Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treating hematological malignancies

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of to enable device miniaturization and can efficiently carry out sample, reagent's pipetting and discharge, and a kind of sample measuring device and dispensing device.The dispensing method includes the following steps: the front end (210) of pipette (200) is located in the pipetting position (C1) of the sample below by a pair of placing members (220) between a pair of placing members (220);The pipette (200) is pipetted by the front end (210) in the pipetting position (C1) to sample;The front end (210) is located in the position above a pair of placing members (220);The container placing part (201) is moved, so that the container (70) is placed by a pair of placing members (220);The front end (210) is located in the discharge position (C2) of the sample to the container (70) placed by a pair of placing members (220);The pipette (200) is discharged by the front end (210) in the discharge position (C2) to the container (70) to sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing method, a sample measuring device, and a dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sample analysis device that includes a gripper unit for transferring a reaction cup while holding it in place, and a dispensing unit for aspirating and discharging samples and reagents using a pipette.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-191114. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve The aforementioned sample analysis apparatus uses individually configured gripper and dispensing units for sample and reagent transfer and dispensing, making it unsuitable for small-scale devices. Small-scale devices require highly efficient sample and reagent transfer and dispensing.

[0005] In view of the relevant points, the present invention aims to provide a dispensing method, a sample measuring device, and a dispensing device that enables miniaturization of the device and efficient aspiration and dispensing of samples and reagents.

[0006] Technical means to solve technical problems like Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, the dispensing method of the present invention is a method of dispensing a sample, including at least one of a sample and a reagent, into a container (70) using a dispensing device (140) having a container placement part (201) having a container (70) placed between at least a pair of separate placement members (220) and a pipette (200). The method includes the following steps: moving the container placement part (201) and the pipette (200) relative to each other in the vertical direction without placing the container (70) on the placement member (220), thereby causing the front end (210) of the pipette (200) to be located at a suction position (C1) where the sample below the pair of placement members (220) is suctioned between the pair of placement members (220); the front end (210) being located at the suction position (C1)... The process of using the suction tube (200) of C1 to transfer the sample; the process of moving the container placement part (201) and the suction tube (200) relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby placing the front end (210) above a pair of placement members (220); the process of moving the container placement part (201) so as to place the container (70) through the pair of placement members (220); the process of moving the container placement part (201) and the suction tube (200) relative to each other in the vertical direction so as to place the front end (210) at the discharge position (C2) for discharging the sample into the container (70) placed by the pair of placement members (220); the process of discharging the sample into the container (70) through the suction tube (200) at the discharge position (C2) of the front end (210).

[0007] The dispensing method according to the present invention includes the following steps: when the container (70) is not placed on the placement member (220), the container placement part (220) and the suction tube (200) are moved relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby causing the front end (210) of the suction tube (200) to be located at the suction position (C1) where the sample below the pair of placement members (220) is suctioned between the pair of placement members (220); the container placement part (201) and the suction tube (200) are moved relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby causing the front end (210) to be located at the discharge position (C2) where the sample is discharged into the container (70) placed on the pair of placement members (220). Therefore, the device can be miniaturized and the suction and discharge of samples and reagents can be performed efficiently.

[0008] like Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, the sample measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises: a pipette (200) for aspirating and discharging a sample including at least one of a sample and a reagent; a container holding part (201) capable of holding a container (70) for holding the sample between at least a pair of separate holding members (220); a moving mechanism (202) for moving the pipette (200) and the container holding part (201) relative to each other in the vertical direction; and a measuring part (34) for measuring the sample; wherein the moving mechanism (202) moves the pipette (200) to the following positions: a suction position (C1) in which the front end (210) of the pipette (200) is located below the pair of holding members (220) and a sample is aspirated between the pair of holding members (220); and a discharge position (C2) in which the front end (210) discharges the sample into the container (70) held by the pair of holding members (220).

[0009] According to the sample determination apparatus of the present invention, the moving mechanism (202) moves the aspiration tube (200) to the following positions: the front end (210) of the aspiration tube (200) is located below a pair of placement members (220) and is located at an aspiration position (C1) where the sample is aspirated between the pair of placement members (220); and the front end (210) is located at a discharge position (C2) where the sample is discharged from the container (70) placed on the pair of placement members (220). Therefore, the apparatus can be miniaturized and the aspiration and discharge of samples and reagents can be performed efficiently.

[0010] like Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a suction tube (200) for suctioning and discharging a sample including at least one of a sample and a reagent; a container placement portion (201) capable of placing a container (70) for holding the sample between at least a pair of separate placement members (220); and a moving mechanism (202) for moving the suction tube (200) and the container placement portion (201) relative to each other in the vertical direction; wherein the moving mechanism (202) moves the suction tube (200) to the following positions: a suction position (C1) in which the front end (210) of the suction tube (200) is located below the pair of placement members (220) and the sample is suctioned between the pair of placement members (220); and a discharge position (C2) in which the front end (210) of the suction tube (200) discharges the sample into the container (70) in which the pair of placement members (220) are placed.

[0011] According to the dispensing apparatus of the present invention, the moving mechanism (202) moves the suction tube (200) to the following positions: the front end (210) of the suction tube (200) is located below a pair of placement members (220) and is located at a suction position (C1) where the sample is suctioned between the pair of placement members (220); and the front end (210) of the suction tube (200) is located at a discharge position (C2) where the sample is discharged from the container (70) where the pair of placement members (220) are placed. Therefore, the apparatus can be miniaturized and the suction and discharge of samples and reagents can be performed efficiently.

[0012] Invention Effects According to the present invention, a dispensing method, a sample measuring device, and a dispensing device are provided that enable miniaturization of the device and efficient aspiration and dispensing of samples and reagents. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the sample measuring device. Figure 2 This is a top view of the internal structure of the sample measuring device; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the reaction vessel; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer device structure; Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the mounting components where the reaction vessel is placed; Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the control device; Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the sample determination method; Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the reaction vessel transfer process; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device when the suction tube and container placement part are in the first position; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device when the suction tube and container placement part are in the second position; Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the sample packaging process; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device when the suction tube is in position 3; Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the reagent dispensing process; Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the reaction vessel recycling and disposal process; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the assembly device when a ball screw is used in the linkage section; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dispensing device with a locking part. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example of an embodiment of the sample measuring device, dispensing device and dispensing method involved in the present invention will be described in detail.

[0015] <Sample Measurement Device> Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the sample measuring device 1 according to this embodiment. The sample measuring device 1 is a blood coagulation measuring device for analyzing the activity of coagulation factors in a sample (blood sample).

[0016] The sample measuring device 1 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 10. The main body 10 has a freely opening and closing cover 20 on its front side, allowing the user to access the interior of the main body 10 by opening the cover 20. A monitor 21 is located on the right side of the front side of the main body 10, and a printer 22 is located below the monitor 21. Additionally, a barcode reader 23 is connected to the side of the main body 10. In this specification, "upper" refers to... Figure 1 The top side of the sample measuring device 1 is referred to as "top," and the bottom side is referred to as "bottom." Regarding the "front" and "rear" of the sample measuring device 1, the side facing the cover 20 is "front," and the opposite side of the cover 20 is "rear." The "left" and "right" of the sample measuring device 1 are based on the direction when viewing the cover 20 from the front.

[0017] The cover 20 can be rotated in the vertical direction Z or the left and right direction X to open and close the front side of the main body 10 of the device.

[0018] The monitor 21 is a touchscreen display that can input and display various information required for sample testing, or display the results of sample testing.

[0019] Printer 22 is capable of printing the results information of sample measurement.

[0020] The barcode reader 23 can read various information required for sample testing, such as sample number and reagent information.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of an example of the internal structure of the sample measuring device 1. Inside the main body 10 of the device 1, the sample measuring device 1 includes: a sample receiving section 30, a reagent receiving section 31, two container receiving sections 32, two heating sections 33, a measuring section 34 sandwiched between the two heating sections 33, a liquid receiving section 35, a cleaning section 36, a waste section 37, a dispensing device 140, and a transfer device 141 that moves the dispensing device 140 in the left-right direction (X) and the front-back direction (Y) within the main body 10.

[0022] The sample storage section 30 is located on the front side of the main body 10 of the device. The sample storage section 30 has a rack placement section 52 for placing the sample rack 51.

[0023] The sample rack 51 can arrange a plurality of sample containers 50 containing samples in a row. One sample rack 51 can be positioned and placed in the rack placement section 52. The sample rack 51 can also arrange a plurality of sample containers 50 in a plurality of rows, in which case a plurality of sample racks 51 can be positioned and placed in the rack placement section 52.

[0024] The reagent storage section 31 is located on the rear side of the sample storage section 30 of the main body 10 of the device. The reagent storage section 31 is disposed adjacent to the sample storage section 30. The reagent storage section 31 has a rack placement section 62 for placing the reagent rack 61.

[0025] The reagent rack 61 can arrange multiple reagent containers 60 containing reagents into two rows. One reagent rack 61 can be positioned and placed in the rack placement section 62. The reagent rack 61 can also arrange multiple reagent containers 60 into one or more rows.

[0026] The container storage section 32 is located at the rear of the main body 10 of the apparatus. The container storage section 32 is located at the rear of the reagent storage section 31. The container storage section 32 has a rack placement section 72 for placing the container rack 71, which serves as a container, on which the reaction vessel 70 is placed.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the reaction vessel 70 is a generally cylindrical shape that is open at the top and closed at the bottom. The reaction vessel 70 has a body 70a for containing liquid and a flange 70b located at the upper end of the body 70a and protruding radially outward.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the container rack 71 is capable of arranging a plurality of reaction containers 70 in a plurality of rows and columns. The container rack 71 has a plurality of mounting holes 73 for holding and mounting the reaction containers 70.

[0029] It can position and place one or more container racks 71 in the rack placement section 72.

[0030] The heating element 33 is located behind the guide rail 420 (described later) at the center of the device body 10 in the Y direction. The heating element 33 is located on the right side of the container housing 32. The heating element 33 has a plurality of mounting holes 80 for placing and accommodating the reaction vessel 70. The plurality of mounting holes 80 are arranged in a left-right X direction, and each mounting hole 80 is arranged in a row. The heating element 33 is capable of heating the reaction vessel 70 placed in the mounting holes 80. For example, there are six mounting holes 80.

[0031] The measuring unit 34 has a plurality of mounting holes 100 for placing and accommodating the reaction vessel 70. The plurality of mounting holes 100 are concentrated in the area sandwiched between the plurality of mounting holes 80 of the heating unit 33. In the measuring unit 34, six pairs of irradiation sections and light-receiving sections are provided corresponding to each mounting hole 100.

[0032] The liquid storage section 35 is located at the front of the main body 10 of the device. The liquid storage section 35 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the reagent storage section 31. The liquid storage section 35 has a plurality of containers 110 containing diluent or cleaning solution.

[0033] The cleaning section 36 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the liquid collection section 35. The cleaning section 36 has a cleaning tank 120 for cleaning the suction pipe 200 described later. The cleaning tank 120 stores cleaning fluid.

[0034] Waste disposal unit 37 is located near cleaning unit 36. Waste disposal unit 37 has waste outlet 130 for waste reaction vessel 70.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the sample determination device 1 includes: a dispensing device 140 for dispensing various liquids such as samples and reagents into the reaction container 70, and a transfer device 141 for transferring the dispensing device 140 in the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y within the main body 10 of the device.

[0036] <Dispensing device> Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an example of the structure of the dispensing device 140. The dispensing device 140 includes a suction tube 200, a container placement part 201, a moving mechanism 202, etc.

[0037] The suction tube 200 is a slender tube extending Z-direction vertically, capable of holding a predetermined amount of liquid. The suction tube 200 can draw in or discharge the drawn-in liquid from its front end 210. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the front end 210 of the suction tube 200 is bent relative to the vertical direction Z and abuts against the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 70 placed in the container placement part 201.

[0038] The container placement section 201 has two parallel (pair) placement members 220. The pair of placement members 220 are separated from each other and form a gap A. The size of the gap A between the pair of placement members 220 is the same as the outer diameter of the body 70a of the reaction vessel 70. The placement members 220 can approach the reaction vessel 70 from the rear side in the forward direction Y, clamp the body 70a of the reaction vessel 70, and support the flange 70b from below to place the reaction vessel 70. In addition, the placement members 220 can clamp the flange 70b of the reaction vessel 70 from above and below to place the reaction vessel 70. Whether the reaction vessel 70 is placed on the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 can be detected by an optical sensor 222 provided near the placement position B1 described later.

[0039] The placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 is disposed below the transfer tube 200, and the reaction vessel 70 can be placed at the placement position B1 on the same axis as the transfer tube 200 in the vertical direction Z. The transfer tube 200 is narrower than the distance A between the two placement members 220 of the container placement section 201, and can be inserted between the two placement members 220 in the vertical direction Z.

[0040] Figure 4 The moving mechanism 202, while maintaining the placement position B1 of the placement member 220 and the pipette 200 coaxially, moves the pipette 200 and the container placement part 201 relative to each other in the vertical direction Z. The moving mechanism 202 moves the pipette 200 to the following positions: a pipette position where the front end 210 of the pipette 200 is below the placement position B1 of the placement member 220, for pipetting at least one of the sample and reagent; and a discharge position where the front end 210 of the pipette 200 discharges at least one of the sample and reagent towards the reaction container 70 at the placement position B1 of the placement member 220. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 202 moves the container placement member 220 to a contact position below the pipette 200, where it can contact the reaction container 70.

[0041] The moving mechanism 202 has a mechanical mechanism that causes the other to descend in conjunction with the rise of either the suction tube 200 or the container placement part 201. The moving mechanism 202 also has the following mechanical mechanism: when the suction tube 200 descends, the container placement part 201 rises in conjunction with it; when the container placement part 201 rises to a predetermined position, the linkage is released; and when the container placement part 201 stops rising, the suction tube 200 descends. Here, the positions of the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 at which the descent linkage with the suction tube 200 is released are the respective positions of the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 when the second lifting member 300 abuts against the limiter 302 and the pressing member 303 rises to a position where it no longer pushes the second lifting member 300 downwards. An example of the relevant mechanical mechanism will be described below.

[0042] The moving mechanism 202 includes: a first moving part 250 for moving the suction tube 200 in the vertical direction Z, a second moving part 251 for moving the container placement part 201 in the vertical direction Z, a linkage part 252 for linking the first moving part 250 and the second moving part 251, and a drive source 253 for driving the linkage part 252.

[0043] The moving mechanism 202 has a plate-shaped member 260 that is approximately elongated quadrilateral. The plate-shaped member 260 is upright with its surface facing the left-right direction X. The first moving part 250, the second moving part 251, and the linkage part 252 are located on the right side of the plate-shaped member 260 in the left-right direction X. Figure 4 The first plate surface 260a of the plate member 260. The drive source 253 is located on the left side of the plate member 260 in the left-right direction X. Figure 4 The second plate surface 260b of the back side).

[0044] The first moving part 250 includes: a suction tube mounting member 270 for mounting the suction tube 200, and a first lifting member 271 for fixing the suction tube mounting member 270 and for being raised and lowered by the linkage part 252. The moving mechanism 202 has a first guide rail 272 for guiding the first lifting member 271 in the vertical direction Z.

[0045] The suction tube mounting member 270 has a cylindrical shape with its axis pointing in the vertical direction Z. The suction tube mounting member 270 is coaxially connected to the upper part of the suction tube 200. The diameter of the suction tube mounting member 270 is larger than that of the suction tube 200, and wider than the distance A between the two mounting members 220 of the container mounting section 201. A piping 280 for supplying air to and transferring air into the suction tube 200 is connected to the upper part of the suction tube mounting member 270. The piping 280 is connected to a pump unit.

[0046] The first lifting component 271 is plate-shaped. The suction tube mounting component 270 is fixed to the right side of the first lifting component 271. Figure 4 The surface of the plate (the side surface).

[0047] The first lifting member 271 is movably mounted on the first guide rail 272. The first guide rail 272 extends in the vertical direction Z of the first plate surface 260a of the plate member 260, forming from near the upper end to near the lower end of the plate member 260. The first lifting member 271 is movably lifted along the first guide rail 272. The first lifting member 271 is mounted on the conveyor belt 322, which will be described later.

[0048] The second moving part 251 includes: a second lifting member 300 for fixing the container placement part 201 and for free lifting and lowering; a force-applying member 301 for applying upward force to the second lifting member 300; a limiter 302 for stopping the second lifting member 300 from rising; and a pressing member 303 that is lifted and lowered by the linkage part 252 and can press the second lifting member 300 downward. The moving mechanism 202 includes a second guide rail 304 for guiding the second lifting member 300 in the vertical direction Z.

[0049] The second lifting member 300 includes a main body 310 and a limb 311 connecting the main body 310 and the container placement part 201. The main body 310 is located on the rear side of the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 in the front-rear direction Y. The main body 310 is a quadrilateral plate shape. The limb 311 has a generally L-shaped form, extending upward in the vertical direction Z from the container placement part 201 and then extending rearward in the front-rear direction Y.

[0050] The second lifting member 300 is movably mounted on the second guide rail 304. The second guide rail 304 extends in the vertical direction Z of the first plate surface 260a of the plate member 260. The second lifting member 300 moves freely up and down along the second guide rail 304.

[0051] The force-applying component 301 is a spring, oriented in the vertical direction Z. The upper end of the force-applying component 301 is fixed above the second lifting component 300 in the plate-shaped component 260, and the lower end is fixed to the upper part of the second lifting component 300. The force-applying component 301 applies an upward force to the second lifting component 300.

[0052] The limiter 302 is plate-shaped. The limiter 302 is located above the second lifting member 300 in the plate-shaped member 260. When the second lifting member 300 rises to a predetermined upper limit position and the suction tube 200 is inserted into the predetermined position of the reaction vessel 70 placed in the placement member 220 of the container placement part 201 (the container placement part 201 (placement member 220) reaches the first position P1-1 described later), the limiter 302 abuts against the upper part of the second lifting member 300 and stops the second lifting member 300 from rising.

[0053] The pressing member 303 is approximately cuboid in shape. The pressing member 303 is positioned above the second lifting member 300. The pressing member 303 is mounted on the conveyor belt 322 (described later) and can move freely up and down via the conveyor belt 322. When descending, the pressing member 303 can press down on the second lifting member 300 and can rise above the upper limit position of the second lifting member 300.

[0054] When the container placement part 201 is lowered, the second moving part 251 causes the pressing member 303 to descend via the linkage part 252 and pushes the second lifting member 300 downward against the force applied by the force applying member 301. When the container placement part 201 is raised, the pressing member 303 is raised via the linkage part 252. Due to the force applied by the force applying member 301, the second lifting member 300 rises. After the container placement part 201 rises to the predetermined position, the second lifting member 300 stops rising via the limiter 302.

[0055] The linkage unit 252 has a pair of pulleys 320, 321 arranged in the vertical direction Z and an annular conveyor belt 322 hanging on the pair of pulleys 320, 321.

[0056] A pair of pulleys 320 and 321 are arranged vertically within the plate-shaped member 260. The pair of pulleys 320 and 321 are positioned in the front-rear direction Y between the first guide rail 272 of the first moving part 250 and the second guide rail 304 of the second moving part 251. The pulley 320 is located near the upper part of the plate-shaped member 260, and the pulley 321 is located near the lower part of the plate-shaped member 260.

[0057] The conveyor belt 322 is attached to a pair of pulleys 320 and 321. The conveyor belt sections 330 and 331, which are opposite each other in the front-back Y direction, move up and down in opposite directions through the pulleys 320 and 321.

[0058] The first moving part 250 is driven by the conveyor belt part 330. That is, the first lifting member 271 is installed on the conveyor belt part 330, and the first lifting member 271, the suction tube placement member 270 and the suction tube 200 rise and fall as the conveyor belt part 330 rises and falls.

[0059] The second moving part 251 is driven by the conveyor belt part 331. That is, the pressing member 303 is installed on the conveyor belt part 331, and the pressing member 303 rises and falls as the conveyor belt part 331 rises and falls. As the pressing member 303 rises and falls, the second lifting member 300 and the container placement part 201 can rise and fall.

[0060] According to the relevant structure, the linkage unit 252 enables the first moving part 250 and the second moving part 251 to move together.

[0061] The drive source 253 is a single motor connected to the pulley 320. The drive source 253 is fixed to the second plate surface 260b on the left side in the left-right direction X of the plate member 260. The drive source 253 can switch between forward and reverse rotation, and can rotate the conveyor belt 322 to the right and left via the pulley 320.

[0062] The moving mechanism 202 has a vibrating member 350 that vibrates the reaction vessel 70 placed in the container placement section 201. The vibrating member 350 is a vibrating element that vibrates by means of an electric power source and is provided in the limb 311 of the second lifting member 300.

[0063] The moving mechanism 202 has a heating section 360 for heating the sample or reagent in the pipette 200. The heating section 360 is a heating element that generates heat by means of electricity and is provided in the pipette mounting member 270.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an example of the transfer device 141. The transfer device 141 transfers the dispensing device 140 to any position within the device body 10 in the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y. The transfer device 141 has a first transfer section 400 that transfers the dispensing device 140 in the front-back direction Y and a second transfer section 401 that transfers the dispensing device 140 in the left-right direction X.

[0065] The first transfer unit 400 includes a guide rail 410 extending in the longitudinal direction Y and on which the dispensing device 140 is movably mounted, and a drive belt 412 for mounting the dispensing device 140 and moving it in the longitudinal direction Y via a drive source 411. Thus, the dispensing device 140 can move to any position in the longitudinal direction Y within the main body 10.

[0066] The second transfer unit 401 includes two guide rails 420 extending in the left-right direction X and on which the dispensing device 140 and the first transfer unit 400 are movably mounted, and a drive belt 422 for mounting the dispensing device 140 and moving it in the left-right direction X via a drive source 421. Thus, the dispensing device 140 can move to any position in the left-right direction X within the main body 10.

[0067] Sample measuring device 1 has a control device 430 ( Figure 1 As shown). Figure 7 As shown, the control device 430 includes an input unit 500 for various information, a display unit 501 for various information, an analysis and control unit 502 for sample measurement, a communication unit 503, and an I / O board 504. The control device 430 is a computer with a memory and a CPU. The CPU can control various operations of the drive system and power supply of the sample measurement device 1, such as the heating unit 33, the measurement unit 34, the dispensing device 140, and the transfer device 141, by executing programs stored in the memory, and thus perform sample measurement.

[0068] <Sample Measurement Methods> Next, an example of sample measurement performed using the sample measurement device 1 configured as described above will be described. Figure 8 This is an example of the overall processing flow for sample determination.

[0069] In the sample determination process of sample determination device 1, the main steps are sequentially: reaction vessel transfer step S1, sample dispensing step S2, reagent dispensing step S3, determination step S4, and reaction vessel recovery and disposal step S5. All of the above processes are executed by control device 430.

[0070] After the sample determination begins, the first step is the transfer of the reaction vessel, S1. Figure 9 This is an example of the processing flow for the transfer of the reaction vessel, step S1. Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a dispensing device 140 used to illustrate the operation of the suction tube 200 and the container placement section 201.

[0071] In the reaction vessel transfer process S1, firstly, the dispensing device 140 transfers the contents to the reaction vessel via the transfer device 141. Figure 2 The container moves on the container rack 71 of the container storage section 32 shown (process S1-1). At this time, as... Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the second lifting member 300 rises to the predetermined position where it stops at the limiter 302, and the container placement part 201 (placement member 220) is located in the first position P1-1. Additionally, the suction tube 200 is located in the first position P1-2. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the first position P1-1 of the container placement part 201 and the second position P1-2 of the transfer tube 200 are the positions where the front end 210 of the transfer tube 200 is inserted into the reaction container 70 where the placement member 220 of the container placement part 201 is placed, and where the transfer tube 200 can discharge reagents into the reaction container 70.

[0072] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 descends to a contact position where it can contact the reaction vessel 70 of the container rack 71 (step S1-2). At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the pulleys 320 and 321 are rotated by the drive source 253, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the right, and the pressing member 303 descends. As a result, the pressing member 303 resists the applied force of the force-applying member 301, pushing the second lifting member 300 downwards, and the placement member 220 descends to the second position P2-1. Meanwhile, the suction tube 200, linked to the container placement section 201, rises via the conveyor belt 322 to the second position P2-2, away from the placement member 220 at its front end 210. As a result, the placement member 220 moves to the contact position C3 of the reaction vessel 70, located below the suction tube 200, where it can contact the container rack 71.

[0073] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 advances via the transfer device 141, and as... Figure 6The reaction vessel 70 is placed on the container rack 71 as shown (process S1-3).

[0074] Next, on the container rack 71 of the container storage section 32, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 rises (process S1-4). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the pulleys 320 and 321 are rotated by the drive source 253, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left, and the pressing member 303 rises. At this time, the second lifting member 300 rises due to the force applied by the force-applying member 301 until it stops at the limiter 302, and the placement member 220 rises to its original first position P1-1. On the other hand, the suction tube 200 is linked with the container placement part 201 and descends via the conveyor belt 322 to its original first position P1-2, where the front end 210 is located near the placement member 220.

[0075] Next, the dispensing device 140 is transferred to the conveying device 141 via the dispensing device 141. Figure 2 The heating element 33 shown moves upward (process S1-5).

[0076] Next, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 descends toward the mounting hole 80 of the heating section 33 (process S1-6). At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the drive source 253 rotates the pulleys 320 and 321, causing the conveyor belt 322 to rotate to the right, and the pressing member 303 descends. As a result, the pressing member 303 resists the force applied by the force-applying member 301, pushing the second lifting member 300 downwards, and the placement member 220 descends to the second position P2-1. Meanwhile, the suction tube 200, linked to the container placement part 201, rises via the conveyor belt 322 to the second position P2-2, away from the placement member 220 at its front end 210.

[0077] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 is moved back by the transfer device 141, and the reaction container 70 is placed in the placement hole 80 of the heating section 33 (step S1-7).

[0078] Finally, on the heating section 33, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 rises (process S1-8). At this time, as... Figure 10As shown, the pulleys 320 and 321 are rotated by the drive source 253, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left, and the pressing member 303 rises. At this time, the second lifting member 300 rises until it stops at the limiter 302 due to the force applied by the force-applying member 301, and the placement member 220 rises to the first position P1-1. On the other hand, the suction tube 200 is linked with the container placement part 201 and descends to the first position P1-2, where the front end 210 is located near the placement member 220, via the conveyor belt 322. Since the container placement part 201 can no longer rise due to the limiter 302, while the suction tube 200 can descend, the linkage between the container placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 is released.

[0079] Next, the sample packaging process S2 will be carried out. Figure 12 This is an example of the sample packaging process S2.

[0080] In the sample dispensing process S2, firstly, the dispensing device 140 transfers the sample to the transfer device 141. Figure 2 The sample rack 51 of the sample storage section 30 shown is moved (process S2-1).

[0081] Next, the pipette 200 descends to the position where it can contact the sample container 50 of the sample holder 51 to pick up the sample (step S2-2). At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, the pulleys 320 and 321 are rotated by the drive source 253, and the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left. The suction tube 200 descends to the third position P3-2 via the first lifting member 271 and the suction tube placement member 270. On the other hand, the second lifting member 300 is stopped by the limiter 302, so the pressing member 303 moves away from the second lifting member 300 and rises via the conveyor belt 322. Therefore, the linkage between the container placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 is released, and the placement member 220 remains at the first position P1-1. In this way, the suction tube 200 moves to the suction position C1 where the front end 210 is below the placement position B1 of the placement member 220 and suctions the sample from the sample container 50.

[0082] Next, the aspiration tube 200 aspirates through the piping 280, thereby aspirating the sample from the sample container 50 (process S2-3).

[0083] Next, on the sample holder 51 of the sample storage section 30, the suction tube 200 rises (process S2-4). At this time, by Figure 13 From the starting state, the drive source 253 causes pulleys 320 and 321 to rotate, and the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the right. Figure 10The suction tube 200 rises to position 1, P1-2. The pressing member 303 descends to the predetermined position where the second lifting member 300 is stopped by the limiter 302, and will not push down the second lifting member 300. Therefore, the placement member 220 remains in position 1, P1-1.

[0084] Next, the dispensing device 140 moves onto the heating unit 33 via the transfer device 141 (process S2-5).

[0085] Next, the suction pipe 200 descends toward the reaction vessel 70 of the heating section 33 (step S2-6). At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, the pulleys 320 and 321 are rotated by the drive source 253, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left, and the suction tube 200 descends to the third position P3-2, which is below the placement member 220, and the front end 210 is inserted into the reaction vessel 70 of the heating unit 33. On the other hand, the linkage between the vessel placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 is released, and the placement member 220 remains at the first position P1-1.

[0086] Next, gas is supplied to the pipe 280 through the pipe, thereby injecting the sample from the pipe 200 into the reaction vessel 70 of the heating unit 33 (step S2-7).

[0087] Next, on the heating section 33, the suction tube 200 rises (process S2-8). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the suction tube 200 rises to position 1 P1-2, and the placement component 220 remains at position 1 P1-1.

[0088] Next, the dispensing device 140 moves to the cleaning unit 36 ​​via the transfer device 141 (process S2-9).

[0089] Next, the suction pipe 200 descends towards the cleaning tank 120 of the cleaning section 36 (step S2-10). At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, the suction tube 200 descends to the third position P3-2, which is lower than the placement member 220, and the front end 210 is inserted into the cleaning tank 120 of the cleaning section 36. On the other hand, the linkage between the container placement section 201 and the suction tube 200 is released, and the placement member 220 remains at the first position P1-1.

[0090] Next, the suction pipe 200 is cleaned with the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 120 (process S2-11).

[0091] Finally, in the cleaning section 36, the suction tube 200 rises (process S2-12). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the suction tube 200 rises to position 1 P1-2, and the placement component 220 remains at position 1 P1-1.

[0092] In the sample dispensing process S2 described above, the pipette 200 may also aspirate the diluent from the container 110 of the liquid storage section 35 before aspirating the sample from the sample container 50 of the sample storage section 30, and then aspirate the sample from the sample container 50 of the sample storage section 30. In the relevant case, similarly as described above, the pipette 200 descends to the third position P3-2 (absorption position C1) in the liquid storage section 35, the tip 210 is inserted into the container 110 to aspirate the diluent, and then rises on the liquid storage section 35.

[0093] Next, the reagent dispensing process S3 is carried out. Figure 14 This is an example of the processing flow of reagent dispensing step S3.

[0094] First, via the transfer device 141, the dispensing device 140 dispensing to Figure 2 The reagent rack 61 of the reagent storage section 31 shown is moved (process S3-1).

[0095] Next, the pipette 200 descends to the reagent container 60, where it can contact the reagent holder 61, at the reagent transfer position C1 (step S3-2). At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left, and the suction tube 200 descends to position 3 P3-2, with its front end 210 inserted into the reagent container 60. Meanwhile, the linkage between the container placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 is released, and the placement member 220 remains at position 1 P1-1. Thus, the suction tube 200 moves to position C1, where its front end 210 is below the placement position B1 of the placement member 220, and suctions the reagent from the reagent container 60.

[0096] Next, the pipette 200 transfers reagent from the reagent container 60 through the piping 280 (step S3-3).

[0097] Next, on the reagent rack 61 of the reagent storage section 31, the pipette 200 rises (process S3-4). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the suction tube 200 rises to position 1 P1-2, and the placement component 220 remains at position 1 P1-1.

[0098] Next, the reagent in the pipette 200 is heated by the heating unit 360 (step S3-5).

[0099] The reagent in the heating pipette 200 is heated, and the dispensing device 140 is moved onto the heating unit 33 by the transfer device 141 (process S3-6).

[0100] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 descends toward the reaction vessel 70 of the heating section 33 (step S3-7). At this time, as Figure 11As shown, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the right, and the pressing member 303 pushes the second lifting member 300 downward, causing the placement member 220 to descend to the second position P2-1. Meanwhile, the suction tube 200, linked to the container placement section 201, rises via the conveyor belt 322 to the second position P2-2, away from the placement member 220 at its front end 210. Consequently, the placement member 220 moves to the contact position C3 of the reaction vessel 70, located below the suction tube 200, where it can contact the heating section 33.

[0101] Next, the placement component 220 is advanced by the transfer device 141 and the reaction vessel 70 of the heating unit 33 is placed (step S3-8).

[0102] Next, on the heating section 33, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 rises, and the suction tube 200 descends and is inserted into the reaction vessel 70 (step S3-9). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the left, the pressing member 303 rises, the second lifting member 300 rises to the predetermined position where it stops at the limiter 302, and the placement member 220 rises to the first position P1-1. The suction tube 200 descends to the first position P1-2 via the conveyor belt 322. Thus, the front end 210 of the suction tube 200 is inserted into the reaction vessel 70 containing the placement member 220, and the suction tube 200 moves towards the discharge position C2 of the reaction vessel 70, opposite the placement position B1 of the placement member 220, where reagents are discharged.

[0103] Next, the pipette 200 is supplied with gas through the piping 280, thereby injecting the reagent from the pipette 200 into the reaction vessel 70 of the placement component 220 (step S3-10).

[0104] Next, the reaction vessel 70 of the placement member 220 is vibrated by the vibration member 350 to stir the sample and reagents (step S3-11).

[0105] Next, the dispensing device 140 moves onto the measuring unit 34 via the transfer device 141 (process S3-12).

[0106] Next, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 descends toward the mounting hole 100 of the measuring section 34 (process S3-13). At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the conveyor belt 322 rotates to the right, the pressing member 303 pushes the second lifting member 300 downward, and the placement member 220 descends to the second position P2-1. On the other hand, the suction tube 200 is linked with the container placement part 201 and rises to the second position P2-2, away from the placement member 220, via the conveyor belt 322.

[0107] Next, the placement member 220 is retracted by the transfer device 141, and the reaction vessel 70 is placed in the placement hole 100 of the measuring section 34 (step S3-14).

[0108] Finally, on the measuring section 34, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 rises (process S3-15). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the pressing member 303 is raised by the conveyor belt 322, the second lifting member 300 rises until it stops at the limiter 302, and the placing member 220 rises to the first position P1-1. The suction tube 200 descends to the first position P1-2 by the conveyor belt 322.

[0109] Next, the measurement step S4 is performed. In the measurement unit 34, a blood coagulation test is conducted to analyze the activity of coagulation factors in the blood sample.

[0110] Finally, the reaction vessel is recycled and disposed of in process S5. Figure 15 This is an example of the processing flow of the reaction vessel recycling and disposal process S5.

[0111] First, the dispensing device 140 transfers the contents to the transfer device 141. Figure 2 The measuring unit 34 shown moves upward (process S5-1).

[0112] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 descends to the contact position C3 of the reaction vessel 70, which is able to contact the measuring section 34 (step S5-2). At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the pressing member 303 pushes the second lifting member 300 downward via the conveyor belt 332, causing the placement member 220 to descend to the second position P2-1. The suction tube 200, linked with the container placement part 201, rises via the conveyor belt 322 to the second position P2-2, away from the placement member 220 at its front end 210. As a result, the placement member 220 moves to the contact position C3 of the reaction vessel 70, located below the suction tube 200, where it can contact the measuring part 34.

[0113] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 is advanced by the transfer device 141 and the reaction vessel 70 of the measuring section 34 is placed (step S5-3).

[0114] Next, on the measuring section 34, the mounting member 220 of the container mounting section 201 rises (process S5-4). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the placement component 220 rises to position 1 P1-1, and the suction tube 200 descends to position 1 P1-2.

[0115] Next, the dispensing device 140 is transferred to the conveying device 141 via the dispensing device 141. Figure 2 The waste section 37 shown is moved (process S5-5).

[0116] Next, the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 descends toward the waste outlet 130 of the waste section 37 (process S5-6). At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the placement component 220 descends to position 2 P2-1, and the suction tube 200 rises to position 2 P2-2.

[0117] Next, the reaction vessel 70 containing component 220 is disposed of in the disposal section 37 (process S5-7).

[0118] Finally, on the waste section 37, component 220 is placed and raised (process S5-8). At this time, as... Figure 10 As shown, the placement component 220 rises to position 1 P1-1, and the suction tube 200 descends to position 1 P1-2.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the sample measuring apparatus 1 and the dispensing apparatus 140 include: a pipette 200, a container placement portion 201 capable of placing a reaction vessel 70 between at least one pair of separate placement members 220, and a moving mechanism 202 for moving the pipette 200 and the container placement portion 201 relative to each other in the vertical direction. The moving mechanism 202 moves the pipette 200 to the following positions: a suction position C1 where the front end 210 of the pipette 200 is located below the pair of placement members 220 and the sample is suctioned through the gap A between the pair of placement members 220; and a discharge position C2 where the front end 210 discharges the sample into the reaction vessel 70 placed between the pair of placement members 220. According to the relevant structure, the moving mechanism 202 allows the pipette 200 and the container placement part 201 to move relative to each other in the vertical direction Z, and allows the pipette 200 to move to the pipette position C1 and the discharge position C2. Therefore, the structure of the sample measuring device 1 can be simplified, and the sample measuring device 1 can be miniaturized and efficiently perform sample and reagent pipette and discharge.

[0120] The moving mechanism 202 moves the pipette 200 and the container placement part 201 relative to each other in the vertical direction while keeping the pipette 200 and the pair of placement members 220 coaxial. As a result, the structure of the sample measuring device 1 can be simplified, and the sample measuring device 1 can be miniaturized and efficiently perform sample and reagent aspiration and dispensing.

[0121] The moving mechanism 202 moves the placement member 220 to a position (contact position C3) located below the transfer tube 200, where it can contact the reaction vessel 70. This further simplifies the structure of the sample measurement device 1, enabling miniaturization of the sample measurement device 1 and efficient transfer and dispensing of samples and reagents.

[0122] The moving mechanism 202 has a mechanism in which one of the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 (placement member 220) rises and the other falls in conjunction with it. As a result, the structure of the moving mechanism 202 can be simplified and miniaturized, thereby further simplifying the structure of the sample measuring device 1, enabling the sample measuring device 1 to be miniaturized, and enabling efficient suction and discharge of samples and reagents.

[0123] The moving mechanism 202 has the following mechanism: the suction tube 200 descends, the container placement part 201 rises in conjunction with it, the linkage is released when the container placement part 201 rises to a predetermined position, and the suction tube 200 descends when the container placement part 201 stops rising (linkage released state). According to this structure, the suction tube 200 can descend without being linked to the container placement part 201, thus ensuring the descent amount of the suction tube 200, and thereby facilitating its movement to suction position C1 and discharge position C2, etc.

[0124] The moving mechanism 202 includes: a first moving part 250 for moving the suction tube 200 in the vertical direction Z, a second moving part 251 for moving the container placement part 201 in the vertical direction Z, a linkage part 252 for linking the first moving part 250 and the second moving part 251, and a drive source 253 for driving the linkage part 252. This allows for suitable linkage between the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201.

[0125] The first moving part 250 includes: a suction tube mounting member 270 for mounting the suction tube 200, and a first lifting member 271 for fixing the suction tube mounting member 270 and for being raised and lowered by the linkage part 252. As a result, the suction tube 200 can be mounted and raised and lowered appropriately.

[0126] The moving mechanism 202 also has a first guide rail 272 that guides the first lifting member 271 in the vertical direction Z, thus enabling the lifting of the first lifting member 271 to be carried out stably with a simple structure.

[0127] The second moving part 251 includes: a second lifting member 300 for fixing the container placement part 201 and freely lifting and lowering; a force-applying member 301 that applies force upward to the second lifting member 300; a limiter 302 that stops the second lifting member 300 from rising; and a pressing member 303 that is raised and lowered by the linkage part 252 and can press the second lifting member 300 downward. When the container placement part 201 is lowered, the second moving part 251 lowers the pressing member 303 via the linkage part 252 and pushes the second lifting member 300 downward against the force applied by the force-applying member 301. When the container placement part 201 is raised, the pressing member 303 is raised via the linkage part 252. Due to the force applied by the force-applying member 301, the second lifting member 300 rises. After the container placement part 201 rises to a predetermined position, the limiter 302 stops the second lifting member 300 from rising. According to the relevant structure, the container placement section 201 can be raised and lowered appropriately. Furthermore, the linkage and de-linking of the suction tube 200 and the container placement section 201 can be performed using a simple structure.

[0128] The moving mechanism 202 also has a second guide rail 304 that guides the second lifting member 300 in the vertical direction Z, thus enabling the second lifting member 300 to be lifted stably and properly.

[0129] The linkage unit 252 includes: a pair of pulleys 320, 321 arranged in the vertical direction Z, and an annular conveyor belt 322 suspended on the pair of pulleys 320, 321. The first moving part 250 and the second moving part 251 are driven by conveyor belt portions 330, 331 of the conveyor belt 322 that move in opposite vertical directions Z. According to the relevant structure, the linkage between the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 can be appropriately achieved with a simple structure.

[0130] The moving mechanism 202 has a plate-shaped member 260, and a first moving part 250, a second moving part 251, and a linkage part 252 are provided on the first plate surface 260a of the plate-shaped member 260. As a result, the moving mechanism 202 can be made compact, and the sample measuring device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0131] The pipette 200 has a front end 210 that is bent relative to the vertical Z-axis, so that the front end 210 can abut or approach the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 70. Thus, when the sample and reagent are injected from the pipette 200 into the reaction vessel 70, they will not splash and can be injected properly.

[0132] The moving mechanism 202 has a vibrating member 350 that vibrates the reaction vessel 70 on which the placement member 220 is placed, thus enabling it to place the reaction vessel 70 and stir the liquid inside the reaction vessel 70.

[0133] The moving mechanism 202 has a heating part 360 for heating the sample or reagent in the pipette 200, so that the sample or reagent can be transferred and heated by the pipette 200.

[0134] The sample determination method in the above embodiments includes the following steps: moving the container placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 relative to each other in the vertical direction without placing the container on the placement member 220, thereby positioning the front end 210 of the suction tube 200 at a suction position C1 where the sample below the pair of placement members 220 is suctioned between them; suctioning the sample through the suction tube 200 with its front end 210 positioned at suction position C1; and positioning the container placement part 201 and the suction tube 200 relative to each other in the vertical direction. The process involves: moving the front end 210 relative to the container in a vertical direction, thereby positioning it above the pair of mounting members 220; moving the container mounting part 201 to position the container via the pair of mounting members 220; moving the container mounting part 201 and the suction tube 200 relative to each other in a vertical direction, thereby positioning the front end 210 at the discharge position C2 for discharging the sample into the container positioned by the pair of mounting members 220; and discharging the sample into the container via the suction tube 200 at the discharge position C2. This simplifies the structure of the sample measuring device 1 for implementing the relevant sample measuring method, enabling miniaturization of the sample measuring device 1 and efficient sample and reagent suction and discharge.

[0135] In the sample dispensing process S2 of the above embodiment, the suction pipette 200 can also discharge the sample into the reaction vessel 70 placed at the placement position B1 of the placement member 220. In relevant cases, such as Figure 11 As shown, after the placement component 220 places the reaction vessel 70 in placement position B1, as... Figure 10 As shown, the pressing member 303 is raised by the conveyor belt 322, the second lifting member 300 rises to a predetermined position where it stops at the limiter 302, and the placement member 220 rises to the first position P1-1. The suction tube 200 descends to the first position P1-2 by the conveyor belt 322. Thus, the front end 210 of the suction tube 200 is inserted into the reaction vessel 70 of the placement member 220, and the suction tube 200 moves towards the discharge position C2 of the reaction vessel 70 at the placement position B1 of the placement member 220, where the sample is discharged.

[0136] In the above implementation methods, it can also be: such as Figure 16 As shown, the linkage 252 includes: two ball screws 500 and 501 extending in the vertical direction Z and arranged in the horizontal direction; gears 502 and 503 that cause the two ball screws 500 and 501 to rotate in opposite directions; and the first moving part 250 and the second moving part 251 are driven by different ball screws of the two ball screws 500 and 501.

[0137] In the relevant configuration, the first lifting member 271 of the first moving part 250 is mounted on the ball screw 500, and the pressing member 303 of the second moving part 251 is mounted on the ball screw 501. The two gears 502 and 503 rotate in opposite directions via the drive source 253, causing the ball screws 500 and 501 to rotate in opposite directions as well. Therefore, if the first lifting member 271 rises and the suction tube 200 rises, the pressing member 303 descends in conjunction with it, and the container placement part 201 is lowered via the second lifting member 300. Conversely, if the pressing member 303 rises and the container placement part 201 rises, the first lifting member 271 descends in conjunction with it, and the suction tube 200 is lowered. According to the relevant example, the linkage between the suction tube 200 and the container placement part 201 can be appropriately achieved with a simple structure.

[0138] In the above embodiments, the dispensing device 140 of the sample measuring device 1 may also have a locking part that locks the component on the side of the suction tube 200 and the component on the side of the container placement part 201 together when the suction tube 200 descends, thus pushing down the position of the container placement part 201.

[0139] In relevant circumstances, such as Figure 17 As shown, the first lifting member 271 has a protrusion 530 protruding toward the side (rear side) of the second lifting member 300, and the second lifting member 300 has a protrusion 531 protruding toward the side (front side) of the first lifting member 271. When the first lifting member 271 and the second lifting member 300 are raised and lowered, the protrusions 530 and 531 are locked together.

[0140] Let the suction tube 200 from Figure 13 When the container placement member 220 in the state shown further descends to the container placement section 201, Figure 17 The protrusion 530 of the first lifting member 271 engages with the protrusion 531 of the second lifting member 300, pushing down the second lifting member 300. This maintains the distance between the placement member 220 of the container placement section 201 and the suction tube placement member 270, preventing them from interfering with each other. This allows the suction tube 200 to descend to a lower position relative to the placement member 220, ensuring the amount of descent of the suction tube 200, thus facilitating its movement towards the suction position C1 and the discharge position C2, etc. The protrusion 530 is not limited to the first lifting member 271, but can also be provided on the suction tube placement member 270, the suction tube 200, etc. Similarly, the protrusion 531 is not limited to the second lifting member 300, but can also be provided on the container placement section 201.

[0141] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the examples provided. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or variations within the scope of the ideas described in the claims, and those modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0142] The sample measuring device 1 described in the above embodiments may also have other structures. The dispensing device 140, such as the suction tube 200, the container placement part 201, and the moving mechanism 202, may also have other structures.

[0143] The sample testing device of the present invention can also be applied to sample testing other than blood coagulation testing, blood immunoassay, blood cell count testing, biochemical analysis, urine analysis, etc.

[0144] practicality The present invention is useful in providing a dispensing method, a sample measuring device, and a dispensing device that enable miniaturization of the device and efficient transfer and dispensing of samples and reagents.

[0145] Numbering Explanation 1 Sample measuring device 70 Reaction Vessel 140 Dispensing Unit 200 pipettes 201 Container Placement Section 202 Mobile Agency 210 Front end 220 Placement components 250 First Moving Section 251 Second Moving Section 252 Joint Operations Department 253 Driver Source 270 Suction pipe placement components 271 First Lifting Component 272 First guide rail 300 Second Lifting Component 301 Force-applying component 302 Limit Switch 303 Pressing Component 304 Second Guide Rail 320 and 321 pulleys 322 Conveyor Belt

Claims

1. A dispensing method comprising dispensing a sample, including at least one of a sample and a reagent, into a container using a dispensing device having a container placement part that holds a container between at least a pair of separate placement members and a pipette, the method comprising the following steps: In the case where the container is not placed on the placement member, while the pair of placement members and the suction tube are kept coaxial, the container placement part and the suction tube are moved relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby placing the front end of the suction tube at the suction position of the sample below the pair of placement members between the pair of placement members. The process of transferring the sample by means of the suction tube located at the suction position at the front end; The process of moving the container placement part and the suction tube relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby positioning the front end above the pair of placement members; The process of moving the container placement part while keeping the pair of placement members and the suction tube coaxial, thereby placing the container by the pair of placement members; In a process of maintaining the pair of placement members and the suction tube on the same axis, the container placement part and the suction tube are moved relative to each other in the vertical direction, thereby positioning the front end at the discharge position for discharging the sample into the container placed by the pair of placement members. The process of discharging the sample into the container through the suction tube located at the discharge position at the front end.

2. The packaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the aspiration process, at least one of the sample contained in the sample container and the reagent contained in the reagent container is aspirated through the aspiration tube whose front end is located at the aspiration position.

3. The packaging method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a process of positioning the pair of mounting members in a position below the front end that allows them to contact the container.

4. The packaging method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vertical relative movement of the container placement part and the suction tube includes a process in which if one of the container placement part and the suction tube rises, the other falls in conjunction with it.

5. The packaging method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vertical relative movement of the container placement part and the suction tube includes the following steps: the suction tube descends and the pair of placement members rise in conjunction with it; when the pair of placement members rise to a predetermined position, the linkage is released; and the suction tube descends when the pair of placement parts stop rising.

6. The packaging method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes the following processes: The process of moving the container placement part and the suction tube in the horizontal direction; The process involves moving the container placement part and the suction tube horizontally, so that after the step of discharging the sample into the container, the container is moved onto the measuring part.

7. A sample measuring device, comprising: A pipette for the aspiration and dissipation of at least one of a sample and a reagent; A container placement part capable of placing a container for holding the sample between at least one pair of separate placement components; A moving mechanism that allows the suction tube and the container placement part to move relative to each other in the vertical direction; The measuring unit that measures the sample; wherein, The moving mechanism moves the suction tube to the following positions: a suction position where the front end of the suction tube is located below the pair of mounting members and between the pair of mounting members, and a discharge position where the front end discharges the sample into the container on which the pair of mounting members are placed; as well as The moving mechanism allows the suction tube and the container placement part to move relative to each other in the vertical direction while keeping the suction tube and the pair of placement members coaxial.

8. The sample measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The suction tube, located at the front end of the suction position, suctions at least one of the sample contained in the sample container and the reagent contained in the reagent container.

9. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The moving mechanism moves the pair of placement members to a position below the suction tube that allows them to contact the container.

10. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has the following structure: if one of the suction tube and the container placement part rises, the other will fall in conjunction with it.

11. The sample measuring device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has the following mechanism: the suction tube descends and the pair of placement members rise in conjunction with it; when the pair of placement members rise to a predetermined position, the linkage is released; and when the pair of placement members stop rising, the suction tube descends.

12. The sample measuring device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has: A first moving part for moving the suction tube in the vertical direction; A second moving part for moving the container placement part in the vertical direction; A linkage unit for linking the first moving part and the second moving part; The driving source that drives the linkage.

13. The sample measuring device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first moving part has: A suction tube mounting component for mounting the suction tube; A first lifting member that is fixed to the suction tube mounting component and raised and lowered by the linkage.

14. The sample measuring device according to claim 13, characterized in that: It also has a first guide rail that guides the first lifting member in the vertical direction.

15. The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The second moving part has: A second lifting component that provides a fixed and freely movable container mounting section; The force-applying component that applies upward force to the second lifting component; A limiter that stops the second lifting component from rising; A pressing member that is raised and lowered by the linkage and capable of pressing the second lifting member downwards; wherein... When the container placement part is lowered, the linkage causes the pressing member to descend and pushes the second lifting member downward against the force applied by the force-applying member. When the container placement part is raised, the pressing member is raised by the linkage part. Due to the force applied by the force-applying member, the second lifting member is raised. After the container placement part is raised to the predetermined position, the second lifting member is stopped from rising by the limiter.

16. The sample measuring device according to claim 15, characterized in that: It also has a second guide rail that guides the second lifting member in the vertical direction.

17. The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The linkage unit includes: a pair of pulleys arranged in the vertical direction and an annular conveyor belt suspended on the pair of pulleys. The first moving part and the second moving part are driven by the conveyor belt sections that move in opposite vertical directions.

18. The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has a plate-like component. The first moving part, the second moving part, and the linkage part are disposed on the first plate surface of the plate-shaped member.

19. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: It also has a locking part that, when the suction tube descends, causes the member on the suction tube side and the member on the container placement side to lock into each other, thus pushing down the position of the container placement part.

20. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The suction tube has a front end that is bent relative to the vertical axis.

21. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has a vibrating member that causes the container on which the placing member is placed to vibrate.

22. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The moving mechanism has a heating section for heating the sample being drawn by the suction tube.

23. The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: It also includes a transfer device that allows the container placement part and the suction tube to move horizontally. The transfer device moves the container placement part and the suction tube in a horizontal direction, thereby moving the container onto the measuring part.

24. A dispensing device comprising: A pipette for the aspiration and dissipation of at least one of a sample and a reagent; A container placement part capable of placing a container for holding the sample between at least one pair of separate placement components; A moving mechanism that allows the suction tube and the container placement part to move relative to each other in the vertical direction; wherein... The moving mechanism moves the suction tube to the following positions: a suction position where the front end of the suction tube is located below the pair of mounting members and between the pair of mounting members, and a discharge position where the front end of the suction tube discharges the sample into the container on which the pair of mounting members are placed; as well as The moving mechanism allows the suction tube and the container placement part to move relative to each other in the vertical direction while keeping the suction tube and the pair of placement members coaxial.

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