JPWO2020054180A1 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

Regarding the automatic analyzer for clinical examination, we provide a technology that can reduce the cost related to the handling of a plurality of external structural parts required in various device configurations according to the single unit method and the module assembly method. The automatic analyzer (1) is composed of a single module or a combination of a plurality of modules. A module is a module selected from a plurality of types of modules that differ according to at least one of specifications and analysis types. For example, a module for biochemical analysis (for example, analysis module 2C) and a module for immunoanalysis (for example, a module for immunoanalysis). For example, there is an analysis module 2D). The automatic analyzer (1) has a common cover member (eg, 3 g of exterior structural component) that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of each module of a plurality of types of modules. On the side surface of each module, a mounting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the cover member.

Description

The present invention relates to a technique of an automatic analyzer for clinical examination, and relates to an apparatus configuration method and an appearance structure.

The automatic analyzer for clinical examination has a function of automatically analyzing the components of a sample. Automatic analysis is a qualitative and quantitative analysis. There are multiple types of this analysis. Types of analysis include biochemical analysis, immunoassay, and the like. For example, biochemical analysis is an analysis that optically measures components such as enzymes in a sample such as blood. The automatic analyzer is provided with the necessary mechanisms and components that differ depending on the type of analysis.

In the conventional automatic analyzer, there are a single method and a module assembly method (may be described as a combination method or a composite type) as a device configuration method for the entire system. The stand-alone method is a method in which an automatic analyzer is composed of a single module or a main body. In the stand-alone automatic analyzer, each component such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit, and a sample transfer unit is integrally mounted on one module or main body.

The combination method is a method in which an automatic analyzer is composed of a combination or set of a plurality of modules. The combination type automatic analysis device is composed of, for example, a combination of an operation module and one or more analysis modules, and the automatic analysis function is realized by connecting the modules and operating in cooperation with each other. The operation module is equipped with, for example, a control unit and an operation unit. Examples of the analysis module include a biochemical analysis module in which an analysis unit having a biochemical analysis function is implemented, an immunoanalysis module in which an analysis unit having an immunoanalysis function is implemented, and the like. There are various types of combination type automatic analyzers according to the combination of modules. In addition, the specifications and models of the automatic analyzer differ depending on the type of analysis item, the number of samples that can be analyzed simultaneously, and the like.

As an example of the prior art related to the automatic analyzer, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-21931 (Patent Document 1) can be mentioned. Patent Document 1 describes that as a sample transport method, an emergency sample rack can be measured immediately while suppressing the complexity of the device and the increase in the cost of the device. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration example of a combination type automatic analyzer. In this configuration example, the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged adjacent to each other along the transport line.

JP-A-2018-21931

The automatic analyzer includes external structural parts such as a cover in addition to the main modules. Appearance Structural components are attached to the module so that it is not exposed and constitute the appearance of the device. As the external structural parts, for example, there are a side cover, a front cover, an upper cover and the like. For example, a side cover is attached to the side surface of the module arranged on the outermost side. Appearance The composition of structural parts not only affects the appearance, but also affects the ease of work during clinical examination work and maintenance work by the user.

The conventional automatic analyzer has a plurality of different appearance structural parts for one device according to each method and each type of device configuration. Each exterior structural component has a design that includes a unique shape, size, color, material, and the like. Single-unit and combination-type automatic analyzers require a plurality of different appearance structural parts according to a plurality of specifications, types, and modules. Overall, including multiple automated analyzers, operators need to handle many types and numbers of appearance structural parts. For example, in the case of side covers in each type of automatic analyzer of the combination method, at least four or more types of side covers that differ depending on the left and right sides of each module are required.

Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture and manage a plurality of external structural parts in a cycle including manufacturing, sales, installation, movement, maintenance, etc. of the automatic analyzer by the business operator. This imposes a heavy burden on manufacturing and management costs, logistics, and the like.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the cost and logistics burden related to the handling of a plurality of external structural parts required in various device configurations according to a single unit method or a module assembly method with respect to the technology of an automatic analyzer for clinical examination. It is possible to provide technology that can improve workability such as use and maintenance of automatic analyzers.

A typical embodiment of the present invention is an automatic analyzer for clinical examination, which is characterized by having the following configuration.

The automatic analyzer of one embodiment is an automatic analyzer for clinical examination composed of a single module, and the module is composed of a plurality of types of modules different according to at least one of specifications and analysis types. It is one module to be selected, and has a cover member that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of each module of the plurality of types of modules with respect to the front surface, and the cover member has an attachment component on the back surface of the cover body. The side surface of each module has a mounting portion for mounting the mounting component, and the cover member includes a first cover member that can be mounted on the side surface on the right side with respect to the front surface of each module, and the cover member. At the position of the right side surface of each module, which has a second cover member that can be attached to the left side surface with respect to the front surface of each module and corresponds to the position of the attachment component of the first cover member. The mounting portion is provided, and the mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member.

The automatic analyzer of one embodiment is an automatic analyzer for clinical examination composed of a combination of a plurality of modules, and the plurality of modules are different depending on at least one of specifications and analysis types. A plurality of modules selected from different types of modules, the plurality of types of modules having a cover member that can be attached to and removed from the side surface of each module with respect to the front surface, and the cover member is provided on the back surface of the cover body. A first cover having mounting parts, a mounting portion for mounting the mounting parts on the side surface of each module, and the cover member can be mounted on the side surface on the right side with respect to the front surface of each module. The right side of each module having a member and a second cover member that can be attached to the left side surface of each module with respect to the front surface, and corresponding to the position of the attachment component of the first cover member. The mounting portion is provided at a position on the side surface, and the mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member.

According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, with respect to the technique of an automatic analyzer for clinical examination, for handling a plurality of external structural parts required in various device configurations according to a single unit method or a module assembly method. It is possible to reduce the costs involved and the burden of logistics, and improve the workability such as the use and maintenance of automatic analyzers.

It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 1st type of the stand-alone system as the automatic analyzer of the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 2nd type of the stand-alone system as the automatic analyzer of the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 1st type of the combination type as the automatic analyzer of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 2nd type of the combination type as the automatic analyzer of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 3rd type of the combination type as the automatic analyzer of the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structure of the 4th type, 5th type of the combination type as the automatic analysis apparatus of the modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the common method of appearance structural parts in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the biochemical analysis part in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the immunoassay part in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st configuration example of the 1st type of the combination type in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd configuration example of the 1st type of the combination type in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st common | common | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard of the appearance structural component concerning the simple substance method in the automatic analyzer of an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st common method of appearance structural parts with respect to the combination method in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd common method of appearance structural parts with respect to the combination method in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the appearance structural component on the right side in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the appearance structural component on the left side in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the attachment part of the appearance structural part in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the left and right appearance structural parts in the case of the 2nd common use in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a mounting portion on the side surface of the operation module in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the appearance structural component is attached to the attachment part of the side surface of the operation module in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the attachment part of the side surface of the analysis module in the automatic analysis apparatus of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structural example of the appearance structural component in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the left and right appearance structural parts in the case of the detailed configuration example of the appearance structural parts in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a hem cover is present or absent in a state in which an external structural component is attached to a mounting portion on a side surface of an operation module in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement relation, etc. of the side cover and the top cover of the analysis module in the automatic analysis apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the attachment part of the appearance structural part in the automatic analyzer of the modification of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement relation of the attachment part of the side surface of each module, and the attachment part of the appearance structural component in the automatic analyzer of the modification of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the appearance structural component in the 1st type and 2nd type of the simple substance type in the automatic analyzer of the comparative example. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the appearance structural part in the 1st type, the 2nd type, and the 3rd type of the combination method in the automatic analyzer of the comparative example. It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd common method of the other appearance structural parts concerning the combination type automatic analyzer in the automatic analyzer of the modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where the 2nd common method of appearance structural parts is applied with respect to the other type of automatic analyzer of the combination type in the automatic analyzer of the modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation module in the automatic analyzer of the modification of embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In principle, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, and the repeated description will be omitted. For the sake of explanation, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are used. The X direction and the Y direction are two directions forming a horizontal plane, the X direction corresponds to the left-right direction and the width direction with respect to the front surface of the device, and the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction and the depth direction of the device. The Z direction is the vertical direction and corresponds to the vertical direction and the height direction of the device. The front surface of the device is the surface that the user faces in the standard usage position.

[Issues, etc.]
Supplementary explanations will be given on prerequisite technologies and issues. 28 and 29 show a configuration example of external structural parts in the automatic analyzer of the comparative example with respect to the embodiment. FIG. 28 shows an outline of the configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) in the stand-alone automatic analyzer. FIG. 28A shows the case of the automatic analyzer 91A for biochemical analysis as the first type. FIG. 28B shows the case of the automatic analyzer 91B for immunoassay as the second type.

In FIG. 28A, the automatic analyzer 91A is mainly composed of an analysis module 90A for biochemical analysis. The analysis module 90A is integrated with components such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit (particularly a biochemical analysis unit), and a sample transfer unit. The automatic analyzer 91A has appearance structural parts 93-1 and 93-2 which are side covers attached to the side surface (YZ surface) of the analysis module 90A as the appearance structural parts 93. The right exterior structural component 93-1 is attached to the right side surface s1 of the analysis module 90A, and the left exterior structural component 93-2 is attached to the left side surface s2 of the analysis module 90A. These two external structural parts 93-1 and 93-2 are different parts having different unique shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols A and B in order to clearly indicate the difference in type.

In FIG. 28B, the automatic analyzer 91B is mainly composed of an analysis module 90B for immunoassay. The analysis module 90B is integrated with components such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit (particularly an immunoassay unit), and a sample transport unit. The automatic analyzer 91B has appearance structural parts 93-3, 93-4 which are side covers attached to the side surfaces of the analysis module 90B as appearance structure parts 93. The right exterior structural component 93-3 is attached to the right side surface s3 of the analysis module 90B, and the left exterior structural component 93-4 is attached to the left side surface s4 of the analysis module 90B. These two external structural parts 93-3 and 93-4 are different parts having different unique shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols C and D for easy understanding.

As described above, the simple substance type first type automatic analyzer 91A and the second type automatic analyzer 91B of the comparative example have four types {A, B, C, D} of appearance structures as the appearance structure parts 93. Parts 93-1 to 93-4 are required. When the types of single analysis modules are further increased, external structural parts 93 corresponding to the types are required.

FIG. 29 shows an outline of the configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) in the combination type automatic analyzer. FIG. 29A shows the case of the first type automatic analyzer 91C. FIG. 29B shows the case of the second type automatic analyzer 91D. FIG. 29C shows the case of the third type automatic analyzer 91E.

In FIG. 29A, the automatic analyzer 91C is mainly composed of an operation module 94, an analysis module 92A for biochemical analysis, and an analysis module 92B for immunoassay. The analysis module 92A is arranged on the right side and the analysis module 92B is arranged on the left side with respect to the operation module 94 arranged in the center in the X direction.

The operation module 94 is equipped with components such as a control unit, an operation unit, and a sample transfer unit. The analysis module 92A is equipped with an analysis unit for biochemical analysis. The analysis module 92B is equipped with an analysis unit for immunoassay. The analysis unit is a part that prepares a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent are mixed by dispensing and measures the reaction solution using a photometer or the like, and includes a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, and the like.

The automatic analyzer 91C is an external structural component 93-5 which is a side cover attached to the right side surface s5 of the analysis module 92A and a side cover attached to the left side surface s6 of the analysis module 92B as the external structural component 93. It has external structural parts 93-6. The two external structural parts 93-5 and 93-6 are parts having different shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols E and F.

In FIG. 29B, the automatic analyzer 91D is mainly composed of an operation module 94 and an analysis module 92A for biochemical analysis. The analysis module 92A is arranged on the right side in the X direction with respect to the operation module 94. The automatic analyzer 91D is an external structural component 93-5 which is a side cover attached to the right side surface s5 of the analysis module 92A and a side cover attached to the left side surface s8 of the operation module 94 as the external structural component 93. It has external structural parts 93-7. The two external structural parts 93-5 and 93-7 are parts having different shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols E and G. Since the analysis module 92A of (A) and the analysis module 92A of (B) are the same, the appearance structural parts 93-5 of the same type {E} can be applied.

In FIG. 29 (C), the automatic analyzer 91E is mainly composed of an operation module 94 and an analysis module 92B for immunoassay. The analysis module 92B is arranged on the left side in the X direction with respect to the operation module 94. The automatic analyzer 91E is an external structural component 93-6 which is a side cover attached to the left side surface s6 of the analysis module 92B and a side cover attached to the right side surface s7 of the operation module 94 as the external structural component 93. It has external structural parts 93-8. The two external structural parts 93-6 and 93-8 are parts having different shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols F and H. Since the analysis module 92B of (A) and the analysis module 92B of (C) are the same, the appearance structural parts 93-6 of the same type {F} can be applied.

As described above, the first type automatic analyzer 91C, the second type automatic analyzer 91D, and the third type automatic analyzer 91E of the combination method of the comparative example have four types of external structural parts 93 {E. , F, G, H} exterior structural parts 93 (93-5 to 93-8) are required. The four types of appearance structural parts 93 are the appearance structural part 93-5 on the right side of the analysis module 92A, the appearance structural part 93-6 on the left side of the analysis module 92B, the appearance structural part 93-8 on the right side of the operation module 4, and the operation. External structural parts 93-7 on the left side of the module 4. When the types of modules that can be combined are further increased, the types of external structural parts 93 required are increased according to the types.

As described above, the single-unit type and combination-type automatic analyzers require a plurality of appearance structural parts 93 for each specification, type, and module. Each module for configuring each type of automatic analyzer differs in shape, size, side and front structures, etc., depending on the specifications, analysis type, and implementation of functions. Therefore, a plurality of types of external structural parts 93 having unique shapes and the like corresponding to them are required. When viewed as a whole including a plurality of automatic analyzers, the business operator needs to handle many types and corresponding numbers of appearance structural parts 93, and requires manufacturing and management of the plurality of appearance structural parts 93. be. This puts a heavy burden on the cost of manufacturing and management of modules and external structural parts by the business operator, logistics, and the like. When installing a new automatic analyzer in the user's environment, changing the configuration of the automatic analyzer, or removing the automatic analyzer, maintenance work by the operator or user is required. .. Even during the maintenance work, many external structural parts must be handled separately, which imposes a heavy burden on the operator.

Further, in the combination type automatic analyzer, a plurality of types of device configurations can be configured according to the combination, and the type can be selected or changed according to the needs of the user. However, depending on the device configuration of each type, unnecessary external structural parts may be generated, or new necessary external structural parts may be generated. In these cases as well, there is a burden in terms of management costs and logistics related to the external structural parts. For example, when the second type automatic analyzer 91D of FIG. 29 (B) is changed to the first type automatic analyzer 91C of FIG. 29 (A), it is attached to one side surface s8 of the operation module 94. The external structural component 93-7 that has been used is no longer required, and the external structural component 93-6 that is newly attached to one side surface s6 of the additionally connected analysis module 92B is required.

(Embodiment)
The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 32. The automatic analyzer of the embodiment includes each type of automatic analyzer of a single type and each type of automatic analyzer of a module assembly type. Each of these types of automated analyzers is configured according to the selection and combination of modules and exterior structural components. The module or main body constituting each type of automatic analyzer of the stand-alone method is selected from a plurality of types of modules or main bodies for different stand-alone methods according to at least one of the specifications and the analysis type provided by the operator. One module or body. The plurality of modules constituting each type of automatic analyzer of the combination method are selected from the plurality of types of modules for different combination methods according to at least one of the specifications and the analysis type provided by the operator. Is. Each type of automated analyzer is fitted with at least side covers as multiple exterior structural components. Each type of automatic analyzer in the embodiment has a common mechanism for a plurality of appearance structural parts attached to a plurality of locations. In each type of automatic analyzer, appearance structural parts at a plurality of locations are configured by using a small number of common appearance structural parts. The operator can easily configure a suitable appearance in each type of automatic analyzer by using the common appearance structural parts. The whole including each type of automatic analyzer is designed as a common method including the appearance structural parts and the structure on the module side. As a result, the business operator and the user need only handle a small number of types of appearance structural parts for each of the plurality of types of automatic analyzers, and the manufacturing and management costs and the logistics burden are reduced.

[Automatic analyzer (1) -single method]
1 and 2 show a perspective view of an outline of the stand-alone automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an automatic analyzer 1A for biochemical analysis as the first type of the simple substance method. FIG. 2 shows an automatic analyzer 1B for immunoassay as the second type of the simple substance method. In FIG. 1 and the like, a gap is provided between the module and the external structural component 3 for easy understanding, but in the mounting example, the module can be arranged without a gap. Further, in FIG. 1 and the like, the illustration of the upper cover and the like is omitted.

In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1A is mainly composed of an analysis module 2A for biochemical analysis. Each component such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit having a biochemical analysis function, and a sample transfer unit is mounted on the analysis module 2A. The external structural component 3 is attached to the right side surface SS1 and the left side surface SS2 of the analysis module 2A in the X direction. The external structural part 3 includes an external structural part 31 on the right side and an external structural part 32 on the left side. In the case of the first common method described later, the appearance structural part 3a common to the right side is applied to the appearance structural part 31, and the appearance structural part 3b common to the left side is applied to the appearance structural part 32. In the case of the second common method described later, the exterior structural component 3c common to the left and right is applied to the exterior structural component 31 and the exterior structural component 32.

In FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer 1B is mainly composed of an analysis module 2B for immunoassay. Each component such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit having an immunoassay function, a sample transport unit, and the like is mounted on the analysis module 2B. The appearance structural component 3 is attached to the right side surface SS3 and the left side surface SS4 in the X direction of the analysis module 2B. The external structural part 3 includes an external structural part 33 on the right side and an external structural part 34 on the left side. In the case of the first common method described later, the appearance structural part 3a common to the right side is applied to the appearance structural part 33, and the appearance structural part 3b common to the left side is applied to the appearance structural part 34. In the case of the second common method described later, the exterior structural component 3c common to the left and right is applied to the exterior structural component 33 and the exterior structural component 34.

The exterior structural component 3 is a cover member that is attached to the outermost side of the module and constitutes the appearance, and is a side cover that is particularly attached to the side surface of the module in the embodiment. Other exterior structural components include a front cover that is attached to the front of the module and an top cover that is attached to cover the top of the module. The external structural component 3 is attached so as to cover the side surface of the module so that the mechanism and the component on the side surface of the module are not exposed. This ensures safety. Further, the external structural component 3 is designed to have a structure such as ventilation and sealing in consideration of temperature control, heat dissipation performance, and the like of the automatic analyzer 1. The external structural component 3 is a compatible component that can be attached and detached in common to a plurality of locations of the automatic analyzer 1, and is a component having the same shape, size, and the like for each type.

[Automatic analyzer (2) -module assembly method]
3 to 5 show a perspective view of an outline configuration of the module assembly type (combination method, composite type) automatic analyzer 1 which is the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows the first type automatic analyzer 1C. The automatic analyzer 1C is mainly composed of an operation module 4, an analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis, and an analysis module 2D for immunoassay. The analysis module 2C is a module that performs biochemical analysis including dispensing and measurement on a sample. The analysis module 2D is a module that performs immunoanalysis including dispensing and measurement of a sample.

In the first type automatic analyzer 1C, in particular, the operation module 4 is arranged in the center in the X direction, the analysis module 2C is arranged on the right side with respect to the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4, and the left side surface of the operation module 4 is arranged. The analysis module 2D is located on the left side of SS8.

The operation module 4 is equipped with components such as a control unit, an operation unit, and a sample transfer unit. In this example, the operation module 4 particularly has a touch panel 5. The touch panel 5 constitutes a part of a control unit and an operation unit.

Further, in this example, regarding the sample transport mechanism, the case of the first configuration example (FIG. 10) described later is shown. In this case, the sample transfer unit 6 is mounted on the back side of the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D. The sample transport unit 6 is a portion that transports the sample rack 7 between the modules.

A reagent disk, a reaction disk, a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, and the like are mounted on the analysis module 2C. The analysis module 2D is equipped with a reagent disk, an incubator, a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, and the like.

The automatic analyzer 1C has external structural parts 41 and 42 as side covers which are external structural parts 3. The external structural component 41 is attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, and the external structural component 42 is attached to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D.

In the case of the first common method described later, the appearance structural part 3e common to the right side is applied to the appearance structure part 41, and the appearance structure part 3f common to the left side is applied to the appearance structure part 42. In the case of the second common method described later, 3 g of the exterior structural component common to the left and right is applied to the exterior structural component 41 and the exterior structural component 42.

As the automatic analysis device of the modified example, the configuration in which the analysis module 2D is arranged on the right side of the operation module 4 and the analysis module 2C is arranged on the left side is also possible.

FIG. 4 shows a second type automatic analyzer 1D. The automatic analyzer 1D is mainly composed of an operation module 4 and an analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis. In the second type automatic analyzer 1D, the analysis module 2C is arranged on the right side with respect to, for example, the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4 in the X direction. The second type configuration corresponds to a configuration in which the analysis module 2D is separated from the first type configuration. The automatic analyzer 1D has external structural parts 43 and 44 as external structural parts 3. The exterior structural component 43 on the right side is attached to the side surface SS5 on the right side of the analysis module 2C. The exterior structural component 44 on the left side is attached to the side surface SS8 on the left side of the operation module 4.

In the case of the first common method described later, the appearance structural part 3e common to the right side is applied to the appearance structure part 43, and the appearance structure part 3f common to the left side is applied to the appearance structure part 44. In the case of the second common method described later, 3 g of the exterior structural component common to the left and right is applied to the exterior structural component 43 and the exterior structural component 44.

FIG. 5 shows a third type automatic analyzer 1E. The automatic analyzer 1E is mainly composed of an operation module 4 and an analysis module 2D for immunoassay. In the third type automatic analyzer 1E, the analysis module 2D is arranged on the left side with respect to the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4 in the X direction. The third type configuration corresponds to a configuration in which the analysis module 2C is separated from the first type configuration. The automatic analyzer 1D has external structural parts 45 and 46 as external structural parts 3. The external structural component 46 is attached to the side surface SS6 on the left side of the analysis module 2D. The external structural component 45 is attached to the side surface SS7 on the right side of the operation module 4.

In the case of the first common method described later, the appearance structural part 3e common to the right side is applied to the appearance structure part 45, and the appearance structure part 3f common to the left side is applied to the appearance structure part 46. In the case of the second common method described later, the exterior structural component 45 and the exterior structural component 46 are applied to the exterior structural component 3g common to the left and right.

(A) and (B) of FIG. 6 show other types of configuration examples in the combination method as the configuration of the automatic analyzer of the modified example. FIG. 6A shows a fourth type automatic analyzer 1F, and FIG. 6B shows a fifth type automatic analyzer 1G. Such types are possible as well.

The fourth type automatic analyzer 1F of FIG. 6A has an operation module 4, an analysis module 2D for immunoassay, and an analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis in the X direction, for example, from the left side. The analysis module 2D is arranged on the right side with respect to the side surface SS7 on the right side of the operation module 4. Further, the analysis module 2C is arranged on the right side with respect to the side surface SS10 on the right side of the analysis module 2D. The automatic analyzer 1F has external structural parts 47 and 48 as external structural parts 3. The external structural component 47 is attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, and the external structural component 48 is attached to the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4. Similarly, these external structural parts 47 and 48 can be standardized.

The fifth type automatic analyzer 1G of FIG. 6B has an operation module 4, an analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis, and an analysis module 2D for immunoanalysis in the X direction, for example, from the right side. The analysis module 2C is arranged on the left side with respect to the side surface SS8 on the left side of the operation module 4. Further, the analysis module 2D is arranged on the left side with respect to the side surface SS9 on the left side of the analysis module 2C. The automatic analyzer 1G has external structural parts 49 and 50 as external structural parts 3. The external structural component 49 is attached to the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4, and the external structural component 50 is attached to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D. Similarly, these external structural parts 49 and 50 can be standardized.

Similarly, as an automatic analyzer of a modified example in the combination method, a configuration in which a plurality of analysis modules of the same type are connected is also possible. For example, two or more analysis modules 2C may be connected in series to one side surface of the operation module 4. With this configuration, the number of samples that can be analyzed at the same time can be increased.

[Automatic analyzer (3) -Biochemical analysis]
FIG. 8 shows a basic configuration of an analysis unit, a control unit, a drive unit, and the like for biochemical analysis in the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment. The analysis module 2A of the automatic analyzer 1A of FIG. 1 and the analysis module 2C of the automatic analyzer 1C of FIG. 3 are configured based on the basic configuration of FIG. FIG. 8 shows elements such as an element arranged near the upper surface 800 of the automatic analyzer 1 and an internal drive unit of the automatic analyzer 1 connected to the element.

The automatic analyzer 1 of FIG. 8 includes a sample disk 11, a reaction disk 12, a reagent disk 13, a sample dispensing mechanism 14, a reagent dispensing mechanism 15, a light source 16, a photometer 17, a stirring mechanism 18, a cleaning mechanism 19, and the like. ..

The sample disk 11 is a disk-shaped sample container transport mechanism, and a plurality of sample containers are erected and transported on the circumference. A sample disk driving unit 811 is connected to the sample disk 11. The sample container is a container for storing a sample such as blood.

The reaction disk 12 is a disk-shaped reaction vessel transport mechanism, and a plurality of reaction vessels are erected and transported on the circumference. A reaction disc drive unit 812 is connected to the reaction disc 12. The reaction vessel (also called a cell) is made of a translucent material. The reaction vessel is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a constant temperature bath connected to the reaction disk 12.

The reagent disk 13 is a disk-shaped reagent container transport mechanism, and a plurality of reagent containers are erected and transported on the circumference. A reagent disc driving unit 813 is connected to the reagent disc 13. The reagent container contains the reagent solution corresponding to the analysis item.

The sample dispensing mechanism 14 is arranged in the vicinity of the sample disk 11 and the reaction disk 12, and is a mechanism for dispensing the sample in the sample container of the sample disk 11 into the reaction container of the reaction disk 12. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 includes a movable arm, a probe, and the like. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 dispenses the sample from the sample container to the reaction container according to the analysis parameters of the designated test items and the like. At the time of dispensing the target sample, the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves the probe to a predetermined dispensing position on the sample disk 11 by the movable arm, and sucks a predetermined amount of the sample from the sample container by the probe. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves the probe to a predetermined dispensing position on the reaction disk 12 by the movable arm, and discharges the sample from the probe into the reaction vessel. A sample dispensing mechanism driving unit 814 is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 14.

The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 is arranged in the vicinity of the reagent disk 13 and the reaction disk 12, and is a mechanism for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container of the reagent disk 13 into the reaction container of the reaction disk 12. The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 includes a movable arm, a pipette nozzle, and the like. The reagent dispensing mechanism 16 dispenses the reagent solution from the reagent container to the reaction container according to the analysis parameters of the designated test items and the like. At the time of dispensing the target reagent, the reagent dispensing mechanism 15 moves the pipette nozzle to a predetermined dispensing position on the reagent disk 12 by the movable arm, and sucks a predetermined amount of the reagent from the target reagent container by the pipette nozzle. .. The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 moves the pipette nozzle to a predetermined dispensing position on the reaction disk 12 by a movable arm, and discharges the reagent from the pipette nozzle into the reaction vessel. A reagent dispensing mechanism driving unit 815 is connected to the reagent dispensing mechanism 15.

The stirring mechanism 18 is arranged near the reaction disc 12, the reagent disc 13, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 15. The stirring mechanism 18 stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel to promote the reaction and prepare the reaction solution.

The light source 16 and the photometer 17 form a photodetection system which is a measuring unit. A light source 16 is arranged near the center of the reaction disk 12, and a photometer 17 is arranged at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral side correspondingly. The photometer 17 is a multi-wavelength photometer that detects transmitted light or scattered light. Depending on the rotational operation of the reaction disk 12, the reaction vessel containing the reaction liquid after stirring passes through a predetermined photometric position sandwiched between the light source 16 and the photometer 17. The photometer 17 performs optical measurement on the reaction solution of the reaction vessel that passes through the photometric position. A measurement circuit 817 is connected to the photometer 17. The measurement circuit 817 includes a Log converter / analog-to-digital converter. The signal measured for each sample by the photometer 17 (for example, an analog signal of scattered light) is input to the measurement circuit 817, and the Log conversion / analog-digital converter performs Log conversion and analog-digital conversion. Log conversion is conversion to a numerical value proportional to the amount of light. The resulting digital signal is sent from the measurement circuit 817 to the control unit 100.

The cleaning mechanism 19 cleans the inside of the used reaction vessel after measurement. This allows the reaction vessel to be used repeatedly. A cleaning mechanism drive unit 819 such as a cleaning water pump is connected to the cleaning mechanism 19.

The drive unit such as the sample disk drive unit 811 is electrically connected to the control unit 100, the operation unit 110, and the like through the interface circuit 850. The part 802 including the mechanism such as the sample disk 11 and the driving unit such as the sample disk driving unit 811 can be mounted as an analysis module (for example, the analysis module 2C in FIG. 3).

A control unit 100, a storage device 103, an input device 104, a display device 105, a printer 106, a power supply unit 107, an operation unit 110, and the like are connected to the interface circuit 850 so that they can communicate with each other. The parts 801 such as the control unit 100 and the operation unit 110 can be mounted as an operation module (for example, the operation module 4 in FIG. 3).

The control unit 100 is configured on at least one of the IC board 101 and the computer 102. The control unit 100 controls the entire automatic analysis device 1 and realizes the automatic analysis function. The control unit 100 drives each unit such as the sample disk 11 by transmitting a control signal to each drive unit, for example. At the time of analysis, the control unit 100 sends a command control signal to each unit such as the sample dispensing mechanism drive unit 814 based on the user's operation through the operation unit 110, setting information, analysis request information, and the like. , Control sample dispensing operation, etc.

The operation unit 110 is a part for operating the automatic analyzer 1 by a user who performs clinical examination work. The operation unit 110 may be composed of an operation panel, an input device 104 (for example, a keyboard or the like), a display device 105, or particularly the touch panel 5 described above. The operation unit 110 or the display device 105 provides a display screen such as an operation screen. The user can operate the automatic analyzer through the operation screen.

In advance, the operator selects the test items requested for each sample through the operation screen of the operation unit 110, sets various parameters required for analysis, and registers the sample information such as the patient ID. .. The input information is stored in the storage device 103. The operator inputs analysis request information and analysis start instruction on the operation screen.

The storage device 103 is composed of an internal memory, an external memory, or the like, and stores programs, setting information, and various types of data. The storage device 103 stores, for example, information such as display screen data of various levels, analysis parameters, analysis request information, calibration result information, and analysis result information.

Of the control unit 100, the analysis processing unit configured by the program processing of the CPU or the like analyzes the components of the sample by performing the analysis processing of the designated inspection item using the digital signal obtained from the measurement circuit 817. do. At that time, the analysis processing unit calculates the concentration data of the components based on the calibration curve measured in advance by the analysis method designated for each inspection item. The analysis processing unit saves the analysis processing result information (including the concentration data of the components) of the inspection items in the storage device 103, displays it on the display screen, and prints it out through the printer 106. The operator confirms the analysis result information on the display screen or the like.

[Automatic analyzer (4) -Immunoassay]
FIG. 9 shows the basic configuration of the analysis module 2B for immunoassay of the automatic analyzer 1B and the immunoassay module corresponding to the analysis module 2D of the automatic analyzer 1C. FIG. 9 is an example of the analysis module 2D, and shows a configuration example of the upper surface (XY plane). The major difference between the analysis module 2D and the analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis is that the reaction vessel and the sample dispensing chip are disposable, and the analysis module 2D is provided with a mechanism for that purpose.

The analysis module 2D has a holder 21, an incubator 22, a reagent disk 23, a sample dispensing mechanism 24, a reagent dispensing mechanism 25, a transport mechanism 26, a cleaning mechanism 27, a shipper 28, a reaction detection unit 29, and the like on the upper surface. A sample rack accommodating portion 8D is provided on the upper side portion of the upper surface near the back surface. In the sample rack accommodating unit 8D, the sample rack 7 transported from the sample transport unit 6 (FIG. 10 or 11) is accommodated on the transport line. In this example, the holder 21 and the transfer mechanism 26 are arranged near the right side surface SS10 of the analysis module 2D, and the reagent disk 23 is arranged near the left side surface SS6.

A plurality of reaction vessels and a plurality of sample dispensing chips are placed in each holder 21. The reaction vessel and sample dispensing chip are used for sample dispensing and then discarded. A drawer 21B is provided on a part of the front surface of the analysis module 2D. The drawer 21B can be pulled out in the Y direction by the operation of the user, and houses the holder 21 and the waste collection box. When the drawer 21B is closed, the transfer mechanism 26 can access the holder 21. The waste collection box is arranged at a predetermined disposal position of the transport mechanism 26, and houses the reaction container and the sample dispensing chip discarded at the disposal position.

The transport mechanism 26 is a mechanism for transporting the reaction vessel and the sample dispensing tip in the holder 21 to a predetermined position, and transporting the used reaction vessel and the sample dispensing tip to a predetermined disposal position (corresponding disposal hole 26a). Is. The transport mechanism 26 is a mechanism that can move in three axial directions in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. The transport mechanism 26 grips the reaction vessels one by one from the holder 21, raises them, moves them to a predetermined position of the incubator 22, and erections them. Further, the transport mechanism 26 grips the sample dispensing tips one by one from the holder 21, raises them, and moves them to a predetermined mounting position (corresponding buffer 26b).

The incubator 22, also called a culture disc, is a disk-shaped reaction vessel erection portion, and a plurality of reaction vessels 22A are erected on the circumference to rotate the reaction vessel 22A.

The reagent disk 23 is a disk-shaped reagent container transport mechanism, and a plurality of reagent bottles are erected on the circumference to rotate the reagent bottles. The reagent disc 23 includes a cylindrical cool box and controls the reagent bottle to a constant temperature. The reagent bottle contains a plurality of reagent containers 23A. The reagent container 23A contains a reagent solution according to the items that can be analyzed. The reagent disk 23 is covered with a cover of a cold storage, and a part of the cover has an inlet / outlet port, so that the reagent bottle and the reagent container 23A can be taken in and out. The inlet / outlet port is configured by an opening / closing type cover or the like, has an interlock mechanism, and is locked during the operation of the reagent disk 23.

The sample dispensing mechanism 24 includes a movable arm, a nozzle, and the like. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 grips the sample dispensing tip transported to the mounting position by the transport mechanism 26 and mounts it on the nozzle. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 installs the reaction vessel transported by the transport mechanism 26 at a predetermined position of the incubator 22. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 dispenses the sample in the sample container of the sample rack storage unit 8C into the reaction container of the incubator 22. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the nozzle equipped with the sample dispensing chip onto the sample container, sucks the sample into the sample dispensing chip, moves the sample onto the reaction vessel of the incubator 22, and dispenses the sample. The sample is discharged from the inside of the chip into the reaction vessel. After that, the sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the nozzle onto the waste hole 26a and drops the used sample dispensing tip into the waste hole 26a. Further, the sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the used reaction vessel onto the waste hole 26a and drops it into the waste hole 26a.

The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 is provided with a pipette nozzle or the like, and dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 23A at the predetermined dispensing position of the reagent disk 23 into the reaction vessel 22A at the predetermined dispensing position in the incubator 22. The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 moves the pipette nozzle onto the target reagent container 23A, sucks the reagent from the reagent container 23A, moves the pipette nozzle onto the reaction vessel 22A, and moves the reagent into the reaction vessel 22A. Discharge.

The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 includes a reagent stirring mechanism. The reagent stirring mechanism stirs the reagent solution in the target reagent container with a stirring arm immediately before dispensing the reagent. After stirring, the reagent stirring mechanism moves the stirring arm onto the washing mechanism 27 to wash.

The sample and the reagent solution are dispensed into the reaction vessel 22A of the incubator 22, and the reaction solution is formed after a predetermined reaction time has elapsed. The analysis module 2D sucks the reaction solution from the reaction vessel 22A by the shipper 28 including the nozzle and supplies it to the reaction detection unit 29. The reaction detection unit 29 optically measures the reaction solution using a photometer.

The area of the broken line on the upper surface 800 of the analysis module 2C of FIG. 8 and the area of the broken line on the upper surface 900 of the analysis module 2D of FIG. 9 are covered with an upper cover (not shown). The upper cover is provided with a mechanism that can be opened and closed back and forth in the Y direction, for example. The top cover has an interlock mechanism to ensure work safety and analytical reliability. During the operation of the module, the top cover is locked and held closed by an interlock mechanism. While the module is stopped, the top cover is in a state where the user can open it by unlocking the interlock mechanism.

[Automatic analyzer (5) -First type-Sample transfer mechanism (1)]
FIG. 10A shows a configuration example of a design including the external structural component 3 on the upper surface (XY plane) of the first type automatic analyzer 1C of the combination method, and in particular, the first configuration relating to the sample transport mechanism. An example is shown. FIG. 10B shows an outline configuration of the sample rack 7 and the sample container 7A.

In FIG. 10A, the automatic analyzer 1C has a central operation module 4, an analysis module 2C on the right side, and an analysis module 2D on the left side, as in FIG. A sample transfer unit 6 is attached to the upper part of the back surface of the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D on the rear side in the Y direction in the Z direction. The sample rack transport module, which is the sample transport unit 6, is a mechanism for transporting the sample rack 7 in the X direction between the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D. In this example, the sample transport unit 6 is configured with one transport line extending in the X direction. The sample rack 7 is placed on the transport line and is transported to the left and right in the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the sample rack 7 contains a plurality of sample containers 7A. The sample container 7A is a container containing a sample. The sample is a biological sample such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, or other body fluid.

The operation module 4 has a touch panel 5 attached, for example, at a position near the center in the Y direction while standing in the Z direction. The touch panel 5 is provided with a part of the control unit 100 and the operation unit 110 (FIG. 8) described above, and provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for the operator.

The operation module 4 has a sample rack accommodating portion 8A at the rear portion in the Y direction. A plurality of sample racks 7 are housed in the sample rack storage unit 8A. The user accommodates the sample rack 7 in the sample rack storage unit 8A.

The operation module 4 transfers the sample rack 7 of the sample rack accommodating unit 8A to the transfer line of the sample transfer unit 6. The sample transport unit 6 moves the sample rack 7 along the transport line and transports the sample rack 7 to the sample rack storage unit 8C of the analysis module 2C or the sample rack storage unit 8D of the analysis module 2D, depending on the type of analysis. A sample rack accommodating portion 8C is provided near the back surface of the analysis module 2C on the rear side in the Y direction. A sample rack accommodating portion 8D is provided near the back surface of the analysis module 2D on the rear side in the Y direction.

The analysis module 2C receives the target sample rack 7 or the target sample container 7A from the sample transport unit 6 and stores the target sample rack 7 or the target sample container 7A in the sample rack storage unit 8C. The analysis module 2D receives the target sample rack 7 or the target sample container 7A from the sample transport unit 6 and stores the target sample rack 7 or the target sample container 7A in the sample rack storage unit 8D.

The sample dispensing mechanism 14 of the analysis module 2C dispenses the sample from the sample container 7A of the sample rack accommodating portion 8C to the reaction container of the reaction disk 12. The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 of the analysis module 2C dispenses the reagent from the reagent container of the reagent disk 13 to the reaction container of the reaction disk 12. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 of the analysis module 2D dispenses the sample from the sample container 7A of the sample rack accommodating portion 8D to the reaction container of the incubator 22. The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 of the analysis module 2D dispenses the reagent from the reagent container of the reagent disk 23 to the reaction container of the incubator 22.

Side covers, which are external structural parts 3, are attached to the side surfaces of the analysis modules 2C and 2D, respectively. The external structural component 41 is attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C on the right side. The external structural component 42 is attached to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D on the left side. As a result, the appearance of the side surface of the automatic analyzer 1C is configured. Although a gap is provided between the side surface of the module and the external structural part 3 so that the parts can be easily understood, it is possible to arrange the parts without a gap.

[Automatic analyzer (6) -First type-Sample transfer mechanism (2)]
FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a design including the appearance structural component 3 in the first type automatic analyzer 1C of the combination method, and particularly shows a second configuration example relating to the sample transfer mechanism. The second configuration example has a sample transfer mechanism using a rack rotor 200. FIG. 11A shows an outline configuration, and FIG. 11B shows details regarding the sample transport mechanism in particular.

In FIG. 11A, the operation module 4 is provided with a touch panel 5 at a position near the center in the Y direction, and a rack rotor 200 constituting the sample transfer unit 6 is mounted at the rear portion in the Y direction. A sample rack accommodating portion 8A is provided on the front side of the rack rotor 200 in the Y direction through a transfer line. With respect to the rack rotor 200, the sample rack accommodating portion 8C of the analysis module 2C is provided on the right side in the X direction through the transfer line, and the sample rack accommodating portion 8D of the analysis module 2D is provided on the left side in the X direction through the transfer line. Is provided.

The sample rack 7 may have a normal sample rack and an emergency sample rack as types. The normal sample rack is a sample rack containing a sample container containing a normal sample. A normal sample is a sample that is analyzed and measured with normal priority and urgency. The emergency sample rack is a sample rack containing a sample container containing an emergency sample. An urgent sample is a sample that is analyzed and measured with a higher priority and urgency than a normal sample rack. The sample rack accommodating portion 8A in the second configuration example can accommodate a normal sample rack and an emergency sample rack.

The area of the dashed line on the upper surface of the analysis module 2C is covered by an upper cover (not shown). The area of the dashed line on the top surface of the analysis module 2D is covered by an top cover (not shown). A slide-type cover is provided on a part of the upper surface of the reagent disk 13 of the analysis module 2C so as to cover the inlet / outlet port. A slide-type cover is provided on a part of the upper surface of the reagent disk 23 of the analysis module 2D so as to cover the inlet / outlet port.

FIG. 11B shows a detailed configuration of the rack rotor 200 of FIG. 11 and each part connected to the rack rotor 200. The sample transfer unit 6 has a transfer line 201 extending in the Y direction on the front side in the Y direction and a transfer line 202 extending in the X direction on the right side in the X direction with respect to the rack rotor 200. On the left side in the X direction, there is a transport line 203 extending in the X direction.

The operation module 4 includes a sample rack supply unit 211, a sample rack supply unit 212, an emergency sample rack loading unit 213, and the like, which constitute the sample rack storage unit 8A. A sample rack supply unit 211 and a sample rack supply unit 212 are arranged in front of and behind the Y direction adjacent to the right side of the transport line 201 in the X direction. Further, the operation module 4 has a sample identification device 210 and an emergency sample rack loading unit 213 adjacent to the transfer line 201.

The analysis module 2C has a sample rack accommodating portion 8C including a transfer line 202. The sample rack accommodating unit 8C has a sample rack retracting unit 221 and a sample identification device 220. The analysis module 2D has a sample rack accommodating portion 8D including a transfer line 203. The sample rack accommodating unit 8D includes a sample rack retracting unit 231 and a sample identification device 230.

The rack rotor 200 is a sample rack transport mechanism having a cylindrical shape, and can accommodate a plurality of sample racks 7 on the circumference. The rack rotor 200 has one or more slots capable of rotating on the upper surface at predetermined positions on the circumference. In this example, the rack rotor 200 has slots 204 and 205 as two slots, and the two slots are arranged at positions facing each other at 180 degrees on the circumference. The rack rotor 200 accommodates the sample rack 7 in the slot, and conveys the sample rack 7 in the circumferential direction by rotating the slot. The slot can also be moved to a position adjacent to one end of the transport line 201 by a rotational operation.

The transport line 201 is a mechanism for transporting the sample rack 7 between the sample rack accommodating portion 8A and the rack rotor 200. The left and right transfer lines 202 and 203 of the rack rotor 200 are located between the slots 204 and 205 of the rack rotor 200, the sample rack storage unit 8C of the analysis module 2C, and the sample rack storage unit 8D of the analysis module 2D. It is a mechanism that conveys 7 by a reciprocating operation. For the transfer lines 201, 202, 203, for example, a belt conveyor type transfer mechanism is adopted.

One end of the transport line 201 extends to the front end of the circumference of the rack rotor 200 in the Y direction, and the other end extends to a position adjacent to the emergency sample rack loading section 213 near the front surface of the operation module 4. ing. The emergency sample rack loading unit 213 is a portion where the user retracts the emergency sample rack and loads it into the transport line 201. The sample rack supply unit 211 is a portion in which a user can load a plurality of normal sample racks and supplies the normal sample racks to the transport line 201. The sample rack supply unit 212 is a portion capable of receiving a sample rack from the transport line 201 and accommodating a plurality of sample racks.

The sample identification device 210 reads and identifies the identification medium provided in the sample rack 7 and the sample container in order to inquire the analysis request information regarding the sample in the sample container of the sample rack 7 transported on the transport line 201. The identification medium is, for example, an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag or a bar code label.

One end of the transport line 202 extends to a position in contact with the slot 204 on the right side of the rack rotor 200, and the other end extends to a position in contact with the sample rack retracting portion 221. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 dispenses the sample from the sample container of the sample rack 7 at a predetermined dispensing position on the transport line 202. One end of the transport line 203 extends to a position in contact with the slot 205 on the left side of the rack rotor 200, and the other end extends to a position in contact with the sample rack retracting portion 231. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 dispenses the sample from the sample container of the sample rack 7 at a predetermined dispensing position on the transport line 203.

The sample rack evacuation units 221,231 are mechanisms for transferring the sample rack 7 to and from the transfer lines 202 and 203 and retracting the sample rack 7. For example, a belt conveyor capable of continuously reciprocating the sample rack 7. A mold mechanism is adopted.

The sample identification devices 220 and 230 are devices for collating the analysis request information for the sample in the sample container in the sample rack 7 carried into the transport lines 202 and 203, and are the identification devices provided in the sample rack 7 and the sample container. A device that reads and identifies a medium.

The rack rotor 200 transfers the sample rack 7 to and from the front transfer line 201 via a slot, and transfers the sample rack 7 to and from the left and right transfer lines 202 and 203 via the slot. .. The rack rotor 200 rotates the sample rack 7 through the slot and conveys the sample rack 7 to the sample rack accommodating portions 8C and 8D of the target analysis modules 2C and 2D. The rack rotor 200 rotates and moves the slot to a position on the right side in order to deliver the sample rack 7 to, for example, the transfer line 202 on the analysis module 2C side, depending on the type of analysis. The transport line 202 receives the sample rack 7 from the slot 204 located on the right side of the rack rotor 200 and transports the sample rack 7 to the dispensing position.

The second configuration example of the sample transport mechanism can be applied in common to the automatic analyzer 1D of FIG. 4 and the automatic analyzer 1E of FIG. For example, in the case of the automatic analyzer 1D of FIG. 4, the rack rotor 200 performs the transfer to the transfer line 201 on the front side and the transfer line 202 on the right side, which corresponds to the configuration without the analysis module 2D on the left side of FIG.

The arrangement of the modules in the combination method is not a mere adjacent arrangement, but a mechanical connection is made between the side surfaces. Some mechanisms (for example, sample transfer unit 6) and some wirings and pipes are shared between the modules. The side surfaces of the modules arranged adjacent to each other without interposing the external structural component 3 are mechanically connected by using bolts or the like. For example, the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4 and the left side surface SS9 of the analysis module 2C are connected to each other via a mechanism or a component constituting the sample transfer unit 6. The same applies to the side surface SS8 and the side surface SS10.

[Common method for exterior structural parts]
The automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment has a cover member, particularly a side cover, as an external structural component 3 to be shared. The cover member includes a main body (cover main body) and mounting parts. In addition, there are a plurality of module sides to which a common cover member is attached and detached in the entire automatic analyzer of each apparatus configuration. In the case of the first common method, the right side surface and the left side surface are independent, and in the case of the second common method, both the left and right side surfaces are used. The plurality of cover members and the plurality of modules in each device configuration have the following configurations for common use. The cover member has a mounting component on the back surface of the cover body (mounting component 62 as shown in FIG. 15 described later), and correspondingly, a mounting portion for mounting the cover member (particularly the mounting component) is provided on the side surface of each module. It has a structure including (cover member mounting portion) (mounting portion 72 as shown in FIG. 19 described later). In the left-right direction (X direction) with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer, for example, at the center position, a reference plane (for example, the XZ plane shown by the alternate long and short dash line such as FIG. (Vertical axis and horizontal axis), etc.

The first common method has a first cover member that can be commonly attached to the right side surface of each module and a second cover member that can be commonly attached to the left side surface of each module. A mounting portion is provided at the position of the right side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the first cover member, and the mounting portion is provided at the position of the left side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member. Is provided. The position of the mounting component and mounting portion on the right side surface may be different from the position of the mounting component and mounting portion on the left side surface. The positions of the two or more mounting parts provided on the back surface of the cover body are basically arbitrary positions.

In the second common method, the first cover member and the second cover member can be attached to both the right side surface and the left side surface of each module in common. The position of the mounting part on the right side of each module and the position of the mounting part of the first cover member, and the position of the mounting part on the left side of each module and the position of the mounting part of the second cover member are relative to the reference plane. It has a relationship such as a mirror image or symmetry, and is a position corresponding to the case where it is flipped horizontally or a position corresponding to the case where it is flipped vertically. For example, when the position of the mounting component of one first cover member and the position of the mounting portion on the right side of the module are reversed left and right by rotating 180 degrees around the vertical axis, the other second cover member is mounted. It matches the position of the parts and the position of the mounting part on the left side of the module.

FIG. 7 shows the correspondence between the position of the mounting component 62 of the cover member and the position of the mounting portion 72 on the side surface of each module, which is related to the standardization method of the external structural component 3 (cover member). Here, the appearance design (surface shape) of the surface of the cover member is not considered. In the case of the first common method, for example, the first cover member (right side cover member) 3R attached to the right side MR of each of the plurality of modules is common. On the back surface of the cover body of the first cover member 3R, two or more mounting parts 62 are provided at two or more predetermined positions. A mounting portion 72 is provided at a predetermined position on the right side MR of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component 62. The positions of each mounting component 62 and each mounting portion 72 have a corresponding positional relationship when the cover member is translated or turned upside down between the side surfaces of each module. FIG. 7 shows the case of a translational relationship. Similarly, the second cover member (left cover member) 3L attached to the left side surface ML of each of the plurality of modules is common. The position of the mounting component 62 of the second cover member 3L and the position of the mounting portion 72 of the left side surface ML of each module have a corresponding relationship.

In the second common method, the positions of the mounting parts 62 and the mounting portion 72 on the right side MR of the module to which the first cover member 3R is mounted, and the mounting parts 62 and the mounting portion on the left side ML of the module to which the second cover member 3L is mounted. The position of 72 has a correspondence relationship of left-right inversion or up-down inversion with respect to the reference plane S0 (YZ plane). FIG. 7 shows the case of a left-right reversal relationship. For example, on the right side surface MR of the module and the YZ surface of the first cover member 3R, for the sake of explanation, the first quadrant on the upper right, the second quadrant on the upper left, the third quadrant on the lower left, and the fourth quadrant on the lower right are shown. For example, two mounting parts 62 and two mounting portions 72 are arranged in the first quadrant on the upper right and the second quadrant on the upper left. When the first cover member 3R is flipped horizontally by rotating it 180 degrees around the axis in the Z direction, the first cover member 3R becomes the same as the state of the second cover member 3L. The positions of the two mounting parts 62 on the upper right and upper left of the first cover member 3R and the two mounting portions 72 on the right side surface MR of the module are the two mounting parts 62 on the upper right and upper left of the second cover member 3L and the left side surface ML of the module. Matches the positions of the two mounting portions 72 of. With the above configuration, the appearance structural parts 3 can be standardized.

[Common method for external structural parts (1)]
A method of standardizing the appearance structural parts 3 in each of a plurality of types of automatic analyzers 1 of the single-unit method and the combined method of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 and the like. FIG. 12 shows the first commonality and the second commonality of the stand-alone automatic analyzer 1 (1A, 1B). FIG. 12A shows a first common method in a simple substance method. FIG. 12B shows a second common method in the single method. FIG. 13 shows a first common method for the combination type automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E). FIG. 14 shows a second common method for the combination type automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E). 12 to 14 mainly show the outline configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) of the module and the external structural component 3, and also show the perspective of the external structural component 3. Further, the reference plane S0 is indicated by a alternate long and short dash line.

In FIG. 12A, in the first standardization method, the right side surface and the left side side surface of all the modules are divided, and the appearance structural parts 3 are standardized for each of the left and right sides. That is, there are only two types of external structural parts 3 that are side covers of all modules: an external structural part 3a that is a first cover member for the right side surface and an external structural part 3b that is a second cover member for the left side surface. It is composed of. The external structural component 3a for the right side surface and the external structural component 3b for the left side surface have a symmetrical shape with respect to the central reference surface S0 in the X direction. Further, the external structural parts 3a and the external structural parts 3b each have a vertically asymmetrical shape in the Z direction when viewed alone.

The external structural component 31 on the right side of the analysis module 2A of the automatic analyzer 1A and the external structural component 33 on the right side of the analysis module 2B of the automatic analyzer 1B are composed of the same external structural component 3a that is shared. The appearance structural component 32 on the left side of the analysis module 2A of the automatic analyzer 1A and the appearance structural component 34 on the left side of the analysis module 2B of the automatic analyzer 1B are composed of the same appearance structural component 3b that is shared.

For easy understanding, the types of the external structural parts 3a and 3b are also indicated by symbols A and B. Further, an example of the position of the external structural parts 3a and 3b is shown at point p1. For example, the point p1 on the upper right of the surface of the external structural component 3a on the right side and the point p1 on the upper left of the surface of the external structural component 3b on the left side correspond symmetrically. In this mounting example, the left and right exterior structural parts 3 (3a, 3b) have a symmetrical shape in terms of appearance design, but the shape is not limited to this, and a left-right asymmetric shape may be used. Further, since the external structural parts 3 (3a, 3b) each have a mounting part described later on the back surface, the external structural parts 3 (3a, 3b) have a vertically asymmetrical shape when viewed from the back surface. The external structural component 3 (3a, 3b) has, for example, a vertically asymmetrical shape when viewed only on the surface, but is not limited to the vertically asymmetrical shape, and may be a vertically symmetrical shape or a horizontally symmetrical shape (in the Y direction). It may have a symmetrical shape in the front-back direction).

In the comparative example of FIG. 28, four types of external structural parts 93-1 to 93-4 were required to provide the automatic analyzers 91A and 91B. On the other hand, according to the first common method, only two types of {A, B} external structural parts 3a and 3b are required to provide the automatic analyzers 1A and 1B.

[Common method for external structural parts (2)]
FIG. 12B further shows a second common method. The automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment can obtain a corresponding effect even if the first common method is adopted for each type of the single method, but further adopts the second common method. As a result, the types of external structural parts 3 can be further reduced. In the second common method, the exterior structural component 3a on the right side and the exterior structural component 3b on the left side are further composed of the same type of exterior structural component 3c that is shared. All the appearance structural parts including the left and right appearance structural parts 31 and 32 of the automatic analyzer 1A and the left and right appearance structural parts 33 and 34 of the automatic analyzer 1B are composed of the same appearance structural parts 3c that are standardized. .. The external structural component 3c arranged on the right side surface of the module and the external structural component 3c arranged on the left side surface of the module have a symmetrical shape in the X direction. The external structural parts 3c each have a vertically symmetrical shape even in the Z direction. The position of the mounting component of the external structural component 3c arranged on the right side and the position of the mounting part on the right side of the analysis module 2A, the position of the mounting component of the external structural component 3c arranged on the left side, and the position of the mounting component on the right side of the analysis module 2B. The position of the mounting portion has a corresponding relationship with the reference surface S0 in an upside down position.

For the sake of clarity, the type of the external structural part 3c is also indicated by the symbol C. Further, an example of the position in the external structural component 3c is shown by point p2. For example, the upper right point p2 of the surface of the exterior structural component 3c arranged on the right side surface of the module and the lower left point p2 of the surface of the external structural component 3c arranged on the left side surface of the module correspond to the same. It is a point. The external structural component 3c has a vertically symmetrical shape so that it can be used even when it is turned upside down.

As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment is the same type of appearance structural component 3 (3a) that is common to a plurality of locations in the automatic analyzer 1 (1A, 1B) of each type of the stand-alone system. , 3b, 3c) are used. As a result, the types of the external structural parts 3 can be reduced, and the cost and the burden of logistics are improved. For example, the cost of a mold or the like when the external structural component 3 is manufactured by a molding method can be reduced. In this example, the case where the common appearance structural component 3 is applied to the automatic analyzer 1A for biochemical analysis and the automatic analyzer 1B for immunoassay is shown. A plurality of devices to be standardized are not limited to this example, but are possible. For example, when there are a plurality of types of automatic analyzers for biochemical analysis and when there are a plurality of types of automatic analyzers for immunoassay, the commonality can be similarly applied.

[Common method for external structural parts (3)]
Similarly, FIG. 13 shows the first common method for the appearance structural component 3 of the combination type automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E), and in order from the top, the automatic analyzer 1C, the automatic analyzer 1D, and the automatic analyzer 1D. The outline configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) of the automatic analyzer 1E is shown. For easy understanding, the alternate long and short dash line (reference plane S0) is shown with reference to the position of the common operation module 4. In the configuration of each type of automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E), the appearance structural parts 3 which are side covers are arranged on the rightmost side, the appearance structure parts 41, 43, 45, and the leftmost side. It has external structural parts 42, 44, 46.

In the first common method, the appearance structural parts 41, 43, and 45 on the right side of each type are composed of the same type of appearance structural parts 3e that are standardized. Further, the appearance structural parts 42, 44, 46 on the left side are composed of the same type of appearance structural parts 3f that are shared. The external structural component 3e for the right side surface and the external structural component 3f for the left side surface have different shapes and the like, but have a symmetrical shape in the X direction and have substantially similar shapes and the like. The external structural parts 3e and 3f each have, for example, a vertically asymmetrical shape in the Z direction. The positions of the mounting components of the external structural component 3e arranged on the right side and the positions of the mounting portions on the right side surface of each module have a corresponding relationship. The positions of the mounting components of the external structural component 3f arranged on the left side and the positions of the mounting portions on the left side surface of each module have a corresponding relationship.

For easy understanding, the types of the external structural parts 3e and 3f are also indicated by symbols E and F. Further, an example of the position of the external structural parts 3e and 3f is shown by the point p3. For example, the point p3 on the upper right of the surface of the external structural component 3e on the right side and the point p3 on the upper left of the surface of the external structural component 3f on the left side correspond to each other in a symmetrical shape.

In the first common method, the appearance structural parts 41 and 43 on the right side of the analysis module 1C and the appearance structural parts 45 on the right side of the operation module 4 are shared as the appearance structural parts 3e. Similarly, the appearance structural parts 42 and 46 on the left side of the analysis module 1D and the appearance structural parts 44 on the left side of the operation module 4 are shared as the appearance structural parts 3f.

In the comparative example of FIG. 29, four types of {E to H} external structural parts 93 (93-5 to 93-8) were required to provide the automatic analyzers 91C, 91D, and 91E. On the other hand, according to the first common method, only two types of {E, F} external structural parts 3e and 3f are required to provide the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D and 1E. In the first common method, there are more types of external structural parts 3 than in the second common method, but the degree of freedom in designing the surface of the external structural parts 3 is higher.

[Common method for external structural parts (4)]
Similarly, FIG. 14 shows a second common method for the combination type automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E). The automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment can obtain a corresponding effect even when the first common method is adopted for each type of the combination method, but further adopts the second common method. As a result, the types of external structural parts 3 can be further reduced.

In the second common method, all the left and right external structural parts 41 to 46 of each type are composed of 3 g of common external structural parts of the same type. According to the second common method, only one type of external structural component (3 g) is required to provide the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E. The external structural component 3g arranged on the right side surface of the module and the external structural component 3g arranged on the left side surface have a symmetrical shape in the X direction. Each of the external structural parts 3g has a vertically symmetrical shape in the Z direction. The position of the mounting part of the external structural part 3g placed on the right side, the position of the mounting part on the right side of each module, the position of the mounting part of the external structural part 3g placed on the left side, and the position of the mounting part on the left side of each module. Has an upside-down correspondence relationship with the reference plane S0.

For the sake of clarity, the type of the external structural part 3g is also indicated by the symbol G. Further, an example of the position in the external structural part 3g is shown by point p4. For example, a point p4 on the upper right of the surface of the external structural component 3g arranged on the right side and a point p4 on the lower left of the surface of the external structural component 3g arranged on the left side correspond to each other. The surface condition of the external structural component 3g arranged on the right side is the same as the surface condition of the external structural component 3g arranged on the left side by turning it upside down by rotating it 180 degrees around the axis J1 in the Y direction. Become.

As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment is the same type of appearance structural component 3 that is common to a plurality of locations in the automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E) of each type of the combination method. (3e, 3f, 3g) is used. As a result, the types of the external structural parts 3 can be reduced, and the cost and the burden of logistics are improved. In this example, the case where the common appearance structural component 3 is applied to the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E is shown. A plurality of devices to be standardized are not limited to this example, but are possible. For example, when there are a plurality of types of analysis modules 2C for biochemical analysis, the commonality can be similarly applied.

In the above mounting example, the cover body of the external structural component 3c ((B) in FIG. 12) or the external structural component 3g (FIG. 14) becomes wider from the front side to the rear side in the Y direction, as will be described later. It has an asymmetrical shape in the Y direction when viewed on the surface. Correspondingly, the second common method is realized by using the cover body upside down. The shape of the cover body of the external structural component 3c or the external structural component 3g is not limited to this. In the modified example, the cover body may have a shape having a constant width in the X direction regardless of whether it is on the front side or the rear side in the Y direction. In this case, it is not necessary to use the vertical inversion of the cover body, and for example, by using the horizontal inversion of the cover body, the second commonality can be realized.

FIG. 30 shows a second common method corresponding to the above modification. Regarding the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E, appearance structural parts 41 to 46 (3 g) having a shape different from that in the case of FIG. 14 are used. In this example, the operation module 4 includes a rack rotor 200. For example, in the automatic analyzer 1C, the external structural component 41 attached to the right side surface of the analysis module 2C and the external structural component 42 attached to the left side surface of the analysis module 2D are composed of a common external structural component 3g. .. The width of the external structural component 3g is constant in the X direction regardless of whether it is on the front side or the rear side in the Y direction. The cover body of the external structural component 3g has a symmetrical shape in the Y direction when the surface is viewed alone. An example of the position of the surface of the cover body is shown by point p5, and is located at the upper right position of the surface (upper position in the Z direction, rear position in the Y direction). When the external structural component 41 (3 g) arranged on the right side of the automatic analyzer 1C is arranged on the left side, it is rotated 180 degrees around the axis J2 in the Z direction of the cover body with respect to the reference surface S0. By reversing left and right, it becomes the same state as the external structural part 42 (3 g) arranged on the left side. In the state of the exterior structural component 42 (3 g) on the left side, the point p5 is at the upper right position of the surface (upper side in the Z direction and front side in the Y direction).

[Common method for external structural parts (5)]
FIG. 31 shows a case where the second common method is applied to other types of automatic analyzers 1H, 1I, 1J of the combination method in the automatic analyzer of the modified example of the embodiment. In the automatic analyzer 1H, as a sixth type configuration, two analysis modules 2C (2C-1,2C-2) for biochemical analysis are connected to the left and right sides of the central operation module 4 as modules of the same type. It is the type that is. Further, in this example, the case where the operation module 4 including the rack rotor 200 is combined is shown. This type has a configuration in which the number of samples that can be analyzed simultaneously is increased by increasing the number of analysis modules of the same analysis type. The biochemical analysis module 2C-1 on the right side and the biochemical analysis module 2C-2 on the left side are modules having the same mechanism and the same analysis type and specifications. The external structural component 41 attached to the right side surface of the biochemical analysis module 2C-1 and the external structural component 42 attached to the left side surface of the biochemical analysis module 2C-2 are composed of a common external structural component 3g. NS.

Further, the automatic analyzer 1I has the same configuration as the automatic analyzer 1D of FIG. 14, but corresponds to the configuration in which the analysis module 2C-2 on the left side is removed from the automatic analyzer 1H. The external structural component 43 on the right side of the analysis module 2C-1 and the external structural component 43 on the left side of the operation module 4 are also composed of a common external structural component 3g. Further, the automatic analyzer 1J corresponds to a configuration in which the analysis module 2C-1 on the right side is removed from the automatic analyzer 1H. The external structural component 46 on the left side of the analysis module 2C-2 and the external structural component 45 on the right side of the operation module 4 are also composed of a common external structural component 3g.

The above configuration is a case where the second common method is applied, but the first common method can also be applied in the same manner. Further, as another type of automatic analyzer, the common method can be similarly applied even in the case where the same analysis module 2D for immunoassay is connected to the left and right of the operation module 4. The plurality of modules constituting the combination type automatic analyzer are a plurality of modules selected from a plurality of different types of modules according to at least one of the specifications and the analysis type. As described above, a plurality of modules of different types may be used, or a plurality of modules of the same type may be used.

[Common method for external structural parts (6)]
As an automatic analyzer of a modified example of the embodiment, the following is also possible. The automatic analyzer of the modified example may have a plurality of types of modules in addition to a module of a certain analysis type in a single method or a combination method. For example, as the biochemical analysis module, there may be a plurality of types of biochemical analysis modules having different specifications according to variations such as mechanism and shape. Similarly, there may be multiple types of immunoassay modules. Different automated analyzers can be configured depending on the type of analysis module selected. Further, even when there are a plurality of types of modules having the same analysis type but different specifications, the common method can be applied as described above.

As an example, in a stand-alone automatic analyzer, it is assumed that there are a plurality of types (for example, two types) of modules or main bodies having different specifications as modules or main bodies for biochemical analysis as the same analysis type. For example, when the second standardization method is applied, the exterior structural parts on the left and right sides of the module of the first specification and the exterior structural parts on the left and right sides of the module of the second specification are all standardized. It consists of parts.

As another example, in a combination type automatic analyzer, for example, there are two types of analysis modules having different specifications as analysis modules for biochemical analysis. For example, when configuring the third type automatic analyzer 1C, there are two types of analysis modules 2C as candidates for the analysis module 2C, and each combination is possible. For example, when the second common method is applied to these configurations, the appearance structural parts on the right side of the analysis module 2C of the first specification and the appearance structural parts on the right side of the analysis module 2C of the second specification , Consists of common exterior structural parts. Similarly, when there are a plurality of types of analysis modules 2D as analysis modules 2D for immunoassay, the common method can be applied.

[Appearance structural parts (1)]
15 to 17 show detailed structural examples of the common external structural component 3, for example, the external structural component 3g of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the structure of the external structural component 3g attached as the right external structural component 41 to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C of the automatic analyzer 1C of FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the external structural component 3g attached as the left external structural component 42 to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D of the automatic analyzer 1C of FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 17 shows the structure of the mounting component 62 provided in the external structural component 3g.

FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the front surface of the external structural component 3g (41), and FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the back surface. In FIG. 15A, the external structural component 3g has a vertically symmetrical shape with respect to the reference line C1 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line when the surface is viewed. The reference line C1 is located near the center of the length of the external structural component 3g in the Z direction, and indicates an axis extending in the Y direction.

The external structural component 3g is roughly divided into a main body 61 which is a cover main body and a mounting component 62. The main body 61 has a substantially flat plate shape, a convex shape on the outside (for example, the right side) in the X direction as a whole, and has a space having a predetermined thickness in the X direction when viewed from the back surface. The mounting component 62 is housed in that space. As an example of the appearance design, the main body 61 has a shape in which the width increases from the front side to the rear side in the Y direction. This design example is intended to give an impression of the appearance when the user looks at the front from the standard position. In the embodiment, the external structural component 3g has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the Y direction. Further, on the surface of the main body 61, as an example of the appearance design, a recess 63 long in the Z direction is provided at a position near the approximate center in the Y direction. The concave portion 63 is a convex portion when viewed from the back surface.

In FIG. 15B, on the back surface, the main body 61 has two mounting parts 62, particularly mounted, in a space at a predetermined position in front of and behind the Y direction at a position of a reference line C1 near the center in the Z direction. Parts 62a and 62b are fixed. The mounting component 62a is arranged on the front side in the Y direction, and the mounting component 62b is arranged on the rear side. The two mounting parts 62a and 62b have the same shape, dimensions, mechanism, and the like.

The mounting component 62 is a component for mounting the external structural component 3g to the side surface of the analysis module 2C, the analysis module 2D, or the operation module 4, which is the target module. As will be described later, the side surface of each module has a configuration including a common mounting portion for mounting the external structural component 3g.

A screw hole component 64 for attaching a hem cover, which will be described later, is also provided at a predetermined position on the upper and lower sides of the main body 61 in the Z direction. The automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the hem cover described later can be attached to the external structural component 3, but a form in which the hem cover is not provided is also possible.

16A and 16B show a state in which the same external structural component 3g as in FIG. 15 is similarly arranged on the left side surface of the module. 16A shows a front surface and FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the back surface. By changing the orientation of the main body 61 and changing the vertical state of the mounting component 62 with respect to the state of the external structural component 3g of FIG. 15, the state of the external structural component 3g of FIG. 16 is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 17, the mounting component 62 has a fixing portion 62A which is a portion fixed to the main body 61, and an engaging portion 62B which extends continuously from the fixing portion 62A. FIG. 17A shows an enlarged state of the mounting component 62 corresponding to FIG. 15B. In this mounting example, the engaging portion 62B is particularly composed of a hook. The hook, which is the engaging portion 62B, engages with the hook receiver, which is the engaged portion in the mounting portion on the module side (the mounting portion 72 in FIG. 17D). At the time of attachment, the hook is inserted from above into the gap of the hook receiver of the attachment portion and is engaged as if it is caught. The mounting component 62 can be mounted not only on such a hook or the like.

FIG. 17B shows a state in which the (A) is turned upside down in the Z direction. When the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g of FIG. 15 is rotated 180 degrees around the axis of the reference line C1 in the Y direction and turned upside down, or only the mounting component 62 is as shown in FIG. 17 (C). When it is rotated to and turned upside down, the state as shown in FIG. 17 (B) is obtained.

The mounting component 62 is provided with a mechanism that can be turned upside down in the Z direction in accordance with the second common method, that is, so that the external structural component 3g can be mounted on either the left or right side surface of the module. .. This mechanism is a mechanism for flipping the mounting component 62 upside down when the main body 61 is turned upside down. In this example, this mechanism is implemented by a screwing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 17, the fixing portion 62C provided at a predetermined position of the main body 61 has a screw hole. The fixing portion 62A of the mounting component 62 is fixed to the screw hole of the fixing portion 62C by screwing. At that time, the engaging portion 62B is in a state of being at an upper position in the Z direction with respect to the reference line C1. When the external structural component 3g is arranged on the right side surface of the module, it is in the state of the mounting component 62 as shown in FIG. When the external structural component 3g is arranged on the left side surface of the module, it is in the state of the mounting component 62 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17C shows an outline of a case where the engaging portion 62B of the mounting component 62 is rotated about an axis with respect to the fixing portion 62C and turned upside down. The fixing portion 62A and the engaging portion 62B are formed by, for example, bending a sheet metal, are fixed to the fixing portion 62C by screwing, and can be removed by releasing the screws. The mounting parts 62 (fixing part 62A and engaging part 62B) removed from the fixing part 62C are turned upside down by the operator as in (A) to (B), and the fixing part is fixed. It is fixed to 62C by screwing. Such a mechanism capable of upside down the mounting component 62 is not limited to mounting by screwing, and for example, the axis of the fixing portion 62C in the X direction as shown in the image of (C) without using screwing is possible. A rotation mechanism capable of rotating the engaging portion 62B may be adopted around it.

FIG. 17D shows a state in which the engaging portion 62B of the mounting component 62 is engaged with the mounting portion 72 provided on the side surface 1700 of the module. The mounting portion 72 is an external structural component mounting portion (cover member mounting portion).

FIG. 18 shows the arrangement relationship of the external structural parts 3g arranged on the left and right sides of the module corresponding to the second common method. For example, the external structural parts 41 on the right side and the external appearance on the left side of the automatic analyzer 1C in FIG. The relationship with the structural component 42 is shown. The state of the main body 61 of the external structural component 42 (3 g) of FIG. 16 is inverted by rotating 180 degrees around the axis of the reference line C1 with respect to the state of the main body 61 of the external structural component 41 (3 g) of FIG. Corresponds to the state. In another way of thinking, from the state of the main body 61 in FIG. 15, for example, by rotating 180 degrees around the axis in the Z direction, the state is reversed left and right, and further, from that state, it is rotated 180 degrees around the axis in the X direction. The state of the main body 61 of FIG. 16 can also be obtained by setting the state upside down in.

When the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g is turned upside down as described above, the mounting part 62 is also turned upside down (state (B) in FIG. 17). In the state of the mounting component 62, the mounting portion 72 cannot be engaged. Therefore, in order to be able to mount the same external structural component 3g on the left and right side surfaces of the module, it is necessary to turn the mounting component 62 upside down to obtain the state shown in FIG. 17 (A). Therefore, the mounting component 62 is provided with a mechanism that can be turned upside down as described above.

18 (A) to (E) show the transition of the state when the work of changing the state of the exterior structural component 41 (3 g) on the right side to the state of the exterior structural component 41 (3 g) on the left side is performed. show. FIG. 18A shows an outline of a state in which the surface of the external structural component 3g (41) arranged on the right side surface of the analysis module 2C corresponding to FIG. 15A is viewed. (B) shows a state in which the back surface of the external structural component 3g (41) of (A) is viewed. In the states (A) and (B), the mounting component 62 is in the correct state where the engaging portion 62B is located above the reference line C1. (C) shows a state in which the main body 61 is rotated 180 degrees around the axis in the Y direction indicated by the reference line C1 from the states (A) and (B). In this state, the mounting component 62 is upside down, and the engaging portion 62B is located below the reference line C1. In this state, the external structural component 3g cannot be attached to the left side surface of the analysis module 2D, so it is necessary to change the orientation of the attachment component 62.

FIG. 18D shows a state in which the two mounting parts 62 are mounted by changing their orientations so as to be turned upside down with respect to the reference line C1 from the state of (C). (E) shows a state seen from the surface corresponding to (D). In the state of (E), the external structural component 3g can be attached as the external structural component 42 to the left side surface of the analysis module 2D. The same relationship as described above is also established when the exterior structural component 42 on the left side is changed to the exterior structural component 41 on the right side.

[Mounting part on the module side (1)]
19 to 21 show structural examples related to the attachment of the common external structural component 3g on the side surface of each module of the automatic analyzer 1.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a structural example including the mounting portion 72 on the side surface of the operation module 4. FIG. 19A shows a structural example on the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4 such as the automatic analyzer 1E of FIG. 5, and FIG. 19B shows a structural example on the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4. show.

The operation module 4 is roughly classified and has an upper portion 4A and a lower portion 4B with respect to the reference line Z1 in the Z direction. At the position of the reference line Z1, there is a partition plate 400 that separates the upper portion 4A and the lower portion 4B. A movable mechanism such as the above-mentioned sample transport unit 6 (including, for example, the sample rack accommodating unit 8A and the rack rotor 200) is mainly mounted on the upper portion 4A. Non-movable mechanisms such as the IC board 101 and each drive unit (including the cleaning mechanism drive unit 819 and the like) described above are mainly mounted on the lower portion 4B. In the upper portion 4A, a part of the rack rotor 200 is visible from the opening on the side surface SS8. In the movable mechanism, moving parts and the like are exposed on the surface. In the non-movable mechanism, moving parts and the like are not exposed on the surface.

In this mounting example, an operation table is provided on the front surface of the upper portion 4A so as to project forward in the Y direction. The operation table is also provided with an operation panel including a power button. A front cover 410 is provided on the front surface of the lower portion 4B. The front cover 410 is provided with a door that can be opened and closed (particularly a single door), and can be opened and closed during maintenance and the like. A hem cover 411 is provided further below the front cover 410. A caster mechanism 412, an adjuster mechanism 413, and the like for moving and stopping the module are provided on the lower surface of the lower portion 4B.

On the right side surface SS7 in the lower portion 4B, the substrate and parts constituting the mechanism are exposed. Two mounting portions 72, particularly mounting portions 72a and 72b, are provided at two predetermined positions in the front and rear in the Y direction at the position of the lower reference line Z2 with respect to the partition plate 400 located on the reference line Z1. ing. Similarly, on the left side surface SS8 of (B), two mounting portions 72 (72a, 72b) are provided at the same positions corresponding to the side surface SS7.

FIG. 19 (C) shows one mounting portion 72 in an enlarged manner. The mounting portion 72 has a fixing portion 72A and an engaged portion 72B. The fixing portion 72A is a portion fixed to the side surface of the module by screwing or the like. The engaged portion 72B is a portion that is continuously bent from the fixed portion 72A so as to protrude upward in the Z direction and outward in the X direction. The engaged portion 72B is mounted as a hook receiving portion in this example. The engaged portion 72B forms a gap (in other words, a recess) between the engaged portion 72B and the side surface of the module.

20 (A) and 20 (B) show external structural parts 45 (3 g) with respect to the mounting portion 72 of the side surface SS7 on the right side of the operation module 4 of FIG. 19 when, for example, the automatic analyzer 1E of FIG. 14 is configured. ) Is attached. (A) shows the right side surface SS7, and (B) shows the left side surface SS8. For example, in the case of configuring the automatic analysis device 1C and the automatic analysis device 1D of FIG. 14, the left side surface of the analysis module 2C is arranged adjacent to the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4, and the side surfaces are arranged adjacent to each other. It is mechanically connected. Similarly, the external structural component 3g is attached to the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4, or the analysis module 2D is arranged adjacent to the operation module 4.

20 (C) and 20 (D) show, for example, an enlarged state in which the mounting component 62 of the external structural component 3g is mounted on the mounting portion 72 of the left side surface SS8. As shown in the figure, the engaging portion 62B of the mounting parts 62 is in a state of being inserted and hooked from above with respect to the gap of the engaged portion 72B of the mounting portion 72. As a result, the appearance structural component 3g is held in a state of being attached to the side surfaces of the upper portion 4A and the lower portion 4B of the operation module 4. On the contrary, when the external structural component 3g is removed from the side surface of the operation module 4, the engaging portion 62B of the mounting component 62 is pulled out upward from the engaged portion 72B of the mounting portion 72. It will be in an engaged state.

Further, in the state of FIG. 20, a hem cover 66 is further attached to the lower side of the external structural component 45 (3 g), below the position in the Z direction indicated by the reference line Z4. The side hem cover 66 and the front hem cover 411 hide a space portion having a predetermined height including the caster mechanism 412 and the adjuster mechanism 413 on the lower surface of the lower portion 4B. The height of the hem cover 66 is matched with the height of the front hem cover 411. When the hem cover 66 and the hem cover 411 are provided in this way, the appearance of the automatic analyzer 1 can be further adjusted.

As in the mounting example of FIG. 20, the upper side portion of the external structural component 3g in the Z direction is attached to the side surface of the operation module 4 and is above the height position indicated by the reference line Z3 on the upper surface of the upper portion 4A. It may be in a state where a part of it appears. This is designed in consideration of the height of each module and the relationship with the upper cover described later.

Further, in the mounting example of the operation module 4 of FIG. 19, openings are provided on the left and right side surfaces (SS7, SS8) of the operation module 4 so that the left and right side surface portions of the rack rotor 200 can be seen. The following is also possible as another implementation example related to this.

FIG. 32 shows an implementation example of the operation module 4 in the modified example. (A) shows the outline of the upper surface of the operation module 4 and the like. (B) shows the outline of the side surface of the operation module 4 from a perspective view. At least one of the left and right sides of the operation module 4, in this example both sides (SS7, SS8), has a rack rotor cover 280 that can be attached to and removed from the opening corresponding to the side surface of the rack rotor 200. It is provided. For example, when introducing the automatic analyzer into the customer environment, the business operator introduces the automatic analyzer with the rack rotor cover 280 attached to the side surface of the operation module 4. When connecting the analysis module 2C or the like to the side surface of the operation module 4, the rack rotor cover 280 is removed. In the example of (A), the rack rotor cover 280 is removed from the side surface SS7 on the right side of the operation module 4, and the analysis module 2C is connected. A rack rotor cover 280 is attached to the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4. When the analysis module 2C or the like is not connected to the side surface of the operation module 4, the rack rotor cover 280 is attached as it is.

Further, the external structural component 3 can be attached to and detached from the side surface of the operation module 4 to which the rack rotor cover 280 is attached. In the example of (A), it is shown that the external structural component 3g, which is common as the external structural component 44, can be attached to the left side surface SS8. The positions of the mounting portion 72 and the corresponding mounting parts 62 are positions other than the area of the rack rotor cover 280. Similarly, on the side surface of various analysis modules, a dedicated cover may be provided in the opening corresponding to the mechanism such as a disk.

[Mounting part on the module side (2)]
FIG. 21 shows a structural example related to the attachment of the external structural component 3g on the side surface in the case of the analysis module 2C, for example, the right side surface SS5. The analysis module 2C is provided with a partition plate 500 at a height position in the Z direction indicated by the reference line Z5 in the Z direction. The analysis module 2C is roughly classified and has an upper portion 2Ca and a lower portion 2Cb above and below the partition plate 500. The upper 2Ca has a reagent disc 13 and the like as a movable mechanism, and a part of the reagent disc 13 is visible on the side surface SS5. The substrate, parts, etc. are visible in the lower 2Cb.

Two mounting portions 72, particularly mounting portions 72c and 72d, are provided at two predetermined positions in the front and rear in the Y direction at the lower position indicated by the reference line Z6 with respect to the partition plate 500 at the position of the reference line Z5. Has been done. The mounting portions 72 (72c, 72d) of the analysis module 2C are composed of the same parts as the mounting portions 72 (72a, 72b) of the operation module 4, and their height positions (reference lines Z2, Z6) are It is roughly the same.

A front cover 510 is provided on the front surface of the analysis module 2C in the Y direction. The front cover 510 is provided with a door that can be opened and closed (particularly a double door). Further, a hem cover 511 is provided on the lower side of the front cover 510. When maintaining the analysis module 2C, an operator can open and close the door of the front cover 510 to perform maintenance work on the components in the analysis module 2C.

For example, when the automatic analysis device 1C and the automatic analysis device 1D of FIG. 14 are configured, the appearance structural component 3g can be attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C as the appearance structure part 41 or the appearance structure part 43. .. The left side surface SS7 (FIG. 3) of the analysis module 2C is arranged adjacent to the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4, and the side surfaces are mechanically connected to each other.

Further, in the state of FIG. 21, the upper cover 520 is attached above the height position indicated by the reference line Z7 on the upper surface of the upper portion 2Ca of the analysis module 2C. The upper cover 520 has a raised shape that covers components such as the reagent disk 13 on the upper surface of the upper 2Ca and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 (FIG. 8) and the space containing them. The upper cover 520 includes an opening / closing cover 520A. The opening / closing cover 520A can be opened / closed in the Y direction according to the operation of the user, and is provided with an interlock mechanism.

Further, with respect to the external structural component 3g attached to the side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, it is possible to attach a hem cover (not shown) below the height position indicated by the reference line Z8 of the lower portion 2Cb. As a result, the caster mechanism 512 and the adjuster mechanism 513 arranged on the lower surface of the lower portion 2Cb can be hidden, and the appearance can be further adjusted.

Although not shown, the analysis module 2D also has the same configuration as the analysis module 2C with respect to the configuration including the mounting portion 72 of the external structural component 3g. Further, even in the case of applying the first common method of FIG. 13, a configuration including the same module-side mounting portion 72 as described above can be applied to the common appearance structural parts 3e and 3f. Further, even in the case of the single unit method of FIG. 12, the same configuration as described above can be applied to the common appearance structural parts 3a and 3b or the appearance structural parts 3c.

[Mounting part on the module side (3)]
As described above, for example, the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D, which are the modules constituting the automatic analyzer 1C and the like, include a mounting portion 72 for mounting the common appearance structural component 3g. Has. The mounting portion 72 of each module is also shared as having substantially the same structure.

In each module, the partition plate between the upper part and the lower part is provided at a position substantially close to each other in the Z direction. For example, the height position of the reference line Z1 of the partition plate 400 of the operation module 4 of FIG. 19 and the height position of the reference line Z5 of the partition plate 500 of the analysis module 2C of FIG. 21 are substantially the same. As described above, the movable mechanism is mainly mounted on the upper part of the module, and the non-movable mechanism is mainly mounted on the lower part. It is not desirable to provide the mounting portion 72 as close as possible to the upper movable mechanism (for example, the rack rotor 200 in FIG. 19). Alternatively, a space or the like is required near the upper movable mechanism, and it may be difficult to provide the mounting portion 72. Therefore, in the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment, the mounting portion 72 is placed at a lower position near the partition plate on the lower side surface of the module, for example, at the position of the reference line Z2 in FIG. 19 and the reference line Z6 in FIG. It is provided. As a result, 3 g of the appearance structural component of the second common method can be attached to the side surface of any type of module through the attachment portion 72 and the attachment component 62. The same external structural component 3g can be attached to either the right side surface or the left side surface of the module through the mounting portion 72 and the mounting component 62 through the relationship of left-right reversal or vertical reversal as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, in the mounting example in the embodiment, the mounting portion is not located near the top, bottom, left, and right sides or edges of the side surface of each module, but is located closer to the inside. 72 and mounting parts 62 are arranged. When the external structural component 3g is attached to the side surface of the module, the attachment portion 72 and the attachment component 62 are hidden and invisible. Therefore, in the embodiment, the appearance of the device can be further adjusted in terms of the appearance design.

[Appearance structural parts (2)]
FIG. 22 shows a structural example of the hem cover 66 particularly in the appearance structural part 3g. The external structural component 3g has a structure in which the hem cover 66 can be attached and detached. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the right external structural component 41 (3 g) attached to the right side surface SS5 (FIG. 3) of the analysis module 2C of the automatic analyzer 1C of FIG. 14, for example. In contrast to the basic configuration of the external structural component 3g of FIG. 16, the external structural component 3g of FIG. 22 has a structure in which the hem cover 66 can be attached to and removed from the upper and lower sides of the main body 61. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the hem cover 66 is attached to the lower side of the main body 61, corresponding to the case of the external structural component 3 g attached to the right side surface of the module. Although not shown, when this external structural component 3g is attached to the left side surface of the module, the hem cover 66 is removed, the main body 61 is turned upside down, and the hem cover 66 is placed on a new lower side in that state. Is attached.

In FIG. 22, the upper side (indicated by the reference line C5) and the lower side (indicated by the reference line C6) in the Z direction of the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g are located at predetermined positions in the Y direction, for example, two positions, front and back. Two screw hole parts 64 are provided. On the lower side of the lower side of the main body 61, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped hem cover 66 having a size matching the lower side is arranged. The height of the hem cover 66 is matched with the height of the space between the lower surface of the module and the installation floor, as in the example of FIG. 20, and is also matched with the height of the hem cover of the front cover. The hem cover 66 is attached to the lower side of the lower side of the main body 61 via the hem cover attaching portion 65. The hem cover mounting portion 65 is fixed to the screw hole component 64 of the main body 61 by screwing. The hem cover mounting portion 65 is, for example, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped component. The hem cover 66 is fixed to the hem cover mounting portion 65 by screwing.

Further, in this mounting example, the hem cover 66 can be attached to and detached from the main body 61 from the back surface or the front surface of the external structural component 3. In the screw hole component 64, the screw holes are also exposed on the surface. The operator can attach and detach the hem cover 66 from the surface side of the main body 61 by screwing.

As a modification, the hem cover mounting portion 65 may be a portion integrated with the main body 61 or a portion integrated with the hem cover 66. The means for attaching the hem cover 66 is not limited to screwing, and can be applied.

As a modification of the hem cover 66, the main body 61 may be provided with a mechanism capable of bending or rotating the hem cover 66 toward the surface side with the lower side as an axis.

FIG. 23 shows the arrangement relationship of the external structural parts 3g including the hem cover 66 of FIG. 22 arranged on the left and right sides of the module corresponding to the second common method. FIG. 23 (A) shows the front surface of the external structural component 3g arranged on the right side surface of the module, and (B) shows the back surface. In (A) and (B), the hem cover 66 is attached to the lower side of the main body 61. The upper side is the side with the point p4, and the lower side is the side without the point p4. In the mounting component 62, the engaging portion 62B is above the reference line C1. (C) shows a state in which the hem cover 66 is removed from the state of (B). (D) shows the back surface in a state where the main body 61 is turned upside down by rotating 180 degrees around the axis in the Y direction in order to arrange it on the left side surface of the module from the state of (C). The mounting component 62 is also upside down. (E) shows a state in which the mounting component 62 is turned upside down and the engaging portion 62B is turned upside down from the state of (D). Further, (E) shows a state in which the hem cover 66 is attached to the side where the point p4, which is the new lower side of the main body 61, is located. (F) shows the state of the surface corresponding to (E).

In this mounting example, the hem cover 66 has a symmetrical shape in the Y direction when the surface is viewed alone, and unlike the main body 61, the width is constant in the front and rear in the Y direction. As a modification of the hem cover 66, the shape may be asymmetrical in the Y direction as in the main body 61.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a case where the external structural component 3g with the hem cover 66 is attached to the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4. (A) shows a state in which the main body 61 and the hem cover 66 are attached. (B) shows a state in which the main body 61 is attached and the hem cover 66 is removed. In the state (B), the caster mechanism 412 and the adjuster mechanism 413 on the lower surface of the operation module 4 can be accessed.

In the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment, the hem cover 66 is provided on the external structural component 3 for the following reasons. First, there is a reason for the appearance design. On the front surface of the module of the automatic analyzer 1, there is a front cover as a kind of external structural component as in the example of the front cover 410 of FIG. 19 and the front cover 510 of FIG. 21 described above. From the viewpoint of making the exterior design more harmonious, it is desirable to align the height position in the Z direction between the front cover and the side cover of the module. However, in order to realize this, if the external structural part 3 is composed of one part by an integral molding method or the like including the portion covered with the hem cover, the second common method cannot be realized. That is, it is not possible to standardize the appearance structural parts on the left and right sides of the module. For example, the hem portion of the exterior structural component arranged on the right side of the module in that case will come to the upper side due to upside down when arranged on the left side of the module. Therefore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a hem cover 66 that can be attached to and detached from the upper and lower sides of the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g is provided. As a result, while realizing the second commonality, the advantage of having the hem cover 66 is also realized.

In this configuration, only the hem cover 66 can be removed with the external structural component 3g attached to the side surface of the module and the main body 61 attached. Alternatively, in the modified example, the hem cover 66 can be opened to the surface side. This allows the operator to access the bottom of the module. For example, during maintenance work, the caster mechanism 412, the adjuster mechanism 413, and the like on the lower surface of the lower portion 4B of the operation module 4 can be accessed by removing the hem cover 66 of the external structural component 3g (45) of FIG. The operator can adjust, for example, the horizontal position and height of the device while the main body 61 of the external structural component 3 g is attached. As described above, there is an advantage of ease of work such as installation and maintenance of the device.

Further, as a type of the automatic analyzer 1, the business operator may provide both a configuration in which the external structural component 3 is the main body 61 only and the hem cover 66 is not attached, and a configuration in which the hem cover 66 is attached to the main body 61. It is possible.

[Appearance structural parts (3)]
FIG. 25 schematically shows the relationship between the external structural component 3g (41), which is a side cover, and the upper cover 520 in the analysis module 2C of the automatic analyzer 1C on the front surface (XY plane). On the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, there is a space 2500 in which the hem cover 66 and the like are provided from the installation surface SF0 to the height position of the reference line Z8 on the upper side. Except for the space 2500, the mounting portion 72 is provided at a position corresponding to the reference line Z6 near the center in the Z direction in the region from the reference line Z8 to the reference line Z7 of the upper surface SF1. The external structural component 3g is attached by engaging the attachment component 62 with the attachment portion 72.

As described above (FIG. 20), in this state, a part of the external structural component 3g is projected above the upper surface SF1 of the upper portion 2Ca of the analysis module 2C. Part 2501 shows a part of the upper part. The portion 2501 extends from the reference line Z7 to the height position indicated by the reference line Z9. The above-mentioned upper cover 520 is provided above the upper surface SF1 of the analysis module 2C. The X-direction end of the top cover 520 is inside the position of the side surface SS1 and inside the upper portion 2501 of the exterior structural component 3g. The end portion of the upper cover 520 in the X direction and the upper end portion 2501 of the external structural component 3g are arranged so as to overlap each other in the X direction.

As a modification, the upper end of the external structural component 3g may be up to the position of the reference line Z7 of the upper surface SF1. Further, the upper end of the external structural component 3g may be configured to reach a position lower than the position of the upper surface SF1. Further, as a modification, there are a plurality of modules having different heights, and when the same appearance structural component 3 is attached to the side surface of each module, the range covering each side surface may be different. For example, when the height position of the upper surface of the analysis modules 2C and 2D is lower than that of the operation module 4, the external structural parts 3g are at the same height position on the side surface of the operation module 4, and the side surfaces of the analysis modules 2C and 2D. Then, the external structural component 3g is at a height position above the upper surface.

Further, as another modification, the appearance structural part 3 (3e, 3f) in the first common method includes the main body 61 and the portion corresponding to the space 2500 of the hem cover, and is one by an integral molding method or the like. It may be configured as a component.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, according to the automatic analyzer of the embodiment, in various device configurations of the single unit method and the module assembly method, the same common appearance structural component 3 can be applied to a plurality of places, which is necessary. It is possible to reduce the types of external structural parts 3. As a result, it is possible to reduce the costs of manufacturing and management and the burden of logistics related to the handling of a plurality of external structural parts 3 required in various device configurations according to the single unit method and the module assembly method. In addition, this makes it possible to improve the ease of work such as the use and maintenance of the automatic analyzer.

[Modification example (1)]
The following is also possible as an automatic analyzer of another embodiment. First, in the above-described embodiment, the single-unit method and the combination method are shared separately, and each of the external structural parts 3 is provided. For example, the external structural component 31 of FIG. 1 and the external structural component 41 of FIG. 3 have different sizes. Not limited to this, the appearance structural component 3 which is common to the single method and the combination method may be used.

In the embodiment, means such as screwing and hooking are applied to the configuration of the mounting component 62 of the external structural component 3 and the mounting portion 72 on the module side, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the modified example, an elastic member may be used instead of screwing, or a slide type metal fitting or the like may be used. A protrusion (in other words, a convex portion) may be provided on the module side, and a hole portion (in other words, a concave portion) corresponding to the external structural component 3 side may be provided. A protrusion may be provided on the external structural component 3 side, and a hole corresponding to the module side may be provided.

Further, as a modification, the exterior structural component 3 which is a side cover may be provided with a door that can be opened and closed. In this case, with the external structural component 3 still attached, access such as maintenance related to the component on the side surface of the module is possible through the door.

[Modification example (2)]
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a mounting component 62 of the external structural component 3g in the second common method in the automatic analyzer 1 of the modified example. On the surface of the main body 61, the positions L1 and L2 indicate the positions of the mounting parts 62 (62a, 62b) in the above-described embodiment. As a modification, the mounting component 62 may be provided at a position close to the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the main body 61. For example, positions L11, L12, L21, L22, L31, and L32 indicate examples of positions where the mounting component 62 is provided. For example, two mounting parts 62 may be provided at two positions L11 and L12 near the reference line C1 in the Z direction and close to the left and right sides in the Y direction. Further, two mounting parts 62 may be provided at the two positions L21 and L22 corresponding to the position H1 close to the upper side in the Z direction. Further, two mounting parts 62 may be provided at the two positions L31 and L32 corresponding to the position H2 near the lower side in the Z direction. Further, for example, two mounting parts 62 may be provided at two positions, a position L41 near the upper side and a position L42 near the lower side. A mounting portion 72 is provided at a corresponding position on the side surface of the module according to the position of the mounting component 62. In the case of the second common method, the mounting component 62 at any position is provided with the above-mentioned mechanism that can be turned upside down. In the case of the first common method, it is not necessary to turn the main body 61 upside down, so that the mounting component 62 at any position does not need to be provided with a mechanism capable of upside down.

In the embodiment, two mounting parts 62 are provided on the cover member, and two mounting portions 72 are provided on the side surface of the module correspondingly, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cover member may be provided with three or more mounting parts 62, and correspondingly three or more mounting portions 72 may be provided on the side surface of the module. Further, if the mounting and connecting performance is ensured, one mounting component 62 may be provided on the cover member, and one mounting portion 72 may be provided on the side surface of the module correspondingly.

As another modification, the mounting component 62 may be provided at a position exposed at the edges of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the main body 61, for example, at positions L11b, L12b, L41b, L42b, and the like. The mounting parts 62 in this case may have different orientations, and are not limited to the above-mentioned means such as hooks. In the case of this modification, the design is such that the mounting component 62 appears to be exposed in appearance. Instead, in the case of this modification, since it is easy for the operator to visually grasp the position of the mounting component 62 from the surface side of the external structural component 3, the work of mounting the external structural component 3 on the side surface of the module is easier. Become.

[Modification example (3)]
FIG. 27 shows a configuration example of the positions of the mounting portion 72 and the corresponding mounting component 62 on the side surface (YZ plane) of each module in the automatic analyzer 1 of the modified example. For example, it is assumed that the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D, which are the modules of the automatic analyzer 1C, have different height positions and thicknesses in the Z direction such as the partition plate, the upper part, and the lower part. In this case, in this modification, the height positions of the mounting portion 72 and the mounting component 62 are different on the left side surface and the right side surface of the module.

(A) of FIG. 27 shows, for example, an external structural component 3g (41) attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, and (B) is attached to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D. The external structural part 3g (42) is shown. The central position z1 in the Z direction on the main body 61 is indicated by a alternate long and short dash line. It is assumed that the side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C has a partition plate above the position z1, and the side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D has a partition plate below the position z1.

In this modification, the right side surface SS5 is provided with the mounting portion 72, particularly the mounting portion 72-1, at the position z2 above the position z1, and the left side surface SS6 is provided at the position z3 below the position z1. , A mounting portion 72, particularly a mounting portion 72-2 is provided. When the external structural component 3g is attached to the right side surface SS5, the attachment component 62 (particularly the engaging portion) is in a state of coming to the upper position z2. When mounting the external structural component 3g on the left side surface SS6, the main body 61 is turned upside down so that the mounting component 62 (particularly the engaging portion) comes to the lower position z3. In this modification, the mounting component 62 does not require the above-mentioned mechanism that can be turned upside down, and may be integrally molded with the main body 61, for example. In this modification, the engaging portion of the mounting component 62 is not the hook described above, but other means such as protrusions are adopted. Correspondingly, the engaged portion of the mounting portion 72 adopts other means, for example, a hole portion into which a protrusion can be inserted, instead of the hook receiving portion. The same configuration as above can be applied even when the height position of the partition plate is different between the operation module 4 and the analysis modules 2C and 2D. The same configuration as above can be applied when the first common method is applied.

As another modification, when the position of the mounting portion 72 of each module is different, the position of the mounting component 62 (particularly the engaging portion) of the external structural component 3g can be variably adjusted by the operator correspondingly. May be provided.

As another modification, when the positions of the mounting portions 72 of each module are different, a plurality of mounting parts 62 may be provided in advance at a plurality of positions in the external structural component 3g. In this case, the mounting component 62 to be used is selected according to the side surface of the module to which the external structural component 3g is mounted.

Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied when another module such as a blood coagulation analysis module is provided as an analysis module.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E ... Automatic analyzer, 2,2A, 2B, 2C, 2D ... Analysis module, 3,3a, 3b, 3c, 3e, 3f, 3g, 41-50 ... Appearance structural parts 4, ... Operation module, 61 ... Main body, 62 ... Mounting parts, 72 ... Mounting part.

Claims (11)

It is an automatic analyzer for clinical examinations that consists of a single module.
The module is one module selected from a plurality of different types of modules according to at least one of specifications and analysis types.
The plurality of types of modules have a cover member that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of each module with respect to the front surface.
The cover member has mounting parts on the back surface of the cover body.
A mounting portion for mounting the mounting component is provided on the side surface of each module.
The cover member is
A first cover member that can be attached to the side surface on the right side with respect to the front surface of each module.
A second cover member that can be attached to the left side surface with respect to the front surface of each module.
Have,
The mounting portion is provided at a position on the right side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the first cover member.
The mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member.
Automatic analyzer. An automatic analyzer for clinical examinations that consists of a combination of multiple modules.
The plurality of modules are a plurality of modules selected from a plurality of different types of modules according to at least one of specifications and analysis types.
The plurality of types of modules have a cover member that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of each module with respect to the front surface.
The cover member has mounting parts on the back surface of the cover body.
A mounting portion for mounting the mounting component is provided on the side surface of each module.
The cover member is
A first cover member that can be attached to the side surface on the right side with respect to the front surface of each module.
A second cover member that can be attached to the left side surface with respect to the front surface of each module.
Have,
The mounting portion is provided at a position on the right side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the first cover member.
The mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The first cover member and the second cover member can be attached to either the right side surface or the left side surface of each module.
The position of the mounting portion on the right side surface of each module, the position of the mounting component of the first cover member, the position of the mounting portion on the left side surface of each module, and the position of the second cover member. The position of the mounting component is a position corresponding to the case where the automatic analyzer is flipped horizontally or vertically with respect to the reference plane at the center position in the left-right direction with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The plurality of types of modules include at least a module for biochemical analysis and a module for immunoassay.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The first cover member and the second cover member have a symmetrical shape in the left-right direction with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 3,
The first cover member and the second cover member have a symmetrical shape in the left-right direction with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer and a vertically symmetrical shape in the vertical direction.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The mounting component has a mechanism capable of upside down in the vertical direction with respect to the cover body.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The lower side of the cover body has a hem cover that can be attached and detached.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The mounting component is provided at a position where it is exposed on either the top, bottom, left, or right side of the cover body.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.
The height position of the mounting portion on the side surface of each module is different.
By using the cover body upside down, the cover member can be attached to the attachment portion at any height position on the side surface of each module.
Automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The plurality of types of modules include at least a first analysis module for biochemical analysis, a second analysis module for immunoanalysis, and an operation module in which a control unit and an operation unit are mounted.
As a type of device configuration composed of a combination of the plurality of modules,
A first type obtained by combining the operation module, the first analysis module arranged on the right side of the operation module, and the second analysis module arranged on the left side of the operation module.
The second type by the combination of the operation module and the first analysis module arranged on the right side of the operation module, and
There is a third type, which is a combination of the operation module and the second analysis module arranged on the left side of the operation module.
In the first type, the cover member is attached to the right side surface of the first analysis module and the left side surface of the second analysis module, respectively.
In the second type, the cover member is attached to the right side surface of the first analysis module and the left side surface of the operation module, respectively.
In the third type, the cover member is attached to the right side surface of the operation module and the left side surface of the second analysis module, respectively.
Automatic analyzer.

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