JPS63185370A - Culture apparatus for reagent or such - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent stagnation of a reagent in an atmosphere, by supplying a cultured product with air stream having a specific temperature using a particular method. CONSTITUTION:The objective culture apparatus 31 contains a lowering conveyor 43, a lifting conveyor 44 and a carrier unit 47 placed between the lower ends of the conveyors. A culturing object is slowly transported and cultured by this mechanism. A duct is placed around both conveyors 43, 44 and air conditioned to a specific temperature is supplied from the duct to the conveyors 43, 44 using a blade placed in the duct. An air conditioner 48 and a blower are placed between both conveyors 43 and 44.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an apparatus for doubling reagents and the like that are dispensed and coated into each well arranged in a microwell plate.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, when replenishing each well of a microplate used in serology or bacteriology with necessary reagents, etc., the reagents were dispensed and coated into each well in an atmosphere at a predetermined temperature. This is accomplished by loading and setting the microplate itself with reagents, etc.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, by taking the microplate itself into an atmosphere at a predetermined temperature and setting it therein for a predetermined incubation time, the reagents, etc., dispensed and coated into each wool can be removed. When doubling microplates, the heat retention by the heater unit that constitutes the temperature atmosphere tends to be uneven between the loading and setting positions of each microplate, and the reagents dispensed and coated into each well in the temperature atmosphere tend to be uneven. If these occur, they will remain in the temperature atmosphere, have a negative impact on the high temperature control of the temperature atmosphere, and will also adhere to the bottom of the microplate, resulting in a decline in accurate and stable fermentation and quality uniformity. In addition, the vapors of the reagents and the like cause corrosion to the apparatus, impairing the corrosion resistance of this type of culturing apparatus itself.

Therefore, the present invention has been developed in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional incubation apparatuses, and it is possible to create a temperature atmosphere having the required intensification effect by adjusting the loading position of each microplate into the temperature atmosphere. It can be constructed without any non-uniformity between microplates 1 and 1, and prevents the vapor of reagents, etc. dispensed and coated into each well of each microplate 1 from being trapped in the temperature atmosphere, and has an accurate and stable incubation effect. In addition to being able to form a temperature atmosphere, the present invention aims to provide a fermentation device that is highly corrosion resistant.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The incubation device for reagents, etc. of the present invention is capable of doubling the reagents, etc. dispensed into each well during the conveyance process of the ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor. In the apparatus, a duct portion is formed to surround the ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor and a conveyance path between both conveyors, and a heater portion is provided in the center of the conveyance path between the two conveyors,
A plurality of blades are installed in the ducts of the ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor, and the hot air in the heater section is transferred from the duct section of the conveyance path to the duct sections of the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor between the two conveyors. The hot air is blown through the respective blades, and the hot air is discharged from the inlet and outlet ports for the microplates to the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor, and the conveyance path between the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor and both conveyors. It is configured such that the hot air can be kept at a predetermined temperature while being forced to circulate.

[Function] The present invention performs the necessary doubling process while transporting the microplate during the transport process between the device conveyor and the descending conveyor, and the transport path between the two conveyors and the two conveyors. The hot air is forced to circulate in the surrounding duct, and the hot air is forcibly discharged from the microplate loading and unloading ports of the second ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor, thereby achieving a uniform heat retention effect in the duct. At the same time, it is possible to eliminate the accumulation of vapors of reagents and the like in the duct, thereby achieving quality stabilization and corrosion resistance of the device.

[Example] First, an example of a microplate solid-phase method for reagents will be described in detail with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a microplate solid phase method for reagents.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of the microplate;
A cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.

First, regarding the applicable microplate 1, Fig. 2a,
As shown in b and c, six modules 3 (see FIG. 2C) each having eight flat-bottomed wells 2 arranged in two rows are removably attached to the module plate 4.
It consists of a configuration in which several wells 2 are arranged.

Furthermore, in order to keep the mounting direction of each module 3 on the module plate 4 constant, one mounting end 3a of each module 3 is provided with protrusions at predetermined intervals along one mounting edge 4a of the module plate 4. The other mounting end 3b is provided with an engagement groove 6 that engages with the engagement protrusion 5, and the other mounting end 3b is provided with an engagement protrusion that engages with engagement grooves 7 drilled at predetermined intervals along the other mounting edge 4b. It is formed by protruding 8.

Further, among the four corners of the frame edge 9 of the module plate 4, one corner has a diagonal cut portion 10a that determines the direction of the module plate 4, and the other three corners have R7J10b.

10e and lOd are provided.

Further, on the surface of one side edge of the module plate 4, display characters 9a (alphabetic characters in the drawing) indicating the rows of each well 2 are provided.

Now, let's talk about a method of immobilizing a reagent solution in each well 2 of the microplate 1 constructed as described above.

This will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, in the reagent solution dispensing step, each of the eight wells 2 arranged in each module 3 of the microplate 1 is
The first step of dispensing the reagent solution ti to each well 2 through eight dispensing nozzles 12 arranged in a row on a nozzle arm (not shown) that can simultaneously dispense the required amount of reagent solution 11 to each well 2. The second step is to check the amount of dispensed ff1 (loO#LJL±10%) by inserting two pairs of electrodes 13 into each well 2, and to process the data.
Consists of process dispensing monitor.

Dispensing the reagent solution 11 through the dispensing nozzle 12 includes:
In addition to the configuration in which eight dispensing nozzles 12 are arranged in a row corresponding to the arrangement direction of each well 2 of each module 3, two rows of eight dispensing nozzles 12 are arranged in one row on a nozzle arm (not shown). Using a dispensing unit (not shown), line up the microplate 1! It is also possible to dispense the reagent solution 11 into two rows of wells 2 at the same time.

In addition, with the same configuration, for checking the amount of reagent solution 11 dispensed in each well 2 of the microplate l, there are two cases in which two pairs of electrodes 13 are arranged in a row on an electrode arm (not shown), and two cases in which the electrodes 13 are arranged at intervals. An electrode unit (
(not shown) can be used to perform the dispensing amount check.

Note that the first step in the dispensing step is as follows. The dispensing and dispensing amount check in the second step are performed alternately while the microplate 1 is transferred via a transfer means (not shown) by pitch feeding corresponding to the arrangement pitch of each well 2 of the microplate 1. Is possible.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, prior to dispensing in the first step of the dispensing process, a well check is performed to check for leakage in the attachment of the module 3 to the module plate 4. . If it is discovered through this well check that the module 3 is not attached to the module plate 4, an alarm such as a buzzer is issued to the operator and the dispensing process is temporarily stopped.

Further, when a well 2 in which an allowable amount of reagent solution 11 is not dispensed due to the above-mentioned dispensing amount check is processed by data processing, the module 3 containing such well 2 is , is replaced with another suitable module 3.

Further, the reagent solution 11 is stored cold at a predetermined temperature in a reagent shelf (not shown), and is dispensed from the reagent shelf by the dispensing nozzle 12 while drawing a predetermined amount q&.

Furthermore, when checking the dispensing and dispensing amount by the dispensing nozzle 12 and electrode 13, after checking the dispensing and dispensing amount for each well 2, each dispensing nozzle 12 and electrode 13 are cleaned. . That is, as described above, dispensing and dispensing amount checking are performed alternately, and dispensing nozzle 1
2 is cleaned during the dispensing amount check of the electrode 13 and prepared for dispensing the reagent solution 11 to each well 2 in the next order, and when the dispensing amount check in each well 2 by the electrode 13 is completed, the 1 dispensing nozzle 12 The reagent solution 11 is aspirated and dispensed into each well 2 by the dispenser nozzle 12, and the electrode 13 can be cleaned during the dispensing by the dispensing nozzle 12.

Next, the doubling process (hereinafter referred to as the incubation process)
In the dispensing process, 1oOILi± is added to each well 2 of each module 3 mounted on the module plate 4.
Dispensed microplate 1- of 10% reagent solution 11-
Reference numeral 1 denotes a magazine (1) capable of storing a plurality of microplates 1 in a suspended state after one dispensing process is completed and the microplates 1 are discharged from the discharging section in connection with the transport of the microplates 1 in the dispensing process.
(not shown), and in connection with the storage of the required number of microplates 1 in the magazine, the microplates 1 that are transferred to the incubation process via the same magazine and stored in the magazine are ,3
The cells were transported into a temperature-controlled expansion room at 7°C ± 2°C, and 1
After a time-consuming transport process, the reagent solution 11 dispensed into each well 2 is completely doubled.

The microplates discharged from the culture chamber are sequentially suspended and stored in the magazine provided in the discharge section and transferred to the following washing step.

That is, the next cleaning process is performed by cleaning in the fourth process shown in the first diagram and checking the cleaning liquid discharge in the fifth process.

Therefore, in the fourth step of washing, the reagent solution 11 remaining in each well 2 of the microplate 1 is sequentially transported from the magazine after the incubation step via the transport means.
is discharged through the discharge nozzle 14 corresponding to the row of wells 2 arranged in the module 3, and then similarly through the cleaning nozzle 15 corresponding to the row of the wells 2 arranged in the module 3. After the residual liquid of the reagent solution 11 has been discharged, a cleaning liquid 16 is supplied into each well 2 for cleaning, and this is further discharged through the discharge nozzle 14 for cleaning. The same operation of supplying the cleaning liquid 16 through the cleaning nozzle 15 and discharging it through the discharge nozzle 14 after cleaning is performed three times to complete the cleaning operation.

In addition, when the cleaning of each well 2 is performed through the discharge nozzle 14 and the cleaning nozzle 15 corresponding to the row of each well 2, the discharge nozzle 14 corresponding to the row of each well 2 is A pair of discharge nozzles 14 and a cleaning nozzle 15 are arranged in one row on a nozzle arm (not shown) supporting the nozzle arm (not shown); Similarly to the dispensing process, it is possible to simultaneously wash the wells 2 in every other two rows of the microplate 1.

To check the discharge of the washing liquid 16 in the next fifth step, the pair of electrodes 13 used for the above-mentioned dispensing amount check were arranged in two rows or in two rows corresponding to the rows of each well 2. This is accomplished by inserting a pair of electrodes 17 having the same configuration as the electrode unit into each well 2, sensing the data, and processing the data.

In addition, the washing step in the fourth step and the discharge check in the fifth step are carried out during the pitch feeding step corresponding to the arrangement pitch of each well 2 of the microplate 1 after the incubation step is carried out from the magazine and carried out by a conveyance means. Regarding the point that cleaning is performed alternately and each discharge nozzle 14 and each electrode 17 is performed during each step between the two steps, the cleaning of each discharge nozzle 14 and each electrode 17 is performed alternately. This is the same as the dispensing and dispensing amount check in the second step.

The blocking process after the above-mentioned washing process includes dispensing the block solution 18 in the sixth step in FIG. 1 and dispensing the block solution 1 in the seventh step.
This is accomplished by checking the amount dispensed and processing the data in step 8.

Therefore, the dispensing of the block solution 18 in the sixth step is performed by the dispensing nozzle 19, and the dispensing amount check and data processing of the block solution 18 in the seventh step are performed.

The pair of electrodes 20 are used to perform the washing process on each well 2 of the microplate 1, and both steps are performed in the same manner as the dispensing of the reagent solution 11, the dispensing amount check, and the data processing. The detailed explanation will be omitted.

Although the case has been described in which the reagent solution 11 in the reagent dispensing process is stored cold at a predetermined temperature, the block solution 18 in the block solution dispensing process does not need to be stored at a constant temperature unless a specific heat retention is required. It is.

The next eighth step of incubation of the block solution 18 is also carried out in the same manner as the third step of incubation shown in the first diagram, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the washing step shown in FIG. 1 after the incubation step is performed by washing in the 9th step and checking the washing liquid discharge in the $10 step, and the former washing is performed by draining the block solution 18 remaining in each well 2 and checking the discharge of the block solution 18 after washing. The cleaning liquid is discharged by the discharge nozzle 21, and the cleaning liquid 22 is supplied by the cleaning nozzle 23, and the latter cleaning liquid discharge check is performed by inserting a pair of electrodes 24 into each well 2. The method of each step is the same as the cleaning in the fourth step shown in the first drawing and the discharge cheek in the fifth step, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Furthermore, after the incubation of the block solution 18 and the washing process, the microplate 1 is dried for a predetermined time in a drying chamber (not shown) controlled at a predetermined drying temperature, so that reagents can be added to each well 2 of the microplate 1. Reagents can be solid phased.

Therefore, in the above, the entire process of immobilizing the reagent in each well 2 of the microplate 1 has been explained, but below, an example of an apparatus for incubating the reagent solution as the reagent will be explained along with drawings. This will be explained below.

FIG. 3 is an overall layout diagram of the apparatus used for the reagent solid phase, and 30 is a reagent dispensing device, 31 is a reagent incubation device, 32 is a reagent cleaning device, and 33 is a reagent dispensing device.
34 is a block solution dispensing device, 34 is a block solution incubation device, 35 is a block solution cleaning device, and 36 is a drying device.

Therefore, the reagent incubation device 31 will be explained.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, this doubling device 31 includes a magazine supply side elevation unit 41 provided on the left side of the pedestal unit 40, and a magazine supply side elevation unit 41 provided on the right side of the pedestal unit 40. Magazine ejection side elevation unit 42 arranged opposite to 41
, and compare units 43 and 44 for lowering and raising the microplate 1, which are provided adjacent to the inside of both the elevator units 41 and 42, respectively, and the supply side which is provided at the upper center of the gantry unit 40. a low go unit 45 that receives and takes microplates l from a magazine held in an elevation unit 41 and supplies them to the descending conveyor unit 43; and a microbrake held in the ascending conveyor unit 44. 1 and the discharge side elevation 42.
The unloader unit 46 is stored in a magazine held in the magazine. The microplate l conveyed to the lower end by the descending conveyor unit 43, which is installed between the lower ends of the descending and ascending conveyor units) 43 and 44 at the lower side of the gantry unit) 40, is received and transported to the lower end thereof. A carrier unit 47 to be carried into the lower end of the ascending conveyor unit 44. Further, the descending and ascending conveyor unit 4 is attached to the center of the frame 40.
3. A heater unit 48 that maintains each conveyance path of the carrier unit 47 connecting the lower ends of 44 at a predetermined temperature atmosphere using a forced hot air circulation ventilation system, and a mount unit 40
A control unit 49 for each of these units is provided above the unit.

The pedestal unit 40 includes a pedestal 50 as shown in FIG.
Against base 51. ), the top plate 52 is stretched, and the top plate 52 is covered with a top cover 53 . Frame 5
There are side covers 54.55 on both the left and right sides of 0, the front side,
A cover 56 and a rear cover 57 are removably attached to the back side to ensure heat retention inside the gantry unit 40, and casters 58 are attached to the base 51 for movement. It is configured so that it can be moved freely and an adjuster foot 59 is attached so that it can be fixed while adjusting the height position.

Further, the side cover 54.55 is provided with a see-through window 59a for confirming the presence or absence of the microplate l during incubation in the descending and ascending conveyor unit 43.44, and the magazine supply side elevation unit 41 More Rogue Unit 45
an inlet 60 for carrying in the microplate 1 to the descending conveyor unit 43 via the conveyor unit 43 for descending, and an outlet 61 for carrying out the microplate 1 from the ascending conveyor unit 44 to the magazine discharge side elevation unit 42 via the unloader unit 46. Each is open.

The magazine supply side elevation unit 41 will be explained below with reference to FIG.
is attached to the left side of the base 51 of the frame unit) 40, and support plates 71 and 72 are attached to both sides of this base 70.
A base 73 is attached to the upper side of both support plates 71 and 72 to provide a pedestal 74 for the elevation unit 41. A slider support frame 76 with a slide plate 75 is erected above the base 73 of the mount 74, and a pair of journal assemblies 78. A lift plate 81 is attached to the slider plate 77 via a support plate 80, and a magazine guide plate 82, 83, 84.
85 is fixed and a magazine lift 86 is provided.

Further, motors 87 and 88 for driving the magazine lift 86 are provided above the base 73 of the mount 74, and a lead screw 90 is connected to the motor 88 via a bearing 89 so as to be rotatable and movable up and down. The upper end 90a of this lead screw 90 is connected to the slider plate 77 of the magazine lift 86 via a connecting piece 91, and the lower end 90b is connected to the slider plate 77 of the magazine lift 86. A driving section 93 of the magazine lift 86 is provided by connecting to the lower end 92a of the shutter 92 attached to the lower end.

Note that 94 indicates a joint fitting between the lead screw 90 and the connecting piece 91, 95 indicates a bolt, and 96 indicates a shutter collar for attaching the shutter 92 to the lead screw 90.

Furthermore, the lift plate 81 of the magazine lift 86
A magazine detection hole 97 is opened in the center part of the magazine, and a micro switch 99 is installed at the lower center part via a mounting piece 98.
Attach it to the switch end of this microswitch 99,
A detecting pin 101 is provided by positioning the lower end of a detecting bottle 101 mounted through a bushing 100 in the detecting hole 97, thereby providing a detecting section for detecting the presence or absence of a magazine in the magazine lift 86.

A stopper 102 is attached to the upper end of the slider support plate 76, and a sensor 104 detects the presence or absence of the microplate 1 in the magazine set on the magazine lift 86 via a sensor angle 103 attached to the stopper 102. is installed.

Additionally, magazine positioning pins 105 and 106 are provided upright on the lift plate 81 of the magazine lift 86, so as to be able to regulate the direction in which magazines are set on the lift plate 81'' side. ing.

The shutter 77 is provided with slots 7) 107 and 10B at predetermined intervals along its left and right edges, and a sensor angle 109 is provided below the base 73 of the mount 74.
, 110, there are provided photosensors 111 and 112 having a pair of light emitting and light receiving elements for detecting the pickpockets 7) 107 and 108.

The sensor 111 is connected to the slit 1 of the shutter 77.
07 and the sensor 112 detects the slit 10.
8, the sensor Ill constitutes a detection unit for the upward pitch of the magazine lift 86, and the sensor 112 constitutes a detection unit for the transfer pitch of the magazine lift 86 relative to the rogue unit 45.

A shutter 113 is attached to the lower end 90b of the lead screw 90, and a photosensor 115 having a pair of light emitting and light receiving elements is provided on the base 73 of the mount 74 via a sensor angle 114, and on the upper side of the base 70, A photosensor 117 having a pair of light emitting and light receiving elements is provided via the sensor angle 116, and constitutes a detection section for the ascending end and descending end of the lead screw 90.

The structure of the magazine ejection side elevation unit 42 is shown in FIG. In contrast, it is disposed on the right side of the pedestal 40, and has the same configuration as the magazine supply side elevation unit 41, and the same components are denoted by the same numbers, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. do.

Next, the descending and ascending conveyor bell) 43
．． 44 will be explained.

First, the descending conveyor unit 43 is disposed adjacent to the inside of the magazine supply side elevation unit 41 on the left side of the gantry unit 40, and specifically has the configuration shown in FIG.

A pair of left and right support plates 121 are protruded from the upper part of the support frame 120 (see FIGS. 4 a and b) erected above the base 51 of the J stand unit 40.
A pair of bearing plates 122, 123 respectively between the front and rear of 121
(see Figure 4) is installed upright, and this bearing plate 122
, 123, timing pulleys 126, 127 are mounted via rotary shafts 124, 125.

Furthermore, a pair of bearing plates 128 and 129 are provided upright on the upper side of the base 50 of the gantry unit 40 at positions corresponding to the timing pulleys 126 and 127, respectively, and a rotating shaft 130 is mounted on each pair of bearing plates 128 and 129, respectively.
The timing pulleys 126, 127 via 131
A pair of timing pulleys 132 and 133 are pivotally mounted, and a conveyor bell) 1 is provided between the timing pulley 126 and the timing pulley 132, and between the timing pulley 127 and the timing pulley 133, respectively.
34,135 are stretched.

Both conveyor bells) 134, 135 are shown in Fig. 7a,
As is clear from c, engagement grooves 136 and 137 are disposed facing each other and engage the left and right side edges of the microplate l at predetermined intervals on the surfaces of both conveyor belts 134 and 135 in the length direction. By arranging them in corresponding positions, a plurality of microplays 1 can be held in a layered manner between both conveyor belts 134 and 135, and conveyed in the vertical direction according to the rotation of the timing pulleys 126, 127, 132 degrees 133. It is configured as follows.

Furthermore, both conveyor belts 134, 135 are equipped with tension rollers 138, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b.

This tension roller 138 is connected to the gantry unit 4.
Bearing plates 142, 143 on the upper side of the support plate 141 protrude through the plate 140 fixed to the support frame 120 of 0
They are eccentrically mounted via a shaft 144 between them.

145 is a bearing, 146 is a collar, and 147 is a reinforcing plate.

In addition, the drive parts of the conveyor bells 134 and 135 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7c, d, e, and f. A timing belt 156 is stretched between the timing pulleys 154 and 155 fixed to the rotation shafts 130 and 131 of the timing pulleys 132 and 133 of the conveyor bells 134 and 135 via an intermediate timing pulley 153 to a timing pulley 152 for driving. (by setting both conveyor bells)
Timing pulleys 132 and 133 of 134 and 135 are connected, and both of the conveyor bells 139 and 135 can be driven in the vertical direction while rotating both of the timing pulleys 132 and 133 by driving the drive motor 150. It is configured.

Regarding the intermediate timing pulley 153, see FIG. 7d.
As shown in FIG.
A bearing plate 157 is set up on the upper side of 1, and both bearing plates 128, 15
7 through a rotating shaft 158.

In addition, in the same figure, 159 is a bearing of the rotating shaft 130, and 16
0 is the bearing of the rotating shaft 158, 161 is the rotating shaft 124
bearings, 162, 163° 164 is the rotating shaft 124
, 130 colors.

Further, the timing pulley 155 fixed to the rotating shaft 131 of the timing pulley 133 of the conveyor belt 135 is equipped with a normal rotation/reversal control device for the drive motor 150, as shown in FIG. 7e.

That is, at the end of the rotating shaft 131 to which the timing pulley 155 is fixed, there is a shutter 166 in which slits 165 are bored at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 7f.
is fixed with bolts 167, and a sensor block 169 is attached to a support frame 168 positioned above the shutter 166 and erected above the base 51. A photosensor 172 equipped with a mask 17e consisting of a light emitting and light receiving element is disposed via a sensor ampoule 170,
A photosensor 175 consisting of a light emitting and light receiving element is disposed on the side of the shutter 166 via sensor plates 173 and 174.

In the figure, reference numeral 176 indicates an amplifier mounted on the upper side of the support frame 168 via an angle 177, and reference numeral 178 indicates a terminal block of this amplifier 176.

Furthermore, the configuration of the lifting conveyor unit 44 is as follows:
It has the same configuration as the descending conveyor unit 43 described above, and its specific illustration is omitted, and its main components are schematically shown in FIG. 4, and the main components are shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as the main components of the conveyor unit 43 will be used, and the explanation will be omitted.

The Rogue unit 45 has the configuration shown in FIG. 8, and is mounted on a support plate 180 spanning between left and right support frames 121 erected above the base 51 of the gantry unit 40.

On the outer periphery of the arm shaft 182 to which the transport plate 181 of the microplate 1 is attached at the tip, a lead gear 184 that is screwed into a drive gear (not shown) of a drive gear box 183 attached to the support plate 180 is attached to approximately the entire length. The lead gear 184 is screwed across the drive gear box 183, and is held so as to pass through the drive gear box 183 so as to be freely threadable in the front and rear directions.

Further, the driving gear box 183 is provided with a driving motor 185 for driving the driving gear, and is located on the left side of the support plate 180 at the backward end of the arm shaft 182 of the conveying plate 181 to detect the backward end. A photosensor 186 for the supporting plate 1 is disposed, and
A photosensor 187 for detecting the forward end is disposed in the center of the transport plate 180 at the forward end of the arm shaft 182 of the conveyance plate 181, and a photo sensor 187 is located at the intermediate stop position of the arm shaft 182 on the right side of the support plate 180. At least a photosensor 188 for detecting an intermediate stop position is provided, and furthermore, a shutter 189 of the photosensor 187.degree. 188 is attached to the rear end of the arm shaft 182.

In addition, each of the photo centers 186, 187° 188 is
Each sensor plate 1 so that its mounting position can be adjusted.
Bolt holes 190a for bolts 190 for fixing 86a, 187a, and 188a are formed as elongated holes.

Furthermore, the transport plate 181 of the microplate 1
Guide 191.192 to receive microplate 1
At the same time, a photo sensor 194 for detecting the presence or absence of the microplate l on the transport plate 181 is disposed on a block fitting 193 that fixes the transport plate 181 to the arm shaft 182.

The Rogue unit 45 also has a lead gear 184 screwed on the outer periphery of the arm shaft 182 to facilitate driving of the arm shaft 182 that supports the transport plate 181 of the microplate 1 so as to be movable in the front and back direction. A grease receiver is equipped with a device 195 to prevent the supplied grease from falling into the well 2 of the microplate 1 held between the conveyor bells 134, 135 of the descending conveyor unit 43.

That is, this grease receiver device 195 is connected to the gantry unit 4.
The slide shaft 197 of the movable block 196 is suspended between the support frames 120 of 0 and the movable block 196 is mounted on the slide shaft 197.
The movable block 196 is always biased in the left direction (forward direction) in FIG. .

Further, the movable block 196 is positioned at the upper and lower portions of the slide shirt 197, and the upper and lower portions 196a and 196b of the movable block 196 are mounted on guide shafts 199 and 200 that extend between the support frames 120 and are linear motion bearings. 201 is used as a guide.

Note that 202 and 203 indicate holding plates of the bearing 201 attached to both the front and rear sides of the movable block 196, and 204 is a stopper of the movable block 196 attached to the slide shaft 197.

Further, a pusher bar 205 is attached to the upper part 196a of the movable block 196 with a spacer 206 interposed therebetween, and via a connecting block 207 having a stopper 209 at the tip of the pusher bar 205,
A receiver for receiving grease applied to the outer periphery of the arm shaft 182 is constructed by attaching a plate 208.

Further, the structure of an unloader unit 46 which receives the microplate 1 held by the lifting conveyor unit 44 and stores it in the magazine held by the discharge side elevation 42 is shown in FIG. While the Rogue unit 45 is disposed on the left side of the gantry unit 40, each structure of the loader unit 45 is disposed on the right side thereof, and has the same configuration. The parts are indicated by the same numbers in FIG. 9, and detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, the carrier unit 47 that receives the microplate l conveyed to its lower end by the descending conveyor unit 43 and carries it to the lower end of the ascending conveyor unit 44 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1O. do.

A support frame 210 is erected above the base 51 of the gantry unit 40 at the left and right ends of the gantry unit 40, and a pole screw 21 is installed between the two support frames 210.
1 is rotatably crossed, the movable block 212 is attached to the pole screw 211 of the bracket, and the threaded part 212a fixed to the movable block 212 is attached to the pole screw 211 (7) threaded part 211a.
(see Figure 1O d) by screwing into the pole screw 2.
The left and right sides of the movable block 212 are attached to the guide shafts 213 on both the left and right sides of the pole screw 211 so that the left and right sides of the movable block 212 are attached to the linear motion bearings 2 and 213 so that they can be screwed freely between the pole screws 211 in the length direction according to the rotation of the pole screws 211.
14 to guide the guide.

Furthermore, a carrier 216 is attached to the upper side of the movable block 212 via a spacer 215.

The guide plates 217 of the microplate 1 are attached to both front and rear ends of the carrier 216, and insertion holes 220 for the feed-side and unload-side fiber sensors 218 and 219 are opened at the target positions of both guide plates 217. It is. Reference numerals 221 and 222 indicate the sensor plates of the fiber sensors 218 and 219, and both the sensors 218 and 219 are attached to the support frame 210 via the plates 221 and 222, respectively.

Further, a timing pulley 223 is fixed to the end 211b of the pole screw 211, and a timing belt 227 is connected to the timing pulley 226 fixed to the drive shaft 225 of the motor 224 attached to the support frame 210. are connected.

Incidentally, 228 indicates each support plate 21 of the pole screw 211.
Bearings 23 interposed in each bearing portion 229 provided at 0
0 is a collar fitted to both ends of the pole screw 211, 23
Reference numeral 1 indicates a gearbox of the motor 224, and reference numeral 232 indicates a reinforcing plate attached to each support plate 210.

Photo sensors 233 and 234 for detecting the presence of the carrier 216 at both left and right ends are disposed on the -L side of both reinforcing plates 232, and a photo sensor 235 for detecting the carrier 216 is installed on the support frame 120.
The shutters 236 (see FIG. 10d) of the photosensors 233 and 234 are attached to the movable block 212.

In addition, 237.238 is the amplifier attached to both support plates 210, 239.240 is the amplifier 237.238 installed at an angle, and 241.242 is both amplifiers 237.238.
These terminal blocks are shown respectively.

Furthermore, the conveyor unit for descending and seven items) 4
The structure of the heater unit 48 that keeps each conveyance path of the carrier unit 47 connecting between the conveyor unit 3.44 and both conveyor units 43 and 44 at a predetermined temperature atmosphere by forced hot air circulation ventilation will be explained with reference to FIG.

Two wooden posts 251 are erected on the support plate 250 installed between the support frames 120 of the mount unit 40, and a heater mount 252 is attached above both branches 251, and a heater holder 253 is installed above the mount 252.
It is constructed by arranging a plurality of cartridge heaters 254 in a stacked manner via the cartridge heaters 254.

Further, a heat insulating plate 255 is disposed on the side of the cartridge holder 253, and each of the cartridge heaters 254 is connected to a power supply section (not shown) via a wiring terminal board 256 installed above the mounting base 252. They are electrically connected.

Furthermore, front and rear covers 2 are provided before and after the heater section 267 consisting of each cartridge heater 254.
57 and 258, and duct covers 259 and 260 surrounding the descending and ascending conveyor belts 43 and 44, so that both conveyor belts are placed on both sides of the heater section consisting of each of the cartridge heaters 253. The tight covers 259 and 260 are provided with upper and lower and intermediate flanges, respectively.
63 is stretched, and the rear cover 258 is provided with a heater section 267 formed by each of the cartridge heaters 253.
It is constructed by installing fans 268 and 269 that forcefully circulate hot air.

In addition, 270 and 271 are the heaters of the fans 268 and 269, 272 is a temperature control sensor of the rotating part attached to the heater part 267, and 273 is the heater part 26.
7 shows the sensor for detecting abnormal heating of the rotating section.

Note that the reagent dispensing device 30 shown in the third figure carries out the microplate 1 stored in the magazine 280 from the magazine 180 and conveys it at a constant pitch, and also dispenses the reagent solution τ? After dispensing and coating the reagent, there is a microplate transport mechanism section 120 for transporting and storing the reagent into an empty magazine 280 set on the discharge side, and a microplate transport mechanism section 120 for dispensing and dispensing the reagent into each well 2 of the microplate 1. A nozzle arm section 130 that checks the dispensed amount in each well 2 after pouring, a reagent shelf section 140 that stores the reagent solution in a cooled state at a constant temperature, and the nozzle arm section 130.
dispensing nozzle (not shown in Figure 3)
In each well 2 of the nozzle cleaning shelf 150 for cleaning the nozzle cleaning shelf 150, the cleaning shelf 160 for cleaning the dispensing amount checking electrode (not shown in FIG. 3) in the arm 130, and the microbrake 1, The cleaning device 32 includes a reagent dispensing unit section 170 that sucks a required amount of reagent solution for quantitative dispensing from the reagent shelf section 140, and the cleaning device 32 is connected to the dispensing device 3.
Each well of the microplate 1 stored in the magazine 280 after being dispensed and coated into each well 2 which has the same configuration as the microplate transport mechanism section 120 in 0 and multiplied by the incubation device 31. A microplate transporting section 120 that transports microplates 2 for cleaning and after cleaning is carried out and stored in a magazine 280 set on the discharge side, a nozzle arm section 130 equipped with a cleaning nozzle and a residual liquid detection nozzle, and a nozzle arm section 130 that carries cleaning liquid. Cleaning liquid shelf section 1 for storage
40, a cleaning shelf section 160 for cleaning the residual liquid detection nozzle, and a cleaning solution dispensing unit section 170 for sucking and supplying the cleaning solution from the cleaning solution shelf section 140 to the cleaning nozzle of the nozzle arm section 130, Dispensing device 3
3 has the same configuration as the reagent dispensing device 30 (however, the reagent shelf section becomes the block solution shelf section 140 that stores the block solution), and the block solution incubation device 3
Reference numeral 4 has the same structure as the reagent incubation device 31, and furthermore, the washing device 35 after dispensing and incubating the block solution has the same structure as the washing device 32, and is designated by the same number.

Now, the coating device 30 shown in FIG.
After dispensing and coating each well 2 of the microplate 1 shown in the figure with the reagent solution 11, it is stored in a magazine, and using the same magazine, it is passed through the supply side elevation 41 of the culture device 31. Each microplate 1 is carried into the culture device 31, and conversely, each microplate 1 after culture is discharged while being stored in an empty magazine set in the discharge side elm version 42.

Thus, the magazine 280 shown in the twelfth figure is configured such that ten microplates 1 can be sequentially stored in the magazine 280 from the upper stage to the lower stage.

Further, this magazine 280 is shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b.

As shown in c, d, and e, left and right side plates 283 and 284 are attached between the top plate 281 and the bottom plate 282, and the left and right side plates 283 and 284 are made of a hollow container with openings at the front and back.
On the inner surface of 84, there are stepped portions 285, 28 that lock and hold ten microplates 1 at a constant pitch from the upper side to the lower side.
6 are arranged opposite to each other, and at the front and rear ends of each stepped portion 285 and 286, an engaging groove 2 is provided which engages the engaging edge of the micro play 1.
85a, 285b, 286a, 286b are provided, and an engagement groove 285a of each step 285 of one side plate 283,
285b is provided at an asymmetrical position shifted to one side from the center line of the left side plate 283 (see Fig. 12).
The longitudinal direction of the microplate 1 in each stage is regulated to be constant, and the engagement groove 285a of each of the retaining grooves is fixed to one of the four corners of the microplate l. Diagonal cut portion 10 provided in
The other three engaging grooves 285b and 286a are formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a.

286b is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the other R portions 10b, loc, and lOd, and is an engagement groove 285a in each stepped portion 285, 286 for the magazine 280 of Microplay (see FIG. 12d).

The engaging directions of 285b, 286a, and 286b are kept constant, and the storage state of the microplate I in the magazine 280 is regulated to be constant between the respective step portions 285 and 286.

Furthermore, the side surface of one side plate 283 is colored to display the diagonal cut portion 10a side of the microplate 1, and display characters 28 corresponding to the display characters 9a of the microplate 1.
9a is displayed on the side edge of the top plate 281, and the microplate 1
It is convenient for storage.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12C, positioning holes 287 and 288 are provided in the bottom plate 282 of the magazine 280 at diagonal positions for the supply side and discharge side elevation units).
The holes are made to correspond to the positioning pins 105 and 106 provided upright on the lift brake 81 of the magazine lift 86.

Then, the diameter of one hole 287 is made larger than the diameter of the other hole 288, and the lift play of the magazine lift 86) 81
The direction of setting is restricted. Therefore, the outer diameters of the positioning pins 105 and 106 are also different.

Further, the side plate 283 is colored differently from the outer surface of the other side plate 284 to facilitate confirmation of the longitudinal direction of the magazine 280, and the supply side elevation 41 of the magazine 280. This makes it convenient for normal setting to the discharge side elevation 42. 289 is the top plate 2
81 is a handle rotatably attached to the upper side.

As described above, the incubator 31 has a central heater unit 48 on the supply side and the discharge side of the microplate 1.
The units are arranged symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the unit, and the sensors of each unit are also arranged symmetrically, as shown in FIG.

Now, the magazine 280 in which a predetermined number (10 microplates) of each of the microplates 1 into which the reagents have been dispensed is stored is moved to the magazine lift 86 of the magazine supply side elevation unit 41.
(Fig. 14, magazine set).

When placing the magazine 280 on the upper side of the lift plate 81, the positioning hole 28 provided in the bottom plate of the magazine 280
7. Bin 10 for positioning the lift plate 81 at 288
5.106 and each guide plate 8
2, 83, 84° 85 while guiding and fixing.

Note that the magazine 280 is set with the magazine lift 86 positioned at the lower end in advance, and the setting position of the magazine 280 at the lower end of the magazine lift 86 is determined by the drive section of the magazine lift 86. Start the motor 87 of 93 and tighten the lead screw 9.
By lowering the motor 87, the shutter 113 attached to the lower end 90b blocks the photo sensor 117, and the detection signal of the sensor 117 is input to the control section of the control unit 49, which stops the motor 87 with the human power signal. .

Therefore, the lift plate 8 of the magazine lift 86
1, when the magazine is set on the upper side, the micro switch 99 is turned on by the detection pin 101 provided on the lift plate 81, and the detection signal is input to the control section, confirming that the magazine is set in the normal position with respect to the magazine lift 86. However, if the magazine is set in an abnormal position, the control section issues an alarm to prompt the magazine to be set in the normal position. (See Figure 814) The detection signal of the magazine being set in the normal position by the microswitch 99 is input to the control section, and the motor 87 is started using the human power signal to rotate the magazine lift 86 while rotating the lead screw 90. As the magazine lift 86 rises, the shutter 9
2 rises, the sensor 111 detects the slit 107, and the detection signal is input to the control unit.
04 detects the presence or absence of the microplate 1 stored in the top row of the magazine, and when the presence of the microplate 1 is confirmed, the detection signal is input to the control section, and the input signal causes the The motor 185 of Rogue unit 45 starts and the arm shirt) 1
82 and this arm shaft 182.
As the conveyor plate 181 attached to the tip of the arm shirt 182 moves forward, the conveyor plate 181 attached to the tip of the conveyor unit 43 moves downward.
The side cover 5 of the frame unit 40
The magazine 2 is set on the magazine lift 86 of the elevation unit 41 through the loading port 60 opened at 4.
80, the arm shaft 182 stops at its forward end position, and the transport plate 181 moves into the magazine 280.
The microplate 1 stored in the uppermost part of the microplate 1 is stopped at a position below the microplate 1 where it can be taken (see FIGS. 18a and d and FIG. 21).

Furthermore, the shutter 189 of the arm shaft 182 shuts off the sensor 187, and in response to the detection signal from the sensor 187, the motor 87 of the magazine lift 86 is reversed to lower the magazine lift 86 one pitch. Due to the downward movement, the magazine 280
The microplate 1, which had been stored in the uppermost stage of the transport plate 181, was transferred to the upper side of the transport plate 181 (see FIG. When the microplate 1 is placed between the detection signal of the microplate 112 and the guides 191 and 192 of the transport plate 181, the photosensor 194 detects this, and this detection signal is input to the control unit to control the arm shaft 182. The motor 183 is started and moved backward, and during this backward movement, the shutter 189 reaches the sensor 188, which detects this, and the detection signal is input to the motor 183 via the control section. , the arm shaft 182 is stopped at an intermediate position, and at the same time the conveyor frame 181 is moved to the conveyor bells 134, 13 of the conveyor unit 43.
5 and each engagement groove 13 of both belts 134, 135
Both belts 13 enter between the upper and lower sides of the microplate 6,137 and face both edges of the microplate 1 held there.
4. It stops at a position where it can engage with the engagement grooves 136, 137 of 135 (FIGS. 21C and 22a). Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
It is inserted between 36,137 grooves, with a spacing of about 3 mm between the grooves.

Further, the detection signal of the sensor 188 is input to the motor 150 of the conveyor unit 43 via the control section, which starts the motor 150 and moves the conveyor bells 134 and 135 to 1.
The microplate 1, which has been raised pitchwise and whose both ends are engaged with the engagement grooves 136 and 137, is picked up from above the transport plate 181 (see FIG. 22).

Conveyor bell) 134 from above this conveyance plate 181
, 135 (between both conveyor bells in the action of taking)
The 1-pitch rising operation of 134 and 135 is performed by motor 150.
By starting the pulleys 152, 153, 154, 15
5, the rotating shafts 130 and 131 are rotated, and both conveyor belts 134 and 135 begin to rise.As the rotating shaft 131 rotates, the shutter 166 fixed to the same shaft 131 rotates, and the slit of the shutter 166 rotates. 165 turns on the photosensor 173, and the completion of the one-pitch raising operation can be detected from the detection signal of the sensor 173.

The detection signal from the sensor 173 is inputted to the motor 185 of the loader unit 45 via the control section and started, and the arm shaft 182 starts to move backward from the intermediate position, and the sensor 186 for detecting the backward end of the arm shaft 182 starts moving backward from the intermediate position. When the block metal fitting 193 of the conveyor plate 181 is turned on, the motor 185 is stopped by this detection signal, the conveyor plate 181 is stopped at the rearward end position, and the motor 150 of the conveyor unit 43 is started to move the conveyor bell. ) 134, 135 are lowered by one pitch and the engaging grooves 136 of both conveyor bells) 134, 135 are opposed.
, 137 (see FIG. 22), the transfer of the microplate 1 into the incubation chamber can be completed.

The one-pitch lowering movement of the two conveyor bells) 134 and 135 is caused by the rotation of the shutter 166 fixed to the rotating shaft 131 as the two conveyor bells) 134 and 135 rotate, and the sensor 172 is turned ONL by the slit 165.
The l-pitch lowering operation can be confirmed by the detection signal of the sensor 172.

Thereafter, by repeating the same operation as described above, the elevator unit 4
The microplates 1 in the magazine 280 set at 1 can be sequentially transferred to the conveyor unit 43.

In addition, as shown in No. 1411, the elevation unit 41
While the detection signal of the rising end detection sensor 115 is not input to the control unit, the sensor 104 detects the presence or absence of the microplate 1 in the magazine 280 based on the detection signal No. of the sensor 115, and the microplate 1 is not transferred to the conveyor unit 43. The loading continues, but eventually the magazine 280 is raised and the shutter 113 is detected by the sensor 115. When the detection signal is input to the control unit, an alarm is issued that the magazine 280 is empty, and the microplate l 280 magazines stored in
Prompt supply set.

In this way, the microplates 1 are sequentially carried into the conveyor unit 43, and eventually, when a predetermined number of microplates 1 are carried into the conveyor unit 43, the conveyor unit) 43cr+ is moved down the supply side elevator. Of the microplates 1 carried in between the conveyor belts 134 and 135 of the descending conveyor unit 43 from the application unit 41 via the low gear unit 45, the first microplate 1 carried in is
When the receiver with the carrier unit 47 reaches the transfer position, that is, the carrier unit 47 side reaches the take-up position, both compare units of the microplate 1) 13
4,135, the receiver is placed between the guide plates 217 on the carrier 216 which is placed in the take position (left end in FIG. 10a) (see FIG. 7).
.

In the carrier unit 47, as shown in FIG. 16, the fiber sensor 218 on the carrier 216 detects the microplate 1 placed on the carrier 216 in response to the detection signal from the sensor 172 that detects one pitch lowering of the conveyor unit 43. When its presence is detected by presence/absence detection, the detection signal is input to the motor 224 of the carrier 216 via the control unit, and when the motor 224 is started, the timing pulley 223.22
6, the pole screw 211 rotates, and the carrier 216
(Both conveyor bells of the ascending conveyor unit 44)
The receivers 134 and 135 move to the transfer position side (the right end in FIG.
The receiver at the lower end of 5 enters the picking position, the receiver with the descending conveyor unit 43 passes, and the receiver is now in the ascending position for the carrier 216 under the same condition as in FIG. 7a showing the picking operation. The microplate 1 is received by the conveyor unit 44 at the transfer position, and the detection sensor 234 of the carrier unit 47 detects this.
16 detects that the carrier has reached the transfer position, and this detection signal activates the fiber sensor 219 that confirms the presence of the microplate 1 on the carrier 216 side at the transfer position, and this detection signal is input to the control unit. The motor 15 of the lifting conveyor unit 44 is
0 starts and raises both conveyor bells 134 and 135 by 1 pitch, and by this raising operation, carrier 2
16, the microplate 1 is carried into the receiving position between the two conveyor belts 134, 135, and the microplate 1 is moved into the engaging groove 136 of both the conveyor belts 134, 135 of the ascending conveyor unit 44, similar to the above-described descending conveyor unit 43. 137 and is held between both conveyor belts 134 and 135 in a state in which both edges thereof are engaged, and is conveyed upward by the upward pitch of both conveyor belts 134 and 135.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, in connection with the upper R-operation of both conveyor bells 134 and 135 of the lifting conveyor unit 44, the lifting conveyor unit 44 of the carrier 216 at the transfer position is connected to the lifting conveyor unit 44. The fiber sensor 219 on the side detects that the microplate 1 on the upper side of the carrier 216 is held between the two conveyor belts 134 and 135, and the tray is removed and raised, so that the tray obtained is not present. A detection signal confirming this is inputted to the drive motor 224 of the pole screw 211 via the control section to start it, and the carrier 216 is again moved and returned to the receiving position with the descending conveyor unit 43.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the conveyor belt 134.1
Carrier 21 by sensor 219 after the rising operation of 35
When the presence of the microplate 1 on the microplate 6 is confirmed and it is detected that the receiver is not handed over, this detection signal is input to the control section to issue an alarm report of the abnormality.

The return of the carrier 216 is detected by the sensor 233 on the descending conveyor unit 43 side of the carrier unit 47, and this detection signal is sent to both conveyor bells (134, 13) for the descending conveyor unit 43 via the control section.
5 is input to the drive motor 150 of the same motor 150.
is started, both conveyor belts 134 and 135 are lowered by one pitch, and both conveyor belts 134 are lowered by the same operation as described above.
．． The microplate 1 held between the carriers 135 and 135 is transferred to the upper side of the carrier 216, and the carrier 216, which received the microplates 1, moves to the second conveyor unit 44 side and transfers the microplates 1 to both sides of the unit 44. The receiver between the conveyor belts 134 and 135 carries the micro play) 1 to the transfer position, and transfers it to both conveyor belts 13.
4. Both conveyor belts 134, 135 are brought into contact with the engagement grooves 136° 137 of both conveyor belts 134, 135 in a state in which both ends thereof are engaged by the 1-pitch raising operation of 135.
The conveyance to the ascending conveyor unit 44 side is completed while being held in between.

In this way, the descending conveyor unit is passed through the carrier unit 47, and the ascending conveyor unit 4 is connected from the ) 43 side.
The microplates 1 sequentially transported to the 4th side are conveyed to the ascending conveyor 122 and both conveyor bells on the 44th side) 1
In connection with the operation of lifting one pitch at a time while being held between 34 and 135, on the lifting conveyor unit 44 side, both conveyor belts 13 of the lifting conveyor unit 44 are moved through the unloader unit 46.
4. Microplate 1 held between 135 and magazine 2 held in ejection side elevation unit 42
80 between the stepped portions 285 and 286 while being discharged.

That is, as shown in FIG. 19, an empty magazine is placed and set on the magazine lift 86 of the magazine ejection elevation unit 42. In this magazine set state (or prior to setting), the magazine lift 8
6 is set at the rising end, and the motor 87 is started via a detection signal from the microswitch 99 that detects that the magazine is set in the normal position, and the motor 87 is lowered one pitch to the highest position of the magazine 280 set on the magazine lift 86. The microplate 1 is held in a horizontal position where it can be received by the transport plate 181 of the unloader unit 46 on the lower storage shelf (similar to FIG. 21a).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, the arm shaft 182 of the unloader unit 46 moves forward in conjunction with the 1-pitch lifting operation of both conveyor belts 134 and 135 of the lifting conveyor unit 44, and moves the conveyor belt 181 to the intermediate stop position. That is, the engagement grooves 136°1 of both conveyor belts 134 and 135 of the ascending conveyor unit 44
The carrier plate 181 is inserted into the lower side of the microplate 1 which is engaged and held by the microplate 37, and the carrier plate 181 is stopped at the receiving position (same as shown in FIGS. 21C and 22).

The sensor 194 of the conveying plate 181 is actuated by the detection signal of the detection sensor 188 at this intermediate stop position.
When the presence of the microplate 1 on the plate 181 is detected, the detection signal is sent to both conveyor bells 134, 1 of the ascending conveyor unit 44 via the control section.
35's drive motor 150 and start it, both conveyor bells) 134 and 135 are lowered by one pitch,
This downward movement causes both conveyor belts 134.13
The microplate l is held between the microplates 181 and 181 (same as in FIG. 22a) (same as in FIG. 22a).

When the conveyor belts 134 and 135 are lowered by one pitch, the microplate l is transferred onto the conveyor plate 181, which is detected by the sensor 194, and this detection signal causes the arm shaft 182 to advance to the forward end and move to the discharge side. Magazine 28 of elevation unit 42
The shutter 189 turns on the sensor 187 as the arm shirt (arm shirt) 182 moves forward to the forward end, and the detection signal from the sensor 187 turns on the discharge side elevation unit. 42 magazine lift 86 rises one pitch,
The magazine 280 placed on the magazine lift 86 is held and stored in the lowermost stepped portions 285 and 286 of the magazine 280 .

In addition, the sensor 11 by the slit 108 is activated by the lp and chi lift operation signals of the magazine lift 86.
The arm shaft 182 is actuated by the second detection signal and retreats to the rearward end.

This return at the rear end of the transport plate 181 is the sensor 1
86, the motor 183 is stopped, and the detection signal from the sensor 186 starts the motor 87 of the ejection side elevation unit 42, which is turned on by the slit 107 of the shutter 92. The one-pitch lowering operation of the magazine lift 86 is confirmed by the signal.

The one-pitch lowering operation of the magazine lift 86 corresponds to the storage pitch of the microplates 1 in the magazine 280 (the pitch of the storage shelves), and this operation causes the next transport plate 181 to enter and the microplates to be placed on the storage shelves. 1 is held in a horizontal position where it can be taken, and the microplayer (1) is sequentially lifted up by the unloader unit 46 by the lifting conveyor unit 44 by the same operation as described above. Store it away.

As shown in FIG. 19, a predetermined number of microplates 1 are placed in a magazine 280 placed on a magazine lift 86.
When storage of the microplate 1 into the magazine 280 is completed, the lowering end detection sensor 115 of the magazine lift 86 detects the shutter 113, and this detection signal is input to the control unit, which issues an alarm notification that the storage of the microplate 1 into the magazine 280 is complete.

Further, the magazine of the supply side elevation unit 41 is carried into the descending conveyor unit 43 via the low gear unit 45 and carried into the ascending conveyor unit 44 via the carrier unit 47, and then transferred to the discharge side elevator. Each microplate 1 discharged from the magazine of the application unit 42 is heated for a predetermined time by the temperature atmosphere formed by the heater unit 48 during each conveyance process of the descending and ascending conveyor units 43 and 44 and the carrier unit 47. to complete the incubation of the reagents coated in each well 2 of the microplate 1.

That is, each cartridge heater 254 of the heater unit 48 is turned on, each cartridge heater 254 generates heat, the heater section 267 is heated, and the fans 268 and 269 are operated.
While blowing the hot air of 67 to the duct section 265, 266, the hot air is forcibly circulated to each conveyance path of the descending and ingredient conveyor units 43, 44 and the carrier unit 47, and the hot air is forced to flow through the blades of the duct section 265, 266. This eliminates temperature variations in the conveyance path and keeps the conveyance path at a predetermined temperature.

The heater unit 48 maintains the predetermined temperature of each conveyance path by using the descending and ascending compare units (43.4).
4 and the carrier unit 47, the microplate 1 is set at a temperature that can complete the doubling of the reagent coated on each well 2, and the microplate 1 is set at a temperature that allows the microplate 1 to complete the doubling of the reagent coated on each well 2. Control of the set temperature in each conveyance path of 47 is carried out by a temperature controller (not shown) provided in each cartridge heater 253, and a control sensor (single-digit control sensor 272) installed in the duct portion 265, 266 of the heater unit 48. While inputting a detection signal from the above, the power supply to each cartridge 254 is turned ON and OFF, and each of the transport paths is kept at a predetermined temperature.

In particular, through each blade of the duct) 265, 266,
When the hot air is forcedly circulated by the action of the fans 268, 269, the loader and unloader units (145, 14) opened in the side frames of the gantry unit 40
The hot air flows out from the loading/unloading port 60.61 for loading and unloading the microplate 1tl through the duct 60.61. This eliminates the deterioration of heat retention effect caused by hot air, and also prevents the generation of water vapor caused by the stagnation of hot air in the duct portions 265 and 266, and reduces the quality of each well 2 of the microplate 1 from being contaminated by water vapor. Furthermore, by improving the circulation of hot air and increasing the ventilation effect, it is possible to improve the hot air efficiency, and by preventing the generation of water vapor, the mount unit 40 and other equipment Rust prevention effect can be measured.

Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in the set temperature of each transport path, the sensor 273 detects this and the cartridge heaters 254
The power is set to 0FFL, and this is displayed and announced by a lamp, buzzer, etc.

In the above explanation, the incubation of reagents to each well 2 of the microplate 1 shown in the second figure has been described, but the block solution dispensed by the block solution dispensing device 33 shown in FIG. A similar method can be used for cultivating solutions or other types of culture, and the microplate 1 shown in the second figure is a case in which a module plate 4 in which a plurality of wells 2 are arranged is removably attached. Similar implementation is also possible for microplates in which wells are arranged.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the reagents and block solution after coating each well of the module plate with the reagents, etc. are carried out during the transport process of the module plate in an atmosphere at a required temperature, and This eliminates the need for human intervention, ensures uniformity of reagents, etc. to each well of the module plate, and enables stable supply of this type of parts.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the micromodule solid phase method for reagents, Figure 2a is a perspective view of a microplate, and Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2a. , Figure 2C is a plan view of the module plate, Figure 3 is a layout diagram of the reagent solid-phase device, and Figures 4a, b, and c are partially cutaway front views and plane views of the mount unit in the culture device. Figures 5a, b, and c are side views, front views, and plan views of the magazine lift of the supply-side elevation unit, and Figures 6a, b, and c are side views of the discharge-side elevation unit. Figures, front view and top view of the magazine lift, Figures 7a, b, c, d. e and f are a schematic side view with a part omitted of the descending conveyor unit, a front view and a partial sectional view of the drive section, and a front view of the shutter. A partially omitted front view, a plan view and a partial side view of the goo unit; FIGS. 9a and b are a partially omitted front view and a plan view of the unloader unit; FIGS. 10a and b;
c and d are front views of the carrier unit with some parts omitted;
11a and 11b are partially cutaway front views and side views of the same heater unit; FIGS. 12a and 11b are partial left and right side views;
b, c, d, and e are a perspective view with a part of the magazine omitted, a front view with a part of the side plate omitted, a plan view of the bottom plate, a plan view showing the engagement state of the microplate and the stepped part, and a plan view of the microplate. Fig. 13 is a schematic layout of the sensor, Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the supply side elevation unit, Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the Rogue unit, and Fig. 16 is a partially omitted front view showing the storage state. FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the descending conveyor unit, FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the ascending conveyor unit, FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the carrier unit, FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the unloader unit, and FIG. 20 is the discharge side elevation unit. Flow chart diagram, Figure 21a
, b, c and FIGS. 22a and 22b are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the loader and unloader units, and FIGS. 23a and 23b are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the lowering and ascending conveyor units. 1... Microplate 2... Well 31... Double culture device 40... Frame unit 41... Supply side elevation unit/ ) 42...
- Discharge side elevation unit 43... Descending conveyor unit 44... Ascending conveyor unit 45... Rogue unit 46... Unloader unit 47... Carrier unit 48... Heater unit 49. ...Control unit Fig. 7(e) No.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In a culture device that doubles reagents etc. dispensed into each well during the transport process of the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor, the transport path between the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor and both conveyors a heater part is provided in the center of the conveyance path between the two conveyors, and a plurality of blades are stretched over the duct parts of the ascending conveyor and descending conveyor, and the heater part Hot air divided into two parts is blown from the duct part of the conveyance path between the two conveyors to the duct part of the ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor through the respective blades, and the microplates are carried into the ascending conveyor and the descending conveyor. A reagent characterized in that the hot air is discharged from the discharge port, and the hot air is forcedly circulated through the ascending conveyor, the descending conveyor, and the conveyance path between the two conveyors and kept at a predetermined temperature. etc. doubling equipment.