JPS61259147A - Biochemical analysis apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To remove trouble at the time of measurement by collecting a plurality of measuring elements, by checking that no measuring element remains in a transfer means at first by a power-ON signal and discharging the measuring element immediately and automatically when said element remains. CONSTITUTION:When a power switch is turned ON, for example, the reading apparatus 23 of an item code 6 checks whether a measuring element 2 remains in the element engaging groove 9 of a disc 8. When the measuring element remains, the element engaging groove 9 of the address where the measuring element remains is fed to a discharge part and a current is supplied to a solenoid 30 to perform discharge processing. After all of element engaging elements were checked, the first measuring element 2 is inserted in an element insert port 7. A sensor 91 detects the insert finish of the measuring element 2 to output a signal to a control part 90 which, in turn, sends the disc 8 by one pitch and the next element engaging groove 9 is positionally matched with the element insert port 9. By this method, insert is successively performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a biochemical analyzer, and particularly to a biochemical analyzer that can preferentially discharge measuring elements remaining in a transfer means.

[Background of the invention]

In general, for liquid samples such as blood and serum, there are dry methods and wet methods as chemical analysis methods when it is necessary to know whether or not a specific component is contained in the liquid sample, or its content. Among these methods, the dry method uses a measuring element consisting of a chemical analysis film impregnated with a specific reagent sandwiched between a mount and a mount cover, and a liquid sample to be analyzed is supplied dropwise to this measuring element, which is then used for reaction. Place it in a constant temperature room to allow the liquid sample and reagent to react.

The progress state or result of the reaction can be measured and detected by, for example, a change in color concentration caused by the reaction using an optical density meter or other means, and the liquid sample can be treated as a solid in practice. However, it has been difficult to drop a large number of samples onto measuring elements individually and measure them, so recently, multiple measuring elements have been transferred using an intermittent transfer means, and the stopping position can be adjusted. A biochemical analyzer has been developed which is equipped with an insertion section for a measurement element, a dropping section for a sample, a photometry section for the measurement element, and an ejection section for the measurement element after photometry at appropriate locations. 1: This was excellent in that multiple measurement elements could be measured at once.

When measuring a plurality of measurement elements at once in this manner, if there are measurement elements that have been measured in the previous operation and remain in the transfer means, this will hinder the insertion of unmeasured measurement elements. Therefore, all of the measured measuring elements are discharged before the end of the -th measurement, but for example, if there is a power outage or the power is turned off during measurement, the process of discharging the measured measuring elements is may remain in the transport vehicle without being removed. These remaining measuring elements are required to be ejected with priority when the apparatus is powered on for the next measurement.

[Purpose of the invention]

In view of the above-mentioned points, this invention is a biochemical analysis method that uses a power-on signal to first check that no measuring element remains in the transfer means, and if any remains, immediately discharges it from the transfer means. [Structure of the Invention] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a device for intermittently transporting a plurality of measuring elements to appropriate positions at each stop position of a means for intermittently transporting a plurality of measuring elements. Storage area for measuring elements and sample dripping area.

In a biochemical analyzer equipped with a photometric part for a measuring element and a discharge part for a measuring element, a detecting means for detecting a measuring element remaining in a moving means is provided to be activated by a power-on signal,
The discharge section is configured to be provided with an operating means for discharging the residual measuring element in response to a signal from the detection means.

〔Example〕

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

In Fig. 1, l is the main body of the biochemical analyzer.

2 is a measuring element 7 The measuring element 2 is a mount 3 having a photometric through hole 3a as shown in the second figure.

A film 5 impregnated with a certain reagent is interposed between a mount cover 4 having a through hole 4a for sample dropping,
Reagent data (analysis items) are displayed on the surface of the mount cover 4.
A code (hereinafter referred to as a two-item code) 6 for determining the item using multiple bits is displayed. The measuring elements 2 are inserted through an element insertion lower provided on the front surface 1a of the main body 10, and are inserted into the element fitting grooves 9 arranged equidistantly on the peripheral edge 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 one measurement element 2 is fitted into one element fitting groove 9 from the insertion part S including the element insertion lower and feeding means 39, the disk 8 inserts the next element into the insertion part S through the insertion groove 9. It rotates to the corresponding position and stops. In addition.

The item code 6 is provided on the right side with respect to the insertion direction of the measuring element 2.

The disk 8 has the measuring element 2 in one of the element fitting grooves 9.
When fitted, the secondary element insertion groove 9 is rotated to a position corresponding to the element insertion lower part and then stopped. In the embodiment, a disk 280 is used as a drive means for the disk 8.
A radial groove 15 is formed between the element fitting grooves 9 at the peripheral edge, a rotating ring 13 having a rotation center is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the disk 8, and a pin 1 is implanted at an eccentric position of the rotating ring 13.
4 can be engaged with the radial groove 15. As a result, the disk 8 is fed by a pitch of half a turn, in which the pin 14 of the rotary ring 13 engages and disengages from the radial groove 15, and after the pin 14 disengages from the radial groove 15, it engages the next radial groove 15. It is designed to remain stationary and undergo intermittent rotation until it is aligned. A rotary wheel 13 that rotates the disk 8 intermittently is connected to a drive motor 17 via a diagonal gear 16 that meshes with a diagonal gear 13' formed on its circumferential surface.

The drive motor 17 is activated upon receiving a pulse signal from the control section 90, and is configured to rotate the rotary wheel 13 once with the -times of the pulse signal.

Therefore, the length of the stop time of the disk 8 can be freely adjusted by adjusting the interval of pulse signals from the control section 90.

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 1) containing a heat retaining liquid 10. Although the disk 8 has a slight gap with respect to the upper surface of the thermostatic plate 1), the measuring element 2 fitted in the element fitting groove 9 can directly contact the thermostatic plate 1). 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 1) 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 1), there is a stirring blade 1) for making the temperature distribution of the heat retaining liquid 10 constant.
A is provided. The stirring blade 1)a is attached to the rotating disk by the adsorption force between the permanent magnet 1)8' embedded therein and the permanent magnet 1)b' embedded in the rotating disk 1)b installed below the constant temperature plate 1). It is possible to rotate following ttb. and,
The rotary disk 1)b meshes with a tip gear 78 of a second shaft 77 that is connected to a gear 75 of a shaft 74 that is connected to the drive motor 17 through a connecting gear (not shown) through a 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 the same number of consecutive through-holes is provided at a position corresponding to the item code 6. 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 calibration, which will be explained later, and a total of 19 measuring elements 2 can be fitted at addresses (2) to [phase]. Therefore, after turning on the power of the device and checking whether or not there is a measurement element remaining in each element fitting groove 9, the insertion section S is set to have an address (■). When the first measuring element 2 is fitted into the element fitting groove 9 at the address (■), the insertion end sensor 91 detects the rear end of the measuring element and outputs the signal to the control section 90. Upon receiving this signal, the control section 90 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 insertion part S, and the primary measuring element 2 is inserted at the address ■. Then, the same operation as above is repeated until the address ■.

■The element fitting groove 9 corresponds to the insertion part S in order as shown in the address 2.
Measurement elements can be inserted one after another. on the other hand,
As mentioned above, the measuring element 2 inserted at each address is inserted into the insertion section S.
A code reading device 23, 23' for reading the item code 6 displayed on the measuring element 2 and the address code 21 displayed on the disk using an infrared photo sensor is provided at the position 22 that is sent by a high pitch, for example. The information thus read is stored in a storage device (not shown) as to which analysis item the measuring element was inserted at the address (2). Similarly, ■ street address.

(2) The information will be read and stored in sequence like an address.

The installation location (address/address/
Item reading section) 220 At the stopping position 24 of the next disk 8, an ejecting section H is provided with an actuating means 25 for ejecting the measuring element 2 from the element fitting groove 9. The actuating means 25 of the discharge section H is provided with a discharge claw 26 whose intermediate portion is pivotally mounted via a bottle 27 above a long hole 19' formed from the sample dropping window 19 toward the center of the disk. 26 head loft 28. Solenoid 30 via L-shaped lever 29
is connected to the tip of the plunger 31, and the solenoid 3
A spring 32 is provided that pulls the plunger 31 in the retreating direction when power is not applied to o.
2, the loft 28 is attracted as shown in Figure 7A,
The distal end of the ejection claw 26 is held upward so as not to inhibit the rotation of the disk 8, but when the solenoid 30 is energized and the plunger 31 projects against the spring 32.

When the rod 28 is pulled, the distal end of the discharging claw 26 is rotated as shown in FIG. The measuring element 2 ejected by the operation of this ejecting claw 26 is transferred to the sending means 3
3 to the outside of the main body from an outlet 34 provided on the front surface of the main body 1.

The delivery means 33 is provided with two parallel shafts 37° 37' driven in the discharge direction by a gear 36 fixed to the output shaft of a drive motor 35, as shown in the third figure.
7. Friction rollers 38, two each fixed at 37'
. . . The measuring element 2 is sandwiched between the one side guide plate 381 and the measuring element 2 can be sent out as shown in Fig. 8.

Further, the element insertion lower and the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 are connected to each other.
The feeding means 39 provided between the sending means 33 and
A shaft 41 is connected to the single force shaft 37 via a linking gear 40.

A shaft 41' connected to this via an intermediate gear 42 is provided in parallel, and these shirts l-41.

Two friction rollers 43- are fixed to each of 41',
The measuring element 2 inserted from the element insertion lower is sandwiched between the upper guide plate 44 and inserted into the element fitting groove 9 as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6B, reference numeral 81 indicates a signal when the device is powered on, that is, the signal is received by the control unit.

A detection means that starts detecting the presence or absence of a residual measuring element in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 using an output signal from the control section, and in the case of this embodiment, the detecting means 81 is the one that is displayed on the measuring element 2. A code reading device 23 for reading item code 6 is shared. That is, the code reading device 23 reads the item code 6 displayed on the surface of the measuring element 2 through the transparent window 20, and when the code reading device 23 is driven by a power-on signal, the code reading device 23 reads the item code 6 displayed on the surface of the measuring element 2 through the transparent window 20. When the measuring element 2 is not present, a signal indicating that the code is not read is output, and when there is the measuring element 2, a signal indicating that the code has been read is output. It is possible to determine that "there is a residual element", and by energizing the solenoid 30 of the actuating means 25, the residual element can be immediately discharged. Of course, the detection means 81 may be provided independently.

An operation panel 45 for one device is provided on the top surface of the main body 1. The operation panel 45 has numeric keys 46 for inputting the sample magnet as necessary when inserting the measuring element 2 into the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8. Three switches 4F3 to 4FC for selecting a photometry method, a sample dropping start switch 48, a dropping end switch 49, and the like are provided.

In the insertion section S, when the measuring element 2 is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 from the element insertion lower part, the disk 8 is moved by a -pitch by the output signal output from the sensor 91 that detects the measuring element 2. At the same time, a first timer 101 is provided which is driven by the output signal (see FIGS. 18 and 19). (2) It is used to manage the time from when one measuring element is inserted until the next measuring element is inserted, such as an address. The setting time of the first timer 101 usually takes into account the time required for one measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 to absorb the heat of the constant temperature gill and reach the reaction temperature (37°C). In the case of this embodiment, this time is set to 3 minutes after the last measuring element is inserted. Specifically, when one measuring element 2 is inserted, the first timer 101 starts counting for three minutes, but when the first measuring element is inserted, the count up to that point 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 101 times out 7, an insertion end signal is generated and the signal is sent to the control section 90. As a result, the control unit 90 determines that there will be no further insertion, that is, the measurement element inserted just before is the last measurement element, and drives the disk 8, leaving the disk empty without any measurement element 2 inserted. Photometering part 5 to be described later in the element insertion groove of the address
3, and the photometry section 53 performs calibration, which will be described later. When the calibration is completed and the control unit 90 receives the completion signal, it drives the disk 8 and rapidly transports the measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at the address ① to the sample dripping part 50. It has become.

The sample dripping part 50 has a main body 1 containing a disk 8.
A drip opening 50' provided on the upper surface, and an output shaft 51' of a motor 51 with a proximal end attached to the lower surface of the drip opening 50' as shown in FIG.
The shutter 52 is fixed to the shutter 52. This shutter 52 is closed during time periods 2 when the sample is not being dropped, such as during insertion of the measuring element, during photometry, and while the disk is being driven, to prevent outside air from entering into the main body 1 through the dropping port 50'.

Temperature changes within the main body 1 are suppressed.

In addition to the above-mentioned functions, the shutter 52 also has the function of timing two drops. That is, the shutter 52 normally closes the dropping port 50' as shown in FIG. 2A, and opens as shown in FIG. 2B only when dropping a sample.

In this case, for the first sample drop, the operator presses the drop start switch (push button switch for shutter opening operation) 48 on the operation panel 45 of the main body 1 to open the opening, and the second sample is dropped at his/her own will. From then on, automatic opening is performed (when the measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 after address ① is transported to the sample dripping part 50 after performing the above-mentioned calibration), and the shutter 52 is opened automatically after the sample is dropped. The closing operation is performed by pressing the dropping end switch (push button switch for shutter closing operation) 49, except in specific cases. The specific case of automatically closing the shutter 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 operator's discretion. This makes it possible to 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 102 to 104 are provided, and a shutter 52
A fifth timer 105 is provided which is driven by the shutter open signal for time management to avoid leaving the shutter open.

The second timer 102 manages 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, the second timer 102 is used to manage the time from the end of dropping to photometry for 7 minutes at a rate. If the photometer is to be measured using the point method, each measuring element should be controlled for 2 minutes or 4 minutes.

The time-up generates a signal to bring each measurement element to the photometry section.

Therefore, the second timer 102 is installed in the same number as the measuring elements that can be inserted into each element fitting groove 9 (19 in the embodiment).

Also, is this photometry method the endpoint method?

The rate point method is determined by the analysis items.
When the item code 6 is read, it is stored in advance in the storage device.

The third timer 103 is used to manage the time from the end of dropping a sample to the first measuring element (for example, the measuring element at address ■) until the time when that measuring element is photometered, that is, the possible dropping time.9For example, the first measurement 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, and the mode is set such that dripping is disabled thereafter. Of course, since these 7 minutes or 2 minutes are the time for photometry, the measurement element is not connected to the photometry section 53.
Taking into account the time it takes to transport the product to the point where it is needed, the actual time amplifier is approximately 30 to 40 seconds earlier than the above-mentioned time; in the case of the former, it is 6 minutes and 20 to 30 seconds after the end of the drop, and in the case of the latter, it is approximately 11 seconds earlier than the above-mentioned time. It will be set as minutes 20 to 30 seconds. This third timer 103 uses its time amplifier to keep the shutter 52 closed, and in order to prevent further dripping, in this embodiment, a stopwatch (not shown) is displayed 30 seconds before the time runs out (time-up of the third timer). ) is activated, and the remaining time is displayed on the display 61.
．． 29.28-, a countdown display means and an audible alarm means are provided.

The fourth timer 104 is used to manage the time until the closed shutter 52 is automatically opened when the sample is dropped onto one measurement element. The time can be determined to be approximately 30 to 15 seconds, but usually 30 to 15 seconds is sufficient.

The fifth timer 105 manages the time from the shutter opening to prevent the temperature of the measuring element from changing due to the shunter 52 being left open for a long time, and uses the time amplifier to operate the alarm means and automatically It's meant to shut people down. 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), the operator is notified of the passage of time. For example, it is recommended to make a certain signal sound at 1-second intervals (a sounding device (not shown) is provided for this purpose. Stop dripping within 15 seconds after opening the shutter to stop the dripping). When the end switch is pressed, the shutter closes, but if the shutter 52 is closed when the fifth timer 105 times up, the shutter 52 will close when the third timer 103 does not time up. It is possible to open it again by pressing .

As mentioned above, the third timer 10 manages the time during which two drops can be dispensed.
The time-up in step 3 disables subsequent sample dropping even if the sample is not dropped on all of the measuring elements fitted in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8, and sequentially performs photometry on only the measuring elements on which the dropping has been performed. It will be sent to section 53 for photometry. In other words, if the third timer 103 times up when the sample is dropped from address ■ to address When the measuring element completes photometry, it is calibrated again, the address (2) is sent to the sample dripping section, and the same operation 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.
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. It is bent and irradiates the measuring surface (back surface of the element) of the measuring element 2 through the optical fiber 58, and 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 with a densitometer (not shown). The structure is such that the measured value can be determined by comparing the substance concentration with a calibration curve created for each analysis item. A control section 9 that controls the photometry means 301 including this photometry section 53 and the measured values in the photometry section and the various controls described above.
As shown in the third figure, the mounting means 302 constituting 0
are provided in each. The measured value by the photometer 53 is displayed as a numerical value on a display 61 arranged parallel to the mounting means 302, and is also printed on a roll of recording paper 62 provided on the exterior of the main body l covering the upper surface of the disk 8. It is configured so that it can be done. Further, 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 density needle used in the photometry section 53 does not always produce stable values, calibration (
calibration) is required. 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 with a pin 71 provided at an eccentric position of a disc 70 fixed to the output shaft of a motor 69 via an elongated hole 72, so that the rotation of the disc 70 provides linear reciprocating motion. It is attached to the operating body 73 which is and.

The calibration mechanism 65 inserts the measurement elements in order from the address ■, and after the first timer times up, 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 disk 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 second standard plate 66, the motor 69 moves up to move the slide 68 further forward, and as shown in FIG.
is positioned on the photometry section 53. The optical density values DI and D2 for the low voltage value v1 and the high voltage value v2 output from the Nobuchi meter used in the photometry section 53 can be obtained by photometry using these second and second standard plates 66 and 67, as shown in FIG. 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 vertical axis be b.

The relationship V=a-D+b holds true. Therefore, the optical density Dx 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-(V-b)/a, and is calibrated to the correct optical density value, so that 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 50 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 has a linear relationship with the amount of light (maintains linearity), but if the amount of light decreases and deviates from that 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 (step I). With this, it is possible to check whether there is any measurement element remaining in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk B using, for example, the item code reading device "fl 23".
If there are any remaining addresses, the element fitting grooves 9 at the remaining addresses are transported to the ejecting section [I and subjected to ejecting processing (
When step (■) is performed, all the element fitting grooves 9 are
'7 After being inserted, the element fitting groove 9 at the address (■) is moved to the position corresponding to the insertion portion S (step (2)).

The operator selects a mode (step ■) by operating one of the measurement method selection switches 47a to 47c on the operation panel 45 on the top surface of the main body 1 as necessary.This mode includes the end point method and rate point method. There are three types of mixed methods: 1. Normally, unless you operate these selection switches, the endpoint method will be selected, so if you want to select the other two methods or use other methods. This operation is required when returning from mode to endpoint method mode.

Next, the operator operates the second number key 46 of the operation panel 45 to input the sample number (step ■).
This input of the specimen disease is necessary for distinguishing cases where there are several people from whom the body has been collected, and does not necessarily need to be input in the case of the same person.

After completing the above work, insert the measuring element 2 from the element insertion lower (steer knob ■). When the first measuring element is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at address ■, the sensor 91 indicates the completion of insertion.
detects the insertion end signal and outputs an insertion completion signal to the control section 90, and the control section 90 thereby sends the disk 8 by -biso-chi to bring the element fitting groove 9 at the address (■) to the insertion section S of the main body 1.

In this way, insertions are performed one after another, but the insertion interval is
It must be done within the time (3 minutes) controlled by the timer. The measuring element inserted into the element fitting groove 9 is placed at the next position 22, where the item code 6 and address code 21 are read by the code reading device 23, 23', and 2 the measuring element is stored in a storage device (not shown) at which address and which item. It is stored whether each has been inserted. In this case, if the measuring element is inserted in the wrong direction, a wrong direction signal is sent to the control section 90. Also.

The same applies to the case where a measuring element of a different mode is inserted when measuring in the selected mode, for example, the end point method mode, or when a bar code is printed incorrectly or otherwise cannot be passed as a measuring element. In these cases, the control section displays an "error message" on the display, transports the wrong measuring element to the ejecting section, immediately ejects it, and after ejecting, the empty element fitting groove 9 is sown. Then transport it to the insertion section S again.

The next measuring element can now be inserted at the same address. Further, a cancel switch 79 is provided on the operation panel 45 to be pressed when the user realizes that the measuring element has been inserted by mistake, and the same operation as described above is performed when the cancel switch 79 is pressed.

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 photometry is performed at the vacant address 2 with no measuring element 2 inserted. The calibration mechanism 65 provided in the photometry section 53 operates to carry out calibration (step (2)).

Next, the measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at address ■
is rapidly conveyed directly below the sample dropping section 50. A buzzer or the like is used to notify that the measuring element has arrived at the dripping section 50, and a sample number 9 is displayed on the display 61.
Analysis items etc. are displayed. The operator confirms this display, takes the necessary sample into the pipette 7), and then presses the drip start switch 48 on the operation panel 45. During this time, the measuring element 2 reaches the reaction temperature due to the heat from the constant temperature plate 1). Normally, the sample is heated to a temperature of 100°C, so that sample droplets can be added at any time. The operator waits for the shank 52 to open by pressing the dripping start switch 48 and drips the sample (step ■). After dropping the sample, the operator presses the dripping end switch 49, which causes the shutter 52 to open. When the disk 8 rotates and the 1-drop end switch 49 is pressed, which moves the measuring element at the primary address directly below the dripping part, the 1st droplet end switch 49 is pressed, and the time from the end of 5th dropping to photometry is managed for each measuring element. 2 timers, a 3rd timer that manages the time from the first measurement element drop to photometry (dropping possible time), and a 4th timer that manages the time until the next drop, to prevent the shutter 52 from being left open for a long time. The fifth timer, which controls the time from when the shutter opens, starts operating.

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). The nine 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 be subjected to step (1). From then on, step ■ will be performed.

In this way, when the photometry is completed for all the measuring elements, the element fitting groove 9 at the address ■ moves to the ejection section H, where all the photometered measuring elements are sequentially ejected (step X).
After the ejection is completed, the address (2) is moved to the insertion section S (step (2)), and the − analysis operation is completed. Therefore,
If a second analysis is to be performed without turning off the power switch, the process starts from step (2).

Figure 15 shows the state after inserting the required number of measuring elements.

This is a graph showing the sample dropping timing and the photometry timing when photometry is performed using the end point method until the measured measurement element is ejected (referred to as the period between -punch).The horizontal axis shows time (minutes).

In the figure, where the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements, the aI horizontal bar indicates the length of time (Wl lower interval) from when one measuring element is moved to the sample dripping part until one drop is completed, and the large horizontal line is The length of time from when one measurement element is moved to the photometry section until the end of photometry (photometry interval) is shown.

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 photometry is performed using the rate point method between batches. As before, the horizontal axis shows time (minutes);
In Figure 9, where the number of measuring elements is shown on the vertical axis, the thin horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates that one measuring element is moved to the sample dripping part, and ? Indicates the length of time it takes to finish (dropping interval).

The large 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.

FIG. 17 shows a case where photometry is performed between batches in a mixed mode of the end point method and the rate point method, and as before, the horizontal axis shows time (minutes).

In Figure 1, where the vertical axis shows the number of measurement elements, the thin horizontal bars indicate the sample dropping interval for the endpoint method.

The large horizontal line indicates the photometry interval of the same method, and the thin horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates the sample dropping interval of the rate point method.

The large horizontal bar with arrows at both ends indicates the photometric interval of the same method.

This graph shows that samples are sequentially dropped onto the measurement elements of the 1st to 6th end point method using WM at intervals of 15 seconds, and the 7th to 12 This indicates that the dropping of the sample onto the measuring element of the th 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. In other words, in the case of a mixed mode of the end point method and rate point method, the end point method is performed first, and the rate point method is performed using the available drop time until photometry. It can be seen that the photometry time can be saved.

In the above embodiment, the transfer means using the disk 8 having the fitting groove 9 for the measuring element 2 on the peripheral edge was explained as an example.
Transport means other than disks may also be used.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the biochemical analyzer according to the present invention has a measuring element insertion part, a sample dripping part, a photometric part of the measuring element, and a measuring element at appropriate positions at each stop position of the means for intermittently transferring a plurality of measuring elements. In a biochemical analyzer equipped with a discharge section, a detection means for detecting the measurement element remaining in the moving means is provided to be activated by a power-on signal, and the residual measurement element is discharged from the discharge section by a signal from the detection means. 2. For example, if there is a power outage or the power is turned off during a measurement, the measured measuring element may remain in the transfer means without being discharged. However, the remaining measurement elements are preferentially ejected immediately when the device is powered on for the next measurement, which has the excellent effect of not interfering with the insertion of unmeasured elements. .

Further, in this invention, when the detection means of the residual measuring element is common to the reading means for reading the item identification display for identifying the measurement item etc. of the measuring element, the above effect can be obtained without increasing the number of parts. It has the advantage of being

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figures show one embodiment of the present invention, in which 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, and Fig. 4 is FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disk showing the addresses of the element fitting grooves, FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the element insertion slot, and FIG. 6B is a main part. Explanatory drawings, FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views showing the operating state of the ejection means, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the relationship between the ejection claw and the delivery means. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the feeding means in operation, Figures 10A and B
1) is a cross-sectional view of the sample dripping part showing the operation of the shutter, Figure 1) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the photometric means, and Figures 12A and B
, C is a sectional view showing the operating order 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. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the dropping and photometry timing of the end point method, and FIG. 16 is a graph showing the dropping and photometry timing of the rate point method. Fig. 17 is a graph showing the dropping and photometry timing of the mixed method of end point and rate point methods, Fig. 18 is an electrical diagram of the operation panel, operation control system, measuring foot string and display system, and Fig. 19 is the end point method. It is a flowchart when measuring a measurement element in point method mode. ■-Biochemical analyzer body 2-Measuring element 7-Element insertion port 8...-Disk 9--Element fitting groove 23-Code reader 25--Discharge operation means 50--Sample dripping part 53-- - Photometry section 81 - Detection means for residual measurement element (common with code reading device) 90... - Control section 91 - - Sensor S-m - Insertion section H- Discharge section Patent Applicant: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. No. 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 6 (A) 19' Figure 6 CB) Figure 7 (A) Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 (B) 2 ^n Figure 12 (A) (B ) (C) Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a biochemical analyzer equipped with a measuring element insertion part, a sample dropping part, a measuring element photometry part, and a measuring element discharge part at appropriate positions at each stop position of a means for intermittently transferring a plurality of measuring elements. , characterized in that a detection means for detecting the measuring element remaining in the moving means is provided to be activated by a power-on signal, and an operating means for operating the residual measuring element to be discharged in response to a signal from the detecting means is provided in the discharge section. Biochemical analyzer. (2) The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection means of the residual measurement element is common to a reading means for reading an item identification display for identifying a measurement item or the like of the measurement element.