JP5398620B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that optically or electrically measures the concentration, activity value, and the like of a component contained in a sample using a chemical reaction with a reagent.

  A sample container for storing a sample such as serum or urine is circumferentially installed on a sample disk. In recent years, the number of sample containers installed on sample disks has increased. With an increase in the number of sample containers, for example, a sample disk composed of an inner peripheral sample disk and an outer peripheral sample disk has appeared (for example, see Patent Document 1). Each of the inner sample disk and the outer sample disk is provided with a plurality of sample containers on the circumference. Thus, the sample containers are arranged side by side on a concentric circle.

  The sample is sucked from the sample container by the sample probe, rotated and moved along the movement path, and discharged to the reaction tube in the reaction disk. Under the movement path, not only a sample container containing a sample to be dispensed but also a sample container containing another sample is arranged. Due to dirt or vibration of the sample probe, the sample attached to the inner wall or outer wall of the sample probe may fall into another sample container during the rotational movement. In this case, the dropped sample contaminates the sample originally stored in another sample container, and adversely affects the measurement result of the sample. Thus, dropping of the sample from the sample probe reduces the reliability of the measurement result.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-230016

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of improving the reliability of measurement results.

  An automatic analyzer according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a disk that holds a plurality of containers arranged concentrically, a disk support mechanism that rotatably supports the disk along the concentric circles, and the plurality of containers A probe that dispenses the solution from each of the above, a probe support mechanism that supports the probe so as to be able to rotate and move along a movement path connecting the suction position and the discharge position of the solution, and the probe support mechanism that controls the movement A probe control unit that rotates and moves the probe from the suction position to the discharge position along the path, and controls the disk support mechanism, rotates the disk, is provided on the disk, and is dropped from the probe And a disk control unit that arranges a retreat area for receiving the solution below the movement path.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the automatic analyzer which can improve the reliability of a measurement result.

The figure which shows the external appearance of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The external view which looked at the sampler which concerns on 1st Example of this embodiment from the stage upper direction. The functional block diagram of the sample system | strain and other main components of the automatic analyzer which concerns on 1st and 2nd Example. The figure which shows the typical flow of the sample dispensing operation | movement based on 1st Example performed according to control by the sample system | strain control part of FIG. The external view which looked at the sampler which concerns on 2nd Example of this embodiment from the stage upper direction. The figure which shows the typical flow of the sample dispensing operation | movement based on 2nd Example performed according to control by the sample system | strain control part of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a reaction disk 22 is provided at a substantially central portion of the stage 10 of the automatic analyzer 1. The reaction disk 20 detachably holds a plurality of reaction tubes 22 arranged on the circumference. The reaction disk 20 repeats rotation and stop in a predetermined cycle.

  A sampler 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 20. The sampler 30 includes a disk-shaped sample disk 32. The sample disk 32 holds a plurality of sample containers 34 arranged concentrically. The sample container 34 contains a sample. A sample disk support mechanism 36 is attached to the sample disk 32. The sample disk support mechanism 36 supports the sample disk so as to be rotatable along the rotation direction. The rotation direction coincides with the circumferential direction of the sample disk 32. For example, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the sample disk 32 around the rotation axis, and a sample container (hereinafter referred to as a sample container to be dispensed) in which the sample to be dispensed is accommodated on the sampler 30. Place in the sample inhalation position.

  A first reagent storage 40 is arranged in the vicinity of the reaction disk 20. The first reagent storage 40 has a disk-shaped first reagent disk. The first reagent disk holds a plurality of first reagent containers arranged concentrically. The first reagent container accommodates a first reagent that chemically reacts with a component corresponding to each measurement item included in the sample. A first reagent disk support mechanism is attached to the first reagent disk. The first reagent disk support mechanism supports the first reagent disk so as to be rotatable along the rotation direction. The rotation direction coincides with the circumferential direction of the first reagent disk. For example, the first reagent disk support mechanism rotates the first reagent disk around the rotation axis, and the first reagent container in which the first reagent to be dispensed is accommodated is the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 40. To place.

  A second reagent storage 50 is disposed inside the reaction disk 20. The second reagent storage 50 has a disk-shaped second reagent disk 52. The second reagent disk 52 holds a plurality of second reagent containers 54 arranged on the circumference. The second reagent container 54 accommodates a second reagent corresponding to the first reagent. A second reagent disk support mechanism 56 is attached to the second reagent disk 52. The second reagent disk support mechanism 56 rotates the second reagent disk 52 along the rotation direction, and moves the second reagent container 54 containing the second reagent to be dispensed to the second reagent container 50. Place in the inhalation position. The rotation direction coincides with the circumferential direction of the second reagent disk 52.

  A sample arm 61 </ b> A is disposed between the reaction disk 20 and the sampler 30. A sample probe 63A is attached to the tip of the sample arm 61A. The sample probe 63A sucks and discharges a sample by an electric sample pump (not shown). The sample arm 61A is a support mechanism that supports the sample probe 63A so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 65A along a movement path connecting a sample suction position on the sampler 30 and a sample discharge position on the reaction disk 20. The sample arm 61A is also a support mechanism that supports the sample probe 63A so as to be movable up and down.

  A first reagent arm 61B is disposed between the reaction disk 20 and the first reagent storage 40. A first reagent probe 63B is attached to the tip of the first reagent arm 61B. The first reagent probe 63B sucks and discharges the first reagent by a first reagent pump (not shown). The first reagent arm 61B rotates the first reagent probe 63B around the rotation axis 65B along a movement path connecting the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 40 and the first reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 20. This is a support mechanism that is movably supported. The first reagent arm 61B is also a support mechanism that supports the first reagent probe 63B so as to be movable up and down.

  A second reagent arm 61 </ b> C is disposed in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction disk 20. A second reagent probe 63C is attached to the tip of the second reagent arm 61C. The second reagent probe 63C sucks and discharges the second reagent by a second reagent pump (not shown). The second reagent arm 61C rotates the second reagent probe 63C about the rotation axis 65C along a movement path connecting the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 50 and the second reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 20. This is a support mechanism that is movably supported. The second reagent arm 61C is also a support mechanism that supports the second reagent probe 63C so as to be movable up and down.

  Further, a stirring unit 70 is provided in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction disk 20. The stirring unit 70 has a stirring bar (not shown). When the reaction tube 22 is stopped at the stirring position on the reaction disk 20, the stirring unit 70 uses a stirring bar to mix the sample and the first reagent in the reaction tube 22, the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. Stir the mixture. The liquid mixture inside the reaction tube 22 is subjected to measurement by a measurement unit provided inside the reaction disk 20 or the like.

  The automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment has a solution discharge position (sample discharge position, first reagent position) from a solution suction position (sample suction position, first reagent suction position) of the probe 63 (sample probe 63A, first reagent probe 63B). By rotating the disk (sample disk 32, first reagent disk) before or during the rotational movement to the reagent discharge position), the solution falls from the probe 63 to the container (sample container 34, first reagent container). To prevent that. This preventive measure will be described in detail below. In addition, the preventive measure which concerns on this embodiment demonstrated below is applicable to any dispensing system | strain of a sample system | strain and a 1st reagent system | strain. However, for the sake of specific explanation, the preventive measures will be described using a sample system as an example.

  Further, a first type and a second type are known as the structure of the standard disc sampler 32. The first type of sampler comprises a single sample disk. The second type of sampler includes an inner peripheral sample disk and an outer peripheral sample disk that are rotatable independently of each other. In the first example, the first type sampler is taken as an example to describe the preventive measure according to the present embodiment, and in the second example, the second type sampler is taken as an example to prevent the measure according to the present embodiment. Will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 2 is an external view of the sampler 30 according to the first example of the present embodiment as viewed from above the stage 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the sampler 30 mounts a disk-shaped sample disk 32A. The sample disk 32A has a plurality of container holding holes 33 arranged concentrically (on a plurality of circumferences CA). In FIG. 2, the plurality of container holding holes 33 share the center (the center of the circle of the sample disk 32A) and are arranged on the inner circumference CA1 and the outer circumference CA2 having different diameters. A sample container 34 is inserted into each container holding hole 33. That is, the inner circumference CA1 and the outer circumference CA2 are moving paths of the suction port of the sample container 34. Note that the sample containers 34 need not be inserted into all the container holding holes 33, and there may be container holding holes 33 into which the sample containers 34 are not inserted. The sample container 34 does not necessarily contain a sample.

  The position on the sampler 30 where each of the circumferences CA1 and CA2 and the movement path 67 of the sample probe 63A overlap is defined as a sample suction position PA. Here, the sample suction position PA on the inner circumference CA1 is referred to as an inner suction position PA1, and the sample suction position PA on the outer circumference CA2 is referred to as an outer suction position PA2. When the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged on the inner circumference CA1, the sample disk 34A is arranged around the rotation axis RA, whereby the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged at the inner suction position PA1. Similarly, when the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged on the outer periphery CA2, the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged at the outer suction position PA2 by rotating the sample disk 32A around the rotation axis RA. The

  The sampler 30 is equipped with a safety plate 37A. The safety plate 37A is disposed above the sample disk 32A. The safety plate 37A has the same number of probe insertion holes 38 as the number of circumferences CA on the sample disk 32A. In FIG. 2, the safety plate 37 </ b> A has two probe insertion holes 38. In the safety plate 37A, the two probe insertion holes 38 overlap the inner suction position PA1 (intersection of the movement path 67 and the inner circumference CA1) and the outer suction position PA2 (intersection of the movement path 67 and the outer circumference CA2), respectively. Is arranged. The safety plate 37A is provided to prevent the operator from contacting the sample arm 61A, the sample probe 63A, etc., or to prevent the sample from dropping from the sample probe 63A to the sample disk 32A.

  A retreat area 39A is provided on the sample disk 32A. The retreat area 39A is provided for receiving a sample dropped from the sample probe 63A. That is, the evacuation area 39A includes an area on the sample disk 32A that is occupied by a sample container in which a sample to be non-dispensed (hereinafter referred to as a sample container to be non-dispensed) is occupied. I can't. The sample to be dispensed is changed every cycle. Each time the sample to be dispensed is changed, the sample to be dispensed is also changed.

  There are roughly two types of retreat area 39A. The first retreat area 39A is an area on the sample disk 32A where the sample container 34 is not disposed. More specifically, the first evacuation area 39A is an area on the sample disk 32A in which the container insertion hole 34 is not provided, for example. The area where the container insertion hole 34 is not provided may be formed specifically for this purpose, or may be an area between container insertion holes in an existing sample disk. The first retreat area 39A may be an area occupied by the container insertion hole 33 into which the sample container 34 is not inserted. The first evacuation area 39A may be an area occupied by an entrance path of a barcode reader for reading a barcode attached to the outer wall of the sample container 34. The second evacuation area 39A is an area occupied by the suction port of an empty sample container 34 in which no sample is accommodated. The type of the evacuation area 39A can be arbitrarily set manually by an operator or via an operator console.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the sample system and other main components of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample position detection unit 81, a sample system control unit 82, and a sample system 83.

  The position detector 81 detects the position of the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30 and the position of the retreat area 39A on the sampler 30. The detected position data is supplied to the sample system controller 82.

  An arbitrary position on the sample disk 32A on the sampler 30 (for example, the position of each sample container 34 or the position of the retreat area 39A) is defined by, for example, the rotation angle around the rotation axis RA of the sample disk 32A. For example, a state in which the reference position (for example, the sample container 34 of number 1) on the sample disk 32A is disposed under the movement path 67 is defined as a reference angle (θ = 0). As a result, the position of the reference position of the sample disk 32A on the sampler 30 is defined by the rotation angle from the reference angle. An arbitrary position on the sample disk 32A (for example, the position of each sample container 34 or the position of the retreat area 39A) is a center point from the reference position on the sample disk 32A (intersection of the center axis RA and the sample disk 32A). It is defined by the rotation angle around. Therefore, an arbitrary position on the sampler 30 on the sample disk 32A can be defined.

  The sample system control unit 82 controls the sample system 83 in accordance with the position data from the position detection unit 81 and the like in order to execute the sample dispensing operation unique to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample system 83 includes a sample disk rotation control unit 84, a sample disk support mechanism 36, a sample probe rotation control unit 85, a sample probe vertical movement control unit 86, a sample arm 61A, a sample pump control unit 87, And a sample pump 68A.

  The sample disk rotation control unit 84 drives and controls the sample disk support mechanism 36 according to the control by the sample system control unit 82. The sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the sample disk 32 </ b> A according to drive control by the sample disk rotation control unit 84.

  The sample probe rotation control unit 85 drives and controls the sample arm 61A according to the control by the sample system control unit 82. The sample arm 61A rotates and moves the sample probe 63A along the movement locus in accordance with the drive control by the sample probe rotation control unit 85.

  The sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 drives and controls the sample arm 61 </ b> A according to the control by the sample system control unit 82. The sample arm 61 </ b> A moves the sample probe 63 </ b> A up and down according to drive control by the sample probe up / down movement control unit 86.

  The sample pump control unit 87 drives and controls the sample pump 68A according to the control by the sample system control unit 82. The sample pump 68A causes the sample probe 63A to inhale a sample or cause the sample to be discharged according to drive control by the sample pump control unit 87.

  Next, a typical flow of the sample dispensing operation according to the first embodiment performed according to the control by the sample system control unit 82 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a sample to be dispensed is set by the sample system control unit 82 or the like, the position detection unit 81 sets a sampler of a sample container (a sample container to be dispensed) 34 in which the set sample to be dispensed is stored. A position on 30 is specified. The data of the specified position is supplied to the sample system control unit 82.

  Then, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample disk rotation control unit 85 to perform rotation processing according to the position of the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30 (step SA1). In step SA1, the sample disk rotation control unit 85 drives and controls the sample disk support mechanism 36 according to the position of the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30 and the position of the sample suction position PA on the sampler 30. In response to this drive control, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the sample disk 32A about the rotation axis RA, and places the sample container 34 to be dispensed at the sample suction position PA.

  When step SA1 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe rotation control unit 85 to perform a rotational movement process according to the position of the circumference CA where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is disposed (step SA2). In step SA2, the sample probe rotation control unit 85 drives and controls the rotation movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A according to the position of the circumference CA where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged. Under this drive control, the sample arm 61A rotates and moves the sample probe 63A along the movement path 67, and the sample probe 63A is placed at the sample suction position PA on the circumference CA where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged. Place. For example, when the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged at the inner circumference CA1, the sample probe 63A is arranged at the inner suction position PA1, and when the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged at the outer circumference CA2, The sample probe 63A is disposed at the outer suction position PA2.

  When step SA2 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 and the sample pump control unit 87 to perform a suction process (step SA3). In step SA3, the sample probe vertical movement controller 86 controls the vertical movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. In response to this drive control, the sample arm 61A lowers the sample probe 63A by a descending amount corresponding to the sample to be dispensed and the measurement item. When the descent is completed, the sample pump control unit 87 controls the driving of the sample pump 68A. Under this drive control, the sample pump 68A sucks a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 34 via the sample probe 63A. The predetermined amount is set according to, for example, a sample to be dispensed and a measurement item. When the inhalation is completed, the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 controls the vertical movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. In response to this drive control, the sample arm 61A raises the sample probe 63A by substantially the same amount as the lowered amount.

  When step SA3 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample disk rotation control unit 84 to perform rotation processing according to the position of the retreat area 39A on the sampler 30 (step SA4). The position on the sampler 30 in the evacuation area 39A is detected by the position detection unit 81 between the end of step SA2 and the start of step SA, and the data of the detected position is the sample system control unit 82. Shall be supplied to In step SA4, the sample disk rotation control unit 84 drives and controls the sample disk support mechanism 36 according to the position of the retreat area 39A on the sampler 30 and the position of the sample suction position PA on the sampler 30. In response to this drive control, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the sample disk 32A around the rotation axis RA, and arranges the retreat area 39A on the sample disk 32A below the movement path 67.

  In FIG. 2, the retreat area 39A is provided at one place. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, a plurality of evacuation areas 39A may be provided on the sample disk 32A. In this case, a specific evacuation area 39A among the plurality of evacuation areas 39A is set by the operator via the console. The position detector 81 detects the set position of the evacuation area 39 on the sampler 30 between the end of step SA2 and the start of step SA. In step S4, the sample disk rotation control unit 34 arranges the set save area 39 under the movement path 67.

  In some cases, the save area 39A on the inner circumference CA1 and the save area 39A on the outer circumference CA2 are not on the same diameter on the sample disk 32A. In this case, the sample disk support mechanism 36 arranges the retreat area 39A on the outer periphery CA2 below the movement path 67.

  Further, when the sample container 34 to be dispensed is disposed on the outer periphery CA2, there is no possibility that the sample falls from the sample probe 63A into the other sample container 34, and therefore step SA4 may not be performed. In this case, step SA5 is performed after step SA3.

  When step SA4 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe rotation control unit 85 to perform a rotational movement process (step SA5). In step SA5, the sample probe rotation control unit 85 drives and controls the rotation movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. Under this drive control, the sample arm 61A rotates and moves the sample probe 61A along the movement path 67, and places the sample probe 63A at the sample discharge position on the reaction disk 20.

  When step SA5 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 and the sample pump control unit 87 to perform discharge processing (step SA6). In step SA6, the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 drives and controls the vertical movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. Under this drive control, the sample arm 61A lowers the sample probe 63A by the lowering amount for ejection. When the descent is completed, the sample pump control unit 87 controls the driving of the sample pump 68A. Under this drive control, the sample pump 68A discharges the sample sucked in step SA3 to the reaction tube 22 via the sample probe 63A. When the ejection is completed, the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 controls the vertical movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. In response to this drive control, the sample arm 61A raises the sample probe 63A by substantially the same amount as the lowered amount.

  When step SA6 ends, the sample system control unit 82 ends the sample dispensing operation according to the first embodiment. Thereafter, when another sample is dispensed, the dispensing operation of FIG. 4 is performed again according to the control by the sample system control unit 82.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second example of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is provided only when necessary.

  FIG. 5 is an external view of the sampler 30 according to the second example of the present embodiment as viewed from above the stage 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the sampler 30 according to the second embodiment mounts an inner sample disk 32B-1 and an outer sample disk 32B-2. The inner sample disk 32B-1 and the outer sample disk 32B-2 are supported by the sample disk support mechanism 36 so as to be rotatable independently of each other.

  Each of the sample disks 32B-1 and 32B-2 has a plurality of container holding holes 33 arranged concentrically (on a plurality of circumferences). In FIG. 5, the plurality of sample containers 33 are arranged on four circumferences CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 that share the center and have different diameters. Here, the four circumferences CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 are referred to as a first circumference CB1, a second circumference CB2, a third circumference CB3, and a fourth circumference CB4 in order from the inside. A first circumference CB1 and a second circumference CB2 are provided on the inner sample disk 32B-1, and a third circumference CB3 and a fourth circumference CB4 are provided on the outer sample disk 32B-2. .

  A position on the sampler 30 where each of the circumferences CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 and the moving path 67 of the sample probe 63A overlap is defined as a sample suction position PB. Here, the sample suction position PB on the first circumference CB1 is the first suction position PB1, the sample suction position PB on the second circumference CB2 is the second suction position PB2, and the sample suction position PB on the third circumference CB3. Is referred to as a third suction position PB3, and the sample suction position PB on the fourth circumference CB4 is referred to as a fourth suction position PB4.

  The safety plate 37B according to the second embodiment has four probe insertion holes 38. In the safety plate 37B, the four probe insertion holes 38 are formed between the first suction position PB1 (intersection of the movement path 67 and the first circumference CB1) and the second suction position PB2 (movement path 67 and the second circumference CB2). Intersection point), the third suction position PB3 (intersection point between the movement path 67 and the third circumference CB3), and the fourth suction position PB4 (intersection point between the movement path 67 and the fourth circumference CB4), respectively. ing.

  A retreat area 39B is provided on the outer peripheral sample disk 32B-2. On the inner sample disk 32B-1, the evacuation area 39B may or may not be provided. Hereinafter, for the sake of specific description, it is assumed that the save area 39B is not provided on the inner sample disk 32B-1.

  Next, a typical flow of the sample dispensing operation according to the second embodiment performed in accordance with the control of the sample system control unit 82 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a sample to be dispensed is set by the sample system control unit 82 or the like, the position detection unit 81 sets a sampler of a sample container (a sample container to be dispensed) 34 in which the set sample to be dispensed is stored. A position on 30 is specified. The data of the specified position is supplied to the sample system control unit 82.

  Then, the sample system control unit 82 determines whether or not the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged on the inner sample disk 32B-1 (step SB1). The sample system control unit 82 holds a table that associates the identification information of the sample container 34 with the identification information of the container insertion hole 34. On this table, the identification information of each container insertion hole 34 is associated with the identification information of the inner sample disk 32B-1 or the identification information of the outer sample disk 32B-2. Using this table, the sample system control unit 82 performs the determination process of step SB1. Specifically, first, the sample system control unit 82 searches the table using the identification information of the sample container 34 to be dispensed as a search keyword, and the container insertion hole into which the sample container 34 to be dispensed is inserted. 33 identification information is specified. The sample system controller 82 determines whether the identification information of the container insertion hole 33 is associated with the identification information of the inner sample disk 32B-1 or the outer sample disk 32B-2. When it is determined that the identification information of the container insertion hole 33 is associated with the identification information of the inner sample disk 32B-1, the sample system control unit 82 places the sample container 34 on the inner sample disk 32B-1. It is determined that On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification information of the container insertion hole 33 is associated with the identification information of the outer peripheral sample disk 32B-2, the sample system control unit 82 places the sample container 34 on the inner peripheral sample disk 32B-1. Judge that it is not.

  When it is determined that the sample is placed on the inner sample disk 32B-1 (step SB1: YES), the sample system control unit 82 determines the sample disk rotation control unit according to the position on the sampler 30 of the sample container 34 to be dispensed. 84 is caused to perform an inner periphery rotation process (step SB2). In step SB2, the sample disk rotation control unit 84 drives and controls the sample disk rotation support mechanism 36 according to the position of the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30 and the position of the sample suction position PB on the sampler 30. Under this drive control, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the inner peripheral sample disk 32B-1 around the rotation axis RA, and arranges the sample container 34 to be dispensed at the sample suction position PB.

  When step SB2 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample disk rotation control unit 84 to perform the outer periphery rotation process according to the position of the retreat area 39B on the sampler 30 (step SB3). In step SB3, the sample disk rotation control unit 84 drives and controls the sample disk support mechanism 36 according to the position of the retreat area 39B on the sampler 30. In response to this drive control, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the outer peripheral sample disk 32B-2 around the rotation axis RA, and arranges the retreat area 39B on the outer peripheral sample disk 32B-2 below the movement path 67. The position of the retreat area 39B on the sampler 30 is detected by the position detector 81.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the sample container 34 is not arranged on the inner sample disk 32B-1 (step SB1: NO), the sample system control unit 82 positions the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30. Accordingly, the sample disk rotation control unit 84 is caused to perform outer periphery rotation processing (step SB4). In step SB4, the sample disk rotation control unit 84 drives and controls the sample disk rotation support mechanism 36 according to the position of the sample container 34 to be dispensed on the sampler 30 and the position of the sample suction position PB on the sampler 30. Under this drive control, the sample disk support mechanism 36 rotates the outer peripheral sample disk 32B-2 around the rotation shaft 36, and places the sample container 34 to be dispensed at the sample suction position PB.

  When step SB3 or SB4 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe rotation control unit 85 to perform rotational movement processing according to the position of the circumference CB where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is disposed (step SB5). . In step SB5, the sample probe rotation control unit 82 drives and controls the rotation movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A according to the position of the circumference CA where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged. Under this drive control, the sample arm 61A rotates the sample probe 63A along the movement path 67, and the sample probe 63A is placed at the sample suction position PB on the circumference CB where the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged. Place.

  When step SB5 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe vertical movement control unit 86 and the sample pump control unit 87 to perform a suction process (step SB6). Since the process of step SB6 is the same as the process of step SA3, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When step SB6 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe rotation control unit 85 to perform a rotational movement process (step SB7). In step SB7, the sample probe rotation control unit 85 drives and controls the rotation movement mechanism of the sample arm 61A. Under this drive control, the sample arm 61A rotates the sample probe 63A along the movement path 67, and places the sample probe 63A at the sample discharge position on the reaction disk 20.

  When step SB7 is performed, the sample system control unit 82 causes the sample probe vertical movement control unit 85 and the sample pump control unit 87 to perform discharge processing (step SB8). Since the process of step SB8 is the same as the process of step SA6, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When step SB8 ends, the sample system control unit 82 ends the sample dispensing operation. As in the first embodiment, when another sample is dispensed thereafter, the dispensing operation of FIG. 6 is performed again according to the control by the sample system control unit 82.

  When the retreat area 39B is provided in the inner sample disk 32B-1, the dispensing operation according to the second embodiment and the dispensing operation according to the first embodiment can be combined. More specifically, when the sample container 34 to be dispensed is arranged on the first circumference of the inner circumferential side sample disk 32B-1, the sample to be dispensed is sucked in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the retreat area 39B on the inner sample disk 32B-1 may be disposed below the movement path 67. As a result, the sample dropped from the sample probe 63A while the sample probe 63A is rotating from the first suction position PB1 to the sample discharge position enters the non-dispensing sample container 34 on the second circumference PB2. Can be prevented.

  According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the retreat area is arranged under the movement path of the probe 63 during the period when the probe 63 is moving from the solution suction position to the solution discharge position. Thereby, the movement path | route of the probe 63 and the movement path | route of the suction opening of the container of a non-dispensing object do not cross. Thereby, when a solution falls from the probe 63, the dropped solution does not enter into another container. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can prevent contamination of other solutions due to the drop of the solution from the probe 63. Accordingly, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the reliability of the measurement result.

  This embodiment exhibits a remarkable effect when the measurement item is HbA1C. When the measurement item is HbA1C, a sample such as whole blood or blood cells is inhaled from the blood collection tube (sample container) 34. At this time, the sample probe 63A must be lowered to near the bottom of the blood collection tube. Lowering the sample probe 63A to near the bottom of the blood collection tube 34 increases the possibility that the sample will adhere to the outer wall of the sample probe 63A. Therefore, when the measurement item is HbA1C, there are many cases where the sample scatters from the sample probe 63A or drops. However, according to the present embodiment, even when the sample falls from the sample probe 63A, the dropped sample does not drop into the retreat area 39 and does not drop into other sample containers 34. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the reliability of the measurement result of HbA1C is improved.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the automatic analyzer 1 that can improve the reliability of the measurement result.

  In addition, although the above-mentioned 1st Example and 2nd Example were mentioned taking the sample system | strain as an example, as above-mentioned, this embodiment is applicable not to a sample system | strain but to a 1st reagent system | strain. In the case of the first reagent system, the evacuation area includes a first area where the suction port of the first reagent container on the first reagent disk is not arranged, and a first reagent container (empty first container) that does not contain the first reagent. The second area occupied by the suction port of the reagent container) or the third area occupied by the suction port of the first reagent container containing the specific first reagent. The specific first reagent is the first reagent belonging to the same type as the first reagent to be dispensed and belonging to the same manufacturing number (lot number) as the first reagent to be dispensed. The first area is, for example, an area occupied by a rack in which the first reagent container is not disposed, an area occupied by an entry path of a barcode reader attached to the outer wall of the first reagent container, or the like.

  Moreover, although said 1st Example and 2nd Example were mentioned as an example at the time of measurement of a measurement item, this embodiment is applicable also at the time of a maintenance. Examples of the sample used at the time of maintenance include a standard sample for calibration, a standard sample for accuracy management, and a sample to be measured. These various samples are dispensed from the sample vessel 34 into the reaction tube during maintenance. Therefore, by applying this embodiment during maintenance, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can prevent contamination of other samples due to dropping of these various samples from the sample probe.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can improve the reliability of measurement results.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic analyzer, 10 ... Stage, 20 ... Reaction disk, 22 ... Reaction tube, 30 ... Sampler, 32 ... Sample disk, 32A ... Sample disk, 33 ... Container insertion hole, 34 ... Sample container, 36 ... Sample disk support Mechanism 37A ... Safety plate 39A ... Retraction area 40 ... First reagent storage 50 ... Second reagent storage 52 ... Second reagent disc 54 ... Second reagent container 56 ... Second reagent disc support mechanism 61A Sample arm, 63A ... Sample probe, 65A ... Sample arm rotation axis, 61B ... First reagent arm, 63B ... First reagent probe, 65B ... First reagent arm rotation axis, 61C ... First reagent arm, 63C ... First reagent probe, 65C: rotation axis of first reagent arm, 70: stirring portion, CA1: inner circumference, CA2: outer circumference, PA1: inner suction position, PA ... outside inhalation position

Claims (6)

A disk-shaped disc holding a plurality of containers arranged concentrically, and
A disk support mechanism for rotatably supporting the disk;
A probe for dispensing a solution from each of the plurality of containers;
A probe support mechanism for rotatably supporting the probe along a movement path connecting the solution suction position and the discharge position;
A probe control unit for controlling the probe support mechanism and rotating the probe from the suction position to the discharge position along the movement path;
A disk control unit that controls the disk support mechanism, rotates the disk, and is disposed on the disk, and a retreat area for receiving the solution dropped from the probe is disposed below the movement path;
An automatic analyzer comprising: The solution is a sample to be reacted with a reagent.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   In the evacuation area, an area occupied by an entry path of a barcode reader that reads a barcode attached to each of the plurality of containers, an area occupied by a container not containing the sample, or the plurality of containers are arranged. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, which is an unoccupied area. The solution is a reagent that is reacted with a sample.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   In the evacuation area, an area occupied by an entrance path of a barcode reader that reads a barcode attached to each of the plurality of containers, an area occupied by a container not containing the reagent, and the plurality of containers are arranged. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, which is an area occupied by a container that contains no reagent or a reagent that belongs to the same production unit as the reagent to be dispensed.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation area is an area on the disc other than an area occupied by a container in which a solution to be dispensed is accommodated.

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