JP3035601B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for performing biochemical analysis and immunological analysis, and more particularly, to an automatic analyzer which is smaller in size and can greatly reduce running costs and manufacturing costs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of automatic analyzers have been proposed, but most of the automatic analyzers require a reaction container containing a sample to be removed after an optical measurement operation is completed. Most of them are washed and reused.

However, in the above-mentioned automatic analyzer for cleaning the reaction container, a cleaning device for repeating supply of cleaning water and suction of waste water a plurality of times must be provided downstream of the optical measuring device. Therefore, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes complicated, large, and high in cost.

On the other hand, various types of so-called disposable type automatic analyzers which do not require a cleaning device have been conventionally proposed.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional disposable type automatic analyzer, a washing device is not required, so that the structure of the device is simplified and the production cost is reduced. Because it is a structure that is discarded, running costs increase, and
It also had many problems in terms of resource saving.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to eliminate the need for a cleaning device, and to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost and running cost. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer having a simple configuration.

[0007] To achieve the above object, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, a reaction vessel holder to be step rotation drive control in a predetermined direction, several double is detachably held in the reaction vessel holder a plurality of the reaction vessels cassette, optical measurement position through the reagent dispensing position before Symbol each reaction vessel portions from the sample dispensing position by controlling the reaction vessel holder which is integrally formed reaction vessel portion in series like a drive device for sequential between missing moves the sample container to the sample suction position containing the test substance to the <br/> both to feed forward TsugiUtsuri to, after sucking the required amount of analyte in the sample suction position dispensing reagent dispensing sampling device and, wherein the reagent dispensing position a reagent corresponding to the constant entry measuring the respective reaction vessel portion for discharging the sucked specimen into the sample dispensing position in the respective reaction vessel portion and equipment, An optical measuring device for measuring serial sampling device and the reagent dispensing device Niso <br/> Re colorimetric reaction color development state of the respective dispensed sample and reagent the optical measuring position, from the sample dispensing position a plurality of reaction vessels cassette RiOsamu paid by from the lower opening to intermittently transfer <br/> the upstream side of the front Symbol reaction vessel cassette is disposed at a position in a plurality housed vertically into a reaction vessel holder A detachable cassette feeder to be supplied at a predetermined stage, and disposed at a position downstream of the optical measurement position,
And, co-when plural accommodating the reaction vessel cassette vertically
One of the reaction container cassettes is attached to the reaction container holder.
And a cassette collector configured to push upwards the <br/> those reaction vessels cassette when it is set just below the lower opening of the housing part of Lesotho, and the reaction vessel holder, the cassette feeder and reaction vessel cassette mounted on hank Ttokorekuta is characterized in that the number is displayed in real time on a display device.

Further, in the present invention includes a reaction vessel holder to be step rotation drive control in a predetermined direction, integrally formed reaction vessel portion rotatably held several multiple detachable to the reaction vessel holder is in series form A plurality of reaction vessel cassettes ,
Test body co If the <br/> order TsugiUtsuri to send a pre-Symbol each reaction vessel section by controlling the reaction vessel holder to an optical measuring position via a reagent dispensing position from the sub emission <br/> pull dispensing position a drive device for sequential between lack transferring the housing sample container to support emission <br/> pull aspirating position, the sample dispensing position the aspirated specimen after sucking the required amount of analyte in the sample suction position in a sampling device that discharges into the respective reaction vessel portion, said dispensing reagent dispensing apparatus reagents measurement corresponding to the constant entry to each of the reaction vessel portion in the reagent dispensing position, the sampling device and the reagent dispensing optical measuring device and the reaction color development state of, respectively Re device Niso dispensed specimen and reagent is measured colorimetrically by the optical measuring position
When, it is disposed on the upstream side position from the sample dispensing position
And detachable cassette feeder for supplying a predetermined phase a plurality of reaction vessels cassette into a reaction vessel holder who RiOsamu paid by the intermittent transfer from the lower opening to a plurality housed before Symbol reaction container cassettes vertically, wherein arranged from optical measuring position to a position on the downstream side, and the reaction when the container cassette plurality housed vertically together one reaction vessel cassette of the lower opening of the housing portion of the mounting of Lesotho to the reaction vessel holder and a cassette collector configured to push upwards the appropriate reaction vessel cassette when it is set directly below, previously set the upper limit value of the absorbance values of the reaction vessel unit,
The absorbance value of the reaction vessel portion before the sample is sampled is measured by an optical measurement device, and the measured absorbance value is not within the upper and lower limit range. It is characterized by controlling.

[0009]

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer A according to this embodiment has a reaction vessel holder 1 formed in a ring shape.
A plurality of reaction vessel cassettes 3 detachably held by the reaction vessel holder 1 and integrally formed with five reaction vessel sections 2; and a reaction vessel by controlling rotation of the reaction vessel holder 1. A driving device (not shown) for sequentially transferring each reaction container section 2 of the cassette 3 from the sample dispensing position a to the optical measurement position c via the reagent dispensing position b, and the sample dispensing position a in the sample container 4 A sampling device 5 for dispensing a required amount of sample into the reaction container 2, a reagent device 6 for dispensing a reagent corresponding to the measurement item in the reaction container 2, and a reaction coloring state between the sample and the reagent. Optical measuring device 7 for color measurement
A detachable cassette feeder 8 disposed at a position d upstream of the sample dispensing position a, and a detachable cassette feeder 8 disposed at a position e downstream of the optical measurement position c and arranged side by side with the cassette feeder 8 And a detachable cassette collector 9. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a power supply, 11 denotes a control device (CPU), 12 denotes an operation unit, 14 denotes a temperature control device, 15 denotes a display device such as a CRT, 16 denotes a floppy disk driver, and 17 denotes a floppy disk driver. A printer, 18 is a reagent pump, and 19 is a sampling pump.

The reaction container holder 1 includes a reaction container cassette 3
Is formed to have a substantially concave cross section so as to be held without displacement, and is driven and controlled by a driving device such as a pulse motor to rotate stepwise in FIG. 1 clockwise or counterclockwise.

That is, the reaction vessel holder 1 moves the reaction vessel section 2 at the sample dispensing position a by 1 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
The container is transferred by a distance of 5 containers (108 degrees) (hereinafter, this transfer state is referred to as a first step rotation) and transferred to a reagent dispensing position b, where the first reagent is dispensed. After that, the reaction vessel part 2 is moved clockwise in FIG.
60.8 degrees) (hereinafter, this transfer state is referred to as a second step rotation), and the sample dispensing position a
By transporting to a position advanced by one container (7.2 degrees) and repeating this, as a result, the drive control is performed such that each reaction vessel part 2 is intermittently transported one by one in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. You. Note that the second reagent is dispensed into another reaction container unit 2 located at the reagent dispensing position b when one reaction container unit 2 is set at the sample dispensing position a. Of course, the second step rotation corresponds to 66 containers (475.2) clockwise in FIG.
(Degree). At this time, each reaction vessel section 2 is intermittently transferred one by one in the clockwise direction in FIG.

In this embodiment, ten reaction vessel cassettes 3 are mounted on the reaction vessel holder 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reaction vessel cassette 3 has an inverted concave front face, and has a planar shape curved corresponding to the curvature of the reaction vessel holder 1. Five reaction vessel sections 2 formed of a translucent material and having a concave cross section are integrally formed on the plane section 3a in a state where they are arranged in series.

The sample container 4 is formed of a material such as a synthetic resin in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and 32 sample containers 4 are held by an endless belt-like chain 20. 4 are sequentially intermittently transferred to the sample suction position f. A label (not shown) on which information (for example, patient registration number, examination type, hospital code, etc.) relating to the accommodated specimen is bar-coded and printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 4. ,
The information is read at the time of sampling by a bar code reader (not shown) and automatically input to the control device.

The sampling device 5 comprises an arm 5b having one end pivotally supported on a shaft 5a, and a pipette 5c provided at the other end of the arm 5b. After the required amount of the sample is sucked at f, the sample is rotated and the sucked sample is discharged to the reaction container section 2 at the sample dispensing position a. In this sample measurement method, the suction system is filled with water, the sample is separated from the water via air, the sample is suction-weighed, only the sample is discharged, and then the washing water is passed from the inside through the washing water. The inside of the pipette 5c is washed. The pipette 5c is provided with a suction amount confirmation device (not shown) having a known configuration for confirming the suction amount of a sample or the like, and detects the absolute amount of the sample or the like every time sampling is performed. If the sample amount is insufficient, this is automatically corrected.

A reagent dispensing device 6 for dispensing a reagent corresponding to a measurement item includes a reagent container holder 6a disposed in a ring shape on the outer periphery of the reaction container holder 1 and a reagent container holder 6a shown in FIG. A driving device (not shown) for controlling the rotation in the counterclockwise or counterclockwise direction, a required number of first reagent containers 6c or second reagent containers 6d detachably held in the reagent container holder 6a, and reagent suction A required amount of the first or second reagent is sucked from the first reagent container 6c or the second reagent container 6d arriving at the position g, and the reaction container portion 2 at the reagent dispensing position b is sucked.
A reagent pipette device 6e for dispensing a reagent sucked into the inside,
It is composed of The first reagent is always kept cool at 8 ° C. to 10 ° C. by a first reagent cool box (not shown).
Reagents are always stored at 8 ° C to 1 by a second reagent cooler (not shown).
It is kept cool at 0 ° C.

The reagent container holder 6a is controlled to rotate forward and backward by a command from the control device, and transfers the first reagent container 6c or the second reagent container 6d corresponding to the measurement item to the reagent suction position f. The first reagent container 6c or the second reagent container 6c
As a means for transferring d to the reagent suction position f, for example, a known moving mechanism such as a slide rail and a step motor drive can be applied, and the first reagent container 6c to be set is also used.
Alternatively, the second reagent container 6d is set at a predetermined position and stored in the control device.

Next, the reagent pipette device 6e is composed of an arm 6g rotating around a shaft 6f and a pipette 6h arranged at the other end of the arm 6g. After the reagent is dispensed, it is transported to the washing position, where the washing operation is performed.

The stirrer 21 attached to the arm 6g is inserted into the reaction vessel 2 at a position h one vessel upstream from the reagent dispensing position b in synchronization with the reagent suction operation of the pipette 6h. Then, the mixed solution (sample) of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel section 2 is stirred and mixed. Of course, this stirrer 2
1 is transferred to the washing position after the stirring operation, and the washing operation is performed.

The above-mentioned reagent measuring method is such that the suction system is filled with distilled water, and the reagent and the distilled water are suction-weighed in a state in which the reagent and the distilled water are separated via air. The inside of the pipette 6h is washed from the inside through the washing water, and the outside is washed with distilled water. Further, the pipette 6h is provided with a suction amount confirmation device (not shown) having a known configuration for confirming the suction amount of the reagent, and detects the absolute amount of the reagent each time the reagent suction operation is performed. If the amount of reagent is insufficient, it is automatically corrected.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical measuring device 7 which forms a detecting portion or an observation point performs colorimetric measurement of the reaction state of the sample in all the reaction vessels 2 passing through the optical measuring position c. , The configuration of a known diffraction grating type optical measuring device
Similarly to the operation, although not shown in detail in the figure, a light source and a measurement light from the light source are guided by an optical fiber to form a reaction vessel portion 2.
A light dispersing element, and a light receiving element for receiving, at predetermined wavelengths, the amount of light after the measurement light has passed through the reaction vessel 5. ,
From among these, the absorbance value and the absorbance of the sample after dispensing the second reagent are selected, and the data is stored in the storage unit.

That is, the light quantity of the wavelength corresponding to the measurement item received by the light receiving element is converted into a voltage and the analysis value is processed, a control section for storing the measurement result, and a storage section for the automatic analyzer. The data is processed by a data processing device including an operation unit / display for performing all operations and a printer, and the result is output to the display device 15 or the printer 17 together with the reaction time course.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cassette feeder 8 has a main body 8a for vertically storing a plurality of reaction container cassettes 3.
And a door body 8b attached to the main body 8a so as to be openable and closable.
And an elevating device (not shown) for supplying the reaction container cassettes 3 one by one to the reaction container holder 1 from the lower opening of the main body 8a. The elevating device comprises one reaction container cassette. 3 is mounted on the reaction container holder 1, and when the reaction container cassette 3 is transferred in five stages by the intermittent transfer of the reaction container holder 1, the next reaction container cassette 3 is supplied to the reaction container holder 1. It is configured and driven.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cassette collector 9 has substantially the same configuration as the cassette feeder 8, and has a main body 9a for vertically storing a plurality of reaction container cassettes 3, and is attached to the main body 9a so as to be openable and closable. Door 9b, and an elevating device (not shown) for accommodating the reaction container cassettes 3 one by one from the lower opening of the main body 9a in the main body 9a. When the reaction container cassette 3 is set just below the lower opening of the main body 9a in a state where the reaction container cassette 3 is mounted on the reaction container holder 1, the reaction container cassette 3 is configured to be pushed up and driven and controlled. .

As the elevating device provided in the cassette feeder 8 and the cassette collector 9, for example, a known elevating device using an actuator, a gear, or the like can be used. In this case, the cassette feeder 8 and the cassette collector are used. A well-known retractable stopper capable of feeding the reaction container cassette 3 in a fixed direction is disposed in each of the main bodies 8a, 9a of the main body 9 to smoothly supply and recover the reaction container cassette 3. Can be.

When a required number of reaction vessel cassettes 3 are stored in the cassette collector 9, the cassette collector 9 is removed from the reaction vessel holder 1 and the stored reaction vessel cassettes 3 are removed from the main body 9a. It can be taken out, cleaned thoroughly with a cleaning device (not shown), dried, and reused. Of course, the number of the reaction container cassettes 3 stored in the cassette feeder 8 and the cassette collector 9 is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be, for example, 10 or more.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer configured as described above will be described.

When a start switch (not shown) is turned on, one reaction container cassette 3 is supplied from the cassette feeder 8.
Is supplied to the reaction container holder 1, after which the reaction container holder 1 intermittently transfers the reaction container cassette 3 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 by repeating the first step rotation and the second step rotation.

When the reaction container cassette 3 newly mounted on the reaction container holder 1 is intermittently transferred in five stages (for five containers), one new reaction container cassette 3 is supplied from the cassette feeder 8 to the reaction container. After being supplied to the holder 1, ten reaction container cassettes 3 are sequentially mounted on the reaction container holder 1 according to the above procedure. Of course, when five reaction vessel cassettes 3 are mounted on the reaction vessel holder 1, a new cassette feeder 8 is mounted, and 10
Even when the individual reaction container cassettes 3 are mounted on the reaction container holder 1, a new cassette feeder 8 is mounted. Such a replacement operation of the new cassette feeder 8 may be performed while the reaction container cassette 3 is intermittently transferred in five stages (for five containers), so that sufficient time can be secured.

On the other hand, the start switch is turned on,
At the time of the first or second step rotation in which the reaction vessel cassette 3 is mounted on the reaction vessel holder 1 and transferred to the sample dispensing position a, the reaction vessel section 2 of each reaction vessel cassette 3 moves the optical measurement position c. As it passes, the absorbance value is measured automatically. At this time, it is important that the reaction vessel section 2 of the reaction vessel cassette 3 is securely dried. Of course, it is also possible to configure so that the absorbance value is measured in a state where water or the like is put in the reaction container.

In the control device, the upper and lower limits of the absorbance value of each of the reaction vessel sections 2 are set and stored in advance, and the reaction vessel section 2 is in a dry state before the sample is sampled.
Is measured by the optical measuring device 7, and for the reaction vessel section 2 whose measured absorbance value is not within the upper and lower limit range, the sample is not sampled so that the measurement accuracy is maintained. Drive control of each mechanism.

In this manner, the reaction vessel section 2 whose absorbance value is within the upper and lower limit value ranges reaches the sample dispensing position, and the sample vessel 4 held by the endless belt 20.
When the sample is transferred to the sample suction position f, the sample in the sample container 4 is sucked in a required amount via the sampling device 5 and then the sample in the reaction container portion 2 held in the reaction container holder 1 at the sample dispensing position a. The above sample is dispensed.

The reaction container section 2 into which the sample has been dispensed in this manner is thereafter transferred to the reagent dispensing position b by the first step rotation, and corresponds to the measurement item via the reagent device 6 at the same position b. The required first reagent is dispensed in a required amount.

Thereafter, the reaction container section 2 into which the first reagent has been dispensed is transferred to a position one container ahead of the sample dispensing position a by the second step rotation.

In this manner, the reaction vessel section 2
And the second step rotation is repeated, so that the reagent is intermittently transported so as to approach the reagent dispensing position b again. When the reagent dispensing position b is reached, the reagent dispensing device 6 is operated to correspond to the measurement item. The second reagent to be dispensed is dispensed into the reaction vessel section 2.
The dispensing of the second reagent is performed simultaneously with the sample dispensing operation, that is, after the second step rotation.

The reaction container section 2 into which the second reagent has been dispensed in this manner is intermittently transferred according to the above-mentioned procedure, and the stirring operation by the stirrer 21 is performed at the position h which is one container ahead of the reagent dispensing position b. It is.

Then, the reaction vessel section 2 after completion of the stirring operation is sent to the optical measurement position c according to the above-described procedure.
At the optical measurement position c, a colorimetric measurement process is performed by the optical measurement device 7.

After the measurement by the optical measuring device 7, the reaction vessel section 2 is sent to the reaction vessel cassette take-up position e, where the elevating device operates to complete the reaction vessel at the take-up position e. The cassette 3 is sent to an empty cassette collector 9.

Of course, when the five reaction container cassettes 3 are taken into the cassette collector 9, a new empty cassette collector 9 is mounted. Such a replacement operation of the new cassette collector 9 may be performed while the reaction container cassette 3 is intermittently transferred in five stages (for five containers), so that sufficient time can be secured. During this time, the display device 15
Reaction container cassette 3 held in reaction container holder 1
And the number of the reaction container cassettes 3 held in the cassette feeder 8 and the cassette collector 9 are displayed in real time. The tracking of the reaction container cassette 3 can be performed by attaching an identification number to the reaction container cassette 3 and reading the identification number by a known reading device provided in the moving path.

In the above embodiment, the case where the reaction container holder 1 and the reagent container are arranged in a ring shape has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be easily applied to the case where the reagent container arranged at the side is arranged side by side with the reaction container holder, or the reagent container and the reaction container holder are arranged on a straight line by appropriately deforming each mechanism. Further, the number and shape of the reaction container portions formed in the reaction container cassette are not limited to those in the above embodiment.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, unlike the conventional disposable automatic analyzer, the once used reaction vessel cassette can be washed and reused, so that the running cost can be greatly reduced. And
Since a cleaning device is not required, the configuration can be greatly simplified, so that the automatic analyzer can be downsized,
There are many excellent effects such as a significant reduction in manufacturing cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing an entire configuration of an automatic analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reaction container cassette.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the reaction container cassette.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cassette feeder and a cassette collector.

[Description of symbols] A Automatic analyzer a Sample dispensing position b Reagent dispensing position c Optical measurement position d Reaction container cassette supply position e Reaction container cassette take-off position 1 Reaction container holder 2 Reaction container section 3 Reaction container cassette 5 Sample device 6 Reagent device 7 Optical measuring device 8 Cassette feeder 9 Cassette collector

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/04

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A a reaction vessel holder to be step rotation drive control in a predetermined direction, a plurality of reaction vessels reaction vessel of several multi held detachably in the reaction vessel holder is integrally formed in series form Controls the cassette and the reaction vessel holder
To previous SL sequential between deletion of the sample container accommodating the test body to co if to optical measuring position via a reagent dispensing position each reaction container part from the sample dispensing position to feed forward TsugiUtsuri to sample suction position a drive device for transferring the sampling apparatus that discharges in each reaction vessel portion the aspirated specimen after sucking the required amount of analyte in the sample suction position by the sample dispensing position, said each of the reaction vessel unit measuring dispensing reagent dispensing apparatus reagent corresponding to the constant item in the reagent dispensing position
When the sampling device and the reagent dispensing device and an optical measuring device for measuring colorimetric in the optical measurement position and the reaction color development state of Niso Re respectively dispensed sample and reagent, upstream from the sample dispensing position a plurality of reaction vessels cassette into the reaction container holder predetermined that the RiOsamu <br/> housed by the lower opening intermittently transport the previous SL reaction vessel cassette is disposed at a position in a plurality housed in vertical a cassette feeder detachable supplied in stages, the disposed position of the downstream side of the optical measuring position, and the plurality storage to the both first reaction vessel cassettes the reaction vessel cassette vertically said reaction vessel holder and a cassette collector configured to push upwards the appropriate reaction vessel cassette when it is set just below the lower opening of the housing portion of the mounting of Lesotho, and the reaction vessel holder, the cassette feeder及Reaction vessel cassette mounted on hank Ttokorekuta is automatic analyzer, characterized in that the number is displayed in real time on a display device. Wherein the reaction vessel holder is stepped rotation drive control in a predetermined direction, a plurality of reaction vessels reaction vessel of several multi held detachably in the reaction vessel holder is integrally formed in series form Controls the cassette and the reaction vessel holder
To previous SL sequential between deletion of the sample container accommodating the test body to co if to optical measuring position via a reagent dispensing position each reaction container part from the sample dispensing position to feed forward TsugiUtsuri to sample suction position a drive device for transferring the sampling apparatus that discharges in each reaction vessel portion the aspirated specimen after sucking the required amount of analyte in the sample suction position by the sample dispensing position, said each of the reaction vessel unit measuring dispensing reagent dispensing apparatus reagent corresponding to the constant item in the reagent dispensing position
When the sampling device and the reagent dispensing device and an optical measuring device for measuring colorimetric in the optical measurement position and the reaction color development state of Niso Re respectively dispensed sample and reagent, upstream from the sample dispensing position a plurality of reaction vessels cassette into the reaction container holder predetermined that the RiOsamu <br/> housed by the lower opening intermittently transport the previous SL reaction vessel cassette is disposed at a position in a plurality housed in vertical a cassette feeder detachable supplied in stages, the disposed position of the downstream side of the optical measuring position, and the plurality storage to the both first reaction vessel cassettes the reaction vessel cassette vertically said reaction vessel holder and a cassette collector configured to push upwards the appropriate reaction vessel cassette when it is set just below the lower opening of the housing portion of the mounting of Lesotho, the upper and lower limits of the absorbance values of the reaction vessel unit In advance The absorbance value of the reaction vessel portion before the sample is sampled is measured by an optical measurement device, and the measured absorbance value is not within the upper and lower limit ranges. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the drive so as not to sample.