JP2022092485A - Agent container and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To maintain the surface of an agent at a high position with a simple configuration to shorten the time required for suction of the agent.SOLUTION: An agent container according to an embodiment comprises a variable container, an outer frame, and a contraction mechanism. The variable container can store an agent and can be contracted. The outer frame holds therein the variable container. The contraction mechanism is provided on the outer frame, and contracts the variable container to increase the surface of the agent according to a reduction in the height of the surface of the agent stored in the variable container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to reagent containers and automated analyzers.

The automatic analyzer performs a dispensing operation in which the reagent stored in the reagent container is sucked by the reagent probe and the sucked reagent is discharged into the reaction container containing a sample such as serum. By performing the dispensing operation, the reagent is reacted with the sample to analyze the components of the sample. In the automatic analyzer, a technique for keeping the liquid level height of the reagent in the reagent container constant by controlling the structure of the reagent container and the pressure in the reagent container is known.

However, in the conventional technique, it is difficult to keep the liquid level of the reagent at a high position in the reagent container by a simple structure. Since it is difficult to keep the liquid level of the reagent at a high position, it takes time to lower the reagent probe from the opening of the reagent container to the liquid level for suction of the reagent. In addition, it takes time to raise the reagent probe from the liquid surface to the opening of the reagent container after sucking the reagent. When it is required to perform the dispensing operation within a certain time as a whole, if it takes time to move the reagent probe up and down required for suctioning the reagent, it takes time to discharge the reagent to the reaction tube in the dispensing operation. However, high-speed operation is required to make the discharge in time. As a result, the probe moves down and discharges while vibrating, which affects the dispensing accuracy. As a result, the accuracy of sample analysis may be adversely affected.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-26221 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-148565 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-158436 Microfilm of Jitsukaihei 3-21771 Microfilm of Jitsukaihei No. 21-13145

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings is to keep the liquid level of the reagent at a high position and shorten the time required for sucking the reagent by a simple configuration.

The reagent container according to the embodiment includes a variable container, an outer frame, and a shrinkage mechanism. The variable vessel is capable of accommodating and shrinking reagents. The outer frame holds the variable container inside. The contraction mechanism is provided on the outer frame. The shrinkage mechanism shrinks the variable container so that the liquid level rises as the liquid level height of the reagent contained in the variable container decreases.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an automated analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 1 in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a reagent container and a driving mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a reagent container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the reagent container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a reagent container according to the first embodiment and a driving mechanism in an operating state different from that of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view partially showing a contraction mechanism and a drive mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a drive mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing data used for controlling a drive mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the reagent container according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
(Automatic analyzer)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a storage circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

The automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a sample or the like by using, for example, a latex agglutination method. As the insoluble carrier to be added to the reagent, various carrier particles can be used. As the carrier particles, for example, latex particles, polystyrene, polystyrene latex, silica particles and the like can be used.

The analysis mechanism 2 adds the reagent used in each test item set for this sample to a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the reaction solution obtained by adding a reagent to the sample, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance or scattered light amount, and test data. The standard data represents the measurement data of the absorbance or the amount of scattered light for the standard sample whose concentration of the detection target is known. Further, the test data represents measurement data of the absorbance or the amount of scattered light of the test sample.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 and generates calibration data, analysis data, and the like. The calibration data shows, for example, the relationship between the standard data and the standard calibration curve preset for the standard sample. The standard calibration curve is, for example, a calibration curve with high measurement accuracy calculated by a reagent manufacturer using a standard sample. Further, the analysis data is data obtained by analyzing the test data based on the calibration data, for example, the concentration value and the activity value of the enzyme.

The analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 8 and realizes a function corresponding to the operation program to generate calibration data, analysis data, and the like. For example, the analysis circuit 3 provides standard data obtained for a standard sample having a known absorbance or scattered light amount and a concentration of 0, and a plurality of standard samples having a known absorbance or scattered light amount and known concentrations. The calibration data is calculated based on the standard calibration curve set in advance for the standard sample, the metering timing set in advance, and the like. Further, the analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data based on the test data, the calibration data of the test items corresponding to the test data, the preset photometric timing, and the like. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, and the like to the control circuit 9.

The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

The input interface 5 receives, for example, the setting of analysis parameters and the like of each inspection item related to the sample requested to be measured by the operator or via the in-hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad on which instructions are input by touching an operation surface, and the like. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9. In the present specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to the one provided with physical operating parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs this electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also an input interface. It is included in the example of 5.

The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printing circuit, or the like. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, and the like. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer and the like. The printing circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print target to the outside.

The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with the HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via the laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW.

The storage circuit 8 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium, a recording medium readable by a processor such as a semiconductor memory, and the like. The storage circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the storage circuit 8 may be realized by a plurality of storage devices.

The storage circuit 8 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuit 9. The storage circuit 8 stores calibration curve information regarding the reagent held in the analysis mechanism 2. The calibration curve information includes data on a standard calibration curve preset for the reagent for each test item. The calibration curve information is provided by the reagent manufacturer via the communication interface 7, for example, in units of lots of reagents. The calibration curve information may be provided by the reagent manufacturer together with the reagent, and may be input by the operator from the input interface 5.

The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 realizes a function corresponding to this operation program by executing the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. The control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature section 202, a sample disk 203, a first reagent storage 204, and a second reagent storage 205.

The reaction disk 201 carries the reaction vessel 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 in a circular arrangement. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4.

The reaction vessel 2011 is made of, for example, glass. The reaction vessel 2011 has a square columnar shape and has an opening at the upper part. Of the first to fourth side walls forming the quadrangular prism, the light emitted from the light source provided in the photometric unit 214 is incident from the outer surface of the first side wall. Of the first to fourth side walls, the light incident from the outer surface of the first side wall is emitted from the outer surface of the second side wall facing the first side wall.

The constant temperature unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. The constant temperature section 202 raises the temperature of the reaction solution contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the heat medium to be stored.

The sample disk 203 holds a plurality of sample containers for accommodating samples. The sample disk 203 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4.

The first reagent storage 204 cools a plurality of reagent containers 2042 containing the standard sample and the first reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in the test sample. The first reagent is, for example, a buffer solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the like. A reagent label is affixed to the reagent container 2042. An optical mark indicating reagent information is printed on the reagent label. Any pixel code such as a one-dimensional pixel code and a two-dimensional pixel code is used for the optical mark. The reagent information is information about the reagent contained in the reagent container 2042, and includes, for example, a reagent name, a reagent maker code, a reagent item code, a bottle type, a bottle size, a capacity, a production lot number, an effective period, and the like.

In addition, the first reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of standard sample containers containing standard samples cold. The standard sample container may contain standard samples of the same component having different concentrations. The standard sample container may be held on the sample disk 203.

A reagent rack 2041 is rotatably provided in the first reagent storage 204. The reagent rack 2041 holds a plurality of reagent containers 2042 and a plurality of standard sample containers arranged in an annular shape. The reagent rack 2041 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. Further, in the first reagent storage 204, a reader (not shown) for reading reagent information from the reagent label attached to the reagent container 2042 is provided. The read reagent information is stored in the storage circuit 8.

A first reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent suction position is, for example, a position where the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the moving trajectory of the openings of the reagent container 2042 and the standard sample container arranged in a ring shape on the reagent rack 2041. It is provided in.

The second reagent storage 205 cools a plurality of reagent containers 2052 containing the second reagent paired with the first reagent of the two-reagent system. The second reagent is a solution containing an insoluble carrier, for example, carrier particles, on which an antigen or antibody bound or dissociated by a specific antigen-antibody reaction is immobilized with a predetermined antigen or antibody contained in the sample. Enzymes, substrates, aptamers, and receptors may be used as those that bind or dissociate due to a specific reaction. A reagent rack 2051 is rotatably provided in the second reagent storage 205.

The reagent rack 2051 holds a plurality of reagent containers 2052 arranged in an annular shape. In the second reagent storage 205, the standard sample container for accommodating the standard sample may be kept cold. The reagent rack 2051 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. Further, in the second reagent storage 205, a reader (not shown) for reading reagent information from the reagent label attached to the reagent container 2052 is provided. The read reagent information is stored in the storage circuit 8.

A second reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the moving trajectory of the opening of the reagent container 2052 arranged in an annular shape in the reagent rack 2051 intersect.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, and a second reagent. It includes a reagent dispensing probe 211, a first stirring unit 212, a second stirring unit 213, a photometric unit 214, and a cleaning unit 215.

The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds the sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 206 rotates. The opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 is located on the rotation trajectory. Further, on the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207, a sample ejection position for discharging the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction vessel 2011 is provided. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held in the reaction disk 201.

The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction directly above the opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 or at the sample ejection position. Further, the sample dispensing probe 207 sucks the sample from the sample container located directly below the sample according to the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the sample dispensing probe 207 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position according to the control of the control circuit 9.

The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 208 rotates. A first reagent suction position is provided on this rotation trajectory. Further, on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the first reagent discharging position for discharging the first reagent or the standard sample sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the reaction vessel 2011 is set. Has been done. The first reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the moving trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held in the reaction disk 201.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the first reagent suction position or the first reagent discharge position on the rotation orbit. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent or the standard sample from the reagent container 2042 located immediately below the first reagent suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the sucked first reagent or standard sample into the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the first reagent discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9.

The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 210 rotates. A second reagent suction position is provided on this rotation trajectory. Further, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, a second reagent discharging position for discharging the second reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 to the reaction vessel 2011 is set. The second reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the moving trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held in the reaction disk 201.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the second reagent suction position or the second reagent discharge position on the rotation orbit. Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 2052 located immediately below the second reagent suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the sucked second reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 located immediately below the second reagent discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9.

The first stirring unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 has a first stirring arm 2121 and a first stirring element provided at the tip of the first stirring arm 2121. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the standard sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201 by the first stirrer. Further, the first stirring unit 212 stirs the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201 by the first stirrer.

The second stirring unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 has a second stirring arm 2131 and a second stirring element provided at the tip of the second stirring arm 2131. The second stirring unit 213 uses the second stirring bar to stir the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 201. In addition, the second stirring unit 213 stirs the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position by the second stirrer.

The photometric unit 214 optically measures the sample, the first reagent, and the reaction solution of the second reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The photometric unit 214 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 214 irradiates light from a light source according to the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light is incident from the first side wall of the reaction vessel 2011 and emitted from the second side wall facing the first side wall. The photometric unit 214 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 by a photodetector.

Specifically, for example, the photodetector is arranged at a position on the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source to the reaction vessel 2011. The photodetector detects the light that has passed through the reaction solution of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and generates standard data expressed by absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. .. In addition, the photodetector detects the light transmitted through the reaction solution of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and the test is represented by the absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. Generate data. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data and the test data to the analysis circuit 3.

The cleaning unit 215 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 for which the measurement of the reaction solution has been completed by the photometric unit 214.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a drive mechanism 41 for driving the reagent container 2042 and the reagent container 2042 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the reagent container 2042. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent container 2042 cut along the IV-IV cutting line of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the reagent container 2042. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent container 2042 cut along the III-III cutting line of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent container 2042 cut along the IV-IV cutting line of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the reagent container 2042 and the driving mechanism 41 in an operating state different from that of FIG.

The reagent container 2042 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 includes a variable container 11, an outer frame 12, and a shrinkage mechanism 13. 3 to 6 show a configuration example of the reagent container 2042 containing the first reagent, but the configuration of the reagent container 2052 containing the second reagent is the same as that of FIGS. 3 to 6. May be good.

The variable container 11 is configured to accommodate the first reagent. As a specific configuration for accommodating the first reagent, the variable container 11 has a container bottom portion 111, which is an example of the bottom portion, a container side portion 112, and a container upper portion 113. The container bottom 111 is a plate-shaped portion held in the reagent rack 2041 at the lowest position of the variable container 11. The container bottom 111 is held horizontally in the reagent rack 2041. The container side portion 112 is a cylindrical portion extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the container bottom portion 111 toward the upper d1 side. The container upper portion 113 is a plate-shaped portion provided at the upper end of the container side portion 112 so as to close the upper end opening of the container side portion 112. The upper part 113 of the container is provided with an opening 113a for inserting the first reagent dispensing probe 209 inside the variable container 11. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 may be used for detecting the liquid level height of the first reagent by the control circuit 9. Similar to the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 may be used to detect the liquid level of the second reagent. The variable container 11 can accommodate the first reagent in a space surrounded by a container bottom 111, a container side 112, and a container top 113.

The variable container 11 is configured to be retractable. More specifically, the variable container 11 is configured to be retractable so that the container bottom 111 moves upward d1. As a specific configuration for contracting the variable container 11, the variable container 11 has a bellows structure 112a, which is a structure in which mountain folds and valley folds are alternately and repeatedly formed. The bellows structure 112a is configured by forming the container side portion 112 in a bellows shape. The repeating direction of the mountain fold portion and the valley fold portion of the bellows structure 112a is upward d1. When an external force toward the upper d1 acts on the container bottom 111, the bellows structure 112a contracts upward d1 due to this external force, and the container bottom 111 can move upward d1. By moving the container bottom 111 upward d1, the variable container 11 can be contracted upward d1.

The inner surface 111a of the container bottom 111 has an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction. This inclination is such that the portion of the inner surface 111a of the container bottom 111a facing the opening 1113a is lower than the other portions. A recess 1111 is provided in a portion of the inner surface 111a of the bottom portion 111 facing the opening 113a (that is, located below d2 of the opening 113a) toward the lower d2. Since the inner surface 111a of the container bottom 111 has an inclination, it is possible to reduce the dead volume which is the space of the variable container 11 in which the first reagent is accumulated without being sucked. The dead volume can be further reduced by having the recess 1111 in which the inner surface 111a of the container bottom 111 faces the opening 113a.

In order to smoothly shrink the variable container 11, the variable container 11 is made of a flexible material. For example, the variable container 11 is made of a resin material. The variable container 11 may be made of a flexible material other than the resin material.

The outer frame 12 is a three-dimensional frame body that holds the variable container 11 inside. In order to stably hold the variable container 11, the outer frame 12 is made of a hard material. For example, the outer frame 12 is made of metal. The outer frame 12 may be made of a hard material other than metal. The outer frame 12 has a frame bottom portion 121, a frame side portion 122, and a frame upper portion 123.

The frame bottom 121 is a plate-shaped portion held in the reagent rack 2041 at the lowest position of the outer frame 12. The frame bottom 121 is placed on the reagent tray 2041a constituting a part of the reagent rack 2041 and held horizontally. The frame bottom portion 121 is located below d2 of the container bottom portion 111, and holds the variable container 11 from the lower d2. However, the container bottom 111 is not fixed to the frame bottom 121. That is, the container bottom 111 can move upward d1 so as to be separated from the frame bottom 121 as shown in FIG. 6, or may move downward d2 so as to approach the frame bottom 121. The frame side portion 122 is a cylindrical frame body extending upward d1 side from the outer peripheral edge of the frame bottom portion 121. The frame side portion 122 is located outside the container side portion 112 and holds the variable container 11 from the outside. The frame side portion 122 is largely open laterally in order to effectively cool the reagent. The frame upper portion 123 is a plate-shaped portion provided at the upper end of the frame side portion 122 so as to close the upper end opening of the frame side portion 122. The frame upper portion 123 is provided with an opening portion 123a that exposes the opening portion 113a of the container upper portion 113. The frame upper portion 123 is located above d1 of the container upper portion 113 and holds the variable container 11 from the upper d1. A container upper part 113 is fixed to the frame upper part 123. For example, the container upper portion 113 may be fixed to the frame upper portion 123 by fitting the outer peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 113a of the container upper portion 113 into the opening portion 123a of the frame upper portion 123.

The contraction mechanism 13 is provided on the outer frame 12 and is a mechanism for contracting the variable container 11 so that the liquid level rises as the liquid level of the first reagent contained in the variable container 11 decreases. The contraction mechanism 13 is configured to raise the liquid level by contracting the variable container 11 so that the container bottom 111 moves upward d1. As a specific configuration for contracting the variable container 11, the contraction mechanism 13 has a bolt 131 and a nut 132.

The bolt 131 extends upward d1 which is an example of the contraction direction of the variable container 11. The bolt 131 is rotatable about a rotation axis along the upper d1. More specifically, the upper end of the bolt 131 is rotatably supported by an annular upper support 1231 provided on the frame upper 123. The portion near the lower end of the bolt 131 is rotatably supported by the annular bottom support 1211 provided on the frame bottom 121. The lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 penetrates the frame bottom portion 121 and the reagent tray 2041a and protrudes downward d2 from the reagent tray 2041a. Since it is arranged so as to penetrate the reagent tray 2041a through the through hole 2041b, the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 can be used for positioning when the reagent container 2042 is placed on the reagent tray 2041a.

The nut 132 is provided on the outer periphery of the bolt 131 so as to mesh with the bolt 131. Further, the nut 132 is connected to the variable container 11. More specifically, the nut 132 is connected to the bottom of the container 111. The nut 132 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the container bottom 111 via a connecting portion 1321 that connects the nut 132 and the container bottom 111. The specific embodiment of the connecting portion 1321 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a structure integrally molded with either the nut 132 or the container bottom portion 111. The nut 132 may be detachably configured on the bottom of the container 111. The means for attaching and detaching the nut 132 to and from the bottom of the container 111 is not particularly limited, and for example, the connecting portion 1321 and either the nut 132 or the bottom of the container 111 may be fitted in a removable state.

The nut 132 moves in the contraction direction of the variable container 11 with the rotation of the bolt 131 to contract the variable container 11. More specifically, the nut 132 moves upward d1 without rotating itself, that is, translates with the forward rotation (clockwise) of the bolt 131. As the nut 132 moves upward d1, the container bottom 111 connected to the nut 132 is pushed upward d1. When the container bottom 111 is pushed upward d1, the variable container 11 contracts upward d1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bolt 131 is provided outside the variable container 11 at a position that does not interfere with the variable container 11. Similarly, the nut 132 located on the outer periphery of the bolt 131 is also provided on the outside of the variable container 11. By providing the bolt 131 and the nut 132 on the outside of the variable container 11, the bolt 131 can be configured so as not to penetrate the variable container 11. Since the bolt 131 does not penetrate the variable container 11, it is not necessary to provide a sealing structure for preventing the first reagent from leaking from the variable container 11. Further, the variable container 11 can be separated from the outer frame 12 by removing the opening 113a of the container upper 113 from the opening 123a of the frame upper 123 and removing the container bottom 111 or the connecting portion 1321 from the nut 132. .. The variable container 11 separated from the outer frame 12 can be reused, for example, for accommodating the first reagent. The variable container 11 separated from the outer frame 12 may be discarded. Even when the variable container 11 is discarded, the outer frame 12 may be reused.

The bolt 131 and the nut 132 are made of, for example, a resin material. By constructing the bolt 131 and the nut 132 with the resin material, it is possible to suppress the corrosion of the bolt 131 and the nut 132 due to the reagent, and it is possible to suppress the cost of the bolt 131 and the nut 132. The bolt 131 and the nut may be made of a material other than the resin material.

The drive mechanism 41 shown in FIG. 3 constitutes a part of the drive mechanism 4 shown in FIG. The drive mechanism 41 is used to drive the contraction mechanism 13 of the reagent container 2042 in the analysis mechanism 2. The drive mechanism 41 is a mechanism for contracting the variable container 11 so that the liquid level rises in response to a decrease in the liquid level of the first reagent contained in the variable container 11 by driving the contraction mechanism 13. When the reagent container 2052 of the second reagent has the same configuration as the reagent container 2042 of the first reagent, the drive mechanism 41 may be provided corresponding to the reagent container 2052 of the second reagent.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view partially showing the contraction mechanism 13 and the drive mechanism 41. The drive mechanism 41 has a meshing mechanism 411, a vertical drive unit 412 which is an example of a moving unit, and a rotary drive unit 413.

The meshing mechanism 411 is movably arranged between a first position in contact with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131, which is an example of one end of the bolt 131, and a second position away from the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. Note that FIG. 6 shows the meshing mechanism 411 moved to the first position. FIG. 3 shows the meshing mechanism 411 moved to the second position. The meshing mechanism 411 is configured to mesh with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 at the first position. In order to mesh with the meshing mechanism 411, the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 is formed in a prismatic shape, unlike the other parts of the bolt 131, in which no screw is formed. More specifically, the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 shown in FIG. 7 is formed in a square columnar shape. However, the shape of the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 is not limited to a square columnar shape as long as it can mesh with the meshing mechanism 411. For example, the shape of the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 may be a polygonal prism other than a quadrangular prism. Alternatively, the shape of the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 may be a shape in which a convex portion or a concave portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder in the radial direction.

The meshing mechanism 411 has a columnar mechanism main body portion 4110 extending in the vertical direction. The mechanism main body 4110 is provided with a first recess 411a, a second recess 411b, and a third recess 411c. The first recess 411a is provided in the center of the upper end of the mechanism main body 4110 toward the lower d2. The first recess 411a has a shape that follows the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. The lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 can be inserted into the first recess 411a. In order to smoothly insert the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131, it is preferable that the inner circumference of the first recess 411a is formed to be slightly larger than the outer circumference of the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. Further, the side wall on the upper end side of the first recess 411a shown in FIG. 3 is inclined so as to spread outward toward the upper d1. As a result, the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 can be more smoothly inserted into the first recess 411a. By inserting the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 into the recess 411a, the bolt 131 can be engaged with the meshing mechanism 411 in the rotation direction of the bolt 131. The second recess 411b is provided inward on the outer peripheral surface of the mechanism main body 4110. The second recess 411b is provided over the entire circumference of the mechanism main body 4110. The vertical drive unit 412 can be inserted into the second recess 411b. The third recess 411c is provided at the center of the lower end of the mechanism main body 4110 toward the upper d1. A rotation drive unit 413 can be inserted into the third recess 411c.

The vertical drive unit 412 moves the meshing mechanism 411 between the first position and the second position. The vertical drive unit 412 shown in FIG. 3 has a fixed portion 4121 whose position is fixed and a movable portion 4122 which can move up and down along the fixed portion 4121. The fixing portion 4121 is arranged on the side of the meshing mechanism 411. The fixed portion 4121 drives the movable portion 4122 in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 4121 may be, for example, a fixed magnetic pole magnetized by energization such as an electromagnet having a coil or a solenoid. In this case, the movable portion 4122 may be a movable magnetic pole that moves by an attractive force or a repulsive force due to a magnetic force generated by an electromagnet or a solenoid. When the fixed portion 4121 is composed of fixed magnetic poles, for example, the fixed portion 4121 moves the movable portion 4122 upward d1 by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil, and stops the energization of the coil to cause the movable portion 4122. It may be moved downward d2. The movable portion 4122 has a first portion 4122a extending in the vertical direction and a second portion 4122b extending horizontally from the upper end of the first portion 4122a toward the meshing mechanism 411 side. The tip of the second portion 4122b is inserted into the second recess 411b of the meshing mechanism 411. When the fixed portion 4121 drives the movable portion 4122 in the vertical direction, this drive is applied to the driving force for driving the meshing mechanism 411 in the vertical direction via the second recess 411b into which the second portion 4122b of the movable portion 4122 is inserted. Will be converted. By this driving force, the meshing mechanism 411 can be moved between the first position and the second position. The specific embodiment of the vertical drive unit 412 is not limited to the combination of the fixed magnetic pole and the movable magnetic pole. For example, the fixed portion 4121 may be configured by a motor, and the movable portion 4122 may be configured by a vertically movable slide member having a rack gear meshed with the motor.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation drive unit 413 and the meshing mechanism 411. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view when the rotation drive unit 413 and the meshing mechanism 411 are cut along the VIII-VIII cutting line of FIG. The rotation drive unit 413 rotationally drives the bolt 131 by rotating the meshing mechanism 411 in a state of being meshed with the lower end portion 1311 which is one end of the bolt 131. The rotation drive unit 413 shown in FIG. 3 has a main body unit 413a for generating a rotation drive force and a main force shaft 413b for outputting the rotation drive force.

The main force shaft 413b is inserted into the third recess 411c of the meshing mechanism 411. The main force shaft 413b maintains the state of being inserted into the third recess 411c while allowing the meshing mechanism 411 to move between the first position and the second position. When the meshing mechanism 411 is moved to the first position and meshes with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131, the rotation drive unit 413 generates a rotation drive force. The generated rotational driving force is transmitted to the meshing mechanism 411 via the third recess 411c into which the main force shaft 413b is inserted. The main force shaft 413b shown in FIG. 8 has a rectangular cross section. The third recess 411c has a rectangular cross section that follows the cross section of the main shaft 413b. The outer circumference of the main force shaft 413b is slightly smaller than the inner circumference of the third recess 411c. According to the main force shaft 413b and the third concave portion 411c shown in FIG. 8, the rotation driving force is appropriately transmitted from the main force shaft 413b to the meshing mechanism 411 while allowing the meshing mechanism 411 to move up and down by a simple configuration. Can be done.

However, the cross-sectional shape of the main force shaft 413b and the third concave portion 411c is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as it can transmit the rotational driving force to the meshing mechanism 411 while allowing the meshing mechanism 411 to move up and down. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the main shaft 413b and the third recess 411c may be a polygonal shape other than the rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the main shaft 413b and the third concave portion 411c may be a shape in which a convex portion or a concave portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder in the radial direction. The rotation driving force is transmitted from the rotation drive unit 413 to the meshing mechanism 411, so that the meshing mechanism 411 is rotated. By rotating the meshing mechanism 411, the bolt 131 meshed with the meshing mechanism 411 is rotationally driven. Further, since the second recess 411b is formed in the meshing mechanism 411 over the entire circumference, the meshing mechanism 411 can be appropriately rotated without being hindered by the vertical drive portion 412 inserted in the second recess 411b. .. The rotary drive unit 413 is composed of, for example, a motor such as a stepping motor. The rotary drive unit 413 may be configured by an actuator other than the motor.

The control circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1 realizes a function corresponding to the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. For example, the control circuit 9 executes an operation program to execute a system control function 91, a calibration control function 92, a measurement control function 93, a liquid level height detection function 94, a liquid level height determination function 95, and a variable container contraction function. It has 96, a rotation drive amount detection function 97, a rotation drive amount recording function 98, an empty state determination function 99, a reuse setting function 910, a reuse determination function 911, and a variable container restoration function 912. The liquid level height detecting function 94 corresponds to the liquid level height detecting unit. The liquid level height determination function 95 corresponds to the liquid level height determination unit. The variable container contraction function 96 corresponds to the variable container contraction portion. The rotation drive amount detection function 97 corresponds to the rotation drive amount detection unit. The rotation drive amount recording function 98 corresponds to the rotation drive amount recording unit. The empty state determination function 99 corresponds to the empty state determination unit. The reuse setting function 910 corresponds to the setting unit. The reuse determination function 911 corresponds to the reuse determination unit. The variable container restoration function 912 corresponds to the variable container restoration unit. In this embodiment, the case where the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, and the measurement control function 93 are realized by a single processor is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a control circuit may be formed by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, and the measurement control function 93 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

The system control function 91 is a function that collectively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on the input information input from the input interface 5.

The calibration control function 92 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate standard data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the calibration control function 92 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, at the time of initial setting, at the time of starting the device, at the time of maintenance, and at the time of inputting an instruction to start the calibration operation from the operator.

When the calibration control function 92 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2 generates standard data. Specifically, for example, by being driven by the driving mechanism 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the analysis mechanism 2 sucks the standard sample from the first reagent storage 204, and the sucked standard sample is sucked into the reaction vessel 2011. Discharge to. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204, and discharges the sucked first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 in which the standard sample is discharged. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent is added to the standard sample.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205, and discharges the sucked second reagent into a mixed solution in which the standard sample and the first reagent are mixed. The second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution in which the second reagent is added to the mixed solution. The photometric unit 214 generates standard data by optically measuring the reaction solution formed by stirring the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometric unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction solution a preset number of times in a preset cycle, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The analysis mechanism 2 repeats the above operation for standard samples having a plurality of preset concentrations, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

The measurement control function 93 is a function of controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate test data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the measurement control function 93 in response to a predetermined instruction. The predetermined instruction is, for example, an instruction to start the measurement operation input from the operator, an instruction indicating that the preset time has been reached, or the like.

When the measurement control function 93 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2 generates test data. Specifically, driven by the drive mechanism 4, the sample dispensing probe 207 of the analysis mechanism 2 sucks the test sample from the sample disk 203 and discharges the sucked test sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204, and discharges the sucked first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 in which the test sample is discharged. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent is added to the test sample.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205, and discharges the sucked second reagent into a mixed solution in which the test sample and the first reagent are mixed. The second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution in which the second reagent is added to the mixed solution. The photometric unit 214 generates test data by optically measuring the reaction solution obtained by stirring the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometric unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction solution a preset number of times in a preset cycle, and outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3.

The liquid level height detecting function 94 is a function of detecting the liquid level of the first reagent. When the liquid level height detection function 94 is executed, the control circuit 9 first receives a change in capacitance or resistance when the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 comes into contact with the liquid surface of the first reagent. The liquid level height of the reagent may be detected. When the liquid level height detection function 94 is executed, the control circuit 9 detects the liquid level of the first reagent based on the detection result of the sensor that detects the liquid level of the first reagent other than the first reagent dispensing probe 209. You may.

The liquid level height determination function 95 is a function for determining whether or not the liquid level height of the first reagent detected by executing the liquid level height detection function 94 is less than the threshold value. The threshold value of the liquid level height of the first reagent is a predetermined constant liquid level height as a lower limit value of the liquid level height of the first reagent when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent. Is. In order to shorten the distance that the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moves up and down and to quickly suck the first reagent, the threshold value of the liquid level height of the first reagent is as high as possible in the variable container 11. Is desirable.

The variable container contraction function 96 is a function of controlling the drive mechanism 41 so that the contraction mechanism 13 contracts the variable container 11 when it is determined that the liquid level height of the first reagent is less than the threshold value. Specifically, when the variable container contraction function 96 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 so as to move the meshing mechanism 411 from the second position to the first position. Further, when the variable container contraction function 96 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the rotation drive unit 413 so as to rotate the meshing mechanism 411 in the forward direction while the meshing mechanism 411 is moved to the first position. More specifically, the control circuit 9 controls to rotate the rotation drive unit 413 in the forward direction until the liquid level height of the first reagent becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value. That is, the control circuit 9 controls to keep the liquid level of the first reagent constant. The amount of normal rotation of the rotation drive unit 413 until the liquid level height of the first reagent exceeds the threshold value is controlled according to the liquid level height of the first reagent detected by executing the liquid level height detection function 94. The circuit 9 may be uniquely determined. Alternatively, the forward rotation amount is a constant forward rotation amount until the liquid level height of the first reagent is determined to be equal to or higher than the threshold value by executing the liquid level height determination function 95. It may be the amount of rotation accumulated by repeating the operation of rotation. In this case, each time the rotation drive unit 413 is rotated with a constant positive rotation amount, the control circuit 9 may make a determination by executing the liquid level height determination function 95.

The rotation drive amount detection function 97 is a function of detecting the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413. When the rotation drive amount detection function 97 is executed, the control circuit 9 may detect the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413 based on the control amount of the drive of the rotation drive unit 413 by the variable container contraction function 96. For example, when the rotation drive unit 413 is a stepping motor, the control circuit 9 rotates the rotation drive unit 413 based on the number of drive pulses (that is, the control amount) applied to the stepping motor from the variable container contraction function 96. The drive amount may be detected.

The rotation drive amount recording function 98 is a function of recording the rotation drive amount detected by the rotation drive amount detection function 97 for each of the variable containers 11 of the plurality of reagent containers 2042 held in the reagent rack 2041. When the rotation drive amount recording function 98 is executed, the control circuit 9 records, for example, the detected rotation drive amount in the storage circuit 8. The control circuit 9 may record the detected rotation drive amount in the storage area of the control circuit 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing data used for controlling the drive mechanism 41 in the automated analyzer 1 according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 9 may record the rotation drive amount detected by the execution of the rotation drive amount detection function 97 as a table showing the correspondence relationship between the variable container 11 and the rotation drive amount. good. When the dispensing operation of the first reagent using one variable container 11 is performed in a plurality of cycles, the rotation drive amount recorded by the execution of the rotation drive amount recording function 98 is the rotation drive amount for each cycle. It becomes the total value of.

The empty state determination function 99 is a function of determining whether or not the variable container 11 is in an empty state based on the rotation drive amount detected by the execution of the rotation drive amount detection function 97. More specifically, when the empty state determination function 99 is executed, the control circuit 9 determines whether or not each variable container 11 is in an empty state based on the recorded rotation drive amount for each variable container 11. For example, the control circuit 9 may determine whether or not the variable container 11 is empty based on whether or not the recorded rotation drive amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

The reuse setting function 910 is a function for setting whether or not to reuse the variable container 11 according to an input operation. The input operation may be performed by, for example, the input interface 5. When the reuse setting function 910 is executed, the control circuit 9 holds, that is, saves the set value of presence / absence of reuse. The setting value of presence / absence of reuse may be held in the storage circuit 8 or may be held in the storage area of the control circuit 9, for example.

The reuse determination function 911 is a function for determining whether or not the reuse of the variable container 11 is set by executing the reuse setting function 910. When the reuse determination function 911 is executed, the control circuit 9 determines whether or not the reuse of the variable container 11 is set.

The variable container restoration function 912 is a function of causing the contraction mechanism 13 to restore the variable container 11 from the contracted state by controlling the drive mechanism 41 when it is determined to be empty by the execution of the empty state determination function 99. .. When the variable container restoration function 912 is executed, the control circuit 9 is determined to be in an empty state, and when it is determined that the reuse is set by the execution of the reuse determination function 911, the contraction mechanism The drive mechanism 41 is controlled so that the variable container 11 is restored to 13. Specifically, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 so as to move the meshing mechanism 411 from the second position to the first position. Further, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the rotation drive unit 413 so that the meshing mechanism 411 rotates in the reverse direction while being moved to the first position.

When the reagent container 2052 of the second reagent has the same configuration as the reagent container 2042 of the first reagent, the control circuit 9 performs the above-mentioned functions 94,95,96,97,98,99,910,911,912. It may also be executed for the drive mechanism 41 corresponding to the reagent container 2052 of the second reagent.

The analysis circuit 3 shown in FIG. 1 realizes a function corresponding to the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. For example, the analysis circuit 3 has a calibration data generation function 31 and an analysis data generation function 32 by executing an operation program. In this embodiment, the case where the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 are realized by a single processor is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an analysis circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

The calibration data generation function 31 is a function of generating calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, the analysis circuit 3 executes the calibration data generation function 31. When the calibration data generation function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out the data related to the standard calibration curve preset for the reagent of the predetermined test item and the data related to the photometric timing line from the storage circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data based on the standard data, the standard calibration curve, and the photometric timing line. The analysis circuit 3 stores the generated calibration data in the storage circuit 8.

The analysis data generation function 32 is a function of generating analysis data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, the analysis circuit 3 executes the analysis data generation function 32. When the analysis data generation function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out the calibration data stored for a predetermined inspection item and the data related to the photometric timing line from the storage circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data based on the test data, the photometric timing line, and the calibration data.

(Operation example)
Next, an operation example of the automatic analyzer 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment. In the following, an example of the dispensing operation of the first reagent will be described, but when the reagent container 2052 of the second reagent has the same configuration as the reagent container 2042 of the first reagent, the following operation example is the second reagent. It can also be applied to the dispensing operation of.

After the automated analyzer 1 initiates the dispensing operation cycle (step S1), the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the first reagent suction position, i.e., above the opening 113a of the reagent container 2042. (Step S2). After the first reagent dispensing probe 209 has moved to the first reagent suction position, the drive mechanism 4 has a suction height capable of sucking the first reagent in which the height of the lower end portion of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is preset. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is moved downward d2 until it becomes (step S3). After the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 reaches the suction height, the drive mechanism 4 causes the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to suck the first reagent in the variable container 11 (step S4). After the first reagent is aspirated, the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 that has aspirated the first reagent upward to d1 (step S5). For example, the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the first reagent suction position. After the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is moved upward d1, the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the discharge position to the reaction vessel 2011 (step S6). After the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moves to the discharge position, the drive mechanism 4 discharges the first reagent to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 (step S7). After the first reagent is discharged, the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the cleaning position by the cleaning tank 2091 (step S8). After the first reagent dispensing probe 209 has moved to the washing position, the drive mechanism 4 cleans the first reagent dispensing probe 209 (step S9). After the washing of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is completed, the cycle is terminated (step S10).

During the movement of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 downward d2 (step S3) and the suction of the first reagent (step S4), the control circuit 9 is set to the first reagent by executing the liquid level height detecting function 94. (Step S11). After the liquid level height of the first reagent is detected, the control circuit 9 determines whether or not the liquid level height of the first reagent is equal to or higher than the threshold value by executing the liquid level height determination function 95 (step). S12).

When the liquid level height of the first reagent is equal to or higher than the threshold value (step S12: Yes), the drive mechanism 4 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 upward d1 (step S5), and then the first reagent storage. The rotation of 204 is started (step S13). After starting the rotation of the first reagent storage 204, the drive mechanism 4 ends the rotation of the first reagent storage 204 when the reagent container 2042 newly used for dispensing is moved directly above the drive mechanism 41. (Step S14). After the rotation of the first reagent storage 204 is completed, each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is carried out for the reagent container 2042 newly used for dispensing.

On the other hand, when the liquid level height of the first reagent is less than the threshold value (step S12: No), the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 41 by executing the variable container contraction function 96 to cause the contraction mechanism 13 to have a variable container. 11 is contracted. Specifically, the control circuit 9 first controls the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 to move the meshing mechanism 411 retracted to the second position away from the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 to the first position. It is moved upward d1 until it reaches (step S15). At the first position, the meshing mechanism 411 meshes with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. After the meshing mechanism 411 moves to the first position, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the rotation drive unit 413 to rotate the meshing mechanism 411 forward (step S16). For example, the control circuit 9 rotates the meshing mechanism 411 in the forward direction until the liquid level height of the first reagent becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value.

When the meshing mechanism 411 rotates in the forward direction, the bolt 131 that meshes with the meshing mechanism 411 also rotates in the forward direction. When the bolt 131 rotates in the forward direction, the nut 132 fitted in the bolt 131 moves upward d1. As the nut 132 moves upward d1, the container bottom 111 connected to the nut 132 is pushed upward d1. When the container bottom 111 is pushed upward d1, the bellows structure 112a of the container side 112 connected to the container bottom 111 contracts. As the bellows structure 112a contracts, the variable container 11 contracts. By shrinking the variable container 11, the liquid level of the first reagent whose liquid level height is less than the threshold value can be raised.

After rotating the rotary drive unit 413 in the forward direction to contract the variable container 11, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 to move the meshing mechanism 411 downward from the first position to the second position d2. Move (step S17). After the meshing mechanism 411 moves downward d2, the drive mechanism 4 starts the rotation of the first reagent storage 204 (step S13).

When the rotation drive unit 413 rotates in the forward direction, the control circuit 9 detects the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413 by executing the rotation drive amount detection function 97 (step S18). When the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413 is detected, the control circuit 9 records the detected rotation drive amount by executing the rotation drive amount recording function 98 (step S19).

When the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413 is recorded, the control circuit 9 determines whether or not the variable container 11 is in the empty state based on the recorded rotation drive amount by executing the empty state determination function 99. (Step S20). For example, the control circuit 9 determines that the variable container 11 is empty when the rotation drive amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and determines that the variable container 11 is not empty when the rotation drive amount is less than the threshold value.

When the variable container 11 is in an empty state (step S20: Yes), the control circuit 9 determines whether or not the reuse of the variable container 11 is set by executing the reuse determination function 911 (step S21). On the other hand, when the variable container 11 is not empty (step S20: No), the drive mechanism 4 starts the rotation of the first reagent storage 204 (step S13).

When the reuse of the variable container 11 is set (step S21: Yes), the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 41 by executing the variable container restoration function 912 to cause the variable container 11 to be in a contracted state. Restore from. Specifically, the control circuit 9 first moves the meshing mechanism 411 from the second position to the first position upward d1 by controlling the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 after the measurement is stopped (step S22). .. At the first position, the meshing mechanism 411 meshes with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. After the meshing mechanism 411 moves to the first position, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the rotation drive unit 413 to rotate the meshing mechanism 411 in the reverse direction (step S23).

When the meshing mechanism 411 rotates in the reverse direction, the bolt 131 that meshes with the meshing mechanism 411 also rotates in the reverse direction. When the bolt 131 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut 132 fitted to the bolt 131 moves downward d2. As the nut 132 moves downward d2, the container bottom 111 connected to the nut 132 is pulled down to d2. By pulling the container bottom 111 downward to d2, the bellows structure 112a of the container side 112 connected to the container bottom 111 is restored from the contracted state. By restoring the bellows structure 112a, the variable container 11 is restored from the contracted state. After the rotary drive unit 413 is rotated in the reverse direction to restore the variable container 11, the control circuit 9 controls the drive of the vertical drive unit 412 to move the meshing mechanism 411 downward from the first position to the second position d2. Move (step S24). The restored variable container 11 can be separated from the outer frame 12 and reused for containing the first reagent, for example.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the contraction mechanism 13 provided in the outer frame 12 contracts the variable container 11 so that the liquid level rises as the liquid level of the reagent decreases. This makes it possible to keep the liquid level of the reagent at a high position and shorten the time required for sucking the reagent with a simple configuration. That is, the throughput can be improved. By shortening the time required for suctioning the reagent, it is possible to spend time on operations other than the operation required for suctioning the reagent in the dispensing operation (that is, the vertical movement of the reagent dispensing probe). By spending time on other operations, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the analysis data of the sample.

Further, in the first embodiment, the contraction mechanism 13 contracts the variable container 11 so that the container bottom 111 moves upward d1. As a result, the liquid level can be efficiently raised according to the shrinkage of the variable container 11.

Further, in the first embodiment, the variable container 11 is configured to be retractable by having a bellows structure 112a. Thereby, the variable container 11 can be appropriately contracted by a simple configuration.

Further, in the first embodiment, the contraction mechanism 13 has a bolt 131 and a nut 132. The drive mechanism 41 that drives the contraction mechanism 13 has a meshing mechanism 411, a vertical drive unit 412, and a rotation drive unit 413. The vertical drive unit 412 moves the meshing mechanism 411 from the second position to the first position. At the first position, the meshing mechanism 411 meshes with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. The rotation drive unit 413 rotates and drives the bolt 131 in the forward direction by rotating the meshing mechanism 411 in a positive direction in a state of being meshed with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131. The forward rotation of the bolt 131 causes the nut 132 to move upward d1. As the nut 132 moves upward d1, the container bottom 111 connected to the nut 132 moves upward d1. As the container bottom 111 moves upward d1, the variable container 11 contracts upward d1. Thereby, the variable container 11 can be appropriately contracted by a simple and easy-to-control configuration.

Further, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 41 so as to contract the variable container 11 when it is determined that the liquid level height of the first reagent is less than the threshold value. As a result, the variable container 11 can be contracted and the height of the liquid level can be maintained by simple control.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the empty variable container 11 is reused, the rotation drive unit 413 reversely rotates the meshing mechanism 411 while meshing with the lower end portion 1311 of the bolt 131 to rotate the bolt 131. It is driven to rotate in the opposite direction. When the bolt 131 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut 132 moves downward d2. As the nut 132 moves downward d2, the container bottom 111 connected to the nut 132 moves downward d2. By moving the bottom of the container 111 to the lower d2, the variable container 11 in the contracted state is restored to the lower d2. Thereby, the variable container 11 can be appropriately restored by a simple and easy-to-control configuration.

Further, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 9 determines that the variable container 11 is in an empty state based on the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit 413, and determines that the reuse is set. In this case, the drive mechanism 41 is controlled so as to restore the variable container 11. Thereby, the variable container 11 can be restored to a state suitable for reuse while reflecting the intention of the user by simple control.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the reagent container 2042 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example of the reagent container 2042 in which the bolt 131 and the nut 132 are located outside the variable container 11 has been described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the nut 132 is provided so as to penetrate the variable container 11. In order to prevent the first reagent from leaking from the variable container 11, it is desirable to provide a sealing structure between the through hole of the bolt 131 and the bolt 131 in the variable container 11. The specific aspect of the sealing structure is not particularly limited. For example, the upper support 1231 and the bottom support 1211 may be made of a rubber material so that the upper support 1231 and the bottom support 1211 function as a sealing structure.

According to the second embodiment, the space for providing the nut 132 and the bolt 131 on the outside of the variable container 11 in the outer frame 12 is not required. As a result, the capacity of the variable container 11 can be increased.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the contraction direction of the variable container 11 is upward d1. The contraction direction of the variable container 11 may be a direction other than the upper d1. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured so that the variable container 11 contracts laterally.

According to at least one of the present embodiments described above, the time required for suction of the reagent can be shortened by keeping the liquid level of the reagent at a high position by a simple configuration.

The word "processor" used in the description of the embodiment is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or a programmable logic device. (For example, a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)) is meant. The processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program stored in the storage circuit 8. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 8, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. It should be noted that each processor of each of the above embodiments is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits are combined to form one processor to realize its function. May be good. Further, a plurality of components in the above embodiment may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1 Automatic analyzer 11 Variable container 111 Container bottom 112a Bellows structure 113a Opening 12 Outer frame 13 Shrinkage mechanism 131 Bolt 132 Nut 2042 Reagent container 41 Drive mechanism 411 Engagement mechanism 412 Vertical drive unit 413 Rotation drive unit 94 Liquid level detection function 95 Liquid level judgment function 96 Variable container contraction function 97 Rotation drive amount detection function 98 Rotation drive amount recording function 99 Empty state judgment function 910 Reuse setting function 911 Reuse judgment function 912 Variable container restoration function

Claims (17)

A retractable variable container that can accommodate reagents,
An outer frame that holds the variable container inside, and
A shrinkage mechanism provided in the outer frame and contracting the variable container so that the liquid level rises in response to a decrease in the liquid level of the reagent contained in the variable container.
Reagent container with. The variable container is retractable so that the bottom of the variable container moves upward.
The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the shrinking mechanism raises the liquid level by shrinking the variable container so that the bottom moves upward. The reagent container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the variable container is configured to be shrinkable by having a bellows structure. The contraction mechanism is
A rotatable bolt extending in the contraction direction of the variable container and
A nut provided on the outer circumference of the bolt, connected to the variable container, and moved in the contraction direction with the rotation of the bolt to contract the variable container.
The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The variable container is retractable so that the bottom of the variable container moves upward.
The contraction mechanism raises the liquid level by contracting the variable container so that the bottom moves upward.
The reagent container according to claim 4, wherein the nut is connected to the bottom of the variable container. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable container has a structure separable from the outer frame. The reagent container according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bolt is provided outside the variable container. The reagent container according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bolt is provided so as to penetrate the variable container. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner surface of the bottom of the variable container has an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction. An opening for inserting a dispensing probe for dispensing the reagent into the variable container is provided in the upper part of the variable container.
The inclination of the inner surface of the bottom portion is such that the portion of the inner surface of the bottom portion facing the opening is lower than the other portions.
The reagent container according to claim 9, wherein a recess is provided in a portion facing the opening. A reagent capable of holding a reagent container having a retractable variable container capable of accommodating a reagent, an outer frame for holding the variable container inside, and a shrinking mechanism provided in the outer frame for shrinking the variable container. With the rack,
A driving mechanism that contracts the variable container so that the liquid level rises in response to a decrease in the liquid level of the reagent contained in the variable container by driving the contraction mechanism.
An automated analyzer equipped with. The contraction mechanism is provided with a rotatable bolt extending in the contraction direction of the variable container, and is connected to the variable container provided on the outer periphery of the bolt and moves in the contraction direction with the rotation of the bolt. Has a nut that shrinks the variable container,
The drive mechanism is
A meshing mechanism that is movably arranged between a first position in contact with one end of the bolt and a second position away from one end of the bolt and meshes with one end of the bolt at the first position.
A moving portion that moves the meshing mechanism between the first position and the second position,
A rotary drive unit that rotationally drives the bolt by rotating the meshing mechanism in a state of being meshed with one end of the bolt.
11. The automated analyzer according to claim 11. A liquid level height detecting unit that detects the liquid level of the reagent, and a liquid level detecting unit.
The liquid level height determination unit for determining whether or not the detected liquid level height is less than the threshold value, and the liquid level determination unit.
A variable container contracting portion that causes the contraction mechanism to contract the variable container by controlling the drive mechanism when it is determined that the value is less than the threshold value.
12. The automated analyzer according to claim 12. A rotation drive amount detection unit that detects the rotation drive amount of the rotation drive unit, and a rotation drive amount detection unit.
An empty state determination unit that determines whether or not the variable container is empty based on the detected rotation drive amount, and
A variable container restoration unit that causes the contraction mechanism to restore the variable container from the contracted state by controlling the drive mechanism when it is determined to be in the empty state.
13. The automated analyzer according to claim 13. Each of the variable containers is further provided with a rotation drive amount recording unit for recording the detected rotation drive amount.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 14, wherein the empty state determination unit determines whether or not the variable container is in the empty state based on the rotation drive amount recorded for each variable container. A setting unit that sets whether or not to reuse the variable container according to the input operation,
A reuse determination unit that determines whether or not the reuse of the variable container is set in the setting unit, and a reuse determination unit.
Further prepare
14. 15. The automatic analyzer according to 15. The automated analyzer according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising the reagent container held in the reagent rack.

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