Automatic analysis device

Abstract

When the automatic analyzer (100) is observed from the upper surface side, the first rotating axis (301) of the reaction disk (1), the second rotating axis (302) of the reagent disk (9) and the measuring unit are arranged on the same straight line (311), the first rotating axis (301) of the reaction disk (1) is arranged between the second rotating axis (302) of the reagent disk (9) and the measuring unit, and the measuring unit is arranged on the front surface side of the automatic analyzer (100) accessed by a user. Thus, an automatic analyzer configured such that the measuring unit is less susceptible to external interference than in conventional devices and a design method for such an automatic analyzer are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device for analyzing biological samples such as blood and urine. Background Art

[0002] As an example of an automatic analysis device that can compactly perform multiple analyses and has high processing capacity and dispensing accuracy even when items requiring dilution / pretreatment and general reaction measurement items are mixed, Patent Document 1 records the following: It has multiple sample dispensing mechanisms that can be driven independently, and the multiple sample dispensing mechanisms respectively have sample sampling positions, sample nozzles for sampling samples, and cleaning tanks for cleaning the sample nozzles. Sampling is performed from the multiple sample sampling positions, and the samples can be independently operated and dispensed into reaction containers on the reaction disk. There is at least one sample dispensing mechanism for samples that require dilution / pretreatment and samples that do not require dilution / pretreatment, respectively, and the control unit includes a control unit that controls each sample dispensing mechanism to operate exclusively and perform sample dispensing without leaving any space in the reactor.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO2013 / 058170 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] Automatic analyzers that perform quantitative or qualitative analysis of specific components contained in biological samples such as blood and urine have become indispensable devices for current diagnosis due to the reproducibility of analysis results and high processing speed.

[0008] In addition, the "sample" in this specification includes both biological samples such as blood and urine of hospitalized or inpatient patients and blood and urine of subjects undergoing health examinations and the like.

[0009] The measurement methods of automatic analyzers are roughly divided into: an analysis method in which a reagent that reacts with the analyte component in the sample to change the color of the reaction liquid is used, and the color change is measured by a measurement unit (colorimetric analysis); and an analysis method in which a reagent is used to add a label to a substance that specifically binds directly or indirectly to the target component, and the label is counted (immunoassay).

[0010] An automatic analyzer that generally performs colorimetric analysis is configured to repeatedly rotate and stop a reaction disk having a plurality of reaction containers arranged in a ring on a rotatable disk, thereby continuously and cyclically analyzing the reaction between a biological sample and a reagent.

[0011] Such automatic analyzers are required to be able to measure a variety of items in a compact manner.

[0012] In addition to the reaction disk, the automatic analyzer is equipped with at least one reagent disk for holding a reagent container in which a reagent for reacting with a biological sample is placed. These reaction disk and reagent disk are often arranged in a planar shape.

[0013] In recent years, as the number of analytical items increases, the number of reagent containers installed in the reagent disk has tended to increase. The number of reaction containers installed in the reaction disk changes according to the processing capacity of the device per unit time, so the size of the reaction disk corresponds to the processing capacity of the device.

[0014] Therefore, when the reagent disk and the reaction disk are arranged in a planar shape, they occupy a large area of ​​the device.

[0015] In actual automatic analysis devices, other units need to be arranged around the reagent disk and the reaction disk, and the device tends to be larger according to the layout of the units. In order to prevent the enlargement of these devices, various methods have been proposed regarding the structure of the device.

[0016] In the automatic analyzer, multiple reagent containers with reagents added are kept cold at about 10 degrees by a reagent disk, and the reagent containers are rotated and moved to a position to attract the reagents. In addition, during the rotation of the reaction disk, the reagents are attracted from the reagent containers by a reagent probe, and the reagents are ejected into the reaction containers during the period when the reaction disk stops. On this basis, the color change of the reaction liquid in the reaction container before passing through the measuring part during the repeated rotation and stop of the reaction disk is measured by a measuring part provided around the reaction disk.

[0017] Here, the measuring unit has the characteristic of being sensitive to external disturbance noises such as electrical noise, mechanical vibration, and temperature change in order to detect minute color changes of the reaction solution.

[0018] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, various movable devices such as a cleaning mechanism for a reaction container, a sample conveyor system, or a cleaning tank for a stirring device are arranged near the measuring unit, and there is obviously room for further reducing the influence of these external disturbance noises.

[0019] In addition, in the automatic analysis device, the internal devices and the substrate are cooled by the air sucked in from the front surface side of the device, and the air is exhausted from the back surface side.

[0020] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, especially in the structure shown in FIG. 15 of Patent Document 1, the measuring unit is located on the back side of the device. The inventors' research has shown that in such a layout, there is a possibility of being exposed to air whose temperature rises due to exhaust heat after cooling the front surface side, and there is room for preventing the influence of temperature changes with a simpler structure.

[0021] In addition, in the structure shown in FIG. 15 of Patent Document 1, since most of the areas frequently visited by users during maintenance (dispensing nozzle replacement, reaction disk, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the device, there is obviously room for further improvement in maintainability.

[0022] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer having a structure in which a measuring portion is less susceptible to external disturbance than conventional devices.

[0023] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0024] The present invention includes a plurality of solutions for solving the above-mentioned technical problems. As an example, an automatic analysis device is provided, which is characterized in that it includes: a reaction disk having a plurality of reaction containers for reacting samples with reagents on its circumference; a reagent disk for storing a plurality of reagent containers containing the reagents; a stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid held in the reaction containers; a measuring unit for measuring the physical properties of the liquid held in the reaction containers; and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the reaction containers after the measurement. Cleaning, when observing the shell constituting the automatic analyzer from the upper surface side, the reaction disk is arranged on the first corner side, which is one of the two corners at the two ends of the first side on the front surface side of the shell accessed by the user, and the reagent disk is arranged on the second corner side, which is diagonally positioned with respect to the first corner, among the two corners at the two ends of the second side, on the back side of the shell opposite to the first side, and the measuring part is on a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the reagent disk and the rotation axis of the reaction disk, and is arranged around the reaction disk, closer to the first corner side than the rotation axis of the reaction disk.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the measuring unit is less susceptible to external disturbance than in conventional devices. Other problems, structures and effects than those described above will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a general schematic diagram of the automatic analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a spectrophotometer used in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 The diagrams are for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of reactors stored in a reaction disk constituting the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, and the arrangement of a reagent disk and a measuring unit.

[0030] Figure 4 Yes Description Figure 3 A diagram showing details of a reaction disk in the automatic analyzer shown.

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a reaction disk, a reagent disk, and a measuring unit constituting the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment within a housing.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a base constituting the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of reaction containers stored in a reaction disk constituting an automatic analyzer according to another embodiment of the present invention, and the arrangement of a reagent disk and a measuring unit.

[0034] Figure 8 Yes Description Figure 7 A diagram showing details of a reaction disk in the automatic analyzer shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a figure which shows the analysis process in the automatic analysis apparatus of an Example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] use Figures 1 to 9 An embodiment of the automatic analyzing device of the present invention will be described.

[0037] First, use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outline of the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 An example of the structure of a spectrophotometer is shown.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic analysis device 100 is a device for measuring a liquid obtained by reacting a sample with a reagent, and mainly includes a sample conveying mechanism 17, a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample dispensing mechanism 11, a reagent dispensing mechanism 7, a stirring mechanism 5, a measuring unit, an electrolyte measuring unit 341, a cleaning mechanism 3, and a controller 21.

[0039] The sample transport mechanism 17 is a device that transports a rack 16 loaded with a plurality of sample containers 15 containing samples, which is loaded from a sample rack loading portion (not shown), to a desired dispensing position.

[0040] A plurality of reaction containers 2 for reacting samples with reagents are stored in the reaction disk 1 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction (circumferentially). A sample conveying mechanism 17 is provided near the reaction disk 1 to carry in a rack 16 on which sample containers 15 are placed.

[0041] The reagent disk 9 is a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of reagent bottles 10 containing reagents in a circular shape. The reagent disk 9 is kept cold.

[0042] The sample dispensing mechanism 11 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the sample conveying mechanism 17, and is configured to be able to rotate in an arc shape and move up and down. A sample nozzle 11a is provided at its front end. A sample pump 18c is connected to the sample nozzle 11a, and the sample nozzle 11a moves while drawing an arc around the rotation axis of the sample dispensing mechanism 11, sucking the sample from the sample container 15 or the reaction container 2, and ejecting the sample into other reaction containers 2 on the reaction disk 1, thereby performing sample dispensing. Here, as the sample pump 18c, for example, a syringe pump or the like is used.

[0043] The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 is disposed adjacently between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, and is configured to be rotatable and movable up and down in an arc shape. A reagent nozzle 7a is disposed at its front end, and a reagent pump 18a is connected to the reagent nozzle 7a. Here, as the reagent pump 18a, for example, a syringe pump or the like is used.

[0044] The stirring mechanism 5 includes, for example, a stirring wing or a spatula-shaped rod (not shown) provided at the front end, and the stirring wing or rod is immersed in the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2, that is, the reaction solution, and rotated to stir. In addition, the stirring mechanism 5 is not limited to such a mechanism, and a mechanism based on ultrasonic waves can also be used.

[0045] The measuring unit is a device for measuring the reaction process of the reaction liquid 2A obtained by reacting the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2 and the optical properties after the reaction, and includes a light source 4A arranged on the inner side of the reaction disk 1, and a spectrophotometer 4B arranged relative to the light source 4A in a manner of clamping the reaction container 2.

[0046] More specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the spectrophotometer 4B of this embodiment is a device for detecting light irradiated from a light source 4A to a reaction container 2 and passing through a reaction liquid 2A held in the reaction container 2, and has focusing lenses 4B1, 4B2, a slit 4B3, a concave diffraction grating 4B4 and a multi-wavelength detector 4B5.

[0047] In the spectrophotometer 4B, the light from the light source 4A is focused by the focusing lens 4B1 and irradiated to the reaction liquid 2A placed in the reaction container 2. The transmitted light from the reaction liquid 2A is focused on the opening of the slit 4B3 by the focusing lens 4B2. The light passing through the slit 4B3 is wavelength dispersed by the concave diffraction grating 4B4 to form a spectrum. The formed spectrum is detected by the multi-wavelength detector 4B5 and sent to the controller 21.

[0048] In addition, the measuring unit is not limited to the measurement of absorbance by a spectrophotometer, and for example, a detector that detects transmitted light or scattered light can be used.

[0049] The electrolyte measuring unit 341 is a measuring unit that measures the concentration of electrolytes, such as Na, K, and Cl, in a sample using an ion selective electrode.

[0050] The cleaning mechanism 3 is a device for cleaning the reaction container 2 after the measurement is completed, and is connected to a cleaning pump 20 and a vacuum pump 22 .

[0051] In addition, a cleaning tank 13 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9 for cleaning the reagent nozzle 7a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7. A cleaning tank 30 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the sample conveying mechanism 17 for cleaning the sample nozzle 11a of the sample dispensing mechanism 11.

[0052] Furthermore, a cleaning tank 32 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the stirring mechanism 5. The cleaning tank 32 is used to clean the stirring blades or the blade-like rod of the stirring mechanism 5 to prevent contamination.

[0053] The controller 21 is connected to each mechanism in the automatic analyzer 100 and controls the operation thereof. The controller 21 has a user interface such as an operation screen for sorting the measurement items of the sample to be measured, an output section such as a display or a printer (not shown) for displaying an operation screen for confirming the result after the measurement, and an input section (not shown) for inputting various instructions, and plays a role in uniformly managing the information of the units of the entire automatic analyzer.

[0054] The controller 21 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls various operations of the above-mentioned components, and performs calculation processing to obtain the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample based on the detection result of the spectrophotometer 4B. The controller 201 controls the operations of various devices based on various programs stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0055] Furthermore, the control processing of the actions executed by the controller 21 may be integrated into one program, or may be divided into a plurality of programs, or may be a combination of these programs. Furthermore, part or all of the program may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or may be modularized.

[0056] The above is the overall structure of the automatic analyzer 100 .

[0057] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the case where the automatic analyzer includes the sample transport mechanism 17 that transports the rack 16 to a desired position is described as an example, but the structure of the sample transport mechanism is not limited to this.

[0058] For example, a sample tray having a tray structure for storing a plurality of sample containers 15 along its circumferential direction (circumferentially) may be used, or a tray may be formed for storing a plurality of sample containers 15 concentrically on the inner and outer sides of the circumferential direction.

[0059] In addition, a rack 16 carrying one or more sample containers containing biological samples such as blood or urine to be analyzed can be put into the automatic analyzer 100, or the rack 16 can be recovered from the automatic analyzer 100, and a transmission unit for transmitting to the automatic analyzer 100 can be connected to the automatic analyzer 100.

[0060] The transmission unit is used, for example, to Figure 1 The sample conveying mechanism 17 shown provides a unit for the rack 16 , and includes, for example, an input portion for the rack 16 , an emergency sample container input portion, a rack ID reader, a conveying line, a rack standby tray, a rack storage portion, and the like.

[0061] In the case of such a transmission unit, Figure 1 The automatic analysis device shown is connected to the transfer unit. Figure 1 The biochemical analysis device shown can be connected to one or more transport units. In addition to the analysis device for biochemical analysis, an analysis device for immunoassay and the like can also be connected to the transport unit.

[0062] The analysis process of the sample performed by the automatic analyzer 100 as described above is generally executed according to the following procedure.

[0063] First, the rack 16 is placed on a loading unit or the like, and is transported to a sample collection position of the automatic analyzer 100 by the sample transport mechanism 17 .

[0064] The rack 16 that has reached the sample dispensing position dispenses the sample into the reaction container 2 of the reaction disk 1 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11. The sample dispensing mechanism 11 dispenses the sample as many times as necessary according to the analysis items requested for the sample.

[0065] The reagent used in the analysis is dispensed from the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent disk 9 to the reaction container 2 from which the sample has been dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7. Next, the stirring mechanism 5 stirs the reaction solution 2A prepared by mixing and preparing the sample and reagent in the reaction container 2.

[0066] After that, the light generated by the light source 4A is transmitted through the reaction container 2 containing the stirred reaction solution 2A, and the luminosity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4B. The luminosity measured by the spectrophotometer 4B is sent to the controller 21. Then, the controller 21 performs calculations to obtain the concentration of a predetermined component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and displays the result on a display device or the like, or stores it in a storage unit.

[0067] Next, use Figure 3 to Figure 9 The arrangement structure of each device in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0068] First, use Figure 3 and Figure 4 An example of the structure of the reaction disk 1 and its operation method will be described. Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of reaction containers stored in a reaction disk, and the arrangement of a reagent disk and a measuring unit. Figure 4 It indicates Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a reaction disk 1 .

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, in the automatic analyzer 100 of the present embodiment, 29 reaction containers 2 - 1 to 2 - 29 are stored so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction (circumferentially) of the reaction disk 1 .

[0070] In the present specification, when referring to a specific reaction container stored in the reaction disk 1 , any one of the reaction containers 2 - 1 to 2 - 29 is indicated, and when referring to any reaction container or collectively referring to the reaction containers, they are referred to as the reaction container 2 .

[0071] The reaction disk 1 has a first rotation axis 301 for rotating the reaction containers 2 arranged in a circular shape. Figure 3 As shown by the arrow in , the reaction container 2 repeatedly rotates and stops six times in the clockwise direction in one cycle, and the reaction disk 1 stops at a position where the reaction container 2 has moved 6×5=30 times through five cycles.

[0072] That is, after five cycles, the total number of reaction vessels 2 is 29×1 rotation+1=30, and the reaction disk 1 stops at a position after one rotation+one movement of the reaction vessel 2 .

[0073] Here, one cycle is defined as the time from when the sample dispensing mechanism 11 dispenses the sample for measurement from the sample container 15 into one reaction container 2 , and then the reaction disk 1 rotates and stops, until the sample is dispensed into the next reaction container 2 .

[0074] Therefore, in Figure 3 In the example shown, since the position where the sample is dispensed from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11 is the sample discharge position 41, after five cycles, the sample for measurement is dispensed from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2-1, the reaction container 2-24, the reaction container 2-18, the reaction container 2-12, and the reaction container 2-6 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11. By repeating the above operation, the reaction container returns to the same position after 29 cycles.

[0075] In addition, Figure 3 The numbers [1] to

[29] in parentheses on the outer periphery of the reaction disk 1 indicate the positions at which the reaction container 2-1 is stopped in cycles [1] to

[29] when the reaction container 2-1 to which the sample has been dispensed at the sample ejection position 41 of the sample dispensing mechanism 11 is used as the reaction container of cycle [1]. The sample suction position 42 is the position at which the sample after pretreatment is sucked from the reaction container 2 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11.

[0076] In addition, a first reagent suction position 321, a second reagent suction position 322, a first reagent ejection position 43, and a second reagent ejection position 44 based on the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 are respectively arranged, a first stirring position 45 for stirring the mixed liquid of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction container 2 after the first reagent is ejected, that is, the reaction liquid, by the stirring mechanism 5, a second stirring position 46 for stirring the mixed liquid of the sample and the first reagent and the second reagent in the reaction container 2 after the second reagent is ejected, that is, the reaction liquid, by the stirring mechanism 5, and an absorbance measurement position 47 based on the spectrophotometer 4B of the measuring unit for measuring the absorbance of the reaction liquid.

[0077] The sample ejection position 41 and the sample suction position 42 are provided while the reaction disk 1 is rotating from the spectrophotometer 4B to the reagent disk 9. The first stirring position 45 and the second stirring position 46 are provided while the reaction disk 1 is rotating from the reagent disk 9 to the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when focusing on the reaction container 2 - 1 , in the first cycle (cycle [ 1 ]), a predetermined amount of sample is dispensed from the sample container 15 into the reaction container 2 - 1 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11 .

[0079] In addition, Figure 4, the reactor position number when the sample dispensing (dispensing) position is 1 is set to 1, and [1] indicates that the reaction when the sample dispensing (dispensing) position is 1 has passed through the cycle and is indicated as the 1st cycle.

[0080] Next, in the second cycle (cycle [2]), the reaction container 2 - 1 into which a predetermined amount of the sample has been dispensed is moved to the first reagent ejection position 43 , and a predetermined amount of the first reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 .

[0081] In the third cycle (cycle [3]), the reaction container 2-1 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, is moved to the first stirring position 45, and the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, in the reaction container 2-1 is stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism 5. Then, the reaction container 2-1 is moved to the fourth cycle (cycle [4]).

[0082] Thereafter, during the period from the fourth cycle to the fifth cycle (cycle [5]), the reaction container 2-1 passes through the absorbance measurement position 47. At this time, the absorbance at the absorbance measurement position 47 is measured by the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0083] In the sixth cycle (cycle [6]), the reaction container 2 - 1 moves to the sample suction position 42 and stops.

[0084] Thereafter, in the twelfth cycle (cycle

[12] ), the reaction container 2 - 1 into which a predetermined amount of the sample has been dispensed is moved to the second reagent ejection position 44 , and a predetermined amount of the second reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 .

[0085] In the 13th cycle (cycle

[13] ), the reaction container 2-1 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the second reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, is moved to the second stirring position 46. At the second stirring position 46, the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, in the reaction container 2-1 is stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism 5, and then the reaction container 2-1 is moved to the 14th cycle (cycle

[14] ).

[0086] Thereafter, until the 20th cycle (cycle

[20] ), the absorbance is measured when the reaction container 2-1 passes in front of the absorbance measurement position 47 of the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0087] In the 21st cycle and the 26th cycle, the reaction container 2-1 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3, and then the reaction container 2-1 is moved to the 29th cycle (cycle

[29] ), and the reaction container 2-1 is moved again to the sample ejection position 41, that is, the 1st cycle (cycle [1]).

[0088] Here, in the automatic analyzer 100 of the present invention, the reagent disk 9 is arranged near the reaction disk 1 without overlapping the vertical direction of the reaction disk 1. The reagent disk 9 has a second rotation axis 302 for rotating and moving the reagent bottles 10 arranged in a circumferential shape. In the present invention, the line connecting the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 and the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 is set as a straight line 311.

[0089] The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 also sucks the reagent from the first reagent aspirating position 321 or the second reagent aspirating position 322 of the reagent disk 9 and dispenses the reagent into the reaction container 2 stopped at the first reagent discharging position 43 or the second reagent discharging position 44 .

[0090] Therefore, when the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 is a mechanism that rotates up and down as in the embodiment, it is desirable that the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 is located adjacent to the outer periphery of the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9. In addition, the cleaning tank 13 for cleaning the reagent nozzle 7a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 is also preferably located adjacent to the outer periphery of the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9.

[0091] In addition, from the perspective of miniaturization of the mechanism and improvement of processing capacity, the moving distance of the reagent nozzle 7a is preferably as short as possible. Therefore, the first reagent aspiration position 321 and the second reagent aspiration position 322 are preferably located on the straight line 311 connecting the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 and the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9.

[0092] For the same reason, the first reagent ejection position 43 or the second reagent ejection position 44 is also preferably located on or near the straight line 311 , for example, within a range of about ±60° relative to the straight line 311 with the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 as the origin.

[0093] In the automatic analyzer 100 of the present embodiment, the measuring section is arranged on a straight line 311 connecting the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 and the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 when the automatic analyzer 100 is viewed from the top surface.

[0094] In addition, in the measuring section, it is preferred that at least the spectrophotometer 4B is arranged on the straight line 311, especially in the structure Figure 2 Among the various devices of the spectrophotometer 4B shown, the concave diffraction grating 4B4 and the multi-wavelength detector 4B5 are preferably arranged on the straight line 311. The condenser lens 4B2 and the slit 4B3 are also preferably arranged on the straight line 311.

[0095] Furthermore, “arranged on the straight line 311 ” means that when the automatic analyzer 100 is viewed from the top surface, the imaginary straight line 311 passes through at least a portion of the target device, but preferably the straight line 311 passes through most of the device.

[0096] In this embodiment, the spectrophotometer 4B and the light source 4A are arranged so that the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 is arranged between the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0097] As described above, the second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the spectrophotometer 4B are arranged in a symmetrical direction relative to the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1, thereby enabling the spectrophotometer 4B to be as far away as possible from external interference noises such as electrical noise, mechanical vibration, temperature changes, etc. generated by the reagent disk 9 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 7.

[0098] Although the reaction disk 1 is temperature-controlled, the spectrophotometer 4B is preferably kept at the same temperature as the reaction disk 1 to avoid temperature changes. Therefore, by arranging the spectrophotometer 4B around the reaction disk 1 , more stable and accurate measurement can be performed.

[0099] On this basis, the measuring unit, in particular, the spectrophotometer 4B is arranged on the front side of the automatic analyzer 100 for access by the user. Figure 3 or Figure 5 It is arranged at the lower side of the accompanying drawing.

[0100] Furthermore, in order to avoid noise caused by vibration when the reaction disk 1 starts and stops rotating, it is more preferred that the absorbance measurement position 47 is located at the position where the reaction container 2 stops after the 20th cycle (cycle

[20] ) when the absorbance measurement is completed and during or after the start of cleaning by the cleaning mechanism 3.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , an example is shown in which the absorbance measurement position 47 is provided between the reaction vessels 2 of the 24th cycle (cycle

[24] ) and the 29th cycle (cycle

[29] ).

[0102] In addition, Figure 3 In the embodiment, the absorbance measurement position 47 is arranged on the straight line 311 , but the absorbance measurement position 47 can also be arranged near the straight line 311 .

[0103] As described above, when the first rotating axis 301, the second rotating axis 302 and the measuring unit are located on the straight line 311 and the second rotating axis 302 and the measuring unit are arranged in a symmetrical direction relative to the first rotating axis 301, a concentrated area for setting up mechanisms on both sides of the two semicircles 331 and 332 can be ensured around the reaction disk 1 through the straight line 311.

[0104] like Figure 3As shown, consider an automatic analyzer, after the sample dispensing mechanism 11 dispenses the sample for measurement into the reaction container 2, the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 dispenses the reagent for measurement into the reactor, and the stirring mechanism 5 stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent, that is, the reaction solution.

[0105] In such an apparatus structure, when the reaction disk 1 rotates in the clockwise direction, since the reagent can be added immediately after the sample is added to the reaction container 2, the sample dispensing mechanism 11, the sample ejection position 41, the rack 16 carrying a plurality of sample containers 15 for storing samples, and the sample conveying mechanism 17 for conveying the rack 16 to the desired position are preferably located on the semicircle 331 of the reagent disk 9 when the reaction disk 1 rotates from the spectrophotometer 4B and moves.

[0106] In addition, after adding the reagent to the sample in the reaction container 2, the reaction between the sample and the reagent begins, but in order to make the reaction uniform, it is preferred to stir the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2 as quickly as possible. Therefore, when the reaction disk 1 rotates in the clockwise direction, the stirring mechanism 5 is preferably located on the semicircle 332 where the reaction disk 1 rotates from the reagent disk 9 to the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0107] If the reaction container is in the 20th cycle (cycle

[20] ) that can be cleaned, the cleaning mechanism 3 can be cleaned anywhere, so it only needs to be configured at a convenient position on both sides of the two semicircles 331 and 332.

[0108] Furthermore, when the electrolyte measuring part 341 is included, since the sample dispensing mechanism 11 needs to directly dispense the sample for measurement into the electrolyte measuring part 341 , the electrolyte measuring part 341 is preferably located on the semicircle 331 side.

[0109] As described above, the spectrophotometer 4B is located on the straight line 311 connecting the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 and the second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9. The second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the spectrophotometer 4B are arranged in a symmetrical direction relative to the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1. Therefore, the reaction disk 1 can ensure a concentrated area for setting the mechanism on both sides of the two semicircles 331 and the semicircle 332 through the straight line 311, and can optimize the configuration of the mechanism.

[0110] Figure 5 is will have Figure 3 The automatic analyzer 100 having the structure shown is an example in which each device is compactly arranged in a housing 351 .

[0111] When the housing 351 constituting the automatic analysis device 100 is viewed from the upper surface side, the housing 351 has a rectangular shape having four sides 391 , 392 , 393 , and 394 , and has a first corner 352 , a second corner 353 , a third corner 354 , and a fourth corner 355 .

[0112] When an automatic analysis device 100 having a circular mechanism such as a reaction disk 1 and a reagent disk 9 is housed in a shell 351, the occupied area can be reduced by taking the edge of the shell so as to circumscribe the concentric circle of the circular mechanism. However, in this case, the corner of the shell 351 formed by the two edges circumscribing the concentric circle of the circular mechanism becomes an isolated area, so it is difficult to configure the mechanism and it easily becomes a dead zone.

[0113] However, there are cases where the spectrophotometer 4B may be intentionally isolated in order to reduce noise received from other mechanisms.

[0114] Therefore, when the automatic analyzer 100 is viewed from the upper surface side, the spectrophotometer 4B is preferably arranged in the periphery of the first corner 352 of the housing 351 among the four corners, for example.

[0115] In this case, since the spectrophotometer 4B is located on the straight line 311 connecting the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 and the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9, and the second rotation axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the spectrophotometer 4B are arranged in a symmetrical direction relative to the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1, the reagent disk 9 is preferably arranged on the side of the third angle 354 which is the opposite angle of the first angle 352 when the automatic analyzer 100 is observed from the upper surface side.

[0116] In order to form such a configuration relationship and to avoid the large-scale device, Figure 5 As shown, the straight line 311 is preferably set to be a straight line that is not parallel to any of the four sides 391 , 392 , 393 , and 394 of the housing 351 and is not perpendicular to any of them.

[0117] As described above, by accommodating the two circular mechanisms of the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9 in the quadrilateral frame 351, the dead space can be effectively utilized to achieve a compact design. In addition, since the area around the second corner 353 and the fourth corner 355 can be ensured, other mechanisms can be reasonably arranged.

[0118] Figure 6 Shown from the side Figure 5 A cross section of the automatic analysis device 100 .

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, the reaction disk 1 and the spectrophotometer 4B are fixed to the same first base 361 .

[0120] In addition, as a mechanism fixed to the first base 361, a mechanism that stops at a measurement timing of measurement by the spectrophotometer 4B and operates at a timing other than the measurement timing is preferably cited.

[0121] For example, the cleaning mechanism 3 cleans the reaction container while the reaction disk 1 is stopped, so the reaction disk 1 does not operate during the absorbance measurement performed by the rotating spectrophotometer 4B. Therefore, since it is not affected even if it is fixed to the first base 361, it can be fixed to the first base 361, but it can also be fixed to the second base 362.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the sample transport mechanism 17 , the sample dispensing mechanism 11 , the electrolyte measuring unit 341 , the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 , and the stirring mechanism 5 are fixed to a second base 362 different from the first base 361 .

[0123] Furthermore, the reagent disk 9 which is basically large and is driven to rotate is fixed to a third base 363 which is different from the first base 361 and the second base 362 .

[0124] The mechanisms fixed to the second base 362 and the third base 363 are basically those that operate during the measurement timing of the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0125] These first base 361 and second base 362 are connected by a plurality of columns 371. In addition, the second base 362 is fixed to the third base 363 by a plurality of columns 372. Therefore, the first base 361 and the third base 363 are connected with the second base 362 sandwiched therebetween. In addition, the third base 363 is connected to the housing 351 by a plurality of columns 373.

[0126] In addition, a structure in which the reagent disk 9 is fixed to the housing 351 and the second base 362 is fixed to the housing 351 via a plurality of posts 372 without using the third base 363 and the posts 373 may be adopted. In addition, the reagent disk 9 may be fixed to the second base 362, and the second base 362 may be directly fixed to the housing 351 via a plurality of posts 372 without using the third base 363 and the posts 373.

[0127] In the case of an automatic analyzer with relatively low processing capacity and small device size, all mechanisms may be fixed to the first base 361 , and the first base 361 may be fixed to the housing 351 via a plurality of pillars 371 .

[0128] Generally, in an automatic analyzer, in order to perform analysis cyclically, the reaction disk 1 is rotationally driven by, for example, a stepping motor or a pulse motor (not shown).

[0129] The total number of reaction containers 2 stored in the reaction disk 1 is N, and the reaction disk 1 moves C cycles (C ≥ 1) ± 1 reaction containers after B cycles (B ≥ 1), and the number of reaction containers 2 moved by the reaction disk 1 in one cycle is set to A (N + 1 ≥ A). At this time, the controller 21 outputs a control signal (control command) to the drive system of the reaction disk 1 to rotate and drive the reaction disk 1 so that the relationship A × B = N × C ± 1 holds, and the reaction containers 2 move A in one cycle, in other words, the number of pitches per cycle is A. In addition, the total number of reaction containers 2 N and the number of reaction containers 2 moved in one cycle A are mutually prime, and B and C are mutually prime.

[0130] exist Figure 3 , the total number N of reaction containers 2 stored in the reaction disk 1 is 29, the number A (N+1≥A) of reaction containers 2 moved in one cycle is 6, and after B (B≥1) cycles (after 5 cycles), the amount of reaction containers moved is C weeks (C≥1) (one week) + 1, which satisfies the above relationship A×B=N×C±1, and N and A are relatively prime, and B and C are relatively prime.

[0131] The B division is performed based on the stop position of the reaction container 2-1. Figure 3 In the example of an odd number, the cycle number B is set to 5, and thus divided into five, and the reaction containers 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the counterclockwise direction, skipping five cycles from the reaction container 2-1 of the cycles [1] to [5] (from the first cycle to the fifth cycle).

[0132] Below, using Figure 7 and Figure 8 This shows that B (B ≥ 1) is an odd number, which is better than an even number. Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of reaction containers stored in a reaction disk and the arrangement of a reagent disk and a measurement unit when B is an even number (4). Figure 8 It indicates Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a reaction disk 1 .

[0133] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In, with Figure 3 The above is also omitted Figure 1 A representation of controller 21 is shown.

[0134] As described above, in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, 29 reaction containers 2-1 to 2-29 are stored.

[0135] like Figure 7As shown, the reaction disk 1 includes a first rotating shaft 301 for rotating and moving the reaction containers 2 arranged in a circular shape. As shown by the arrow, the reaction disk 1 repeatedly rotates and stops in the clockwise direction for 7 reaction containers 2 in one cycle, and moves 7×4=28 reaction containers 2 through 4 cycles, that is, the total number of moved reaction containers 2 is 29×1 circle-1 reaction container 2=28. After 4 cycles, the reaction disk 1 stops at the position where it has moved for one circle-1 reaction container 2.

[0136] Therefore, in Figure 7 In the example, starting from the sample ejection position 41, after 4 cycles, the sample for measurement is dispensed from the sample container 15 into the reaction container 2-1, the reaction container 2-23, the reaction container 2-16, and the reaction container 2-9. By repeating the above operation, the reaction container returns to the same position after 29 cycles.

[0137] exist Figure 7 In the figure, the numbers [1] to

[29] shown in brackets on the outer peripheral side of the reaction disk 1 are numbers indicating the position at which the reaction container 2-1 stops in cycles [1] to

[29] when the reaction container 2-1 into which the sample has been dispensed at the sample ejection position 41 of the sample dispensing mechanism 11 is used as the reaction container of cycle [1].

[0138] The sample suction position 42A is a position where the pre-treated sample is sucked from the reaction container 2 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11, and is respectively provided with a first reagent suction position 321, a second reagent suction position 322, a first reagent discharge position 43A, a second reagent discharge position 44A, a first stirring position 45A, a second stirring position 46A and an absorbance measurement position 47 based on the reagent dispensing mechanism 7.

[0139] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when focusing on the reaction container 2 - 1 , in the first cycle (cycle [ 1 ]), a predetermined amount of sample is dispensed from the sample container 15 into the reaction container 2 - 1 by the sample dispensing mechanism 11 .

[0140] Next, in the second cycle (cycle [2]), the reaction container 2 - 1 into which a predetermined amount of the sample has been dispensed is moved to the first reagent discharge position 43A, and a predetermined amount of the first reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 .

[0141] In the third cycle (cycle [3]), the reaction container 2-1 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, is moved to the first stirring position 45A. At the first stirring position 45A, the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, in the reaction container 2-1 is stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism 5, and then the reaction container 2-1 is moved to the fourth cycle (cycle [4]).

[0142] The reaction container 2-1 passes through the absorbance measurement position 47 while moving to the fifth cycle (cycle [5]). At this time, the absorbance at the absorbance measurement position 47 is measured by the spectrophotometer 4B, and the reaction container 2-1 moves to the sample suction position 42A and stops.

[0143] In the tenth cycle (cycle

[10] ), the reaction container 2 - 1 into which a predetermined amount of the sample has been dispensed is moved to the second reagent discharge position 44A, and a predetermined amount of the second reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 .

[0144] In the 11th cycle (cycle

[11] ), the reaction container 2-1 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the second reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, is moved to the second stirring position 46A. At the second stirring position 46A, the sample, the mixed solution of the first reagent and the second reagent, i.e., the reaction solution, in the reaction container 2-1 are stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism 5, and then the reaction container 2-1 is moved to the 12th cycle (cycle

[12] ).

[0145] Afterwards, until the 22nd cycle (cycle

[22] ), the absorbance is measured when the reaction container 2-1 passes in front of the absorbance measurement position 47 of the spectrophotometer 4B. In the 22nd cycle and the 26th cycle, the reaction container 2-1 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3, and then the reaction container 2-1 is moved in sequence until the 29th cycle (cycle

[29] ), and the reaction container 2-1 is moved again to the sample ejection position 41, that is, the 1st cycle (cycle [1]).

[0146] In such Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the first reagent ejection position 43A or the second reagent ejection position 44A is also preferably located on or near the straight line 311, for example, within a range of about ±60° relative to the straight line 311 with the first rotation axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 as the origin.

[0147] However, when B (B ≥ 1) is an even number, it can be seen that B division is performed based on the stop position of the reaction container 2-1. Figure 4 In the example, since the number of cycles B is 4, the reaction vessels 2 are divided into four, and the reaction vessels 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the counterclockwise direction, skipping four cycles from the reaction vessel 2-1 of the first cycle to the fourth cycle.

[0148] Therefore, in order to avoid noise caused by vibration when the rotation of the reaction disk 1 starts and stops, if an absorbance measurement position 47 is set between the reaction container 2 and the position where the reaction container 2 stops after the 22nd cycle where the absorbance measurement is completed and cleaning can be started by the cleaning mechanism 3 (the 25th cycle and the 29th cycle), then at the position adjacent to the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, the reactor of the 23rd cycle and the 27th cycle where the measurement has been completed and no reagent needs to be added will be stopped.

[0149] As described above, when B (B ≥ 1) is an even number, the reaction container that can be cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3 will be fixed near the straight line 311. Therefore, it is preferred that B (B ≥ 1) is an odd number and the reaction container 2 in the measurement in which the reagent can be added is arranged near the straight line 311 on the side of the reagent disk 9.

[0150] Next, the analysis steps performed in each cycle will be described.

[0151] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the first cycle, the sample dispensing mechanism 11 stops the reaction container 2 at the sample dispensing position 41, for example Figure 3 The reaction container 2 - 1 in the embodiment is dispensed with a dispensing amount (liquid volume) of the sample corresponding to the type of sample and the analysis item from the controller 21 .

[0152] After the sample dispensing is completed, the reaction disk 1 moves in the clockwise direction by six reaction containers 2 based on a control signal (control command) from the controller 21 and stops at the first reagent discharge position 43 .

[0153] In the second cycle, the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 sucks the dispensing amount (liquid amount) of the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item from the controller 21 through the reagent bottles 10 stored in the reagent disk 9. Then, the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 ejects the first reagent into the reaction container 2-1 located at the first reagent ejection position 43.

[0154] After the reagent is ejected, the reaction disk 1 moves in the clockwise direction by an amount corresponding to six reaction containers 2 based on a control signal (control command) from the controller 21 , and stops at the first stirring position 45 .

[0155] In the third cycle, the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction container 2-1 stopped at the first stirring position 45 are stirred based on the predetermined stirring intensity from the controller 21. After stirring, the reaction disk 1 moves in the clockwise direction by the amount of six reaction containers 2 based on the control signal (control command) from the controller 21.

[0156] In the fifth cycle, the reaction container 2 - 1 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution, which is a mixture of the sample and the first reagent, through the absorbance measuring position 47 provided with the spectrophotometer 4B, and stores the measured absorbance value in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit constituting the controller 21 .

[0157] In the subsequent cycles, each time the reaction container 2 - 1 passes through the absorbance measurement position 47 , the measured value of the absorbance of the reaction solution is stored in the storage unit of the controller 21 .

[0158] The reaction disk 1 repeatedly rotates and stops, and in the sixth cycle, the reaction container 2 - 1 stops at the sample suction position 42 adjacent to the sample discharge position 41 .

[0159] Here, in the case where the analysis item is an analysis item that requires pretreatment of blood cells before measurement, such as hemoglobin A1c measurement, the sample dispensing mechanism 11 can suck the pretreated sample from the sample suction position 42 and eject the pretreated sample into the reaction container 2-29 stopped at the adjacent sample ejection position 41, thereby analyzing the pretreated sample.

[0160] On the contrary, in the analysis items that require the addition of the second reagent to the sample that does not require pretreatment, in the 12th cycle, the reaction container 2-1 stops at the second reagent ejection position 44. The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 sucks the dispensing amount (liquid amount) of the second reagent through the reagent bottle 10 stored in the reagent disk 9, and ejects the second reagent to the reaction container 2-1 located at the second reagent ejection position 44.

[0161] After the second reagent is ejected, in the 13th cycle, the reaction disk 1 moves by the amount of six reaction containers 2 in the clockwise direction based on the control signal (control command) from the controller 21 and stops at the second stirring position 46. The stirring mechanism 5 stirs the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction container 2-1 located at the second stirring position 46 based on a predetermined stirring intensity. After stirring, the reaction disk 1 moves by the amount of six reaction containers 2 in the clockwise direction based on the control signal from the controller 21.

[0162] The analysis is completed at the 20th cycle, and after the 21st cycle, the reaction container 2-1 can be cleaned without using the measurement performed by the spectrophotometer 4B.

[0163] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0164] The automatic analyzer 100 of the present embodiment described above includes: a reaction disk 1 having a plurality of reaction containers 2 for reacting a sample and a reagent in a circular shape; a reagent disk 9 storing a plurality of reagent bottles 10 containing reagents; and a measuring unit for measuring the physical properties of the liquid in the reaction container 2. When the automatic analyzer 100 is observed from the upper surface side, the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1, the second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9, and the measuring unit are arranged on the same straight line 311, the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1 is arranged between the second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the measuring unit, and the measuring unit is arranged on the front surface side of the automatic analyzer 100 accessed by a user.

[0165] This allows the measurement unit to be placed as far away from the reagent disk 9 as possible, and reduces the influence of external disturbance noise such as electrical noise, mechanical vibration, and temperature change from the reagent disk 9 and its associated mechanisms on the measurement unit compared to conventional methods.

[0166] In addition, while setting restrictions on the configuration of the reaction disk 1, reagent disk 9, and measuring unit, the measuring unit is configured on the front surface side of the automatic analyzer 100 accessed by the user. Thus, with a simple structure, it is not easily affected by temperature changes caused by heat dissipation, thereby achieving more stable analysis.

[0167] In addition, by using the straight line 311 connecting the first rotating axis 301 of the reaction disk 1, the second rotating axis 302 of the reagent disk 9 and the measuring part, the reaction disk is divided into two equal areas, which can ensure that the space is concentrated in the two areas. Therefore, the various mechanisms required for the analysis, such as the sample dispensing mechanism 11, the sample conveying mechanism 17, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, can be reasonably configured.

[0168] Furthermore, since the areas that are frequently visited by the user during maintenance (dispensing nozzle replacement, reaction disk) are arranged closer to the front side than the rear side of the device, there is also an effect that maintenance can be performed more easily.

[0169] Furthermore, since the straight line 311 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to any of the sides 391, 392, 393, 394 of the housing 351 constituting the automatic analyzer 100, the reagent disk 9 and the reaction disk 1, which occupy a large proportion in size, can be efficiently arranged in the device, making the device more compact.

[0170] In addition, the measuring part includes: a slit 4B3, which diffracts the light passing through the reaction liquid 2A in the reaction container 2; a concave diffraction grating 4B4, which splits the light passing through the slit 4B3; and a multi-wavelength detector 4B5, which detects the light obtained after the splitting by the concave diffraction grating 4B4. By configuring at least the concave diffraction grating 4B4 and the multi-wavelength detector 4B5 on the straight line 311, in the measuring part, the simulation part that most affects the measurement can be configured away from the reagent disk 9, etc., so that a structure that is more resistant to external interference noise can be obtained.

[0171] In addition, when observing the automatic analysis device 100 from the upper surface side, the measuring part is arranged around the first corner 352 of the outer periphery of the device, so that the measuring part to be isolated can be arranged at the corner firmly held by the two sides 391 and 392, and a configuration structure with stronger resistance to external interference noise such as vibration can be adopted.

[0172] Furthermore, when the automatic analyzer 100 is viewed from the upper surface side, the reagent disk 9 is arranged around a third corner 354 of the device periphery different from the first corner 352. In particular, the first corner 352 and the third corner 354 are located at opposite corners of the device.

[0173] In such a configuration, the reagent disk 9 can also be similarly configured at a corner firmly held by two sides 393 and 394, and a configuration structure with stronger resistance to external disturbance noise such as vibration can be adopted. In addition, the spectrophotometer 4B and the reagent disk 9 can be configured in the dead zone of the device, which can reliably prevent the expansion of unnecessary device area.

[0174] That is, a general automatic analysis device is a quadrilateral, and a spectrophotometer 4B, a reaction disk 1, and a reagent disk 9 are arranged on a diagonal line at one place, so that space concentrated in a diagonal area at another place can be ensured, so that a sample dispensing mechanism 11, a sample conveying mechanism 17, a reagent dispensing mechanism 7, a stirring mechanism 5, a cleaning mechanism 3, an electrolyte measuring unit 341, etc. can be arranged around the reaction disk 1 without increasing the size of the device.

[0175] Furthermore, the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 is disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, thereby reliably preventing the movable range of the reagent nozzle 7a from becoming wider than necessary, and reliably achieving miniaturization of the mechanism and improvement of the processing capacity.

[0176] In addition, among the reaction containers 2 of the reaction disk 1 that are stopped during the process of sample dispensing by the sample dispensing mechanism 11 or the process of reagent dispensing by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, the reaction container arranged at the position closest to the measurement position of the measuring part is the reaction container 2 that is being cleaned or has been cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3. Therefore, the reaction vessel that passes through the absorbance measurement position 47 at the initial stage of acceleration or before the rotational movement of the reaction disk 1 stops can be used as a reaction container that has no effect on the measurement, thereby reliably reducing the main factors affecting the analysis and reliably improving the analysis accuracy.

[0177] Furthermore, by arranging the first reagent aspiration position 321 and the second reagent aspiration position 322 on the straight line 311, it is possible to more reliably prevent the movable range of the reagent nozzle 7a from becoming wider than necessary, thereby reliably achieving miniaturization of the mechanism and improvement of the processing capability.

[0178] In addition, the sample dispensing mechanism 11 is provided with a sample ejection position 41 and a sample suction position 42 while the reaction disk 1 is rotating from the measuring part to the reagent disk 9 side, so that the reagent can be added immediately after the sample is added to the reaction container 2, and the reaction can be effectively performed, thereby facilitating rapid analysis.

[0179] In addition, the first stirring position 45 and the second stirring position 46 of the stirring mechanism 5 are provided while the reaction disk 1 is rotationally moved from the reagent disk 9 to the measuring unit side, so that the reaction container immediately after adding the reagent can be moved to the stirring position, so that the reaction can also be efficiently performed.

[0180] In addition, the total number of reaction containers 2 is set to N, and the number of reaction containers 2 moved by the reaction disk 1 in one cycle is set to A (N+1≥A). After B (B≥1) cycles, the reaction disk 1 rotates and moves C (C≥1) circles ±1 reaction container 2. At this time, N and A are relatively prime, B and C are relatively prime, and B is an odd number. The reaction disk 1 is rotationally controlled so that the reaction container 2 moves A circumferentially in one cycle, so that the relationship A×B=N×C±1 holds.

[0181] In this case, the reaction container 2 being measured is arranged at the second reagent discharge position 44 to which the reagent can be added, so that the moving distance of the reagent nozzle 7 a can be shortened as much as possible.

[0182] Furthermore, since the reaction disk 1 and the measurement unit are fixed to the same first base 361 , it is not necessary to arrange each mechanism on a different base more than necessary, and it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the size of the device.

[0183] In addition, it also includes a sample dispensing mechanism 11 for dispensing samples into the reaction container 2, a reagent dispensing mechanism 7 for dispensing reagents into the reaction container 2, and a stirring mechanism 5 for stirring liquid. The sample dispensing mechanism 11, the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 and the stirring mechanism 5 are fixed to a second base 362 that is different from the first base 361, so that the reaction disk 1 and the spectrophotometer 4B can be fixed to a different base from other mechanisms, and the noise generated by direct electrical vibration, mechanical vibration, and temperature change to the reaction disk 1 and the spectrophotometer 4B can be reduced.

[0184] In addition, the reagent disk 9 is fixed to a third base 363 that is different from the first base 361 and the second base 362, and the first base 361 and the third base 363 are connected by clamping the second base 362, so that for the reaction disk 1 and the spectrophotometer 4B fixed to the first base 361, the noise generated by direct electrical vibrations, mechanical vibrations and temperature changes from the reagent disk 9 can be reduced, and higher-precision analysis can be reliably and easily achieved.

[0185] <Others>

[0186] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to necessarily including all the structures described.

[0187] Description of symbols

[0188] 1 Reaction plate

[0189] 2 Reaction vessel

[0190] 2A Reaction Solution

[0191] 3. Cleaning mechanism

[0192] 4A Light Source

[0193] 4B Spectrophotometer

[0194] 4B1, 4B2 Condenser Lens

[0195] 4B3 Slit

[0196] 4B4 Concave Diffraction Grating

[0197] 4B5 Multi-Wavelength Detector

[0198] 5. Stirring mechanism

[0199] 7 Reagent dispensing mechanism

[0200] 7a Reagent nozzle

[0201] 9 Reagent disk

[0202] 10 Reagent bottles

[0203] 11. Sample dispensing mechanism

[0204] 11a Sample nozzle

[0205] 13, 30, 32 cleaning tank

[0206] 15 Sample container

[0207] 16 Bracket

[0208] 17. Sample transport mechanism

[0209] 18a Reagent pump

[0210] 18c Sample pump

[0211] 20 Cleaning pump

[0212] 21 Controller

[0213] 22 Vacuum pump

[0214] 41 Sample ejection position

[0215] 42, 42A Sample attraction position

[0216] 43, 43A First reagent ejection position

[0217] 44, 44A Second reagent ejection position

[0218] 45, 45A First stirring position

[0219] 46, 46A Second stirring position

[0220] 47 Absorbance measurement position

[0221] 100 Automatic analysis device

[0222] 301 First rotation axis

[0223] 302 Second rotation axis

[0224] 311 Straight Line

[0225] 321 First reagent suction position

[0226] 322 Second reagent suction position

[0227] 331, 332 semicircle

[0228] 341 Electrolyte Measurement Department

[0229] 351 Housing

[0230] 352 First Corner

[0231] 353 Second Corner

[0232] 354 The Third Corner

[0233] 355 The Fourth Corner

[0234] 361 First Pedestal

[0235] 362 Second Pedestal

[0236] 363 Third Pedestal

[0237] 371, 372, 373 columns

[0238] 391, 392, 393, 394 edges.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that: include: A reaction disk (1) having a plurality of reaction containers on its circumference for reacting a sample with a reagent; A reagent tray (9) for storing a plurality of reagent containers containing the reagents; a stirring mechanism (5), the stirring mechanism (5) stirring the liquid held in the reaction container; a measuring unit (4B) for measuring the physical properties of the liquid held in the reaction container; and A cleaning mechanism (3) is used to clean the reaction container after the measurement. When the housing (351) constituting the automatic analysis device is viewed from the upper surface side, The reaction disk (1) is arranged on the first corner (352 or 355) side, which is one of the two corners at both ends of the first side (391) located on the front surface side of the housing accessed by the user. The reagent disk (9) is arranged on the back side of the housing opposite to the first side (391), on the side of the second corner (354 or 353) of the two corners at the two ends of the second side (393) and which is diagonally opposite to the first corner (352 or 355). The measuring part (4B) is on a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the reagent disk (9) and the rotation axis of the reaction disk (1), and is arranged around the reaction disk (1) and closer to the first corner (352 or 355) than the rotation axis of the reaction disk (1). When a perpendicular line is drawn that passes through the rotation axis of the reaction disk (1) and is perpendicular to the straight line, the stirring mechanism (5) and the washing mechanism (3) are arranged on the reagent disk (9) side of the perpendicular line.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The straight line is neither parallel nor perpendicular to any of the sides of the shell (351).

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The measuring unit (4B) comprises a slit (4B3) for diffracting light passing through the liquid in the reaction container, a diffraction grating (4B4) for splitting the light passing through the slit (4B3), and a multi-wavelength detector (4B5) for detecting the light split by the diffraction grating (4B4). At least the diffraction grating (4B4) and the multi-wavelength detector (4B5) are arranged on the straight line.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a reagent dispensing mechanism (7) for dispensing the reagent into the reaction container. The reagent dispensing mechanism (7) is arranged at a position adjacent to the outer periphery of the reaction disk (1) and the reagent disk (9).

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that It also includes a sample dispensing mechanism (11) for dispensing the sample into the reaction container. Among the reaction containers on the reaction disk (1) that are stopped during the process of dispensing the sample by the sample dispensing mechanism (11) or the process of dispensing the reagent by the reagent dispensing mechanism (7), the reaction container arranged at a position closest to the measuring position of the measuring part (4B) is a reaction container that is being cleaned by the cleaning mechanism (3) or a reaction container that has been cleaned by the cleaning mechanism (3).

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that The reagent disk (9) has a reagent suction position accessed by the reagent dispensing mechanism (7) when dispensing the reagent into the reaction container. The reagent suction position is arranged on the straight line.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that It also includes a sample dispensing mechanism (11) for dispensing the sample into the reaction container. The reaction disk (1) performs rotational movement and stopping of the reaction container at least once in one cycle. The reaction disk (1) is provided with a sample ejection position of the sample dispensing mechanism (11) in the middle of rotational movement from the measuring section (4B) toward the reagent disk (9).

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that The reaction disk (1) performs rotational movement and stopping of the reaction container at least once in one cycle. The reaction disk (1) is provided with a stirring position of the stirring mechanism (5) in the middle of rotationally moving from the reagent disk (9) toward the measuring section (4B).

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The total number of the reaction containers is set to N, the number of the reaction containers moved by the reaction disk (1) in one cycle is set to A, and N+1≥A. After B cycles, the reaction disk (1) rotates and moves C times±one reaction container, and B≥1, C≥1. At this time, The N and the A are mutually prime, B and C are mutually prime, B is an odd number, The reaction disk (1) is rotationally controlled so that the reaction container moves A in the circumferential direction in one cycle, so that the relationship A×B=N×C±1 holds.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein: The reaction disk (1) and the measuring unit (4B) are fixed to the same first base (361).

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that It also includes a sample dispensing mechanism (11) for dispensing the sample into the reaction container, and a reagent dispensing mechanism (7) for dispensing the reagent into the reaction container. The sample dispensing mechanism (11), the reagent dispensing mechanism (7), and the stirring mechanism (5) are fixed to a second base (362) different from the first base (361).

12. The automatic analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that The reagent disk (9) is fixed to a third base (363) different from the first base (361) and the second base (362), The first base (361) and the third base (363) are connected with each other via the second base (362).

13. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position where the physical properties of the liquid held in the reaction container are measured by the measuring unit (4B) is set to be the position where the reaction container stops during the cleaning process when the measurement is completed and cleaning is started by the cleaning mechanism (3) or after cleaning.

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