JP2019082469A - Analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress the breakage of an irradiation member or an analysis tool when inserting the irradiation member into an insertion hole of the analysis tool.SOLUTION: An analyzer 102 comprises: an introduction unit 120 into which a rectangular parallelepiped analysis tool 42 including a sample is introduced; an installation unit 122 in which the analysis tool 42 is installed by the introduction unit 120; an irradiation member 176, inserted into an insertion hole 70 formed in the analysis tool 42 and contacting a bottom 70B, for irradiating the sample with light; a pressure member 124 for pressing the analysis tool 42 separately from the irradiation member 176 and sandwiching the analysis tool 42 installed in the installation unit 122 between the installation unit 122 and itself and holding the analysis tool 42 at a prescribed position; and a measurement member for measuring the component of the sample by the light radiated from the irradiation member 176 to the sample of the analysis tool 42 installed in the installation unit 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer and a positioning method.

  As an analyzer for analyzing components in a sample, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a sample is electrophoresed by a capillary in a chip, and transmitted light and reflected light of light irradiated to the sample are measured. There is an apparatus for performing component analysis.

JP, 2012-093350, A

  In such an analyzer, it is desirable to insert an irradiation member for irradiating light onto a sample into the insertion hole of the analysis tool, and to bring the tip of the irradiation member into contact with the bottom of the insertion hole. And when making an irradiation member contact an analysis tool, suppressing breakage of an irradiation member or an analysis tool is calculated | required.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress damage to an irradiation member and an analysis tool when the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole of the analysis tool.

  In the first embodiment, an introduction unit into which an analysis tool including a sample is introduced, an installation unit in which the analysis tool is installed in the introduction unit, and an insertion hole formed in the analysis tool are inserted into the insertion hole. An irradiation member which is in contact with the bottom and irradiates the light to the sample, and the analysis tool which is separate from the irradiation member is pressed to clamp the analysis tool installed in the installation section with the installation section. And, it has a pressing member held in a predetermined position, and a measuring member for measuring the component of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool installed in the installation part.

  By inserting the irradiation member into the insertion hole of the analysis tool and bringing it into contact with the bottom of the insertion hole, the distance between the irradiation member and the sample can be reduced and kept constant, so that the irradiation of light to the sample is stabilized. In addition, since the analysis tool installed in the installation section is pressed by the pressing device to be sandwiched with the installation section and held at a predetermined position, the position of the analysis tool is stabilized.

  The irradiation member and the pressing member are separate members. Therefore, for example, even when the pressing member approaches the analysis tool while the irradiation member is in contact with the bottom of the insertion hole, the irradiation member is not excessively pushed into the insertion hole, and damage to the irradiation member or the analysis tool Can be suppressed.

  Then, the measuring member measures the components of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool introduced to the introducing portion and installed to the setting portion.

In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in a state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole.
That is, after realizing the state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole, the analysis tool can be pressed by the pressing member and held at the predetermined position.
In the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the pressing direction of the analysis tool by the pressing member and the approaching direction of the irradiation member to the analysis tool are the same.

  By this, it is possible to realize a structure in which the moving area when the pressing member presses the analysis tool and the moving area when the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole are overlapped or approached, which contributes to the miniaturization of the analyzer.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the irradiation member includes a protrusion held in an advancing and retracting manner by the pressing member, and a limiting member which limits the amount of protrusion of the protrusion to the analysis tool within a certain range. And a biasing member configured to bias the protrusion in a protruding direction from the pressing member.

  Since the irradiation member has a protrusion held to be movable back and forth to the pressing member, the protrusion can be inserted into the insertion hole of the analysis tool. Since the protrusion amount of the protrusion is limited to a certain range by the limiting member, excessive protrusion of the protrusion can be suppressed. The projecting portion is biased in the projecting direction by the biasing member, so that the projecting portion can be kept projecting from the pressing member, and can reliably contact the bottom of the insertion hole.

  In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the maximum value of the protrusion length of the protrusion is longer than the depth of the insertion hole.

  Thereby, a structure is realized in which the tip end of the projection can be reliably brought into contact with the bottom of the insertion hole.

  In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the pressing member includes an opposing wall facing the analysis tool and having an insertion hole formed therein, and the projection is inserted into the insertion hole.

  Since the projection is inserted into the insertion hole, the positional deviation of the irradiation member in the lateral direction of the projection (the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction into the insertion hole) can be suppressed.

  In a seventh aspect, according to the sixth aspect, the limiting member is attached to the projecting portion on the side opposite to the projecting side of the projecting portion from the pressing member, and the limiting plate is wider than the hole diameter of the insertion hole, And a pair of opposing members facing the limiting plate on both sides of the protrusion in the direction of movement.

  Therefore, the movement range of the limiting plate is between the pair of opposing members. And in this range, the movement range of a projection part can also be restricted certainly, and it can control that a projection part protrudes excessively from a press member.

  In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the opposing wall doubles as one of the opposing members.

  Since the opposing wall doubles as one of the opposing members, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a structure in which each of the pair of opposing members and the opposing wall are separate members.

  In a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, a positioning member for positioning the analysis tool at the predetermined position, the analysis tool in which the pressing member is positioned by the positioning member Hold.

  Since the analysis tool is positioned by the positioning member and the pressing member holds the positioned analysis tool, the analysis tool can be held at the correct position. Then, since the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole of the analysis tool at the correct position, for example, it can be suppressed that the irradiation member contacts a site other than the insertion hole.

  In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the analysis device includes a chip provided with a capillary on which the sample migrates, and a cartridge provided with a liquid tank and overlaid on the chip. The pressing member presses the analysis tool in a direction in which the chip and the cartridge overlap, sandwiches the analysis tool with the installation portion, and fits the chip and the cartridge.

  In this manner, the analysis tool having a structure in which the cartridge is stacked on the chip can be reliably fitted by pressing in the stacking direction.

  In an eleventh aspect, the introduction hole into which an analysis tool including a sample is introduced, the installation portion on which the analysis tool is installed in the introduction portion, and the insertion hole inserted into an insertion hole formed in the analysis tool An irradiation member for irradiating the sample with light at a predetermined position from the bottom portion of the sample; and the analysis tool installed in the installation portion by pressing the analysis tool separately from the irradiation member; A pressing member sandwiched between and held at a predetermined position, and a measuring member for measuring a component of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool installed in the installation portion; Have.

  By inserting the irradiation member into the insertion hole of the analysis tool and setting it at a predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole, the distance between the irradiation member and the sample can be maintained constant, so that the irradiation of light onto the sample is stabilized. In addition, since the analysis tool installed in the installation section is pressed by the pressing device to be sandwiched with the installation section and held at a predetermined position, the position of the analysis tool is stabilized.

  The irradiation member and the pressing member are separate members. Therefore, even if the pressing member approaches the analysis tool with the irradiation member at a predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole, for example, the irradiation member is not excessively pushed into the insertion hole, and the irradiation member and the analysis It can control the damage of the tool.

  Then, the measuring member measures the components of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool introduced to the introducing portion and installed to the setting portion.

In a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in a state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole.
That is, after realizing the state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole, the analysis tool can be pressed by the pressing member and held at the predetermined position.
In a thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the pressing direction of the analysis tool by the pressing member and the approaching direction of the irradiation member to the analysis tool are the same.

  By this, it is possible to realize a structure in which the moving area when the pressing member presses the analysis tool and the moving area when the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole are overlapped or approached, which contributes to the miniaturization of the analyzer.

  According to a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the irradiation member includes a projection held forwardly and backwardly by the pressing member, and a restriction member restricting the projection amount of the projection to the analysis tool within a certain range. And a biasing member biasing the projection in the direction of protrusion from the pressing member, and having a limiting wall for limiting movement of the limiting member in the direction of approach to the analysis tool. The irradiation wall is fixed at the predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole by the restriction wall restricting the restriction member at the predetermined position.

  Since the irradiation member has a protrusion held to be movable back and forth to the pressing member, the protrusion can be inserted into the insertion hole of the analysis tool. Since the protrusion amount of the protrusion is limited to a certain range by the limiting member, excessive protrusion of the protrusion can be suppressed. The projection is biased in the projecting direction by the biasing member, so that the projection can be maintained projecting from the pressing member, and can be reliably maintained at a predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole.

  Because the movement of the restriction member to the analysis tool is restricted in place by the restriction wall, it is possible to reliably limit this movement.

  In a fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the irradiation member is in contact with the bottom of the insertion hole.

  Thereby, the distance between the irradiation member and the sample can be reduced and maintained constant.

  In the present invention, damage to the irradiation member and the analysis tool when the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole of the analysis tool can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an analysis tool used for analysis in the analyzer. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the analysis tool shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the analysis tool shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the introducing portion and the vicinity thereof in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the introducing portion and the vicinity thereof in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the introducing portion and the vicinity thereof in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the introducing portion and the vicinity thereof in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the introducing portion and the vicinity thereof in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the pressing member of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sealing film is pierced by a piercing pin in the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the introducing portion and its vicinity in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment in a state where the analyzing tool is inclined. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the introducing portion and its vicinity in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment in a state where the analysis tool is inclined. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a state in which the irradiation member is inserted into the analysis tool in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a front view showing a state in which the irradiation member is inserted into the analysis tool in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state where the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in the inside of the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a state diagram of an analysis tool showing a state in the middle of sample analysis in the analyzer. FIG. 18 is a state diagram of an analysis tool showing a state in the middle of sample analysis in the analyzer. FIG. 19 is a state diagram of an analysis tool showing a state in the middle of sample analysis in the analyzer. FIG. 20 is a front view showing a state in which the power supply probe is inserted into the analysis tool inside the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a state in which the power supply probe is inserted into the analysis tool inside the analyzer of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a state diagram of an analysis tool showing a state in the middle of sample analysis in the analyzer. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sealing film is perforated by the perforation pins in the analyzer of the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sealing film is pierced by a piercing pin in the analyzer of the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sealing film is perforated by the perforation pins in the analyzer of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sealing film is pierced by a piercing pin in the analyzer of the reference example. FIG. 27 is a front view showing a state in which the irradiation member is inserted into the analysis tool in the inside of the analysis device of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a front view showing a state in which the irradiation member is inserted into the analysis tool in the inside of the analysis device of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a front view showing a state where the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in the inside of the analyzer of the fifth embodiment.

First Embodiment
The analyzer of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The analyzer according to the present embodiment is, for example, an apparatus that analyzes the amount of glycated hemoglobin contained in blood. Blood is an example of a sample and may be referred to as a sample. Glycated hemoglobin is an example of an analysis target by the analyzer.

<Appearance Configuration of Analyzer>
As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 102 has a housing 104. In the present embodiment, the housing 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape. Hereinafter, the up-down direction, the width direction, and the depth direction in the analyzer 102 are indicated by arrows U, W, and D, respectively. The arrow W direction, the arrow D direction, and the direction obtained by combining the arrow W direction and the arrow D direction are all horizontal directions. Further, the far side and the near side in the depth direction of the analyzer 102 are respectively indicated by arrows DA and DB.

  The housing 104 is provided with a touch panel (not shown). The operator of the analysis work can operate the analyzer 102 by touching the touch panel while referring to the information displayed on the touch panel.

  In addition, the housing 104 is provided with a printer (not shown). The analysis device 102 can print out the results of analysis of the sample with a printer.

  An open / close lid 114 is provided on the front surface 108 of the housing 104. The open / close lid 114 is located between a protruding position (indicated by a two-dot chain line) moved to the front side by the opening / closing mechanism 116 and an accommodated position (indicated by a solid line) moved to the back side and flush with the hand front surface 108. The slide is possible. With the open / close lid 114 in the projecting position, the tray 118 together with the open / close lid 114 is exposed on the front side of the housing 104. An analysis tool 42 containing a sample (sample) can be placed on this tray.

<Configuration of analysis tool>
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the analysis tool 42 of the present embodiment has a structure having a chip 44 and a cartridge 46 as an example. With the cartridge 46 superimposed on the chip 44, the cartridge is set in the tray 118 of the analyzer 102 with the arrow D 1 side facing back. Also in the analysis tool 42, for convenience, the vertical direction, width direction, and depth direction in the state of being set in the tray 118 of the analyzer 102 are indicated by arrows U, W, and D, respectively. Further, the back front side and the front side of the analysis tool 42 are indicated by arrows D1 and D2, respectively.

  The chip 44 is formed by bonding two plate members (upper plate 44A and lower plate 44B) having the same outer shape in plan view (view in the arrow A1 direction). The chip 44 is a plate-like member in a state in which the plate members 44A and 44B are attached to each other. When the chip 44 is placed horizontally, the thickness direction of the chip 44 coincides with the vertical direction. Then, the cartridge 46 is superimposed on the chip 44 in the vertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the chip 44.

  A plurality of flow channels 48 are formed in the chip 44.

  The cross-sectional shape of each of the flow paths 48 and the shape when the tip 44 is viewed in plan are not limited, and may be bent at one or a plurality of places or may be linear.

  The flow passage cross-sectional area of the flow passages 48 is set to such an extent that the pressurized liquid flows through the flow passages 48 when the liquid is pressurized by a pump 172 (see FIG. 11) described later.

  At the end of the flow path 48, a convex portion 50 that protrudes toward the cartridge 46 is formed. The convex portion 50 is an example of a perforating protrusion for perforating the bottom film 58 as described later.

  In the cartridge 46, a plurality of liquid reservoirs 52 are formed.

  These liquid reservoirs 52 are recessed portions formed in the upper portion of the cartridge 46, and the upper surface is sealed with a sealing film 54. In the present embodiment, as shown also in FIG. 4, the plurality of liquid tanks 52 are sealed by one sealing film 54, but the sealing film 54 is separated for each liquid tank 52. It is also good. The material of the sealing film 54 may be sealed without vaporization of the liquid sealed in the liquid tank 52, and may be perforated by a perforation member provided in an analysis device described later, for example, a multilayer including PET A laminated film of structure is mentioned.

  A communication portion 56 communicating with the flow path of the chip 44 is formed at the lower portion of the liquid tank 52. In part of the plurality of liquid reservoirs 52, for example, a liquid LA such as a dilution liquid or a migration liquid is enclosed. The lower portion of the communication portion 56 of the liquid tank 52 in which the liquid is sealed is sealed by the bottom film 58.

  In the flow path 48 of the chip 44, a filter may be provided on the upstream side of the flow of the liquid than the capillary 68 described later. By this filter, foreign matter other than liquid is removed, and a structure which does not flow to the capillary 68 can be realized.

  A capillary 68 is formed between the flow paths 48 corresponding to two specific communication portions 56 among the plurality of liquid reservoirs 52. The flow passage cross-sectional area of the capillary 68 is set such that the liquid present in the flow passage 48 flows by capillary action. Therefore, the flow passage cross-sectional area of the capillary 68 is smaller than any flow passage cross-sectional area of the flow passage 48. An electrode 62 is provided in the communication portion 56 on both sides of the capillary 68.

  On one side 46A of the cartridge 46, as shown in FIG. 21, side holes 64 corresponding to the respective electrodes 62 are formed. The side holes 64 are holes that reach the electrode 62 from one of the two side surfaces (one side surface 46A) in the analysis tool 42. As will be described later, a voltage can be applied between the two electrodes 62 by inserting the feed probe 194 (an example of the feed member) of the analyzer 102 into the side hole 64 of the cartridge 46 and contacting the electrode 62. It is possible.

  The one side 46A and the other side 46B of the cartridge 46 are the same as the one side 42A and the other side 42B of the analysis tool 42.

  In the present embodiment, the capillary 68 has a structure in which the upper plate 44A covers the groove formed in the lower plate 44B. Therefore, substantially, the capillary 68 is formed in the lower plate 44 B at the tip 44.

  In the analysis tool 42 (the cartridge 46 and the tip 44), an insertion hole 70 is formed at an intermediate position of the capillary 68 from the upper surface side. In the present embodiment, a part of the insertion hole 70 is also formed in the upper plate 44A of the chip 44.

  The irradiation member 176 (see FIG. 4) of the analyzer 102 is inserted into the insertion hole 70. The irradiation member 176 is a member that irradiates light from the irradiation unit 176A at the tip to the sample that is to be electrophoresed in the capillary 68. The irradiation portion 176A of the irradiation member 176 is in contact with the bottom portion 70B of the insertion hole 70.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the chip 44 is formed with an isosceles triangular notch 72 in plan view on the same side as the other side surface 42 B of the analysis tool 42. The incision 72 is an example of the recess 71. The incision 72 has two inclined surfaces 72A and 72B which are inclined with respect to the introduction direction (rear side, arrow D1 direction) of the analysis tool 42. Positioning pins 140A, which will be described later, are fitted in the notches 72. Then, the inclined surfaces 72A and 72B come in contact with the positioning pin 140A.

  In addition, notches 73 are formed in the tip 44 as recesses 71 at positions different from the notches 72. Unlike the notch 72, the notch 73 is substantially trapezoidal or rectangular in plan view, and a positioning pin 140B described later is fitted therein. And back surface 71D contacts positioning pin 140B.

  The recess 71 may have three or more notches in addition to the above-described configuration of the notches 72 and the notches 73, and the shape thereof is not limited to the shape of the notches 72 or the notches 73. . In any case, any shape may be used as long as it is in contact with or fitted with a contact member such as a positioning pin of the analysis device and can be positioned with the analysis tool.

  A relief 46C (see FIG. 9) is formed on the other side 46B of the cartridge 46 to avoid contact with the positioning pins 140A and 140B.

  In the analysis tool 42, the cartridge 46 is mounted above the chip 44. In this state, the claws 74 formed on the cartridge 46 are engaged with the chip 44, and the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 are integrated. . Then, the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 can be fitted together by relatively bringing the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 close to each other in the integrated state. In the integrated state and in the fitted state of the chip 44 and the cartridge 46, the analysis tool 42 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. Further, in the fitted state of the chip 44 and the cartridge 46, it is possible to analyze the components of the sample electrophoresed in the capillary 68.

  The fitting work between the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 may be performed by an analysis worker, but is also performed in the analysis device 102 as described later. In the fitted state, the bottom film 58 is perforated by the convex portion 50 corresponding to the bottom film 58. Although this convex part 50 is an example of a perforating projection which perforates the bottom film 58 which constitutes the bottom of the liquid tank 52, it may have any shape as long as the bottom film 58 can be opened.

  As mentioned above, although an example which consists of tip 44 and cartridge 46 was shown as analysis tool 42, after one side is pushed in by pushing member 128 with which analysis device 102 mentioned below is provided, and after pushing by pushing member 128, The shape may be any shape as long as it has a configuration in which the other side opposite to the one side contacts the contact member. For example, regardless of the rectangular parallelepiped shape, an oval cylindrical shape, a cylindrical shape with arbitrary side surfaces in a step shape, and the like can be mentioned. The inside of the analysis tool 42 preferably includes an electrophoresis solution and a capillary into which the sample is introduced, so that electrophoresis of the sample can be performed. However, it can be introduced into the analysis device 102 of the present invention, and can be positioned and measured. Any analytical tool containing a sample may be used. For example, regardless of the analysis tool used for the electrophoresis method, the analysis tool used for the electrochemical measurement method, the colorimetric measurement method, the immunological measurement method and the like can be mentioned. In any case, it can be used when positioning of the analysis tool in the measuring device is required.

<Internal Configuration of Analyzer>
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, an introducing unit 120 is provided inside the housing 104 (see FIG. 1) of the analyzer 102 at a position where the tray 118 is accommodated. As the tray 118 retracts into the housing 104 (moves to the back side), the analysis tool 42 placed on the tray 118 is introduced into the introduction unit 120. The introduction unit 120 is a site into which an analysis tool 42 provided with an electrode 62 for electrophoresis of a sample in the capillary 68 is introduced.

  The introduction unit 120 includes an installation unit 122, and a pressing member 124 and a measurement member 126 above the installation unit 122. The measuring member 126 is a member for measuring the component of the sample contained in the analysis tool 42 in a state where the analysis tool 42 is introduced into the introduction unit 120 as described later. More specifically, in the present embodiment, it is a member that measures the components of the sample using light irradiated to the sample migrating on the capillary 68 of the analysis tool 42. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the measuring member 126 includes an absorbance sensor 186 and a measuring unit 190 that specifies the type and amount of the component of the sample based on the data of the absorbance sensor 186.

  The installation unit 122 looks at the analyzer 102 in the depth direction (arrow D direction), and a general part 122A at a predetermined height, and a pedestal part 122B protruding upward at the central part in the width direction of the general part 122A ,have. The analysis tool 42 is installed on the pedestal 122 B at the installation unit 122. With the analysis tool 42 installed on the pedestal portion 122B, the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42 and the flow path 48 become horizontal.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the introduction member 120 is provided with a pressing member 128.

  A pressing rod 134 is held by the pressing member 128 by a holding mechanism (not shown). The push rod 134 can be advanced and retracted toward one side 46 A of the analysis tool 42. The tip end portion of the pushing rod 134 is a pushing portion 134P which is pushed in contact with one side surface 46A of the analysis tool 42.

  A pushing spring (not shown) is attached to the pushing rod 134. Then, the pressing rod 134 is pressed in the direction of the arrow P1 via the pressing spring by a pressing motor (not shown), and the pressing portion 134P at the tip contacts one side 46A of the analysis tool 42. In this state, the push rod 134 further moves toward the analysis tool 42, and pushes the analysis tool 42 in the arrow P1 direction. However, as described later, when the tip 44 of the analysis tool 42 contacts the positioning pins 140A and 140B and the movement of the analysis tool 42 in the direction of the arrow P1 is blocked, the pressing spring is compressed. It is suppressed that 134 pushes in the analysis tool 42 too much. The specific configuration of the pressing member may be any configuration as long as it can contact one side 46A of the analysis tool 42 and press the analysis tool 42 in the direction of the arrow P1 regardless of the above.

  One or a plurality of positioning pins (in the present embodiment, in the depth direction) on the side of the analysis tool 42 where the cuts 72 of the chip 44 are formed (the other side surface 42B side), that is, the opposite side of the push rod 134 Two positioning pins 140A and 140B are erected with a gap. Positioning pin 140A, 140B is an example of a convex part, and is also an example of a contact member. Further, the pressing member 128 and the contact members (positioning pins 140A and 140B) constitute an example of a positioning member for positioning the analysis tool 42 at a predetermined position.

  As also shown in FIG. 9, the positioning pins 140A and 140B are both formed in a cylindrical shape, and the tip (upper end) is conical. Further, the height of the positioning pins 140A and 140B is a height that reaches the lower plate 44B of the analysis tool 42 mounted on the pedestal portion 122B but does not reach the upper plate 44A. Further, the vicinity of the upper plate 44A where the positioning pins 140A and 140B are positioned is smaller than the lower plate 44B, and even if the positioning pin is high due to dimensional error, it does not reach the upper plate 44A. There is.

  The positioning pin 140A on the front side is at a position where the notch 72 of the tip 44 is formed in the depth direction (arrow D direction). On the other hand, the positioning pin 140B on the back side is at a position where the recess 71 is formed on the back side of the incision 72 in the depth direction (the direction of the arrow D).

  The position of the positioning pins 140A and 140B in the width direction (the direction of the arrow W) is a position not in contact with the analysis tool 42 when the analysis tool 42 is simply introduced to the introducing portion 120 as shown in FIG. . Then, when the analysis tool 42 is pushed in the direction of arrow P1 by the pushing rod 134, the lower plate 44B of the tip 44 contacts the positioning pins 140A and 140B, and the analysis tool 42 is positioned in the width direction (arrow W direction). .

  Here, when one of the two inclined surfaces 72A and 72B of the incision 72 contacts the positioning pin 140A, the analysis tool 42 also moves in the depth direction (arrow D direction). Then, as shown in FIG. 8, both of the inclined surfaces 72A and 72B are positioned to contact the positioning pin 140A.

  The configuration of the contact member and the convex portion is not limited to the above, and when the analysis tool 42 is pushed in and moved in the arrow P1 direction, it contacts the side (the other side 42B side) on which the recess 71 of the analysis tool 42 is formed. Any configuration may be used as long as it is configured to be positioned in the (arrow W direction). In particular, the configuration of the contact member and the projection can be formed according to the shape of the analysis tool, but preferably the contact member is a projection. When the contact member is a convex portion, a structure in which the analytical tool reliably contacts the convex portion (protruding portion) can be realized. The contact member as the convex portion is more preferably a pin (positioning pin 140A, 140B is an example thereof) protruding from an installation portion where the analysis tool is installed. In the structure in which the convex portion is a pin, the convex portion can be configured with a simple structure.

  A pressing member 124 is provided above the installation portion 122, as also shown in FIG. The pressing member 124 has an opposing wall 142 opposed to the upper surface of the analysis tool 42 introduced into the introducing unit 120. The opposing wall 142 is vertically moved by the vertical drive mechanism 144.

  In the present embodiment, the vertical drive mechanism 144 has a lift motor 148 which is driven and controlled by the control device 146. Then, the driving force of the lifting motor 148 acts on the facing wall 142 via a spring (not shown), and the facing wall 142 moves up and down.

  By driving the lifting motor 148, the opposing wall 142 is lowered via the spring, and the opposing wall 142 contacts the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42. After this contact, even if the lift motor 148 is further driven, a spring (not shown) is compressed, and the opposing wall 142 does not descend further. Thus, a structure is realized in which the opposing wall 142 does not excessively press the analysis tool 42.

  The opposing wall 142 has a wall main body 160 having a predetermined rigidity, and an adhesive sheet 162 adhered to the lower surface of the wall main body 160. The adhesive sheet 162 has lower elasticity than the wall body 160 and the cartridge 46 of the analysis tool 42, and is easily elastically deformed by an external force.

  That is, in a state where the opposite wall 142 is pushed toward the analysis tool 42, the close-contact sheet 162 is elastically compressed in the thickness direction (vertical direction) more than the wall main body 160 and the cartridge 46. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, the close-contact sheet 162 is in close contact with the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42 when the opposing wall 142 is lowered. The opposing wall 142 is also an example of the contact portion.

  In particular, although the analysis tool 42 of the present embodiment has a plurality of liquid reservoirs 52, one adhesive sheet 162 is in close contact with the upper surface 42 T of the analysis implement 42 corresponding to the plurality of liquid reservoirs 52. Then, the analysis tool 42 can be pressed and sandwiched between the facing wall 142 and the installation portion 122 in the height direction, that is, the overlapping direction of the chip 44 and the cartridge 46.

  The wall main body 160 is provided with a plurality of (in the present embodiment, the same number of liquid reservoirs 52) drilling pins 164 corresponding to the respective liquid reservoirs 52. The piercing pin 164 is an example of a piercing member. The perforation pins 164 all protrude below the adhesive sheet 162. As the opposing wall 142 descends, the sealing film 54 can be pierced by the piercing pin 164 in the corresponding liquid reservoir 52.

  The lower ends of the respective piercing pins 164 are lower than the sealing film 54 as shown in FIG. 11 in a state where the analysis tool 42 is pressed by the pressing member 124 and the adhesion sheet 162 is in close contact with the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42. It is located on the side, ie inside the corresponding liquid reservoir 52. A gap GP is generated between the hole HP formed by the drilling pin 164 and the drilling pin 164.

  As shown in FIG. 10, among the plurality of liquid reservoirs 52, for example, the perforated pins 164 corresponding to the liquid reservoir 52 in which the liquid is sealed in advance (the perforated pins 164A and 164E in the example of FIG. The bent portion 165 is formed at the tip of the At the bent portion 165, the piercing pin 164 is bent in a direction (substantially perpendicular in the example of FIG. 10) with the pressing direction (downward direction) of the pressing member 124. The piercing pin 164 in which such a bent portion 165 is formed can pierce the sealing film 54 more greatly than the piercing pin 164 in which the bending portion 165 is not formed, and the hole HP and the piercing pin The gap GP generated between 164 also becomes larger.

  In the opposing wall 142 (the adhesive sheet 162 and the wall body 160), a space recess 166 having a shape that is recessed upward is formed so as to surround each of the perforation pins 164. That is, the space recessed part 166 is formed in the opposing wall 142 which is an example of the adhesion part. The space recess 166 is a portion in which the facing wall 142 is partially recessed in the direction away from each of the liquid reservoirs 52 around the piercing pin 164. The presence of such space recesses 166 forms a sealed space 168 between each of the liquid reservoirs 52 and the facing wall 142. Thus, using the space concave portion 166 of the analyzer 102 and the upper surface of the analysis tool 42, the configuration for forming the sealed space 168 between the perforation tool and the analysis tool 42 becomes a sealing member . Of course, depending on the shapes of the analysis device 102 and the analysis tool 42, the shape and formation method of the sealed space and the shape of the sealing member can be changed as appropriate.

  A gas introduction pipe 170 is provided on the facing wall 142 corresponding to each of the space recesses 166 as an example of a gas introduction member. The lower end of the gas inlet tube 170 is a gas inlet / outlet 170A through which fluid flows into and out of the enclosed space 168. In the present embodiment, the lower end position of any of the plurality of gas introduction pipes 170, that is, the position of the gas inlet / outlet 170A is the same position as the upper surface 166T of the space recess 166, and It is a structure located in the enclosed space 168 without the entrance / exit 170A protruding.

  A pump 172 is connected to the gas introduction pipe 170. By driving the pump 172, air can be delivered to the enclosed space 168 and air can be drawn from the enclosed space 168. Note that one pump 172 can be commonly provided to a plurality of gas introduction pipes 170 via a branch pipe. In this case, an air flow path can be provided to any gas introduction pipe 170 by a valve (not shown). It is possible to adopt a switching structure.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the gas introduction pipe 170 and the piercing pin 164 are shifted in the horizontal direction (at least one direction in the depth direction and the width direction). That is, the gas inlet / outlet 170 A of the gas introduction pipe 170 is located at a position deviated from the perforation site (hole HP) by the perforation pin 164 along the film surface of the sealing film 54.

  The above-mentioned piercing pin 164 is an example of a piercing member. The piercing member may have any shape as long as the sealing film 54 on the upper surface of the liquid tank 52 in the analysis tool 42 can be pierced. Moreover, the above-mentioned gas introduction pipe 170 is also an example of a gas introduction member, and may have any shape as long as the gas is introduced into the sealed space. However, in the present embodiment, the piercing member and the gas introducing member are separate members. In any case, the gas introduction member for introducing the gas into the liquid tank 52 of the analysis tool 42 has a shape that can prevent the liquid in the liquid tank 52 from adhering to the gas introduction member. It is a shape which can suppress that liquid flows in.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an insertion hole 174 is formed in the opposing wall 142. The irradiation member 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 174. The light from the light emitting unit (not shown) is guided to the irradiation member 176 by, for example, an optical fiber or the like. The irradiation member 176 is a member which irradiates this light from the irradiation part 176A of the tip. Substantially, the illumination member 176 may be configured as part of an optical fiber. In addition, an LED chip for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength range, an optical filter, a lens, and the like may be provided, and the light emitting unit may have a shape such as a slit.

  Since the irradiation member 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 174, the displacement in the horizontal direction with respect to the facing wall 142 is suppressed.

  The position of the insertion hole 174 is a position corresponding to the insertion hole 70 of the analysis tool 42 positioned at the predetermined position in the introduction part 120. Also, the outer diameter of the irradiation member 176 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 174. Thus, the irradiation member 176 can be inserted into the insertion hole 70. The lower portion of the irradiation member 176 is a projecting portion 176T that protrudes below the adhesion sheet 162.

  A restriction plate 178 wider than the insertion hole 174 is attached to the upper portion of the irradiation member 176, that is, the side opposite to the side projecting from the pressing member 124. Although the restriction plate 178 is an example of a restriction member which restricts the amount of projection of the projection to the analysis tool to a certain range, any shape may be adopted as long as it has a restriction function. In addition, one or more support columns 180 are erected upward from the opposing wall 142, and the support columns 180 pass through the limiting plate 178.

  At the tip of the support 180, a counter plate 182 wider than the support 180 is formed. A limiting plate 178 is positioned between the opposing wall 142 and the opposing plate 182, and the limiting plate 178 can move up and down while being guided by the support column 180. However, the moving range in the vertical direction opposes the opposing wall 142 Limited between plates 182. Thereby, the protrusion range (the protrusion length which protrudes from the opposing wall 142) of the protrusion part 176T can also be limited to a predetermined range, and it can suppress that the protrusion part 176T protrudes from the opposing wall 142 too much. The opposing wall 142 and the opposing plate 182 are paired, and are opposed to the limiting plate 178 on both sides in the advancing and retracting direction of the protrusion 176T. That is, the opposing wall 142 and the opposing plate 182 are an example of a pair of opposing members. And the opposing wall 142 serves as a part of opposing member. Thereby, the number of parts is reduced as compared with the structure in which the opposing wall 142 is a member separate from the opposing member.

  A spring 184 is interposed between the limiting plate 178 and the opposing plate 182. The irradiation member 176 is biased downward via the limiting plate 178 by the biasing force of the spring 184. The spring 184 that applies this biasing force is an example of a biasing member that biases the protrusion 176T in the direction in which the pressing member 124 protrudes. The biasing member may have any shape as long as it has such a biasing function. As a result, the projecting portion 176T of the irradiation member 176 can maintain the state of projecting from the facing wall 142 with a predetermined projection length. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the downward movement range of the protrusion 176T is limited to a predetermined range by the limiting plate 178 contacting the opposing wall 142.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in a state in which the limiting plate 178 is in contact with the facing wall 142, the maximum value of the projection length TL of the projection 176T is longer than the depth SD of the insertion hole 70.

  Therefore, when the opposing wall 142 is lowered and the irradiation member 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 70, the irradiation part 176 A at the tip contacts the bottom 70 B of the insertion hole 70. As described above, the irradiation member 176 and the limiting plate 178 are lowered while maintaining the positional relationship with the facing wall 142 constant until the irradiation portion 176A contacts the bottom portion 70B.

  In this state, even if the opposing wall 142 tries to move downward, there is a gap between the limiting plate 178 and the opposing plate 182, so this gap is reduced (while the spring 184 is compressed). Although 142 moves downward, irradiation member 176 does not move downward (see FIG. 16).

  In the present embodiment, the pressing direction of the analysis tool 42 by the pressing member 124 (the direction in which the opposing wall 142 approaches the analysis tool 42) and the direction in which the irradiation member 176 approaches the analysis tool 42 are the same. Since the movement locus of the pressing member 124 partially overlaps the movement locus of the irradiation member, these members can be disposed in a space-saving manner as compared with a structure in which these movement loci do not overlap and are separated. .

  An absorbance sensor 186 is provided in the introducing unit 120 at a position below the insertion hole 70 in the analysis tool 42 set at a predetermined position. The sample to be electrophoresed in the capillary 68 is irradiated with light from the irradiation member 176, and measurement is performed by the measuring member 126 based on the transmitted light transmitted through the sample. For example, the absorbance sensor 186 detects the absorbance based on the transmitted light. Also, for example, the measurement member includes, for example, a photodiode, a photo IC, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of tilt detection rods 188 are attached to the opposing wall 142 as an example of the tilt detection unit. The inclination detection unit is a member that detects an inclination (specifically, whether or not it is inclined) with respect to the horizontal direction of the analysis tool 42 introduced into the introduction unit 120. For the detection of this inclination, as shown in FIG. 12, both the case of inclination in the width direction and the case of inclination in the depth direction as shown in FIG. 13 are possible. Each of the inclination detection rods 188 is held movably up and down with respect to the opposing wall 142.

  The position of the lower end of the tilt detection rod 188 is a position at which the analysis tool 42 introduced to the introduction unit 120 does not contact the analysis tool 42 in a non-tilted state, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. However, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lower end of the inclination detection rod 188 is set in a predetermined position so that the lower end of the inclination detection rod 188 contacts when the analysis tool 42 is inclined. Then, when the opposite wall 142 is further lowered while the inclination detection rod 188 is in contact with the analysis tool 42, the inclination detection rod 188 moves upward relative to the opposite wall 142. When the controller 146 detects such upward movement of the inclination detection rod 188, it determines that the analysis tool 42 is inclined, and can perform predetermined processing.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the feed probe 194 corresponding to each of the plurality of side holes 64 of the analysis tool 42 is protruded from the introducing unit 120. The feed probe 194 is advanced or retracted with respect to one side 46A of the analysis tool 42 by a driving force of a motor (not shown) controlled by the controller 146.

  The feed probe 194 is an example of a feed member. Each of the plurality of feed probes 194 is advanced with respect to one side 46 A of the analysis tool 42 and inserted into the corresponding side hole 64 to contact the electrode 62.

  The feed probe 194 is located on the side of the analysis tool 42 held at a predetermined position in the introduction unit 120, and does not exist other than the side. Therefore, the structure which can arrange | position various members in the position which avoided the electric power feeding probe 194 is implement | achieved. For example, the pressing member 124 is disposed above the analysis tool 42, and the interference between the pressing member 124 and the feed probe 194 is suppressed. In addition, the installation unit 122 is disposed below the analysis tool 42, and interference of the feed probe 194 with the installation unit 122 is also suppressed. The shape of the power supply member is not particularly limited as long as power can be supplied to the electrode 62.

  Next, the operation of the analysis apparatus 102 of the present embodiment and a method of analyzing the components of the sample in the analysis tool 42 will be described.

  First, a part of the flow path 48 of the analysis tool 42 is filled with a sample (in the present embodiment, blood).

  By performing a predetermined input operation from the touch panel of the analyzer 102, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the open / close lid 114 moves to the front side, and the tray 118 is exposed.

  With the analytical tool 42 containing the sample mounted thereon, the tray 118 and the cover 114 are pushed (or a predetermined operation is performed from the touch panel (not shown) of the analyzer 102) to move the tray 118 to the back side. Move to Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the analysis tool 42 is introduced into the introduction unit 120. Then, the analysis tool 42 is installed on the pedestal 122 B of the installation unit 122.

  The analyzer 102 has a tilt detection unit. Therefore, in this state, the analyzer 102 detects the inclination of the analysis tool 42 by the inclination detector. Specifically, the controller 146 drives the lift motor 148 to lower the opposing wall 142 of the pressing member 124 to a predetermined position.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, when the analysis tool 42 is tilted, parts of the plurality of tilt detection rods 188 contact the analysis tool 42. In this case, the control device 146 stops the driving of the lift motor 148 and performs predetermined processing corresponding to the tilting of the analysis tool 42. Here, the “predetermined process” includes, for example, a process of temporarily stopping the component analysis of the sample and informing the operator of the inclination of the analysis tool 42.

  Since a plurality of tilt detection rods 188 are provided, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the accuracy of tilt detection due to the tilt direction of the analysis tool 42 and the amount of tilt (tilt angle).

  In addition, the structure of the inclination detection part which detects the inclination of the analysis tool 42 is not limited to an above-described thing. For example, the inclination may be detected by irradiating the analysis tool 42 with light from a plurality of places.

  If the analysis tool 42 is not tilted (including the case where the tilt is within the allowable range), the controller 146 performs positioning with respect to the analysis tool 42 (performs the positioning direction). In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the notch 72 of the analysis tool 42 and the positioning pin 140A do not make contact, and the recess 71 and the positioning pin 140B also do not make contact.

  The controller 146 drives a pressing motor (not shown) and presses one side 46 A of the analysis tool 42 by the pressing rod 134. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tip 44 of the analysis tool 42 contacts the positioning pins 140A and 140B, whereby the analysis tool 42 is positioned at a predetermined position.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the height of the positioning pin 140A is a height that reaches the lower plate 44B of the tip 44 but does not reach the upper plate 44A. Then, when the lower plate 44B of the chip 44 contacts the positioning pins 140A and 140B, the analytical tool 42 is positioned. The capillary 68 is formed on the lower plate 44B of the chip 44, so that the capillary 68 can be substantially accurately positioned.

  The chip 44 has a notch 72 formed therein. When the analysis tool 42 approaches toward the positioning pin 140A and either the inclined surface 72A or the inclined surface 72B contacts the positioning pin 140A and the analysis tool 42 is further pushed in, the analysis tool 42 moves in the depth direction (arrow Move in direction D). Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the analysis tool 42 is positioned at a position where both the inclined surface 72A and the inclined surface 72B contact the positioning pin 140A. That is, the analysis tool 42 is positioned not only in the width direction (arrow W direction) but also in the depth direction (arrow D direction: introduction direction to the introduction portion 120).

  In this state, the positioning pin 140A is engaged with the notch 72, and the positioning pin 140B is engaged with the notch 73. Therefore, in the state where the analytical tool 42 is positioned, the positional deviation in the depth direction is suppressed.

  Next, the controller 146 drives the lift motor 148 to lower the facing wall 142. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the irradiation member 176 also descends and approaches the analysis tool 42. Since the analysis tool 42 is already positioned at the predetermined position and the insertion hole 70 is also positioned, the irradiation member 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 70 without contacting the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the irradiation portion 176A at the lower end of the irradiation member 176 contacts the bottom portion 70B of the insertion hole 70. In this state, as shown in FIG. 16, the irradiation member 176 and the limiting plate 178 do not move down even if the elevation motor 148 is driven, so the irradiation portion 176A of the irradiation member 176 is strongly pressed by the bottom 70B and damaged. Can be suppressed.

  Also, due to the lowering of the facing wall 142, each of the plurality of perforation pins 164 pierces the sealing film 54 of the corresponding liquid tank 52. Then, the adhesive sheet 162 adheres to the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 11, in each of the plurality of liquid reservoirs 52, a sealed space 168 is formed between the perforation point by the perforation pin 164 and the analysis tool 42. The close-contact sheet 162 is in close contact with the upper surface 42T of the analysis tool 42, so that the closed space 168 can be maintained in a closed state more reliably than, for example, a structure in which the close-contact members contact linearly.

  Further, in this state, since the analysis tool 42 is vertically sandwiched between the installation portion 122 where the analysis tool 42 is installed and the pressing member 124, the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 are fitted. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, since the convex portions 50 pierce the corresponding bottom films 58, the liquid can flow downward from the liquid tank 52 having the perforated bottom films 58. However, since the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 are in close contact with each other in the vertical direction, leakage of the liquid from the liquid tank 52 in which the bottom film 58 is perforated to the gap between the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 is suppressed.

  Since the analysis tool 42 is pressed by the pressing member 124 and held between the installation portion 122 and the pressing member 124, positional deviation of the analysis tool 42 is suppressed. In this embodiment, since the analysis tool 42 is positioned by the positioning member, the pressing member 124 presses the analysis tool 42, whereby the analysis tool 42 can be maintained in the positioned state.

  Further, even if the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 require a large force to be fitted, since the analytical tool 42 is sandwiched and pressed by the installation portion 122 and the pressing member 124, the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 can be reliably made. It can be fitted. Moreover, the analysis tool 42 can be pressed by the pressing member 124 while maintaining the state in which the irradiation member 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 70.

  Here, the control device 146 drives the pump 172 (see FIG. 11) to supply and suck gas to the specific liquid tank 52 at a predetermined timing. Since a gap GP is generated between the drilling pin 164 and the sealing film 54 at the drilling point by the drilling pin 164, air between the sealing space 168 and the corresponding liquid tank 52 passes through the gap GP. It is possible to move.

  As an example, first, as shown in FIG. 17, air is introduced (pressurized) into one liquid tank 52 (the liquid tank 52 in the left side in FIG. 17) and the like. Thereby, the sample is diluted with the liquid LA, stirred, and sent to the other liquid tank 52 through the specific flow path 48.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, air is introduced (pressurized) to a liquid tank (the liquid tank 52 on the right side in FIG. 18) different from the above. Thereby, the liquid LA of the corresponding liquid tank 52 is filled in the flow path 48 connected to the liquid tank 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the capillary 68 is filled with liquid by capillary action.

  Thus, the piercing pins 164 for piercing the sealing film 54 and the gas introduction pipe 170 for introducing a gas (fluid) into the sealed space 168 are separate members. The gas inlet / outlet 170A at the lower end of each of the gas introduction pipes 170 is located inside the corresponding sealed space 168. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid tank 52 is suppressed from entering the inside of the gas introduction pipe 170. For example, it is suppressed that the diluted sample remains in the inside of the gas introduction tube 170 at the time of the analysis of the previous sample, and the situation where this remaining diluted sample mixes with the diluted sample at the next analysis is also suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the gas inlet / outlet 170A is at a position deviated from the perforation site along the film surface of the sealing film 54 with respect to the perforation site by the perforation pin 164. Therefore, even if the liquid in the liquid tank 52 reaches the sealed space 168 through the gap between the piercing pin 164 and the sealing film 54, the liquid can be prevented from flowing into the gas inlet / outlet 170A.

  Furthermore, even if, for example, perforation of sealing film 54 by perforation pins 164 causes a part of the members constituting sealing film 54 to become fragments, gas inlet / outlet 170A is separated from the perforation site. The inclusion of the fragments in the gas inlet / outlet 170A can be suppressed.

  Next, the control device 146 drives a pressing motor (not shown) to bring the power supply probe 194 close to one side 46A of the analysis tool 42 as shown in FIGS. The feed probes 194 are inserted into the corresponding side holes 64 and are in contact with the electrodes 62. At this stage, the analysis tool 42 is positioned in the depth direction. That is, since the analysis tool 42 is positioned in the direction (orthogonal in the example of FIG. 21) crossing the direction in which the feed probe 194 approaches the analysis tool 42, the tip of the feed probe 194 is one side 46A of the analysis tool 42. And the side holes 64 are securely inserted.

  In this state, the control device 146 applies a predetermined voltage between the electrodes 62 from the feed probe 194 as shown in FIG. Thereby, components of the sample are electrophoresed in the capillary 68. Also, at this time, the control device 146 emits light from the irradiation unit 176A of the irradiation member 176. Then, the absorbance of the diluted sample being electrophoresed is detected by the absorbance sensor 186 to measure the components of the sample.

  At this time, the irradiation portion 176A of the irradiation member 176 is in contact with the bottom portion 70B of the insertion hole 70. That is, the irradiating section 176A is in a position where the distance to the capillary 68 is short and the distance is maintained constant. Therefore, light can be stably emitted to the sample to be electrophoresed in the capillary 68.

  In addition, since the analysis tool 42 is held between the opposing wall 142 of the pressing member 124 and the installation portion 122 and held at a predetermined position, the position of the analysis tool 42 is stabilized. Since the capillary 68 is formed on the tip 44 of the analysis tool 42, the position of the capillary 68 is also stable. Therefore, component analysis of the sample can be performed more accurately.

  After the component analysis of the sample is completed, the control device 146 retracts the feed probe 194 and withdraws it from the side hole 64, and raises the opposing wall 142 to release the pressure on the analyzer 102, and further the irradiation member 176. Is removed from the insertion hole 70. Further, the push rod 134 is retracted and separated from the analyzer 102.

  Then, the open / close lid 114 and the tray 118 are moved to the front side so that the analysis tool 42 can be taken out. After the analysis, the analysis tool 42 can be discarded.

  In the present embodiment, the analysis tool 42 accommodates and packages the sample to be measured and the liquids (dilution liquid LA and electrophoresis liquid LB) required for the measurement. In the analyzer 102, it is not necessary to set in advance the liquid necessary for measurement, and there is no need for a reservoir for temporarily storing these liquids, a pump for sending to the measurement site, and the like. Therefore, the structure can be simplified and miniaturized as the analysis device 102.

  Although rod-shaped positioning pins 140A and 140B are mentioned as an example of a contact member in the above, as a contact member, it is not limited to such a rod-like pin, For example, a plate-shaped member may be sufficient. When a rod-like pin is used as the contact member, the contact member can be disposed even in a narrower space as compared with a plate-like member. By providing a plurality of rod-like pins, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the analysis tool 42 in contact with the pins as compared with the configuration in which only one pin is provided, and it is possible to position stably.

[Second to fifth embodiments, reference example]
Next, second to fifth embodiments and a reference example will be described. In the following embodiments and reference examples, the overall configuration of the analyzer is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description is omitted. In addition, the same components, members, and the like as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the analyzer 202 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the lower end portion of the gas introduction pipe 170 protrudes below the upper surface 106 of the space concave portion 166, and a projecting portion 170B is configured. The lower end portion of the gas inlet tube 170 is also a tip portion including the gas inlet / outlet 170A.

  In the second embodiment, the lower end portion of the gas introduction pipe 170 thus protrudes. Therefore, even if the liquid that has flowed into the enclosed space 168 moves along the upper surface 106 toward the gas inlet pipe 170, the pipe itself of the gas inlet pipe 170 stops the liquid, thereby causing the liquid to flow to the gas inlet / outlet 170A. It is possible to suppress the inflow.

  In the analysis device 302 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a wall member 196 extending downward from the upper surface 106 of the space recess 166 is formed. The wall member 196 is located between the piercing pin 164 and the gas introducing tube 170. Further, the position of the lower end of the wall member 196 is a position where the gap does not contact the sealing film 54 and a gap is generated between the wall member 196 and the sealing film 54.

  In the third embodiment, since such a wall member 196 is provided, even if the liquid flowing into the enclosed space 168 moves toward the gas introduction pipe 170 along the upper surface 106, the liquid is not transferred by the wall member 196. You can stop it. Thus, the liquid can be prevented from flowing into the gas inlet / outlet 170A. The shape of the wall member 196 is not limited as long as the wall member 196 is thus located between the piercing member (the piercing pin 164 as an example) and the gas introducing member (an gas introducing pipe 170 as an example). That is, regardless of the shape of the wall member, it is possible to block the movement of the liquid along the upper surface 106 toward the gas inlet tube 170 in the enclosed space 168.

  In the analyzer 402 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the structure of the second embodiment (the protrusion 170 B is formed at the lower end portion of the gas introduction pipe 170) and the structure of the third embodiment (wall member 196 is formed). Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the liquid flowing into the enclosed space 168 can be more reliably suppressed from flowing into the gas outlet 170A.

  The analyzer 502 of the reference example is partially shown in FIG. In the structure shown in FIG. 26, the gas introduction pipe 170 doubles as the perforation pin 164, and the sealing film 54 can be perforated at the tip of the gas introduction pipe 170. Further, a gas inlet / outlet 170A is formed on the side surface of the gas introduction pipe 170 so as to be located above the sealing film 54, that is, inside the sealed space 168.

  Even in the structure of the reference example, since the gas inlet / outlet 170A is not located in the liquid tank 52, the liquid in the liquid tank 52 can be prevented from flowing into the gas inlet / outlet 170A.

  In the first to fourth embodiments and the reference example described above, the irradiation portion 176A, which is the tip of the illumination member 176, contacts the bottom 70B of the insertion hole 70, and the illumination member 176 approaches the analysis tool 42 (drops ) Is a limited structure. On the other hand, it may further have a structure for restricting the access of the illumination member 176 to the analysis tool 42.

  FIGS. 27 to 29 partially show the analysis apparatus 502 of the fifth embodiment, which further has a structure for restricting the access of the illumination member 176 to the analysis tool 42 from the viewpoint described above.

  In the analysis device 502 of the fifth embodiment, the limiting plate 178 is provided with a protruding portion 178D protruding sideward from the facing wall 142. The protruding portion 178D may be formed, for example, by forming the restriction wall 178 in a large size (widely) as a whole, or may be formed by partially protruding the restriction plate 178 in a rod shape. .

  A limiting wall 504 is provided in a housing 104 (see FIG. 1 shown as the first embodiment) of the analyzer 502. The limiting wall 504 is provided at a predetermined position so that the protruding portion 178D contacts when the limiting plate 178 is lowered together with the facing wall 142 and is at a predetermined height position as shown in FIG. In this state, since the irradiation part 176A of the illumination member 176 is at a predetermined position from the bottom 70B of the insertion hole 70 and the protruding part 178D contacts the limiting wall 504, the limiting plate 178 does not drop further.

  In the fifth embodiment of such a structure, it is possible to physically restrict the lowering of the limiting plate 178 in a state where the irradiation portion 176A of the illumination member 176 is at a predetermined position from the bottom portion 70B of the insertion hole 70. Then, in this state, it is possible to irradiate light from the irradiation unit 176A to the sample to be electrophoresed in the capillary 68.

  The structure of the fifth embodiment is a structure that can be effectively taken, for example, when there is a difference in the height position of the bottom portion 70B due to the individual difference of the analysis tool 42.

  In the fifth embodiment, the irradiation portion 176A may be in contact with the bottom portion 70B or may be non-contact. In the structure in which the irradiation part 176A is in contact with the bottom part 70B, the position of the irradiation part 176A with respect to the bottom part 70B is stable. Also, the biasing force of the spring 184 can be dispersed and acted on the analysis tool 42 and the limiting wall 504. On the other hand, if the irradiation part 176A is not in contact with the bottom part 70B, a structure can be realized in which the biasing force of the spring 184 is not applied to the analysis tool 42.

  As the operation of the illumination member 176 when the irradiating part 176A contacts the bottom 70B, the limiting plate 178 descends together with the facing wall 142 and contacts the bottom 70B of the irradiating part 176A and the restricting wall 504 of the protruding part 178D. The contact is almost simultaneous. However, substantially, the irradiation portion 176A first contacts the bottom portion 70B, and a slight deformation (a degree that does not affect the analysis) of the analysis tool 42 at the position of the bottom portion 70B occurs. It is possible to adopt an operating order of contact. On the contrary, first, the protruding portion 178D may contact the limiting wall 504, and while the limiting wall 504 is deformed, the irradiating portion 176A may contact the bottom portion 70B.

  In the operation of the illumination member 176 when the irradiating unit 176A is not in contact with the bottom 70B, the protruding portion 178D contacts the limiting wall 504 before the irradiating unit 176A contacts the bottom 70B. That is, if the descent of the illumination member 176 is stopped at this stage, the protruding portion 178D is supported by the limiting wall 504 and the descent after that is limited, so that the irradiation portion 176A can be maintained in a state of not contacting the bottom 70B .

42 analysis tool 44 tip 44A upper plate 44B lower plate 46 cartridge 46A one side 46B other side 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E convex part 52 liquid tank 54 sealing film 58 bottom film 62 electrode 64 side hole 66 bottom film 68 Capillary 70 Insertion hole 70B Bottom 72 Notch 72A, 72B Inclined surface 102 Analysis device 120 Introduction part 122 Installation part 124 Pressing member 126 Measuring member 128 Pushing member 134 Pushing rod 140A, 140B Positioning pin 142 Opposing wall 144 Vertical drive mechanism 146 Control Device 162 Adhesive sheet 164 Perforation pin 165 Curved portion 166 Space recessed portion 166T Upper surface 168 Sealed space 170 Gas inlet tube 170A Gas inlet / outlet 170B Projection portion 174 Insertion hole 176 Irradiation member 176A Irradiation portion 176T Projection portion 186 Absorbance sensor 188 Tilt Sensing rod 192 pushing motor 194 feed probe 196 wall member 202 analyzer 302 analyzer 402 analyzer 502 analyzer 504 limiting wall

Claims (15)

An introduction unit into which an analysis tool including a sample is introduced;
An installation unit on which the analysis tool is installed in the introduction unit;
An irradiation member which is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the analysis tool to be in contact with the bottom of the insertion hole to irradiate light to the sample;
A pressing member separately pressing the analysis tool separately from the irradiation member to sandwich the analysis tool installed in the installation section with the installation section and hold the analysis tool in a predetermined position;
A measuring member for measuring a component of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool installed in the installation unit;
Analyzer with.   The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in a state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole.   The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pressing direction of the analysis tool by the pressing member and an approaching direction of the irradiation member to the analysis tool are the same. The irradiation member is
A protrusion held by the pressing member so as to be movable back and forth;
A limiting member that limits the amount of protrusion of the protrusion to the analysis tool within a certain range;
A biasing member for biasing the protrusion in a direction in which the protrusion protrudes from the pressing member;
The analyzer according to claim 3, comprising   The analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the maximum value of the protrusion length of the protrusion is longer than the depth of the insertion hole. The pressing member includes an opposing wall facing the analysis tool and having an insertion hole formed therein.
The analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole. The limiting member is
A limiting plate attached to the protrusion on the side opposite to the side of the protrusion projecting from the pressing member and having a diameter larger than the hole diameter of the insertion hole;
A pair of opposing members that face the limiting plate on both sides of the protrusion in the direction of movement;
The analyzer according to claim 6, comprising   The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the opposing wall doubles as one of the opposing members. A positioning member for positioning the analysis tool at the predetermined position;
Have
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressing member holds the analysis tool positioned by the positioning member. The analysis tool includes a chip provided with a capillary through which the sample migrates, and a cartridge provided with a liquid reservoir and stacked on the chip.
10. The press tool according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member presses the analysis tool in a direction in which the chip and the cartridge overlap, sandwiches the analysis tool with the installation portion, and fits the chip and the cartridge. The analyzer according to item 1 or 2. An introduction unit into which an analysis tool including a sample is introduced;
An installation unit on which the analysis tool is installed in the introduction unit;
An irradiation member inserted into an insertion hole formed in the analysis tool and irradiating the sample with light at a predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole;
A pressing member separately pressing the analysis tool separately from the irradiation member to sandwich the analysis tool installed in the installation section with the installation section and hold the analysis tool in a predetermined position;
A measuring member for measuring a component of the sample by the light irradiated from the irradiation member to the sample of the analysis tool installed in the installation unit;
Analyzer with.   The analyzer according to claim 11, wherein the analysis tool is pressed by the pressing member in a state where the irradiation member is inserted into the insertion hole.   The analyzer according to claim 11, wherein a pressing direction of the analysis tool by the pressing member and an approaching direction of the irradiation member to the analysis tool are the same. The irradiation member is
A protrusion held by the pressing member so as to be movable back and forth;
A limiting member that limits the amount of protrusion of the protrusion to the analysis tool within a certain range;
A biasing member for biasing the protrusion in a direction in which the protrusion protrudes from the pressing member;
Have
A limiting wall for limiting movement of the limiting member in the direction of approach to the analysis tool;
The analyzer according to claim 13, wherein the irradiation member is fixed at the predetermined position from the bottom of the insertion hole by the restriction wall restricting the restriction member at the predetermined position.   The analyzer according to claim 14, wherein the irradiation member contacts the bottom of the insertion hole.