JPH03279863A - automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (a) Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers, and particularly relates to a sample dispensing device equipped with a pick-up type sample dispensing nozzle. The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer including a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers arranged in parallel.

The present invention also relates to a sample container transport system for a discrete automatic chemical analyzer, each of which is equipped with a sample dispensing device, a reagent dispensing device, a washing/dehydrating device, and a measuring device. This invention relates to a single-line multi-item automatic analyzer using the method.

Further, the present invention can be applied to, for example, body fluids such as blood, plasma, serum, lymph fluid, excrement such as urine, gastric fluid, n-fluid, bile, saliva,
The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers for liquid samples such as secretions such as sweat, ascitic fluid, pleural effusion, puncture fluid such as joint cavity fluid, etc.

(b) Conventional technology For example, discrete automatic chemical analysis equipment such as turntable type and conveyor type! , a turntable or conveyor device capable of intermittent movement is equipped with a sample dispensing device, a reagent dispensing device, a cleaning device, and a measuring device.

When analyzing multiple samples individually using such a turntable-type automatic chemical analyzer, for example, multiple reaction vessels such as reaction cuvettes are placed along the reaction line formed on the turntable. Arrange and
The turntable is rotated intermittently according to a preset timing program, and for each reaction vessel,
The sample dispensing area, the reagent dispensing area, the stirring area, the reaction area, and the cleaning area are sequentially transferred, and when the turntable is stopped, the sample is dispensed in the sample dispensing area, and the reagent is dispensed in the reagent dispensing area. The reactants in the reaction vessel are mixed in the stirring area, a predetermined reaction is carried out in the reaction area, the reaction product is measured in the measurement area, and the reaction vessel is washed in the cleaning area.

The number of analysis items from samples analyzed using such biochemical analysis methods is increasing in order to increase the accuracy of analysis, and the number of samples to be analyzed is also increasing, not only for patients but also for patients. , the number of subjects has increased significantly as healthy subjects are also included, and in order to be able to respond to the demand for analysis of these subjects,
The analytical throughput per unit time of automatic chemical analyzers has increased significantly, and analytical operations have also become faster.

However, since there is a limit to the processing capacity per machine,
Two or more automatic chemical analyzers measuring different analysis items are arranged side by side along a sample container transport path to form a single automatic analyzer.

In this automatic analyzer, a sample is collected from one sample container at a first sample collection position by a first automatic chemical analyzer among two or more automatic chemical analyzers, and the sample is dispensed. The sample container in which the sample has been collected is then sent to a second sample collection position, where a second automatic chemical analyzer performs sample collection and dispenses the sample.

Therefore, according to this automatic analyzer, some of the analysis items analyzed for the sample in one sample container are
The remaining analysis items are analyzed by the second and subsequent automatic chemical analyzers, thereby increasing the throughput of the automatic analyzer.

<C) Problems to be solved by the invention However, even if a single automated chemical analyzer is installed with different analysis items, the requested analysis items will differ depending on the sample. This bias is unavoidable, and as a result, the analysis items tend to be biased to one of the multiple automated chemical analyzers installed, and the number of analysis processes is not evenly distributed, resulting in automated chemical analysis with a small number of analysis processes. The problem with the equipment was that it was often in a waiting state during sample collection, and all of the onboard automatic chemical analyzers were not used to their full potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to solve the problem of waiting for sample collection in such conventional automatic analyzers due to bias in analysis items of requested samples.

(d) Means for Solving the Problems The present invention allows even if a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers are installed, there is no need to wait for sample collection by collecting samples from each automatic chemical analyzer. The aim is to provide an automatic chemical analyzer that can achieve maximum usage.

That is, the present invention provides a first automatic chemical analyzer that includes a sample container transport path and a sample dispensing device that has a first sample collection position on the sample container transport path, In an automatic analyzer provided with a second automatic chemical analyzer equipped with a sample dispensing device having a sampling position,
The first automatic chemical analyzer and the second automatic chemical analyzer measure at least some of the same analysis items, and during analysis, the sample dispensing device of the second automatic chemical analyzer performs its sample collection operation. , the automatic analyzer is started during the analysis operation of the sample dispensing device of the first automatic chemical analyzer.

In the automatic analyzer of the present invention, each of the multiple automatic chemical analyzers installed has a plurality of reaction containers arranged in the reaction line, similar to conventional automatic chemical analyzers,
Along the reaction line, a sample dispensing device, a reagent dispensing device,
A reaction device such as a constant temperature bath, a reaction vessel cleaning device, an absorbance measuring device, etc. are provided, and each analysis item is configured such that at least a portion thereof is the same analysis item.

In the automatic analyzer of the present invention, the sample dispensing device for dispensing samples such as specimens from each of the plurality of automatic chemical analyzers has at least one sample collection position 1 in the sample container transport path. Therefore, the sample collection operation of the sample pipetting device in each automatic chemical analyzer installed is to sequentially move the sample container to the respective sample collection position and transfer the sample container from the sent sample container to the other automatic chemical analyzer. In order to be able to collect a sample without interfering with the sample collection operation of the automatic chemical analyzer, a delay is provided in the sample collection operation with respect to the sample collection operation of other automatic chemical analyzers. In this case, the delay in the sample collection operation is due to the
The sample collection operation of the sample dispensing device of the automatic chemical analyzer is
It is performed in the same way as it is started during the analysis operation of the sample pipetting device of other automatic chemical analyzers.

The delay in the sample collection operation in this case is, for example, assuming that the number of sample collection positions in the sample container transport path for sample collection is rl, and the delay in one sample dispensing operation of the sample dispensing device, that is, one sample dispensing cycle. If the required time is t, it can be set to be delayed sequentially by t, /n.

In this case, by increasing the number of sample collection positions in the sample container transport path for sample collection, the sample collection start time interval between each automatic chemical analyzer can be reduced, and the transport speed of the sample container can be increased. This is preferable for speeding up analysis.

However, if the number of sample collection positions on the sample container transport route for sample collection is set to two, and the number of sample container transport routes for sample collection is increased to match the total number of sample collection positions, The control process of the sampling process can be simplified, and the delay time of the sample dispensing cycle between each automatic chemical analyzer can be uniformly set to t/2. This is preferable because it does not cause unreasonable movements.

In the present invention, when the sample container transport path is constituted by a conveyor, the transport path of the sample container transport conveyor carries a plurality of sample containers placed on a sample rack and transported to a sample collection position. For this reason, the transport path of the sample collection transport conveyor that includes the sample collection position is configured to transport each of the plurality of sample containers placed on the sample rack to the first sample collection position and the second sample collection position multiple times. It is configured so that it can be moved and sampled repeatedly. For this reason, the transport path of the sample collection transport conveyor is different from the transport path of the sample rank transport conveyor and the transport path of the sample rack transport conveyor. Preferably, it is provided separately from the transport path of the transport conveyor. In this case, the transport path of the sample collection transport conveyor including the sample collection position is connected at one end to the transport end of the transport path of the sample rack transport conveyor so that the sample rank can be transferred thereto, and at the other end, Sample! At the end of the carry-in side of the conveyance path of the carry-out conveyor,
Sample racks are connected and provided in a transferable manner.

In addition, if there are three sample collection positions on the sample collection conveyor transport path, rotate the support stand of the sample collection conveyor at the midpoint between the two sample collection positions on the center line of the sample collection conveyor transport path. When formed as a center and rotatable,
By rotating the sample container located at one sample collection position, it can be easily moved to the other sample collection housing.

In the present invention, the sample container transport path can be formed by a turntable. In this case, the turntable for transporting sample containers can be formed to be shared by two or more automatic chemical analyzers mounted on the automatic analyzer. In this case, multiple automatic chemical analyzers installed in the automatic analysis are installed with their sample dispensing sections located around the turntable, and the turntable is used to collect samples within the time required for one sample dispensing cycle. It is preferable to rotate or swing the device according to the number of times.

In the present invention, since each of the plurality of automatic chemical analyzers is configured to handle at least a part of the analysis items the same,
Reagents placed in reagent trays of reagent dispensing devices placed at adjacent locations can be shared.

(E) Function The present invention provides at least a portion of the analysis items to be measured, preferably at least a first automatic chemical analyzer and a second automatic chemical analyzer of a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers installed in an automatic analyzer. Since all the analysis items are the same, the number of analysis items processed between the first and second automatic chemical analyzers is almost or completely the same, and The same sample can be collected into the automatic chemical analyzer in the order of the analysis items, regardless of the analysis items.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the sample collection operation of the sample dispensing device of the second automatic chemical analyzer is started during the analysis operation of the sample dispensing device of the first automatic chemical analyzer. After the sample is collected by the sample dispensing device of the first automatic chemical analyzer, the sample is collected by the sample dispensing device of the second automatic chemical analyzer, reducing wasted time.
The automatic chemical analyzer installed in the automatic analyzer can continue analysis without any time lag.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the analysis of the analysis items for - samples is performed by a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers, resulting in waste due to waiting for sample collection at the time of sample collection in the plurality of automatic chemical analyzers. Even if multiple automatic chemical analyzers are installed, each automatic chemical analyzer will be able to perform almost as many analyzes as the number of analysis items that it processes, and the analysis processing capacity will not be ideal. value can be approached.

(Δ,) EXAMPLE Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited in any way by the following explanation and exemplification.

FIG. 1 shows an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway schematic diagram showing the outline of the sample dispensing section, and FIG. It is a schematic process diagram showing a process. Both Figures 3 and 4 are
FIG. 7 is a schematic partial plan view of an automatic analyzer according to another embodiment of the present invention, mainly showing a sample dispensing section.

In FIG. 1, in an automatic analyzer 1, two automatic chemical analyzers 2 and 3 are arranged side by side along a sample transport conveyor path 4. In this example, the two automatic chemical analyzers 2 and 3 each have the same functions as conventional automatic chemical analyzers.
Reaction disks 5 and 6 are provided. Reaction cuvettes 7 and 8 are attached to the peripheral edges of the reaction disks 5 and 6, forming reaction lines 9 and 10.

In this example, the automatic chemical analyzers 2 and 3 include sample dispensing sections 13 and 14 that include pick-up type sample dispensing devices 11 and 12 along reaction lines 9 and 10, respectively.
, a first reagent dispensing section 19 comprising pick-up type reagent dispensing devices 15 and 16 and reagent tables 17 and 18.
and 20, second reagent dispensing units 24 and 25 which also include reagent dispensing devices 21 and 22 and a common reagent table 23
, cleaning sections 28 and 29 provided with cleaning devices 26 and 27 having a plurality of cleaning nozzles (not shown).
, an absorbance measuring device (not shown) is movably provided for measuring the absorbance of the reaction products of the reaction cuvettes 7 and 8 located in the measurement area.

In this example, the reaction disks 5 and 6 are equipped with side walls having windows, as in conventional automatic chemical analyzers, and are configured to allow temperature control of the reaction temperature and measurement of absorbance. A constant temperature bath is provided.

In this example, a supply section 32 for a sample rack 31 that accommodates a plurality of sample cups 30 containing samples to be analyzed is formed on one side of the automatic analyzer 1, and a supply section 32 for a sample rack 31 is formed on the other side. A sample rack collection section 33 is formed to accommodate the finished sample racks 31. This sample rack supply section 3
2 and the sample rack collecting section 33 are connected by a sample conveyor path 4.

In this example, the sample conveyor path 4 is connected to the inlet conveyor 3.
4. It is formed by a sample collection conveyor 35 and a discharge side conveyor 36. The carry-in conveyor 34 is connected to the supply port 37 of the sample rack supply section 32 on one side, and connected to the carry-in side of the sample collection conveyor 35 on the other side. The carry-out conveyor 36 has one side connected to the collection port 38 of the sample rack collection section 33 and the other side connected to the sample collection conveyor 35.
It is connected to the unloading side.

In this example, the sampling conveyor 35 is provided with two sampling positions 39 and 40.

Sample-like position j [39 is sample dispensing device 1 of automatic analyzer 2
The sample collection position 40 is the sample collection position of the sample dispensing device 12 of the automatic chemical analyzer 3.

In the automatic chemical analyzer W2, the nozzle part (not shown) of the pick-up type sample dispensing device 1 is movable between the sample dispensing position 41 and the sample collecting position 39 of the reaction line 7. The movement route 42 is shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line.

In the automatic chemical analyzer W3, the nozzle part (not shown) of the pick-up type sample dispensing device 12 is movable between the sample dispensing position 43 and the sample collecting position 40 of the reaction line 7, and The path 44 is shown in dash-dotted lines in FIG.

In this example as well, sample dispensing nozzles are installed at the positions of movement paths 42 and 44 between sample dispensing positions N41 and 43 of reaction lines 9 and 10 and sample collection positions 39 and 40, respectively, as in the conventional automatic analyzer. A separate wash well (not shown) is provided.

Since this example has been refined as described above, the sample rack 31 accommodating the sample cup 30 of the sample to be analyzed is placed on the carry-in conveyor 34 through the sample rack supply port 37 . The sample rack 31 placed on the carry-in conveyor 34 is
It is conveyed by an incoming conveyor 34 and transferred from the outgoing end of the conveyor to a sample collection conveyor 35 and sent to a sample holding position 139.

When the sample rack 31 is sent to the sample collection position 39, the sample collection conveyor 35 stops, and the sample dispensing device ffl
11 is moved along the path 42 to the sample collection position 39, and the sample 1 for analysis items A, B, C, and D is first collected for analysis item A from the sample cup 301 located at the front of the sample rack 311. Collect sample 1 by suction. When the sample 1 for analysis item A has been collected from the sample cup 301 at the sample collection position 39, the sample collection conveyor 35 moves in the direction of the arrow 45 and transfers the sample cup 30 of the sample rack 311 to the second sample. Move to sampling position 40. When the sample cup 301 has moved to the sample collection position 40, the sample collection conveyor 35 stops, and the nozzle section of the sample dispensing device 12 is moved along the path 44 to the sample collection position 40, and the sample cup of the sample rack 311 is moved to the sample collection position 40. 30. Sample 1 for analysis item B is collected by suction.

This sample dispensing device ff +2 sample collection is done by sample dispensing device 1.
] (see FIG. 2), the sample dispensing device 12 is placed at the sample collection position 40 in the sample cup 30. At the time when a sample is being collected, the sample dispensing device &11 is in the sample dispensing position 41 and at the sample dispensing position 1 into the reaction cuvette 7.

Sample collection position 40 F Sample cup 301 Analysis item B
After sample 1 has been collected, sample collection conveyor 3
5 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 45 to remove the sample cup 30.5 of the sample rack 31. is moved to the sample collection position 39 to collect sample 1 for analysis item C. Since there are further items to be analyzed, the sample collection conveyor 35 is moved in the direction of arrow 45 to collect sample 1 for analysis item C. is again moved to the sample collection position 40, and sample 1 for the remaining analysis items is collected.

Next, the sample collection conveyor 35 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow 45, the second sample cup 302 is moved to the sample collection position 39, and the sample for analysis item A is dispensed by the sample dispensing device 11. Sample collection position 3
When the sample F42 for analysis item A is collected from the sample cup 302 in step 9, the sample collection conveyor 35 is moved in the direction of the arrow 45 to remove the sample cup 302 from the sample rack 311, as in the case of sample 1. Second sampling position 40
When the sample cup 30□ has moved to the sample collection position 40, the sample collection conveyor 35 is stopped, the nozzle portion of the sample dispensing device 12 is moved along the path 44 to the sample collection position 40, and the sample cup 30□ is moved to the sample collection position 40. Sample 2 for analysis item B is collected from the cup 302 by suction.

Sample cup 30 at sample collection position 40. When sample 2 for analysis item B has been collected from sample collection conveyor 35
in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 45, and remove sample cup 3.
02 to the sample collection position 39, and sample F12 for analysis item C is collected. Since there is no item to be further analyzed for sample 2, next sample collection is performed for sample 3 in the last sample cup 303.Therefore, the sample collection conveyor 35 is moved in the direction of the arrow 45, and the sample rack 3
11 cups 30. to the sample collection position 40,
A sample 3 for the only analysis item A of the sample 2 is collected using the sample dispensing device 12.

Sample rack 31. Since sample collection has been completed for all the sample cups stored in the sample rack 31
will be collected.

The sample sucked into the sample dispensing nozzle at the sample sampling position 39 is held by the sample dispensing nozzle and transferred to the sample dispensing position 4]
and is dispensed into the reaction cuvette 7 located at the first reagent dispensing position 46 of the reaction line 9. The reaction cuvette 7 into which the sample has been dispensed moves along the reaction line 9, and the first reagent is dispensed at the first reagent dispensing position key 46, and then sent to the second reagent dispensing position 47, where the second reagent is dispensed. Reagents are dispensed. ]
The reaction cuvette 7 into which the reagent and the second reagent have been dispensed is subjected to absorbance measurement of the reaction product in the measurement area 6 After the measurement has been completed, the reaction cuvette 7 is washed in the washing section 28 and reused 6 , the sample sucked into the sample dispensing nozzle at the sample sampling position 40 is held by the sample dispensing nozzle and transferred to the sample dispensing position 4 in the same way as the sample collected at the sample sampling position 39.
3 and is dispensed into the reaction cuvette 8 located at the first reagent dispensing position 48 of the reaction line 10. The reaction cuvette 8 into which the sample has been dispensed moves along the reaction line 10,
A first reagent is dispensed at a reagent dispensing position 48, and then sent to a second reagent dispensing position 49, where a second reagent is dispensed. Reaction cuvette 8 into which the first reagent and second reagent are dispensed
The absorbance of the reaction product is measured in a measurement area (not shown). After the measurement has been completed, the reaction cuvette 8 is cleaned in a cleaning section 29 and reused.

In FIG. 2, the positions of the dispensing nostles of the automatic chemical analyzers 1 and 2 are shown on the horizontal axis in units of time.

The upper row shows the operation process of the dispensing nozzle (not shown) of the sample dispensing device 11 of the automatic chemical analyzer 1, and the lower row shows the operation process of the dispensing nozzle (not shown) of the sample dispensing device 11 of the automatic chemical analyzer 2. Note: The operating steps of the nozzle (not shown) are shown.

The dispensing nozzle of the sample dispensing device 11 of the automatic chemical analyzer 1 is held in the upper holding position in the sample dispensing device 11, moves along the path 42, and enters the wash well (not shown). Once the dispensing nozzle reaches the upper position, it descends to the lower holding position, and the dispensing nozzle is washed in the washing well at the lower holding position.When the washing is finished, the dispensing nozzle rises to the upper holding position and continues to hold the sample. Collection position 3
9, and when it reaches the sample collection position 39, it descends, inserts the nozzle tip into the sample container 30', and starts sample collection.

While the sample dispensing device 11 of the automatic chemical analyzer 1 collects a sample, the dispensing nozzle of the sample dispensing device 12 of the automatic chemical analyzer 2 is held in the upper holding position and moved along the path 44. do.

In this way, the delay in sample collection operation of the automatic chemical analyzer 2 with respect to the automatic chemical analyzer 1 is 1/2 analysis cycle, and the automatic chemical analyzer 1 and the automatic chemical analyzer 2 cannot move to the sample collection position at the same time. do not have.

After suctioning the sample, the dispensing nozzle of the automatic chemical analyzer 1 rises while suctioning and holding the sample, moves to the sample dispensing position 141 along the line M@42, and reaches above the sample dispensing position. By the way, it descends and dispenses the sample by discharging the collected sample into the reaction cuvette 7 located at the sample dispensing position.

The automatic chemical analyzer 2 is the same as the automatic chemical analyzer 1 and 1/2.
After a time delay in the analysis cycle, the same steps are followed to collect the sample, dispense the sample, and wash the dispensing nozzle.

In this example, there are two automatic chemical analyzers installed in the automatic analyzer 1, and for convenience of explanation, the sample dispensing device 1
Although the delay in sample collection between sample dispensing device 1 and sample dispensing device 12 is relatively strict to 1/2 cycle, the point is that sample dispensing device 11 and sample dispensing device 12 start collecting samples at the same time.
As long as one of the sample dispensing devices is not in a state of waiting for sample collection, it can be performed at any time interval.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example in which the sample container transport path is formed on a turntable, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In this example, the sample table 46 is the automatic chemical analyzer 2.
and 3.

In this example, the sample table 46 rotates, for example, in the direction of an arrow 47, and transfers the sample cups 30 arranged along the sample cup transfer line 48 along the sample cup transfer line 48. When the sample table 46 rotates, the sample cup 30 is transferred to the sample collection position 39 of the automatic chemical analyzer 2. When the sample table 46 is stopped, the sample cup 30 . A sample is sucked into the nozzle of the sample dispensing device 11. After this sample collection, the sample table 46 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 47 to move the sample cup 301 to the sample collection position 40 of the automatic chemical analyzer 3.
The sample cup 301 is then moved and stopped, and the sample is sucked and collected from the sample cup 301 into the nozzle of the sample dispensing device 12.

While the sample is being sucked and collected by the sample dispensing device 12, the sample collected by the sample dispensing device 11 is dispensed into the reaction cup 7 located at the sample dispensing position 41 of the reaction line 9.

After the sample is collected by the sample dispensing device 12, the sample table 46 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow 47, and the sample cup 3
01 to the sample collection position 39, and the sample is sucked and collected again by the sample dispensing device 11.

As described above, in this example as well, by rotating the sample table 46, the sample cup 301 is moved alternately to the sample collection position 39 and the sample collection position 40, and the sample is alternately supplied to the automatic chemical analyzers 2 and 3. It can be collected and analyzed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial plan view showing an outline of an embodiment different from FIG. 1 in which the sample container conveyance path is purified by a conveyor, with the sample collection conveyor P at the center.

This example differs from the example shown in FIG. 1 in that the sample collection conveyor 35 is configured to be rotatable about an intermediate point 49 between the sample collection positions 39 and 40 on its center line. Other than that, they are refined in the same way.

In this example, the sample collection conveyor 35 is supported on a support 49, and the support 50 is supported on a rotation axis (not shown) of a rotating device for rotation about an intermediate point 49. . In this example, lid members 51 are provided on both sides of the sample collection conveyor 35 at the same height as the reaction disk 2 .

In this example, the sample collection conveyor 35 runs from the inlet conveyor 34 to the sample rack 31 . When the was sent,
The sample cup 30 is moved in the direction of the arrow 45 to the sample collection position 39 of the automatic chemical analyzer 2 . When the sample cup 301 is transferred to the sample collection position 39 and the sample collection conveyor 35 is stopped, a sample is sucked and collected from the sample cup 301 into the nozzle of the sample dispensing device 11 .

When this sample collection is completed and the nozzle is raised, the sample collection conveyor 35 is moved to the sample collection positions 39 and 40.
180 degree arrow 52 with the midpoint 49 between
The sample cup 301 from which the sample has been collected is moved to the sample collection position 40 of the automatic chemical analyzer 3 (the moving path is indicated by 53), and the sample cup 30. A sample is sucked into the nozzle of the sample dispensing device 12.

While the sample is being sucked and collected by the sample dispensing device 12, the sample collected in the sample dispensing device 11 is transferred to a reaction cup (none of which is shown in FIG. 4) located at the sample dispensing position of the reaction line. (not available).

Sample dispensing section? After being sampled by IF 12, sample collection conveyor 35 rotates in the direction of arrow 52 to remove sample cup 30. is moved to the sample collection position 39, and the sample is sucked and collected again by the sample dispensing device 11.

As described above, in this example as well, the sample collection conveyor 35
By rotating the sample cup 30, the sample cup 30 can be alternately moved to the sample collection position 39, sample collection, and sample collection value 140, and samples can be alternately collected and analyzed in the automatic chemical analyzers 2 and 3. .

Once the sample has been collected, the sample collection conveyor 35 moves the sample rack 311 in the direction of the arrow 45, transfers it to the carry-out conveyor 36, and carries it out.

In this example, the sample collection conveyor was rotated only in one direction, but the sample collection conveyor can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions to feed the sample cup to the sample collection position.

(G) Effects of the Invention The present invention provides at least some of the analysis items to be measured with respect to at least a first automatic chemical analyzer and a second automatic chemical analyzer of a plurality of automatic chemical analyzers installed in an automatic analyzer. Preferably, all analysis items are the same, so each automatic chemical analyzer can be used regardless of the combination of analysis items, which was impossible with conventional automatic analyzers equipped with multiple automatic chemical analyzers. This makes it possible to perform analyzes equally, and compared to conventional automatic analyzers of this type, it is possible to significantly increase the number of analysis items per unit of time.

Further, according to the present invention, since the sample collection operation of the sample dispensing device of the second automatic chemical analyzer is started during the analysis operation of the sample dispensing device of the first automatic chemical analyzer, Compared to conventional automatic analyzers, it is possible to reduce wasted time between sample collections in each automatic chemical analyzer, and it is possible to perform analyzes on many analysis items in a short time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway schematic diagram showing the outline of the sample dispensing section, and FIG. It is a schematic process diagram showing the operation process of the injection part. FIG. 3 is a schematic partial plan view mainly showing the sample dispensing section of an automatic analyzer according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic partial plan view showing an outline of an embodiment different from FIG. 1 in which the sample container conveyance path is constituted by a conveyor, centering on the sample collection conveyor. Regarding the symbols in the figure, 1 is an automatic analyzer, 2 and 3 are automatic chemical analyzers, 4 is a sample conveyor, 5 and 6 are reaction disks, 7 and 8 are reaction cuvettes, 9 and 10 are reaction lines, 11 and 12 is a pick-up type sample dispensing device, 13 and 14 are sample dispensing sections, 15.1B, 21 and 22 are reagent separation devices, 17 and 18 are reagent tables, 19 and 20 are reagent dispensing sections, 23 is a common reagent table, 24 and 25 are second reagent dispensing sections, 26 and 2
7 is a cleaning device, 28 and 29 are cleaning sections, 30.303.
302 and 30. are sample cups, 31 and 31. 32 is a sample rack, 32 is a sample rack supply section, 33 is a sample rack recovery section, 34 is a carry-in conveyor, 35 is a sample collection conveyor, 36 is a carry-out conveyor, 37 is a supply port of the sample rack supply section, and 38 is a sample rack. Collection port of collection department, 39 and 40
is a sample collection position, 41 and 43 are sample dispensing positions, 42 and 44 are routes, 45.47 and 52 are arrows indicating directions,
46 is a sample table, 48 is a sample cup conveyance line, 4
Reference numeral 9 indicates the intermediate point between the sample collection positions 39 and 40, 50 indicates the support base 51 as the lid member, and 53 indicates the moving path of the center of the sample cup.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A first automatic chemical analyzer equipped with a sample dispensing device having a sample container transport path and a first sample collection position on the sample container transport path, and a second sample collection position on the sample container transport path. In an automatic analyzer equipped with a second automatic chemical analyzer equipped with a sample dispensing device, the first automatic chemical analyzer and the second automatic chemical analyzer measure at least some of the same analysis items. However, during analysis, the sample dispensing device of the second automatic chemical analyzer recognizes that the sample collection operation is started during the analysis operation of the sample dispensing device of the first automatic chemical analyzer. Features of automatic analysis equipment. (2) A sample container transport path connecting between the first sample collection position and the second sample collection position is formed by a conveyor, and is connected to the sample container carry-in side transport conveyor path at one end, and the sample container at the other end. 2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analysis device is connected to the delivery conveyor path and is capable of being driven in both forward and reverse directions. (3) The conveyor forming the sample container conveyance path connecting the first sample collection position and the second sample collection position is rotatable about the midpoint between the first sample collection position and the sample collection position. 3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analysis device is provided in a. (4) The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first automatic chemical analyzer and the second automatic chemical analyzer are provided so as to share a part of the used reagent table. .