JP2009122067A - Analyzing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analyzing apparatus capable of improving the processing efficiency of dispensation of specimens and reagents. <P>SOLUTION: The analyzing apparatus of this invention is provided with a first specimen probe 121i and a second specimen probe 122i as specimen probes for the suction and discharge of specimens. By changing a probe to perform dispensation between the first specimen probe 121i and the second specimen probe 122i from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position to perform dispensation, it is possible to improve the processing efficiency of dispensation of specimens and reagents in comparison with the operation of one probe to perform dispensation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer for dispensing a sample and a reagent into a reaction container that is a liquid and analyzing the sample.

  Conventionally, as a biochemical testing device that automatically analyzes specimens such as blood and body fluids, the specimen is added to the cuvette in which the reagent has been dispensed, and the reaction occurring between the reagent in the cuvette and the specimen is optically detected. Analytical devices are known. In such an analyzer, the sample in the sample container is sequentially dispensed into the cuvette on the reaction table, and the sample is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution in which each reagent and the sample have reacted ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3152711

  By the way, in a conventional analyzer, a single probe for sucking and discharging a liquid is attached to one arm, and a dispensing process for a sample, a reagent, and the like is performed by rotating and raising and lowering the arm. Therefore, in the past, since the dispensing process was performed by operating one probe and one arm, there was a limit to improving the processing efficiency such as the dispensing speed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that can improve the processing efficiency of a dispensing process for a specimen or a reagent.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention sucks and discharges liquid in an analyzer that dispenses a liquid sample and reagent into a reaction container and analyzes the sample. A probe transfer means for attaching a plurality of probes and transferring the probes together, the probe transfer means having a switching mechanism for switching the lift position of each probe, and switching for switching the lift position of each probe And a probe transfer means having a mechanism.

  The analyzer according to the present invention further includes a control unit that controls a transfer process by the probe transfer unit and a switching process of the lift position of the probe by the switching mechanism. The probe transfer unit includes: an arm; A support column connected to one end and having a vertical line passing through one end of the arm as a central axis; and a support column rotating and lifting mechanism for rotating and lifting the support column, and the switching mechanism is inserted into the support column A first rotating shaft; a rotating mechanism for rotating the first rotating shaft; a supporting member on which the plurality of probes are fixedly disposed; and a second member provided at the other end of the arm and connected to the supporting member. Two rotation shafts, and a transmission member that spans the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft and transmits the rotation of the first rotation shaft to the second rotation shaft. hand It is characterized in that to switch the vertical position of each probe by rotating the support member by driving the rotating mechanism.

  In addition, the analyzer according to the present invention further includes a probe cleaning tank provided in the vicinity of the liquid suction position and / or the liquid discharge position by the probe, and the control means performs liquid suction with respect to the switching mechanism. For a probe that does not perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process simultaneously with the liquid suction process and / or the liquid discharge process by switching the lift position of the probe that does not perform the process and the liquid discharge process to the lift position corresponding to the probe cleaning tank. A cleaning process is performed.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the probe that has been performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process, the probe different from the probe in which the abnormality has occurred is subjected to the liquid suction process. In addition, the switching mechanism is configured to switch the raising / lowering position of each probe so that the liquid discharge process can be performed.

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the opening diameters of the plurality of probes are different from each other, and the control means is configured such that a probe having an opening diameter corresponding to the amount of liquid to be dispensed is aspirated and discharged. The raising / lowering position of each probe is switched by the switching mechanism.

  The analyzer according to the present invention includes a probe transfer means having a plurality of probes attached, and transferring each probe collectively and switching the raising / lowering position of each probe. Compared with the case where the dispensing process is performed, the processing efficiency of the dispensing process for the specimen and the reagent can be improved.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a cleaning apparatus and an analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an analysis apparatus that dispenses a liquid sample such as blood or urine into a cuvette and analyzes the sample. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 according to the embodiment dispenses a sample and a reagent to be analyzed to a cuvette 21 and optically measures a reaction occurring in the dispensed cuvette 21. 2, and a control mechanism 3 that controls the entire analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 2 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2. The analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens by the cooperation of these two mechanisms. The cuvette 21 is a very small container having a capacity of several nL to several mL, and is a transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the light source of the photometry unit 18; For example, glass including heat-resistant glass, synthetic resins such as cyclic olefin and polystyrene are used. The cuvette 21 includes a side wall and a bottom wall that form a liquid holding unit that holds liquid, and has an opening at the top of the liquid holding unit.

  First, the measurement mechanism 2 will be described. The measurement mechanism 2 roughly includes a sample transfer unit 11, a sample dispensing mechanism 12, a reaction table 13, a reagent storage 14, a reagent dispensing mechanism 16, a stirring unit 17, a photometric unit 18, and a cleaning unit 19.

  The sample transport unit 11 includes a plurality of sample racks 11b that hold a plurality of sample containers 11a containing liquid samples such as blood and sequentially transport them in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample in the sample container 11a transferred to a predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 11 is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 into the cuvette 21 that is arranged and transported on the reaction table 13.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes an arm 12a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. A plurality of sample probes for aspirating and discharging the sample are attached to the distal end portion of the arm 12a, and the sample dispensing mechanism 12 transfers the sample probes together. The transfer process of each sample probe by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 is controlled by the control unit 31 described later. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown) corresponding to each probe. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 aspirates the sample from the sample container 11a transferred to the predetermined sample aspirating position on the sample transfer unit 11 with the predetermined probe among the plurality of probes, and moves the arm 12a in the drawing. The sample is dispensed by rotating clockwise and discharging the sample to the cuvette 21 transported to a predetermined sample discharge position on the reaction table 13. A probe cleaning unit 12b that holds a cleaning liquid for cleaning a probe that does not perform the sample aspirating process and the sample discharging process is provided in the vicinity of the sample aspirating position in the sample transporting unit 11.

  The reaction table 13 transports the cuvette 21 to a predetermined position in order to dispense a sample or reagent into the cuvette 21 and to stir, measure, and wash the cuvette 21. The reaction table 13 is rotatable about a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction table 13 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. An openable and closable lid and a thermostat (not shown) are provided above and below the reaction table 13, respectively.

  The reagent storage 14 can store a plurality of reagent containers 15 in which reagents to be dispensed in the cuvette 21 are stored. In the reagent store 14, a plurality of storage chambers are arranged at equal intervals, and a reagent container 15 is detachably stored in each storage chamber. The reagent storage 14 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the reagent storage 14 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. The desired reagent container 15 is transferred to the reagent aspirating position by the reagent dispensing mechanism 16. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reagent storage 14. A cold storage is provided below the reagent storage 14. For this reason, when the reagent container 15 is stored in the reagent container 14 and the lid is closed, the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is cooled to evaporate or denature the reagent stored in the reagent container 15. Can be suppressed.

  Similar to the sample dispensing mechanism 12, the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 includes an arm 16a to which a plurality of reagent probes for aspirating and discharging the reagent are attached to the tip. The reagent dispensing mechanism 16 transfers each reagent probe together. The transfer process of each reagent probe by the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 is controlled by the control unit 31 described later. The arm 16a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The reagent dispensing mechanism 16 includes a suction / discharge mechanism using a suction / discharge syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown) corresponding to each probe. The reagent dispensing mechanism 16 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 15 that has been moved to a predetermined reagent suction position on the reagent storage 14 with a probe, and rotates the arm 16a clockwise in the drawing to perform a predetermined on the reaction table 13. The reagent is discharged into the cuvette 21 transported to the reagent discharge position and dispensed. A probe cleaning unit 16b that holds a cleaning solution for cleaning a probe that is not subjected to the reagent suction process and the reagent discharge process is provided in the vicinity of the reagent suction position in the reagent storage 14.

  The agitating unit 17 agitates the sample dispensed in the cuvette 21 and the reagent to promote the reaction. For example, the photometry unit 18 irradiates the cuvette 21 transported to a predetermined photometry position with analysis light (340 to 800 nm) from a light source, disperses the light transmitted through the liquid in the cuvette 21, and uses a light receiving element such as a PDA. By measuring the intensity of each wavelength light, the absorbance at a wavelength peculiar to the reaction solution of the sample to be analyzed and the reagent is measured.

  The cleaning unit 19 sucks and discharges the mixed liquid in the cuvette 21 that has been measured by the photometry unit 18 with the cleaning probe, and completes the analysis process by injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. The cuvette 21 is washed.

  Next, the control mechanism 3 will be described. The control mechanism 3 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32, an analysis unit 33, a storage unit 35, and an output unit 36. These units included in the measurement mechanism 2 and the control mechanism 3 are electrically connected to the control unit 31.

  The control unit 31 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information.

  The input unit 32 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel that also functions as an input / output function, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from outside. The input unit 32 acquires and transmits instruction information to the control unit 31 via a communication network (not shown). The analysis unit 33 performs component analysis of the specimen based on the absorbance measured by the photometry unit 18. The storage unit 35 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 35 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. The output unit 36 is configured using a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample. The output unit 36 also outputs various information to an external device via a communication network (not shown).

  In the analyzer 1 configured as described above, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 uses a predetermined probe among the plurality of sample probes in the sample container 11a for the plurality of cuvettes 21 that are sequentially conveyed in a row. After the sample is dispensed and the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 15 using a predetermined probe among the plurality of reagent probes, the photometric unit 18 reacts the sample and the reagent. The spectral intensity of the sample is measured, and the analysis unit 33 analyzes the measurement result, so that the component analysis of the sample is automatically performed. In addition, the cleaning unit 19 performs cleaning while transporting the cuvette 21 transported after the measurement by the photometry unit 18 is completed, so that a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Next, the specimen dispensing mechanism 12 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in further detail. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 has a configuration including a plurality of sample probes as described above. This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the sample dispensing mechanism 12, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the arm 12a constituting the sample dispensing mechanism 12, and FIG. 4 shows the sample dispensing mechanism. 12 is a front view of the distal end of the arm 12a as viewed from the sample probe side, FIG. 5 is a view showing a section of the rotating belt and the support column shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a support plate shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a front view of the main part of the sample dispensing mechanism 12 as viewed from the sample probe side at the tip of the arm 12a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 has a support column 12 c connected to one end of an arm 12 a and having a vertical line passing through one end of the arm as a central axis. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the support column 12c and an elevating mechanism that moves the support column 12c up and down. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 is wound around a pulley 121o provided integrally with the column 12c, a pulley 121o, and a pulley 122o as a rotating mechanism that rotates the column 12c. A rotation belt 12p and a rotation motor 12q connected to the pulley 122o and fixed to the substrate 10a, which is a stationary part of the apparatus main body, are provided. When the rotation motor 12q rotates in a direction corresponding to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation under the control of the control unit 31, the rotation of the rotation motor 12q is sequentially transmitted to the pulley 122o, the rotation belt 12p, and the pulley 121o. As a result, the column 12c rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. By the rotation of the column 12c, the arm 12a to which the column 12c is connected rotates. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 is a lifting shaft that lifts and lowers the support column 12c. The screw shaft 12s is connected to the substrate 10a, which is a stationary part inside the analyzer 1, so as to be parallel to the support column 12c. And an elevating motor 12t connected to the elevating plate 12u and an elevating plate member 12u for holding the column 12c on the upper surface. The screw shaft 12s penetrates through the lifting plate 12u, and the lifting plate 12u and the screw shaft 12s constitute, for example, a ball screw mechanism. When the elevating motor 12t rotates in the direction corresponding to the ascending direction or the descending direction under the control of the control unit 31, the screw shaft 12s is rotated by the rotation of the elevating motor 12t, and ascending and descending with the rotation of the screw shaft 12s. As the plate member 12u is also raised or lowered, the column 12c is raised or lowered. As the column 12c moves up and down, the arm 12a connected to the column 12c also moves up and down.

  And in the analyzer 1, the switching mechanism which switches the raising / lowering position of each probe is provided, and the switching mechanism makes the raising / lowering position of the probe which performs a dispensing process among several probes into the raising / lowering position which can perform a dispensing process. The sample dispensing process is performed after switching. Specifically, the transmission gear 12d, the switching gear 12e, the support plate 12g, the rotating shaft 12j, the shaft column 12k, the shaft column belt 121, the pulleys 121m and 122m, and the probe motor 12n constituting the switching mechanism will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the support column 12c is hollow, and a shaft column 12k is inserted into the support column 12c. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a transmission gear 12 d is provided at the upper end of the shaft column 12 k. Further, at the other end of the arm 12a, that is, in the vicinity of the end portion on the probe side, the rotating shaft 12j is provided so as to penetrate the arm 12a. The rotating shaft 12j is rotatably provided, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 12j is connected to the support plate 12g. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, two probes, a first sample probe 121i and a second sample probe 122i, are fixedly arranged on the support plate 12g. The first sample probe 121i is connected to a tube 121h connected to an unillustrated suction / exhaust syringe, and the second sample probe 122i is connected to a tube 122h connected to an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe. The lengths of the tubes 121h and 122h have a margin in consideration of the rotational movement of each sample probe.

  A switching gear 12e is provided at the upper end of the rotating shaft 12j. A belt 12f is spanned between the switching gear 12e at the upper end of the rotating shaft 12j and the transmission gear 12d at the upper end of the shaft column 12k. In other words, the belt 12f is spanned between the rotating shaft 12j and the shaft column 12k. Has been. The shaft column 12k is provided with a rotation mechanism for rotating the shaft column 12k, and the belt 12f transmits the rotation of the shaft column 12k to the rotation shaft 12j.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer 1 as a rotating mechanism for rotating the shaft column 12k is hung on a pulley 121m, a pulley 122m, a pulley 121m, and a pulley 122m integrally provided at the lower end of the shaft column 12k. The shaft pole belt 12l is provided, and the probe motor 12n is connected to the pulley 122m and fixed to the lifting plate 12u. When the probe motor 12n rotates as indicated by an arrow Y21 under the control of the control unit 31, the rotation of the probe motor 12n is sequentially transmitted to the pulley 122m, the shaft column belt 121, and the pulley 121m, whereby the shaft column 12k is rotated. Rotate as shown by arrow Y22. With the rotation of the shaft column 12k, the transmission gear 12d at the upper end of the shaft column 12k rotates, and the belt 12f rotates as indicated by an arrow Y23. The switching gear 12e is rotated by the rotation of the belt 12f, the rotating shaft 12j is rotated by the rotation of the switching gear 12e, and the support plate 12g connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 12j is also rotated. As a result, the first sample probe 121i and the second sample probe 122i fixedly arranged on the support plate 12g are also rotated as indicated by the arrow Y24, and their positions are changed.

  Thus, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 in the analyzer 1 has a switching mechanism that can switch the raising / lowering position of each sample probe. The control unit 31 controls the switching process of the raising / lowering position of the sample probe by this switching mechanism. The control unit 31 drives the probe motor 12n constituting the rotation mechanism in the switching mechanism to rotate the support plate 12g to switch the raising / lowering position of each sample probe.

  For example, a case where the probe located at the dispensing position P1 where the sample aspiration process and the sample discharge process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be performed is switched from the first sample probe 121i to the second sample probe 122i will be described as an example. In this case, the control unit 31 drives the probe motor 12n so that the belt 12f rotates in the direction of the arrow Y23a shown in FIGS. 6 (1) and 7 (1). When the belt 12f rotates in the direction of the arrow Y23a, the switching gear 12e rotates, and the rotating shaft 12j rotates as indicated by the arrow Y13. Further, the support plate 12g also rotates as indicated by arrows Y12a and Y12b in FIGS. 6 (1) and (2) and FIGS. 7 (1) and (2). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6 (3) and 7 (3), the second sample probe 122i is disposed at the dispensing position P1, and the first sample probe 121i is disposed at the non-dispensing position P2. The probe located at the dispensing position P1 is switched from the first sample probe 121i to the second sample probe 122i. When switching the specimen probe next time, the control unit 31 drives the probe motor 12n so that the belt 12f and the support plate 12g rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow Y23a, and the tube 121h. , 122h is prevented.

  Similarly to the sample dispensing mechanism 12, the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 switches the rotation mechanism that rotates the column 16c, the lifting mechanism that moves the column 16c up and down, a plurality of reagent probes, and the raising and lowering positions of the reagent probes. And a switching mechanism. As shown in FIG. 8, the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 is connected to one end of the arm 16a, and functions as a support 16c whose vertical line passing through one end of the arm 16a is the central axis, and a rotating mechanism that rotates the support 16c. A pulley 161o, a pulley 161o and a rotation motor 16q connected to the pulley 162o, a rotation motor 16q connected to the pulley 162o, a screw shaft 16s functioning as an elevating mechanism for raising and lowering the column 16c, and the screw shaft 16s. A lifting motor 16t to be connected and a lifting plate 16u for holding the support column 16c on the upper surface are provided. The reagent dispensing mechanism 16 serves as a switching mechanism for switching the raising / lowering position of each reagent probe, a shaft column 16k penetrating the inside of the column 16c, a transmission gear 16d provided at the upper end of the shaft column 16k, and an arm 16a. A rotating shaft 16j penetrating the other end and a support plate 16g connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 16j are provided. Then, two probes, a first reagent probe 161i and a second reagent probe 162i, are fixedly arranged on the support plate 16g. The first reagent probe 161i is connected to a tube (not shown) connected to an intake / exhaust syringe (not shown), and the second reagent probe 162i is connected to a tube 162h connected to an intake / exhaust syringe (not shown).

  Furthermore, the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 rotates, as a switching mechanism, a switching gear 16e provided at the upper end of the rotation shaft 16j, a belt 16f spanned between the switching gear 16e and the transmission gear 16d, and the shaft column 16k. A pulley 161m that functions as a rotating mechanism to be moved, a pulley 162m, a shaft pillar belt 161 that is stretched between the pulley 161m and the pulley 162m, and a probe motor 16n that is connected to the pulley 162m. When the probe motor 16n rotates as indicated by an arrow Y31 under the control of the control unit 31, the rotation of the probe motor 16n is sequentially transmitted to the pulley 162m, the shaft column belt 161, and the pulley 161m, whereby the shaft column 16k is moved. Rotate as shown by arrow Y32. As the shaft column 16k rotates, the transmission gear 16d at the upper end of the shaft column 16k rotates, and as a result, the belt 16f rotates as indicated by an arrow Y33. The switching gear 16e is rotated by the rotation of the belt 16f, the rotating shaft 16j is rotated by the rotation of the switching gear 16e, and the supporting plate 16g connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 16j is also rotated. The first reagent probe 161i and the second reagent probe 162i fixedly arranged on the plate 16g are also rotated as indicated by the arrow Y34, and their positions are changed.

  In the analyzer 1, probe cleaning units 12b and 16b are provided at locations close to the sample aspirating position and the reagent aspirating position as shown in FIG. 1, and the control unit 31 performs liquid aspiration on each switching mechanism. The probe raising / lowering position where the process and the liquid ejection process are not performed is switched to the elevation position corresponding to the probe cleaning tank 12b, 16b, and the cleaning process is performed on the probe which does not perform the liquid suction process and the liquid ejection process simultaneously with the liquid suction process. ing. As a result, according to the analyzer 1, it is possible to perform a dispensing process that shortens the time required for the probe cleaning process that has been conventionally performed.

  Specifically, the dispensing process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the dispensing process in which the probe cleaning process is deleted, and FIGS. 10 to 13 are diagrams for explaining the dispensing process shown in FIG. 9 to 13 show an example of the processing procedure of the sample dispensing process in the sample dispensing mechanism 12, but the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 performs a processing procedure equivalent to the processing procedure shown in FIG. Perform reagent dispensing process.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, first, the control unit 31 causes the switching mechanism in the sample dispensing mechanism 12 to change the sample probe that performs the dispensing process among the plurality of sample probes from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position. A probe switching process for switching is performed (step S2). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the sample probe that has performed the previous dispensing process is the second sample probe 122i and the sample probe that performs this dispensing process is the first sample probe 121i, The controller 31 drives the probe motor 12n to rotate the support plate 12g as indicated by an arrow Y41, so that the sample probe located at the dispensing position P1 is changed from the second sample probe 122i to the first sample probe 121i. Switch.

  Then, the control unit 31 rotates the arm 12a of the sample dispensing mechanism 12 to perform an aspiration position moving process for moving the sample probe for performing the dispensing process to the sample aspirating position (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 31 rotates the arm 12a as shown by an arrow Y42 in FIG. 10 to perform a dispensing process on the sample container 11a holding the sample Ls1 to be aspirated shown in FIG. The first sample probe 121i is positioned.

  Next, the control unit 31 lowers the support column 12c of the sample dispensing mechanism 12 and inserts the sample probe for performing the dispensing process into the sample container holding the sample to be dispensed to cause the sample to be aspirated. A lowering process for suction is performed (step S6).

  Here, in the analyzer 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, when the probe for performing the dispensing process is transferred to the sample aspirating position by the transfer mechanism such as the arm 12a and the support column 12c, the dispensing is performed. A probe cleaning unit 12b holding the cleaning liquid Lw is provided at a position where a probe other than the probe to be processed is located. That is, in the analyzer 1, the probe cleaning unit 12b is located at a position where the sample probe located at the non-dispensing position P2 of the support plate 12g is lowered when the probe for sample aspiration processing by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 is lowered. Is provided. For this reason, when the support column 12c is lowered as indicated by the arrow Y43 in FIG. 11 in the lowering process for suction, the first sample probe 121i that executes the dispensing process as indicated by the arrow Y44a is inserted into the sample Ls1 of the sample container 11a. Thereafter, a predetermined amount of specimen is aspirated. Further, the second sample probe 122i that has been subjected to the previous dispensing process at the same time as the insertion of the first sample probe 121i into the sample Ls1 and that does not perform the sample dispensing process in the present dispensing process is also indicated by the arrow Y44b. It is inserted into the cleaning liquid Lw in the probe cleaning unit 12b. As a result, the second sample probe 122i removes the deposits from the previous dispensing process by the cleaning liquid Lw. As described above, in the analyzer 1, the probe cleaning unit 12b is provided at a position where the sample probe that does not perform the sample suction on the support plate 12g is lowered when the probe for the suction process by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 is lowered. Simultaneously with the sample aspirating process, the sample probe that does not perform sample aspiration is washed. In the analyzer 1, the reagent dispensing mechanism 16 is similarly provided with a probe cleaning unit 16b, so that the reagent probe can be cleaned without performing the reagent suction simultaneously with the reagent suction process.

  After the sample aspirating process is completed, the control unit 31 performs a post-aspiration ascending process in which the column 12c of the sample dispensing mechanism 12 is raised to move the sample probe out of the sample container 11a. (Step S8). Then, the control unit 31 rotates the arm 12a of the sample dispensing mechanism 12 to perform a discharge position movement process that moves the sample probe that performs the dispensing process to the sample discharge position (step S16). Specifically, as shown by an arrow Y45 in FIG. 12, the control unit 31 rotates the arm 12a and positions the first sample probe 121i that executes the dispensing process on the cuvette 21 that discharges the sample.

  Next, the control unit 31 lowers the column 12c of the sample dispensing mechanism 12, inserts the sample probe for performing the dispensing process into the cuvette 21 to be ejected, and discharges the sample for discharging the sample. Is performed (step S12). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 31 lowers the column 12c as indicated by an arrow Y46 in FIG. As a result, the first sample probe 121 i is inserted into the cuvette 21 to be ejected, and then a predetermined amount of the aspirated sample is ejected into the cuvette 21. The second sample probe 122i is not inserted into the cuvette 21.

  After the specimen ejection process is completed, the control unit 31 performs the post-ejection ascent process for raising the column 12c of the specimen dispensing mechanism 12 and moving the specimen probe out of the cuvette 21 (step S14). A series of dispensing processes by the probe 121i is completed.

  Then, the control unit 31 determines whether or not to continue the dispensing process based on the contents of the request for the analysis process (step S16). When it is determined that the dispensing process is not continued (step S16: No), the control unit 31 ends the dispensing process, and performs a probe cleaning process and a sample transfer process performed after the dispensing process in a predetermined sequence. Therefore execute.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines to continue the dispensing process (step S16: Yes), the control unit 31 returns to step S2, and the sample probe that has been subjected to the dispensing process so far is returned to step S2. The probe is switched to another sample probe that performs the next dispensing process and has been cleaned. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 31 drives the probe motor 12n to rotate the support plate 12g as indicated by an arrow Y48, thereby moving the sample probe located at the dispensing position P1. Then, the first sample probe 121i that has been subjected to the dispensing process is switched to the washed second sample probe 122i. As a result, in the descending process for aspiration (step S6) in this dispensing process, the second sample probe 122i is inserted into the sample container 11a that holds the sample Ls2 to be aspirated for the sample aspiration process. Then, the second sample probe 122i sucks the sample Ls2. At the same time, the first sample probe 121i that has been subjected to the previous dispensing process is inserted into the probe cleaning unit 12b and cleaned.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, probe cleaning units 12b and 16b are provided at locations close to the sample aspirating position and the reagent aspirating position, and a plurality of probes are moved up and down each time the dispensing process for the sample or reagent is completed. By switching the position, the suction process by the probe that performs the liquid suction process and the cleaning process for the probe that has performed the previous dispensing process are simultaneously performed.

  By the way, in a conventional analyzer, a single probe for sucking and discharging a liquid is attached to one arm, and a dispensing process for a sample, a reagent, and the like is performed by rotating and raising and lowering the arm. Therefore, in the conventional analyzer, since the dispensing process is performed by operating one probe and one arm, in addition to the aspirating process of the reagent or specimen, the discharging process of the reagent or specimen, and after the dispensing process The cleaning process for cleaning the probe was inevitably performed as a series of dispensing processes.

  Specifically, with reference to FIG. 14, the procedure of the dispensing process in the conventional analyzer will be described. In the conventional analyzer, as the dispensing process, as in step S4 shown in FIG. 9, the aspiration position moving process (step S104) is performed, and the arm lowers the probe and inserts the probe into the sample container. After the descent process (step S106) is performed and the probe sucks the liquid to be aspirated, the arm performs a post-aspiration ascent process (step S108). In the conventional analyzer, a discharge position moving process is performed in which the arm moves the probe onto the cuvette (step S110), and a discharge lowering process is performed in which the arm lowers the probe and inserts the probe into the cuvette ( In step S112, after the probe discharges the liquid, a post-discharge raising process is performed in which the arm raises the probe (step S114).

  Further, in the conventional analyzer, in order to clean the probe that sucks and discharges the liquid, the arm performs a cleaning position moving process in which the probe is transferred onto the probe cleaning tank (step S116), and the arm lowers the probe. A cleaning descending process for inserting the probe into the cleaning liquid in the probe cleaning tank is performed (step S118), the probe is cleaned, and then an after-cleaning ascending process is performed in which the arm raises the probe (step S120). In the conventional analyzer, as in step S16 shown in FIG. 9, a dispensing process continuation determination process is performed (step S124), and the dispensing process is terminated.

  Therefore, in the past, since the dispensing process is performed by operating one probe and one arm, the washing process for washing the probe after the dispensing process is continuously performed. Since the washing process had to be incorporated into the sequence of the casting process, there was a limit to improving the processing efficiency such as the dispensing speed.

  On the other hand, in the analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, probe cleaning units 12b and 16b are provided at locations close to the sample aspirating position and the reagent aspirating position. By switching the raising / lowering position of each probe every time the dispensing process for the reagent is completed, the liquid suction process by the probe that performs the liquid suction process and the cleaning process for the probe that has performed the previous dispensing process are performed simultaneously. That is, according to the analyzer 1, it is possible to perform a dispensing process that shortens the time required for the probe cleaning process, which has been conventionally required. Therefore, according to the analyzer 1, the dispensing speed can be improved, and the processing efficiency of the entire analysis process can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the analyzer 1a of FIG. 15, in addition to the probe cleaning units 12b and 16b, probe cleaning units 122b and 162b are provided at locations close to the sample discharge position and the reagent discharge position. The control unit 31 switches the lift position of the probe that does not perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process to the lift position corresponding to the probe cleaning tanks 12b, 16b, 122b, 162b, and performs the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process. At the same time, the cleaning process for the probe that does not perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process may be performed twice. According to the analyzer 1a, as shown in FIG. 16, the previous dispensing process is performed in the discharge lowering process (step S12) shown in FIG. 9 together with the suction lowering process (step S6) shown in FIG. Cleaning treatment can be performed on the probe. For this reason, according to the analyzer 1a, it is possible to wash the probe twice without newly adding a cleaning processing time. In the embodiment, when the probe cleaning process only needs to be performed once, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, only the probe cleaning units 122b and 162b in the analyzer 1a may be provided.

  As an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 15, probe cleaning units 12b and 16b are provided in the vicinity of at least one of the liquid suction position and the liquid discharge position to perform liquid suction processing or liquid discharge. Although the case where the probe cleaning process can be performed simultaneously with the process and the analysis process time is shortened has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the plurality of probes is used as a spare probe, and the controller 31 detects that the probe that has performed the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process with respect to the switching mechanism that switches the raising / lowering position of each probe is abnormal. When it occurs, the analysis position may be interrupted by switching the raising / lowering positions of the probes so that a probe different from the probe in which the abnormality has occurred can perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process.

  Specifically, as shown by an arrow Y61 in FIG. 17, when an abnormality such as clogging of foreign matter occurs in the first sample probe 121i that has dispensed the sample, the control unit 31 switches the probe motor 12n. By driving, the support plate 12g is rotated as indicated by the arrow Y62, and the sample probe located at the dispensing position P1 is switched from the first sample probe 121i to the spare second sample probe 122i. And the control part 31 makes the 2nd sample probe 122i perform the subsequent dispensing process, as shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the processing procedure of the dispensing process in the analyzer 1 in this case will be described. First, the control unit 31 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the probe performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process (step S201). For example, when the control unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the analysis result of the analysis process, when it is determined that a foreign substance clogging has occurred in the probe, or when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the intake / exhaust syringe connected to the probe Alternatively, when information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the probe is input from the input unit 32, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the probe performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process.

  When the controller 31 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the probe performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process (step S201: Yes), the probe motor 12n is driven to remove the spare probe. Probe switching processing for switching from the dispensing position to the dispensing position is performed (step S202).

  When the control unit 31 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the probe that is performing the dispensing process (step S201: No), or when the probe switching process (step S202) is completed, FIG. As in Steps S4 to S14, the suction position movement process (Step S204), the suction lowering process (Step S206), the post-suction rising process (Step S208), the discharge position moving process (Step S210), and the discharge lowering A process (step S212) and a post-discharge raising process (step S214) are performed. Then, in order to clean the probe that sucks and discharges the liquid, the arm performs a cleaning position movement process in which the probe is transferred onto the probe cleaning tank provided according to the trajectory of the arm (step S216), and the probe is lowered. Then, a cleaning down process for inserting the probe into the cleaning liquid in the probe cleaning tank is performed (step S218), the probe is cleaned, and then the post-cleaning ascending process is performed to raise the probe (step S220). And the control part 31 performs a dispensing process continuation determination process (step S222) similarly to step S16 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the probe that has performed the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process, the analyzer 1 switches from the probe in which the abnormality has occurred to another probe, and uses the probe that has been switched as it is. Note processing can be performed and analysis processing can continue.

  Here, in the conventional analyzer, the dispensing process is performed by operating one probe and one arm, so if an abnormality occurs in this one probe, the analysis process is interrupted. Had to be replaced with another probe.

  On the other hand, according to the analyzer 1, even if an abnormality occurs in the probe that has been performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process, the analysis process is performed without interruption for the probe replacement. Since the process can be continued, it becomes possible to improve systematic processing efficiency.

  Further, in the analyzer 1, the opening diameters of the plurality of probes are different from each other, and the control unit 31 causes the switching mechanism to perform a liquid suction process with a probe having an opening diameter corresponding to the amount of liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a plurality of analysis processes using different dispensing amounts of specimens or reagents can be continuously performed in one analyzer 1 by switching the raising and lowering positions of the probes so that the liquid discharge process can be performed. Good.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a first sample probe 1212i and a second sample probe 1222i having a larger opening diameter than the first sample probe 1212i are provided, and the control unit 31 dispenses according to the amount of sample dispensed. The sample probe located at the position is switched to either the first sample probe 1212i or the second sample probe 1222i. Specifically, when the dispensing amount is small, the control unit 31 switches the sample probe located at the dispensing position to the first sample probe 1212i having a small opening diameter to improve the dispensing accuracy. On the other hand, when the dispensing amount is large, the control unit 31 switches the sample probe located at the dispensing position to the second sample probe 1222i having a large opening diameter, thereby speeding up the dispensing process and preventing foreign matter clogging. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the processing procedure of the dispensing process in the analyzer 1 in this case will be described. First, the control unit 31 determines whether it is time to switch a probe for performing a dispensing process based on the amount of the sample or reagent dispensed in the present analysis process (step S301). When the control unit 31 determines that it is time to switch the probe for performing the dispensing process (step S301: Yes), the probe motor 12n is driven to place the probe corresponding to the dispensing amount into the non-dispensing position. The probe switching process for switching to the dispensing position is performed (step S302).

  When the control unit 31 determines that it is not time to switch the probe for performing the dispensing process (step S301: No), or when the probe switching process (step S302) ends, step S4 illustrated in FIG. ~ Step S14 and Step S216 to Step S222 shown in FIG. 19, the analyzer 1 performs the suction position movement process (Step S304), the suction lowering process (Step S306), the post-suction rising process (Step S308), and the ejection. Position movement process (step S310), discharge descent process (step S312), post-discharge rise process (step S314), cleaning position movement process (step S316), cleaning descent process (step S318), post-cleaning rise process (step S320) and dispensing process continuation determination process (step S322) Do. As described above, the analyzer 1 performs the dispensing process by switching the probe according to the dispensing amount of the specimen or the reagent, thereby improving the dispensing accuracy, speeding up the dispensing process, and preventing foreign matter clogging.

  Here, in the conventional analyzer, since the dispensing process was performed by operating one probe and one arm, when performing a plurality of analysis processes with different dispensing amounts of specimens or reagents, Each analyzer has a special purpose, which has a probe with an opening diameter suitable for the amount of sample or reagent dispensed. In addition, in the conventional analyzer, when a plurality of analysis processes with different sample or reagent dispensing amounts are performed, an analysis in which the dispensing amount and the dispensing amount in the dispensing process that has been performed so far differ greatly In the case of performing the processing, the analysis processing could not be resumed until the operator of the analyzer changed to a probe having an opening diameter suitable for the dispensing amount.

  On the other hand, the analyzer 1 is provided with probes having different opening diameters, and each probe is moved up and down so that the probe having an opening diameter corresponding to the amount of the sample or reagent dispensed can perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process. By switching the above, a plurality of analysis processes with different sample or reagent dispensing amounts can be continuously executed in one analyzer 1 without replacing with a probe having an opening diameter suitable for the dispensing amount. it can. For this reason, in the analyzer 1, it is possible to omit the operator's workload due to the probe replacement process and the work time required for changing the analyzer, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of the analysis process.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where two probes are provided has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the sample dispensing mechanism 12, as shown in FIG. 22, the third sample probe 123i is provided on the support plate 122g in addition to the first sample probe 121i and the second sample probe 122i, and one of these three samples is provided. As shown in FIG. 23, the fourth sample probe 124i is provided on the support plate 123g in addition to the first sample probe 121i, the second sample probe 122i, and the third sample probe 123i. Thus, the sample dispensing process may be performed using any of these four. Of course, also in the reagent dispensing mechanism 16, for example, three or four reagent probes may be provided, and the reagent dispensing process may be performed using any one of these four. 22 and 23 are diagrams illustrating other configurations of the support plate and the sample probe shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The upper view of FIG. 22 and the upper view of FIG. FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are front views as seen from the specimen probe side.

  In the analyzers 1 and 1a according to the present embodiment, the probe lifting and lowering positions are switched by driving the probe motors 12n and 16n under the control of the control unit 31. The elevation position may be switched manually.

  Moreover, the analyzers 1 and 1a described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer system. This computer system implements the processing operation of the analyzer by reading and executing a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Here, the predetermined recording medium is not only a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card, but also inside and outside the computer system. It includes any recording medium that records a program readable by a computer system, such as a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short time when transmitting the program, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) provided. In addition, this computer system obtains a program from a management server or another computer system connected via a network line, and executes the obtained program to realize the processing operation of the analyzer.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the analyzer concerning embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an arm constituting the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a front view of the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the sample probe side at the arm tip. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the belt for rotation shown in FIG. 4, and a support | pillar. It is the figure which looked at the support plate shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 is a front view of the main part of the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the sample probe side at the arm tip. It is a side view which shows the structure of the reagent dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the dispensing process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the dispensing process shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the dispensing process shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the dispensing process shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the dispensing process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the dispensing process in the conventional analyzer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the analyzer concerning embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the probe switching process in the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the probe switching process in the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence of the dispensing process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the probe switching process in the sample dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence of the dispensing process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure which illustrates other composition of a support plate and a sample probe shown in Drawings 2-4. It is a figure which illustrates other composition of a support plate and a sample probe shown in Drawings 2-4.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a Analyzer 2,2a Measurement mechanism 3 Control mechanism 10 Case 10a Substrate 11 Sample transfer part 11a Sample container 11b Sample rack 12 Sample dispensing mechanism 12a, 16a Arm 12b, 16b, 122b, 162b Probe cleaning part 12c, 16c Post 12d, 16d Transmission gear 12e, 16e Switching gear 12f, 16f Belt 12g, 16g, 122g, 123g Support plate 121h, 122h, 162h Tube 121i, 1212i First sample probe 122i, 1222i Second sample probe 123i Third sample Probe 124i Fourth specimen probe 12j, 16j Rotating shaft 12k, 16k Axis column 12l, 16l Axis column belt 121m, 122m, 121o, 122o, 161m, 162m, 161o, 162o Pulley 12n, 16n Lobe motor 12p, 16p Rotating belt 12q, 16q Rotating motor 12s, 16s Screw shaft 12t, 16t Lifting motor 12u, 16u Lifting plate 13 Reaction table 14 Reagent box 15 Reagent container 16 Reagent dispensing mechanism 161i First reagent Probe 162i Second reagent probe 17 Stirring unit 18 Photometric unit 19 Washing unit 21 Cuvette 31 Control unit 32 Input unit 33 Analysis unit 35 Storage unit 36 Output unit

Claims (5)

In an analyzer for dispensing a liquid sample and reagent into a reaction vessel and analyzing the sample,
A plurality of probes for aspirating and discharging liquid; and
Probe transfer means for attaching the plurality of probes and transferring the probes together, the probe transfer means having a switching mechanism for switching the elevation position of each probe;
An analyzer characterized by comprising: Control means for controlling the transfer process by the probe transfer means and the switching process of the lift position of the probe by the switching mechanism,
The probe transfer means includes
Arm,
A support column connected to one end of the arm and having a vertical line passing through one end of the arm as a central axis;
A column rotating mechanism for rotating and lifting the column; and
With
The switching mechanism is
A first rotating shaft penetrating into the column;
A rotating mechanism for rotating the first rotating shaft;
A support member in which the plurality of probes are fixedly disposed;
A second rotating shaft provided at the other end of the arm and connected to the support member;
A transmission member that spans between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and transmits the rotation of the first rotating shaft to the second rotating shaft;
With
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit rotates the support member by driving the rotation mechanism to switch the raising / lowering position of each probe. A probe cleaning tank provided in the vicinity of the liquid suction position and / or the liquid discharge position by the probe;
The control means causes the switching mechanism to switch the lift position of the probe not performing the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process to the lift position corresponding to the probe cleaning tank, and the liquid suction process and / or the liquid discharge process. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein a cleaning process is performed on a probe that does not perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process at the same time.   The control means is configured so that, when an abnormality occurs in the probe that has performed the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process, the probe different from the probe in which the abnormality has occurred can perform the liquid suction process and the liquid discharge process. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the switching mechanism switches the lift position of each probe. The opening diameters of the plurality of probes are different from each other,
The control means causes the switching mechanism to switch the raising / lowering position of each probe so that a probe having an opening diameter corresponding to a dispensing amount of a liquid to be dispensed can perform a suction process and a discharge process. Item 3. The analyzer according to Item 2.

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