WO2020054180A1 - Automated analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an automated analyzer for clinical testing that makes it possible to reduce the costs, and the like, associated with the handling of a plurality of exterior structural components necessary for various device configurations corresponding to a single-module method or module-assembly method. This automated analyzer (1) is configured from a single module or a combination of a plurality of modules. Each module is selected from a plurality of types of modules varying by specifications and/or analysis types. Each module may be, for example, a biological analysis module (for example, analysis module 2C) or an immunity analysis module (for example, analysis module 2D). The automated analyzer (1) has a universalized cover member (for example, exterior structural component 3g) that can be attached to and removed from a lateral surface of any of the plurality of modules. Each of the lateral surfaces of the modules has an attachment part at a position corresponding to the position of an attachment component of the cover member.

Description

Automatic analyzer

(4) The present invention relates to the technology of an automatic analyzer for clinical testing, and relates to a device configuration method and an external structure.

The automatic analyzer for clinical tests has a function to automatically analyze the components of the sample. Automated analysis is a qualitative and quantitative analysis. There are several types of this analysis. Examples of the type of analysis include biochemical analysis and immunoassay. For example, biochemical analysis is an analysis in which components such as enzymes are optically measured for a sample such as blood. The automatic analyzer has different necessary mechanisms and components depending on the type of analysis.

Conventional automatic analyzers include a single system and a module assembly system (sometimes described as a combination system or a composite system) as the system configuration system of the entire system. The simplex system is a system in which an automatic analyzer is configured by a single module or a main body. In a single-unit automatic analyzer, components such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit, and a sample transport unit are integrally mounted on one module or main body.

The combination method is a method in which an automatic analyzer is configured by combining and assembling a plurality of modules. The automatic analyzer of the combination system is composed of, for example, a combination of an operation module and one or more analysis modules, and an automatic analysis function is realized by connecting and operating the modules. The operation module includes, for example, a control unit and an operation unit. The analysis module includes, for example, a biochemical analysis module equipped with an analysis unit having a biochemical analysis function, an immune analysis module equipped with an analysis unit having an immune analysis function, and the like. There are various types of combination type automatic analyzers according to the combination of modules. In addition, the automatic analyzer has different specifications and models depending on the types of analysis items, the number of samples that can be simultaneously analyzed, and the like.

先行 As a prior art example relating to the automatic analyzer, JP-A-2018-21931 (Patent Document 1) is cited. Patent Literature 1 describes that as an example of a sample transport method, an urgent sample rack can be measured promptly while suppressing an increase in apparatus complexity and apparatus cost. Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration example of a combination-type automatic analyzer. In this configuration example, a first analyzer and a second analyzer are arranged adjacent to each other along the transport line.

JP 2018-21931 A

The automatic analyzer is equipped with external structural components such as covers in addition to the main modules. The external structural component is attached to the module so that the module is not exposed, and constitutes the external appearance of the device. Examples of the external structural component include a side cover, a front cover, and an upper cover. For example, a side cover is attached to the side of the outermost module. The configuration of the external structural components not only affects the external appearance, but also affects the ease of operation during a clinical inspection operation, a maintenance operation, and the like by the user.

The conventional automatic analyzer has a plurality of different appearance structural parts for one apparatus according to each system and each type of apparatus configuration. Each appearance structural component has a design including a unique shape, size, color, material, and the like. The single-system and combination-type automatic analyzers require a plurality of different external structural components according to a plurality of specifications, types, and modules. When viewed as a whole, including multiple automated analyzers, operators need to handle many types and numbers of exterior structural components. For example, in the case of a side cover in each type of automatic analyzer of the combination system, at least four or more types of side covers different depending on the left and right sides of each module are required.

Therefore, in a cycle including manufacturing, selling, installing, moving, and maintaining an automatic analyzer by a business operator, it is necessary to manufacture and manage a plurality of these external structural components. This imposes a heavy burden on manufacturing and management costs and logistics.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the cost and logistics burden associated with handling a plurality of external structural components required for various types of device configurations according to a single system or a module assembly system with respect to the technology of an automatic analyzer for clinical testing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of improving the workability of use and maintenance of an automatic analyzer.

の う ち A typical embodiment of the present invention is an automatic analyzer for a clinical test, having the following configuration.

An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment is an automatic analyzer for clinical tests constituted by a single module, wherein the module is a module from a plurality of types of modules that differ depending on at least one of a specification and an analysis type. A selected module, having a cover member that can be attached to and detached from a side surface of each of the plurality of types of modules with respect to a front surface of the module, wherein the cover member has a mounting component on a back surface of the cover body. A first cover member having a mounting portion for mounting the mounting component on a side surface of each of the modules, wherein the cover member is mountable on a right side surface with respect to a front surface of each of the modules; A second cover member attachable to a left side surface of the front surface of each module. The mounting portion is provided at a position of the right side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component, and the left side of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member. The mounting portion is provided at the position of the side surface of the.

An automatic analyzer according to one embodiment is an automatic analyzer for a clinical test configured by a combination of a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules are different in a plurality depending on at least one of a specification and an analysis type. It is a plurality of modules selected from the types of modules, having a cover member that can be attached and detached to the side of the front of each of the plurality of types of modules, the cover member, the back surface of the cover body A first cover having a mounting part for mounting the mounting part on a side surface of each module, and the cover member being mountable on a right side surface with respect to a front surface of each module. A second cover member attachable to a left side surface of the module with respect to a front surface of the module. The module, wherein the mounting portion is provided at a position of the right side surface of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the cover member, and the module is configured to correspond to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member. The mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side surface of the mounting member.

According to a representative embodiment of the present invention, regarding the technology of an automatic analyzer for clinical testing, it is possible to handle a plurality of external structural components required in various device configurations according to a single system or a module assembly system. Related costs and logistics burden can be reduced, and workability such as use and maintenance of the automatic analyzer can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a single-type first-type device configuration as an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second type of unitary system as an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a combination type first type apparatus as an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a combination type second type apparatus as an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd type apparatus structure of a combination system as an automatic analyzer of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 4th type and 5th type apparatus structure of a combination system as an automatic analyzer of the modification of embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of sharing appearance structural components in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a biochemical analysis unit in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an immune analyzer in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a first type of a combination system in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the first type of the combination type in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first commonization method and a second commonization method of appearance structural components related to a single system in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first common use method of appearance structural components related to a combination method in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second common use method of appearance structural components regarding a combination method in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. It is a perspective view showing composition of an external appearance structural part on the right in an automatic analyzer of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a left external structural component in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mounting component of an external structural component in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the external appearance structural parts on the case of 2nd commonality in the automatic analyzer of embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a mounting portion on a side surface of the operation module in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the state where external appearance structural parts were attached to the attachment part of the side of the operation module in the automatic analyzer of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a mounting portion on a side surface of an analysis module in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration example of an external structural component in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between left and right external structural components in the case of a detailed configuration example of external structural components in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state of the presence or absence of a hem cover in a state in which an external structural component is mounted on a mounting portion on a side surface of an operation module in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship between a side cover and an upper cover of an analysis module in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment; It is a figure showing the example of composition of the attaching part of the appearance structural parts in the automatic analyzer of the modification of an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a mounting portion on a side surface of each module and a mounting component of an external structural component in an automatic analyzer according to a modification of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the external structure structural component in the 1st type and 2nd type of a single system in the automatic analyzer of a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the external structure structural component in the 1st type, 2nd type, and 3rd type of a combination system in the automatic analyzer of a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd standardization system of other external structural components regarding the automatic analyzer of a combination system in the automatic analyzer of the modification of embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a case where a second common method of appearance structural components is applied to another type of automatic analyzer of the combination type in the automatic analyzer of a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation module in an automatic analyzer according to a modification of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and repeated description will be omitted. In the description, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are used. The X direction and the Y direction are two directions constituting 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-rear direction and the depth direction of the device. The Z direction is a vertical direction, and corresponds to the vertical direction and the height direction of the device. The front of the device is the surface that the user faces directly at the standard usage position.

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

で In FIG. 28A, the automatic analyzer 91A mainly includes an analysis module 90A for biochemical analysis. In the analysis module 90A, components such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit (particularly, a biochemical analysis unit), and a sample transport unit are integrally mounted. The automatic analyzer 91A has, as the appearance structural component 93, appearance structural components 93-1 and 93-2, which are side covers attached to the side surface (YZ plane) of the analysis module 90A. The right exterior structure component 93-1 is attached to the right side surface s1 of the analysis module 90A, and the left exterior structure component 93-2 is attached to the left side surface s2 of the analysis module 90A. These two external structural components 93-1 and 93-2 are different components having different specific shapes and the like, and are also denoted by symbols A and B in order to clearly show the difference in type.

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

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

FIG. 29 shows an outline of the configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) in the automatic analyzer of the combination system. 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.

29A, the automatic analyzer 91C mainly includes an operation module 94, an analysis module 92A for biochemical analysis, and an analysis module 92B for immunoassay. With respect to the operation module 94 arranged at the center in the X direction, an analysis module 92A is arranged on the right side, and an analysis module 92B is arranged on the left side.

The operation module 94 includes components such as a control unit, an operation unit, and a sample transport unit. The analysis module 92A includes an analysis unit for biochemical analysis. The analysis module 92B includes an analysis unit for immunological analysis. The analysis unit is a part for preparing a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent are mixed by dispensing and measuring 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 s5 of the analysis module 92A, as the external structural component 93, and a side cover attached to the left side s6 of the analysis module 92B. And an external structural component 93-6. The two external structural components 93-5 and 93-6 are components having different shapes and the like, and are also indicated by symbols E and F.

In FIG. 29B, the automatic analyzer 91D mainly includes 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 includes, as the external structural components 93, an external structural component 93-5, which is a side cover attached to the right side s5 of the analysis module 92A, and a lateral cover attached to the left lateral s8 of the operation module 94. And an external structural component 93-7. The two external structural components 93-5 and 93-7 are components having different shapes and the like, and are also denoted by symbols E and G. Since the analysis module 92A of (A) and the analysis module 92A of (B) are the same, the external structural component 93-5 of the same type {E} can be applied.

In FIG. 29C, the automatic analyzer 91E mainly includes an operation module 94 and an analysis module 92B for immunological analysis. The analysis module 92B is disposed on the left side of the operation module 94 in the X direction. The automatic analyzer 91E is an external structural component 93-6, which is a side cover attached to the left side s6 of the analysis module 92B, as the external structural component 93, and a side cover attached to the right side s7 of the operation module 94. And an external structural component 93-8. The two external structural components 93-6 and 93-8 are components 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 external structural component 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 kinds of external structural components 93 as the appearance structural parts 93. , F, G, H} are required for the external structural parts 93 (93-5 to 93-8). The four types of external structural components 93 include an external structural component 93-5 on the right side of the analysis module 92A, a left external structural component 93-6 on the left side of the analysis module 92B, an external structural component 93-8 on the right side of the operation module 4, and operation. This is the external structural component 93-7 on the left side of the module 4. When the types of modules that can be combined further increase, the types of necessary external structural components 93 increase according to the types.

As described above, the automatic analyzers of the single type and the combination type require a plurality of external structural components 93 for each specification, type, and module. Each module for configuring each type of automatic analyzer has a different shape, size, side and front structure, etc., according to specifications, analysis types, and implementation of functions. Therefore, a plurality of types of external structural components 93 having a specific shape or 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 a corresponding number of appearance structural parts 93, and it is necessary to manufacture and manage the plurality of appearance structural parts 93. is there. This imposes a heavy burden on the cost and logistics of manufacturing and managing modules and external structural components by the business operator. When installing a new automatic analyzer in the user's environment, changing the configuration of the automatic analyzer, removing the automatic analyzer, etc., maintenance work by the operator or the user is required. . Even during the maintenance work, many external structural components must be handled separately, which imposes a heavy burden on the operator.

In addition, 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 configuration of each type of device, unnecessary external structural components may be generated, or new external structural components may be required. In these cases as well, a burden is imposed on management costs and logistics for the external structural components. For example, when the automatic analyzer 91D of the second type shown in FIG. 29B is changed to the automatic analyzer 91C of the first type shown in FIG. 29A, it is attached to one side s8 of the operation module 94. The external structural component 93-7 that has been used is unnecessary, and the external structural component 93-6 that is newly attached to one side s6 of the additionally connected analysis module 92B is required.

(Embodiment)
An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment has an automatic analyzer of each type of a single type and an automatic analyzer of each type of a module assembly type. These types of automatic analyzers are configured according to the selection and combination of modules and external structural components. A module or a main body constituting each type of automatic analyzer of the single system is selected from a plurality of types or modules of the single system which are different depending on at least one of specifications and analysis types provided by the business operator. One module or body. A plurality of modules constituting each type of automatic analyzer of the combination method are a plurality of modules selected from a plurality of types of modules for different combination methods according to at least one of the specifications and analysis types provided by the provider. It is. In each type of automatic analyzer, at least a side cover is attached as a plurality of external structural components. Each type of automatic analyzer according to the embodiment has a common mechanism for a plurality of external structural components attached to a plurality of locations. In each type of automatic analyzer, appearance structural components at a plurality of locations are configured by using a small number of common types of appearance structural components. The business operator can easily configure a suitable external appearance in each type of automatic analyzer using the common external appearance structural parts. The whole including each type of automatic analyzer is designed as a common system including the appearance structural parts and the structure on the module side. Thus, the business operator and the user only need to handle a small number of types of external structural components with respect to the plurality of types of automatic analyzers, thereby reducing manufacturing and management costs and logistics loads.

[Automatic analyzer (1)-Single system]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic perspective views of a single-unit automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an automatic analyzer 1A for biochemical analysis as a first type of the simplex system. FIG. 2 shows an automatic analyzer 1B for immunoassay as a second type of the simplex system. 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. In FIG. 1 and the like, illustration of an upper cover and the like is omitted.

で In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1A mainly includes 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, a sample transport unit, and the like 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 in the X direction of the analysis module 2A. The external structural components 3 include an external structural component 31 on the right and an external structural component 32 on the left. In the case of a first common method described later, the external structural component 31 is applied with the external common structural component 3a on the right side, and the external structural component 32 is applied with the external common structural component 3b on the left side. In the case of the second common method described later, the external structural component 31 and the external structural component 32 use the external structural component 3c common to the left and right.

In FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer 1B mainly includes an analysis module 2B for immunological analysis. Each component such as a control unit, an operation unit, an analysis unit having an immune analysis function, and a sample transport unit is mounted on the analysis module 2B. The external 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 component 3 includes a right external structural component 33 and a left external structural component 34. In the case of the first common method described later, the external structural component 33 is applied with the external common structural component 3a on the right side, and the external structural component 34 is applied with the external common structural component 3b on the left side. In the case of the later-described second common mode, the external structural component 33 is applied to the external structural component 33 and the external structural component 34 that are common to the left and right.

The external structural component 3 is a cover member that is attached to the outermost part of the module and forms an external appearance. In the embodiment, the external structural component 3 is a side cover that is attached to a side surface of the module. Other external structural components include a front cover attached to the front of the module and an upper cover 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 mechanisms and components on the side surface of the module are not exposed. Thereby, safety is ensured. The external structural component 3 is designed to have a structure such as ventilation and sealing in consideration of the temperature control, heat radiation performance, and the like of the automatic analyzer 1. The appearance structural parts 3 are interchangeable parts that can be attached and detached in common to a plurality of locations of the automatic analyzer 1, and have the same shape and size for each type.

[Automatic analyzer (2)-module assembly method]
FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are perspective views of a schematic configuration of a module assembly type (combination type, composite type) automatic analyzer 1 which is the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a first type automatic analyzer 1C. The automatic analyzer 1C mainly includes 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 immunological analysis including dispensing and measurement on a sample.

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

The operation module 4 includes components such as a control unit, an operation unit, and a sample transport unit. In this example, the operation module 4 particularly has a touch panel 5. The touch panel 5 forms a part of the control unit and the operation unit.

In this example, the sample transport mechanism is shown in the case of a first configuration example (FIG. 10) described later. In this case, the sample transport 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 section 6 is a section that transports the sample rack 7 between modules.

(4) A reagent disk, a reaction disk, a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, and the like are mounted on the analysis module 2C. In the analysis module 2D, a reagent disk, an incubator, a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, and the like are mounted.

The automatic analyzer 1C has the appearance structural components 41 and 42 as the side surface cover that is the appearance structural component 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 external structural component 41 employs the external common structural component 3e on the right side, and the external structural component 42 employs the external common structural component 3f on the left side. In the case of the later-described second common use method, an external structural component 3g common to the left and right is applied to the external structural component 41 and the external structural component 42.

In the automatic analyzer according to the modification, a configuration in which the analysis module 2D is disposed on the right side of the operation module 4 and the analysis module 2C is disposed on the left side is also possible.

FIG. 4 shows a second type of automatic analyzer 1D. The automatic analyzer 1D mainly includes an operation module 4 and an analysis module 2C for biochemical analysis. In the second type of automatic analyzer 1D, an analysis module 2C is disposed on the right side of the operation module 4, for example, on the right side surface SS7 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 1 </ b> D has appearance structural parts 43 and 44 as the appearance structural parts 3. The right exterior structure component 43 is attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C. On the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4, a left external structural component 44 is attached.

(4) In the case of the first common method described later, the external structural component 43 is applied with the external common structural component 3e on the right side, and the external structural component 44 is applied with the external common structural component 3f on the left side. In the case of the second common method described below, the external structural component 43 and the external structural component 44 use the external structural component 3g common to the left and right.

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

In the case of the first common method described later, the external structural component 45 is the external common structural component 3e, and the external structural component 46 is the common external structural component 3f. In the case of the second common method described later, the external structural component 45 and the external structural component 46 are applied by the external structural component 3g that is common to the left and right.

(A) and (B) of FIG. 6 show examples of another type of configuration in the combination method as the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the modified example. FIG. 6A shows a fourth type of automatic analyzer 1F, and FIG. 6B shows a fifth type of automatic analyzer 1G. Such a type is likewise possible.

自動 A fourth type of automatic analyzer 1F shown in FIG. 6A has an operation module 4, an immunological analysis module 2D, and a biochemical analysis module 2C in the X direction, for example, from the left side. The analysis module 2D is disposed on the right side of the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4. Further, the analysis module 2C is disposed on the right side of the right side surface SS10 of the analysis module 2D. The automatic analyzer 1 </ b> F has appearance structural parts 47 and 48 as the appearance 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. These external structural components 47 and 48 can be similarly shared.

５A fifth type of automatic analyzer 1G shown in FIG. 6B includes 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. The analysis module 2C is disposed on the left side of the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4. Further, the analysis module 2D is disposed on the left side of the left side surface SS9 of the analysis module 2C. The automatic analyzer 1 </ b> G has appearance structural parts 49 and 50 as the appearance 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. These external structural components 49 and 50 can be similarly shared.

構成 As a modification of the automatic analyzer of the combination method, a configuration in which a plurality of analysis modules of the same type are connected is also possible. For example, a configuration in which two or more analysis modules 2C are connected in series to one side surface of the operation module 4 is possible. With this configuration, the number of samples that can be analyzed simultaneously 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 according to 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 arranged near the upper surface 800 of the automatic analyzer 1 and elements such as a drive unit inside the automatic analyzer 1 which are connected to the elements.

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 washing mechanism 19, and the like. .

The sample disk 11 is a disk-shaped sample container transport mechanism, and lays and transports a plurality of sample containers around the circumference. The sample disk drive 811 is connected to the sample disk 11. The sample container is a container that stores 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 around the circumference and transported. The reaction disk drive 812 is connected to the reaction disk 12. The reaction container (also called a cell) is made of a translucent material. The reaction vessel is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a thermostat connected to the reaction disk 12.

(4) 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. The reagent disk drive 813 is connected to the reagent disk 13. The reagent container contains a reagent solution corresponding to the analysis item.

The sample dispensing mechanism 14 is arranged near the sample disk 11 and the reaction disk 12, and is a mechanism for dispensing a sample from the sample container of the sample disk 11 to 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 a sample from a sample container to a reaction container according to an analysis parameter or the like of a designated test item. When dispensing a 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 aspirates 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 container. The sample dispensing mechanism driving unit 814 is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 14.

The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 is arranged near 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 to 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 a reagent solution from a reagent container to a reaction container according to an analysis parameter or the like of a designated test item. When 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 aspirates 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 the movable arm, and discharges the reagent from the pipette nozzle into the reaction container. The reagent dispensing mechanism driving section 815 is connected to the reagent dispensing mechanism 15.

(4) The stirring mechanism 18 is disposed at a position near the reaction disk 12, the reagent disk 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 makes the reaction solution.

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

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

The drive units such as the sample disk drive unit 811 are electrically connected to the control unit 100, the operation unit 110, and the like via the interface circuit 850. A mechanism 802 including the mechanism such as the sample disk 11 and a 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).

The control unit 100, the storage device 103, the input device 104, the display device 105, the printer 106, the power supply unit 107, the 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 implemented as an operation module (for example, the operation module 4 in FIG. 3).

The control unit 100 includes at least one of the IC substrate 101 and the computer 102. The control unit 100 controls the entire automatic analyzer 1 and implements an 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. The control unit 100 transmits a command control signal to each unit such as the sample dispensing mechanism driving unit 814 based on a user operation through the operation unit 110, setting information, analysis request information, and the like at the time of analysis. And controls the sample dispensing operation and the like.

The operation unit 110 is a part for operating the automatic analyzer 1 by a user who performs a clinical test operation. The operation unit 110 may be configured by an operation panel, may be configured by the input device 104 (for example, a keyboard) or the display device 105, or may be configured by 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 via the operation screen.

In advance, the operator selects a test item requested for each sample through the operation screen of the operation unit 110, sets various parameters required for analysis, and registers sample information such as a 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 configured by an internal memory or an external memory, and stores programs, setting information, and various data. The storage device 103 stores, for example, various levels of display screen data, analysis parameters, analysis request information, calibration result information, analysis result information, and the like.

An analysis processing unit of the control unit 100, which is configured by a program process such as a CPU, analyzes a component of a sample by performing analysis processing of a specified test item using a digital signal obtained from the measurement circuit 817. I do. At this time, the analysis processing unit calculates the concentration data of the components based on a calibration curve measured in advance by an analysis method specified for each test item. The analysis processing unit stores the analysis processing result information (including the concentration data of the components) of the inspection item in the storage device 103, displays the information on the display screen, and prints out the data through the printer 106. The operator checks the analysis result information on a display screen or the like.

[Automatic analyzer (4)-immunoassay]
FIG. 9 shows a basic configuration of an immune analysis module 2B of the automatic analyzer 1B and an immune analysis 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 container and the sample dispensing tip are disposable and have a mechanism for that.

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 washing mechanism 27, a shipper 28, a reaction detecting unit 29, and the like on the upper surface. A sample rack storage section 8D is provided on the upper side near the rear surface on the upper surface. In the sample rack storage section 8D, a sample rack 7 transported from the sample transport section 6 (FIG. 10 or 11) is stored on the transport line. In this example, the holder 21 and the transport 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 tips are mounted on each holder 21. The reaction container and the sample dispensing tip are discarded after being used for sample dispensing. 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 a user's operation, and houses the holder 21 and a waste collection box. When the drawer 21B is closed, the holder 21 can be accessed from the transport mechanism 26. The waste collection box is disposed at a predetermined disposal position of the transport mechanism 26, and accommodates the reaction container and the sample dispensing chip disposed at the disposal position.

The transport mechanism 26 transports the reaction container and the sample dispensing tip in the holder 21 to a predetermined position, and transports the used reaction container and the sample dispensing tip to a predetermined disposal position (corresponding disposal hole 26a). It is. The transport mechanism 26 is a mechanism that can move in three axial directions of 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, moves up, moves to a predetermined position of the incubator 22, and erection. In addition, the transport mechanism 26 grips the sample dispensing tips one by one from the holder 21, moves up, and moves to a predetermined mounting position (corresponding buffer 26b).

The incubator 22 is also called a culture disk, and is a disk-shaped reaction vessel erection part. A plurality of reaction vessels 22A are erected around the circumference, and the reaction vessel 22A rotates.

(4) The reagent disk 23 is a disk-shaped reagent container transport mechanism, in which a plurality of reagent bottles are laid on the circumference, and the reagent bottles rotate. The reagent disk 23 includes a cylindrical cool box, and controls the temperature of the reagent bottle at a constant temperature. The reagent bottle contains a plurality of reagent containers 23A. The reagent container 23A contains a reagent solution corresponding to an item that can be analyzed. The reagent disk 23 is covered by a cover of a cool box, and a part of the cover has an access port so that a reagent bottle and a reagent container 23A can be taken in and out. The access port is constituted by an openable / closable cover or the like, has an interlock mechanism, and is locked while the reagent disk 23 is operating.

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 the sample dispensing tip on the nozzle. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 bridges the reaction container 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 to the reaction container of the incubator 22. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the nozzle on which the sample dispensing tip is mounted above the sample container, aspirates the sample into the sample dispensing tip, moves the sample dispensing tip onto the reaction container of the incubator 22, and dispenses the sample. The sample is discharged from the chip into the reaction container. Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the nozzle over the waste hole 26a, and drops the used sample dispensing tip into the waste hole 26a. In addition, the sample dispensing mechanism 24 moves the used reaction container over the waste hole 26a and drops the used reaction container into the waste hole 26a.

(4) The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 includes a pipette nozzle or the like, and dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 23A at a predetermined dispensing position of the reagent disk 23 to the reaction container 22A at a predetermined dispensing position of the incubator 22. The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 moves the pipette nozzle over the target reagent container 23A, sucks the reagent from the reagent container 23A, moves the pipette nozzle over the reaction container 22A, and places the reagent in the reaction container 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 by the stirring arm immediately before dispensing the reagent. After the stirring, the reagent stirring mechanism moves the stirring arm onto the washing mechanism 27 for washing.

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

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

[Automatic analyzer (5)-First type-Sample transport 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 automatic analyzer 1C of the first type of the combination system, and particularly the first configuration relating to the sample transport mechanism. Here is an example. FIG. 10B shows a schematic configuration of the sample rack 7 and the sample container 7A.

10A, the automatic analyzer 1C has a central operation module 4, a right analysis module 2C, and a left analysis module 2D, as in FIG. A sample transport unit 6 is mounted on the rear side of the operation module 4, the analysis module 2C, and the analysis module 2D in the Z direction on the rear side in the Y direction. The sample rack transport module serving as the sample transport unit 6 is a mechanism that transports 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, one transport line extending in the X direction is configured in the sample transport section 6. The sample rack 7 is placed on the transport line and transported right and left 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 that stores a sample. The specimen is a biological sample such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, and other body fluids.

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

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

(4) The operation module 4 transfers the sample rack 7 of the sample rack storage unit 8A to the transport line of the sample transport unit 6. The sample transport section 6 moves the sample rack 7 on the transport line, and transports the sample rack 7 to the sample rack storage section 8C of the analysis module 2C or the sample rack storage section 8D of the analysis module 2D according to the type of analysis. A sample rack storage section 8C is provided near the rear surface of the analysis module 2C on the rear side in the Y direction. A sample rack storage unit 8D is provided near the rear surface on the rear side in the Y direction of the analysis module 2D.

(4) 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 sample rack 7 or the target sample container 7C 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 7D in the sample rack storage unit 8D.

検 体 The sample dispensing mechanism 14 of the analysis module 2C dispenses a sample from the sample container 7A of the sample rack storage unit 8C to the reaction container of the reaction disk 12. The reagent dispensing mechanism 15 of the analysis module 2C dispenses a 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 a sample from the sample container 7A of the sample rack storage unit 8D to the reaction container of the incubator 22. The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 of the analysis module 2D dispenses a reagent from the reagent container of the reagent disk 23 to the reaction container of the incubator 22.

側面 A side cover, which is the external structural component 3, is attached to each of the side surfaces of the analysis modules 2C and 2D. The external structural component 41 is attached to the right side surface SS5 of the right analysis module 2C. The external structural component 42 is attached to the left side surface SS6 of the left analysis module 2D. Thereby, the external appearance of the side surface of the automatic analyzer 1C is configured. Although a gap is provided between the module side surface and the external structural component 3 for easy understanding of the components, the components can be actually arranged without a gap.

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

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 transport unit 6 is mounted at the rear part in the Y direction. On the front side in the Y direction with respect to the rack rotor 200, a sample rack storage section 8A is provided through a transport line. On the right side of the rack rotor 200 in the X direction, a sample rack storage section 8C of the analysis module 2C is provided through a transport line, and on the left side in the X direction, a sample rack storage section 8D of the analysis module 2D through a transport line. Is provided.

The sample rack 7 may be classified into a normal sample rack and an emergency sample rack. The normal sample rack is a sample rack that stores a sample container that stores a normal sample. A normal sample is a sample on which analysis and measurement are performed with normal priority and urgency. The emergency sample rack is a sample rack that stores a sample container that stores an emergency sample. The urgent sample is a sample that is analyzed or measured at a higher priority or urgency than a normal sample rack. The sample rack storage unit 8A in the second configuration example can store a normal sample rack and an emergency sample rack.

領域 A region indicated by a broken line on the upper surface of the analysis module 2C is covered by an upper cover (not shown). The area indicated by the broken line on the upper surface of the analysis module 2D is covered by an upper 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 access 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 access port.

(B) of FIG. 11 shows a detailed configuration of the rack rotor 200 of (A) and each part connected thereto. The sample transport section 6 has a transport line 201 extending in the Y direction on the front side in the Y direction with respect to the rack rotor 200, and has a transport line 202 extending in the X direction on the right side in the X direction. A transport line 203 extending in the X direction is provided on the left side 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 input 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 adjacent to the right side of the transport line 201 in the X direction and before and after in the Y direction. In addition, the operation module 4 includes a sample identification device 210 and an emergency sample rack insertion unit 213 adjacent to the transport line 201.

The analysis module 2C has a sample rack storage unit 8C including the transport line 202. The sample rack storage unit 8C includes a sample rack retreat unit 221 and a sample identification device 220. The analysis module 2D has a sample rack storage unit 8D including the transport line 203. The sample rack storage unit 8D includes a sample rack retreat unit 231 and a sample identification device 230.

The rack rotor 200 is a column-shaped sample rack transport mechanism, and can accommodate a plurality of sample racks 7 on the circumference. The rack rotor 200 has one or more rotatable slots at predetermined positions on the circumference on the upper surface. In this example, the rack rotor 200 has slots 204 and 205 as two slots, and the two slots are arranged at positions on the circumference that face each other at 180 degrees. The rack rotor 200 accommodates the sample rack 7 in the slot, and transports 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 rotation operation.

The transport line 201 is a mechanism for transporting the sample rack 7 between the sample rack storage unit 8A and the rack rotor 200. The left and right transfer lines 202 and 203 of the rack rotor 200 are connected to 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. 7 is a mechanism for transporting 7 by reciprocating operation. For the transport lines 201, 202, and 203, for example, a belt conveyor type transport mechanism is employed.

The transport line 201 has one end extending to the front end in the Y direction of the circumference of the rack rotor 200 and the other end extending to a position adjacent to the emergency sample rack loading unit 213 near the front of the operation module 4. ing. The emergency sample rack insertion unit 213 is a part where the user retreats the emergency sample rack and inserts it into the transport line 201. The sample rack supply unit 211 is a part to which a user can input a plurality of normal sample racks and supplies the normal sample rack to the transport line 201. The sample rack supply unit 212 is a part that receives a sample rack from the transport line 201 and can accommodate a plurality of sample racks.

(4) The sample identification device 210 reads and identifies the sample rack 7 and an identification medium provided in the sample container in order to refer to the analysis request information on 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.

一端 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 retreat unit 221. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 dispenses a sample from a 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 retreat unit 231. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 dispenses a 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 and 231 are mechanisms for exchanging the sample rack 7 with the transport lines 202 and 203 and retracting the sample rack 7. For example, a belt conveyor capable of continuously reciprocating the sample rack 7 is provided. A mold mechanism is employed.

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

The rack rotor 200 exchanges the sample rack 7 with the front transport line 201 via a slot, and exchanges the sample rack 7 with the left and right transport lines 202 and 203 via the slot. . The rack rotor 200 rotates and moves the sample rack 7 via the slot, and transports the sample rack 7 to the sample rack storage units 8C and 8D of the target analysis modules 2C and 2D. The rack rotor 200 rotates the slot to the right position, for example, to deliver the sample rack 7 to the transport line 202 on the analysis module 2C side according to the type of analysis. The transport line 202 receives the sample rack 7 from the slot 204 on the right side of the rack rotor 200 and transports the sample rack 7 to the dispensing position.

(4) The second configuration example of the sample transport mechanism can be commonly applied 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 in FIG. 4, this corresponds to a configuration without the analysis module 2D on the left side in FIG.

モ ジ ュ ー ル Note that the arrangement of modules in the combination method is not merely an adjacent arrangement, but is mechanically connected between side surfaces. Some of the mechanisms (for example, the sample transport unit 6) and some of the wiring and piping are shared between the modules. The side surfaces between the modules arranged adjacent to each other without the external structural component 3 are mechanically connected 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 while interposing mechanisms and components constituting the sample transport unit 6. The same applies to the side surface SS8 and the side surface SS10.

[Common method of appearance structural parts]
The automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment has a cover member, particularly a side cover, as the external structural component 3 to be shared. The cover member includes a main body (cover main body) and a mounting component. In addition, in the entire automatic analyzer of each device configuration, there are a plurality of module side surfaces to which a common cover member is attached and detached. In the case of the first common mode, the right and left sides are independent, and in the case of the second common mode, both sides are left and right. The plurality of cover members and the plurality of modules in each device configuration have the following configuration for commonality. The cover member has a mounting part on the back surface of the cover body (a mounting part 62 in FIG. 15 and the like to be described later). Correspondingly, a mounting part for mounting the cover member (particularly a mounting part) is provided on a side surface of each module. It has a structure including a (cover member mounting portion) (a mounting portion 72 in FIG. 19 and the like described later). In the left-right direction (X direction) with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer, for example, at a center position, a plane (for example, an XZ plane shown by a dashed line in FIG. 12 described later) or an axis (for example, Consider a vertical axis or a horizontal axis).

The first common mode 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 a position on the right side of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the first cover member, and a mounting portion is provided at a position on the left side of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component of the second cover member. Is provided. The positions of the mounting components and the mounting portion on the right side surface may be different from the positions of the mounting components and the mounting portion on the left side surface. The positions of the two or more attachment parts provided on the back surface of the cover main body are basically arbitrary positions.

で は In the second common mode, the first cover member and the second cover member can be commonly mounted on both the right side surface and the left side surface of each module. 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 a reference plane. It has a relationship such as a mirror image or symmetry, and is a position corresponding to the case where the image is inverted horizontally, or a position corresponding to the case where the image is inverted vertically. For example, when the position of the mounting component on one of the first cover members and the position of the mounting portion on the right side of the module are rotated left and right by 180 degrees around a vertical axis, the mounting of the other second cover member is performed. 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 each side of the module, which relates to the method of sharing 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 mode, for example, the first cover member (right cover member) 3R attached to each of the plurality of module right side surfaces MR is common. On the back surface of the cover body of the first cover member 3R, two or more attachment parts 62 are provided at two or more predetermined positions. A mounting portion 72 is provided at a predetermined position on the right side surface MR of each module corresponding to the position of the mounting component 62. The positions of the mounting components 62 and the mounting portions 72 have a corresponding positional relationship when the cover member is moved in parallel between the side surfaces of the modules or when the cover member is turned upside down. FIG. 7 shows a case of a parallel movement relationship. Similarly, the second cover member (left cover member) 3L attached to each of the plurality of module left side surfaces ML is common. The position of the mounting component 62 of the second cover member 3L and the position of the mounting portion 72 of each module left side surface ML have a corresponding relationship.

In the second common mode, the positions of the attachment components 62 and the attachment portions 72 on the module right side surface MR to which the first cover member 3R is attached, and the attachment components 62 and the attachment portions on the module left side surface ML to which the second cover member 3L is attached. The position 72 has a corresponding relationship of horizontal reversal or vertical reversal with respect to the reference plane S0 (YZ plane). FIG. 7 shows a case of a left-right inversion relationship. For example, on the YZ plane of the module right side surface MR and the first cover member 3R, for explanation, a first quadrant on the upper right, a second quadrant on the upper left, a third quadrant on the lower left, and a fourth quadrant on the lower right are shown. For example, two attachment parts 62 and two attachment parts 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 turned left and right by rotating it by 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 upper right and upper left mounting parts 62 of the first cover member 3R and the two mounting parts 72 of the module right side MR are the two upper right and upper left mounting parts 62 of the second cover member 3L and the module left side ML. Of the two mounting portions 72. With the above-described configuration, the common use of the external structural component 3 is realized.

[Common method of appearance structural parts (1)]
With reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 and the like, a description will be given of a method of sharing the external structural components 3 in the plurality of types of automatic analyzers 1 of the single type and the combination type according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a first common use and a second common use for the single-system automatic analyzer 1 (1A, 1B). FIG. 12A shows a first common system in the simplex system. FIG. 12B shows a second common mode in the simplex mode. FIG. 13 shows a first common mode for the automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E) of the combination mode. FIG. 14 shows a second common mode for the automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E) of the combination mode. 12 to 14 mainly show the schematic configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) of the module and the external structural component 3, and also show the perspective view of the external structural component 3. FIG. The reference plane S0 is indicated by a dashed line.

In FIG. 12A, in the first common mode, the external structural components 3 are shared for each of the right and left sides of each module by dividing the right side and the left side. That is, there are only two types of exterior structural components 3 that are side covers of all modules: an external structural component 3a that is a first cover member for the right side and an external structural component 3b that is a second cover member for the left side. It is composed of The external structural component 3a for the right side and the external structural component 3b for the left side have a symmetrical shape with respect to the center reference plane S0 in the X direction. Further, the external structural component 3a and the external structural component 3b have a vertically asymmetric shape in the Z direction when viewed independently.

The outer appearance structural part 31 on the right side of the analysis module 2A of the automatic analyzer 1A and the outer appearance structural part 33 on the right side of the analysis module 2B of the automatic analyzer 1B are constituted by the same common outer appearance structural part 3a. The external appearance structural part 32 on the left side of the analysis module 2A of the automatic analyzer 1A and the external appearance structural part 34 on the left side of the analysis module 2B of the automatic analyzer 1B are constituted by the same common external appearance structural part 3b.

(4) For simplicity, the types of the external structural components 3a and 3b are also indicated by symbols A and B. Further, an example of a position in the external structural components 3a, 3b is indicated by a point p1. For example, a point p1 at the upper right of the surface of the right exterior structure component 3a and a point p1 at the upper left of the surface of the left exterior structure component 3b are symmetrically corresponding points. In this mounting example, the left and right external structural components 3 (3a, 3b) have a left-right symmetric shape in terms of external design, but are not limited to this, and may have a left-right asymmetric shape. Further, since the external structural components 3 (3a, 3b) each have a mounting component described later on the rear surface, they have a vertically asymmetric shape when viewed from the rear surface. When viewed only from the surface, the external structural component 3 (3a, 3b) has, for example, a vertically asymmetric shape, but is not limited to the vertically asymmetric shape, and may have a vertically symmetric shape, or a left-right symmetric shape (Y direction). (A symmetrical shape before and after).

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

[Common method of appearance structural parts (2)]
FIG. 12B further illustrates a second common mode. In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment, for each type of the simplex system, a suitable effect can be obtained up to the adoption of the first common system, but the second common system is further employed. Thereby, the types of the external structural components 3 can be further reduced. In the second common mode, the right-side external structural component 3a and the left-side external structural component 3b are further configured of the same type of external structural component 3c. All the external structural components including the left and right external structural components 31 and 32 of the automatic analyzer 1A and the left and right external structural components 33 and 34 of the automatic analyzer 1B are configured by the same common external structural component 3c. . The external structural component 3c disposed on the right side of the module and the external structural component 3c disposed on the left side of the module have left-right symmetric shapes in the X direction. Each of the external structural components 3c has a vertically symmetric shape in the Z direction. The position of the mounting part of the external structural component 3c disposed 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 part of the external structural part 3c disposed on the left side and the right side of the analysis module 2B The position of the attachment portion has a correspondence relationship with the reference surface S0 when it is turned upside down.

種類 For easy understanding, the type of the external structural component 3c is also indicated by a symbol C. An example of the position in the external structural component 3c is indicated by a point p2. For example, a point p2 on the upper right of the surface of the external structural component 3c disposed on the right side surface of the module and a point p2 on the lower left of the surface of the external structural component 3c disposed on the left side surface of the module are the same. Is a point. The external structural component 3c has a vertically symmetric shape so that it can be used even when it is turned upside down.

As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment has the same type of external structural component 3 (3a) shared in a plurality of locations in each type of the single-system automatic analyzer 1 (1A, 1B). , 3b, 3c). As a result, the number of types of external structural components 3 can be reduced, and the cost and logistics burden can be improved. For example, the cost of a mold and the like when the external structural component 3 is manufactured by a molding method can be reduced. Note that, in this example, a case is shown in which the common use of the external structural components 3 is applied to the automatic analyzer 1A for biochemical analysis and the automatic analyzer 1B for immunological analysis. A plurality of devices to be shared are not limited to this example and can be used. 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 immunological analysis, the common use can be similarly applied.

[Common method of appearance structural parts (3)]
FIG. 13 similarly shows a first common system relating to the appearance structural component 3 of the automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E) of the combination system, and sequentially from the top, the automatic analyzer 1C, the automatic analyzer 1D, and 3 shows a schematic configuration of the upper surface (XY plane) of the automatic analyzer 1E. For easy understanding, the position of the common operation module 4 is indicated by a dashed line (reference plane S0) based on the position. In the configuration of each type of the automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E), the external structural components 41, 43, 45 arranged on the rightmost side and the external structural components 41, 43, 45 arranged on the rightmost side as the external structural parts 3 which are side covers. Appearance structural parts 42, 44, 46.

In the first common method, the right external structural components 41, 43, and 45 of each type are formed of the same external structural component 3e of the same type. Further, the left exterior structure components 42, 44, 46 are formed of the same type of exterior structure component 3f that is shared. The external structural component 3e for the right side and the external structural component 3f for the left side have different shapes and the like, but have a bilaterally symmetric shape in the X direction, and have substantially similar shapes and the like. Each of the external structural components 3e and 3f has, for example, a vertically asymmetric shape in the Z direction. The position of the mounting component of the external structural component 3e arranged on the right side and the position of the mounting portion on the right side surface of each module have a corresponding relationship. The position of the attachment component of the external structural component 3f arranged on the left side and the position of the attachment portion on the left side of each module have a corresponding relationship.

(4) For simplicity, the types of the external structural components 3e and 3f are also indicated by symbols E and F. Further, an example of a position in the external structural components 3e and 3f is indicated by a point p3. For example, a point p3 at the upper right of the surface of the right external structural component 3e and a point p3 at the upper left of the surface of the left external structural component 3f are points corresponding to each other in a left-right symmetric shape.

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

In the comparative example of FIG. 29, four types of external structural components 93 (93-5 to 93-8) were required in providing the automatic analyzers 91C, 91D, and 91E. On the other hand, according to the first standardization method, in providing the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E, only two types of external structural components 3e and 3f are required. The first common mode has more types of external structural components 3 than the second standard mode, but has a higher degree of freedom in designing the surface of the external structural component 3.

[Common method of appearance structural parts (4)]
FIG. 14 similarly shows a second common mode for the combination type automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E). In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment, for each type of the combination method, a corresponding effect can be obtained even when the first common method is employed, but the second common method is further employed. Thereby, the types of the external structural components 3 can be further reduced.

In the second common mode, all the left and right external structural components 41 to 46 of each type are made of the same external structural component 3g of the same type. According to the second common mode, only one type of external structural component 3g is required for providing the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E. The external structural component 3g disposed on the right side of the module and the external structural component 3g disposed on the left side have a symmetrical shape in the X direction. Each of the external structural components 3g has a vertically symmetric shape in the Z direction. The positions of the mounting parts of the external structural components 3g disposed on the right side and the positions of the mounting parts on the right side of each module, the positions of the mounting parts of the external structural parts 3g disposed on the left side and the positions of the mounting parts on the left side of each module Has a correspondence relationship with the reference plane S0 by upside down.

種類 For easy understanding, the type in the external structural component 3g is also indicated by a symbol G. An example of the position in the external structural component 3g is indicated by a point p4. For example, a point p4 on the upper right of the surface of the external structural component 3g disposed on the right side and a point p4 on the lower left of the surface of the external structural component 3g disposed on the left are the corresponding points. The state of the surface of the external structural component 3g disposed on the right side is the same as the surface state of the external structural component 3g disposed on the left side, by turning it 180 degrees around the axis J1 in the Y direction to flip it upside down. Become.

As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment has the same type of external structural component 3 common to a plurality of locations in each type of automatic analyzer 1 (1C, 1D, 1E) of the combination system. (3e, 3f, 3g) are used. As a result, the number of types of external structural components 3 can be reduced, and the cost and logistics burden can be improved. In this example, the case where the common use of the external structural components 3 is applied to the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E has been described. A plurality of devices to be shared are not limited to this example and can be used. For example, the common use can be similarly applied to a case where there are a plurality of types of analysis modules 2C for biochemical analysis.

In the mounting example described above, the cover body of the external structural component 3c (FIG. 12B) or the external structural component 3g (FIG. 14) will have a greater width from the front side to the rear side in the Y direction, as described later. It has an asymmetric shape in the Y direction when viewed from the surface. Correspondingly, the second common mode is realized by using the cover body upside down. The shape of the cover main body of the external structural component 3c or the external structural component 3g is not limited to this, and is possible. In a modified example, the cover body may have a constant width in the X direction regardless of the front side or the rear side in the Y direction. In this case, the second commonality can be realized by using, for example, left-right inversion of the cover body without using upside-down inversion of the cover body.

FIG. 30 shows a second common mode corresponding to the above modification. As for the automatic analyzers 1C, 1D, and 1E, appearance structural parts 41 to 46 (3 g) having shapes different from those in FIG. 14 are used. In this example, the case where the operation module 4 includes the rack rotor 200 is shown. For example, in the automatic analyzer 1C, an external structural component 41 attached to the right side of the analytical module 2C and an external structural component 42 attached to the left side of the analytical module 2D are configured by a common external structural component 3g. . The external structural component 3g has a constant width in the X direction regardless of 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 indicated by a point p5, and is located at the upper right position (upper position in the Z direction and rear position in the Y direction) of the surface. When the external structural component 41 (3g) disposed on the right side of the automatic analyzer 1C is disposed on the left side, the external structural component 41 (3g) is rotated by 180 degrees around the axis J2 in the Z direction of the cover main body so as to be positioned with respect to the reference plane S0. By inverting left and right, it becomes the same state as the appearance structural component 42 (3g) arranged on the left side. In the state of the external appearance structural component 42 (3g) on the left side, the point p5 is at the upper right position (upper position in the Z direction and front position in the Y direction) on the surface.

[Common method of appearance structural parts (5)]
FIG. 31 shows a case where the second common mode is applied to other types of automatic analyzers 1H, 1I, and 1J in the automatic analyzer according to the modification of the embodiment. In the automatic analyzer 1H, as a sixth type configuration, two biochemical analysis modules 2C (2C-1, 2C-2) of the same type are connected to the center operation module 4 on the left and right sides. Type. In this example, a case is shown in which the operation module 4 including the rack rotor 200 is combined. This type has a configuration in which the number of samples that can be simultaneously analyzed 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 like and the same analysis type and the same specifications. An external structural component 41 attached to the right side of the biochemical analysis module 2C-1 and an external structural component 42 attached to the left side of the biochemical analysis module 2C-2 are constituted by a common external structural component 3g. You.

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

The above configuration is the case where the second common mode is applied, but the first common mode is also applicable. Also, as another type of automatic analyzer, even in the case where the same analysis module 2D for immunological analysis is connected to the left and right sides of the operation module 4, the common method can be similarly applied. The plurality of modules constituting the automatic analyzer of the combination system are a plurality of modules selected from a plurality of types of modules different depending on at least one of the specification and the analysis type, but the plurality of selected modules are: 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 of appearance structural parts (6)]
The following is also possible as an automatic analyzer according to a modification of the embodiment. In the automatic analyzer according to the modified example, a module of a certain analysis type may further include a plurality of types of modules in a single system or a combination system. For example, as the biochemical analysis module, there may be a plurality of types of biochemical analysis modules having different specifications corresponding to variations in mechanism, shape, and the like. Similarly, there may be multiple types of immunoassay modules. Different automatic analyzers can be configured depending on the type of analysis module selected. Also in the case where there are a plurality of types of modules having the same analysis type but different specifications and the like, a common method can be applied in the same manner as described above.

As an example, it is assumed that, in a single-unit automatic analyzer, there are a plurality of types (for example, two types) of modules or main bodies having different specifications as biochemical analysis modules or main bodies as the same analysis type. For example, when the second common mode is applied, the external structural parts on the left and right sides of the module of the first specification and the external structural parts on the left and right sides of the module of the second specification are all shared. It is composed of parts.

As another example, it is assumed that there are, for example, two types of analysis modules having different specifications as an analysis module for biochemical analysis in a combination type automatic analyzer. For example, when configuring the third type of automatic analyzer 1C, there are two types of analysis modules 2C as candidates for the analysis module 2C, and combinations of the two are possible. For example, when the second common mode 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 are different. , Composed of common external structural components. Similarly, even when there are a plurality of types of analysis modules 2D as the analysis modules 2D for the immunological analysis, the common method can be applied.

[Appearance structural parts (1)]
FIGS. 15 to 17 show detailed structural examples of the above-mentioned common exterior structure component 3, for example, the exterior structure component 3g of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing, for example, the structure of an 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. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing, for example, the structure of an 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 in FIG. FIG. 17 shows the structure of the attachment component 62 provided on the external structural component 3g.

(A) of FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the front surface of the external structural component 3g (41), and (B) shows a perspective view of the back surface. In FIG. 15A, the external structural component 3g has a vertically symmetric shape with respect to a reference line C1 indicated by a dashed line when viewed from the surface. 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 composed of a main body 61 as a cover main body and a mounting component 62. The main body 61 has a substantially flat plate shape, is entirely convex outside (for example, right side) in the X direction, and has a space of a predetermined thickness in the X direction when viewed from the back. The mounting component 62 is accommodated in the space. As an example of the external 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 asymmetric shape before and after in the Y direction. On the surface of the main body 61, as an example of an appearance design, a concave portion 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. 15 (B), the main body 61 has two mounting parts 62, particularly a mounting part, at a predetermined position before and after in the Y direction at the position of the reference line C1 near the center in the Z direction in the space on the back surface. Parts 62a and 62b are fixed. A mounting component 62a is disposed on the front side in the Y direction, and a mounting component 62b is disposed on the rear side. The two attachment parts 62a and 62b have the same shape, size, mechanism, and the like.

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

ね じ At predetermined positions on the upper and lower sides of the main body 61 in the Z direction, screw hole components 64 for attaching a hem cover described later are also provided. The automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment has a configuration in which a skirt cover described later can be attached to the external structural component 3, but a configuration without the skirt cover is also possible.

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

取 付 As shown in FIG. 17, the attachment component 62 has a fixing portion 62A which is a portion fixed to the main body 61, and an engaging portion 62B continuously extending from the fixing portion 62A. FIG. 17A shows the state of the attachment component 62 corresponding to FIG. 15B in an enlarged manner. In this mounting example, the engagement portion 62B is particularly configured by 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 into the hook receiving gap of the attachment portion from above and engaged with the hook. Mounting of the attachment component 62 is not limited to such a hook and the like, and is possible.

（(B) of FIG. 17 shows a state where it is turned upside down in the Z direction with respect to (A). When the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g in 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. When the upper and lower sides are turned upside down, the state becomes as shown in FIG.

The attachment component 62 has a mechanism that can be turned upside down in the Z direction in accordance with the second common mode, that is, so that the external structural component 3g can be attached to either of the left and right side surfaces of the module. . This mechanism is a mechanism for turning the attachment component 62 upside down when the main body 61 is turned upside down. In this example, this mechanism is implemented as a mechanism by screwing. As shown in FIG. 17, a fixing portion 62C provided at a predetermined position of the main body 61 has a screw hole. The fixing portion 62A of the attachment component 62 is fixed to the screw hole of the fixing portion 62C by screwing. At this time, the engagement portion 62B is in a state of being located above the reference line C1 in the Z direction. When the external structural component 3g is arranged on the right side surface of the module, the state of the mounting component 62 as shown in FIG. 15 is obtained. When the external structural component 3g is arranged on the left side surface of the module, the state of the mounting component 62 as shown in FIG. 16 is obtained.

(C) of FIG. 17 shows an outline of a case where the engaging portion 62B of the attachment component 62 is rotated around the axis with respect to the fixing portion 62C to be 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 screws, and can be removed by releasing the screws. The direction of the attachment component 62 (the fixing portion 62A and the engaging portion 62B) removed from the fixing portion 62C is changed by the operator so as to be turned upside down from (A) to (B). It is fixed to 62C by screwing. Such a mechanism that allows the attachment component 62 to be turned upside down is not limited to mounting by screwing. For example, without using screwing, the X-axis of the fixing portion 62C as shown in the image of FIG. A rotation mechanism capable of rotating the engagement portion 62B around the periphery may be employed.

(D) of FIG. 17 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 section 72 is an external structural component mounting section (cover member mounting section).

FIG. 18 shows the arrangement of the external structural components 3g arranged on the left and right sides of the module, etc., corresponding to the second common mode. For example, the external structural component 41 on the right side and the external configuration on the left side of the automatic analyzer 1C in FIG. The relationship with the structural component 42 is shown. In contrast to the state of the main body 61 of the external structural component 41 (3g) in FIG. 15, the state of the main body 61 of the external structural component 42 (3g) in FIG. 16 is rotated up and down by 180 degrees around the axis of the reference line C1. Corresponding to the state of In another way, from the state of the main body 61 in FIG. 15, for example, a 180-degree rotation around the axis in the Z direction may be a left-right inverted state, and further, a 180-degree rotation around the axis in the X direction from that state. The state of the main body 61 in FIG.

と When the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g is turned upside down as described above, the mounting component 62 is also turned upside down (the state shown in FIG. 17B). In the state of the attachment part 62, the attachment part 72 cannot be engaged. Therefore, in order to be able to attach the same external structural component 3g to each of the left and right side surfaces of the module, it is necessary to further invert the attachment component 62 up and down to obtain the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the attachment component 62 includes a mechanism that can be turned upside down as described above.

FIGS. 18 (A) to (E) show the state transition in the case where the work of changing the state of the right external structural component 41 (3g) from the state of the right external structural component 41 (3g) is performed. Show. FIG. 18A schematically shows 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 fitting part 62 is in a correct state, and the engaging portion 62B is at a position above the reference line C1. (C) shows a state in which the main body 61 is rotated by 180 degrees around the axis in the Y direction indicated by the reference line C1 from the states of (A) and (B). In this state, the attachment component 62 is in a vertically inverted state, and the engaging portion 62B is located below the reference line C1. In this state, since the external structural component 3g cannot be attached to the left side surface of the analysis module 2D, it is necessary to change the orientation of the attachment component 62.

（(D) of FIG. 18 shows a state in which the two attachment parts 62 have been changed from the state of (C) so as to be turned upside down with respect to the reference line C1. (E) shows a state viewed from the surface corresponding to (D). In the state (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 holds when changing the appearance structural part 42 on the left side to the appearance structural part 41 on the right side.

[Mounting part on 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.

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

The operation module 4 is roughly divided into an upper part 4A and a lower part 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 partitions the upper part 4A and the lower part 4B. A movable mechanism such as the above-described sample transport unit 6 (including, for example, the sample rack storage unit 8A and the rack rotor 200) is mainly mounted on the upper part 4A. The non-movable mechanism such as the above-described IC substrate 101 and each driving unit (including the cleaning mechanism driving unit 819) is mainly mounted on the lower part 4B. In the upper part 4A, a part of the rack rotor 200 is visible from the opening in the side surface SS8. The movable mechanism has moving parts and the like 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 console is provided on the front surface of the upper part 4A so as to protrude forward in the Y direction. The operation console 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 (especially a one-sided door), and can be opened and closed during maintenance or the like. A skirt cover 411 is provided further below the front cover 410. A caster mechanism 412 and an adjuster mechanism 413 for moving and stopping the module are provided on the lower surface of the lower portion 4B.

(4) On the right side surface SS7 of the lower portion 4B, the boards and components constituting the mechanism are exposed. At the position of the lower reference line Z2 with respect to the partition plate 400 located at the reference line Z1, two attachment portions 72, particularly attachment portions 72a and 72b, are provided at two predetermined positions before and after in the Y direction. ing. Similarly, in the left side surface SS8 of (B), two mounting portions 72 (72a, 72b) are provided at similar positions corresponding to the side surface SS7.

(C) of FIG. 19 shows one mounting portion 72 in an enlarged manner. The mounting portion 72 has a fixed 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 extends outward from the fixing portion 72A in the Z direction and the X direction by continuous bending. In the present example, the engaged portion 72B is mounted as a hook receiving portion. The engaged portion 72B forms a gap (in other words, a concave portion) between the engaged portion 72B and the side surface of the module.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show, for example, when the automatic analyzer 1E of FIG. 14 is configured, the external structural component 45 (3 g) is attached to the mounting portion 72 of the right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4 of FIG. ) Is shown. (A) shows the right side surface SS7, and (B) shows the left side surface SS8. For example, when configuring the automatic analyzer 1C or the automatic analyzer 1D of FIG. 14, the left side of the analysis module 2C is disposed adjacent to the right side SS7 of the operation module 4, and the side surfaces are separated from each other. Connected mechanically. 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 side surface SS8.

(C) and (D) of FIG. 20 show, for example, a state in which the attachment component 62 of the external structural component 3g is attached to the attachment portion 72 of the left side surface SS8. As shown in the drawing, the engagement portion 62B of the attachment component 62 is engaged with the gap of the engaged portion 72B of the attachment portion 72 by being inserted from above and hooked. As a result, the external structural component 3g is kept attached to the side surfaces of the upper part 4A and the lower part 4B of the operation module 4. Conversely, 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 from the engaged portion 72B of the mounting portion 72 so as to be pulled upward. The engagement state is established.

In the state of FIG. 20, a skirt cover 66 is further attached to the lower side of the external structural component 45 (3g), below the position in the Z direction indicated by the reference line Z4. The side hem cover 66 and the front hem cover 411 cover a space of 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 hem cover 411 on the front surface. When the skirt cover 66 and the skirt cover 411 are provided as described above, the appearance of the automatic analyzer 1 can be further improved.

In addition, as in the mounting example of FIG. 20, the upper side in the Z direction of the external structural component 3g is attached to the side surface of the operation module 4, and is located above the height position indicated by the reference line Z3 on the upper surface of the upper portion 4A. May be in a partially exposed state. This is designed in consideration of the height of each module and the relationship with the upper cover described later.

In addition, in the mounting example of the operation module 4 in 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 portions of the rack rotor 200 can be seen. Other implementations in this regard are also possible.

FIG. 32 shows an implementation example of the operation module 4 in the modification. (A) shows the outline of the upper surface of the operation module 4 and the like. (B) shows an outline of a side surface of the operation module 4 in a perspective view. A rack rotor cover 280 that can be attached to and detached from an opening corresponding to the side surface of the rack rotor 200 is provided on at least one of the left and right side surfaces of the operation module 4, in this example, both side surfaces (SS 7 and SS 8). Is provided. For example, when introducing the automatic analyzer to the customer environment, the business operator introduces the automatic analyzer in a state where the rack rotor cover 280 is 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 right side surface SS7 of the operation module 4, and the analysis module 2C is connected. On the left side surface SS8 of the operation module 4, a rack rotor cover 280 is attached. 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.

(4) 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), the external appearance structural component 3g that is shared as the external structural component 44 can be attached to the left side surface SS8. The positions of the mounting portions 72 and the corresponding mounting components 62 are positions other than the region of the rack rotor cover 280. Similarly, a special cover may be provided in an opening corresponding to a mechanism such as a disk on the side surface of various analysis modules.

[Mounting part on 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. In the analysis module 2C, the partition plate 500 is provided at a height position in the Z direction indicated by the reference line Z5 in the Z direction. The analysis module 2C roughly has an upper part 2Ca and a lower part 2Cb above and below the partition plate 500. The upper part 2Ca has a reagent disk 13 and the like as a movable mechanism, and a part of the reagent disk 13 is visible on the side surface SS5. Substrates, components, and the like are visible in the lower portion 2Cb.

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, two mounting portions 72, particularly mounting portions 72c and 72d, are provided at two predetermined positions before and after in the Y direction. Have been. The mounting portion 72 (72c, 72d) of the analysis module 2C is composed of the same components as the mounting portion 72 (72a, 72b) of the operation module 4, and their height positions (reference lines Z2, Z6) are Schematically the same.

前面 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). A hem cover 511 is provided below the front cover 510. At the time of maintenance of the analysis module 2C, an operator can open and close the door of the front cover 510 to perform maintenance work on components in the analysis module 2C.

For example, when configuring the automatic analyzer 1C or the automatic analyzer 1D in FIG. 14, the external structural component 3g can be attached as the external structural component 41 or the external structural component 43 to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C. . 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 is mechanically connected to each other.

In addition, 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 and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 (FIG. 8) on the upper surface of the upper portion 2Ca and a space including 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 a user operation, and has an interlock mechanism.

裾 Also, with regard to the external structural component 3g attached to the side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, a hem cover (not shown) can be attached to the lower portion 2Cb below the height position indicated by the reference line Z8. Thereby, the caster mechanism 512, the adjuster mechanism 513, and the like disposed on the lower surface of the lower portion 2Cb are 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 for the external structural component 3g. Also, in the case where the first common mode of FIG. 13 is applied, a configuration including the module-side mounting portion 72 similar to the above can be applied to the common external structural components 3e and 3f. Also, in the case of the simplex system shown in FIG. 12, the same configuration as described above can be applied to the shared external structural components 3a, 3b or 3c.

[Mounting part on 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 the mounting portion 72 for mounting the shared external structural component 3g. Having. The mounting part 72 of each module is also commonly used as the same structure.

に お い て In each module, the upper and lower partition plates are provided at positions substantially close in the Z direction. For example, the height position of the reference line Z1 of the partition plate 400 of the operation module 4 in FIG. 19 and the height position of the reference line Z5 of the partition plate 500 of the analysis module 2C in 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 near 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 provided 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 or the reference line Z6 in FIG. Is provided. Thus, the external appearance structural component 3g of the second common system can be attached to the side surface of any type of module through the attaching portion 72 and the attaching component 62. The same external structural component 3g can be attached to either the right side or the left side of the module through the attachment part 72 and the attachment part 62 through a right-left inversion or upside-down inversion relationship as shown in FIG.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 19, in the mounting example in the embodiment, the mounting portions are not located close to the top, bottom, left, and right sides and edges but are located closer to the inside than the sides of each module. 72 and a mounting part 62 are arranged. When the external structural component 3g is mounted on the side surface of the module, the mounting portion 72 and the mounting component 62 are hidden and cannot be seen. Therefore, in the embodiment, the external appearance of the device can be further improved in terms of external design.

[Appearance structural parts (2)]
FIG. 22 shows a structural example of the skirt cover 66 particularly in the external structural component 3g. The external structural component 3g has a configuration in which the hem cover 66 can be attached and detached. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing, for example, the back surface of the right external structural component 41 (3g) attached to the right side surface SS5 (FIG. 3) of the analysis module 2C of the automatic analyzer 1C of FIG. In contrast to the basic configuration of the external structural component 3g in FIG. 16, the external structural component 3g in 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 3g 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 attached to 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) of the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g in the Z direction are located at predetermined positions in the Y direction, for example, two front and rear positions. Two screw hole components 64 are provided. A generally rectangular plate-shaped hem cover 66 having a size corresponding to the lower side is disposed below the lower side of the main body 61. As in the example of FIG. 20, the height of the hem cover 66 is adjusted to the height of the space between the lower surface of the module and the installation floor, and is also adjusted to 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 a hem cover attaching portion 65. A hem cover mounting portion 65 is fixed to a screw hole component 64 of the main body 61 by screwing. The hem cover attaching portion 65 is, for example, a generally rectangular plate-shaped component. The hem cover 66 is fixed to the hem cover mounting portion 65 by screwing.

In addition, in the present mounting example, the attachment and detachment of the hem cover 66 to and from the main body 61 are structured so that work can be performed from the back surface or the front surface of the external structural component 3. The screw hole component 64 has a screw hole also exposed on the surface. The operator can attach and remove the hem cover 66 from the front side of the main body 61 by screwing.

As a modification, the hem cover attaching 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 is applicable.

As a modified example of the hem cover 66, a mechanism that can bend or rotate the hem cover 66 toward the front side with respect to the main body 61 around the lower side may be provided.

FIG. 23 shows the arrangement relationship of the external structural components 3g including the skirt cover 66 of FIG. 22 arranged on the left and right sides of the module, corresponding to the second common mode. FIG. 23A shows the front surface of the external structural component 3g arranged on the right side surface of the module, and FIG. 23B shows the rear surface. 5A and 5B show a state in which a hem cover 66 is attached to the lower side of the main body 61. FIG. The upper side is the side where the point p4 is located, and the lower side is the side where the point p4 is not located. In the attachment component 62, the engagement portion 62B is located above the reference line C1. (C) shows a state where the hem cover 66 is removed from the state of (B). (D) shows the rear surface in a state where the main body 61 is turned upside down by rotating the main body 61 around the axis in the Y direction by 180 degrees to arrange the module on the left side surface of the module from the state of (C). The attachment part 62 is also in a state of being turned upside down. (E) shows a state in which the attachment part 62 is turned upside down from the state of (D) and the engagement part 62B is turned upward. (E) shows a state where 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).

で は In this mounting example, the hem cover 66 has a symmetric shape in the Y direction when viewed from the surface alone, and has a constant width before and after in the Y direction unlike the main body 61. As a modified example of the hem cover 66, similarly to the main body 61, an asymmetric shape in the Y direction may be employed.

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 where the main body 61 and the hem cover 66 are attached. (B) shows a state where 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 are reasons for the appearance design. On the front surface of the module of the automatic analyzer 1, there is a front cover as one type of external structural components, as in the above-described examples of the front cover 410 in FIG. 19 and the front cover 510 in FIG. From the viewpoint of more harmonious appearance design, it is desired that the front cover and the side cover of the module have the same height position in the Z direction. However, in order to realize this, if the exterior structural component 3 is formed as a single component by an integral molding method including the portion covered with the hem cover, the second common mode cannot be realized. That is, it is not possible to realize the common use of the external structural components on the left and right sides of the module. For example, in such a case, the skirt portion of the external structural component disposed on the right side of the module, when disposed on the left side of the module, comes to the upper side due to upside down. Therefore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a configuration is provided in which a skirt cover 66 is provided which can be attached to and detached from the upper and lower sides of the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g. As a result, the advantage of the presence of the skirt cover 66 is realized while achieving the second commonality.

In this configuration, with the external structural component 3g attached to the side surface of the module, only the hem cover 66 can be removed while the main body 61 remains attached. Alternatively, in a modified example, the hem cover 66 can be opened to the front side. This allows the operator to access the bottom of the module. For example, at the time of maintenance work, by removing the hem cover 66 of the external structural component 3g (45) in FIG. 20, 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. The worker can adjust, for example, the horizontal position and height of the apparatus while the main body 61 of the external structural component 3g is attached. As described above, there is an advantage of easiness of work such as installation and maintenance of the apparatus.

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

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

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

As a modified example, the upper end of the external structural component 3g may be up to the position of the reference line Z7 on the upper surface SF1. Further, the upper end of the external structural component 3g may be configured to extend to a position below the upper surface SF1. Further, as a modified example, there are a plurality of modules having different heights, and when the same external 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 analysis module 2C, 2D has a lower height position than the operation module 4, the external structural component 3g is at the same height position on the side surface of the operation module 4, and the side surface of the analysis module 2C, 2D. In this case, the external structural component 3g is at a height position above the upper surface.

Further, as another modified example, the external structural component 3 (3e, 3f) in the first common system includes the main body 61 and a portion corresponding to the space 2500 of the skirt cover by one molding method or the like. It may be configured as a part.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the automatic analyzer of the embodiment, the same external structural component 3 can be applied to a plurality of locations in various device configurations of a single system or a module assembly system. The number of types of external appearance structural parts 3 can be reduced. Thereby, costs and logistics burdens such as manufacturing and management related to handling of a plurality of external structural components 3 required in various device configurations according to the single system or the module assembly system can be reduced. This also makes it easier to use and maintain the automatic analyzer.

[Modification (1)]
The following is also possible as an automatic analyzer of another embodiment. First, in the above-described embodiment, the single system and the combination system are separate and common, and have the respective external structural components 3. For example, the size differs between the external structural component 31 of FIG. 1 and the external structural component 41 of FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use the appearance structural component 3 that is shared between the single system and the combination system.

In the embodiment, means such as screwing and hooks are applied to the configuration of the mounting part 62 of the external structural component 3 and the mounting part 72 on the module side, but the present invention is not limited to this. In a modified example, a configuration using an elastic member without using a screw may be used, or a configuration using a slide-type fitting or the like may be used. A configuration in which a projection (in other words, a projection) is provided on the module side and a corresponding hole (in other words, a recess) is provided on the appearance structural component 3 side may be adopted. A configuration in which a projection is provided on the external structural component 3 side and a corresponding hole is provided on the module side is also possible.

As a modified example, a door that can be opened and closed may be provided on the external structural component 3 that is a side cover. In this case, it is possible to access the components on the side of the module, such as maintenance, through the door of the module with the external structural component 3 attached.

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

In the embodiment, the two mounting parts 62 are provided on the cover member, and the two mounting parts 72 are provided on the side surface of the module. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which three or more mounting parts 62 are provided on the cover member, and three or more mounting parts 72 are provided on the side surface of the module correspondingly. If the performance of attachment and connection is ensured, a configuration may be adopted in which one attachment part 62 is provided on the cover member and one attachment part 72 is provided on the side surface of the module.

As another modified example, the attachment component 62 may be provided at a position exposed at the ends of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the main body 61, for example, at positions such as positions L11b, L12b, L41b, and L42b. In this case, the mounting components 62 may have different directions, and are not limited to the above-described means such as hooks. In the case of this modification, the appearance is such that the mounting component 62 is exposed and visible. Instead, in the case of this modification, the worker can easily grasp the position and the like of the mounting component 62 from the front side of the external structural component 3, so that the operation of mounting the external structural component 3 on the side surface of the module is easier. Become.

[Modification (3)]
FIG. 27 shows a configuration example of the positions of the mounting parts 72 and the corresponding mounting parts 62 on the side surfaces (YZ planes) 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 each module of the automatic analyzer 1C, have different configurations such as a partition plate, an upper portion, a lower portion, and the like in the Z direction in height position and thickness. In this case, in this modification, the height positions of the mounting portion 72 and the mounting component 62 are made different between the left side surface and the right side surface of the module.

FIG. 27A shows an external structural component 3g (41) attached to the right side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, for example, and FIG. 27B shows an external structural component 3g attached to the left side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D. The external structural component 3g (42) is shown. The center position z1 in the Z direction in the main body 61 is indicated by a dashed line. In the side surface SS5 of the analysis module 2C, for example, there is a partition plate above the position z1, and in the side surface SS6 of the analysis module 2D, there is a partition plate below the position z1.

In this modification, on the right side surface SS5, the mounting portion 72, particularly the mounting portion 72-1 is provided at a position z2 above the position z1, and on the left side surface SS6, at a position z3 below the position z1. , A mounting portion 72, particularly a mounting portion 72-2. When the external structural component 3g is mounted on the right side surface SS5, the mounting component 62 (particularly, the engaging portion) is brought into a state in which the mounting component 62 comes to the upper position z2. When the external structural component 3g is mounted on the left side surface SS6, the main body 61 is turned upside down so that the mounting component 62 (particularly, the engagement portion) comes to the lower position z3. In this modification, the attachment component 62 does not need the above-described mechanism capable of turning upside down, and may be configured integrally with the main body 61, for example. In this modification, the engaging portion of the attachment component 62 employs other means, such as a projection, instead of the hook described above. Corresponding to the engaged portion of the mounting portion 72, instead of the hook receiving portion, other means, for example, a hole portion into which a projection can be inserted is adopted. The same configuration as described above can be applied to the case where the height position of the partition plate differs between the operation module 4 and the analysis modules 2C and 2D. The same configuration as above can be applied when the first common mode is applied.

As another modified example, 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 an operator correspondingly. May be provided.

As another modified example, when the position of the mounting portion 72 of each module is different, a plurality of mounting components 62 may be provided in advance at a plurality of positions on the external structural component 3g in accordance with the position. 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 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 is similarly applicable to a case where 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 to 50: external structural parts 4, operation module, 61, main body, 62, mounting part, 72, mounting part.

Claims (11)

1. An automatic analyzer for clinical tests composed of a single module,
   The module is one module selected from a plurality of different types of modules according to at least one of the specification and the analysis type,
   A cover member that can be attached to and detached from a side surface of each of the plurality of types of modules with respect to a front surface of the module,
   The cover member has a mounting component on the back surface of the cover body,
   On the side surface of each of the modules, has a mounting portion for mounting the mounting component,
   The cover member,
   A first cover member attachable to a right side surface with respect to a front surface of each of the modules;
   A second cover member attachable to a left side surface with respect to a front surface of each of the modules;
   Has,
   The mounting portion is provided at a position of the right side surface of each of the modules corresponding to a 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 a position of the mounting component of the second cover member.
   Automatic analyzer.
2. An automatic analyzer for a clinical test constituted by a combination of a plurality of 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 the specification and the analysis type,
   A cover member that can be attached to and detached from a side surface of each of the plurality of types of modules with respect to a front surface of the module,
   The cover member has a mounting component on the back surface of the cover body,
   On the side surface of each of the modules, has a mounting portion for mounting the mounting component,
   The cover member,
   A first cover member attachable to a right side surface with respect to a front surface of each of the modules;
   A second cover member attachable to a left side surface with respect to a front surface of each of the modules;
   Has,
   The mounting portion is provided at a position of the right side surface of each of the modules corresponding to a 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 a position of the mounting component of the second cover member.
   Automatic analyzer.
3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
   The first cover member and the second cover member can be attached to any of the right side surface and the left side surface of each module,
   The position of the mounting portion on the right side surface of each module and 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 attachment part is a position corresponding to the case where the left and right is inverted, or a position corresponding to the case where the top and the bottom are inverted with respect to a reference plane at a center position in the left and right direction with respect to the front surface of the automatic analyzer.
   Automatic analyzer.
4. 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.
5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
   The first cover member and the second cover member have a left-right symmetric shape in a left-right direction with respect to a front surface of the automatic analyzer.
   Automatic analyzer.
6. 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 have a vertically symmetrical shape in the vertical direction.
   Automatic analyzer.
7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
   The mounting component has a mechanism capable of reversing the direction with respect to the cover body in a vertical direction.
   Automatic analyzer.
8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
   On the lower side of the cover body, having a hem cover that can be attached and detached,
   Automatic analyzer.
9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
   The attachment component is provided at a position exposed on any of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the cover body.
   Automatic analyzer.
10. 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,
    The cover member, by using the cover body upside down, the mounting part can be mounted to the mounting portion at any height position of the side surface of each module,
    Automatic analyzer.
11. 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 immunological analysis, and an operation module on which a control unit and an operation unit are mounted,
    As a device configuration type configured by a combination of the plurality of modules,
    A first type based on a combination of the operation module, the first analysis module disposed on the right side of the operation module, and the second analysis module disposed on the left side of the operation module,
    A second type of a combination of the operation module and the first analysis module disposed on the right side of the operation module;
    A third type based on a combination of the operation module and the second analysis module disposed 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 each of the right side surface of the operation module and the left side surface of the second analysis module.
    Automatic analyzer.

Images