Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application provides an automatic analysis device that can prevent the overall device from being large-sized, can suppress manufacturing costs, and can perform special cleaning. To achieve the object, the automatic analysis device, which injects a sample and a reagent into a reaction container respectively, and measures a liquid that has reacted, includes: a plurality of injection mechanisms; a controller that controls the plurality of injection mechanisms; a general cleaning tank that is dedicated to each of the injection mechanisms, and is arranged at a position where only one of the injection mechanisms is accessed, and performs general cleaning of the accessed injection mechanism; and a special cleaning tank that is shared by the injection mechanisms, and is arranged at a position where all of the injection mechanisms are accessed, and performs cleaning that is different from the general cleaning.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an automatic analysis device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an automatic analysis device, in order to prevent unevenness of suction / discharge or generation of contamination, a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample, a reagent is generally repeatedly used by being cleaned by a cleaning mechanism. However, as miniaturization of a sample and high sensitivity of analysis are developed year by year, when cleaning of the dispensing nozzle is insufficient, the influence on analysis accuracy becomes large, and it is required to improve the cleaning performance of the dispensing nozzle beyond that so far.

[0003] Therefore, as a technique for improving the cleaning performance of the dispensing nozzle, it is known that special cleaning using a cleaning solution containing a detergent is performed more strongly than cleaning water. For example, in Patent Literature 1, it is described that "the special cleaning is constituted by cleaning performed in the first cleaning tank 28b using a cleaning solution containing a detergent such as an alkaline, an acid, a neutral, and the like supplied to the first cleaning tank 28b, and (normal) cleaning performed in the first cleaning tank 28a using cleaning water performed after the cleaning" (paragraph 0043).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-110913 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the conventional automatic analysis device described in Patent Literature 1 and the like, since a dedicated special cleaning tank is provided for each of a plurality of dispensing mechanisms, the entire device is large-sized or the manufacturing cost is increased.

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide an automatic analysis device capable of preventing the entire device from being large-sized, and also capable of suppressing the manufacturing cost, and capable of performing special cleaning.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] To solve the above problems, the present application is an automatic analysis device that injects a sample and a reagent into a reaction container respectively and makes them react, and measures a liquid that has reacted, characterized by comprising: a plurality of injection mechanisms; a controller that controls the plurality of injection mechanisms; a general cleaning tank dedicated to each of the injection mechanisms, which is provided at a position where only one of the injection mechanisms is accessed, and performs general cleaning of the accessed injection mechanism; and a special cleaning tank shared by the injection mechanisms, which is provided at a position where all of the injection mechanisms are accessed, and performs cleaning of the accessed injection mechanisms that is different from the general cleaning.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present application, it is possible to provide an automatic analysis device that can prevent the entire device from becoming large, can also suppress manufacturing costs, and can perform special cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view of an analysis section in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of a sample injection mechanism in Example 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample injection mechanism in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the injection operation.

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the special operation.

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the combination of the mode of operation in each sample injection mechanism.

[0020] Figure 7 is a timing chart in the case where both of the sample injection mechanisms perform the injection operation.

[0021] Figure 8 is a timing chart in the case where one sample injection mechanism performs the special operation and the other sample injection mechanism performs the injection operation.

[0022] Figure 9 is a timing chart in the case where both of the sample injection mechanisms perform the special operation.

[0023] Figure 10 is a side view showing the state where interference occurs in each sample injection mechanism.

[0024] Figure 11 It means in Figure 8 The top view showing the positional relationship of each sample dispensing mechanism at time T1.

[0025] Figure 12 It means in Figure 9 The top view showing the positional relationship of each sample dispensing mechanism at time T2.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanism in Example 2.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanism in Example 3.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a timing diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism of one party performing a special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism of the other party performing a dispensing operation in Example 3.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a timing diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism in Example 3, where both sides perform special actions.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanism in a modified example of Example 3.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanism in Example 4.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a timing diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism of one party performing the dispensing action in Example 4, while the sample dispensing mechanism of the other party performs a special action.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a timing diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism in Example 4, where both sides perform special actions. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the analysis unit in the automatic analysis apparatus of this embodiment. Figure 1As shown, a reaction vessel 2 is arranged circumferentially on the reaction plate 1, and multiple reagent bottles 12 are arranged circumferentially in the reagent plate 11. Furthermore, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10 are connected to a reagent pump 23 via a syringe. Additionally, a sample container 20 containing test samples such as blood or urine can move between the reaction plate 1 and the reagent plate 11 via a sample delivery mechanism 22 while mounted on a support 21.

[0037] A cleaning mechanism 3, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, a reagent tray 11, and a sample pump 24 are arranged around the reaction plate 1. A cleaning pump 25 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3 of the reaction vessel 2 after cleaning. Furthermore, sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are arranged between the reaction plate 1 and the sample delivery mechanism 22, and are connected to the sample pump 24 via a syringe.

[0038] Furthermore, the automatic analysis apparatus of this embodiment includes: cleaning tanks 30-33 disposed within the movement trajectory of reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10; a normal cleaning tank 15 and a drying mechanism 17 disposed within the movement trajectory of sample dispensing mechanism 13; a normal cleaning tank 16 and a drying mechanism 18 disposed within the movement trajectory of sample dispensing mechanism 14; and a special cleaning tank 19 disposed within the movement trajectories of sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14. Alternatively, a structure may also be constructed in which a special cleaning tank or a drying mechanism is disposed within the movement trajectory of reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10.

[0039] Here, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are equipped with sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a. Furthermore, the sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a perform horizontal movement (rotational movement around a vertical axis and parallel movement along a horizontal path) and vertical movement to dispense the sample from the sample container 20 to the reaction container 2.

[0040] The sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a are normally cleaned in dedicated general cleaning tanks 15 and 16, respectively. However, when measuring pre-specified test items, the sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a are specially cleaned in a shared special cleaning tank 19, and then normally cleaned in dedicated general cleaning tanks 15 and 16, respectively, and then the water droplets adhering to the surrounding area are removed in dedicated drying units 17 and 18, respectively.

[0041] In addition, the automatic analysis device in this embodiment has a controller 26, which functions as an analysis unit for analyzing the test sample in the reaction vessel 2, and the operation of each mechanism connected to the controller 26 is controlled.

[0042] Next, use Figure 2 A general description of the structure of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 is provided. Figure 2is a side view of the sample dispensing mechanism 13, 14 in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 2 The sample dispensing mechanism 13, 14 is provided with a sample dispensing nozzle 13a, 14a that is connected to a syringe to perform suction and discharge of a sample, an arm 44 that holds the sample dispensing nozzle 13a, 14a, an up-down mechanism 41 that causes the arm 44 to move up and down, a rotation mechanism 42 that causes the arm 44 to rotate, and a horizontal mechanism 43 that causes the arm 44 to move horizontally. In addition, the rotation mechanism 42 can also be a horizontal mechanism that moves in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal mechanism 43.

[0043] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanism 13, 14 in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 3 The present embodiment is an automatic analysis device in which only one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 is provided with a dedicated drying mechanism 17, 18 at a position where access is performed. In the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment, since the special cleaning tank is one, the entire device can be downsized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, a sample suction position SI and a sample discharge position CI are provided at the end points of the movement tracks of the respective sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14, and a common special cleaning tank 19 is provided between them.

[0045] Here, the special cleaning performed in the special cleaning tank 19 is cleaning that is performed more strongly than the normal cleaning using a detergent liquid containing a detergent, and is performed in the case where the special cleaning is set to be required for the item to be inspected among the items of the sample. As a specific cleaning method of the special cleaning, a cleaning method using a detergent is described, but is not limited thereto, and a cleaning method using ultrasonic waves can also be used.

[0046] In addition, the drying mechanisms 17, 18 in the present embodiment are arranged inside or near the normal cleaning tanks 15, 16. As the structure of the drying mechanisms 17, 18 themselves, an air blower of an air jet type that blows compressed air to the sample dispensing nozzle 13a to blow off the cleaning liquid with the wind is adopted. In addition, the drying mechanism 17 can also be a drying port using vacuum suction and a wiper that wipes the cleaning liquid. In this way, by providing the drying mechanisms 17, 18, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid adhering to the sample dispensing nozzle 13a after the special cleaning from being carried into the sample, and it is possible to maintain the accuracy of the analysis at a high level.

[0047] Next, the flow of the dispensing operation of the sample will be described. Figure 4 The dispensing operation of the sample will be described. Here, the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 13 of one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 will be described as an example.

[0048] First, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the normal washing tank 15 to a sample suction position S1 on the sample container 20 (step S100).

[0049] Also, at this sample suction position S1, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is lowered to a state in which the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is immersed in the sample received in the sample container 20. In this state, the syringe is operated to perform suction of the sample, and then the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is raised (step S101).

[0050] Subsequently, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the sample suction position S1 to the normal washing tank 15 (step S102). At this normal washing tank 15, the outer wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is washed with water (step S103).

[0051] Subsequently, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to a sample discharge position C1 on a prescribed reaction container 2 of the reaction disk 1 (step S104).

[0052] Further, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is lowered, the syringe is operated to perform discharge of the sample, and when the discharge of the sample is completed, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is raised (step S105).

[0053] Subsequently, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal washing tank 15 (step S106).

[0054] Here, in the case where dispensing of the same sample is continued, one cycle ends. However, in the case of the last dispensing of the same sample, normal washing is further performed by operation of the syringe. Specifically, by discharging water from the sample dispensing nozzle 13a from a tank not shown, not only the outer wall but also the inner wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is washed (internal washing).

[0055] Next, the special action using Figure 5 The flow of the special action for performing special washing will be described. Here, the dispensing action of the sample dispensing mechanism 13 of one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 will be described as an example.

[0056] The special action of the present embodiment is roughly divided into special washing using a detergent, normal washing performed thereafter, and drying performed thereafter.

[0057] Specifically, first, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the normal washing tank 15 to the special washing tank 19 (step S200).

[0058] Next, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is lowered to a state in which the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is immersed in a detergent liquid containing a detergent in the special washing tank 19.

[0059] In this state, the syringe connected to the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is activated to draw in the detergent solution, thereby performing special cleaning to clean the inner and outer walls of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a (step S201).

[0060] Then, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a rises, and the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal cleaning tank 15 (step S202).

[0061] Here, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 actuates the syringe to discharge the detergent solution drawn in the special cleaning tank 19 together with water from a tank not shown from the sample dispensing nozzle 13a, thereby cleaning the inside of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a (step S203).

[0062] Afterwards, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the drying mechanism 17, and the sample dispensing nozzle 13a descends (step S204).

[0063] Here, the drying mechanism 17 causes the water droplets attached to the outer wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a to fall (step S205). Furthermore, as the sample dispensing nozzle 13a rises, the drying mechanism 17 blows air, thus enabling the water droplets to fall evenly in the height direction.

[0064] Afterwards, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal cleaning tank 15 (step S206).

[0065] Next, the actual operation methods of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 will be described. In the automatic analysis device of this embodiment, in order to improve processing capacity, the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are operated simultaneously. The actual operation mode is an operation mode that combines the above-described dispensing action and special action, such as... Figure 6 As shown, there are a total of 4 types. However, as the place accessed by the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14, there are sample suction position S1, sample discharge position C1 and special cleaning tank 19. Therefore, if the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are simply operated at the same time, they may interfere with each other.

[0066] Therefore, using Figure 7-9 For each operating mode, a method for reducing standby time while preventing interference between the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 will be explained. Here, the sample dispensing operation will be explained, but the same dispensing operation can also be performed for reagents. Figure 7-9 The timing diagram shown uses convexity to represent the timing of... Figure 4 The series of sample dispensing actions shown are set as one cycle, which is allocated to the actions of sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14, normal cleaning in normal cleaning tanks 15 and 16, special cleaning in special cleaning tank 19, and drying time in the drying mechanism.

[0067] Figure 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing nozzles 13a, 14a and the like in the case where the item requiring special cleaning is not included in the inspection items set for the sample. In this case, both the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 correspond to the mode in which the dispensing operation is performed.

[0068] Both the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 perform the dispensing operation as shown in Figure 4 , so if the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 start the dispensing operation at the same time, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 interfere with each other at the sample suction position SI and the sample discharge position CI. Therefore, by staggering the start point (phase) of the sample dispensing operation of one side from that of the other side by half a cycle, interference of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 with each other is prevented. As a result, generation of waiting time in the dispensing operation is suppressed, and speeding up of the processing as an analysis device is enabled. Further, as for the general cleaning tank, a general cleaning tank dedicated to each of the positions where only one of the plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 accesses is provided, and when one of the sample dispensing mechanisms accesses the general cleaning tank, interference with the other sample dispensing mechanism does not occur.

[0069] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 and the like in the case where one item requiring special cleaning is included in the inspection items set for the sample. Here, a mode in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs the dispensing operation is exemplified and described. Further, a mode in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the dispensing operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs the special operation is the same operation, and thus the description is omitted.

[0070] First, in the present embodiment, as a premise, the sample dispensing mechanism on one side and the sample dispensing mechanism on the other side have an interference region in the locus of reciprocation between the sample suction position SI and the sample discharge position CI at the time of the dispensing operation when the sample dispensing mechanism on one side accesses the special cleaning tank 19 at the time of the special operation. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10 , when the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the special cleaning tank 19, if the sample dispensing mechanism 14 is to move toward the sample suction position SI, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 interfere with each other.

[0071] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the case where the sample dispensing mechanism 13 on one side performs the special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 on the other side performs the dispensing operation, when the sample dispensing mechanism 14 on the other side moves in the interference region, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 on one side accesses the retreat position away from the special cleaning tank 19. Figure 11 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 and the like in the case where one item requiring special cleaning is included in the inspection items set for the sample. Here, a mode in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs the dispensing operation is exemplified and described. Further, a mode in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the dispensing operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs the special operation is the same operation, and thus the description is omitted. Figure 8FIG. 6 is a plan view of the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 at the time point Tl shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the retreat position of the common washing tank 15 during the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14 in the interference region. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 in the special operation to access the position of the common washing tank 15 when the sample dispensing mechanism 14 in the dispensing operation moves in the interference region, thereby preventing the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 from interfering with each other.

[0072] In this way, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 must access the common washing tank 15 in the middle of the special operation, and it is possible that the special washing is not sufficiently performed to cause the residual of the previous sample in one cycle corresponding to one dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the special washing is divided into a first special washing and a second special washing thereafter, and the first special washing is performed in the first cycle and the second special washing is performed in the second cycle. Specifically, first, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the first special washing at the time of the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14 in the first cycle, and the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 to access the retreat position during the period in which the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves in the interference region. Also, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the second special washing at the time of the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14 in the second cycle, and the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 to access the retreat position during the period in which the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves in the interference region.

[0073] In addition, in the special operation of the present embodiment, the drying of the sample dispensing mechanism 13 is performed by accessing the drying mechanism 17 after the special washing. In this way, considering the drying after the special washing, the time of the second special washing is made shorter than that of the first special washing in the present embodiment, and both the second special washing and the drying are performed in the second cycle. Specifically, after the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the second special washing at the time of the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14 in the second cycle, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the retreat position during the period in which the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves in the interference region, and thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the drying mechanism to perform the drying.

[0074] Further, in the present embodiment, the special washing is divided into two times, but the special washing can be divided into three or more times in the case where the sample pump 24 is small and has a small pressure, or the like. In addition, the retreat position is not limited to the position of the common washing tank 15, but it is only necessary that the trace of the sample dispensing mechanism 13 and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 reciprocating between the sample suction position Sl and the sample discharge position Cl at the time when the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the retreat position does not have the interference region.

[0075] Figure 9is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 13, 14 and the like in the case where two items requiring special cleaning are included in the inspection items set for the sample. In this case, both of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 correspond to the mode in which special operation is performed.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9 , in the special operation of each sample dispensing mechanism, two cycles of dispensing operation are used, and in the first cycle, first special cleaning and general cleaning are performed, and in the second cycle, second special cleaning, general cleaning, and drying are performed.

[0077] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 at the time indicated by T2 in Figure 9 . As shown in Figure 12 , when the sample dispensing mechanism 13 is performing special cleaning in the special cleaning tank 19, the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 14 to visit the retreat position away from the special cleaning tank 19, specifically, the general cleaning tank 16. By performing the operation in this way, interference between the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 can be prevented.

[0078] According to the above-described embodiment, one large special cleaning tank is sufficient compared to the general cleaning tank and the drying mechanism, so the entire device can be made small, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, even if the special cleaning tank is shared, standby time can be prevented from occurring in each sample dispensing mechanism in order to avoid interference between the mechanisms, and a decrease in processing capacity can be suppressed. Thus, a high-density configuration of the mechanisms can be performed in correspondence with miniaturization of the sample and high sensitivity of the analysis, and an automatic analysis device with high processing capacity can be realized.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, a dedicated drying mechanism is provided for each sample dispensing mechanism, so there is no need for an operation for avoiding interference during drying, and an increase in standby time can be suppressed.

[0080] Embodiment 2

[0081] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 13 , the present embodiment is an automatic analysis device in which a drying mechanism 57 that is shared by both of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 is provided at a position that is visited by both of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14. The automatic analysis device of the present embodiment not only has one special cleaning tank, but also can have one drying mechanism, so the entire device can be made further smaller, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

[0082] Embodiment 3

[0083] Figure 14is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 in this embodiment. In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, each sample dispensing mechanism moves linearly between the sample suction position SI and the sample discharge position CI, but in this embodiment, each sample dispensing mechanism moves rotationally between the sample suction position SI and the sample discharge position CI.

[0084] As shown in Figure 14 the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 of this embodiment have a mechanism that can move rotationally coaxially and vertically, and can access the sample discharge position CI and the sample suction position SI, which are commonly provided for both sample dispensing mechanisms. In addition, a dedicated normal cleaning tank 34 and a drying mechanism 58 are provided at a position between the sample discharge position CI and the sample suction position SI that is accessed only by the sample dispensing mechanism 27, and a dedicated normal cleaning tank 35 and a drying mechanism 59 are provided at a position between the sample discharge position CI and the sample suction position SI that is accessed only by the sample dispensing mechanism 28.

[0085] Furthermore, the automatic analysis device of this embodiment has a special cleaning tank 19 that is accessed commonly by the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28, and the special cleaning tank 19 is located on the same track TR1 as the sample discharge position CI, the sample suction position SI, the normal cleaning tanks 34, 35, and the drying mechanisms 58, 59. The position of the special cleaning tank 19 of this embodiment is on the track TR1 between the normal cleaning tank 34 and the normal cleaning tank 35 and on the side of the sample suction position SI.

[0086] In addition, it is preferable that the special cleaning tank 19 be disposed at a position where the movement distance of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 does not deviate greatly. This is because, if the movement distance of one of the sample dispensing mechanisms is long, the movement to the special cleaning tank 19 is sometimes not within the desired time, and an unnecessary cycle is required as a whole. Therefore, in this embodiment, the special cleaning tank 19 is located at a position that is symmetrical to the sample discharge position CI with respect to the rotational center of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28, and on the track TR1 that is the track of the relatively shorter one, i.e., the track of the sample suction position SI (in Figure 14The moving distance between the sample dispensing mechanism 27, 28 and the special cleaning tank 19 is substantially equal, and the operation of each sample dispensing mechanism 27, 28 is easily unified. In addition, since the distance between the sample suction position Sl and the special cleaning tank 19 is short, even if one of the sample dispensing mechanisms passes through the sample suction position Sl and accesses the special cleaning tank 19, it can quickly retreat to the dedicated general cleaning tank, and interference with the other sample dispensing mechanism can be avoided. That is, according to the present embodiment, the distance between each general cleaning tank 34, 35 and the special cleaning tank 19 is the same, and the standby time for avoiding interference of the sample dispensing mechanism can be suppressed, so that the cleaning process can be efficiently performed.

[0087] Further, the case where the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 move coaxially is exemplified, but even if the rotation centers are not the same, the sample can be discharged to the reaction vessel disposed at the sample discharge position Cl, and the special cleaning tank 19 can be used. Therefore, in the present specification, the case where the rotation center axes of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 are not strictly the same but slightly offset is also included in the coaxial.

[0088] Figure 15 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 of the present embodiment in the case where one item requiring special cleaning is included in the inspection items set for the sample. Here, the case where the sample dispensing mechanism 27 performs a special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 28 performs a dispensing operation is exemplified. As in Embodiment 1 described above, two cycles are used for the special operation, and on the other hand, the dispensing is performed once per cycle for the dispensing operation. For example, as shown in Figure 15 the sample dispensing mechanism 27 performing a special operation moves from the general cleaning tank 34 to the special cleaning mechanism 19 and performs special cleaning, then moves from the special cleaning mechanism 19 to the general cleaning tank 34 and performs general cleaning, moves from the general cleaning tank 34 to the special cleaning mechanism 19 and performs special cleaning again, then moves from the special cleaning mechanism 19 to the general cleaning tank 34 and performs general cleaning, and moves from the general cleaning tank 34 to the drying mechanism 58 and performs drying.

[0089] Figure 16is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 of the present embodiment in the case where two items requiring special cleaning are included in the inspection items set for the sample. For example, the sample dispensing mechanism 27 is in a retreat position such as the dedicated general cleaning tank 34 while the sample dispensing mechanism 28 is in the special cleaning tank 19, and moves to the special cleaning tank 19 while the sample dispensing mechanism 28 moves to the retreat position such as the dedicated general cleaning tank 35. Thus, each sample dispensing mechanism can suppress unnecessary standby time while preventing physical interference with each other.

[0090] Figure 17 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 in the modification of Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 17 , the positions of the special cleaning tank 19 and the like of this modification are the same as those of Embodiment 3, but the difference is that there are a plurality of sample discharge positions Cl a, Cl b. Further, the position of the point symmetry P described above varies depending on which of the sample discharge positions Cl a and Cl b is taken as a reference, and thus a point on the track TRl between the point symmetry with the sample discharge position Cl a as a reference and the point symmetry with the sample discharge position Cl b as a reference is adopted as the point symmetry P for convenience in this case. However, in general, since each sample discharge position is in a close position, the same effect can be obtained regardless of which position is taken as a reference.

[0091] Embodiment 4

[0092] Figure 18 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 18 , the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 of the present embodiment have mechanisms that rotate and move around different axes, and each passes through a different track TR2, TR3. At the intersection of each track, there is a common special cleaning tank 19 and sample suction position Sl, and on the track TR2, in addition to the sample discharge position Cl c, there is a dedicated general cleaning tank 34 and a drying mechanism 58, and on the track TR3, in addition to the sample discharge position Cl d, there is a dedicated general cleaning tank 35 and a drying mechanism 59.

[0093] Figure 19 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 of the present embodiment in the case where one item requiring special cleaning is included in the inspection items set for the sample. Here, a mode in which the sample dispensing mechanism 45 performs a dispensing operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 46 performs a special operation is described as an example.

[0094] For example, the sample dispensing mechanism 45 is in the sample discharge position C1c when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 is positioned at the special cleaning bath 19, and moves through the special cleaning bath 19 to the dedicated general cleaning bath 34 when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 ends the special cleaning and starts to move to the dedicated general cleaning bath 35. Thus, each sample dispensing mechanism can suppress useless standby time while preventing physical interference with each other.

[0095] Figure 20 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 of the present embodiment in the case where two items requiring special cleaning are included in the inspection items set for the sample. For example, the sample dispensing mechanism 45 is in the evacuation position of the dedicated general cleaning bath 34 or the like when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 is positioned at the special cleaning bath 19, and moves to the special cleaning bath 19 when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 moves to the evacuation position of the dedicated general cleaning bath 35 or the like. Thus, each sample dispensing mechanism can suppress useless standby time while preventing physical interference with each other.

[0096] Note that the present application is not limited to the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, and includes various modifications. The above-described Embodiments 1 to 4 are described in detail for easy understanding of the present application, and are not limited to necessarily having all the structures described. Also, a part of the structure of an embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and also, the structure of an embodiment can be added with the structure of another embodiment. Also, a part of the structure of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with another structure.

[0097] Symbol explanation

[0098] 1... reaction disk

[0099] 2... reaction container

[0100] 3... cleaning mechanism

[0101] 4... spectrophotometer

[0102] 5, 6... stirring mechanism

[0103] 7 to 10... reagent dispensing mechanism

[0104] 11... reagent disk

[0105] 12... reagent bottle

[0106] 13, 14, 27, 28, 45, 46... sample dispensing mechanism

[0107] 13a, 14a... sample dispensing nozzle

[0108] 15, 16, 34, 35... general cleaning bath

[0109] 17, 18, 57, 58, 59... drying mechanism

[0110] 19... special washing tank

[0111] 20... sample container

[0112] 21... holder

[0113] 22... sample transport mechanism

[0114] 23... reagent pump

[0115] 24... sample pump

[0116] 25... washing pump

[0117] 26... controller

[0118] 30-33... washing tank

[0119] 41... up-down mechanism

[0120] 42... rotation mechanism

[0121] 43... horizontal mechanism

[0122] 44... arm

[0123] S1... sample suction position

[0124] C1, C1a, C1b, C1c, C1d... sample discharge position

[0125] TR1, TR2, TR3... action track of sample dispensing mechanism

Claims

1. An automatic analytical device, comprising dispensing a sample and a reagent separately into a reaction vessel and allowing them to react, and measuring the resulting liquid; characterized in that, Possessing: a plurality of dispensing mechanisms; a controller that controls the plurality of dispensing mechanisms; a common cleaning tank for each of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, which is provided at a position where only one of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms is accessed, and which performs a normal cleaning of the accessed dispensing mechanism; a single special cleaning tank that is provided at a position where all of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms are accessed, and that performs a cleaning different from the normal cleaning of the accessed dispensing mechanism, the automatic analysis device has: a dispensing operation in which the dispensing mechanism reciprocates between a suction position of the sample or the reagent and a discharge position of the sample or the reagent, and in which the dispensing mechanism accesses the common cleaning tank in the middle of the reciprocation; and a special operation in which the dispensing mechanism is subjected to a special cleaning in the special cleaning tank, a trajectory of one of the dispensing mechanisms when the one of the dispensing mechanisms accesses the special cleaning tank in the special operation and a trajectory of the other of the dispensing mechanisms when the other of the dispensing mechanisms reciprocates between the suction position and the discharge position in the dispensing operation have an interference region, in a case where the one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the special operation and the other of the dispensing mechanisms performs the dispensing operation, the controller causes the one of the dispensing mechanisms to access a retreat position away from the special cleaning tank when the other of the dispensing mechanisms moves in the interference region, the special cleaning has a first special cleaning and a second special cleaning after the first special cleaning, the controller performs the following control: in a case where the one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the first special cleaning and the other of the dispensing mechanisms performs the dispensing operation, the controller causes the one of the dispensing mechanisms to access the retreat position when the other of the dispensing mechanisms moves in the interference region, in a case where the one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the second special cleaning and the other of the dispensing mechanisms performs the dispensing operation, the controller causes the one of the dispensing mechanisms to access the retreat position when the other of the dispensing mechanisms moves in the interference region.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the special operation is an operation in which the dispensing mechanism is dried by accessing a drying mechanism after the special cleaning, the controller performs the following control: in a case where the one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the second special cleaning and the other of the dispensing mechanisms performs the dispensing operation, the controller causes the one of the dispensing mechanisms to access the retreat position when the other of the dispensing mechanisms moves in the interference region, and then to access the drying mechanism to perform the drying.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a trajectory of one of the dispensing mechanisms when the one of the dispensing mechanisms accesses the common cleaning tank and a trajectory of the other of the dispensing mechanisms when the other of the dispensing mechanisms reciprocates between the suction position and the discharge position in the dispensing operation do not have an interference region, the retreat position is a position of the common cleaning tank.

4. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by has: The dispensing mechanism reciprocates between the suction position of the sample or the reagent and the discharge position of the sample or the reagent, and visits the general cleaning tank in the middle of the way; and The special action is to perform special cleaning of the dispensing mechanism in the special cleaning tank, The trajectory of one of the dispensing mechanisms when visiting the special cleaning tank in the special action and the trajectory of the other dispensing mechanism when reciprocating between the suction position and the discharge position in the dispensing action have an interference region, In the case where one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the special action and the other dispensing mechanism also performs the special action, the controller causes the other dispensing mechanism to visit a retreat position away from the special cleaning tank when the one dispensing mechanism performs the special cleaning.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, wherein The retreat position is the position of the general cleaning tank.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of dispensing mechanisms move rotationally coaxially and reciprocate between the suction position of the sample or the reagent and the discharge position of the sample or the reagent, The special cleaning tank is located between each of the general cleaning tanks and on the suction position side.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, wherein The special cleaning tank is located on the trajectory of the point symmetrical position connecting the discharge position and the suction position and on the trajectory of the relatively shorter one with respect to the center of rotation.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of dispensing mechanisms move rotationally around different axes and reciprocate between the suction position of the sample or the reagent and the discharge position of the sample or the reagent on different trajectories, The special cleaning tank is located at the intersection of the trajectories.

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