JPH07146298A - Cartridge for dry-process analysis film - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve processing efficiency and to miniaturize a device by reducing the amount of traveling of an energization means when energizing a dry- process analysis film housed in a box to a withdrawal port side. CONSTITUTION:A withdrawal port 22 is provided at one edge of a box body 21 for housing dry process analysis films 1 by laminating a plurality of them and a press member 31 which is in contact with the dry-process analysis films 1 from the opposite side from the withdrawal port 22 for pressing in the direction of withdrawal is provided in the box body 21 so that it can be slid. Further, a vertical groove 21b is formed at least on one side surface of the box body 21, the press member 31 is provided with an external force-receiving part 32 cooperating with an energization means provided externally, and the press member 31 is energized and operated to the withdrawal port side while cooperating with the energization means from the side via the vertical groove 21b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a dry analysis having a reagent layer which causes an optical density change due to a chemical reaction, a biochemical reaction or an immunoreaction with a predetermined biochemical substance contained in a sample liquid such as blood or urine. The present invention relates to a dry analysis film cartridge which contains a film and which is sequentially taken out from an outlet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the content of a specific chemical component contained in a sample solution or its activity value, or the content of a tangible component, can be quantitatively analyzed by simply spotting and supplying small drops of the sample solution. A dry-type integrated multi-layer analysis film (also referred to as a multi-layer analysis element or a multi-layer analysis element) that can be used has been developed and put into practical use. Further, a filter paper type test piece and an improved single-layer or multi-layer test piece have been proposed, and some of them have been put into practical use.

In order to quantitatively analyze chemical components in a sample solution using such a dry analysis film, in the case where the sample solution has a development layer in the dry analysis film,
For those that do not have a spreading layer, after direct spotting on the reagent layer,
This is kept at a constant temperature (incubation) for a predetermined time in an incubator (incubator) to cause a color reaction (pigment formation reaction or color change reaction of the indicator dye), and then a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution and the dry analysis film are included. The dry analytical film is irradiated with irradiation light for measurement containing a wavelength selected in advance according to the combination with the reagent to measure its optical density. The substance concentration (content) or the activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution is obtained by using a calibration curve showing the correspondence with the substance concentration of the substance.

By the way, the integrated multi-layer type dry analysis film has a structure in which at least one reagent layer containing a reagent is provided on a support made of an organic polymer, and more preferably, a development layer is provided on the upper side of the reagent layer. And is formed into a dry analysis film piece having a predetermined shape such as a square or a rectangle. For automatic operation, the dry analysis film piece is put to practical use as a chemical analysis slide held by an organic polymer mount. Further, the inventors of the present invention have proposed a technique of directly loading a dry analysis film strip having no mount into a cartridge, storing the cartridge in a film supply device of a biochemical analysis device, and sequentially taking out the measurement. There is.

As described in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-53271 (US Pat. No. 4,151,931), accommodating and supplying the dry analysis film is performed by stacking a plurality of dry analysis films in a cartridge. The cartridge is equipped with an outlet that opens to the side at the top of the cartridge, and the extrusion blade that operates from the lateral direction pushes out the uppermost dry analysis film and supplies it to the analyzer. A technique is disclosed in which a supporting member is provided at the bottom of the analysis film so that it can only be moved upward by a ratchet mechanism, and the supporting member is raised by the operation of a plunger from below and sequentially biased toward the take-out port side. ing.

[0006]

However, in the dry analysis film cartridge in which the pressing member is biased by inserting the plunger as described above, the dry analysis film can be efficiently taken out to improve the processing efficiency. There are problems in heightening and in compacting the ejection mechanism.

That is, in the above-mentioned prior art, a plunger that is moved upward by an elevating mechanism arranged below is inserted through an opening formed in the lower end surface of the cartridge, and the tip of the plunger that has entered the inside of the cartridge is dry-analyzed. The dry analysis film is pressed against the support member located at the bottom of the film, and the support member presses the dry analysis film toward the upper outlet side. However, the efficiency of taking out the dry analysis film corresponding to the measurement items from a large number of cartridges is low, and it is difficult to process a large amount by shortening the processing time.

Furthermore, in order to insert the plunger into the cartridge in the vertical direction, in addition to the length of the cartridge, the length of the plunger and its movement amount are required in the height direction, which causes a problem of increasing the size of the apparatus. have.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a dry analysis film cartridge capable of efficiently taking out the contained dry analysis film.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a dry analysis film cartridge of the present invention is provided with a dry analysis film outlet at one end of a box for accommodating a plurality of dry analysis films in a stacked manner. A pressing member that presses the dry analysis film in the outlet direction from the side opposite to the outlet is slidably disposed in the box body, and a vertical groove is formed on at least one side surface of the box body. It has an external force receiving portion linked to an urging means arranged outside, and the pressing member is urged toward the outlet side by being linked to the urging means from the side through the vertical groove. It is a feature.

Further, it is preferable that the pressing member is formed such that the external force receiving portion is formed in a rod shape and the tip end portion is projected laterally from the vertical groove. Further, the pressing member may be provided with a mechanism that is movable in the direction of the outlet and is immovable on the opposite side.

[0012]

In the dry analysis film cartridge of the present invention, a plurality of dry analysis films are stacked and accommodated in a box body having an outlet at one end, and the dry analysis film is held by a holding member, and an external force of the holding member is applied from a vertical groove on the side surface of the box body. The receiving part is projected or the biasing means is inserted into the box body through the vertical groove, the pressing member and the biasing means are linked, and the pressing member is actuated to the outlet side by the operation of the biasing means. The dry analysis film is urged to move, and by adopting the linkage structure of the operating means from the side, it is not necessary to insert a long plunger corresponding to the movement amount inside the cartridge, and the dry analysis film is urged. The operation can be performed efficiently, the processing time to take out the dry analysis film from a large number of cartridges can be shortened, the mechanism of the biasing means can be simplified and the height can be reduced, and the device can be made compact. It is intended.

Further, in the case where the pressing member has a mechanism capable of moving in the direction of the take-out port and not moving on the opposite side, the laminated state of the dry analysis film is maintained even if the pressing force by the urging means is released. On the other hand, it is not necessary to constantly urge the pressing member by the urging means, and the urging means can be simplified.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a biochemical analysis device equipped with a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The biochemical analysis device 10 is a film supply device 11 (supplier) that stores an unused substantially square or rectangular dry analysis film 1 (dry analysis film piece).
And an incubator 12 which is disposed on the side of the film supply device 11 and in which the dry analysis film 1 on which the sample solution is spotted is kept at a constant temperature for a predetermined time, and the dry analysis film 1 is conveyed from the film supply device 11 to the incubator 12. Film transport means 13, sample liquid storage means 14 (sampler) for storing a plurality of sample liquids such as serum and urine, and the sample liquid in the sample liquid storage means 14 is transported to the incubator 12 by the film transport means 13. It is provided with a spotting means 15 for spotting on the dry analysis film 1 and a measuring means 16 arranged below the incubator 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dry analysis film 1 has a reagent layer 3 applied or adhered onto a light-transmissive support 2 made of a plastic sheet such as an organic polymer sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene. A film piece (chip) in which the development layer 4 is laminated thereon by a laminating method or the like and does not have a mount corresponding to a mount in a conventional chemical analysis slide.

The reagent layer 3 contains a hydrophilic polymer binder such as gelatin or a porous reagent containing a detection reagent which selectively reacts with the analyte and a reagent (chemical analysis reagent or immunoassay reagent) necessary for color reaction. At least 1 included
It consists of two layers.

Further, the spreading layer 4 is a woven fabric or knitted fabric made of a synthetic fiber such as polyester which is resistant to abrasion with the outside, a woven fabric made of a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers, a knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, etc. Alternatively, it is made of paper and functions as a protective layer, and spreads so that the sample liquid spotted on the spreading layer 4 can be uniformly supplied onto the reagent layer 3.

The dry analysis film 1 is arranged in a cartridge 20 as shown in FIGS.
A large number of light-transmissive supports 2 are housed in a stacked state.

The details of the cartridge 20 are as follows. A box 21 for accommodating the dry analysis film 1 is divided into left and right at the center in the vertical direction, and is formed into a rectangular tube shape by connecting both divided portions.
An outlet 22 for taking out the dry analysis film 1 is formed at the bottom of one side surface of the box body 21. The take-out port 22 has a first opening 22a into which one dry analysis film 1 is opened on the side surface, and a suction cup 70 (suction cup) for taking out and holding the dry analysis film 1 opened at the bottom.
And a second opening 22b through which

Further, two outer ribs 21a extending in the vertical direction are provided on both side surfaces of the box body 21 so as to project therefrom.
The formation interval is different on one side and the other side.
The insertion direction when storing 20 in the film supply device 11 is restricted to a fixed direction. Also, the outer rib 21a
Has a function of protecting the external force receiving portion 32 by protruding from the end of the external force receiving portion 32 of the feeding mechanism 30 described later, and also reinforcing the box body 21.

A vertical groove 21b is formed at the center of the outer ribs 21a on both sides of the one side surface and the other side surface and extends in the vertical direction and opens. Further, the vertical groove 21b is formed on the inner surface of the one side surface and the other side surface.
Inner ribs 21d extending vertically are formed on both sides of b, and ratchet teeth 21c similarly extending vertically are formed on both sides thereof.

The thickness of the dry analysis film 1 accommodated in the cartridge 20 may vary depending on the measurement item, and accordingly the first opening of the dry analysis film 1 can be surely taken out from the take-out port 22. The size of the portion 22a is different, and an opening 28 for identification is formed on one side surface and the other side surface thereof so that the box body 21 and the contained dry analysis film 1 can be fitted together. The openings 28 are selectively opened, and are used for identification and detection by a combination of transmission and non-transmission of detection light. Two openings are provided on one side surface, and two openings are provided on the other side surface. By opening one above or below,
It is configured so that four types of identification can be performed.

Next, in the box body 21, a feeding mechanism 30 for holding the contained dry analysis film 1 on the outlet 22 side is mounted. In the cartridge 20 of this example, since the dry analysis film 1 is taken out from the outlet 22 at the lower end,
When the biasing force is large, the take-out force becomes large and the obstruction of the take-out operation is solved. Therefore, for example, in the dry analysis film 1 curved and deformed into a twisted roof tile shape as shown in FIG. Utilizing its elasticity, the dry analysis film 1 is sequentially urged toward the outlet 22 side in accordance with the removal of the dry analysis film 1, and after the urging, the pressing force is reduced to reduce the dry analysis film 1. It is equipped with a pressing force relief structure designed to reduce the take-out force.

That is, the feeding mechanism 30 is composed of a pressing member 31, an external force receiving portion 32, and a locking member 33. The holding member 31 contacts the upper end of the dry analysis film 1 that is stacked and accommodated, and has a shape that is substantially flat or in contact with only the four corners or edges of the dry analysis film 1. The external force receiving portion 32 is formed integrally with the upper end of a rod 31a erected in the center of the pressing member 31 so as to extend laterally in a rod shape. Further, although the locking member 33 basically moves integrally with the pressing member 31, it can slide up and down along the rod 31a in a predetermined range with respect to the pressing member 31. It is arranged. Both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 respectively protrude outwardly shorter than the outer rib 21a through the vertical grooves 21b opened on the side surface of the box body 21 and are downwardly biased in cooperation with the biasing means 50 described later.

The locking member 33 has a central boss portion 33.
b is slidably inserted into the vertical rod 31a, and the claw portions 33a are bent outwardly with elastic force and rise up on both sides of the bottom plate portion, and the upward tip ends thereof are moved downward from the ratchet teeth 21c from below. It is configured to lock. In this locking, the shape of ratchet teeth 21c is
Although the downward movement of the is possible, the upward movement is locked and disabled.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the feeding mechanism 30. FIG. 6A shows an operation member 51, which will be described later, and an external force receiving portion 32.
The state in which both ends of the dry analysis film 1 are urged downward from the above is shown. The pressing member 31 is lowered by the pressing force acting on the external force receiving portion 32, and the dry analysis film 1 is moved from the upper end of the dry analysis film 1. It is biased downward to the outlet 22 side. At that time, the locking member 33 is raised along the rod 31a due to the locking resistance between the claw portion 33a and the ratchet teeth 21c, and the boss portion
The upper end of 33b is locked to the external force receiving portion 32 and descends, and the dry analysis film 1 is pressed by the pressing member 31.
The curved shape is corrected into a flat shape, and the height of the dry analysis film 1 becomes low.

When the urging state of the operating member 51 is released, the pressing member 31 receives the upward force due to the elastic force of the dry analysis film 1 against the compression. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (B), the upper surface of the pressing member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the boss 33b of the locking member 33, while the pawl portion 33a is locked by the ratchet teeth 21c and stopped. Only the contacting area moves upward along the rod 31a, and the force for pressing the dry analysis film 1 is relaxed. As a result, the dry analysis film 1 can be easily taken out from the take-out port 22.

A plurality of the cartridges 20 are loaded in parallel in a cartridge accommodating portion arranged in a rotatably supported frame (not shown) of the film supply device 11, and the frame is rotationally driven by a supplier motor. The predetermined cartridge 20 is controlled so as to stop at the take-out position corresponding to the film transport means 13. Further, after the dry analysis film 1 is taken out from the cartridge 20, the taken-out cartridge 20 is moved to the urging position, and the inside of the cartridge 20 is fed by the urging means 50 (see FIG. 7) described later. The mechanism 30 is urged to feed the dry analysis film 1 downward.

Further, the film supply device 11 is provided with a cover 25 on the outer peripheral portion thereof to hermetically seal the inside thereof.
The cartridge 20 is provided so as to be inserted and removed from an insertion opening 25a having an opening / closing lid provided on the upper surface of the cartridge. Further, a dehumidifying agent accommodating portion into which a dehumidifying agent (not shown) is loaded is provided in the central portion from an input port 25b having an opening / closing lid formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the cover 25, and the inside of the dry analysis film 1 is provided. It is kept in a dry state within a predetermined humidity range on the low humidity side corresponding to the property.

On the other hand, an opening / closing shutter (not shown) which is opened at the time of taking out a predetermined dry analysis film 1 from each cartridge 20 is provided at the taking-out position on the lower surface of the film supply device 11, and is inserted through the shutter. A cartridge is provided by the take-out suction cup 70 of the film transport means 13.
The dry analysis film 1 at the bottom of 20 is taken out.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the film supply device.
11 shows an example of a mechanism of a biasing means 50 for biasing the external force receiving portion 32 of the cartridge 20 in the cartridge 11, the cartridge 20 being loaded in a cartridge nest 23 formed in a frame that is rotationally driven in the film supply device 11. ing.

The urging means 50 is provided with an operating member 51 having a tip portion 51a which engages with the external force receiving portion 32 of the cartridge 20, and a sliding cylinder 52 is provided at a base portion 51b of the operating member 51.
The sliding cylinder 52 is fitted into a guide rod 53 provided upright on a base 54 and held so as to be vertically movable. The lower surface of the base portion 51b is supported by abutting against a support arm 55, and the end portion of the support arm 55 is connected to a belt 57 by a fixture 56. The belt 57 is stretched between upper and lower pulleys 58 and 59, and one pulley 59 is driven by a drive motor 60 to vertically drive the support arm 55. Further, a spring 61 is interposed between the operating member 51 and the projection 54b of the base 54, and the operating member 51 is constantly urged downward, and this urging force is carried by the support arm 55. .

When the support arm 55 is lowered by the operation of the drive motor 60 as shown by the chain line in FIG. 8, the operating member 51 is moved by the urging force of the spring 61.
The tip portion 51a engages with both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 protruding laterally of the cartridge 20 to lower it, and the pressing member 31 is moved by the urging force of the spring 61. The dry analysis film 1 is compressed downward to urge the dry analysis film 1 toward the outlet 22 side as shown in FIG. 6 (A). After the predetermined pressing, the drive motor 60
When the operating member 51 is lifted as shown by the solid line by the operation of the above, the pressure is released inside the cartridge 20 due to the release of the biasing force as shown in FIG. The cartridge 20 for performing the next urging operation is moved to the means 50, and the same operation is performed.

The cartridge 20 on which the biasing operation has been performed
Waits for the next take-out, and at the time of take-out, the dry analytical film 1 is taken out from the lower take-out port 22 by the take-out suction cup 70, and the take-out operation will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

First, as shown in FIG. 9 (A), the dry analysis film 1 is accommodated in the cartridge 20 in a state of being curved so as to be convex downward with the development layer 4 inside, and at the biased position. Is in a state of pressure relief after the urging operation of the suction sucker 70 that has been lifted at the unloading position and the suction cup 70 for unloading has the second opening.
Abut on the bottom dry analysis film 1 through 22b.
The take-out suction cup 70 is further raised as shown in FIG. 9 (B) in order to enhance the adhesiveness even after it comes into contact with the dry analysis film 1.
At this position, the extraction suction cup 70 sucks and holds the dry analysis film 1 by the suction force of the suction pump.

Then, the suction cup 70 for taking-out descends while adsorbing the dry analysis film 1, and as shown in FIG. 9C, both side portions of the dry analysis film 1 are edges (reception) of the second opening 22b. Is stopped and supported at a forming position where the dry analysis film 1 has a predetermined curved shape. Thereafter, the suction cup 70 for take-out slides the curved dry analysis film 1 in the direction of the opening of the first opening 22a as shown in FIG. 9 (D), and passes through this first opening 22a. One dry analysis film 1 is taken out to the outside. After taking out the dry analysis film 1, the cartridge 20 is moved to the urging position, and the urging means 50 urges the external force receiving portion 32 of the dry analysis film 1 downward to feed the dry analysis film 1. It is something to do.

Next, in the incubator 12 shown in FIG. 1, a disk-shaped main body 40 is rotatably supported by a rotary drive mechanism 41 in the lower center part, and the dry analysis film 1 is provided on the circumference of the main body 40 at predetermined intervals. A plurality of cells 42 for accommodating are arranged, and the dry analysis film 1 is incubated in the cells 42.

The main body 40 of the incubator 12 has a metal lower disk 45 having a flat lower surface and a metal upper disk (not shown) disposed on the lower disk 45. The upper disk has an outer peripheral portion. Is formed by bulging upward in a ring shape,
A gap is formed between the lower end of the outer periphery and the upper surface of the lower disk to form a side opening of the cell 42. A heater is built in the main body 40, and the dry analysis film 1 is heated and maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).

Although not shown, the lower disc
A photometric window is opened at 45 at a predetermined interval corresponding to the formation position of the cell 42, and a film retainer for fixing the inserted dry analysis film 1 at a predetermined position is arranged in the cell 42. Below the main body 40 at the position, the photometric head 95 of the measuring means 16 is arranged.

The transport means 13 for transporting the dry analysis film 1 from the film supply device 11 to the incubator 12 is held by the above-mentioned suction cup 70 for taking out the dry analysis film 1 from the cartridge 20 and this suction cup 70. A substantially horseshoe-shaped transfer member 73 for receiving the dry analysis film 1 held therein from below while receiving the development layer 4 on the upper surface and inserting it into the cell 42 of the incubator 12;
In the cell 42 of the incubator 12, there is provided a holding suction cup 76 for holding the dry analysis film 1 held by the transfer member 73 so as to project and retract from below the cell 42.

The suction cup 70 for taking out is provided to be movable back and forth and up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown), and pulls out the dry analysis film 1 to the outside of the cartridge as described above and conveys it to the spotting position. Furthermore, the holding sucker 76
It is provided so that it can be moved up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown).
The cell 42 of the incubator 12 moves into and out of the cell 42 through a photometric window opened in the bottom surface of the cell 42.

On the other hand, a film discharging means 17 is provided at a film discharging position of the incubator 12, and a discharging suction cup 81 for sucking and lifting the measured dry analysis film 1 in the cell 42 and a discharging suction cup 81. A substantially horseshoe-shaped transfer member 82 for taking out the film that receives the dry analysis film 1 that has been lifted up by the outside of the incubator 12, and the dry analysis film 1 that is taken out by this transfer member 82 and receives the waste box. It is composed of a suction sucker 83 to be discarded in 84.

The sample liquid accommodating means 14 has a rotary drive mechanism 86.
A rotary table 85 that is rotated by the rotary table 85 is provided, and a plurality of sample containers 87 containing sample liquid are held on the outer peripheral portion of the rotary table 85, and the sample containers 87 are sequentially moved to the supply position. A nozzle tip 88 mounted on the tip of a spotting nozzle 91 described later is housed on the inner peripheral side.

The spotting means 15 for spotting each sample solution in the sample container 87 onto the dry analysis film 1 conveyed to the incubator 12 has a spotting nozzle 91 for sucking and discharging the sample solution. The pipette-shaped nozzle tip 88 is detachably attached to the tip of the spotting nozzle 91, and the driving mechanism 92
The sample liquid is sucked and moved from the sample liquid accommodating means 14 to be spotted on the dry analysis film 1 held on the transfer member 73. Also,
The nozzle tip 88 at the tip of the spotting nozzle 91 of the spotting means 15 is replaced when the sample liquid is changed.

The spotted dry analysis film 1 is incubated in the incubator 12 and measured by the measuring means 16 arranged below the incubator 12. The measuring means 16 has a photometric head 95 for measuring the optical density due to the color reaction between the dry analysis film 1 and the analyte in the sample solution. This photometric head 95 is a support 2 which is transparent to the irradiation light for measurement including light of a predetermined wavelength.
Of the light source 96 (lamp) on the photometric head 95.
Light is incident through the interference filter 97, and the light is irradiated on the reagent layer 3 in the photometric head 95. The filter
A plurality of types of 97 corresponding to inspection items are installed on the disc 98, and the disc 98 is rotated by a motor 99 to select a filter 97 having a predetermined characteristic corresponding to the measurement item. There is.

As the spectroscopic means provided in the optical system for irradiating the photometric head 95 with the measurement light, a diffraction grating may be used instead of the interference filter 97 as described above.

Further, the reflected light from the reagent layer 3 is optical information (specifically, the light amount) according to the amount of dye generated in the reagent layer 3.
The reflected light carrying the optical information is incident on the photo-detecting element of the photometric head 95, photoelectrically converted, and sent to the determination unit via the amplifier. The determination unit determines the optical density of the dye generated in the reagent layer 3 based on the level of the input electric signal, and determines the concentration (content) or activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample solution. Calculated according to the principle of colorimetric method.

The measurement by the biochemical analysis device 10 will be described. First, in the film supply device 11 in which a large number of cartridges 20 are stored, the dry analysis film 1 is in a predetermined pressure relaxation state by the operation of the biasing means 50. The cartridge 20 holding the dry analysis film 1 of the measurement item is moved to the take-out position. Then, the dry analysis film 1 is taken out from the cartridge 20 by the take-out suction cup 70 of the conveying means 13. The cartridge 20 from which the dry analysis film 1 is taken out is moved to the urging position, and the urging means 50 performs the urging operation.

The dry analytical film 1 held by the suction cup 70 is placed on the transfer member 73 with the reagent layer 3 as it is.
And the sample solution is spotted on the reagent layer 3.
This spotting is carried out by mounting the nozzle tip 88 on the tip of the spotting nozzle 91 of the spotting means 15, then moving it onto the predetermined sample container 87 of the sample liquid storage means 14 and immersing the tip of the nozzle tip 88 in the sample liquid. Then, a predetermined amount of sample liquid is sucked into the nozzle tip 88. Then, the spotting nozzle 91 is moved to the center of the dry analysis film 1 on the transfer member 73, and then the spotting nozzle 91 is moved downward so that the nozzle tip 88 is placed on the reagent layer 3 of the dry analysis film 1. A predetermined amount of the sample liquid is dropped.
The dropped sample liquid is spread and diffused and mixed with the reagent.

The dry analysis film 1 after the spotting is mounted on the transfer member 73.
Is transferred into the incubator cell 42.
In the incubator cell 42, when the dry analysis film 1 is sealed and heated to a predetermined temperature by a predetermined incubation, the reagent layer 3 causes a color reaction (dye formation reaction). Then, the optical density of the dye generated by this color reaction is measured by the photometric head 95 of the measuring means 16 at every predetermined time or after the lapse of a predetermined time during the color reaction.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a modified cartridge. This cartridge 29 has a box body 21 divided into left and right as in the previous example, but its upper end surface is opened. At the same time, the lid 21f is connected to one of the divided portions of the box body 21 so as to be able to rise and fall through a hinge portion, and its opening is provided so as to be closed. Other, outer rib
21a, the vertical groove 21b, the ratchet teeth 21c, etc. are formed in the same manner as in the previous example.

On the other hand, in the feed mechanism 35, both end portions 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 extending in the lateral direction above the feed mechanism 35 have an intermediate hinge portion 32b.
The end 32a has an elastic force to the horizontal state, and an engaging portion 32c for holding the horizontal state is provided on the opposite side of the hinge portion 32b. The other pressing members 31, locking members 33, etc. are provided in the same manner as in the previous example.

According to this embodiment, the dry analysis film 1 is stacked and accommodated from the upper end opening in a state where the lid 21f of the cartridge 29 is opened and the upper surface of the box body 21 is opened. When both ends 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 are inserted in a bendable state, the feeding mechanism 35 passes through the upper end opening of the box body 21 and is inserted into the inside of the external force receiving portion 32.
Is at the upper end position of the vertical groove 21b, both ends 32a of the vertical groove 21b are
21b protruding sideways, and also the claw portion 33 of the locking member 33.
a engages ratchet teeth 21c. After that, when both end portions 32a of the external force receiving portion 32 are urged downward, the engaging portion 32c engages to bring the external force receiving portion 32 into a horizontal state, and it can be urged by the operating member 51 of the urging means 50. The cartridge 29 and the dry analysis film 1 can be easily accommodated.

FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the feeding mechanism. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the locking member 33 and the pressing member 31 are relatively moved to obtain the pressure relieving action. In the example, a spring member is used.

That is, in the feeding mechanism 36 of this embodiment, the pressing member 31 that contacts the upper surface of the dry analysis film 1 has the rod 31a extending upward similarly to the previous example, and the external force receiving portion extending laterally at the upper end thereof. 32 are provided. Further, on both sides of the pressing member 31, there are arranged locking members 37 made of spring members having claw portions 37a at the tips which engage with the ratchet teeth 21c of the box body 21, respectively. The locking member 37 has a fixed base portion for the pressing member 31 which is bent in a corrugated shape, an upper end portion thereof extends laterally, and a front end portion thereof is formed on the claw portion 37a. Further, a locking plate 31c for preventing the backward movement is provided upright on the side portion of the pressing member 31 so as to face the lower side of the claw portion 37a.

In the feeding mechanism 36 of this example, the bottom surface presses the dry analysis film 1 in response to the both ends of the external force receiving portion 32 being urged downward, and at that time, the locking member 37 is The engaging position with the ratchet teeth 21c is sequentially shifted downward while the corrugated portion is deformed so as to extend and the claw portion 37a is deformed so as to rise. And the external force receiving portion
When the urging force on the 32 is released, the pressing member 31 receives a force that is returned upward by the restoring force of the dry analysis film 1, and by this restoring force, the locking member 37 is engaged with the ratchet teeth 21c of the claw portion 37a. While the position is maintained, the corrugated portion is deformed so as to be contracted and the claw portion 37a is deformed so as to be tilted, and the pressing member 31 moves upward to relax the pressing force of the dry analysis film 1. At that time, the maximum lift amount of the pressing member 31 is restricted by the contact of the locking plate 31c with the claw portion 37a.

On the other hand, FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of the cartridge and the biasing means. In the cartridge 20 of this embodiment, the dry analysis film 1 is stored in the film supply device 11 so as to be taken out from above. It is what is done.
The cartridge 20 uses the same reference numerals although it is slightly different from the structure of the previous example.

The cartridge 20 has an outlet 22 (see FIG. 13) penetrating in the front-rear direction in the upper part of a rectangular tube-shaped box body 21 and has outer ribs 21a and vertical grooves 21b on its side surfaces as in the previous example. Formed, and the dry analysis film 1 is stacked and accommodated therein.
The pressing member 31 is arranged at the bottom of the groove, and the external force receiving portion 32 is a vertical groove.
It is formed to project laterally from 21b. The cartridge 20 is inserted and stored in the cartridge nest 23 formed in the internal frame 26 from the insertion opening 25a of the cover 25 on the upper surface of the film supply device 11.

Each cartridge nest 23 has a biasing means 62.
A support member 63 is disposed so as to be vertically movable.
The support member 63 is slidably supported by a guide rod 64 having an intermediate boss portion 63a arranged in the vertical direction. Both end portions of the support member 63 extend to both sides of the cartridge 20 and tip portions 63b thereof receive external force. It is formed so as to be engageable with the tip of the portion 32. A spring 65 is interposed between the support member 63 and the frame 26 to urge the support member 63 upward.

Further, a push-out blade 68 (see FIG. 12) is arranged on the side of the take-out port 22 of the cartridge 20 so as to be movable back and forth, and a take-out mechanism for the dry analysis film 1 is installed. The blade 68 is fixed to the belt by the fixture 68a.
The belt 74 is fixed to 74, and the belt 74 is driven by being hung on a pulley 73, and the blade 68 is operated to move in the front-rear direction.

In the cartridge 20 of this embodiment, although not shown, a guide for introducing the blade 68 is provided inside the take-out port 22 in order to surely insert the blade 68 into the take-out port 22. It is preferable to dispose a cover for preventing the dry analysis film 1 from popping out on the outlet side of the outlet 22.

According to this embodiment, when the cartridge 20 is loaded in the cartridge nest 23 of the film supply device 11, as shown in FIG. 13 (B), the cartridge 20 is inserted through the opening 25a of the cover 25. Insert with the outlet 22 facing up. Depending on the insertion of this cartridge 20, the external force receiving part
32 engages with the tip portion 63b of the support member 63, and pushes down the support member 63 against the spring 65 and descends.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when the stopper 67 is inserted to the lower end, the stopper 67 moves and engages with the upper part of the cartridge 20 to restrict the upward movement of the cartridge 20 and bring it into the stored state. Become. In this state, the cartridge 20
The urging force of the spring 65 constantly acts on the inside of the dry analysis film 1 via the pressing member 31, and urges the dry analysis film 1 toward the upper outlet 22 side. When the blade 68 is driven forward in the stored state, the blade 68 enters the outlet 22 of the cartridge 20 and pushes out the uppermost dry analysis film 1 inside and supplies it.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the dry analysis film 1 is constantly urged by the urging force of the spring 65. In this case, the pressing force as shown in FIG. Since the easing function is unnecessary, the pressing member 31 and the external force receiving portion 32 do not require the sliding mechanism of the locking member 33 as in the previous example, and the locking member 33 has a structure fixed to the pressing member 31. It should be formed. The locking member 33 may be integrally formed with the pressing member 31.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the external force receiving portion 32 is disposed so as to project laterally from the vertical groove 21b of the box body 21, and the projecting portion is engaged with the urging means to link the two. However, the design of the linking structure linked from the side can be changed as appropriate.

That is, for example, the tip of the urging means is provided so that it can be inserted into the inside from the side of the cartridge 20 through the vertical groove 21b so that the tip directly abuts near the center of the external force receiving portion to urge it. It is possible to adopt a structure in which both ends of the external force receiving portion are not projected to the outside of the box body 21. On the other hand, the vertical groove 21b only needs to be opened on at least one side surface of the box body 21, and only one end of the external force receiving portion 32 is projected, or
The biasing means may be inserted into the inside from one side.

Further, as the dry analysis film 1 which can be accommodated in the cartridge 20 of the present invention, in addition to the dry analysis film piece which does not have the mount as described in the above embodiment,
Slide type dry analysis film with mount,
A filter paper type dry analysis film or the like can be applied. In particular, the constantly urging type of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 that does not have a pressing force relaxing action is suitable for accommodating a slide type dry analysis film that is not curved and deformed.

[0069]

According to the cartridge for a dry analysis film of the present invention, a take-out port is provided at one end of a box for accommodating the dry-type analysis film, and the dry analysis film is pressed by a holding member in the direction of the take-out port and The external force receiving portion is linked to the biasing means disposed outside through the vertical groove on at least one side surface of the box body, and since the biasing means is linked from the side, the movement amount of the biasing means is It is possible to efficiently perform the urging operation of the dry analysis film in the cartridge by reducing the time, and it is possible to shorten the time for performing a series of processing for sequentially removing the dry analysis film from a large number of cartridges,
The mechanism can be simplified and the device can be made compact.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a biochemical analyzer equipped with a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a dry analysis film.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a cartridge containing a dry analysis film.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cartridge without a pressing member.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a sectional front view showing a pressing force relaxing action of the cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of biasing means.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the biasing means.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a process of taking out the dry analysis film from the cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional front view of essential parts showing a modified example of a cartridge and a feeding mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing still another example of the feeding mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a schematic mechanism of a cartridge and a film supply device of another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing a loading process of the cartridge in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Dry analysis film 10 Biochemical analysis device 11 Film supply device 12 Incubator 13 Film transport means 20,29 Cartridge 21 Box 21a Outer rib 21b Vertical groove 21c Ratchet tooth 22 Outlet 30,35,36 Feeding mechanism 31 Pressing member 32 External force Receiving part 33,37 Locking member 33a, 37a Claw part 50,62 Biasing means 51 Operating member 61,65 Spring 63 Supporting member 70 Extractor suction cup

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Abe 3-1146 Izumi, Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Shashin Film Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A box body for accommodating a plurality of dry analysis films in a stacked state is provided, an outlet for taking out the dry analysis film is provided at one end of the box body, and the box body is provided with a side opposite to the outlet side. A pressing member that comes into contact with the dry analysis film and presses it in the direction of the outlet is slidably arranged.
A vertical groove is formed on at least one side surface of the box body so as to extend in the moving direction of the pressing member and which is opened, and the pressing member has an external force receiving portion that is linked to an urging means arranged outside. A dry analysis film cartridge characterized in that the pressing member is urged toward the take-out port side by being linked to the urging means from the side through the vertical groove. 2. The cartridge for a dry analysis film according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member has an external force receiving portion formed in a rod shape, and a tip portion thereof is formed to project laterally from the vertical groove. . 3. The dry analysis film cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is provided with a mechanism that is movable in the direction of the take-out port and is immovable on the opposite side.