JP7051495B2 - Automatic analyzer and dispensing method - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated analyzer and a dispensing method.

The automatic analyzer is a device for measuring components related to test items such as biochemical test items and immunological test items contained in a sample contained in a sample container. In the automatic analyzer, the sample contained in the sample container is dispensed into the reaction tube by the sample dispensing probe. Further, the reagent stored in the reagent storage is dispensed into the reaction tube by the reagent dispensing probe. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the reaction tube, and a predetermined component in the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent is optically measured.

Here, when the measurement is performed using the concentrated reagent, the automatic analyzer dilutes the internal water supplied into the probe from the tank in which pure water or the like is stored, for example, via a pump connected to the probe. Use as water to dilute the concentrated reagent to a given concentration. The concentrated reagent is usually cooled to about 2-10 ° C. in a reagent storage with a refrigerating function. Diluted water is usually controlled at room temperature, for example, about 20 ° C. On the other hand, the temperature of the reagent discharged into the reaction tube is usually preferably the optimum temperature for the enzymatic reaction of the living body, for example, about 37 ° C. Therefore, the mixed solution of the diluted water and the concentrated reagent needs to be heated to 37 ° C. before being discharged.

Here, for example, it is conceivable to raise the temperature of the diluted water held in the probe and the mixed solution of the concentrating reagent to 37 ° C. However, the time required for this temperature rise may become a bottleneck in continuously processing a large number of sample measurements.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-167986 Utility Model No. 3037641

The problem to be solved by the invention is to carry out sample measurement at high speed.

According to the embodiment, the automated analyzer has a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a dispensing unit, and a control unit. The first reservoir stores the first diluted water that dilutes the concentrated reagent. The second storage unit stores the second diluted water for diluting the concentrated reagent. The dispensing unit has at least the concentrated reagent and a probe for dispensing the second diluted water. The control unit holds the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent in the probe to control the dispensing unit and generate a reagent having a predetermined target temperature and a predetermined concentration. To generate the reagent having the predetermined target temperature.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automated analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reagent dispensing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the automated analyzer according to the first embodiment dispenses the concentrated reagent. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of mixing the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state in the reagent dispensing probe and the reaction tube immediately before the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the state in the reagent dispensing probe and the reaction tube immediately after the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in the reaction tube after the concentrated reagent discharged to the reaction tube is stirred in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism according to the modified example 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism according to the modified example 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automated analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reagent dispensing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit when the automated analyzer according to the second embodiment dispenses the concentrated reagent. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the state in the reagent dispensing probe and the reaction tube immediately before the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the state in the reagent dispensing probe and the reaction tube immediately after the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a state in the reaction tube after the concentrated reagent discharged to the reaction tube is stirred in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a memory 7, and a control circuit 8.

The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample used as a calibrator or a control sample with a reagent used in each test item set in this sample. Analytical mechanism 2 measures a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance, and test data.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates a calibration curve, analysis data, and the like by analyzing the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 and the test data. The analysis circuit 3 reads an operation program from the memory 7 via the control circuit 8 and generates a calibration curve, analysis data, and the like according to the read operation program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates a calibration curve showing the relationship between the standard data and the preset standard value for the standard sample based on the standard data. Further, the analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data represented as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value based on the test data and the calibration curve of the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration curve, analysis data, and the like to the control circuit 8.

The drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like. The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 8.

The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad on which instructions are input by touching an operation surface, and the like. The input interface 5 receives, for example, the setting of analysis parameters and the like of each inspection item related to the sample requested to be measured by the operator. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 8, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 8. In the present specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to the one provided with physical operating parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 8 is also an input interface. It is included in the example of 5.

The output interface 6 includes, for example, a display 61 such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a plasma display, a printer 62, and the like. The display 61 also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printer 62 also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print target to the outside. The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 8 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 8.

The display 61 displays, for example, the calibration curve and analysis data supplied from the control circuit 8.

The printer 62 prints the calibration curve and analysis data supplied from the control circuit 8 on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

The memory 7 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium, a recording medium readable by a processor such as a semiconductor memory, and the like. The memory 7 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuit 8. The memory 7 stores the calibration curve generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The memory 7 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test sample. Further, the memory 7 according to the first embodiment stores information on the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent for each test item. The information regarding the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent includes the required amount of the concentrated reagent corresponding to a predetermined test item, the dilution ratio, and the reagent volume. The dilution ratio represents a number indicating how many times the volume of the reagent produced by diluting the concentrated reagent is the required amount of the concentrated reagent. Reagent volume represents the volume of reagent produced by diluting the concentrated reagent based on the dilution factor.

The control circuit 8 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 8 realizes a function corresponding to this operation program by executing the operation program stored in the memory 7.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a reaction disk 21 and a reagent storage 22.

The reaction disk 21 includes a constant temperature bath 211 filled with constant temperature water. The constant temperature bath 211 has a circumferential shape. The temperature inside the constant temperature bath 211 is controlled so as to always be a constant temperature (hereinafter referred to as a control temperature). The control temperature is the optimum temperature for the enzymatic reaction of the living body, for example, 37 ° C. The reaction disk 21 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 2111 in a circumferential shape by the constant temperature bath 211. As a result, the temperature in the plurality of reaction tubes 2111 is always maintained at the control temperature. The reaction disk 21 is alternately rotated and stopped by the drive mechanism 4 at predetermined time intervals. The reaction tube 2111 is formed of, for example, glass.

The reagent storage 22 cools a plurality of reagent containers 101 containing a standard sample, a reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in a test sample, or a concentrated reagent. The reagent storage 22 is provided adjacent to the reaction disk 21. In the automated analyzer 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an example in which the reagent storage 22 is provided adjacent to the reaction disk 21 will be described, but the position where the reagent storage 22 is provided is not limited to this. Further, the reagent storage 22 is not limited to one, and a plurality of reagent storages 22 may be provided.

The reagent storage 22 holds a plurality of reagent containers 101 in a circumferential shape by means of a reagent container rack. The outer circle 221 in the reagent storage 22 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is, for example, an opening of the reagent container 101 arranged in the outer circumference of the reagent containers 101 arranged in a circumferential shape in the reagent storage 22. Represents the position of the part. Further, a standard sample container is arranged on the outer circumference of the reagent storage 22. The inner circle 222 in the reagent storage 22 represents, for example, the position of the opening of the reagent container 101 arranged in the inner circumference among the reagent containers 101 arranged in a circumferential shape in the reagent storage 22.

The reagent container 101 held in the reagent storage 22 contains the reagent to be dispensed into the reaction tube 2111. The reagent container 101 whose opening is arranged along the outer circle 221 houses the first reagent. The reagent container in which the opening is arranged along the inner circle 222 contains the second reagent. The first and second reagents used are determined for each test item. The reagent container rack is rotated around the center of the reagent storage 22 by the drive mechanism 4.

Further, the reagent storage 22 has a temperature sensor 223 for detecting the temperature of the reagent stored in the reagent container 101 held in the reagent storage 22 or the concentrated reagent.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a sample dispensing unit 23, a washing pool 24, a first reagent dispensing unit 25, a washing pool 26, a diluted water supply pool 27, and a second reagent dispensing unit. 28, a washing pool 29, a diluted water supply pool 30, a stirring unit 31, a photometric unit 210, a washing unit 201, and an electrolyte measuring unit 202 are provided.

The sample dispensing unit 23 is provided between the reaction disk 21 and the sampling lane 313. The sample dispensing unit 23 has a sample dispensing arm 231 and a sample dispensing probe 232.

The sample dispensing arm 231 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The sample dispensing arm 231 holds the sample dispensing probe 232 at one end.

The sample dispensing probe 232 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 231 rotates. A sample suction position P11 for the sample dispensing probe 232 to suck the sample from the sample container is provided on the rotation trajectory. The sample suction position P11 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 232 and the movement trajectory of the sample container on the sampling lane 313.

Further, a sample ejection position P12 for ejecting the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 232 to the reaction tube 2111 is provided at a position on the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 232 different from the sample suction position P11. ing. The sample discharge position P12 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation locus of the sample dispensing probe 232 and the moving locus of the reaction tube 2111 held in the reaction disk 21.

Further, a sample probe cleaning position P13 for cleaning the sample dispensing probe 232 is provided at a position different from the sample suction position P11 and the sample ejection position P12 on the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 232. There is. The sample probe cleaning position P13 is, for example, on the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 232, and is provided between the sample suction position P11 and the sample discharge position P12. A cleaning pool 24 in which a predetermined cleaning liquid is stored is provided at the sample probe cleaning position P13.

The sample dispensing probe 232 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the sample suction position P11, the sample discharge position P12, and the sample probe cleaning position P13.

The sample dispensing unit 23 sucks the sample contained in the sample container 100 located at the sample suction position P11 by the sample dispensing probe 232 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the sample dispensing unit 23 discharges the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 232 to the reaction tube 2111 located at the sample discharge position P12 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the sample dispensing unit 23 supplies a cleaning liquid to the sample dispensing probe 232 at the sample probe cleaning position P13 to clean the inner wall of the sample dispensing probe 232.

The first reagent dispensing unit 25 is provided near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. The first reagent dispensing unit 25 has a first reagent dispensing arm 251 and a first reagent dispensing probe 252.

The first reagent dispensing arm 251 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The first reagent dispensing arm 251 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 252 at one end.

The first reagent dispensing probe 252 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 251 rotates. A first reagent suction position P21 is provided on this rotation trajectory. The first reagent suction position P21 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 252 and the moving trajectory of the opening of the reagent container 101 arranged on the outer circumference in the reagent storage 22. Further, on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, a first reagent discharging position P22 for discharging the reagent sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to the reaction tube 2111 is set. The first reagent discharge position P22 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 252 and the movement trajectory of the reaction tube 2111 held in the reaction disk 21.

Further, a reagent for cleaning the first reagent dispensing probe 252 is located on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, which is different from the first reagent suction position P21 and the first reagent discharge position P22. The probe cleaning position P23 is provided. The reagent probe cleaning position P23 is, for example, on the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, between the first reagent suction position P21 and the first reagent discharge position P22, and near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 21. It is provided in. A cleaning pool 26 in which a predetermined cleaning liquid is stored is provided at the reagent probe cleaning position P23.

Further, at a position different from the first reagent suction position P21, the first reagent discharge position P22, and the reagent probe cleaning position P23 on the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, the first reagent dispensing probe 252 Is provided with a diluted water supply position P24 for supplying the diluted water. The diluted water supply position P24 is, for example, on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, between the first reagent suction position P21 and the first reagent discharge position P22, and near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. It is provided in. The diluted water supply position P24 is provided with a diluted water supply pool 27 in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored. The diluted water supply pool 27 has a temperature sensor 271 for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27. The temperature of the diluted water is usually kept at room temperature, for example, about 20 ° C. That is, the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 is usually lower than 37 ° C. (control temperature). Further, the diluted water supply pool 27 is an example of the second storage unit described in the claims.

The first reagent dispensing probe 252 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position P21, the first reagent discharge position P22, the reagent probe cleaning position P23, and the diluted water supply position P24 on the rotation orbit. do.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the first reagent dispensing unit 25. The first reagent dispensing unit 25 shown in FIG. 4 has a tube 253 whose end is an elastic body connected to the first reagent dispensing probe 252, a syringe 254 connected to the other end of the tube 253, and a syringe 254. A plunger 255 is provided to fit into the opening provided at the lower end of the.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first reagent dispensing unit 25 is connected to a tank 32 for storing the pressure transfer medium filled inside each of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, the tube 253, and the syringe 254. Has been done. The tank 32 is included in the analysis mechanism 2. The pressure transfer medium stored in the tank 32 is, for example, pure water. The tank 32 is connected to the outside of the automatic analyzer 1, and the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 32 is replenished from the outside of the automatic analyzer 1. The temperature of the pressure transfer medium to be replenished is, for example, substantially the same as the temperature outside the automatic analyzer 1, and is usually lower than 37 ° C. Further, the tank 32 is an example of the first storage unit described in the claims.

Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25 sucks the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 32, and uses the sucked pressure transmission medium as diluting water via the syringe 254 and the tube 253, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252. A pump 257 to be supplied inside is provided. Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25 includes an on-off valve 258 that opens and closes a flow path communicating between the syringe 254 and the pump 257. The on-off valve 258 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

When dispensing the reagent, the flow path between the syringe 254 and the pump 257 is closed by the on-off valve 258 controlled by the control circuit 8. The drive mechanism 4 sucks and drives the plunger 255 in the direction of the arrow L1, so that the first reagent dispensing probe 252 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 101 at the first reagent suction position P21. Further, the drive mechanism 4 discharges and drives the plunger 255 in the direction of the arrow L2, so that the first reagent dispensing probe 252 discharges the reagent into the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P22.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 252 has a heater 2521 for raising the temperature of the diluted water supplied in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 252 has a temperature sensor 2522 for detecting the temperature of the diluted water supplied in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The first reagent dispensing probe 252 raises the temperature of the supplied diluted water to a predetermined temperature by the heater 2521 and the temperature sensor 2522 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the heater 2521 is an example of the first temperature raising unit described in the claims.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a heater 33 is provided between the pump 257 and the tank 32. The heater 33 plays a role of raising the temperature of the pressure transfer medium supplied to the first reagent dispensing unit 25 in advance. As a result, the time required to raise the temperature of the diluted water supplied in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to a predetermined temperature can be shortened. The position where the heater 33 is provided may be any position as long as it is a position between the tank 32 and the first reagent dispensing probe 252. Further, the heater 33 is an example of the second temperature raising unit described in the claims.

The first reagent dispensing unit 25 according to the first embodiment supplies the pressure transfer medium stored in the tank 32 into the first reagent dispensing probe 252 as the first diluted water under the control of the control circuit 8. .. The first reagent dispensing unit 25 sucks the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 as the second diluted water by the first reagent dispensing probe 252 under the control of the control circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing unit 25 sucks the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P11 by the first reagent dispensing probe 252 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25 uses the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 as the first reagent under the control of the control circuit 8. , Discharge to the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28 is provided near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. The second reagent dispensing unit 28 has a second reagent dispensing arm 281 and a second reagent dispensing probe 282.

The second reagent dispensing arm 281 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The second reagent dispensing arm 281 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 282 at one end.

The second reagent dispensing probe 282 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 281 rotates. A second reagent suction position P31 is provided on this rotation trajectory. The second reagent suction position P31 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 282 and the moving trajectory of the opening of the reagent container 101 arranged on the outer circumference in the reagent storage 22. Further, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282, a second reagent discharging position P32 for discharging the reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 to the reaction tube 2111 is set. The second reagent discharge position P32 corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 282 and the movement trajectory of the reaction tube 2111 held in the reaction disk 21.

Further, a reagent for cleaning the second reagent dispensing probe 282 is located on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282 at a position different from the second reagent suction position P31 and the second reagent discharge position P32. The probe cleaning position P33 is provided. The reagent probe cleaning position P33 is, for example, on the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 282, between the second reagent suction position P31 and the second reagent discharge position P32, and near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 21. It is provided in. A cleaning pool 29 in which a predetermined cleaning liquid is stored is provided at the reagent probe cleaning position P33.

Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 282 is located on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282 at a position different from the second reagent suction position P31, the second reagent discharge position P32, and the reagent probe cleaning position P33. Is provided with a diluted water supply position P34 for supplying the diluted water. The diluted water supply position P34 is, for example, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282, between the second reagent suction position P31 and the second reagent discharge position P32, and near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. It is provided in. The diluted water supply position P34 is provided with a diluted water supply pool 30 in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored. The diluted water supply pool 30 has a temperature sensor 301 for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30. The temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30 is usually kept at room temperature, for example, about 20 ° C. That is, the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30 is usually lower than 37 ° C. (controlled temperature). Further, the diluted water supply pool 30 is an example of the second storage unit described in the claims.

The second reagent dispensing probe 282 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position P31, the first reagent discharge position P32, the reagent probe cleaning position P33, and the diluted water supply position P34 on the rotation orbit. do.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28 sucks the reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the second reagent suction position P31 by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28 uses the reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 as the second reagent under the control of the control circuit 8, and the reaction tube 2111 is located directly under the second reagent discharge position P32. Discharge to.

The configuration and function of the second reagent dispensing unit 28 are the same as the configuration and function of the first reagent dispensing unit 25 shown in FIG. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28 is connected to a tank similar to the tank 32 shown in FIG. Further, a heater similar to the heater 33 shown in FIG. 4 is provided between the tank connected to the second reagent dispensing unit 28 and the pump included in the second reagent dispensing unit 28. The tank connected to the second reagent dispensing unit 28 may be provided separately from the tank 32 or may be shared with the tank 32.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28 according to the first embodiment supplies the pressure transfer medium stored in the tank as the first diluted water into the second reagent dispensing probe 282 under the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing unit 28 sucks the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30 as the second diluted water by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 under the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing unit 28 sucks the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the second reagent suction position P21 by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28 uses the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the second reagent dispensing probe 282 as the second reagent under the control of the control circuit 8. , Discharge to the reaction tube 2111 located at the second reagent discharge position P22.

The stirring unit 31 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 21. The stirring unit 31 has a first stirring arm and a first stirrer provided at the tip of the first stirring arm. The stirring unit 31 uses the first stirrer to stir the sample contained in the reaction tube 2111 arranged at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 21 and the first reagent. Further, the stirring unit 31 further has a second stirring arm and a second stirring element provided at the tip of the second stirring arm. The stirring unit 31 uses the second stirrer to stir the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction tube 2111 arranged at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 21.

The photometric unit 210 optically measures a predetermined component in the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent discharged into the reaction tube 2111. The photometric unit 210 includes a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 210 irradiates the reaction tube 2111 with light from the light source according to the control of the control circuit 8. The photodetector detects the light that has passed through the mixture of the standard sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 2111 and generates standard data, for example expressed as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. In addition, the photodetector detects the light that has passed through the mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 2111, and generates test data represented by, for example, absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 210 outputs the generated standard data and the test data to the analysis circuit 3.

The cleaning unit 201 includes, for example, a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning nozzle, and a drying nozzle. The cleaning unit 201 sucks the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2111 delivered to the cleaning position by the rotation of the reaction disk 21 as waste liquid by the waste liquid nozzle. The cleaning unit 201 cleans the reaction tube 2111 by discharging pure water or detergent to the reaction tube 2111 in which the mixed solution is sucked by the cleaning nozzle. The washing unit 201 dries the reaction tube 2111 by supplying dry air to the washed reaction tube 2111 by the drying nozzle.

The electrolyte measurement unit 202 measures the specific electrolyte present in the mixed solution in the reaction tube 2111. The electrolyte measuring unit 202 measures, for example, the ion concentration generated from the specific electrolyte.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a rack loading lane 300 and a rack moving unit 310. In the rack loading lane 300, a sample rack holding a predetermined number of sample containers is loaded. The sample container contains a standard sample or a test sample. The sample rack has a shape that can hold a predetermined number of sample containers and can be picked up by a transfer arm 311 provided in the rack moving unit 310.

The rack moving unit 310 includes a transfer arm 311 and a transfer rail 312, and a sampling lane 313.

The transport arm 311 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and transports the sample rack loaded in the rack loading lane 300. For example, the transport arm 311 transports the sample rack mounted at a predetermined loading position in the rack loading lane 300 to the sampling lane 313 along the transport rail 312.

The sampling lane 313 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves the sample rack conveyed by the transfer arm 311. For example, the sampling lane 313 moves the opening of each sample container held in the sample rack directly below the sample suction position P11.

The control circuit 8 shown in FIG. 1 realizes the processing according to the present embodiment by executing the operation program according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the control circuit 8 has a dispensing control function 81, a temperature rise control function 82, and a system control function 83 by executing an operation program. In this embodiment, the case where the dispensing control function 81, the temperature rise control function 82, and the system control function 83 are realized by a single processor is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the dispensing control function 81, the temperature rise control function 82, and the system control function 83 may be realized by executing an operation program by each processor. ..

The dispensing control function 81 is a function of controlling the operation of the first reagent dispensing unit 25 and the second reagent dispensing unit 28 according to the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item. When the dispensing control function 81 is executed, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first diluted water for generating a reagent having a predetermined target temperature and a predetermined concentration. The diluted water of 2 and the concentrated reagent are retained in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The target temperature is, for example, a controlled temperature controlled by the constant temperature bath 211. Further, the control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and has a first temperature higher than the target temperature and a first amount of the first diluted water, a second temperature lower than the target temperature and a second. A second amount of diluted water and a third temperature below the target temperature and a third amount of concentrated reagent are discharged from the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to the reaction tube 2111.

Specifically, the control circuit 8 reads information about the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item from the memory 7. Thereby, the control circuit 8 recognizes the required amount (third amount) of the concentrated reagent, the dilution ratio, and the reagent volume. The control circuit 8 detects, for example, the temperature of the first diluted water supplied into the first reagent dispensing probe 252 by the temperature sensor 2522 shown in FIG. The control circuit 8 detects the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 by the temperature sensor 271 included in the diluted water supply pool 27. The control circuit 8 detects the temperature of the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 in the reagent container 22 by the temperature sensor 223 included in the reagent storage 22.

The control circuit 8 is based on the recognized dilution ratio and reagent volume of the concentrated reagent, and the detected temperature of the first diluted water, the temperature of the second diluted water, and the temperature of the concentrated reagent, and the first dilution is performed. The required amount of water (first amount) and the required amount of the second diluted water (second amount) are calculated.

The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252 sucks the calculated second amount of the second diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252 sucks the recognized third amount of the concentrated reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P11. do. Then, the control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first amount of the first diluted water, the second amount of the second diluted water, and the second amount of the diluted water in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. A third amount of the concentrated reagent is used as the first reagent and is discharged all at once to the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12.

The temperature rise control function 82 is a function of raising the temperature of the diluted water for diluting the concentrating reagent to a predetermined temperature. When the temperature rise control function 82 is executed, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing probe 252, and is supplied into the first reagent dispensing probe 252 by the heater 2521 and the temperature sensor 2522. The diluted water of No. 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature higher than the target temperature. Further, the control circuit 8 controls the heater 33 to raise the temperature of the diluted water stored in the tank 32.

The system control function 83 is a function that collectively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on the input information input from the input interface 5. When the system control function 83 is executed, the control circuit 8 receives, for example, input of information regarding the dilution ratio of the concentrating reagent corresponding to a predetermined test item via the input interface 5. The control circuit 8 stores information regarding the dilution ratio of the received concentrated reagent in the memory 7.

Next, the operation of the automated analyzer 1 configured as described above when dispensing the concentrated reagent will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 8 when the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment dispenses the concentrated reagent.

In the following description, it is assumed that the control circuit 8 accepts inspections related to predetermined inspection items via, for example, the input interface 5. Further, it is assumed that a larger amount of the first diluted water than the required amount is supplied in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. Further, the first diluted water supplied into the first reagent dispensing probe 252 is prepared by, for example, the first reagent dispensing probe 252 in advance before the second diluted water is sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 252. It is assumed that the temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature higher than the target temperature by the provided heater 2521. Further, the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 is assumed to be lower than the target temperature. Further, it is assumed that the control circuit 8 has previously grasped the temperature of the concentrated reagent stored in the reagent container 101 held in the reagent storage 22 by the temperature sensor 223 or the like. Further, it is assumed that the sample corresponding to the predetermined inspection item is housed in the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12. The target temperature and the control temperature are 37 ° C., respectively. In FIG. 5, a case where the control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25 to dispense the concentrated reagent will be described as an example, but the control circuit 8 controls the second reagent dispensing unit 28. The same applies to the case of dispensing the concentrated reagent.

When the control circuit 8 receives an inspection related to a predetermined inspection item via the input interface 5, it detects the temperature of the first diluted water and the temperature of the second diluted water (step SA1). Specifically, the control circuit 8 detects the temperature of the first diluted water supplied into the first reagent dispensing probe 252 by the temperature sensor 2522 shown in FIG. Further, the control circuit 8 detects the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 by the temperature sensor 271. At this time, the control circuit 8 reads out the information regarding the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item related to the received inspection from the memory 7. Thereby, the control circuit 8 recognizes the required amount of the concentrated reagent, the dilution ratio, and the reagent volume.

The control circuit 8 has known in advance the temperature of the concentrated reagent, the temperature of the first diluted water detected in step SA1, the temperature of the second diluted water, and the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent recognized in step SA1. Based on the reagent volume, the required amount of the first diluted water and the required amount of the second diluted water are calculated (step SA2). Specifically, the temperature of the concentrated reagent is A, the temperature of the first diluted water is B (> 37 ° C), the temperature of the second diluted water is C (<37 ° C), the dilution ratio is D, and the reagent volume is set. E, when the required amount of the concentrated reagent is X, the volume of the first diluted water is Y, the volume of the second diluted water is Z, and the target temperature of the diluted reagent is 37 ° C., the reagent volume E = X + Y + Z. , Dilution factor D = (X + Y + Z) / X. Further, the equation for the amount of heat at which the target temperature is 37 ° C. is X (A-37) + Y (B-37) + Z (C-37) = 0. As a result, the control circuit 8 calculates the required amount Y of the first diluted water and the required amount Z of the second diluted water according to the following equations (1-1) and (1-2), respectively.

FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of mixing the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows three mixed examples. As shown in FIG. 6, the control parameters of the mixing example include the dilution ratio D, the control temperature (° C.), the reagent volume E (μl), and the target temperature (° C.). The target temperature (° C) is set to be the same as the control temperature (° C), for example. Further, FIG. 6 shows the temperature before dilution (° C.), the difference between the temperature before dilution and the target temperature (° C.), and the volume ratio for each of the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water. And volume (μl) are shown. The volume ratio represents the ratio of the volume of each diluted water when the volume of the concentrated reagent is 1.

In Mixing Example 1 shown in FIG. 6, the dilution ratio D, the control temperature (° C.), the reagent volume E (μl), and the target temperature (° C.) are 15, 37 ° C., 150 μl, and 37 ° C., respectively, and the concentrated reagent is used. It represents the case where the required amount X is 10 μl. At this time, as shown in Mixing Example 1 of FIG. 6, for example, the temperature A of the concentrating reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the temperature C of the second diluted water are 7 ° C., 47 ° C., and It is 7 ° C. At this time, the differences between the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the temperature C of the second diluted water and the target temperature are −30 ° C., 10 ° C., and −30 ° C., respectively. Is. In the control circuit 8, the first diluted water is set so that the dilution ratio D, the reagent volume E (μl) of the reagent after the concentrated reagent is diluted, and the target temperature (° C.) are 15, 150 μl, and 37 ° C. The required amount Y is calculated as 112.5 μl, and the required amount Z of the second diluted water is calculated as 27.5 μl. In this case, as shown in Mixing Example 1 of FIG. 6, the volume ratio of the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water is 1: 11.25: 2.75.

Further, in Mixing Example 2 shown in FIG. 6, the dilution ratio D, the control temperature (° C.), the reagent volume E (μl), and the target temperature (° C.) are 10, 37 ° C, 150 μl, and 37 ° C, respectively, and the mixture is concentrated. It represents the case where the required amount X of the reagent is 15 μl. At this time, as shown in Mixing Example 2 of FIG. 6, for example, the temperature A of the concentrating reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the temperature C of the second diluted water are 12 ° C., 42 ° C., and It is 12 ° C. At this time, the differences between the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the temperature C of the second diluted water and the target temperature are −25 ° C., 5 ° C., and −25 ° C., respectively. The control circuit 8 requires the first diluted water so that the dilution ratio D, the reagent volume E (μl) of the reagent after the concentrated reagent is diluted, and the target temperature (° C.) are 10, 150 μl and 37 ° C. The amount Y is calculated as 125 μl, and the required amount Z of the second diluted water is calculated as 10 μl. In this case, as shown in Mixing Example 2 of FIG. 6, the volume ratio of the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water is 1: 8.3333333: 0.666667.

Further, in Mixing Example 3 shown in FIG. 6, the dilution ratio D, the control temperature (° C.), the reagent volume E (μl), and the target temperature (° C.) are 10, 37 ° C, 100 μl, and 37 ° C, respectively, and the mixture is concentrated. It represents the case where the required amount X of the reagent is 10 μl. At this time, as shown in Mixing Example 3 of FIG. 6, for example, the temperature A of the concentrating reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the temperature C of the second diluted water are 5 ° C, 50 ° C, and 25. ℃. At this time, the differences between the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, and the target temperature of the second diluted water temperature C are −32 ° C., 13 ° C., and −12 ° C., respectively. The control circuit 8 requires the first diluted water so that the dilution ratio D, the reagent volume E (μl) of the reagent after the concentrated reagent is diluted, and the target temperature (° C.) are 10, 100 μl, and 37 ° C. The amount Y is calculated as 56 μl, and the required amount Z of the second diluted water is calculated as 34 μl. In this case, as shown in Mixing Example 3 of FIG. 6, the volume ratio of the concentrated reagent, the first diluted water, and the second diluted water is 1: 5.6: 3.4.

The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252 sucks the second diluted water in the amount of Z calculated in step SA2 from the diluted water supply pool 27 ( Step SA3).

The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252 transfers the concentrated reagent of the amount of X recognized in step SA1 to the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P21. Suction from (step SA4).

The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, the first diluted water in the amount of Y calculated in step SA2, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the X recognized in step SA1. The concentrated reagent of the above amount is discharged all at once from the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to the reaction tube 2111 (step SA5).

The control circuit 8 controls the stirring unit 31 to supply the sample contained in the reaction tube 2111, the first diluted water in the amount of Y, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the concentrated reagent in the amount of X. Stir (step SA6).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the first diluted water in the amount of Y, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the concentrated reagent in the amount of X are held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The flow from the completion to stirring in the reaction tube 2111 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 and the reaction tube 2111 immediately before the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the state in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 and the reaction tube 2111 immediately after the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in the reaction tube 2111 after the concentrated reagent discharged to the reaction tube 2111 is stirred in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the case of the mixing example 3 shown in FIG. 6 will be described as a premise. At this time, the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, the temperature C of the second diluted water, the dilution ratio D, the reagent capacity E, the required amount X of the concentrated reagent X, the capacity Y of the first diluted water The volume Z of the second diluted water and the target temperatures of the reagent after dilution are 5 ° C, 50 ° C, 25 ° C, 37 ° C, 10, 10 μl, 56 μl, 34 μl, and 37 ° C, respectively.

According to FIG. 7, immediately before the concentrated reagent is discharged, 56 μl of the first diluted water W1 at 50 ° C. and 34 μl of the second diluted water at 25 ° C. are contained in the first reagent dispensing probe 252. W2 and 10 μl of concentrated reagent R1 at 5 ° C. are retained. Further, a sample at 37 ° C. is housed in the reaction tube 2111.

Next, according to FIG. 8, immediately after the concentrating reagent is discharged, 56 μl of the first diluted water W1 at 50 ° C. and 34 μl of the second diluted water W2 at 25 ° C. are contained in the reaction tube 2111. Contains 10 μl of concentrated reagent R1 at 5 ° C and a sample at 37 ° C. At this time, the first diluted water W1, the second diluted water W2, and the concentrated reagent R1 are instantly mixed and stirred in the reaction tube 2111, and the temperature is averaged and diluted to 100 μl, which is 10 times higher. It becomes a reagent at 37 ° C. The first diluted water W1 is held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252.

Finally, according to FIG. 9, in the reaction tube 2111, the 10-fold diluted 37 ° C. reagent and the sample are stirred to produce a 37 ° C. mixture.

According to the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and supplies the first diluted water from the tank 32 to the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and supplies the second diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27 to the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25 and causes the concentrated reagent to be sucked into the first reagent dispensing probe 252. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and distributes the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent for the first reagent to generate a reagent having a predetermined target temperature and a predetermined concentration. Note Hold in probe 252.

As a result, the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 are instantly mixed and stirred after being discharged to the reaction tube 2111, and the target is It becomes a reagent with a temperature equal to the temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to raise the temperature of the reagent in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 after the concentrated reagent is sucked. Therefore, compared to the case where the temperature of the reagent in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 is raised after the concentrated reagent is sucked, the time required for raising the temperature is a bottleneck in continuously processing a large number of sample measurements. Will not be.

Therefore, according to the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to carry out sample measurement at high speed.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and the first reagent dispensing probe having a temperature lower than the target temperature is dispensed from the tank 32. Supply to 252. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and uses the heater 2521 and the temperature sensor 2522 to supply the first diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature supplied to the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to the target temperature. The temperature is raised to a higher predetermined temperature. The control circuit 8 determines the required amount of the second diluted water based on the dilution ratio and the reagent volume of the concentrated reagent, and the temperature of the first diluted water, the temperature of the second diluted water, and the temperature of the concentrated reagent. Is calculated. The control circuit 8 controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and supplies the required amount of the second diluted water calculated from the diluted water supply pool 27, which stores the diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature, for the first reagent. Note Let the probe 252 suck.

Conventionally, when the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent used for measurement is not uniform, the temperature of the reagent produced by dilution varies depending on the ratio of the diluted water supplied in the probe to the concentrated reagent. According to the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 has a dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent, a reagent volume, a temperature of the first diluted water, a temperature of the second diluted water, and a concentration. The required amount of the second diluted water is calculated based on the temperature of the reagent. As a result, even if the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to a plurality of test items to be inspected is not uniform, the reagent having a predetermined concentration in which the concentrated reagent is diluted is always put in a reaction tube at a temperature equal to the target temperature. It can be discharged to 2111.

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the diluted water supply pool 27 located at the diluted water supply position P24 provided on the outside of the reagent storage 22 and the diluted water supply pool located at the diluted water supply position P34 are used. The case where it is stored in 30 has been described. At this time, the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30 was substantially the same as the temperature inside the apparatus. In the first modification, a case where the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30 are provided in the reagent storage 22 will be described. At this time, the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30 is controlled at a temperature equal to the temperature in the reagent storage 22.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the modified example 1. According to FIG. 10, the reagent storage 22 has a cold insulation region 500 capable of keeping the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30 at a temperature equal to the temperature in the reagent storage 22. .. As a result, the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30 becomes equal to the temperature in the reagent storage 22. Therefore, the calculation of the required amount of the first diluted water and the required amount of the second diluted water is simplified. At this time, since the cold insulation function of the reagent storage 22 can be used, it is not necessary to provide a new cold insulation mechanism in the automatic analyzer 1.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the diluted water supply pool 27 located at the diluted water supply position P24 provided on the outside of the reagent storage 22 and the diluted water supply pool located at the diluted water supply position P34 are used. The case where it is stored in 30 has been described. In the second modification, the case where the second diluted water is contained in the reagent container in the reagent storage 22 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the modified example 2. According to FIG. 11, a reagent container 101A for supplying diluted water to the first reagent dispensing probe 252 is held by a reagent container rack on the outer circle 221 of the reagent storage 22 included in the analysis mechanism 2. Further, a reagent container 101A for supplying diluted water to the second reagent dispensing probe 282 is held by a reagent container rack on the inner circle 222 of the reagent storage 22 provided in the analysis mechanism 2. At this time, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25, and sucks the diluted water as the first diluted water from the reagent container 101A located at the first reagent suction position P21. Further, the control circuit 8 controls the second reagent dispensing unit 28, and sucks the diluted water as the first diluted water from the reagent container 101A located at the second reagent suction position P31. As a result, the automated analyzer 1 according to the modified example 2 does not need to provide the diluted water supply pool 27 and the diluted water supply pool 30. Therefore, the sample measurement can be performed at high speed without complicating the structure of the apparatus.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, for example, a case where the first diluted water is supplied from the tank 32 shown in FIG. 4 to the first reagent dispensing probe 252 by a pump 257 has been described as an example. In the second embodiment, the case where the first reagent dispensing probe 252 and the second reagent dispensing probe 282 obtain the first diluted water by suction will be described.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the automated analyzer 1A according to the second embodiment. The automated analyzer 1A shown in FIG. 12 includes an analysis mechanism 2A, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a memory 7, and a control circuit 8A.

The analysis mechanism 2A mixes a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample used as a calibrator or a control sample with a reagent used in each test item set in this sample. Analytical mechanism 2A measures a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance, and test data.

The configurations and functions of the analysis circuit 3, the drive mechanism 4, the input interface 5, the output interface 6, and the memory 7 shown in FIG. 12 are the analysis circuit 3, the drive mechanism 4, the input interface 5, and the output interface 6 shown in FIG. , And the configuration and function of the memory 7.

The control circuit 8A is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1A. The control circuit 8A realizes a function corresponding to this operation program by executing the operation program stored in the memory 7.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2A shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2A shown in FIG. 13 includes a reaction disk 21 and a reagent storage 22.

The configuration and function of the reaction disk 21 and the reagent storage 22 are the same as the configuration and function of the reaction disk 21 and the reagent storage 22 shown in FIG.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 13 includes a sample dispensing unit 23, a washing pool 24, a first reagent dispensing unit 25A, a washing pool 26, a diluted water supply pool 27A, a diluted water supply pool 27B, and a second reagent. Note: The unit 28A, the washing pool 29, the diluted water supply pool 30A, the diluted water supply pool 30B, the stirring unit 31, the photometric unit 210, the washing unit 201, and the electrolyte measuring unit 202 are provided.

The configuration and function of the sample dispensing unit 23 and the cleaning pool 24 are the same as the configuration and function of the sample dispensing unit 23 and the cleaning pool 24 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The first reagent dispensing unit 25A is provided near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. The first reagent dispensing unit 25A has a first reagent dispensing arm 251 and a first reagent dispensing probe 252A.

The first reagent dispensing arm 251 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The first reagent dispensing arm 251 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 252A at one end.

The first reagent dispensing probe 252A rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 251 rotates. Similar to the first embodiment, the first reagent suction position P21, the first reagent discharge position P22, and the reagent probe cleaning position P23 are provided on this rotation trajectory. A cleaning pool 26 in which a predetermined cleaning liquid is stored is provided at the reagent probe cleaning position P23.

Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 252 is located on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 252A at a position different from the first reagent suction position P21, the first reagent discharge position P22, and the reagent probe cleaning position P23. Is provided with a diluted water supply position P24A and a diluted water supply position P24B for supplying the diluted water.

The diluted water supply position P24A is, for example, on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, between the first reagent suction position P21 and the first reagent discharge position P22, and near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. It is provided in. The diluted water supply position P24 is provided with a diluted water supply pool 27A in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored. The diluted water supply pool 27A has a temperature sensor 271A for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27A. The temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27 is kept at a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature. Further, the diluted water supply pool 27A is an example of the second storage unit described in the claims.

Further, the diluted water supply position P24B is provided, for example, on the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 252, between the diluted water supply position P24A and the first reagent discharge position P22. The diluted water supply position P24B is provided with a diluted water supply pool 27B in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored. The diluted water supply pool 27B has a temperature sensor 271B for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B. The temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B is kept at a predetermined temperature higher than the target temperature. Further, the diluted water supply pool 27B is an example of the first storage unit described in the claims.

The first reagent dispensing probe 252A is driven by the drive mechanism 4, and has the first reagent suction position P21, the first reagent discharge position P22, the reagent probe cleaning position P23, the diluted water supply position P24A, and the diluted water on the rotation orbit. It moves in the vertical direction at the supply position P24B.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the first reagent dispensing unit 25A. The first reagent dispensing unit 25A shown in FIG. 14 has a tube 253, which is an elastic body having one end connected to the first reagent dispensing probe 252A, a syringe 254 connected to the other end of the tube 253, and a syringe 254. A plunger 255 is provided to fit into the opening provided at the lower end of the.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A is connected to a tank 32 for storing the pressure transfer medium filled inside each of the first reagent dispensing probe 252A, the tube 253, and the syringe 254. Has been done.

Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A sucks the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 32, and the sucked pressure transmission medium is used as diluting water, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A is passed through the syringe 254 and the tube 253. A pump 257 to be supplied inside is provided. Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A includes an on-off valve 258 that opens and closes a flow path communicating between the syringe 254 and the pump 257.

When dispensing the reagent, the flow path between the syringe 254 and the pump 257 is closed by the on-off valve 258 controlled by the control circuit 8. The drive mechanism 4 sucks and drives the plunger 255 in the direction of the arrow L1, so that the first reagent dispensing probe 252 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 101 at the first reagent suction position P21. Further, the drive mechanism 4 discharges and drives the plunger 255 in the direction of the arrow L2, so that the first reagent dispensing probe 252 discharges the reagent into the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P22.

The first reagent dispensing unit 25A according to the second embodiment uses the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B by the first reagent dispensing probe 252A as the first diluted water under the control of the control circuit 8A. Suction. The first reagent dispensing unit 25A sucks the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27A as the second diluted water by the first reagent dispensing probe 252A under the control of the control circuit 8A. The first reagent dispensing unit 25A sucks the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P11 by the first reagent dispensing probe 252A under the control of the control circuit 8A. Further, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A uses the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A as the first reagent under the control of the control circuit 8A. , Discharge to the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28A is provided near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. The second reagent dispensing unit 28A has a second reagent dispensing arm 281 and a second reagent dispensing probe 282A.

The second reagent dispensing arm 281 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The second reagent dispensing arm 281 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 282 at one end.

The second reagent dispensing probe 282A rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 281 rotates. Similar to the first embodiment, the second reagent suction position P31, the second reagent discharge position P32, and the reagent probe cleaning position P33 are provided on the rotation trajectory. A cleaning pool 29 in which a predetermined cleaning liquid is stored is provided at the reagent probe cleaning position P33.

Further, at a position different from the second reagent suction position P31, the second reagent discharge position P32, and the reagent probe cleaning position P33 on the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 282A, the second reagent dispensing probe 282A Is provided with a diluted water supply position P34A and a diluted water supply position P34B for supplying the diluted water to the first reagent dispensing probe 252.

The diluted water supply position P34A is, for example, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282A, between the second reagent suction position P31 and the second reagent discharge position P32, and near the outer periphery of the reagent storage 22. It is provided in. At the diluted water supply position P34A, a diluted water supply pool 30A in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored is provided. The diluted water supply pool 30A has a temperature sensor 301A for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30A. The temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30A is kept at a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature. Further, the diluted water supply pool 30A is an example of the second storage unit described in the claims.

Further, the diluted water supply position P34B is provided, for example, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 282A, between the diluted water supply position P34A and the second reagent discharge position P32. The diluted water supply position P34B is provided with a diluted water supply pool 30B in which diluted water having a predetermined temperature is stored. The diluted water supply pool 30B has a temperature sensor 301B for detecting the temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30B. The temperature of the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30B is kept at a predetermined temperature higher than the target temperature. Further, the diluted water supply pool 30B is an example of the first storage unit described in the claims.

The second reagent dispensing probe 282 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position P31, the first reagent discharge position P32, the reagent probe cleaning position P33, and the diluted water supply position P34 on the rotation orbit. do.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28 sucks the reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the second reagent suction position P31 by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 under the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28 uses the reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 282 as the second reagent under the control of the control circuit 8, and the reaction tube 2111 is located directly under the second reagent discharge position P32. Discharge to.

The configuration and function of the second reagent dispensing unit 28A are the same as the configuration and function of the first reagent dispensing unit 25A shown in FIG. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28A is connected to a tank similar to the tank 32 shown in FIG. The tank connected to the second reagent dispensing unit 28 may be provided separately from the tank 32 or may be shared with the tank 32.

The second reagent dispensing unit 28A according to the second embodiment uses the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30B by the second reagent dispensing probe 282A as the first diluted water under the control of the control circuit 8A. Suction. The second reagent dispensing unit 28A sucks the diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 30A as the second diluted water by the second reagent dispensing probe 282A under the control of the control circuit 8A. The second reagent dispensing unit 28A sucks the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P11 by the second reagent dispensing probe 282A under the control of the control circuit 8A. Further, the second reagent dispensing unit 28A uses the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the second reagent dispensing probe 282A as the first reagent under the control of the control circuit 8A. , Discharge to the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12.

Regarding the configurations and functions of the stirring unit 31, the photometric unit 210, the cleaning unit 201, and the electrolyte measuring unit 202, the configurations and functions of the stirring unit 31, the photometric unit 210, the cleaning unit 201, and the electrolyte measuring unit 202 shown in FIG. Is similar to.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2A shown in FIG. 13 includes a rack loading lane 300 and a rack moving unit 310. The rack loading lane 300 and the rack moving unit 310 are the same as the rack loading lane 300 and the rack moving unit 310 shown in FIG.

The control circuit 8A shown in FIG. 12 realizes the processing according to the present embodiment by executing the operation program according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the control circuit 8A has a dispensing control function 81A, a temperature rise control function 82A, and a system control function 83 by executing an operation program. In this embodiment, the case where the dispensing control function 81A, the temperature rise control function 82A, and the system control function 83 are realized by a single processor is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the dispensing control function 81A, the temperature rise control function 82A, and the system control function 83 may be realized by executing an operation program by each processor. ..

The dispensing control function 81A is a function of controlling the operation of the first reagent dispensing unit 25A and the second reagent dispensing unit 28A according to the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item. When the dispensing control function 81A is executed, the control circuit 8A controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first diluted water for generating a reagent having a predetermined target temperature and a predetermined concentration, the first, first. The diluted water of 2 and the concentrated reagent are retained in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. Further, the control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and has a first temperature higher than the target temperature and a first amount of the first diluted water, a second temperature lower than the target temperature and a second. A second amount of diluted water and a third temperature lower than the target temperature and a third amount of concentrated reagent are discharged from the first reagent dispensing probe 252A to the reaction tube 2111.

Specifically, the control circuit 8A reads out the information regarding the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item from the memory 7. Thereby, the control circuit 8A recognizes the required amount (third amount) of the concentrated reagent, the dilution ratio, and the reagent volume. The control circuit 8A detects the temperature of the first diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B by the temperature sensor 271B. The control circuit 8A detects the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27A by the temperature sensor 271A. The control circuit 8A detects the temperature of the concentrated reagent contained in the reagent container 101 in the reagent container 22 by the temperature sensor 223 included in the reagent storage 22. The temperature sensor 271A for detecting the temperature of the first diluted water and the temperature sensor 271B for detecting the temperature of the second diluted water may be separate or shared.

The control circuit 8A is based on the recognized dilution ratio and reagent volume of the concentrated reagent, and the detected temperature of the first diluted water, the temperature of the second diluted water, and the temperature of the concentrated reagent, and the first dilution is performed. The required amount of water (first amount) and the required amount of the second diluted water (second amount) are calculated.

The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A sucks the calculated first amount of the first diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27B.
The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and sucks the calculated second amount of the second diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27A by the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A sucks the recognized third amount of the concentrated reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P11. do. As a result, the first amount of the first diluted water, the second amount of the second diluted water, and the third amount of the concentrated reagent are held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. Then, the control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first amount of the first diluted water and the second amount of the second dilution held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. Water and a third amount of the concentrated reagent are used as the first reagent and are collectively discharged to the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12.

The temperature rise control function 82A is a function of raising the temperature of the diluted water for diluting the concentrating reagent to a predetermined temperature. When the temperature rise control function 82A is executed, the control circuit 8A controls, for example, a heater (not shown) provided in the analysis mechanism 2A, and is stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B or the diluted water supply pool 30B. The temperature of the diluted water is raised. As a result, the first diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B or the diluted water supply pool 30B is heated to a predetermined temperature higher than the target temperature.

The function of the system control function 83 is the same as the function of the system control function 83 shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the automated analyzer 1A configured as described above when dispensing the concentrated reagent will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 8A when the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment dispenses the concentrated reagent.

In the following description, the control circuit 8A shall accept inspections related to predetermined inspection items via, for example, the input interface 5. Further, it is assumed that the temperature of the first diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B is kept at a temperature higher than the target temperature. Further, it is assumed that the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27A is kept at a temperature lower than the target temperature. Further, it is assumed that the control circuit 8A grasps the temperature of the concentrated reagent stored in the reagent container 101 held in the reagent storage 22 in advance by the temperature sensor 223 or the like. Further, it is assumed that the sample corresponding to the predetermined inspection item is housed in the reaction tube 2111 located at the first reagent discharge position P12. The target temperature and the control temperature are 37 ° C., respectively. In FIG. 15, a case where the control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A to dispense the concentrated reagent will be described as an example, but the control circuit 8A controls the second reagent dispensing unit 28A. The same applies to the case of dispensing the concentrated reagent.

When the control circuit 8A receives an inspection related to a predetermined inspection item via the input interface 5, it detects the temperature of the first diluted water and the temperature of the second diluted water (step SB1). Specifically, the control circuit 22A detects the temperature of the first diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27B by a predetermined temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the analysis mechanism 2A. Further, the control circuit 22A detects the temperature of the second diluted water stored in the diluted water supply pool 27A by a predetermined temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the analysis mechanism 2A. At this time, the control circuit 22A reads out the information regarding the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the inspection item related to the received inspection from the memory 7. As a result, the control circuit 8 recognizes the required amount X of the concentrated reagent, the dilution ratio D, and the reagent volume E.

The control circuit 8A includes the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water detected in step SB1, the temperature C of the second diluted water, and the dilution of the concentrated reagent recognized in step SB1. Based on the magnification D and the reagent volume E, the required amount Y of the first diluted water and the required amount Z of the second diluted water are calculated (step SB2).

The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A sucks the first diluted water in the amount of Y calculated in step SB2 from the diluted water supply pool 27B ( Step SB3).

The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A sucks the second diluted water in the amount of Z calculated in step SB2 from the diluted water supply pool 27A ( Step SB4).

The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and the first reagent dispensing probe 252A transfers the concentrated reagent of the amount of X recognized in step SB1 to the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent suction position P21. Suction from (step SB5).

The control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, the first diluted water in the amount of Y calculated in step SB2, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the X recognized in step SB1. The concentrated reagent of the above amount is discharged all at once from the first reagent dispensing probe 252A to the reaction tube 2111 (step SB6).

The control circuit 8 controls the stirring unit 31 to supply the sample contained in the reaction tube 2111, the first diluted water in the amount of Y, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the concentrated reagent in the amount of X. Stir (step SB7).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, the first diluted water in the amount of Y, the second diluted water in the amount of Z, and the concentrated reagent in the amount of X are held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. The flow from the completion to stirring in the reaction tube 2111 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the state in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A and the reaction tube 2111 immediately before the automated analyzer 1A according to the second embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the state in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A and the reaction tube 2111 immediately after the automated analyzer 1A according to the second embodiment discharges the concentrated reagent. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a state in the reaction tube 2111 after the concentrated reagent discharged to the reaction tube 2111 is stirred in the automatic analyzer 1A according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the case of the mixed example 3 shown in FIG. 6 will be described as a premise. At this time, the temperature A of the concentrated reagent, the temperature B of the first diluted water, the temperature C of the second diluted water, the dilution ratio D, the reagent capacity E, the required amount X of the concentrated reagent X, the capacity Y of the first diluted water The volume Z of the second diluted water and the target temperatures of the reagent after dilution are 5 ° C, 50 ° C, 25 ° C, 37 ° C, 10, 10 μl, 56 μl, 34 μl, and 37 ° C, respectively.

According to FIG. 16, immediately before the concentrated reagent is discharged, 56 μl of the first diluted water W3 at 50 ° C. and 34 μl of the second diluted water at 25 ° C. are contained in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. W2 and 10 μl of concentrated reagent R1 at 5 ° C. are retained. The first diluted water W3 is different from the first diluted water W1 shown in FIG. 7, and is the diluted water sucked from the diluted water supply pool 27B by the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. Further, a sample at 37 ° C. is housed in the reaction tube 2111. Further, the pressure transfer medium W4 supplied from the tank 32 shown in FIG. 14 is filled in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A.

Next, according to FIG. 17, immediately after the concentrating reagent is discharged, 56 μl of the first diluted water W3 at 50 ° C. and 34 μl of the second diluted water W2 at 25 ° C. are contained in the reaction tube 2111. Contains 10 μl of concentrated reagent R1 at 5 ° C and a sample at 37 ° C. At this time, the first diluted water W3, the second diluted water W2, and the concentrating reagent R1 are instantly mixed and stirred in the reaction tube 2111, and the temperature is averaged and diluted to 100 μl, which is 10 times higher. It becomes a reagent at 37 ° C. The pressure transfer medium W4 is held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252A.

Finally, according to FIG. 18, in the reaction tube 2111, the 10-fold diluted reagent at 37 ° C. and the sample are stirred to produce a mixture at 37 ° C.

According to the second embodiment, the control circuit 8A controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and supplies the first diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27B to the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. This eliminates the need to provide a heater and a temperature sensor on the first reagent dispensing probe 252A. Therefore, it is possible to carry out sample measurement at high speed with a simpler configuration.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the control circuit 8A determines the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent and the reagent volume, as well as the temperature of the first diluted water, the temperature of the second diluted water, and the temperature of the concentrated reagent. Based on this, the required amount of the first diluted water and the required amount of the second diluted water are calculated. The control circuit 8A controls, for example, the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and receives the calculated required amount of the first diluted water from the diluted water supply pool 27B that stores the diluted water having a temperature higher than the target temperature. 1 Aspirate to the reagent dispensing probe 252A. Further, the control circuit 8A controls the first reagent dispensing unit 25A, and supplies the required amount of the second diluted water calculated from the diluted water supply pool 27A that stores the diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature. 1 Aspirate to the reagent dispensing probe 252A. As a result, as in the first embodiment, even if the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent corresponding to the plurality of test items to be inspected is not uniform, the reagent having a predetermined concentration obtained by diluting the concentrated reagent Can be discharged to the reaction tube 2111 at a temperature always equal to the target temperature.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 mixes during the dispensing of the concentrated reagent, for example, during one cycle time from the start to the end of the cycle of dispensing the concentrated reagent. The temperature of the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent was not controlled, but is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 8 is held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 when the temperature of the diluted water in the diluted water supply pool 27 or the concentrated reagent in the reagent storage 22 is lower than a predetermined temperature. Since the amount of diluted water in the above is less than the predetermined required amount, it may not be possible to dilute the concentrated reagent to produce a reagent having a predetermined target temperature. At this time, for example, the control circuit 8 raises the temperature of the first diluted water held in the first reagent dispensing probe 252 to a predetermined temperature by the heater 2521 while dispensing the concentrated reagent. You may do so. This makes it possible, for example, to dilute the concentrating reagent to produce a mixed solution having a predetermined target temperature even when the amount of the first diluted water is less than the required amount.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the target temperature and the control temperature are set to 37 ° C., respectively, but the temperature is not limited to this. The target temperature and the control temperature may be, for example, any temperature as long as it is the optimum temperature for the enzymatic reaction of the living body. Further, the target temperature may be set to a temperature specified via the input interface 5, for example. Further, the target temperature may be set to the actual temperature, for example, when the control temperature of the constant temperature bath 211 and the actual temperature actually detected in the constant temperature bath 211 are different.

The word "processor" used in the above description is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or a programmable logic device (for example). , Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program stored in the storage circuit. It should be noted that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to form one processor to realize its function. good. Further, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the sample measurement can be performed at high speed.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1, 1A ... Automatic analyzer 2, 2A ... Analytical mechanism 3 ... Analytical circuit 4 ... Drive mechanism 5 ... Input interface 6 ... Output interface 7 ... Memory 8, 8A ... Control circuit 21 ... Reaction disk 22 ... Reagent storage 23 ... Samples Note units 24, 26, 29 ... Wash pool 25, 25A ... First reagent dispensing unit 27, 27A, 27B, 30, 30A, 30B ... Diluted water supply pool 28, 28A ... Second reagent dispensing unit 31 ... Stirring unit 32 ... Tank 61 ... Display 62 ... Printer 81, 81A ... Dispensing control function 82, 82A ... Temperature control function 83 ... System control function 100 ... Sample container 101, 101A ... Reagent container 201 ... Cleaning unit 202 ... Electrolyte measurement unit 210 ... Photometer unit 211 ... Constant temperature bath 221 ... Outer circle 222 ... Inner circle 231 ... Sample dispensing arm 232 ... Sample dispensing probe 251 ... First reagent dispensing arm 252, 252A ... First reagent dispensing probe 253 ... Tube 254 ... Syringe 255 ... Plunger 257 ... Pump 258 ... On-off valve 271, 301, 271A, 271B, 301A, 301B ... Temperature sensor 281 ... Second reagent dispensing arm 282, 282A ... Second reagent dispensing probe 300 ... Rack loading lane 310 ... Rack moving unit 311 ... Conveying arm 312 ... Conveying rail 313 ... Sampling lane 2111 ... Reaction tube 2521 ... Heater 2522 ... Temperature sensor

Claims (9)

A first reservoir for storing the first diluted water for diluting the concentrating reagent, and
A second reservoir for storing the second diluted water for diluting the concentrated reagent, and a second reservoir.
A dispensing unit having at least the concentrated reagent and a probe for dispensing the second diluted water.
The first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent for controlling the dispensing unit to generate a reagent having a predetermined target temperature and a predetermined concentration are held in the probe, and the predetermined With the control unit that generates the reagent of the target temperature of
Equipped with
The second storage unit stores the second diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature.
The control unit controls the dispensing unit, and supplies the first diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature from the first storage unit to the probe.
The probe includes a first temperature raising unit that raises the temperature of the first diluted water supplied to the probe to a temperature higher than the target temperature.
The control unit has the target temperature, the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent, the volume of the reagent produced by diluting the concentrated reagent, the temperature of the concentrated reagent, and the temperature raised by the first temperature raising unit. The required amount of the second diluted water is calculated based on the temperature of the diluted water of 1 and the temperature of the second reservoir, and the dispensing unit is controlled to calculate the calculation from the second reservoir. An automatic analyzer that causes the probe to suck the required amount of the second diluted water. The control unit controls the dispensing unit, and based on the volume of the reagent, the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the probe are transferred from the probe. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the reagent is discharged to a reaction tube. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the dispensing unit further includes a second temperature raising unit for heating the temperature of the first diluted water stored in the first storage unit. The first storage unit stores the first diluted water having a temperature higher than the target temperature.
The control unit includes the target temperature, the dilution ratio of the concentrated reagent, the volume of the reagent produced by diluting the concentrated reagent, the temperature of the concentrated reagent, the temperature of the first storage unit, and the second storage. Based on the temperature of the part, the first required amount of the first diluted water and the second required amount of the second diluted water were calculated.
The control unit controls the dispensing unit, causes the probe to suck the calculated first required amount of the first diluted water from the first storage unit, and from the second storage unit. , The calculated second required amount of the second diluted water is sucked into the probe.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The control unit controls the dispensing unit, and based on the volume of the reagent, the first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent held in the probe are transferred from the probe. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 , wherein the reagent is discharged to a reaction tube. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 or 5 , wherein the target temperature is a control temperature of a constant temperature bath that keeps the reaction tube warm. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 or 5 , wherein the target temperature is a designated temperature. A first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first diluted water, and
A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the second diluted water, and
The automated analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a third temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the concentrated reagent. A first diluting water for diluting the concentrating reagent, the first storage portion for storing the first diluting water having a temperature lower than a predetermined target temperature, and a second diluting water for diluting the concentrating reagent. A second reservoir for storing the second diluted water having a temperature lower than the target temperature , and a dispensing unit having at least the concentrated reagent and a probe for dispensing the second diluted water. The first diluted water, the second diluted water, and the concentrated reagent for controlling the dispensing unit to generate a reagent having the target temperature and a predetermined concentration are held in the probe to generate the target temperature. A dispensing method executed by an automatic analyzer including a control unit for generating the reagent of the above and a first temperature raising unit for heating the first diluted water supplied to the probe to a temperature higher than the target temperature. And,
A step in which the control unit controls the dispensing unit and supplies the first diluted water from the first storage unit to the probe.
A step in which the first temperature raising unit raises the temperature of the first diluted water supplied to the probe to a temperature higher than the target temperature.
The control unit controls the target temperature, the dilution ratio of the concentrating reagent, the volume of the reagent produced by diluting the concentrating reagent, the temperature of the concentrating reagent, the temperature of the raised first diluted water, and the like. And the step of calculating the required amount of the second diluted water based on the temperature of the second reservoir, and
A step in which the control unit controls the dispensing unit to suck the calculated required amount of the second diluted water from the second storage unit into the probe .
Dispensing method with .

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