JP3051621B2 - Cartridge for dry analysis film pieces - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dry analysis method having a reagent layer which causes a change in optical density due to a chemical reaction, a biochemical reaction or an immune reaction with a predetermined biochemical substance contained in a sample solution such as blood or urine. The present invention relates to a cartridge for a dry analysis film piece which accommodates a film piece and which is taken out of the dry analysis film piece sequentially from an outlet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the amount of a specific chemical component contained in a sample solution, its activity value, or the content of a formed component is quantitatively analyzed by merely dropping and supplying a small droplet of the sample solution. A dry integrated multi-layer analysis film (also referred to as a multi-layer analysis element or a multi-layer analysis element) which can be used has been developed and put into practical use. Also, a filter paper type test piece and a single-layer or multi-layer test piece obtained by improving the same have been proposed, and some of them have been put to practical use.

[0003] In order to quantitatively analyze chemical components in a sample solution using such a dry analysis film, the sample solution is applied to a development layer when the dry analysis film has a development layer.
For those without a spreading layer, after spotting directly on the reagent layer,
This is kept at a constant temperature (incubation) for a predetermined time in an incubator (incubator) to cause a color reaction (dye-forming reaction or discoloration reaction of the indicator dye), and then to include a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution and the dry analysis film. The dry analytical film is irradiated with measurement irradiation light having a wavelength selected in advance according to the combination with the reagent to be measured, and its optical density is measured. From this optical density, the optical density determined in advance and the predetermined biochemical A substance concentration (content) or an activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample liquid is determined using a calibration curve representing the correspondence between the substance and the substance concentration.

The integrated multilayer dry analysis film has a structure in which at least one reagent layer containing a reagent is provided on a support made of an organic polymer, and more preferably, a developing layer is provided above the reagent layer. And formed on a dry analysis film piece having a predetermined shape such as a square or a rectangle. For automatic operation, the dry analysis film piece is put into practical use as a chemical analysis slide configured to hold a flat state when the dry analysis film piece, which is easily warped when inserted by being clamped by an organic polymer mount. I have.

However, in the case of using a chemical analysis slide for holding a dry analysis film piece on a mount as described above, the size of the detection element is increased by the installation amount of the mount, and the mechanism of each part of the apparatus is increased. This is an obstacle to downsizing the device, and is disadvantageous in terms of measurement cost and processing capacity.

In view of the above, the present inventors directly load a dry analytical film piece having no mount into a cartridge, store the cartridge in a film supply device of a biochemical analyzer, and sequentially take out the measurement. Propose technology.

As described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-53271 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,931), a plurality of dry analysis films are stacked and cartridges are stored and supplied. The cartridge is provided with an outlet opening on the side at the top of the cartridge, and the uppermost dry analysis film is extruded by an extrusion blade operating from the lateral direction and supplied to the analyzer. A technique is disclosed in which a support member is provided at the bottom of the analysis film so that it can only move upward by a ratchet mechanism, and the support member is raised by the operation of a plunger from below to sequentially urge the support member toward the outlet. ing.

[0008]

Thus, a dry analysis film is urged by a holding member having a ratchet mechanism as described above in a state where it is immovable on the side opposite to the take-out port. In the film piece cartridge,
There is a problem that the output when removing the dry analysis film piece is increased.

That is, when the dry analytical film piece having no mount is placed in a dry state, the dry analytical film piece is bent and deformed into a twisted tile-like shape. When the dry analysis film pieces are moved to the exit and sequentially taken out, when the laminated dry analysis film pieces are pressed and urged toward the exit side, the curved shape is corrected to a flat shape. As a result, the pressing force increases due to the restoring elastic force.

Further, since the dry analytical film piece having no mount described above has a curved shape as described above and its deformed shape is not constant, there is a conventional mechanism for removing the cartridge from the cartridge and pushing it out by inserting a blade. When it is difficult to adopt, for example, when trying to adopt a take-out mechanism that sucks and holds with a suction cup, there is a limit in the suction holding force, and the dry analysis film piece is pulled out by the large urging force as described above. In such a state, it is difficult to increase the reliability by securing a reliable take-out action.

Further, in the state of lamination of the curved dry analysis film pieces, the spread layer on which the sample liquid is spotted comes into direct contact with the adjacent dry analysis film pieces. There is a possibility that the developing layer may be damaged by rubbing and the predetermined developing performance may not be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is directed to a cartridge for a dry analysis film piece capable of reducing the urging force of the accommodated dry analysis film piece to be sent to the outlet side to reduce the output. It is intended to provide.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a dry analysis film piece cartridge according to the present invention is provided with a dry analysis film piece outlet at one end of a box for housing a plurality of dry analysis film pieces in a stack. Along with the provision, a holding member which contacts the dry analysis film piece from the side opposite to the outlet and is urged in the direction of the outlet by being linked to the external urging means is slidably disposed, and further comprising: The box is provided with a locking member that is movable in the direction of the outlet and cannot be moved in the opposite direction,
When the external force acts on the holding member, the holding member and the locking member move in the outlet direction in conjunction with each other, and when the external force is released, the holding member is displaced in the counter outlet direction with respect to the locking position of the locking member. The present invention is characterized in that it is provided in a linkage structure for reducing or releasing the urging force on the dry analysis film piece.

More specifically, the holding member and the locking member are formed separately, and the two are slidably linked to each other. When the external force is released, the pressing member moves away from the locking member in the direction opposite to the outlet. What is necessary is just to provide so that it may slide. On the other hand, the locking member may be formed of a spring member, integrally linked with the pressing member, and provided such that when the external force is released, the pressing member is displaced in the direction opposite to the outlet by deformation of the locking member.

[0015]

According to the cartridge for dry analysis film pieces of the present invention, a plurality of dry analysis film pieces stacked and housed in a box having an outlet at one end are pressed by a pressing member, and the dry analysis film pieces are moved in conjunction with the pressing member. A stop member is provided, and when an external force is applied by the urging means, the pressing member and the locking member move in the direction of the outlet while pressing the dry analysis film piece in conjunction with the pressing member, and the locking position of the locking member is accordingly. When the external force is released, the locking member is stopped at the locking position, but the pressing member is released by the biasing force and is repelled by the elastic force of the dry analysis film piece. It is displaced in the outlet direction, whereby the urging force on the dry analysis film piece is reduced or released, and the output of the dry analysis film piece from the outlet is reduced.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a biochemical analyzer provided with a cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A biochemical analyzer 10 is provided on a film supply device 11 (supplier) for storing unused substantially square or rectangular dry analysis film pieces 1, and is disposed beside the film supply device 11. The incubator 12 for holding the dried analytical film piece 1 on which the sample solution has been spotted for a predetermined time.
Film transport means 13 for transporting the dry analytical film piece 1 from the film supply device 11 to the incubator 12;
For example, a sample liquid storage means 14 (sampler) for storing a plurality of sample liquids such as serum, urine, etc., and a dry analysis film piece before the sample liquid in the sample liquid storage means 14 is transported to the incubator 12 by the film transport means 13. Spotting means to spot on 1
15 and measuring means 16 arranged below the incubator 12
And

As shown in FIG. 2, the dry analytical film piece 1 is coated with a reagent layer 3 on a light-transmitting support 2 made of a plastic sheet such as an organic polymer sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene. This is a film piece (chip) provided by bonding or the like, on which the spreading layer 4 is laminated by a laminating method or the like, and does not have what corresponds to a mount in a conventional chemical analysis slide.

The reagent layer 3 contains a hydrophilic polymer binder such as gelatin or a porous layer containing a detection reagent selectively reacting with an analyte and a reagent (chemical analysis reagent or immunoassay reagent) necessary for a color-forming reaction. At least one included
It consists of three layers.

The spreading layer 4 is made of a material which is resistant to wear to the outside, for example, a woven or knitted fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, a woven or knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, etc. by blending natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Alternatively, it is made of paper and functions as a protective layer, and spreads so that the sample solution spotted on the spreading layer 4 can be uniformly supplied onto the reagent layer 3.

The dry analytical film piece 1 is formed in a shape close to a plane as shown in FIG. However, since the dry analysis film piece 1 is disposed in a dry environment (for example, at a humidity of 20% or less) so as not to progress a chemical reaction or an immune reaction during storage, the dry analysis film piece 1 shown in FIG. Expanded layer 4 as shown in C)
Has the property of being curved and deformed into a tile-like shape or a twisted tile-like shape with the inside facing.

The dry analytical film pieces 1 are accommodated in a cartridge 20 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 in a state of being stacked in a large number with the light-transmitting support 2 down, for each measurement item.

The details of the cartridge 20 are as follows. A box 21 for accommodating the dry analytical film piece 1 is divided into right and left parts at the center in the vertical direction, and is formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape by connecting both divided parts. An outlet 22 for taking out the dry analytical film piece 1 is formed at the lowermost portion of one side surface of the box 21. The outlet 22
First, a first opening 22a through which one dry analysis film piece 1 opening on the side can be inserted and a suction cup 70 (suction cup) for suction holding the dry analysis film piece 1 opening on the bottom face enter. And a second opening 22b.

On both side surfaces of the box 21, two outer ribs 21a extending in the vertical direction are provided so as to project from each other.
Is different in the formation interval between one side and the other side.
This restricts the insertion direction when storing the film 20 in the film supply device 11 in a certain direction. The outer rib 21a
Has a function of protecting the external force receiving portion 32 by protruding from an end of the external force receiving portion 32 of the feeding mechanism 30 described later, and also reinforcing the box 21.

In the center of the outer ribs 21a on both sides of the one side surface and the other side surface, a vertical groove 21b extending in the vertical direction and opening is formed. Further, the vertical groove 21b is formed on the inner surface of the one side surface and the other side surface.
On both sides of b, an inner rib 21d extending in the vertical direction is formed, and on both sides thereof, ratchet teeth 21c also extending in the vertical direction are formed.

The thickness of the dry analytical film piece 1 stored in the cartridge 20 may be different depending on the measurement item, and accordingly, the first one of the dry analytical film pieces 1 can be reliably taken out from the outlet 22. The dimensions of the opening 22a are different,
An opening 28 for identification is formed on one side and the other side of the box 21 so as to match the dry analysis film piece 1 to be accommodated. The opening 28 is selectively opened, and is used for identification and detection by a combination of transmission and non-transmission of the detection light. Two openings are provided on one side and zero, two, or It is configured such that four types of identification can be performed by opening one above or below.

Next, a feed mechanism 30 for holding the stored dry analytical film piece 1 on the outlet 22 side is mounted in the box 21. In the cartridge 20 of this example, since the dry analytical film piece 1 is taken out from the outlet 22 at the lower end portion, it is possible to eliminate a problem that the take-out operation becomes large and the take-out operation is obstructed by a large urging force. Utilizing the elasticity of the dry analysis film piece 1 which is being used, the dry analysis film piece 1 is sequentially urged toward the outlet 22 in accordance with the removal of the dry analysis film piece 1, and after the urging, Is provided with a pressing force relaxing structure for reducing the pressing force to reduce the take-out force of the dry analysis film piece 1.

That is, the feed mechanism 30 includes a pressing member 31, an external force receiving portion 32, and a locking member 33. The pressing member 31 comes into contact with the upper end of the stacked dry analysis film piece 1 and has a substantially flat plate-like shape or a shape that makes contact only at four corners or edges of the dry analysis film piece 1. The external force receiving portion 32 is formed integrally at the upper end of a rod 31a erected at the center of the pressing member 31 so as to extend laterally in a rod shape. Further, the locking member 33 basically moves integrally with the pressing member 31, but is slidable up and down within a predetermined range along the rod 31a with respect to the pressing member 31. It is arranged. Both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 project outside the outer ribs 21a shorter than the outer ribs 21a through vertical grooves 21b opened on the side surfaces of the box 21, respectively, and are urged downward in conjunction with urging means 50 described later.

The locking member 33 has a central boss portion 33.
b is slidably inserted into the vertical rod 31a, and the claw portions 33a are bent outwardly with elastic force on both sides of the bottom plate portion and rise up, and the upwardly directed tip portions thereof are inserted into the ratchet teeth 21c from below. It is configured to lock. In this locking, the shape of the ratchet teeth 21c is
Is formed so that it can move downward, but cannot move upward.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the feed mechanism 30. FIG. 6A shows an operation member 51 which will be described later is connected to an external force receiving portion 32.
The pressing force acting on the external force receiving portion 32 causes the holding member 31 to move down from the upper end of the dry analysis film piece 1 to indicate that the dry analysis film piece 1 is urged downward to the outlet 22 side.
At this time, the locking member 33 is raised along the rod 31a due to the locking resistance between the claw portion 33a and the ratchet teeth 21c, and the upper end of the boss portion 33b is locked by the external force receiving portion 32 and descends. In addition, the curved shape of the dry analysis film piece 1 is corrected to be flat by pressing by the pressing member 31, and the height of the dry analysis film piece 1 is reduced.

When the urging state of the operation member 51 is released, the pressing member 31 receives a rising force due to the elastic force of the dry analysis film piece 1 against compression. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (B), the upper surface of the pressing member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the boss portion 33b of the locking member 33 with respect to the locking member 33 in which the claw portion 33a is locked to the ratchet teeth 21c and stopped. It moves upward along the rod 31a within the contact area, and the force for pressing the dry analysis film piece 1 is reduced. As a result, the outlet 22
The dry analysis film piece 1 can be easily taken out of the apparatus.

A plurality of the cartridges 20 are loaded in parallel in a cartridge accommodating portion provided on a rotatably supported frame (not shown) of the film supply device 11, and the frame is rotationally driven by a supplier motor. The predetermined cartridge 20 is controlled to stop at the take-out position corresponding to the film transport means 13. After the dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 from which the dry analysis film piece 1 has been taken out is moved to the urging position, and the inside of the cartridge 20 is urged by urging means 50 (see FIG. 7) described later. The feed mechanism 30 is urged to move the dry analysis film piece 1 downward.

The film supply device 11 is provided with a cover 25 at the outer peripheral portion, and the inside is closed.
The cartridge 20 is inserted and removed from an insertion port 25a having an opening / closing lid disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge 20. In addition, a dehumidifier container for loading a dehumidifier (not shown) is provided at the center through an inlet 25b having an opening / closing lid formed at the center of the upper surface of the cover 25. Is maintained in a dry state in a predetermined humidity range on the low humidity side corresponding to the property of (1).

On the other hand, an opening / closing shutter (not shown) which is opened at the time of taking out a predetermined dry analysis film piece 1 from each cartridge 20 is provided at a take-out position on the lower surface of the film supply device 11, and is inserted through the shutter. The lowermost dry analytical film piece 1 of the cartridge 20 is taken out to the outside by the take-out suction cup 70 of the film transport means 13.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the film supply device.
An example of a mechanism of a biasing means 50 for biasing the external force receiving portion 32 of the cartridge 20 in the cartridge 11 is shown, and the cartridge 20 is loaded in a cartridge nest 23 formed in a frame that is driven to rotate in the film supply device 11. ing.

The biasing means 50 includes an operating member 51 having a distal end 51a which engages with the external force receiving portion 32 of the cartridge 20, and a sliding cylinder 52 is provided on a base 51b of the operating member 51.
The sliding cylinder 52 is inserted into a guide rod 53 erected on a base 54 and held so as to be vertically movable. The lower surface of the base 51b is supported in contact with a support arm 55, and the end of the support arm 55 is connected to a belt 57 by a fixture 56. The belt 57 is stretched between upper and lower pulleys 58 and 59, and one of the pulleys 59 is driven by a drive motor 60 to drive the support arm 55 up and down. Further, a spring 61 is interposed between the operation member 51 and the projection 54b of the base 54, and the operation member 51 is constantly urged downward, and the urging force is carried by the support arm 55. .

When the support arm 55 is lowered by the operation of the drive motor 60 as shown by a chain line in FIG.
The leading end 51a engages with both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 protruding to the side of the cartridge 20 and lowers the external force receiving portion 32. The pressing member 31 is actuated by the urging force of the spring 61. Compress the dry analysis film piece 1 downward,
As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the dry analysis
To bias the side. After the predetermined pressing, when the operation member 51 is raised by the operation of the drive motor 60 as shown by the solid line, the cartridge is released by the release of the urging force.
In the interior of the cartridge 20, the pressure is reduced as shown in FIG. 6B, and the cartridge 20 for performing the next urging operation is moved to the urging means 50, and the same operation is performed. .

The cartridge 20 on which the urging operation has been performed
Waits for the next removal, is moved to the removal position at the time of removal, and the dry analysis film piece 1 is removed from the lower outlet 22 by the removal suction cup 70, and the removal operation is performed according to FIG. explain.

First, as shown in FIG. 9 (A), the dry analysis film piece 1 is accommodated in the cartridge 20 in a state of being curved so as to be convex downward with the developing layer 4 inside, and the urging position is set. After the urging operation in step (1), the suction cup 70, which has been raised at the discharge position, comes into contact with the lowermost dry analysis film piece 1 through the second opening 22b. The take-out suction cup 70 is further raised as shown in FIG. 9 (B) in order to enhance the adhesion even after contacting the dry analysis film piece 1. At this position, the suction cup 70 takes out and holds the dry analysis film piece 1 by the suction force of the suction pump.

Then, the take-out suction cup 70 descends while adsorbing the dry analysis film piece 1, and both side portions of the dry analysis film piece 1 are edged to the second opening 22b as shown in FIG. 9C. The dry analytical film piece 1 is stopped at a forming position where the shape of the dry analytical film piece 1 has a predetermined curved shape. Thereafter, the suction cup 70 for removal takes out the curved dry analytical film piece 1 from the first opening 22a as shown in FIG. 9 (D).
Slides in the direction of the opening of the first opening 22.
A single dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out through a. After removing the dry analysis film piece 1,
The cartridge 20 moves to the urging position, and urges the external force receiving portion 32 of the dry analysis film piece 1 downward by the urging means 50 to feed the dry analysis film piece 1.

Next, in the incubator 12 shown in FIG. 1, a disk-shaped main body 40 is rotatably supported by a rotation drive mechanism 41 below the center, and the dry analysis film pieces 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the circumference of the main body 40. A plurality of cells 42 for storing the dry analytical film pieces 1 are incubated in the cells 42.

The main body 40 of the incubator 12 has a lower disk 45 made of a metal having a flat lower upper surface, and an upper metal disk (not shown) disposed on the lower disk 45. Is formed by bulging upward in an annular shape,
A gap is formed between the lower end of the outer periphery and the upper surface of the lower disk to form a side opening of the cell. A heater is built in the main body 40, and the dry analysis film piece 1 is heated and maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).

Although not shown, the lower disk
In 45, photometric windows are opened at predetermined intervals corresponding to the positions where the cells 42 are formed, and a film holder for fixing the inserted dry analysis film piece 1 at a predetermined position is disposed in the cells 42. Below the main body 40 at the measurement position, the measuring means 16
Of the photometric head 95 is provided.

The transport means 13 for transporting the dry analytical film piece 1 from the film supply device 11 to the incubator 12 comprises:
The suction cup 70 for taking out the dry analysis film piece 1 from the cartridge 20 and the dry analysis film piece 1 held by the suction cup 70 are removed from below with the developing layer 4 facing upward. A substantially horseshoe-shaped transfer member that is held and received and inserted into the cell 42 of the incubator 12
73, and a suction cup 76 for holding the dry analysis film piece 1 held by the transfer member 73 in the cell 42 of the incubator 12 by protruding and retracting from below the cell 42.

The take-out suction cup 70 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth and up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown), pulls the dry analysis film piece 1 out of the cartridge as described above, and conveys it to the spotting position. Further, the holding suction cup 76 is
It is provided movably up and down by a drive mechanism not shown,
The incubator 12 moves into and out of the cell 42 from a photometry window opened on the bottom surface of the cell 42.

On the other hand, a film discharging means 17 is provided at the film discharging position of the incubator 12, and a suction cup 81 for sucking and lifting the dry analytical film piece 1 in the cell 42 after measurement, and a suction cup 81 for discharging the film. A substantially horseshoe-shaped transfer member 82 for taking out a film that receives the dry analysis film piece 1 lifted at 81 and carries it out of the incubator 12, and the dry analysis film piece 1 taken out by the transfer member 82.
And a discard suction cup 83 for receiving the discarded disc in a discard box 84.

The sample liquid storage means 14 is provided with a rotary drive mechanism 86
The rotary table 85 is rotated by the rotary table 85. A plurality of sample containers 87 containing a sample liquid are held on the outer periphery of the rotary table 85, and the sample containers 87 are sequentially moved to the supply position. Further, a nozzle tip 88 attached to the tip of a spotting nozzle 91 described later is accommodated on the inner peripheral side.

The spotting means 15 for spotting each sample solution in the sample container 87 onto the dry analysis film piece 1 conveyed to the incubator 12 has a spotting nozzle 91 for sucking and discharging the sample solution. The nozzle tip 88 in the form of a pipette is detachably attached to the tip of the spotting nozzle 91, and has a driving mechanism.
The sample liquid is moved up and down and rotatable by 92, sucks and moves the sample liquid from the sample liquid storage means 14, and is spotted on the dry analysis film piece 1 held on the transfer member 73. Further, the nozzle tip 88 of the tip of the spotting nozzle 91 of the spotting means 15 is replaced with a change of the sample liquid.

The spotted dry analytical film piece 1 is incubated in the incubator 12 and measured by the measuring means 16 disposed below the incubator 12. The measuring means 16 includes a dry analysis film piece 1.
A photometric head 95 for measuring an optical density by a color reaction between the sample and an analyte in a sample solution. This photometric head
Reference numeral 95 denotes a measuring light including light having a predetermined wavelength, which is transmitted through the light-transmitting support 2 to irradiate the reagent layer 3, and the reflected light is detected by a light detecting element. Light from 96 (lamp) enters through an interference filter 97, and the light is applied to the reagent layer 3 in the photometric head 95. The filter 97 includes a plurality of discs 98 corresponding to the inspection items.
The disk 98 is rotated by a motor 99 to select a filter 97 having predetermined characteristics corresponding to the measurement item.

Incidentally, as the spectral means provided in the optical system for irradiating the measuring light to the light measuring head 95, a diffraction grating may be used instead of using the interference filter 97 as described above.

The light reflected from the reagent layer 3 is optical information (specifically, the amount of light) corresponding to the amount of dye generated in the reagent layer 3.
The reflected light carrying the optical information is incident on the photodetector of the photometric head 95, is subjected to photoelectric conversion, and is transmitted to the determination unit via the amplifier. The determination unit determines the optical density of the dye generated in the reagent layer 3 based on the level of the input electric signal, and determines the concentration (content) or the activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution. It is calculated based on the principle of the colorimetric method.

The measurement by the biochemical analyzer 10 will be described. First, in the film supply device 11 in which a number of cartridges 20 are stored, the dry analytical film piece 1 is biased by the urging means 50.
Is held in a predetermined pressure-relaxed state by the operation of the cartridge, and contains the dry analysis film piece 1 of the measurement item.
20 is moved to the removal position. Then, the dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out of the cartridge 20 by the take-out suction cup 70 of the transport means 13. The cartridge 20 from which the dry analysis film piece 1 has been taken out is moved to the urging position, and the urging means 50 is moved.
Performs an urging operation.

The dry analytical film piece 1 held by the suction cup 70 for removal is directly transferred with the reagent layer 3 upward.
The sample liquid is transferred to 73 and the sample liquid is spotted on the reagent layer 3. In this spotting, after the nozzle tip 88 is attached to the tip of the spotting nozzle 91 of the spotting means 15, the tip is moved onto a predetermined sample container 87 of the sample liquid storage means 14 and the tip of the nozzle tip 88 is immersed in the sample liquid. Then, a predetermined amount of the sample liquid is sucked into the nozzle tip 88. Then, the spot wearing nozzle 91 is transferred to the transfer member 73.
The sample is moved to the center on the upper dry analysis film piece 1 and then the spotting nozzle 91 is moved downward to drop a predetermined amount of the sample liquid from the nozzle tip 88 onto the reagent layer 3 of the dry analysis film piece 1. The dropped sample liquid is developed and diffused and mixed with the reagent.

The dry analytical film piece 1 after spotting is used as a transfer member.
By the transfer of 73, it is inserted into the incubator cell. When the dry analysis film piece 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a predetermined incubation in a closed state in the incubator cell 42, the reagent layer 3 causes a color reaction (dye formation reaction). Then, at every predetermined time or after a predetermined time elapses during the color reaction, the optical density of the dye generated by the color reaction is measured by the photometric head 95 of the measuring means 16.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a cartridge of a modified example. This cartridge 29 has a box body 21 divided into right and left similarly to the previous example, but the upper end surface thereof is opened. In addition, a lid 21f is integrally connected to one of the divided portions of the box body 21 via a hinge so as to be able to undulate, and its opening is provided so as to be able to be closed. Other outer ribs
21a, longitudinal grooves 21b, ratchet teeth 21c, etc. are formed in the same manner as in the previous example.

On the other hand, in the feed mechanism 35, both ends 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 extending in the lateral direction at the upper portion thereof are connected to the intermediate hinge portion 32b.
The end portion 32a has an elastic force for a horizontal state, and an engaging portion 32c for maintaining the horizontal state is provided on the opposite side of the hinge portion 32b. The other pressing members 31, locking members 33, and the like are provided in the same manner as in the previous example.

According to the present embodiment, the dry analysis film pieces 1 are stacked and housed from the upper end opening in a state where the lid 21f of the cartridge 29 is opened and the upper surface of the box body 21 is opened, and then the above-mentioned feeding is performed. When the mechanism 35 is inserted in a state where both ends 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 can be bent upward, the feed mechanism 35 passes through the upper end opening of the box 21 and is inserted therein, and the external force receiving portion 32
Is located at the upper end position of the vertical groove 21b, the both ends 32a
21b and projecting sideways from the
a engages with the ratchet teeth 21c. Thereafter, when the both ends 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 are urged downward, the engaging portions 32c are engaged to bring the external force receiving portion 32 into a horizontal state, and the external force receiving portion 32 can be urged by the operating member 51 of the urging means 50. The assembly of the cartridge 29 and the accommodation of the dry analytical film piece 1 are facilitated.

FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the feed mechanism. In the above-described embodiment, the locking member 33 and the pressing member 31 relatively move to obtain a pressure relaxing action. In the example, it is configured using a spring member.

That is, in the feed mechanism 36 of this embodiment, the pressing member 31 which contacts the upper surface of the dry analysis film piece 1 has a rod 31a extending upward as in the previous example, and an external force receiving member extending laterally at the upper end thereof. A part 32 is provided. Further, on both sides of the pressing member 31, locking members 37 are provided, each of which is a spring member having a claw portion 37a at the tip for engaging with the ratchet teeth 21c of the box 21. The locking member 37 has a base fixed to the pressing member 31 bent in a corrugated shape, an upper end portion extending laterally, and a tip portion formed on the claw portion 37a. Further, a locking plate 31c for preventing reverse movement is provided upright on the side of the pressing member 31 so as to face below the claw portion 37a.

In the feed mechanism 36 of this embodiment, the bottom surface presses the dry analysis film piece 1 in response to both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 being urged downward. Is to shift the engagement position with the ratchet teeth 21c sequentially downward while deforming so that the wave portion extends and the claw portion 37a deforms so as to rise. When the urging force against the external force receiving portion 32 is released, the pressing member 31 receives a force that is returned upward by the restoring force of the dry analysis film piece 1, and the restoring force causes the locking member 37 to move the claw portion 37a. While maintaining the engagement position with the ratchet teeth 21c, the wavy portion is deformed so as to shrink and the claw portion 37a is deformed so as to fall down, so that the pressing member 31 moves upward and the pressing force of the dry analysis film piece 1 is pressed. It has the function of alleviating. At this time, the maximum rising amount of the pressing member 31 is determined by the claw portion of the locking plate 31c.
Regulated by contact with 37a.

In each of the above embodiments, the external force receiving portion 32 is disposed so as to protrude laterally from the vertical groove 21b of the box 21, and the urging means is engaged with the protruding portion to link the two. However, the structure of the linkage with the urging means can be appropriately changed in design.

That is, for example, the tip of the urging means is provided so as to be inserted into the cartridge 20 from the side of the cartridge 20 through the vertical groove 21b, and the tip directly contacts the vicinity of the center of the external force receiving portion to urge the cartridge. And a structure in which both ends of the external force receiving portion are not projected outside the box 21 can be adopted. On the other hand, the urging means is constituted by a plunger that moves in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and is inserted from the end opposite to the outlet to press and urge the feed member of the feed mechanism, thereby eliminating the need to form the vertical groove 21b. It may be.

[0063]

According to the cartridge for dry analytical film pieces of the present invention, an outlet is provided at one end of a box for accommodating the dry analytical film pieces and is slidably connected to an external urging means inside the box body. A holding member that is movable in the direction of the outlet but not in the opposite direction,
When the external force is released, the holding member is displaced in the direction opposite to the take-out port, so that the urging force against the dry-type analytical film piece can be reduced, and the output of the dry-type analytical film piece from the take-out port is reduced. With this, even for a curved dry analytical film piece without a mount, stable feeding to the take-out side and prevention of movement of the dry analytical film piece can be performed, and a stable take-out by suction cup due to reduced take-out power. This makes it possible to improve the reliability, and at the same time, to obtain a predetermined developing performance by avoiding damage due to rubbing of the developing layer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a biochemical analyzer provided with a cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a dry analysis film piece.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a cartridge containing a dry analysis film piece.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cartridge with a pressing member omitted.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a sectional front view showing the pressing force reducing action of the cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an urging means.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the urging means.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a process of taking out a dry analysis film piece from a cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a sectional front view of a main part showing a modification of the cartridge and the feed mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing still another example of the feed mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dry analytical film piece 10 Biochemical analyzer 11 Film supply device 12 Incubator 13 Film transport means 20,29 Cartridge 21 Box 21c Ratchet tooth 22 Outlet 30,35,36 Feed mechanism 31 Holding member 32 External force receiving part 33,37 Locking member 33a, 37a Claw 50 Biasing means 51 Operating member 61 Spring 70 Suction cup for removal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Seiichi Watanabe 2-2-1-1, Ogimachi, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-126745 (JP, A) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-105167 (JP, A) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-188058 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-53271 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35 / 00-35/10

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A box for accommodating a plurality of dry analysis film pieces in a stack is provided, and an outlet for taking out the dry analysis film pieces is provided at one end of the box, and a box is provided in the box body opposite to the outlet. A pressing member that contacts the dry analysis film piece from the side and is urged in the direction of the outlet by being linked to the external urging means is slidably disposed. A locking member is provided that is movable and cannot be moved in the opposite direction. The pressing member and the locking member move together in the direction of the outlet when an external force acts on the pressing member, and engage with the locking member when the external force is released. A dry analysis film piece cartridge provided in a linkage structure in which a holding member is displaced in a direction opposite to a take-out port with respect to a stop position to reduce or release an urging force on the dry analysis film piece. 2. The pressing member and the locking member are formed separately, are slidably linked to each other, and when the external force is released, the pressing member slides with respect to the locking member in a direction opposite to the outlet. The cartridge for dry analysis film pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The holding member is formed of a spring member and is integrally linked to the holding member, and when the external force is released, the holding member is displaced in a direction opposite to the outlet by deformation of the holding member. Item 7. A cartridge for a dry analysis film piece according to Item 1.