JP5167019B2 - Automatic analyzer and reagent dispensing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a reagent dispensing method thereof.

  Conventionally, an automatic analyzer stores a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents in a reagent cool box and keeps them at a low temperature, and rotates the reagent cool box to move a specific reagent container to a reagent suction position by a dispensing probe. The reagent is sucked from the reagent container and the dispensing nozzle is moved from the reagent cooler to the reagent discharge position of the reaction tank, and then the reagent is discharged into the reaction container held in the reaction tank to dispense the reagent. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). And when an automatic analyzer dispenses a liquid sample such as a reagent or specimen, it detects the liquid level of the liquid sample in order to avoid the so-called carryover caused by excessive penetration of the dispensing probe into the liquid sample. doing.

JP 2008-58216 A

By the way, as a means for detecting the liquid surface of the liquid sample, various methods such as a capacitance method have been proposed, but the liquid surface shakes when the reagent to be dispensed is transported to the dispensing position, There was a problem that the liquid level was erroneously detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of dispensing a reagent while avoiding erroneous detection of the liquid level and a reagent dispensing method thereof. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a reagent and a sample aspirated from a reagent container held in a reagent cooler having a cooler lid in which a reagent suction hole is formed. An automatic analyzer for analyzing the sample by reacting and measuring the optical properties of the reaction solution, wherein the cooler lid is rotated to move the reagent suction hole to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated. Rotating means, and reagent dispensing means having a dispensing probe that moves in accordance with the movement position of the reagent suction hole accompanying the rotation of the cold insulation lid and dispenses the reagent from the cold storage. And

  Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above invention, wherein the reagent dispensing means is disposed in the reagent cool box, and is supported by the support column and the support column that is moved up and down and rotated around the axis. A retractable arm for holding the probe is provided, and the cold insulation lid has a center of rotation coaxial with the support column.

  Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the reagent dispensing means is disposed in the vicinity of the reagent cold storage, and is supported by the column and the column that is moved up and down and rotated around the axis, And a telescopic arm for holding the dispensing probe.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the reagent dispensing method of the present invention dispenses from a plurality of reagent containers held in a reagent cold storage having a cold insulation lid formed with a reagent suction hole. A reagent dispensing method in which a reagent is aspirated by a probe, and the aspirated reagent is discharged into a reaction container to dispense a reagent, wherein the cold insulation lid is rotated to move the reagent suction hole to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated A cooling lid rotating step for moving, a probe moving step for moving the dispensing probe in accordance with a moving position of the reagent suction hole, a suction step for sucking a reagent from the reagent container to be aspirated by the dispensing probe, It is characterized by including.

  The automatic analyzer of the present invention rotates the cold insulation lid to move the reagent suction hole to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated, and moves according to the movement position of the reagent suction hole accompanying the rotation of the cold insulation lid And a reagent dispensing means having a dispensing probe for dispensing the reagent from the cold storage, and the reagent dispensing method of the present invention comprises rotating the cold insulation lid so that the reagent suction hole of the reagent container to be aspirated A cooling cover rotating step for moving to the position, a probe moving step for moving the dispensing probe in accordance with the moving position of the reagent suction hole, and a suction step for sucking the reagent from the reagent container to be sucked by the dispensing probe. Yes. For this reason, the automatic analyzer of the present invention and the reagent dispensing method thereof have an effect that the reagent can be dispensed while avoiding erroneous detection of the liquid level.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the reagent dispensing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer shown together with a sample transport processing unit, an analysis processing unit, and a data processing unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the first reagent cool box, the first reagent dispensing device, and the reaction tank together with the control unit, the dispensing control unit, and the like. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the first reagent cool box, the first reagent dispensing device, and the reaction tank.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample transport processing unit 2, an analysis processing unit 5, and a data processing unit 20.

The sample transport processing unit 2 is a part that supplies the rack 3 holding a plurality of sample containers 3a to the automatic analyzer 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, a rack supply conveyor 2a, a rack transport conveyor 2b, and a rack collection conveyor 2c. The rack 3 is transported along the analysis processing unit 5. The rack 3 is equipped with a plurality of sample containers 3a holding samples such as blood collection tubes, and is sequentially transported via the rack supply conveyor 2a, the rack transport conveyor 2b, and the rack collection conveyor 2c, and the sample suction position Ps on the rack transport conveyor 2b. The sample is aspirated from the sample container 3 a by the sample dispensing device 5. Here, the sample container 3a has an information recording medium such as an identification code label (not shown) on which sample information such as a patient code number is recorded is attached to the side surface of the sample container 3a. In this information recording medium, sample information is obtained by the reader 4 installed on the front side in the transport direction of the rack transport conveyor 2b. The reading device 4 outputs the read sample information to the data processing unit 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the analysis processing unit 5 includes a reaction tank 6, a first reagent cool box 8, a second reagent cool box 11, a first stirrer 14, a second stirrer 15, and a cleaning unit 16. I have.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reaction vessel 6 includes a cuvette wheel 6a that is maintained at a constant temperature (= approximately 37 ° C.) by a heating device (not shown), and a thermostatic lid that covers the top of the cuvette wheel 6a. 6b. The cuvette wheel 6a rotates while holding a plurality of reaction containers C (see FIG. 4) arranged along the circumferential direction, and the reaction containers to be discharged from the first reagent and the second reagent are moved to the reagent discharge holes 6d, Move to position 6e. The thermostatic lid 6b is formed with a specimen discharge hole 6c and reagent discharge holes 6d and 6e on the radially outer edge corresponding to the plurality of reaction containers C. The sample discharge hole 6c is used when the sample is discharged into the reaction container C by the sample dispensing device 7. The reagent discharge hole 6d is used when the first reagent dispensing device 9 discharges the first reagent to the reaction container C, and the reagent discharge hole 6e is discharged to the reaction container C by the second reagent dispensing device 12. Used when doing. The reaction tank 6 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) and a measurement optical system for measuring the reagent dispensed in the reaction container C and the reaction liquid of the specimen. The automatic analyzer 1 analyzes the concentration of the specific component of the sample from the absorbance of the reaction solution calculated by the analysis unit 21a of the control unit 21 based on the measurement value of the measurement optical system.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing device 7 is disposed between the sample transport processing unit 2 and the reaction tank 6 and is configured in substantially the same manner as the first reagent dispensing device 9. It has a dispensing arm 7b supported by 7a, a dispensing probe held by the dispensing arm 7b, a cleaning tank 7c, a dispensing controller, and a liquid level detection device. The sample dispensing device 7 supplies the sample by moving the dispensing probe along a trajectory along an arc passing through the sample suction position Ps on the sample discharge hole 6c, the cleaning tank 7c, and the rack transport conveyor 2b of the reaction tank 6. The dispensing probe aspirates the sample from the sample container 3a transferred to the position Ps and discharges it to the reaction container C, thereby dispensing the sample.

  The first reagent cooler 8 and the second reagent cooler 11 are configured and only attached with different reagents, and the first reagent dispensing device 9, the second reagent dispensing device 12, the first washing tank 10, and the second attached. The structure of the washing tank 13 is the same, and the reaction tank 6, the first reagent cold box 8 and the second reagent cold box 11 are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, the first reagent cool box 8, the first reagent dispensing device 9 and the first washing tank 10 will be described, and the second reagent cool box 11, the second reagent dispensing apparatus 12 and the second washing tank 13 will be handled. The description corresponding to the components to be used is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first reagent cool box 8 has a cool box body 8a and a cool cover 8b that covers the top of the cool box body 8a, and the cool box body 8a does not rotate. The cold insulation cover 8b rotates. The cool box main body 8a keeps the plurality of first reagent containers Br1 (see FIG. 4) in the radially partitioned interior. The cold insulation lid 8b is formed with a reagent suction hole 8c for sucking the reagent from the first reagent container Br1 by the first reagent dispensing device 9. The first reagent cold storage 8 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent container Br1 cooled in the cold storage main body 8a by the first reagent dispensing device 9, and discharges it to the reaction container C held in the reaction tank 6. To dispense the first reagent.

  The first reagent dispensing device 9 is driven under the control of the dispensing control unit 90, and is arranged at the center of the first reagent cooler 8 as shown in FIGS. A column 9a that rotates in a straight line, a telescopic dispensing arm 9b that is supported by the column 9a, a dispensing probe 9c that is held by the dispensing arm 9b, an actuator 9d, and a dispensing controller 90. The support column 9a and the dispensing arm 9b have a telescopic structure, and are configured to be vertically movable and telescopic when driven by an actuator 9d. The dispensing probe 9 c is connected to the extruded water tank 92 by a pipe 91 and is filled with the extruded water together with the pipe 91.

  At this time, the first reagent dispensing device 9 is a liquid level detecting device in which the dispensing probe 9c is formed from a conductive metal and detects the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent container by a change in capacitance. Have. The actuator 9d is connected to the cold insulation lid 8b via a clutch mechanism 9e provided on the lower upper part of the column 9a, and is a cold insulation lid rotating means for rotating the cold insulation lid 8b. Automatic analysis input from the control unit 21 Based on the control signal of the apparatus 1, the dispensing control unit 90 controls the reagent suction hole 8c to the position of the first reagent container Br1 to be suctioned with high accuracy. However, the cold insulation lid 8b can be moved upward along the support column 9a by releasing the connection with the clutch mechanism 9e.

  The dispensing control unit 90 is connected to a liquid level detection device that detects the liquid level of the first reagent via the control unit 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing control unit 90 drives the syringe pump 96 to dispense the first reagent based on the liquid level detection signal input from the liquid level detection device via the control unit 21. Dispensing control means for controlling the operation of the portion 96a, sucking the first reagent through the air layer between the dispensing probe 9c and the extruded water, and discharging the sucked first reagent to the reaction container C. For example, an electronic control unit (ECU) is used. Therefore, the dispensing control unit 90 shares information regarding control of the automatic analyzer 1 with the control unit 21. Here, when the dispensing probe 9c is washed, the dispensing control unit 90 controls the operation of the drive unit 96a under the control signal from the control unit 21, and discharges the extrusion water so that the inside of the dispensing probe 9c is discharged. Wash.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent dispensing device 9 is provided with a pressure pump 93, an air trap 94, an electromagnetic valve 95 including a three-way valve, and a syringe pump 96 in order from the extruded water tank 92 side. It has been. The electromagnetic valve 95 is connected to a return pipe 91 a that returns the extruded water pumped by the pressurizing pump 93 to the extruded water tank 92. The syringe pump 96 is driven by the drive unit 96 a, sucks the first reagent from the first reagent container, and dispenses the first reagent by discharging it to the reaction container C held in the reaction tank 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first washing tank 10 is arranged between the reaction tank 6 and the first reagent cold storage 8 and operates under the control of the control unit 21 to dispense the first reagent. The outside of the probe 9c is washed with extruded water. As shown in FIG. 3, the first cleaning tank 10 is connected between a pressurizing pump 93 and a pipe 91 connecting the air trap 94 by a pipe 101 provided with an electromagnetic valve 102 composed of a three-way valve. The electromagnetic valve 102 is connected to a return pipe 101 a that returns the extruded water pumped by the pressurizing pump 93 to the extruded water tank 92. At this time, the extruded water discharged from the dispensing probe 9c and the extruded water discharged to the inside of the first cleaning tank 10 to clean the outside of the dispensing probe 9c pass through a pipe (not shown) below the first cleaning tank 10. Discarded.

  The first stirring device 14 and the second stirring device 15 are stirring devices that stir the liquid in the reaction vessel C into which only the reagent has been dispensed or the reaction vessel C into which the reagent and the sample have been dispensed with a stirring rod.

  The washing unit 16 has a plurality of nozzles for washing the reaction container C in which the reagent and the sample are dispensed and the photometry of the reaction liquid is finished. The cleaning unit 16 includes a suction nozzle that sucks and discards the reaction liquid from the reaction container C, a discharge nozzle that discharges the extruded water to the reaction container C, and a suction nozzle that sucks the discharged extruded water and cleans the reaction container C. And an air nozzle for supplying compressed air to the reaction container C after sucking the extruded water and drying it.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the data processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21, an input unit 22, and a display unit 23.

For example, a microcomputer having a storage function for storing analysis results is used as the control unit 21, and connected to each component of the sample transport processing unit 2 and the analysis processing unit 5, the input unit 22, and the display unit 23. The operation of each part of the automatic analyzer 1 is controlled. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 has an analysis unit 21a. The analysis unit 21a receives the identification number of the sample or reagent input from the host computer, the arrangement positions of the first reagent container and the second reagent container in the first reagent cool box 8 and the second reagent cool box 11, the analysis item, the retest Information related to analysis such as necessity is stored. The analysis unit 17a also analyzes the component concentration of the specimen from the absorbance (optical characteristics) of the reaction liquid of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction container C obtained based on the amount of light measured by the measurement optical system provided in the reaction tank 6. And memorize the analysis result. In addition, for example, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the liquid level is based on a detection signal output from the liquid level detection device of the first reagent dispensing device 9. The position in the vertical direction of the liquid level with respect to the position is obtained, and the liquid level position signal is output to the dispensing control unit 90 together with the detection signal input from the liquid level detection device.

The input unit 22 is a part for performing input operations such as the number of samples and examination items to the control unit 21. For example, a keyboard and a mouse are used. The display unit 23 displays an analysis content including an analysis result, an alarm including a sample shortage based on a vertical position of the sample liquid level detected by the liquid level detection device , and a display panel or the like is used. .

  The automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above is configured such that the first reagent dispensing device 9 causes the first reagent dispensing device 9 to transfer the first reagent to the reaction container C which is transported to the dispensing position of the first reagent along the circumferential direction by the rotating cuvette wheel 6a. The first reagent is sequentially dispensed from the reagent container. The reaction container C into which the first reagent has been dispensed is conveyed along the circumferential direction by the cuvette wheel 6a, and the sample is sequentially dispensed from the sample container 3a conveyed to the sample supply position Ps by the sample dispensing apparatus 7. The

  Then, the reaction container C into which the sample has been dispensed is conveyed to the dispensing position of the second reagent by the cuvette wheel 6a, and the second reagent is sequentially transferred from the second reagent container to the reaction container C by the second reagent dispensing device 11. It is dispensed. During this time, in the reaction container C, the dispensed reagent, reagent, and sample are stirred by the first stirring device 14 and the second stirring device 15, and the reagent and sample are sequentially stirred to react. The reaction liquid in which the sample and the reagent have reacted in this way passes through the measurement optical system provided in the reaction tank 6 when the cuvette wheel 6a is rotated again, and the reaction liquid of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container C is controlled by the control unit 21. The component concentration of the specimen is analyzed from the absorbance (optical characteristics) of the sample. Further, the reaction container C that has been analyzed is washed in the washing unit 16 and then used again for analyzing the specimen.

  At this time, in the reagent cooler of the automatic analyzer 1, for example, the first reagent cooler 8 does not rotate the cooler main body 8a, and the cooler cover 8b rotates together with the dispensing probe 9c under the control of the control unit 21. Is configured to do. Then, according to the reagent dispensing method described below, the first reagent is dispensed using the dispensing probe 9c. Here, for example, when dispensing the first reagent from the first reagent container Br1 in the first reagent cool box 8, the control unit 21 first places the cool cover 8b together with the dispensing probe 9c in the first reagent shown in FIG. It is moved to the position of the reagent container Br1 (cooling lid rotating step, probe moving step).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the control unit 21 contracts the support column 9a to lower the dispensing arm 9b, and moves the dispensing probe 9c to the upper part of the first reagent container Br1 through the reagent suction hole 8c. Insert into the opening. Next, the control unit 21 inserts the dispensing probe 9c into the first reagent container Br1, and causes the dispensing probe 9c to aspirate the first reagent (aspiration process). At this time, in the dispensing probe 9c, the dispensing operation of the first reagent is controlled by the dispensing controller 90 with reference to the liquid level position of the first reagent detected by the liquid level detection device.

  After aspirating the first reagent to the dispensing probe 9c, the control unit 21 extends the column 9a of the first reagent dispensing device 9 and raises the dispensing arm 9b to the original position shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control unit 21 rotates the cold insulation lid 8b by the actuator 9d and extends the dispensing arm 9b, thereby causing the dispensing probe 9c to move to the reagent discharge hole 6d of the thermostatic lid 6b. Move to just above. At this time, in the first reagent cooler 8, only the cooler lid 8b rotates without the cooler main body 8a rotating. Further, the automatic analyzer 1 rotates the cuvette wheel 6a under the control of the control unit 21, and moves the reaction container C to be discharged to the position of the reagent discharge hole 6d.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the control unit 21 contracts the support column 9a to lower the dispensing arm 9b, and inserts the dispensing probe 9c into the reaction tank 6 from the reagent discharge hole 6d. The first reagent sucked by the injection probe 9c is discharged into the reaction container C to be discharged. After discharging the first reagent R1 to the reaction vessel C, the control unit 21 extends the support column 9a and raises the dispensing arm 9b to the position shown in FIGS.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit 21 rotates the cold insulation lid 8b by the actuator 9d, slightly contracts the dispensing arm 9b, and places the dispensing probe 9c directly above the first cleaning tank 10. Move to. Next, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the control unit 21 contracts the support column 9 a to lower the dispensing arm 9 b and inserts the dispensing probe 9 c into the first cleaning tank 10. Then, the inside and outside of the dispensing probe 9c are washed by the extruded water discharged under the control of the dispensing control unit 90 and the control unit 21.

  After finishing the cleaning of the dispensing probe 9c in this manner, the control unit 21 raises the dispensing arm 9b above the first cleaning tank 10 as shown in FIGS. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 21 rotates the cold insulation lid 8b together with the dispensing probe 9c by the actuator 9d, and moves the reagent suction hole 8c to the position of the first reagent container Br1 to be newly suctioned. Then, the dispensing arm 9b is contracted to move the dispensing probe 9c directly above the reagent suction hole 8c.

  And it transfers to the dispensing operation | work of a new 1st reagent again, and repeats the same dispensing operation | work. At this time, the second reagent dispensing device 12 also dispenses the second reagent by the dispensing probe 12c in the same manner as the first reagent dispensing device 9.

  Thus, in the automatic analyzer 1, the cool box body 8a does not rotate, and the cool cover 8b of the first reagent cool box 8 is rotated by the actuator 9d of the first reagent dispensing device 9 to form the cool cover 8b. The reagent suction hole 8c moves to the position of the first reagent container Br1 to be suctioned. And the 2nd reagent cool box 11 is comprised similarly to the 1st reagent cool box 8. FIG. The first reagent dispensing device 9 is arranged at the center of the first reagent cooler 8 and is supported by the column 9a that moves up and down and rotates around the axis, and the expansion and contraction that holds the dispensing probe 9c. A flexible dispensing arm 9b is provided, and the second reagent dispensing device 12 is similarly configured. Then, the control unit 21 moves the dispensing probe 9c in accordance with the position of the reagent discharge hole 6d of the reaction tank 6 and the movement of the reagent suction hole 8c accompanying the rotation of the cold insulation lid 8b, and the first reagent container Br1 to be sucked. The reagent is aspirated from the liquid, and the aspirated reagent is discharged into the discharge target reaction container C for dispensing, and the second reagent is also dispensed in the same manner.

Accordingly, in the automatic analyzer 1, since the cold storage bodies 8a and 11a of the first reagent cold storage 8 and the second reagent cold storage 11 do not rotate, the liquid levels of the first reagent and the second reagent to be dispensed move. There is nothing. For this reason, the automatic analyzer 1 can dispense the first reagent and the second reagent without erroneously detecting the liquid levels of the first reagent and the second reagent. The automatic analyzer 1, since the covering refrigerator body 8a, the 11a cold cover 8b, at 11b, as well as properly holding the temperature of the first reagent and the second reagent, the first reagent and the second reagent The evaporation from the first reagent container Br1 and the second reagent container Br2 can also be prevented.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the reagent dispensing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, the washing tanks 10 and 13 are arranged between the reaction tank 6 and the first reagent cool box 8 and the second reagent cool box 11. On the other hand, in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment, a part of the cool box body 8a of the first reagent cool box 8 is partly cut out, and the cuvette wheel 6a of the reaction tank 6 enters the cool box body 8a side, and the constant temperature is maintained. The lid 6b is also partially cut away so that the cold insulation lid 8b enters the constant temperature lid 6b side.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first reagent cool box, a first reagent dispensing device, and a reaction tank in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the first reagent cool box, the first reagent dispensing device, and the reaction tank. Here, the automatic analyzer of each embodiment described below has the same configuration as the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. The same components as those of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described using the same reference numerals.

The automatic analyzer 30 according to the second embodiment includes the reaction tank 6 and the first reagent cooler 8 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the reaction tank 6 has a notch 6f formed by notching the first reagent cooler 8 side of the thermostatic lid 6b to the outer edge shape of the cool lid 8b. For this reason, the thermostatic lid 6b has the specimen discharge hole 6c and the reagent discharge hole 6e, but does not have the reagent discharge hole 6d. When the reaction vessel 6 is in a single state, the upper portion of the reaction vessel C positioned at the notch 6f of the thermostatic lid 6b among the plurality of reaction vessels C held by the cuvette wheel 6a is opened.

  As with the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment, the first reagent cooler 8 does not rotate the cool cooler main body 8a, and cuts the reaction cooler 6 side of the cool cooler main body 8a according to the shape of the notch 6f. A recess 8d is formed by lacking. The first reagent cooler 8 also serves as a reagent discharge hole 6d for discharging the first reagent sucked by the reagent suction hole 8c formed in the cool cover 8b to the reaction container C, and covers the top of the notch 6f of the reaction tank 6. The cold insulation lid 8b also serves as the constant temperature lid 6b.

And the automatic analyzer 30 arrange | positions the outer edge of the cuvette wheel 6a in the recessed part 8d of the outer edge of the cool box main body 8a, arrange | positions the outer edge of the cold insulating cover 8b in the notch part 6f, and the reaction container C located in the notch part 6f. The upper part is covered with a cold insulation lid 8b. Here, when the dispensing probe 9c of the first reagent dispensing device 9 moves to the reaction tank 6 side to discharge the first reagent, as shown in FIG. 17, the cuvette wheel 6a is placed below the notch 6f. The rotation of the reaction container C is controlled by the control unit 21 so that the positioned reaction container C is directly below the reagent suction hole 8c formed in the cold insulation lid 8b.

As a result, in the automatic analyzer 30 , as in the automatic analyzer 1, the cool box body 8 a does not rotate, and the first reagent dispensing device 9 rotates the cool cover 8 b to the position of the first reagent container Br 1 to be aspirated. Thus, the first reagent can be dispensed by aspirating the first reagent and discharging the aspirated reagent to the reaction container C immediately below the reagent aspiration hole 8c. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 30, similar to the automatic analyzer 1, without erroneously detecting the liquid surface of the first reagent, the first reagent can be dispensed properly the temperature of the first reagent While being held, evaporation of the first reagent from the first reagent container Br1 can be prevented.

Therefore, the automatic analyzer 30, by configuring the reactor 6 and the second cool reagent-container 11 in the same manner as described above, can be dispensed without also erroneously detects the liquid surface for the second reagent, the second while properly holding the temperature of the reagent can be prevented even evaporation from the second reagent container Br2 in the second reagent.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the reagent dispensing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the automatic analyzers 1 and 30 of the first and second embodiments, the reaction tank 6, the first reagent cold box 8 and the second reagent cold box 11 are arranged on the same plane. On the other hand, in the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment, the first reagent cold storage 8 is arranged on the upper side of the reaction tank 6.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first reagent cool box, a first reagent dispensing device, and a reaction tank in the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent cool box, the first reagent dispensing device, and the reaction tank.

The automatic analyzer 40 according to the third embodiment includes the reaction tank 6 and the first reagent cooler 8 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the reaction tank 6 includes a cuvette wheel 6 a in which a plurality of reaction containers C are arranged along the circumferential direction, and a specimen discharge hole 6 c at a radial outer edge corresponding to the plurality of reaction containers C. And a thermostatic lid 6b in which reagent discharge holes 6d and 6e are formed, and the configuration is the same as that of the reaction tank 6 of the first embodiment. However, the reaction tank 6 is disposed such that the radial distance from the support 9a to the reagent discharge hole 6d is equal to the radial distance from the support 9a to the reagent suction hole 8c. Thereby, when the reaction tank 6 rotates the dispensing arm 9b and moves the dispensing probe 9c to the reaction tank 6 side, the reagent discharge hole 6d comes directly under the dispensing probe 9c.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first reagent cooler 8 is disposed on the upper side in the vicinity of the reaction tank 6, and the cooler main body 8 a and the cooler lid 8 b on the reaction tank 6 side are cut out in a fan shape. Yes. The first reagent cooler 8 is first in a position where the radial distance from the column 9a is cut out in a fan shape of the first reagent cooler 8 equal to the radial distance from the column 9a to the reagent suction hole 8c. A cleaning tank 10 is arranged.

Thus, since the automatic analyzer 40 has placed the first reagent cooler 8 on the upper side of the reaction tank 6, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the column 9a of the first reagent dispensing device 9 has a three-stage telescope. It has a scope-type structure. However, since the first reagent dispensing device 9 has the same radial distance from the column 9a to the reagent suction hole 8c and the radial distance from the column 9a to the reagent discharge hole 6d, the first reagent dispensing device 9 may not have a telescopic structure. Good.

When the dispensing probe 9c of the first reagent dispensing device 9 discharges the first reagent sucked from the first reagent container Br1, the automatic analyzer 40 rotates the dispensing arm 9b around the support 9a. The dispensing probe 9c is moved to the reaction tank 6 side. Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the automatic analyzer 40 contracts the support column 9a to lower the dispensing arm 9b, and inserts the dispensing probe 9c into the reaction tank 6 through the reagent discharge hole 6d, thereby dispensing. The first reagent sucked by the probe 9c is discharged to the reaction container C to be discharged.

As a result, in the automatic analyzer 40 , as in the automatic analyzer 1, the cool box body 8a does not rotate, and the first reagent dispensing device 9 rotates the cool cover 8b to the position of the first reagent container Br1 to be aspirated. Thus, the first reagent can be dispensed by aspirating the first reagent and discharging the aspirated reagent to the reaction container C immediately below the reagent discharge hole 6d. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 40, as in the automatic analyzer 1, without erroneously detecting the liquid surface of the first reagent, the first reagent can be dispensed properly the temperature of the first reagent While being held, evaporation of the first reagent from the first reagent container Br1 can be prevented.

Therefore, the automatic analyzer 40, by configuring the reactor 6 and the second cool reagent-container 11 in the same manner as described above, can be dispensed without also erroneously detects the liquid surface for the second reagent, the second while properly holding the temperature of the reagent, it is possible to prevent evaporation from the second reagent container Br2 in the second reagent.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the reagent dispensing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the automatic analyzers 1, 30 and 40 according to the first to third embodiments, the first reagent dispensing device 9 and the second reagent dispensing device 12 are arranged at the center of the first reagent cold storage 8 and the second reagent cold storage 11. It had been. In contrast, in the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment, the first reagent dispensing device 9 and the second reagent dispensing device 12 are arranged outside the first reagent cold storage 8 and the second reagent cold storage 11. . FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment shown together with the sample transport processor and the analysis processor.

Here, in the automatic analyzer 50 , the first reagent dispensing device 9 and the second reagent dispensing device 12 are arranged outside the first reagent cold storage 8 and the second reagent cold storage 11, and the first reagent dispensing device. 9 and the second reagent dispensing device 12 have the same configuration. Accordingly, the first reagent dispensing device 9 will be described, and the second reagent dispensing device 12 will be described using the reference numerals corresponding to the corresponding components when necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the first reagent dispensing device 9 has a dispensing arm 9 b having a three-stage telescope structure, and is arranged in the vicinity of the first reagent cold storage 8. The first reagent dispensing device 9 is controlled by the dispensing control unit 90, and as shown in FIG. 23, the column 9a that moves up and down and rotates around the axis, and the telescopic dispensing arm 9b that is supported by the column 9a. And a dispensing probe 9c and an actuator 9d held by the dispensing arm 9b.

  Further, in the first reagent cooler 8 and the second reagent cooler 11, the cool lids 8b and 11b are respectively rotated by an actuator under the control of the control unit 21, and the reagent suction hole is moved to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated. To do. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the first reagent cool box 8 is provided with an actuator 8e such as a motor at the center lower part, and a cool cover 8b is attached to a rotating shaft 8f of the actuator 8e via a clutch 8g.

For this reason, even if the first reagent dispensing device 9 is arranged outside the first reagent cold storage 8, the automatic analyzer 50 expands and contracts the dispensing arm 9 b as necessary to extend the first reagent cold storage. The first reagent can be sucked from the eight desired first reagent containers Br1 and the first reagent can be discharged to the reaction container C to be discharged through the reagent discharge hole 6d of the reaction tank 6. The same applies to the second reagent dispensing device 12.

Therefore, the automatic analyzer 50, as in the automatic analyzer 1, without erroneously detecting the liquid surface of the first reagent and the second reagent, it is possible to the first reagent and the second reagent is dispensed, the first the temperature of the reagent or the second reagent with appropriately held, it is possible to prevent evaporation from the second reagent container Br2 in the first reagent container Br1 and the second reagent of the first reagent.

  The automatic analyzer of the present invention is provided with a control means for controlling the operation of the automatic analyzer and a dispensing control means for controlling the dispensing operation of the reagent dispensing means, but these are combined into one control means. May be.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the automatic analyzer shown with a sample conveyance process part, an analysis process part, and a data process part. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a 1st reagent cool box, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank with a control part, a dispensing control part, etc. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a 1st reagent cool box, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which inserted the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus into the opening of the 1st reagent container. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cool box, the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and reaction tank in the state shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which moved the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus just above the reagent discharge hole of a thermostat lid. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cold storage in the state shown in FIG. 7, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which discharges the 1st reagent which the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus attracted | sucked to the cuvette of discharge object. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cold storage in the state shown in FIG. 9, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which moved the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus just above the washing tank. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cold storage in the state shown in FIG. 11, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which inserted the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus in the washing tank. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cold storage in the state shown in FIG. 13, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which moved the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus to the position of the new 1st reagent container of the aspiration object. It is a schematic block diagram of the 1st reagent cool box, the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and the reaction tank in the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 2. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a 1st reagent cool box, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first reagent cold box, a first reagent dispensing device, and a reaction tank in an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a 1st reagent cool box, a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and a reaction tank. It is a top view which shows the reaction tank and 1st reagent cold storage which removed the thermostat lid and the cold insulation lid | cover with the dispensing arm of a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the 1st reagent cool box, the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus, and the reaction tank in the state which discharges the 1st reagent which the dispensing probe of the 1st reagent dispensing apparatus discharged to the cuvette of discharge object. . It is a schematic block diagram of the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 4 shown with a sample conveyance process part, an analysis process part, and a data process part. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a 1st reagent cool box and a 1st reagent dispensing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Specimen conveyance processing part 3a Specimen container 3 Rack 4 Reader 5 Analytical processing part 6 Reaction tank 6d, 6e Reagent discharge hole 6b Constant temperature lid 6c Specimen discharge hole 7 Specimen dispensing device 8 1st reagent cool box 8a Cold storage Storage body 8b Cooling cover 8c Reagent suction hole 9 First reagent dispensing device 9c Dispensing probe 9e Clutch mechanism 90 Dispensing control unit 91 Pipe 92 Extruded water tank 93 Pressure pump 94 Air trap 95 Solenoid valve 96 Syringe pump 10 1st Cleaning tank 101 Piping 102 Solenoid valve 11 Second reagent cooler 12 Second reagent dispensing device 13 Second cleaning tank 14 First stirring device 15 Second stirring device 16 Cleaning unit 20 Data processing unit 21 Control unit 22 Input unit 23 Display Section Br1 First reagent container C Reaction container Ps Sample supply position

Claims (4)

Reacting the reagent sucked from the reagent container held in the reagent cooler having the cooler lid having the reagent suction hole and the cooler main body with the specimen, and measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction solution, the specimen is An automatic analyzer for analyzing, wherein the cool box main body accommodates the reagent container so that the suction opening of the reagent container is arranged on a rotation trajectory of the reagent suction hole by the rotation of the cool cover. The automatic analyzer is
A cooler lid rotating means for rotating the cooler lid without rotating the cooler main body and moving the reagent suction hole to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated;
Reagent dispensing means having a dispensing probe that moves in accordance with the movement position of the reagent suction hole accompanying the rotation of the cold insulation lid and dispenses the reagent from the cold storage;
Ru equipped with an automatic analyzer. The reagent dispensing means is disposed in the reagent cold storage, and includes a column that moves up and down and rotates around an axis, and a telescopic arm that is supported by the column and holds the dispensing probe.
The cold lid, the center of rotation is the pillar coaxial automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The reagent dispensing means is disposed in the vicinity of the reagent cold storage, and includes a column that moves up and down and rotates around an axis, and a telescopic arm that is supported by the column and holds the dispensing probe . The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. A reagent is aspirated by a dispensing probe from a plurality of reagent containers held in a reagent cooler having a cooler lid having a reagent suction hole and a cooler body, and the aspirated reagent is discharged into the reaction container to separate the reagent. A reagent dispensing method for pouring, wherein the cool box body contains the reagent container so that the suction opening of the reagent container is disposed on a rotation locus of the reagent suction hole by rotation of the cool cover. The reagent dispensing method is
A cold storage lid rotating step of rotating the cold storage lid without rotating the cold storage body and moving the reagent suction hole to the position of the reagent container to be aspirated;
A probe moving step of moving the dispensing probe according to the movement position of the reagent suction hole;
A suction step of sucking a reagent from the reagent container to be sucked by the dispensing probe;
Including a method.

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