JPS61209341A - Biochemical analyser - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the penetration of the open air in a thermostatic chamber and to facilitate the control of measuring work, by inserting a measuring element impregnated with a reagent to rotate the same and opening the shutter of a sample dripping port only when a sample is dripped to the measuring element. CONSTITUTION:A measuring element 2 impregnated with a reagent is successively inserted in the insert part of a disc 8. Subsequently, the disc 8 is rotated at every one pitch and the measuring element 2 is transferred to a sample dripping part 50 to receive the dripping of a sample. At this time, a shutter 52 is closed as shown by a drawing A but opened by a drive apparatus 51 as shown by a drawing B and a sample is dripped to the measuring element 2 from a pipet P. After dripping, the shutter 52 is closed to block a thermostatic tank 11 from the open air to perform reaction at constant temp. The disc 8 is further rotated and, after a predetermined time, the measuring element 2 is transferred to a photometric part to detect optical density and the specific component in the sample such as blood is measured. Because the shutter of the sample dripping part is closed except at the time of dripping and the opening and closing thereof is automatically operated by a timer, a working program can be improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] This invention is a biochemical analyzer, in particular, a sample such as blood or serum is dropped onto a measuring element impregnated with a reaction reagent, and the sample is measured. This relates to a biochemical analyzer that chemically analyzes the presence or absence or content of a specific component in a sample. There are dry methods and wet methods as chemical analysis methods when it is necessary to know whether a component is present or its content, etc. Among these, the dry method uses a measuring element consisting of a thin plate impregnated with a specific reagent sandwiched between mounts, and a liquid sample to be analyzed is supplied dropwise to the measuring element.

This is placed in a thermostatic reaction chamber to cause the liquid sample and reagent to react, and the progress or result of the reaction is measured by, for example, measuring the change in color density due to the reaction using an optical density meter or other means. This method is very convenient in that a liquid sample can actually be treated as a solid.
Since it was difficult to measure, recently a disk that can fit multiple measuring elements at equidistant positions on the same circle is used, and the disk is installed so that it can be rotated at a constant angle, or a measuring element other than the disk is used. A biochemical analysis in which the sample is transferred using a means that allows for intermittent transfer in a circulatory manner, and the sample is dropped at an appropriate place at the stop position, and the measurement element is sequentially moved to the measurement position and measured after a certain period of time has passed after 9 drops have been dropped. A device has been developed. This was excellent in that it was possible to measure multiple measuring elements at once.

However, in a biochemical analyzer using a circulating transfer means such as a disk, the outer casing constituting the thermostatic reaction chamber housing the disk has a dripping port for dropping a sample onto the measuring element fitted to the disk. Because of the provision of a dripping port, there was a risk that outside air would enter through the dripping port, making it impossible to maintain a constant temperature inside the thermostatic chamber and causing uneven reactions, as well as a risk of sample dripping errors. Ta.

In addition, the reaction time of the measuring elements differs depending on the analysis item, and it is necessary to accurately manage the timing of sample dropping and the time from the end of two drops to photometry. Currently, it is difficult to manage the time until photometry, and it depends on the skill level of the operator.

[Purpose of the invention]

In view of the above-mentioned points, this invention reduces as much as possible the influence of the outside air on the temperature inside the thermostatic chamber housing the disk when dropping a sample, and also eliminates the possibility of dropping a single drop. It is an object of the present invention to provide a biochemical analyzer that allows easy management of the timing and the time from sample dropping to photometry.

[Structure of the invention]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sample dropping part and a photometric part at the stop position of the measuring element transferred by the transporting means, and the sample dropped at the second dropping part causes biochemical reactions with the reagent impregnated into the measuring element. The analyzer is configured such that a shutter means is provided at the dropping port of the sample dropping part.

〔Example〕

Next, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, 1 is the main body of the biochemical analyzer.

2 is a measuring element. As shown in the second figure, the measuring element 2 is constructed by interposing a film 5 impregnated with a certain reagent between a mount base 3 having a photometric through hole 3a and a mount cover 4 having a sample dropping hole 4a. A code (hereinafter simply referred to as item code) 6 for identifying reagent data (analysis items) using multiple bits is displayed on the surface of the mount cover 4. The measuring elements 2 are inserted through the element insertion lower provided on the front surface 1a of the main body 1, and are inserted into the element fitting grooves 9 arranged equidistantly around the periphery of the disk 8 installed in the main body 1 as shown in the third figure. It is fitted through the feeding means 39. When the measuring element 2 is fitted into one of the element fitting grooves 9, the disk 8 rotates to a position where the ninth element fitting groove 9 corresponds to the lower element insertion groove and then stops. As a drive means for the disk 8, in the embodiment, a radial groove 1 is provided between the element fitting grooves 9 at the peripheral edge of the disk 8.
5, and a rotary ring 13 having a center of rotation is provided on the outer periphery of the disk 8, and a pin 14 installed at an eccentric position of the rotary ring 13 can be engaged with the radial groove 15. There is. As a result, the disk 8 is rotated by the rotating wheel 13.
The pin 14 engages with the radial groove 15 and then disengages by a half turn, and the pin 14 is moved by a half turn, and the pin 14 remains stationary from the time the pin 14 disengages from the radial groove 15 until it engages with the next radial groove 15. It is designed to receive rotation.

A rotary wheel 13 that rotates the disk 8 intermittently is connected to a drive motor 17 via a helical gear 16 that meshes with a helical gear 13' formed on its circumferential surface. The drive motor 17
is activated by receiving a pulse signal from a control unit (not shown),
The same pulse signal causes the rotary wheel I3 to rotate once. Therefore, the length of the stopping time of the disk 8 can be freely adjusted by adjusting the interval of pulse signals from the control section.

Note that 18 is a stopper for maintaining stability when the disk 8 is stopped, and a sphere 18a biased by a spring is partially depressed into one of the radial grooves 15.

As shown in the fourth figure, the disk 8 is supported by a support shaft 12 on a constant temperature plate 11 containing a heat retaining liquid 10. Although the disk 8 has a slight gap with respect to the upper surface of the constant temperature plate 111, the measuring element 2 fitted into the element fitting groove 9 can directly contact the constant temperature plate 11. This is effective for efficiently preheating the measuring element 2, which is normally stored cold, to the reaction temperature with the sample. In addition, the constant temperature plate 11 shown here has a heater (not shown) installed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate.
The heat retaining liquid 10 is heated, and the measuring element is preheated with the heat. Inside this constant temperature plate 11 is a stirring blade 11 for making the temperature distribution of the heat retaining liquid 10 constant.
A is provided. The stirring blade 11a can rotate to follow the rotary disk 11b due to the adsorption force between the permanent magnet 11a' embedded therein and the permanent magnet 11b' buried in the rotary disk 11b provided below the constant temperature plate 11. There is. Thus, the rotary disk Llb meshes with the tip gear 78 of the second shaft 77, which is connected to the gear 75 of the shaft 74, which is connected to the drive motor 17 through a connecting gear (not shown), through the base end gear 76. When the disk 8 rotates, it can rotate at the same time.

In this embodiment, 20 element fitting grooves 9 are provided on the periphery of the disk 8, as shown in the fifth figure, as indicated by the symbols .about.[phase]. Each element fitting groove 9 has a sample dropping window 19 as shown in FIG. A see-through window 20 having a plurality of consecutive through-holes corresponding to the item code 6 is provided. Further, on the disk 8 along the side edge of the element fitting groove 9, an address code 21 specifying the address of the above-mentioned ① to [phase] is displayed so as to be readable in multiple bits like the item code 6. There is. Of this element fitting groove 9, the address (2) is left open for Calipre Silane, which will be described later, and a total of 19 measuring elements 2 can be fitted at addresses (2) to [phase]. Therefore, when powering on two devices, after a certain preparatory operation (operation to confirm that no measuring element remains in each element fitting groove - this operation is particularly effective in the event of a power outage, etc.) ,
The address (■) is placed on the element insertion lower. When the first measuring element 2 is fitted into the element fitting groove 9 at address (■), a sensor (not shown) installed directly above it detects the fitting and sends an insertion completion signal to the control unit. Output to. Upon receiving this insertion end signal, the control section operates the drive motor 17 to feed the disk 8 by a -pitch, so that the element fitting groove 9 at the address (■) corresponds to the element insertion lower part of the main body 1, and the primary measuring element 2 is When inserted into the address (■), the same operation as above is repeated, and the element fitting groove 9 corresponds to the element insertion lower one after another as shown in the address (■), the address (■), and the measuring elements can be inserted one after the other. . On the other hand, as mentioned above, at the position 22 where the measuring element 2 inserted at each address is sent from the element insertion lower, the item code 6 displayed on the measuring element 2 using an infrared photo sensor and the item code 6 displayed on the disk are displayed. A code reading device 23, 23' for reading the address code 21 is provided.

The information read by this is stored in a storage device (not shown).
What item of measurement element is inserted is stored in the address. Similarly, the addresses ``■'' and ``■'' are sequentially read and stored.

A discharging means 25 for discharging the measuring element 2 from the element fitting groove 9 is provided at a stopping position 24 next to the installation position 22 of the code reading device 23, 23'. The ejection means 25 is provided with a ejection claw 26 whose base end is pivoted via a pin 27 above a long hole 19' formed from the sample dropping window 19 toward the center of the disk. The rod 28. A spring 32 is connected to the plunger 31 of the solenoid 30 via an L-shaped lever 29 and pulls the plunger 31 in the direction of protrusion when the solenoid 30 is de-energized. As a result, the rod 28 is attracted as shown in FIG. When the rod 28 is pulled against this, the rod 28 is pushed out and the tip of the ejection claw 26 is rotated as shown in FIG. It is composed of The measuring element 2 ejected by the operation of the ejecting claw 26 is sent out of the main body 1 from an outlet 34 provided on the front surface of the main body 1 via a sending means 33. The sending means 33 is connected to a drive motor 3 as shown in the third figure.
There are two parallel shafts 37 and 37' driven in the discharge direction by a gear 36 fixed to the output shaft of No. 2 is sandwiched between the upper surface guide plate 39 and can be sent out as shown in FIG. Also,
The feeding means 39 provided between the element insertion lower and the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 has a shaft 41 connected to one shaft 37 of the feeding means 33 via a linking gear 40, and an intermediate Shafts 41' connected via a gear 42 are provided in parallel, and these shafts 41, 41'
Two friction rollers 43- are fixed to each of the two friction rollers 43-, and the measuring element 2 inserted from the element insertion lower is sandwiched between the upper surface guide plate 44 and sent into the element fitting groove 9 as shown in FIG. There is.

Two operation panels 45 for the device are provided on the upper surface of the main body 1. The operation panel 45 has numeric keys 46 for inputting the sample fish as necessary when inserting the measuring element 2 into the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8. Three switches 478 to 47C for selecting a photometry method, a sample dropping start switch 48, a dropping end switch 49, etc. are provided.

When the measuring element 2 is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 from the element insertion lower, the disk 8 is driven by the output signal at the same time as the output signal output from the sensor that detects the measuring element 2. A first timer is provided that does not. The first timer is the insertion interval of the measuring element 2.

For example, it is used to manage the time from when one measuring element is inserted to when the next measuring element is inserted, such as from address (■) to address (■) and address (■) to address (■). The setting time of this first timer is normal.

One measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 is connected to the constant temperature plate 1.
In the case of this example, this time is assumed to be 3 minutes after the last measuring element is inserted. There is. Specifically, when one measuring element 2 is inserted, the first timer starts counting for three minutes, but when a second measuring element is inserted, the previous count is cleared and counting starts from the beginning. Therefore, a certain measuring element is inserted,
If the next measuring element is not inserted within 3 minutes from this time and the first timer times out, an insertion end signal is sent to the control section. As a result, the control unit determines that there will be no further insertion, and that the measuring element inserted just before is the last measuring element, and drives the disk 8, and writes the empty address (as will be described later) with no measuring element 2 inserted. Photometering section 53
Rapidly transported to.

Calibration is performed in the photometry section 53.

When the calibration is completed and the control unit receives the signal, it drives the disk 8 and inserts the element fitting groove 9 at the address
The measuring element 2 inserted into the sample dripping section 50 is rapidly conveyed.

The sample dripping part 50 has a main body 1 containing a disk 8.
A drip port 50'8 provided on the top surface, and a base end connected to the output shaft 51 of the motor 51 as shown in FIG. 10 on the bottom surface of the drip port 50'.
'.The shutter 52 is fixed to '. This shutter 52 prevents outside air from entering into the main body 1 through the dripping port 50' during the time period 2 when the sample is not dropped, for example, during the insertion time of the measuring element, during the photometry time, and during the disk drive time. This is to suppress temperature changes. Also.

In addition to the above-mentioned functions, the shutter 52 also has the function of timing the nine drops.

That is, under normal conditions, the shutter 52 is closed to the drip opening 5 as shown in FIG.
0' is closed and opened only when dropping a sample, as shown in Figure B. In this case, for the first sample drop, the operator presses the drop start switch (shutter opening push button switch) 48 on the operation panel 45 of the main body 1 to open the shutter.

Leaving it to their free will, the shutter 52 will be opened automatically from the second time onwards, and the shutter 52 will be closed after dropping the sample by pressing the dropping end switch (push button switch for opening the shutter) 49, except in specific cases. We are trying to make this happen by doing this. The specific case of automatically closing the shunter 52 is to avoid the influence of outside air if the shutter 52 is left open for a long time. In short, by automatically opening the shutter 52 from the second time onwards and closing it in the above-mentioned specific case, the sample dropping timing can be randomly lengthened or shortened at the discretion of the operator. This makes it possible to prevent sample dropping, keep the timing of dropping the sample constant, and this makes it easier to manage the time from dropping to photometry, making it easier to create a program for the entire operation.

In order to manage the time from closing to opening of the shutter 52 and the time from closing to photometry, etc., the first
As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 19, the second. Third and fourth timers are provided, and a fifth timer is provided which is driven by the shutter open signal for time management to avoid leaving the shutter 52 open.

The second timer is used to manage the time from the end of dropping to photometry for each measuring element.For example, if the measuring element on which one drop has been applied is of a nature that measures light using the end point method, 7 minutes is the rate point. 2 minutes and 4 minutes are managed for each measuring element if it is photometric in nature. Therefore, this second timer is used for each element fitting groove 9.
The same number of measurement elements (19 in the example) as can be inserted into the sensor are installed. Note that whether this photometry method is an end point method or a rate point method is determined by the analysis item, and is stored in advance in the storage device when the item code 6 is read.

The third timer is for managing the time from when the sample is dropped onto the first measuring element (for example, the measuring element at address ■) until the photometry is performed on that measuring element, that is, the possible dropping time. If the device uses the end point method, the device is controlled for 7 minutes, and if the device uses the rate point method, it is controlled for 2 minutes to prevent further dripping. Of course, these 7 minutes and 2 minutes are the time for photometry, so taking into account the time to transport the measuring element to the photometry section 53, the actual time-up time is about 30 to 40 seconds earlier than the above-mentioned time. In the former case, 6 minutes and 20 to 30 seconds from the end of dripping, and in the latter case, 1 minute and 20 seconds from the end of the drop.
It will be set as ~30 seconds. This third timer keeps the shutter 52 closed due to its time-up, and prevents further dripping. In this embodiment, a stopwatch (not shown) is used 30 seconds before the time runs out (time-up of the third timer). to operate,
The display 61 is provided with means for displaying the remaining time such as 30.29.28-, and an audible alarm means.

The fourth timer is used to manage the time until the closed shutter 52 is automatically opened after the completion of dropping the sample onto one measurement element, and this management time can be freely determined as much as the third timer allows depending on the operator's work speed. It is possible to do this, but usually 30 to 15 seconds is sufficient.

The fifth timer manages the time from the shutter opening to prevent the temperature of the measuring element from changing due to the shutter 52 being left open for a long time, and when the time rises, an alarm is issued and the shutter is automatically closed. belongs to. Since the set time of this fifth timer is short in nature, for example, within 15 seconds (in the example, it is set to a very short time such as about 10 seconds), this timer is used to inform the operator of the passage of time. For example, a certain signal tone is often emitted at intervals of one second, and a sounding device (not shown) is provided for this purpose. If the dripping is completed within 15 seconds after the shutter opens and the dripping end switch is pressed, the shutter will close. However, if the shutter is closed when the fifth timer times up, the shutter 52 will close unless the third timer times up. By pressing the drip start switch 48, it is possible to reopen the opening.

As mentioned above, the time-up of the third timer that manages the time during which one drop can be dropped disables subsequent sample drops even if the sample is not dropped on the front part of the measuring element fitted into the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8. . Then, only the measurement elements on which the drop has been applied are sequentially sent to the photometry section 53 for photometry.

In other words, if the third timer times up when sample dropping goes from address ■ to address When the photometry is completed, calibration is performed again, the address (2) is sent to the sample dripping section, and the same procedure as above is repeated.

The photometry section 53 optically measures the progress or result of the reaction with the reagent impregnated into the film of the measurement element 2 by dropping the sample, and the change in color density caused by the reaction.
1. As shown in the figure, a light beam generated from a light source 54 such as a halogen lamp is converted into a photometric beam of a desired wavelength (wavelength according to the analysis item) through a lens 55 and a switchable filter 56, and the photometric beam is transmitted through a mirror 57. The reflected light is transmitted to the light-receiving element 60 through the optical fiber 59, and the reflected density, that is, the optical density, is measured by a concentration needle (not shown). The system is configured so that the concentration of the substance is compared with a calibration curve prepared for each analysis item to obtain a measured value, which is displayed as a numerical value on the display 61 of the main body 1 and can also be printed on a roll of recording paper 62. . The filter 56 is rotatable and can also be used as a shutter.

Note that if the light-receiving element 60 used in the photometry section 53 suddenly receives light during photometry, its response may be delayed. In order to correct this, in this embodiment, the light-receiving element 60 is constantly connected to the auxiliary light source 60'. The structure is such that a bias is applied to a certain extent by applying light, and when photometry is actually performed (in this case, the auxiliary light source 60' is extinguished), it can react immediately.

Further, a transparent glass 63 inclined at 45 degrees is installed in the optical path of the photometric light beam, so that a part of the light reflected from the transparent glass 63 can be referenced to the correction circuit via the light receiving element 64. Errors in measured values due to changes in light intensity etc. over time are eliminated as much as possible.

The light receiving element 64 may also be provided with the auxiliary light source.

Furthermore, since the densitometer used in the photometry section 53 does not always produce stable values, it is necessary to perform calibration as close as possible before actually measuring the light of the measuring element. Become. For this purpose, the photometry section 53 is provided with a calibration mechanism 65 as shown in the third figure. This is equipped with a slide 68 equipped with two types: a first standard plate 66 with a low optical density value and a second standard plate 67 with a high optical density value, which have been measured in advance with a certain device that can accurately measure optical density. , the slide 68 is engaged via an elongated hole 72 with a pin 71 provided at an eccentric position of a disk 0 fixed to the output shaft of a motor 69, and linear reciprocating motion is provided by rotation of the disk 7 degrees. It is attached to the actuating body 73 which is designed as follows. and.

In the calibration mechanism 65, measurement elements are inserted in order starting from the address ■, and after the time amplifier of the first timer, the empty
The operation starts when the element fitting groove 9 at the address comes to the position corresponding to the photometric section 53.

Until then, as shown in Fig. 12A, slide 68 is moved to disk 8.
It is being retreated from. When this operation starts, the motor 69 rotates the disc 70 as shown in FIG.

make it stop. As a result, the slide 6 together with the operating body 73
8 moves forward and inserts it into the element fitting groove 9 at the address (■), and positions the first standard plate 66 on the photometering section 53 as shown in FIG.

After measuring the light of the first standard plate 66, the motor 69 moves up to further advance the slide 6, and as shown in FIG.
7 is positioned on the photometry section 53. By photometry using these first and second standard plates 66 and 67, optical density values D1 and D2 for the low voltage value v1 and high voltage value V2 output from the Nobuchi meter used in the photometry section 53 can be obtained. If the coordinates are determined by taking the voltage value V on the vertical axis and the optical density on the horizontal axis, a straight line with a constant slope can be obtained. Therefore, let the inclination angle of this straight line be a, and the intersection with the Itie axis be b.

The relationship V=a-D+b holds. Therefore, the optical density OX when the voltage value Vx obtained by photometry of the actual measuring element is applied to the above equation.

It can be calculated as Dx=(Vx-b)/a, which is calibrated to the correct optical density value, and the substance concentration value is determined as the correct value.

After the calibration is performed by the calibration mechanism 65, the measuring elements are sequentially conveyed to the dripping section 47 starting from the address (1), and the sample is dripped thereon as described above.

Furthermore, although not particularly shown in this embodiment, the photometry section 53 is capable of compensating when the amount of light from the light source 54 decreases. That is.

When the amount of light exceeds a certain value, the output current with respect to the amount of light has a linear relationship (maintains linearity), but if the amount of light decreases and deviates from the linear range, performing the above calibration alone is sufficient. Therefore, the optical density value can be determined correctly even if the light intensity decreases by creating a relationship curve between the light intensity and the output current in advance and storing this as data in a storage device. That's what I do.

Next, the operating sequence of the above embodiment will be explained based on FIG. 14.

First, turn on the power switch (C step ■). This will check whether there is any measuring element remaining in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 by a sensor installed corresponding to the element insertion lower part. In this case, the element fitting groove 9 at the remaining address is transported to a position where a discharge means is provided, and a discharge process (step ①) is performed. All element fitting grooves 9
After this has been checked, move the element fitting groove 9 at address ■ to the position corresponding to the element insertion lower (step group).Here, the operator can check the measurement method on the operation panel 45 on the top surface of the main body 1 as necessary. Select the mode (step ■) by operating one of the selection switches 47a to 47c.There are three types of modes: end point method, rate point method, and mixed method.3Usually, these selection switches It is in endpoint method mode unless you operate it. Therefore.

This operation is required when selecting two methods other than these, or when returning to the endpoint method mode from another mode.

Next, the operator operates the numerical keys 46 on the operation panel 45 to input the sample disease (step V). This input of the sample level is necessary for distinguishing when there are several people who have collected the sample. Yes, it is not necessary to input if it is the same person.

After completing the above work, insert the measuring element 2 from the element insertion lower (step ■). When the first measuring element is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at address ■, it is detected by the sensor and the disk 8 is inserted. Moved by one pitch, element fitting groove 9 at address ■
are brought to the insertion lower of main body 1, and insertion is performed one after another in this way, but the insertion interval must be performed within the time (3 minutes) managed by the first timer.

The item code 6 and address code 21 of the twist-fixing element inserted into the element fitting groove 9 are read by the code reading device 23, 23' at the next position, and the measurement element is stored in a storage device (not shown) at which address and which item. It is stored whether each has been inserted. For this insertion, when measuring in one selection mode, for example, the endpoint method mode, a mode different from this one can be selected.
When a measuring element is inserted, “
``Error message'' appears. Then, the wrong measuring element is conveyed to the ejecting section and immediately ejected. After being ejected, the empty element fitting groove 9 rotates once and is conveyed to the element insertion lower again. The ninth measuring element is inserted.This ejecting procedure is performed not only for differences in mode but also for items that cannot be passed as measuring elements, such as printing errors in bar codes.In addition, there is a cancel switch on the operation panel 45. 79 is provided, and when the measuring element is inserted too far away, pressing this causes the same operation as described above.

However, when the first timer times up due to all of the measuring elements to be photometered being inserted, the control section determines that there will be no further insertion, and the vacant address 2 is used without the measuring element 2 being inserted. Conveyed to photometry section 5'3,
The calibration mechanism 65 provided in the photometry section 53 is activated.

Perform calibration (step ■).

Next, the measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at address ■
is rapidly conveyed directly below the sample dropping section 50. The arrival of this measuring element at the dripping section 50 is notified by a buzzer or the like, and the display 61 displays the sample number 6.
Analysis items etc. are displayed. The operator confirms this display, takes the necessary sample into the pipette P, and then presses the drip start switch 48 on the operation panel 45. During this time, the measuring element 2 is heated to the reaction temperature by the thermostatic plate 11. This is normally done, and the sample can be dropped at any time. The operator waits for the shutter 52 to open by pressing the dripping start switch 48 and drips the sample (step ■). After the sample is dripped, the operator presses the dripping end switch 49, which causes the shutter 52 to close. When the disk 8 rotates and the 1st drop end switch 49, which moves the measuring element at the secondary address to the dripping unit, is pressed, a second controller manages the time from the end of 2nd dropping to photometry for each measuring element. A timer, a third timer that manages the time from the first measurement element drop to photometry (dropping possible time), a fourth timer that manages the time until the next drop, so that the shutter 52 is not left open for a long time. A fifth timer that manages the time from the shutter opening is activated.

When the third timer times up, the measuring element at the address (■) is sequentially transferred to the photometry section 53, where photometry (step (2)) is performed, and the results are displayed on the display 61 in one bunch (the elements on the disk). Two consecutive numbers and measured values of the measuring element inserted into the fitting groove are displayed, and the results are printed on the roll recording paper 62.

Note that if the third timer times out before the sample has been dropped on all of the measuring elements, only the measuring elements that have been dropped up to that point will be photometered, and after that, the remaining measuring elements will step. From ■ to step ■.

In this way, when the photometry is completed for all the measuring elements, the element fitting groove 9 at the address 2 moves to the position where the ejecting means 25 is provided, and all the measuring elements that have been photometered are sequentially ejected here (Step X). , After the ejection is completed, the address (2) is moved to the insertion lower (step (2)), and the analysis work of - times is completed. Therefore, if a second analysis is to be performed without turning off the power switch, the process starts from step (2) above.

Figure 15 is a graph showing the sample dropping timing and photometry timing when performing the end point method.The horizontal axis shows time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measurement elements. indicates the length of time from when one measuring element is moved to the sample dripping section to the end of 5 drops (dropping interval), and the large horizontal line is the length of time from when one measuring element is moved to the photometry section to the end of photometry. (photometering interval).

This graph shows that when the above-mentioned drop interval and photometry time are correctly set at 30 seconds each, the time t1 from the end of sample dropping to the first measuring element to the photometry of the measuring element is 6
It's minutes and 30 seconds.

Since this time is the time during which sample dropping is possible, it is possible to drop samples to measuring elements No. 2 to 14 during this time.
The time t2 up to 14 minutes on the horizontal axis when the photometry after minutes ends is a time during which dropping is not possible. In addition, in this graph, the drop interval and photometry interval are set to 30 seconds, but if this is set to 15 seconds, it will be possible to do double the amount of drops by simple calculation by the end of the above-mentioned drop-disabled time, and the photometry will end. This makes it possible to shorten the time it takes.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the sample dropping timing and the photometry timing when performing the rate point method, and the horizontal axis shows time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements as before.

In the figure, the thin horizontal bar with an arrow at both ends indicates the length of time from when one measuring element is moved to the sample dripping part to when one drop is completed (dropping interval).
The thick horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates the length of time (photometry interval) from when one measurement element is moved to the photometry section until the photometry is completed.

This graph shows that when the above-mentioned dropping interval and photometry time are correctly set at 30 seconds each, the time t1 from the end of sample dropping to the first measuring element to the photometry of the measuring element is 1.
It's minutes and 30 seconds.

Since this time is the time during which the sample can be dropped, it is possible to drop the sample onto the measuring elements No. 2 to 4 during this time, and the photometry for these measuring elements up to No. 4 after 2 minutes must be carried out. The time t2 until the end of the photometry after 1 minute is the drop-disabled time, and the 2 minutes from 6 to 8 minutes on the horizontal axis when this drop-disabled time t2 ends is the drop-possible time t1 again.
', indicating that the drops can be dropped on the measuring elements No. 5 to 8 during this time, and that the 4 minutes from 8 to 12 minutes becomes the drop-disabled time t2' again.

Figure 17 shows the case of a mixed mode of the end point method and rate point method, and in Figure 5, where the horizontal axis shows time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements, as before, the narrow horizontal keyaki is The large horizontal line indicates the sample dropping interval of the end point method, and the large horizontal line indicates the photometric interval of the same method.1 The thin horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates the sample dropping interval of the rate point method.1 The thick horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates the photometric interval of the same method. ing.

This graph shows that two drops of the sample are sequentially applied to the measurement elements of the 1st to 6th endpoint method at 15 second intervals, and the samples are applied to the 7th to 12th measurement elements during the possible drop time tl until photometry is performed on the first measurement element. This indicates that the sample dropping onto the measurement element using the rate point method and its photometry have been completed. Therefore, in this case, all analyzes 1 to 12 can be completed at once 8 minutes and 30 seconds after photometry to the measurement element of the end point method is completed. That is,
In the case of a mixed mode of the end point method and the rate point method, the end point method is performed first, and the rate point method is performed using the available drop time until photometry, which reduces the drop and photometry. It turns out that time can be saved.

FIG. 18 shows an electrical system diagram of the operation panel 45, the operation control system, and the measurement system 9 display system.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart when measuring a measuring element in the endpoint method mode.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show typical transfer means other than the circulating transfer means for measuring elements using the disk 8 in the above embodiment. Figure A shows 1 when using a pusher device.
In the figure, 100 is a rectangular outer frame, and 101 is a plate-shaped shoe arranged with one space 102 in order to allow circulation in a rectangular manner within the outer frame 100. It has a matching groove 9, a sample dropping window 19 on the top surface, and a photometry window (not shown) on the bottom surface. Numerals 103 to 106 are pushers that press the shoes 101 against the four corners of the outer frame 100 in the advancing direction. The Butsusha-103-10
6 is when the shoe 101 is in the illustrated state, that is.

If the space 102 is located just before the pusher 103, operate the pusher 104 to
01 is pushed out, the pusher 105 is operated, and the operation of the pushers 106 and 103 is sequentially changed. As a result, the shoe 101 circulates within the outer frame 100 as shown by the arrow. Therefore, during the circulation, the insertion portion 7 of the measuring element 2. By providing a photometer 53 and a discharge section 34 with a sample dropping portion of 50 degrees, the same operation as shown in the above embodiment becomes possible.

Figure B shows a case in which the measuring element can be transferred in an elongated elliptical circulation system.
04 is a shoe having a fitting groove 9 for a measurement element supported at one point on the endless member 201. In this case, the endless member 201 is hung on one shaft 202 or 20.
By intermittent driving of the shoe 204, the shoe 204 can be moved in the direction of the arrow, and as in the case of A, during the movement, the insertion portion 7. Sample dropping part 50.
By providing the photometry section 53 and the discharge section 34, it becomes possible to operate in the same manner as shown in the above embodiment.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the biochemical analyzer according to the present invention is provided with a sample dropping part and a photometry part at the stop position of the measuring element transferred by the transporting means, and detects the reaction of the reagent with which the sample dropped at the one dropping part impregnates the measuring element. The apparatus for biochemical analysis is characterized in that a shutter means is provided at the dripping port of the sample dripping part, so that the sample dripping port is completely closed by the shutter during a time period when no resample is being dripped, By blocking outside air from entering, it is possible to suppress temperature changes within the main body, which serves as a constant temperature room. Further, the shutter opens only when dropping the sample, and the opening time can be set only to a short time required for dropping the sample, so even if outside air enters the opening, the influence of this can be almost ignored. Furthermore, the shutter can be automatically opened for the first time and fully closed by a push button switch, and automatically opened for the second and subsequent times and closed when a certain period of time has elapsed without the push button switch being pressed. , it is possible to force the operator to perform the second and subsequent dripping operations, and there is no risk of making a second-dropping mistake.Therefore, it is possible to prevent the timing of one-dropping from being randomly lengthened or shortened at the operator's discretion. ,
Since the timing of dropping the sample can be kept constant, it is easy to manage the time from dropping to photometry.
This has various excellent effects such as making it easier to create the entire work program.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figures show one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the device. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the measuring element. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the disk and its peripheral mechanism. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disk showing the addresses of the element fitting grooves, FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the disk, and FIGS. 7 A and B are operating states of the ejection means. A perspective view showing
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the ejection claw and the sending means, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the feeding means in operation, Figures 10A and B are cross-sectional views of the sample dripping part showing the operation of the shutter, and Figure 11 The figure is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the photometry section, and FIGS. 12A, B, and C are cross-sectional views showing the operating state of the calibration mechanism. Fig. 13 is a graph for explaining calibration, Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the operating order of this device, and Fig. 15 is a graph for explaining the calibration.
The figure is a graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the end point method, Figure 16 is a graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the rate point method, and Figure 17 is the graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the mixed method of the end point and rate point methods. The graph and FIG. 18 are electrical system diagrams of the operation panel, operation control system, measurement system, and display system. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for measuring a measuring element in the endpoint method mode, and FIGS. 20A and 20B are plan views schematically showing other representative examples of a circulating means for transporting a measuring element. . 1...-Biochemical analyzer body 2--Measuring element 6-Item code 7--Element insertion slot 8-Disk
9-・Element fitting groove 11-Thermostat plate 1
3...-Rotating wheel 14- Bin 15...
-Radial groove 17--Drive motor 21 Number code 23, 23' -m-Reader 50-Sample dripping part 52-Shutter 53-Photometering section 65--Calibration mechanism 66-First standard plate 67-- 2nd standard plate special
Applicant Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 6 Figure 19' Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 1o Figure 12 (A) (B) (C) Figure 13 , 1 Figure 14 "Country Figure 20 (A) Edge (B) Bottom

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) In an apparatus that provides a sample dropping part and a photometry part at a stop position of a measuring element transferred by a transporting means, and performs biochemical analysis by a reaction with a reagent that impregnates the measuring element with the sample dropped by the dropping part, and the sample is A biochemical analyzer characterized in that a shutter means is provided at the drip opening of the dripping part. (2) The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the shutter means outputs a start signal for the time from dropping the sample onto the measuring element to photometry when the shutter means is closed. (3) The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shutter means is kept closed and kept warm except when dropping a sample onto the measuring element. (4) The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the shutter opens at a time when dropping is possible after the shutter means is closed. (5) The biochemistry according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the shutter means manually performs the first opening operation and fully closing operation, and automatically performs the second and subsequent opening operations. Analysis equipment. (6) A display means and/or an audible alarm means are provided to notify the remaining time of sample dropping a few seconds before the timer for managing the time from sample dropping to photometry runs out. Biochemical analyzer described in Section 1. (7) The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the time from the opening of the shutter to the automatic closing operation is controlled within about 15 seconds by a timer.