JP3069218B2 - Dry analytical film piece cartridge and method for removing film piece from this cartridge - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a layer containing a reagent which causes a change in optical density due to a chemical reaction with a predetermined biochemical substance contained in a sample solution such as blood or urine or an immune reaction. The present invention relates to a dry analytical film piece cartridge for accommodating a dry analytical film piece having a curved shape, and a method for removing the film piece from the cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Qualitative or quantitative analysis of a specific chemical component in a sample solution is generally performed in various industrial fields. In particular, it is extremely important in the field of clinical biochemistry to quantitatively analyze chemical components or solid components in biological fluids such as blood and urine.

In recent years, dry-type chemical analysis slides have been developed which are capable of quantitatively analyzing a specific chemical component or material contained in a sample liquid simply by spotting and supplying a small droplet of the sample liquid. (Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-21677 (US Patent
3,992,158), JP-A-55-164356 (U.S. Pat.
4,292,272) etc.). The use of this chemical analysis slide makes it easier and faster to analyze sample liquids than conventional wet analysis methods, so its use is particularly important for medical institutions and research institutions that need to analyze a large number of sample liquids. It is preferable in some places.

In order to quantitatively analyze a chemical component in a sample solution using such a slide for chemical analysis, a sample solution is spotted on the slide for chemical analysis and then placed in an incubator (incubator). The sample is kept at a constant temperature for a predetermined time (incubation) to cause a color reaction (dye formation reaction), and then a measurement including a wavelength selected in advance by a combination of a predetermined biochemical substance in a sample solution and a reagent contained in a chemical analysis slide. The chemical analysis slide is irradiated with irradiation light for use to measure its optical density, and from this optical density, using a calibration curve representing the correspondence between the optical density obtained in advance and the substance concentration of a predetermined biochemical substance. A biochemical analyzer configured to determine the substance concentration of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution is used.

[0005] The above-mentioned chemical analysis slide is handled in a slide transport operation by sandwiching a dry analysis film piece having a reagent layer containing a reagent and a developing layer on a support generally made of plastic or the like by a plastic frame. For convenience.

On the other hand, when performing a biochemical analysis using the chemical analysis slide, it is necessary to smoothly supply the chemical analysis slides one by one in order to facilitate automation of the analysis.

Conventionally, such a chemical analysis slide is used, for example,
2. Description of the Related Art Cartridges for accommodating about 50 sheets are known (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,151,931 and 4,187,077).
No. 4,190,420, No. 4,279,861).

In these cartridges, when the slide located at the top is pushed laterally by the pushing member and taken out, the pushing-up member is inserted through the bottom of the cartridge, and the stacked slides become one slide. The cartridge is pushed upward by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the minute, and such an operation is repeated, so that all the slides stored in the cartridge are taken out.

However, when conducting such a biochemical analysis, the above-mentioned chemical analysis slides are consumed in a large amount in a short period of time, so that the size of the cartridge is inevitably increased, and furthermore, the biochemical analysis slide is required in the analyzer. It is necessary to arrange a number of cartridges corresponding to the number of chemical substances.

[0010] Therefore, there is a problem that the biochemical analyzer becomes large because the space required for the cartridge is large.

[0011] In addition, the chemical analysis slide requires a large cost for the frame, and this is one of the factors that increase the cost in biochemical analysis, which has been a problem.

In view of the above, the applicant of the present application has proposed a dry analysis film piece without a frame, which is composed of only a laminate obtained by laminating a reagent layer and the like on a support. A first opening through which only one uppermost film piece can be taken out above the side surface of a box for storing a stack of dry analysis film pieces without a frame, is further provided on the upper surface of the box body. (Japanese Patent Application No. 4-5508) has proposed a cartridge having a second opening through which a means for holding and removing the film piece from the first opening enters.

[0013]

According to the proposed cartridge, the outer shape can be greatly reduced as compared with a conventional cartridge containing a chemical analysis slide with a frame, and a biochemical analysis apparatus can be provided. The size can be reduced, and the cost required for the frame can be reduced, so that the cost for biochemical analysis can be reduced.

However, the use of such a dry analytical film piece without a frame has advantages such as downsizing of the apparatus and cost reduction, while the use of a dry analytical film piece in a dry state causes In the automatic operation in the biochemical analyzer, it is necessary to take this shape into consideration.

That is, the above-mentioned reagent in the reagent layer or the porous layer does not react unless water is present, but the reaction may start as soon as the water is absorbed, and an accurate analysis result is obtained in actual measurement. Since it may be difficult to do so, the dry analysis film pieces are stored in a dry atmosphere such as a drying container (supplier) until the sample solution is spotted on the film pieces. The piece has a curled shape that is curved in a so-called tile shape. In addition, this curved shape is greatly different for each type of measurement item, and is also different for the same type.

For this reason, taking into account this point when taking out the film pieces from the cartridge proposed by the applicant of the present invention, it is necessary to provide a structure in which the film pieces having various curls can be taken out one by one without fail. There is.

[0017] In EP Patent 0064691A1, an opening for removing a test piece is formed in the bottom surface of a storage container in which an indicator layer is provided on a part of a support and which stores a semi-quantitative test piece. There is disclosed a technique in which a test piece suction means is caused to enter through a portion to adsorb a lowermost test piece, and then the test piece suction means is lowered to bend the test piece and take it out from the opening.

However, when such a technique is applied to dry analytical film pieces having various curls, those having a large curl easily fall off from the opening.
Also, if the opening is made small to prevent this, it is difficult to take out a small curl-shaped product, and eventually it is difficult to take out the dry analytical film piece effectively by such a technique.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a dry analysis film piece cartridge containing a large number of dry analysis film pieces having various curved shapes, when using a film piece, it is necessary to ensure that the film pieces are one by one. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dry analysis film piece cartridge which can be taken out at a time.

When the cartridge is transported with a large number of such film pieces loaded and stored,
It is preferable that the film piece does not protrude from the film piece take-out hole of the cartridge even by an external impact.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a dry analysis film piece cartridge containing a large number of dry analysis film pieces having various curved shapes, the film pieces are used one by one when the film pieces are used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dry analysis film piece cartridge that can be reliably taken out and that prevents the film piece from jumping out of the cartridge even when an external impact is applied during storage of the film piece.

Further, when the film pieces are stored, the film pieces can be prevented from jumping out of the cartridge even if an external impact is applied, so that the film pieces having various curved shapes can be surely provided one by one only when the film pieces are used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for taking out a film piece from a dry analysis film piece cartridge which can be taken out of the cartridge.

[0023]

A first dry analysis film piece cartridge according to the present invention comprises a box for loading and storing a plurality of dry analysis film pieces each having a layer containing a reagent on a support. Pulling out only the film piece closest to the one end face out of the film pieces loaded and stored in the side wall portion of the box body near one end face in the loading direction in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction. And a first opening allowing the film piece withdrawal means to hold a film piece closest to the one end face to the one end face and to pull out the film piece from the first opening part. 2
A dry analysis film piece cartridge, wherein at least a part of the width of the first opening is larger than the thickness of one piece of the dry analysis film piece.
The thickness of the sheet is smaller than the thickness of the sheet.

Further, in the second dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to provide a biasing member for biasing the stored film piece in the direction of the one end face in the box.

Further, in the third dry analysis film piece cartridge according to the present invention, the film piece closest to the one end face is inserted into the first opening in the normal state.
And a projection for preventing the projection from jumping out of the opening.

Further, the method of taking out a film piece from the dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention is a method of loading a plurality of dry analysis film pieces having a layer containing a reagent on a support. On the side wall portion of the box close to one end face in the loading direction, only the film piece closest to the one end face of the loaded and stored film pieces is pulled out in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction. A first opening that is allowed, and a second opening that allows a film piece withdrawing unit that holds a film piece closest to the one end face to the one end face and pulls out the film piece from the first opening part. A method for taking out the dry analysis film piece from a dry analysis film piece cartridge provided with an opening portion, wherein the film piece withdrawing means is connected to the cartridge from the second opening portion. Then, the film piece closest to the one end face is suction-held, and then, while the film piece is suction-held, the film piece pulling means is moved by a predetermined distance in the direction of the second opening. Let me move
A predetermined curve in which both side portions of the film piece are brought into contact with the inner wall side edge of the second opening and further moved in the direction so that the film piece has a convex surface facing outward from the second opening. The film piece is moved in the direction of the first opening while the film piece is in the curved shape so that the film piece is formed into a shape corresponding to the predetermined curved shape. The film piece is taken out from the first opening.

The width of the first opening means the distance of the first opening in the film piece loading direction.

The normal state refers to a state where the film pieces stored in the cartridge are not sucked and held by the film piece extracting means but are simply stored in the cartridge.

The tip of the projecting portion for preventing the film piece from jumping out can prevent the film piece having the largest curl amount in the normal state from jumping out of the first opening, and the film piece can be pulled out. When the curved film piece sucked in the direction of the second opening by the means is pulled out from the first opening, a predetermined position such that the tip of the projection does not contact the surface of the film piece. It is formed to extend to.

The above-mentioned predetermined curved shape refers to a curved shape having a curvature larger than the curvature of the film piece having the maximum curl amount in the normal state.

[0031]

According to the first dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, the width of a part of the first opening is defined to be a value larger than the thickness of one film piece and smaller than the thickness of two film pieces. The film piece closest to the second opening (hereinafter referred to as the lowermost film piece) is held by the film piece drawing means and moved in the direction of the second opening to be bent into a predetermined shape. If the film piece withdrawing means is moved in the direction of the first opening, the movement of the film pieces stacked on the lowermost film piece is prevented by the side inner wall located on the first opening. Only the lowermost film piece passes through the first opening and is taken out of the cartridge.

According to the second dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, the film piece housed in the cartridge is urged by the urging member toward the one end face, and the film closest to the one end face is urged. Since a part of the piece is located near the one end face, the film piece extracting means which enters the cartridge through the second opening formed in the one end face contacts the film piece and sucks it. Can be made substantially uniform, and the operation of taking out a film piece from the cartridge by automatic operation can be facilitated.

Further, according to the third dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, a projection is formed in the first opening, whereby the film piece closest to the one end face is in a normal state. Since it is prevented from jumping out, it is possible to prevent an accident that the film piece jumps out of the cartridge even when an external impact is applied, for example, when the cartridge storing the film piece is carried.

Further, according to the method for removing a film piece from the dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, the film piece withdrawing means which has entered the cartridge from the second opening formed in the one end face is applied to the one end face. The closest film piece is sucked and held, and in this state, the film piece drawing means moves in the direction of the second opening to hold both sides of the sucked and held film piece on the inner wall side edge of the second opening ( The film piece is formed in such a manner that the film piece forms a predetermined curved shape such that the central portion of the film piece enters the second opening.

That is, the both sides of the film piece are brought into contact with the receiving portions, and the film pieces having various curls are temporarily made so that the central portion of the film piece enters the second opening.
It is formed in a substantially predetermined curved shape.

Then, while maintaining this shape, the film piece is taken out from the first opening having a shape corresponding to the predetermined curved shape.

Therefore, when the film piece closest to the one end face is taken out from the first opening, even if the film piece adjacent to the film piece tries to move in the direction of the first opening due to frictional force. The movement is prevented by the inner wall of the side surface where the first opening is formed, and the film pieces are taken out one by one from the first opening.

The curved shape of the first opening is formed so as to have a curvature larger than the curvature of the film piece having the largest curl amount in the normal state, so that, for example, the film piece is stored. Even when an external impact is applied when the cartridge is transported, it is possible to prevent the film pieces from jumping out of the first opening.

According to the above-described dry analysis film cartridge and the method for removing the film from the cartridge according to the present invention, the support for the film is suctioned and held by the film extracting means, and the film is taken out of the cartridge. With this configuration, no unnecessary force is applied to the reagent layer, the developing layer, and the like, and it is possible to prevent the respective layers from being damaged.

[0040]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a cartridge for a dry analysis film piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the cartridge, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a bottom surface. The cartridge 20 includes a box 21 for accommodating a large number of dry analytical film pieces 1 stacked thereon, a spring member 30 attached to the inner wall of the upper surface 20a of the box 21, and a lower portion of the spring member 30. A holding member 31 is provided to hold the mounted and loaded dry analysis film piece 1 downward by the urging force of the spring member 30. In the vicinity of the lowermost end of one side surface 20b of the box 21, a first opening 20c from which only one dry analysis film piece 1a located at the bottom of the stacked dry analysis film piece 1 can be taken out. The bottom of this box 21
20d is provided with a substantially U-shaped second opening 20e into which a take-out suction cup 70 (see FIG. 4) for sucking and holding the dry analysis film piece 1a located at the lowermost stage enters. The side surface 20b
Is partially cut out by the second opening 20e, whereby the first opening 20c and the second opening 20e are formed to be continuous.

Further, on the outer wall portion of the other side surface 20f of the box body 21, a magnetic stripe having information indicating the characteristics and the like of the dry analysis film piece 1 housed in the cartridge 20 is provided.
A rib 20g is provided on the side surface 20b and a side surface opposite to the side surface 20b so as to hold the cartridge 20 in a cartridge accommodating portion 22a (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, and to prevent erroneous recognition of the cartridge insertion direction. 20h is protruding.

The bottom surface 20d of the box 21 is
20b, 20f portions and the like can be detached from each other, and when the film piece 1 is stored, an upper surface formed by holding the dry analysis film piece 1 on the holding member 31
By inserting the portion 20a into the box 21 and engaging the upper surface 20a with the side surfaces 20b and 20f, a cartridge is formed and a part of the dry analysis film piece 1a at the lowermost end is formed by a spring member. By 30, it is pressed against the inner wall of the bottom surface 20 d of the box 21.

The outer dimensions of the box 21 are, for example, 15 mm.
It has a size of about 15 mm x 100 mm and a wall thickness of about 1 mm, and is made of a plastic material such as polystyrene or the like, which has a light-shielding property and is colored black or the like.

The magnetic stripe 20g contains the type information of the stored dry analysis film piece 1, the lot correction information,
The magnetic head of the biochemical analyzer identifies the information contained in the magnetic stripe 20g and uses it for subsequent biochemical analysis. I have.

The dry analysis film pieces stored in the cartridge 20 are configured as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, (A) is a film piece shape under a normal humidity environment, and (B) is a film piece shape.
(C) is a perspective view showing the shape of a film piece in a dry environment.

That is, the dry analysis film piece 1 is provided with a reagent layer 3 by coating or bonding on a light-transmitting support 2 made of a plastic sheet such as an organic polymer sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene. The developing layer 4 is laminated thereon by a laminating method or the like, and does not have what corresponds to a conventional slide frame.

The reagent layer 3 comprises at least one layer containing a hydrophilic polymer binder such as gelatin or a porous layer containing an analyte and a reagent (chemical analysis reagent or immunoassay reagent) necessary for a color-forming reaction. Have been.

The spreading layer 4 is made of a material that is resistant to wear between the outside and the fabric, for example, a woven or knitted fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, a woven fabric of a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers,
The protective layer is made of knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric or the like, and functions as a protective layer. The sample solution spotted on the spreading layer 4 is spread on the reagent layer 3 so as to be supplied on average.

The thickness of the support 2 is, for example, 150 to 200 μm.
m, the thickness of the reagent layer 3 is, for example, 10 to 40 μm, and the thickness of the spreading layer 4 is, for example, 200 to 250 μm.

The sizes of the support 2, the reagent layer 3 and the developing layer 4 are the same, for example, 12 mm × 12 mm.

The dry analysis 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, the humidity is 20% or less) so that a chemical reaction does not proceed during storage, the dry analysis film piece 1 is formed into a curved curl shape with the developing layer 4 inside. Is done. That is, the curl shape is curved only in one direction as shown in FIG. 2B, or the curl shape is curved in multiple directions as shown in FIG. 2C.

The bending direction and the amount of bending vary depending on the type and layer configuration of the reagent in the reagent layer 3 and the type of the material forming the support 2. For example, the size is 12 mm × 12 mm and the thickness is 0.5. When the dry analytical film piece 1 mm 2 is stored in an absolutely dry state for 5 days, the maximum amount of bending is about 100 μm to 1500 μm.

The dry analysis film pieces 1 are stacked, for example, about 100 with the support 2 facing downward, set between the holding member 31 and the bottom surface 20d, and stored in the box 21.

As described above, when the dry analytical film piece 1 is stored in the cartridge 20, the developing layer 4
3A and 3B, the paper is stacked in a state as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example.

The dry analytical film piece 1 curved as described above
It is difficult to use the conventional chemical analysis system as it is when processing by automated operation. That is, one cartridge from the drying container (supplier)
An operation of taking out the dry analysis film pieces 1 one by one, an operation of dropping the sample liquid on the taken out dry analysis film pieces 1 and transporting them to the incubator, and loading the transported dry analysis film pieces 1 one by one into the storage chamber. Operation to maintain constant temperature,
It is necessary to take into account the curved shape of the dry analysis film piece 1 for the operation of metering the light after the elapse of a predetermined time, taking it out of the storage chamber and discarding it, and the cartridge 20 according to the above-described embodiment also has such processing. The shape of the first opening 20c, which is a film piece takeout hole, is determined in consideration of the curved shape of the dry analysis film piece 1.

FIG. 4A shows the shape of the first opening 20c. That is, the first opening portion 20c is formed to have a size that allows the dry analysis film piece 1a that is sucked and held by the suction cup 70 for extraction and curved into a substantially predetermined shape to pass therethrough. However, even if the dry analysis film piece 1a is forcibly curved in this manner, the curved shape of each dry analysis film piece 1 is slightly different.
Both edges (receiver) 20i of a second opening 20e with which both end portions of 1a abut, and a first opening located above the edge 20i
Only the distance c between the edge 20j of the 20c and the edge 20j is exactly defined as a value corresponding to a thickness which is thicker than one dry analysis film piece and thinner than two thicknesses, and the other is a width with a margin. The removal of the dry analysis film pieces 1a from the cartridge 20 is performed one by one reliably and smoothly.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the vicinity of both ends of the first opening 20c is shaped so that the width increases as approaching the end, thereby forming various curls. The dry analysis film piece 1a can be smoothly taken out from the first opening 20c.

The shorter the distance a from the inner wall surfaces of both side surfaces 20f and 20k to the receiver 20i, ie, the length a of the receiver, the more easily the dry analysis film piece 1a can be bent with a small suction force. However, if it is too short, there is a risk that the dry analysis film piece 1a may fall out of the second opening 20e due to an impact from the outside. Preferably, for example, it is 1 mm.

Further, when the film piece is taken out, the projection 201 formed at the central portion of the first opening 20c is used for the other dry analysis film piece 1 together with the lowermost dry analysis film piece 1a. In addition to preventing the dry analysis film piece 1a from being pulled out from the first opening 20c, and in the normal state in which the dry analysis film piece 1a is not suction-held by the suction cup 70, the lowermost dry analysis film piece 1a may be exposed to external This is for preventing jumping out of the first opening 20c. Accordingly, the vertical distance d between the position of the edge 20j of the first opening and the position of the lowest point of the projection 20l is the same even in the dry analysis film piece 1a having the largest curl in the normal state. At times, the value is set so that a part thereof comes into contact with the inner wall portion of the projection 20l as shown in FIG. 4 (B).

However, the distance d and the curvature of the projection 20l are such that the dry analysis film piece 1a, which is sucked and held by the suction cup 70 and bent into a predetermined shape, can be taken out from the first opening 20c. Must be a value.

Next, a method of taking out the dry analysis film piece 1a from the dry analysis film piece cartridge 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The dry analysis film piece 1 loaded in the cartridge 20 in a state where it is curved so as to be convex downward with the inside facing downward is pressed against the inner wall portion of the bottom surface 20d by the spring member 30 described above. The urging force of the spring member 30 is maintained even when only one dry analysis film piece 1 accommodated in the cartridge 20 is accommodated.
Is set to such a strength that a part of can be pressed against the inner wall of the bottom surface 20d of the box 21.

A suction cup 70 for removal is located below the second opening 20e of the box 21. Thereafter, the suction cup 70 for removal is raised by a command from a controller of the biochemical analyzer. (The direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 (A)).

As a result, the suction cup 70a of the suction cup 70 comes into contact with the lowermost dry analytical film piece 1a through the second opening 20e. Even after the suction cup 70 for removal is in contact with the dry analytical film piece 1a, the dry analytical film piece
It rises further to improve the adhesion to 1a (Fig. 5 (B)
). In this position, the suction cup 70 for removal holds the dry analysis film piece 1a by the suction force of a suction pump (not shown). Since the suction cup 70 for taking out sucks and holds the support 2 of the dry analytical film piece 1a, it is easy to secure a suction force, and there is no possibility that the reagent layer 3 or the developing layer 4 is damaged.

As described above, the support 2 of the dry analytical film piece 1 is adsorbed under reduced pressure by the suction cup 70 for unloading, and furthermore, is adsorbed under reduced pressure in the film piece conveying system of the subsequent apparatus. It is comprised so that it may have.

Then, the suction cup 70 for removal descends while adsorbing the lowermost dry analytical film piece 1a according to a command from the controller, and as shown in FIG. 5 (C), the both sides of the dry analytical film piece 1a. Is supported in contact with the edge (receptor) of the second opening 20e, and the dry analysis film piece 1a
Is stopped at a position (forming) where the shape is a predetermined downwardly convex curved shape.

In this forming, the force of the suction cup 70 for taking out the support 2 of the dry analysis film piece 1a is, for example, when the dry analysis film piece 1a having a square size of 12 mm × 12 mm is sucked and held. When the maximum outer diameter of the suction cup 70a of the suction cup 70 is 9 mmφ, the total suction force is, for example, 300 g or more. The force for bending the dry analysis film piece 1a into a predetermined shape is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the total suction force to secure the reliability of the suction operation, for example,
Make 100 g.

The dry analytical film piece 1a is formed into a predetermined curved shape by forming as described above.
Each of the dry analysis film pieces 1 loaded in 20 has a different curved shape, and therefore has a predetermined shape.
Moreover, in order to allow the film to pass through the first opening 20c formed so as to allow only one film piece to be taken out, all the film pieces are temporarily adjusted to the curved shape of the first opening 20c. It is necessary.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5 (D), the suction cup 70 for removal moves in the direction of arrow B while adsorbing and holding the dry analysis film piece 1a curved in accordance with the shape of the first opening 20c. As a result, the dry analysis film piece 1a is placed in the first opening 20.
It is taken out through c.

Since the dry analytical film piece 1 is formed into a predetermined curved shape as described above by forming, the support 2 is not damaged (cracked) even if it is curved during vacuum adsorption. Is formed.

Further, when the dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out of the cartridge 20, the developing layer 4 of the lowermost dry analysis film piece 1a and the support 2 of the dry analysis film piece 1 located immediately above are distorted. Therefore, the friction coefficient between the spreading layer 4 and the support 2 is set to, for example, 1 or less in order to facilitate the removal operation.

The lowermost dry analysis film piece 1a
After the sheet is taken out, the dry analysis film pieces 1 in the cartridge 20 are respectively pushed down by one bias of the dry analysis film piece 1 by the urging force of the spring member 30, and in that state, the next film piece removal cycle starts. Wait until it is done.

Hereinafter, a biochemical analyzer for automatically performing biochemical analysis using the dry analytical film piece 1 taken out of the cartridge 20 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic mechanism of an example of the biochemical analyzer.

The biochemical analyzer 10 is a film piece storage means for storing unused rectangular dry analysis film pieces 1.
11 (film film supplier); an incubator 12 disposed beside the film film storage means 11 for keeping the dry analysis film film 1 at a constant temperature for a predetermined time; and a dry analysis film film from the film film storage means 11 to the incubator 12. 1, a sample liquid storage means 14 (sampler) for storing a plurality of sample liquids such as serum, urine, etc., and an incubator for transferring the sample liquid of the sample liquid storage means 14 by the film piece transfer means 13. The apparatus is provided with a spotting means 15 for spotting the dry analytical film piece 1 before transporting the same to the dry analytical film piece 1, and a measuring means 16 disposed below the incubator 12.

The dry analysis film piece 1 is accommodated in the cartridge 20 described above for each measurement item. The cartridge 20 accommodates a large number of dry analysis film pieces 1 in a stacked state therein, and stores the cartridge storage section on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side disposed on the disc-shaped frame 22 of the film piece storing means 11. Several are loaded in parallel on 22a. The frame 22 is rotatably supported by the base 24 and is driven to rotate by a supplier motor (not shown) installed on the base 24 so that the predetermined cartridge storage portion 22a stops at the take-out position corresponding to the film piece conveying means 13. Is controlled.

The outer periphery of the frame 22 is covered with a cover.
The cartridge 20 is inserted and removed from an insertion opening 25a having an opening / closing lid disposed on the upper surface and having the inside closed. Further, a dehumidifier storage portion 27 is provided at the center of the frame 22, and the dehumidifier storage portion 27 is loaded with a dehumidifier from an input port 25b having an opening / closing lid formed at the center of the upper surface of the cover 25. Then, the inside of the film piece storing means 11 is kept in a dry state with low humidity. 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 cover 25, and the film piece conveying means 13 inserted through the shutter is provided. The lowermost dry analysis film piece 1 of the cartridge 20 is taken out to the outside by the suction cup 70 for taking out.

Next, the incubator 12 has a disk-shaped main body 40.
Are rotatably supported by a rotation drive mechanism 41 at the lower center, and a plurality of cells 42 for accommodating the dry analytical film pieces 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the circumference of the main body 40.
In 42, the dry analytical film piece 1 is incubated.

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 and fastened by a set screw. The upper disk is formed by bulging the outer peripheral portion upward in an annular shape, and has a lower disk 45 and a lower disk 45.
A gap that forms a side opening of the cell 42 is formed between the upper surface of the cell 42 and the upper surface of the cell 42. A heater (not shown) is built in between the upper disk and the lower disk, and the dry analysis film piece 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, 37
(° C).

A photometric window is opened in the lower disk 45 at a predetermined interval corresponding to the position where the cell 42 is formed. Above the photometric window, the dry analytical film piece 1 inserted into the cell 42 is positioned at a predetermined position. Film holder 61 as fixing means
(See FIG. 7). A photometric head 95 of the measuring means 16 is disposed below a photometric window opened at the bottom of the cell 42 at the measurement position, that is, below the main body 40.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the film piece presser 61 presses a corner of the dry analytical film piece 1 where the development S of the sample solution does not reach, and the bottom shape is as follows.
A rectangular frame portion 61a is formed around the frame portion 61a, and the inside dimension of the frame portion 61a is larger than the shape of the dry analysis film piece 1 and protrudes inward at the corner thereof to contact the four corners of the dry analysis film piece 1. A projection 61b is formed. A pressing spring is contracted on the upper surface of the film piece presser 61, so that the film piece presser 61 is urged downward.

The dry analytical film piece 1 thus curved.
Is kept at a constant temperature in a planar state, and is further subjected to photometry, so that it is possible to ensure higher efficiency of incubation and higher accuracy of biochemical analysis.

The transport means 13 for transporting the dry analytical film piece 1 from the film piece storage means 11 to the incubator 12
A suction cup 70 for taking out the dry analysis film piece 1 from the cartridge 20; and a dry analysis film piece 1 held by the suction cup 70.
1b is a horseshoe-shaped transfer member 73 as transfer means inserted from the side opening into the cell 42 of the incubator 12 while being held and received from below while the upper surface is on the upper side, and in the cell 42 of the incubator 12 A holding suction cup 76 is provided as holding means for holding the dry analysis film piece 1 held by the transfer member 73 by protruding and retracting from below the cell.

As described above, the take-out suction cup 70 is provided with the upward suction cup 70a for sucking and holding the lower surface of the support 2 of the dry analytical film piece 1, and the suction cup is supported by the transport base 70b. A decompression pipe from a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the transfer base.
70b is provided so as to be able to move back and forth and up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown). The take-out suction cup 70 is driven so that the dry analysis film piece 1 is pulled out of the cartridge as described above, and further moved to convey the dry analysis film piece 1 to the spotting position.

As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer member 73 is formed in a flat plate-like shape on the upper surface in a fork shape for holding the dry analytical film piece 1 by suction, and a notch concave portion 73a is formed in the center of the leading end thereof. The portion is formed in a fork portion 73b extending forward, and a suction hole 74 is provided in the back of the fork portion 73b and the concave portion 73a on both sides. A pressure reducing pipe 75 from a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction hole 74. The base 73c of the transfer member 73 is linked to a drive mechanism (not shown) so that the base 73c can be inserted and moved from the spot application position into the cell 42 of the incubator 12 through the side opening 42a.

When the transfer member 73 receives the dry analysis film piece 1 from the suction cup 70, the transfer member 73 moves toward the suction cup 70 holding the dry analysis film piece 1. The suction cup 70 for removal is located in the concave portion 73a, and stops in a state where the dry analysis film piece 1 is positioned above. Then, the suction cup 70 for removal moves downward and is held by the suction cup 70 for removal. The dry analysis film piece 1 is suction-held around the fork portion 73b and the concave portion 73a of the transfer member 73. Further, since the suction position accuracy of the dry analysis film piece 1 by the suction cup 70 is secured, the holding position accuracy of the dry analysis film piece 1 on the transfer member 73 is good.
A predetermined amount of the sample solution is spotted by the spotting means 15 on the center portion of the reagent layer 3 of the dry analysis film piece 1 held in the state.

Further, the holding suction cup 76 is provided in the incubator 12.
The upper suction cup, which is located below the cell 42, is supported by a transport base (not shown) and is provided so as to be movable up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown). Then, the incubator 12 is driven to move into and out of the cell 42 from a photometric window opened on the bottom surface of the cell 42. Further, a pressure reducing pipe from a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction cup.

On the other hand, a film piece discharging means 17 is disposed at the film piece discharging position of the incubator 12, and the film piece discharging means 17 adsorbs and lifts the dry analytical film piece 1 after measurement in the cell 42. A suction cup 81 for discharging, a horseshoe-shaped transfer member 82 for taking out the film piece for receiving the dry analysis film piece 1 lifted by the discharge suction cup 81 and carrying it out of the incubator 12, and taken out by the transfer member 82. Receiving the dried dry analysis film piece 1 and disposing of the waste box 84
And a suction cup 83 for disposal.

The sample liquid storage means 14 includes a rotary drive mechanism 86
The rotary table 85 is rotated by the rotary table 85. A plurality of sample tubes 87 containing a sample liquid are held on the outer periphery of the rotary table 85, and the sample tubes 87 are sequentially moved to a 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.

Further, each sample solution in the sample tube 87 was transported to the incubator 12 and the dry analytical film piece 1 was transported to the incubator 12.
The spotting means 15 for spotting has a spotting nozzle 91 for sucking and discharging the sample liquid, and the tip of the spotting nozzle 91 is detachably mounted with the nozzle tip 88 in the form of a pipette. The liquid is moved up and down and rotatable by 92, sucks and moves the sample liquid from the sample liquid storage means 14, and moves the transfer member.
The sample is spotted on the dry analytical film piece 1 held on the base 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 by the incubator 12 and measured by the measuring means 16 provided below the incubator 12. The measuring means 16 has a photometric head 95 for measuring an optical density by a color reaction between the dry analytical film piece 1 and the sample solution. The photometric head 95 is for irradiating the reagent layer 3 with irradiation light for measurement including light of a predetermined wavelength through the light-transmissive support 2, and detecting reflected light with a photodetector. Light from a light source 96 (lamp) is incident on the reagent layer 3 through a filter 97, and the light is applied to the reagent layer 3 in the photometric head 95. The filter 97 is configured such that a plurality of types corresponding to inspection items are installed on a disk 98, and the disk 98 is rotated by a motor 99 to select a filter 97 having predetermined characteristics corresponding to the measurement item. Have been.

The reflected light 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 specifies the substance concentration of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample liquid.

The measurement by the biochemical analyzer 10 will be described first. First, the suction cup 70 for removal of the transport means 13 causes the film piece storage means 11 to remove the dry analysis film piece 1 corresponding to the measurement item from the cartridge 20 containing the dry analysis film piece 1. The analysis film piece 1 is taken out. The dry analytical film piece 1 held by the take-out suction cup 70 is transferred to the transfer member 73 of the transfer member 73 with the reagent layer 3 facing upward, and the sample liquid is spotted on the reagent layer 3. .

This spotting is performed by the spotting nozzle 91 of the spotting means 15.
After attaching the nozzle tip 88 to the tip of the
The tip of the nozzle tip 88 is immersed in the sample liquid by being moved onto the predetermined sample tube 87 of 14, and a predetermined amount of the sample liquid is sucked into the nozzle tip 88. And this spot wearing nozzle 91
Is moved to the center on the dry analysis film piece 1 on the transfer member 73, and then the spotting nozzle 91 is moved downward, so that a predetermined amount of the sample liquid is supplied from the nozzle tip 88 onto the reagent layer 3 of the dry analysis film piece 1. Just dripping. 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 transport of 73, it is inserted into the incubator cell 42 from the side opening.

In the incubator cell 42, when the dry analysis film piece 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a predetermined incubation in a closed state, the reagent layer 3 causes a color reaction (a 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.

The dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention and the method for removing the film piece from the cartridge are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the dry analysis film piece cartridge shown in the above embodiment, when defining the shape of the first opening 20c, the distance between the left and right receivers 20i and the edge 2oj located above them is determined. Although the value is defined as a value corresponding to a thickness greater than the thickness of one piece and smaller than the thickness of two pieces, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, of the right and left receivers 20i of the first opening 20c ', It is also possible to define only the distance between one of the receivers 20i and the edge 20j located above the receiver 20i to the above value, and to make the width of the other first opening 20c 'larger than this value. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the spring member 30 is used as an urging member for urging the dry analysis film piece 1 housed in the cartridge downward, but the urging member is not limited to this. For example, a member that urges the dry analysis film piece 1 downward using a ratchet mechanism may be used.
The urging member can be omitted as long as it can be reliably dropped in the direction of the opening.

Further, the shape of the protrusion protruding into the first opening is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment, and the dry analysis film pieces 1a can be taken out one by one when taking out the film pieces. Any shape may be used as long as the dry analysis film piece 1a can be prevented from jumping out in normal times.

In the above embodiment, the dry analysis film piece 1a is taken out from the cartridge 20 with the surface on which the second opening is formed facing downward, but this surface is directed upward. In this state, it is also possible to take out the dry analysis film piece 1a from the cartridge 20.

In the above embodiment, the dry analysis film piece has a three-layer structure of a support, a reagent layer and a developing layer. However, the dry analysis film piece may have a two-layer structure of a support and a porous layer containing a reagent. It is possible.

The apparatus for performing a biochemical analysis by automatic operation using the dry analysis film piece is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it does not damage the film piece having a peculiar curved shape and has high precision. Any configuration may be used as long as the analysis processing can be performed by the above.

[0105]

According to the dry analysis film piece cartridge of the present invention, a part of the width of the first opening is changed to the film piece 1.
The thickness of the first opening is defined to be larger than the thickness of the sheet and smaller than the thickness of the two sheets, and the width of the other first opening is specified to be equal to or larger than this value.
The film piece is sucked and held by the film piece withdrawing means, and the second
When the film piece is bent in a predetermined shape by moving in the direction of the opening, only the film piece sucked and held by the film piece drawing means can pass through the first opening regardless of the curl shape of the film piece in the dry state. From this state, if the film piece withdrawing means is moved in the direction of the first opening,
Only one piece of film can be reliably taken out from the first opening.

Further, if a biasing member for biasing the film piece in the direction of the one end face forming the second opening in the cartridge is provided, the film piece closest to the one end face can be surely positioned near the one end face. Can be positioned,
The film piece sucking operation of the film piece extracting means can be facilitated.

Further, if a projection for preventing the film piece from flying out is provided at a central portion of the first opening of the cartridge from the receiving position, even if an impact is applied to the cartridge in a normal state. It is possible to prevent the dry analysis film piece from jumping out of the first opening.

According to the method for removing a film piece from the dry analysis film piece cartridge according to the present invention, the second opening is held while the film piece closest to the one end face in the cartridge is suction-held by the film piece extracting means. The film piece is once formed into a substantially predetermined curved shape by bringing one surface of the film piece into contact with the receiver, and in this state, a shape corresponding to the predetermined curved shape is obtained. By moving the film piece withdrawing means in the direction of the first opening, only the film pieces sucked and held by the film piece withdrawing means can be taken out of the first opening. Further, even if an impact is applied in normal times, it is possible to prevent the film piece from jumping out of the first opening.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a partially broken dry analysis film piece cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dry analysis film piece stored in the cartridge of FIG. 1 ((A) shows a film piece under a normal humidity state, (B) and (C) show a film piece under a dry state).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a loaded state of the film pieces in the cartridge shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the shape of a first opening of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining an operation of taking out a film piece from the cartridge shown in FIG. 1;

6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for performing biochemical analysis using the dry analysis film piece shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a film piece holder disposed in a cell of the incubator shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the transfer member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first opening having a different shape from the first opening shown in FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a Dry analysis film piece 2 Support 3 Reagent layer 4 Spreading layer 10 Biochemical analyzer 11 Film piece storage means (film piece supplier) 12 Incubator 13 Film piece transport means 14 Sample liquid storage means 15 Spotting means 16 Measurement means 17 Film piece discharging means 20 Cartridge 20a Top surface 20b One side surface 20c, 20c 'First opening 20d Bottom surface 20e Second opening 20f, 20k Other side surface 20g Magnetic stripe 20h Rib 20i Receiving (the inner wall side of the second opening) Edge) 20j Edge of first opening located above receiver 20l Projection 21 Box 22a Cartridge storage unit 40 Main unit 41 Rotation drive mechanism 42 Cell 61 Film piece holder 70 Removal suction cup 70a Suction cup 73 Transfer Parts 84 Waste bin 85 Rotary table 88 Nozzle tip 91 Nozzle worn 95 95 Photometric head 96 Light source

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-60-79265 (JP, A) JP-A-5-188058 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A side wall portion of a box for loading and storing a plurality of dry analysis film pieces each having a layer containing a reagent on a support, which is close to one end face in the loading direction of the box. A first opening for allowing only the film piece closest to the one end face of the stacked and stored film pieces to be drawn out in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction, and the one end face, A dry analysis film cartridge comprising a film opening closest to an end face thereof and a second opening for permitting penetration of a film extracting means for extracting the film from the first opening. A dry analysis film piece cartridge, wherein at least a part of the width of the first opening is larger than one dry analysis film piece and smaller than two dry analysis film pieces. 2. The dry analysis film piece cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an urging member for urging the stored film piece in the direction of the one end face is provided in the box body. 3. A projection formed in said first opening to prevent a film piece closest to said one end face from jumping out of said first opening in a normal state. 3. The dry analysis film piece cartridge according to 1 or 2. 4. A side wall portion of a box for loading and storing a plurality of dry analysis film pieces each having a layer containing a reagent on a support, the box being close to one end face in the loading direction of the box. A first opening for allowing only the film piece closest to the one end face of the stacked and stored film pieces to be drawn out in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction, and the one end face, A dry analysis film cartridge provided with a second opening for holding a film piece closest to the end face and drawing out the film piece from the first opening; A method of taking out an analysis film piece, wherein the film piece drawing means is caused to enter the cartridge through the second opening to suck and hold the film piece closest to the one end face. The film piece withdrawing means is moved in the direction of the second opening by a predetermined distance in a state where the film piece is sucked and held, and both sides of the film piece are brought into contact with the inner wall side edge of the second opening. The film piece is brought into a predetermined curved shape with the convex surface facing the outside from the second opening so that the film piece has the curved shape. By moving the one-side drawing means in the direction of the first opening,
A method for taking out a film piece from a dry analysis film piece cartridge, comprising taking out the film piece from the first opening formed in a shape corresponding to the predetermined curved shape.