JP3069219B2 - Method and apparatus for removing dry analytical film pieces - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention accommodates a dry analytical film piece having a reagent layer that causes a change in optical density due to a chemical reaction or an immunoreaction with a predetermined biochemical substance contained in a sample solution such as blood or urine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for taking out a dry analysis film piece from a cartridge held by a holding means by using an adsorption means such as a suction cup.

[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.). By using this chemical analysis slide, the sample solution can be analyzed easily and quickly compared to the conventional wet analysis method.
Its use is particularly desirable in medical institutions, laboratories and the like where a large number of sample solutions need to be analyzed.

In order to quantitatively analyze chemical components in a sample solution using such a slide for chemical analysis, the 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.

That is, the above-mentioned flat plate-shaped chemical analysis slide is sequentially transported from the spotting of the sample solution to the constant temperature holding by the incubator in the biochemical analyzer as described above. The storage chamber of the chemical analysis slide is formed in a slit-like space opened on the side surface, and transports a chemical analysis slide onto which a sample solution is spotted from the side so as to be inserted into the storage chamber. For the transfer, for example, a technique of performing reciprocating motion by a claw is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,296,069 and 4,56.
No. 8,519, and the like. The chemical analysis slide is provided with a mount so that the transport by the transport mechanism as described above can be performed.

However, in the case of using a chemical analysis slide provided with a mount on a dry analysis film piece as described above, the accommodating section of the incubator for accommodating the chemical analysis slide and keeping it at a constant temperature, the above-described transport system, and the like. Suppliers and cartridges for keeping chemical analysis slides dry before sample liquid deposition are increased by the size of the mount for dry analysis film pieces, making incubators, transport systems, and suppliers and cartridges more compact. In addition, the number of accommodated chemical analysis slides, the amount of transport, and the number of storable chemical storage slides are reduced, so that the processing capacity of the entire biochemical analyzer cannot be increased. Further, the cost required for mounting the chemical analysis slide is large, and this is one of the factors that raise the cost in biochemical analysis, which has been a problem.

In view of such circumstances, the present applicant has developed a technique for performing biochemical analysis using a dry analysis film piece having no mount. For example, Japanese Patent Application Hei 4-
In No. 5508, a cartridge for storing a plurality of dry analysis film pieces without a mount and a dry analysis film using suction means such as a suction cup to remove the dry analysis film pieces from the cartridge without damaging them. A technique is proposed in which film pieces are taken out while being sucked. Also, Japanese Patent Application No. 4-16098 proposes an incubator that enables the use of dry analytical film pieces without a mount.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application No. 4-16098 discloses a supplier who keeps dry analysis film pieces without a mount before they are spotted. This supplier is provided with holding means for holding a plurality of cartridges accommodating the dry analysis film pieces. The holding means is configured to be able to move the held cartridge driven by driving means such as a motor. Can be moved to a position of an outlet formed in the supplier body (strictly, a position corresponding to a suction position described later). On the other hand, an adsorbing means is provided in the vicinity of the outlet, and the adsorbing means is configured to be able to suck out and remove the dry analysis film piece from the cartridge moved to the position of the outlet. That is, the suction means is a preset suction position (a position where if the suction is performed at this suction position, the center of the dry analysis film piece in the cartridge moved to a position corresponding to the suction position described later can be accurately suctioned)
And, it is configured to be able to move between the standby position away from the suction position, and after the cartridge moves to the position of the outlet, moves to the suction position and sucks the dry analysis film piece from inside the cartridge. It can be taken out.

[0010]

By the way, the suction means moves to a preset suction position, where the dry analysis film piece is sucked out of the cartridge and taken out. In order to suck the film piece, the cartridge moved by the holding means must be positioned exactly at the suction position (if the cartridge is located at this position, the suction means moved to the suction position will cause the dry analysis inside the cartridge to be performed). (The position where the center of the film piece can be accurately sucked). If the cartridge is not stopped exactly at the position corresponding to the suction position, the suction means cannot accurately suction the dry analysis film piece, and in some cases, the dry analysis film piece and the suction means may be misaligned and the dry analysis film piece may be misaligned. The analysis film piece will be sucked. If the suction means cannot suction the center of the dry analysis film piece and sucks it out while displacing the center, the sample solution is spotted when the sample liquid is spotted on the taken out dry analysis film piece, When the dry analysis film pieces after spotting are stored in the storage room of the incubator, problems such as the storage chamber wall contacting the dry analysis film pieces and the inside of the storage chamber becoming dirty, and the dry analysis film pieces being damaged. Will happen.

For this reason, attempts have been made to improve the accuracy of the driving mechanism of the holding means so that the cartridge held by the holding means can be accurately stopped at a position corresponding to the suction position. There is a limit to the improvement of the accuracy of the drive mechanism, and it has been difficult to accurately stop the cartridge at a position corresponding to the suction position. In particular, the holding means of the supplier shown in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 4-16098 moves the cartridge linearly. However, as shown in an embodiment described later, the holding means is rotatable disk-shaped frame. When configured as a cartridge storage section formed on the body and the cartridge is moved along a circular orbit, it is possible to stop the cartridge fairly accurately without causing displacement in the radial direction of the frame. Although it is possible, it is very difficult to stop accurately in the circumferential direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dry-type analytical film piece that can be accurately suctioned and taken out of a cartridge held by a holding means by an adsorption means. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for removing an analysis film piece.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for removing a dry analytical film piece according to the present invention, wherein the dry analytical film piece contained in a cartridge held by a holding means is sucked out by a suction means at a predetermined suction position. In the method for removing a dry analysis film piece, a predetermined play is provided between the holding means and the cartridge, and the cartridge held by the holding means is used to remove the dry analysis film piece from inside the cartridge. When taking out, the guide is guided to a position corresponding to the predetermined suction position within the predetermined play range.

The above-mentioned predetermined suction position is a position which is set in advance as a position where the suction means sucks the dry analysis film piece in the cartridge, and when the cartridge is stopped at a position suitable for the suction position. This is a position where the suction means is set such that the dry analysis film piece can be suctioned and taken out with high accuracy at the suction position.

The position corresponding to the predetermined suction position is
When the cartridge is stopped at this position, the suction means moved to the predetermined suction position is a position where the dry analysis film piece in the cartridge can be accurately suctioned and taken out.

The apparatus for taking out a dry analysis film piece according to the present invention is provided with a suction means capable of sucking out the dry analysis film piece stored in the cartridge held by the holding means at a predetermined suction position. Wherein the holding means is configured to hold the cartridge with a predetermined play, and the suction means engages with the cartridge held by the holding means on the suction means side. Guide means for guiding the cartridge to a position corresponding to the predetermined suction position within the predetermined play range is provided.

Preferably, the guide means positions the cartridge at the suction position in conjunction with the movement of the suction means to the suction means position.

Further, as a specific mode, the guide means is configured to slide on the cartridge while moving toward the cartridge held by the holding means, and to slide on at least one of the guide means and the cartridge while sliding on the other. A guide portion for guiding the cartridge to a position corresponding to a predetermined suction position may be formed.

[0019]

In the method and apparatus for removing a dry analytical film piece according to the present invention, the cartridge held by the holding means is moved within the range of play between the holding means and the cartridge so that the predetermined suction position is attained. The dry analysis film piece accommodated therein is accurately suctioned and taken out by the suction means moved to a predetermined suction position and moved to a predetermined suction position.

By providing a play between the holding means and the cartridge so as to compensate for the accuracy error of the driving mechanism of the holding means, the cartridge held by the holding means has a precision error. Therefore, even if the cartridge is not stopped at the position corresponding to the predetermined suction position, the cartridge can always be positioned at the position corresponding to the predetermined suction position by moving the cartridge within the play range. Therefore, it becomes possible for the adsorption means to accurately aspirate and take out the dry analysis film piece from inside the cartridge, and it is possible to perform good biochemical analysis.

[0021]

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

First, the outline of the biochemical analyzer to which the present invention is applied and the outline of the biochemical analysis operation will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a biochemical analyzer.

The illustrated biochemical analyzer 10 includes a film piece storage means 11 (film piece supplier) storing unused rectangular dry analysis film pieces 1 and a film piece storage means 11 at a side of the film piece storage means 11. An incubator 12 for holding the dry analysis film piece 1 at a constant temperature for a predetermined time; a film piece transport means 13 for transporting the dry analysis film piece 1 from the film piece storage means 11 to the incubator 12; Sample liquid storage means 14 for storing the sample liquid
(Sampler) and spotting means 15 for spotting the sample solution in the sample solution storage means 14 on the dry analysis film piece 1 until the sample solution is conveyed to the incubator 12 by the film piece conveying means 13.
Measuring means 16 provided below the incubator 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dry analytical film piece 1 is formed by coating 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. It is provided by bonding or the like, and the spreading layer 4 is laminated thereon by a laminating method or the like, and does not have what corresponds to a conventional mount.

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 friction between the outside and the outside, such as 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 developing layer 4 is, for example, 200 to 250 μm.

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

The dry analytical film piece 1 is formed in a nearly flat shape as shown in FIG. 2A in a normal humidity state. 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 bending amount vary depending on the type and layer constitution of the reagent in the reagent layer 3 and the type of the material constituting 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 piece 1 is accommodated in a cartridge 20 as shown in FIG. 3 for each measurement item. The cartridge 20 accommodates therein a large number of dry analytical film pieces 1 in a stacked state with the light-transmitting support 2 down, and forms a disk-shaped film piece storing means 11 as shown in FIG. Cartridge housing portion as a holding means according to the present invention on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side disposed on the
Several are loaded in parallel on 22a. The frame 22 is a base 24
The cartridge cartridge 22 is rotatably driven by a supplier motor (not shown) provided on the base 24, and is controlled so that a predetermined cartridge accommodating portion 22a is stopped at a take-out position corresponding to the film piece conveying means 13.

The outer periphery of the frame 22 is covered with a cover.
The cartridge 20 is inserted into and removed from an insertion port 25a having an opening / closing lid disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge 20. 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.

Here, the cartridge 20 for accommodating the dry analytical film piece 1 will be described.

FIG. 3A is a partially cutaway perspective view of the cartridge 20, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of the “0”. This cartridge 20
A box 21 for accommodating a large number of dry analysis film pieces 1 loaded therein, 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 Holding member for urging the film piece 1 downward
It has 31. In the vicinity of the lowermost portion of one side surface 20b of the box 21, a first opening 20c from which only one film piece 1 located at the lowermost portion of the dry analysis film piece 1 loaded and stored can be taken out is provided. The suction cup 70 (suction cup) for taking out and holding the film piece 1 located at the lowermost part enters the bottom surface 20d of the box body 21.
A second opening 20e in the shape of a letter is provided.

Further, on the outer wall portion of the other side surface 20f of the box 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 20h is provided on the side surface 20b and a side surface opposite to the side surface 20b to hold the cartridge 20 in the cartridge accommodating portion 22a and to prevent the cartridge insertion direction from being erroneously recognized. .

For example, about 100 pieces of the dry analytical film pieces 1 are stacked 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 analysis film piece 1 is housed in the cartridge 20, the developing layer 4
4A, the sheet is stacked in a state as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example.

The bottom surface 20d of the box 21 is
20b, 20f, etc., can be detached from each other. When the film piece 1 is accommodated, the upper surface 20a holding the film piece 1 loaded on the holding member 31 is inserted into the box 21. The top 20a to the side 20
By engaging the b and 20f portions, the cartridge is formed and a part of the film piece 1 is pressed against the inner wall of the bottom surface 20d of the box 21 by the spring member 30.

The box 21 has an outer dimension of, 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, the lot correction information, and the like of the stored dry analysis film piece 1.
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.

Next, the incubator 12 has a disc-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 metal lower disk 45 having a flat lower upper surface and a metal upper 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 a ring shape, and the lower peripheral portion of the outer disk and the lower disk 45 are formed.
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. There is provided a film piece holder as a fixing means for fixing the film piece. 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.

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 for holding the dry analytical film piece 1 held by the transfer member 73 by protruding and retracting from below the cell 42.

The take-out suction cup 70 is provided with an upward suction cup for sucking and holding the lower surface of the support 2 of the dry analytical film piece 1. The suction cup is supported by a transport base (not shown) and a suction pump (not shown). , And the transport base is provided to be able to move back and forth and up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown). The suction cup 70 for taking out the film piece 1
Is pulled out of the cartridge, and further moved to drive the film piece to the spotting position.

Further, the holding suction cup 76 is located below the cell 42 of the incubator 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and the upward suction cup at the upper end is supported by a transport base (not shown) and can be moved up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown). It is provided in. 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 sucks 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 accommodating 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 analysis 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, and sucks and moves the sample liquid from the sample liquid storage means 14 to move the transfer member 73.
Is spotted on the dry analysis film piece 1 held on the sample. 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 an incubator 12 and measured by a measuring means 16 provided 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 a 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. A plurality of types of filters 97 corresponding to the inspection items are installed on the disc 98, and the disc 97
The motor 98 is rotated by a motor 99 to select a filter 97 having a predetermined characteristic corresponding to a measurement item.

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

The measurement by the biochemical analyzer 10 will now be described. 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 analysis film piece 1 held by the suction cup 70 is transferred to 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.
73 transported to the incubator cell 42 to open the side opening
Inserted from 42a.

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 (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, the features of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the film piece storing means 111 used in the method for removing a dry analytical film piece according to the present invention, FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a main part of an apparatus for taking out a dry analysis film piece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The illustrated film piece storage means 111 corresponds to the above-described film piece storage means 11, and has a basic configuration substantially the same. That is, the film piece storage means 111 includes a disk-shaped frame 122 rotatably supported by the base 124. The frame 122 is provided with a cartridge storage section 122a as a holding means arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the cartridges 20 described above are loaded in the respective cartridge storage sections 122a.

The cover 12 is provided above the base 124.
The cartridge 20 is inserted into and removed from an insertion port 125a having an opening / closing lid disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge 20. The cover 125 is configured to be detachable from the base 124.If any trouble occurs in the film piece storage means 111 and it becomes necessary to temporarily transfer the cartridge 20 to another place, By removing the cover 125, the cartridge 20 can be quickly taken out. At the center of the base 124, there is provided a dehumidifier container 127.The dehumidifier container 127 is loaded with a dehumidifier 126 from an inlet 125b having an opening / closing lid formed at the center of the upper surface of the cover. The inside of the film piece storage means 111 is kept in a dry state with low humidity. Further, on the lower surface of the base 124,
An outlet 123 for taking out a predetermined dry analysis film piece 1 from each cartridge 20 and an opening / closing shutter 128 for opening and closing the outlet 123 are provided. This open / close shutter 12
The cam 8 is urged by a spring 129 in a direction to close the outlet 123. When the predetermined dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out, the cam 13 rotated by a shutter motor 130 is used.
1 to open the outlet 123.

Further, at the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the frame 122, a tooth portion 122b meshing with the rotating gear 121a of the frame motor 121 is formed, and the frame 122 is rotationally driven by the frame motor 121. Control is performed so that a predetermined cartridge storage section 122a stops at the position of the above-mentioned outlet 123. On the other hand, FIG.
As shown in (1), a film piece extracting means 113 is provided at a position corresponding to the above-mentioned outlet 123, and is configured to take out the dry analysis film piece 1 from the predetermined cartridge 20 stopped at the position of the outlet 123. I have.

Hereinafter, the structure of the film piece removing means 113 and the method of removing the dry analytical film piece 1 from the cartridge 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a view showing a film piece removing operation by the film piece removing means 113 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the film piece extracting means 113
Is a suction pipe 170 attached to the tip of the suction pipe 115 as a suction means attached to a tip of the suction pipe 115, and a guide vertically movably mounted on the suction pipe 115. A guide member 116 as a means and a drive mechanism (not shown) are provided. A coil spring 117 is attached to a portion of the suction pipe 115 between the guide member 116 and the base 114,
A suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction pipe 115 via a base 114.

On the other hand, the cartridge 20 in the film piece storing means 111 is stored with a predetermined play in the cartridge storing portion 122a of the frame 122. That is, the width of the frame 122 in the circumferential direction of the
The cartridge 20 is formed to have a predetermined length (L + M in the figure) larger than the width of the cartridge 20.
A slight movement in the circumferential direction of the frame 122 is possible within 2a. In contrast, the cartridge storage section 122a
The width of the frame 122 in the radial direction is substantially the same as the width of the cartridge 20, and the cartridge 20 cannot move in the radial direction of the frame 122 in the cartridge storage portion 122a.

When the dry analysis film piece 1 is taken out of the predetermined cartridge 20, the frame 122 is driven to rotate, and is stopped so that the cartridge accommodating portion 122a accommodating the cartridge 20 comes to the position of the takeout port 123. At this time, frame 12
Due to the accuracy error of the drive mechanism 2
The stop position with respect to the outlet 123 slightly varies. On the other hand, the position of the film piece removing means 113 is
Set correctly for 3. More specifically, when the cartridge 20 is stopped accurately with respect to the outlet 123, the suction cup 170 for removal is located just below the center of the dry analysis film piece 1 stored in the cartridge 20, and the suction cup 170 for removal is vertically If it rises along the line, the film piece taking-out means 113 is installed so as to stand by at a position where the suction cup 170 for taking out can accurately contact the center of the dry analysis film piece 1 located at the lowermost layer in the cartridge 20. I have.

As shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the predetermined cartridge 20 is stopped at the position of the outlet 123 and the outlet 123 is opened, the film piece extracting means 113 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) to rise right above. Then, it enters the inside of the film piece storage means 111 from the outlet 123. If the cartridge 20 is not positioned correctly with respect to the outlet 123, there will be a displacement between the cartridge 20 and the suction cup 170. The guide member 116 is moved in the cartridge accommodating portion 122a by the guide member 116 so that the positional deviation of the suction member 170 with respect to the suction cup 170 is corrected. That is, the guide member 116 has a pair of left and right guide surfaces 116a formed as an upper opening, and the guide surface 116a slides on the lower end of the cartridge 20 as the film piece extracting means 113 rises. The cartridge 20 is moved to correct the displacement of the cartridge 20 with respect to the suction cup 170 for removal.

After the displacement has been corrected, the film piece extracting means 113 moves the suction cup 170 out of the cartridge 20 through the second opening 20e formed in the lower part of the cartridge 20.
The lowermost layer of the dry analysis film piece 1 is closely contacted with the lowermost layer, and is adsorbed under reduced pressure. Then, the adsorbed dry analysis film piece 1 is slid inward in the radial direction of the frame 122 as shown in FIG. Remove from inside 20. The operation of taking out the dry analysis film piece 1 from the cartridge 20 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9 (A), the dry analysis film piece 1 is loaded in the cartridge 20 in a state where it is curved so as to be convex downward with the developing layer 4 inside, and the above-mentioned spring member 30 is used. It is pressed against the inner wall of the bottom surface 20d. The urging force of the spring member 30 is such that even if only one film piece 1 housed in the cartridge 20 is housed, a part of this film piece 1 is transferred to the inner wall portion of the bottom surface 20d of the box 21. The strength is set so that it can be pressed.

The suction cup 170, which has been lifted in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 9A, comes into contact with the lowermost dry analysis film piece 1a through the second opening 20e. Even after the suction cup 70 for taking out comes into contact with the dry analysis film piece 1a, the suction cup 70 further rises in order to enhance the adhesion to the film piece 1a (FIG. 9B). At this position, the take-out suction cup 170 holds the film piece 1a by the suction force of a suction pump (not shown). That is, in this embodiment, this position is the suction position referred to in the present invention. Also,
Since the suction starts after the suction cup 170 for taking out comes into close contact with the dry analysis film piece 1 as described above, the film piece storage means 11 is started.
1 Prevents humid air from entering inside. Since the suction cup 70 for taking out sucks and holds the support 2 of the 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.

Since the support 2 of the dry analytical film piece 1 is adsorbed under reduced pressure by the suction cup 170 for taking out as described above, and further adsorbed under reduced pressure in the film piece conveying system of the subsequent apparatus, the strength capable of being conveyed by depressurized adsorption. It is comprised so that it may have.

Next, the suction cup 170 for taking out descends while adsorbing the lowermost film piece 1a, and as shown in FIG. 9 (C), both side portions of the film piece 1a are edge portions of the second opening 20e. The film piece 1a stops at a position where the shape of the film piece 1a is a predetermined downwardly convex curved shape (forming).

In this forming, the force of the suction cup 70 for taking out the support 2 of the film piece 1a is, for example, about 12 mm × 12 mm square film piece 1a.
10 g to about 200 g, preferably about 50 g to about 200 g.

As described above, the film pieces are formed by forming.
The reason why 1a has a predetermined curved shape is that the film pieces 1 loaded in the cartridge 20 have different curved shapes, so that only one film piece 1 is taken out in a predetermined shape. This is because, in order to allow the film to pass through the first opening 20c formed to have such a size, it is necessary to temporarily adjust all the film pieces 1 to approximately the curved shape of the first opening 20c.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9D, the suction cup 170 for removal moves in the direction of arrow B while sucking and holding the film piece 1a curved in accordance with the shape of the first opening 20c. As a result, the film piece 1a is taken out through the first opening 20c.

After the lowermost film piece 1a is taken out, the dry analysis film pieces 1 in the cartridge 20 are each pushed down by one urging force of the spring member 30 by one film piece. In this state, the apparatus waits until the next film piece removal cycle starts.

Although the embodiment of the method and the apparatus for removing a dry analytical film piece according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment of the embodiment.
Various modifications are possible.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the guide member 116 of the film piece take-out means 113 is configured to slide and contact the lower end of the cartridge 20 to correct the position.
As shown in FIG. 10, the guide member 116 may be configured to enter between the ribs 20h of the cartridge 20 and perform the position correction of the cartridge 20 while slidingly contacting the rib 20h.

In the above embodiment and the modification shown in FIG. 10, the guide member 116 is formed integrally with the suction cup 170, but as shown in FIG. 11, the suction cup 170 and the guide member 116 are separately provided. You may be comprised so that it can move to. In this case, it is desirable that the guide member 116 is configured to move up in conjunction with the upward movement of the take-out suction cup 170 to perform the position correction of the cartridge 20.
8, the position of the cartridge 20 may be corrected prior to the upward movement of the suction cup 170.

Further, in the above embodiment, only the positional deviation of the frame 122 of the cartridge 20 in the circumferential direction is corrected, but the positional deviation of the frame 122 of the cartridge 20 in the radial direction also occurs. If there is a danger, play is also provided in the radial direction of the frame 122 between the cartridge 20 and the cartridge accommodating portion 122a, so that the position can be corrected in that direction. In that case, as shown in FIG.
By forming the guide surface 116a by inclining the upper part of the guide member 116 shown in FIG. 10, the guide surface 116b slides on the lower end of the cartridge 20 with the rise of the suction cup 170 for taking out, and the cartridge 20 is framed. By moving the cartridge 122 in the radial direction, the position of the frame 122 of the cartridge 20 in the radial direction can be corrected.

Further, in the above embodiment, the guide surface 116a is formed on the guide member 116 provided on the suction cup 170 side, but as shown in FIG. 13, the guide surface 116a is formed on the cartridge 20 side.
116a may be formed.

Further, each guide member 11 as described above
As shown in Fig. 6, the sliding contact with the cartridge 20
Instead of correcting the position of the cartridge 20, a position correcting mechanism 117 for correcting the position of the cartridge 20 by mechanical movement as shown in FIG. 14 may be provided.

Lastly, other features of the above embodiment not described above will be described. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower part of each cartridge 20 can be pulled out while sliding the dry analysis film piece 1 from the inside of the cartridge 20 while sliding the dry analysis film piece 1 inward in the radial direction of the frame 122. Each cartridge 20 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 122a such that the first opening 20c formed in the cartridge 122 faces the center of the frame 122. On the contrary, when the first opening 20c is directed to the outer periphery of the frame 122, the dry analysis film piece 1 is drawn out from the first opening 20c toward the outer periphery of the frame 122. Must be secured between the cartridge storage section 122a and the outer peripheral edge of the frame 122, and the cartridge storage section 122a is
122 must be provided at a position far away from the outer peripheral edge of the cartridge 122 to prevent the capacity of the cartridge 20 from being reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the dry analysis film piece 1 is sucked and taken out by the suction force using the suction cup 170 for taking out. In a conventional apparatus for handling a chemical analysis slide provided with a mount, when the chemical analysis slide is taken out of the cartridge, an extruding mechanism for pushing the chemical analysis slide from the cartridge is generally used. Such an extruding mechanism is provided by the film piece storing means in the above embodiment.
In the case where the cartridge 20 is concentrically housed as shown in FIG. 111, especially when the cartridges 20 are housed in parallel as in the film piece housing means 11 shown in FIG. It becomes difficult to take out the film piece 1. Further, conventionally, such an extruding mechanism is disposed at the center of the film piece storing means, so that the dehumidifier 126 cannot be stored at the center as in the film piece storing means 111 in the above embodiment. The only way to store the film piece is to put it in and out from the bottom of the means for storing the film pieces. Since the dry analytical film piece 1 is taken out by using the take-out suction cup 170, such a disadvantage can be solved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a biochemical analyzer to which the present invention is applied.

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

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, showing a cartridge containing a dry analysis film piece;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a loaded state of dry analysis film pieces in the cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a film piece storing means used in the method for removing a dry analysis film piece according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway view of the bottom surface of the film piece storage means shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing a main part of an apparatus for taking out a dry analytical film piece according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation of taking out a dry analysis film piece by the film piece taking out means shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view for explaining an operation of taking out a dry analysis film piece from the cartridge shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modification of the film piece extracting means shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the film piece extracting means shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another modified example of the film piece extracting means shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an embodiment in which a guide portion is formed on a cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another modification of the film piece extracting means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dry analytical film piece 10 Biochemical analyzer 11,111 Film piece storing means 12 Incubator 13 Film piece conveying means 14 Sample liquid storing means 15 Spotting means 16 Measurement means 17 Film piece discharging means 20 Cartridge 21 Box 22,122 frame Body 22a, 122a Cartridge storage section (holding means) 24, 124 Base 25, 125 Cover 27, 127 Dehumidifier storage section 41 Rotary drive mechanism 42 Cell 45 Lower disk 70, 170 Removal suction cup (suction means) 73 Transfer member 76 Suction cup for holding 81 Suction cup for discharge 82 Transferring member 83 Suction cup for disposal 84 Waste box 85 Rotary table 86 Rotary drive mechanism 87 Sample tube 88 Nozzle tip 91 Sticking nozzle 92 Drive mechanism 95 Photometric head 96 Light source 97 Filter 98 Disc 99 Motor 113 Film piece removal means 116 Guide member (Guiding means) 116a Guide surface (Guide part) 121 Frame motor 123 Exit 128 Opening / closing shutter

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for taking out a dry analysis film piece stored in a cartridge held by a holding means by suction at a predetermined suction position by a suction means, wherein the holding means, the cartridge and When the cartridge held by the holding means is taken out of the cartridge and the dry analysis film piece is taken out from the cartridge, the predetermined suction is performed within the predetermined play. A method for removing a dry analysis film piece, wherein the piece is guided to a position corresponding to the position. 2. An apparatus for taking out a dry analysis film piece comprising suction means capable of sucking and removing a dry analysis film piece stored in a cartridge held by a holding means at a predetermined suction position, The holding means is configured to hold the cartridge with a predetermined play, and engages with the cartridge held by the holding means on the suction means side to keep the cartridge within the predetermined play range. A device for taking out a dry analytical film piece, characterized in that a guide means for guiding to a position corresponding to the predetermined suction position is provided. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said guide means guides said cartridge to a position corresponding to said predetermined suction position in conjunction with movement of said suction means to said predetermined suction position. Item 2. An apparatus for removing a dry analysis film piece according to Item 2. 4. The guide means is configured to slide on the cartridge while moving toward the cartridge held by the holding means, and at least one of the guide means and the cartridge is slid on the other. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a guide portion for guiding the cartridge to a position corresponding to the predetermined suction position while being in contact with the cartridge.