JP6929636B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that transports a sample, dispenses it into a reaction vessel, and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel.

The automatic analyzer targets biochemical test items, immunological test items, etc., dispenses the sample collected from the subject and the reagent of each test item into the reaction vessel, and mixes the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel. Optically measure changes in color tone and turbidity caused by the reaction of the liquid. As a result of the measurement, the automatic analyzer can obtain analytical data represented by the concentration of each test item component contained in the sample, the activity of the enzyme, and the like.

The automatic analyzer has a dispensing lane provided so that the sample rack holding the sample container containing the sample can be transported to the position where the sample is dispensed, and the sample rack can be transported to the dispensing lane. Some of the transport lanes are provided so as to cover the upper part of the dispensing lane to which the probe for dispensing the sample moves to ensure safety.

This automatic analyzer transports the sample rack mounted on the transport lane to the pull-in position, and then transports the sample rack mounted on the transport lane to the dispensing lane at the pull-in position of the transport lane. The automatic analyzer dispenses the sample in the sample container held in the sample rack transported to the dispensing lane, and when the sample dispensing is completed, the sample rack is transported to the transport lane. When a small number of sample racks are distributed for inspection, it may be desirable to interrupt the transport operation in the middle of the inspection in order to remove the sample rack from the transport lane or add a sample rack to the transport lane. .. In this case, if a special rack (end rack) is placed near the retracted position or at the retracted position, the transport operation can be stopped by detecting the end rack at the retracted position. When the work is completed, the transport operation can be restarted by removing the end rack from the retracted position.

However, recently, in order to further ensure safety, a cover that covers the upper part of the lead-in position of the transport lane is required. Therefore, if the cover is arranged above the retracted position, it becomes difficult to place the end rack at the retracted position or remove the end rack from the retracted position.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-281988

An object of the present invention to be solved is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of easily stopping and restarting the transport operation of a sample rack.

In order to achieve the above object, the automatic analyzer of the embodiment is an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel. A dispensing lane for transporting a sample rack holding a contained sample container to a position where the sample is dispensed, a transport lane provided so that the sample rack can be transported to the dispensing lane, and the above. The first transport mechanism for transporting the sample rack in the transport lane, the detector for detecting the presence or absence of the sample rack in the transport lane, and the sample rack detected by the detector are the first transport lane. A second transport mechanism that transports the sample from the position to the dispensing lane, and when the dispensing of the sample in the sample container held in the sample rack is completed, transports the sample rack to the second position of the transport lane. Then, the dispensing lane, the cover arranged so as to cover the upper part of the sample rack at the first position and the second position, and the first and second transfer mechanisms are subjected to the transfer operation. When the sample rack disappears from the dispensing lane, the first position, and the second position based on the presence or absence of the sample rack detected by the detector, the first and second transports are performed. It is provided with a control unit that controls to stop the operation of the mechanism.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. The plan view which shows an example of the structure of the tray which concerns on embodiment. The plan view which shows the structure of the sampler part which concerns on embodiment. The plan view which shows the configuration of the transport lane and the dispensing lane which concerns on embodiment, and an example of arrangement of a tray detector and a rack detector. The figure which shows an example of the tray placed in the standby area on the transport lane which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the tray which the head holding part which concerns on embodiment stopped at the 1st position. The figure which shows the 1st sample rack which was carried from the holding part of the 1st position which concerns on embodiment to the pull-in lane. The figure which shows the 1st sample rack which was carried from the pull-in lane to the extrusion lane which concerns on embodiment, and the tray which was moved by 1 pitch. The figure which shows the 2nd sample rack which is carried from the holding part of the 1st position which concerns on embodiment to the pull-in lane. The figure which shows the 1st sample rack which is carried from the extrusion lane which concerns on embodiment to the holding part of a 2nd position. The figure which shows the 1st sample rack which was carried to the holding part of the 2nd position which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd sample rack which was carried from the pull-in lane to the extrusion lane which concerns on embodiment, and the tray which was moved 1 pitch. The figure which shows the 2nd sample rack which carried from the extrusion lane which concerns on embodiment to the holding part of a 2nd position. FIG. 5 shows a tray in which two adjacent holding portions that do not hold the sample rack according to the embodiment are stopped at the first and second positions. One tray with a vacant sample rack in the rearmost holding portion placed adjacent to the waiting area on the transport lane according to the embodiment and the other tray with a vacant sample rack in the first holding portion. The figure which shows. Indicates one tray in which the rearmost holding portion having a vacant sample rack according to the embodiment is stopped at the second position and a tray in which the first holding portion having a vacant sample rack is stopped at the first position. figure. The figure which shows the tray which the 1st to 4th sample rack which concerns on embodiment carried to the collection area. The figure which shows the rack detector arranged in the 3rd position which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the tray which stopped the moving operation by the detection of the emptyness of the sample rack of three adjacent holding part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the dispensing lane which consists of one lane which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the tray which stopped the moving operation by the detection of the emptyness of the sample rack of one holding part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the dispensing lane which consists of three lanes which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the tray which stopped the moving operation by the detection of the emptyness of the sample rack of three adjacent holding part which concerns on embodiment.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. The automatic analyzer 100 dispenses each sample such as a standard sample or a test sample corresponding to each test item and a reagent corresponding to each test item, and measures a mixed solution of each sample and each reagent as a standard. The analysis unit 10 for generating data and test data is provided. The analysis unit 10 is composed of a plurality of units for dispensing each sample, dispensing each reagent, and the like, and includes a drive unit 30 for driving these units.

Further, the automatic analysis device 100 includes an analysis control unit 33 that controls the drive unit 30 to operate each unit of the analysis unit 10. Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a data processing unit 40 that processes standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 10 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each inspection item. Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes an output unit 50 that outputs calibration data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 40.

Further, the automatic analyzer 100 performs an input for setting an analysis parameter for generating analysis data for each inspection item, a sample ID for identifying this sample for each sample, and an inspection for generating analysis data by setting an inspection item. It is provided with an input unit 60 for inputting data to be performed. Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a system control unit 70 that controls the analysis control unit 33, the data processing unit 40, and the output unit 50 in an integrated manner.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis unit 10. The analysis unit 10 includes a sample container 11 for accommodating each sample such as a standard sample and a test sample for each inspection item, a sample rack 12 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers 11 in a row, and a plurality of sample racks 12. A tray 13 having a plurality of holding portions capable of individually holding an array is provided. Further, the analysis unit 10 moves the sample rack 12 on which the tray 13 is placed and held on the placed tray 13 to a position where the sample can be dispensed in the sample container 11 held on the sample rack 12. It is provided with a sampler portion 14 provided so as to be able to carry the sample.

Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a first reagent container 15 containing the first reagents of the one-reagent system and the two-reagent system, which are reagents that react with the components of each test item contained in each sample, and a plurality of first reagents. It includes a first reagent rack 16 that movably holds the container 15. Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a second reagent container 17 for accommodating a second reagent paired with the first reagent of the two-reagent system, and a second reagent rack 18 for movably holding a plurality of second reagent containers 17. It has.

Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 19 arranged on the circumference and a reaction disk 20 for holding the reaction vessels 19 so as to be rotatable and movable.

Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a sample dispensing probe 21 for sucking the sample in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12 and discharging the sample into the reaction vessel 19. Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a sample dispensing arm 22 that movably supports the sample dispensing probe 21.

In addition, the analysis unit 10 sucks the first reagent in the first reagent container 15 held in the first reagent rack 16 and dispenses the sample into the dispensed reaction vessel 19. A reagent dispensing probe 23 is provided. Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a first reagent dispensing arm 24 that movably supports the first reagent dispensing probe 23. Further, the analysis unit 10 sucks the second reagent in the second reagent container 17 held in the second reagent rack 18 and dispenses the second reagent into the reaction container 19 in which the first reagent is dispensed. A second reagent dispensing probe 25 is provided. Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a second reagent dispensing arm 26 that movably supports the second reagent dispensing probe 25.

Further, the analysis unit 10 includes a stirrer 27 for stirring the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 19 and the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent and the second reagent. Further, the analysis unit 10 irradiates the reaction vessel 19 containing the mixed solution stirred by the stirrer 27 with light, and emits the light transmitted through the mixed solution containing the standard sample and the test sample in the reaction vessel 19. It includes a measuring unit 28 that detects and generates standard data and test data. Further, the analysis unit 10 is provided with a cleaning nozzle 29 for cleaning the inside of the reaction vessel 19 for which the measurement has been completed. Then, the reaction vessel 19 washed by the washing nozzle 29 is used again for sample dispensing, reagent dispensing and measurement.

Returning to FIG. 1, the drive unit 30 includes first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 arranged below the sampler unit 14 of the analysis unit 10.

The first transport mechanism 31 includes a protrusion that engages with the tray 13 mounted on the sampler portion 14, a belt that holds the protrusion so that it can move linearly in the horizontal direction, a motor that drives the belt, and the like. There is. Then, the first transport mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 mounted on the sampler portion 14 and transports the sample rack 12 held by the tray 13.

The second transport mechanism 32 includes an arm having a protrusion engaged with the sample rack 12 held by the tray 13, a motor for driving the arm to pull out the sample rack 12 from the tray 13, and a sample pulled out from the tray 13. A belt for sliding the rack 12 in a direction different from the pull-out direction, a motor for driving the belt, an arm having a protrusion engaged with the slid sample rack 12, and driving this arm in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction. A motor or the like for drawing the sample rack 12 into the tray 13 is provided. Then, the second transfer mechanism 32 is a position where each sample rack 12 conveyed by the first transfer mechanism 31 can be dispensed from the tray 13 into the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12. When the dispensing of the sample is completed, the sample is conveyed to the tray 13.

Further, the drive unit 30 rotates and drives the first and second reagent racks 16 and 18, respectively, to move the first reagent container 15. Further, the reaction disk 20 is rotationally driven to move each reaction vessel 19. Further, the sample dispensing arm 22, the first reagent dispensing arm 24, and the second reagent dispensing arm 26 are rotated and vertically driven, respectively, to drive the sample dispensing probe 21, the first reagent dispensing probe 23, and the second reagent. Move the reagent dispensing probe 25. In addition, the stirrer 27 is moved and agitated. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 29 is moved and the pump for discharging cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 29 is driven for cleaning.

The analysis control unit 33 controls the drive unit 30 based on the analysis parameters, the sample ID set for each sample, the input information such as the inspection item, and the like, and operates each unit of the analysis unit 10. Then, transfer of the sample rack 12, movement of the first reagent container 15, movement of the second reagent container 17, sample dispensing, dispensing of the first reagent, dispensing of the second reagent, stirring of the mixed solution, measurement, etc. To execute.

The data processing unit 40 includes a calculation unit 41 and a data storage unit 42. Then, the calculation unit 41 has, for example, a CPU and a storage circuit, generates calibration data from the standard data of each inspection item generated by the analysis unit 10, and this inspection item is generated from the test data generated by the analysis unit 10. Analytical data is generated using the calibration data of. Further, the data storage unit 42 has a storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD), stores the calibration data generated by the calculation unit 41 for each inspection item, and stores the analysis data of each inspection item generated by the calculation unit 41. Store each test sample.

The output unit 50 includes a printing unit 51 that prints out standard data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 40, and a display unit 52 that displays and outputs the data. Then, the printing unit 51 is provided with a printer or the like, and prints out the calibration data and the analysis data on the printer paper or the like according to a preset format. Further, the display unit 52 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel. Then, the analysis parameter setting screen for setting the analysis parameters for each inspection item is displayed. In addition, the inspection item setting screen for setting the sample ID and the inspection item for each sample is displayed.

The input unit 60 includes an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel. Then, input for setting the analysis parameter, input for setting the sample ID and the inspection item, and the like are performed.

Further, the input unit 60 includes a transfer mode changeover switch 61 and a transfer restart switch 62 arranged in the analysis unit 10. The transfer mode changeover switch 61 continues the transfer operation of the sample rack 12 held on the tray 13 placed on the sampler unit 14 of the analysis unit 10 and is in continuous mode, or when the sample rack 12 held on the tray 13 is interrupted. , Input to set to one of the intermittent modes for stopping the transport operation of the sample rack 12. Further, the transfer restart switch 62 inputs to restart the stopped transfer operation.

The system control unit 70 includes a CPU and a storage circuit. Then, after storing the input information such as each analysis parameter, each sample ID, and the inspection item input from the input unit 60, the analysis control unit 33, the data processing unit 40, and the output unit 50 are stored based on these input information. Control in a centralized manner.

Next, the details of the configuration of the tray 13 in the analysis unit 10 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the tray 13. The tray 13 has, for example, a plurality of concave holding portions 132 arranged in a row so that the plurality of sample racks 12 can be individually held on the bottom surface 131 on which the sample rack 12 is placed.

Next, the configuration of the sampler unit 14 in the analysis unit 10, the transfer operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 in the drive unit 30, and the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 by the analysis control unit 33. The control of is described.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the sampler portion 14. The sampler portion 14 includes a transport lane 80, a tray detector 81, a rack detector 82, a dispensing lane 83, and a cover 84.

The transport lane 80 is a lane for transporting the sample rack 12 held in the tray 13 to the dispensing lane 83. The transport lane 80 includes a standby area W1 indicated by an arrow on which a tray 13 holding a sample rack 12 holding a sample container 11 holding a sample before dispensing is held, and a sample after dispensing. The tray 13 for holding the sample rack 12 in which the sample container 11 to be housed is held has a collection area W2 indicated by an arrow to which the tray 13 is moved.

Further, the transport lane 80 is a tray 13 held between the standby area W1 and the recovery area W2, which is moved in the direction of the arrow L1 from the standby area W1 to the recovery area W2 by the first transport mechanism 31. Has a first position P1 to stop and a second position P2 to stop after stopping at the first position P1.

The tray 13 before the sample is dispensed is placed in the standby area W1 so that the arrangement direction of each holding portion 132 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport lane 80. Then, the plurality of trays 13 are placed so that the trays 13 adjacent to the standby area W1 are placed adjacent to each other, or are placed at intervals of 13 n trays (integer of 1 or more).

A plurality of tray detectors 81 are arranged in the standby area W1 of the transport lane 80 at regular intervals, and detect each tray 13 placed in the standby area W1 on the transport lane 80.

The rack detector 82 is a detector that is arranged at the first position P1 of the transport lane 80 and detects the presence or absence of the sample rack 12 at the first position P1 of the transport lane 80. Then, it is detected whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 stopped at the first position P1 of the plurality of holding portions 132 of the tray 13 by the moving operation of the first conveying mechanism 31.

The dispensing lane 83 is a lane for transporting the sample rack 12 held in the tray 13 on the transport lane 80 to a position in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12 where the sample is dispensed. As shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing lane 83 is arranged in the lateral direction of the transport lane 80, and is composed of two lanes consisting of a lead-in lane 831 and an extrusion lane 832 adjacent to the lead-in lane 831 in the L1 direction. It is composed.

The lead-in lane 831 is a lane for transporting the sample rack 12 transported from the first position P1 held on the tray 13 on the transport lane 80 to the extrusion lane 832. Further, in the extrusion lane 832, the sample rack 12 conveyed from the lead-in lane 831 is passed through a position in each sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12 where the sample can be dispensed, and the transfer lane 80 is the first. This is a lane for transporting to the position P2 of 2.

The cover 84 includes the sample rack 12 of the lead-in lane 831 and the extrusion lane 832 in the dispensing lane 83, the sample rack 12 of the first position P1 of the transport lane 80, and the sample of the second position P2 adjacent to the sample rack 12. It is a protective cover arranged so as to cover the upper part of the rack 12.

The cover 84 has a through hole 841 above the extrusion lane 832. The sample dispensing probe 21 descends from above the cover 84, enters through the through hole 841, and is transferred from the extrusion lane 832 to the transfer lane 80. Of the plurality of sample containers 11 held in the sample rack 12, the through hole 841 The sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S located below is sucked.

By arranging the cover 84 in this way, it is possible to prevent contact and collision with the sample dispensing probe 21 in the vicinity where the sample is sucked, and to ensure safety. Further, the sample rack 12 at the first and second positions P1 and P2, which is conveyed to the dispensing lane 83 by the second transfer mechanism 32, is taken out, and the sample rack 12 is placed at the first position P1. It is possible to prevent dangerous work such as.

The first transport mechanism 31 of the drive unit 30 sets the tray 13 detected by the tray detector 81 as one pitch with the distance between the central axes of the two adjacent holding units 132 as one pitch, and is in the arrangement direction of each holding unit 132. By moving one pitch in the L1 direction, which is one direction, each holding portion 132 is stopped at each position including the first position P1 and the second position P2 located in the L1 direction of the first position P1. Further, the first transport mechanism 31 moves the plurality of trays 13 detected by the plurality of tray detectors 81 by one pitch in the same direction at the same time, and then stops the trays 13.

The second transport mechanism 32 transports the sample rack 12 detected by the rack detector 82 from the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 that holds the sample rack 12 to the lead-in lane 831 in the L2 direction indicated by the arrow. Then, it is conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 in the L1 direction. Next, the second transport mechanism 32 transports the sample rack 12 transported to the extrusion lane 832 to a position where it is held by the holding portion 132 of the second position P2 adjacent to the holding portion 132 of the first position P1. .. Then, when the sample rack 12 of the extrusion lane 832 is conveyed, the second transfer mechanism 32 transfers the adjacent sample each time the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held in the sample rack 12 ends. Transport in the direction of arrow L3 to the position where the container 11 reaches the dispensing position S, and when the dispensing of the samples in all the sample containers 11 is completed, transport to the position held by the holding portion 132 of the second position P2. do.

Further, the second transport mechanism 32 holds the sample rack 12 of the extrusion lane 832 by the one-pitch movement operation of the first transport mechanism 31 after transporting the sample rack 12 of the lead-in lane 831 to the extrusion lane 832. After the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 stops at the second position P2, the transfer to the second position P2 is started.

In the first transport mechanism 31, when the sample rack 12 is not in the dispensing lane 83, the sample rack 12 held by the holding portion 132 at the first position P1 is transported to the lead-in lane 831 by the second transport mechanism 32. After that, the tray 13 is moved by one pitch in the L1 direction. Then, the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 in which the sample rack 12 conveyed to the lead-in lane 831 was held is stopped at the second position P2.

Further, when there is a sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832, the first transfer mechanism 31 sets the tray 13 to L1 before the transfer of the sample rack 12 of the extrusion lane 832 to the second position P2 is started. The sample rack 12 is moved by one pitch in the direction, and the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 in which the sample rack 12 is held is stopped at the second position P2.

Further, in the first transport mechanism 31, the sample rack 12 of the extrusion lane 832 is transported to the holding portion 132 at the second position P2 by the second transport mechanism 32, and then the tray 13 is moved by one pitch in the L1 direction. , The holding portion 132 of the first position P1 is stopped at the second position P2, and the holding portion 132 adjacent to the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 on the side opposite to the second position P2 side is provided. Stop at the first position P1.

The analysis control unit 33 controls the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 based on the detection signal of the presence / absence of the tray by the tray detector 81 and the detection signal of the presence / absence of the sample rack 12 by the rack detector 82. do.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22.

First, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when an input for setting the interrupt mode is performed by operating the transport mode changeover switch 61 of the input unit 60 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the tray 13 placed in the standby area W1 on the transport lane 80.

Four sample racks 12 are placed on the tray 13. Then, in the four sample racks 12 placed, the first sample rack 12 is held by the leading holding portion 132 in the traveling direction, and the second sample rack is held by the holding portion 132 adjacent to the leading holding portion 132. 12 is held. Further, the second sample rack 12 is held, and there is a vacancy in the sample rack 12 in two adjacent holding portions 132 behind the holding portion 132. Further, the third sample rack 12 is held in the holding portion 132 adjacent to the last holding portion 132, and the fourth sample rack 12 is held in the last holding portion 132. The first to fourth sample racks 12 hold five sample containers 11 each containing a sample.

When the input unit 60 inputs the inspection start, the system control unit 70 instructs the analysis control unit 33 to perform the inspection. The analysis control unit 33 controls the drive unit 30 to operate each unit of the analysis unit 10. The plurality of tray detectors 81 detect whether or not the tray 13 is placed in the standby area W on the transport lane 80.

The tray detector 81 closest to the first position P1 of the transport lane 80 detects the tray 13 in which the leading holding portion 132 is located next to, for example, the first position P1.

The analysis control unit 33 calculates the position T1 of the tray 13 placed in the standby area W1 from the plurality of tray detectors 81 based on the position information of the tray detector 81 that has detected the tray 13.

The first transport mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 detected by the tray detector 81 by one pitch from the position T1 in the L1 direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the first transport mechanism 31 stops the leading holding portion 132 at the first position P1. The rack detector 82 detects that the first sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the first position P1.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second transport mechanism 32 transports the first sample rack 12 detected by the rack detector 82 from the holding portion 132 at the first position P1 to the lead-in lane 831.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second transport mechanism 32 transports the first sample rack 12 transported to the lead-in lane 831 to the extrusion lane 832. The sample dispensing probe 21 dispenses the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held by the sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832.

The first transfer mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 by one pitch in the L1 direction before the transfer of the first sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 to the second position P2 is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the first transport mechanism 31 stops the leading holding portion 132 at the second position P2, and the holding portion 132 next to the leading holding portion 132 is moved to the first position P1. Stop it. The rack detector 82 detects that the second sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the first position P1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second transport mechanism 32 transports the second sample rack 12 detected by the rack detector 82 from the holding portion 132 at the first position P1 to the lead-in lane 831.

When the second transfer mechanism 32 finishes dispensing the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held at the head of the first sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832, as shown in FIG. First, the transfer of the first sample rack 12 from the extrusion lane 832 to the second position P2 is started. Then, when the first sample rack 12 is transported to the second position P2, the second transfer mechanism 32 dispenses the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held in the sample rack 12. At each end, the sample container 11 is conveyed in the L3 direction to the position where the adjacent sample container 11 becomes the dispensing position S.

When the second transport mechanism 32 finishes dispensing the samples in all the sample containers 11 held in the first sample rack 12, the first sample rack 12 is seconded as shown in FIG. It is conveyed to a position where it is held by the holding portion 132 at position P2.

As shown in FIG. 13, the second transport mechanism 32 transports the second sample rack 12 transported to the lead-in lane 831 to the extrusion lane 832. The sample dispensing probe 21 dispenses the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held in the second sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832.

The first transfer mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 by one pitch in the L1 direction before the transfer of the second sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 to the second position P2 is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the first transfer mechanism 31 stops the first sample rack 12 in the collection area W2. Further, the first transport mechanism 31 stops the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 holding the second sample rack 12 at the second position P2 and holds the second sample rack 12. The holding portion 132 adjacent to the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 on the side opposite to the second position P2 side is stopped at the first position P1.

In the rack detector 82, since the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 is the first holding portion 132 of the two adjacent holding portions 132 that do not hold the sample rack 12, the first position P1 The emptyness of the sample rack 12 is detected in the holding portion 132 of the sample rack 12.

The second transfer mechanism 32 receives the second sample rack 12 when the dispensing of the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held at the head of the second sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 is completed. To the second position P2 of Then, when the second sample rack 12 is transported to the second position P2, the adjacent sample container 11 is completed each time the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held in the sample rack 12 is dispensed. Is conveyed in the L3 direction to the position where is the dispensing position S.

When the second transport mechanism 32 finishes dispensing the samples in all the sample containers 11 held in the second sample rack 12, the second sample rack 12 is seconded as shown in FIG. It is conveyed to a position where it is held by the holding portion 132 at position P2.

The first transport mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 by one pitch in the L1 direction as shown in FIG. 15 after the second sample rack 12 of the extrusion lane 832 is held by the holding portion 132 at the second position P2. Stop at the position T2. As a result, the first transfer mechanism 31 stops the first and second sample racks 12 in the collection area W2. Further, the first transfer mechanism 31 stops the first holding portion 132 of the two adjacent holding portions 132 that do not hold the sample rack 12 at the second position P2, and holds the second holding portion 132. The unit 132 is stopped at the first position P1. The rack detector 82 detects the vacancy of the sample rack 12 in the holding portion 132 stopped at the first position P1.

The analysis control unit 33 stops the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 when the rack detector 82 detects that the sample rack 12 is empty in the two adjacent holding units 132 of the tray 13.

In addition, only the first and second sample racks 12 are placed on the tray 13 of the standby area W1 before the start of the inspection on the holding portion 132 at the head in the traveling direction and the holding portion 132 next to the holding portion 132 at the head. After the tray 13 is stopped at the position T2 shown in FIG. 15, the third and fourth sample racks 12 are additionally placed on the holding portion 132 next to the tail end and the holding portion 132 at the rear end. It may be. In this case, as will be described later, when the transfer restart input is made from the transfer restart switch 62 of the input unit 60 within a predetermined time after the tray 13 is stopped, the third and fourth sample racks 12 are brought into the lead-in lane. It can be conveyed to 831 to perform dispensing of the sample in the sample container 11 held in the third and fourth sample racks 12.

In this way, the number of sample racks 12 required for inspection is placed on each holding portion 132 of the tray 13, and at least two adjacent holding portions 132 behind the tray 13 are provided with a space for the sample rack 12. When the rack detector 82 detects the vacancy of the sample rack 12 in the two adjacent holding portions 132, the lead-in lane 831 and the extrusion lane 832 covered with the cover 84, and the first position P1 and the second of the transport lane 80 The sample rack 12 disappears at the position P2, and the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 can be stopped.

As a result, all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 can be easily taken out from the tray 13. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1 of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 can be easily additionally placed in the vacant holding portion 132.

As shown in FIG. 16, two trays 13 are placed adjacent to each other in the standby area W1 on the transport lane 80. Then, in one tray 13, the first sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 adjacent to the rearmost portion, and the sample rack 12 is vacant in the rearmost holding portion 132. Further, in the other tray 13, there is a space for the sample rack 12 in the leading holding portion 132, and the second sample rack 12 is held in the holding portion 132 next to the leading portion 132. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17, the analysis control unit 33 puts a sample on the last holding portion 132 of one tray 13 and the first holding portion 132 of the other tray 13 adjacent to the holding portion 132. When the vacancy of the rack 12 is detected, the operations of the first and second transport mechanisms 31 and 32 are stopped.

In this way, when the rack detector 82 detects the vacancy of the sample rack 12 in the two adjacent holding portions 132 straddling the two trays 13, the lead-in lane 831 and the extrusion lane 832 covered with the cover 84, and the transport The sample rack 12 disappears from the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the lane 80, and the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 can be stopped.

As a result, all the sample racks 12 held in each tray 13 can be easily taken out from the tray 13. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1 of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 can be easily additionally placed in the vacant holding portion 132.

After the tray 13 is stopped at the position T2 shown in FIG. 15, the analysis control unit 33 stops the operation of the first transport mechanism 31 even if the tray 13 is placed in the standby area W1 on the transport lane 80. ..

After the tray 13 is stopped at the position T2 shown in FIG. 15, when the transfer restart input is input from the transfer restart switch 62 of the input unit 60 within a predetermined time, the analysis control unit 33 restarts the inspection. The third and fourth sample racks 12 are conveyed in the same manner as in the case of the first and second sample racks 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, since the subsequent trays 13 are not in the first and second positions P1 and P2, the third and fourth samples holding the sample container 11 containing the sample for which the dispensing has been completed are held. When the rack 12 is transported to the collection area W2, the operations of the first and second transport mechanisms 31 and 32 are stopped.

In this way, the transfer of the sample rack 12 in the standby area W1 of the tray 13 can be easily restarted by a simple operation of inputting the transfer restart from the transfer restart switch 62. Then, when the dispensing of the sample in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12 whose transfer has been resumed is completed, the sample rack 12 can be stopped in the collection area W2.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, when there is no subsequent tray 13, the tray 13 is moved one pitch at a time in the L1 direction regardless of the presence or absence of the tray 13 at the first and second positions P1 and P2. When the tray 13 is moved by one pitch, the rack detector 82 may detect the presence or absence of the sample rack 12 at the first position P1. When the tray 13 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 15, the presence or absence of the sample rack 12 at the first position P1 is present in the rack detector 82 when the holding portion 132 at the rear end of the tray 13 stops at the second position P2. The sample rack 12 at the first position P1 is caused by the rack detector 82 when the tray 13 is moved by one pitch in the L1 direction from the position where the rearmost holding portion 132 is stopped at the second position P2. To detect the presence or absence of. Then, if the sample rack 12 is not detected at the first position P1 by the rack detector 82 twice in succession for the two-pitch movement of the tray 13, when the tray 13 stops at the position shown in FIG. 18, the first And the operation of the second transport mechanisms 31 and 32 is stopped.

In this way, even if the inspection is resumed, when the sample rack 12 disappears in the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the lead-in lane 831 and the extrusion lane 832 covered with the cover 84, and the transport lane 80, The operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 can be stopped.

After the tray 13 stopped at the position T2 shown in FIG. 15, all the samples generated by the data processing unit 40 by the sample dispensing in all the sample containers 11 held in the first and second sample racks 12. If the transfer restart input is not input from the transfer restart switch 62 by the end of the output from the analysis data output unit 50, the analysis control unit 33 stops each unit of the analysis unit 10, and the system control unit 70 inspects. To end.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 when an input for setting the continuous mode is performed from the transport mode changeover switch 61 of the input unit 60 will be described.

When the input unit 60 inputs the inspection start, the system control unit 70 instructs the analysis control unit 33 to perform the inspection. The analysis control unit 33 operates each unit of the analysis unit 10. The tray detector 81 detects whether or not the tray 13 is placed in the standby area W1 on the transport lane 80. Then, when the tray detector 81 detects that the tray 13 is placed within a predetermined time, the analysis control unit 33 moves the tray 13 detected by the tray detector 81. Further, the analysis control unit 33 stops each unit of the analysis unit 10 when the tray detector 81 does not detect that the tray 13 is placed within a predetermined time. The system control unit 70 ends the inspection.

When the tray detector 81 detects that the tray 13 is placed within a predetermined time, the first transport mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 detected by the tray detector 81 from the standby area W1 to the L1 direction. To stop each holding portion 132 of the tray 13 at the first position P1. The rack detector 82 detects whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by each holding portion 132 stopped at the first position P1.

When the rack detector 82 detects that the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the first position P1, the second transport mechanism 32 detects the sample rack 12 detected by the rack detector 82. , It is conveyed from the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 to the extrusion lane 832.

When the sample rack 12 is in the extrusion lane 832, the first transfer mechanism 31 moves the tray 13 by one pitch in the L1 direction before the transfer of the sample rack 12 to the second position P2 is started. , The holding portion 132 of the first position P1 where the sample rack 12 was held is stopped at the second position P2.

In the second transfer mechanism 32, the sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 is stopped at the second position P2 after the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 that holds the sample rack 12 stops. The transfer to the position P2 of 2 is started. Then, when the sample rack 12 conveyed to the extrusion lane 832 is conveyed to the second position P2, the sample in the sample container 11 at the dispensing position S held in the sample rack 12 is adjacent to each other at each completion of dispensing. The sample container 11 is conveyed in the L3 direction to the position where the dispensing position S is reached.

When the dispensing of the samples in all the sample containers 11 held in all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 detected by the tray detector 81 is completed, the first transport mechanism 31 is subjected to the second transfer mechanism 31. The tray 13 transported to each holding unit 132 by the transport mechanism 32 is moved and stopped at the collection area W2.

When the analysis control unit 33 detects that the tray 13 is placed on the tray detector 81 before the analysis data for all the samples dispensed into the reaction vessel 19 is output from the output unit 50. When the sample rack 12 held in the tray 13 is conveyed to the dispensing lane 83 and the dispensing of the samples in all the sample containers 11 held in all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 is completed. , The tray 13 is moved to the collection area W2.

Further, the analysis control unit 33 does not detect that the tray 13 is placed by the tray detector 81 by the time the analysis data for all the samples dispensed into the reaction vessel 19 is output from the output unit 50. Then, the operation of each unit of the analysis unit 10 is stopped. Then, the system control unit 70 ends the inspection.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 19, the rack detector 82 is adjacent to the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 on the side opposite to the second position P2 side. Whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the position P4 of 3 may be arranged at the position P3 where it can be detected.

In this case, when the interrupt mode is set and the tray 13 having the empty sample rack 12 in the three adjacent holding units 132 is placed in the standby area W1, the analysis control unit 33 controls the analysis control unit 33 as shown in FIG. When the rack detector 82 detects that the sample rack 12 is empty in three adjacent holding portions 132 of the plurality of holding portions 132 of the tray 13, the operations of the first and second conveying mechanisms 31 and 32 are stopped. Let me.

As described above, when the sample rack 12 disappears at the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the lead-in lane 831 and the extrusion lane 832 covered with the cover 84, and the transfer lane 80, the first and second transfer The operation of the mechanisms 31 and 32 can be stopped.

As a result, all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 can be easily taken out from the tray 13. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1 of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 can be easily additionally placed in the vacant holding portion 132.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 21, the dispensing lane 83 is replaced with the dispensing lane 83a having only the extrusion lane 832 excluding the lead-in lane 831. Further, the second position P2 is replaced with the lead-in position P1a for transporting the sample rack 12 to the dispensing lane 83a. Further, the second transport mechanism 32 is replaced with the second transport mechanism 32a that transports the sample rack 12 at the pull-in position P1a to the dispensing lane 83a, and when the sample dispensing is completed, transports the sample rack 12 to the pull-in position P1a. Further, the rack detector 82 at the first position P1 is rearranged at the retracting position P1a where it can be detected whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the retracting position P1a. Further, the standby area W1 is replaced with a standby area W1a including the first position P1. Further, the cover 84 may be replaced with a cover 84a that covers the upper part of the sample rack 12 at the dispensing lane 83a and the pull-in position P1a.

In this case, when the interrupt mode is set and the tray 13 having the empty sample rack 12 in at least one holding unit 132 is placed in the standby area W1a, the analysis control unit 33 is detected by the rack detector 82. When the sample rack 12 is transported from the holding portion 132 of the retracted position P1a to the dispensing lane 83a by the second transport mechanism 32a and the dispensing of the samples in all the sample containers 11 held in the sample rack 12 is completed, the sample rack 12 is transferred to the dispensing lane 83a. The sample rack 12 is conveyed to the holding portion 132 of the pull-in position P1a. Further, the first transfer mechanism 31 stops the holding portion 132 at the retracting position P1a until the sample rack 12 conveyed from the holding portion 132 at the retracting position P1a to the dispensing lane 83a is conveyed to the retracting position P1a. .. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the analysis control unit 33 first detects the vacancy of the sample rack 12 in the holding unit 132 of one of the plurality of holding units 132 of the tray 13 by the rack detector 82. And the operation of the second transport mechanisms 31, 32a is stopped.

In this way, when the sample rack 12 disappears from the dispensing lane 83a and the pull-in position P1a covered by the cover 84a, the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31, 32a can be stopped.

As a result, all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 can be easily taken out from the tray 13. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1a of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 can be easily additionally placed in the vacant holding portion 132.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 23, the position of the lead-in lane 831 is set as the dispensing waiting lane 833, and the lane adjacent to the dispensing waiting lane 833 in the direction opposite to the L1 direction. Is the lead-in lane 831a. Then, the dispensing lane 83 is replaced with a dispensing lane 83b composed of three lanes, a lead-in lane 831a, a dispensing waiting lane 833, and an extrusion lane 832. Further, the first position P1 is replaced with the first position P1b at which the holding portion 132 adjacent to the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 on the side opposite to the second position P2 side stops. Further, the rack detector 82 at the first position P1 is rearranged at the first position P1b where it can be detected whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 at the first position P1b. Further, it is replaced with the standby area W1b excluding the first position P1b from the standby area W1. Further, the second transfer mechanism 32 conveys the sample rack 12 at the first position P1b to the lead-in lane 831a and then to the extrusion lane 832 via the dispensing waiting lane 833 to dispense the sample. When finished, it is replaced with a second transport mechanism 32b that transports to the second position P2. Further, the cover 84 is replaced with the sample rack 12 of the dispensing lane 83b and the cover 84b covering the upper part of the transport lane 80 from the sample rack 12 at the first position P1b to the sample rack 12 at the second position P2. You may try to do so.

In this case, when the interrupt mode is set and the tray 13 having the empty sample rack 12 in the three adjacent holding units 132 is placed in the standby area W1b, the analysis control unit 33 controls the analysis control unit 33 as shown in FIG. 24. When the rack detector 82 detects that the sample rack 12 is empty in three adjacent holding portions 132 of the plurality of holding portions 132 of the tray 13, the operations of the first and second conveying mechanisms 31, 32b are stopped. Let me.

As described above, when the sample rack 12 disappears between the dispensing lane 83b covered by the cover 84b and the first position P1b and the second position P2 of the transport lane 80, the first and second transport mechanisms 31 , 32b can be stopped.

As a result, all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 can be easily taken out from the tray 13. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1b of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 can be easily additionally placed in the vacant holding portion 132.

According to the above-described embodiment, the rack detector 82 for detecting whether or not the sample rack 12 is held by the holding portion 132 stopped at the first position P1 is provided, and the sample detected by the rack detector 82 is provided. After the rack 12 is transported to the lead-in lane 831 and then to the extrusion lane 832, the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 that holds the sample rack 12 stops at the second position P2, and then the second position. The transfer to the position P2 of 2 is started. When there is no sample rack 12 in the dispensing lane 83, the first sample rack 12 held in the holding portion 132 of the first position P1 is held after being conveyed to the lead-in lane 831. The holding portion 132 at the position P1 is stopped at the second position P2. Further, when the sample rack 12 is provided in the extrusion lane 832, the holding portion of the first position P1 in which the sample rack 12 was held before the transfer of the sample rack 12 to the second position P2 is started. The 132 is stopped at the second position P2. By controlling these operations, when the rack detector 82 detects that the sample rack 12 is empty in the two adjacent holding portions 132, the operations of the first and second transfer mechanisms 31 and 32 can be stopped. ..

As a result, the sample rack 12 disappears from the dispensing lane 83 covered by the cover 84, the first position P1 and the second position P2, so that all the sample racks 12 held in the tray 13 can be easily removed from the tray 13. Can be taken out. Further, when there is a vacancy in the holding portion 132 of the standby area W1 of the tray 13, the sample rack 12 is easily additionally placed on the vacant holding portion 132, and the transport of the additionally arranged sample rack 12 is easily restarted. be able to.

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

P1, P1a, P1b First position P2 Second position W1, W1a, W1b Standby area W2 Recovery area 11 Sample container 12 Sample rack 13 Tray 19 Reaction container 21 Sample dispensing probe 31 First transfer mechanism 32 Second Transport mechanism 33 Analysis control unit 80 Transport lane 82 Rack detector 83 Dispensing lane

Claims (9)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel.
A dispensing lane for transporting a sample rack holding a sample container containing the sample to a position where the sample is dispensed, and a dispensing lane.
A transport lane provided so that the sample rack can be transported to the dispensing lane, and a transport lane.
A first that transports the sample rack in the transport lane, transports the sample rack to the first position of the transport lane, and transports the sample rack at the second position of the transport lane. Transport mechanism and
A detector that detects the presence or absence of the sample rack in the transport lane, and
When the sample rack detected by the detector is conveyed from the first position to the dispensing lane and the dispensing of the sample in the sample container held in the sample rack is completed, the sample rack is moved to the dispensing lane. A second transport mechanism that transports to the second position and
The dispensing lane, the cover arranged so as to cover the upper part of the sample rack in the first position and the second position, and the cover.
The first and second transfer mechanisms are made to perform a transfer operation, and based on the presence or absence of the sample rack detected by the detector, from the dispensing lane, the first position, and the second position. An automatic analyzer including a control unit that controls to stop the operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms when the sample rack is exhausted. The first transfer mechanism moves a plurality of holding portions arranged in a row so as to be able to hold the plurality of sample racks in one direction in the arrangement direction, and each of the holding portions is moved to the first position. And the detector is stopped at each position including the second position located in the one direction with respect to the first position, and the detector is a holding portion of the first position among the plurality of holding portions. Detects whether or not the sample rack is held in
The second transport mechanism transports the sample rack detected by the detector from the holding portion at the first position to the dispensing lane, and the holding portion at the first position is at the second position. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sample rack transported to the dispensing lane is transported to the holding portion at the second position after the sample rack is stopped. Of the plurality of holding portions, the holding portion at the first position and the holding portion at the second position are adjacent to each other.
In the first transfer mechanism, after the sample rack conveyed to the dispensing lane is conveyed to the holding portion at the second position, the plurality of holding portions are moved to move the plurality of holding portions. The holding portion adjacent to the holding portion at the first position on the side opposite to the second position side is stopped at the first position.
The control unit is characterized in that when the detector detects that the sample rack is empty in two adjacent holding units, the operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms is stopped. 2. The automatic analyzer according to 2. The first transport mechanism moves a plurality of holding portions arranged in a row so as to be able to hold the plurality of sample racks in one direction in the arrangement direction, and each of the holding portions is moved to the first position. And the detector is stopped at each position including the second position located in the one direction with respect to the first position, and the detector is a holding portion of the first position among the plurality of holding portions. On the other hand, it is detected whether or not the sample rack is held in the holding portion adjacent to the side opposite to the second position side, and the second transport mechanism is detected by the detector and said to be the second. The sample rack stopped at the position 1 is conveyed from the holding portion at the first position holding the sample rack to the dispensing lane, and the holding portion at the first position stops at the second position. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sample rack transported to the dispensing lane is then transported to the holding portion at the second position. Of the plurality of holding portions, the holding portion at the first position and the holding portion at the second position are adjacent to each other.
In the first transfer mechanism, after the sample rack conveyed to the dispensing lane is conveyed to the holding portion at the second position, the plurality of holding portions are moved to move the plurality of holding portions. The holding portion adjacent to the holding portion at the first position on the side opposite to the second position side is stopped at the first position.
The control unit is characterized in that when the detector detects that the sample rack is empty in three adjacent holding units, the operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms is stopped. 4. The automatic analyzer according to 4. The dispensing lane is composed of two lanes including a lead-in lane and an extrusion lane, and the second transfer mechanism is
The sample rack held in the holding portion at the first position among the plurality of holding portions is transported to the lead-in lane and then to the extrusion lane.
After the holding portion at the first position that held the sample rack in the extrusion lane stops at the second position, the transfer of the sample rack to the holding portion at the second position is started. When the sample rack is not in the dispensing lane, the first transport mechanism transfers the sample rack from the holding portion at the first position to the lead-in lane, and then transfers the plurality of holding portions. By moving, the holding portion at the first position where the sample rack conveyed to the lead-in lane was held is stopped at the second position.
When the sample rack is located in the extrusion lane, the first plurality of holding portions are moved to hold the sample rack before the transfer of the sample rack to the second position is started. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the holding portion of the position is stopped at the second position P2. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel.
A dispensing lane for transporting a sample rack holding a sample container containing the sample to a position where the sample is dispensed, and a dispensing lane.
A transport lane provided so that the sample rack can be transported to the dispensing lane, and a transport lane.
A plurality of holding portions arranged in a row so as to be able to hold the plurality of the sample racks are moved in one direction of the arrangement direction, and each of the holding portions is moved at each position including the first position of the transport lane. The first transport mechanism to stop and
A detector that detects whether or not the sample rack is held in the holding portion at the first position among the plurality of holding portions.
The sample rack detected by the detector is conveyed from the holding portion at the first position to the dispensing lane, and the sample rack conveyed to the dispensing lane is stopped at the first position. A second transport mechanism that transports to the holding unit and
A cover arranged so as to cover above the dispensing lane and the sample rack in the first position,
When the first and second transfer mechanisms perform a transfer operation and the sample rack disappears from the dispensing lane and the first position based on the presence or absence of the sample rack detected by the detector. An automatic analyzer including a control unit that controls to stop the operation of the first and second transport mechanisms. In the first transfer mechanism, after the sample rack conveyed to the dispensing lane is conveyed to the holding portion at the first position, the plurality of holding portions are moved to move the plurality of holding portions. The holding portion adjacent to the holding portion in the first position on the side opposite to the side in one direction is stopped at the first position.
7. The control unit is characterized in that when the detector detects that the sample rack is empty in one of the holding units, the control unit stops the operation of the first and second transport mechanisms. The described automatic analyzer. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel.
A dispensing lane provided so that a sample rack holding a sample container containing the sample can be transported to a position where the sample is dispensed, and a dispensing lane.
A transport lane provided so that the sample rack can be transported to the dispensing lane, and a transport lane.
A first transport mechanism that transports the sample rack in the transport lane and transports the sample rack to a lead-in position of the transport lane.
A detector that detects the presence or absence of the sample rack in the transport lane, and
When the sample rack detected by the detector is conveyed from the retracting position to the dispensing lane and the dispensing of the sample in the sample container held in the sample rack is completed, the sample rack is moved to the retracting position. A second transport mechanism that transports to
A cover arranged so as to cover above the dispensing lane and the sample rack at the retracting position,
When the first and second transfer mechanisms perform a transfer operation and the sample rack disappears from the dispensing lane and the lead-in position based on the presence or absence of the sample rack detected by the detector, the sample rack is described. An automatic analyzer including a control unit that controls to stop the operation of the first and second transport mechanisms.

Images