JP6351950B2 - Automatic analyzer and dispenser - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer and a dispensing device.

  A conventional automatic analyzer is for dispensing a test sample such as blood or urine and a reagent into a reaction container to generate a mixed solution, and analyzing the generated mixed solution. Hereinafter, the test sample and the reagent may be referred to as “sample or the like”. Further, the test sample, the reagent, and the mixed solution may be referred to as “liquid”. Furthermore, the sample container and the reagent container in which the test sample and the reagent are put may be simply referred to as “container”.

  A nozzle and a pump are used in the liquid dispensing process. First, after moving the nozzle to the position of the container containing the liquid, the nozzle is lowered and immersed in the liquid, a predetermined amount of liquid is sucked by a pump connected to the nozzle, the nozzle is raised, and then the nozzle Is moved to the position of the reaction vessel, and the sucked liquid is discharged into the reaction vessel by a pump.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for dispensing into a reaction container, a separate dispensing method has been used in which a certain distance from the bottom of the reaction container is discharged. Dispensing by this separated dispensing method can reduce the amount of movement of the nozzle and can shorten the time in the dispensing process.

  When dispensing by this separated dispensing method, if the discharge speed is slow, the liquid from the one end of the nozzle that discharges the liquid becomes poor, and a part of the discharged liquid remains on the outer surface of the one end. This may reduce the dispensing accuracy. For this reason, the liquid is discharged at a predetermined high speed.

  However, in the remote dispensing method, when the liquid is discharged at a high speed into the reaction container in which the sample is dispensed, the discharged liquid collides with the liquid in the reaction container, and a part of the sample is caused by the momentum of the collision. There is a problem that the analysis data deteriorates due to scattering to a position not involved in the measurement in the reaction container or out of the reaction container.

  Further, when a large amount of liquid is dispensed into the reaction container, bubbles may be generated due to collision between the liquid discharged from the nozzle and the liquid in the reaction container. For example, if the liquid discharged from the nozzle is the reagent and the liquid in the reaction vessel is the test sample, this bubble will adversely affect the mixing of the reagent and the test sample, or the bubbles may stay in the liquid mixture. As a result, there is a problem that analysis data deteriorates due to adverse effects on the measurement accuracy in the photometry unit.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the end of the nozzle on the opening side is bent to be inclined, and one end of the nozzle having the opening is brought close to the inner surface other than the bottom surface in the reaction vessel to discharge from the opening. There has been proposed an automatic analyzer in which a liquid that has been applied flows along a side surface (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-191216 A JP-A-8-101205

  However, in the conventional technique that bends the end of the nozzle on the opening side, the vertical control of inserting the nozzle into the reaction vessel in order to bring one end of the nozzle having the opening close to the inner surface other than the bottom surface in the reaction vessel Is required. This control has a problem that the time required for the dispensing process is increased as compared with the conventional separation dispensing method.

  This embodiment solves the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer that can improve the accuracy of analysis data.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment discharges liquid by a dispensing probe having a discharge portion at a predetermined distance in the vertical upward direction with respect to the opening of the reaction container into which the sample is dispensed. An automatic analyzer for preparing a mixed solution and analyzing the mixed solution, wherein the reaction vessel is formed in a cylindrical shape and is held in the holding portion so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, thereby being dispensed. The inner surface located directly below the discharge part of the probe is provided with an inclined surface, and the dispensing probe allows liquid to flow vertically downward from the discharge part located vertically above the opening of the reaction container. And a moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a predetermined discharge position. The predetermined discharge position is a position where the liquid level when the liquid is dispensed into the reaction container is expected to contact the inclined surface.

It is the block diagram which showed the whole structure of the automatic analyzer of 1st Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the detail of the structure of the analysis part of the automatic analyzer of 1st Embodiment. It is the side view which showed an example with which the reaction container is hold | maintained at the reaction disk. It is the side view which showed another example with which the reaction container is hold | maintained at the reaction disk. It is the top view which showed an example of the reaction container rack. FIG. 3C is a vertical sectional view of the reaction vessel rack shown in FIG. 3C taken along line A-A ′. It is the side view and top view which show the positional relationship of a 1st reagent dispensing probe and reaction container. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a small amount of reagent is supplied to the reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a small amount of reagent is supplied to the reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a lot of reagents are supplied to a reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a lot of reagents are supplied to a reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the washing | cleaning mechanism which wash | cleans the inclined reaction container. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the washing | cleaning mechanism which wash | cleans the inclined reaction container. It is sectional drawing which showed the dry cell inserted in the reaction container. It is the flowchart which showed the flow until it discharges a reagent to the reaction container. It is the side view and top view which showed the structure of the reaction container used in the Example. It is the side view and top view which showed a mode that the reagent was discharged in the Example. It is sectional drawing which showed an example with which the reaction container is hold | maintained at the reaction disk in the automatic analyzer of 2nd Embodiment. It is the side view which showed the discharge position when the reaction container was hold | maintained perpendicularly to the main surface of the reaction disk. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a reagent is supplied to reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. It is the side view and top view which showed the case where a reagent is supplied to reaction container by discharge from a discharge part. In the automatic analyzer of 3rd Embodiment, it is a fragmentary sectional view which shows an example of the reaction container hold | maintained at the reaction disk. In the automatic analyzer of 3rd Embodiment, it is a fragmentary sectional view which shows an example of the reaction container hold | maintained at the reaction disk. In the automatic analyzer of 3rd Embodiment, it is a fragmentary sectional view which shows another example of the reaction container hold | maintained at the support part. In the automatic analyzer of 3rd Embodiment, it is a fragmentary sectional view which shows another example of the reaction container hold | maintained at the support part.

<First Embodiment>
[Automatic analyzer]
An embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Overall configuration of automatic analyzer]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 measures a standard solution by measuring a mixed solution of a standard sample of each inspection item, a sample such as a test sample collected from the subject, and a reagent used for analysis of each inspection item. An analysis unit 24 that generates data and test data, and an analysis control unit 25 that drives and controls each analysis unit related to the measurement of the analysis unit 24 are provided.

  The automatic analyzer 100 also processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 24 to generate calibration data and analysis data, and the calibration data generated by the data processing unit 30. The output unit 40 that prints out, displays, and outputs the analysis data, the operation unit 50 that inputs various command signals, the analysis control unit 25, the data processing unit 30, and the output unit 40 are controlled in an integrated manner. And a system control unit 60.

[Analysis Department]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of the configuration of the analysis unit 24.

[Configuration of analysis unit]
As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis unit 24 includes a sample container 17 that stores a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample, and a sample disk 5 that holds the sample container 17. In addition, a reagent container 6 containing a first reagent and a two-reagent system first reagent containing a component that reacts with a component of a test item included in the sample, a reagent container 1 for storing the reagent container 6, and a reagent container 1 And a reagent rack 1a for rotatably holding the reagent container 6 stored therein.

  The analysis unit 24 also includes a reagent container 7 that stores a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system, a reagent container 2 that stores the reagent container 7, and a reagent container 7 that is stored in the reagent container 2. And a reagent rack 2a for rotatably holding the container. In addition, a plurality of reaction vessels 3 provided on the circumference and a reaction disk 4 which is a holding portion for holding the reaction vessel 3 are provided. The reaction disk 4 has at least a circular outer peripheral portion, and a plurality of reaction vessels 3 are held at regular intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The analysis unit 24 sucks the sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 and dispenses it into the reaction container 3, and the sample dispensing probe 16 supplies the sample to the sample dispensing probe 16. A sample dispensing pump 16a that performs suction and discharge and a sample dispensing arm 10 that holds the sample dispensing probe 16 in a movable manner are provided. Further, a sample detector 16b that detects the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 by contact between the liquid level and the sample dispensing probe 16, and a washing tank that cleans the sample dispensing probe 16. 70.

  Here, in the analysis unit 24, a section that handles the first reagent is described as a first section, and a section that handles the second reagent is described as a second section.

[First section]
The first section sucks the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a, and discharges the first reagent into the reaction container 3. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 for dispensing, and the first reagent dispensing A first reagent dispensing pump 14a that causes the dispensing probe 14 to aspirate and discharge the first reagent, and a first reagent dispensing arm 8 that holds the first reagent dispensing probe 14 movably are provided. For example, a sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 3.

  Dispensing into the reaction container 3 by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is performed at a dispensing position, for example. In addition, a first reagent detector 14b that detects the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a by contacting the liquid level with the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and a first reagent And a washing tank 80 for washing the dispensing probe 14.

  In addition, a first stirrer 18 that stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 3, a first stirrer arm 20 that holds the first stirrer 18 movably, and a first stirrer And a washing tank 18 a for washing 18.

(First reagent dispensing probe)
The first reagent dispensing probe 14 is a straight tube and has, for example, an elongated shape with a flow path that penetrates both ends as shown in FIG. A discharge portion 14d, which is an opening for discharging the reagent, is provided at the lower end of the both end portions. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 is provided in the vertically downward direction so that the discharge portion 14d faces. The discharge part 14d and the opening part 3b of the reaction vessel 3 are provided at a constant interval.

  A tube is provided at the upper end of the both ends, and the first reagent dispensing probe 14 communicates with the first reagent dispensing pump 14a via this tube. In the flow path and the tube, a pressure transmission medium such as pure water for transmitting the pressure generated by the suction and discharge operations from the first reagent dispensing pump 14a is held. Then, the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a is sucked by the suction operation of the first reagent dispensing pump 14a. Further, the aspirated first reagent is discharged by the discharge operation of the first reagent dispensing pump 14a.

  The shape of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 has a cylindrical shape with a flow path penetrating both ends. Examples of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 include a circular nozzle having a cylindrical shape as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular nozzle having a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the like. When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is a circular nozzle, the first reagent is discharged in the form of an axially symmetric jet from the circular discharge portion 14d. On the other hand, in the case of a rectangular nozzle, the first reagent is discharged in the form of a two-dimensional jet from the rectangular discharge portion 14d.

  For example, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction under the control of the control unit 27. The reaction disk 4 is configured to be horizontally rotatable. As the reaction disk 4 or the first reagent dispensing probe 14 or both move, the discharge portion 14d sequentially passes above the openings 3b of the one or more reaction vessels 3. The trajectory of this passage is, for example, a curve that sequentially passes through an inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction vessel 3 described later.

[Reaction vessel]
The reaction container 3 is a container for storing a liquid such as a reagent dispensed from a dispensing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4, the reaction vessel 3 has a storage portion 3e for storing a liquid or the like, and the mixed solution is obtained by mixing the sample previously stored in the storage portion 3e with the dispensed reagent. Prepared.

(Form of reaction vessel)
As shown in FIG. 4, the reaction vessel 3 is a straight tube with one end closed, and is made of a transparent material. The shape of the reaction vessel 3 is a straight cylinder shape having an opening 3b on one side and a bottom 3f closed on the other side. Examples of the shape of the reaction vessel 3 include a cylindrical shape, a rectangular tube shape, and a combination thereof. Examples of the rectangular tube shape include a triangular tube shape, a rectangular tube shape (a square tube shape, a rectangular tube shape, and the like). Further, the shape of the bottom 3f is preferably, for example, a shape having a predetermined curvature, for example, a partial spherical shape or a partial cylindrical shape. Moreover, a conventionally well-known thing can be suitably selected as a transparent material, such as a transparent resin material and a transparent inorganic material. The first reagent is discharged from the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and the like into the opening 3b, and the discharged first reagent is accumulated in the storage portion 3e through the opening 3b.

(Reaction container holding form)
The reaction vessel 3 is held on the reaction disk 4 so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the reaction vessel 3 is held inclined in the following direction.

  3A and 3B are side views showing an example in which the reaction vessel 3 is held on the reaction disk 4. FIG. 3A shows a case where the reaction container 3 is provided in a form protruding from the upper surface of the reaction disk 4, and FIG. 3B shows a case where the reaction container 3 is provided in a form not discharged from the upper surface of the reaction disk 4. FIG. 3C shows a case where the reaction vessel 3 is held by the reaction vessel rack 4 </ b> A, and the reaction vessel rack 4 </ b> A holding the reaction vessel 3 is held by the reaction disk 4.

  3A and 3B indicate the outer shape of the reaction vessel 3, and the thick broken line portion indicates a portion of the reaction vessel 3 held in the hole 4b which is a through hole provided in the reaction disk 4. Show. A thin broken line portion indicates an internal configuration, and in this case, indicates an inner wall constituting the storage portion 3e in which reagents and the like are accumulated. In this example, the reaction disk 4 having a circular outer peripheral portion holds at least one reaction container 3 in a form penetrating the reaction disk 4. These drawings show the side surface of the reaction disk 4 holding the reaction container 3 as viewed from the position of the reaction container 3 in the radial direction of the reaction disk 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the reaction vessel 3 is held in an inclined manner in the tangential direction of the circumference of the reaction disk 4 in a form penetrating the reaction disk 4. A rotation axis 35 indicated by a one-dot chain line indicates a central axis of the reaction disk 4. The rotation shaft 35 extends in the vertical direction. The reaction container 3 is held by the reaction disk 4 by being inserted into a hole 4 b that is an opening provided on the main surface of the reaction disk 4. The reaction vessel 3 inserted into the hole 4b is fixed by sandwiching the upper side surface between the side surfaces of the hole 4b. For example, the reaction vessel 3 is provided with a stepped portion 3a, and the reaction vessel 3 is configured not to drop out by fitting the stepped portion 3a and the hole 4b.

  A plurality of holes 4b are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The hole 4b is configured such that the reaction vessel 3 to be held is inclined with a predetermined angle θ (θ <90 °) with respect to the rotation shaft 35 toward the tangential direction of the circumference of the reaction disk 4. . For example, the side surface constituting the hole 4b is inclined at an angle θ in the above-described direction. The plurality of holes 4b can be configured to be held at an arbitrary angle θ, but in order to simplify the dispensing control, the same structure is used in all of the plurality of holes 4b. It is preferable that Accordingly, the plurality of reaction vessels 3 held in the plurality of holes 4b have the same inclination direction and the same inclination angle θ.

  As long as the opening of the hole 4b has a shape capable of fixing and holding the reaction vessel 3, a shape corresponding to the reaction vessel 3 can be appropriately selected. Examples of the opening shape of the hole 4b include a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, and a square.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the reaction vessel 3 may be held such that a part or all of the stepped portion 3a protrudes from the reaction disk 4, or as shown in FIG. 3B, the stepped portion 3a. May be held so as to be embedded in the reaction disk 4. Since the stepped portion 3a protrudes from the reaction disk 4, the reaction vessel 3 can be easily taken out from the reaction disk 4. Further, since the stepped portion 3 a is embedded in the reaction disk 4, the reaction vessel 3 can be securely held and fixed to the reaction disk 4.

  Further, a holding portion (not shown) configured to surround the reaction vessel 3 and to ensure the holding of the reaction vessel 3 may be provided below the reaction disk 4. The reaction vessel 3 is held by surrounding at least a part of the outer wall of the tube by the holding portion. In addition, when the thermostat which controls the temperature of liquids, such as a liquid mixture hold | maintained in the reaction container 3, is provided under the reaction disk 4, it is good also as a structure which does not provide a holding part.

  In addition to this, for example, when the reaction vessel 3 having a rectangular tube shape whose circumferential cross section is rectangular is provided in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk 4, the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 3 is arranged in the radial direction of the reaction disk 4. Parallel surfaces can be inclined surfaces.

  The holding form of the reaction vessel 3 is not limited to the one shown above, and can be appropriately determined depending on the liquid such as the reagent used, the shape of the reaction vessel 3 and the like.

  For example, the reaction container 3 may be configured to be tilted by providing the reaction container 3 perpendicularly to the holding part such as the reaction disk 4 and tilting the whole holding part.

(Reaction vessel rack)
Further, the reaction vessel 3 may be held on the reaction disk 4 via, for example, the reaction vessel rack 4 </ b> A in addition to the form directly held on the reaction disk 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the reaction container rack 4 </ b> A is held along the outer periphery of the reaction disk 4. The reaction vessel rack 4 </ b> A can hold a plurality of reaction vessels 3, and the plurality of reaction vessels 3 held in the circumferential direction of the reaction disc 4 by holding the reaction vessel rack 4 </ b> A on the reaction disc 4. Line up at regular intervals. By holding a plurality of reaction container racks 4A on the reaction disk 4, the reaction container rack 4A divides a region near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 4 in which the reaction container 3 is held for each predetermined number of reaction containers 3. .

  FIG. 3C is a top view showing an example of a reaction vessel rack 4A in which a plurality of reaction vessels 3 are held in this embodiment. FIG. 3D shows a cross section of the reaction container rack 4A holding a plurality of reaction containers 3 cut in the vertical direction along the line A-A 'shown in FIG. 3C. A line A-A ′ shown in FIG. 3C is an arc connecting the axial centers of the plurality of reaction vessels 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the reaction vessel rack 4A has a fan shape having an outer peripheral side surface 4C and an inner peripheral side surface 4D, and has six holes 4B that can hold the reaction vessel 3 on the upper surface. . The holes 4B are provided in the circumferential direction, for example, at equal intervals. In order to show the configuration of the hole 4B, the reaction vessel 3 is held in five of the six holes 4B, but the reaction vessel 3 is usually held in all of the six holes 4B.

  Further, the hole 4B is configured such that the reaction vessel 3 to be held is inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 3D. Since the reaction vessel 3 to be held is inclined along the AA ′ direction shown in FIG. 3C, all the reaction vessels 3 shown in FIG. 3D are at a predetermined angle θ (θ <90 °) with respect to the vertical direction. ).

  In addition, since the bottom of the reaction vessel 3 is held by the bottom surface 4E of the reaction vessel rack 4A, the reaction vessel 3 does not fall off. Further, since the bottom of the reaction vessel 3 is held by the bottom surface 4E, it is not necessary to provide the step portion 3a in the reaction vessel 3. Thus, the reaction vessel 3 is fixed to the reaction vessel rack 4A by being held by the reaction vessel rack 4A so as to surround the side surface and the bottom surface. Thereby, even if an external force is applied to the reaction vessel 3 due to the rotation of the reaction disk 4 or the like, the holding form of the reaction vessel 3 does not change.

  Other examples of the holding configuration of the reaction vessel 3 can be configured in the same manner as described in FIGS. 3A and 3B by replacing the reaction disk 4 with the reaction vessel rack 4A. The reaction container rack 4 </ b> A is configured to be removable from the reaction disk 4. For example, the reaction container rack 4 </ b> A may be configured integrally with the reaction disk 4.

[Relationship between reaction vessel and first reagent dispensing probe]
FIG. 4 is a side view and a top view showing the positional relationship between the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and the reaction vessel 3. In the top view, in addition to the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and the reaction container 3, a locus 41 of movement of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is shown.

  Of the broken lines in the figure, the long broken line portion indicates the perspective line indicating the internal configuration, and the short broken line portion indicates the correspondence between the side view and the top view. Further, the reaction vessel 3 is configured not to have the step portion 3a. Further, the inclination angle θ of the reaction vessel 3 is omitted in order to avoid the complexity of the drawing, but is inclined similarly to that shown in FIG. These are the same unless otherwise specified in the following drawings.

  As shown in the side view and the top view of FIG. 4, the reaction vessel 3 has a rectangular tube shape with a rectangular section in the circumferential direction having an opening 3 b. Further, the reaction vessel 3 is held while being inclined in the tangential direction of the reaction disk 4 in a form penetrating the main surface of the reaction disk 4 as described above. By this inclination, the side surface of the reaction vessel 3 becomes a surface inclined at an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction. The inclined surfaces are referred to as inclined surfaces 3c and 3d. The inner wall of the inclined surface 3c is an inclined inner wall surface 3c1, the outer wall surface is an inclined outer wall surface 3c2, the inner wall surface of the inclined surface 3d is an inclined inner wall surface 3d1, and the outer wall surface is an inclined outer wall surface 3d2. Among these, the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 faces the direction of the opening 3b. Further, a side where the bottom inner wall surface 3f1 and the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 are in contact with each other is 3d3, and a side where the opening 3b and the inclined surface 3d are in contact with each other is 3d4. Further, the inner wall surface of the bottom portion 3f is a bottom inner wall surface 3f1, and the outer wall surface is a bottom outer wall surface 3f2.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 has an elongated shape having both ends, and discharges the first reagent vertically downward through the flow channel for transporting, aspirating, and discharging the first reagent. 14d for discharging. The flow path is configured to penetrate both end portions, and the discharge portion 14d is configured by a through hole provided at an end portion facing the vertically downward direction of both end portions. In the drawing, the flow path refers to a portion sandwiched between broken lines indicated by the first reagent dispensing probe 14.

  As the reaction disk 4 and / or the first reagent dispensing probe 14 move, the discharge part 14d passes through the upper side of the opening 3b of the reaction container 3 in order. As shown in the top view, the trajectory 41 of the passage becomes a curve that sequentially passes through an inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction vessel 3 described later. When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 reaches the upper part of the reaction vessel 3, the position of the discharge part 14d is a position facing the opening 3b with a certain interval.

  Among the positions indicated by the locus 41, for example, at the position where the discharge portion 14d and the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 with the inner wall surface facing the upper side of the inclined surface as shown in FIG. The movement is controlled so that the probe 14 stops. Thereby, the reagent can be discharged vertically downward from the discharge portion 14d to the inclined inner wall surface 3d1.

  When the first reagent is discharged from the first reagent dispensing probe 14 toward the inclined inner wall surface 3 d 1, the inclination angle θ of the reaction container 3 is set so that the first reagent dispensing probe 14 discharges the first reagent. This is the angle of attack of the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 with respect to the direction in which the liquid jet proceeds (discharge direction). For this reason, when the angle of attack θ is large, the inclined outer wall surface 3c2 facing the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 may block the liquid when the portion is in the vicinity of the bottom 3f.

  In addition, one of the factors that cause the liquid that collided with the wall surface to scatter is that the liquid film formed radially by the ejected liquid jet colliding with the wall surface receives or spreads the drag from the wall surface. For example, the film edge may be attenuated and become unstable and destroyed. Then, when the angle of attack with respect to the ejection direction is large, the surface on which the liquid film formed on the inclined wall surface expands includes many components orthogonal to the ejection direction. As a result, the inclined wall surface receives a large force from the impinging liquid jet, and the formed liquid film is greatly damaged by the drag force from the inclined wall surface, and is scattered as droplets.

  On the other hand, when the angle of attack is small, the surface on which the liquid film formed on the inclined wall surface spreads contains a lot of components in the ejection direction. As a result, the inclined wall surface receives a small force from the impinging liquid jet, and gravity acts in the direction in which the liquid film expands, so that the attenuation is small, the formed liquid film becomes stable, and the liquid film is applied to the inclined wall surface. It flows without peeling along.

  There is an appropriate angle for θ. This angle θ is, for example, preferably 1 ° to 40 °, more preferably 1 ° to 20 °, still more preferably 1 ° to 10 °, and 1 ° to 5 °. Is most preferred. This is in consideration of the size of the opening of the reaction vessel generally used, 5 mm, length 40 mm, the viscosity of the liquid jet to be discharged, the flow velocity, etc., but the size of the reaction vessel 3 to be used Depending on the viscosity, speed, etc. of the liquid jet to be discharged, it can be selected as appropriate.

[Second section]
As shown in FIG. 2, the second section performs dispensing to suck the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the reagent rack 2a and discharge it into the reaction container 3 into which the first reagent has been dispensed. A second reagent dispensing probe 15; a second reagent dispensing pump 15a that causes the second reagent dispensing probe 15 to aspirate and discharge the second reagent; and a second reagent dispensing probe 15 that holds the second reagent dispensing probe 15 movably. 2 reagent dispensing arms 9. In addition, a second reagent detector 15b that detects the liquid level of the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the reagent rack 2a by contacting the liquid level with the second reagent dispensing probe 15, and a second reagent amount A cleaning tank 90 for cleaning the injection probe 15 is provided.

  The second stirrer 19 that stirs the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 3 and the second stirrer 19 that holds the second stirrer 19 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. A stirring arm 21 and a cleaning tank 19a for cleaning the second stirring bar 19 are provided. Further, a photometric unit 13 that optically measures the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 3 by irradiating light and a reaction vessel cleaning unit 12 that cleans the reaction vessel 3 that has been measured by the photometric unit 13 are provided. .

(Second reagent dispensing probe)
The second reagent dispensing probe 15 can be configured in the same manner as the first reagent dispensing probe 14. In addition, what has been described in the first reagent dispensing probe and what is described below can be similarly applied to the second reagent dispensing probe, and can be appropriately selected as necessary. In addition, what has been described in the first section and what is described below can be similarly applied to the second section, and can be appropriately selected as necessary.

[Metering unit]
Then, the photometry unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction container 3 that rotates and crosses the optical path, and by this irradiation, the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction container 3, the sample, the first reagent, and the second Light transmitted through the reagent mixture is detected for each wavelength of the inspection item. Then, the detected detection signal is processed to generate standard data or test data represented by a digital signal, and the generated standard data or test data is output to the data processing unit 30.

[Analysis control unit]
As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis control unit 25 includes a mechanism unit 26 having a mechanism for driving each analysis unit of the analysis unit 24 and a control unit 27 for controlling each mechanism of the mechanism unit 26. The mechanism unit 26 includes a mechanism for rotating the sample disk 5, the reagent rack 1 a, and the reagent rack 2 a, and a mechanism for rotating the reaction disk 4. The sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, the second reagent dispensing arm 9, the first stirring arm 20, and the second stirring arm 21 are each provided with a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving. Further, a mechanism for aspirating and discharging the sample dispensing pump 16a, the first reagent dispensing pump 14a, and the second reagent dispensing pump 15a, and a mechanism for moving the reaction container cleaning unit 12 up and down are provided.

(Control part)
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 27 includes the sample disk 5, the reagent rack 1a, the reagent rack 2a, the reaction disk 4, the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, and the second reagent dispensing of the mechanism unit 26. A control circuit is provided for controlling a mechanism for driving each analysis unit such as the injection arm 9, the sample dispensing pump 16a, the first reagent dispensing pump 14a, the second reagent dispensing pump 15a, and the reaction container washing unit 12. Then, the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 are controlled to move the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15, respectively.

  The control circuit of the first reagent dispensing arm 8 in the control unit 27 includes a turning mechanism for turning the first reagent dispensing arm 8, and an up / down movement for moving the turning mechanism and the first reagent dispensing arm 8 in the vertical direction. Control the moving mechanism. And the 1st reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved to each upper stop position of the reagent storage 1, the reaction disk 4, and the washing tank 80 by the height of a top dead center with a rotation mechanism. Further, a downward movement drive pulse is supplied to the vertical movement mechanism to move it downward from each upper stop position, and to stop at various positions.

  Here, in the aspiration in dispensing the first reagent, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved downward from the upper stop position of the reagent container 1. Then, based on the detection signal from the first reagent detector 14b, the first reagent can be aspirated from the position where the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 6 is detected by the first reagent detector 14b. Stop at the first reagent suction position moved downward by a predetermined distance.

  Further, in discharging the first reagent, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved in parallel and stopped at the stop position on the reaction disk 4. For example, the horizontal position is set to a position corresponding to the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction container 3 set in advance for each inspection item. The vertical position is a position where the first reagent dispensing probe 14 does not contact the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. As this position, for example, a position is set such that the discharge portion 14d is separated from the opening 3b of the reaction vessel 3 by a predetermined distance.

  As described above, since the position of the discharge portion 14d is set at a predetermined distance from the opening 3b of the reaction vessel 3 in the vertical direction, even if the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved horizontally, the first reagent dispensing is performed. The probe 14 and the reaction vessel 3 do not collide.

  When a plurality of reaction vessels 3 are held on the reaction disk 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves horizontally so as to pass through the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the adjacent reaction vessels 3 in order, for example. To do. As long as the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves horizontally so as to sequentially pass through the inclined inner wall surfaces 3d1 of the plurality of reaction vessels 3, its movement form, movement direction, etc. are not limited. It is set appropriately depending on the inclination direction of the reaction vessel 3 and the like.

  Further, for example, when the means for transporting the reaction vessel 3 in the analysis unit 24 is configured such that the plurality of reaction vessels 3 are linearly arranged without using the reaction disk 4, the inclined surfaces of the plurality of reaction vessels 3 are arranged. It is preferable that all the directions to be the same. At this time, the trajectory of the discharge unit 14d is a straight line in the direction in which the reaction containers 3 are arranged. Similarly, when the reaction containers 3 are uniformly inclined in the direction in which the reaction containers 3 are arranged, and in the case where they are uniformly inclined in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the reaction containers 3 are arranged, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is similarly applied. This trajectory is a direction in which the reaction vessels 3 are lined up.

  As described above, since the position of the discharge portion 14d is set at a position spaced apart from the opening 3b of the reaction vessel 3 in the vertical direction, even if the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved horizontally, the first reagent dispensing is performed. The probe 14 and the reaction vessel 3 do not collide. Further, since the liquid is discharged vertically from the discharge portion 14d, the liquid can be supplied into the reaction vessel 3 even if the discharge portion 14d and the opening 3b are separated from each other. This eliminates the need to control the first reagent dispensing probe 14 in the vertical direction when discharging into the reaction container 3 in the dispensing process, thereby shortening the dispensing process.

  Further, the discharge position (discharge liquid arrival position) 55 in the reaction container 3 may be any position on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1, and for example, the discharge amount of the first reagent and the total amount of the mixed liquid accumulated in the reaction container 3 For example, the discharge position 55 can be determined. The discharge position 55 is, for example, a position on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 when the liquid discharged from the discharge portion 14d of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 reaches the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction container 3. 55 is not limited to the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. For example, the discharge portion 55 may be a corner formed by a side wall sandwiching the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and the bottom inner wall surface 3f1.

  5A and 5B are a side view and a top view illustrating a case where a small amount of the first reagent is supplied to the reaction container 3 by discharging from the discharge unit 14d. FIG. 5A shows before discharge, and FIG. 5B shows after discharge. The hatched portion shown in this figure clearly shows the liquid accumulated in the storage portion 3e, and does not show the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first reagent discharged from the discharge portion 14d reaches a predetermined position on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. The first reagent that has reached a predetermined position on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 flows downward along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and reaches the bottom 3f.

At this time, the first reagent may remain on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 because the transferred first reagent adheres without flowing downward. Therefore, in order to minimize the amount of the discharged first reagent adhering to the inner wall, the position of the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 corresponding to the liquid surface 54 of the first reagent when all the first reagents have been supplied. Is a discharge position 55. That is, the discharge position 55 is a position where the liquid level after discharge is expected to be in contact with the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. The discharge position 55, for example, when the sides 3d3 a position up distance of an H ₁ vertically upward along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1, the amount of the first reagent into the reaction vessel 3 is small amount, The discharge position 55 is in the vicinity of the bottom 3f.

  6A and 6B are a side view and a top view illustrating a case where a large amount of the first reagent is supplied to the reaction container 3 by discharging from the discharge unit 14d. 6A shows before discharge, and FIG. 6B shows after discharge. The hatched portion shown in this figure clearly shows the liquid accumulated in the storage portion 3e, and does not show the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the discharge position 55 on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 is the position of the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 corresponding to the liquid level 54 of the first reagent when all the first reagents have been supplied. A discharge position 55 is assumed. When the amount of the first reagent to the reaction container 3 is large, the discharge position 55 is in the vicinity of the opening 3b. The discharge position 55, for example, a position up distance H ₂ vertically upward along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 from the side 3d3. A rectangle indicated by a broken line adjacent to the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is the position of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 in the example shown in FIG. 5, and l ₁ is between the central axes of both probes. Indicates the distance.

In this case, as described above, a larger amount of reagent than the example shown in FIG. 5 is discharged into the storage unit 3e. Thus, the position of the first reagent dispensing probe 14, rather than the example shown in FIG. 5, in the direction in which the reaction vessel 3 progresses, deviated l ₁ advanced direction.

This l ₁ takes the difference between the liquid level position H ₂ in the example shown in FIG. 6B and the liquid level position H ₁ in the example shown in FIG. It can be calculated by integrating sinθ.

  As described above, the discharge position 55 changes depending on the amount of liquid accumulated in the storage unit 3e, and thus changes depending on, for example, a change in the dispensing amount of the first reagent. The position where the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved can be calculated from the height of the liquid level as described above. For this reason, for example, when different amounts of the first reagent are continuously discharged into the plurality of reaction vessels 3, the first level is calculated based on the formula (1) from the height of the liquid level accumulated in each reaction vessel 3. The amount of movement of the reagent dispensing probe 14 is determined.

  The relative discharge position 55 between the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction vessel 3 may be based on those shown in FIGS. In FIG. 4, it suffices to be in a plane between the side 3d4 where the opening 3b and the bottom inner wall surface 3f1 are in contact with the side 3d3 where the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and the bottom inner wall surface 3f1 are in contact.

  However, if the discharge position is arbitrarily determined in this range, as the first reagent is dispensed and the first reagent is accumulated in the reaction vessel 3, the liquid level becomes higher, and the first reagent discharged there By tapping the interface, air entrainment occurs. In order to avoid this, it is preferable that the discharge point is a point passing through a line where the liquid level after dispensing and the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 are in contact with each other. Specifically, for example, the dispensing amount (discharge amount) of the first reagent is A, the volume of the reaction vessel 3 is B, the height of the reaction vessel 3 is h, the inclination of the reaction vessel is θ, and the reaction vessel 3 is accommodated. Consider the case of a dispensing amount Q, where l is the diameter of the portion 3e in the tilt direction. Then, the distance M along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 from the side 3d3 to the discharge position 55 is

となり、ｌ及びθが微小な場合にはｌtanθは無視できるので、

Since ltanθ can be ignored when l and θ are very small,

となる。Ｃ=ｈsinθは傾き幅と呼ばれる。

It becomes. C = hsin θ is called a slope width.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cleaning mechanism 65 for cleaning the inclined reaction vessel 3. The hatched portion shown in this figure indicates the liquid accumulated in the accommodating portion of the reaction vessel 3, and does not indicate the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning mechanism 65 is configured by arranging a plurality of cleaning mechanism probes 66 extending vertically downward like the first reagent dispensing probe 14 at a predetermined interval in the cleaning mechanism main body 67. . By this interval, for example, the cleaning mechanism probe 66 corresponds to the position where the reaction container 3 is disposed, so that a plurality of cleaning mechanism probes 66 can be inserted into each reaction container 3. Further, an opening 63 for sucking and discharging liquid is provided at the tip of the cleaning mechanism probe 66, and a cleaning liquid, for example, water is discharged from the opening 63 vertically downward.

  When a plurality of cleaning mechanism probes 66 are inserted into the reaction vessel 3, the opening 68 of each cleaning mechanism probe 66 is inserted at a position near the side 3d3 that is the bottom side of each inclined inner wall surface 3d1. The Thereby, even if the reaction vessel 3 is tilted, the cleaning mechanism 65 can move inside the reaction vessel 3 in the vertical direction, and the inner wall of the reaction vessel can be washed. Further, depending on the inclination of the reaction vessel 3, it is possible to collect a liquid such as a mixed solution to be sucked directly under the cleaning mechanism 65.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cleaning mechanism 65 for cleaning the inclined reaction vessel 3. The hatched portion shown in this figure indicates the liquid accumulated in the accommodating portion of the reaction vessel 3, and does not indicate the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the cleaning mechanism probe 66 provided in the cleaning mechanism 65 is configured to be inclined similarly to the reaction vessel 3. The cleaning mechanism 65 is configured by arranging a plurality of cleaning mechanism probes 66 having an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction in the cleaning mechanism main body 67 at regular intervals, as in the reaction vessel 3.

  When a plurality of cleaning mechanism probes 66 are inserted into the reaction vessel 3, the opening 68 of each cleaning mechanism probe 66 is inserted at a position near the center of the side 3d3 that is the bottom side of each inclined inner wall surface 3d1. The Since the cleaning mechanism probe 66 has the same inclination as that of the reaction vessel 3, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 and the opening surface of the opening 3b is vertical. This facilitates insertion of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 into the reaction vessel 3.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the drying cell 75 inserted into the reaction vessel 3. The hatched portion shown in this figure clearly shows the liquid accumulated in the cell portion 76 and the accommodating portion 3e, and does not indicate the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the drying cell 75 is almost the same size as the accommodating portion 3 e of the reaction vessel 3, and thus cannot be inserted vertically into the reaction vessel 3 having an inclination. For this reason, for example, the shaft portion 78 that connects the cell portion 76 and the dry cell main body portion 77 is configured to have flexibility. Further, for example, a mechanism for moving the cell unit 76 in parallel with the inclination of the reaction vessel 3, for example, a mechanism for converting a vertical operation into an oblique operation by a cam mechanism provided in a drive mechanism (not shown) of the drying cell 75. Is provided.

  Further, the analysis control unit 25 and the control unit 27 can control the second section in the same manner as the first section, and can appropriately select and use what has been described as the control of the first section.

  In addition, the direction in which the photometric unit 13 irradiates the liquid in the reaction vessel 3, for example, the liquid mixture, is preferably a direction orthogonal to the tilt direction. In this case, since light is irradiated to the vertical surface in the direction orthogonal to the inclined surface among the surfaces of the reaction vessel 3, the configuration of the conventionally known photometric unit 13 can be used as it is.

[Operation of automatic analyzer]
Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, particularly the operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 will be described.

  Based on the input of the first reagent discharge amount from the operation unit 50, the automatic analyzer 100 calculates the discharge position of the corresponding tube inner wall of the reaction vessel 3 using a predetermined calculation formula, for example, the above-described formula (3). Then, the control unit 27 performs control to move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to the calculated discharge position.

  In the predetermined calculation formula, the vertical position of the discharge position can be obtained by inputting the first reagent discharge amount assuming that the reaction container volume, the inclination of the reaction container, and the width of the reaction container are known. This discharge position can be obtained, for example, based on a line segment where the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and the bottom 3f intersect. That is, it is calculated how much distance should be moved from a predetermined position on the line segment in a direction orthogonal to the line segment and toward the inclined inner wall surface 3d1.

  The predetermined position on the line segment is, for example, a position that is the midpoint of this line segment. By making a line segment where the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and the bottom 3f intersect as a reference line segment, a predetermined position on this line segment is stored in advance as the reference position 58, and the direction from the reference position 58 toward the discharge position 55 is stored. And the discharge position can be determined by obtaining the first correction distance that is the distance. In this case, the direction from the reference position 58 to the discharge position 55 is a direction in which the reaction vessel 3 is inclined. Thereby, since the discharge position is determined by calculating the first correction distance, the calculation amount for determining the discharge position can be reduced, and the calculation time can be shortened.

  As described above, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be moved in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism. For example, the moving mechanism moves the first reagent dispensing probe 14 by a predetermined distance with respect to one pulse by receiving one pulse signal. In this case, a moving mechanism that operates according to the input pulse signal is used. However, the moving mechanism is not limited to this operation, and a conventionally known moving mechanism can be appropriately used.

  When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is actually moved by the calculated first correction distance, the first correction distance is divided by the movement distance per pulse of the first reagent dispensing probe 14; A correction pulse number which is a pulse count number is calculated. Here, the pulse count value that can move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to the reference position is defined as the number of movement pulses, and the pulse count value obtained by adding the number of correction pulses to the number of movement pulses is defined as the number of ejection position pulses. One reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved by a distance corresponding to the number of ejection position pulses.

  In this case, the movement of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is calculated by calculating the number of ejection position pulses obtained by adding the number of correction pulses to the number of movement pulses, and ejecting the first reagent dispensing probe 14 by position control. Move to position.

  As another form of movement, for example, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is first moved to the reference position 58 by the number of movement pulses, and then moved to the ejection position by the number of correction pulses. In this case, the correction pulse number is calculated while the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves to the reference position 58, for example. By simultaneously moving the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and calculating the first correction distance, the time required for the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to reach the discharge position can be shortened.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 that has moved to the discharge position discharges the first reagent to the discharge position set on the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 or a position in the vicinity thereof. The first reagent is discharged vertically downward from a position away from the opening 3b of the reaction container 3 by a predetermined distance.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow until the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first reagent is calculated in order to calculate the discharge position corresponding to the amount of the first reagent supplied to the container 3 e of the reaction container 3 and to allow the discharged first reagent to hit the discharge position. The dispensing probe 14 is moved horizontally. When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 reaches a position facing the discharge position, the movement is stopped and the first reagent is discharged vertically downward from the discharge portion 14d.

  Hereinafter, a specific flow of discharging the first reagent will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, an instruction input for discharging the first reagent of A (μl) to the predetermined reaction container 3 is performed by the operation unit 50 (step S001).

  The distance in the direction in which the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 inclines in the capacity B (μl) of the reaction vessel 3, which is stored in advance in the data storage unit 32, and the projection of light projected from the opening 3b of the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 toward the bottom 3f. And a pulse count number D (count) for moving the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to a reference position 58 which is a predetermined position on a line segment where the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 and the bottom 3f intersect. ) Is called (step S002).

  Next, a first correction distance E (mm), which is a distance from the reference position 58 to the discharge position 55, is calculated based on Expression (4) (step S003). In this case, since the reaction container 3 into which the first reagent is dispensed is empty, A is the discharge amount of the first reagent. On the other hand, when A1 (μl) is dispensed in advance in the reaction container 3, A (μl) is the total amount of this sample and the reagent total A2 (μl) = A (μl) + A1 ( μl).

  The movement distance per pulse of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is F (mm), and the pulse count number G (count) corresponding to the first correction distance E is calculated based on the equation (5) (step). S004).

  Next, in order to move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to the discharge position, the total count number H (count) input to the moving mechanism is calculated based on the equation (6) (step S005).

  The control unit 27 inputs an H (count) pulse to the moving mechanism, moves the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and discharges the first reagent vertically downward from the discharge unit 14d toward the reaction container 3. (Step S006).

<Example>
Next, an example of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, processing is performed corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a side view and a top view showing the configuration of the reaction vessel 3 used in this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a side view and an operation showing the operation of the discharge position 55 and the first reagent dispensing probe 14 in this embodiment. It is a top view. In these drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the container 3e having the inner wall of the tube having 3c1, 3d1, 3f1 is shown as the reaction vessel 3. Further, the hatched portion shown in this figure clearly shows the liquid accumulated in the storage portion 3e and does not show the cross section of the reaction vessel 3. The horizontal direction is the x direction and the y direction, and the vertical direction is the z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the reaction vessel 3 used in this example has a prismatic shape having a rectangular parallelepiped accommodating portion 3e, and the accommodating portion 3e has a rectangular shape with a bottom surface of 5 (mm) × 4 (mm). (Rectangular) with a height of 40 (mm) and a volume of 800 (μl). The reaction vessel 3 is inclined in the x direction so that the displacement between the lower side and the upper side of the inclined surface 3d becomes 1 (mm) when viewed from above. At this time, the reaction vessel 3 is inclined by about 1.5 ° with respect to the vertical direction which is the z axis. In this case, the inclination width I which is the x-direction distance of the orthogonal projection with respect to the x-axis of the inclined inner wall surface is 1 (mm).

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 is provided in parallel with a vertical direction whose longitudinal direction is the z-axis, and includes a slide moving mechanism that can move horizontally on the xy plane. This slide mechanism is configured by appropriately selecting a conventionally known one such as a combination of a rail extending in the horizontal direction along the direction in which the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of each reaction vessel 3 faces and a stepping motor. Yes.

  The slide moving mechanism can move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to a desired position on the xy plane by supplying a pulse to the stepping motor based on an instruction input from the computer. When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved, for example, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be moved to a desired position in the x direction by applying a pulse to the stepping motor.

  In the case where 400 (μl) of the first reagent is supplied from the discharge section 14d to the reaction container 3 configured as described above, first, the supply amount of the first reagent to the reaction container is 400 (μl). Input from the operation unit of the computer provided in the automatic analyzer.

  Next, the reaction container 800 (μl), the inclination width 1 (mm), and the first reagent dispensing probe 14 stored in advance in the storage device of the computer are moved from the first reagent suction position to the reference position 58. Call the pulse count number 1000 (count) corresponding to the movement.

  Next, a first correction distance, which is a distance from the reference position 58 to the discharge position 55, is calculated based on Expression (1). Then, the first correction distance J is 1 (mm) × (400 (μl) / 800 (μl)) = 0.5 (mm).

  Here, the distance that the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves per pulse is 0.1 (mm). Then, the correction pulse is 0.5 (mm) /0.1 (mm) = 5 (count).

  As a result, in order to move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to the discharge position, the total count number input to the moving mechanism is the sum of the pulse count number to be moved from the first reagent suction position to the reference position and the correction pulse. 1000 + 5 = 1005 (count).

  In FIG. 12, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved in advance to a position corresponding to the reference position 58, and the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved toward the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 by the first correction distance. I am letting.

  The inhalation process of the first reagent is performed by appropriately selecting a conventionally known method. The supply amount of the first reagent is 400 μl, and the amount of the first reagent is held in the first reagent dispensing probe 14.

  Next, by driving the pump, the first reagent is discharged from the discharge portion 14d toward the discharge position 55 of the reaction vessel 3 in the z-axis downward direction, that is, the vertically downward direction.

  When the first reagent dispensing probe 14 finishes discharging 400 μl of the first reagent, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves to a washing tank or the like and is washed, and then repeats the same process for supplying the first reagent to another reaction container 3. .

  In this embodiment, the liquid level position of the first reagent is set to a position of about 20 mm in the direction in which the reaction container 3 extends from the position of the bottom 3f by using the mathematical formula (1). However, the exact position of the liquid level 54 is a position 55a that is higher than the position due to the inclination of the liquid level, the surface tension, and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately correct the liquid level position after correction.

  In this correction, for example, the position of the tilt width is corrected by correcting the liquid level position in the direction in which the reaction vessel 3 extends from the bottom 3f.

  Here, when the liquid surface position is corrected by the inclination of the liquid surface 54, the position of the liquid surface 54 in the direction in which the reaction vessel 3 extends is 20 mm + 4 mm × tan θ × (1/2). Here, if θ = 1.5 °, the second correction distance is 0.05 mm, and the position of the liquid surface in the direction in which the reaction vessel 3 extends is 20 + 0.05 = 20.05 (mm). Then, the increment of the inclination width is 0.00125 (mm), which is almost negligible. Therefore, these corrections can be omitted as in this embodiment.

  On the other hand, when the liquid surface position is corrected by the surface tension, the contact angle is calculated in consideration of the characteristics of the liquid used and the wettability of the inner wall of the reaction vessel 3. Even in this case, when the increment of the inclination width is very small, this correction can be omitted as in this embodiment. In this way, the corrected ejection position 55 is determined. In this way, the corrected ejection position 55 is determined.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the vertical position (z-direction position) of the discharge position 55 can be set a predetermined distance below the position of the liquid level 54 (−z direction) vertically. This vertical position is a position where no bubbling occurs even when the liquid is discharged to the liquid surface 54, and specifically, is near the intersection of the liquid surface and the inclined inner wall when the discharge is completed. As a specific example of this position, a position up to 30 mm vertically downward (−z direction) from the liquid level 54 along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 can be given.

  The operation of the second section, particularly the operation of the second reagent dispensing probe 15, is the same as the operation of the first section, particularly the operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 14. Can be selected and used as appropriate.

[Operation and effect of automatic analyzer]
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment will be described.

  In the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, the reaction vessel 3 is tilted to form the inclined inner wall surface 3d1, and the reagent is discharged vertically downward toward the inclined inner wall surface 3d1, so that the reagent is inclined to the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. To reach the bottom 3f. Thereby, when dispensing a reagent to the reaction container 3, it can suppress that a reagent scatters.

  In addition, when the reagent is discharged into the container 3e, the final liquid level 54 of the mixed liquid is set as the discharge position 55, and the reagent is discharged in the vicinity of the discharge position 55. The air entrained can be minimized.

  From these facts, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment forms the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 by inclining the reaction vessel 3, and the reagent is discharged vertically downward toward the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. It reaches the bottom 3f along the inclined inner wall surface 3d1. Thereby, when dispensing a reagent to the reaction container 3, it can suppress that a reagent scatters and air mixes in a liquid.

  Further, when the reagent is discharged into the container 3e, the position where the liquid mixture becomes the final liquid level 54 is set as the discharge position, and the reagent is discharged in the vicinity of the discharge position. Air can be minimized. In addition, since the position of the discharge portion 14d is set at a position that is a predetermined distance away from the opening 3b of the reaction container 3 in the vertical direction, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be moved even if the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved horizontally. And the reaction vessel 3 do not collide.

  Further, since the liquid is discharged vertically from the discharge portion 14d, the liquid can be supplied into the reaction vessel 3 even if the discharge portion 14d and the opening 3b are separated from each other. This eliminates the need for vertical control of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 when discharging into the reaction container 3 in the dispensing process, and shortens the dispensing process.

<Second Embodiment>
[Automatic analyzer]
The automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes an analysis unit 24 as in the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 held on the reaction disk 4.

  FIG. 13 is a side view and a top view showing the reaction vessel 3 in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment. The reaction vessel 3 is configured such that one side surface is an inclined surface.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the shape of the reaction vessel 3 has a rectangular tube shape with an opening 3b on one side and a closed bottom 3f on the other side, and the side surface 3h constituting the reaction vessel 3 has an inclined surface 3g. It is comprised including. The side surface 3h including the inclined surface 3g extends vertically upward from the bottom 3f to a position at a predetermined distance, and extends in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical upward from this position to the opening 3b. Thereby, the inclined inner wall surface 3g1 that is the inner wall surface of the side surface 3h becomes an inclined surface facing the direction of the opening 3b. Further, at least a part of the side surface may be configured by the inclined surface 3g, and the side surface may have a shape in which the vertical surface and the inclined surface are combined. This includes, for example, a shape that combines a slope at the center and a vertical surface at both sides. In this case, as the inclination angle of the inclined surface 3g, for example, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be appropriately selected as the angle θ.

  Moreover, as shown in the top view of this figure, each of the side surfaces 3i and 3j sandwiching the side surface 3h is orthogonal to the side surface 3h. The side surface 3k facing the side surface 3h is also sandwiched between the side surfaces 3i and 3j, and each surface is also orthogonal to the side surface 3k.

  Further, as shown in the side view of this figure, the sides constituting the side surface 3h are the line segments corresponding to the opening 3b and the bottom 3f, and the line segments extending in the horizontal direction and corresponding to the opening 3b. Is longer than the length of the line segment corresponding to the bottom 3f. Further, the side orthogonal to the side surface 3k is a line segment extending vertically upward from the bottom 3f to the opening 3b, and the side orthogonal to the side surface 3h is a line segment extending vertically upward from the bottom 3f to a predetermined distance. From the position to the opening 3b, a line segment is combined with a line segment extending in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. The side surface 3h has a shape in which the ends of the four sides are connected, and has a shape in which the upper side of the rectangle and the lower base of the trapezoid are combined as a common side. In the trapezoidal shape, the length of the lower base is shorter than the length of the upper base, and one leg of the leg extends in the vertical direction, and the other leg extends diagonally.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the reaction vessel 3 is held by the reaction disk 4 in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment. In this figure, the thick line indicates the outer shape of the reaction vessel 3, and the thick broken line portion indicates the portion of the reaction vessel 3 embedded in the reaction disk 4. A thin broken line portion indicates an internal configuration, and in this case, indicates an inner wall constituting the accommodating portion 3e in which reagents and the like are accumulated.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the reaction vessel 3 is held in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4 in a form penetrating the main surface of the reaction disk 4. Similarly, the reaction vessel 3 is held in the reaction disk 4 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 3 by being inserted into the hole 4 b that is an opening provided in the reaction disk 4. In this case, the shape of the hole 4b is a rectangular shape in which the side holding the inclined portion is a short side. The other structure of the reaction container 3 and its holding | maintenance form can be comprised similarly to what was shown to FIG. 3A and 3B.

  Further, since the reaction vessel 3 is held perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 of the cleaning mechanism 65 and the opening surface of the opening 3b is vertical. This facilitates insertion of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 into the reaction vessel 3. In addition, the drying cell 75 can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the opening 3 b with respect to the accommodating portion 3 e of the reaction vessel 3.

  The other configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In particular, the other configuration of the reaction vessel 3 is obtained by replacing the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 with the inclined inner wall surface 3g1. The configuration can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In addition, since the lower part 3l of the reaction vessel 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, all the side surfaces are irradiated by irradiating light on the liquid in the reaction vessel 3, for example, a mixed solution, to the lower part 3l by the photometry unit 13. It can be a surface. In this case, since light is irradiated to the vertical surface in the direction orthogonal to the inclined surface 3g among the surfaces of the reaction vessel 3, the configuration of the conventionally known photometric unit 13 can be used as it is. Further, since the light from the photometry unit 13 is not irradiated onto the inclined surface 3g, the position of the inclined surface 3g can be appropriately selected and provided on the reaction disk 4 or the like. Further, among the side surfaces constituting the reaction vessel 3, a plurality of side surfaces can be configured by the inclined surface 3g. That is, at least one of the side surfaces of the reaction vessel 3 can be configured by the inclined surface 3g.

[Operation of automatic analyzer]
The operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment can realize the same operation as that of the first embodiment by replacing the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 of the reaction vessel 3 with the inclined inner wall surface 3g1.

  15A and 15B are a side view and a top view showing the discharge position 55 when the reaction vessel 3 is provided perpendicularly to the main surface of the reaction disk 4. The coordinate system shown in this figure corresponds to the top view. The hatched portion shown in this figure clearly shows the liquid accumulated in the accommodating portion of the reaction vessel 3 and does not show the cross section of the reaction vessel 3.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the reaction vessel 3 used in this example has an inclined inner wall surface 3g1. Further, the vertical length of the reaction vessel 3, the size of the bottom 3f, the angle of the inclined surface 3g, and the like are set, for example, in the same manner as the angle θ of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, the discharge position 55 can be determined in the same manner as the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, for example, by replacing the inclined inner wall surface 3d1 with the inclined inner wall surface 3g1.

  In this case, since the reaction vessel 3 is held perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4, it is not necessary to correct the liquid surface position due to the inclination of the liquid surface 54. In addition, since the reaction container 3 is not inclined with respect to the first reagent dispensing probe 14, the first reagent discharged from the discharge unit may be blocked by the outer wall surface facing the inclined inner wall surface 3g1. Absent.

  The description of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[Operation and effect of automatic analyzer]
The automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the reaction vessel 3 having the inclined inner wall surface 3g1 is held perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4. The same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, since at least one of the side surfaces of the reaction vessel 3 is formed by the inclined surface 3g, it can be provided perpendicular to the reaction disk 4. This facilitates insertion of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 into the reaction vessel 3. In addition, the drying cell 75 can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the opening 3 b with respect to the accommodating portion 3 e of the reaction vessel 3. Further, it is not necessary to correct the position of the liquid surface 54 due to the inclination of the liquid surface 54 when determining the discharge position 55. In addition, since the reaction container 3 is not inclined with respect to the first reagent dispensing probe 14, the first reagent discharged from the discharge unit may be blocked by the outer wall surface facing the inclined inner wall surface 3g1. Absent.

<Third Embodiment>
[Automatic analyzer]
The automatic analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 24 as in the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 held on the reaction disk 4.

  FIG. 16A shows that in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, the reaction container 3 held in a form penetrating the main surface of the reaction disk 4 has reached the dispensing position 14c where the first reagent is dispensed. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing an example. In this figure, in order to show the support structure of the reaction vessel 3, the reaction disk 4 and the support part 37 show a cross section, and the other configurations show side surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the reaction vessel 3 is held on the reaction disk 4 via a support portion 37, and the reaction vessel 3 is provided perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4. The reaction vessel 3 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided with a rectangular parallelepiped accommodating portion 3e.

  The support portion 37 is a flexible body made of a flexible material. In addition, a movable mechanism 110 is provided below the reaction disk 4 at the dispensing position 14c. The movable mechanism 110 is configured so that when the reaction disk 4 reaches the dispensing position 14c by the rotation of the reaction disk 4, the bottom 3f of the reaction container 3 and the upper surface 42 of the movable mechanism 110 are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance. It is provided so as to face each other. In the reaction vessel 3, the position where the support portion 37 is provided may be a side surface, and is preferably in the vicinity of the neck portion, which is a position in the vicinity of the opening 3 b among the side surface portions.

  FIG. 16B shows a state in which the reaction container 3 that has reached the dispensing position 14 c is tilted by being pushed by the movable body 111 provided in the movable mechanism 110.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, the movable mechanism 110 has a movable body 111 that pushes the side surface of the reaction vessel 3. The movable body 111 is accommodated in the movable mechanism 110, and when the reaction container 3 reaches the dispensing position 14c, the movable body 111 protrudes from the upper surface 42 of the movable mechanism 110 in the vertical direction. The oblique lines indicating the movable body 111 clearly indicate the movable body 111 and do not indicate a cross section, and so forth.

  The movable body 111 has, for example, a wedge shape extending in the vertical direction, and the inclined surface 111a constituting the wedge shape is in contact with the side surface of the reaction vessel 3 and extends vertically upward along this side surface. 3 receives a force in a direction in which the inclined surface 111a faces. Since the reaction container 3 is supported in the vicinity of the neck by a support portion 37 made of a deformable flexible body, the support portion 37 is deformed. The reaction vessel 3 is inclined in the direction in which the inclined surface 111a faces. In this case, the reaction vessel 3 stops at a position where the side surface in contact with the movable body 111 corresponds to the top 111b of the movable body 111.

  The direction in which the reaction vessel 3 tilts can be appropriately selected depending on which of the side surfaces of the reaction vessel 3 the inclined surface 111a of the movable body 111 contacts. Thus, by configuring or arranging the movable mechanism 110 so that the inclined surface 111a of the movable body 111 is in contact with a specific side surface among the side surfaces of the reaction vessel 3, the direction in which the reaction vessel is inclined can be appropriately selected. Further, the angle at which the reaction vessel 3 is tilted can be determined by appropriately setting the angle formed by the inclined surface 111a in contact with the side surface of the reaction vessel 3 of the movable body 111 and the vertical direction. It is preferable to determine the inclination of the movable body 111 on the inclined surface 111a as this angle, for example, the above-mentioned angle θ.

  FIG. 17A shows that, in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, the reaction container 3 supported by the support portion 38 constituted by a rotatable rotation shaft reaches the dispensing position 14c where the first reagent is dispensed. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing another example when doing. In this figure, in order to show the support structure of the reaction vessel 3, the reaction disk 4 and the support part 38 show a cross section, and the other configurations show side surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the reaction vessel 3 is held by a support portion 38 configured with a rotating shaft. The reaction vessel 3 is inclined in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the rotation axis extends as the rotation axis rotates. The reaction vessel 3 is provided perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4. Similarly, the reaction vessel 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape including, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped accommodating portion 3e.

  As described above, the support portion 38 is configured by the rotation shaft, and is provided on the outer wall portion of the opposite side surface among the side surfaces constituting the reaction vessel 3 with the common shaft center. In the reaction vessel 3, the position where the support portion 38 is provided is not limited as long as it is a side surface, but similarly, it is preferably near the neck portion. Moreover, the support part 38 may have a stopper which suppresses the operation | movement which the reaction container 3 does not intend when the reaction container 3 is not in the dispensing position 14c. When the position of the reaction vessel 3 is not the dispensing position 14c, the support portion 38 is fixed by a stopper, so that the reaction vessel 3 is fixed in a vertical direction. On the other hand, when the position of the reaction vessel 3 becomes the dispensing position 14c, the stopper is removed and the support portion 38 can be rotated, so that the reaction vessel 3 becomes movable.

  FIG. 17B shows a state in which the reaction container 3 that has reached the dispensing position 14 c is tilted by being pushed by the movable body 111 provided in the movable mechanism 110.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the movable mechanism 110 has the same configuration as described above, and when the reaction container 3 reaches the dispensing position 14c, the movable body 111 is directed from the upper surface 42 of the movable mechanism 110 in the vertical direction. Protruding.

  Similarly, the movable body 111 has a wedge shape, and the inclined surface 111a is in contact with the side surface of the reaction vessel 3 that does not include the support portion 38, as described above, whereby the reaction vessel 3 has the inclined surface 111a. Receives force in the direction you face. Since the reaction vessel 3 is held in the vicinity of the neck portion by a support portion 38 formed of a rotatable rotation shaft, the support portion 38 rotates. The reaction vessel 3 is inclined in the direction in which the inclined surface 111a faces. Others can be configured in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  Other operations of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In addition, the movable mechanism 110 for inclining the reaction vessel 3, the method for inclining the reaction vessel 3, the operation for inclining the reaction vessel 3, and the like may be configured by appropriately selecting the technique described in Patent Document 2, for example.

[Operation and effect of automatic analyzer]
Since the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the reaction vessel 3 is movable so as to have an inclined inner wall surface, it is the same as in the first embodiment. There are effects and effects. Furthermore, the reaction container 3 is movable, and the side surface is pushed in an arbitrary direction by the movable body 111 provided in the movable mechanism 110, whereby an inclined inner wall surface having a desired angle can be formed in the reaction container 3. In addition, when the reaction container 3 reaches the dispensing position 14 c, the inclined inner wall surface is formed, so that the reaction container 3 is perpendicular to the main surface of the reaction disk 4 at a position other than the dispensing position 14 c. Retained. This facilitates insertion of the cleaning mechanism probe 66 into the reaction vessel 3. In addition, the drying cell 75 can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the opening 3 b with respect to the accommodating portion 3 e of the reaction vessel 3.

  In the automatic analyzer 100 of the first to third embodiments, the reaction container 3 that is rotated and transported by the rotation of the reaction disk 4 has been described. However, the reaction container 3 is transported linearly by a linear drive mechanism or the like. It can be applied even if In this case, it is preferable that the reaction container 3 is linearly transported in the direction in which the reaction container 3 is inclined, and the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is linearly moved in the direction in which the reaction container 3 is inclined.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer 100 of 1st-3rd embodiment is applicable also to the dispensing apparatus which dispenses using a dispensing probe to a container, for example.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

3 reaction container 3b opening 3d inclined surface 3d1 inclined inner wall surface 3e accommodating portion 3f bottom 4 reaction disk 14 first reagent dispensing probe 14a first reagent dispensing pump 14d discharge unit 24 analysis unit 41 locus 54 liquid level 55 discharge position 58 Reference position 100 Automatic analyzer

Claims (3)

Automatic analysis that prepares a mixture by dispensing a liquid with a dispensing probe having a discharge part vertically above the opening of the reaction vessel into which the sample is dispensed, and analyzes the mixture A device,
The reaction vessel is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is held by the holding portion so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that an inner surface located immediately below the discharge portion of the dispensing probe has an inclined surface. And
The dispensing probe is configured to discharge the liquid in a vertically downward direction from the discharge unit positioned vertically above the opening of the reaction container toward the inclined surface through the opening of the reaction container ,
Moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a predetermined discharge position;
The predetermined discharge position is a position where the liquid level when the liquid is dispensed into the reaction container is expected to contact the inclined surface.
An automatic analyzer characterized by that. Before SL predetermined discharge position changes according to the change of the dispensing amount of the liquid,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. A dispensing device that prepares a mixed liquid by discharging a liquid with a dispensing probe having a discharge portion at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance vertically above the opening of a reaction container into which a sample has been dispensed,
The reaction vessel is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is held by the holding portion so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that an inner surface located immediately below the discharge portion of the dispensing probe has an inclined surface. And
The dispensing probe is configured to discharge the liquid in a vertically downward direction from the discharge unit positioned vertically above the opening of the reaction container toward the inclined surface through the opening of the reaction container ,
Moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a predetermined discharge position;
The predetermined discharge position is a position where the liquid level when the liquid is dispensed into the reaction container is expected to contact the inclined surface.
A dispensing device characterized by that.

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