Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application aims to provide an automatic analysis device that improves workability when moving in and out a flow cell. The automatic analysis device of the present application includes a photomultiplier tube, a substrate disposed vertically below the photomultiplier tube, and a flow cell disposed vertically below the substrate, the lower surface of the substrate having a convex portion and / or a concave portion, the upper surface of the flow cell having a concave portion and / or a convex portion, the automatic analysis device having a pressing member that presses the flow cell vertically from below to above in a state where the concave portion and / or the convex portion of the flow cell is fitted to the convex portion and / or the concave portion of the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] An automated analysis device is a device that automatically analyzes specimens such as blood and urine. Furthermore, in immunoassay, a detection unit of an automated analysis device, a method is known in which a reaction solution containing the specimen is introduced into a flow cell, and the emitted light is detected using a photodetector. Patent Document 1 is cited as an example of a detection method using such a flow cell.

[0003] In general, to avoid positional deviation from the photomultiplier tube, the flow cell of a conventional detection unit is fixed to the substrate with screws. By fixing it to the substrate with screws, the light-shielding effect of the area within the flow cell surrounded by the flow path and the photomultiplier tube can be improved, suppressing the decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio when measuring signals using the photomultiplier tube.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-149305 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, when the flow cell is fixed to the substrate with screws, the screws need to be installed or removed every time the flow cell is moved out, which makes it difficult to work.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated analysis device that improves workability when transferring items out of and into a flow cell.

[0010] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention includes: a photoelectron multiplier tube; a substrate disposed below the photoelectron multiplier tube in a vertical direction; and a flow cell disposed below the substrate in a vertical direction, wherein the lower surface of the substrate has a protrusion and / or a recess, the upper surface of the flow cell has a recess and / or a protrusion, and the automatic analysis device includes a pressing member that presses the flow cell vertically from below to above while the recess and / or protrusion of the flow cell is engaged with the protrusion and / or recess of the substrate.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, an automated analysis apparatus can be provided that improves operability when transferring items out of and into a flow cell. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of the automatic analysis device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the flow path structure of the detection unit.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the detection unit.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the detection unit (with the flow cell installed).

[0018] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flow cell.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the detection unit (the state before the flow cell is installed).

[0020] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the structure of the linkage mechanism that links the actions of the pressing component.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the flow pool being pressed simultaneously by the two pressing components on the left and right.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view showing the two pressing components on the left and right sides pressing the flow pool simultaneously from below.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the situation where the front and rear pressing components press the flow pool simultaneously.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the two pressing components pressing the flow pool simultaneously from below, and a front view showing the two pressing components pressing the flow pool simultaneously from the front. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] First, refer to Figure 1 Describe the overall structure of the automatic analysis device. Figure 1 This is a top view of the automatic analysis device.

[0027] The automatic analysis device 100 includes a support 108, a support conveyor line 115, a sample dispensing mechanism 116, an incubator (reaction tray) 107, a storage unit 106, a conveying mechanism 105, a reaction container stirring mechanism 104, a waste port 102, a reagent tray 117, a reagent dispensing mechanism 110, a reaction liquid suction nozzle 113, a detection unit 114, and a control unit not shown.

[0028] The specimen container 103, used to hold the specimen, is mounted on the support 108.

[0029] The support conveyor 115 moves the specimen container 103 mounted on the support 108 to the specimen dispensing position near the specimen dispensing mechanism 116.

[0030] The sample dispensing mechanism 116 has a rotating and vertically driven arm, and a nozzle for aspirating and dispensing the sample. A sample dispensing needle can be attached to the front end of the nozzle. The sample dispensing mechanism 116 lowers the nozzle relative to the sample container 103 located at the sample dispensing position to aspirate a predetermined amount of sample, and then rotates the arm to dispense the sample into a reaction vessel 109 located at a predetermined position on the incubator 107.

[0031] In the incubator 107, multiple container holding holes are formed along the circumferential direction to accommodate multiple reaction containers 109. The incubator 107 rotates to move each reaction container 109 to a designated position, such as a reaction container placement position, a reagent discharge position, a sample discharge position, or a reaction container disposal position.

[0032] The storage unit 106 is equipped with multiple unused reaction containers 109 and sample dispensing needles.

[0033] The conveying mechanism 105 is movable in three directions: X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and conveys the reaction vessel 109 and the sample dispensing needle. For example, the conveying mechanism 105 conveys unused reaction vessels 109 to a container holding port located at a predetermined position in the incubator 107, or conveys unused sample dispensing needles to the sample dispensing needle mounting position 101. Furthermore, for example, the conveying mechanism 105 conveys the reaction vessel 109 to the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 104, and conveys used reaction vessels 109 and sample dispensing needles to the waste port 102.

[0034] The reaction vessel stirring mechanism 104 is a mechanism for mixing the specimens and reagents in the reaction vessel 109 taken out from the incubator 107.

[0035] Disposal hole 102 is used to dispose of used reaction vessel 109 and sample dispensing needle.

[0036] Multiple reagent containers 111 are provided in the reagent tray 117. A reagent tray cover 112 is provided on the upper part of the reagent tray 117, and the inside of the reagent tray 117 is kept at a specified temperature. An opening is provided in a part of the reagent tray cover 112.

[0037] The reagent dispensing mechanism 110 has an arm for rotational and vertical driving, and a nozzle for attracting and dispensing reagents. The reagent dispensing mechanism 110 immerses the tip of the nozzle into the reagent in the reagent container 111 and attracts the reagent, and then discharges the attracted reagent into the reaction container 109.

[0038] The reaction liquid suction nozzle 113 draws the mixed reaction liquid in the reaction container 109 on the incubator 107 by rotation or up and down drive, and sends the reaction liquid to the detection unit 114.

[0039] The detection unit 114 detects specific components contained in the reaction liquid drawn by the reaction liquid aspiration nozzle 113.

[0040] A control unit (not shown) controls the operation of the entire automatic analysis device 100. This control unit receives input from the operator and outputs control signals to various mechanisms to control their operation.

[0041] Next, the operation of the automatic analysis device 100 will be explained.

[0042] First, when the conveying mechanism 105 moves above the receiving unit 106, it descends, grasps the unused reaction vessel 109, and rises. Then, when the conveying mechanism 105 moves above the designated position of the incubator 107, it descends and places the reaction vessel 109 in the vessel holding hole. Additionally, when the conveying mechanism 105 moves above the receiving unit 106, it descends, grasps the unused sample dispensing needle, and rises. Then, when the conveying mechanism 105 moves above the sample dispensing needle mounting position 101, it descends and places the sample dispensing needle in the sample dispensing needle mounting position 101. Next, when the sample dispensing mechanism 116 moves above the sample dispensing needle mounting position 101, it descends, presses the sample dispensing needle in, and mounts it to the front end of the nozzle.

[0043] When the reagent dispensing mechanism 110 rotates and moves above the opening of the reagent tray cover 112, it descends, immersing the tip of the nozzle into the reagent in the reagent container 111 and drawing in a predetermined amount of reagent. Then, after rising, the reagent dispensing mechanism 110 rotates and moves above a predetermined position on the incubator 107, descends, and discharges reagent into the reaction vessel 109.

[0044] Furthermore, the sample dispensing mechanism 116, equipped with a sample dispensing needle, rotates and moves above the sample container 103 placed on the support 108 and descends to draw a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 103. Then, the sample dispensing mechanism 116 rotates and moves to the sample discharge position of the incubator 107 and descends to discharge the sample into the reaction container 109 containing reagents. Finally, the sample dispensing mechanism 116 rotates and moves above the waste port 102, disposing of the used sample dispensing needle into the waste port 102.

[0045] Then, the reaction vessel 109, containing the sample and reagents, is moved to a designated position by the rotation of the incubator 107 and transferred to the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 104 via the conveying mechanism 105. The reaction vessel stirring mechanism 104 stirs and mixes the sample and reagents within the reaction vessel 109 by applying rotational motion to it. Afterward, the reaction vessel 109 returns to the designated position in the incubator 107 via the conveying mechanism 105.

[0046] Next, after a certain reaction time has elapsed at the designated position, the reaction liquid suction nozzle 113 moves above the reaction container 109 and then descends to suction the reaction liquid inside the reaction container 109. The reaction liquid suctioned by the reaction liquid suction nozzle 113 is analyzed using the detection unit 114.

[0047] Here, using Figure 2 The structure of the detection unit 114 will be described. In the field of immunoassay, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and electrochemiluminescence are used as analytical methods for measuring the presence and concentration of trace amounts (less than 10⁻¹⁴ mol) of a analyte in a reaction solution. In this embodiment, an example of an electrochemiluminescence method utilizing the detection of light emitted from the reaction solution when a voltage is applied to it will be described.

[0048] Electrochemiluminescence method uses an antigen-antibody reaction to bind a luminescent reagent to the target substance such as a hormone, and quantifies the luminescence from the luminescent reagent by measuring the reaction solution while it flows in a flow cell.

[0049] The detection unit 114 includes a flow cell 209 for introducing the reaction solution, a magnetic trap unit for replenishing the magnetic particles contained in the reaction solution, and a photomultiplier tube 211 for detecting the light generated in the flow cell 209.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, the inlet side of the flow path of the flow cell 209 is connected to the reaction liquid suction nozzle 113 via a pipe 205, and the outlet side of the flow path is connected to a syringe 204 that generates a pressure difference for attracting the reaction liquid, etc., and a drain pipe 203 that discharges the reaction liquid, etc. The outlet side of the flow path of the flow cell 209 branches midway through the flow path switching valve 201, one branch going to the syringe 204 and the other to the drain pipe 203. In addition, the flow cell 209 is housed in a housing 202 located below the photoelectron multiplier tube 211 and fixed to the cell frame 210.

[0051] The magnetic trap unit consists of a magnetic particle trapping magnet 208, a magnetic arm 207, and a magnetic drive motor 206. The magnetic trap unit rotates the magnetic arm 207 by driving the magnetic drive motor 206, and moves the magnetic particle trapping magnet 208 to an operating position (closer to the flow cell 209) and a retracted position (away from the flow cell 209).

[0052] The photoelectron multiplier tube 211 is a photodetector disposed above the flow cell 209. Furthermore, a voltage application unit (not shown) is connected to the flow cell 209. When a voltage is applied through this unit, the magnetic particles captured within the flow cell 209 emit light. The photoelectron multiplier tube 211 measures the intensity of the light generated within the flow cell 209.

[0053] Next, the method for measuring the light intensity in the detection unit 114 will be explained.

[0054] First, with the reaction solution suction nozzle 113 immersed in the reaction solution within the reaction container 109, the flow path switching valve 201 is switched, thereby closing the flow path on the drain pipe 203 side while opening the flow path on the flow cell 209 side. Then, when the syringe 204 moves towards the suction side, the reaction solution within the reaction container 109 is aspirated, and the reaction solution flows into the flow cell 209 via the piping 205. Furthermore, the reaction solution is composed of a sample containing the analyte and reagents (containing luminescently labeled reagents and reagents containing magnetic particles), forming an immune complex.

[0055] At this time, due to the drive of the magnet drive motor 206 and the rotation of the magnet arm 207 by 90 degrees, the magnetic particle capturing magnet 208 located at the front end of the magnet arm 207 approaches directly below the flow cell 209 (moves to the operating position). As a result, the magnetic particles in the reaction liquid of the flow cell 209 are captured magnetically in the flow cell 209.

[0056] Subsequently, with the reaction solution suction nozzle 113 moved to the container containing the luminescent reaction auxiliary solution and immersed in it, the syringe 204 moves towards the suction side. As a result, the luminescent reaction auxiliary solution flows into the flow cell 209, and while maintaining the immune complex in a magnetically trapped state, the residual reaction solution in the flow cell 209 is replaced with the luminescent reaction auxiliary solution.

[0057] Next, after stopping the driving syringe 204, the magnet driving motor 206 drives in the opposite direction, and the magnet arm 207 rotates 90 degrees in the opposite direction, so that the magnetic particle capturing magnet 208 separates from the flow cell 209 (moves to the retracted position).

[0058] Next, the photoelectron multiplier tube 211 measures the dark current output signal within the flow cell 209 through a light transmission window formed on the upper surface of the flow cell 209. Then, a voltage is applied to the flow cell 209 via a voltage application unit, thereby inducing an electrochemiluminescent reaction of the luminescent label contained in the immune complex. At this time, the photoelectron multiplier tube 211 measures the light intensity via the light transmission window and quantifies the analyte contained in the immune complex.

[0059] After measuring the light intensity, the reaction liquid suction nozzle 113 moves to the container containing the cleaning liquid, and while immersed in the cleaning liquid, the syringe 204 moves towards the suction side. As a result, the cleaning liquid flows into the piping 205 and the flow cell 209, removing the reaction liquid and luminescent reaction auxiliary liquid remaining in the piping 205 and the flow cell 209, thus cleaning the piping 205 and the flow cell 209.

[0060] Finally, by switching the flow path switching valve 201, the flow path on the flow cell 209 side is closed while the flow path on the drain pipe 203 side is opened. Then, when the syringe 204 moves to the discharge side, the reaction liquid, luminescent reaction auxiliary solution, and cleaning liquid remaining in the syringe 204 are discharged into the drain pipe 203.

[0061] Then, by repeating the above actions, multiple analytical items are performed on multiple samples.

[0062] Figure 3This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the detection unit 114. The detection unit 114 houses a flow cell 209 and a photoelectron multiplier tube 211, among other things. Here, in the immunoassay using electrochemiluminescence, the photoelectron multiplier tube 211 receives very weak light generated by the luminescent reaction of the luminescent label contained in the immune complex within the flow cell 209 under low noise conditions and extracts it as an electrical signal. Therefore, in order to block external light, which is the main cause of the decrease in the signal / N ratio during signal measurement caused by the photoelectron multiplier tube 211, the frame 300 and cover 301 of the detection unit 114 are formed of light-shielding components and have a highly airtight structure.

[0063] The cover 301 is connected to the frame 300 via a hinge 303, and a fastening clamp 304 is provided on the cover 301 as a position fixing member for fixing the cover 301 in the closed state. Therefore, when opening and closing the cover 301, there is no need for operations such as installing and removing screws, and the operation of moving the cover into and out of the flow tank 209 can be easily performed in a short time.

[0064] Furthermore, a sealing member is provided around the periphery of the opening 302 of the frame 300, that is, around the entire periphery of the front end of the side wall of the frame 300. The material of this sealing member is not limited to any material with cushioning and heat-insulating properties, such as black soft rubber or soft polyurethane. The sealing member can be located on the back side of the cover 301, opposite to the front end of the side wall of the frame 300. As described above, the detection unit 114 has a sealing member, thus improving sealing performance and preventing temperature changes caused by the intrusion of external light or external air.

[0065] The fastening clamp 304 can be any fastening member that presses the cap 301 against the sealing member located between the frame 300 and the cap 301 and fixes the position of the cap 301. Alternatively, the fastening clamp 304 can be provided on the frame 300 and engage by shifting relative to the cap 301 from the frame 300 side. However, in the case of a structure where the cap 301 is fixed in a closed state by magnetic force, it is possible to provide immunoassay using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with a magnetic trap unit or photoelectron multiplier tube 211. Therefore, the fastening member is preferably formed of a non-magnetic material and mechanically fastens the cap 301 and the frame 300.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the detection unit 114, and also showing the state in which the flow cell 209 is installed. (See image below.) Figure 4As shown, the detection unit 114 includes a photomultiplier tube 211, a substrate 401 disposed below the photomultiplier tube 211 in the vertical direction, and a flow cell 209 disposed below the substrate in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the lower surface of the flow cell 209 is pressed vertically upwards by the pressing member 402, the flow cell 209 is in close contact with the photomultiplier tube 211, thereby improving the light-shielding properties of the flow path within the flow cell 209 and the area surrounded by the photomultiplier tube 211. In particular, since the pressing member 402 presses the flow cell 209 at multiple locations, the sealing between the flow cell 209 and the photomultiplier tube 211 is further improved. Moreover, by fixing the flow cell 209 to the substrate 401 by the pressing member 402, the installation and removal of the flow cell 209 become easier compared to fixing it with screws or the like.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flow cell 209. (Example) Figure 5 As shown, on the upper surface of the flow cell 209, a recess 209a is formed in a circular shape on the inner circumferential side, and a protrusion 209b is formed in a circular shape on the outer circumferential side. In addition, two positioning holes are formed at specific positions in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential side of the protrusion 209b of the flow cell 209.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the detection unit 114, and illustrates its state before the flow cell 209 is installed. Figure 6 As shown, on the lower surface of the substrate 401, a protrusion 404 is formed in a circular shape on the inner circumferential side, and a recess 405 is formed in a circular shape on the outer circumferential side. Furthermore, a positioning pin 403 is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 401. This positioning pin 403 extends downward in a vertical direction from a specific position in the circumferential direction, further outward from the recess 405. Two positioning pins 403 are provided at the target location relative to the center of the protrusion 404.

[0069] Furthermore, when the flow cell 209 is mounted on the substrate 401, firstly, the recess 209a of the flow cell 209 is fitted into the protrusion 404 of the substrate 401, and the protrusion 209b of the flow cell 209 is fitted into the recess 405 of the substrate 401. Then, by inserting the positioning hole of the flow cell 209 into the positioning pin 403 of the substrate 401, the flow cell 209 is positioned relative to the substrate 401. Afterwards, as... Figure 4 As shown, multiple pressing members 402 press the lower surface of the flow cell 209, so that the flow cell 209 is fixed to the substrate 401 in a state of alignment with the axis of the photoelectron multiplier tube 211.

[0070] Figure 7This is a front view showing the structure of the linkage mechanism 501 that links the actions of the two pressing members 402. The linkage mechanism 501 consists of an operating knob 502, a connecting plate 503, and an arm 506. When the operator grasps the operating knob 502 and slides it horizontally in a specified direction, each pressing member 402 moves simultaneously and symmetrically via the connecting plate 503 and the arm 506, and both pressing members 402 press the flow tank 209 simultaneously. When installing and removing the flow tank 209, simply moving the operating knob 502 allows the two pressing members 402 to be pressed or released, making the operation easy.

[0071] Furthermore, the pressing member 402 has a pressing portion on its front upper surface, and presses the lower surface of the flow pool 209 through this pressing portion. In order to suppress damage to the flow pool 209, referred to as debris, during pressing, the pressing member 402 is preferably molded from a material with excellent wear resistance and sliding properties, such as polyacetal resin. In addition, regarding the pressing force of the pressing member 402, the spring force of the pressing spring 508 mounted on the connecting arm 506 and the SUS shaft 505 of the pressing member 402 is utilized.

[0072] Next, the locking action of the flow pool 209 based on the pressing member 402 will be explained in detail.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the situation where the two pressing components 402 on the left and right simultaneously press the flow pool 209. Figure 8 (1) This shows the situation when the pressing member 402 is in the retracted state. Figure 8 (2) This shows the state when the pressing member 402 is in the locking action, and Figure 8 (3) This shows the state when the locking action based on the pressing member 402 is completed.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the two pressing components 402 pressing the flow pool 209 simultaneously from below. Figure 9 (1) This shows the situation when the pressing member 402 is in the retracted state. Figure 9 (2) This shows the state when the pressing member 402 is in the locking action, and Figure 9 (3) This shows the state when the locking action based on the pressing member 402 is completed.

[0075] First of all, Figure 8 (1) and Figure 9 In the retracted state (1), the flow cell 209 is installed from below the substrate 401 in a manner that fits into the concave and convex surfaces of the abutment surface, and the positioning pin 403 of the substrate 401 is inserted into the positioning hole of the flow cell 209.

[0076] Then, when the operating knob 502 is slid to the right, via Figure 8 (2) and Figure 9 (2) The state during the locking action, such as Figure 8 (3) and Figure 9 (3) As shown, the lower surface of the flow cell 209 is pressed by two pressing members 402 and locked. Additionally, as the operating knob 502 slides horizontally to the right, the pressing spring 508 pushes the pressing members 402 upwards. At this time, the left pressing member 402 presses the left side relative to the center of the flow cell 209, and the right pressing member 402 presses the right side relative to the center of the flow cell 209. Therefore, the imbalance of pressing force on the flow cell 209 in the left-right direction can be suppressed, and the light-shielding properties of the area surrounded by the flow path and photomultiplier tube 211 within the flow cell 209 are improved. Furthermore, the simultaneous pressing of the flow cell 209 by the left and right pressing members 402 also suppresses the imbalance of pressing force, prevents positional shift, and helps improve light-shielding properties.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, since screws are not used, the flow cell 209 can be installed and removed even without removing the substrate 401.

[0078] Here, using Figure 10 and Figure 11 To illustrate a modified example, guide members 804 for guiding the positioning holes of the flow cell 209 to the positions of the positioning pins 403 on the substrate 401 are provided on the left and right sides of the detection unit 114. These guide members 804 are bent horizontally along the outer contour of the flow cell 209 and have the function of facilitating the alignment of the flow cell 209.

[0079] Next, the locking action of the flow pool 209 of the pressing member 809 based on the modified example will be explained in detail.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the situation where the front and rear pressing components 809 (leaf spring 805) press the flow pool 209 simultaneously. Figure 10 (1) This shows the pressing member 809 in the retracted state. Figure 10 (2) This shows the state when the locking action based on the pressing member 809 is completed.

[0081] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the two pressing components 809 pressing the flow pool 209 simultaneously from below, and a front view of the two pressing components 809 pressing the flow pool 209 simultaneously from the front. Figure 11 (1-a) and Figure 11 (1-b) shows the situation when the pressing member 809 is in the retracted state. Figure 11 (2-a) and Figure 11(2-b) shows the state when the pressing member 809 is in the locked position. Figure 11 (3-a) and Figure 11 (3-b) shows the state when the locking action based on the pressing member 809 is completed.

[0082] First of all, Figure 10 (1) Figure 11 (1-a) and Figure 11 In the retracted state (1-b), the flow pool 209 is inserted from the front of the substrate 401 along the guide member 804, and the positioning pin 403 of the substrate 401 is inserted into the positioning hole of the flow pool 209. Since the guide member 804 is in contact with the flow pool 209, it is preferable to use a material with excellent wear resistance and sliding properties, such as polyacetal resin, for molding to avoid generating debris.

[0083] Subsequently, when the operating lever 803 of the linkage mechanism, which is used to rotate to link the actions of the front and rear pressing members 809, is rotated, the operation is carried out via... Figure 11 (2-a) and Figure 11 The state during the locking action in (2-b), such as Figure 10 (2) Figure 11 As shown in (3-a) and (3-b), the lower surface of the flow cell 209 is pressed by two pressing members 809, thereby achieving locking. Additionally, when it is known that the flow cell 209 will not be removed for an extended period, as... Figure 11 As shown in (3-a), when the lock is engaged, the flow cell 209 can be made more stable by simply fixing it at the fixed position 904 with screws.

[0084] Here, the operating lever 803 is connected to the front leaf spring 805 via a rotating shaft 807, and the front leaf spring 805 and the rear leaf spring 805 are connected by a bearing portion 806. Therefore, by rotating the operating lever 803, the front and rear pressing members 809 move simultaneously. Furthermore, the spring force of the leaf spring 805 is used for the pressing force of the pressing member 809. Since the pressing member 809 is in contact with the flow tank 209, it is preferably molded using a material with excellent wear resistance and sliding properties, such as polyacetal resin, to avoid generating debris.

[0085] According to a modified example, the front pressing member 809 presses against the center of the flow cell 209, and the rear pressing member 809 presses against the center of the flow cell 209. Therefore, imbalances in the pressing force of the flow cell 209 between the front and rear sides can be suppressed, and the light-shielding properties of the area surrounded by the flow path within the flow cell 209 and the photomultiplier tube 211 are improved. Furthermore, the simultaneous pressing of the flow cell 209 by the front and rear pressing members 809 also suppresses imbalances in pressing force, prevents positional shifts, and contributes to improved light-shielding properties.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a detection unit 114 for an immunoassay based on electrochemiluminescence was described as an example. However, the hinge structure of this embodiment can also be applied to detection units for other analytical methods such as fluorescence or chemiluminescence. Furthermore, the number and position of the pressing members are merely examples and are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0087] Label Explanation

[0088] 100 Automatic Analysis Device

[0089] 101 Sample Dispensing Needle Installation Position

[0090] 102 abandoned holes

[0091] 103 specimen container

[0092] 104 Reaction Vessel Stirring Mechanism

[0093] 105 Transmission Mechanism

[0094] 106 storage units

[0095] 107 Incubator

[0096] 108 bracket

[0097] 109 reaction vessel

[0098] 110 Reagent Dispensing Mechanism

[0099] 111 Reagent Container

[0100] 112 Reagent Pan Cover

[0101] 113 Reaction Liquid Suction Nozzle

[0102] 114 detection units

[0103] 115 support conveyor line

[0104] 116 Specimen Distribution Center

[0105] 117 Reagent Tray

[0106] 201 Flow Path Switching Valve

[0107] 202 housing

[0108] 203 drain pipe

[0109] 204 syringe

[0110] 205 piping

[0111] 206 Magnet Drive Motor

[0112] 207 Magnet Arm

[0113] 208 Magnets for capturing magnetic particles

[0114] 209 Flow Pool

[0115] 209a concave part

[0116] 209b convex part

[0117] 211 photoelectron multiplier tube

[0118] 301 lid

[0119] 302 opening

[0120] 303 hinge

[0121] 304 Fastening Fixture

[0122] 401 substrate

[0123] 402 Pressing Component

[0124] 403 positioning pin

[0125] 404 convex part

[0126] 405 concave part

[0127] 501 Joint Mechanism

[0128] 502 Operation Knob

[0129] 503 connecting plate

[0130] 504 compression spring

[0131] 505SUS Axis

[0132] 506 arms

[0133] 803 control lever

[0134] 804 guide component

[0135] 805 leaf spring

[0136] 806 bearing section

[0137] 807 spindle

[0138] 809 Pressing Component

[0139] 904 Fixed position.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, include: Photoelectron multiplier tube; A substrate disposed below the photomultiplier tube in the vertical direction; The device includes a flow cell disposed below the substrate in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the substrate has protrusions and / or recesses, and the upper surface of the flow cell has recesses and / or protrusions. The automated analysis device has multiple pressing members that press the flow cell vertically from below to above while the recesses and / or protrusions of the flow cell are engaged with the protrusions and / or recesses of the substrate. The automatic analysis device includes a linkage mechanism that links the actions of multiple pressing components, and the multiple pressing components simultaneously press the flow pool through the linkage mechanism.

2. The automatic analysis device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing member presses one side and the other side relative to the center of the flow pool.

3. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, include: Photoelectron multiplier tube; A substrate disposed below the photomultiplier tube in the vertical direction; The automatic analysis device includes a flow cell disposed below the substrate in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the substrate has protrusions and / or recesses, and the upper surface of the flow cell has recesses and / or protrusions. The automatic analysis device includes a pressing member that presses the flow cell vertically from below to above while the recesses and / or protrusions of the flow cell are engaged with the protrusions and / or recesses of the substrate. The recesses and / or protrusions of the flow cell, and the protrusions and / or recesses of the substrate, are formed in a circumferential shape. The substrate has a locating pin extending downward in a vertical direction from a specific position in the circumferential direction. The flow cell has a locating hole for inserting the locating pin into a specific position in the circumferential direction. The automatic analysis device has a guide member formed in the horizontal direction, which guides the positioning hole of the flow cell to the position of the positioning pin of the substrate.

Images