JPH0510957A - Automatic analysis device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an automatic analysis device which enables a number of reagent containers to be set without increasing a size of an entire device and a throughput to be improved. CONSTITUTION:A plurality of reagent containers 123 with a pipet which can be inserted into or extracted from a plurality of reagent turntables are set concentrically in a plurality of rows and the pipet of the desired reagent container 123 is connected to each probe by reagent dispensing mechanism 41 and 45 with a plurality of probes corresponding to each reagent turntable, thus enabling a desired amount of reagent to be sucked into each pipet. These reagents are dispensed to a plurality of reaction containers 33 which are transported along a specified reaction line 31 by pulling out the pipet from the reagent container 123 and then each pipet is returned to the original reagent container 123 after dispensing, thus a plurality of items to be analyzed randomly within one period.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for automatically analyzing components such as blood.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various automatic analyzers have been proposed in the past. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-2699971, a reagent turntable holds a plurality of reagent containers, each reagent container is provided with a detachable pipette, and a common pipette of a desired reagent container is provided at a predetermined reagent suction position. The probe of the reagent dispenser is detachably connected and a desired amount of reagent is sucked into the pipette, and then the pipette is withdrawn from the reagent container and moved to a predetermined reagent dispensing position integrally with the probe and sucked. It has been proposed that a reagent is dispensed into a reaction container, and after dispensing, the pipette is returned to the original reagent container.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional automatic analyzer, since a plurality of reagent containers are arranged in a line on the same circumference of the reagent turntable, a large number of reagents are required. When a container is set to deal with multi-item analysis, the reagent turntable becomes large, the size of the entire apparatus becomes large, and it takes time to select a reagent, resulting in a decrease in processing capacity. Further, in general, reagents are often kept cold, and moreover, it is necessary to keep them cold at all times in order to deal with emergency tests. Therefore, when the reagent turntable becomes large and the reagent storage becomes large, power consumption increases. Will occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to set a large number of reagent containers without increasing the size of the entire apparatus, and further, to appropriately improve the processing capacity. An object is to provide an analyzer.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a sample and a reagent corresponding to an analysis item are dispensed into a reaction container which is conveyed along a predetermined reaction line. In an automatic analyzer for automatically analyzing desired items of, a plurality of reagent turntables, and a plurality of reagent containers each having concentrically arranged rows on each reagent turntable and having removable pipettes. And a reagent dispensing mechanism provided corresponding to each reagent turntable and having a plurality of probes detachably connected to the pipette, wherein each reagent dispensing mechanism has a plurality of probes corresponding to the plurality of probes. The desired amount of reagent is drawn into each pipette by connecting it to the pipette of the desired reagent container of So that each pipette can be dispensed into a plurality of reaction vessels that are conveyed along a predetermined reaction line, and after pipetting, each pipette can be returned to its original reagent vessel so that multiple items can be randomly analyzed in one cycle. Constitute.

[0006]

1 and 2 are a perspective view and a plan view showing the construction of an embodiment of an automatic analyzer of the present invention. The device main body 11 is provided with a sampler portion 13 at an easily operable portion on the front surface thereof, and an electrolyte measuring device 29 having an ion sensor is detachably provided as required. In this embodiment, the cuvette 33 is detachably held on the cuvette wheel 31, the cuvette 33 is disposable, and various items are analyzed by the random access method while rotating the cuvette wheel 31. Therefore, around the cuvette wheel 31, in addition to the sampler section 13 described above, the cuvette loader 35, the diluting liquid dispensing mechanism 37, and the first reagent storage
39, first reagent dispensing mechanism 41, second reagent storage 43, second reagent dispensing mechanism 45, sample dispensing mechanism 47, stirring mechanism 49, 51, 53,
A photometric unit 55 and a cuvette discarding unit 57 are provided. The configuration of each part will be described below.

<Sampler Unit 13> The sampler unit 13 is configured to sequentially convey a large number of sample cups containing a sample to be analyzed through predetermined sample suction positions. In this embodiment, a space 59 is provided in the sampler portion 13, and a flexible chain 63 that holds a large number of sample cups 61 containing samples such as serum in a row is set in the space 59, and the flexible chain 63 is attached to the sprocket 65. Path 67 and sample suction position A by rotation
After that, the step is moved and the sheets are sequentially conveyed. Further, the passage 67 is provided with a cup presence / absence detector 69 for detecting whether or not the sample cup 61 is held by the flexible chain 63, and whether the sample cup 57 to be conveyed is for general analysis, or has a function. A detection unit 71 is provided for identifying whether it is for another analysis or the like. In addition, the identification of the sample cup 61 by the detection unit 71, for example, a notch is provided in the flexible chain 63, the notch is detected by the detection unit 71, or the flexible chain 63 is color-coded and the color is detected by the detection unit 71. By doing so, general analysis, function-based analysis, etc. can be identified. Further, a turntable 73 dedicated to the stat is provided above the sprocket 65, and a sample cup for the stat is set on the turntable 73 and is transferred to the sample suction position A by a drive mechanism (not shown) to analyze at night. Be able to handle interrupt analysis. In addition, on the turntable 73,
A flexible chain is provided with a cutout 75 on the periphery of the chain.
When the sample is sucked from the sample cup 61 held by 63, the notch 75 is positioned at the sample suction position A. Further, a cup presence / absence detector 76 for detecting the presence / absence of a sample cup set on the turntable 73 is provided around the turntable 73.

<Cuvette Wheel 31> The cuvette wheel 31 is rotated by a motor 77 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 via a spur gear 79 and an internal gear 81 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. .. The cuvette wheel 31 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity, and a plurality of cuvette holding portions 83 having T-shaped grooves, 45 in this embodiment, are formed around the cuvette wheel 31, as shown in FIG. The cuvette 33 is detachably held by the cuvette holding portion 83 so that the cuvette 33 can be conveyed in the ring-shaped constant temperature groove 87 formed in the constant temperature member 85 having good thermal conductivity. In addition, the periphery of the constant temperature member 85 is surrounded by a heat insulating material 89, and a sheet-like heater 91 is provided on the back surface, and the heater 91 is on / off controlled to maintain the temperature of the cuvette 33 at a desired temperature. .. The heater
Reference numeral 91 indicates a partial volume density at the cuvette load position, the diluting liquid dispensing position, the first reagent dispensing position, the second reagent dispensing position and the sample dispensing position on the transfer line (reaction line) of the cuvette 33. The temperature distribution near each position is changed to improve the temperature rise.

<Cuvette loader 35> Cuvette loader
At a predetermined cuvette loading position P, the cuvette loader 35 automatically supplies and sets an empty cuvette 33 to the cuvette holding portion 83 of the cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the cuvette loader 35 comprises a cuvette pack storage section 93, a cuvette buffer section 95, and a cuvette wheel loading section 97 having a vertical movement mechanism, and a maximum of five cuvette packs 99 are stacked in the cuvette pack storage section 93. The cuvette 33 is stored in the cuvette wheel 99 by supplying the cuvette 33 from the lowermost cuvette pack 99 to the cuvette wheel loading part 97 via the cuvette buffer part 95 and moving the cuvette wheel loading part 97 up and down. The cuvette holder 83 is loaded from above.

Each cuvette pack 99 contains 33 cuvettes.
10 rows x 10 rows (100 pieces in total) are stored, and the vertical feed mechanism 101 and the horizontal feed mechanism 103 store the cuvette pack 99 at the bottom.
The cuvette 33 through the vertical feed outlet 105 and sequentially supplies the cuvette 33 to the cuvette buffer 95.
Multiple cuvettes 35 at 95 cuvette wheels 31
Be sure to heat and incubate before loading into. Also, when the cuvette pack 99 at the bottom is empty, the claw 107
Is moved laterally and the cuvette pack 99 at the lowermost stage is slid to drop into the cuvette pack discarding section 109, and the next cuvette pack 99 is positioned at the lowest stage by its own weight. In this way, by supplying the cuvettes 33 from the lowermost cuvette pack 99 in the cuvette pack storage unit 93, it is possible to add the cuvette pack 99 to the cuvette pack storage unit 93 at any time during analysis. ..

<Cuvette 33> As shown in FIG. 5, the cuvette 33 is composed of two reaction vessels 34A and 34B, and one item is analyzed in each reaction vessel. Therefore, 200 items can be analyzed with one cuvette pack 99 containing 100 cuvettes 33. The cuvette 33 is provided with recesses 34C that engage with the T-shaped grooves of the cuvette holding portion 83 on both end faces in the arrangement direction of the reaction vessels 34A, 34B, and these recesses 34C are cuvette holding portion 83 by the cuvette wheel loading portion 97. The cuvette 33 is positioned in the vertical and radial directions with respect to the cuvette wheel 31 by engaging with the T-shaped groove of the two reaction tanks 34A, 34
Load B so that B is lined up in the circumferential direction of the cuvette wheel 31. In addition, each reaction tank 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33
Flat surface 34D for direct photometry on both sides of
To form. In this way, by forming two reaction vessels 34A and 34B in one cuvette 33 and performing analysis of two items, one cuvette has one cuvette and one cuvette.
Compared to the case of performing item analysis, the maximum sample amount can be reduced, the cost of the cuvette can be reduced, and industrial waste can be halved. Further, since the size of the cuvette pack 99 with respect to the number of analysis items can be reduced, the volume of the cuvette pack storage section 93 can be reduced, and therefore the device can be downsized.

<Diluent Dispensing Mechanism 37> Diluent Dispensing Mechanism 37
Is configured by providing two diluting liquid nozzles 113 at the turning tip of a rotatable diluting and dispensing arm 111, whereby a cuvette 33 held by a cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined diluting liquid dispensing position D. A predetermined amount of diluent, that is, the total amount of diluent for the first reagent, the sample and the second reagent, is sequentially dispensed into the two reaction tanks 34A, 34B of the above, respectively, according to the analysis item and the analysis conditions, and after the dispensing. Rotates the diluting / dispensing arm 111 so that it is positioned on the liquid drop receiver 115.

<First Reagent Storage 39> First Reagent Storage 39
Are arranged adjacent to the cuvette wheel 31. In the first reagent storage 39, as shown in FIG. 6A, a partial plan view, a sectional view in FIG. 6B, and a bottom view in FIG.
Is provided and the rotary table 117 is rotationally driven by the motor 119 and the belt 121. Turntable 11
In FIG. 7, the first reagent container 123 corresponding to the analysis item is set in two concentric rows, 18 in each row, for a total of 36, that is, 36 items are set, and the desired first reagent container 12 is driven by the motor 119.
3 is positioned at a predetermined reagent suction position B1, B2 in each row. As shown in FIG. 7, each reagent container 123 is provided with a tapered sleeve 125 to separate the inside of the container into two chambers, and the sleeve 125 can be detachably attached to the probe of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 41 described later. A pipette 127 to be connected to the In this way, by separating the inside of the reagent container 123 into two chambers by the sleeve 125, the reagent surface inside the sleeve can be kept low, and the amount of useless reagent adhering to the outer wall of the pipette 127 can be reduced and at the same time. The evaporation of the reagent can be effectively prevented. Further, in this embodiment, each reagent container 123 is placed on the grounded metal plate 129 on the rotary table 117, and the pipette 127 is made of a conductive member, so that the first reagent dispensing mechanism described later at the time of aspirating the reagent. Apply the required voltage between the metal plate 129 and the pipette 127 via the probe of 41 to detect the capacitance,
Based on this, the presence / absence of the reagent is detected.

The first reagent storage 39 has a heat insulating material 13 around its periphery.
In addition to being covered with 1, a door 133 is provided on the upper part so as to be openable and closable for setting a reagent container. Further, holes 135 through which the pipette 127 and the probe of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 41 are inserted are provided in the portions of the door 133 corresponding to the reagent suction positions B1 and B2, respectively, and the reagent dispensing period is set in each hole 135. Provide a lid 137 that opens only. Further, the first reagent storage 39
A circulation fan 139 is installed at the bottom of the
The electronic cooling device 143 having 1 is provided, and the heat is absorbed by the heat absorber 141 to cool the inside of the refrigerator and keep the temperature distribution in the refrigerator uniform by the circulation fan 139. In this way, the first reagent container 123 is placed on the rotary table 117.
By concentrically setting in two rows, it is possible to set a large number of first reagent containers 123 without increasing the size of the entire apparatus, and it is possible to easily deal with analysis of multiple items. Further, since the turntable 117 can be made compact, the reagents can be selected in a short time, the processing capacity can be effectively improved, and the reagents can be kept cool with a small amount of electric power.

<First Reagent Dispensing Mechanism 41> First Reagent Dispensing Mechanism
41 is the first reagent container 123 stored in the first reagent storage 39
The reagents inside are sucked at reagent suction positions B1 and B2, and these are cuvette 33 held by cuvette wheel 31.
Is dispensed at a predetermined first reagent dispensing position R1. In this embodiment, two cuvettes 33 are used to analyze two items, so that two independent reagent probes 151A and 151A are used.
B is provided, and these reagent probes 151A and 151B can be integrally rotated coaxially with the rotation axis of the diluting / dispensing arm 111 of the diluting liquid dispensing mechanism 37 and can be vertically moved independently.
Hold in A and 153B respectively.

In this embodiment, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 41
When dispensing the desired first reagent, the rotary table 117 is first rotated to position the desired first reagent container 123 at the reagent suction position B1 or B2, and the revolving arms 153A and 153B are rotated. One reagent probe 15
1A or 151B is positioned at the reagent suction position B1 or B2, for example, the reagent probe 151A is positioned at the reagent suction position B1. In that state, the lid 137 of the hole 135 is opened, the swivel arm 153A is lowered to allow the reagent probe 151A to enter the corresponding first reagent container 123 through the hole 135, and connect the reagent probe 151A and the pipette 127. A pipette 127 (not shown) aspirates a desired amount of the first reagent into the pipette 127. After that, the revolving arm 153A is raised while the reagent probe 151A and the pipette 127 are connected, and then the revolving arms 153A and 153A are moved.
B is rotated to position the other reagent probe 151B at the reagent aspirating position B1 or B2, for example, the reagent aspirating position B2, and in that state, the revolving arm 153B is similarly lowered to allow the reagent probe 151B to pass through the hole 135. The reagent probe 151B and the pipette 127 are inserted into the first reagent container 123.
And a desired amount of the first reagent is sucked into the pipette 127, and after the suction, the revolving arm 153B is raised in a state where the reagent probe 151B and the pipette 127 are connected. Thus, during the reagent suction operation by the reagent probe 151A, the swivel arm 153B is made to stand by at the raised position, and during the reagent suction operation by the reagent probe 151B, the swivel arm 153A is made to wait at the raised position to make the first reagent dispensing position R1. Cuvette positioned on
The first reagents corresponding to the analysis items in the reaction vessels 34A and 34B of 33 are sequentially sucked by connecting the pipettes 127 to the reagent probes 151A and 151B.

When the aspiration of the first reagent by the reagent probes 151A and 151B is completed, the swivel arms 153A and 153B are swiveled to be positioned at the first reagent dispensing position R1 and the first aspirated into each pipette 127 in that state. First reagent dispensing position R1
In the above, they are sequentially discharged into the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33. Then, the swivel arms 153A and 153B are rotated, and the pipettes connected to the reagent probes 151A and 151B are selectively lowered at the first reagent suction positions B1 and B2.
The 127 is sequentially returned to the original first reagent container 123. Pipette 12
After returning 7 into the first reagent container 123, the lid 137 is closed with the turning arms 153A and 153B in the raised position to prepare for the next dispensing operation.

Second reagent storage 43 and second reagent dispensing mechanism
45 is also configured in the same manner as the first reagent storage 39 and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 41, respectively, and sets the desired amounts in the two reaction tanks 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33 positioned at the second reagent dispensing position R2. The second reagent of is to be dispensed sequentially. As described above, in the first and second reagent storages 39 and 43, if the reagent containers are set in two concentric circular rows on the rotary table, a large number of analysis items can be handled without increasing the size of the device. A large number of first and second reagent containers can be set, and their positioning can be performed at high speed,
The processing capacity can be improved. Also, since each reagent storage can be made small, the power required for keeping cold can be reduced. Further, by providing a sleeve for each reagent container and dispensing, it is possible to effectively prevent carryover between reagents, and always perform highly accurate analysis.

<Sample dispensing mechanism 47> Sample dispensing mechanism
47 sucks the sample in the sample cup set in the sampler unit 13 at the sample suction position A, and dispenses the sample into the cuvette 33 set on the cuvette wheel 31 at the predetermined sample dispensing position S. This sample dispensing mechanism 47 includes two independent sample probes 159A, 1 as in the first and second reagent dispensing mechanisms 41, 45.
59B is provided by holding it on arms 161A and 161B.
161A and 161B are configured so as to be integrally rotatable about the same fulcrum and capable of moving up and down independently. Further, suction / exhaust syringes 163A and 163B are connected to the sample probes 159A and 159B, respectively, so that a desired amount of sample is sucked into the sample probes 159A and 159B. The suction / discharge syringes 163A and 163B may be replaced with suction / discharge mechanisms each using a piezoelectric element.

In this embodiment, first, the arms 161A and 161B are
Is rotated integrally to position one sample probe 159A at the sample suction position A, and in that state the arm 161A
To lower and draw the sample in the sample cup at the sample suction position A into the suction / discharge syringe 16 by an amount corresponding to the analysis item.
After sucking with 3A, the arm 161A is raised. After that, the arms 161A and 161B are integrally rotated to position the other sample probe 159B at the sample suction position A,
In that state, the arm 161B is lowered and the sample suction position A
After sucking the sample in the sample cup in the suction cup 163B according to the analysis item, the arm 161B
Raise. It should be noted that during the sample suction operation by the sample probe 159A, the arm 161B is made to stand by at the raised position, and during the sample suction operation by the sample probe 159B, the arm
Hold 161A in the raised position. Next, the arms 161A and 161B
The sample probes 159A and 159B are positioned at the sample dispensing position S by rotating them together, and the sample sucked into each probe in that state is placed in the two reaction vessels 34A of the cuvette 33 at the sample dispensing position S. , 34B in sequence.

After that, the arms 161A and 161B are integrally rotated to position the sample probes 159A and 159B on the cleaning tank 165, and in this state, the arms 161A and 161B are lowered integrally to clean the sample probes 159A and 159B. The probe 159A, 159B is infiltrated into the tank 165 and the inside and outside of the probe 159A, 159B are cleaned to prepare for the next dispensing operation. Although not shown, each of the sample probes 159A and 159B is provided with a liquid level sensor, which detects the sample liquid level and controls the lowering of the arms 161A and 161B, so that the probes 159A and 159B into the sample can be controlled. Keep the amount of invasion constant and minimize its contamination. When the electrolyte measuring device 29 is mounted to measure the electrolyte, the sample in the sample cup set in the sampler unit 13 is sucked by the sample dispensing mechanism 47 at the sample suction position A, and the electrolyte is measured. Dispense at 29 designated sample dispensing positions.

<Stirring mechanism 49, 51, 53> The stirring mechanism 49 is the first
This is for stirring the liquid in the cuvette 33 after the dispensing of the reagent. The arm 167 which can be rotated and moved up and down is provided with two stirring rods 171 which are rotationally driven by a motor 169.
After rotating the stirring rod 167 to position the stirring rod 171 at a predetermined stirring position M1, the arm 167 is lowered to cause the stirring rod 171 to enter the reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33, respectively. By rotating the stirring rod 171, the liquids in the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are simultaneously stirred. After stirring, the driving of the motor 169 is stopped and the arm 167 is raised and rotated to move the stirring rod 171 to the cleaning tank 1.
It is positioned above 73, and in this state, the arm 167 is lowered to allow the two stirring rods 171 to enter the cleaning tank 173 for cleaning.

Further, the stirring mechanism 51 is for stirring the liquid in the cuvette 33 after the sample is dispensed. The arm 167, which can rotate and move up and down in common with the stirring mechanism 49, is driven to rotate by a motor 177. The stir bar 179 of the
After the stirring rod 179 is positioned at a predetermined stirring position M2 by the rotation of 167, the stirring rod 179 is moved into the reaction tanks 34A and 34B of the cuvette 33 by lowering the arm 167, and in this state, the stirring rod is driven by the motor 177. By rotating 179, the liquids in the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are simultaneously stirred. After stirring, similarly, the driving of the motor 177 is stopped and the arm 167 is raised and rotated to position the stirring rod 179 on the cleaning tank 181, and in that state, the arm 167 is lowered to move the two stirring rods 172. 179 is configured to enter the cleaning tank 181 for cleaning. The stirring rod 171 of the stirring mechanism 49
The stirring rod 179 of the stirring mechanism 51 is simultaneously positioned at the stirring position M1 and the stirring position M2 by the rotation of the arm 167, and simultaneously positioned at the cleaning tank 173 and the cleaning tank 181. In this way, the stirring mechanism 49
The stirring rod 171 and the stirring rod 179 of the stirring mechanism 51 are held by a common arm 167 that can be rotated and moved up and down, and driven by a common drive source (not shown) to simplify the mechanism. it can.

The stirring mechanism 53 is for stirring the liquid in the cuvette 33 after the second reagent is dispensed.
Attach the motor to the arm 183 that can be rotated and moved up and down as in 1.
Two stirring rods 187, which are driven to rotate by 185, are installed.
The arm 183 is rotated to move the stirring rod 187 to a predetermined stirring position M.
After positioning at 3, the arm 183 is lowered and the stirring bar 18
7 is introduced into the reaction tanks 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33, respectively, and the stirring rod 187 is rotated by the motor 185 in this state so that the liquids in the reaction tanks 34A, 34B are simultaneously stirred. After stirring, the motor 185 is stopped and the arm 183 is raised and rotated to move the two stirring rods.
Position the 187 on the washing tank 189 and keep the arm 183
And the stir bar 187 is inserted into the cleaning tank 189 for cleaning.

In this embodiment, when the cuvette load position P is the first cuvette position as shown in the plan view of the reaction line in FIG.
Seen in the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction) of the cuvette wheel 31 with reference to, the fifteenth cuvette position is the stirring position M3,
The 25th cuvette position is the second reagent dispensing position R2, the 29th cuvette position is the stirring position M2, the 31st cuvette position is the stirring position M1, the 37th cuvette position is the cuvette discarding position T, and the 39th cuvette position. Is set to the sample dispensing position S, the 43rd cuvette position is set to the first reagent dispensing position R1, the 44th cuvette position is set to the diluent dispensing position D, and the photometric positions are set to the cuvette loading position P and the stirring position M1. And the cuvette 33 is transferred at 360 ° -1 cuvette as one cycle. Here, in FIG.
Stirring position M1 (31st cuvette position) and 41st cuvette position, stirring position M2 (29th cuvette position) and sample dispensing position S (39th cuvette position), stirring position M3 (15th cuvette position) ) And the second
The rotation angle between the reagent dispensing position R2 (25th cuvette position) and the cuvette is 280 °.
The rotation angle between the two reaction tanks 34A and 34B of 33 is 4 °.

<Photometry unit 55> The photometry unit 55 is for directly and directly measuring the cuvette 33 conveyed along the reaction line on the circumference of the cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined photometry position, and is diagrammatically shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 5, the light source 191, the diffraction grating 193 and the mirror 195 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the reaction line, and the light receiving element 197 is arranged on the inner peripheral side, and the light from the light source 191 passes through the diffraction grating 193 and the mirror 195 and reacts in the cuvette 33. Tank 34
Light incident on the flat portion 34D of A (34B) and transmitted through the reaction tank 34A (34B) is received by the light receiving element 197. Further, the diffraction grating 193 is rotated by a motor 199, so that a specific wavelength corresponding to an analysis item is reflected by the mirror 19.
The cuvette 33 is configured to be incident on the reaction vessel 34A (34B) of the cuvette 33.

<Cuvette discarding unit 57> Cuvette discarding unit
Reference numeral 57 is for removing the cuvette 33 after the analysis from the cuvette wheel 31 at a predetermined cuvette discarding position and discarding it. The cuvette 33 can be moved in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 31 and can be moved up and down as shown in FIGS. Equipped with a take-out machine 201. The take-out machine 201 is provided with an upper side claw 203A and a lower side claw 203B at its tip, and the upper side claw 203A is used as a fulcrum.
A drive mechanism (not shown) is used to selectively rotate the 205, and an extruder 207 is provided inside. In the cuvette discarding unit 57, the take-out machine 20
1 is moved from the initial state shown in FIG. 10A in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 31 while rotating the upper claw 203A upward, and the upper claw 203A and the lower claw 203B are moved to the cuvette discarding position as shown in FIG. 10B. It is located above and below a certain cuvette 33. In this state, the upper claw 203A is rotated downward to clamp the cuvette 33 between the upper claw 203A and the lower claw 203B, and then the take-out machine 201 is raised to retract horizontally as shown in FIG. 10C, and further lowered. And return to the initial position shown in FIG. 10D. Then, as shown in FIG.
And the upper claw 203A is rotated upward so that the taken-out cuvette 33 is pushed out by the pusher 207 and dropped into the waste tube 209.

An example of the analysis operation of this embodiment will be described below. In the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, the operation of each part is controlled by inputting the analysis item and the item-by-item analysis condition to the microcomputer (not shown) through the operation panel 15. First, a flexible chain holding a number of sample cups 61 containing the sample to be analyzed.
63 is set in the space 59 of the sampler unit 13 and aligned with the start position 211 of the entrance of the passage 67, and in that state, the start operation of the operation panel 15 is pressed to start the analysis operation. The cuvette wheel 31 is rotated 360 ° counterclockwise at the cuvette load position P by the start of the analysis operation.
The cuvette 33 is set from the cuvette loader 35 to the cuvette wheel 31 every time the cuvette rotates by -1 cuvette. The cuvette 33 supplied at the cuvette load position P is positioned at the diluting liquid dispensing position D when the 360 ° -1 cuvette is transferred for two cycles, and the diluting liquid dispensing mechanism 37 is used to move the cuvette 33 to the cuvette 2 position 2. Individual reaction vessels 34A,
A predetermined amount of diluted solution according to the analysis item and analysis condition is sequentially dispensed to 34B. Then, it is positioned at the first reagent dispensing position R1 in the next cycle, and at the first reagent dispensing position R1, from the first reagent storage 39 to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 41.
After the predetermined first reagent corresponding to each analysis item is sequentially dispensed into the two reaction tanks 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33 by the above, the cuvette 33 is further rotated for two cycles and 280 ° and positioned at the stirring position M1. Here, the cuvette 33 is generated by the stirring mechanism 49.
The liquids (diluent and first reagent) in the reaction tanks 34A and 34B are simultaneously stirred.

After proceeding from the first reagent dispensing position R1 for four cycles, the cuvette 33 which has received the first reagent dispensing at the first reagent dispensing position R1 and finished stirring at the stirring position M1 has the sample dispensing position S1. Be positioned at. In synchronism with this, the sample dispensing mechanism 47 sucks two sample amounts that match the analysis conditions at the sample suction position A of the sampler unit 13, and at the sample dispensing position S, these two samples of the cuvette 33 are sampled. Dispense into reaction vessels 34A and 34B sequentially. In addition,
Although it depends on the analysis conditions, when the sample is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 47, the extruded water is also dispensed for dilution. In addition, the cuvette 33, which received the first reagent dispensing,
After stirring at the stirring position M1, it passes through the photometric unit 55 until it is positioned at the sample dispensing position S, so that the measurement of the reagent blank is performed during this period. Here, the reagent blank is
Since the diluted solution is dispensed as a total for the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent,
Calculate by correcting the amount of diluting solution for the reagent. Then 28
When rotated by 0 °, the cuvette 33 that has received the sample dispensing at the sample dispensing position S is positioned at the stirring position M2,
Here, stirring is performed by the stirring mechanism 51, and the reaction between the first reagent and the sample is started. Then the cuvette 33
Each time the light passes through the photometric unit 55, the reaction liquid in each of the reaction tanks 34A and 34B is photometrically measured, and their optical characteristics are measured.

After proceeding for 21 cycles from the cuvette load, the cuvette 33, which has received the dilution liquid, the first reagent and the sample, is positioned at the second reagent dispensing position R2,
Here, after a predetermined second reagent corresponding to each analysis item is sequentially dispensed from the second reagent storage 43 to the two reaction tanks 34A, 34B of the cuvette 33 by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 45, a further 280 Is rotated to be positioned at the stirring position M3, where the stirring mechanism 53 causes the reaction tanks 34A, 34 of the cuvette 33 to move.
The liquid in B is stirred at the same time. After that, each time the cuvette 33 passes through the photometric unit 55, the reaction liquid in each of the reaction tanks 34A and 34B is photometrically measured, and their optical characteristics are measured.
When the photometry for a predetermined number of times is completed, the computer performs a required calculation based on the photometric data and the previously measured reagent blank to obtain the analysis result, and the cuvette 33 is printed out from the printer.
Is positioned at a predetermined cuvette discarding position T and is removed from the cuvette wheel 31 by the cuvette discarding unit 57 and discarded. As described above, the sequential samples are completely randomly sequentially analyzed according to the analysis item and the item-by-item analysis condition without making any gaps in the cuvette.

According to this embodiment, the effects described below can be obtained. (1) Since a pipette is provided for each reagent container for dispensing, highly accurate analysis can always be performed without causing carryover between reagents, and a reagent probe cleaning mechanism is not required. Easy to configure. Further, since the sleeve is provided in the reagent container and the inside of the container is divided into two parts, evaporation of the reagent can be effectively prevented without attaching a lid. (2) In the first and second reagent storages 39 and 43, the reagent containers are set in two concentric circular rows on the rotary table, so a large number of analysis items can be supported without increasing the size of the device. A large number of first and second reagent containers can be set, and their positioning can be performed at high speed.
The processing capacity can be improved. Also, since each reagent storage can be made small, the power required for keeping cold can be reduced. (3) Since one cuvette 33 is provided with two reaction tanks 34A and 34B and two cuvettes are analyzed,
Compared to the case where one cuvette is analyzed for one item with one cuvette, the maximum sample amount can be reduced, the cost of the cuvette can be reduced, and industrial waste can be halved. Further, since the size of the cuvette pack 99 with respect to the number of analysis items can be reduced, the cuvette pack storage unit 93
The volume can be reduced, and the device can be downsized. (4) Since the cuvette holding portion 83 having the T groove is formed on the cuvette wheel 31, and the cuvette 33 is loaded into the cuvette holding portion 83 from above, the occurrence of a cuvette jam can be effectively prevented. Also, the number of times the cuvette is loaded is such that one cuvette 33 has two reaction vessels 34A,
By providing 34B, it can be halved compared to the case of 1 item analysis of 1 cuvette. Therefore, an automatic analyzer having excellent reliability can be obtained. (5) Load multiple cuvette packs 99 into cuvette loader 35
In the cuvette pack storage section 93, since the cuvette 33 is supplied from the cuvette pack 99 at the bottom, it is possible to add the cuvette pack 99 at any time during the analysis and improve the operability.
The cuvette loader 35 can also be made small. (6) Since the thermostat 87 is thermostatted by using the sheet-shaped heater 91, maintenance is not necessary and the thermostat can be downsized as compared with the case where the thermostat is flowed to thermostat. Further, since the capacity density of the sheet-shaped heater 91 is increased at the cuvette load position P, the diluting liquid dispensing position D, the first reagent dispensing position R1, the second reagent dispensing position R2, and the sample dispensing position S, It is possible to improve the rise of the temperature near each position, so that highly accurate analysis can be performed. (7) Since the analysis of two items in one cycle is performed by the random access method, compared to the conventional automatic analyzer that analyzes one item in one cycle, the photometry time and the probe The cleaning time can be extended. Therefore, stable photometric data can be obtained, carryover can be effectively prevented, and highly accurate analysis can always be performed.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and many variations and modifications are possible. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the reagent containers are set in two concentric rows on the rotary table of each reagent storage, but they may be set in three or more concentric rows. It is also possible to form three or more reaction tanks in one cuvette and sequentially dispense samples, reagents and the like into these reaction tanks so that one cuvette can perform analysis of three or more items. 1 cuvette 1
As the item analysis, a sample, a reagent, or the like may be dispensed into a plurality of cuvettes sequentially by a plurality of probes, and a plurality of items may be analyzed in one cycle. Further, a pipette may be detachably provided in the sample cup and the sample may be dispensed in the same manner as the reagent dispensing. This eliminates the need to wash the sample probe, which simplifies the configuration and prevents contamination.
Higher precision analysis is possible.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of reagent turntables are provided, and a plurality of reagent containers each having a removable pipette are concentrically set in a plurality of rows in one cycle. Since multiple items can be analyzed at random, a large number of reagent containers corresponding to a large number of items can be set without increasing the size of the device, and its positioning can be performed at high speed. Therefore, the processing capacity can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an example of an automatic analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cuvette wheel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cuvette holding unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cuvette.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view showing the configuration of a reagent storage.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reagent container.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a reaction line.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photometric unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a cuvette discarding unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Device body 13 Sampler part 29 Electrolyte measuring device 31 Cuvette wheel 33 Cuvette 34A, 34B Reaction tank 35 Cuvette loader 37 Diluent dispensing mechanism 39 First reagent storage 41 First reagent dispensing 43 43 Second reagent storage 45 Second reagent Dispensing mechanism 47 Sample dispensing mechanism 49,51,53 Stirring mechanism 55 Photometric unit 57 Cuvette discarding unit 117 Rotating table 119 Motor 121 Belt 123 First reagent container 125 Sleeve 127 Pipette 133 Door 135 hole 137 Lid 151A, 151B Reagent probe 153A , 153B swivel arm

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --- Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masao Ushikubo 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mikio Watanabe 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

Claim: What is claimed is: 1. A sample and a reagent corresponding to an analysis item are dispensed into a reaction container which is conveyed along a predetermined reaction line so that a desired item in the sample is automatically analyzed. In the automatic analyzer described above, a plurality of reagent turntables, a plurality of reagent containers each having concentric circles on each reagent turntable, each having removable pipettes, and corresponding reagent turntables are provided. And a reagent dispensing mechanism having a plurality of probes detachably connected to the pipette, wherein each probe is connected to a pipette of a desired reagent container of a corresponding reagent turntable in each reagent dispensing mechanism. Aspirating a desired amount of reagent into each pipette, pulling out these reagents from the reagent container and transporting them along the prescribed reaction line. Reaction container unit dispensed into each fraction, as after dispensing each pipette undo of the reagent container, the automatic analyzer is characterized in that configured to be performed at random analysis of multiple items in one cycle.