WO2020075806A1

WO2020075806A1 - Locking structure

Info

Publication number: WO2020075806A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/040027
Authority: WO
Inventors: 美幸東; 正道森谷
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｌｓｉメディエンス
Priority date: 2018-10-10
Filing date: 2019-10-10
Publication date: 2020-04-16
Also published as: JP7321179B2; JPWO2020075806A1

Abstract

Through the present invention, the possibility of interference of a cuvette locking structure during detachment of a cuvette is reduced. This locking structure causes a cuvette to be retained by a table provided with a retaining part for retaining a cuvette inserted therein. Specifically, a locking member is provided to the peripheral edge of the retaining part, one end side of the locking member is fixed to a table, and a protruding piece for mounting provided to the cuvette, for mounting on the surface of the table, is locked between the surface of the table and the locking member on the other end side of the locking member, and the outer shape of the other-end side of the locking member is provided with a curve as viewed in cross section.

Description

Locking structure

The present invention relates to a locking structure for holding a cuvette on a table.

Conventionally, a device that can perform a plurality of types of analysis with different measurement methods, such as biochemical analysis and immunological analysis, has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The apparatus is capable of (1) a sample supply unit including a sample rack capable of mounting a plurality of biological samples, (2) a plurality of reaction cuvettes independent of each other, and detachably held independently of each other. A first measurement unit having a first optical system measurement means, (3) sample transfer means capable of transferring a biological sample from a sample supply unit to a reaction cuvette on the first measurement unit, (4) independent of each other A plurality of reaction cuvettes can be detachably held independently of each other, and a second measurement unit having a second optical system measurement means, and (5) a reaction cuvette on the first measurement unit, to the second measurement unit. A cuvette transfer means capable of transferring, (6) a sample provided with reagents used for the measurement in the first measurement unit and the measurement in the second measurement unit A supply unit, and (7) a reagent supply unit capable of independently transferring the reaction reagents from the reagent supply unit to the reaction cuvette on the first measurement unit and / or the second measurement unit, the second measurement unit The upper reaction cuvette is to be loaded with the biological sample on the first measurement unit, and then transferred from the first measurement unit to the second measurement unit by the cuvette transfer means to be carried, and the first measurement unit. Different measurement can be performed with the second measurement unit.

International Publication No. 2006/107016

When mounting the cuvette on the analyzer, it is preferable that it is fixed to the base to some extent, especially when the cuvette is displaced. However, when some kind of locking structure is adopted, there is a risk that the locking structure and the cuvette interfere with each other due to, for example, an error in the insertion position when the cuvette is attached or detached. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the possibility of interference with the cuvette locking structure when the cuvette is attached and detached.

The locking structure according to the present invention holds the cuvette on a table having a holding portion for inserting and holding the cuvette. Specifically, a locking member is provided on the peripheral edge of the holding portion, and one end side of the locking member is fixed to the table, and the other end side of the cuvette is provided with a protrusion for mounting on the surface of the table. The piece is locked by being sandwiched between the surface and the surface of the table, and the other end side of the locking member has a rounded outer shape in a sectional view.

▽ Because the outer shape is rounded in cross section, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ends will interfere even if there is an error in the position where the cuvette etc. is inserted.

Also, a pair of locking members may be provided on the periphery of the holding portion, the locking members being provided at positions facing each other with the holding portion as a reference.

The locking member may be a leaf spring, and the other end of the locking member may face the direction in which the cuvette is inserted or the direction forming an acute angle with the direction. For example, with such a configuration, even if there is an error in the position at which the cuvette or the like is inserted, the possibility of the end being caught is reduced.

The contents described in the means for solving the problems can be combined as much as possible without departing from the problems and technical ideas of the present invention.

ㆍ It is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with the cuvette locking structure when attaching and detaching the cuvette.

It is a figure which shows an example of a composite analyzer. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an internal configuration of a measurement unit housing section of the combined analyzer. It is a figure which shows an example of a sample rack. It is a figure which shows an example of a sample rack. It is a figure which shows an example of a cuvette supply unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a sample nozzle unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a partial reagent table. It is a figure which shows an example of a reagent lid opening / closing unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a reagent nozzle unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a coagulation table. It is a figure which shows an example of an LPIA table. It is a figure which shows an example of a cuvette chuck unit. It is a top view which shows an example of a rail. It is a front view which shows an example of a rail. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a cuvette. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a cuvette. It is sectional drawing showing an example of one holding hole vicinity of an LPIA table. It is a perspective view showing an example of a spring. It is sectional drawing which shows the process of inserting a cuvette into the holding hole of an LPIA table. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the state by which the cuvette was hold | maintained at the holding hole of the LPIA table. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the state where the cuvette mounted on the LPIA table was stirred. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the composite analyzer provided with three measuring units.

Hereinafter, the composite analyzer according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the composite analyzer 1000. The composite analyzer 1000 is an analyzer that performs a plurality of types of analysis with different measurement accuracy, such as biochemical analysis and immunological analysis. The composite analyzer 1000 can perform, for example, LPIA (Latex Photometric Immunoassay: latex near infrared turbidimetry), blood coagulation time measurement, and the like. Further, the composite analyzer 1000 includes a measurement unit housing unit 1, a tank housing unit 2, a monitor 3, and a status output unit 4. The measurement unit housing unit 1 houses a plurality of measurement units and the like according to the embodiment. The storage unit 2 for storing the tank and the like stores a tank for storing pure water, cleaning water, and waste water, a disposal box for accumulating cuvettes to be discarded, a computer for controlling the processing performed by the measurement unit storage unit 1, and the like. The monitor 3 is connected to a computer and outputs the progress status and results of measurement. Further, the monitor 3 may be an input / output device that allows a user to perform an input operation, such as a touch panel. The status output unit 4 is connected to a computer or the like, and blinks or lights a warning light to notify the user when an abnormality occurs in the process executed by the measurement unit housing unit 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of the measurement unit housing section 1 of the composite analyzer 1000. The measurement unit accommodating section 1 includes a sample rack transport space 101, a cuvette supply unit 102, a sample nozzle unit 103, a reagent table 104, a reagent lid opening / closing unit 105, a reagent nozzle unit 106, and a coagulation table 107. An LPIA table 108, a cuvette chuck unit 109, a rail 110, and a cuvette disposal port 111 are provided. A sample rack 1011 is placed in the transport space 101, and is transported on the table by a mechanism in which the protruding piece moves along a predetermined groove. The sample rack 1011 holds a plurality of sample containers that store biological samples such as blood samples. The cuvette supply unit 102 supplies a cuvette having a predetermined shape for use in the composite analyzer 1000. The cuvettes are sequentially supplied one by one from the cuvette supply port 1021. The sample nozzle unit 103 is a unit that includes a nozzle connected to a pump, moves within a predetermined movable range under the control of a computer, collects a sample from the sample container, and discharges the sample into the cuvette of the LPIA table 108. The sample nozzle unit 103 rotates about a predetermined rotation axis in an arc shape in a plan view. Further, a dispensing position 1031 is provided at an intersection point in a plan view of an arcuate orbit along which the sample nozzle unit 103 moves and a circular orbit along which a cuvette circularly arranged on the LPIA table 108 is rotated and moves. To be Further, in plan view, a nozzle cleaning tank 1032 is also provided on the track along which the sample nozzle unit 103 moves. The reagent table 104 is a disc-shaped holding unit that holds a plurality of reagent containers that contain reagents and that rotates under the control of a computer. The held reagent container is sampled by the reagent nozzle unit 106 at a predetermined sampling position 1041. The reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 is a unit for moving a predetermined movable range and opening / closing the lid of the reagent container under the control of the computer. The reagent nozzle unit 106 is a unit that includes a nozzle connected to a pump, moves within a predetermined operating range under the control of a computer, collects a reagent from a reagent container, and discharges the reagent into a cuvette. In plan view, a cleaning tank 1061 for the reagent nozzle is provided on the path along which the reagent nozzle unit 106 moves linearly. The coagulation table 107 is a holding unit having a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of cuvettes side by side in order to measure the degree of coagulation of the contents of the cuvette. A light source and a light receiving unit are arranged with the cuvette held therebetween, and the degree of coagulation is measured based on the absorbance or transmittance of the contents. In addition, the attachment / detachment position 1071 is provided at an intersection with the trajectory of the cuvette chuck unit 109 in plan view. The LPIA table 108 is a disc-shaped holding unit that holds a plurality of cuvettes arranged in a circle in plan view and rotates under the control of a computer in order to measure the amount of antigen in a sample by the LPIA. The held cuvette is attached / detached by the cuvette chuck unit 109 at a predetermined attachment / detachment position 1081, and a reagent is dispensed at a predetermined dispensing position 1082. The cuvette chuck unit 109 moves within a predetermined movable range under the control of the computer to grip and move the cuvette. The rail 110 is a linear rail. The reagent nozzle unit 106 and the cuvette chuck unit 109 are each connected to the rail 110, and move substantially parallel to the rail 110 along the direction in which the rail 110 extends. The cuvette discarding port 111 is an opening that communicates with a discarding box stored in the storage unit 2 such as a tank, and the cuvettes and the like can be discarded in the cuvette discarding port 111.

3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a sample rack. The sample rack 1011 includes a plurality of holders for holding a sample container 1012 that stores a sample. Further, the sample rack 1011 is transported under the control of the computer, and the desired sample container 1012 can be placed at a predetermined sampling position. The sampling position is located on the orbit along which the sample nozzle unit 103 moves in an arc shape in plan view, and the sample is dispensed by the sample nozzle unit 103 into the cuvette held in the holding hole of the LPIA table 108. The composite analyzer 1000 may be provided with a reading device that optically reads identification information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to the label of the sample container 1012 so that a desired sample container can be specified. Alternatively, a sample cup may be arranged on the sample container so that a sample diluted in the sample cup or a mixed sample is prepared.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the cuvette supply unit. The cuvette supply unit 102 supplies the cuvettes loaded into the hopper 1022 one by one in a predetermined direction from the cuvette supply port 1021 which is the end of the sloped outlet by a predetermined mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the sample nozzle unit. In the sample nozzle unit 103, the nozzle 1034 moves in an arcuate trajectory in a plan view around a predetermined rotation shaft 1033. Then, the sample nozzle unit 103 dispenses the sample from the sample container 1012 of the sample rack 1011 moved to the sampling position to the cuvette of the LPIA table 108 moved to the injection position. The sample nozzle unit 103 is also referred to as the "dispensing mechanism" according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a partial reagent table. Reagents are, for example, latex and coagulation time reagents, but are not limited to these. The configuration of the reagent table can be appropriately changed according to the type of measurement principle. The reagent table 104 is a disk-shaped table that rotates around a predetermined rotation axis, and the table is provided with a plurality of installation portions 1042 for holding the reagent containers in a ring shape. In addition, in this embodiment, the installation portions 1042 are provided in a double ring shape, but the number of installation portions 1042 and the number of rings are not particularly limited. Further, the reagent table 104 includes a rod-shaped convex portion 1043 that projects vertically upward around the installation portion 1042. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 1043 is provided on the rotation shaft side of each installation portion 1042. In addition, the reagent container according to the present embodiment has a substantially columnar shape, and the side surface thereof is provided with an engaging portion into which the above-mentioned convex portion 1043 can be inserted. The engaging part is a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction or a concave part opened vertically downward, and the convex part 1043 can be inserted into the engaging part to fix the reagent container. The table rotates clockwise or counterclockwise and stops at a predetermined position under the control of the computer. For example, in each of the installation parts 1042, the reagent collection position, which is the intersection with the trajectory of the nozzle of the reagent nozzle unit 106 in plan view, the lid opening / closing position under the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105, and the user attaches / detaches the reagent container. Stop at the attachment / detachment position etc. Note that the composite analyzer 1000 includes a reading device that optically reads identification information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to the label of the reagent container so that the desired reagent container can be specified. Good. For example, the reading device is provided from the outside of the reagent table 104 toward the rotation axis in a plan view. Further, the plurality of installation parts 1042 provided in a double ring shape can be viewed from the reading device by, for example, arranging the installation part 1042 on the inner circumference side and the installation part 1042 on the outer circumference side in a staggered manner along the circumference. The reagent containers do not overlap with each other, and the labels of all the reagent containers can be read by rotating the reagent table 104. The installation unit 1042 may be provided in three or more concentric circles. When the holding holes are provided in a plurality of concentric circles, the table may be a single disc that rotates integrally, or the plurality of concentric circles may be formed by a plurality of ring-shaped discs that can rotate independently of each other. You may do it. In the case of a structure in which a plurality of ring-shaped discs rotate independently, each ring independently rotates clockwise or counterclockwise and stops independently of each other under the control of a computer. Although the type and number of reagents to be used differ depending on the measuring method, by rotating the reagent table 104, the installation section 1042 in which a desired reagent container is arranged can be moved to the sampling position 1041 and used depending on the measurement. can do. Further, if the composite analyzer 1000 reads the identification information attached to the reagent container and automatically stores the arrangement of the reagent container on the reagent table 104, the user can perform the measurement without worrying about the installation location. The preparation can be completed simply by installing the necessary reagent container, and convenience is improved. Further, since the reagent table 104 includes the plurality of installation parts 1042, it is possible to increase the number of items that can be measured without replacing the reagent container, which is highly convenient.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the reagent lid opening / closing unit. The reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 opens / closes the lid of the reagent container at its tip portion 1051. The lid of the reagent container according to the present embodiment is connected by a hinge, and is opened / closed by applying a moment in a predetermined opening / closing direction to the lid. The lid of the reagent container is provided with a convex portion that projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lid and that has a tip portion 1051 for exerting a force. When a force is applied to the convex portion in a predetermined opening direction, a moment that rotates the lid in the opening direction with the hinge as a fulcrum acts on the hinge. The tip portion 1051 of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 moves along the radial direction of the reagent table 104 in a plan view, and is displaced along the orbit along which the reagent container moves by the rotation of the reagent table 104, and a convex portion protruding from the lid. Contact with and open the lid. Further, the tip portion 1051 of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 is also displaced in the vertical direction by a predetermined driving mechanism. The tip portion 1051 can close the reagent container by applying a force to the lid in a closing direction which is a direction opposite to the opening direction and pressing the lid vertically downward.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the reagent nozzle unit. The reagent nozzle unit 106 according to this embodiment includes two nozzles 1062 for collecting and discharging a reagent. The two nozzles 1062 vertically move up and down independently of each other to collect and discharge the reagent. Further, the reagent nozzle unit 106 moves along the rail 110 under the control of the computer, collects the reagent from the reagent container at the collection position of the reagent container on the reagent table 104, and dispenses the cuvette on the LPIA table 108. Dispense the reagent into the cuvette at position 1082. As described above, the reagent nozzle unit 106 is linearly movable along the rail 110 between a predetermined position on the reagent table 104 and a predetermined position on the LPIA table 108. Further, in plan view, the collection position 1041 is defined by the path along which one nozzle 1062 of the reagent nozzle unit 106 according to the present embodiment moves linearly and the cuvette arranged in the double ring shape of the reagent table 104. It is provided at the intersection with the track on the outer peripheral side. Further, it is also provided at the intersection of the path along which the other nozzle 1062 of the two reagent nozzle units 106 according to the present embodiment moves linearly and the track on the inner peripheral side. Further, the dispensing position 1082 is a path along which each of the two reagent nozzle units 106 described above linearly moves in plan view, and a cuvette arranged in one ring on the LPIA table 108 rotates. It is provided at each intersection with the orbit. The number of nozzles 1062 is not limited to two. The number of nozzles 1062 is preferably set by the number of reagents used for one measurement. Coagulation measurement and latex measurement include measurement using one reagent and measurement using two reagents. Also, three or more nozzles 1062 may be provided.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the coagulation table. The coagulation table 107 is, for example, a table on which a cuvette is placed when performing blood coagulation time measurement. The solidification table 107 is provided with a plurality of holding holes 1072 for holding the cuvette in a linear shape in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the rail 110 extends. A light source 1073 is arranged on one side of the cuvette held in the holding hole 1072, and a light receiving section 1074 is arranged on the other side. Then, the degree of coagulation of the contents of the cuvette is measured by the absorbance or the transmittance of light having a predetermined wavelength. Further, the solidification table 107 includes a drive unit 1075 that slides the table in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the rail 110 extends. Then, the desired holding hole 1072 can be moved to the attachment / detachment position 1071 which is the intersection point with the track on which the cuvette chuck unit 109 moves. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 can hold the cuvette in the holding hole 1072 or remove the cuvette from the holding hole 1072 at a predetermined attaching / detaching position 1071. The cuvette in which the sample is dispensed in the holding hole of the LPIA table 108 is conveyed to the holding hole 1072 of the solidification table 107 by the cuvette chuck unit 109. The light sources 1073 and the light receiving units 1074 are provided by the number of the holding holes 1072, and the holding holes 1072, the light sources 1073, and the light receiving units 1074 move as a unit. Therefore, the absorbance and the like can be continuously measured for each cuvette even while the table moves.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the LPIA table. The LPIA table 108 is a table on which a cuvette is placed when the antigen amount is measured by the latex agglutination method, for example. The LPIA table 108 is a disk-shaped table that rotates around a predetermined rotation shaft 1083, and is provided with a plurality of holding holes 1084 for holding the cuvette in a ring shape along the circumference. The table rotates clockwise or counterclockwise and stops at a predetermined position under the control of the computer. Further, each holding hole 1084 is provided with a spring 1085 for pressing the cuvette.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the cuvette chuck unit. The cuvette chuck unit 109 is a unit that has a two-finger gripper 1091 at its tip and holds and transports the cuvette. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 linearly moves in the horizontal direction along the rail 110, and holds or drops the cuvette at the attachment / detachment position of the reagent table 104 or the LPIA table 108, the cuvette supply port 1021, the cuvette disposal port 111, and the like. To do

FIG. 12A is a plan view showing an example of a rail including a cuvette chuck unit and a reagent nozzle unit. FIG. 12B is a front view showing an example of a rail including a cuvette chuck unit and a reagent nozzle unit. The rail 110 is a rail-shaped member that is connected to the reagent nozzle unit 106 and the cuvette chuck unit 109 and serves as a guide when the reagent nozzle unit 106 and the cuvette chuck unit 109 move. That is, in the composite analyzer 1000, the attachment / detachment positions of the reagent table 104, the coagulation table 107, and the LPIA table 108, the cuvette supply port 1021, and the cuvette disposal port 111 are arranged on a straight line substantially parallel to the rail 110. The sampling position of the reagent table 104, the reagent dispensing position of the coagulation table 107, and the reagent dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108 are also arranged on a straight line substantially parallel to the rail 110. The nozzle 1062 of the reagent nozzle unit 106 and the two-finger gripper 1091 of the cuvette chuck unit 109 move up and down in the vertical direction. However, it may not move in the front-back direction (front or depth). The reagent nozzle unit 106 and the cuvette chuck unit 109 are connected to the front side of the rail 110 and move by sharing the rail 110. For example, by retracting the cuvette chuck unit 109 to the left in plan view and front view, the nozzle 1062 of the reagent nozzle unit 106 can be moved to the dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108. Further, for example, by retracting the reagent nozzle unit 106 to the right side in plan view and front view, the two-finger gripper 1091 of the cuvette chuck unit 109 can be moved to the cuvette supply port 1021 of the cuvette supply unit 102. The rail 110 is not limited to a linear rail, but may be one in which at least a part thereof is provided in a curved shape, or one having two or more linear sections or a curved section. The rail 110 is also referred to as a “guide rail” according to the present invention. The existing structure can be used for the connection structure of the reagent nozzle unit 106 and the cuvette chuck unit 109 to the rail 110.

The cuvette discarding port 111 is a loading port through which the cuvette chuck unit 109 releases the cuvette in order to collect the cuvettes in the discarding box stored in the storage part 2 such as the tank. A tube for guiding the discarded cuvettes may be provided in the tank or the like accommodation portion 2 from the cuvette disposal port 111 toward the upper side of the disposal box.

The coagulation table 107 and a sensor or the like for measuring the contents of the cuvette installed therein, and the LPIA table 108 and the sensor or the like for measuring the contents of the cuvette installed therein are examples of measurement units that perform predetermined measurements. is there. In the present invention, one is also called a "first measuring unit" and the other is also called a "second measuring unit". Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 is also referred to as a “conveyance unit”.

<Effect>
According to the present embodiment, in the case where the composite analyzer including a plurality of measurement units performs random measurement in which the user can freely specify the order of the inspection items to be measured, the cuvette chuck unit 109 and the reagent nozzle unit 106 are By making the movement a simple linear movement, the mechanism for transferring can be downsized and the cost of the entire apparatus can be suppressed. Further, the rail 110 can be shared by the cuvette chuck unit 109 and the reagent nozzle unit 106, and the increase in size of the entire apparatus can be suppressed. Furthermore, the limited measurement time and space can be efficiently used, and the measurement processing capacity can be improved.

<Analysis process>
For example, when performing latex agglutination measurement, the LPIA table 108 rotates and a predetermined holding hole moves to the attachment / detachment position and stops. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 holds one cuvette from the cuvette supply port 1021 and moves it to the holding hole at the attachment / detachment position of the LPIA table 108, and holds it in the holding hole. After that, the holding hole holding the cuvette moves to a predetermined dispensing position 1082. The attachment / detachment position and the dispensing position may be the same. Further, the sample rack 1011 is transported so that a desired sample container moves to a predetermined sampling position. Then, the sample nozzle unit 103 collects a sample from the sample container previously held in the sample rack 1011 at the sampling position, and discharges the sample into the cuvette at the dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108. Further, as the reagent table 104 rotates, the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 moves at a predetermined timing so that the tip of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 comes into contact with the lid of the reagent container, and the predetermined reagent container held in advance on the reagent table 104 is opened. Cover. Then, the opened reagent container moves to a predetermined sampling position. At this time, the reagent nozzle unit 106 also collects the reagent at a predetermined collection position, and discharges the reagent into the cuvette at the dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108. Thereafter, the reagent table 104 rotates and the lid of the reagent container is closed by the tip of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105. The reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 can be closed by pressing the lid downward from above the reagent container to the bottom. Further, the LPIA table 108 rotates and the cuvette moves to a predetermined stirring position. At the stirring position, a stirring rod is inserted vertically downward from a recess provided on the bottom surface of the cuvette, and the tip of the stirring rod is displaced so as to draw a circle on a horizontal plane, whereby the contents of the cuvette are stirred. A plurality of reagents may be dispensed. Further, due to the rotation of the LPIA table 108, the cuvette passes through the optical measuring unit formed by the light source and the light receiving unit, and the reaction of the contents based on the transmittance of the specific wavelength, the absorbance, the scattered light, etc. in the optical measuring unit. The change based on is measured. When the predetermined measurement is completed, the cuvette is removed from the holding hole by the cuvette chuck unit 109 at the attachment / detachment position of the LPIA table 108. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 conveys the removed cuvette to the cuvette discarding port 111 and discards it. Such processing can be performed in parallel on a plurality of cuvettes held in the LPIA table 108.

Further, for example, when the coagulation time is measured, the coagulation table 107 slides and a predetermined holding hole moves to the attachment / detachment position and stops. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 holds one cuvette from the cuvette supply port 1021 and moves it to the holding hole at the attachment / detachment position of the LPIA table 108, and holds it in the holding hole. After that, the holding hole holding the cuvette moves to a predetermined dispensing position 1082. The attachment / detachment position and the dispensing position may be the same. Further, the sample rack 1011 is transported so that a desired sample container moves to a predetermined sampling position. Then, the sample nozzle unit 103 collects a sample from the sample container previously held in the sample rack 1011 at the sampling position, and discharges the sample into the cuvette at the dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108. Then, the holding hole in which the cuvette is held moves to the attachment / detachment position of the LPIA table 108, and the cuvette is gripped by the cuvette chuck unit 109 and transferred to the attachment / detachment position of the coagulation table 107. Further, as the reagent table 104 rotates, the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 moves at a predetermined timing so that the tip of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 comes into contact with the lid of the reagent container, and the predetermined reagent container held in advance on the reagent table 104 is opened. Cover. Then, the opened reagent container moves to a predetermined sampling position. Further, the reagent nozzle unit 106 collects the reagent at a predetermined collection position and discharges the reagent into the cuvette at the dispensing position of the coagulation table 107. Thereafter, the reagent table 104 rotates and the lid of the reagent container is closed by the tip of the reagent lid opening / closing unit 105. The reagent lid opening / closing unit 105 can be closed by pressing the lid downward from above the reagent container in the vertical direction. Further, the coagulation table 107 slides and the cuvette moves to a predetermined stirring position. At the stirring position, a stirring rod is inserted vertically downward from a recess provided on the bottom surface of the cuvette, and the tip of the stirring rod is displaced so as to draw a circle on a horizontal plane, whereby the contents of the cuvette are stirred. A plurality of reagents may be dispensed. Further, each holding hole of the coagulation table 107 is provided with an optical measuring section formed by a light source and a light receiving section so as to sandwich the cuvette, and based on the transmittance or the absorbance of a specific wavelength in the optical measuring section. Changes due to the solidification of the contents are measured. When the predetermined measurement is completed, the cuvette is removed from the holding hole by the cuvette chuck unit 109 at the attachment / detachment position of the solidification table 107. Further, the cuvette chuck unit 109 conveys the removed cuvette to the cuvette discarding port 111 and discards it. Such processing can be performed in parallel on a plurality of cuvettes held on the coagulation table 107. Also in the coagulation time measurement, the reagent may be dispensed at the dispensing position 1082 of the LPIA table 108 and then transported to the coagulation table 107.

<Scheduling>
Further, in an analyzer capable of performing a plurality of types of analysis, if measurements of different measurement principles are mixed, it is generally difficult to set a measurement schedule between a series of measurement processes, and the measurement processing capability is reduced. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the operation of a predetermined unit of each unit is designed to be completed within a certain time. The time required for the operation of a predetermined unit of each unit may be different, but the same time is preferable for the computer to schedule the measurement process. By doing so, it becomes possible to easily determine the measurement schedule even in an analyzer capable of performing a plurality of types of analysis, and a plurality of types of measurement (for example, the above-mentioned latex agglutination measurement and coagulation time measurement and the like can be mentioned. Even if the above) are mixed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing capacity.

For example, the sample nozzle unit 103 performs each step such as a step of collecting a sample from a sample container, a step of discharging a sample into a cuvette, and a step of cleaning a sample nozzle at regular intervals (seconds). The interval is, for example, 30 seconds, preferably 20 seconds, more preferably 15 seconds, even more preferably 10 seconds. The reagent nozzle unit 106 performs each step such as a step of collecting the reagent from the reagent container, a step of heating the reagent, a step of discharging the reagent into a cuvette, a step of cleaning the reagent nozzle, etc. at regular intervals (seconds). . The interval is, for example, 30 seconds, preferably 20 seconds, more preferably 15 seconds, even more preferably 10 seconds. In addition, for example, the cuvette chuck unit 109 includes a step of moving and holding the cuvette from the cuvette supply port to the holding hole for measurement, a step of removing the cuvette after measurement from the holding hole, transporting it to the cuvette discarding port, and discarding it. Each step is performed at regular intervals (seconds). The interval is, for example, 30 seconds, preferably 20 seconds, more preferably 15 seconds, even more preferably 10 seconds. For example, by performing these at 15 second intervals, a high measurement throughput of 240 tests / hour can be achieved.

<Locking structure>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a cuvette. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an example of a cuvette. The cuvette 113 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of protrusion pieces 1133 for pickup near the upper end 1132 of a cuvette body 1131 having a substantially rectangular prism shape, and a pair of protrusion pieces 1134 for placement below the protrusion pieces 1133. Further, the lower part of the cuvette 113 is tapered and tapered. The cuvette 113 is placed by inserting it into the holding hole 1084 provided in the LPIA table 108 from below the cuvette body 1131. The pickup projection piece 1133 is, for example, a portion held by the two-finger gripper 1091 of the cuvette chuck unit 109. The mounting projection piece 1134 is provided above the cuvette body 1131 and below the pickup projection side 133, and the spring 1085 provided in the LPIA table 108 when the cuvette 113 is mounted in the holding hole 1084 of the LPIA table. And the cuvette 113 is pressed against the LPIA table 108 so as not to come off easily. Further, the cuvette 113 is provided with, for example, a hemispherical recess 1136 on the bottom surface 1135 of the cuvette body 1131 and has an insertion opening 1137 into which the tip of the stirring rod 115 can be inserted. Those skilled in the art can appropriately design and use the number and shape of the mounting projection pieces according to the shape of the cuvette and the mounting structure on the device. For example, one or two or more may be used, but two are particularly preferable because the shape is easy and stable mounting is possible.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing an example near one holding hole of the LPIA table. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of a spring. On the upper surface of the LPIA table 108, a pair of springs 1085 are attached so as to sandwich the holding hole 1084 substantially along the surface (upper surface) of the LPIA table 108. The spring 1085 is a locking member that is formed by bending a leaf spring into a predetermined shape and loosely presses the cuvette 113 inserted into the holding hole 1084 so as not to come off easily. In the present embodiment, two springs 1085 are used as a pair, and each spring 1085 has a fixing member 1086 such as a screw inserted through a fixing portion 10851 such as a through hole provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the spring 1085. Fix in the hole. Note that reference numeral 114 shown in FIG. 15 indicates an example of a jig for adjusting the attachment position and the interval of the pair of springs 1085. Further, one spring 1085 may be provided on the peripheral edge of the holding hole 1084, and the cuvette 113 may be biased and held so as to be pressed against the inner wall of the holding hole 1084, and three or more springs may be provided on the peripheral edge of the holding hole 1084. The spring 1085 may be provided.

Further, the spring 1085 is provided with a convex portion 10852 that protrudes and returns in an inverted U-shape in a cross-sectional view (side view) at the central portion in the longitudinal direction. The convex portion 10852 allows not only elastic deformation in which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the spring 1085 has an arcuate trajectory with the fixed portion 10851 as an axis in sectional view, but also elastic deformation in which the length of the spring 1085 contracts in the longitudinal direction. It is a buffer section. Further, on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the spring 1085, there is provided a bent portion 10853 which is bent above the LPIA table 108 in a sectional view so as to be curved with a slightly acute angle. Further, a rounded portion 10854 that is bent to have a radius on the LPIA table 108 side (that is, the direction in which the cuvette 113 is inserted into the holding hole 1084) in a cross-sectional view is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the spring 1085. There is. That is, the other end side of the spring 1085 in the longitudinal direction has a chamfered shape with a radius by bending so as to be wound in a sectional view. Further, the other end of the spring 1085 in the longitudinal direction is present at a position which is closer to the fixing portion 10851 side of the spring 1085 than the edge of the holding hole 1084, and faces in the direction along which the cuvette 113 is inserted into the holding hole 1084. . The shape of the radius is not limited as long as it can suppress the interference between the cuvette and the locking structure when the cuvette is attached and detached, and those skilled in the art can appropriately design and use it.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a process of inserting the cuvette into the holding hole of the LPIA table. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the cuvette is held in the holding hole of the LPIA table. When the cuvette 113 is inserted into the holding hole 1084, the mounting projection piece 1134 contacts the bent portion 10853. When the cuvette 113 is further pushed into the holding hole 1084, as shown in FIG. 17, the convex portion 10852 is bent to widen the interval between the pair of springs 1085, and the mounting projection piece 1134 of the cuvette 113 and the upper surface of the LPIA table 108 and the spring. Pass between 1085. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the mounting projection piece 1134 is sandwiched between the upper surface of the LPIA table 108 and the spring 1085 and is gently pressed (biased), and the cuvette 113 is held in the holding hole 1084 of the LPIA table 108. It is held so that it does not come off easily. Since the outer shape of the other end of the spring 1085 is rounded in a cross-sectional view (specifically, the other end of the spring 1085 faces a direction forming an acute angle with respect to the insertion direction of the cuvette 113. Therefore, even if the spring 1085 is plastically deformed, its end is caught by the cuvette 113 or the jig 114 when the cuvette 113 is inserted into the holding hole 1084 or the jig 114 is applied to the spring 1085. Possibility is reduced.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the cuvette placed on the LPIA table is agitated. A stirring device (not shown) is provided vertically below the LPIA table 108 at a predetermined stirring position. The stirring device inserts the tip of the stirring rod 115 into the hemispherical recess 1136 and rotates the tip on a horizontal plane to stir the cuvette 113. At this time, the spring 1085 allows the mounting projection piece 1134 to leave the surface of the LPIA table 108 when the cuvette 113 is eccentrically moved around, and also prevents the cuvette 113 from coming off the holding hole 1084. . The cuvette 113 can stir the sample without inserting the stir bar 115 into the sample. When a stirring rod is inserted into the sample and stirred, the coagulation system is affected and the measurement result may be inaccurate, which is suitable for the coagulation test. Further, since the cuvette 113 has a substantially quadrangular prism shape and its four side surfaces are flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, it is suitable for measurement using transmitted light such as biochemical measurement items and turbidity measurement in LPIA. is there. The holding hole 1084 according to the present embodiment may be a recess that does not penetrate, but a through hole is preferable for stirring without inserting a stirring rod into the sample. The through holes and the recesses that do not penetrate are also referred to as "holding portions" according to the present invention.

<Modification>
The above-described embodiments and modifications are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations. The contents described in the embodiment and the modifications can be combined as much as possible without departing from the subject and technical idea of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite analyzer 1000 including three measurement units. The number of measurement units described above is not limited to two. In the example of FIG. 20, the third measurement unit 112 is added to the left side of the LPIA table 108 in plan view. Even when three or more measurement units are provided, the cuvette chuck unit 109 and the reagent nozzle unit 106 linearly move along the rail 110, and the three measurement units are arranged on a straight line substantially parallel to the rail. By doing so, the movement of the cuvette chuck unit 109 and the reagent nozzle unit 106 can be made a simple linear operation to save power. Further, the rail 110 can be shared by the cuvette chuck unit 109 and the reagent nozzle unit 106, and the entire apparatus can be downsized.

The present invention also includes a method for executing the above-described processing, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program. The recording medium on which the program is recorded enables the above processing by causing the computer to execute the program.

Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that can store information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer. Among such recording media, those removable from the computer include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, memory cards and the like. Further, as a recording medium fixed to the computer, there are an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a ROM and the like.

1000: Combined analyzer 1: Measuring unit housing 101: Transfer space 1011: Sample rack 1012: Sample container 102: Cuvette supply unit 1021: Cuvette supply port 1022: Hopper 103: Sample nozzle unit 1031: Rotary shaft 1032: Nozzle 104: Reagent table 1041: Sampling position 1042: Installation part 1043: Convex part 105: Reagent lid opening / closing unit 1051: Tip part 106: Reagent nozzle unit 1061: Nozzle 107: Coagulation table 1071: Attachment / detachment position 1072: Holding hole 1073: Light source 1074: Light reception Part 1075: Drive part 108: LPIA table 1081: Attachment / detachment position 1082: Dispensing position 1083: Rotating shaft 1084: Holding hole 1085: Spring 10851: Fixed part 10852: Convex part 1 853: Bending part 10854: Rounding part 1086: Fixing member 109: Cuvette chuck unit 1091: Two-finger gripper 110: Rail 111: Cuvette discarding port 112: Third measuring unit 113: Cuvette 1131: Cuvette body 1132: Top part 1133: Pick-up protruding piece 1134: Placement protruding piece 1135: Bottom surface 1136: Recessed portion 1137: Insertion port 2: Tank, etc. storage part 3: Monitor 4: Status output part

Claims

A locking structure for holding the cuvette on a table having a holding portion for inserting and holding the cuvette,
A retaining member is provided at a predetermined position on the periphery of the holding portion,
One end of the locking member is fixed to the table, and the other end of the locking member sandwiches a mounting projection included in the cuvette for mounting on the surface of the table with the surface of the table. The locking structure is such that the outer shape of the other end of the locking member is rounded in cross section.
A pair of the locking members provided at positions facing each other on the periphery of the holding portion, with the holding portion as a reference,
The locking structure according to claim 1.
The locking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member is a leaf spring, and the other end of the locking member faces a direction in which the cuvette is inserted or a direction forming an acute angle with the direction.