JP5261409B2 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer that agitates and reacts a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent with sound waves.

  Conventionally, in an analyzer that agitates and reacts a mixed liquid of a specimen and a reagent by sound waves, the sound waves are generated by interposing a constant temperature liquid between a sound wave generating means that generates sound waves and a reaction container in which the liquid mixture is accommodated. An analyzer (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that transmits the liquid mixture has been proposed. However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that sound waves are diffused before reaching the reaction container because the sound wave generating means is provided at a position away from the reaction container. In order to solve this problem, a technique (for example, see Patent Documents 2 and 3) in which a sound wave generating means is provided in the vicinity of the reaction vessel has been proposed.

Japanese Patent No. 3168886 JP 2006-90791 A JP 2007-232521 gazette

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, since the sound wave generating means is close to the reaction container, the temperature of the mixed liquid in the reaction container rises from the temperature suitable for the reaction due to heat generated by the sound wave generating means. There was a problem that.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer capable of reducing the heat generated by the sound wave generating means while reducing the diffusion of the sound wave until reaching the reaction vessel. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the analyzer of the present invention holds a reaction container having a liquid storage part in which a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent is stored, In the analyzer that stirs and reacts the mixed liquid, the sound wave generating means that generates the sound wave, and the sound wave generating means are attached to the surface, and the surface of the liquid storage unit faces the vicinity of the sound wave generating means. A reaction container fixing member for fixing the reaction container, a constant temperature liquid storage section for storing the constant temperature liquid in a state where the constant temperature liquid is filled between the sound wave generating means and the liquid storage section, and in the constant temperature liquid storage section A liquid flow generating means for generating a flow of the constant temperature liquid, and a region of the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member to which the sound wave generating means is attached, or the sound wave generating means of the surface of the liquid storage part. At least one region of the face region is characterized in that protrudes toward the other regions.

  Moreover, the analysis apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the reaction container fixing member has positioning means for fixing a relative position between the liquid storage part and the sound wave generation means.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the liquid flow generating means is a liquid circulating means for circulating the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid storage part.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the constant temperature liquid container has a circular outer shape, and the reaction vessel fixing member fixes a plurality of the reaction vessels arranged side by side along a circumference. And a rotating means for rotating the reaction vessel fixing member along a circumferential direction in which the plurality of reaction vessels are arranged, wherein the liquid flow generating means is located at a stirring position in the constant temperature liquid storage unit. A flow in the radial direction of the constant temperature liquid storage part is generated in the constant temperature liquid in the vicinity of the liquid storage part.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the flow amount of the constant temperature liquid by the liquid flow generating means is increased with an increase in intensity of sound waves generated by the sound wave generating means. .

  Moreover, the analysis apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the intensity of the sound wave is set according to an analysis item of the sample.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the liquid flow generating means has a circulation pump, and the flow rate is changed by the circulation pump.

  Moreover, the analysis apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the sound wave generation means includes a substrate made of a piezoelectric body and a vibrator that is provided on the substrate and generates sound waves.

  In the analysis apparatus according to the present invention, in the above invention, the sound wave generation unit includes a substrate made of a piezoelectric body and a first vibrator that is provided on the substrate and generates sound waves, and the liquid The flow generation means is a second vibrator that is provided on the substrate of the sound wave generation means and generates sound waves.

  In the analysis apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the second vibrator is provided in a region on the substrate that does not face the surface of the liquid container in the vicinity.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is the distance between the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member facing each other and the surface of the liquid storage unit in the above invention, wherein one region is the other region. An interval in a direction parallel to the direction protruding toward the surface increases along the flow direction of the constant temperature liquid.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the sound wave generating means is brought close to the liquid storage portion, while the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member in the vicinity of the protruding portion is spaced apart from the surface of the liquid storage portion facing each other. Therefore, even if the sound wave generating means is in the state of being close to the liquid container, the thermostatic liquid can easily flow in the vicinity of the sound wave generating means. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the heat generation by the sound wave generating means while reducing the diffusion of the sound wave until reaching the reaction vessel.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the reaction section shown in FIG. 1 and a flow path of a constant temperature liquid. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid storage tank illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the reaction part shown in FIG. 6 and a flow path of the constant temperature liquid. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid storage tank illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the stirring process of the mixed solution by the analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the reaction unit according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a front view of the reaction unit shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts of a reaction unit according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an analyzer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an analyzer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The analyzer 1 includes a measuring unit 10 that optically measures a sample and a reagent accommodated in a liquid container 21 a of a reaction vessel 21, and a control and measuring unit 10 for the entire analyzer 1 including the measuring unit 10. And a control device 30 for analyzing the measurement results in FIG. The analyzer 1 automatically performs analysis of a plurality of samples by linking the measurement unit 10 and the control device 30.

  The measurement unit 10 includes a sample supply unit 11, a sample dispensing unit 12, an analysis optical system 13, a cleaning unit 14, a reagent table 15, a reagent dispensing unit 16, and a reaction unit 20.

  The sample supply unit 11 stores a plurality of racks 11b holding sample containers 11a in which samples are stored, and sequentially transfers them to a sample dispensing position.

  The sample dispensing unit 12 sucks the sample from the sample container 11a transferred to the sample dispensing position of the sample supply unit 11, and puts the sample in the liquid storage unit 21a transferred to the sample discharge position on the reaction unit 20. Exhale and dispense.

  The analysis optical system 13 irradiates the liquid storage unit 21a transferred to a predetermined measurement position with measurement light, splits the light transmitted through the liquid mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the liquid storage unit 21a, and outputs each wavelength light. By measuring the intensity, the absorbance at a wavelength peculiar to the mixed solution of the specimen and the reagent is measured.

  The cleaning unit 14 uses a nozzle (not shown) to suck out and discharge the mixed liquid in the liquid storage unit 21a that has been measured by the analysis optical system 13, and to inject and suck cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. I do.

  The reagent table 15 has a wheel 15a. The wheel 15a holds the plurality of reagent containers 15b and rotates the reagent containers 15b along the circumferential direction by rotating by a driving mechanism (not shown).

  The reagent dispensing unit 16 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 15b transferred to a predetermined position on the reagent table 15, and discharges the reagent to the liquid storage unit 21a transferred to the predetermined position on the reaction unit 20. Do dispensing.

  The reaction unit 20 holds a reaction container 21 having a liquid storage unit 21a in which a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent is stored, and agitates and reacts the mixed solution in the liquid storage unit 21a with sound waves. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the reaction section shown in FIG. 1 and a flow path of a constant temperature liquid. As shown in FIG. 2, the reaction unit 20 includes a reaction vessel 21, a reaction vessel holding mechanism 22, a constant temperature liquid storage tank 23, and a constant temperature liquid circulation unit 25.

  The upper surface of the reaction vessel 21 has a shape in which an annular shape is divided along the circumferential direction, and has a plurality of liquid storage portions 21 a arranged along the outer periphery near the outer edge. The liquid storage portion 21a has a hollow quadrangular prism shape with an opening formed at the top by a side wall and a bottom wall. The liquid container 21a is made of a material that transmits analysis light, for example, glass including heat-resistant glass, synthetic resin such as cyclic olefin or polystyrene.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reaction container holding mechanism 22 includes a sound wave generating member 24 that generates sound waves, a reaction container fixing member 22a, and a drive mechanism 22g as sound wave generating means. The reaction vessel fixing member 22a arranges and fixes the plurality of reaction vessels 21 along the circumferential direction. The reaction vessel fixing member 22a has a sound wave generating member 24 attached to the surface thereof, and fixes the reaction vessel 21 in the vicinity of the sound wave generating member 24 with the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a facing each other. The reaction vessel fixing member 22a has a protruding portion 22b and a position fixing portion 22c.

  The protruding portion 22b is a portion where the region A to which the sound wave generating member 24 is attached on the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 22a protrudes toward the region B facing the sound wave generating member 24 on the surface of the liquid storage portion 21a.

  The position fixing portion 22c fixes the relative position between the liquid storage portion 21a and the sound wave generating member 24 as positioning means. The position fixing portion 22c is formed with a lower fixing portion 22d that fixes and supports the four corners of the lower portion of the liquid storage portion 21a, and screw holes for fixing the upper portion of the reaction vessel 21 with fixing members 22f such as screws. It has an upper fixing part 22e. The reaction vessel 21 is fixedly disposed on the reaction vessel fixing member 22a by the lower fixing portion 22d and the upper fixing portion 22e, so that the sound wave generating member 24 is positioned at a substantially central position on the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a. It is fixed to the fixing member 22a.

  The drive mechanism 22g has the motor M as a drive source, and rotates the reaction vessel fixing member 22a as a rotation means along the circumferential direction in which the plurality of reaction vessels 21 are arranged. The reaction container holding mechanism 22 moves the liquid container 21a in the circumferential direction by rotating the reaction container fixing member 22a in the circumferential direction by the drive mechanism 22g.

  For example, the sound wave generating member 24 is supplied with electric power by a slip ring (not shown) to generate sound waves. The sound wave generating member 24 includes a substrate 24a made of a piezoelectric body, and a vibrator 24b that is provided on the substrate 24a and generates sound waves. The sound wave generating member 24 is, for example, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) element that uses a comb electrode (IDT) as the vibrator 24b.

  The constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 stores the constant temperature liquid L in a state where the constant temperature liquid L is filled between the sound wave generating member 24 and the liquid storage part 21a as a constant temperature liquid storage part. The constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 has a circular outer shape, a cross section cut along the radial direction from the center of the circle has a concave shape, and the upper portion is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown).

  The constant temperature liquid circulation unit 25 circulates a constant temperature liquid in the circumferential direction in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 as a liquid circulation means. That is, the constant temperature liquid circulation unit 25 generates a constant temperature liquid flow in the circumferential direction in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 as a liquid flow generating means. The constant temperature liquid circulation unit 25 includes a circulation channel 25a, a circulation pump P, and a temperature controller H.

  The circulation channel 25 a is a constant temperature liquid channel formed by piping such as a pipe and connecting both ends of the piping to the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23. The circulation channel 25a has a supply port 25b and a discharge port 25c. The supply port 25 b is an opening at an end that penetrates the side wall of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 and faces the pipe axis in the circumferential direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23. The discharge port 25c is an opening at an end that penetrates the side wall of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 and faces the pipe in the circumferential direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 and in the direction opposite to the supply port 25b. Circulation pump P and temperature controller H are provided in the middle of circulation channel 25a. The temperature controller H adjusts the temperature of the constant temperature liquid passing through the circulation flow path 25a to a predetermined temperature. A plurality of supply ports 25 b and discharge ports 25 c may be provided along the circumferential direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23.

  The constant temperature liquid L is supplied from the supply port 25b into the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 in the circumferential direction, then flows in the tank in the circumferential direction, and from the discharge port 25c to the circulation channel 25a outside the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23. After being discharged and adjusted in temperature when passing through the circulation flow path 25a, it is supplied again from the supply port 25b into the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23.

  Although the sound wave generating member 24 attached to the protruding portion 22b and the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a are close to each other, the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 22a near the protruding portion 22b is spaced from the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a facing each other. Therefore, a sufficient flow path for the constant temperature liquid to flow is secured. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, the flow F of the constant temperature liquid L flowing in the circumferential direction in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 can be maintained in the vicinity of the sound wave generating member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 30 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, and a storage unit 34. Each unit in the measurement unit 10 and the control device 30 is connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 is realized by a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The control unit 31 obtains the concentration of the detection target in the sample based on the measurement result measured by the analysis optical system 13, and performs component analysis of the sample.

  The input unit 32 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and can input various types of information related to analysis of sample analysis items and the like. The display unit 33 is realized by a display panel, a printer, or the like, and outputs various types of information such as sample analysis data and alarms. The storage unit 34 includes a hard disk that magnetically stores information, and a memory that electrically reads various programs related to this process from the hard disk when the analyzer 1 executes the process. The storage unit 34 stores analysis data of the sample including the absorbance and the like that have been processed.

  In the analyzer 1, the reagent dispensing unit 16 dispenses a reagent from the reagent container 15 b to the liquid containing unit 21 a with respect to the plurality of liquid containing units 21 a that are sequentially transferred, and the sample dispensing unit 12 uses the sample. A predetermined amount of specimen is dispensed from the container 11a into the liquid storage portion 21a. Subsequently, the liquid mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the liquid storage unit 21 a is stirred and reacted at the stirring position in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23 by the sound wave generated from the sound wave generation member 24, and then the analysis optical system 13. Measure the absorbance of the mixture. And the control part 31 analyzes a measurement result and performs a component analysis etc. of a sample automatically. In addition, the cleaning unit 14 cleans and dries the liquid storage unit 21a that has been measured by the analysis optical system 13, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  In the first embodiment, the bottom surface of the liquid container 21a is fixed to the reaction container fixing member 22a so as to face the sound wave generating member 24 attached to the protrusion 22b of the reaction container fixing member 22a, and the reaction in the vicinity of the protrusion 22b is performed. Since the surface of the container fixing member 22a is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a facing each other, even if the sound wave generation member 24 is in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a, In the vicinity of the member 24, the constant temperature liquid easily flows. For this reason, the heat generation by the sound wave generating member 24 can be reduced while reducing the diffusion of the sound wave until reaching the reaction vessel 21.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the reaction unit 35 according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the reaction part 35 has protrusions 35b protruding from the four corners of the bottom surface of the liquid storage part 35a. On the other hand, the reaction vessel fixing member 35c has a recess 35d that engages with the protrusion 35b. The projecting portion 35b and the recessed portion 35d serve as positioning means, and fix the relative position between the liquid storage portion 35a and the sound wave generating member 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the reaction unit 36 may be provided with recesses 36b at the four corners of the bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 36a, and protrusions 36d that engage with the recesses 36b may be provided on the reaction vessel fixing member 36c. .

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analyzer 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the analyzer 2 of the second embodiment, the flow of the constant temperature liquid is generated in the radial direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 when the liquid storage portion 21a is transferred to the stirring position.

  The analyzer 2 includes a measuring unit 70 that optically measures the reaction between the sample and the reagent, and a control device 60 that controls the entire analyzer 2 including the measuring unit 70 and analyzes the measurement result in the measuring unit 70. . The measurement unit 70 includes a reaction unit 40 instead of the reaction unit 20, and the control device 60 includes a control unit 61 instead of the control unit 31. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the reaction unit 40 includes a reaction container holding mechanism 42, a constant temperature liquid storage tank 41, and a constant temperature liquid circulation unit 50. The reaction container holding mechanism 42 includes a drive mechanism 22g and a reaction container fixing member 42a. The reaction vessel fixing member 42a is formed by forming a passage port 42b through which the constant temperature liquid L can pass in the radial direction in the reaction vessel fixing member 22a.

  The constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 stores the constant temperature liquid L in a state where the constant temperature liquid L is filled between the sound wave generating member 24 and the liquid storage part 21a as a constant temperature liquid storage part. The constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 has a circular outer shape, a cross section cut in the radial direction from the center of the circle has a concave shape, and the upper portion is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown).

  The constant temperature liquid circulation unit 50 includes a circulation channel 51, a circulation pump P, and a temperature controller H. The circulation flow path 51 is a constant temperature liquid flow path formed by piping such as a pipe and connecting the end of the piping to the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41. The circulation channel 51 has a first channel 52 and a second channel 53.

  The first flow path 52 is a flow path to which the first discharge side flow path 52a, the common flow path 51a, and the first supply side flow path 52b are connected. The 1st discharge side flow path 52a is a flow path connected to the discharge side switching valve 54a from the discharge port 25c. The common flow path 51a is a flow path connecting the discharge side switching valve 54a to the supply side switching valve 54b, and a circulation pump P and a temperature controller H are provided in the middle of the flow path. The first supply side channel 52b is a channel from the supply side switching valve 54b to the supply port 25b.

  The second channel 53 is a channel to which the second discharge side channel 53a, the common channel 51a, and the second supply side channel 53b are connected. The 2nd discharge side channel 53a is a channel connected to discharge side change-over valve 54a from radial direction discharge port 52f. The second supply side flow path 53b is a flow path connected to the radial direction supply port 52g from the supply side switching valve 54b. Here, the radial direction supply port 52 g is an opening at an end portion that penetrates the side wall of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 and has the pipe axis directed in the radial direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41. The radial discharge port 52f is an opening at an end that penetrates the side wall of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41, faces the radial axis of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41, and faces the radial supply port 52g.

  The circulation channel 51 can be switched to the first channel 52 or the second channel 53 by the discharge side switching valve 54a and the supply side switching valve 54b. The first flow path 52 is the same flow path as the circulation flow path 25a of the first embodiment, and generates a constant temperature liquid flow in the circumferential direction in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the second flow channel 53 generates a constant temperature liquid flow F in the radial direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41.

  Although the sound wave generating member 24 attached to the protruding portion 22b and the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a are close to each other, the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 22a near the protruding portion 22b is spaced from the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a facing each other. Therefore, a sufficient flow path for the constant temperature liquid to flow is secured. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow F of the constant temperature liquid L flowing in the radial direction in the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 can be maintained in the vicinity of the sound wave generating member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 61 includes a flow path switching unit 61a and a flow rate changing unit 61b. The flow path switching unit 61a determines whether or not the liquid container 21a containing the mixed liquid has been transferred to the stirring position by transferring the reaction vessel 21, and the liquid container 21a has been transferred to the stirring position. In this case, the flow path is switched from the first flow path 52 to the second flow path 53. Further, the flow path switching unit 61a returns the flow path from the second flow path 53 to the first flow path 52 when the stirring process of the mixed liquid at the stirring position is completed.

  The flow rate changing unit 61 b increases the flow amount of the constant temperature liquid by the constant temperature liquid circulation unit 50 as the intensity of the sound wave generated by the sound wave generating member 24 increases. More specifically, the flow rate of the circulation pump P is increased as the sound wave intensity increases. Here, the intensity of the sound wave is set for each analysis item, for example. Information that associates the intensity of the sound wave with the flow rate of the circulation pump P is stored in the storage unit 34 in advance.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the process sequence of the liquid mixture stirring process by the analyzer 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the stirring process of the mixed solution by the analyzer 2 shown in FIG. First, the flow path switching unit 61a determines whether or not the liquid storage unit 21a storing the mixed liquid has been transferred to the stirring position (step S101). When the liquid storage unit 21a is transferred to the stirring position (step S101, Yes), the flow path switching unit 61a stops the circulation pump P (step S102). Thereafter, the flow path switching unit 61a switches the flow path from the first flow path 52 to the second flow path 53 by the discharge side switching valve 54a and the supply side switching valve 54b (step S103).

  Thereafter, the flow rate changing unit 61b changes the flow rate of the circulation pump P to a flow rate corresponding to the intensity of the sound wave set for each analysis item (step S104). Thereafter, the flow rate changing unit 61b operates the circulation pump P (step S105). Thereafter, the sound wave generation member 24 generates sound waves and starts stirring the mixed liquid (step S106). Thereafter, the control unit 61 determines whether or not the stirring of the mixed solution is finished (step S107).

  When the stirring of the mixed liquid is completed (step S107, Yes), the flow path switching unit 61a stops the circulation pump P (step S108). Thereafter, the flow path switching unit 61a returns the flow path from the second flow path 53 to the first flow path 52 by the discharge side switching valve 54a and the supply side switching valve 54b (step S109). Thereafter, the flow rate changing unit 61b returns the flow rate of the circulation pump P to the level before the change (step S110), and operates the circulation pump P (step S111). Thereafter, the control unit 61 determines whether or not stirring of all the mixed liquids has been completed (step S112). When the stirring of all the mixed liquids is finished (Step S112, Yes), the control unit 61 finishes this process.

  When the liquid storage unit 21a is not transferred to the stirring position (No at Step S101), the flow path switching unit 61a repeats the process at Step S101. Further, when the stirring of the mixed liquid is not finished (No at Step S107), the control unit 61 repeats the process at Step S107. If the stirring of all the mixed liquids has not been completed (No at Step S112), the control unit 61 proceeds to Step S101 and repeats the above-described processing.

  In the present second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained, and as the intensity of the sound wave that changes the intensity for each analysis item is larger, the constant temperature liquid that flows below the liquid storage portion 21a transferred to the stirring position. Therefore, the heat generation by the sound wave generating member 24 can be reduced more strictly.

  In the second embodiment, the constant-temperature liquid circulation unit 50 exemplifies the one that generates the flow of the constant-temperature liquid in the radial direction of the constant-temperature liquid storage tank 41. It is only necessary that a constant temperature liquid flow can be generated at the stirring position. For example, a constant temperature liquid flow may be generated in an oblique direction with respect to the radial direction.

  Next, Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the reaction unit 80 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The reaction unit 80 is configured to generate a constant-temperature liquid flow below the liquid storage unit 21a by sound waves generated by the sound wave generation member 26 attached to the reaction vessel fixing member 80a. As shown in FIG. 10, the sound wave generating member 26 includes a vibrator 26 b as a first vibrator made of a comb-shaped electrode and a vibrator 26 c as a second vibrator spaced apart from each other on a substrate 26 a made of a piezoelectric material. Opened. The vibrator 26b is provided at a position facing the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a, and agitates the mixed liquid S by sound waves generated in the bottom surface direction D1 of the liquid storage portion 21a. The vibrator 26c is provided in a region on the substrate 26a that does not face the bottom surface of the liquid container 21a in the vicinity, and generates sound waves in a direction D2 that is shifted from the bottom surface of the liquid container 21a. For this reason, the flow F of the constant temperature liquid L is generated toward the position p shifted from the lower side to the outer side of the liquid storage portion 21a.

  Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of a reaction unit 81 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The reaction unit 81 is a dry type that prevents the constant temperature liquid from contacting the reaction vessel 21 as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 11, the reaction unit 81 includes a reaction vessel 21, a reaction vessel holding mechanism 81a, a constant temperature bath 23a, and a constant temperature liquid circulation unit 82. The reaction container holding mechanism 81a is equipped with a sound wave generating member 24 that generates sound waves, and the sound wave generating member 24, and a reaction container that fixes the reaction container 21 with the bottom surface of the liquid container 21a facing each other in the vicinity of the sound wave generating member 24. It has a fixing member 81b and a drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the reaction vessel fixing member 81b in the circumferential direction.

  The reaction container fixing member 81b has a constant temperature liquid storage part 81c for storing the constant temperature liquid L in a state where the constant temperature liquid L is filled between the sound wave generating member 24 and the liquid storage part 21a. The constant temperature liquid storage part 81c is liquid-tight by covering the upper part with a sealing material 81d. The constant temperature liquid storage part 81c has connection parts 81e and 81f on the side part and on the lower part. When the joint part 83a mentioned later connects, the connection part 81e enables supply of the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid accommodating part 81c. Moreover, the connection part 81f enables discharge of the constant temperature liquid outside the constant temperature liquid storage part 81c when the joint part 83b described later is connected. The constant temperature bath 23a, like the constant temperature liquid storage tank 23, has a circular outer shape, a cross section cut along the radial direction from the center of the circle has a concave shape, and the upper portion is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown). .

  The constant temperature liquid circulation unit 82 circulates the constant temperature liquid L in the constant temperature liquid storage unit 81c as a liquid circulation means. That is, the constant-temperature liquid circulation unit 82 generates a flow F of the constant-temperature liquid L in the constant-temperature liquid storage unit 81c as a liquid flow generation unit. The constant temperature liquid circulation unit 82 includes a circulation channel 82 a, a circulation pump P, and a temperature controller H. The circulation flow path 82a is a flow path of the constant temperature liquid L formed by being connected to the connection portions 81e and 81f by piping such as pipes. The circulation channel 82a has joint portions 83a and 83b. When the joint portions 83a and 83b and the liquid storage portion 21a are transferred to the agitation position, the joint portions 83a and 83b are driven by a driving portion (not shown) to extend and connect the connecting portions 81e and 81f with pipes. By this connection, the circulation channel 82a for circulating the constant temperature liquid L is formed in the constant temperature liquid storage part 81c, so that the flow F of the constant temperature liquid L can be generated in the constant temperature liquid storage part 81c.

  Next, Modification 3 of Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of relevant parts of the reaction unit 84 according to Modification 3 of Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a front view of the reaction unit 84 shown in FIG. The reaction portion 84 includes a protruding portion 85b in which the region B1 facing the sound wave generating member 24 in the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 85a protrudes toward the region A1 to which the sound wave generating member 24 is attached in the surface of the reaction container fixing member 86. Have. In this case, since the surface of the liquid container 85a in the vicinity of the projecting portion 85b is set to have a large distance from the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 86 facing each other, a sufficient flow path for the constant temperature liquid to flow is secured. Yes. For this reason, the constant temperature liquid easily flows in the vicinity of the sound wave generating member 24. It should be noted that both the region of the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 86 where the sound wave generating member 24 is attached and the region of the surface of the liquid storage portion 85a facing the sound wave generating member 24 protrude toward the other region. May be.

  Next, a fourth modification of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of a reaction unit 93 according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, in the modified example 4, the distance between the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member 93b facing each other and the surface of the liquid storage portion 93a is such that one region protrudes toward the other region. The interval in the direction parallel to the direction in which the liquid is present increases along the flow direction of the constant temperature liquid L. As shown in FIG. 14, the reaction unit 93 has an inclined bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 93 a that faces the reaction vessel fixing member 93 b. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the reaction part 94, the surface of the reaction container fixing member 94b facing the bottom surface of the liquid storage part 94a may be formed obliquely. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, in the reaction unit 95, the surfaces of the liquid storage unit 95a and the reaction container fixing member 95b facing each other may be formed obliquely. In addition, although the thing where the flow of the constant temperature liquid L was the radial direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 was illustrated, it is not restricted to this, The flow of the constant temperature liquid L is the circumferential direction of the constant temperature liquid storage tank 41 similarly to Embodiment 1. It may be.

  In the first and second embodiments, the reaction vessel 21 has a shape in which the upper surface is formed by dividing an annular ring in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of liquid storage portions 21a arranged along the outer periphery in the vicinity of the outer edge. The liquid storage portion 21a is illustrated as having a hollow quadrangular prism shape with an opening formed at the top by a side wall and a bottom wall. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid storage portion 21a has at least one liquid storage portion and is mixed. It is sufficient if the liquid can be accommodated. For example, a hollow cylindrical reaction vessel having an opening formed at the top by a side wall and a bottom wall may be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the sound wave generating member 24 is provided at a position facing the bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 21a is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the position at the position facing the surface of the side wall of the liquid storage portion 21a. A sound wave generating member 24 may be provided.

  In the first and second embodiments, the acoustic wave generating member 24 is exemplified by using a surface acoustic wave (SAW) element. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the acoustic wave generating member 24 may be one that generates a sound wave. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Analyzer 10,70 Measuring part 11 Specimen supply part 11a Specimen container 11b Rack 12 Specimen dispensing part 13 Analytical optical system 14 Washing part 15 Reagent table 16 Reagent dispensing part 20, 35, 36, 40, 80, 81 , 84, 93, 94, 95 Reaction unit 23, 41 Constant temperature liquid storage tank 21, 85 Reaction vessel 21a, 35a, 36a, 85a, 93a, 94a, 95a Liquid storage unit 22, 42, 81a Reaction vessel holding mechanism 22a, 35c , 36c, 42a, 80a Reaction vessel fixing member 81b, 86, 93b, 94b, 95b Reaction vessel fixing member 22b, 85b Protruding portion 22c Position fixing portion 22d Lower fixing portion 22e Upper fixing portion 22f Fixing member 22g Drive mechanism 23a Constant temperature bath 24 , 26 Sound wave generating member 24a, 26a Substrate 24b, 26b, 26c Vibrator 25, 5 , 82 Constant temperature liquid circulation part 25a, 51, 82a Circulation flow path 25b Supply port 25c Discharge port 30, 60 Control device 31, 61 Control part 32 Input part 33 Display part 34 Storage part 35d, 36b Recessed part 35b, 36d Protrusion part 42b Passing Port 51a Common flow channel 52 First flow channel 52a First discharge side flow channel 52b First supply side flow channel 52f Radial discharge port 52g Radial supply port 53 Second flow channel 53a Second discharge side flow channel 53b Second supply Side flow path 54a Discharge side switching valve 54b Supply side switching valve 61a Flow path switching section 61b Flow rate changing section 81c Constant temperature liquid storage section 81d Sealing material 81e, 81f Connection section 83a, 83b Joint section 36d Projection section A, B area D1, D2 Traveling direction F Flow L Constant temperature liquid S Mixed liquid

Claims (11)

In an analyzer for holding a reaction container having a liquid container in which a mixed liquid of a specimen and a reagent is stored, and stirring and reacting the mixed liquid in the liquid container by sound waves,
Sound wave generating means for generating the sound wave;
The sound wave generating means is attached to the surface, and a reaction container fixing member that fixes the reaction container with the surface of the liquid container facing each other in the vicinity of the sound wave generating means,
A thermostatic liquid storage section for storing the thermostatic liquid in a state where the thermostatic liquid is filled between the sound wave generating means and the liquid storage section;
Liquid flow generating means for generating a flow of the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid storage unit,
Of the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member, at least one of the region to which the sound wave generating unit is attached or the region of the surface of the liquid container facing the sound wave generating unit protrudes toward the other region. An analysis device characterized by.   The analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction container fixing member includes a positioning unit that fixes a relative position between the liquid storage unit and the sound wave generation unit.   The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid flow generation means is a liquid circulation means for circulating the constant temperature liquid in the constant temperature liquid storage unit. The constant temperature liquid container has a circular outer shape,
The reaction vessel fixing member fixes a plurality of the reaction vessels side by side along the circumference,
Rotating means for rotating the reaction vessel fixing member along a circumferential direction in which a plurality of the reaction vessels are arranged,
2. The liquid flow generating means generates a radial flow of the constant temperature liquid storage part in the constant temperature liquid near the liquid storage part located at a stirring position in the constant temperature liquid storage part. The analyzer as described in any one of -3.   The analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the flow amount of the constant temperature liquid by the liquid flow generation means is increased with an increase in intensity of sound waves generated by the sound wave generation means.   The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the intensity of the sound wave is set according to an analysis item of the specimen.   The analyzer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the liquid flow generating means includes a circulation pump, and the flow amount is changed by the circulation pump.   The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sound wave generation unit includes a substrate made of a piezoelectric body and a vibrator that is provided on the substrate and generates sound waves. The sound wave generating means includes a substrate made of a piezoelectric body and a first vibrator that is provided on the substrate and generates sound waves,
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow generation unit is a second vibrator that is provided on the substrate of the sound wave generation unit and generates a sound wave.   The analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the second vibrator is provided in a region on the substrate that does not face the surface of the liquid container in the vicinity.   The distance between the surface of the reaction vessel fixing member facing each other and the surface of the liquid container, and the distance in the direction parallel to the direction in which one of the regions protrudes toward the other region, The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer increases along the flow direction of the constant temperature liquid.

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