JP4938370B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a reaction between a specimen such as blood and a reagent, and more particularly to an improvement of an automatic analyzer that is effective for an embodiment in which a test cartridge is measured under a constant constant temperature condition.

Conventionally, as this type of automatic analyzer, a specimen cell that contains a specimen such as blood, a reagent cell that contains a reagent, a specimen, and a test cartridge (cartridge container) that includes a reaction cell that reacts the reagent, There has already been provided a method for automatically analyzing the reaction between a specimen and a reagent in a test cartridge (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
By the way, in this type of automatic analyzer, as the test cartridge, the opening of each cell is covered with a seal made of an aluminum foil or a synthetic resin film, and the specimen dilution liquid previously stored in each cell Techniques for preventing reagent leakage are widely used.
In using this type of test cartridge, it is necessary to enable the sample / reagent dispensing operation of the sample / reagent dispensing mechanism, and in Patent Document 1 described above, the sample / reagent is contained in each cell. In order to allow the nozzle of the dispensing mechanism to be inserted, there is a method of piercing the seal with a dedicated piercing device or piercing the seal by using the nozzle tip provided in the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism as a piercing tool. It has already been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-37179 (Embodiment of the Invention, FIG. 1)

However, in the prior art described in this type of Patent Document 1, since only one hole is made in the seal corresponding to each cell of the test cartridge, when dispensing a sample or a reagent, The sample and reagent are sucked and dispensed by the nozzle of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism, but the nozzle may block the hole, and there is a possibility that the suction and dispensing operations of the sample and reagent become unstable.
The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problem, and provides an automatic analyzer capable of reliably dispensing a sample and a reagent to a sealed test cartridge. It is.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present invention is an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes the reaction between a sample and a reagent, in which a sample cell 11a in which a sample is stored and a reagent are stored. A reagent cell 11b and a reaction cell 11c for reacting a specimen and a reagent are included. Each cell 11 is linearly arranged and all or a part of each cell 11 is sealed with a seal 13 that can be pierced. The inspection cartridge 10 before the inspection is carried into the cartridge 10 and the inspection stage KT, and the inspection cartridge 10 is conveyed in a longitudinal direction along the arrangement direction of the cells 11 of the carried inspection cartridge 10 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The cartridge conveying means 2 for carrying out the subsequent inspection cartridge 10 from the inspection stage KT, and the inside of the inspection stage KT carried by the cartridge conveying means 2 Sample reagent dispensing means 3 that dispenses the sample and reagent of the test cartridge 10 into the reaction cell 11c with respect to the test cartridge 10 and uses a nozzle chip 15 that is detachable for each test cartridge 10, and the sample reagent dispensing The measurement means 4 for measuring the reaction between the sample and the reagent in the reaction cell 11c dispensed by the means 3, and before the sample / reagent dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing means 3 is started, Using the nozzle tip 15 which is an element of the sample reagent dispensing means 3 as a punch, punches holes 6 at a plurality of locations sandwiching the center position 7 with respect to the seal 13 corresponding to the use cell 11 of the test cartridge 10. and means 5, wherein the analyte reagent dispensing means 3, the specimen of the test cartridge 10, when the dispensing reagent into the reaction cell 11c, the perforating means to use cells 11 5 A plurality of holes 6, characterized in that crushing the seal 13 by inserting the nozzle tip 15 to the seal 13 bored Te.
FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) schematically show typical embodiments of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. The embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). It is not limited to.

In such technical means, the form of the test cartridge 10 may be suitably selected the number of prescribed the cell, to another functional section (for example, other cells or removable nozzle tip chip holding portion 12, etc.) You may have.
The carry-in and carry-out operations by the cartridge transport means 2 are typically linear, but are not limited to this. Here, as the inspection cartridge 10 before being carried in by the cartridge transport unit 2, a method of being held in the cartridge receiving unit 1 such as a cartridge rack is widely used, but is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, the specimen reagent dispensing means 3 may construct the specimen and reagent dispensing with a common device or with a separate device . In addition, the subject specimens include diluted ones.
Furthermore, the measuring means 4 may measure a predetermined reaction uniquely or may measure a plurality of kinds of reactions.

The perforating means 5 may be any means as long as it allows a plurality of holes 6 to be perforated in the seal 13 corresponding to the cell 11, and may be used as another functional member, or may be configured as an original functional member. However, in the present invention, a mode in which the nozzle chip 15 as the sample reagent dispensing means 3 is also used is employed.
Here, in the embodiment in which a plurality of holes 6 are formed, when inserting the nozzle of the sample reagent dispensing means 3 (in this example, the nozzle tip 15 is the same as the dedicated nozzle ) into the cell 11. When the plurality of holes 6 are formed, the seal 13 is easily crushed by the nozzle, and even if the nozzle is inserted into the cell 11 with the one hole closed, The inside of the cell 11 is preferable because it is difficult to be in a sealed state.

Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the test | inspection cartridge 10, the aspect by which each cell 11 is linearly arranged is mentioned , and is employ | adopted by this invention . According to this aspect, the movement of the cartridge transport means 2 and the sample reagent dispensing means 3 can be made a linear locus, and the configuration can be simplified.
Furthermore, as a typical aspect of the sample reagent dispensing means 3, there is one that uses a detachable nozzle chip 15 for each test cartridge 10 , which is adopted in the present invention . According to this aspect, the use of the detachable nozzle tip 15 is preferable in that the step of cleaning the sample reagent dispensing means 3 can be omitted.

Further, in the present invention, as an aspect of the pierced state by the piercing means 5, there may be mentioned one in which holes 6 are drilled at a plurality of positions sandwiching the center position 7 with respect to the seal 13 corresponding to the use cell 11.
In such an embodiment, the hole 6 exists in the vicinity of the nozzle insertion position regardless of which of the seal 13 portions corresponding to the cell 11 the nozzle insertion position is at the time of sample and reagent dispensing. Therefore, it is preferable in that the seal 13 is reliably crushed during the drilling operation by the nozzle. In this regard, for example, in a mode in which the plurality of holes 6 are opened to be deviated to one side with respect to the center position 7 of the use cell 11 , the nozzle insertion position is the seal 13 portion at the time of sample and reagent dispensing. Of these, there is a concern that it will become difficult to crush a little if it is biased to the side where the hole 6 is not opened, and in order to solve this, a device such as improving the material of the seal 13 is effective. Can respond without taking such improvement measures.

According to the present invention, before the sample and reagent dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing means is started, the nozzle tip that is one element of the sample reagent dispensing means is used as the punching tool, and the test cartridge is used in the cell. Holes are drilled at multiple locations across the center of the corresponding seal, and when the sample and reagent in the test cartridge are dispensed into the reaction cell by the sample reagent dispensing means, Since the nozzle tip is inserted into the seal with a plurality of holes and the seal is crushed, the sample and reagent dispensing operation (aspiration operation and discharge operation) is performed by the sample reagent dispensing means. In addition, each seal can be easily crushed with the nozzle of the sample reagent dispensing means, and when inserting the nozzle into each cell of the test cartridge, the seal hole is closed as the nozzle is inserted, and the inside of the cell is sealed Status Concern also it is possible to effectively prevent that. This eliminates the problems associated with each cell being sealed (stabilization of the dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing means), thus ensuring the dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing means. Can be realized.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the first embodiment of the automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied.
In the figure, an automatic analyzer 20 has a door 22 that can be opened and closed on the front side (user operation side) of an apparatus housing 21, and an operation unit 23 (start button 24) above the opening of the door 22. , Operation buttons 25 and display display 26), and a plurality of (for example, three) test cartridges 200 in which samples to be tested are dispensed into the apparatus housing 21 with the user opening the door 22. After that, by operating the start button 24, the samples of the plurality of test cartridges 200 are sequentially automatically analyzed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the automatic analyzer 20 is provided in the apparatus housing 21 adjacent to the set stage ST on which the inspection cartridge 200 is set and the set stage ST. And an inspection stage KT that analyzes and inspects the specimen of the inspection cartridge 200, and a printer unit 27 that prints the inspection result of each inspection cartridge 200.
In the set stage ST, an X table 30 that moves in the width direction (X direction) of the apparatus housing 21 is disposed on the base frame 28 of the apparatus housing 21, and the inspection cartridge 200 is held on the X table 30. A possible cartridge rack 40 is provided, and the inspection cartridge 200 is sequentially moved to a predetermined inspection initial position ST1.
Here, as the X table 30, a fixed base 31 extending in the X direction or a movable base 32 provided so as to be slidable along a guide rail is used. Further, the position restriction of the X table 30 is performed by a known method using a position sensor (not shown) or position control using a drive motor such as a pulse motor.

  The inspection stage KT includes a cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 that pulls the inspection cartridge 200 moved and set to the inspection initial position ST1 of the set stage ST so that the inspection cartridge 200 can be returned to the inspection stage KT along the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. A specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 for dispensing specimens and reagents to the cartridge 200, a thermostat 80 for maintaining at least a part of the test cartridge 200 (corresponding to a reaction cell described later) at a constant temperature, and the thermostat 80 The auxiliary heating device 90 that is provided separately and supplementarily warms the inspection cartridge 200 at a temperature higher than the constant temperature condition, and is provided inside the constant temperature bath 80 and dispensed into the reaction cell of the inspection cartridge 200. A measuring apparatus 100 for measuring the reaction between the specimen and the reagent is provided.

<Inspection cartridge>
Next, the inspection cartridge 200 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the inspection cartridge 200 has a cartridge body 201 that is molded from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and extends linearly along the Y direction, as shown in FIGS. In this cartridge body 201, a plurality of bottomed cells 202 are integrally and linearly arranged.
In the present embodiment, the cell 202 includes, in order from the side away from the end of the cartridge body 201 in the insertion direction, one sample cell 203 that contains a sample, and a plurality of (for example, three) reagent cells that can contain a reagent. 204 to 206 and one reaction cell 207 in which a specimen and a reagent are dispensed and reacted. Needless to say, for example, a plurality of sample cells 203 and reaction cells 207 may be provided.

In particular, in the present embodiment, among the cells 202, the reaction cell 207 is a container having a substantially rectangular cylindrical cross section, and the cell outer wall surface is configured as a plane orthogonal to the X direction, whereas other cells 202, specifically, the sample cell 203 and the reagent cells 204 to 206 are configured to have a cylindrical cross section. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of reagent cells 204 to 206, one reagent cell 204 is unused, and the other two reagent cells 205 and 206 have R1 and R2 reagents (see FIG. 7). A fixed amount is dispensed in advance. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a predetermined amount of diluent W (see FIG. 7) is dispensed in advance into the sample cell 203.

Further, in the present embodiment, a chip holding hole 208 is opened adjacent to the sample cell 203 on the side away from the end of the cartridge body 201 in the insertion direction. A nozzle tip 210 that can be detachably attached to the reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is held in a detachable manner from above.
Further, a gripping portion 211 is formed on the opposite side to the insertion direction end of the cartridge main body 201, and a finger press 212 is formed on the back surface of the gripping portion 211.
On the other hand, a U-shaped engagement piece 213 opened downward is formed on the end side of the cartridge body 201 in the insertion direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, a protruding edge 214 protruding upward is provided at the opening edge of each cell 202 (203 to 207) of the cartridge body 201, and the opening of each cell 202 (203 to 207) is sealed. 215 is covered from above. At this time, since the protruding edge 214 of each cell 202 comes into contact with the seal 215, each cell 202 is partitioned in a completely sealed state via the protruding edge 214, and the reagent and diluent in the cell 202 are separated from each other. Concerns entering the cell are effectively avoided.
In addition, a part of the cell 202, for example, the sample cell 203 and the reagent cell 204 are asymmetrical with respect to the X direction, and a flange portion 216 is formed on at least one side, while one of the flange portions 216 on the other side is formed. The part is provided with a notch 217.

<Blood collection tool>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a specimen made of blood collected by the blood collection tool 230 is dispensed into the specimen cell 203 of the test cartridge 200.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the blood collection device 230 includes a main pipe 231 made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin such as a cylindrical polypropylene opening at both ends, and the main pipe 231. It is made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin such as a glass tube or polyethylene telelate that is connected to one end so as to be able to communicate and is arranged to project from one end of the main body pipe 231 and blood 240 can be collected by capillary action (capillary phenomenon). A capillary pipe 232, and an elastic pipe 233 connected to the other end of the main body pipe 231 so as to protrude from the other end of the main body pipe 231 and configured to be crushed and deformed by an elastic material (for example, silicone rubber) It has.

In the present embodiment, the capillary pipe 232 is fitted and held at one end opening edge of the main body pipe 231 via the capillary holder 234.
The capillary holder 234 has an insertion hole through which the capillary pipe 232 can be inserted at the center of a cylindrical member made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, which is a transparent or translucent material. It is press-fitted and fixed at the edge of the insertion hole of the capillary holder 234 so as to protrude from both ends of the insertion hole, and is formed into a subunit in a state of being arranged crossing the capillary holder 234. The capillary holder 234 is press-fitted and fixed to one end opening edge of the main body pipe 231. The capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234 may be bonded and fixed as necessary.
The capillary pipe 232 is disposed so as to project from the capillary holder 234 by a projecting dimension m inside the main body pipe 231 and is disposed to project from the capillary holder 234 by a projecting dimension h outside the main body pipe 231.
In the present embodiment, the projecting dimension m is secured to 1.0 mm or more, and a groove 235 is formed between the capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234 in the main body pipe 231.
Further, the protruding dimension h is 3.0 mm or more, preferably 10.0 mm or more, so that blood 240 in contact with the tip of the capillary pipe 232 does not adhere to the end of the main body pipe 231.

Next, a method for using the blood collection tool according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, the blood collection will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, the blood collection operator slightly bleeds by attaching a scissors to a part of the human body with a needle or the like, and grips the main body pipe 231 of the blood collection tool 230. The blood collection device 230 may be arranged substantially orthogonally to the blood 240 portion that has bleed in the state, and the tip of the capillary pipe 232 of the blood collection device 230 may be brought into contact with the blood 240 portion.
In this state, blood 240 is sucked and held in the capillary pipe 232 by capillary action, and finally the blood 240 is filled and held in the entire capillary pipe 232.
Next, when the blood 240 collected using the blood collection tool 230 is discharged, as shown in FIG. 8B, the elastic pipe 233 is crushed so that a positive pressure is applied to the main body pipe 231. The blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 may be discharged to a predetermined site.
If all the blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 is discharged in this state, a predetermined amount of blood 240 corresponding to the capacity of the capillary pipe 232 is obtained.

In order to dispense blood collected by the blood collection device 230 into the test cartridge 200 using the blood collection device 230 according to the present embodiment, for example, a nozzle chip or a dedicated device is provided on the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203 of the test cartridge 200, for example. Then, the capillary pipe 232 of the blood collection device 230 is inserted into the sample cell 203 through the hole of the seal 215, and in this state, the elastic pipe 233 of the blood collection device 230 is crushed to form a capillary tube. The blood 240 in the pipe 232 may be discharged into the sample cell 203.
At this time, even if blood 240 overflowing from the capillary pipe 232 during blood collection remains in the groove 235 between the capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234, the blood residue 240 ′ flows back into the sample cell 203. Rather, only the blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 is quantitatively supplied to the sample cell 203.

<Cartridge rack>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9A and 9B, the cartridge rack 40 includes a plurality of rack holders 41 that can hold a plurality (three in this example) of the inspection cartridges 200. have. The rack holder 41 is provided with a slit 43 extending in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction between a pair of holder legs 42, and the slit edge serves as a support surface 44. The both sides of the cartridge body 201 in the width direction are supported. Further, one of the pair of holder legs 42 is provided with a stopper 45 corresponding to the notch 217 (see FIG. 6) of the inspection cartridge 200, and the insertion direction of the inspection cartridge 200 into the cartridge rack 40 is reversed. Under circumstances, it is considered that the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 abuts on the stopper 45 so that the inspection cartridge 200 is not set in the cartridge rack 40 from the wrong insertion direction.

<Cartridge pulling mechanism>
Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 has a drawing track 51 extending in the Y direction, and a Y table (movable unit) 52 that is movable along the drawing track 51 is provided. The Y table 52 is provided with a locking arm 53 extending to the set stage ST side, and a locking piece 54 protruding upward is provided at the tip of the locking arm 53, and the locking piece 54 is attached to the inspection cartridge 200. The engaging piece 213 is detachably engaged.
In particular, in this embodiment, the engaged piece 213 of the inspection cartridge 200 has a recess 218 that penetrates in the X direction, and the engaged piece 213 of the inspection cartridge 200 and the cartridge are moved along with the movement of the X table 30. In the inspection cartridge 200 in which the X table 30 is moved to an appropriate position and moved to the inspection initial position ST1 without interfering with the locking piece 54 of the retracting mechanism 50, the engaged piece 213 is a cartridge. The positional relationship of engaging with the locking piece 54 of the retracting mechanism 50 is established.

Moreover, the drive system and position stop mechanism of the Y table (movable unit) 52 are shown in FIGS.
In the figure, the drive system of the Y table 52 is configured such that a drive motor 55 and a motor driver 56 are fixedly installed on a support bracket 21a fixed to the apparatus housing 21, for example, as shown in FIGS. The driving force from the driving motor 55 is transmitted to the Y table 52 via the driving force transmission mechanism 57, and the Y table 52 moves forward and backward along the pulling track 51.
Here, the driving force transmission mechanism 57 may be appropriately selected. For example, a moving belt 57a that circulates and rotates along the moving direction of the Y table 52 is spanned between the pulleys 57b and 57c, and the moving belt 57a. While fixing one end of the locking arm 53, the driving force from the driving motor 55 is transmitted to the driving belt 57d via a driving pulley (not shown), and the driving force from the driving belt 57d is transferred via the pulley 57b. In this case, the Y table 52 is moved forward and backward by transmitting to the moving belt 57a and moving the moving belt 57a forward and backward.
Although the drive motor 55 and the motor driver 56 are fixedly provided as the drive system of the Y table 52, it goes without saying that these may be mounted on the Y table 52 and configured to be self-propelled. is there.
Further, the position stop mechanism of the Y table (movable unit) 52 is provided with positioning sensors 61 and 62 made of, for example, photocouplers at predetermined portions of the support bracket 21a as shown in FIG. 15B, for example. The Y table 52 is provided with a sensor plate 63 extending in the advancing and retreating direction, and sensor slits 64 for alignment are formed in the sensor plate 63 at predetermined pitches, and the predetermined positions of the sensor plate 63 are set by the positioning sensors 61 and 62. By detecting, the advance / retreat position of the Y table 52 is regulated, and the retracted position of the inspection cartridge 200 is controlled.

<Sample reagent dispensing device>
Further, as the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 4, a known one may be appropriately selected as long as it dispenses specimens and reagents. For example, as shown in FIG. , Having a lift 71 that moves forward and backward along the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction. A nozzle chuck 73 that communicates with the syringe pump 72 is attached to the lift 71, and the nozzle tip 210 is detachably attached to the nozzle chuck 73. The one attached is used.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 draws the test cartridge 200 to a predetermined position by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 as shown in FIG. After the dispensing target cell 202 of the test cartridge 200 is arranged, the sample from a predetermined cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206) in the test cartridge 200 is switched by switching the syringe pump 72 to negative pressure or positive pressure. In this method, a predetermined amount of reagent is sucked and held, and a predetermined amount of sample and reagent are discharged into the reaction cell 207 to be measured.

At this time, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 may employ a method in which the specimen or reagent is individually aspirated and discharged, or by interposing an air layer in the nozzle chip 210, or Of course, a plurality of reagents may be simultaneously sucked and held and then discharged.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is configured to use both the sample and reagent dispensing operations, but may be provided separately. Further, in the present embodiment, the disposable nozzle tip 210 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to adopt a method in which the dedicated nozzle is used without being cleaned without using the nozzle tip 210. Of course it is good.

<Punching device>
In the present embodiment, since each cell 202 is covered with the seal 215 in the test cartridge 200, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is operated before the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 performs the specimen and reagent dispensing operation. An insertion hole is made in the seal 215 so that the nozzle tip 210 can be inserted.
Under such a demand, the present embodiment employs a technique in which the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is also used as a perforation apparatus.
That is, during the perforation operation, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, as shown in FIG. 16C, can use the usable cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206, reaction) among the cells 202 of the test cartridge 200. Aiming at the seal 215 corresponding to the cell 207), the nozzle tip 210 is used as a punch, and a hole is made in the seal 215.

In the present embodiment, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 that is also used as a perforating apparatus can be selected as appropriate as long as the hole is formed in the seal 215. A plurality of holes are formed in each of the seals 215 corresponding to the cells 202 to be used. Details will be described later.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is also used as a perforation device. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to a mode in which the nozzle tip 210 is used as a perforation tool. A punching tool may be attached to a part of the lifting platform 71 of the mechanism 70, and a hole may be drilled in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 using the punching tool. In addition, a dedicated punching device may be provided completely separate from the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and a hole may be made in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 with this punching device.

<Temperature adjustment mechanism>
In the present embodiment, the inspection stage KT is provided with a thermostatic bath 80 and an auxiliary heating device 90 as a temperature adjusting mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 17 to 21.
The thermostat 80 is disposed from both sides so as to sandwich the drawing position of the inspection cartridge 200, and has an asymmetrical shape in which a part of one side near the set stage ST is cut out.
An auxiliary heating device 90 is disposed in place of the constant temperature bath 80 in the notched portion. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary warming device 90 is provided in a part of the constant temperature bath 80, but is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary warming device 90 is incorporated in the constant temperature bath 80. You can do that.

―Constant temperature bath―
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the thermostatic bath 80 is covered with, for example, an aluminum thermostatic block 81, and a heater (for example, a silicon rubber heater) is formed on the bottom surface of the thermostatic block 81. ) 82 is attached, and a temperature sensor 83 (see FIG. 20) made of, for example, a thermistor is provided in a part of the constant temperature block 81, and temperature information from the temperature sensor 83 is monitored to obtain a predetermined constant temperature condition (for example, 37 ° C.). The heater 82 is controlled to be turned on and off so as to keep the temperature at the same level.
Here, the arrangement position of the temperature sensor 83 may be appropriately selected. For example, when the temperature sensor 83 is arranged in the vicinity of the measurement apparatus 100 described later, the ambient temperature of the measurement stage by the measurement apparatus 100 is directly detected. As a result, the temperature of the thermostat 80 is adjusted more accurately.
In addition, it is preferable that the thermostat 80 is provided with a heat insulating material as necessary, and designed to suppress unnecessary heat release from the thermostat 80.

-Auxiliary heating device-
As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 21, the auxiliary heating device 90 is attached with a support bracket 93 on the base frame 28 of the device housing 21, and the heating bracket 93 is made of, for example, an aluminum heating block. 91 is swingably supported via a swing arm 92, while the heating block 91 has a plurality of (corresponding to each cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cells 204 to 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. In this example, five recesses 94 are provided, and each cell 202 of the inspection cartridge 200 drawn by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 can be covered from one side.
Here, a heater 95 is provided on the back surface of the heating block 91, and a temperature sensor 96 made of, for example, a thermistor is provided in a part of the heating block 91, and the heating block 91 has a predetermined temperature higher than the constant temperature condition ( For example, it is heated to 70 ° C. In addition, the heater 95 may have a constant heat generation amount, but of course, a heater whose heat generation amount can be adjusted may be used. In this example, the heater 95 is activated when the main power switch is turned on.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heating block 91 has its swing arm 92 swingable by a drive actuator 97 such as an electromagnetic solenoid, so that FIGS. 17 (a), 17 (b), and 21 (a). As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the inspection cartridge 200 is held in the retracted position separated from the position where the inspection cartridge 200 is retracted, as shown in FIGS. It is held in a substantially upright posture at a heating position close to the retracted position.
In the present embodiment, the heating block 91 swings between the heating position and the retracted position. However, for example, the drive actuator 97 is configured to be capable of multi-stage shifting, and the heating block 91 By adjusting the swing position in multiple stages, the heating amount by the heating block 91 may be variably set using the dimension of the gap between the cell to be heated as a parameter. According to this aspect, even if the heating value of the heating block 91 itself is constant, the heating amount by the heating block 91 can be easily adjusted. Of course, in the mode in which the heat generation amount of the heating block 91 itself can be adjusted, the heating amount by the heating block 91 can be changed without changing the swing position of the heating block 91 in particular. It is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary warming device 90 is provided with a non-contact type temperature sensor 98 made of, for example, a thermopile, in the thermostat 80 facing the reagent cell 205 (containing the reagent R1) of the test cartridge 200. The non-contact type temperature sensor 98 detects the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 of the inspection cartridge 200 in a non-contact state. The drive actuator 97 is on / off controlled using the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 98 as a parameter, and the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 is set to a target temperature (for example, under a constant temperature condition). The drive actuator 97 is turned on under a condition that does not reach a certain temperature of 37 ° C., while the drive actuator 97 stops operating under the condition that the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 reaches the target temperature. .

  In the present embodiment, the heating target temperature may be set constant, but the influence of the environmental temperature (for example, the effect that the temperature of the dispensed reagent R1, etc. changes depending on the temperature condition of the nozzle tip 210). From the viewpoint of reduction, for example, a measuring instrument (for example, a thermistor) (not shown) capable of measuring the environmental temperature other than the thermostat 80 is provided at an arbitrary position of the inspection stage KT, and based on temperature information from the measuring instrument. Then, the heating target temperature may be changed, and the heating amount by the heating block 91 may be determined. For example, when the environmental temperature is the reference temperature, the heating target temperature is set as a reference value (for example, 37 ° C.), and when the environmental temperature exceeds the reference temperature, the heating target temperature is decreased from the reference value. When the temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the heating target temperature may be increased.

<Measurement device>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, the measuring device 100 is disposed in the thermostat 80 on the leading end side of the test cartridge 200 in the pull-in direction. The measuring apparatus 100 includes a light emitting element 101 made of, for example, an infrared LED disposed with a predetermined measurement stage MT interposed therebetween, and a photo detector disposed on a part facing the light emitting element 101 with the measurement stage MT interposed therebetween. The light receiving element 102 is provided. Reference numeral 103 denotes a light receiving element formed of a photodetector that detects diffused light from the light emitting element 101, and can detect a difference between the light receiving elements 102 and 103.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20B, the measurement stage MT is configured such that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is arranged, and the measurement apparatus 100 is arranged at the measurement stage MT. The reaction between the specimen and the reagent in the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is measured.

<Control system>
FIG. 22 shows a control system of the automatic analyzer.
In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes a control device composed of a microcomputer. The control device 110 takes in information from a main power switch, various operation sensors (operation unit such as a start button, position sensor, etc.) and various temperature sensors. , Temperature control processing by various heaters (temperature control processing of the constant temperature bath 80, auxiliary heating device 90, etc.) 111 is performed, operation control processing by various operation sources (X table drive control processing, test cartridge pull-in control processing, sample reagent, etc.) 112 (dispensing control processing, measurement control processing, etc.) 112, and further, print control processing 113 by the printer unit is performed.

<Operation of automatic analyzer>
Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described.
In using this automatic analyzer,
(1) Inspection cartridge setting operation
(2) A measurement sequence execution operation may be performed.

―Inspection cartridge setting operation―
First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user opens the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20, and then places a plurality of test cartridges 200 necessary for the test in the cartridge rack 40 of the set stage ST of the automatic analyzer 20. It is necessary to set in order from the right side as seen from the user operation side.
At this time, as preparation for the inspection cartridge 200 to be set, it is necessary to perform blood collection and set of the nozzle chip 210.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined amount of blood collected by the blood collection tool 230 is dispensed into each sample cell 203 (in this example, the diluent W is incorporated) of the test cartridge 200.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle chip 210 may be inserted and held in the chip holding hole 208 of the inspection cartridge 200 from above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the inspection cartridge 200 needs to be set in a predetermined direction with respect to the cartridge rack 40, but the user can check the inspection cartridge along the slit 43 of the rack holder 41 of the cartridge rack 40. What is necessary is just to insert 200 to a predetermined position.
At this time, if the insertion direction of the inspection cartridge 200 is reverse, the insertion operation of the inspection cartridge 200 is blocked. That is, when the inspection cartridge 200 is to be inserted from the wrong direction, the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 abuts on the stopper 45 of the cartridge rack 40, and the movement of the inspection cartridge 200 in the insertion direction is prevented. On the other hand, when the inspection cartridge 200 is inserted from the normal direction, the notch 217 is provided in the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 corresponding to the stopper 45 of the cartridge rack 40. It is inserted without being blocked by the stopper 45. For this reason, the inspection cartridge 200 is always inserted into the cartridge rack 40 from the normal direction.

―Execution of measurement sequence―
After the setting operation of the inspection cartridge 200 is completed, the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20 is closed, and then the start button 24 of the operation unit 23 is operated, whereby the measurement sequence is automatically executed.
(1) Confirmation of Inspection Cartridge Installation When the start button 24 of the automatic analyzer 20 is operated, first, the operation of confirming the inspection cartridge 200 is performed.
In the initial position of the cartridge rack 40, a presence confirmation sensor comprising a non-contact type position sensor (not shown) is provided at a position corresponding to the back side of the rack holder 41 at the right end when viewed from the user operation side. The apparatus 110 starts moving the X table 30 under the condition that the presence of the inspection cartridge 200 is confirmed by the presence confirmation sensor. When the presence confirmation sensor does not confirm the presence of the inspection cartridge 200, a warning such as displaying on the display 26 that the inspection cartridge 200 is not attached is given to alert the user.

(2) Inspection Initial Position Setting of Inspection Cartridge Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 110 moves the X table 30, and the inspection cartridge 200 which is the first inspection object (in this example, viewed from the user side). (Corresponding to the inspection cartridge at the right end) is set to the inspection initial position ST1.
In this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a mark reader 120 such as a barcode reader is disposed on the upper portion corresponding to the initial inspection position ST1, and the surface of the seal 215 provided on the inspection cartridge 200 is disposed on the surface of the inspection cartridge. A mark (not shown) such as a bar code for specifying 200 is provided, whereby the inspection cartridge 200 to be inspected is confirmed, and then the operation of drawing in the inspection cartridge 200 is started. It should be noted that the place where a mark such as a bar code is attached is not limited to the surface of the seal 215, and of course, for example, it may be provided separately from the seal 215 at an appropriate place of the cartridge main body 201 of the inspection cartridge 200. .

(3) Inspection cartridge pull-in operation (see FIG. 25)
Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the inspection cartridge 200 set at the inspection initial position ST1 is pulled to the inspection stage KT by the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50.
In the present embodiment, the cartridge retracting mechanism 50 retracts the inspection cartridge 200 so that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 stops at the measurement stage MT of the measurement apparatus 100.
The control device 110 operates the heater 82 of the thermostat 80 when the main power switch is turned on, and controls the thermostat 80 so that the inside of the thermostat 80 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).

(4) Reaction cell status confirmation operation (see FIG. 23 (a))
At the stage where the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is positioned on the measurement stage MT of the measuring device 100, the control device 110 measures the state of the reaction cell 207 with the measuring device 100 and detects abnormalities (dirt or inspection of the reaction cell surface). (Forget to eject the cartridge etc.)
Check if there is any.

(5) Nozzle tip presence / absence checking operation (see FIGS. 23A, 26, and 27)
Next, the control device 110 moves the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 in the Z-axis direction, and causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to mount the nozzle chip 210 held on the test cartridge 200. At this time, a presence check sensor 121 including a non-contact type position sensor is disposed at a position along the Z-axis trajectory of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the presence check sensor 121 checks the mounting state of the nozzle chip 210. . In addition, when it is detected that the mounting state of the nozzle chip 210 is defective, a warning is displayed on the display 26, for example.

(6) Air Hole Opening Operation Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the control device 110 operates the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 as a perforating device, and advances and retracts the test cartridge 200 with the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 as appropriate. Control is performed so that an air hole is made in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 by a punching device using the dispensing mechanism 70.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29A, the air hole opening operation is performed by the seal 215 portion corresponding to the use cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. A plurality of (two in this example) air holes 131 and 132 are formed.
Here, the size of the air holes 131 and 132 may be about 1 to 2 mm, for example, and the insertion depth may be determined in consideration of a change in the outer diameter of the nozzle tip 210.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the air holes 131 and 132 are positioned with respect to the opening center 133 of the corresponding use cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cells 205 and 206, reaction cell 207), for example, substantially point-symmetric. Is open in position.
Note that a hole 135 is formed in the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203 of the test cartridge 200 at the time of sample dispensing. However, since it is uncertain at which position the hole is opened by a user operation, in this embodiment, As for the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203, a method of controlling a perforation apparatus using the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 so as to pierce a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 is adopted as in the other cells. Yes.

In this way, when a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened in the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202, for example, as shown in FIG. 29B, the nozzle tip 210 as a punching tool closes one air hole 131. Even if it is inserted, the other air hole 132 is open to the atmosphere, so that the pressure in the use cell 202 becomes unnecessarily high due to the insertion of the nozzle tip 210, The discharge operation does not become unstable.
In addition, when the nozzle tip 210 as a punch is inserted in the vicinity of the opening center 133 of the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202, the presence of the plurality of air holes 131 and 132 causes the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202 to exist. The nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the use cell 202 while being easily crushed and opened to the atmosphere.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened at a position sandwiching the opening center 133 of the use cell 202, the insertion position of the nozzle tip 210 is compared at the time of sample and reagent dispensing. Even if it is rough, the seal 215 is reliably crushed during the drilling operation by the nozzle tip 210. In this aspect, for example, in a mode in which the plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened to be deviated to one side with respect to the opening center 133 of the use cell 202, Although there is a concern that when the nozzle tip 210 is inserted on the side where the air holes 131 and 132 are not opened, there is a concern that the nozzle chip 210 is slightly crushed. Is also preferable in that it is easily crushed.

Here, as a comparative form, in a mode in which an air hole is not opened in advance, when the sample and reagent are dispensed, the seal 215 is crushed by the nozzle tip 210 and the nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the use cell 202. Since the hole opened by the nozzle tip 210 is closed, the inside of the use cell 202 is likely to be sealed, and the sample and reagent dispensing operations are likely to become unstable.
Further, in the embodiment in which one air hole is opened, if the one air hole is closed with the nozzle chip 210, the inside of the use cell 202 may be easily sealed, and the seal 215 separated from the air hole is provided. When the nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the portion, there is a concern that the air hole is difficult to work to promote the crushing of the seal 215 portion by the nozzle tip 210. For this reason, when using in such an aspect, you have to devise things, such as using what is easy to crush as a seal | sticker 215 raw material.

(7) Temperature measurement of reagent R1 (see FIG. 23 (b))
When the above air hole opening operation is completed, the control device 110 sets the reagent cell 205 (incorporated R1) of the test cartridge 200 to a position corresponding to the non-contact type temperature sensor 98 of the thermostat 80 as shown in FIG. As described above, the inspection cartridge 200 is moved by the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50.
In this state, the control device 110 detects the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 (corresponding to the temperature of the reagent R1) with the non-contact temperature sensor 98, and takes in this information.

(8) Reagent R1 heating operation (see FIG. 23B)
Based on the detected temperature from the non-contact type temperature sensor 98, the control device 110 assists until the detected temperature of the non-contact type temperature sensor 98 reaches the heating target temperature (the constant temperature condition temperature of the thermostat 80: 37 ° C., for example). A heating operation by the heating device 90 is performed.
In the heating operation by the auxiliary heating device 90, the heating block 91 heated by the heater 95 and the temperature sensor 96 so as to reach a temperature (eg, 70 ° C.) higher than the high temperature condition temperature (eg, 37 ° C.) is used. The temperature of the reagent R1 (surface temperature of the reagent cell 205) is set to the target temperature (constant temperature condition temperature) while the temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 98 is monitored by turning the driving actuator 97 to the heating position. Warm up to.
At this time, the heater 95 is heated by the temperature sensor 96 so that the heating block 91 has a temperature (eg, 70 ° C.) higher than the constant temperature condition (eg, 37 ° C.). The amount is sufficiently large, and accordingly, the temperature rise rate of the reagent R1 is faster than that in the mode in which only the thermostat 80 is heated.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the heating block 91 of the auxiliary heating device 90 has a recess 94 corresponding to each cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cells 204 to 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. Since each cell 202 can be heated, not only the reagent R1 in the reagent cell 205 but also the reagent R2 in the reagent cell 206, the sample in the sample cell 203, and the reaction cell 207 itself are also assisted. It is warmed up.
Further, since the nozzle tip 210 is not supplementally heated, as described later, when the reagent R1 is sucked, there is a concern that the temperature of the reagent R1 is lowered due to the influence of the temperature of the nozzle tip 210.
In order to effectively eliminate such a situation, it is preferable to provide an ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor in the vicinity of the outside air intake in the automatic analyzer 20 so as to change the heating target temperature according to the ambient temperature. .
For example, the relationship between the environmental temperature and the target heating temperature is set as follows.
Environment temperature (℃) Target heating temperature (℃)
15 40
25 37
35 36

(9) Reagent R1 suction operation (see FIG. 23 (c))
When the reagent R1 reaches the target temperature (constant temperature condition), the control device 110 inspects the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 so that the reagent cell 205 (incorporated with the reagent R1) is positioned at the dispensing position of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 205 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, immerses the nozzle tip 210 in the reagent R1 in the reagent cell 205, and then the reagent A predetermined amount of R1 is sucked.
At this time, the nozzle chip 210 can easily crush the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 205, and even if the nozzle chip 210 enters the reagent cell 205, there is a concern that the inside of the reagent cell 205 is sealed. Therefore, the suction operation of the reagent R1 by the nozzle tip 210 is performed stably.

(10) Reagent R1 discharge operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reagent cell 205 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 performs an inspection so that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the reaction cell 207 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and inserts the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207, and then enters the reaction cell 207. A predetermined amount of the reagent R1 is discharged.

(11) Sample stirring operation (see FIG. 24A)
Next, the control device 110 stands by after raising the nozzle tip 210 from the reaction cell 207 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the test cartridge so that the sample cell 203 is positioned at the dispensing position by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50. 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the sample cell 203 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and inserts the nozzle chip 210 into the sample cell 203, and then the inside of the sample cell 203. Stir the sample.
In this sample agitating operation, for example, a technique is used in which the nozzle tip 210 is immersed in the sample in the sample cell 203 and the sample is stirred by aspirating and discharging the sample a plurality of times. In particular, it is preferable that the operation of moving the nozzle tip 210 up and down is combined so that the suction is performed at the lower position and the discharge is performed at the upper position because the sample agitating operation can be further promoted.

(12) Sample burst operation (see FIG. 24C)
After the sample stirring operation in the sample cell 203, the sample is left at the measurement position in FIG. 24C for a predetermined time to burst the sample. As a result, blood cells in the specimen are uniformly dispersed, and it is possible to ensure homogeneity of the specimen.
(13) Sample suction operation (see FIG. 24A)
Thereafter, the control device 110 immerses the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 in the sample in the sample cell 203 so as to suck a predetermined amount of sample.

(14) Sample ejection operation (see FIG. 23D)
Thereafter, the controller 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the sample cell 203 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 performs an inspection so that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to insert the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207 and then discharges a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction cell 207.

(15) Sample stirring operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Next, the control device 110 stirs the sample in the reaction cell 207 and the reagent R1 with the nozzle chip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70.
In the stirring operation in this case, for example, the nozzle chip 210 is immersed in the specimen and the reagent R1 in the reaction cell 207, and aspiration and discharge are performed a plurality of times to stir both. Needless to say, the nozzle tip 210 may be moved up and down as needed in order to further promote the stirring operation.

(16) Reagent R2 suction operation (see FIG. 24B)
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reaction cell 207 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the reagent cell 206 (built-in reagent R2) is placed at the dispensing position by the cartridge retracting mechanism 50. The inspection cartridge 200 is moved so as to be positioned.
In this state, the control device 110 pierces the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 206 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and causes the nozzle tip 210 to be inserted into the reagent cell 206 with the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. After that, a predetermined amount of the reagent R2 in the reagent cell 206 is aspirated.

(17) Reagent R2 discharge operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reagent cell 206 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 checks that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to insert the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207 and then discharge a predetermined amount of the reagent R2 into the reaction cell 207.
(18) Reagent R2 stirring operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Next, the control device 110 agitates the sample, the reagent R1 and the reagent R2 in the reaction cell 207 with the nozzle chip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70.
In this case, for example, the stirring operation is performed by immersing the nozzle chip 210 in the specimen, the reagent R1 and the reagent R2 in the reaction cell 207, and performing aspiration and discharge a plurality of times to stir as a whole. Needless to say, the nozzle tip 210 may be moved up and down as needed in order to further promote the stirring operation.

(19) Nozzle Tip Discharge Operation Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after raising the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the chip holding hole 208 of the test cartridge 200 is dispensed by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50. The inspection cartridge 200 is moved so as to be positioned.
In this state, as shown in FIG. 31, the control device 110 inserts the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 into the chip holding hole 208 of the test cartridge 200 from above, and the nozzle chuck of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. The nozzle chip 210 to be discarded is returned to the original position of the inspection cartridge 200 by releasing the holding state of the nozzle chip 210 by 73 (see FIG. 16).
Since the discharge operation of the nozzle chip 210 is performed using a time zone in which the reaction of the specimen and reagent in the reaction cell 207 is still unstable, the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer 20 is hardly affected.

(20) Measurement operation (see FIG. 24C)
Then, as shown in FIG. 31, the control device 110 moves the inspection cartridge 200 by the cartridge retracting mechanism 50 so that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is positioned at the measurement stage MT.
Thereafter, the control device 110 performs measurement by the measurement device 100 in a state where the reaction cell 207 has reached the measurement stage MT for a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 5 minutes).
At this time, the measuring apparatus 100 transmits the light from the light emitting element 101 to the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent in the reaction cell 207, detects the light change by the light receiving element 102, and also detects the light of the light emitting element 101 itself. The change is detected by the light receiving element 103, and the reaction change between the sample in the reaction cell 207 and the reagent is measured over time.

  Further, since the reaction cell 207 is disposed outside the thermostat 80 in the reagent R1 aspiration, discharge dispensing operation, the reagent R2 aspiration, discharge dispensing operation, agitation in the reaction cell 207, etc., the automatic analyzer There is a concern that the temperature in the reaction cell 207 decreases due to the influence of the environmental temperature in the reactor 20. In order to consider such a situation more accurately, for example, an ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor is provided near the outside air intake in the automatic analyzer 20, and the temperature of the thermostat 80 is corrected according to the ambient temperature. May be.

(21) Inspection Cartridge Discharge Operation Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32, the control device 110 returns the inspection cartridge 200 that has been inspected by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 to the set stage ST side.
(22) Result Printing Operation The control device 110 prints the measurement result obtained by the measurement device 100 by the printer unit 27.
At this stage, a predetermined measurement sequence for one inspection cartridge 200 is completed.

Thereafter, the control device 110 confirms that there are unprocessed inspection cartridges 200 on the set stage ST, and then executes a series of measurement sequences for each inspection cartridge 200.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the control device 110 sets the inspection cartridge 200 positioned in the rack holder 41 next to the cartridge rack 40 to the inspection initial position ST1, and then performs a series of measurement sequences. Further, after the next inspection cartridge 200 is set to the inspection initial position ST1, a series of measurement sequences is executed.
When a series of measurement sequences for all the inspection cartridges 200 is completed, the control device 110 displays an end of inspection display on the display 26 indicating that all inspections have been completed.
Thereafter, the user may open the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20, take out the inspected inspection cartridge 200 from the cartridge rack 40 together with the nozzle chip 210 to be discarded, and discard it.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing the main part of the second embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
In the figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the measuring device 100 is different from that of the first embodiment.
That is, in the present embodiment, the measurement apparatus 100 is configured such that the light emitting element 101 and the light receiving element 102 are arranged to face each other with the measurement stage MT interposed therebetween, but the light emitting element 101 is configured to be replaceable according to the inspection item. ing.
As this type of light emitting device, a plurality of light source boards 141 to 143 each including a plurality of light emitting elements 101 (101a to 101c) having different wavelength characteristics are prepared in advance, and the board mounting unit 145 is provided according to the inspection item. One of the necessary light source boards 141 to 143 is detachably mounted and the light emitting element 101 corresponding to one of the light source boards 141 to 143 is used.

  This type of measuring apparatus 100 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 33. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of light emitting elements 101 (101a to 101c) are placed on a rotating plate 150 in a predetermined arc locus. There is one that is arranged above and uses the predetermined light emitting element 101 by rotating the rotating plate 150 to an appropriate position according to the inspection item. It should be noted that a plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged on a straight plate (not shown) instead of the rotating plate 150, and necessary light emitting elements may be used according to the inspection item.

Embodiment 3
35 to 39 are explanatory views showing the main part of the third embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
In the figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but the disposal method of the nozzle tip 210 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, about the component similar to Embodiment 1, the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1 is attached | subjected, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.
In the present embodiment, the set stage ST can hold a plurality of (for example, three) inspection cartridges 200 on the X table 30, as shown in FIG. 35 (1), for example. Although the cartridge rack 40 is provided, unlike the first embodiment, a waste rack 160 of the nozzle chip 210 is provided in a portion adjacent to the cartridge rack 40, and a waste cartridge 170 dedicated to the nozzle chip is provided in the waste rack 160 as an inspection cartridge. It is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the Y direction substantially parallel to 200.
Here, the waste cartridge 170 has a cartridge main body 171 that is slidably held on the waste rack 160, and a plurality of (for example, three) chip holders that can hold the waste nozzle chip 210 on the cartridge main body 171. The departments 172 to 174 are established.

Next, the operation process of the inspection cartridge 200 and the nozzle chip 210 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, FIG. 35A shows a state in which each inspection cartridge 200 is held in the cartridge rack 40, and one inspection cartridge 200 is located at the inspection initial position ST1.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35 (2), the inspection cartridge 200 located at the inspection initial position ST2 is drawn to the inspection stage KT side by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50, and the inspection cartridge 200 is moved to an auxiliary heating device (not shown). To supplementary warming.
Further, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), the nozzle tip 210 is attached to a sample reagent dispensing mechanism (not shown).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 36 (4), the test cartridge 200 is appropriately moved by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50, and the sample and reagent dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism and the measurement operation by the measuring apparatus 100 are performed. Is called.

When the measurement by the measuring apparatus 100 is completed, as shown in FIG. 37 (5), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 returns the inspected inspection cartridge 200 to the cartridge rack 40 of the set stage ST.
At this time, the nozzle chip 210 remains attached to the sample reagent dispensing mechanism (not shown).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 37 (6), the X table 30 moves in the direction of the arrow, and the waste cartridge 170 held in the waste rack 160 is set to the inspection initial position ST1.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 39 (7), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 pulls the waste cartridge 170 toward the inspection stage KT, and the tip holding portion 172 of the waste cartridge 170 is positioned at the dispensing position of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism. In this manner, the waste cartridge 170 is moved.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (8), the sample reagent dispensing mechanism releases the mounted state of the mounted nozzle chip 210, and then inserts and holds the nozzle chip 210 in the chip holding unit 172 of the disposal cartridge 170.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 38 (9), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 returns the waste cartridge 170 to the set stage ST side.
Further, the same measurement sequence is performed for the remaining inspection cartridges 200, and each nozzle chip 210 used in the measurement sequence is held in the chip holding portions 173 and 174 of the disposal cartridge 170, respectively.
When all the inspections of the automatic analyzer are completed, the inspected inspection cartridge 200 and the plurality of nozzle chips 210 held in the discard cartridge 170 are discarded.

  In the first and third embodiments, the disposal nozzle tip 210 is disposed after being returned to the set stage ST side. For example, a separate disposal stage is provided on the inspection stage KT side, and the disposal stage is disposed of for disposal. The nozzle tip 210 may be appropriately selected such as discarding.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system of Embodiment 4 of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
In the figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but is different from the first embodiment in that a temperature correction table 115 is added as a control system thereof.
That is, in the first embodiment, in order to prevent an influence on the measurement result due to the temperature change of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction cell 207 due to the temperature drop of the reagent R1 by the nozzle tip 210 that is not supplementally heated, the measurement is performed according to the environmental temperature Thus, a method of changing the heating target temperature of the auxiliary heating device 90 has been adopted.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even if the environmental temperature changes, the target heating temperature of the auxiliary heating device 90 is not changed, and the temperature correction table 115 corrects the measurement result according to the environmental temperature. It is something to try.
Specifically, the temperature correction table 115 is stored after an environmental temperature T0 from an environmental temperature sensor such as a thermistor provided near the outside air intake in the automatic analyzer 20 and a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the reaction cell 207. The controller 110 stores correction information such as a temperature correction coefficient k (T0, T1) based on the liquid temperature data T1 at the start of measurement, and searches the temperature correction table 115 based on input data from the environmental temperature sensor. Then, correction information such as the corresponding temperature correction coefficient k (T0, T1) is selected, and the measurement result by the measuring apparatus 100 is corrected to a state that would have reacted at a constant temperature (for example, 37 ° C.). .
Here, as the correction information in the temperature correction table 115, information calculated and determined based on previously measured data is used.

The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment is used as an example, and after the test cartridge 200 is drawn into the test stage KT, the auxiliary heating device 90 and the thermostat 80 are used, and the reagent cell 205 is set to a constant temperature condition (in this example, When the time to reach (37 ° C.) was measured, the result of “with preheating” shown in FIG. 41 was obtained. Further, as a comparative example, when the time until the reagent cell 205 reaches the constant temperature condition (37 ° C. in this example) is measured using only the constant temperature bath 80 without using the auxiliary heating device 90, the time shown in FIG. A result of 'no preheating' was obtained. However, both the examples and the comparative examples were performed under conditions where the environmental temperature was 23 ° C.
According to FIG. 41, in the example, the time to reach the constant temperature condition is less than 30 seconds, whereas in the comparative example, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the constant temperature. It becomes possible to adjust the temperature of the test cartridge 200 to the constant temperature condition at an early stage by the heating device 90, and temporarily, the specimen is stored in a refrigerator or the like, and the test cartridge 200 is placed in an environment lower than the constant temperature condition temperature. Even if it is placed, it is understood that the measurement time for the inspection cartridge 200 can be shortened under a constant temperature condition.

(a) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the test | inspection cartridge seen from B direction in (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of Embodiment 1 of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an internal structure of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mechanism accompanying the setting of an inspection cartridge, and drawing-in operation | movement. (a) is a perspective explanatory view showing a configuration of an inspection cartridge used in the embodiment, (b) is a front explanatory view thereof, and (c) is an arrow view seen from the direction C in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the dispensing method of the sample to a test | inspection cartridge. An example of a blood collection tool for collecting blood as a sample is shown, (a) is a state at the time of blood collection, and (b) is an explanatory view showing a state at the time of discharging the collected blood. (a) is front explanatory drawing of a cartridge rack, (b) is the side explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the cartridge drawing-in mechanism used in embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory plan view of FIG. 10. It is side surface explanatory drawing of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drive system of the cartridge drawing-in mechanism used in embodiment. It is side surface explanatory drawing of FIG. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement process of a cartridge drawing-in mechanism, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the position control example of a cartridge drawing-in mechanism. It is an example of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism used in the embodiment, (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the nozzle tip is mounted, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the sample reagent is dispensed, (c) These are explanatory drawings which show the state at the time of combining a perforation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the temperature adjustment mechanism provided in the measurement periphery part of the test | inspection stage used by embodiment, (a) is a whole perspective view in the state in which an auxiliary heating apparatus is located in a retracted position, b) is an arrow view seen from the direction B in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the temperature adjustment mechanism provided in the measurement peripheral part of the test | inspection stage used by embodiment, (a) is a whole perspective view in the state in which an auxiliary heating apparatus is located in a heating position, (b) is the arrow view seen from the B direction in the figure (a). (a) is a perspective explanatory drawing of the thermostat used by embodiment, (b) is the side explanatory drawing. 19A is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along the line AA in FIG. 19B, and FIG. 20B is an explanatory view showing a state in which the reaction cell of the inspection cartridge is set on the measurement stage. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the retraction | saving state of the auxiliary heating apparatus used by embodiment, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the heating state of the auxiliary heating apparatus. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system used in Embodiment 1. FIG. (a)-(d) is explanatory drawing (1) which shows the operation | movement process of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. (a)-(c) is explanatory drawing (2) which shows the operation | movement process of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a bar code reading operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle chip presence / absence confirmation operation process (1) of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle tip presence / absence confirmation operation process (2) of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an air hole opening operation process of the automatic analyzer used in Embodiment 1. FIG. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of the air drilling operation | movement process of FIG. 28, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the advantage of air drilling. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a preheating process, a reagent, and a specimen dispensing operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle tip discharging operation and a measuring operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a test cartridge discharge operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a measuring device used in an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified form of the measuring device used in the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (1) (2) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip disposal system (3) (4) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (5) (6) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip disposal system (7) (8) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (9) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the performance of the automatic analyzer which concerns on an Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cartridge receiving part, 2 ... Cartridge conveyance means, 3 ... Sample reagent dispensing means, 4 ... Measuring means, 5 ... Perforation means, 6 ... Hole, 7 ... Center position, 10 ... Test cartridge, 11 ... Cell, 11a ... Sample cell, 11b ... reagent cell, 11c ... reaction cell, 12 ... chip holding part, 13 ... seal, 15 ... nozzle tip, KT ... inspection stage

Claims (1)

An automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes the reaction between a sample and a reagent,
Sample cell that contains sample, reagent cell that contains reagent, and reaction cell that sample and reagent react with each other, each cell is arranged linearly and all or part of each cell can be perforated An inspection cartridge sealed with a seal;
The inspection cartridge before inspection is carried into the inspection stage, and the inspection cartridge is conveyed in a longitudinal direction along the arrangement direction of each cell of the inspection cartridge that has been carried in, and the inspection cartridge after inspection is unloaded from the inspection stage. Cartridge transport means to perform,
Sample reagent dispensing means for dispensing the sample and reagent of the inspection cartridge into the reaction cell with respect to the inspection cartridge in the inspection stage carried in by the cartridge conveying means, and using a detachable nozzle chip for each of the inspection cartridges When,
A measuring means for measuring the reaction between the specimen and the reagent in the reaction cell dispensed by the specimen reagent dispensing means,
Before the sample / reagent dispensing operation by the sample / reagent dispensing unit is started, a nozzle tip, which is one element of the sample / reagent dispensing unit, is used as a punching tool, and the seal corresponding to the cell used for the test cartridge is used. Drilling means for drilling holes at a plurality of locations across the center position ,
The sample reagent dispensing means inserts a nozzle tip into a seal having a plurality of holes perforated by the perforating means with respect to a use cell when dispensing the sample and reagent of the test cartridge into a reaction cell. An automatic analyzer characterized by crushing the seal .

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