JPS6188158A - Automatic analysis instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the accuracy of measurement by disposing reaction vessels on the periphery of a turntable, emitting the luminous flux from the center of the turntable toward radial direction and obtaining plural measurement data for the liquids to be detected in the respective reaction vessels. CONSTITUTION:The annular turntable 44 is provided in each photometric part 42 and plural cuvettes 45 at least part of which are constituted of a light transmittable material are supported by said table. A single light source 45 is disposed in a flow passage 27 and many apertures 47 are formed at the same level as the light source 45 to the peripheral wall of the passage 27 to face the many photomeric positions. A cylindrical member 49 having a pair of slits 48 at the same level as the level of an aperture 47 around the passage 27 is rotated at a high speed by an electric motor 50. Optical fibers 51 are fixed at one end to the respective photometric positions of the curvettes 45 and are focused at the other end to one or two points and photodetectors 52 are disposed to the focused ends. The photometric data in the respective positions of the cuvettes are thus easily obtd.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for automatically chemically analyzing samples such as blood and urine.

The automatic analyzer changes from the analysis method to the continuous flow method (cont.
+nuos flow system) and separate system (discrete system, discrete system)
(tem), but most recent devices adopt the latter method. There are three types of automatic analyzers that use the discrete method, based on the analysis process: the Hutch process, the Hasog or pack method, and the centrifuge method, but most of them use the Hatch process.

This batch process involves dispensing the collected sample into a reaction tube, injecting reagents and stirring while transporting it along a predetermined path to obtain a test solution, which is then used during the reaction process or during the reaction. Colorimetric measurements are performed after completion of the reaction, and there are two types: a so-called sequential single method in which one reaction line analyzes one item, and a so-called sequential multi-method in which multiple items are analyzed. In the former case, one reaction line can only analyze one item, so generally multiple reaction lines are provided and one sample is dispensed into each reaction line in parallel to enable analysis of multiple items. It consists of For this reason, such a device has the disadvantage that it has a complicated configuration, and the entire device is large and expensive. On the other hand, in the latter case, multiple analysis items can be analyzed using one reaction line, which has the advantage of simplifying the configuration and making the entire device smaller.

On the other hand, conventional automatic field equipment: Well, regardless of whether it is a continuous flow method or a discrete method, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the test liquid started the reaction, that is, the test liquid has moved a predetermined amount on the reaction line. and is configured to make colorimetric measurements at the location. This colorimetric measurement position, that is, the reaction time up to colorimetric measurement, is fixedly set at the time when the test liquid reaches a measurable reaction state for various analysis items. However, this set reaction time is not necessarily sufficient for all analysis items, and depending on the analysis item or the amount of test liquid, the measurement result may be an abnormal value for a normal sample. . For this reason, if an abnormal value is found, a doctor, clinical laboratory technician, or the like judges this and remeasures it, thereby increasing the reliability of the measurement result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an automatic analyzer that is appropriately configured so that highly reliable analysis results can always be obtained.

The automatic analyzer of the present invention includes: a turntable capable of supporting a plurality of reaction vessels; a drive means for intermittently rotating the turntable about its central axis;
a reaction container supply mechanism that sequentially supplies the reaction containers onto the turntable; a sample supply mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of sample to the reaction container; a reagent supply mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of reagent according to the turntable; a light source that is fixedly disposed on the central axis of the turntable and irradiates a light beam in all radial directions; a directing means that is rotatably arranged and sequentially directs the light beam irradiated from the light source toward a predetermined reaction container supported on the turntable; A photometric means including a plurality of optical fibers each having one end fixedly arranged and the other end converged so as to make the light beam incident thereon, and one light receiving element disposed opposite to the converging end of the plurality of optical fibers; The turntable and the directing means are such that during each cycle of intermittent rotation of the turntable, the directing means is
By making the light beam from the light source incident on the predetermined reaction container on the turntable at least once, the sample liquid in the predetermined reaction container can be driven to make one complete rotation. The photometric means is configured to sequentially output a plurality of measurement data; further, a means for removing the reaction container in which photometry of the test liquid has been completed from the turntable; a plurality of photometry data is input, and the photometry The present invention is characterized by comprising means for selecting quantitative analysis data for predetermined analysis items for the test liquid in each reaction container from the data.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer of the present invention. This device is a discrete type automatic analyzer that uses a batch process, and is also a sequential multi-type automatic analyzer that performs analysis of multiple items one after another. The sample container 1 is held in a sample transfer device (container 2) and is intermittently transferred in the direction of the arrow.

A predetermined amount of the sample contained in the sample container 1 is sequentially aspirated at a predetermined position according to the number of analysis items using the sample dispensing guide 3, and dispensed together with a diluent 5 into a cuvette serving as a reaction container. . The cuvette 4 is held in the cuvette transfer mechanism 6 and moved one step 6 along the reaction line shown by arrow B.
It is configured to transfer intermittently once every second. Further, the cuvettes 4 are sequentially supplied onto the transfer mechanism 6 by the cuvette supply mechanism 7. The cuvette 4 that has received the sample is transferred several more steps, and at a predetermined position on the reaction line B, the reagent dispensing mechanism 8 dispenses a reagent corresponding to the analysis item together with the diluent 9 into the cuvette 4.

Reagents necessary for analysis are stored in reagent containers 10. ~10.
.

The reagent dispensing mechanism 8 is configured to aspirate a reagent corresponding to an analysis item at a predetermined position by holding it in a centripetal transfer unit 171 tr&l which is movable in the direction shown by the double arrow C. The sample and reagent are sufficiently stirred by dispensing the reagent and diluent at an appropriate flow rate using the reagent dispensing mechanism 8.

The cuvettes 4 to which the reagents have been dispensed are placed at a number of locations on the reaction line B that are spaced apart from each other by VWI times the displacement of one step of the cuvettes 4 (only four locations are representatively shown in the illustrated example). The reaction state of the test liquid in the cuvette 4 is monitored by photometers 12 to 15 each comprising a light source and a light receiving element provided in the cuvette 4 .

Monitoring of reaction conditions is particularly important for measuring enzymatic reactions. In other words, in enzyme reaction measurement, NADH/N
Accurate reaction rates cannot be determined unless the linear portion of AD level versus time is measured. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a typical reaction curve, in which the vertical axis represents absorbance (0, D), and the horizontal axis represents reaction time (1) after addition of the reagent.

In Figure 2, area (a) represents the delayed portion of the reaction (lag phase) due to the heating time of the test liquid, stirring, etc., and area (b) i represents the linear portion (linear phase) where the reaction rate can be reliably measured. represents. Furthermore, the region (c) represents the portion (end point) where the reagent (substrate) or the component in the sample has been consumed, and measurement within this range will give an erroneously low value. The time of the linear phase (b) can be changed appropriately by adjusting the substrate concentration and the total reaction volume, but this adjustment is necessary for fast and slow reaction rate test solutions, as shown by the broken lines. For most test liquids, absorbance changes are detected at the end point of the lag phase (A) at the positions of the photoelectric colorimeter 12 to 15 (see Figure 1), that is, at the photoelectric colorimeter 12 to 15. Do it like this. suitably),
The linear phase (b) takes 1 to 2 minutes for a normal test solution, and the absorbance change that determines the end point of the lag phase (a) is measured for 12 seconds after reagent addition for the test solution with the slowest reaction (photoelectric ratio The substrate concentration and the total reaction volume are set so that the value is at least 0.05 (position of the color meter 12). By setting in this way, the lag phase of the test liquids that are sequentially transported can be almost completely monitored by the photoelectric colorimeters 12 to 15.

The photoelectric colorimeters 12 to 15 monitor not only the lag phase (a) but also the linear phase (b). In other words, a test liquid whose lag phase end point has been detected by one of the photoelectric colorimeters 12 to 15 is detected by another colorimeter located behind that colorimeter. After being photometered while in storage, all 4 cuvettes are discarded.

The operations of the sample transfer mechanism 2, sample dispensing mechanism 3, cuvette supply mechanism 6, reagent dispensing mechanism 8, and reagent transfer mechanism 11 described above as well as precise measurements in the lag phase and linear phase are controlled by a control device 16 equipped with a computer. Based on the input sample information, the sample is sold at ``,'').

As described above, the present invention is characterized in that the lag phase and linear phase are monitored at multiple positions on the reaction line, and useful data is extracted from the multiple photometric data. With this configuration, highly accurate and highly reliable analytical data can be obtained, and an automatic analyzer with excellent processing capacity can be realized.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the overall configuration of the analyzer according to the present invention. This analyzer 25 has an openable and closable upper lid 26, and this upper lid 26 is formed with an opening 27 for heat dissipation, which will be described later. The analyzer 25 is provided with a front lid 23 that can be opened and closed, and by opening the front lid 28, a used cuvette storage container 29 and a waste liquid storage container 30 can be loaded or taken out. One of the side walls 31 of the analyzer 25 is also formed as a lid that can be opened and closed, and by opening the lid 31, a reagent cassette housing 32 consisting of a number of reagent tanks is exposed, and the reagent cassettes can be loaded from the outside.
Or make it removable. Analysis equipment! The portion 33 that accommodates the 25 reagent cassettes can be a refrigerating room. A sample container transport mechanism 34 is placed in front of the analyzer 25 with a portion thereof exposed. This transport mechanism 34 can be configured by a gear-shaped turntable that can be attached to and detached from the analyzer main body by opening the upper lid 26. moreover,
As shown in FIG. 4, a chain is engaged with this gear-shaped turntable, and the sample container can be transported by this chain.

Whether or not to use a chain with such a configuration can be selected as appropriate depending on the amount of specimen to be processed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each part of the analyzer 25 in a state in which the upper cover 26 is removed. The sample container is passed through the layer to the suction position by the transport mechanism 34. 1 by the Cubeso F supply device 35 to a position adjacent to this suction position.
A predetermined amount of the sample sucked from the sample container by the pump 36 is discharged into the cuhettes that are supplied one by one. These cuvettes are transferred to the tank 38 in the reagent cassette 32 while being transported to the photometry position by the transport mechanism 37.
The dispenser 39 supplies a predetermined amount of an appropriate reagent contained in the container. As will be described later, a plurality of reagent tanks 38 are linked together in an endless manner, and the tank 38 containing a desired reagent is displaced to a position corresponding to the dispenser 39. Cubela) 1llu transport mechanism 37: Along this, an ion sensor 40 for measuring the ion concentration of the reaction solution in the cuvette is arranged as will be described later. A distribution mechanism 41 is disposed at the end of the Cubela 1 conveyance mechanism 37, and the distribution mechanism 41 allows two photometering units 42 to be attached to the conveyance mechanism 37.
The cuvettes that are sequentially conveyed are alternately supplied to the left and right photometry sections 42.

Each photometric section 42 is made to pass through a passage connected to the opening 27 of the upper lid 26 described above. Incidentally, the cuvette and reaction liquid after photometry in the photometry section 42 are discarded at the station 43.

When two systems of photometry units 42 are provided in this way, for example, one cuvette and one. Even if grain is supplied to the grain feeding mechanism 37 at a rate of one cuvette every 6 seconds, each photometer only needs to perform photometry for one cuvette every 12 seconds, so the photometry accuracy can be increased accordingly. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, even if one photometering section breaks down, data can be obtained using only the other photometering section, so there is no need to completely stop work.

Next, the detailed structure of the photometry section 42 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in each photometry section 42, the passage 2
An annular turntable 44 surrounding the photometer 7 is provided, and the turntable 44 supports a plurality of cuvettes 45 and allows each cuvette to be positioned at a large number of photometric positions.

These cuvettes 45 are at least partially made of a translucent material. A single light source 46 is disposed within the passage 27, and a large number of openings 47 are formed in the peripheral wall of the passage 27 at the same level as the light source 46, corresponding to one or more photometry positions. A cylindrical member 49 having a pair of slits 48 at the same level as the opening 47 is rotated at high speed around the passage 27 by a motorized holder 50 placed at an appropriate position. One end of an optical fiber 51 is fixed at each photometric position of the cuvette 45, and a light beam from a light source 46 is made to enter the optical fiber 51 through an aperture 47 and a slit 43. The pond i':N of each optical fiber 51 is focused at one or two locations, and one light-receiving element 52 having a photomultiplier tube is arranged opposite to this focusing end. A rotating filter unit 53 is arranged between the converging end of the optical fiber 51 and the light receiving element 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, the rotating filter unit 53 includes a plurality of filters 21 to λI corresponding to different wavelengths.

It has a configuration in which a desired filter can be selected using a step morph 54. Note that the output signal of the light receiving element 52 is supplied to the CPU 56 of the control device 16 via the D/D converter 55.

In FIG. 6, for example, 30 cuvettes 45 are supported on a turntable 44, the cuvettes 45 are advanced one step at a time every 10 seconds, and the filter unit 53 is rotated once in correspondence with the cuvette stopping time of 10 seconds. Assuming that, the first-order filters 21 to λ for the light receiving element 52
IoFy) The transit time is approximately 1 second.

If the slit 48 is rotated once in this one second, absorbance data for all wavelengths can be obtained for each stop position of the cuvette. From these data, only the absorbance of the wavelength corresponding to the measurement item of each cuvette is A/D converted, and C
If stored in the PU, it is possible to store reaction data for 5 minutes at 30 positions every 10 seconds for each cuvette. From this stored data, CPtJ determines the straight line part,
Determine accurate rate method response values.

To determine the straight part, use IA-Bl as shown in Fig. 9A.
It is conceivable to use a section where the value is small and is close to the trigger point. In order to obtain a reaction curve as shown in FIG. 9B from the stored data, it is necessary to correct the difference in light output at each cuvette photometry station.

To this end, prior to photometry of a sample, a cuvette for adjusting the optical path length with high precision is passed through the sample, the absorbance for all wavelengths at each station is memorized, and the absorbance of the corresponding wavelength is subtracted from the absorbance data of the sample. The kerf shown in Figure 9B is obtained.

By increasing the rotational speed of the rotary filter unit and the rotary slit, a plurality of pieces of measurement data can be obtained from one photometry station.

Regarding the electrode method, it can be said that taking multiple measurement points and extracting a safe area is an effective method.

FIG. 10 shows an operation chart of the apparatus of the present invention.

Only one set of each of the slit 48, rotary filter unit 53, and light receiving element 52) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be provided.

Since this embodiment employs a sequential multi-method, it is of course possible to continuously process multiple analysis items specified in the specimen information (input via keyboard, card, etc.) for each sample. , it is also possible to continuously analyze the exact same item on a large number of preset samples, or by specifying a functional set test, each sample can be continuously analyzed on multiple preset items. You can also do that. Therefore, according to the operator's instructions, the most efficient use can be made according to the analysis situation at the time, and analysis results of only the necessary items can be obtained without much effort, especially in functional tests.

Furthermore, this embodiment has a function of automatically performing calibration. This is a test '+4' when in standby mode.
Transfer is done by setting the standard sample in blue. In this way, the analyzer will automatically operate at regular intervals, the sample dispensing mechanism will dispense the standard sample into the cuvette on the cuvette transfer mechanism, and the normal automatic calibration operation will be performed to prepare the multicolor sample. Drifts in the device over time, such as variations in brightness of the light source, are corrected. Therefore, the analyzer shown in this example does not require any adjustment and can be kept on standby in a properly calibrated state at all times, so it cannot be operated by a skilled operator, especially at night. Even in the unlikely event of an emergency analysis, anyone can easily operate it, and accurate data can always be obtained.

The above-mentioned dispensing operations, input of specimen information, calculation output of analysis results, etc. are performed by a control device (not shown) equipped with a computer provided separately from the main body 25.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of an example of the cuvette 45. The cuvette 45 shown in this example has a rectangular opening 4.
5a, and a retaining flange 4 provided on the outer periphery of this opening.
5b, and is formed in a tapered shape so as to become narrower toward the bottom 45C. The bottom portion 45c is formed into a semicylindrical shape, and at least both end faces in the longitudinal direction are light-transmissive to form a photometry window 45d, so that the test liquid contained in the cuvette can be photometered through the light windows on both sides. Configure.

According to this cuvette 45, since the opening 45a (receiving mouth) is wide, the sample and reagent can be easily injected without scattering outward, and the amount of the test liquid is small enough to fill the semicylindrical bottom 45c. Because only a small amount of sample and reagent is required, analysis can be performed. Further, by setting the photometric optical axis in the longitudinal direction, a sufficiently long optical path length can be obtained, so that highly accurate analysis can be performed. Further, the cuvette is formed into a tapered shape so as to become narrower from the opening 45a toward the bottom 45c, and the opening 45
Since the 7 flange 45b is provided on the outer periphery of the flange 45b, when it is attached to the cuvette transfer mechanism, the flange 45b can be mounted on the holding member 60 as shown in FIG. By forming a groove in the holding member and removably engaging the flange 45b in this groove, the photometry window 45d can be easily removed without coming into contact with the holding member 60 or 61, and without causing any damage. It can be attached to. Note that the arrow E shown in FIG. 12A represents the photometric optical axis. Furthermore, cuvette 45
By integrally molding with a light-transmitting material, it is possible to obtain a material with excellent mechanical strength.

Next, the sample and reagent dispensing mechanisms will be explained, but since these can be configured in almost the same way, only the reagent dispensing mechanism will be mentioned below.

As shown schematically in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the cassette is provided with a substantially oval outer frame 80 with an open top surface, and a pair of boot Is are installed inside the outer frame 80.
Place J81 and 82. An endless belt 83, which is preferably a timing belt, is hooked once between the pulleys 81 and 82, and a plurality of partitions 84 projecting outward are integrally formed on the endless belt 83, and each reagent tank 38 can be held between adjacent partitions, the outer surface of the belt 83, and the inner surface and bottom surface of the outer frame 80.

An engaging recess (not shown) is formed in the lower surface of one of the Boo'J 81. parentably engageable. The step morph 85 is configured to be capable of forward and reverse rotation upon receiving commands from the outside. Note that a handle 87 is arranged between the support shafts of the boot IJs 81 and 82 so that the entire cassette can be easily taken out from the storage section 32.

In order to increase the operating efficiency of the analyzer, in a system where several required reagents are selected from multiple reagents and dispensed with a single dispenser, the system selects the necessary reagents from among multiple reagents and dispenses them with a single dispenser, regardless of the order of the specified measurement items. It is desirable to perform the dispensing in an order that minimizes the total transfer process of the reagent tank.

To this end, as described above, the step morph 85 for transferring the reagent tank 38 is designed to be capable of forward and reverse rotation. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the order in which the reagent tanks are arranged is stored in advance in the measurement item order determining function. When starting a measurement for a certain sample, data for the measurement items requested for that sample is supplied from other memories, and information about which reagent tank is currently in the reagent suction position is supplied from the reagent tank transport device. supply These 3fIffH,”+
Based on the information, a measurement item order that minimizes the reagent tank transfer process is determined, and a measurement item order list is created. Sequentially issue reagent tank transfer commands according to this list, and at the same time send this list to the photometry department.
Let us know which items to measure for the cuvettes that are sent to us one after another.

Depending on the type of reagent, it may be desirable to refrigerate the reagent to prevent deterioration. Additionally, some reagents may precipitate solids if refrigerated, making dispensing impossible. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16! = Reagent cassette storage section 3
2 is divided into two parts 328, 32B, the interior of one storage part 32 is kept at room temperature and contains cassettes of reagents that are unsuitable for refrigeration or do not require refrigeration, and the interior of the other storage part 32B is kept at room temperature. The refrigerator 96 and the blower 97 are connected to form a closed loop. The control circuit 99 operates.

In each of the storage portions 32A and 32B of the storage portion 32,
Needless to say, cassettes such as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 14 can be accommodated. Note that a lid 100 is provided on the refrigerated portion 32B to prevent the cold air inside the refrigerated portion 32B from escaping to the outside.
A small opening 101 is formed in the lid 100 at a location corresponding to the dispensing position, and the dispensing probe can be taken in and out of the housing portion 32B through this opening. As mentioned above, it is desirable that the standard reagents used for periodically performing calibration of the analyzer are stored in the refrigerated section 32B.

As shown in FIG. 18, the dispensing device for the reagent cassette and its storage part having the above-mentioned configuration uses one pump 1.
05, a plurality of different types of reagents are dispensed, and therefore, the reagents aspirated into the probe 106 are discretely dispensed into the cuvette 45.

It is desirable to use a highly concentrated reagent and to eject this reagent together with the diluent from the probe into the cuvette. In this case, not only the size of the entire device can be reduced, but also contamination between different reagents can be prevented because the inside of the probe is cleaned with the diluent. If the diluent is preheated to a temperature close to the reaction temperature, the refrigerated reagent can be dispensed and the temperature of the reaction solution will rise quickly, even when reacting within a giant star with low heat transfer efficiency such as an air bath (g). , it becomes possible to shorten the reaction time.Furthermore, if the diluting solution and the buffer solution are the same liquid, there is no need to provide separate dispensing devices for these two solutions.

A desired reagent tank 38 in the reagent cassette 30 is generally transported to just below the suction position of the probe 106 . Preheating section 107
As mentioned above, the diluent is used to preheat the diluent to near the temperature of the reaction solution, and is equipped with a heater, a temperature sensor, and a temperature control circuit (all of which are not shown). Valve 109 for selectively connecting syringe 105 to one of probe 106 and diluent container 108. In the illustrated example, the HD is constituted by two two-way valves, but it may be replaced with one three-way valve. Since the valves 109 and 110 are brought into contact with only the diluent, chemical resistance is not required to be very high. However, in view of dispensing a small amount of liquid, it is desirable that the volume within the flow path remains unchanged. Therefore valve 109.110
Therefore, it is effective to use a taper cock type rotary solenoid valve.

Pump 105 consisting of a syringe and piston and valve 1
For the same reason as 09.110, there is no need to make it chemically resistant. In order to dispense different amounts of reagents with one pump 105, the pump piston is operated in separate steps.1. And pulse motor! It is possible to make displacements with different strokes based on signals from the outside. As the diluent, a buffer solution may be used as described above, or, depending on the case, ion-converted water may be used.

The following table shows the distribution operation process of this pump.

When using different diluents depending on the reagent or dispensing one type of reagent at several locations, as shown in Figure 19,
Multiple dispensing pumps 105A to 105D depending on each diluent
may be provided. In that case, when a certain cuvette 45 is transported to a position corresponding to the pump 105A, if the reagent to be dispensed into this cuvette is to be diluted with the diluent of the pump 105A, the reagent tank 33 is transferred to the position corresponding to the pump 105A. 1 shell to the position corresponding to , and pump the reagent 1
Aspirate and dispense using 058.

If the reagent to be dispensed into this cuvette is
If it is to be diluted with diluent C, cuvette 4
5 is further conveyed two steps in order to correspond to the pump 105C.

With this configuration, the optimal dilution solution for each reagent can be used, so the reagents can be kept stable for a longer period of time.
Measurable items can be increased. Furthermore, depending on the reagent, dispensing the reagent in several batches may be effective in increasing the stabilization time of the reagent. This operation is also made possible by sequentially supplying the same reagent to each cuvette transport step using a plurality of pumps 105A to 105D.

In disc IJ-to-dispensing, it is very important to confirm whether a specified amount of liquid has been aspirated into the probe. That is, if the amount of serum or reagent aspirated is excessive or insufficient, an abnormal take will be taken (-), so this must be avoided by some reasonable means.

In the specific configuration shown in FIG. 20 for this purpose, the probe 106 is made of a transparent material.
Probe 1 at the time when the liquid has been suctioned.
A light emitting element 110 and a light receiving element 11 sandwich 06.
Place 1. A liquid 112 such as a reagent or serum, an air layer 113, and a diluent 114 are present in the probe 106,
Each of these absorbances is different. Therefore liquid 112
The magnitude of the output T of the light receiving element 111 is determined according to the amount Q of the second
Since it changes as shown in Figure 0B, it is possible to detect whether an appropriate amount has been aspirated into the probe.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 21A, a pair of electrodes 115 and 116 are disposed inside the probe 106, and conduction is established between the electrodes 115 and 116 when an appropriate amount of liquid 112 is aspirated. This is to determine the

The output signal appears as a change in the resistance value R, as shown in FIG. 21B.

In the device shown in FIG. 22A, a pair of electrodes 117 and 118 are arranged to sandwich the probe 106, and these electrodes, the probe, and the liquid constitute a capacitor of the CR oscillator 119, and the oscillation frequency f is set to the liquid 112. as a function of the quantity Q, and counted by the counter 120,
The output signal of the counter 120 is supplied to a determination circuit 121 to determine whether or not the suction amount Q is appropriate.

As mentioned above, when the probe of the reagent dispensing pump enters the reagent container to aspirate the reagent, the amount of the probe inserted can be controlled by detecting the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container. is desirable. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of such a reagent liquid level detection device. In this example, the reagent container 38 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the light emitting element 125 and the light receiving cable 126 are arranged opposite to each other with the container 38 in between. A plurality of light-emitting elements 125 and light-receiving elements 126 are arranged vertically, and the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 38 is detected from the output of each light-receiving element 126. Based on this signal, the reagent dispensing pump 105 probe 10
6 into the reagent container 38 is controlled.

In this way, the probe 106 can be inserted into the reagent to a minimum and the desired amount of reagent can be reliably aspirated, so that adhesion of the reagent to the outer wall of the probe can be minimized, and therefore the tip of the probe can be reliably aspirated. Since cleaning can be easily and reliably performed, contamination between reagents can be effectively prevented.

Incidentally, the reagent liquid level detection device can also be configured as shown in FIG. 24 using the above-mentioned pond. That is, a holding member 127 in a box shape that holds the reagent container 38 between the probe 106 and
A light-emitting element 128 and a light-receiving element 129 are placed oppositely on this holding member, and these are lowered to detect the liquid level of the reagent.

Next, a cleaning device for the probe of the reagent dispensing pump will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of such a cleaning device. In this example: a ring 130 with a compound opening on its inner diameter is passed through a waste bottle 13'' to a vacuum pump 132.
By connecting the probe to the inner diameter of the ring 130 and operating the vacuum pump 132, the reagent adhering to the outer wall of the ring 130 is stored in a waste liquid bottle.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an example of the pond of the cleaning device. This example: Well, stick the probe on the blotting paper; therefore, it was removed at 4°C (to wash the reagent stuck to the wall). A support [133] is provided on the reaction line of the cuvette transfer groove 37 at a reagent dispensing position parallel to the reaction line. This support plate 133 is formed with an opening 134 through which the probe 106 passes, and a blotting paper is placed so as to cover this opening.
35 is sent. A roll of absorbent paper 135 is held at one end of the support plate, and the other end is attached to the motor 1.
To wind up by rotating 36: to feed the winder. Note that an appropriate load is applied to the feeding side of the blotting paper 135 to prevent the blotting paper from sagging. In this way, the probe 106 is placed on the cuvette 45 on the reaction line through the absorbent paper 135 and the opening 134, and a predetermined reagent is dispensed together with the diluent.

In this example, two arms 137a and 137b are pivotally attached to the support plate 133, and the probe 106 is held by pins 138a and 138b at the rotating tips of these arms, and one arm 137b is attached to the other arm 137b. The rotary shaft of the motor 139 is connected, and the probe 106 is passed between the two arms 137a and 137b as shown in FIG. 27A; the second reagent suction position; Reagent dispensing position shown in Figure B! 7) The cuvette 45 is configured to reach the main body through the blotting paper 135 and the opening 134. In this case,
It is preferable that the reagent liquid level detection device has the configuration shown in FIG. 23.

According to the above-mentioned probe cleaning device, the structure is simple because no cleaning water or the like is used, and in combination with the reagent liquid level detection, the probe 106 can be cleaned completely! = Can be washed.

In addition, the probe cleaning device and transfer mechanism described above:
The same procedure can be applied to the probe of the sample dispensing mechanism.

Next, a control device that controls the operation of each part of the analyzer, inputs sample information, and outputs calculation results of analysis results will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the control device is installed separately from the main body of the analyzer. By separating the analyzer main body and the control device in this way, ■ If the facility where the analyzer is installed, such as a hospital, has a computer with the capacity to control the MintJr device, it is possible to supply software to this computer. ■ By selectively connecting the analyzer to the communication line, if the dedicated control device goes down, the analyzer can be operated by connecting to a backup computer via the one-way line. ■If it is necessary to increase processing capacity due to an increase in analysis items or the number of samples, it is possible to increase
There are advantages such as the ability to operate the analyzer on the shiroku pedestal using the pedestal's control device.

The configurations corresponding to each of the functions (1) to (2) above will be explained in order below. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention that can be switched with a facility-side computer. A dedicated control device 140 includes a computer 141 and an interface 142, and is connected to the analyzer main body 25 via a switching device 143.

The facility side computer 144 also has an interface 14.
5 and the analyzer main body (thick 25 mm) via the switching device 143.
Connect to. In this way, the switching device 143 is automatically or manually operated to switch the analyzer main body 25 to the controller 1.
40 and the facility-side computer 144 for operation.

According to this configuration, even if the dedicated control device 140 goes down, it can be backed up by the facility computer 144 by operating the switching device 143, so that analysis work will not be hindered. Further, since it can be operated only by the computer 144 on the facility side without using a dedicated control device, it is advantageous in terms of space and cost.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention which can be connected to a backup computer via a communication line, and the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 28 indicate the same parts. Backup computer 14
4 is the interface 145a and! , 100 E
! , +146a to the communication line 147.

These backup computers, interfaces and! , 100 EM is installed at a service company or manufacturer. The facility that includes the analyzer main body 25 is connected to the communication line 147! , I OD E
! J 146 b and connect it to interface 1.
It is connected to the switching device 143 via 45b. In this way, by automatically or manually operating the switching device 143,
Computer 144 for backing up the analyzer main body 25
and a dedicated control device 140.

According to this configuration, as described above, even if the dedicated control device 1110 goes down, the analyzer main body 25 can be operated by the backup computer 1411 via the communication line 147 until the repair is completed. It does not interfere with analysis work.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention in which a plurality of analyzers are operated by one control device, and the reference numerals are the same as those shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. Codes indicate the same parts. In this way, one control device can control multiple analyzer bodies 25, two in this example.
25', a separate interface 142' is connected to the added analysis device 25', and the computer 1 of the IJ control device 140 is connected via this interface.
According to ++'l'j, one ili'J lifting device can handle four analyzer bodies 25.
．． 25' can be easily controlled, and it is extremely economical because the processing capacity can be increased at a low cost and the analyzer body 25 can be added according to the scale of the facility.

Next, a patient data system when using the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be explained.

A typical patient data system in a conventional automatic analyzer uses request 3, which contains handwritten patient information, as a loading list, and displays sample ID and D to indicate the position of the sample set in the analyzer. . Therefore, according to this system, the analysis results (reports) are output according to the loading item numbers. This analysis result is transferred to the request form in the loading list, or the patient information from the request form is written into the report, resulting in a final analysis report.

However, in such a patient data system, it is necessary to transcribe analysis results or patient information, and when samples are removed, added, or a squat (emergency) sample is inserted, analysis results and a loading list must be transcribed. The relationship between them becomes uncertain, and there is a risk of making the following errors.

a) Mismatch between patient name and LD No.

b) Error in transcription of patient information or analysis results.

c) Wrong sample for lDi'io.

d) The sample and I-D No. match, but the patient does not match.

Other data systems have also been proposed in which patient information is loaded into a computer memory and printed out along with analysis results. However, in this system, patient information is entered manually using a keyboard, so there is a risk of loading errors. Furthermore, there are other systems that load analysis item selection information directly from the request form into computer memory, but since matching the sample ID with the patient is done manually, it is the same as above. This may lead to serious errors.

On the other hand, in many conventional automatic analyzers, normal value ranges are set in advance for each analysis item, and values outside the range are marked as abnormal values on the data sheet. However, the normal value range is difficult to determine unambiguously and varies depending on the patient, i.e., gender, age, medication, etc., so a normal value range adapted to patient information is determined and this range is compared with the min+J′r result. This is extremely convenient for diagnosis.

The patient data system according to the present invention eliminates various problems in the conventional data system described above.
Patient information can be input directly into the analyzer from a request form containing a minimum of co-patient information, and the analysis results and, if necessary, the normal value range adapted to the patient can be directly printed out on this request form. It is. In this way, the patient name and 1/D No. are always the same, so the above-mentioned error does not occur, and each patient:
This enables appropriate diagnosis and treatment. However, there is no need to use a separate report, and it does not take much time, so the cost of inspection can be reduced.

31 and 32 are diagrams each showing a flowchart of the patient data system according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the format of a request form used in such a system. The flowchart shown in Fig. 31 is based on recording the normal i range for the patient (which varies depending on gender, age, medication, etc.) on the analyzer in advance, reading out the appropriate value based on the patient information, and requesting it. In addition to printing out the analysis result directly on the request form, the analysis result and the comparison result between the analysis result and the normal value range can also be printed out directly on the request form. The flowchart shown in Fig. 32 is such that patient information and normal value ranges applicable to the patient are written on the request form in advance, these are read, and the analysis results and comparison results are printed out on the request form. This is what I did. In this case, the request form is fed twice to the reader/printer, the I-D No. analysis item selection information and normal value range are read in the first feed, and the analysis results and comparison results are printed out in the second feed. be done. The ID uses a bar code as shown in FIG. Further, as for the comparison result, only in the case of an abnormal value, for example, a code indicating the height and the degree of abnormality (S/D value from the normal value average from the first shift) are printed in the AP column.

Next, the cuvette and sample liquid disposal mechanism after colorimetric measurement will be explained. In this example, after the analysis is completed, the waste liquid is not directly discharged from the analyzer, but a waste liquid treatment mechanism is provided inside the apparatus.
After harmful substances in the waste liquid are removed or converted into harmless substances, the cuvette and the waste liquid can be taken out of the apparatus separately. FIG. 34 diagrammatically shows the discarding mechanism, and shows cuvettes 45 held by several mechanisms at each photometry position of the photometry section described above.

After photometry is completed at this position, the holding mechanism is driven,
The cuvette 45 is caused to fall by gravity as shown by the arrow. A duct 500 is arranged below it, and a mesh 501 is arranged at an angle in this duct.

The falling cuvette 45 falls on this inclined mesh, spilling the test liquid and falling into the cuvette storage container 29. A neutralization tank 502 is arranged below the inclined mesh to take in the spilled test liquid, and the pH of the test liquid is adjusted here.
After adjusting and adsorbing and removing harmful organic substances, the waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid container 3G. The neutralization tank is replaceable and can be taken out and regenerated or replaced as waste treatment capacity declines.

According to such a disposal mechanism, even if the waste liquid is stored in the container 30, it will not be affected by harmful substances such as bad odors, and the cuvette and the waste liquid can be taken out of the apparatus separately, making it easy to dispose of the waste liquid.

Figures 35 and 36 are diagrams showing two other examples of disposal mechanisms. In the example shown in FIG.
The liquid to be tested is received by a cuvette storage container 29' designated as 'a', and the spilled test liquid is stored in a waste liquid container 30 disposed below the container 29'.

Since the cuvette 45 has a shape as shown in FIG. 11, it is extremely easy to fall over. Therefore, the fallen cuvette 45
The test liquid inside is almost completely washed out. Figure 36 is the 35th
The configuration is almost the same as that shown in the figure, and in this example, a fallen cuvette 45 is actively overturned by the inner wall of the cuvette storage container 29'. For this reason,
The side wall 29''a of the container 29'' is inclined below the dropping position, and discontinuous protrusions 29'b are provided on the inner surface thereof.

According to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 34, the same spinal cord waste solution and the cuvette can be disposed of in separate processing steps, thereby facilitating post-processing.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and numerous modifications and changes are possible.

For example, in the above description, the lag phase is monitored,
Although photometry is carried out in a linear phase, it is also possible to use a part of the lag phase monitor to monitor the end point, and when the end point is reached, to measure the light using the precision measurement section. In addition, in the above example, after the lag suise monitor, the sample liquid was precisely photometered with the entire cuvette.
As shown in FIG. 37, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only the test liquid is removed from the reaction line and photometry is performed. That is, the suction nozzle 150 is held so as to be able to selectively enter into the cuvette 45 on the reaction line and the wash water container 151 placed at a position off the reaction line, and this nozzle 150 is inserted into the cuvette 45 on the reaction line and into the wash water container 151 located outside the reaction line. It is connected to a syringe 153 through a valve 152 and to a suction pump 156 through a valve 154 and a waste liquid tank 155. Furthermore, a photoelectric colorimeter for photometry consisting of a light source 157 and a photoelectric conversion element 158 arranged to sandwich the cuvette 152 for photometry is provided. In this way, first, the valve 154 is closed, the suction nozzle is inserted into the cuvette 45 on the linear phase reaction line, and the syringe 153 is operated to aspirate the test liquid. Next, suction nozzle 1
50 is moved to enter the washing water container 151, the syringe 153 is operated again to aspirate clean water, and the previously aspirated test liquid is transferred into the photometric cuvette 152.

With the test liquid transferred into the photometric cuvette 152, suction of the washing water is stopped, the test liquid is kept stationary, and precise photometry is performed using the photoelectric colorimeter 157, 158.

After photometry is completed, the valve 1511 is opened, the suction pump 156 is activated, and the sample liquid and cleaning water are sucked into the waste liquid tank 15.
5 and return the syringe 153 to its original position. According to this configuration, the suction nozzle 150 and the photometric cuvette 152 are washed with cleaning water after sucking the sample liquid and after photometry, so that no contamination occurs.

Note that suction and photometry can also be performed in the following procedure. First, the valve 154 is closed, the syringe 153 is operated to draw the test liquid into the photometric cuvette 152, and the cuvette 152 is kept stationary in this state for precise photometry.

After photometry is completed, the valve 154 is opened, the suction pump 156 is operated to suck out the cleaning water, and the syringe 153 is returned to its original position. In this case as well, colorimetric photometry can be performed without causing contamination as described above.

Furthermore, an ion concentration measuring device is installed at an arbitrary position on the reaction line after the reagent is dispensed to measure Na in the test liquid.

It can also be configured to measure K, C1, etc.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example, in which a plurality of ion selection electrodes 160 are inserted into a cuvette 45 set in the cuvette transfer mechanism 37 (reaction line) to measure various ion concentrations. This is what I did. Ion selection electrode 160 is held at one end of arm 161. At the other end of the arm 161 are two guide rods 162a, 162.
b, and these guide rods are loosely fitted into sleeves 164a and 164b provided with an indicator plate 1631, respectively. A roller 165 is provided at the end of the guide tU62a, and the eccentric cam 16 is attached to the rotating shaft of a motor 166.
Bring it into contact with the cam surface of 7. Note that this ion concentration measuring portion is covered with a cover 168 to prevent dust from entering and adhering to it. In this configuration, when the motor 166 is driven to rotate the eccentric cam 167, the arm 161 moves up and down while keeping it horizontal due to the action of the sleeves 164a and 164b, and the ion selection electrode 160 moves up and down the cuvette 45.
The concentration of various ions can be measured at the same time.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the configuration of another example of the ion concentration measuring device. In this example, the test liquid in the cuvette 45 is sucked by the suction nozzle 170, and the concentration of various ions is measured in the flow cell 171. This is how it was done. Suction nozzle 1
70 is held at one end of an arm 172, and a guide rod 173 is attached to the other end of this arm. This guide rod 1
73 is loosely fitted into a sleeve 174 provided temporarily for support, and a roller 175 is attached to the end thereof. This roller is motor 1
The eccentric cam 177 is attached to the rotating shaft of the rotary shaft 76 and brought into contact with the cam surface of the attached eccentric cam 177. In this way, by driving the motor 176 and rotating the eccentric cam 177, the suction nozzle 170 can be inserted into the sample liquid in the cuvette 45.

In addition, the suction nozzle 170 is connected to a syringe 179 through a flexible tube 178 and a flow cell 171, and to a suction pump 182 through a valve 180 and a waste liquid tank 181. Further, the ion selection electrode 183 is arranged with its electrode portion penetrating into the flow cell 171. Note that the ion concentration measuring portion is covered with a cover 184 to prevent dust from entering and adhering to it. In this configuration, to measure the ion concentration in the test liquid, first close the valve 180, turn the motor 176 to M[4II, and insert the suction nozzle 170 into the test liquid in the cuvette 45 on the reaction line. . Next, the liquid to be tested in the cubera 115 is sucked by operating the ring 179 and stored in the flow cell 171 . In this state, the ion selection electrode 183 measures the concentration of various ions in the test liquid. After measurement, valve 1
80 is opened, the suction pump 182 is activated, and the aspirated test liquid is stored in the waste liquid tank 181.
Return 79 to its original position.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example of a signal processing circuit of the ion concentration measuring device described above; this processing circuit amplifies the signal from the ion selection electrode 160 (183) with the preamplifier 185; The signal is converted into a digital signal by an analog-decile converter 186, and this signal is supplied to a control device 187 for arithmetic processing.

In addition, in the ion concentration measurement apparatus shown in FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, a blotting paper is placed on the reaction line as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 37, if a washing water container is placed outside the reaction line and the ion selection electrode and suction nozzle are inserted into this container, the ion selection electrode Since cleaning can be performed, accurate measurements can be performed without causing contamination between test liquids.

In this way, when an ion concentration measuring device is attached to an automatic analyzer, the number of items that can be analyzed increases and the device can be effectively applied to emergency tests, thereby increasing the utility value of the device.

Furthermore, in the example described above, the photometric device was configured to quantitatively analyze the measurement items in the test liquid using the colorimetric method. It can also be configured to perform analysis. In this case, as shown in FIG. 41, a light receiving element 52' for receiving scattered light and fluorescent light may be placed below the cuvette 45 mounted as a photometric cell at each photometric position.

The light receiving element 52' can be arranged below the rotary filter unit 53 shown in FIG. 7, and can be opposed to the cuvette 45 via the optical fiber 51'. In this case, the outputs of both light receiving elements 52 and 52' are supplied to the A/D converter 55 via the multiplexer 190. Further, as shown in FIG. 42, the light-receiving element 52 for colorimetric analysis and the light-receiving element for nephelometric analysis and fluorescence analysis are common, and the optical fibers 51 and 51' are connected to a shack mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 43. can be used to selectively connect to a light source. The illustrated shutter mechanism includes a guide member 191 and a solenoid 1.
A plate 194 is displaceable along the guide member 191 against the force of a spring 193 by actuating a colorimetric aperture 196 and a scattered light aperture 197. be.

In addition, when performing nephelometric analysis and fluorescent analysis by receiving scattered light and fluorescent light of the test liquid in this way, the bottom 45c of the cuvette 45 is not shaped like a semi-cylindrical tube as shown in FIG. It is preferable that the bottom surface 45e is also flat.

As described above, by making it possible to perform nephelometric analysis and fluorescence analysis, it is possible to obtain an automatic analyzer that can perform an extremely large number of analysis items and has a very wide range of measurement applications.

In addition, in the turbidimetric analysis and fluorescence analysis mentioned above, separate optical systems were used from the colorimetric analysis, but it is possible to receive transmitted light, scattered light, and fluorescent light with one type of optical system and perform quantitative analysis on each. It can also be configured to do so. Figure 45-4
An example is shown in FIG.

Fig. 45 shows a cuvette 45' held rotatably. First, as shown in Fig. 45A, the light-transmitting surface of the cuvette 45' is arranged perpendicular to the incident light, and the light-receiving element is 200 receives transmitted light and performs colorimetric analysis. Next, the cuvette 40' is slightly rotated about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the light receiving element 200, as shown in FIG. At this time, the transmitted light deviates from the optical axis of the light receiving element 200, and scattered light and fluorescent light enter the light receiving element 200. Therefore, in this state, nephelometry and fluorescence analysis can be performed. 46 and 47 show the light receiving element 20 in the emission direction of scattered light and fluorescent light, respectively.
1 and 202, and the transmitted light is made to enter the light receiving elements 201 and 202 through movable mirrors 203 and 204. In FIG. 46, the cuvette!
Scattered light and fluorescent light are emitted from the side surface of the cuvette 45' through the scatterer 205, and from the bottom of the cuvette 45' in FIG. 47, respectively. In the case of colorimetric analysis, the movable mirrors 203 and 204 are set at the positions shown, respectively, to allow transmitted light to enter the light receiving elements 201 and 202, and in the case of nephelometric analysis and fluorescence analysis, the movable mirror 20
3 and 204 are rotated to the positions indicated by the imaginary lines so that transmitted light does not enter the light receiving elements 201 and 202, and only scattered light and fluorescent light are received by the light receiving elements 201 and 202, respectively. In Fig. 48, the shape of the cuvette itself has been changed so that colorimetric analysis, nephelometric analysis, and fluorescence analysis can be performed using a common light-receiving element 206. As shown in FIG.
cuvette with a light-transmitting surface intersecting the incident optical axis, +5
As mentioned above, we would like to make it possible to perform colorimetry, nephelometric analysis, and fluorescence analysis using a common light-receiving device. It's coming

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a typical reaction curve, and Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention. External perspective view; Figure 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each part in the device shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the photometry section shown in Figure 5. 8 is a front view of the rotary filter unit shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 98 and 9B are graphs showing reaction curves, respectively, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the rotary filter unit shown in FIGS. 11 is an external perspective view of the cuvette; FIGS. 12A and B are side and front views showing how the cuvette shown in FIG. 11 is held; FIGS. 13 and 14; 15 is a block diagram showing an example of movement control of the reagent cassette; FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrammatic plane views showing an example of the reagent cassette storage section. Figures and perspective views, Figure 18 is a line diagram showing the configuration of an example of the dispensing mechanism, Figure 19 is a route diagram showing the configuration of another example of the dispensing mechanism, Figure 20 A1 Figure 21 A and 22 Figure A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the suction amount detection device of the probe. 23 and 24 are perspective views showing the configuration of a liquid level detection device in a reagent container, FIG. 25 is a line diagram showing the configuration of an example of a probe cleaning device, and FIG. 26 is another example. 27A and B are explanatory views of the operation of the device in FIG. 26, and FIGS. 28 to 3
Figure 0 is a block diagram of the computer control circuit of the device of the present invention, Figures 31 and 32 are flowcharts of a patient data system applicable to the device of the present invention, and Figure 33 is a plan view showing an example of the format of the patient data system. Figures 34 to 36 are route diagrams that do not show the configuration of the reaction solution and cuvette disposal device; Figure 37 is a line diagram showing the configuration of other embodiments of the photometric device; Figures 38 and 39; 40 is a block diagram of the signal processing circuit in the device of FIG. 38 or 39. FIG. 41 and FIG. A diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a photometric section for performing colorimetric analysis, nephelometric analysis, and fluorescence analysis.
Fig. 4.1 is a side view of another embodiment of the cuvette, Fig. F
Figure 15 ~ No. 15! Figure 18: This is a diagram showing the configuration of the photometric section that receives transmitted light, scattered light, and fluorescent light. Mechanism 4... Cuvette 6... Cuvette transfer mechanism 7... Cuvette supply mechanism 8... Reagent dispensing mechanism 101-10h... Reagent container 11... Reagent transfer mechanism 12-15... Photoelectric colorimeter 16...control device 25...analyzer main body 32...cassette storage section 34...sample transfer mechanism 35...cuvette supply mechanism 36...sample dispensing device 37... Cuvette transfer mechanism 38... Reagent container 39... Reagent dispensing mechanism 41... Distribution mechanism 42... Photometry section 44.
... Turntable 45 ... Cuvette 46 ...
・Light source 48...Slit 51.51'...Optical fiber 52.52'...Light receiving element 53...Filter 8
0... Reagent cassette patent applicant Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. Fig. 5 Fig. 7 Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 Artwork (B) Fig. 25 fjl Fig. 26 Fig. 27 (A) Fig. 34 Fig. 35 Fig. 36 Fig. 28 Fig. 38 fO6 t'-t. Fig. 42

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A turntable capable of supporting a plurality of reaction vessels; a driving means for intermittently rotating the turntable about its central axis; and a reaction system for sequentially supplying the reaction vessels onto the turntable. a container supply mechanism;
a sample supply mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of sample to the reaction container; a reagent supply mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of reagent according to the analysis item to the reaction container to obtain a test liquid; a central axis of the turntable; one light source that is fixedly arranged on a line and irradiates a light beam in all radial directions; and one light source that is arranged rotatably about the central axis of the turntable and supports the light beam irradiated from the light source on the turntable. directing means for sequentially directing toward predetermined reaction vessels;
A plurality of optical fibers each having one end fixedly disposed and the other end converged in order to allow the light beam transmitted through the predetermined reaction container on the turntable to enter, and a plurality of optical fibers disposed opposite to the converging ends of the plurality of optical fibers. said turntable and said directing means are drivable such that said directing means rotates at least one full revolution during each cycle of intermittent rotation of said turntable; , the luminous flux from the light source is directed at least once to the predetermined reaction container on the turntable.
The photometry means sequentially outputs a plurality of measurement data for the test liquid in the predetermined reaction container by making the test liquid enter the reaction container twice; and means for receiving a plurality of photometric data and selecting quantitative analysis data for a predetermined analysis item for the test liquid in each reaction container from the photometric data. Analysis equipment.