the dispensing operation related to the normal sample container of the normal sample disk 1 when the dispensing operation related to the additional sample container of the additional sample disk 2 is completed and there is no other additional sample container. Control switching. As described above, the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment preferentially performs the analysis operation including the dispensing operation of the additional sample according to the occurrence of the additional installation of the sample container 21 with respect to the additional sample disk 2. Control switching to.

[Automatic analyzer (5)-top surface]
FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion such as a sample disk related to features in the automatic analyzer. In FIG. 3, the normal sample disk 1, the additional sample disk 2, the reaction container disk 3, the sample dispensing mechanism 5, the washing tank 90, and the like are shown on the XY plane that is the upper surface of the apparatus.

  In this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the reaction vessel disk 3 and the like are arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus near the center upper side as viewed from the front of the apparatus. A sample disk 1 is arranged, and a reagent disk 4 is arranged near the lower right. A sample dispensing mechanism 5 is disposed at a position between the reaction container disk 3 and the normal sample disk 1. In the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 51 of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 is arranged at a position on the left side of the reaction vessel disk 3 and on the upper side of the normal sample disk 1. A trajectory 301 indicated by a broken-line circle indicates the trajectory of the probe 53 and corresponds to the maximum rotation range when moving along a 360-degree arc. The trajectory 301 is not limited to a 360 degree arc trajectory. During the sample dispensing operation, in the sample dispensing mechanism 5, the probe 53 rotates on the track 301 as the movable arm 52 rotates.

  The additional sample disk 2 is close to the normal sample disk 1 (particularly the dispensing position P1) and the reaction container disk 3 (particularly the dispensing position P3), and is located at a predetermined position accessible by the probe 53 of the specimen dispensing mechanism 5. Has been placed. In this embodiment, the additional sample disk 2 is disposed at a predetermined position (position Q2) between the normal sample disk 1 (position Q1), the reaction container disk 3 (position Q3), and the washing tank 90.

  The dispensing position P1 is in the upper right area of the circumference of the normal specimen disk 1. In the region on the left side of the circumference of the reaction vessel disk 3, there is a dispensing position P3. During the normal sample dispensing operation, the probe 53 rotates on the track 301 between the dispensing position P1 on the normal sample disk 1 and the dispensing position P3 on the reaction container disk 3. A dispensing position P2 on the additional specimen disk 2 is provided in the middle of the track 301, particularly between the position of the cleaning tank 90 and the dispensing position P1. In particular, a dispensing position P2 is provided in the upper left area of the additional specimen disk 2. During the dispensing operation of the additional specimen, the probe 53 rotates on the track 301 between the dispensing position P2 on the additional specimen disk 2 and the dispensing position P3 on the reaction container disk 3.

  In the first embodiment, the cleaning tank 90 of the cleaning mechanism 9 is arranged particularly at a position near the lower left outside the reaction vessel disk 3. The cleaning tank 90 is a mechanism for cleaning the probe 53. The probe 53 after the dispensing operation can be cleaned in the cleaning tank 90. In the first embodiment, in particular, the dispensing position P2 of the additional specimen disk 2 is arranged between the cleaning tank 90 and the upper right region (dispensing position P1) of the normal specimen disk 1. In this configuration, the probe 53 that has finished the dispensing operation for the additional specimen disk 2 can be immediately washed in the washing tank 90.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above arrangement configuration example. In another embodiment, the cleaning tank 90 may be arranged at another position. The additional sample disk 2 is disposed at a position between the normal sample disk 1 and the reaction container disk 3.

  The additional sample disk 2 is a small sample disk having a smaller size such as a diameter than the normal sample disk 1. The size of the additional sample disk 2 is set to a size that is within the distance between the normal sample disk 1 and the reaction container disk 3.

  The additional sample disk 2 includes one or more container setting units 20 that can set additional sample containers in units of one. In the present embodiment, the number of container setting portions 20 in the additional sample disk 2 is, for example, four, which is smaller than the number of container setting portions 10 in the normal sample disk 1 (for example, 55 in the outer peripheral portion).

  The sample container 21 additionally installed in the container setting section 20 of the additional sample disk 2 is conveyed to a predetermined dispensing position P2 by the rotation of the additional sample disk 2. The probe 53 of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 accesses the additional sample container at the dispensing position P2 and performs a sample dispensing operation.

[Automatic analyzer (6)-Outline of arrangement]
FIG. 4 shows an outline of the arrangement of specimen disks and the like on the XY plane on the upper surface of the apparatus corresponding to the mounting configuration of FIG. The normal specimen disk 1 has a dispensing position P1 in the upper right region (for example, the outer ring). The dispensing position P1 is a specimen aspirating position. Further, a probe guard 400 (FIG. 15 described later) is attached to the upper right region including the dispensing position P1. In the reaction vessel disk 3, a predetermined position on the circumference is a photometric position P4. The reaction container disk 3 has a dispensing position P3 in the left or lower left region. The dispensing position P3 is a sample discharge position (also referred to as a sample receiving position). The additional specimen disc 2 has a dispensing position P2 in the upper left area. The dispensing position P2 is a specimen aspirating position.

  The operator performs work with the front of the apparatus as a reference position. In normal operation, the operator is previously in a state where the apparatus operation is stopped, with respect to the container setting unit 10 in the region other than the probe guard 400 of the normal sample disk 1 (for example, the container setting unit 10 in the circumferential portion near the front of the apparatus). The operation of installing the sample container 11 is performed. In addition, when an additional sample such as an emergency sample is generated, the operator, at any time, places the sample container of the additional sample in the container setting unit 20 of the additional sample disk 2 (for example, the container setting unit 20 in the circumferential portion near the front of the apparatus). Work to install 21.

  As shown in the figure, the probe 53 of the specimen dispensing mechanism 5 can access the dispensing positions P1, P2, and P3 and the position of the cleaning tank 90. During the normal sample dispensing operation, the probe 53 mainly moves on the trajectory 401. During the dispensing operation of the additional specimen, the probe 53 moves mainly on the trajectory 402. When switching, the probe 53 may move from the dispensing position P1 to the dispensing position P2.

  In the first mode described later, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 performs a dispensing operation on the sample container 11 at the dispensing position P1 of the normal sample disk 1. At that time, the probe 53 moves between the dispensing position P1 of the normal specimen disk 1 and the dispensing position P3 of the reaction container disk 3, as indicated by the trajectory 401.

  In the second mode to be described later, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 performs a dispensing operation on the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2. At this time, the probe 53 moves between the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2 and the dispensing position P3 of the reaction container disk 3 as indicated by the trajectory 402.

  The outline of the normal sample dispensing operation is as follows. By the intermittent rotation drive of the normal sample disk 1, the sample container 11 and the container setting unit 10 in which the target sample is stored are transported to the dispensing position P1. In the sample dispensing mechanism 5, the probe 53 rotates and moves to the dispensing position P1 on the normal sample disk 1 based on the operation of the movable arm 52, and accesses the sample container 11 at the dispensing position P1 by vertical movement. The probe 53 aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 11. Based on the operation of the movable arm 52, the probe 53 rotates and moves to the dispensing position P3 on the reaction container disk 3, and accesses the reaction container 31 at the dispensing position P3. The probe 53 discharges a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction container 31.

  The reaction container 31 into which the normal specimen has been dispensed is moved to the reagent dispensing position (for example, dispensing position P5) as the reaction container disk 3 rotates intermittently. In this example, the sample dispensing operation and the reagent dispensing operation are preceded by the sample dispensing operation as the sequence, but the sample dispensing operation is not limited to this, but the reagent dispensing operation is preceded by this. Good.

  The outline of the reagent dispensing operation is as follows. In the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, the probe 63 moves to a predetermined dispensing position (reagent suction position) on the reagent disk 4 based on the operation of the movable arm 62 and accesses the reagent container 41 at the dispensing position. . The reagent container 41 is a container in which a reagent corresponding to a target analysis item is stored. The probe 63 sucks a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent container 41. Based on the operation of the movable arm 62, the probe 63 moves to a predetermined dispensing position P5 on the reaction container disk 3, and discharges a predetermined amount of reagent into the reaction container 31 at the dispensing position. The dispensing position P5 is a reagent discharge position (also referred to as a reagent receiving position).

  The outline of the dispensing operation of the additional sample is the same but the following. By the intermittent rotation driving of the additional sample disk 2, the sample container 21 and the container setting unit 20 in which the target sample is stored are transported to the dispensing position P2. In the sample dispensing mechanism 5, the probe 53 rotates to the dispensing position P2 on the additional sample disk 2 based on the operation of the movable arm 52, and accesses the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2 by moving up and down. The probe 53 aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 21. Based on the operation of the movable arm 52, the probe 53 rotates and moves to the dispensing position P3 on the reaction container disk 3, and accesses the reaction container 31 at the dispensing position P3. The probe 53 discharges a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction container 31. Similarly, the reaction container 31 into which the additional specimen has been dispensed is moved to the reagent dispensing position P5 along with the intermittent rotation of the reaction container disk 3, and the reagent dispensing operation is performed.

  After the sample and reagent dispensing operation has been completed, the reaction vessel 31 is stirred by the stirring mechanism 7 and then subjected to optical measurement at the photometric position P4.

[Additional specimen disc (1)]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the additional specimen disk 2. The additional sample disk 2 includes an installation unit 22 and a disk unit 23. A disk unit 23 is disposed on the installation unit 22. The installation unit 22 is mounted with a container installation detection mechanism which will be described later. The disk portion 23 has a disk shape or a cylindrical shape, and is driven to rotate. The disk part 23 is provided with a plurality of container installation parts 20 on the circumference. In the present embodiment, the disk portion 23 has four container installation portions 20 {20A, 20B, 20C, 20D}. The four container setting portions 20 are arranged at positions obtained by dividing the circumference of 360 degrees into four, that is, at every 90 degrees. Each container installation unit 20 can be installed by inserting a specimen container 21 (additional specimen container) having a circular cross section. The inserted specimen container 21 approaches or contacts the installation unit 22.

  The position of each container installation unit 20 is a relative position that moves as the disk unit 23 rotates. In the example of FIG. 5, for example, the state where the container installation portion 20 </ b> A is at the dispensing position P <b> 2 is shown. In addition, the sample container 21 is installed in each of the container installation units 20A, 20B, and 20D, and the sample container 21 is not installed in the container installation unit 20C.

[Additional specimen disc (2)]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) of the additional specimen disk 2. The center of the disk portion 23 is a rotating shaft portion 24. Four container installation portions 20 {20A to 20D} are provided on the circumference around the rotation shaft portion 24. Positions L1 to L4 are provided as absolute positions in the automatic analyzer and the additional sample disk 2. Each container installation unit 20 stops at any one of the positions L1 to L4 by intermittent rotational movement. In the additional sample disk 2, the container setting unit 20 moves, for example, between four positions L1 to L4 as intermittent rotational movement. For example, in one rotation movement, the container installation unit 20 moves from the position L3 to the position L2.

  In particular, the upper left position L1 is defined as a dispensing position P2 accessed by the probe 53. In particular, the lower right position L3 is defined as an additional installation position. The position L3 is a position relatively close to the front of the apparatus, and the position L1 is a position relatively distant from the front of the apparatus. The position L3 (additional installation position) is a position where additional installation of the sample container 21 is recommended. During the work, the operator mainly additionally installs the sample container 21 in the container setting unit 20 at the position L3. In addition, it can be additionally installed at positions L2 and L4.

  In the present embodiment, the sample containers 21 can be installed at a plurality of positions (positions L1 to L4) of the additional sample disk 2, respectively. In the additional sample disk 2, the sample container 21 additionally installed in the container setting unit 20 at any position is transported to the dispensing position P2 (position L1) based on intermittent rotation. However, since the probe 53 passes through the container installation unit 20 at the dispensing position P2 (position L1), it is not suitable for the operation of installing the sample container 21, and is not recommended. In particular, the container installation unit 20 at the position L3 away from the dispensing position P2 is suitable for the operation of installing the sample container 21, and is recommended as an additional installation position.

  Further, in the additional sample disk 2, for example, the position L3 is defined as the sample identification position. A sample identification mechanism is provided at the sample identification position. The sample identification mechanism is a mechanism for identifying the sample container 21 installed in the container installation unit 20 and grasping information regarding the sample container 21. This sample identification mechanism can be realized by a technique similar to the sample identification mechanism provided on the normal sample disk 1. This sample identification mechanism can be realized using an optical reading device, a proximity wireless communication device, or the like, such as a barcode reader or an RFID system. For example, the sample container 21 is provided with a label on which information is described. The sample identification mechanism reads information on the label of the sample container 21. The automatic analyzer can identify the sample container 21 from the read information based on the setting information and the like, and can grasp the sample, position, analysis item, and the like of the sample container 21.

  As a modification, a configuration in which the sample identification mechanism and the container installation detection mechanism are combined into one may be used. As a modification, the sample identification mechanism and the sample identification position may be positions other than the position L3, for example, may be provided at a specific position L2, or may be provided at each of a plurality of positions.

[Additional specimen disc (3)]
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the additional specimen disk 2. The additional sample disk 2 mainly includes an installation unit 22 and a disk unit 23. The disk portion 23 is connected to a rotation shaft portion 24 in the Z direction that is not visible in the drawing, and is driven to rotate. The disk portion 23 is driven and controlled so as to intermittently rotate about the rotating shaft portion 24. Thereby, each of the four container installation parts 20 moves intermittently and stops at every predetermined position (positions L1 to L4).

  An installation portion 22 is disposed below the disk portion 23 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the installation section 22 is fixed without rotating, but as another embodiment, the installation section 22 may be rotated together with the disk section 23. The installation unit 22 is an element constituting a container installation detection mechanism. In the present embodiment, the installation unit 22 is mounted with a sensor 25 constituting a container installation detection mechanism. The sensor 25 detects the installation (additional installation) of the sample container 21 with respect to the container installation unit 20. An example of mounting the sensor 25 is shown in FIG.

  In the disk part 23, each container installation part 20 {20A-20D} has a hole that penetrates in the Z direction. The sample container 21 can be inserted and installed in this hole. The lower end portion of the inserted specimen container 21 is close to or in contact with the upper surface of the installation portion 22. The disk portion 23 has a predetermined height in the Z direction, and this height is designed according to the height of the sample container 21. As shown in the figure, it is possible to install a plurality of types of specimen containers 21 having different heights. In the present embodiment, the disk portion 23 is not a simple cylindrical shape, but has a shape in which four prisms corresponding to the four container installation portions 20 are joined, and has a substantially cross-sectional shape. This is not limited to this.

[Additional specimen disc (4)]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mounting example of the sensor 25 of the container installation detection mechanism in the additional sample disk 2 of FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example in which a reflective sensor 25 </ b> A is applied as the sensor 25. The reflective sensor 25A detects the presence or absence of proximity to the sample container 21 (the lower end thereof). In the installation part 22, the reflective sensors 25A are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions L1 to L4 of the container installation parts 20, respectively. A sample container 21 can be inserted and installed in the container installation unit 20. The lower end of the inserted and installed specimen container 21 approaches a predetermined distance with respect to the upper surface of the installation part 22. When the lower end of the sample container 21 approaches a predetermined distance, the reflection type sensor 25A detects that it is additionally installed (there is a container).

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which a contact sensor 25B is applied as the sensor 25. FIG. The contact sensor 25B detects the presence or absence of contact with the sample container 21 (the lower end thereof). In the installation unit 22, contact type sensors 25 </ b> B are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions L <b> 1 to L <b> 4 of each container installation unit 20. A sample container 21 can be inserted and installed in the container installation unit 20. The lower end of the inserted specimen container 21 is in contact with the upper surface (or contact sensor 25B) of the installation unit 22. A sheet or the like for buffering at the time of contact may be provided on the upper surface of the installation portion 22. The contact-type sensor 25 </ b> B detects additional installation (with a container) when the lower end of the sample container 21 comes into contact with the upper surface of the installation unit 22.

  In the above-described embodiment, the installation unit 22 is provided with a plurality of (four) sensors 25 corresponding to the positions L1 to L4 where the container installation unit 20 is stationary. In this configuration, the presence or absence of the sample container 21 can be detected for each individual position. The number of sensors 25 provided on the additional sample disk 2 may be plural or single. As another example, the sensor 25 may be provided only at a specific position of the installation unit 22, for example, the position L3 (additional installation position). Further, the sensor 25 may be provided in the container setting portion 20 of the disk portion 23. The sensor 25 may be any system that can detect the installation of the container, and various sensors can be applied.

  As another example of the sensor 25, when an optical sensor (a sensor that detects a light projecting / shielding state) is used, the following is performed. An optical sensor is provided at a predetermined position such as between the installation unit 22 and the disk unit 23. The optical sensor has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Usually, in a state where the sample container 21 is not installed in the container installation unit 20, light from the light emitting unit of the optical sensor is projected to the light receiving unit. The optical sensor detects this light projection state as an off state. When the sample container 21 is installed in the container installation unit 20, the light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit of the optical sensor is shielded by the side surface and the lower end of the sample container 21. The optical sensor detects this light blocking state as an on state.

[Switching control]
FIG. 9 shows a configuration of the sample disk control unit 200 and the like as a configuration overview related to switching of the normal sample and the additional sample and the switching of modes and the like in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. As described above, the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment includes the additional sample disk 2 in addition to the normal sample disk 1 as the sample container setting mechanism. A sample disk control unit 200 for driving control of these two types of sample disks is provided. The sample disk control unit 200 includes a drive control unit 201, a common drive unit 202, and a drive switching unit 203. The drive control unit 201 controls driving of the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2 in accordance with a command signal from the control unit 100. In particular, the drive control unit 201 controls driving of the motor and the like of the common drive unit 202. Further, the drive control unit 201 controls to drive one of the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2 by controlling the state of the drive switching unit 203 in a time-sharing manner.

  The common drive unit 202 is a drive unit such as a motor shared by the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2. The common drive unit 202 drives the motor and the like based on the drive power by the DC power supplied from the power supply unit 135. The common drive unit 202 is connected to one of the normal sample disk 1 and the additional sample disk 2 according to the state of the drive switching unit 203. The connected normal specimen disk 1 or additional specimen disk 2 is rotationally driven from the motor or the like of the common drive unit 202.

  When the sample dispensing control unit 15 drives the sample dispensing mechanism 5, according to a command signal from the control unit 100, the mode related to the sample dispensing operation is divided into the first mode and the second mode in a time-sharing manner. Switch. In the first mode, the probe 53 is driven to move between the dispensing position P1 and the dispensing position P3 as indicated by the trajectory 401. In the second mode, the probe 53 is driven to move between the dispensing position P2 and the dispensing position P3 as indicated by the trajectory 402.

  The additional sample disk 2 is provided with a container installation detection mechanism 250. The container installation detection mechanism 250 is a mechanism that detects whether or not the sample container 21 is additionally installed in the container installation unit 20 of the additional sample disk 2. The container installation detection mechanism 250 includes the sensor 25 described above. The sensor 25 detects the state of whether or not the sample container 21 is installed in the container installation unit 20.

  The sample container 21 is additionally installed in the container setting unit 20 at the position L3 of the additional sample disk 2 by the operator. In that case, the sensor 25 detects the additional installation (the state with a container). When the container 25 is detected by the sensor 25, the container installation detection mechanism 250 transmits a detection signal indicating the additional installation (with a container) to the control unit 100.

  The control unit 100 (for example, the computer 120) can detect and recognize the additional installation of the sample container 21 from the detection signal. Based on the detection, the control unit 100 controls each unit including the sample disk control unit 200 and the sample dispensing control unit 15 to switch the sample dispensing operation.

  Based on the detection, the control unit 100 controls the sample disk control unit 200 to switch the drive target from the normal sample disk 1 to the additional sample disk 2 side. The computer 120 transmits a command signal to the sample disk control unit 200 so as to switch from the normal sample disk 1 to the driving of the additional sample disk 2. At the same time, the computer 120 instructs the sample dispensing control unit 15 to switch from the first mode for performing the dispensing operation for the normal sample disk 1 to the second mode for performing the dispensing operation for the additional sample disk 2. Send.

  The sample disk control unit 200 switches the drive target from the normal sample disk 1 to the additional sample disk 2 side according to the command signal. The drive control unit 201 switches the state of the drive switching unit 203 to the side connected to the additional sample disk 2. As a result, the additional sample disk 2 is driven from the common drive unit 202. The intermittent rotation operation of the normal sample disk 1 is temporarily stopped, and the intermittent rotation operation of the additional sample disk 2 is started. The normal specimen disk 1 is in a standby state so as not to perform a new dispensing operation for the dispensing position P1. In the additional specimen disk 2, for example, the specimen container 21 additionally installed at the position L3 is transported to the dispensing position P2 (position L1) by the intermittent rotation operation. When the above-described switching is in the middle of the dispensing operation for a certain sample container 11 in the normal sample disk 1, the switching is performed after the dispensing operation for the sample container 11 is terminated.

  The sample dispensing control unit 15 switches the mode of the dispensing operation from the first mode for performing the dispensing operation for the normal sample disk 1 to the second mode for performing the dispensing operation for the additional sample disk 2 in accordance with the command signal. The probe 53 is moved to the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2. The probe 53 performs a dispensing operation (aspiration) on the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2.

  The sample container 21 that has finished the dispensing operation at the dispensing position P2 is transported from the position L1 to the position L4 and the like by the intermittent rotation operation of the additional sample disk 2. At the same time, if there is a next sample container 21, the sample container 21 is moved to the dispensing position L1.

  Depending on the number of sample containers 21 additionally installed on the additional sample disk 2, the dispensing operation for the additional sample is continuously executed. Switching is controlled so as to return to the normal sample dispensing operation of the normal sample disc 1 in accordance with the end of the dispensing operation of all the additional samples on the additional sample disc 2 to the sample containers 21. When it is confirmed that the additional sample dispensing operation has been completed and there is no further sample container 21 installed, the control unit 100 reverses the above control, and from the additional sample dispensing operation, the normal sample dispensing operation is performed. Control to switch to note operation.

  As another embodiment, when the container installation detection mechanism 250 detects the additional installation of the sample container 21, the sample disk control unit 200 or the like directly from the container installation detection mechanism 250 without using the control unit 100. A detection signal may be transmitted. The sample disk control unit 200 or the like similarly performs drive switching based on the detection signal.

[Drive switching mechanism]
FIG. 10 shows an implementation example related to the drive switching mechanism of the sample disk controller 200 of FIG. In FIG. 10, a normal sample disk drive unit 501 connected to the normal sample disk 1, an additional sample disk drive unit 502 connected to the additional sample disk 2, and a clutch 503 as a common drive unit connected to them. And a motor 504. A motor 504 is connected to the clutch 503. The normal sample disk drive unit 501 and the additional sample disk drive unit 502 are drive units for each disk, and include, for example, gears. The clutch 503 is a driving force transmission mechanism. The clutch 503 is connected to one of the normal sample disk drive unit 501 and the additional sample disk drive unit 502 according to switching control. The clutch 503 transmits the driving force of the motor 504 to the connected normal sample disk drive unit 501 or additional sample disk drive unit 502.

  At normal time (corresponding to the first mode), the clutch 503 is connected to the normal specimen disk drive unit 501 side. When the additional installation of the sample container 21 is detected by the sensor 25 of the container installation detection mechanism 250 in the additional sample disk 2, the clutch 503 is connected to the additional sample disk drive unit 502 side.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a drive switching state related to the drive switching mechanism of FIG. FIG. 11A shows a state when the normal specimen disk 1 is being driven. In this state, the clutch 503 is relatively at the left position in the X direction and is connected to the normal sample disk drive unit 501. As a result, the normal specimen disk drive unit 501 is driven from the motor 504 through the clutch 503. The additional specimen disk drive unit 502 is not driven because it is not connected. FIG. 11B shows a state when the additional specimen disk 2 is being driven. In this state, due to the movement of the clutch 503 based on the drive switching control, the clutch 503 is relatively at the right position in the X direction and is connected to the additional sample disk drive unit 502. As a result, the additional sample disk drive unit 502 is driven from the motor 504 through the clutch 503. The normal specimen disk drive unit 501 is not driven because it is not connected.

[Flow (1)]
A processing flow related to an analysis operation including a dispensing operation in the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a control processing flow when performing the analysis operation of the normal sample as the first flow. This first flow corresponds to a case where the operator performs work with the intention of analyzing a normal sample. If an additional sample such as an emergency sample occurs during this operation, it can be handled by branching in the flow. FIG. 12 has steps S1 to S12. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order of a step.

  (S1) When analyzing the normal sample, the operator installs the sample container 11 of the normal sample on the normal sample disk 1 in the automatic analyzer and performs settings related to the normal sample and analysis items, Request analysis (instruction to start analysis). At this time, the probe guard 400 is basically attached to the normal specimen disk 1.

  In the above-mentioned display screen, as the operation function screen, the first item for mainly analyzing the normal sample and the second item for mainly analyzing the additional sample (emergency sample) can be selected. Is displayed. The operator selects the first item for analyzing the normal sample on the operation function screen. The automatic analyzer controls according to the first flow when the first item is selected. When the second item is selected, the automatic analyzer controls according to the second flow described later.

  The automatic analyzer starts the designated analysis operation in accordance with the analysis request (analysis start instruction). The automatic analyzer first performs a prescribed preparation operation after starting. The preparatory operation is, for example, supply of driving power to the motor of each driving unit, or setting the sample dispensing mechanism 5 or the like to an initial state.

  (S2) The automatic analyzer checks whether or not there is the sample container 21 on the additional sample disk 2, that is, whether or not the additional installation is detected, using the container installation detection mechanism 250 described above. If the sample container 21 is present (S2-Y), the process proceeds to S3, and if not (S2-N), the process proceeds to S6.

  (S3) In S3, under the control of the control unit 100, the sample disk drive unit 200 switches the drive target from the normal sample disk 1 to the additional sample disk 2 side. In addition, when it is already on the side of the additional sample disk 2, this operation can be omitted, and the drive of the additional sample disk 2 is maintained.

  (S4) Also, almost simultaneously with S3, under the control of the control unit 100, the sample dispensing control unit 15 changes the mode related to the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 to the first operation for dispensing the normal sample. The mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode for dispensing the additional specimen. In addition, when it is already in the second mode, the operation can be omitted, and the second mode is maintained.

  (S5) The automatic analyzer performs a dispensing operation on the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2 in the state where S3 and S4 are completed. This dispensing operation is a dispensing operation related to the sample in the sample container 21 that is set and set on the additional sample disk 2 and identified through the sample identification mechanism. Further, along with this dispensing operation, operations such as reagent dispensing operations are performed as described above. As described above, the additional sample for which the dispensing operation has been completed is subjected to optical measurement with respect to the reaction vessel 31 of the reaction vessel disk 3 based on a prescribed sequence, subjected to analysis processing by the computer 120, and an analysis result. Information will be output.

  The automatic analyzer returns to S2 after completing the dispensing operation of S5, and checks whether there is an additional installation of another new sample container 21. When another new sample container 21 is installed, the dispensing operation is similarly performed in the flow of S3 to S5. Each of the plurality of sample containers 21 is sequentially sent to the dispensing position P2 (position L1) by the rotation of the additional sample disk 2, and the dispensing operation is performed.

  (S6) On the other hand, in S6, the automatic analyzer drives the normal sample disk 1. Under the control of the control unit 100, the sample disk control unit 200 switches the drive target from the additional sample disk 2 to the normal sample disk 1 side. In addition, when it is already on the normal sample disk 1 side, this operation can be omitted, and the drive of the normal sample disk 1 is maintained.

  (S7) The automatic analyzer automatically controls the mode related to the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 for the dispensing operation of the additional sample by the control from the control unit 100 to the sample dispensing control unit 15 almost simultaneously with S6. Is switched from the second mode to the first mode for dispensing the normal specimen. In addition, when it is already in the first mode, the operation can be omitted, and the first mode is maintained.

  (S8) The automatic analyzer performs a dispensing operation on the sample container 11 at the dispensing position P1 of the normal sample disk 1 in the state where S6 and S7 are completed. This dispensing operation is a dispensing operation related to the sample in the sample container 11 that is normally set and set on the sample disk 1 and identified through the sample identification mechanism. Further, along with this dispensing operation, operations such as the reagent dispensing operation described above are also performed. As described above, with respect to the normal sample for which the dispensing operation has been completed, optical measurement is performed on the reaction vessel 31 of the reaction vessel disk 3 based on a prescribed sequence, and analysis processing is performed by the computer 120. Information will be output.

  (S9, S10) After completing the dispensing operation in S8, the automatic analyzer checks in S9 whether there is an analysis request for the normal sample. If there is an analysis request (S9-Y), the process returns to S2, and if not (S9-N), the process proceeds to S10. In S10, the automatic analyzer similarly confirms whether or not there is a sample container 21 on the additional sample disk 2. When there is the sample container 21 (S10-Y), the process proceeds to S3, and similarly, the operation for the additional sample container is performed. When the sample container 21 cannot be confirmed (S10-N), the process proceeds to S11.

  (S11, S12) In S11, the automatic analyzer ends the sample dispensing operation because there is no target sample container 11. In S12, the automatic analyzer ends the sample analysis operation. Thereby, the first flow ends.

[Flow (2)]
FIG. 13 shows a control processing flow when performing an analysis operation of an emergency sample as an additional sample as the second flow. The second flow corresponds to a case where the operator does the analysis of the additional sample from the beginning without performing the analysis of the normal sample. FIG. 13 includes steps S21 to S27. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order of a step.

  (S21) When an operator analyzes an emergency sample as an additional sample, the operator installs the sample container 21 of the emergency sample on the additional sample disk 2 in the automatic analyzer, and makes settings related to the emergency sample and analysis items, etc. And request for analysis (instruction to start analysis). The automatic analyzer starts the specified analysis operation in accordance with the analysis request (analysis start instruction).

  (S22) The automatic analyzer uses the container installation detection mechanism 250 described above to check whether or not the sample container 21 is present on the additional sample disk 2, that is, whether or not the additional installation has been detected. If the sample container 21 is present (S22-Y), the process proceeds to S23, and if not (S22-N), the process proceeds to S26.

  (S23) In S23, under the control of the control unit 100, the sample disk control unit 200 switches the drive target from the normal sample disk 1 to the additional sample disk 2 side. In addition, when it is already on the side of the additional sample disk 2, this operation can be omitted, and the drive of the additional sample disk 2 is maintained.

  (S24) Almost simultaneously with S23, the control from the control unit 100 causes the sample dispensing control unit 15 to change the mode related to the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 5 to the first operation for dispensing the normal sample. The mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode for dispensing the additional specimen. In addition, when it is already in the second mode, the operation can be omitted, and the second mode is maintained.

  (S25) The automatic analyzer performs a dispensing operation on the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2 in the state where S23 and S24 are completed. After completing the dispensing operation of S25, the automatic analyzer returns to S22 and checks whether there is another new sample container 21. When another new sample container 21 is installed, the dispensing operation is similarly performed in the flow of S23 to S25.

  (S26, S27) On the other hand, in S26, the automatic analyzer ends the emergency sample dispensing operation because there is no target sample container 21. In S27, the automatic analyzer ends the operation of analyzing the emergency sample. Thereby, the second flow ends.

[Timing diagram]
FIG. 14 shows a timing chart relating to the switching control. In FIG. 14, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical state sequentially indicates the state of the sensor 25, the mode related to the sample dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 5, and the driving state of the normal sample disk 1 as the drive switching of the sample disk. And the driving state of the additional specimen disk 2.

  Initially, during the period up to time t1, the analysis operation of the normal sample is performed. During this period, the sensor 25 is in the off state (value 0), and the additional installation of the sample container 21 is not detected. The mode related to the sample dispensing operation is the first mode, and the dispensing operation for the dispensing position P1 of the normal sample disk 1 is performed. As the driving state of the sample disk, the normal sample disk 1 side is driven and the additional sample disk 2 side is not driven. That is, the normal sample disk 1 is intermittently rotated, and the additional sample disk 1 is stopped and is in a standby state.

  At the time t1, the sample container 21 is installed in the container setting unit 20 of the additional sample disk 2 by the operator. The period from the time point t1 is a state in which an additional sample analysis operation is performed. During this period, the sensor 25 is in the on state (value 1), and the additional installation of the sample container 21 is detected. The mode related to the sample dispensing operation is set to the second mode, and the dispensing operation for the dispensing position P2 of the additional sample disk 2 is performed. As the drive state of the sample disk, the normal sample disk 1 side is not driven and the additional sample disk 2 side is driven. That is, the additional sample disk 2 is intermittently rotated, and the normal sample disk 1 is temporarily stopped and in a standby state.

  At time t2, the state changes to a state in which the sample container 21 is not installed on the additional sample disk 2 or a state in which the dispensing operation is completed. In the period from time t2, the first mode and the driving state of the normal specimen disk 1 are restored.

[Probe guard]
FIG. 15 is a top view showing a configuration example of the probe guard 400 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 15, the top view in the XY plane which looked at the probe guard 400 from right above the Z direction is shown. The probe guard 400 protects the guard region including the trajectory of the probe 53 so as to reduce the risk of injury or infection due to contact between the operator's body and the probe 53 or the like during the operation of the probe 53. The probe guard 400 covers a part of the normal sample disk 1 including the trajectory of the probe 53 so that the operator's fingers and the like are difficult to access.

  In the probe guard 400, a notch portion 412, a guard wall 413, and the like are formed in a main flat plate portion 411. A notch 412 is provided in a region including the trajectory of the probe 53 and corresponds to the guard region. A guard wall 413 is provided in a part around the notch 412 and the guard region. The guard wall 413 includes a wall-like member standing in the Z direction, and includes a guard wall portion that is substantially parallel to the track of the probe 53 and a guard wall portion that is approximately perpendicular to the track of the probe 53. A guard wall 413 is disposed at least between the operator's reference position (the front of the apparatus) and the probe 53 so as to block access. The shape of the guard wall 413 is merely an example, and any shape that can guard the guard region may be used.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform an operation such as additional installation of the sample container 21 by the operator during the analysis operation, and there is less labor for the operator, and the convenience and ease of the operation. Can be realized. In addition, the safety of the operator and the sample can be ensured, and the overall analysis efficiency can be increased. The operator does not need to install an additional sample on the normal sample disk 1 and the labor of the operation is small.

  According to the first embodiment, the additional sample container can be constantly charged during the analysis operation of the normal sample. In the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, when it is desired to install and analyze an additional sample during the analysis operation of a normal sample that has been set and installed in advance, without waiting for the end of the dispensing operation of the normal sample, It is possible at any time without having to forcibly stop the operation of the whole or a part of the apparatus. Analysis can be performed immediately with priority given to additional samples such as emergency samples additionally installed on the additional sample disk 2. Even for a normal sample that was being analyzed at the time of additional installation, the analysis is not completed and the sample is not damaged.

  According to the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment, in the configuration including the probe guard 400 and the like, it is possible to ensure the safety of the operator and the sample and improve the analysis efficiency. The operator does not need to remove the probe guard 400 of the normal sample disk 1 and install an additional sample, and the work is reduced.

  According to the first embodiment, the efficiency of work and analysis can be improved for both the normal sample container and the additional sample container. Convenience that can handle urgent samples and the ease of work at that time are realized.

[Modification]
The following is mentioned as an automatic analyzer of the modification of Embodiment 1.

  FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of the upper surface as the configuration of the additional specimen disk 2 in the modification. FIG. 16A shows a form in which only one container setting unit 20 is provided on the additional sample disk 2. A container installation unit 20 is provided at one place on the circumference of the disk unit 23. In response to the intermittent rotation drive of the additional sample disk 2, the position of the container setting unit 20 is moved between, for example, a position L3 (additional installation position) and a position L1 (dispensing position P2).

  FIG. 16B shows a mode in which two container setting portions 20 {20-1, 20-2} are provided on the additional sample disk 2. Container installation portions 20 {20-1, 20-2} are provided at two opposing locations on the circumference of the disk portion 23. In response to the intermittent rotation drive of the additional specimen disk 2, the position of the container installation unit 20 {20-1, 20-2} is, for example, between the position L3 (additional installation position) and the position L1 (dispensing position P2). Moved. The number (N) of the container installation parts is not limited to the above, but can be various.

(Embodiment 2)
An automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the following, the components of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described. The automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment includes a probe guard for the additional sample disk 2 in addition to the probe guard 400 for the normal sample disk 1.

[Probe guard]
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion including the probe guard 600 in the vicinity of the additional sample disk 2 in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. The probe guard 600 restricts access so that the operator's fingers do not come into contact with the tip of the probe 53 during the operation of the sample container 21 with respect to the additional sample disk 2 or during the dispensing operation of the additional sample. And protect. In normal operation, the probe guard 600 is attached. If necessary, the operator can perform work or maintenance on the additional sample disk 2 with the probe guard 600 removed.

  In FIG. 17, a flat plate portion 160 corresponding to a cover is provided on the upper surface of the casing of the automatic analyzer. The additional sample disc 2 described above is arranged in a part of the flat plate portion 160 on the lower side. A probe guard 600 is provided in a part of the region as a mechanism that can be attached and detached.

  The probe guard 600 includes a main flat plate portion 601, a dispensing port 602, a guard wall 603, an opening 604, and the like. A dispensing port 602 is provided in a region of the flat plate portion 601 through which the probe 53 accesses the dispensing position P2 (position L1). The probe 53 can access the sample container 21 at the dispensing position P2 (position L1) so as to pass vertically through the dispensing port 602. Further, a guard wall 603 is provided in the flat plate portion 601 around the track of the probe 53 and the dispensing port 602. The guard wall 603 includes a wall-like member that stands in the Z direction. As shown in the figure, a guard wall 603 is provided at least between the track of the probe 53 and the dispensing port 602 and the front of the apparatus.

  The opening 604 is provided above the disk portion 23 of the additional sample disk 2 in order to enable operations such as installation of the sample container 21 with respect to the container setting portion 20 of the additional sample disk 2. In particular, the opening 604 is provided in a region in front of the guard wall 603 so that at least the position L3 (additional installation position) is an opening. The operator can easily add the sample container 21 to the container setting unit 20 at the position L3 that is visible from the opening 604.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the probe guard 600 further provides the safety of the operator and the sample regarding the work and operation of the additional sample disk 2. Etc. can be secured. It is possible to reduce the risk that the operator's fingers or the like come into contact with the probe 53 during the work of additionally installing the sample container 21 on the additional sample disk 2.

  The following is given as a modification of the second embodiment. A mechanism capable of opening and closing the dispensing port 602 of the probe guard 600 is provided. The automatic analyzer controls the dispensing port 602 to be closed during the first mode, and opens the dispensing port 602 during the second mode. During the dispensing operation on the normal specimen disk 1, the probe 53 is closed when passing over the dispensing port 602. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid of the probe 53 from dropping into the sample container 21 below the dispensing port 602.

  Further, the opening 604 may be provided with a mechanism such as a lid that can be opened and closed by an operator. Normally, the opening 604 is closed. When the operator performs an additional sample operation, the opening 604 is opened.

  The present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Normal sample disk, 2 ... Additional sample disk, 3 ... Reaction container disk, 5 ... Sample dispensing mechanism, 10 ... Container installation part, 20 (20A-20D) ... Container installation part, 21 ... Sample container, 22 ... Installation Part, 23 ... disk part, 52 ... movable arm, 53 ... probe, 90 ... cleaning tank.

Claims (11)

As a specimen container installation mechanism in which a specimen container storing a specimen is installed, a normal specimen disk that is rotationally driven, and an additional specimen disk that is rotationally driven,
A reagent container installation mechanism in which a reagent container storing a reagent is installed;
A reaction container installation mechanism in which a reaction container in which a reaction solution of the specimen and the reagent is stored is installed;
A sample dispensing mechanism including a probe for dispensing operation for aspirating the sample from the sample container of the sample container setting mechanism and discharging it to the reaction container of the reaction container setting mechanism;
A reagent dispensing mechanism including a reagent probe for a reagent dispensing operation for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container of the reagent container installing mechanism and discharging the reagent to the reaction container of the reaction container installing mechanism;
A photometer for optically measuring the specimen of the reaction container of the reaction container installation mechanism;
A computer for performing an analysis process based on the optical measurement signal;
A control unit for controlling the analysis operation including the dispensing operation;
A container installation detection mechanism for detecting whether or not the sample container is installed on the additional sample disk;
With
When the installation of the sample container on the additional sample disk is detected by the container installation detection mechanism, the sample container installed on the additional sample disk is separated from the sample container of the normal sample disk. Control switching to perform analysis actions including note actions,
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
When the installation of the sample container on the additional sample disk is detected by the container installation detection mechanism in the state of performing an analysis operation including a dispensing operation on the sample container at the dispensing position of the normal sample disk, Pausing so as not to perform a new dispensing operation on the sample container of the normal sample disk, and controlling to start a dispensing operation on the sample container of the additional sample disk,
When the dispensing operation of the sample container installed on the additional sample disk is completed and the installation of the sample container on the additional sample disk is not detected by the container installation detection mechanism, the normal sample disk Control to return to the analysis operation including the dispensing operation for the sample container,
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
A common driving unit for driving the normal specimen disk and the additional specimen disk;
When installation of the sample container is detected by the container installation detection mechanism, the state is switched from the state in which the normal sample disk is rotationally driven by the common drive unit to the state in which the additional sample disk is rotationally driven by the common drive unit. A drive switching unit;
An automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
When the installation of the sample container is detected by the container installation detection mechanism, the mode related to the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism is changed from the first mode in which the dispensing operation with respect to the dispensing position of the normal sample disk is performed. Switching to the second mode in which the dispensing operation for the dispensing position of the additional sample disk is performed;
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The additional sample disk is disposed at a position between the normal sample disk and the reaction container disk of the reaction container installation mechanism.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The additional specimen disk is disposed at a position between the normal specimen disk and a cleaning tank near the reaction container disk of the reaction container installation mechanism.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The normal sample disk has a plurality of container setting parts on which the individual sample containers can be set,
The additional sample disk has one or more container setting portions on which individual sample containers can be set,
The number of the container setting parts of the additional sample disk is smaller than the number of the container setting parts of the normal sample disk,
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The additional sample disk has one or more container setting portions on which individual sample containers can be set,
The container installation detection mechanism has a sensor that detects whether or not the sample container is installed in the container installation unit of the additional sample disk.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
In a part of the region including the dispensing position of the normal specimen disk, a probe guard having a guard wall is provided around the probe trajectory,
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
In a part of the region including the dispensing position of the additional specimen disk, a probe guard having a guard wall is provided around the probe trajectory.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein
The probe guard of the additional specimen disk has an opening for installing the specimen container above one or more container placement sections at a position other than the dispensing position.
Automatic analyzer.