JP4861698B2 - Pipette tip supply device and sample analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pipette tip supply device, and more particularly to a pipette tip supply device including a transport path for transporting a pipette tip.

  Conventionally, a plurality of pipette tips housed in a stocker are transported upward by a bucket conveyor, and the transported pipette chips are guided from above the bucket conveyor to a hopper via a chute (conveyance path), and then the hopper A pipette tip supply device that transports a pipette tip by means of a transport rail is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-19182 A

  However, in the pipette tip supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pipette tip may stay in the chute and the hopper in the route from the chute (conveyance path) to the hopper. In this case, since the pipette tips transported by the bucket conveyor stay in sequence, there is a problem that the pipette tips may not be transported.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to incline the pipette tip staying in the ramp when the pipette tip is conveyed through the ramp. can be discharged from the road, it is to provide a can be Ru pipette tip supplying apparatus for supplying the pipette tip received from ramp one.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, a pipette chip supply device according to a first aspect of the present invention stores a plurality of pipette chips and supplies a part of the stored pipette chips, a chip storage supply section , a chip storage supply section Between the ramp that transports the pipette tip supplied from the first position that forms at least a portion of the ramp and the second position that forms an opening in the ramp and discharges the pipette tip from the ramp. A transport path having a movable moving member, a sorting section for sorting pipette tips received from the transport path one by one, and a transport section for directing and transporting the sorted pipette tips with their tips facing downward comprising, Pipettochi conveyed accepting pipette tips carried by the transport path supplying section for supplying the pipette tip one by one, to the supply unit via the ramp First detector for detecting the state of the flop, and in accordance with the state of the detected pipette tip by the first detection unit, discharging the pipette tip of the inclined path by moving the moving member from the first position to the second position a discharge mechanism for sorting portion includes a first cutting unit can move vertically to lift a pipette tip receiving from the conveying path upwardly, the pipette tip receiving from the first cutting unit upwards And a second cutout portion that is movable in the vertical direction for lifting, and for feeding pipette tips one by one to the transfer portion.

In the pipette tip supply device according to the first aspect, as described above, the first detection unit that detects the state of the pipette tip conveyed to the supply unit via the ramp, and the pipette detected by the first detection unit According to the state of the tip, by providing a discharge mechanism portion for discharging the pipette tip on the ramp, when the pipette tip stays on the ramp, the pipette tip is detected by the first detection unit and detected. Based on the information, the pipette tip retained by the discharge mechanism can be discharged from the supply path. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pipette tip from staying in the transport path that is the pipette tip supply path.
The transport path includes an inclined path for transporting the pipette chip from the chip storage supply section to the supply section, and the discharge mechanism section has a first position that allows the pipette chip to be transported by forming the inclined path, and an opening. And a movable member that is movable between a second position where the pipette tip can be discharged. As a result, the pipette tip can be transported to the supply unit by arranging the moving member of the discharge mechanism at the first position, and the staying pipette tip can be discharged by arranging the moving member at the second position. can do. Accordingly, when the first detection unit detects stay of the pipette tip in the transport path, the pipette tip stays in the transport path by controlling the moving member of the discharge mechanism unit to be disposed at the second position. This can be easily suppressed.
The supply unit includes a sorting unit that sorts the pipette tips received from the conveyance path one by one, and a transfer unit that directs and transfers the sorted pipette tips so that the tips of the pipette tips face downward. Accordingly, pipette tips that are sorted one by one and whose tip is directed downward can be transported to a predetermined position. As a result, in an analyzer equipped with a dispensing unit that uses the supplied pipette tips, the supplied pipette tips can be easily attached to the dispensing units one by one.

In the pipette tip supply device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip at a predetermined position conveyed to the supply unit via the ramp, and the discharge mechanism unit When the sensor detects that the pipette tip is at a predetermined position, the pipette tip on the ramp is discharged.

The pipette tip supply device according to the first aspect preferably further includes a second detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip in the sorting unit. If comprised in this way, since the presence or absence of a pipette tip can be detected by the 1st detection part and the 2nd detection part, it can detect more reliably that the pipette tip stayed in the conveyance path.

In this case, preferably, second detector is installed to detect the presence or absence of a pipette tip definitive the first cutting unit. If comprised in this way, even if it moves a 1st cut-out part up and down a predetermined number of times or more, if the 1st detection part and the 2nd detection part have detected the pipette tip, it will be easy to carry It can be determined that the pipette tip is retained.

  In the pipette tip supply apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the tip storage and supply portion receives a tip supply portion that stores a pipette tip for supply, and a pipette tip that is supplied from the tip supply portion and receives a predetermined amount of pipette. And a delivery section for delivering chips. If comprised in this way, when a pipette tip runs short in the sending-out part which sends out a predetermined amount of pipette tips, the pipette tip for replenishment can be replenished from a tip replenishment part. As a result, it is not necessary for the operator to replenish the pipette tip each time the pipette tip in the delivery unit is insufficient, and therefore the work of replenishing the pipette tip can be simplified.

In this case , it is preferable to further include a resupply unit that returns the pipette tip discharged by the discharge mechanism unit to the delivery unit. If comprised in this way, the pipette chip | tip which stayed in the conveyance path can be reused by returning the pipette chip | tip which stayed in the conveyance path to a sending part again.

In the pipette tip supply device including the delivery section, preferably, the operation of the delivery section that sends out the pipette tip is controlled according to the state of the pipette tip detected by the first detection section.

As above SL, depending on the state of the pipette tip which has been detected by the first detection unit, by controlling the operation of the delivery portion for feeding the pipette tip, when the pipette tip is gone supplies to the supply section in the conveying path In addition, the pipette tip can be sent out to the transport path by operating the sending section. As a result, a predetermined amount of pipette tips can be replenished to the conveyance path that supplies the supply unit. In addition, when there is a pipette tip to be supplied to the supply unit in the transport path, it is possible to suppress an excessive amount of pipette tips from being transported by stopping the delivery unit. Thus, due to the excessive amount of the pipette tip to the conveying path is conveyed, the pipette tip can be prevented from you residence. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pipette tip from staying in the transport path that is the pipette tip supply path.

In the pipette tip supply device according to the first aspect , preferably, the transfer section transfers a pipette chip sorted by the sorting section, and a second transfer section that transfers the pipette chip received from the first transfer section. A third detection unit that detects whether or not the second transfer unit can accept the pipette tip from the first transfer unit, and whether or not the second detection unit is acceptable by the third detection unit. Based on the state, the operation of the first transfer unit that transfers the pipette tip to the second transfer unit is controlled. If comprised in this way, when the 2nd transfer part can receive a pipette tip, a pipette tip can be sent to the 2nd transfer part from the 1st transfer part by operating the 1st transfer part. Thereby, the pipette tip which a 2nd transfer part conveys can be replenished. Moreover, when the 2nd transfer part cannot receive a pipette chip | tip, it can suppress that a 2nd transfer part clogs a pipette chip | tip by stopping operation | movement of a 1st transfer part.

The pipette tip supply device according to the first aspect preferably includes a tip detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip transferred by the transfer unit, and the pipette is based on the presence or absence of the pipette tip detected by the tip detection unit. The operation of the sorting unit for supplying chips to the transfer unit is controlled.

As above SL, provided with a chip detector for detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip being transferred by the transfer unit, based on the presence or absence of the pipette tip which has been detected by the chip detector, sorting supplies pipette tip to the transfer section By controlling the operation of the unit, when there is no pipette tip to be transferred in the transfer unit, it can be sent out from the sorting unit to the transfer unit by operating the sorting unit. Thereby, the pipette tip which a transfer part transfers can be replenished. Moreover, when there exists a pipette tip transferred by the transfer part, it can suppress that an excessive amount of pipette tips are sent to a transfer part by stopping operation | movement of a partition part. Thus, due to the excessive amount of the pipette tip to the transfer unit is conveyed, the pipette tip can be prevented from you residence. As a result, the pipette tip can be prevented from staying in the pipette tip supply path.

A sample analyzer according to a second aspect of the present invention is capable of mounting any of the above-described pipette tip supply devices and a pipette tip supplied from the pipette tip supply device, and the sample is separated by the attached pipette tips. A sample dispensing mechanism part to be poured and an analysis part for analyzing the sample dispensed from the sample dispensing mechanism part are provided. If comprised in this way, the sample analyzer provided with the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus which can suppress the retention of a pipette chip | tip can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of an immune analyzer equipped with a pipette chip supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of a pipette tip supplied by a pipette tip supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing an emergency sample / chip transport section of the immune analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a pipette tip supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 to 18 are views for explaining the detailed structures of the pipette chip supply device and the immunological analyzer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-18, the structure of the immune analyzer provided with the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  The immunoanalyzer 1 provided with the pipette chip supply device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs examination of various items such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tumor marker, and thyroid hormone using a sample such as blood. It is a device for. As shown in FIG. 1, the immunological analyzer 1 includes a sample transport unit (sampler) 10, an emergency sample / chip transport unit 20, a pipette chip supply device 30, a sample dispensing arm 50, and a reagent setting unit 61. , 62, cuvette supply unit 70, primary reaction unit 81 and secondary reaction unit 82, reagent dispensing arms 91, 92, 93 and 94, BF separation unit 101 and BF separation unit 102, and transport catcher unit 110, a detecting unit 120, a discarding unit 130, and a chip detaching unit 140. In the immunological analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, every time a sample is aspirated and discharged in order to prevent a sample such as blood aspirated and discharged by the sample dispensing arm 50 from being mixed with other samples. The disposable pipette tip 2 (see FIG. 2) is replaced.

  In this immunoassay apparatus 1, after binding magnetic particles (R2 reagent) to a capture antibody (R1 reagent) bound to an antigen contained in a sample such as blood to be measured, the bound antigen and the capture antibody Then, the R1 reagent containing the unreacted (Free) capture antibody is removed by attracting the magnetic particles to the magnet 101d of the BF (Bound Free) separation unit 101. Then, after binding the antigen to which the magnetic particles are bound and the labeled antibody (R3 reagent), the bound magnetic particles, the antigen, and the labeled antibody are attracted to the magnet 102d of the BF separation unit 102, thereby unreacted ( The R3 reagent containing the Free labeled antibody is removed. Further, after adding a luminescent substrate (R5 reagent) that emits light during the reaction with the labeled antibody, the amount of luminescence generated by the reaction between the labeled antibody and the luminescent substrate is measured. Through such a process, the antigen contained in the specimen that binds to the labeled antibody is quantitatively measured.

  The sample transport unit 10 is configured to transport the rack 4 on which a plurality of test tubes 3 containing samples are placed to a position corresponding to the suction position 1 a of the sample dispensing arm 50. The sample transport unit 10 has a rack setting unit 10a for setting the rack 4 on which the test tubes 3 containing unprocessed samples are placed, and a test tube 3 containing the dispensed samples. The rack storage part 10b for storing the rack 4 made is provided. Then, by transporting the test tube 3 containing the unprocessed sample to a position corresponding to the suction position 1 a of the sample dispensing arm 50, the sample dispensing arm 50 sucks a sample such as blood in the test tube 3. The rack 4 on which the test tube 3 is placed is stored in the rack storage unit 10b.

  The urgent sample / chip transport unit 20 is configured to transport the test tube 3 containing the urgent sample that needs to be tested by interrupting the sample transported by the sample transport unit 10 to the mounting position 1b of the sample dispensing arm 50. Has been. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the emergency sample / chip transport unit 20 includes a slide rail 21 provided so as to extend in the X direction, and a slide main body 22 provided to be movable along the slide rail 21. , A conveyance rack 23 attached to the slide main body 22, a detection piece 24 attached to the lower part of the conveyance rack 23, and a light-shielding sensor 25 shielded by the detection piece 24. Further, in the transport rack 23, a test tube installation portion 23a for placing the test tube 3 containing an urgent sample, and a pipette tip 2 supplied from a pipette tip supply device 30 described later (see FIG. 2). And an elongated hole-shaped chip mounting portion 23b (see FIG. 4). Further, the detection piece 24 is disposed so as to shield the light shielding sensor 25 when it is disposed at a position where the pipette chip 2 is received from the pipette chip supply device 30. The transport rack 23 is moved along the slide rail 21 by a driving force from a motor (not shown), so that the test tube 3 and the pipette tip 2 containing the urgent sample are attached to the mounting position 1b of the sample dispensing arm 50. (See FIG. 1).

  Here, in this embodiment, the pipette tip supply device 30 sets the tips of the transport rack 23 of the emergency sample / tip transport section 20 one by one for the pipette chips 2 (see FIG. 2) put into the chip replenishment section 31 described later. It has a function to be placed on the part 23b. The pipette tip supply device 30 also has a function of supplying the tip portion 2a of the pipette tip 2 to the tip setting portion 23b of the transport rack 23 with the tip portion 2a oriented downward. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pipette chip supply device 30 includes a chip replenishment unit 31, a rotation mechanism unit 32, a chip supply mechanism unit 33, a conveyance path 34, a static elimination fan 35, and a discharge mechanism. Part 36, sorting mechanism part 37, transfer part 38 and transfer part 39, three chutes 40 a to 40 c, seven detection sensors (transmission type sensors) 41 a to 41 h, and a chip collection container 42. Yes.

  The tip replenishing section 31 is configured to be able to store a plurality of replenishing pipette tips 2 (see FIG. 2). A plurality of (for example, 500) pipette tips 2 stored in the tip replenishing section 31 are commercially available in a state of being packed. The packaged pipette tips 2 are known to have a static electricity of about 6 kV due to the pipette tips 2 being rubbed against each other in the transportation process on the market. As shown in FIG. 5, the tip replenishing unit 31 includes an insertion port 31 a for loading a plurality of pipette tips 2 taken out from the bag, and a discharge port 31 b for discharging the stored pipette tip 2.

  In addition, a detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41 a for detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 stored in the tip supply portion 31 is provided at a position near the discharge port 31 b of the tip supply portion 31.

  In addition, the pipette tip 2 that has dropped from the discharge port 31b is placed at a position for receiving the pipette tip 2 that is dropped from the discharge port 31b of the tip replenishment unit 31 through the opening 30b (see FIG. 8) of the chassis 30a. A chute 40a for guiding the drum 33 of the mechanism unit 33 is provided.

  The rotation mechanism unit 32 is configured to rotate from a position where the rotation member 323 closes the discharge port 31b of the chip supply unit 31 to a position where the discharge port 31b is opened. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotation mechanism unit 32 includes a motor 321 serving as a drive source, a pressing member 322 attached to the motor 321, a rotating member 323 pressed by the pressing member 322, and a tension member. The coil spring 324 and the light shielding sensor 325 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) are configured. The motor 321 is attached to a sheet metal 326 that is attached to the chip replenishment unit 31. In addition, one end of a tension coil spring 324 is attached to the sheet metal 326, and the other end of the tension coil spring 324 is attached to a rotating member 323. That is, the tension coil spring 324 is provided so as to bias the rotating member 323 in a direction in which the rotating member 323 is separated from the position where the discharge port 31b is blocked. In addition, a roller 327 for pressing the rotating member 323 is attached to the pressing member 322. Further, the light shielding sensor 325 is installed so as to detect the side surface 323a (see FIG. 5) of the rotation member 323 when the rotation member 323 is rotated to a position where the rotation member 323 closes the discharge port 31b of the chip supply unit 31. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tip supply mechanism 33 receives and accepts the pipette tip 2 dropped from the outlet 31 b of the tip replenishment portion 31 through the chute 40 a and the opening 30 b of the chassis 30 a. The pipette tip 2 has a function of supplying a part of the pipette tip 2 to a conveyance path 34 described later. The chip supply mechanism 33 detects a stepping motor 331 serving as a driving source, a gear 332 attached to the stepping motor 331, a drum 333 rotatably attached to the chassis 30a, and a rotational position of the drum 333. And a light shielding sensor 334. The drum portion 333 is detected by a drum 335 formed of a cylindrical body that can accommodate a plurality of pipette tips 2, a chain 336 wound around the outer periphery of the drum 335 so as to mesh with the gear 332, and a light shielding sensor 334. It includes two detection pieces 337 and a lid 338 (see FIG. 8) attached to the opposite side of the chassis 30a so as to close the accommodating portion 335a of the cylindrical drum 335. Inside the drum 335, there are two subdividing portions 335b that can lift a predetermined amount (about 5 to about 15 pipette tips 2) of the pipette tip 2 when the drum portion 333 rotates. They are provided at intervals of 180 degrees. As a result, the gear 332 rotates as the stepping motor 331 is driven, whereby the chain 336 meshing with the gear 332 and the drum 335 around which the chain 336 is wound rotate. As the drum 335 rotates, the subdividing portion 335b provided inside the drum 335 also rotates, and the pipette tip 2 stored in the lower portion of the accommodating portion 335a of the drum 335 is lifted to the subdividing portion 335b, and the chassis It is sent out to the conveyance path 34 mentioned later through the opening part 30c (refer FIG. 6) of 30a.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the conveyance path 34 has two inclinations for conveying a predetermined amount (about 5 to about 15 pipette tips 2) supplied from the tip supply mechanism 33 in this embodiment. It is constituted by paths 34a and 34b. The inclined paths 34a and 34b of the transport path 34 are provided to guide the pipette tip 2 supplied from the subdividing part 335b of the drum 335 part of the tip supply mechanism part 33 to the sorting mechanism part 37 side described later. It has been.

  The static eliminating fan 35 has a function of blowing ionized air, and can remove static electricity charged in the pipette tip 2. As shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 10, and 11, the static elimination fan 35 has an air blowing port 35 a facing a portion that receives the pipette tip 2 of the opening 30 c of the chassis 30 a and the inclined path 34 a of the conveyance path 34. Is arranged. That is, the static elimination fan 35 is air ionized with respect to the pipette chip 2 lifted by the subdividing part 335b of the drum 335 and the pipette chip 2 of the conveyance path 34 received from the subdividing part 335b through the opening 30c of the chassis 30a. Is arranged to blow. Therefore, it is possible to remove static electricity charged in the pipette tip 2 through the supply route of the pipette tip 2 from the transport path 34 to the sorting mechanism unit 37.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge mechanism 36 is clogged when the pipette tip 2 is clogged on a slope 368 of a rotating member 363 (to be described later) constituting the inclined path 34b of the transport path 34 of the pipette tip 2. The pipette tip 2 is discharged. Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the rotating member 363 of the discharge mechanism portion 36 is capable of discharging the pipette tip 2 from the first position shown in FIG. It is configured to rotate to two positions (open position). As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 to 14, the discharge mechanism 36 includes a motor 361 serving as a drive source, a pressing member 362 attached to the motor 361, and a rotating member 363 pressed by the pressing member 362. The tension coil spring 364 and the light shielding sensor 365 are configured. The motor 361 is attached to a sheet metal 366 attached to the chassis 30a. In addition, one end of a tension coil spring 364 is attached to the sheet metal 366, and the other end of the tension coil spring 364 is attached to a rotating member 363. That is, the tension coil spring 364 is provided so as to urge the rotating member 363 in a direction away from the second position (see FIG. 12). In addition, a roller 367 for pressing the rotating member 363 is attached to the pressing member 362. Further, when the rotating member 363 is rotated to the first position (see FIG. 10), the upper surface of the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism unit 371 of the sorting mechanism unit 37 to be described later and the relay constituting the inclined path 34b. A slope portion 368 made of resin is included which constitutes a slope 34b having substantially the same slope as the upper surface of the member 40. In other words, the inclined surface portion 368 has a function of sliding down the pipette tip 2 received from the above-described transport path 34 to the sorting mechanism portion 37 to be described later via the relay member 40 when rotated to the first position. Yes. In addition, the light shielding sensor 365 is installed so as to detect the detection piece 363a of the rotation member 363 when the rotation member 363 is rotated to the first position.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41b rotates when the rotation member 363 is rotated to the first position (see FIG. 10). It is provided to detect the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 on the slope 368 of the member 363. That is, the detection sensor 41 b can detect whether or not the pipette tip 2 is clogged on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363.

  The sorting mechanism unit 37 is provided for sorting the pipette tips 2 received from the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363 one by one and sending the pipette tips 2 sorted one by one to a transfer unit 38 described later. ing. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the sorting mechanism 37 includes a cutting mechanism 371 that lifts the pipette tip 2 received from the inclined surface 368 of the rotating member 363 through the relay member 40 upward, and a cutting mechanism 371. A slope portion 372 that receives the pipette tip 2 lifted by the mechanism portion 371 and guides it to a cutting mechanism portion 373 described later, and a cutting mechanism portion 373 that lifts up to two pipette tips 2 received from the slope portion 372. And an inclined surface portion 374 for receiving the pipette tip 2 lifted by the cutting mechanism portion 373 and feeding it to the transfer portion 38 to be described later.

  The cutting mechanism 371 is attached to a motor 371a serving as a driving source, a pulley 371b connected to the motor 371a, a pulley 371c arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley 371b, and the pulley 371b and the pulley 371c. Drive transmission belt 371d, and a movable member 371e that is connected to drive transmission belt 371d and is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). Accordingly, when the motor 371a is driven, the drive transmission belt 371d is driven via the pulley 371b, so that the moving member 371e connected to the drive transmission belt 371d is moved in the Z direction. For this reason, the pipette tip 2 placed on the upper surface of the moving member 371 e is lifted upward and sent to the inclined surface portion 372.

  In addition, the inclined surface portion 372 is an inclined surface on which the pipette tip 2 slides down from the cutting mechanism portion 371 side toward the cutting mechanism portion 373 side.

  Further, the cutting mechanism portion 373 has a function of feeding the pipette tips 2 received from the slope portion 372 to the slope portion 374 one by one. As shown in FIG. 10, the cutting mechanism 373 includes a motor 373a serving as a driving source, a pulley 373b connected to the motor 373a, a pulley 373c arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley 373b, and a pulley A drive transmission belt 373d mounted on the 373b and the pulley 373c, and a moving member 373e (see FIG. 6) connected to the drive transmission belt 373d and movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). Thus, when the motor 373a is driven, the drive transmission belt 373d is driven via the pulley 373b, so that the moving member 373e coupled to the drive transmission belt 373d is moved in the Z direction. For this reason, the pipette tip 2 disposed on the upper surface of the moving member 373e is lifted upward. At this time, the moving member 373e is formed such that only two or less pipette tips 2 are placed on the upper surface. Even when the two pipette tips 2 are moved upward (Z direction) in a state where the two pipette tips 2 are placed on the upper surface of the moving member 373e, the moving member 373e is free of any of the two pipette tips 2 from the upper surface of the moving member 373e. It is designed so that one of them is out of balance and falls to the slope portion 372 side. For this reason, even if two pipette tips 2 are placed on the upper surface of the moving member 373e, the pipette tips 2 can be supplied to the inclined surface portion 374 one by one.

  The slope 374 is an inclined surface where the pipette tip 2 slides down from the cutting mechanism 373 side toward the transfer portion 38 described later, and has a function of supplying the pipette tip 2 to the transfer portion 38 described later. Yes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41 c is used when the moving member 371 e of the cutting mechanism 371 of the sorting mechanism 37 is positioned on the lower side. It is provided to detect the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 placed on the upper surface of the moving member 371 e of the cutting mechanism 371 of the sorting mechanism 37. The detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41c is provided at a position spaced apart from the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41b by a predetermined distance.

  The detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41d is provided to detect the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 placed on the inclined surface portion 372. When the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41d detects the pipette tip 2. Is controlled so that the cutting mechanism 371 of the sorting mechanism 37 does not operate.

  The transfer unit 38 is provided to move the pipette tip 2 that has slid down from the inclined surface 374 of the sorting mechanism unit 37 in the direction of the arrow X1 (see FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 15, the transfer unit 38 is attached to a motor 381 as a driving source, a gear 382 attached to the motor 381, a feed screw 383, a shaft 384, and a feed screw 383 and a gear 382. And a gear 386 which is mounted on the shaft 384 and meshes with the gear 385. The feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 are rotatably attached to the chassis 30a. The feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 are arranged in parallel to each other at substantially the same distance as the diameter of the body 2b (see FIG. 2) of the pipette tip 2. Thereby, the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 can support the body portion 2b of the pipette tip 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the body 2b of the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 is located above the center of gravity G (see FIG. 2) of the pipette tip 2, so that the sorting mechanism The tip 2 a of the pipette tip 2 that slides down from the inclined surface 374 of the portion 37 is supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 in a state where the tip 2 a is disposed downward. Further, on the side of the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 in the direction of the arrow X1, a throwing portion 38a having a gap larger than the diameter of the mounting portion 2c of the pipette tip 2 when viewed in plan is provided.

  The detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41e is provided for detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384. The detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41f is provided to detect whether or not the pipette tip 2 conveyed by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 has been sent to the lowering portion 38a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the chute 40 b is provided to guide the pipette tip 2 (see FIG. 2) that has dropped from the lowering portion 38 a (see FIG. 15) of the transfer unit 38 to the transfer unit 39.

  The transfer unit 39 is provided to move the pipette tip 2 guided from the transfer unit 38 via the chute 40b in the direction of the arrow Y1. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 10, the transfer unit 39 includes a motor 391 that is a driving source, a pulley 392 that is connected to the motor 391, and a pulley that is disposed at a predetermined interval from the pulley 392. 393, a pulley 392, a drive transmission belt 394 attached to the pulley 393, a feed screw 395 that is rotatably installed along with the rotation of the pulley 393, a wall portion 396 attached to the chassis 30a, and a detection attached to the pulley 393 A piece 397 and a light shielding sensor 398 are included. The feed screw 395 has a groove portion 395a having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 2c (see FIG. 2) of the pipette tip 2 and larger than the diameter of the body portion 2b (see FIG. 2) of the pipette tip 2. Yes. The wall portion 396 is arranged in parallel to the feed screw 395 at a predetermined interval so that the pipette tip 2 fitted in the groove portion 395a of the feed screw 395 does not fall. Further, the light shielding sensor 398 is disposed so as to detect the detection piece 397 attached to the pulley 393 when the pulley 393 that rotates the feed screw 395 rotates.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41 g detects whether or not the pipette tip 2 guided from the transfer unit 38 via the chute 40 b has arrived at the transfer unit 39. Is provided. The detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41h is provided to detect whether or not the pipette tip 2 transported by the transfer unit 39 has been transported until just before dropping it onto a chute 40c described later.

  The chute 40c is provided to guide the pipette chip 2 conveyed by the transfer unit 39 to the chip setting unit 23b of the conveyance rack 23 of the emergency sample / chip conveyance unit 20 described above. The chute 40c is formed so as to slide down with the tip 2a of the pipette tip 2 passing therethrough being inclined.

  The tip recovery container 42 is disposed at a position where the pipette tip 2 discharged by the discharge mechanism 36 can be recovered.

  The sample dispensing arm 50 holds the sample in the test tube 3 transferred to the suction position 1a (see FIG. 1) by the sample transfer unit 10 in the holding unit 81b of the rotary table unit 81a of the primary reaction unit 81 described later. The cuvette 8 has a function of dispensing into the cuvette 8 (see FIG. 17). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 18, the sample dispensing arm 50 includes a motor 51, a drive transmission unit 52 connected to the motor 51, and an arm unit 54 attached to the drive transmission unit 52 via a shaft 53. Is included. The drive transmission unit 52 is configured to be able to rotate the arm unit 54 around the shaft 53 by the driving force from the motor 51 and to move in the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition, a nozzle portion 54 a for aspirating and discharging the sample is provided at the distal end portion of the arm portion 54. The pipette tip 2 that is transported by the transport rack 23 of the emergency sample / chip transport section 20 is attached to the tip 54b of the nozzle section 54a.

  The reagent installation unit 61 (see FIG. 1) includes an installation unit 61a for installing the reagent bottle 5 in which the R1 reagent containing the capture antibody is stored and the reagent bottle 7 in which the R3 reagent containing the labeled antibody is stored, and the installation unit An upper surface portion 61b provided on the upper portion of the installation portion 61a so as to prevent foreign matters such as dust from entering the R1 reagent in the reagent bottle 5 and the R3 reagent in the reagent bin 7 installed in the 61a, and an open / close attached to the upper surface portion 61b And a possible lid 61c. Further, a groove 61d into which a nozzle 91e of a reagent dispensing arm 91 described later is inserted and a groove 61e into which a nozzle 93e of the reagent dispensing arm 93 is inserted are formed on the upper surface 61b. Further, the installation part 61a is configured to be rotatable so as to convey the installed reagent bottle 5 and reagent bottle 7 to positions corresponding to the groove part 61d and the groove part 61e of the upper surface part 61b, respectively.

  The reagent installing unit 62 (see FIG. 1) has dust on the installing unit 62a for installing the reagent bottle 6 in which the R2 reagent containing magnetic particles is stored, and the reagent R2 in the reagent bin 6 installed in the installing unit 62a. An upper surface portion 62b provided on the upper portion of the installation portion 62a and a cover portion 62c that can be opened and closed attached to the upper surface portion 62b are included. Further, a groove 62d into which a nozzle 92e of a reagent dispensing arm 92 described later is inserted is formed on the upper surface 62b. The installation part 62a is configured to be rotatable so as to convey the installed reagent bottle 6 to a position corresponding to the groove part 62d of the upper surface part 62b.

  The cuvette supply unit 70 (see FIG. 1) is configured to sequentially supply a plurality of cuvettes 8 (see FIG. 17) to the holding unit 81b of the rotary table unit 81a of the primary reaction unit 81. The cuvette supply unit 70 includes a hopper 71 that can accommodate a plurality of cuvettes 8, two guide plates 72 provided below the hopper 71, a support base 73 disposed at the lower end of the guide plate 72, and a supply catcher. Part 74. The two guide plates 72 are smaller than the diameter of the collar portion 8a (see FIG. 17) of the cuvette 8 and are larger than the diameter of the trunk portion 8b (see FIG. 17) of the cuvette 8 with a gap therebetween. They are arranged in parallel. The plurality of cuvettes 8 supplied into the hopper 71 are arranged along the guide plate 72 in a state where the collar portion 8 a is engaged with the upper surfaces of the two guide plates 72 by applying vibration to the hopper 71. The support base 73 has a rotating portion 73a provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the support base 73, and a concave portion 73b provided so as to be adjacent to the rotating portion 73a. In addition, three notches 73c are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating portion 73a at every predetermined angle (120 degrees in the present embodiment). The notches 73c are provided to accommodate the cuvettes 8 guided by the guide plate 72 one by one. Moreover, the recessed part 73b is comprised so that the cuvette 8 which rotates in the state accommodated in the notch part 73c of the rotation part 73a can be received.

  The supply catcher unit 74 (see FIG. 1) has a function of transferring the cuvette 8 received by the recess 73b to the holding unit 81b of the rotary table unit 81a of the primary reaction unit 81. The supply catcher unit 74 includes a motor 74a, a pulley 74b connected to the motor 74a, a pulley 74c arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley 74b, and a drive transmission belt 74d attached to the pulley 74b and the pulley 74c. And an arm part 74e attached to the pulley 74c via a shaft, and a drive part 74f for moving the arm part 74e in the vertical direction. In addition, a chuck portion 74g for sandwiching and gripping the cuvette 8 is provided at the distal end portion of the arm portion 74e.

  The primary reaction unit 81 (see FIG. 1) rotates and conveys the cuvette 8 held by the holding unit 81b of the rotary table unit 81a by a predetermined angle every predetermined period (18 seconds in this embodiment), It is provided for stirring the specimen, R1 reagent, and R2 reagent in the cuvette 8. The primary reaction unit 81 agitates the sample, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent in the cuvette 8, and a rotary table unit 81a for transporting the cuvette 8 that accommodates the sample, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent in the rotation direction. In addition, it includes a transport mechanism unit 81c that transports the stirred sample, the cuvette 8 containing the R1 reagent and the R2 reagent to the BF separation unit 101 described later.

  The reagent dispensing arm 91 (see FIG. 1) sucks the R1 reagent in the reagent bottle 5 installed in the installation unit 61a of the reagent installation unit 61 and uses the aspirated R1 reagent to turn the rotary table of the primary reaction unit 81. It has a function for dispensing the sample in the holding part 81b of the part 81a into the cuvette 8 into which the specimen has been dispensed. The reagent dispensing arm 91 includes a motor 91a, a drive transmission portion 91b connected to the motor 91a, and an arm portion 91d attached to the drive transmission portion 91b via a shaft 91c. The drive transmission portion 91b is configured to be capable of rotating the arm portion 91d about the shaft 91c and moving it up and down by the driving force from the motor 91a. A nozzle 91e for aspirating and discharging the R1 reagent in the reagent bottle 5 is attached to the tip of the arm portion 91d. That is, after the nozzle 91e sucks the R1 reagent in the reagent bottle 5 through the groove 61d of the upper surface portion 61b of the reagent installing portion 61, the R1 reagent sucked into the cuvette 8 into which the sample has been dispensed is dispensed. The

  The reagent dispensing arm 92 (see FIG. 1) is arranged in the cuvette 8 in which the R2 reagent in the reagent bottle 6 installed in the installation unit 62a of the reagent installation unit 62 is dispensed with the sample of the primary reaction unit 81 and the R1 reagent. It has a function to dispense into The reagent dispensing arm 92 includes a motor 92a, a drive transmission unit 92b connected to the motor 92a, and an arm unit 92d attached to the drive transmission unit 92b via a shaft 92c. The drive transmission portion 92b is configured to be able to rotate the arm portion 92d about the shaft 92c and move in the vertical direction (Z direction) by the driving force from the motor 92a. A nozzle 92e for aspirating and discharging the R2 reagent in the reagent bottle 6 is attached to the tip of the arm portion 92d. Therefore, after the nozzle 92e sucks the R2 reagent in the reagent bottle 6 through the groove 62d of the upper surface part 62b of the reagent installing part 62, the R2 reagent sucked into the cuvette 8 into which the sample has been dispensed is dispensed. The

  A BF (Bound Free) separation unit 101 (see FIG. 1) is provided to remove the unreacted R1 reagent in the cuvette 8 (see FIG. 17) received from the transport mechanism unit 81c of the primary reaction unit 81. Yes. The BF separation unit 101 includes an installation unit 101a for installing the cuvette 8 and transporting the cuvette 8 in the rotation direction, and a separation stirring unit 101b for aspirating unreacted R1 reagent. The installation part 101a includes three installation holes 101c for holding the cuvette 8, and magnets 101d arranged on the sides of the three installation holes 101c. Thereby, the magnetic particles (R2 reagent) in the cuvette 8 installed in the installation hole 101c can be drawn toward the magnet 101d side. In addition, it is possible to remove the unreacted R1 reagent that does not bind to the magnetic particles by aspirating the specimen or the like in the cuvette 8 using this separation and agitation unit 101b in this attracted state.

  The transport catcher unit 110 (see FIG. 1) holds the cuvette 8 (see FIG. 17) of the installation unit 101a of the BF separation unit 101 from which the unreacted R1 reagent and the like have been separated and held in the rotary table unit 82a of the secondary reaction unit 82. It has the function to convey to the part 82b. The conveyance catcher unit 110 includes a motor 110a, a pulley 110b connected to the motor 110a, a pulley 110c arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley 110b, and a drive transmission belt 110d attached to the pulley 110b and the pulley 110c. The arm portion 110e is attached to the pulley 110c via a shaft, and the drive portion 110f is configured to move the arm portion 110e in the vertical direction. Further, a chuck part 110g for sandwiching and gripping the cuvette 8 is provided at the tip of the arm part 110e.

  The secondary reaction unit 82 (see FIG. 1) has the same configuration as the primary reaction unit 81, and the cuvette 8 held by the holding unit 82b of the rotary table unit 82a is held for a predetermined period (in this embodiment). , 18 seconds), and is provided for agitating the specimen, R1 reagent, R2 reagent, R3 reagent, and R5 reagent in the cuvette 8 while rotating and transferring by a predetermined angle. The secondary reaction unit 82 includes a rotary table unit 82a for transporting the cuvette 8 in which the sample, R1 reagent, R2 reagent, R3 reagent, and R5 reagent are accommodated in the rotation direction, the sample in the cuvette 8, the R1 reagent, A transport mechanism 82c that stirs the R2, R3, and R5 reagents and transports the cuvette 8 in which the stird sample is stored to the BF separation unit 102 described later. Furthermore, the transport mechanism unit 82c has a function of transporting the cuvette 8 processed by the BF separation unit 102 to the holding unit 82b of the rotary table unit 82a again.

  The reagent dispensing arm 93 (see FIG. 1) sucks the R3 reagent in the reagent bottle 7 installed in the installation unit 61a of the reagent installation unit 61, and uses the aspirated R3 reagent as a sample in the secondary reaction unit 82. , R1 reagent and R2 reagent are dispensed into the cuvette 8 dispensed. The reagent dispensing arm 93 includes a motor 93a, a drive transmission portion 93b connected to the motor 93a, and an arm portion 93d attached to the drive transmission portion 93b via a shaft 93c. The drive transmission portion 93b is configured to be able to move the arm portion 93d about the shaft 93c and move in the vertical direction by the driving force from the motor 93a. A nozzle 93e for aspirating and discharging the R3 reagent in the reagent bottle 7 is attached to the tip of the arm portion 93d. That is, after the nozzle 93e sucked the R3 reagent in the reagent bottle 7 through the groove 61d of the upper surface portion 61b of the reagent installing portion 61, it was sucked into the cuvette 8 into which the specimen, R1 reagent, and R2 reagent were dispensed. R3 reagent is dispensed.

  The BF separation unit 102 (see FIG. 1) has the same configuration as the BF separation unit 101, and has not been reacted in the cuvette 8 (see FIG. 17) received from the transport mechanism unit 82c of the secondary reaction unit 82. It is provided to remove the R3 reagent. The BF separation unit 102 includes an installation unit 102a for installing the cuvette 8 and transporting the cuvette 8, and a separation stirring unit 102b for aspirating unreacted R3 reagent and the like. The installation portion 102a includes three installation holes 102c for holding the cuvette 8, and magnets 102d arranged on the sides of the three installation holes 102c. As a result, the magnetic particles in the cuvette 8 installed in the installation hole 102c can be attracted toward the magnet 102d, and the specimen in the cuvette 8 is attracted by using the separation and agitation unit 102b in this attracted state. Unreacted R3 reagent can be removed.

  The reagent dispensing arm 94 (see FIG. 1) is configured to remove the R5 reagent including a luminescent substrate (not shown) installed in the lower part of the immune analyzer 1 from the specimen of the secondary reaction unit 82, the R1 reagent, the R2 reagent, and the R3. It has a function for dispensing into the cuvette 8 containing the reagent. The reagent dispensing arm 94 includes a motor 94a, a drive transmission portion 94b connected to the motor 94a, and an arm portion 94c attached to the drive transmission portion 94b via a shaft. The drive transmission portion 94b is configured to be capable of rotating the arm portion 94c about the axis and moving in the vertical direction (Z direction) by the driving force from the motor 94a. A nozzle (not shown) for aspirating and discharging the R5 reagent is attached to the tip of the arm portion 94c.

  The detection unit 120 (see FIG. 1) obtains light generated in a reaction process between a labeled antibody that binds to an antigen of a specimen subjected to a predetermined process and a luminescent substrate with a photomultiplier tube (Photo Multiplier Tube). , Provided to measure the amount of antigen contained in the specimen. The detection unit 120 includes an installation unit 121 for installing the cuvette 8 containing the specimen, R1 reagent, R2 reagent, R3 reagent, and R5 reagent, and a holding unit 82b of the rotary table unit 82a of the secondary reaction unit 82. It is comprised from the conveyance mechanism part 122 for conveying the cuvette 8 (refer FIG. 17) hold | maintained.

  The discarding unit 130 (see FIG. 1) is provided to discard the measured sample measured by the detection unit 120 and the cuvette 8 (see FIG. 17) that stores the sample. The discarding unit 130 includes an aspirating unit 131 for aspirating the specimen and various reagents in the cuvette 8, and a discarding hole 132 provided at a position spaced apart from the aspirating unit 131. As a result, after the measured specimen or the like is aspirated by the aspiration unit 131, the used cuvette 8 can be discarded through a disposal hole 132 into a dust box (not shown) disposed below the immune analyzer 1. .

  The tip detaching section 140 (see FIG. 1) is provided for detaching the pipette tip 2 attached to the sample dispensing arm 50. As shown in FIG. 19, the chip detaching portion 140 includes a sheet metal 141 provided so as to extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a resin release piece 142 attached to the sheet metal 141. The release piece 142 is formed with a notch 142a smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 2c (see FIG. 2) of the pipette tip 2.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, and 18, the pipette tip supply operation to the sample dispensing arm of the pipette tip supply device will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of pipette tips 2 are introduced from the inlet 31 a of the tip replenishing unit 31 of the pipette tip supply device 30. At this time, the rotation member 323 of the rotation mechanism unit 32 is rotated to a position that closes the discharge port 31 b of the chip supply unit 31, and a plurality of pipette tips 2 are stored in the chip supply unit 31. At this time, the pipette tip 2 in the tip replenishing unit 31 is detected by the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41a.

  Then, by rotating the rotation member 323 of the rotation mechanism unit 32 to a position where the discharge port 31b of the tip supply unit 31 is opened, a predetermined amount of the pipette tip 2 is discharged from the discharge port 31b of the chip supply unit 31 to the chute 40a. And it is dropped onto the drum 335 of the chip supply mechanism 33 through the opening 30b (see FIG. 8) of the chassis 30a.

  Then, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41b shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 does not detect the pipette tip 2 on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363 of the discharge mechanism 36, but the detection sensor (transmission type sensor). When 41c does not detect the pipette tip 2 on the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism portion 371, the drum portion 333 of the tip supply mechanism portion 33 is rotated to a predetermined amount (5 to 15 in this embodiment). The pipette tip 2 is sent out to the transport path 34 by the subdividing part 335b. On the other hand, when the detection sensor 41b detects the pipette tip 2 on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363 of the discharge mechanism portion 36, the drum portion 333 of the tip supply mechanism portion 33 is not rotated and transported. The pipette tip 2 is not supplied to the path 34.

  Then, the pipette tip 2 sent out to the transport path 34 by the subdividing part 335b of the drum 335 of the tip supply mechanism part 33 is removed from static electricity by the ionized air blown from the static elimination fan 35 as shown in FIG. Then, it slides down the inclined path 34a of the transport path 34. After that, as shown in FIG. 6, the pipette tip 2 that has slipped down from the inclined path 34 a of the transport path 34 slides on the slope 368 of the rotating member 363 of the discharge mechanism section 36 that constitutes the inclined path 34 b of the transport path 34. It falls and is guided to the cutting mechanism part 371 of the sorting mechanism part 37. At this time, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41b detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363, and the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41c detects the cutting mechanism 371. The presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 on the moving member 371e is detected.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the detection sensors 41b and 41c detect the pipette tip 2 even when the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism 371 is moved up and down a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). 12, it is determined that the pipette tip 2 is clogged on the inclined surface 368 of the rotating member 363 of the discharging mechanism 36, and as shown in FIG. 12, the rotating member 363 of the discharging mechanism 36 is in the second position (opened). Position). As a result, the pipette tip 2 clogged on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363 is dropped downward and recovered in the tip recovery container 42. The above operation is performed under the condition that the pipette tip 2 on the slope 372 is not detected by the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41b.

  Thereafter, the pipette tip 2 placed on the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism 371 is lifted upward by moving the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism 371 of the sorting mechanism 37 in the vertical direction (Z direction), and the inclined surface It sends out to the part 372 side. At this time, when the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 placed on the inclined surface 372 is detected by the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41d and the pipette tip 2 is detected by the detection sensor 41d, the operation of the cutting mechanism portion 371 is performed. And the pipette tip 2 is stopped from being sent out from the cutting mechanism 371 to the inclined surface 372.

  Then, the pipette tip 2 lifted from the cutting mechanism portion 371 of the sorting mechanism portion 37 to the slope portion 372 slides down the slope portion 372 and is guided to the cutting mechanism portion 373. Thereafter, the pipette tip 2 placed on the moving member 373e of the cutting mechanism 373 is lifted and sent to the inclined surface 374 by moving the moving member 373e of the cutting mechanism 373 in the vertical direction (Z direction). Then, the pipette tip 2 lifted to the slope portion 374 slides down the slope portion 374 and is sent out to the transfer portion 38.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the pipette tip 2 slid down from the inclined surface portion 374 of the sorting mechanism portion 37 moves the body portion 2 b (see FIG. 2), which is the position above the center of gravity G, to the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384. Therefore, the tip 2a of the pipette tip 2 is oriented downward.

  At this time, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 is detected by the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41e shown in FIGS. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the detection sensor 41e does not detect the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384, the cutting mechanism 373 of the sorting mechanism 37 is moved in the vertical direction ( By moving in the Z direction), one pipette tip 2 is sent from the inclined surface portion 374 of the sorting mechanism portion 37 to the transfer portion 38. On the other hand, when the detection sensor 41e detects the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384, the movement in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the cutting mechanism portion 373 of the sorting mechanism portion 37 is stopped. By doing so, the supply of the pipette tip 2 to the transfer section 38 is stopped.

  Then, by rotating the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 of the transfer unit 38, the pipette tip 2 supported by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 is conveyed to the throwing portion 38a (see FIG. 15) of the transfer unit 38. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, it is detected by the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41f whether or not the pipette tip 2 delivered by the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 has been conveyed to the throwing portion 38a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the pipette tip 2 dropped from the lowering portion 38 a of the transfer unit 38 passes through the chute 40 b and arrives at the transfer unit 39. At this time, whether or not the pipette tip 2 has arrived at the transfer unit 39 is detected by a detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41g. Specifically, when the detection sensor 41 g detects the pipette tip 2, the operation of the transfer unit 38 is stopped and the pipette tip 2 is not sent from the transfer unit 38 to the transfer unit 39. On the other hand, when the detection sensor 41g does not detect the pipette tip 2, the pipette tip 2 is supplied from the transfer portion 38 to the transfer portion 39 by rotating the feed screw 383 and the shaft 384 of the transfer portion 38.

  Then, by rotating the feed screw 395 of the transfer portion 39, the pipette tip 2 supported by the groove portion 395a and the wall portion 396 of the feed screw 395 is conveyed to the chute 40c. At this time, the detection sensor (transmission type sensor) 41h detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 at a position immediately before the chute 40c. Specifically, the pipette tip 2 is rapidly conveyed to the position immediately before the chute 40c by rotating the feed screw 395 until the detection sensor 41h detects the pipette tip 2 at the position immediately before the chute 40c.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pipette chip 2 conveyed by the transfer unit 39 passes through the chute 40c and is installed on the chip installation unit 23b of the conveyance rack 23 of the emergency sample / chip conveyance unit 20. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detection piece 24 of the emergency sample / chip transport unit 20 is detected by the light shielding sensor 25, the emergency sample / chip transport unit 20 can receive the pipette chip 2 from the chute 40c. Placed in position.

  Then, the pipette tip 2 placed on the tip installation portion 23b of the transport rack 23 is transported to a position corresponding to the mounting position 1b (see FIGS. 1 and 18) of the sample dispensing arm 50. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, after the nozzle portion 54a of the arm portion 54 of the sample dispensing arm 50 is rotated to the mounting position 1b, the arm portion 54 is moved downward to thereby move the nozzle of the arm portion 54. The tip 54b of the portion 54a is press-fitted into the mounting portion 2c of the pipette tip 2. As a result, the pipette tip 2 is supplied from the pipette tip supply device 30 to the specimen dispensing arm 50.

  19 to 21 are side views for explaining the detachment operation of the pipette tip attached to the sample dispensing arm of the immune analyzer shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the detachment operation of the pipette tip attached to the sample dispensing arm will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, the sample dispensing arm 50 to which the used pipette tip 2 is attached is moved downward, and the nozzle portion 54 a of the sample dispensing arm 50 is moved to the release piece 142 of the tip detaching unit 140. The specimen dispensing arm 50 is rotated so as to fit in the notch 142a. From this state, as shown in FIG. 20, the sample dispensing arm 50 is moved upward to bring the lower surface of the release piece 142 of the tip detaching portion 140 into contact with the upper surface of the mounting portion 2c of the pipette tip 2. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the pipette tip 2 is detached from the tip 54 b of the nozzle portion 54 a of the arm portion 54 by moving the sample dispensing arm 50 upward.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the detection sensors 41b and 41c that detect clogging of the pipette tip 2 at the inclined surface portion 368 of the discharge mechanism portion 36 and the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism portion 371 that are the supply paths of the pipette tip 2 are used. And a discharge mechanism portion 36 that discharges the pipette tip 2 on the inclined path 34b (slope portion 368) of the transport path 34 when clogging of the pipette tip 2 is detected by the detection sensors 41b and 41c, When the pipette tip 2 is clogged in the slope portion 368 of the discharge mechanism portion 36 and the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism portion 371, the clogging of the pipette tip 2 is detected by the detection sensors 41b and 41c, and the detected information Based on this, the rotation member 363 of the discharge mechanism 36 is rotated to the second position (open position). It is thus possible to discharge the jammed pipette tip 2 from ramp 34b of the conveying path 34. As a result, the pipette tip 2 can be prevented from staying in the transport path 34 of the pipette tip 2.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the rotation member 363 of the discharge mechanism unit 36 moves to the first position, the upper surface of the moving member 371e of the cutting mechanism unit 371 and the upper surface of the relay member 40 constituting the inclined path 34b. By attaching the slope portion 368 made of resin having substantially the same inclination as that of the pipette tip 2 that passes through the slope portion 368 of the moving member 371e, the relay member 40, and the rotating member 363 having substantially the same slope, Since it slides down, it is possible to prevent the pipette tip 2 from clogging near the boundary between the relay member 40 and the inclined surface portion 368 and near the boundary between the moving member 371e and the relay member 40. Further, by making the slope portion 368 from a synthetic resin, it is possible to easily produce the slope portion 368 having substantially the same inclination as the upper surface of the moving member 371e and the upper surface of the relay member 40.

  In the present embodiment, the detection sensor 41b that detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363, and the detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 in the cutting mechanism portion 371 of the sorting mechanism portion 37. By detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 with these two detection sensors 41b and 41c, it is possible to reliably detect that the pipette tip 2 is clogged in the slope portion 368 and the cutting mechanism portion 371. Can do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, detection sensors 41b and 41c for detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 are provided on the inclined surface portion 368 of the rotating member 363 and the cutting mechanism portion 371 of the sorting mechanism portion 37 which are supply paths of the pipette tip 2. The sorting mechanism unit 37 is provided by controlling the operation of the drum unit 333 of the tip supply mechanism unit 33 that feeds the pipette tip 2 based on the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 detected by the detection sensors 41b and 41c. When the pipette tip 2 to be supplied to is lost, the pipette tip 2 can be sent out to the transport path 34 by operating the drum portion 333. As a result, a predetermined amount of the pipette tip 2 can be replenished to the transport path 34 that supplies the sorting mechanism unit 37. In addition, when there is the pipette tip 2 to be supplied to the sorting mechanism unit 37 in the transport path 34, it is possible to suppress the transport of an excessive amount of the pipette tip 2 by stopping the drum unit 333. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pipette tip 2 from being clogged due to an excessive amount of the pipette tip 2 being transported to the transport path 34. As a result, it is possible to suppress the pipette tip 2 from staying in the transport path 34 that is the supply path of the pipette tip 2.

  In the present embodiment, detection sensors 41e and 41f for detecting the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 transferred by the transfer unit 38 are provided, and the pipette is based on the presence or absence of the pipette tip 2 detected by the detection sensors 41e and 41f. By controlling the operation of the sorting mechanism unit 37 that supplies the chip 2 to the transfer unit 38, the sorting mechanism unit 37 is operated when the detection sensors 41e and 41f do not detect the pipette tip 2 transferred by the transfer unit 38. Accordingly, the pipette tip 2 can be sent out from the sorting mechanism unit 37 to the transfer unit 38. Thereby, the pipette tip 2 which the transfer part 38 transfers can be replenished. Further, when the pipette tip 2 transferred by the transfer unit 38 is detected by the detection sensors 41e and 41f, an excessive amount of the pipette tip 2 is transferred to the transfer unit 38 by stopping the operation of the sorting mechanism unit 37. It can suppress sending out. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pipette tip 2 from being clogged due to an excessive amount of the pipette tip 2 being transported to the transfer unit 38. As a result, it is possible to suppress the pipette tip 2 from staying in the pipette tip 2 supply path (transfer section 38).

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a pipette tip supply device that supplies disposable pipette tips one by one is applied to an immunoanalyzer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is a device that uses disposable pipette tips. If so, the present invention can be applied to apparatuses other than immunological analyzers.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of pipette tips for replenishment are stored in the tip replenishment unit and then a plurality of pipette tips are put into the drum via the chute from the tip replenishment unit is shown. Not limited to this, a plurality of pipette tips may be directly put into the drum.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example has been described in which the drum subdivision part lifts the pipette tip stored in the lower part and sends it to the conveyance path by rotating the drum, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pipette tip is accommodated. A predetermined amount of pipette tip may be sent out from a certain place to the transport path by the transport belt, or may be sent out to the transport path by lifting the pipette tip like the cutting mechanism part of the sorting mechanism part of this embodiment. .

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the pipette tip 2 clogged in the conveyance path 34 is dropped into the tip collection container 42 by turning the turning member 363 of the discharge mechanism 36 to the second position. The invention is not limited to this, and, as in the modification shown in FIG. 22, the pipette tip 2 discharged from the discharge mechanism 36 so that the pipette tip 2 clogged in the transport path 34 is returned to the drum 335 of the drum 333 again. In addition to providing a slope portion 43 at a position where 2 falls, an opening 30 d for returning the pipette tip 2 sliding down from the slope portion 43 to the drum 335 of the drum portion 333 may be formed in the chassis 30 a. As a result, the pipette tip 2 clogged in the conveyance path 34 can be reused by returning the pipette chip 2 clogged in the conveyance path 34 to the drum 335 of the drum section 333 again. At this time, even when a plurality of pipette tips 2 are overlapped by the tip portion 2 a of the pipette tip 2 entering from the opening on the mounting portion 2 c side of the other pipette tip 2, the overlapped pipette tips 2 are not in the drum portion 333. By being rotated, the overlap can be canceled.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the pipette chip discharged from the discharge mechanism unit is dropped into the chip collection container is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is similar to the disposal hole of the disposal unit of the immunological analyzer. The pipette tip discharged from the discharge mechanism may be discarded in the dust box at the bottom of the immune analyzer.

It is the top view which showed the whole structure of the immune analyzer provided with the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the pipette tip which the pipette tip supply device by one embodiment of the present invention supplies. It is the perspective view which showed the emergency sample and chip | tip conveyance part of the immune analyzer shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the emergency sample and chip | tip conveyance part of the immune analyzer shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the side view which showed the rotation mechanism part of the pipette tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. 5 from the chip | tip supply mechanism part side. It is the front view which looked at the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. 5 from the chip | tip supply mechanism part side. It is a front view of the pipette tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the static elimination fan of the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the front view which showed the state by which the discharge | emission mechanism part of the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. 5 was located in the 2nd position. It is a top view of the discharge mechanism part of the pipette tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the discharge mechanism part of the pipette tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view of the transfer part of the pipette chip | tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a side view of the transfer part of the pipette tip supply apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a front view of the cuvette used for the immunoassay apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of an emergency sample / chip transport unit and a sample dispensing arm of the immune analyzer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the detachment operation of the pipette tip attached to the sample dispensing arm of the immunological analyzer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the detachment operation of the pipette tip attached to the sample dispensing arm of the immunological analyzer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the detachment operation of the pipette tip attached to the sample dispensing arm of the immunological analyzer shown in FIG. 1. It is the perspective view which showed the pet chip supply apparatus by the modification of one Embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Immune analyzer (sample analyzer)
2 Pipette tip 30 Pipette tip supply device 31 Tip replenishment section (tip storage supply section)
33 Chip supply mechanism section (chip storage supply section, delivery section)
34 Conveyance path 34a Ramp path 34b Ramp path 36 Discharge mechanism 363 Rotating member (moving member)
368 Slope section 37 Sorting mechanism section (supply section, sorting section)
371 Cutting mechanism (first cutting part)
373 Cutting mechanism part (second cutting part)
38 Transfer section (supply section, first transfer section)
39 Transfer section (supply section, second transfer section)
41b Detection sensor (first detection unit)
41c detection sensor (first detection unit, second detection unit)
41e, 41f detection sensor (chip detector)
41g detection sensor (third detection unit)
43 Slope part (re-supply part)
50 Sample dispensing arm (sample dispensing mechanism)
120 Detection unit (analysis unit)

Claims (10)

A tip storage and supply section for storing a plurality of pipette tips and supplying a part of the stored pipette tips ;
A ramp for transporting a pipette tip supplied from the pre SL chip storage supply portion, the pipette tip from a first position with the ramp the ramp openings are formed in the forming at least a portion of said ramp A transport path comprising a movable member movable between the second position to be discharged ,
A pipette that includes a sorting unit that sorts pipette tips received from the transport path one by one, and a transport unit that directs and transports the sorted pipette tips so that the tip ends downward. A supply section for receiving tips and supplying pipette tips one by one ,
First detector for detecting the state of the pipette tip to be conveyed to the supply unit via the ramp, and in accordance with the state of the detected pipette tip by said first detector, before Symbol from said first position a discharge mechanism for discharging the pipette tip of the inclined path by moving the moving member to the second position,
The sorting unit includes a first cutout portion that is movable in a vertical direction to lift the pipette tip received from the conveyance path upward, and a vertical cutout for lifting the pipette tip received from the first cutout portion upward. A pipette tip supply device , comprising: a second cutout portion that is movable in a direction and that feeds pipette tips one by one to the transfer portion . The first detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a pipette tip that is transported to the supply unit via the ramp.
The pipette tip supply device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge mechanism discharges the pipette tip on the ramp when the sensor detects that the pipette tip is at the predetermined position. The pipette tip supply device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a second detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a pipette tip in the sorting unit. Before Stories second detector is installed to detect the presence or absence of a pipette tip definitive to the first cutting unit, the pipette tip supply device according to claim 3. The tip storage and supply unit includes a tip supply unit that stores a pipette tip for supply, and a delivery unit that receives the pipette tip supplied from the tip supply unit and sends out a predetermined amount of pipette tip. 5. The pipette tip supply device according to any one of 4 above. The pipette tip supply apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a resupply unit that returns the pipette tip discharged by the discharge mechanism unit to the delivery unit. The pipette tip supply apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the pipette tip supply device that controls the operation of the delivery portion that sends out the pipette tip according to the state of the pipette tip detected by the first detection portion. The transfer unit includes a first transfer unit that transfers the pipette tips sorted by the sorting unit, and a second transfer unit that transfers the pipette tips received from the first transfer unit,
A third detection unit for detecting whether or not the second transfer unit can accept a pipette tip from the first transfer unit;
Based on the state of whether acceptable detected by the third detection section, controls the operation of the first transfer unit for transferring the pipette tip to the second conveyer unit, any one of claims 1 to 7, The pipette tip supply apparatus according to item 1. A tip detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a pipette tip transferred by the transfer unit;
The pipette tip supply according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein an operation of the sorting unit that supplies a pipette tip to the transfer unit is controlled based on the presence or absence of the pipette tip detected by the tip detection unit. apparatus. The pipette tip supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The pipette tip supplied from the pipette tip supply device can be attached,
A sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses a sample with an attached pipette tip;
A sample analyzer comprising: an analysis unit that analyzes a sample dispensed from the sample dispensing mechanism unit.

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