JP6808708B2 - Detection device and detection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a detection device and a detection method for detecting a test substance.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method of transferring magnetic particles from one chamber of a cartridge to an adjacent chamber by utilizing the centrifugal force and magnetic force generated by the rotation of a disk.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), the rotating body exemplified by the disk includes two adjacent chambers 611 and 612. The chambers 611 and 612 are connected by a connecting portion 613 arranged on the inner peripheral side of the rotating body. The rotating body is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 25 (a), and the magnet 620 is positioned at the position of the connecting portion 613 connected to the chamber 611 as shown in FIG. 25 (b). The magnet 620 is fixed above the rotating body. The magnet 620 attracts the magnetic particles 630 housed in the chamber 611 from the chamber 611 to the connecting portion 613. Next, the rotating body is rotated at a low speed, and as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the magnetic particles 630 attracted to the magnet 620 move to the position of the connecting portion 613 corresponding to the chamber 612. After that, the rotating body is rotated at a high speed, and as shown in FIG. 25 (d), the magnetic particles 630 move from the connecting portion 613 to the chamber 612 by centrifugal force.

U.S. Pat. No. 8951417

In the method of Patent Document 1, since the magnetic particles 630 housed in the chamber 611 are attracted to the connecting portion 613 by the magnetic force of the magnet 620, some of the magnetic particles 630 are in the process of moving to the connecting portion 613. It can happen that they are left behind in chamber 611. Further, since the magnetic force extending from the magnet 620 to the magnetic particles 630 becomes smaller as the distance increases, the magnetic particles 630 at a position farther from the magnet 620 do not receive a sufficient magnetic force from the magnet 620 and enter the chamber 611. It can happen to be left behind. If the magnetic particles are left behind in the chamber in this way, a part of the test substance bound to the magnetic particles cannot be detected, which may result in a decrease in the detection accuracy of the test substance.

A first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged so as to be separated from each other in the circumferential direction of a circle about a rotation axis, and the first chamber and the second chamber. By transferring the magnetic particles through the plurality of chambers in the cartridge including the connecting channel, the magnetic particles carry the complex of the test substance and the labeling substance, and the magnetic particles are covered based on the labeling substance of the complex. The present invention relates to a detection device that detects a detection substance. The detection device according to this embodiment has a rotation mechanism for rotating the cartridge around a rotation axis, a magnet for collecting magnetic particles in the chamber, and a magnet along the cartridge in a direction different from the circumferential direction. A moving mechanism for moving, a detection unit for detecting the test substance, and a moving and rotating mechanism of the magnet by the moving mechanism so as to transfer the magnetic particles from the first chamber to the second chamber in a state of being collected by the magnet. It includes a control unit that executes rotation of the cartridge .

In the detection device according to this aspect, the cartridge is a replaceable part that summarizes the functions necessary for detecting the test substance. The chamber is an accommodating portion provided in the cartridge for accommodating the test substance and the sample prepared by a predetermined reagent. The chamber does not have to be filled with liquid at all times, and the chamber need only have a spatial expanse to accommodate the liquid. A channel is a passage provided in a cartridge for transferring magnetic particles. The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a motor, which rotates the cartridge by driving the motor. Magnets include, for example, permanent magnets. The moving mechanism includes, for example, a motor and moves the magnet by driving the motor. The detection unit is composed of, for example, a photodetector. The control unit includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit. If only the moving mechanism is driven among the rotating mechanism and the moving mechanism, the relative positions of the magnet and the cartridge change in a direction different from the circumferential direction. If only the rotating mechanism is driven among the rotating mechanism and the moving mechanism, the relative positions of the magnet and the cartridge change in the circumferential direction.

According to the detection device according to this aspect, the magnet can be positioned at a predetermined position of the cartridge by driving the moving mechanism and the rotating mechanism. Therefore, if the magnet is positioned in a predetermined chamber, the distance between the magnetic particles and the magnet is shortened at any position in the chamber, so that sufficient magnetic force can be applied to all the magnetic particles in the chamber. Therefore, the magnetic particles in the chamber can be reliably collected at the position of the magnet. Further, by moving the magnet from the first chamber to the second chamber relative to the cartridge, the magnetic particles collected by the magnet in the first chamber can be transferred to the second chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the collected magnetic particles from being left behind in the first chamber.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the moving mechanism may be configured to move the magnet in the radial direction of a circle about the axis of rotation.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the movement mechanism to move the magnet from the first chamber to the channel.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the rotation mechanism so as to move the magnet relative to the channel. For example, when the magnet itself is moved in the circumferential direction, a configuration for moving the magnet in the circumferential direction is required separately, which may increase the size of the detection device. However, if the rotation mechanism is controlled so as to move the magnet relative to the channel as described above, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the detection device.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the movement mechanism to move the magnet from the channel to the second chamber.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the first chamber and the second chamber can be arranged so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction.

In the detection device according to the present embodiment, the channel includes a first region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the rotation axis and connecting to the first chamber, and the control unit moves the magnet along the first region. Can be configured to control the movement mechanism. In this way, the magnetic particles collected by the magnet in the first chamber can be smoothly transferred from the first chamber to the channel.

In the detection device according to the present embodiment, the channel includes a second region extending in the radial direction of the circle about the rotation axis and connecting to the second chamber, and the control unit moves the magnet along the second region. Can be configured to control the movement mechanism. In this way, the magnetic particles collected by the magnet can be smoothly transferred from the channel to the second chamber.

In the detection device according to the present embodiment, the channel includes a third region extending in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis, and the control unit has a rotation mechanism so as to relatively move the magnet along the third region. Can be configured to control. In this way, the magnetic particles collected by the magnet can be smoothly transferred from the first chamber to the second chamber via the channel.

In the detection device according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the moving mechanism so as to bring the magnet closer to the first chamber. In this way, the magnetic particles in the first chamber can be smoothly and surely collected at the position of the magnet.

A second aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged so as to be separated from each other in the circumferential direction of a circle about a rotation axis, and the first chamber and the second chamber. By transferring the magnetic particles through the plurality of chambers in the cartridge including the connecting channel, the magnetic particles carry the complex of the test substance and the labeling substance, and the magnetic particles are covered based on the labeling substance of the complex. The present invention relates to a detection method for detecting a test substance. Detection method according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the cartridge in the circumferential direction, unlike the circumferential direction, and, first chamber by the movement of the magnet in the direction along the cartridge, the magnetic particles in a state collected by the magnet To the second chamber.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the magnet is moved in the radial direction of the circle centered on the rotation axis in the process of transferring the magnetic particles.

The detection method according to this aspect moves the magnet from the first chamber to the channel in the process of transferring the magnetic particles.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the magnet is moved relative to the channel in the process of transferring the magnetic particles.

The detection method according to this aspect moves the magnet from the channel to the second chamber in the process of transferring the magnetic particles.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the channel includes a first region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the rotation axis and connecting to the first chamber, and the detection method according to this aspect is in the process of transferring magnetic particles. The magnet is moved along the first region.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the channel includes a second region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the rotation axis and connecting to the second chamber, and the detection method according to this aspect is in the process of transferring magnetic particles. The magnet is moved along the second region.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the channel includes a third region extending in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis, and in the detection method according to this aspect, the magnet is moved to the third region in the magnetic particle transfer step. Move relatively along.

In the detection method according to this aspect, the magnet is brought close to the first chamber in the process of transferring magnetic particles.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the magnetic particles from being left behind in the chamber when the magnetic particles are transferred. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the test substance can be maintained high.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view showing the configuration of the detection device according to the outline of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the cartridge according to the outline of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic view showing an external configuration of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing a configuration when the cartridge according to the first embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration when the installation member, magnet, moving mechanism, detection unit, and housing according to the first embodiment are viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a configuration when the magnet and the moving mechanism according to the first embodiment are viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing a configuration when the magnet according to the first embodiment is viewed from the side. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration when the detection unit according to the first embodiment is viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a configuration when the reflective member according to the first embodiment is viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the cross section of the reflective member according to the first embodiment in the YZ plane when viewed from the side. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a configuration when a member and a reflective member are removed from the detection unit according to the first embodiment and viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 6B is a schematic view of a state in which the light generated from the chamber according to the first embodiment is received by the photodetector when viewed from the side. FIG. 7 is a view of a state in which the motor, the elastic member, and the lid member are attached to the housing according to the first embodiment as viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration when the main body portion according to the first embodiment is viewed from diagonally above, and a diagram showing a configuration when the lid portion is viewed from obliquely below. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a cross section of the analyzer when cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing through the rotation axis according to the first embodiment when viewed from the side. FIG. 10A is a schematic view showing a configuration when the pressing portion according to the first embodiment is viewed from above. 10 (b) and 10 (c) are schematic views showing a configuration when the cross section of the pressing portion according to the first embodiment is viewed from the side. FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing a configuration when the support member according to the first embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 11B is a schematic view showing a configuration when a modified example of the support member according to the first embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an internal configuration when the main body portion according to the first embodiment is viewed from below. FIG. 12B is a schematic view showing an internal configuration when the main body portion according to the first embodiment is viewed from the side. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the analyzer when the composite is transferred between the adjacent chambers according to the first embodiment. 16 (a) to 16 (c) are state transition diagrams schematically showing the transfer of the complex between adjacent chambers according to the first embodiment. 17 (a) to 17 (c) are state transition diagrams schematically showing the transfer of the complex between adjacent chambers according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18A is a graph showing the count values obtained by the experiment based on the verification examples 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18B is a diagram schematically showing a transfer state of the complex in Verification Examples 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19A is a schematic view showing an external configuration of the analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19B is a diagram schematically showing a configuration when the support member and the cartridge according to the third embodiment are viewed from above. FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the detection device according to the outline of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21A is a schematic view showing a configuration when the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment is viewed from above. 21 (b) and 21 (c) are enlarged schematic views of the chamber of the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment. 21 (d) and 21 (e) are enlarged schematic views of the chamber of the cartridge according to the comparative example. 22 (a) to 22 (c) are schematic views showing a modified example of the chamber according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23A is a schematic view showing a configuration when the cartridge according to the sixth embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 23B is a schematic view showing a configuration when the pressing portion according to the sixth embodiment is viewed from above. 24 (a) and 24 (b) are schematic views showing a configuration when the cross section of the pressing portion according to the sixth embodiment is viewed from the side. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration related to the related technology.

<Embodiment 1>
The outline of the detection device and the cartridge of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the detection device 10 sequentially transfers the magnetic particles to a plurality of chambers so that the magnetic particles carry the test substance and the labeling substance, and the test substance is loaded based on the labeling substance. It is a detection device that detects. The detection device 10 includes a support member 30, a rotation mechanism 40, a magnet 50, a movement mechanism 60, a control unit 70, and a detection unit 80. In FIG. 1A, the XYZ axes are orthogonal to each other. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rear, the positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the left direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the vertical downward direction.

A cartridge 20 is installed on the support member 30. The rotation mechanism 40 includes a motor 41 and a rotation shaft 42. The rotating shaft 42 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the rotating shaft 42 is fixed to the support member 30, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 42 is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 41. The rotation mechanism 40 drives the motor 41 to rotate the cartridge 20 installed on the support member 30 around the rotation shaft 42. Hereinafter, the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the rotation shaft 42 are simply referred to as "diameter direction" and "circumferential direction", respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the cartridge 20 is a replaceable component that summarizes the functions required for detecting the test substance. The cartridge 20 includes a first chamber 22a, a second chamber 22b, and a channel 23. The cartridge 20 is composed of a plate-shaped and disk-shaped substrate 20a. The cartridge 20 is not limited to a plate shape and may include a protrusion or the like, and may be not limited to a disk shape but may have another shape such as a rectangular shape.

A hole 21, a first chamber 22a, a second chamber 22b, and a channel 23 are formed in the substrate 20a. The hole 21 penetrates the substrate 20a at the center of the substrate 20a. The cartridge 20 is installed in the detection device 10 so that the center of the hole 21 coincides with the rotation shaft 42.

The first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b are accommodating portions provided in the cartridge 20 for accommodating a sample prepared by a test substance and a predetermined reagent. The first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b do not have to be filled with the liquid at all times, and the first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b may have a spatial spread for accommodating the liquid. The channel 23 is a passage provided in the cartridge 20 for transferring magnetic particles.

The first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b are arranged so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction. The first chamber 22a contains, for example, a complex in which a test substance, magnetic particles, and a labeling substance are bound to each other. The channel 23 is connected to the first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b from the rotation shaft 42 side, and connects the first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b.

The channel 23 includes a first region 23a, a second region 23b, and a third region 23c. The first region 23a extends radially and is connected to the first chamber 22a. The second region 23b extends radially and is connected to the second chamber 22b. The third region 23c extends in the circumferential direction. Both ends of the third region 23c are connected to the first region 23a and the second region 23b. The first region 23a and the third region 23c are connected by a connecting portion 23d. The second region 23b and the third region 23c are connected at the connecting portion 23e. In the example shown in FIG. 1 (b), the first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b have a liquid phase region for containing a liquid. The channel 23 has a gas phase region for accommodating the gas.

Both ends of the third region 23c do not necessarily have to be connected to the first region 23a and the second region 23b. For example, a third region 23c connected to the first region 23a and a third region 23c connected to the second region 23b may be provided separately, and the channel between them may be bent in a U shape. A liquid phase region may be present in the U-shaped curved channel. The first region 23a and the second region 23b may extend in a direction deviated from the radial direction in the horizontal plane as long as the direction is different from the circumferential direction. The first region 23a and the second region 23b may be omitted, and the first chamber 22a and the second chamber 22b may be directly connected to the third region 23c.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the magnet 50 collects the magnetic particles spreading in the first chamber 22a. As described above, the test substance and the labeling substance are bonded to the magnetic particles in the first chamber 22a. The magnet 50 may be composed of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The moving mechanism 60 moves the magnet 50 in a direction different from the circumferential direction in the horizontal plane. Specifically, the moving mechanism 60 moves the magnet 50 in the radial direction. Further, the moving mechanism 60 moves the magnet 50 in the vertical direction. That is, the moving mechanism 60 approaches and separates the magnet 50 from the rotating shaft 42, and approaches and separates the magnet 50 from the cartridge 20.

When the first region 23a and the second region 23b are formed so as to extend in a direction deviated from the radial direction, the moving mechanism 60 moves the magnet 50 in a direction deviated from the radial direction. The moving mechanism 60 may move the magnet 50 in a direction deviated from the vertical direction when the magnet 50 approaches and separates from the cartridge 20.

The moving mechanism 60 may change the relative positions of the magnet 50 and the cartridge 20. For example, the moving mechanism 60 may move the cartridge 20 by moving the support member 30 that supports the cartridge 20, so that the magnet 50 is moved relative to the cartridge 20. However, when the support member 30 is moved, a configuration for moving the support member 30 is required separately, so that the detection device 10 may become large. Therefore, it is desirable that the support member 30 is not moved and the magnet 50 is moved with respect to the cartridge 20.

The control unit 70 controls the rotation mechanism 40 and the movement mechanism 60. The control unit 70 drives the moving mechanism 60 to bring the magnet 50 close to the cartridge 20 at a position facing the first chamber 22a, and collects the magnetic particles of the composite by the magnetic force of the magnet 50. After that, the control unit 70 keeps the magnet 50 close to the cartridge 20 until the magnetic particles are moved to the second chamber 22b.

The control unit 70 moves the magnet 50 in the radial direction from a position facing the first chamber 22a, so that the magnetic particles collected by the magnet 50 in the first chamber 22a are moved from the first chamber 22a to the channel 23. Move. Subsequently, the control unit 70 rotates the cartridge 20 to move the magnetic particles collected by the magnet 50 in the channel 23. Subsequently, the control unit 70 moves the magnetic particles collected by the magnet 50 from the channel 23 to the second chamber 22b by moving the magnet 50 in the radial direction from a position facing the channel 23. When the magnetic particles are transferred from the first chamber 22a to the second chamber 22b, the magnetic particles are transferred from the liquid phase region of the first chamber 22a to the second chamber via the gas phase region of the channel 23. It is transferred to the liquid phase region of 22b.

Specifically, the control unit 70 connects the magnetic particles in the first chamber 22a through the first region 23a by driving the moving mechanism 60 to move the magnet 50 in the direction approaching the rotation shaft 42. Move to unit 23d. Subsequently, the control unit 70 drives the rotation mechanism 40 to rotate the cartridge 20 to move the magnetic particles positioned in the connection unit 23d to the connection unit 23e through the third region 23c. Further, the control unit 70 drives the moving mechanism 60 to move the magnet 50 in the direction away from the rotating shaft 42, so that the magnetic particles positioned in the connecting unit 23e are passed through the second region 23b to the second chamber. Move to 22b.

When the magnetic particles positioned at the connecting portion 23d are moved to the connecting portion 23e, the rotating mechanism 40 may move the magnet 50 relative to the cartridge 20. For example, the rotation mechanism 40 may move the magnet 50 in the circumferential direction. However, when the magnet 50 is moved in the circumferential direction, a configuration for moving the magnet 50 in the circumferential direction is required separately, so that the detection device 10 may become large. Therefore, it is desirable that the magnet 50 is not moved and the cartridge 20 is rotated in the circumferential direction. Even when the cartridge 20 includes three or more chambers, the control unit 70 sequentially transfers the magnetic particles to the plurality of chambers as described above.

The detection unit 80 detects the light generated in the reaction process in the second chamber 22b. The control unit 70 analyzes the test substance based on the light detected by the detection unit 80.

According to the detection device 10 as described above, when the magnet 50 is brought close to the cartridge 20 at a position facing the first chamber 22a, the distance between the magnetic particles and the magnet 50 is shortened at any position in the first chamber 22a. .. Therefore, a sufficient magnetic force can be applied to all the magnetic particles in the first chamber 22a, and the magnetic particles in the first chamber 22a can be reliably collected at the position of the magnet 50. Further, the magnetic particles collected in the first chamber 22a are moved to the second chamber 22b via the channel 23 as the magnet 50 moves. Therefore, the collected magnetic particles can be reliably moved to the channel 23 without leaving the collected magnetic particles in the first chamber 22a.

<Specific configuration example>
Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the analyzer and the cartridge of the first embodiment will be described.

The analyzer 100 corresponds to the detection device 10 of FIG. 1 (a). The support member 177 corresponds to the support member 30 in FIG. 1 (a). The rotation mechanism including the rotation shaft 311, the motor 171 and the fixing member 312 corresponds to the rotation mechanism 40 of FIG. 1A. The motor 171 corresponds to the motor 41 of FIG. 1 (a). The rotating shaft 311 corresponds to the rotating shaft 42 of FIG. 1 (a). The magnet 120 corresponds to the magnet 50 in FIG. 1 (a). The moving mechanism 130 corresponds to the moving mechanism 60 of FIG. 1 (a). The control unit 301 corresponds to the control unit 70 of FIG. 1 (a). The detection unit 140 corresponds to the detection unit 80 in FIG. 1 (a). The cartridge 200 corresponds to the cartridge 20 of FIG. 1 (b).

As shown in FIG. 2A, the analyzer 100 is an immunoassay device that detects a test substance in a sample by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction and analyzes the test substance based on the detection result. The analyzer 100 includes a main body 101 and a lid 102. In the main body 101, the housing 101a covers the portion other than the portion facing the lid 102. In the lid portion 102, the housing 102a covers the portion other than the portion facing the main body portion 101. The main body 101 supports the lid 102 so as to be openable and closable. When attaching / detaching the cartridge 200, the lid 102 is opened as shown in FIG. 2A. A cartridge 200 is installed on the upper part of the main body 101.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the cartridge 200 is composed of a plate-shaped and disk-shaped substrate 200a. Each part in the cartridge 200 is formed by adhering a recess formed in the substrate 200a and a film (not shown) covering the entire surface of the substrate 200a. The substrate 200a and the film bonded to the substrate 200a are made of a translucent member. The substrate 200a has a thickness that facilitates temperature control of the cartridge 200 by the heaters 321 and 322 described later. For example, the thickness of the substrate 200a is several millimeters, specifically 1.2 mm.

The substrate 200a includes holes 201, chambers 211-216, channels 220, six liquid storage units 231 and liquid storage units 232, openings 241 and separation units 242, and channels 243. The hole 201 penetrates the substrate 200a at the center of the substrate 200a. The cartridge 200 is installed in the analyzer 100 so that the center of the hole 201 coincides with the rotation shaft 311 described later. Hereinafter, the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the rotation shaft 311 are simply referred to as "diameter direction" and "circumferential direction", respectively. The chambers 211 to 216 are arranged in the circumferential direction near the outer periphery of the substrate 200a.

The channel 220 includes an arcuate region 221 extending in the circumferential direction and six regions 222 extending in the radial direction. Region 221 is connected to six regions 222. The six regions 222 are connected to chambers 211 to 216, respectively. The six liquid accommodating portions 231 are connected to the channel 220 via a flow path, and are on an extension of the region 222 connected to the chambers 211 to 216, respectively. The liquid storage unit 232 is connected to a flow path connecting the region 222 connected to the chamber 216 and the liquid storage unit 231 on the extension line of the region 222 connected to the chamber 216 via the flow path.

The liquid storage unit 231 stores the reagent and includes a sealing body 231a on the inner upper surface in the radial direction. The sealing body 231a is configured to be openable by being pressed from above by the pressing portion 195 described later. Before the sealing body 231a is opened, the reagent in the liquid containing portion 231 does not flow to the channel 220, and when the sealing body 231a is opened, the inside of the liquid containing portion 231 communicates with the channel 220 to liquid. The reagent in the housing 231 will flow out to the channel 220. Specifically, when the sealing body 231a is opened, the inside of the liquid accommodating portion 231 is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200 at the position of the sealing body 231a.

Similarly, the liquid storage unit 232 also stores the reagent and includes the sealing body 232a on the inner upper surface in the radial direction. The sealing body 232a is configured to be openable by being pressed from above by the pressing portion 195. Before the encapsulant 232a is opened, the reagent in the liquid accommodating portion 232 does not flow to the channel 220, and when the encapsulant 232a is opened, the inside of the liquid accommodating portion 232 communicates with the channel 220 to liquid. The reagents in the containment 232 will flow out to the channel 220. Specifically, when the sealing body 232a is opened, the inside of the liquid accommodating portion 232 is connected to the outside of the cartridge 200 at the position of the sealing body 232a.

The sealing bodies 231a and 232a may be integrally formed with the substrate 200a, or may be formed by a film or the like attached to an opening formed in the substrate 200a.

A blood sample of whole blood collected from a subject is injected into a separation unit 242 through an opening 241. Separation unit 242 separates the injected blood sample into blood cells and plasma. The plasma separated by the separation unit 242 moves to the channel 243. A hole 243a is provided on the inner upper surface of the channel 243 in the radial direction. Plasma located in region 243b within channel 243 moves to chamber 211 by centrifugal force as the cartridge 200 is rotated. As a result, a predetermined amount of plasma is transferred to the chamber 211.

As shown in FIG. 2B, each configuration of the substrate 200a is formed only in a region of one third of the substrate 200a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of these groups may be formed in the remaining two-thirds of the region, and the substrate 200a may be provided with three configurations of the group.

Subsequently, the internal configuration of the analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12 (b).

Holes 111 to 114 are formed in the installation member 110. The holes 111 to 114 penetrate the installation member 110. A rotation shaft 311 described later is positioned in the hole 111. The hole 112 has a shape that is long in the radial direction. The moving mechanism 130 is installed on the lower surface of the installation member 110 via the member 131. In the horizontal plane, the hole 131a of the member 131 is positioned at the same position as the hole 112 of the installation member 110. The detection unit 140 is installed on the lower surface of the installation member 110 via the member 141. In the horizontal plane, the reflective member 142 of the detection unit 140 is positioned at the same position as the hole 113 of the installation member 110. A temperature sensor 178, which will be described later, is installed in the hole 114. Closed loop protrusions 115 and 116 are formed on the upper surface of the installation member 110. The protrusions 115 and 116 project upward along the circumferential direction.

The accommodating body 150 includes an upper surface 151, accommodating portions 152 and 153, and an outer surface 154. At the center of the upper surface 151, a hole 155 is formed which penetrates from the upper surface 151 to the outer surface 154 in the vertical direction. The hole 155 is provided for passing the rotation shaft 311 described later. The accommodating portions 152 and 153 are composed of recesses recessed downward from the upper surface 151. The installation member 110 on which the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 are installed is installed in the housing body 150. When the installation member 110 is installed on the housing body 150, the lower surface of the outer circumference of the installation member 110 and the upper surface of the outer circumference of the housing body 150 are joined. When the installation member 110 is installed in the accommodating body 150, the moving mechanism 130 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 152, and the detection unit 140 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 153.

The installation member 110 and the housing body 150 are formed of a light-shielding resin, and the colors of the installation member 110 and the housing body 150 are set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. Further, a predetermined elastic member (not shown) is installed between the outer peripheral lower surface of the installation member 110 and the outer peripheral upper surface of the housing body 150. The predetermined elastic member is composed of, for example, a light-shielding chloroprene rubber and a polyurethane resin, and the color of the predetermined elastic member is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the moving mechanism 130 includes a member 131, two support shafts 132, a gear portion 133, a support portion 134, a motor 135, a transmission gear 135a, and a motor 136. The transmission gears 136a to 136c, the screw 137, and the support portion 138 are provided. The two support shafts 132 are installed on the lower surface of the member 131. The gear portion 133 is installed on the side surface of the member 131 and has a flat plate shape. The support portion 134 is movably supported with respect to the two support shafts 132. The two support shafts 132 extend in the radial direction. A hole 134a is formed on the upper surface of the support portion 134. The hole 134a is positioned at the same position as the hole 131a of the member 131 in the horizontal plane.

The support portion 134 supports the motor 135, 136, the transmission gear 136b, and the screw 137. The motors 135 and 136 are composed of a stepping motor. When the drive shaft of the motor 135 rotates, the transmission gear 135a installed on the drive shaft rotates, and the driving force is transmitted to the gear portion 133. As a result, the support portion 134 moves in the radial direction while being supported by the two support shafts 132.

When the drive shaft of the motor 136 rotates, the transmission gear 136a installed on the drive shaft rotates. The transmission gears 136a and 136b are in mesh with each other, and the transmission gears 136b and 136c are in mesh with each other. The transmission gear 136b is rotatably installed on the support portion 134, and the transmission gear 136c is installed on the screw 137. The screw 137 is rotatably supported by the support portion 134. The support portion 138 is supported by the screw 137 so as to move up and down according to the rotation of the screw 137. The magnet 120 is installed on the support portion 138. Therefore, when the drive shaft of the motor 136 rotates, the drive force is transmitted to the transmission gears 136a, 136b, 136c and the screw 137. As a result, the support portion 138 moves in the vertical direction.

When the moving mechanism 130 is configured in this way, the magnet 120 can move in the radial direction according to the drive of the motor 135, and the magnet 120 can move in the vertical direction according to the drive of the motor 136. Further, when the magnet 120 is moved inward in the radial direction, the upper end of the magnet 120 is moved inward in the radial direction of the cartridge 200, and when the magnet 120 is moved outward in the radial direction, the upper end of the magnet 120 is moved inward of the cartridge 200. Move outward in the radial direction of. When the magnet 120 is moved upward, the upper end of the magnet 120 protrudes above the holes 131a and 134a and approaches the cartridge 200. By moving the magnet 120 downward, the upper end of the magnet 120 is separated from the cartridge 200.

A configuration other than the above may be used as a configuration for changing the position of the magnet 120 with respect to the cartridge 200. For example, in order to move the magnet 120 in the vertical direction, the magnet 120 may be expanded or contracted, or the magnet 120 may be rotated with a direction parallel to the horizontal direction as the center of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the magnet 120 includes a permanent magnet 121 and a magnetic body 122. The magnetic material 122 may be either a paramagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material, or may be a combination thereof. The permanent magnet 121 has a cylindrical shape, and the magnetic body 122 has a conical shape. The magnetic body 122 is joined to the upper surface of the permanent magnet 121. A tip portion 122a is formed at the upper end of the magnetic body 122. The tip portion 122a has a columnar shape having a constant cross-sectional area when cut in a horizontal plane. Specifically, the tip portion 122a has a cylindrical shape. The magnet 120 may have a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the magnet 120 decreases as it approaches the cartridge 200.

The magnetic force applied to the magnetic particles in the cartridge 200 by the magnet 120 becomes stronger as the permanent magnet 121 is larger, in other words, as the horizontal cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet 121 is larger. Further, the change in the magnetic force from the central axis 120a of the magnet 120 becomes larger as the angle θ of the tapered shape of the magnet 120 becomes smaller. The smaller the angle θ, the greater the force that moves the magnetic particles in the cartridge 200. However, when the cross-sectional area of the horizontal plane of the permanent magnet 121 is constant, the smaller the angle θ, the longer the distance from the tip portion 122a to the upper surface of the permanent magnet 121, so that the magnetic force applied to the cartridge 200 by the magnet 120 becomes smaller. .. Therefore, the angle θ of the first embodiment is set to, for example, 60 ° in order to increase both the magnetic force applied to the magnetic particles and the force for moving the magnetic particles in a well-balanced manner.

When the magnetic force applied to the magnetic particles and the force for moving the magnetic particles are large, it is possible to prevent the magnetic particles from being left behind when the magnetic particles are moved in the cartridge 200 by the magnet 120. Therefore, if the magnet 120 is configured as shown in FIG. 4B, both the magnetic force applied to the magnetic particles and the force for moving the magnetic particles can be increased in a well-balanced manner, so that the detection unit can prevent the magnetic particles from being left behind. It is possible to suppress an unintended decrease in the amount of light detected by 140. Therefore, false negatives due to an unintended decrease in the amount of light can be suppressed, so that highly accurate detection can be performed.

Further, the width of the edge of the magnet 120 on the cartridge 200 side, that is, the width of the tip portion 122a is at least smaller than the minimum width of each region in the channel 220. As a result, the composite collected by the magnet 120 can be smoothly moved in the channel 220 without being caught in the channel 220.

The magnet 120 may be composed of only permanent magnets. That is, the magnet 120 may be composed of a permanent magnet having a shape in which the permanent magnet 121 and the magnetic body 122 as described above are combined. However, if the magnet 120 is formed by the permanent magnet 121 and the magnetic body 122, the magnet 120 can be formed easily and accurately.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the detection unit 140 includes a member 141, a reflection member 142, a support unit 143, a light detection unit 144, and a light adjustment unit 160. The member 141 is formed with a hole 141a that penetrates the member 141 in the vertical direction. The reflective member 142 is fitted and installed in the hole 141a formed in the member 141. The support portion 143 is installed on the lower surface of the member 141. The light detection unit 144 and the light adjustment unit 160 are installed in the support unit 143.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the reflective member 142 has a transparent plate 142a installed on the upper portion thereof. The transparent plate 142a is a member for protecting the photodetector 144a, which will be described later. Since the optical action of the transparent plate 142a can be substantially ignored, the transparent plate 142a is omitted from the drawings shown below for convenience. The reflective member 142 is formed with a hole 142b that penetrates in the vertical direction at the center. The diameter of the hole 142b in the horizontal plane becomes smaller as it goes vertically downward. The reflective member 142 can guide the light generated from inside the chamber 216 to the photodetector 144a to the same extent regardless of whether the composite is located at the center or the end of the chamber 216.

FIG. 6A shows a state in which the members 141 and the reflective members 142 are not shown from the detection unit 140 shown in FIG. 5A.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the light adjusting unit 160 includes a motor 161 and a plate-shaped member 162. The motor 161 is composed of a stepping motor. The plate-shaped member 162 is installed on the drive shaft 161a of the motor 161 and includes holes 162a and 162b. The holes 162a and 162b penetrate the plate-shaped member 162 in the vertical direction. A filter member 162c is installed in the hole 162b. The filter member 162c is an ND filter.

When the motor 161 is driven, the plate-shaped member 162 rotates about the drive shaft 161a. As a result, the holes 162a, the filter member 162c, and the regions 162d other than the holes 162a and 162b of the plate-shaped member 162 are positioned directly above the photodetector 144a of the light detection unit 144, respectively. For certain measurement items, high intensity light is generated in chamber 216. In this case, the filter member 162c is positioned directly above the photodetector 144a of the photodetector unit 144, and the light incident on the photodetector 144a is reduced. As a result, saturation of the output signal of the photodetector 144a is suppressed.

The photodetector unit 144 includes a photodetector 144a on the upper surface. The detection surface 144b of the photodetector 144a faces the plate-shaped member 162. The photodetector 144a optically detects the test substance contained in the chamber 216. The photodetector 144a is composed of, for example, a photomultiplier tube, a phototube, a photodiode, and the like. When the photodetector 144a is composed of a photomultiplier tube, a pulse waveform corresponding to the reception of a photon, that is, a photon is output from the photodetector 144a. The photodetector unit 144 has a circuit inside, counts photons at regular intervals based on the output signal of the photodetector 144a, and outputs a count value.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the light generated from the chamber 216 of the cartridge 200 spreads to the upper and lower sides of the cartridge 200. The light that has spread to the lower side of the cartridge 200 passes through the hole 142b of the reflection member 142, passes through the hole 162a of the light adjustment unit 160 or the filter member 162c, and is received by the photodetector 144a. The light spread on the upper side of the cartridge 200 is reflected by the plate member 191 of the lid 102, which will be described later, returns to the chamber 216, and is similarly received by the photodetector 144a. A mirror may be installed on the plate member 191 of the lid 102 to reflect the light spread on the upper side of the cartridge 200.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer surface 154 of the containment body 150 is located below the containment body 150 and is located in the center of the containment body 150 in the horizontal plane. The outer side surface 154 is a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. At the center of the outer side surface 154, an outlet of a hole 155 that penetrates from the upper surface 151 to the outer surface 154 in the vertical direction is formed. A recess 154a is formed on the outer side surface 154 around the outlet of the hole 155. The recess 154a has a ring-shaped outer shape when viewed vertically upward. Further, the hole 155 is formed with a hole 156 that leads from the side of the hole 155 to the outside.

The motor 171 is composed of a stepping motor. The encoder 172 is installed on the lower surface of the motor 171 and detects the rotation of the rotation shaft of the motor 171. The elastic member 173 is formed of, for example, a light-shielding polyurethane resin, and the color of the elastic member 173 is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. The elastic member 173 has a ring-shaped outer shape that fits into the recess 154a of the outer surface 154. The motor 171 is installed on the outer surface 154 so as to close the hole 155. Specifically, the elastic member 173 is arranged in the recess 154a so as to surround the hole 155 between the upper surface of the motor 171 facing the outer surface 154 and the outer surface 154. Then, the motor 171 is mounted on the outer surface 154 so that the upper surface of the motor 171 is pressed against the elastic member 173. As a result, the lower part of the hole 155 is closed by the elastic member 173 and the upper surface of the motor 171.

When the motor 171 is mounted on the outer surface 154, the mechanism inside the hole 155 is subsequently connected via the hole 156. When the connection of the mechanism or the like is completed, the elastic member 174 is installed around the outlet of the hole 156, and the hole 156 is closed by the lid member 175. The elastic member 174 and the lid member 175 are configured to have a light-shielding property.

As shown in FIG. 8, the plate member 176 and the support member 177 are installed inside the protrusion 115 of the installation member 110. The plate member 176 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity. A heater 321 described later is installed on the lower surface of the plate member 176. The plate member 176 and the heater 321 are provided with holes at positions corresponding to the holes 111 to 114 of the installation member 110 shown in FIG. Through these holes, as shown in FIG. 8, the moving mechanism 130, the detection unit 140, and the temperature sensor 178 directly face the lower surface of the cartridge 200. The temperature sensor 178 is installed on the lower surface side of the installation member 110. The temperature sensor 178 detects the temperature of the cartridge 200 by infrared rays.

The support member 177 is installed at the center of the installation member 110 via the installation member 310 described later. The support member 177 is composed of, for example, a turntable. An elastic member 117 is installed between the protrusions 115 and the protrusions 116. The elastic member 117 is formed of, for example, a light-shielding polyurethane resin, and the color of the elastic member 117 is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. The elastic member 117 is configured in a closed loop. The upper surface of the elastic member 117 is an elastically deformable joint surface. The installation member 110 and the accommodating body 150 assembled in this way are installed in the housing 101a, and the main body 101 is completed.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the lid 102 is viewed from below. The lid portion 102 includes an installation member 180, a plate member 191 and a clamper 192, an imaging unit 193, an illumination unit 194, and a pressing unit 195.

The installation member 180 is made of a light-shielding resin, and the color of the installation member 180 is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. The plate member 191 and the clamper 192 are installed inside the protrusion 181 of the installation member 180. Like the plate member 176, the plate member 191 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity. A heater 322, which will be described later, is installed on the upper surface of the plate member 191. The lower surface of the installation member 180, the plate member 191 and the heater 322 are provided with holes at positions corresponding to the image pickup unit 193, the illumination unit 194, and the pressing unit 195. Through these holes, the image pickup unit 193, the illumination unit 194, and the pressing unit 195 directly face the upper surface of the cartridge 200. The image pickup unit 193, the illumination unit 194, and the pressing unit 195 are installed on the upper surface of the installation member 180.

The imaging unit 193 images the state inside the cartridge 200. The image pickup unit 193 is composed of a small camera. Small cameras include, for example, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, and the like. The illumination unit 194 illuminates the cartridge 200 when the image pickup unit 193 takes a picture. The illumination unit 194 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode. The pressing portion 195 presses the sealing bodies 231a and 232a to open the sealing bodies 231a and 232a. The pressing portion 195 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C.

The clamper 192 is installed in the center of the installation member 180. A closed loop protrusion 181 is formed on the lower surface of the installation member 180. The protrusion 181 projects downward along the circumferential direction. A recess is formed on the lower surface of the installation member 180 on the outside of the protrusion 181, and the elastic member 182 is installed in the recess. The elastic member 182 is formed of, for example, a light-shielding polyurethane resin, and the color of the elastic member 182 is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. The elastic member 182 is configured in a closed loop. The lower surface of the elastic member 182 is an elastically deformable joint surface.

At the time of assembly, the lid 102 is installed on the main body 101 so that the lid 102 can be opened and closed with respect to the installation member 110 of the main body 101. A ventilation unit 350, which will be described later, is installed in the housing 101a of the main body 101. The ventilation unit 350 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the analyzer 100 when cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing through the rotation axis 311. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the cartridge 200 is installed on the analyzer 100 and the lid 102 is closed. As described above, the moving mechanism 130 for holding the magnet 120 and the detection unit 140 are installed on the lower surface of the installation member 110, and the image pickup unit 193 and the illumination unit 194 are installed on the upper surface of the installation member 180. , The pressing portion 195 is installed. In FIG. 9, the positions corresponding to the arrangement positions of these parts are shown by broken lines.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drive shaft 171a of the motor 171 extends into the hole 155 by installing the motor 171 on the outer surface 154. An installation member 310 is installed above the hole 155. The installation member 310 rotatably supports a rotation shaft 311 extending in the vertical direction. The rotating shaft 311 is fixed to the drive shaft 171a of the motor 171 by the fixing member 312 inside the hole 155.

A support member 177 for supporting the lower surface of the cartridge 200 is fixed to the upper portion of the rotating shaft 311 via a predetermined member. When the motor 171 is driven and the drive shaft 171a rotates, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the support member 177 via the rotary shaft 311. As a result, the cartridge 200 installed on the support member 177 rotates about the rotation shaft 311 and the drive shaft 171a. When the cartridge 200 is installed on the support member 177 and the lid 102 is closed, the clamper 192 presses the inner peripheral portion of the upper surface of the cartridge 200 in a rotatable state.

A heater 321 is installed on the lower surface of the plate member 176, and a heater 322 is installed on the upper surface of the plate member 191. The heaters 321 and 322 are arranged so that the heat generating surface is flat and the heat generating surface is parallel to the cartridge 200. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be heated efficiently. Temperature sensors 331 and 332 shown in FIG. 13 are installed on the plate members 176 and 191 respectively. The temperature sensors 331 and 332 detect the temperatures of the plate members 176 and 191, respectively.

Here, the control unit 301, which will be described later, is a heater so that the temperature of the plate member 176 detected by the temperature sensor 331 and the temperature of the plate member 191 detected by the temperature sensor 332 become predetermined temperatures at the time of analysis. Drives 321 and 322. The control unit 301 drives the heaters 321 and 322 by control methods such as P control, PD control, and PID control based on the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 331 and 332. As a result, the temperature of the cartridge 200 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature of the first embodiment is 42 ° C. so that the reaction proceeds properly in the cartridge 200. Keeping the temperature of the cartridge 200 constant in this way is particularly important in immunoassay. The control unit 301 may drive the heaters 321 and 322 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 178.

As shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 9, the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 apply a magnetic force to the cartridge 200 and receive the light generated from the cartridge 200 side. Therefore, on the lower side of the cartridge 200, the installation member 110 is in a state of easily passing light in the vertical direction. However, since the accommodating body 150 is positioned below the installation member 110, the passage of light is prevented between the space below the cartridge 200 and the outside.

A light-shielding member 196 is installed on the upper portion of the installation member 180 of the lid portion 102 with the inner surface of the housing 102a. The light-shielding member 196 is formed of a light-shielding resin, and the color of the light-shielding member 196 is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property. A predetermined elastic member (not shown) is installed between the outer peripheral lower surface of the light-shielding member 196 and the outer peripheral upper surface of the installation member 180. The predetermined elastic member is composed of, for example, a light-shielding chloroprene rubber and a polyurethane resin, and the color of the predetermined elastic member is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property.

Since the installation member 180 is provided with holes at the installation positions of the image pickup unit 193, the illumination unit 194, and the pressing unit 195, light leaks in the vertical direction at the installation positions of these members. Therefore, on the upper side of the cartridge 200, the installation member 180 is in a state of transmitting light in the vertical direction. However, since the light-shielding member 196 is positioned above the installation member 180, the passage of light is prevented between the space above the cartridge 200 and the outside.

When the lid 102 is closed, the protrusion 116 of the installation member 110 is pressed against the lower surface of the elastic member 182 of the installation member 180 and comes into close contact with the lid portion 102. The protrusion 181 of the installation member 180 is pressed against the upper surface of the elastic member 117 of the installation member 110 to be brought into close contact with the product. Further, a surface 183 is formed on the lower surface near the outer circumference of the installation member 180, and the side inside the lid 102 is covered with the housing 102a. As a result, the passage of light is prevented between the space on the side of the cartridge 200 and the outside.

In this way, the dark room 340 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9 is formed by the light-shielding portion. The light-shielding portion on the main body 101 side is formed by the protrusion 116 of the installation member 110, the elastic member 117, the outer peripheral portion of the installation member 110, the housing body 150, the upper surface of the motor 171, the elastic member 173, the lid member 175, and the elastic member 174. It is composed. The light-shielding portion on the lid 102 side is composed of a housing 102a, a light-shielding member 196, a surface 183 of the installation member 180, a protrusion 181 of the installation member 180, and an elastic member 182. When the lid 102 is closed, the light-shielding portion on the main body 101 side and the light-shielding portion on the lid 102 side are joined on the side of the cartridge 200, and the dark room 340 is surrounded by the light-shielding portion. In this way, light is prevented from leaking into the light-shielding portion. The configuration of the light-shielding portion is an example, and the members and the like constituting the light-shielding portion are not limited to the above.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 151 of the accommodating body 150 and the accommodating portions 152 and 153 are provided with holes for passing cables. These holes can be holes made in the dark room 340. Therefore, all the holes for passing cables and the like for exchanging signals between the inside of the dark room 340 and the outside of the dark room 340 are closed by a light-shielding member in order to form the dark room 340. For example, a light-shielding tape, a light-shielding fabric, a heat-shrinkable tube, a grommet, a caulking material, or the like can be used to block the gap between the cable and the hole at the exit of the hole. The color of these light-shielding members is set to black in order to enhance the light-shielding property.

When the dark room 340 is formed as described above, the support member 177 that supports the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200, and the detection surface 144b of the photodetector 144a are arranged in the dark room 340. In the first embodiment, the magnet 120, the moving mechanism 130, and the detection unit 140 are arranged in the dark room 340. As a result, even if the light generated in the reaction process in the chamber 216 is extremely weak, the light does not enter the dark room 340 from the outside, so that the light generated in the reaction can be detected accurately by the photodetector 144a. Therefore, the analysis accuracy of the test substance can be improved.

Further, as described above, the motor 171 is arranged outside the dark room 340. Here, the motor 171 is excited and generates heat when the cartridge 200 is rotated. However, as described above, when the motor 171 which is a heat source is arranged outside the dark room 340 which is a closed space, it is possible to prevent the temperature inside the dark room 340 from becoming unstable due to the heat of the motor 171. As a result, the temperature of the cartridge 200 can be maintained at a desired temperature. Therefore, the sample in the cartridge 200 and the reagent can be reacted stably.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the pressing portion 195 includes an installation member 361, a motor 362, transmission gears 363a, 363b, 363c, screws 364, a moving member 365, and a pin member 366. , A roller 367 and a spring 368. In FIGS. 10A to 10C, the D1 direction is a direction in which the positive direction of the X axis is rotated by 45 ° clockwise about the Z axis. The D2 direction is a direction in which the positive direction of the Y axis is rotated by 45 ° counterclockwise about the Z axis. The D3 direction is a direction in which the positive direction of the X axis is rotated by 45 ° counterclockwise about the Z axis. The D3 direction is a direction toward the outside in the radial direction. 10 (b) and 10 (c) are side views of the cross sections C1-C2 shown in FIG. 10 (a) as viewed in the D3 direction.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the installation member 361 is installed on the upper surface of the installation member 180 of the lid 102. As shown in FIG. 10A, the motor 362 is installed on the installation member 361. The motor 362 is composed of a stepping motor. The transmission gears 363a, 363b, 363c and the screw 364 are supported by the installation member 361 so that they can rotate around the D1 and D2 directions as the center of rotation. The transmission gears 363a and 363b are in mesh with each other, and the transmission gears 363b and 363c are in mesh with each other. The drive shaft 362a of the motor 362 is connected to the transmission gear 363a, and the screw 364 is connected to the transmission gear 363c. The moving member 365 is supported by the screw 364 so as to move in the D1 and D2 directions in accordance with the rotation of the screw 364. As shown in FIG. 10B, a cam portion 365a formed of a plane inclined with respect to a horizontal plane is formed on the lower surface side of the moving member 365.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a cylindrical hole 361a is formed in the installation member 361. As shown in FIG. 10B, the pin member 366 includes a body portion 366a, a collar portion 366b formed at the upper end of the body portion 366a, and a tip portion 366c formed at the lower end of the body portion 366a. .. The shape of the body portion 366a is a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction. The shape of the collar portion 366b is larger than that of the body portion 366a and has a cylindrical shape substantially the same as the diameter of the hole 361a. The shape of the tip portion 366c is a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of the body portion 366a. The body portion 366a is passed through a hole provided in the bottom surface of the hole 361a and a hole penetrating the installation member 180, the heater 322, and the plate member 191 provided so as to correspond to the hole.

The roller 367 is installed above the pin member 366 so as to be rotatable. The shape of the roller 367 is a cylindrical shape. The spring 368 is installed between the lower surface of the flange portion 366b and the bottom surface of the hole 361a, and pushes up the pin member 366 in the vertically upward direction.

When the pressing portion 195 is configured in this way, the driving force is transmitted to the transmission gears 363a, 363b, 363c and the screw 364 according to the drive of the motor 362. As a result, the moving member 365 moves in the D1 and D2 directions. When the moving member 365 is moved in the D1 direction from the state of FIG. 10B, the cam portion 365a comes into contact with the roller 367 and pushes down the roller 367 downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10C, the pin member 366 moves downward. When the moving member 365 is moved in the D2 direction from the state of FIG. 10C, the cam portion 365a is separated from the roller 367, and the spring 368 pushes up the pin member 366 upward. As a result, the position of the pin member 366 is returned to the state shown in FIG. 10 (b).

When opening the sealing body 231a, the cartridge 200 is rotated by the support member 177 with the pin member 366 positioned upward as shown in FIG. 10B, and the sealing body 231a is at the tip. It is positioned directly below the portion 366c. Immediately below the tip portion 366c is a position where the pressing portion 195 opens the sealing body 231a. Then, the motor 362 is driven, and the pin member 366 is moved downward as shown in FIG. 10 (c). As a result, the sealing body 231a positioned directly below the tip portion 366c is pressed from above by the tip portion 366c, and the sealing body 231a is opened. When the sealing body 232a is opened, the sealing body 232a is positioned directly below the tip portion 366c, and the pressing portion 195 performs the opening process in the same manner as the sealing body 231a.

As described above, the opening treatment of the sealing bodies 231a and 232a by the pressing portion 195 is performed by pressing the sealing bodies 231a and 232a by the tip portion 366c. During the opening process, the sealing bodies 231a and 232a are pressed from above by the tip portion 366c with a force of, for example, 10N. When such a strong force is applied to the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 may be misaligned or unintentionally bent. Therefore, in order to suppress misalignment and bending, as shown in FIG. 11A, the cartridge 200 is supported from below by the support member 177 at the position of the sealing body 231a.

FIG. 11A is a view of the support member 177 viewed from above. In FIG. 11A, the cartridge 200 installed on the support member 177 is shown by a broken line for convenience. Further, for convenience, the portions of the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 that directly face the lower surface of the cartridge 200 through the holes provided in the plate member 176 shown in FIG. 8 are shown by broken lines. Further, the rotation shaft 311 and the tip portion 366c of the pin member 366 are shown by broken lines for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the distance in the horizontal plane from the rotating shaft 311 to the tip portion 366c is r1. In other words, r1 is the distance from the rotating shaft 311 to the position where the cartridge 200 is pressed from the pressing portion 195. The support member 177 is provided at a position facing the pressing portion 195 with the cartridge 200 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the support member 177 is a turntable having a radius r2 larger than a distance r1 and is provided from the rotation shaft 311 side to a position facing the pressing portion 195.

As a result, when the sealing bodies 231a and 232a are opened, the pressing portion 195 presses the sealing bodies 231a and 232a, and even if a pressing force is applied to the cartridge 200, the support member 177 serves as a base. It will support the cartridge 200. Therefore, the cartridge 200 is not misaligned or damaged at the time of opening, and the cartridge 200 is properly supported at a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the measurement accuracy from being lowered due to the opening operation.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the radius r2 of the support member 177 is such that the support member 177 is located on the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 where the support member 177 directly faces the lower surface of the cartridge 200 when viewed from above. It is set so that they do not overlap. As a result, the magnet 120 becomes accessible to the cartridge 200 while the cartridge 200 is installed on the support member 177, so that the magnetic particles collected by the magnet 120 in one chamber can be smoothly transferred to another chamber. Can be transferred. Further, since the light from the cartridge 200 is not obstructed by the support member 177, the detection by the detection unit 140 can be appropriately performed.

When the radius r2 of the support member 177 is set to a large value within a range that does not overlap the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 facing the lower surface of the cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 can be supported more stably. However, as the radius r2 of the support member 177 increases, the load on the motor 171 that rotates the support member 177 increases. In this case, if the rotation time of the motor 171 is lengthened or the rotation speed is frequently switched, the motor 171 may break down or the amount of heat generated by the motor 171 may increase. Therefore, it is desirable that the radius r2 of the support member 177 is set to a value as small as possible within a range that covers the position where the support member 177 receives the pressing force from the pressing portion 195.

As described above, even if the radius r2 of the support member 177 is set to a value as small as possible, the area and weight of the support member 177 increase as compared with the case where the support member merely supports the cartridge 200. In this case, the size of the motor 171 that drives the support member 177 increases, and the amount of heat generated by the motor 171 increases. However, since the motor 171 is arranged outside the dark room 340 as described above, it is possible to suppress the temperature inside the dark room 340 from becoming unstable even when the heat generation of the motor 171 increases, and the measurement can be appropriately advanced. Can be done.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the radius of the outermost peripheral portion of the support member 177 may be set to substantially the same value as the radius of the cartridge 200. In this case, the support member 177 is provided with, for example, three holes 177a penetrating the support member 177 in the Z-axis direction. Similar to FIG. 11A, an inner peripheral portion 177b having a radius r2 is provided in the inner direction of the three holes 177a. A connecting portion 177c is provided in the radial direction between two adjacent holes 177a. The three connecting portions 177c support the outer peripheral portion 177d located on the outermost circumference of the support member 177.

Here, the size of the hole 177a is set so that the portions of the moving mechanism 130 and the detection unit 140 opened upward can directly face the lower surface of the cartridge 200 via the hole 177a. Further, when the cartridge 200 is installed on the support member 177, the size of the hole 177a is set so that the chambers 211 to 216 and the channel 220 do not overlap the support member 177.

When the support member 177 is configured as shown in FIG. 11B, the inner peripheral portion 177b supports the lower surface of the cartridge 200 located below the sealing bodies 231a and 232a, as in the case of FIG. 11A. it can. Further, in the case of FIG. 11B, since the vicinity of the outer periphery of the cartridge 200 is supported by the outer peripheral portion 177d, the cartridge 200 can be supported more stably than in FIG. 11A.

When the cartridge 200 is installed at a predetermined position on the support member 177, the shape of the support member 177 shown in FIG. 11A and the inner peripheral portion 177b and the outer peripheral portion shown in FIG. 11B The shape of 177d does not necessarily have to be circular.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a ventilation unit 350 is installed on the back surface of the housing 101a of the main body 101. The ventilation unit 350 is composed of a fan. The ventilation unit 350 releases the heat generated by the motor 171 installed on the outer surface 154 of the housing 150 to the outside of the analyzer 100. The bottom surface of the housing 101a of the main body 101 is separated from the installation surface by a predetermined interval by the feet. A ventilation port 101b is provided on the front bottom surface of the housing 101a. When the ventilation unit 350 is driven, the air taken in from the ventilation port 101b is discharged to the rear of the analyzer 100 through the motor 171 as shown by the white arrow. The air taken in from the outside at the position of the ventilation unit 350 may be discharged from the ventilation port 101b through the motor 171 in the direction opposite to the white arrow.

When viewed in a plan view, that is, in the vertical direction, the contour of the main body 101 has a rectangular shape, and the contour of the motor 171 also has a rectangular shape. Then, the motor 171 is arranged in the main body 101 so that the corner of the motor 171 and the corner of the main body 101 deviate from each other in a plan view. Further, in a plan view, a detection unit 140 including a photodetector 144a is arranged in a gap between the motor 171 and the corner of the main body unit 101. Similarly, in a plan view, the magnet 120 and the moving mechanism 130 are arranged in the gap between the motor 171 and the other corner of the main body 101. As a result, the shape of the main body 101 in a plan view can be made compact, so that the analyzer 100 can be miniaturized.

The accommodating body 150 is formed with accommodating portions 152 and 153 for accommodating members arranged in the dark room 340. The accommodating portions 152 and 153 have a shape in which the outer surface on the motor 171 side is projected. The motor 171 is arranged on the side of the accommodating portion 152 with a gap between it and the accommodating portion 152, and is arranged on the side of the accommodating portion 153 with a gap between it and the accommodating portion 153. That is, the motor 171 is arranged on the outer surface 154. By arranging the motors 171 on the sides of the accommodating portions 152 and 153 in this way, it is possible to prevent the analyzer 100 from becoming large in the height direction. Further, since there is a gap between the accommodating portion 152 and the motor 171 and a gap between the accommodating portion 153 and the motor 171, air is introduced in this gap as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Can be convected. Therefore, the heat of the motor 171 can be effectively removed.

The accommodating portions 152 and 153 are formed in the accommodating body 150 with a gap between them. The motor 171 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the accommodating portion 152 and the accommodating portion 153. The ventilation unit 350 is arranged so as to face the gap between the accommodating units 152 and 153. As a result, air can easily pass around the motor 171 through the gaps between the accommodating portions 152 and 153, so that the heat of the motor 171 can be effectively removed.

The ventilation unit 350 is arranged at the same height as the motor 171 so as to face the motor 171. As a result, the air around the motor 171 can be easily guided to the outside of the analyzer 100, so that the heat generated by the motor 171 can be efficiently exhausted. Further, as described above, the motor 171 is arranged outside the dark room 340, and the ventilation unit 350 is also arranged outside the dark room 340. As a result, the temperature rise in the dark room 340 can be effectively suppressed without impairing the light-shielding property of the light-shielding portion forming the dark room 340.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the control unit 301, which will be described later, receives the analysis start instruction, it drives the heaters 321 and 322 to raise the temperature of the cartridge 200. At this time, the control unit 301 controls the operation of the ventilation unit 350 based on the temperature of the cartridge 200 detected by the temperature sensor 178. For example, the control unit 301 stops the ventilation unit 350 when the temperature of the cartridge 200 is less than 40 ° C., and drives the ventilation unit 350 when the temperature of the cartridge 200 exceeds 40 ° C. By doing so, the time until the temperature of the cartridge 200 converges to 42 ° C. can be shortened as compared with the case where the ventilation unit 350 is driven immediately after the instruction to start the analysis is received, and the ventilation unit 350 and the heaters 321 and 322 can be shortened. Power consumption can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 13, as described above, the analyzer 100 includes motors 135, 136, 161 and 171, encoders 172, heaters 321 and 322, temperature sensors 331, 332 and 178, and a photodetector unit 144. A ventilation unit 350, an image pickup unit 193, an illumination unit 194, and a pressing unit 195 are provided. Further, the analyzer 100 includes a control unit 301, a display unit 302, an input unit 303, a drive unit 304, and a sensor unit 305.

The control unit 301 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit. The arithmetic processing unit is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, and the like. The storage unit is composed of, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like. The control unit 301 receives signals from each unit of the analyzer 100 and controls each unit of the analyzer 100. The display unit 302 and the input unit 303 are provided on, for example, a side surface portion of the main body portion 101, an upper surface portion of the lid portion 102, and the like. The display unit 302 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or the like. The input unit 303 is composed of, for example, a button or a touch panel. The drive unit 304 includes other mechanisms arranged in the analyzer 100. The sensor unit 305 is arranged in the analyzer 100, a sensor for detecting a predetermined portion of the rotating cartridge 200, a sensor for detecting a mechanism moved to the origin position by the motors 135, 136, and 161. Includes other sensors.

Next, the operation of the analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operator injects a blood sample collected from the subject through the opening 241 and installs the cartridge 200 on the support member 177. The test substance in the blood sample contains, for example, an antigen. As an example, the antigen is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The test substance may be one or more of the antigen, antibody, or protein.

Predetermined reagents are stored in advance in the liquid storage portions 231 and 232 and the chamber 211 of the cartridge 200. Specifically, the R1 reagent is housed in the liquid storage part 231 located in the radial direction of the chamber 211. The chamber 211 contains the R2 reagent. The liquid storage unit 231 located in the radial direction of the chamber 212 contains the R3 reagent. The cleaning liquid is stored in the liquid storage unit 231 located in the radial direction of the chambers 213 to 215. The liquid storage portion 231 located in the radial direction of the chamber 216 contains the R4 reagent. The liquid storage unit 232 contains the R5 reagent.

In the following control, the control unit 301 acquires the rotation position of the drive shaft 171a of the motor 171 based on the output signal of the encoder 172 connected to the motor 171. The control unit 301 acquires the position of the cartridge 200 in the circumferential direction by detecting a predetermined portion of the rotating cartridge 200 with a sensor. Alternatively, the cartridge 200 may be installed at a predetermined position with respect to the support member 177. As a result, the control unit 301 can position each part of the cartridge 200 at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction.

Further, the control unit 301 acquires the position of each mechanism moved by the motors 135, 136, 161 based on the output signal of the sensor for detecting the mechanism moved to the origin position by the motors 135, 136, 161. To do. As a result, the control unit 301 can position the mechanism moved by the motors 135, 136, 161, that is, the magnet 120 and the plate-shaped member 162 at predetermined positions.

In step S11, the control unit 301 receives a start instruction from the operator via the input unit 303, and starts the processing after step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 301 transfers the plasma and reagents to the chamber. Specifically, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, drives the pressing unit 195, and pushes down the six sealing bodies 231a positioned at positions facing the pressing unit 195. Then, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, transfers the plasma located in the region 243b to the chamber 211 by centrifugal force, and transfers the reagents stored in the six liquid storage units 231 to the chamber. Transfer to 211-216. As a result, plasma, R1 reagent, and R2 reagent are mixed in the chamber 211. The R3 reagent is transferred to the chamber 212, the cleaning liquid is transferred to the chambers 213 to 315, and the R4 reagent is transferred to the chamber 216.

Further, in step S12, when the transfer of plasma and the reagent is completed, the control unit 301 performs a stirring process. Specifically, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 so as to switch between two different rotation speeds at predetermined time intervals while rotating in a predetermined direction. For example, the control unit 301 performs the stirring process by switching the current applied to the motor 171 at a predetermined time interval or by switching the drive of the motor 171 on and off at a predetermined time interval. As a result, the Euler force generated in the circumferential direction changes at predetermined time intervals, so that the liquid in the chambers 211 to 216 is agitated. Such a stirring process is performed not only in step S12 but also in steps S13 to S18 after the transfer process.

The control unit 301 may perform the stirring process by switching the rotation direction of the motor 171 at predetermined time intervals. However, when the motor 171 is driven in this way, the load on the motor 171 becomes large. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable that the motor 171 is driven so as to switch between the two rotation speeds while rotating in a predetermined direction.

Here, the R1 reagent contains a capture substance that binds to the test substance. Capturing substances include, for example, antibodies that bind to the test substance. The antibody is, for example, a biotin-conjugated HBs monoclonal antibody. The R2 reagent contains magnetic particles in the liquid component. The magnetic particles are, for example, streptavidin-bonded magnetic particles whose surface is coated with avidin. In step S12, when plasma, R1 reagent, and R2 reagent are mixed and stirred, the test substance and R1 reagent are bound by an antigen-antibody reaction. Then, by the reaction between the antigen-antibody reactant and the magnetic particles, the test substance bound to the capture substance of the R1 reagent binds to the magnetic particles via the capture substance. In this way, a complex in which the test substance and the magnetic particles are bonded is generated.

Next, in step S13, the control unit 301 transfers the complex in the chamber 211 from the chamber 211 to the chamber 212. As a result, in the chamber 212, the complex produced in the chamber 211 and the R3 reagent are mixed. Here, the R3 reagent contains a labeling substance. The labeling substance includes a capturing substance that specifically binds to the test substance and a labeling substance. For example, the labeling substance is a labeled antibody in which an antibody is used as a capture substance. In step S13, when the complex produced in the chamber 211 and the R3 reagent are mixed and stirred, the complex generated in the chamber 211 reacts with the labeled antibody contained in the R3 reagent. As a result, a complex in which the test substance, the capture antibody, the magnetic particles, and the labeled antibody are bound is generated.

Here, the process of step S13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing step S13 of FIG. 14 in detail. In the following description, FIG. 15 will be mainly referred to, and the state transition diagrams of FIGS. 16A to 17C will be referred to as appropriate.

When the process of step S12 is completed, the complex is spread in the chamber 211 as shown in FIG. 16A. In step S101, the control unit 301 drives the moving mechanism 130 to bring the magnet 120 closer to the cartridge 200 and collect the complex spreading in the chamber 211 as shown in FIG. 16B. At this time, the control unit 301 brings the tip portion 122a of the magnet 120 closer to the center in the circumferential direction of the chamber 211 and the region on the outer side in the radial direction of the chamber 211 in the horizontal plane.

In the first embodiment, the amount of the mixed solution containing the complex contained in the chamber 211 is less than the total volume of the chamber 211. If the amount of the mixed solution contained in the chamber 211 is less than the total volume, it is assumed that the region where the mixed solution exists in the chamber 211 will vary. However, as described above, when the test substance, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent are mixed in the chamber 211 and then centrifugal force is applied to the chamber 211 by a stirring process, the mixed solution is contained in the chamber 211. Is always biased outward. Therefore, when the composite in the chamber 211 is collected by the magnet 120, if the tip portion 122a of the magnet 120 is positioned in the biased mixed liquid storage region in the chamber 211, that is, the region closer to the outside of the chamber 211, the chamber The complex in the mixed solution in 211 can be reliably collected at the position of the magnet 120.

The amount of the mixed solution containing the complex contained in the chambers 212 to 215 is less than the total volume of the chambers 212 to 215, respectively. Therefore, if the magnet 120 is positioned in the region from the outside as in the case of the chamber 211, the composite in the mixed solution in the chambers 212 to 215 can be reliably collected at the position of the magnet 120.

In step S102, the control unit 301 drives the moving mechanism 130 to move the magnet 120 in the direction approaching the rotation shaft 311 and, as shown in FIG. 16C, the region 222 connected to the chamber 211 and the region. The complex is transferred to the connection with 221. The speed at which the composite is moved relative to the cartridge 200 in step S102 is preferably 10 mm / sec or less so that the composite is not left behind in the chamber 211. Specifically, for example, it is set to 0.5 mm / sec. The movement of the magnet 120 by the moving mechanism 130 is performed so as to realize the moving speed of the complex as described above.

In step S103, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, and as shown in FIG. 17A, connects the region 222 connected to the chamber 212 to the connection portion between the regions 221. Transfer. The speed at which the composite is moved with respect to the cartridge 200 in step S103 is also set as in the case of step S102. The rotation of the cartridge 200 by the motor 171 is performed so as to realize the moving speed of the composite as described above.

In step S104, the control unit 301 drives the moving mechanism 130 to move the magnet 120 in a direction away from the rotation shaft 311 and transfers the composite to the chamber 212 as shown in FIG. 17B. The speed at which the composite is moved relative to the cartridge 200 in step S104 is set in the same manner as in step S102. In step S105, the control unit 301 drives the moving mechanism 130 to move the magnet 120 away from the cartridge 200 and spread the complex within the chamber 212, as shown in FIG. 17 (c).

As described above, in steps S101 to S105, the control unit 301 brings the magnet 120 close to the cartridge 200 at a position facing the chamber 211, and then keeps the magnet 120 close to the cartridge 200 and sets the magnet 120 to the channel 220. The magnet 120 is positioned so as to face the chamber 212 by moving along. After that, the control unit 301 separates the magnet 120 from the cartridge 200 to release the magnetism of the composite by the magnet 120. This ensures that the complex is prevented from being left behind in the chamber 211 and the channel 220.

In step S106, the control unit 301 performs the above-mentioned stirring process. At this time, since the magnetic collection of the composite is released before the stirring process and the composite spreads in the chamber 212, the liquid in the chamber 212 is surely stirred.

As described above, the process of step S13 in FIG. 14 is performed. The transfer process and the stirring process shown in steps S101 to S106 are similarly performed in steps S14 to S17 described later.

Returning to FIG. 14, in step S14, the control unit 301 transfers the complex in the chamber 212 from the chamber 212 to the chamber 213. As a result, in the chamber 213, the complex produced in the chamber 212 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In step S14, when the complex generated in the chamber 212 and the cleaning liquid are mixed and agitated, the complex and the unreacted substance are separated in the chamber 213. That is, in chamber 213, unreacted substances are removed by washing.

In step S15, the control unit 301 transfers the complex in the chamber 213 from the chamber 213 to the chamber 214. As a result, in the chamber 214, the complex produced in the chamber 212 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In chamber 214 as well, unreacted substances are removed by washing.

In step S16, the control unit 301 transfers the complex in the chamber 214 from the chamber 214 to the chamber 215. As a result, in the chamber 215, the complex produced in the chamber 212 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In the chamber 215 as well, unreacted substances are removed by washing.

In step S17, the control unit 301 transfers the complex in the chamber 215 from the chamber 215 to the chamber 216. As a result, in the chamber 216, the complex produced in the chamber 212 and the R4 reagent are mixed. Here, the R4 reagent is a reagent for dispersing the complex produced in the chamber 212. The R4 reagent is, for example, a buffer solution. In step S17, when the complex produced in the chamber 212 and the R4 reagent are mixed and stirred, the complex produced in the chamber 212 is dispersed.

In step S18, the control unit 301 transfers the R5 reagent to the chamber 216. Specifically, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, drives the pressing unit 195, and pushes down the sealing body 232a positioned at a position facing the pressing unit 195. Then, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, and transfers the R5 reagent stored in the liquid storage unit 232 to the chamber 216 by centrifugal force. As a result, in the chamber 216, the R5 reagent is further mixed with the mixed solution produced in step S17.

Here, the R5 reagent is a luminescent reagent containing a luminescent substrate that produces light by reacting with a labeled antibody bound to the complex. In step S18, the mixed solution produced in step S17 and the R5 reagent are mixed and stirred to prepare a sample. This sample chemiluminescent by reacting the labeling substance bound to the complex with the luminescent substrate.

In step S19, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to position the chamber 216 directly above the photodetector 144a, and detects the light generated from the chamber 216 by the photodetector 144a. In step S20, the control unit 301 performs an analysis process related to immunity based on the light detected by the photodetector 144a. When the photodetector 144a is composed of a photomultiplier tube, a pulse waveform corresponding to the light reception of a photon is output from the photodetector 144a. The photodetector unit 144 counts photons at regular intervals based on the output signal of the photodetector 144a, and outputs the count value. The control unit 301 analyzes the presence / absence and amount of the test substance based on the count value output from the photodetection unit 144, and displays the analysis result on the display unit 302.

As described above, the composites are sequentially transferred in chambers 211-216. When the complex is transferred through the plurality of chambers in this way, the complex is likely to be left behind in the chambers 211 to 215 and the channel 220. However, if the composite is reliably transferred using the magnet 120 as described above, it is possible to reliably prevent the composite from being left behind. As a result, it is possible to suppress an unintended decrease in the amount of light detected by the photodetector 144a. Therefore, false negatives due to an unintended decrease in the amount of light can be suppressed, so that highly accurate detection can be performed.

Chemiluminescence is light emitted by utilizing the energy of a chemical reaction. For example, it is light emitted when a molecule is excited by a chemical reaction to be in an excited state and then returns to the ground state. Chemiluminescence is generated, for example, by the reaction of an enzyme with a substrate, by giving an electrochemical stimulus to a labeling substance, by the LOCI method (Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Immunoassay), or by bioluminescence. It can be generated based on. In the first embodiment, any chemiluminescence may be performed.

A complex may be formed by combining a substance whose fluorescence is excited when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength and a test substance. In this case, a light source for irradiating the chamber 216 with light is arranged. The photodetector 144a detects the fluorescence excited from the substance bound to the complex by the light from the light source.

The magnetic particles may be particles containing a magnetic material as a base material and used for ordinary immunoassay. For example, magnetic particles using Fe ₂ O ₃ and / or Fe ₃ O ₄ , cobalt, nickel, phyllite, magnetite, etc. as the base material can be used. The magnetic particles may be coated with a binding substance for binding to the test substance, or may be bound to the test substance via a trapping substance for binding the magnetic particles and the test substance. Capturing substances include magnetic particles and antigens or antibodies that interconnect with the test substance.

In addition, the labeling substance includes, for example, a capturing substance that specifically binds to the test substance and a labeling for chemiluminescence. The trapping substance is not particularly limited as long as it specifically binds to the test substance. In the first embodiment, the capture substance binds to the test substance by an antigen-antibody reaction. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the capture substance is an antibody, but when the test substance is an antibody, the capture substance may be an antigen of the antibody. When the test substance is a nucleic acid, the capture substance may be a nucleic acid complementary to the test substance. Examples of the label contained in the labeling substance include enzymes, fluorescent substances, radioactive isotopes and the like. Examples of the enzyme include alkaline phosphatase (ALP), peroxidase, glucose oxidase, tyrosinase, acid phosphatase and the like. When chemiluminescence is performed, the label is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that emits light by an electrochemical stimulus, and examples thereof include a ruthenium complex. As the fluorescent substance, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), green fluorescent protein (GFP), luciferin and the like can be used. As the radioisotope, 125I, 14C, 32P and the like can be used.

When the label is an enzyme, a known luminescent substrate may be appropriately selected as the luminescent substrate for the enzyme, depending on the enzyme to be used. For example, when alkaline phosphatase is used as the enzyme, the luminescent substrate is CDP-Star®, (4-chloro-3- (methoxyspiro [1,2-dioxetane-3,2'-(5'-chloro)). ) Trixilo [3.3.1.13,7] decane] -4-yl) disodium phenylphosphate), CSPD® (registered trademark) (3- (4-methoxyspiro [1,2-dioxetane-3,2) Chemiluminescent substrates such as-(5'-chloro) tricyclo [3.3.1.13,7] decane] -4-yl) disodium phenylphosphate; p-nitrophenyl phosphate, 5-bromo-4- Luminescent substrates such as chloro-3-indrill phosphate (BCIP), 4-nitroblue tetrazolium chloride (NBT), iodonitrotetrazolium (INT); fluorescent substrates such as 4-methylum veriphenyl phosphate (4MUP); 5 Color-developing substrates such as −bromo-4-chloro-3-indrill phosphate (BCIP), 5-bromo-6-chloro-indrill phosphate disodium, and p-nitrophenyl phosphorus can be used.

Next, the inventors have verified Example 1 in which the magnet 120 is used in all the moving movements as described above when moving the composite, and the case where the magnet 120 is not used in some moving movements. An experiment was conducted with respect to Verification Example 2 of.

In verification example 1, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 301 brings the magnet 120 close to the cartridge 200, collects the composite by the magnet 120, and moves the composite to the chambers 211 to 216 by moving the magnet 120. , The light generated from the chamber 216 was detected by the photodetector 144a. In verification example 2, the control unit 301 positions the composite in the connection portion between the region 222 connected to the chamber 212 and the region 221, then separates the magnet 120 from the cartridge 200, and drives the motor 171 to generate a centrifugal force. Transferred the complex to chamber 212. In the verification example 2, the transfer procedure from the chamber 211 to the joint point and the transfer procedure from the chambers 212 to 216 are exactly the same as those in the verification example 1. Then, also in the verification example 2, the control unit 301 detected the light generated from the chamber 216 by the photodetector 144a.

The inventors acquired count values based on the detection of the photodetector 144a acquired in Verification Examples 1 and 2, respectively. In Verification Examples 1 and 2, measurement was performed using "HISCL TSH C1" which is a calibrator manufactured by Sysmex Corporation. That is, this calibrator was replaced with plasma in the analysis procedure of the first embodiment described above and transferred to chamber 211, and subsequent transfer of the complex and detection of luminescence were performed.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the count value of Verification Example 1 was about 200,000, but the count value of Verification Example 2 was as low as about 80,000. Due to the difference in the procedure between the verification examples 1 and 2, in the verification example 2, when the complex was moved, the magnet 120 was not used in some of the moving operations, so that the complex was left behind on the path, and the count value was significantly increased. Is considered to have decreased.

The inventors took pictures of the complex as it was transferred and confirmed that the complex was actually left behind. FIG. 18B is a diagram conceptually showing a photograph actually taken by the inventors.

As shown in the upper figure of FIG. 18B, in both the verification examples 1 and 2, the complex was positioned at the connection portion between the region 222 connected to the chamber 212 and the region 221 in exactly the same manner. In the case of Verification Example 1, the composite was transferred from the connection portion to the chamber 212 by the magnet 120 as shown in the lower left figure of FIG. 18 (b) from the state of the upper figure of FIG. 18 (a). However, in the case of Verification Example 2, since the complex was transferred by centrifugal force from the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 18A, the complex was connected as shown in the lower right figure of FIG. 18B. Left behind between the sections and chamber 212. Thus, when the complex is left behind, the amount of complex that eventually reaches chamber 216 is reduced. Also, if the complex is left behind, no reaction based on the desired amount of complex will occur in the chamber. Therefore, the amount of light finally generated by the reaction in the chamber 216 is reduced.

From the above experiments, it can be seen that it is desirable to move the magnet 120 relative to the cartridge 200 and transfer the composite by the magnetic force of the magnet 120 when the composite is transferred. Further, from this, not only the transfer from the connection portion to the chamber, but also the transfer from the chamber to the connection portion and the transfer from one connection portion to the other connection portion are similarly combined by the magnetic force of the magnet 120. It turns out that it is desirable to transport the body. Therefore, if the complex is transferred by the magnet 120, the complex can be transferred more reliably, and the count value based on the detection of the photodetector 144a can be prevented from being unintentionally lowered. Therefore, the analysis accuracy of the test substance by the analyzer 100 can be maintained high.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2A, the cartridge 200 is installed in the analyzer 100 by opening the lid 102. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19A, the cartridge 200 is placed inside the analyzer 400 by the tray 402 that moves to the outside through the hole 401a provided in the front surface of the housing 401 of the analyzer 400. Will be installed.

A light-shielding member 403 is installed at the front end of the tray 402. The outer shape of the light-shielding member 403 is one size larger than that of the hole 401a. An elastic member 404 having a light-shielding property is installed around the outlet of the hole 401a. When the tray 402 moves inward, the light-shielding member 403 and the elastic member 404 close the hole 401a. The other configuration of the analyzer 400 is substantially the same as the specific configuration example of the analyzer 100 of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the complex can be reliably transferred, so that the analysis accuracy of the test substance by the analyzer 400 can be maintained high. Further, since a dark room in which light does not enter from the outside can be formed in the analyzer 400, the detection accuracy of the test substance can be improved.

<Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19B, the support member 510 is arranged in place of the support member 177, and the cartridge 520 is used in place of the cartridge 200. Other configurations are the same as those of the specific configuration example of the first embodiment.

The support member 510 includes a hole 511 and three installation portions 512. The hole 511 is provided in the center of the support member 510. The support member 510 is installed on the rotating shaft 311 via a predetermined member. As a result, the support member 510 can rotate about the rotation shaft 311. Three installation portions 512 are provided in the circumferential direction. The installation portion 512 includes a surface 512a and a hole 512b. The surface 512a is one step lower than the upper surface of the support member 510. The hole 512b is formed in the center of the surface 512a and penetrates the support member 510 in the vertical direction. The cartridge 520 has a rectangular shape and has the same configuration as the cartridge 200.

When starting the analysis, the operator injects the blood sample into the cartridge 520 and installs the cartridge 520 in the installation unit 512, as in the case of the cartridge 200. Then, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171, the moving mechanism 130, and the detection unit 140. Thereby, as in the first embodiment, the transfer of the composite in the cartridge 520 is surely performed by the magnet 120. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the analysis accuracy of the test substance by the analyzer 100 can be maintained high. Further, in the third embodiment, since the cartridges 520 can be installed in the three installation units 512, the analysis can be performed on the three cartridges 520 at the same time.

<Embodiment 4>
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the moving mechanism 60 moves the magnet 50 in the radial direction in order to change the relative positions of the cartridge 20 and the magnet 50 in the radial direction. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the moving mechanism 90 moves the cartridge 20.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the fourth embodiment, the moving mechanism 90 is added instead of the moving mechanism 60 as compared with the configuration of FIG. 1 (a). Further, the magnet 50 is fixed inside the detection device 10. Other configurations are the same as the outline configuration of the first embodiment.

The moving mechanism 90 supports the rotating mechanism 40, and the rotating mechanism 40 is configured to be movable. The moving mechanism 90 includes a support portion 91, a rail 92, a belt 93, and a motor 94. The support portion 91 supports the rotation mechanism 40 from below. The rail 92 extends parallel to a straight line connecting the position of the magnet 50 and the position of the rotating shaft 42 in the horizontal plane, and guides the support portion 91. The belt 93 is hung on the drive shaft of the motor 94 and the pulley, and is arranged parallel to the rail 92. The lower end of the support portion 91 is connected to the belt 93. The motor 94 is composed of a stepping motor. The motor 94 rotates the drive shaft to move the support portion 91 along the rail 92 via the belt 93. Therefore, by driving the motor 94, the cartridge 20 moves via the support portion 91, the rotation mechanism 40, and the support member 30.

According to the fourth embodiment, since the cartridge 20 moves in parallel with the rail 92, the position of the cartridge 20 positioned on the magnet 50 moves in the radial direction. Further, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the rotation mechanism 40 rotates the cartridge 20 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the magnetic particles can be moved in the radial direction and the circumferential direction by the magnet 50, so that the magnetic particles can be reliably transferred.

Both the magnet 50 and the cartridge 20 may be moved in order to change the relative positions of the cartridge 20 and the magnet 50 in the radial direction. However, when both are moved, the configuration of the detection device 10 becomes complicated, so it is desirable to move only one of them. Further, in order to configure the detection device 10 simply, it is desirable to move only the magnet 50 as in the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 5>
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the shapes of the chambers 211 to 216 are circular. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the shapes of the chambers 211 to 216 are the shapes shown in FIG. 21 (a). Other configurations are the same as those of the specific configuration example of the first embodiment.

21 (b) and 21 (c) are enlarged views of the chamber 213 shown in FIG. 21 (a). In FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (c), the hole 201 of the cartridge 200 is located on the positive side of the X-axis of the chamber 213. That is, the rotation shaft 311 is located on the positive side of the X-axis of the chamber 213. Since the configurations of the chambers 211, 212 and 214 to 216 are the same as those of the chambers 213, only the configurations and effects of the chambers 213 will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the chamber 213 has a shape symmetrical with respect to the extension line of the diameter of the rotating shaft 311. The chamber 213 is connected to the channel 220 on the rotation shaft 311 side. Further, the chamber 213 is provided with protrusions 213b protruding toward the rotation shaft 311 on both sides of the connection position 213a with the channel 220. In other words, the chamber 213 is provided with protrusions 213b protruding in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive side and the Y-axis negative side of the connection position 213a, respectively. The protrusion 213b is a curved surface protruding toward the rotation shaft 311. The angle α formed by the extension line of the end portion of the protrusion 213b on the connecting position 213a side and the extension line of the diameter of the rotating shaft 311 passing through the center of the connecting position 213a is smaller than 90 °.

Further, the chamber 213 is provided with a flat wall surface 213c connected to the protrusion 213b on both sides of the connecting position 213a. The wall surface 213c is connected to the end of the protrusion 213b on the opposite side of the connecting position 213a. Specifically, the wall surface 213c extends in the radial direction, that is, in the X-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Further, the chamber 213 is provided with a protrusion 213d protruding toward the rotation shaft 311 between the two protrusions 213b. The channel 220 is connected to the protrusion 213d. Further, the chamber 213 includes an inner wall 213e located in a direction away from the rotation shaft 311 in the radial direction. The inner wall 213e has an arc shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

When the chamber 213 is configured as described above, the following effects are obtained.

Even when the cartridge 200 is rotated as described above and the liquid in the chamber 213 is agitated by using centrifugal force and Euler force, the two protrusions 213b serve as a barrier and the liquid in the chamber 213 becomes a channel. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from advancing to the connection position 213a with the 220. That is, even if the liquid moves in the chamber 213 by stirring, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), the end portion of the liquid in the chamber 213 is held in the chamber 213 by the protrusion 213b. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the chamber 213 from entering the channel 220 during stirring.

This makes it possible to prevent the liquid flowing from the chamber 213 into the channel 220 into another chamber and cause an undesired reaction in the other chamber. In addition, it is possible to prevent the washed liquid or the like containing impurities flowing from the chamber 213 into the channel 220 into the chamber 216 for detection, and prevent proper detection from being performed in the chamber 216. Further, when the inflow of the liquid into the channel 220 is suppressed during stirring in this way, the magnetic particles in the chamber 213 can be moved to the next chamber without leaving behind, so that proper detection can be performed. it can.

Further, even when the liquid in the chamber 213 is greatly shaken during stirring, as shown in FIG. 21C, the liquid in the chamber 213 is received by the protrusion 213b, and the liquid is further along the inner wall of the chamber 213. Is suppressed from moving. Here, as shown in FIG. 21D, when the chamber 213 is not provided with the protrusion 213b, the liquid in the chamber 213 moves along the inner wall, and the tip portion in the flow direction of the liquid is indicated by a dotted arrow. As shown by, the centrifugal force bends in the negative direction of the X-axis and collides with other parts of the liquid. In this case, the liquid foams due to the collision of the liquid. However, when the protrusion 213b is formed in the chamber 213, as shown in FIG. 21C, the liquid in the chamber 213 is suppressed from advancing along the inner wall, so that bubbling in the chamber 213 during stirring is performed. Can be suppressed.

Further, if the inflow of the liquid into the channel 220 and the bubbling are suppressed during stirring, the rotation speed of the cartridge 200 during stirring can be increased, and the degree of freedom in switching the rotation speed can be increased. On the other hand, when the rotation speed is controlled in this way, the heat generated from the motor 171 increases. However, since the motor 171 is arranged outside the dark room 340 as described above, it is possible to suppress the temperature in the dark room 340 from becoming unstable even when the heat generation of the motor 171 increases, and the measurement proceeds appropriately. be able to.

The chamber 213 is provided with a flat wall surface 213c. As a result, when the liquid is applied to the wall surface 213c during stirring, the flow of the liquid can be changed as compared with the case where the wall surface is formed in a curved surface, so that the liquid in the chamber 213 can be effectively stirred. Further, as shown in FIG. 21D, when the wall surface is formed in a curved surface shape, the tip portion in the liquid flow direction is bent and easily collides with other parts of the liquid. However, since the wall surface 213c is formed in a flat shape, the situation shown in FIG. 21D can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the chamber 213 from foaming during stirring.

Although the wall surface 213c is formed so as to extend in the radial direction, the wall surface 213c may be formed so as to extend in a direction inclined from the radial direction. However, when the two wall surfaces 213c are tilted in the radial direction so that the ends on the positive side of the X-axis are close to each other, the liquid in the chamber 213 can be agitated more effectively, as shown in FIG. 21 (d). Similarly, liquid collisions are more likely to occur. Further, when the two wall surfaces 213c are tilted in the radial direction so that the ends on the positive side of the X-axis are separated from each other, the liquid collision is less likely to occur, but the stirring effect of the liquid in the chamber 213 is reduced. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, it is desirable that the two wall surfaces 213c are formed so as to extend in the radial direction.

Even when the liquid in the chamber 213 swings greatly during stirring and gets over the protrusion 213b, the liquid that gets over is received by the protrusion 213d, so that it becomes difficult to enter the channel 220. Here, as shown in FIG. 21E, when the chamber 213 is not provided with the protrusion 213d, the greatly oscillated liquid enters the channel 220 as shown by the dotted arrow. However, if the chamber 213 is provided with the protrusion 213d, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid in the chamber 213 from entering the channel 220 during stirring.

Since the protrusion 213b is a curved surface protruding toward the rotation shaft 311 side, it is possible to prevent magnetic particles from remaining on the protrusion 213b during stirring. As a result, the magnetic particles in the chamber 213 can be moved to the next chamber without leaving behind. Since the chamber 213 has a shape symmetrical with respect to the diameter of the rotation axis 311, it is possible to suppress the inflow and bubbling of the liquid into the channel 220 in both the positive direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Y axis. Since the angle α shown in FIG. 21B is smaller than 90 °, the end portion of the protrusion 213b on the connecting position 213a side serves as a barrier, and the inflow and bubbling of the liquid into the channel 220 during stirring are reliably suppressed. ..

The shape of the chamber 213 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 21 (b), and may be another shape, for example, the shapes shown in FIGS. 22 (a) to 22 (c).

The chamber 213 shown in FIG. 22A is provided with a straight line portion 213f between the protrusions 213b and the protrusions 213d as compared with FIG. 21B. In this case, the liquid received by the protrusion 213b easily travels along the straight portion 213f to the protrusion 213d due to surface tension. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, it is desirable that the protrusion 213b and the protrusion 213d are continuously provided.

In the chamber 213 shown in FIG. 22B, the protrusion 213b and the wall surface 213c are omitted as compared with FIG. 21B. In this case, when the liquid in the chamber 213 is swung, the liquid in the chamber 213 is more likely to enter the channel 220 as compared with FIG. 21 (b). However, as compared with FIG. 21E, the provision of the protrusion 213d makes it difficult for the liquid in the chamber 213 to enter the channel 220.

The chamber 213 shown in FIG. 22 (c) is further provided with a protrusion 213 g between the protrusion 213b and the protrusion 213d on the positive side of the Y-axis as compared with FIG. 21 (b). The protrusion 213g is connected to, for example, a flow path for passing air or a flow path other than the channel 220. When the configuration shown in FIG. 22 (c) is applied to chamber 211, the protrusion 213d is connected to the channel 220 and the protrusion 213g is connected to the region 243b.

In the chamber 213 shown in FIG. 21B, a flow path for passing air or a flow path other than the channel 220 may be connected to the protrusion 213d. When the other flow path is connected to the protrusion 213d, the cartridge 200 can be easily formed as compared with the case where the other flow path is connected to the region 222 of the channel 220.

<Embodiment 6>
In the first embodiment, the sealing body is provided at only one position in the radial direction with respect to the liquid storage portions 231 and 232. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the sealing bodies are provided at two positions different in the radial direction with respect to the liquid storage portions 231 and 232. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23A, sealing bodies 231a and 231b are provided on the inner and outer upper surfaces of the liquid storage portion 231 in the radial direction, respectively, and the inside of the liquid storage portion 232 in the radial direction. Sealing bodies 232a and 232b are provided on the outer upper surface and the outer upper surface, respectively. Further, the pressing portion 195 of the sixth embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) to 24 (b). The other configurations of the sixth embodiment are the same as the specific configuration examples of the first embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, when the reagent stored in the liquid storage unit 231 is transferred to the chamber located outside the liquid storage unit 231, the control unit 301 first drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200. By centrifugal force, the reagent in the liquid storage unit 231 is positioned on the outer peripheral side in the liquid storage unit 231. Subsequently, the control unit 301 drives the pressing unit 195 to open the sealing body 231b located outside the liquid storage unit 231. As a result, the inside of the liquid storage unit 231 and the channel 220 are connected. Subsequently, the control unit 301 drives the pressing unit 195 to open the sealing body 231a located inside the liquid storage unit 231. As a result, the inner peripheral side of the liquid storage portion 231 is connected to the outer circumference of the cartridge 200. Then, the control unit 301 drives the motor 171 to rotate the cartridge 200, and transfers the reagent in the liquid storage unit 231 to the chamber located outside the liquid storage unit 231 by centrifugal force.

When the reagent stored in the liquid storage unit 232 is transferred to the chamber 216, the control unit 301 performs the same process as described above. That is, the control unit 301 rotates the cartridge 200, opens the sealing body 232b, opens the sealing body 232a, and rotates the cartridge 200 in this order.

In the sixth embodiment, the reagent in the liquid storage unit 231 is sealed in the liquid storage unit 231 by the sealing bodies 231a and 231b, and the reagent in the liquid storage unit 232 is sealed in the liquid storage unit 232 by the sealing bodies 232a and 232b. It is sealed. This makes it possible to prevent the reagents in the liquid accommodating portions 231 and 232 from flowing into the channels 220 and the chambers 211 to 216 before the cartridge 200 is used. Further, when the reagents in the liquid storage units 231 and 232 are transferred to the chamber, the inside and outside of the liquid storage units 231 and 232 are opened, so that the inside of the liquid storage units 231 and 232 is compared with the first embodiment. Reagents can be smoothly transferred to the chamber.

Further, before opening the sealing body, the reagents in the liquid storage portions 231 and 232 are positioned on the outer peripheral side in advance. As a result, after opening the sealant, the reagents in the liquid storage portions 231 and 232 can be smoothly transferred to the chamber located on the outside. Further, after opening the outer sealing bodies 231b and 232b, the inner sealing bodies 231a and 232a are opened. As a result, the reagents in the liquid storage portions 231 and 232 can be smoothly transferred to the chamber located on the outside without returning to the inside.

Next, the pressing portion 195 of the sixth embodiment will be described.

The pressing portion 195 of the sixth embodiment includes a moving member 365 and a plurality of cam portions that move the pin member 366 arranged on the moving member 365 and opening each sealing body in the pressing direction. The cam portions are arranged at different positions in the moving direction of the moving member 365 so as to drive each pin member 366 in a predetermined order. Specifically, the pressing portion 195 is configured as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) to 24 (b).

As shown in FIG. 23 (b), in the sixth embodiment, two pin members 366 are arranged in the radial direction as compared with the first embodiment. Specifically, the installation member 361 is provided with two holes 361a, and the pin member 366 and the roller 367 are installed at the positions of the two holes 361a, respectively. FIG. 24A is a view of the cross section C1-C2 shown in FIG. 23B as viewed in the D3 direction. FIG. 24 (b) is a view of the cross section C3-C4 shown in FIG. 23 (b) viewed in the D3 direction. As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, pin members 366 are installed at the positions of the two holes 361a, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, cam portions 365b and 365c formed of a plane inclined with respect to a horizontal plane are formed on the lower surface side of the moving member 365. The cam portion 365b is formed at a position corresponding to the roller 367 on the D3 direction side. The cam portion 365c is formed at a position corresponding to the roller 367 on the side opposite to the D3 direction. The positions of the cam portions 365b and 365c are different from each other in the D1 and D2 directions. Specifically, the cam portion 365b is located in the D1 direction as compared with the cam portion 365c.

When opening the sealing bodies 231a and 231b of the liquid storage unit 231, the control unit 301 rotates the cartridge 200 to bring the reagents in the liquid storage unit 231 to the outside, and then the sealing body 231a, The 231b is positioned directly below the pin member 366 on the opposite side of the D3 direction and directly below the pin member 366 on the D3 direction side, respectively.

Then, the control unit 301 drives the motor 362 to move the moving member 365 in the D1 direction. At this time, when the moving member 365 is moved in the D1 direction from the state shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the cam portion 365b comes into contact with the roller 367 before the cam portion 365c, and then the cam portion 365c. Contact the roller 367. Therefore, the pin member 366 on the D3 direction side moves downward before the pin member 366 on the side opposite to the D3 direction. As a result, as described above, the outer sealing body 231b is opened first, and then the inner sealing body 231a is opened.

When different cam portions 365b and 365c are provided on the lower surface of the moving member 365 and the pin member 366 is provided so as to correspond to the cam portions 365b and 365c, the moving member 365 is simply moved in the D1 direction and sealed. The stoppers 231b and 231a can be opened in this order. The sealing bodies 232a and 232b of the liquid storage unit 232 are also opened in the same manner. In this case as well, the sealing bodies 232b and 232a can be opened in this order simply by moving the moving member 365 in the D1 direction.

10 Detection device 20 Cartridge 22a 1st chamber 22b 2nd chamber 23 channel 23a 1st area 23b 2nd area 23c 3rd area 40 Rotation mechanism 42 Rotation axis 50 Magnet 60, 90 Movement mechanism 70 Control unit 80 Detection unit 100 Analyzer 120 Magnet 130 Moving mechanism 140 Detector 200 Cartridge 211-216 Chamber 220 Channel 221, 222 Area 301 Control 311 Rotating axis 400 Analyzer 520 Cartridge

Claims (20)

A cartridge including a plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of a circle about a rotation axis, and a channel connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. By transferring the magnetic particles within the plurality of chambers via the plurality of chambers, the magnetic particles are made to carry a composite of the test substance and the labeling substance, and the test substance is based on the labeling substance of the composite. It is a detection device that detects
A rotation mechanism for rotating the cartridge around the rotation axis,
A magnet for collecting magnetic particles in the chamber and
A moving mechanism that moves the magnet along the cartridge in a direction different from the circumferential direction.
A detection unit for detecting the test substance and
A control unit that executes the movement of the magnet by the moving mechanism and the rotation of the cartridge by the rotating mechanism so that the magnetic particles are transferred from the first chamber to the second chamber in a state of being collected by the magnet . A detection device. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism moves the magnet in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the movement mechanism so as to move the magnet from the first chamber to the channel. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the rotation mechanism so as to move the magnet relative to the channel. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls the movement mechanism so as to move the magnet from the channel to the second chamber. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction. The channel comprises a first region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the axis of rotation and connecting to the first chamber.
The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism so as to move the magnet along the first region. The channel comprises a second region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the axis of rotation and connecting to the second chamber.
The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism so as to move the magnet along the second region. The channel comprises a third region extending in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation.
The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit controls the rotation mechanism so as to move the magnet relatively along the third region. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism so as to bring the magnet closer to the first chamber. A cartridge including a plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of a circle about a rotation axis, and a channel connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. By transferring the magnetic particles within the plurality of chambers via the plurality of chambers, the magnetic particles are made to carry a composite of the test substance and the labeling substance, and the test substance is based on the labeling substance of the composite. It is a detection method to detect
And rotation of the cartridge in the circumferential direction, wherein Unlike circumferential direction and by the movement of the magnet in the direction along the cartridge, said first chamber in front Symbol magnetic particles in a state collected by the magnet A detection method for transferring from the second chamber to the second chamber. The detection method according to claim 11, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis. The detection method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved from the first chamber to the channel. The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved relative to the channel. The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved from the channel to the second chamber. The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction. The channel comprises a first region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the axis of rotation and connecting to the first chamber.
The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved along the first region. The channel comprises a second region extending in the radial direction of a circle about the axis of rotation and connecting to the second chamber.
The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is moved along the second region. The channel comprises a third region extending in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation.
The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is relatively moved along the third region. The detection method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein in the step of transferring magnetic particles, the magnet is brought close to the first chamber.

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