JP7247016B2 - automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to automated analyzers.

In automatic analyzers for clinical tests, a certain amount of a biological sample (hereinafter referred to as a sample) such as blood or urine is mixed with a reagent in a cuvette inserted into a reaction disk, and the mixture is reacted with light. The amount of transmitted light or scattered light obtained by applying is measured. As a result, the concentration of the substance to be measured, the activity value, the time required for change, and the like are obtained. Cuvettes for which measurement has been completed are individually removed and transported by, for example, one hand arm, and discarded.

From the viewpoint of improving the throughput corresponding to the number of samples measured per unit time, it is preferable for this type of automatic analyzer to speed up operations related to cuvette extraction, transportation and disposal. However, the automatic analyzer has a large operating range of operations such as removal, transportation, and disposal using one hand arm as described above, and the number of operation steps is large, so it is difficult to speed up. In addition, if one hand arm is forced to move at high speed, the posture of the cuvette becomes unstable, affecting the stability of extraction and disposal.

JP-A-11-223633

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve throughput while maintaining stability during removal and disposal of cuvettes.

An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment includes a support section, a storage section, a grasping mechanism, a drive section, and a guide section.
The support supports a reaction tube holding a mixture of a sample and a reagent.
The storage unit stores reaction tubes for which measurement has been completed.
The gripping mechanism can switch between a state of gripping the reaction tube and an open state of not gripping the reaction tube.
The drive unit moves the gripping mechanism upward.
The guide portion moves below the reaction tube gripped by the gripping mechanism along with the movement of the gripping mechanism, and guides the reaction tube to be gripped when the gripping mechanism is positioned at a gripping position where the reaction tube can be gripped. It is located at a position away from the upper side, and when the gripping mechanism is located at the open position for opening the reaction tube, it is located below the reaction tube and forms a downward slope toward the storage section. .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reaction tube used in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reaction disk in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining an example of a withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gripping mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, with the gripping mechanism closed. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gripping mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, with the gripping mechanism opened. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the guide mechanism and the connection structure between the gripping mechanism and the guide mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. 10 is a front view for explaining an example of the configuration of the guide mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6, showing the state before the extraction and disposal operations are started in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the gripping mechanism grips the reaction tube at the gripping position in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, taken along line AA of FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6 showing how the gripping mechanism gripping the reaction tube moves upward in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment in a guided state by the guide mechanism. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the gripping mechanism gripping the reaction tube reaches the open position in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment, with the gripping mechanism positioned at the open position. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment with the gripping mechanism closed. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the withdrawal mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment with the gripping mechanism opened.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 measures an index relating to the reaction between the sample inserted in the cuvette 70 and the reagent, and calculates the physical properties of the sample based on the measured index. Cuvette 70 is an example of a reaction tube.

An automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 15 and an extraction mechanism 16 .

The analysis mechanism 2 supports a reaction tube holding a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent, and measures an index related to the mixed liquid in the reaction tube. The analysis mechanism 2 is an example of a support that supports a reaction tube that holds a mixture of a sample and a reagent.

In this embodiment, the analysis mechanism 2 is capable of supporting the cuvette 70 , transports the cuvette 70 , and measures the physical property values of the mixture of the sample and the reagent inserted in the cuvette 70 . The analysis mechanism 2 is an example of a reaction tube holding device.

The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample such as blood or urine with reagents used for each test item. Also, depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 mixes the standard solution diluted by a predetermined magnification with the reagent used for this test item. The analysis mechanism 2 continuously measures optical physical property values of a sample or a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent. Through this measurement, for example, transmitted light intensity, absorbance, and scattered light intensity are measured. This measurement generates standard data, which is the measured value of the standard sample, and test data, which is the measured value of the sample.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 to generate calibration curve data and analysis data. Analysis data is, for example, an index value indicating blood coagulability. The analysis circuit 3, for example, reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8, and analyzes the standard data and the test data according to the read analysis program. Note that the analysis circuit 3 may have a storage area for storing at least part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8 .

The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9 . The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by gears, stepping motors, belt conveyors, lead screws, and the like, for example.

The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings such as analysis parameters for each inspection item related to a sample requested for measurement from an operator or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is implemented by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad through which instructions are input by touching an operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9 , converts an operation instruction input by an operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9 . It should be noted that the input interface 5 in this specification is not limited to having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs this electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also an input interface. 5 examples.

The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs signals supplied from the control circuit 9 . The output interface 6 is implemented by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, and the like. Display circuits include, for example, CRT displays, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, LED displays, and plasma displays. Note that the display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing an object to be displayed into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. Printed circuits include, for example, printers and the like. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit for outputting data representing a print target to the outside. Audio devices include, for example, speakers and the like. An output circuit for outputting an audio signal to the outside is also included in the audio device.

The communication interface 7 connects with, for example, an intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via a laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW.

The storage circuit 8 includes a processor-readable storage medium such as a magnetic or optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. Note that the memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single memory device. For example, the memory circuit 8 may be realized by a plurality of memory devices.

The storage circuit 8 stores an analysis program to be executed by the analysis circuit 3 and a control program for realizing the functions of the control circuit 9 . The storage circuit 8 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The storage circuit 8 stores analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each sample. The storage circuit 8 stores an examination order input by an operator or an examination order received by the communication interface 7 via the intra-hospital network NW.

The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1 . The control circuit 9 executes a program stored in the storage circuit 8 to implement a function corresponding to the executed program. Note that the control circuit 9 may have a storage area for storing at least part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8 .

The system control function 91 is a function that controls all the parts in the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5 . For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 controls the cuvette supply mechanism 10, the drive mechanism 4, and the analysis mechanism 2 so as to quickly perform the inspection, and the analysis circuit 3 so as to perform analysis according to the inspection item. to control.

The cuvette supply mechanism 10 supplies cuvettes 70 to the analysis mechanism 2 .

The disposal box 15 stores cuvettes 70 for which measurement has been completed in the analysis mechanism 2 . The disposal box 15 is an example of a storage unit.

The removal mechanism 16 removes from the analysis mechanism 2 the cuvette 70 that has been subjected to measurement by a photometry unit (to be described later) in the analysis mechanism 2 and throws it into the disposal box 15 . The withdrawal mechanism 16 is arranged from the upper side of the analysis mechanism 2 to the upper side of the disposal box 15 inside the automatic analyzer 1 .

In this embodiment, the direction of the shortest distance in which the disposal box 15 is arranged with respect to the analysis mechanism 2 in the horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis direction. Also, the axial direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction. An axial direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as a Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction. Further, the side of the X-axis direction from the analysis mechanism 2 toward the disposal box 15 is defined as the disposal side. The removal mechanism 16 removes the cuvette 70 that has been measured in the analysis mechanism 2 upward in the X-axis direction from the analysis mechanism 2 , transports it to the disposal side in the X-axis direction, and throws it into the disposal box 15 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 has a reaction disk 51 and a dispensing unit 52 .

The reaction disk 51 can hold a plurality of cuvettes 70 and transports the held plurality of cuvettes 70 along a predetermined route.

The dispensing unit 52 dispenses samples and reagents into cuvettes 70 held on the reaction disk 51 . A mixture of the sample and the reagent is put into the cuvette 70 by dispensing the sample and the reagent into the cuvette 70 .

While holding the cuvette 70 , the reaction disk 51 conveys the cuvette 70 to a position where the dispensing unit 52 can dispense the sample and the reagent. Then, while the reaction disk 51 holds the cuvettes 70 into which the samples and reagents have been dispensed, the light intensity of each cuvette 70 is measured by a photometry unit, which will be described later. The cuvette 70 for which light intensity measurement has been completed is taken out from the reaction disk 51 and conveyed to the disposal box 15 by the removal mechanism 16 .

In this embodiment, the reaction disk 51 is a disk-shaped member that can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the Z-axis direction. The reaction disk 51 has a plurality of holes 512 . A plurality of holes 512 are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the reaction disk. Each of the plurality of holes 512 is a groove that is recessed from the radially outer side to the radially inner side of the reaction disk 51 and extends along the radial direction of the reaction disk 51 . Each of the multiple holes 512 can hold one cuvette 70 . The reaction disk 51 conveys the cuvette 70 by rotating while holding the cuvette 70 . The reaction disk 51 conveys the cuvette 70 by, for example, being alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4 .

Instead of the rotatable disk-shaped reaction disk 51, a parallel-movable rectangular reaction rack may be used as a member for holding the cuvettes 70. FIG.

Each of the multiple holes 512 is formed along the circumferential direction of the reaction disk 51 . By supplying the cuvette 70 to the analysis mechanism 2 by the cuvette supply mechanism 10 , the cuvette 70 is inserted into the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 and the cuvette 70 is supported in the hole 512 . A plurality of cuvettes 70 arranged in a plurality of holes 512 are arranged in a ring.

Here, the cuvette 70 used in the automatic analyzer 1 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cuvette 70. As shown in FIG.

The cuvette 70 is a container that can hold a sample, a reagent, or a mixture thereof. The cuvette 70 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical member with an open top. The cuvette 70 is made of polypropylene (PP) or acrylic, for example, and is made by integral molding.

Cuvette 70 has a body 71 and a flange 72 . The body portion 71 is a bottomed cylindrical member with an open top. The body portion 71 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical member. The body part 71 has a plurality of photometry parts in its cylindrical part. Each of the plurality of photometry sites is a plane. Each of the plurality of photometry sites is a site irradiated with light from the measurement unit. The body portion 71 is provided with, for example, four photometry portions. An opening is formed in an upper end 73 of the body portion 71 .

The flange 72 is an annular member. A hole is formed in the central portion of the flange 72 from the upper surface to the lower surface of the flange 72 . A sample or reagent inserted into the cuvette 70 through the opening formed in the upper end 73 passes through the hole formed in the flange 72 and is inserted into the body portion 71 . The outer diameter of the flange 72 is larger than the outer diameter of the body portion 71 .

The outer diameter L2 of the flange 72 is the outer diameter of the cuvette 70 . A length L1 between the top end 73 and the bottom end 74 is the dimension of the cuvette 70 in the longitudinal direction. A length L1 between the upper end 73 and the lower end 74 is, for example, approximately 3 cm. Outer diameter L2 of flange 72 is smaller than length L1 between upper end 73 and lower end 74 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reaction disk 51. As shown in FIG.

The radial length of each of the plurality of holes 512 provided in the reaction disk 51 is greater than the outer diameter L2 of the cuvette 70 . In each of the plurality of holes 512, the length (width) of the reaction disk 51 in the circumferential direction is greater than the outer diameter of the body portion 71 of the cuvette 70, and the outer diameter of the flange 72 of the cuvette 70 (L2 ). Therefore, when the cuvette 70 is inserted into the hole 512 , the cuvette 70 is supported by the reaction disk 51 by placing the flange 72 of the cuvette 70 on the edge of the hole 512 from above. Also, in the holes 512 , gaps are formed on both the radially outer side and the radially inner side of the reaction disk 51 with respect to the supported cuvette 70 .

A photometry unit is provided in each of the plurality of holes 512 . For example, the photometric units are provided in the same number as the number of holes 512 provided in the reaction disk 51 , that is, the number of cuvettes 70 that can be held in the reaction disk 51 . Each photometric unit includes, for example, a light source arranged on the annular center side (inner peripheral side) of the cuvette 70 held annularly by the reaction disk 51 and a first light source arranged on the annular outer side (outer peripheral side) of the cuvette 70 . photodetector (transmission photodetector). Each photometric unit may further have a second photodetector (scattered light detector) on the side of the cuvette 70 . The light source emits light toward the outside of the ring in which the cuvettes 70 are arranged. The first photodetector detects light transmitted through the mixture of standard solution and reagent in the cuvette 70 . The first photodetector samples the detected light at predetermined time intervals, eg, 0.1 second intervals, and generates standard data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, or the like. The second photodetector is provided, for example, so that the light irradiation axis of the light source and the light receiving axis of the first photodetector intersect within the cuvette 70 at approximately 90 degrees. The light emitted from the light source enters the cuvette 70 , is scattered by the particles in the liquid mixture introduced into the cuvette 70 , and is emitted from the side wall of the cuvette 70 . The second photodetector detects light scattered by the mixture of standard solution and reagent in the cuvette 70 . The second photodetector samples the detected light at predetermined time intervals, eg, 0.1 second intervals, to generate standard data represented by scattered light intensity or the like. In any case, in each of the holes 512 of the reaction disk 51, the cuvette 70 in which the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent is inserted is irradiated with light, and the amount of light transmitted through the mixed solution and the cuvette 70 is measured. . For example, in the case of the automatic analyzer 1 for clinical examination, a biological sample such as blood or urine is input as a sample. Quantitative analysis of the sample is then performed by the analysis mechanism 2 based on the measured amount of light. For example, the analysis mechanism 2 analyzes the concentration and activity value of the substance to be measured, or the time required for change.

Next, the removal mechanism 16 will be described. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism 16. FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from one side in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 6 is a side view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from the disposal side in the X-axis direction.

The removal mechanism 16 includes a support 161, a drive unit 162, a drive shaft 163A, a drive shaft 163B, a support member 164, a gripping mechanism 165, a guide mechanism 166, a gripping release mechanism 167, and a transport path 168. , and a shaft member 169 .

The support 161 is installed inside the automatic analyzer 1 and supports each component of the withdrawal mechanism 16 .

The driving part 162 is attached to the support 161 . The drive unit 162 includes a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The driving of the drive unit 162 is controlled by, for example, the control circuit 9, and rotates the drive shaft 163A about the central axis of the drive shaft 163A. The drive unit 162 moves the support member 164 and the gripping mechanism 165 along the Z-axis direction based on instructions from the control circuit 9 . That is, the driving section 162 moves the gripping mechanism 165 upward.

Drive shaft 163A and drive shaft 163B are attached to support 161 . The drive shaft 163A and the drive shaft 163B are columnar members extending parallel to the Z-axis direction.

The support member 164 is attached to the drive shaft 163A and the drive shaft 163B. The support member 164 is movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the support body 161, the drive shaft 163A, and the drive shaft 163B by driving the drive unit 162. As shown in FIG. For example, the support member 164 is screwed onto the drive shaft 163A, slidably mounted on the drive shaft 163B, and vertically movable along the drive shaft 163B as the drive shaft 163A is rotated by the drive portion 162. may be In this case, drive shaft 163B is not driven and may be referred to as a guide shaft.

The gripping mechanism 165 is supported by the supporting member 164 . The grasping mechanism 165 moves along the Z-axis direction along with the support member 164 with respect to the support 161, the drive shaft 163A, and the drive shaft 163B. The gripping mechanism 165 is arranged directly above the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 of the analysis mechanism 2 . The movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The grasping mechanism 165 can be approached and separated from a part of the analysis mechanism 2 from above. The gripping mechanism 165 has grips that can be opened and closed, which will be described later, and can grip the cuvette 70 inserted into the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 between the grips.

Further, the gripping mechanism 165 moves between a standby position and a gripping position where the cuvette 70 inserted into the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 can be gripped by moving along the Z-axis direction above the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 . , moves between an operation start position and an open position where the gripped cuvette 70 is released. That is, the gripping mechanism 165 can switch between a state in which the reaction tube is gripped and an open state in which the reaction tube is not gripped. The gripping position is located at, for example, the lowest end of the Z-axis movement range of the gripping mechanism 165 . The open position is located, for example, at the uppermost end of the movement range of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction. The standby position is, for example, a position slightly above the gripping position, and is also a position where the gripping mechanism 165 does not contact the top of the cuvette 70 held by the reaction disk 51 . The operation start position is, for example, a substantially central position between the standby position and the open position, and can be set as appropriate. A specific configuration of the gripping mechanism 165 will be described later.

The guide mechanism 166 is supported by the support 161 . The guide mechanism 166 conveys the cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 toward the disposal box 15 . The guide mechanism 166 is rotatably attached to the support 161 via a shaft member 169 provided on the upper side of the support 161 at a position above a guide portion 1661 to be described later. The shaft member 169 extends parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the guide mechanism 166 is suspended from the shaft member 169 and is rotatable around the shaft member 169 in the Y-axis direction.

Further, the guide mechanism 166 rotates about the shaft member 169 while the gripping mechanism 165 moves in the Z-axis direction, and changes between a non-guiding state and a guiding state. The non-guided state is a state in which the guide mechanism 166 does not block the upward movement of the gripping mechanism 165 from the gripping position. For example, a straight line connecting the shaft member 169 and the lower end of the guide mechanism 166 extends substantially vertically. state. In the non-guiding state, the guide mechanism 166 is positioned away from the movement range of the gripping mechanism 165 . The guide state is a state in which the guide mechanism 166 blocks the gap between the gripping mechanism 165 at the open position and the reaction disk 51. For example, the straight line connecting the shaft member 169 and the lower end of the guide mechanism 166 is inclined to the substantially vertical direction. It is in a crossed state. A specific configuration of the guide mechanism 166 will be described later.

The grip release mechanism 167 is supported by the support 161 above the grip mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction. The gripping/releasing mechanism 167 contacts the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 at the open position, thereby dropping the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 from the gripping mechanism 165 .

The transport path 168 is provided closer to the disposal side than the guide mechanism 166 in the X-axis direction. The transport path 168 is a pipeline through which the cuvette 70 transported by the guide mechanism 166 in the guided state passes toward the disposal box 15 . By providing the transport path 168 , the cuvette 70 transported toward the disposal box 15 is reliably transported to the disposal box 15 .

The configuration and operation of the gripping mechanism 165 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gripping mechanism 165 when the gripping mechanism 165 is closed. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gripping mechanism 165 with the gripping mechanism 165 opened.

In this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 165 includes a first member 1651 , a second member 1652 , a shaft member 1655 and an elastic member 1656 . The first member 1651 is connected to the second member 1652 via the shaft member 1655 and is rotatable with respect to the second member 1652 around the shaft member 1655 . The shaft member 1655 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The shaft member 1655 connects the central position of the first member 1651 and the central position of the second member 1652 .

The first member 1651 includes a first gripping portion 1651A provided below the connecting portion with the shaft member 1655 in the first member 1651, and a first holding portion 1651A provided above the connecting portion with the shaft member 1655 in the first member 1651. and a first transmission portion 1651B. In addition, the second member 1652 includes a second gripping portion 1652A provided below the connecting portion with the shaft member 1655 in the second member 1652, and a second holding portion 1652A provided above the connecting portion with the shaft member 1655 in the second member 1652. and a second transmission portion 1652B provided.

By rotating between the first member 1651 and the second member 1652 about the shaft member 1655, the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A and the first transmission portion 1651B and the second transmission portion are rotated. 1652B is open or closed.

For example, by closing the open state between the first transmission portion 1651B and the second transmission portion 1652B, the open state between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A is closed. Further, by opening the closed state between the first transmission portion 1651B and the second transmission portion 1652B, the closed state between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A is opened.

Elastic member 1656 is, for example, a spring. The elastic member 1656 is provided between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A. One end of the elastic member 1656 is connected to the first grip portion 1651A, and the other end of the elastic member 1656 is connected to the second grip portion 1652A. Elastic member 1656 applies an external force in a direction to close first gripping portion 1651A and second gripping portion 1652A in a state where first gripping portion 1651A and second gripping portion 1652A are opened. It is applied to the portion 1651A and the second grip portion 1652A. Therefore, when no external force other than the external force by the elastic member 1656 is applied, the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A are closed. The elastic member 1656 is an example of an external force applying portion that applies an external force to close the gripping portion of the gripping mechanism 165 .

A first claw portion 1651C is provided at the lower end of the first grip portion 1651A. A second claw portion 1652C is provided at the lower end of the second grip portion 1652A. The first claw portion 1651C protrudes toward the second grip portion 1652A. The second claw portion 1652C protrudes toward the first grip portion 1651A.

A first slope 1651D is provided at the upper end of the first transmission portion 1651B. A second slope 1652D is provided at the upper end of the second transmission portion 1652B. The first slope 1651D faces the side opposite to the disposal side in the X-axis direction and faces upward in the Z-axis direction. The slope 1652D faces the waste side in the X-axis direction and faces upward in the Z-axis direction. The slope 1651D and the slope 1652D face each other.

The shaft member 1655 has a protruding portion 1655A that protrudes toward the side where the engaging hole 1665 is located in the Y-axis direction.

The configuration of the guide mechanism 166 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the grasping mechanism 165 and the guide mechanism 166. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view for explaining an example of the configuration of the guide mechanism 166. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a view of the guide mechanism 166 viewed from one side in the Y-axis direction.

The guide mechanism 166 is formed in a groove shape extending in an arc shape centering on a point located above the guide mechanism 166 . The arc shape is convex toward the side opposite to the reaction disk 51 . The groove shape has, for example, a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. In other words, the guide mechanism 166 is open towards the waste side and upwards. The guide mechanism 166 opens toward the center of the arc shape.

The guide mechanism 166 includes a guide portion 1661 , side walls 1662 and side walls 1663 . Guide portion 1661 is provided between side wall 1662 and side wall 1663 . The guide portion 1661 forms the bottom surface of the groove formed by the guide mechanism 166 . Side walls 1662 and 1663 form the sides of the groove formed by guide mechanism 166 .

The guide portion 1661 is an arc-shaped curved plate. The guide part 1661 has an arc-shaped curved surface facing the disposal side and the upper side. The guide portion 1661 is positioned in a range including the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Y-axis direction. The guide portion 1661 has an arc shape centered on a position above the guide portion 1661 .

The side walls 1662 and 1663 are flat plates parallel to the X-axis direction and Z-axis direction of the guide mechanism 166 . The side wall 1662 is located on the front side of the guide portion 1661 in the Y-axis direction. The side wall 1663 is positioned deeper than the guide portion 1661 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the side wall 1662 is located on one side of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Y-axis direction (the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 5). The side wall 1663 is positioned on the other side of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Y-axis direction (back side of the paper surface in FIG. 5).

A length L3 between the side walls 1662 and 1663 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the outer diameter (L2) of the cuvette 70 and smaller than the length (L1) of the cuvette 70 in the longitudinal direction. The width of the groove formed by the guide mechanism 166 is the length L3 between the side walls 1662 and 1663 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the width (L3) of the groove formed by the guide mechanism 166 is larger than the width of the cuvette 70 and smaller than the height of the cuvette 70. Therefore, when the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 is positioned above the standard position in the Z-axis direction, the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 is arranged between the side walls 1662 and 1663 .

An engaging hole 1665 is provided in the side wall 1662 . The engaging hole 1665 penetrates the side wall 1662 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement hole 1665 extends from the upper side toward the lower side in the Z-axis direction in the guide mechanism 166 in the non-guided state. A projecting portion 1655 A of the gripping mechanism 165 is engaged with the engaging hole 1665 .

The engagement hole 1665 includes a first straight portion 1665A, a second straight portion 1665B, and a third straight portion 1665C.

The first straight portion 1665A is provided on the lower side of the engaging hole 1665. As shown in FIG. The extending direction of the first linear portion 1665A is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction when the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state.

The second straight portion 1665B is continuous with the first straight portion 1665A above the first straight portion 1665A in the Z-axis direction. The second straight portion 1665B is inclined in the X-axis direction with respect to the first straight portion 1665A. The boundary position between the first straight portion 1665A and the second straight portion 1665B is substantially the same position as the operation start position of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction. When the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state, the second straight portion 1665B is formed so as to face the side opposite to the side where the disposal box 15 is located as it goes from the lower side to the upper side.

The third linear portion 1665C is provided on the upper side of the engaging hole 1665 in the Z-axis direction. The third straight portion 1665C is continuous with the second straight portion 1665B above the second straight portion 1665B in the Z-axis direction. The third linear portion 1665C is inclined in the X-axis direction with respect to the second linear portion 1665B. The extension direction of the third linear portion 1665C is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction when the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state.

As the grasping mechanism 165 moves in the Z-axis direction, the protrusion 1655A moves in the Z-axis direction inside the engagement hole 1665 while being engaged with the engagement hole 1665 . The projecting portion 1655A presses the guide mechanism 166 via the edge of the engaging hole 1665 by moving inside the engaging hole 1665 while being engaged with the engaging hole 1665 . The guide mechanism 166 rotates around the shaft member 169 with respect to the support body 161 by being pressed through the engagement hole 1665 . Supplementally, the engaging hole 1665 is formed on the left side of the side wall 1662 in FIG. Axial member 169 is formed in the upper right corner of side wall 1662 . Accordingly, the projecting portion 1655A moves upward along the second straight portion 1665B of the engagement hole 1665, and the projecting portion 1655A lifts the edge of the second straight portion 1665B while the shaft member 169 is fixed. The guide mechanism 166 rotates around .

In this embodiment, the protrusion 1655A provided in the gripping mechanism 165 and the engaging hole 1665 provided in the guide mechanism 166 support the guide mechanism 166 by applying the driving force for moving the gripping mechanism 165 with respect to the support body 161. It functions as a cam mechanism that converts the driving force to move the body 161 . In this embodiment, the cam mechanism is a coupling that rotates the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 about the shaft member 169 with respect to the support 161 as the gripping mechanism 165 moves with respect to the support 161 in the vertical direction. It is an example of a mechanism.

Next, the grasping and releasing mechanism 167 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6 before the withdrawal mechanism 16 starts removing and discarding the cuvette 70. FIG. FIG. 11 is a view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 5 in the Y-axis direction. The gripping and releasing mechanism 167 includes a projecting portion 1671 projecting downward, and slopes 1672A and 1672B provided at the lower end of the projecting portion 1671. As shown in FIG. The length of the protrusion 1671 in the X-axis direction is greater than the distance L4 between the first slope 1651D of the first member 1651 and the second slope 1652D of the second member 1652 when the gripping mechanism 165 is closed. . In addition, the slope 1672A of the projecting portion 1671 is located directly above the slope 1651D of the first member 1651 in the Z-axis direction, and the slope 1672B of the projecting portion 1671 is located directly above the slope 1652D of the second member 1652 in the Z-axis direction. Located in

The slope 1672A is provided at the end of the projecting portion 1671 on the disposal side in the X-axis direction. The slope 1672A faces the disposal side in the X-axis direction and faces downward in the Z-axis direction. The slope 1672B is provided at the end of the projecting portion 1671 opposite to the disposal side in the X-axis direction. The slope 1672B faces the side opposite to the disposal side in the X-axis direction and faces downward in the Z-axis direction. The slopes 1672A and 1672B face opposite sides in the X-axis direction.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. FIG. Note that the following description mainly describes the mechanical operation of the withdrawal mechanism 16 for removing and discarding the cuvette 70 for which measurement has been completed.

When the measurement of the mixed liquid in the cuvette 70 by the analysis mechanism 2 is completed, the cuvette 70 for which the measurement has been completed is transported to the position (withdrawal position) where the withdrawal mechanism 16 is arranged. At this time, by rotating the reaction disk 51 , the cuvette 70 for which the measurement has been completed is moved directly below the gripping mechanism 165 of the removing mechanism 16 . The transport of the cuvette 70 to the removal position is performed, for example, by drive control of the drive mechanism 4 by the control circuit 9 .

When the cuvette 70 that has completed the measurement moves directly below the gripping mechanism 165 of the extracting mechanism 16, the extracting mechanism 16 starts the extracting and discarding operation.

As shown in FIG. 11, the grasping mechanism 165 is positioned at the standby position before the extraction and discarding operations are started. At this time, the guide mechanism 166 is in a non-guiding state. Also, the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the first linear portion 1665A in the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166. As shown in FIG.

When the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the standby position, the lower end of the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned slightly above the reaction disk 51 . Therefore, when the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the standby position, the reaction disk 51 can rotate without the gripping mechanism 165 contacting the reaction disk 51 .

When the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state, the guide mechanism 166 is located on the side opposite to the disposal side with respect to the movement axis of the grasping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 is not positioned directly below the gripping mechanism 165 . Also, when the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state, the first linear portion 1665A and the third linear portion 1665C of the engagement hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166 are parallel to the Z-axis direction.

When the withdrawal mechanism 16 starts the withdrawal and disposal operation, the gripping mechanism 165 moves downward to the gripping position. At this time, the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 moves within the first linear portion 1665A of the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166. As shown in FIG. Thereafter, movement of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction is performed by drive control of the drive section 162 by the control circuit 9 .

The gripping position is a position where the gripping mechanism 165 can grip the cuvette 70 in the reaction disk 51 . The standby position is located slightly above the gripping position. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the gripping mechanism 165 grips the cuvette 70 at the gripping position, taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 12 is a view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 5 in the Y-axis direction.

When the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the gripping position, the lower end of the gripping mechanism 165 is inserted into the gap between the edge of the hole 512 of the reaction disk 51 and the cuvette 70 from above. Then, the cuvette 70 is inserted from below between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A of the gripping mechanism 165 . By inserting the cuvette 70 from below between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A of the gripping mechanism 165, the space between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A is opened. Then, when the flange 72 of the cuvette 70 is inserted above the first claw portion 1651C and the second claw portion 1652C of the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction, the elastic force acting from the elastic member 1656 causes the first gripping portion 1651A to move. and the second grip portion 1652A are closed. As a result, the flange 72 of the cuvette 70 is supported from below by the first claw portion 1651C and the second claw portion 1652C of the gripping mechanism 165, and the cuvette 70 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 165. FIG.

After moving to the gripping position, the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward while gripping the cuvette 70 . At this time, the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 moves within the first linear portion 1665A of the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166. As shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing how the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 moves upward along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 13 is a view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 5 in the Y-axis direction.

When the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward while the projection 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 has entered the second straight portion 1665B of the engagement hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166, the projection 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 moves the guide mechanism 166. The edge of the engagement hole 1665 of is pressed to the disposal side and the upper side. Therefore, when the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 has entered the second straight portion 1665B of the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166, the guide mechanism 166 moves toward the shaft member 169 as the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward. , to one side in the circumferential direction (arrow R1 side in FIG. 13). An arrow R1 indicates the direction in which the lower end of the guide mechanism 166 approaches the transport path 168 provided on the disposal side.

The position at which the protrusion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the second straight portion 1665B of the engagement hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166 is the operation start position where the rotation of the guide mechanism 166 starts. When the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the operation start position, the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned above the reaction disk 51 .

When the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the inside of the third linear portion 1665C of the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166, the guide mechanism 166 enters the guiding state. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the removal mechanism 16 with the guide mechanism 166 in the guide state. FIG. 14 is a diagram viewed from one side in the Y-axis direction.

When the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 moves to the lower side of the gripping mechanism 165, and the lower end of the guide portion 1661 moves toward the disposal side of the gripping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction. . Therefore, when the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 intersects the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction. When the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 is positioned slightly below the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165, and gradually increases toward the disposal side in the X-axis direction. Form a slope that slopes downwards. Also, when the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state, the third linear portion 1665C of the engagement hole 1665 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. That is, the guide part 1661 moves below the reaction tube gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 as the gripping mechanism 165 moves. Further, the guide part 1661 is positioned away from the upper side of the reaction tube to be gripped when the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned at the gripping position where the reaction tube can be gripped, and the gripping mechanism 165 is at the open position where the reaction tube is released. When it is positioned, it is positioned below the reaction tube and forms a downward slope toward the storage section.

When the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward while the projection 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 has entered the third straight portion 1665C of the engagement hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166, the projection 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 moves toward the guide mechanism 166. moves upward in the third linear portion 1665C of the engaging hole 1665 of the .

When the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the open position, the gripping release mechanism 167 contacts the gripping mechanism 165 from above, and the gripping mechanism 165 is opened by the gripping release mechanism 167 . FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 has reached the open position, taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 15 is a view of the removal mechanism 16 viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 14 in the Y-axis direction.

When the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the open position, the inclined surface 1672A of the gripping/opening mechanism 167 contacts the first inclined surface 1651D of the gripping mechanism 165 from above. As a result, the first transmission portion 1651B is pressed downward and toward the disposal side by the gripping/opening mechanism 167 . Then, the first transmitting portion 1651B moves to the disposal side, the first member 1651 rotates about the shaft member 1655, and the first gripping portion 1651A moves to the side opposite to the disposal side.

Further, when the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the open position, the inclined surface 1672B of the gripping/opening mechanism 167 contacts the inclined surface 1652D of the gripping mechanism 165 from above. As a result, the second transmission portion 1652B is pressed downward and to the side opposite to the disposal side by the gripping/opening mechanism 167 . Then, the second transmitting portion 1652B moves to the side opposite to the disposal side, the second member 1652 rotates around the shaft member 1655, and the second gripping portion 1652A moves to the disposal side.

Therefore, when the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the open position from the bottom side, the first transmission portion 1651B and the second transmission portion 1652B are opened, thereby opening the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A. Then, the cuvette 70 gripped between the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A is released from the gripping mechanism 165 by opening the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A. The cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 drops downward.

The cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 at the open position falls downward. At this time, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 is positioned slightly below the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 in the open position. Therefore, the cuvette 70 dropped from the gripping mechanism 165 drops onto the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 and is conveyed to the waste side while sliding along the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 .

The cuvette 70 transported to the disposal side by the guide mechanism 166 is transported to the disposal box 15 through the transport path 168 .

After the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the open position, the gripping mechanism 165 moves downward. At this time, when the projecting portion 1655A of the gripping mechanism 165 has entered the second straight portion 1665B of the engaging hole 1665 of the guide mechanism 166, the guide mechanism 166 moves toward the shaft member as the gripping mechanism 165 moves downward. 169 as the center, it rotates to the other side in the circumferential direction (arrow R2 side in FIG. 13), and the guide mechanism 166 changes from the guide state to the non-guide state. When the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the standby position, the gripping mechanism 165 stops moving and waits at the standby position until the other cuvette 70 that has completed the measurement moves to the disposal position again.

Next, the effects of the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above will be described.

In the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, the holding mechanism 165 moves downward from the standby position to hold the cuvette 70 for which measurement has been completed. , the cuvette 70 is removed from the analysis mechanism 2 . Further, the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward while gripping the cuvette 70 , the guide mechanism 166 rotates, and the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 moves below the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 . The cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 at the open position is conveyed to the disposal box 15 by the guide mechanism 166 .

For example, in the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, the protrusion 1655A provided on the gripping mechanism 165 engages with the engagement hole 1665 provided on the guide mechanism 166, thereby moving the gripping mechanism 165 in the vertical direction. A coupling mechanism is formed to rotate the guide mechanism 166 as it moves.

Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, removal and disposal of the cuvette 70 for which measurement has been completed can be performed by one unit (the removal mechanism 16). Further, since the cuvette 70 for which measurement has been completed can be removed and discarded only by moving the holding mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction, the removal mechanism 16 is a drive unit that moves the holding mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction. It is realized without providing a drive mechanism other than 162 . For example, the removal operation and disposal operation of the cuvette 70 can be completed only by forward and/or reverse rotation of one motor provided as a drive mechanism. Therefore, since the cuvette 70 for which the measurement has been completed can be removed and discarded only by an operation in one axial direction, the removal and discard can be performed at high speed, and the removal and discard are stable and stable. improves. As a result, the throughput can be improved while maintaining stability when the cuvette 70 is removed and discarded.

In addition, in this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 165 includes an elastic member 1656 as an external force applying portion that applies an external force to close the first gripping portion 1651A and the second gripping portion 1652A of the gripping mechanism 165 . In addition, the gripping mechanism 165 includes a first claw portion 1651C and a second claw portion 1652C capable of supporting the cuvette 70.
Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the cuvette 70 held by the analysis mechanism 2 is automatically gripped by moving the gripping mechanism 165 to the gripping position.

Further, in this embodiment, the gripping mechanism 165 waits at a standby position slightly above the gripping position. Therefore, in the removing operation of the cuvette 70, the movement distance of the gripping mechanism 165 to the gripping position of the cuvette 70 is shortened, and the moving time of the gripping mechanism 165 to the gripping position of the cuvette 70 can be shortened.

In addition, the present embodiment includes a grip release mechanism 167 that opens the grip mechanism 165 by contacting the grip mechanism 165 when the grip mechanism 165 is at the open position. For example, the gripping mechanism 165 and the gripping/releasing mechanism 167 are formed with slopes, and the gripping mechanism 165 is opened by pressing the slopes 1651D and 1652D of the gripping mechanism 165 by the slopes 1672A and 1672B of the gripping/releasing mechanism 167. .

Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 is automatically released by moving the gripping mechanism 165 to the open position.

Further, in this embodiment, in a state in which the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 is moved below the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165, the guide mechanism moves slightly below the lower end 74 of the gripped cuvette 70 . The state in which the guide portion 1661 of 166 is positioned is maintained.

Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, the drop distance of the cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 at the open position to the guide section 1661 can be reduced. This improves the stability of the posture of the cuvette 70 when the cuvette 70 is transported to the disposal box 15, thereby improving the safety of disposal.

Further, in this embodiment, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 has an arc-shaped curved surface.

Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, when the cuvette 70 released from the gripping mechanism 165 in the open position is dropped onto the guide section 1661, compared to the case where the guide section 1661 is formed in a linear shape, It can reduce impact. This improves the stability of the posture of the cuvette 70 when the cuvette 70 is transported to the disposal box 15, thereby improving the safety of disposal.

In this embodiment, the width (L3) of the groove formed by the guide mechanism 166 is larger than the outer diameter (L2) of the cuvette 70 and smaller than the length (L1) of the cuvette 70 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the cuvette 70 is conveyed to the disposal box 15 inside the groove formed by the guide mechanism 166, the cuvette 70 cannot be rotated so that the upper end and the lower end are interchanged. Therefore, the guide mechanism 166 can convey the cuvette 70 to the disposal box 15 while maintaining the state in which the opening provided at the upper end 73 of the cuvette 70 faces upward. This prevents the mixture inserted in the cuvette 70 from flowing out through the opening of the cuvette 70 , thereby improving safety when the cuvette 70 is transported to the disposal box 15 .

In this embodiment, the engagement hole 1665 that constitutes the coupling mechanism is formed by a plurality of linear portions, but the invention is not limited to this. The engagement hole 1665 may be formed by, for example, combining straight portions and curved portions.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the above-described drawings, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described here. Duplicate descriptions of the following embodiments are similarly omitted.

2nd Embodiment is a modification of 1st Embodiment, and it modifies|transforms the structure of the extraction mechanism 16 of 1st Embodiment as follows. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the removal mechanism 16 with the gripping mechanism 165 positioned at the open position.

In this embodiment, the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 has a first flat plate 1661A and a second flat plate 1661B. The first flat plate 1661A and the second flat plate 1661B are movable in the Z-axis direction. The first flat plate 1661A is a flat plate parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The second flat plate 1661B is provided below the first flat plate 1661A. The second flat plate 1661B is rotatable with respect to the first flat plate 1661A about a rotation axis 1661C parallel to the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165. As shown in FIG.

The coupling mechanism combines the driving force that moves the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction, the driving force that rotates the guide mechanism 166 around a central axis (rotational axis 1661C) parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the driving force that rotates the guide mechanism 166 in parallel with the movement axis. The driving force is converted to move the guide mechanism 166 in the Z-axis direction. A connecting mechanism is realized by, for example, combining a cam mechanism and a link mechanism.

Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the guide mechanism 166 is in the non-guiding state, the first flat plate 1661A and the second flat plate 1661B are parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the X-axis direction is greater than the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165. located on the opposite side.

When the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state, the second flat plate 1661B is inclined with respect to the first flat plate 1661A, and extends from the side opposite to the waste side in the X-axis direction toward the waste side as it goes from the top to the bottom in the Z-axis direction. It will be in a state to go to. In this state, the second flat plate 1661B passes through the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction.

As the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward in the Z-axis direction from the operation start position to the open position by the connecting mechanism, the second flat plate 1661B rotates with respect to the first flat plate 1661A, and the guide mechanism 166 moves from the non-guiding state. become a guide. In the guided state, the second flat plate 1661B is positioned slightly below the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction at the same position as the movement axis of the gripping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction. .

Further, the connecting mechanism causes the first flat plate 1661A and the second flat plate 1661B to move upward in the Z-axis direction as the grasping mechanism 165 further moves upward in the Z-axis direction in the guided state. Therefore, in the guide state, as the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 moves upward, the second flat plate 1661B is positioned slightly below the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction. position is maintained.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, an automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG.

3rd Embodiment is a modification of 1st Embodiment, and modifies|transforms the structure of the extraction mechanism 16 of 1st Embodiment as follows. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism 16. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the guide mechanism 166 is supported by the support 161 and attached to the support 161 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction.

The coupling mechanism converts the driving force that moves the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction into the driving force that moves the guide mechanism 166 in the X-axis direction that intersects the movement axis. The connecting mechanism is implemented by, for example, a cam mechanism. The coupling mechanism moves the guide mechanism 166 relative to the support 161 in the vertical direction and in the X-axis direction that intersects the vertical direction as the gripping mechanism 165 moves relative to the support 161 in the vertical direction.

Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism causes the guide mechanism 166 to move toward the disposal side in the X-axis direction as the grasping mechanism 165 moves upward in the Z-axis direction from the operation start position to the open position. The guide portion 1661 moves below the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 . As a result, the guide mechanism 166 enters the guide state. In addition, the connecting mechanism causes the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 to move upward as the gripping mechanism 165 further moves upward in the guide state, and the position of the portion of the guide portion 1661 directly below the cuvette 70 is adjusted. moves up. Therefore, the guide portion 1661 is maintained slightly below the lower end 74 of the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG.

The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism 16 of the first embodiment is modified as follows. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism 16. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the shaft member 169 functioning as the rotating shaft of the guide mechanism 166 is provided on the disposal side of the gripping mechanism 165 in the X-axis direction.

The connecting mechanism converts the driving force that moves the gripping mechanism 165 in the Z-axis direction into the driving force that rotates the guide mechanism 166 around a central axis parallel to the Y-axis direction. The connecting mechanism rotates the guide mechanism 166 when the gripping mechanism 165 reaches the operation start position. The connecting mechanism is implemented by, for example, a cam mechanism.

Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, when the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 reaches the operation start position from below, the coupling mechanism causes the guide mechanism 166 to rotate around the shaft member 169, and the guide portion 1661 of the guide mechanism 166 rotates. It moves directly below the cuvette 70 gripped by the gripping mechanism 165 . As a result, the guide mechanism 166 enters the guide state. When the grasping mechanism 165 moves upward while the guide mechanism 166 is in the guide state and reaches the open position, the cuvette 70 grasped by the grasping mechanism 165 is released by the grasping and releasing mechanism 167, and the dropped cuvette 70 is released. is transported toward the disposal box 15 by the guide mechanism 166 .

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.

The fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism 16 of the first embodiment is modified as follows. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the withdrawal mechanism 16 with the gripping mechanism 165 closed. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the gripping mechanism 165 is opened by the gripping release mechanism 167. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, gripping mechanism 165 comprises support 1657 , first member 1658 and second member 1659 . The first member 1658 is attached to the support 1657 via a shaft member 1658A. The second member 1659 is attached to the support 1657 via a shaft member 1659A. The shaft member 1658A and the shaft member 1659A are parallel to the Y-axis direction and spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The first member 1658 and the second member 1659 are, for example, rod-shaped. First member 1658 is rotatable relative to support 1657 about shaft member 1658A, and second member 1659 is rotatable relative to support 1657 about shaft member 1659A.

The first member 1658 includes a first gripping portion 1658B provided below the connecting portion with the shaft member 1658A in the first member 1658, and a first holding portion 1658B provided above the connecting portion with the shaft member 1658A in the first member 1658. and a first transmission portion 1658C. In addition, the second member 1659 includes a second gripping portion 1659B provided below the connecting portion with the shaft member 1659A in the second member 1659, and a second holding portion 1659B provided above the connecting portion with the shaft member 1659A in the second member 1659. and a second transmission portion 1659C provided.

As the space between the first transmission portion 1658C and the second transmission portion 1659C opens, the space between the first grip portion 1658B and the second grip portion 1659B closes. Further, as the space between the first transmission portion 1658C and the second transmission portion 1659C closes, the space between the first gripping portion 1658B and the second gripping portion 1659B opens.

The gripping and releasing mechanism 167 includes a projecting portion 1673A and a projecting portion 1673B. The projecting portion 1673A and the projecting portion 1673B are arranged apart in the X-axis direction. The projecting portion 1673A and the projecting portion 1673A project downward from the upper portion of the support 161 . The projecting portion 1673A has an inclined surface 1674A. The slope 1674A faces the side opposite to the disposal side in the X-axis direction and faces downward in the Z-axis direction. Protrusion 1673B includes slope 1674B. The slope 1674B faces the waste side in the X-axis direction and faces downward in the Z-axis direction. Slope 1674A and slope 1674B face each other.

The shaft member 1658A of the gripping mechanism 165 is located within the range where the inclined surface 1674A of the projecting portion 1673A of the gripping release mechanism 167 is provided in the X-axis direction. In addition, the shaft member 1659A of the gripping mechanism 165 is positioned within the range where the inclined surface 1674B of the projecting portion 1673B of the gripping release mechanism 167 is provided in the X-axis direction.

Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the gripping mechanism 165 moves from below to the open position, the first transmission portion 1658C of the gripping mechanism 165 abuts on the first slope 1674A of the gripping release mechanism 167 . As a result, the first gripping portion 1658B is pressed downward and opposite to the disposal side by the first slope 1674A of the gripping release mechanism 167, and the first member 1658 rotates about the shaft member 1658A with respect to the support 1657. do. As a result, the first transmission portion 1658C moves in the X-axis direction to the side opposite to the disposal side, and the first gripping portion 1658B moves in the X-axis direction toward the disposal side.

Also, the second transmission portion 1659C of the gripping mechanism 165 abuts on the second slope 1674B of the gripping release mechanism 167 . As a result, the second transmitting portion 1659C is pressed downward and toward the disposal side by the second slope 1674B of the gripping/opening mechanism 167, and the second member 1659 rotates about the shaft member 1659A with respect to the support body 1657. The second transmission portion 1659C moves to the disposal side in the X-axis direction, and the second gripping portion 1659B moves to the side opposite to the disposal side in the X-axis direction.

Therefore, when the gripping mechanism 165 moves from the lower side to the open position, the first gripping portion 1658B and the second transmitting portion 1659C are closed to open the first gripping portion 1658B and the second gripping portion 1659B.

Therefore, in this embodiment as well, when the gripping mechanism 165 gripping the cuvette 70 moves from below to the open position, the gripping mechanism 165 is opened by the gripping release mechanism 167 and the gripped cuvette 70 is released from the gripping mechanism 165 . be.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the guide part is positioned away from the movement range of the gripping mechanism when the gripping mechanism is positioned at the gripping position where the reaction tube can be gripped. Below the gripping mechanism when positioned at the open position for opening the reaction tube, a downward slope is formed toward the storage section. As a result, the throughput is improved while the stability is maintained when the cuvette is removed and discarded.

The term "processor" used in the above description is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., Circuits such as Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. A processor is a memory circuit. The function is realized by reading and executing the program stored in.In addition, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit, it may be configured so that the program is directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor.In this case, the processor The function is realized by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit.In addition, each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a plurality of independent circuits. 1 may be combined into one processor to implement its function, or a plurality of components in FIG.

It should be noted that although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 automatic analyzer 2 analysis mechanism 3 analysis circuit 4 drive mechanism 5 input interface 6 output interface 7 communication interface 8 storage circuit 9 control circuit 10 cuvette supply mechanism 15 disposal box 16 withdrawal mechanism 51... Reaction disk 512... Hole 52... Dispensing unit 70... Cuvette 71... Body part 72... Flange 73... Upper end 74... Lower end 91... System control function 161... Support body 162... Drive parts 163A, 163B... Drive shaft 164... Support Member 165 Grasping mechanism 166 Guide mechanism 167 Grasping release mechanism 168 Conveyance paths 169, 1655, 1658A, 1659A Shaft members 1651, 1658 First members 1651A, 1658B First gripping portions 1651B, 1658C First transmission Part 1651C... First claw part 1651D... First slope 1652, 1659... Second member 1652A, 1659B... Second grip part 1652B, 1659C... Second transmission part 1652C... Second nail part 1652D... Second slope 1655A, 1671, 1673A, 1673B Projecting portion 1656 Elastic member 1661 Guide portion 1662, 1663 Side wall 1665 Engaging hole 1665A First straight portion 1665B Second straight portion 1665C Third straight portion 1672A, 1672B Slope 1661A, 1661B Flat plate 1661C Rotary shaft 1657 Supports 1674A, 1674B Inclined surfaces L1, L3 Length L2 Outer diameters R1, R2 Arrows

Claims (11)

a support for supporting a reaction tube holding a mixture of a sample and a reagent;
a storage unit for storing reaction tubes for which measurement has been completed;
a gripping mechanism capable of switching between a state of gripping the reaction tube and an open state of not gripping the reaction tube;
a driving unit that moves the gripping mechanism upward;
a guide portion that moves downward of the reaction tube gripped by the gripping mechanism along with the movement of the gripping mechanism;
The guide part is located at a position away from the upper side of the reaction tube that is gripped when the gripping mechanism is positioned at a gripping position where the reaction tube can be gripped, and is an open position where the gripping mechanism releases the reaction tube. , forming an inclined surface that is positioned below the reaction tube and directed downward toward the storage unit. further comprising a cam mechanism for moving the guide portion as the gripping mechanism moves upward;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The guide portion is rotatable around a rotation axis,
The cam mechanism rotates the guide part about the rotation axis as the gripping mechanism moves upward.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. The cam mechanism is
an engagement hole provided in the guide portion;
a projecting portion provided in the gripping mechanism, engaging with the engaging hole, and rotating the guide portion by moving inside the engaging hole in a state of being engaged with the engaging hole;
comprising
The automatic analyzer according to claim 3. The guide part is movable in a vertical direction and in a direction crossing the vertical direction,
The cam mechanism moves the guide portion in the vertical direction and in a direction crossing the vertical direction as the gripping mechanism moves in the vertical direction.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. The gripping mechanism includes an external force applying unit that applies an external force to the gripping portion to close the openable and closable gripping portion.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The gripping mechanism is provided in a grip that can be opened and closed, and includes a claw portion that can support the flange of the reaction tube from below by inserting the reaction tube between the grips.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The guide portion has an arc-shaped curved surface centered on a position above the guide portion,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. It has the guide part and is formed in a groove shape that opens toward the upper side and the storage part, the width of the groove shape is larger than the outer diameter of the reaction tube, and the length of the reaction tube in the longitudinal direction further comprising a guide mechanism smaller than the length,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. Further comprising a gripping release mechanism above the gripping mechanism that opens the gripping mechanism by contacting the gripping mechanism when the gripping mechanism is positioned at the open position,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. one of the gripping mechanism and the gripping/releasing mechanism has an inclined surface that opens or closes the gripping mechanism by contacting the other of the gripping mechanism and the gripping/releasing mechanism;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 10.

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