JP7293000B2 - Reagent cartridge and automatic analysis system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagent cartridges and automated analysis systems.

For example, in an automatic analysis system, by rotating and moving up and down a dispensing arm, a dispensing probe attached to the dispensing arm is moved between a reagent container and a reaction container, and a pump unit is driven to , causes the dispensing probe to dispense the reagent. That is, the pipetting probe is caused to aspirate the reagent in the reagent container, and the reagent is discharged into the reaction container. Thus, in the automatic analysis system, reagent dispensing accuracy is ensured by the dispensing probe, dispensing arm, and pump unit.

JP 2018-20283 A JP-A-7-289881 JP 2008-224672 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve reagent dispensing accuracy with a simple configuration.

A reagent cartridge according to an embodiment includes a discharge section, a first storage section that stores a reagent, and a tubular member. At the end of the cylindrical member opposite to the distal end where the discharge portion is provided, the reagent is sucked from the first storage portion by suction by the feed-out unit, and at the end, the reagent is sucked by the feed-out unit. The aspirated reagent is ejected from the ejection section by the medium to be delivered.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system to which a reagent cartridge according to this embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the reagent cartridge in the first modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device in the first modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis device in a second modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an analysis device in a second modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an analysis device according to a third modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a reagent cartridge in the fourth modified example of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analysis system to which a reagent cartridge is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment is not restricted to the following embodiments. In addition, the contents described in one embodiment are in principle similarly applied to other embodiments.

(embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an automatic analysis system 100 to which a reagent cartridge according to this embodiment is applied. The automatic analysis system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis device 70 , a drive device 80 and a processing device 90 .

The analyzer 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used for analysis of each test item, Generate data and test data. The analysis device 70 includes a plurality of units that perform sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, and the like, and the drive device 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70 . The processing device 90 controls the driving device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70 .

The processing device 90 has an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 and a memory circuit 60 .

The input device 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, and a touch key panel. Input, etc.

The output device 40 has a printer and a display. The printer prints calibration data and analysis data generated by the processing circuit 30 . The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays calibration data and analysis data generated by the processing circuit 30 .

The storage circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

Processing circuitry 30 controls the overall system. For example, processing circuitry 30 performs data generation function 31 and analysis control function 32, as shown in FIG. The analysis control function 32 controls the driving device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70 . The data generation function 31 processes standard data and test data generated by the analyzer 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

Here, for example, each processing function executed by the data generation function 31 and the analysis control function 32, which are components of the processing circuit 30, is recorded in the storage circuit 60 in the form of a computer-executable program. The processing circuit 30 is a processor that reads out each program from the storage circuit 60 and executes it, thereby realizing functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 30 with each program read has each function shown in the processing circuit 30 of FIG. Here, the data generation function 31 is an example of a data generation unit. The analysis control function 32 is an example of an analysis control section.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that a single processing circuit 30 implements each processing function described below. The function may be implemented by executing a program.

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 (for example , Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor implements its functions by reading and executing programs stored in the storage circuit 60 . Note that instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60, the program may be configured to be directly installed in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device 70 according to this embodiment.

The analyzer 70 has a sample disk 5 holding a plurality of sample containers 11 . The sample container 11 accommodates samples such as standard samples and test samples for each inspection item.

The analysis device 70 further includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on a circumference, and a reaction disk 4 holding each of the plurality of reaction vessels 3 so as to be rotatable.

The analyzer 70 further includes a sample pipetting probe 16, a sample pipetting arm 10, a sample pipetting pump unit 16a, a sample detector 16b, and a washing tank 16c. The sample dispensing probe 16 dispenses the sample. Specifically, the sample pipetting probe 16 aspirates the sample in the sample container 11 held on the sample disk 5 for each inspection item, and the amount of sample set as the analysis parameter for the inspection item is dispensed into the reaction container. 3 to discharge. The sample pipetting arm 10 supports the sample pipetting probe 16 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. The sample dispensing pump unit 16a causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate and discharge the sample. The sample detector 16b detects the inside of the sample container 11 by contacting the liquid surface of the sample in the sample container 11 held by the sample disk 5 with the tip of the sample pipetting probe 16 lowered from above the liquid surface. of samples. For example, the sample detector 16b is electrically connected to the sample pipetting probe 16, and when the tip of the sample pipetting probe 16 comes into contact with the sample in the sample container 11, the sample container 11 is detected by a change in capacitance. Detects the sample inside. The cleaning tank 16c cleans the sample dispensing probe 16 each time sample dispensing is completed.

The analyzer 70 further includes a plurality of reagent cartridges 6, a reagent storage 1 storing each of the plurality of reagent cartridges 6, a plurality of reagent cartridges 7, and a reagent storage 2 storing each of the plurality of reagent cartridges 7. It has The reagent cartridge 6 stores a reagent containing a component that reacts with the component of each inspection item contained in the sample. For example, the reagent cartridge 6 contains a one-reagent system reagent or a two-reagent system first reagent. The reagent storage 1 includes a reagent rack 1a that is a turntable that rotatably holds reagent cartridges 6 for each inspection item. The reagent cartridge 7 contains the second reagent of the two-reagent system for each inspection item. The reagent storage 2 includes a reagent rack 2a that is a turntable that rotatably holds reagent cartridges 7 for each inspection item.

Reagent cartridges 6 and 7 respectively discharge reagents in amounts set as analysis parameters of inspection items into reaction containers 3 by reagent supply probes 6a and 7a.

The analyzer 70 further comprises a measuring section 13 and a reaction vessel cleaning unit 12 . The measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction container 3 containing the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent with light to measure the mixed liquid. Specifically, the measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction container 3 at the measurement position, which is rotating, with light, and detects the light transmitted through the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 3 by the irradiation. The measurement unit 13 then processes the detected signals to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs the data to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90 . The reaction container cleaning unit 12 cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 after the measurement by the measurement unit 13 has been completed.

The drive device 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70 .

The driving device 80 has a mechanism for driving the sample disk 5 of the analysis device 70 and rotates each sample container 11 . Further, the drive device 80 has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 1a of the reagent storage 1, and rotates each reagent cartridge 6. As shown in FIG. Further, the drive device 80 has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 2a of the reagent storage 2, and rotates each reagent cartridge 7. As shown in FIG. Further, the driving device 80 has a mechanism for driving the reaction disk 4 and rotates each reaction container 3 .

The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the sample pipetting arm 10 and moves the sample pipetting probe 16 between the sample container 11 and the reaction container 3 . Further, the drive device 80 has a mechanism for driving the sample dispensing pump unit 16a and causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to dispense the sample. That is, the sample pipetting probe 16 is made to aspirate the sample in the sample container 11 and the sample is discharged into the reaction container 3 .

The drive device 80 also includes reagent supply pump units 8 and 9, as shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device 70 according to this embodiment. 3, the sample disc 5, the sample pipetting arm 10, the sample container 11, the sample pipetting probe 16, the sample pipetting pump unit 16a, the sample detector 16b, the washing tank 16c, and the reaction container washing shown in FIG. The illustration of the unit 12, the measuring section 13, etc. is omitted.

The reagent cartridge 6 comprises a reagent supply probe 6a and a reagent supply unit 6b. The reagent supply unit 6b causes the reagent supply probe 6a to discharge the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item into the reaction vessel 3. FIG. The reagent cartridge 7 includes a reagent supply probe 7a and a reagent supply unit 7b. The reagent supply unit 7b causes the reagent supply probe 7a to discharge the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item into the reaction vessel 3. FIG. The configuration of the reagent supply units 6b and 7b will be described later.

The reagent supply pump unit 8 has a pump head 8a and a terminal 8b. The reagent supply pump unit 9 has a pump head 9a and a terminal 9b. The reagent reservoirs 1 and 2 are provided above the reaction disk 4, and the pump heads 8a and 9a are the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 out of the plurality of reagent cartridges 6 and 7 stored in the reagent reservoirs 1 and 2, respectively. , 7 are connected to the reagent supply units 6b, 7b. The terminals 8b and 9b are connected to arms that movably support the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9, respectively, and the driving device 80 has a mechanism for moving the arms. The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 . Operations of the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 and the driving device 80 will be described later.

The overall configuration of the automatic analysis system 100 to which the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 according to this embodiment are applied has been described above. Hereinafter, the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 according to this embodiment will be described as a reagent cartridge 200 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the reagent cartridge 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the reagent cartridge 200 according to this embodiment includes a case 240 and a reagent supply probe 210 and a reagent supply unit 220 built in the case 240 .

Here, the tip portion 210a of the reagent supply probe 210 corresponds to, for example, the reagent supply probes 6a and 7a shown in FIG. For example, a through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the case 240 , and the tip 210 a of the reagent supply probe 210 is exposed through the hole in the bottom surface of the case 240 . The reagent supply probe 210 is an example of a discharge section.

Also, the reagent supply unit 220 corresponds to, for example, the reagent supply units 6b and 7b shown in FIG. The reagent supply unit 220 includes a container 221 , a cylinder 222 , one-way valves 223 and 224 , a container 225 and an electromagnetic valve 226 . The container 221 is an example of a first container. Cylinder 222 is an example of a tubular member. The one-way valve 223 is an example of a first valve, and the one-way valve 224 is an example of a second valve. The container 225 is an example of a second container. The solenoid valve 226 is an example of a third valve.

A container 221 contains a reagent. For example, container 221 is formed from a metal or polymer material.

A one-way valve 223 is provided between the cylinder 222 and the container 221 . Specifically, the one-way valve 223 is provided between the side surface of the cylinder 222 on the side of the tip 222a and the side surface of the container 221 on the side of the bottom portion 221a. For example, the one-way valve 223 causes the reagent to flow from the inside of the container 221 into the cylinder 222 by the suction of the medium by the reagent supply pump unit 230 described later. Here, the one-way valve 223 prevents reverse flow from the cylinder 222 toward the container 221 .

A one-way valve 224 is provided between the cylinder 222 and the reagent supply probe 210 . Specifically, the one-way valve 224 is provided between the tip 222a of the cylinder 222 and the other end of the reagent supply probe 210 opposite to the tip 210a. For example, the one-way valve 224 causes the reagent to be discharged from within the cylinder 222 via the reagent supply probe 210 by pumping the medium by the reagent supply pump unit 230 described later. Here, one-way valve 224 prevents backflow from reagent supply probe 210 in the direction of cylinder 222 .

Media is aspirated or delivered to the cylinder 222 . Specifically, at the terminal end 222b on the side opposite to the tip 222a of the cylinder 222, when the medium is sucked by the reagent supply pump unit 230 described later, the reagent flows from the container 221 into the cylinder 222 via the one-way valve 223. flows in. Here, the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item flows into the cylinder 222 . At the end 222 b of the cylinder 222 , the reagent flowing into the cylinder 222 is discharged from the reagent supply probe 210 via the one-way valve 224 when the medium is pumped out by the reagent supply pump unit 230 described later.

The container 225 is adjacent to the container 221 and the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 is housed inside the container 225 . Specifically, the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 is housed inside the container 225 through the bottom portion 225a of the container 225 . The container 225 accommodates the reagent overflowing from the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 when the reagent flows into the cylinder 222 from the container 221 via the one-way valve 223 .

Here, the bottom surface portion 225a of the container 225 is inclined so as to approach the mounting surface of the reagent storage as it approaches the side surface portion 221b of the container 221 . That is, the bottom portion 225a of the container 225 is shaped so that when the reagent overflowing from the end 222b of the cylinder 222 is accommodated in the container 225, the reagent flows toward the side portion 221b of the container 221 within the container 225. ing.

The electromagnetic valve 226 is provided in a region where the bottom surface portion 225a of the container 225 and the side surface portion 221b of the container 221 intersect, and connects the container 225 and the container 221 when opened. For example, the solenoid valve 226 is opened under the control of the processing device 90 described later, and the reagent flows from the container 225 to the container 221 via the solenoid valve 226 . That is, the reagent stored in container 225 is returned to container 221 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the reagent supply pump unit 230 has a pump head 230a and a terminal 230b. Here, the reagent supply pump unit 230 corresponds to the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 shown in FIG. The pump head 230a corresponds to the pump heads 8a and 9a shown in FIG. 3, and the terminal 230b corresponds to the terminals 8b and 9b shown in FIG. The reagent supply pump unit 230 is an example of an infeed/delivery section.

5 to 10 are side sectional views showing an example of processing using the reagent cartridge 200 according to this embodiment.

First, when a reagent is to be dispensed, the terminal 230b of the reagent supply pump unit 230 is connected to an arm that movably supports the reagent supply pump unit 230. FIG. For example, the analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs to the driving device 80 a control signal for connecting the reagent cartridge 200 for discharging the reagent and the reagent supply pump unit 230 . In this case, the driving device 80 moves an arm that movably supports the reagent supply pump unit 230 in response to the control signal, and as shown in FIG. 225 and the pump head 230a of the reagent supply pump unit 230 are connected. Specifically, an opening is formed in the upper surface of the case 240, and the upper surface 225b of the container 225 is exposed through the opening. A through hole is formed in the exposed upper surface portion 225b, and an O-ring made of rubber, for example, is provided around the hole. By covering or gripping the O-ring with the pump head 230a, the upper surface portion 225b of the container 225 and the pump head 230a are connected.

Next, the analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs to the driving device 80 a control signal for causing the reagent supply pump unit 230 to aspirate a medium for aspirating a predetermined amount of reagent into the reagent cartridge 200 , for example. In this case, the driving device 80 drives the reagent supply pump unit 230 according to the control signal, and controls the reagent supply pump unit 230 to suck the medium from the pump head 230a. For example, the terminal 230b of the reagent supply pump unit 230 is connected to a tube for discharging a medium from the driving device 80 to the reagent cartridge 200 via an arm, or sucking a medium from the reagent cartridge 200 to the driving device 80 via an arm. is provided. A terminal 230b of the reagent supply pump unit 230 is connected to a signal line for controlling the reagent supply pump unit 230 by the driver 80 via an arm. The driving device 80 controls the reagent supply pump unit 230 through the signal line so as to suck the medium from the pump head 230a through the tube according to the control signal. In this case, the medium is aspirated by the reagent supply pump unit 230 at the end 222 b of the cylinder 222 housed inside the container 225 . As a result, the reagent flows from the container 221 into the cylinder 222 via the one-way valve 223, as shown in FIG.

Here, the predetermined amount of reagent is slightly larger than the amount set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the reagent flows into the cylinder 222 from the container 221 via the one-way valve 223, the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item flows into the cylinder 222. At the same time, the reagent slightly overflowing from the end 222b of the cylinder 222 is accommodated in the container 225. FIG. At this time, since the bottom surface portion 225a of the container 225 is inclined, the reagent flows to the side surface portion 221b side of the container 221 within the container 225 .

Next, the analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs to the driving device 80 a control signal for injecting the medium for discharging the reagent from the reagent supply pump unit 230 into the reagent cartridge 200 . In this case, the drive device 80 drives the reagent supply pump unit 230 according to the control signal, and controls the reagent supply pump unit 230 so that the medium is pumped out from the pump head 230a. For example, the driving device 80 controls the reagent supply pump unit 230 through the signal line so as to pump the medium from the pump head 230a through the tube according to the control signal. In this case, the medium is delivered by the reagent supply pump unit 230 at the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 housed inside the container 225 . As a result, the reagent that has flowed into the cylinder 222 is discharged from the reagent supply probe 210 via the one-way valve 224, as shown in FIG.

Here, the reagent stored in the container 225 can be returned to the container 221 by the electromagnetic valve 226 . Specifically, the electromagnetic valve 226 has a main body and a valve, and the analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a control signal for opening the valve to the main body by, for example, a radio signal. . The body section opens the valve according to the control signal output from the processing device 90 . At this time, the reagent flows from the container 225 to the container 221 through the electromagnetic valve 226, as shown in FIG.

When the dispensing of the reagent is completed, the analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs to the drive device 80 a control signal for disconnecting the reagent supply pump unit 230 from the reagent cartridge 200 that has discharged the reagent. . In this case, the driving device 80 causes the upper surface portion 225b of the container 225 of the reagent supply unit 220 of the reagent cartridge 200 and the pump head 230a of the reagent supply pump unit 230 to move in response to the control signal, as shown in FIG. Disconnect.

In this embodiment, the process of returning the reagent in the container 225 to the container 221 does not have to be performed every time the reagent is discharged. For example, the processing may be an intermittent operation that is performed after the reagent has been discharged multiple times.

Further, in the present embodiment, the container 225 of the reagent cartridge 200 contains only a small amount of reagent, so the process of returning the reagent in the container 225 to the container 221 may not be performed. That is, if the amount of reagent contained in container 225 is extremely small, the reagent in container 225 may be discarded. In this case, installation of the solenoid valve 226 becomes unnecessary.

As described above, in this embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 incorporates the reagent supply probe 210 and the reagent supply unit 220 . That is, in this embodiment, the medium is sucked by the reagent supply pump unit 230 at the terminal end 222 b of the cylinder 222 of the reagent supply unit 220 , and the reagent flows into the cylinder 222 from the container 221 via the one-way valve 223 . At this time, the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item flows into the cylinder 222 , and the reagent slightly overflowing from the end 222 b of the cylinder 222 is accommodated in the container 225 . At the terminal end 222 b of the cylinder 222 , the medium is pumped out by the reagent supply pump unit 230 , and the reagent flowing into the cylinder 222 is discharged from the reagent supply probe 210 via the one-way valve 224 . Thus, according to the present embodiment, reagent dispensing accuracy can be ensured inside the reagent cartridge 200 . Further, according to the present embodiment, by improving the dispensing accuracy of the reagent with a simple configuration, the dispensing probe can be caused to aspirate the reagent in the reagent container, and the dispensing probe can be caused to discharge the reagent into the reaction container. This eliminates the need for a high-precision pump unit, which simplifies the system.

In addition, in a system in which reagent dispensing accuracy is ensured by a dispensing probe, a dispensing arm, and a pump unit, the reagent container is stored in the reagent storage with the cap opened after transportation, so the reagent does not come into contact with the air. and prone to deterioration. On the other hand, in this embodiment, reagent dispensing accuracy is ensured inside the reagent cartridge 200, so the reagent cartridge 200 is not unsealed after transportation. Therefore, according to the reagent cartridge 200 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid contact between the reagent and air, thereby extending the life of the reagent. Further, according to the reagent cartridge 200 according to the present embodiment, by avoiding contact between the reagent and air, the reagent can be stored at room temperature, which increases convenience. Room-temperature storage is effective from the viewpoint of convenience because it is applied during the product distribution process, storage at the place of use, and storage in the reagent storage.

(First modification)
In this embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 incorporates the reagent supply probe 210 and the reagent supply unit 220, but is not limited to this. For example, in a first modified example of this embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 may further incorporate a reagent supply pump unit 230 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device 70 according to this embodiment. 12, the sample disk 5, the sample pipetting arm 10, the sample container 11, the sample pipetting probe 16, the sample pipetting pump unit 16a, the sample detector 16b, the washing tank 16c, and the reaction container washing shown in FIG. The illustration of the unit 12, the measuring section 13, etc. is omitted. Here, in FIG. 12, reagent cartridges 6 and 7 are provided with reagent supply pump units 8 and 9, respectively. Note that FIG. 12 shows terminals 8b and 9b as the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9, respectively. The reagent cartridges 6 and 7 shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the reagent cartridge 200 shown in FIG. The reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the reagent supply pump unit 230 shown in FIG.

(Second modification)
In this embodiment, the driving device 80 rotates the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 by a mechanism that drives the reagent racks of the reagent storage, but is not limited to this. For example, in a second modification of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the driving device 80 may translate the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 by this mechanism. In this case, reagent cartridges 6 and 7 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 correspond to reagent cartridge 200 shown in FIG.

(Third modification)
In the second modification of this embodiment, the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 contain the reagent supply probes 6a and 7a and the reagent supply units 6b and 7b, but are not limited to this. For example, in a third modification of the present embodiment, reagent cartridges 6 and 7 may further incorporate reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 as shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 15 shows terminals 8b and 9b as the reagent supply pump units 8 and 9, respectively. In this case, the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 shown in FIG. 15 correspond to the reagent cartridge 200 shown in FIG. The reagent supply pump units 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 15 correspond to the reagent supply pump unit 230 shown in FIG.

(Fourth modification)
In this embodiment, the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 of the reagent supply unit 220 of the reagent cartridge 200 is housed inside the container 225, but is not limited to this. For example, in the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the reagent supply unit 220 of the reagent cartridge 200 does not have to include the container 225 .

In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 of the reagent supply unit 220 of the reagent cartridge 200 and the pump head 230a of the reagent supply pump unit 230 are connected. Specifically, a through hole is formed in the upper surface of the case 240, and the terminal end 222b of the cylinder 222 is exposed through the hole. Also, the exposed end 222b is provided with, for example, a rubber O-ring, and the pump head 230a covers or grips the O-ring to connect the end 222b of the cylinder 222 and the pump head 230a.

(Fifth Modification)
In this embodiment, the container 221 of the reagent supply unit 220 of the reagent cartridge 200 is made of metal or polymer material, but is not limited to this. For example, in the fifth modified example of the present embodiment, the container 221 may have a double structure and the inside may be a bag.

For example, the container 221 includes a case and a bag part built into the case. In the container 221, the bag is made of a material that is more flexible than the case, such as a resin film. The material of the bag is, for example, a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, and polybutylene. is used. The bag portion is formed of the selected polymer material film (resin film).

The bag portion of the container 221 is creased, and when the reagent flows into the cylinder 222 from the container 221 via the one-way valve 223, the reagent inside the bag portion of the container 221 decreases. As a result, the level of the liquid level of the reagent contained in the bag portion of the container 221 is lowered, and the bag portion with creases is deflated. As a result, in the fifth modification of the present embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 is transported, and when the reagent cartridge 200 is moved, such as when the turntable is rotated after transportation, the reagent bubbles are generated. suppress the occurrence of Specifically, in the container 221, since the reagent is stored in the bag portion formed of the resin film which is a flexible member, bubbles are less likely to occur due to ripples on the liquid surface of the reagent.

According to at least one embodiment described above, reagent dispensing accuracy can be improved with a simple configuration.

While embodiments of the invention have been described, embodiments of the invention have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

100 automatic analysis system 200 reagent cartridge 210 reagent supply probe 220 reagent supply unit 221 container 222 cylinder 222a tip 222b end 223 one-way valve 224 one-way valve 225 container 226 solenoid valve

Claims (11)

comprising a discharge part and a reagent supply unit ,
The reagent supply unit is
a first storage unit that stores a reagent;
At the terminal end opposite to the tip where the discharge part is provided, the reagent flows in from the first container due to suction by the feed-out part, and the medium discharged from the feed-out part at the end causes a tubular member through which the sucked reagent is ejected from the ejection portion;
with
The reagent supply unit is connected to the delivery/delivery unit during dispensing of the reagent,
reagent cartridge. The reagent supply unit is disconnected from the delivery/delivery unit when dispensing of the reagent is completed.
A reagent cartridge according to claim 1 . The reagent supply unit is
a second container for containing the reagent overflowing from the end of the tubular member when the reagent flows into the tubular member from the first container;
The reagent cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: comprising a discharge part and a reagent supply unit,
The reagent supply unit is
a first storage unit that stores a reagent;
At the terminal end opposite to the tip where the discharge part is provided, the reagent flows in from the first container due to suction by the feed-out part, and the medium discharged from the feed-out part at the end causes a tubular member through which the sucked reagent is ejected from the ejection portion;
a second container for containing the reagent overflowing from the end of the tubular member when the reagent flows into the tubular member from the first container;
a reagent cartridge. the in-feed and out-feed unit;
5. The reagent cartridge of claim 4 , further comprising: The reagent supply unit is
a valve that returns the reagent stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit;
The reagent cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: The reagent supply unit is
a first valve provided in the tubular member for preventing reverse flow from the tubular member toward the first accommodating portion;
a second valve provided on the distal end side of the tubular member for preventing reverse flow from the discharge portion toward the tubular member;
The reagent cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The in-feed and out-feed unit is a reagent supply pump unit,
A reagent cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7. a reagent cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ;
a driving device for sucking or discharging the medium into the reagent cartridge;
Automated analysis system with a reagent cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
the in-feed and out-feed unit;
an arm that movably supports the infeed/delivery unit;
When the reagent is dispensed, the arm is moved to connect the reagent cartridge and the infeed/delivery section. driving the infeed/delivery unit so that the reagent flows in; a driving device for driving the in-feed and out-feed unit;
Automated analysis system with The in-feed and out-feed unit is a reagent supply pump unit,
The automatic analysis system according to claim 10.

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