Automatic analysis equipment

Abstract

To provide automatic analysis equipment in which arm structure sucking and transferring a reagent or a sample is downsized.SOLUTION: Automatic analysis equipment according to the present embodiment comprises: a reaction portion; a suction and transfer arm; and a holding-down and puncturing arm. The suction and transfer arm sucks a reagent or a sample transfers the same to a reaction portion. The holding-down and puncturing arm holds down a container housed with the sample, and punctures a lid of the container. The holding-down and puncturing arm includes: a puncturing portion; a driving portion; and a positioning portion. The puncturing portion moves in a first direction and punctures the lid of the container, and moves in a second direction and cleans the puncturing portion. The driving portion drives the puncturing portion in such a manner that the driving portion moves the puncturing portion in the first direction. The positioning portion holds the puncturing portion, holds down the puncturing portion in conjunction with puncturing the lid of the container by the puncturing portion, and stays not to be lifted when the container separates from the puncturing portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] An automated analyzer optically measures a mixture of a sample from a subject and a reagent for analyzing each test item, such as a biochemical test item, an immunological test item, or a red blood cell agglutination test item, and generates analytical data. The automated analyzer stores reagents for testing in a reagent cabinet, transports sample containers containing standard samples and test samples on a transport belt, and measures the mixture of the reagent and standard sample, or the mixture of the reagent and test sample in a reaction unit.

[0003] In conventional technology, when reagents or samples are aspirated and transferred to the reaction section, the holding arm holds down the container lid so that it does not separate from the container, the puncturing arm pierces the container lid so that an opening is formed in the container lid, and then the aspirating / transferring arm aspirates the reagents or samples inside the container and transfers them to the reaction section. To achieve these processes with a three-arm structure consisting of a holding arm, puncturing arm, and aspirating / transferring arm, installation space is required for the three arms, making it difficult to miniaturize the automatic analyzer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-34515 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to provide an automatic analyzer having a compact arm structure for aspirating and transporting reagents and samples. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment includes a reaction section, an aspirating / transferring arm, and a holding / puncturing arm. The aspirating / transferring arm aspirates a reagent or a sample and transfers it to the reaction section. The holding / puncturing arm holds a container containing the reagent or the sample and punctures the lid of the container. The holding / puncturing arm includes a puncturing section, a driving section, and a positioning section. The puncturing section moves in a first direction to puncture the lid of the container, and moves in a second direction to wash itself. The driving section drives the puncturing section to move in the first direction. The positioning section holds the puncturing section and holds the container in conjunction with the puncturing section puncturing the lid of the container, so as to prevent the container from being lifted when separated from the puncturing section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the prior art in which a reagent or sample is aspirated and transferred using three arms. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the pressing / puncturing arm of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram for explaining the operation of the pressure-insertion arm of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, showing a state in which the pressure-insertion arm is activated but does not press down or puncture a container. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram for explaining the operation of the holding and puncturing arm of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, showing a state in which the holding and puncturing arm holds down and punctures a container. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram for explaining the operation of the pressure / puncturing arm of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, showing the state in which the pressure / puncturing arm leaves the container after completing puncturing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0009] Here, for convenience of explanation, coordinate axes are shown in each figure. The longitudinal direction of the automatic analyzer is defined as the X-axis direction (front-back direction), the short side direction of the automatic analyzer is defined as the Z-axis direction (left-right direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). The direction of the X-axis arrow is the front side (forward), and the opposite side is the rear side (rear). The direction of the Z-axis arrow is the left side (leftward), and the opposite side is the right side (rightward). The direction of the Y-axis arrow is the upper side (upward), and the opposite side is the lower side (downward). In addition, for convenience of explanation, the configuration is appropriately enlarged, reduced, or omitted in each figure. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, members that are not directly related to this embodiment are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment will be exemplarily described with reference to FIG.

[0011] The automated analyzer 1 is a device that optically measures a mixture of a sample from a subject and a reagent for analyzing each test item, such as a biochemical test item, an immunological test item, or a red blood cell agglutination test item, and generates analytical data.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a conveyor belt 2, a sample dispensing arm 21, a reagent storage 3, a reagent dispensing arm 31, a reaction unit 4, a stirring arm 41, a measurement unit 5, a cleaning unit 6, and a pressing / puncturing arm 7.

[0013] The conveyor belt 2 is provided so as to extend in the X-axis direction (front-rear direction) and movably holds a sample rack that accommodates sample containers.

[0014] A circular rotation track is provided inside the reagent storage 3, and reagent containers for storing reagents are placed on the rotation track. The reagent containers are arranged at equal intervals along the circular rotation track of the reagent storage 3. The reagent storage 3 is held so as to be rotatable along the circular rotation track. The reagent storage 3 keeps the reagent containers cool.

[0015] An annular rotation track is provided within the reaction unit 4. Reaction containers that contain a mixture of a sample and a reagent are placed on the rotation track. The reaction containers are arranged at equal intervals along the annular rotation track of the reaction unit 4. The reaction unit 4 is held so as to be rotatable along the annular rotation track.

[0016] The sample dispensing arm 21 is provided between the reaction unit 4 and the conveyor belt 2 so as to be rotatable about its own axis parallel to the Y-axis. The sample dispensing arm 21 has a sample dispensing probe at one end. The sample dispensing probe rotates together with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 21. The rotation path of the sample dispensing probe intersects with the rotation orbit of the sample container on the conveyor belt 2 and the rotation orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4. The points where the rotation path of the sample dispensing probe intersects with the rotation orbit of the sample container on the conveyor belt 2 and the rotation orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4 respectively become the sample suction position and the sample discharge position.

[0017] The sample dispensing arm 21 transfers samples between the sample container on the conveyor belt 2 and the reaction container in the reaction unit 4. The sample dispensing arm 21 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) to move the sample dispensing probe vertically between the sample suction position and the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe aspirates a standard sample in a sample container at the sample suction position and dispenses it into a reaction container in the reaction unit 4 at the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe also aspirates a test sample in a sample container at the sample suction position and dispenses it into a reaction container in the reaction unit 4 stopped at the sample discharge position.

[0018] The reagent dispensing arm 31 is provided between the reaction unit 4 and the reagent storage 3 so as to be rotatable about its own axis parallel to the Y-axis. The reagent dispensing arm 31 has a reagent dispensing probe at one end. The reagent dispensing probe rotates together with the rotation of the reagent dispensing arm 31. The rotation path of the reagent dispensing probe intersects with the rotation orbit of the reagent container in the reagent storage 3 and the rotation orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4. The points where the rotation path of the reagent dispensing probe intersects with the rotation orbit of the reagent container in the reagent storage 3 and the rotation orbit of the reaction container in the reaction unit 4 respectively correspond to the reagent aspirating position and the reagent discharging position.

[0019] The reagent dispensing arm 31 transfers reagent between the reagent container in the reagent storage 3 and the reaction container in the reaction unit 4. The reagent dispensing arm 31 can also move up and down in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) to move the reagent dispensing probe vertically between a reagent aspirating position and a reagent discharging position. The reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent in the reagent container at the reagent aspirating position, and dispenses it into the reaction container in the reaction unit 4 that has stopped at the reagent discharging position.

[0020] Here, the sample dispensing arm 21 and the reagent dispensing arm 31 are examples of an “aspirating / transferring arm.” The aspirating / transferring arm aspirates a sample or a reagent and transfers it to the reaction unit 4.

[0021] As described above, when a reaction vessel in reaction unit 4 stops at the sample discharge position, a standard sample or a test sample is discharged into the reaction vessel by the sample dispensing probe, and when a reaction vessel in reaction unit 4 stops at the reagent discharge position, a reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel by the reagent dispensing probe. The reaction vessel in reaction unit 4 then stops at the stirring position. The stirring arm 41 stirs the mixture of the standard sample and the reagent, or the mixture of the test sample and the reagent, in the reaction vessel of reaction unit 4 stopped at the stirring position.

[0022] The measurement unit 5 optically measures the mixed liquid in each reaction vessel of the reaction unit 4. The measurement unit 5 irradiates light onto the mixed liquid in each reaction vessel of the reaction unit 4, detects the light transmitted through the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel of the reaction unit 4, and generates standard data or test data represented, for example, by absorbance or the amount of change in absorbance, based on the obtained detection signal.

[0023] The washing section 6 washes the reaction vessel of the reaction section 4 that has been measured by the measurement section 5 and stopped at the washing position. The washing section 6 includes a waste liquid nozzle, a washing unit, and a drying nozzle. The washing section 6 aspirates the mixed liquid as waste liquid in the reaction vessel of the reaction section 4 through the waste liquid nozzle. The washing section 6 uses the washing unit to discharge washing liquid toward the reaction vessel from which the waste liquid has been aspirated, thereby washing the reaction vessel. The washing section 6 dries the reaction vessel by supplying dry air to the washed reaction vessel through the drying nozzle.

[0024] The holding and puncturing arm 7 holds a container containing a sample or a reagent and punctures the lid of the container.

[0025] For example, the pressing / puncturing arm 7 is provided adjacent to the sample dispensing arm 21. In this case, the pressing / puncturing arm 7 presses down a container containing a sample that has been transported to the sample suction position by the transport belt 2, and punctures the lid of the container, before the sample is collected by the sample dispensing arm 21.

[0026] Also, for example, the presser / puncturing arm 7 is provided adjacent to the reagent dispensing arm 31. In this case, the presser / puncturing arm 7 presses down a container containing a reagent that is located at a reagent suction position in the reagent storage 3, and punctures the lid of the container before the reagent is collected by the reagent dispensing arm 31.

[0027] The structure of the presser / puncture arm 7 will be described later, but in this embodiment, the structure of the presser / puncture arm 7 provided adjacent to the sample dispensing arm 21 will be described, and a case where a container containing a sample is pressed and punctured will be described as an example of the operation process of the presser / puncture arm 7. The structure of the presser / puncture arm 7 provided adjacent to the reagent dispensing arm 31 is the same as the structure of the presser / puncture arm 7 provided adjacent to the sample dispensing arm 21, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a structure for aspirating and transporting a reagent or sample with three arms will be described as an example of a conventional structure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional structure for aspirating and transporting reagents and samples with three arms.

[0030] In the prior art, as shown in Fig. 2, in order to transfer a reagent or sample in a container 8a, the aspirating / transfer arm 21a, the puncturing arm 22a, and the holding arm 23a must work together. The aspirating / transfer arm 21a aspirates the sample or reagent in the container 8a and transfers it to a reaction container. The puncturing arm 22a punctures the lid 81a of the container 8a before aspirating by the aspirating / transfer arm 21a. The holding arm 23a holds down the container 8a when the puncturing arm 22a leaves the lid 81a of the container 8a to prevent the lid 81a from being lifted by the puncturing arm 22a.

[0031] The operating process of this structure is as follows: After the container 8a is transported below the presser arm 23a, it is held down by the presser arm 23a. The puncture arm 22a rotates above the presser arm 23a and then moves down vertically to puncture the lid 81a. The suction / transfer arm 21a then moves above the puncture arm 22a and aspirates the reagent or sample in the container 8a. The suction / transfer arm 21a aspirates the reagent or sample and transfers it to a specified reaction container. After completing the suction / transfer process, the puncture arm 22a and the suction / transfer arm 21a move to a dedicated washing position and are washed.

[0032] However, in the conventional technology, three arms are required for aspirating and transferring reagents and samples: pressing arm 23a, puncturing arm 22a, and aspirating and transferring arm 21a, and three installation spaces are required inside the automatic analyzer to mount the three arms. This increases the installation space inside the automatic analyzer, making it impossible to realize a compact automatic analyzer.

[0033] 3, a structure in which a single holding / puncturing arm 7 performs both the action of holding a container (holding action) and the action of puncturing a container lid (puncturing action) in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is defined as a first direction, and the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) or the direction of rotation about an axis parallel to the Y-axis in the ZX plane (for example, the axis of the drive shaft of the first motor 711) is defined as a second direction.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the pressing / puncturing arm 7 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 3, the pressing / puncturing arm 7 is in the initial position.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the presser / puncturing arm 7 includes a puncturing portion 71 , a driving portion 72 , and a positioning portion 73 .

[0036] 3 shows the puncturing portion 71 in an initial position. The puncturing portion 71 moves in a first direction to puncture the lid 81 of the container 8, and moves in a second direction to clean itself.

[0037] Specifically, the puncturing part 71 is movable up and down in the Y-axis direction (first direction). The puncturing part 71 moves downward from the initial position to the lid 81 of the container 8, and then punctures and penetrates the lid 81 of the container 8. After completing the puncturing operation, the puncturing part 71 moves upward to separate from the lid 81 of the container 8, and returns to the initial position.

[0038] Furthermore, the puncturing part 71 can move back and forth in the second direction, and rotate in the second direction around an axis parallel to the Y axis within the ZX plane. The puncturing part 71 needs to be washed every time the puncturing operation into the lid 81 of the container 8 is completed. The puncturing part 71 moves forward in the +X direction (towards the back in the figure) from the initial position to the washing position, or rotates around an axis parallel to the Y axis to the washing position and is washed.

[0039] Driving unit 72 is a unit that drives puncturing unit 71 to move in the first direction. Specifically, driving unit 72 applies a driving force for moving puncturing unit 71 in the first direction.

[0040] The positioning unit 73 is a unit that holds the puncturing unit 71, holds down the container 8 in conjunction with the puncturing unit 71 puncturing the lid 81 of the container 8, and prevents the container 8 from being lifted when it is separated from the puncturing unit 71. Specifically, the positioning unit 73 holds down the lid 81 of the container 8 in conjunction with the puncturing unit 71 puncturing the lid 81 of the container 8, thereby preventing the puncturing unit 71 from lifting up the container 8 in the middle of separating it from the container 8 after the puncturing operation is completed.

[0041] The positioning portion 73 includes a frame 731 , a first guide rail 732 , a first pressing plate 733 , a second pressing plate 734 , an engaging portion 735 , and an interlocking portion 736 .

[0042] The frame 731 is fitted onto the driving unit 72. The frame 731 is formed with a groove-shaped positioning hole 7310.

[0043] The first guide rail 732 is fixedly disposed on the frame 731 so as to extend along the first direction.

[0044] First pressing plate 733 is a plate-shaped member. One end of first pressing plate 733 is slidably connected to first guide rail 732. For example, first pressing plate 733 is slidable in a first direction relative to first guide rail 732. The puncturing portion 71 is fixedly disposed at the other end of first pressing plate 733. That is, the other end of first pressing plate 733 holds the puncturing portion 71. When first pressing plate 733 slides in the first direction relative to first guide rail 732, puncturing portion 71 moves together with first pressing plate 733.

[0045] The second pressing plate 734 is a plate-shaped member. The second pressing plate 734 is located below the first pressing plate 733 at a certain distance. For example, the second pressing plate 734 is located between the first pressing plate 733 and the container 8. One end of the second pressing plate 734 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 732. For example, the second pressing plate 734 is slidable in a first direction relative to the first guide rail 732. The second pressing plate 734 is formed with a first hole portion 7341 and a second hole portion 7342. The first hole portion 7341 is formed at a position corresponding to the puncturing portion 71 and is penetrated by the puncturing portion 71. That is, the first hole portion 7341 is a hole through which the puncturing portion 71 penetrates. The second pressing plate 734 holds down the lid 81 of the container 8 when the puncturing portion 71 punctures the lid 81 of the container 8. In the above description, an example is given in which first hole portion 7341 is formed in second pressing plate 734 as a hole through which puncturing portion 71 passes, but this is not limiting and it is sufficient that an area through which puncturing portion 71 can pass is formed in second pressing plate 734. For example, second pressing plate 734 may be cut out in a U-shape to allow puncturing portion 71 to pass through.

[0046] The engaging portion 735 is a member provided on the second pressing plate 734, and is formed in an L-shape so as to be engageable with the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731. The engaging portion 735 has one end fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the second pressing plate 734, and a ball plunger is provided on the other end. When the second pressing plate 734 slides downward along the first direction, the ball plunger of the engaging portion 735 engages with the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731, thereby preventing the second pressing plate 734 from tilting or rattling. If the interlocking portion 736 described later is not taken into consideration, when the second pressing plate 734 slides upward along the first direction, the engaging portion 735 releases the engagement between the ball plunger and the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731.

[0047] The interlocking portion 736 is disposed between the first pressing plate 733 and the second pressing plate 734. One end of the interlocking portion 736 is fixedly connected to the first pressing plate 733, and the other end can pass through the second hole portion 7342 of the second pressing plate 734. The first pressing plate 733 can move the second pressing plate 734 up and down along the first direction by the interlocking portion 736. When the first pressing plate 733 descends along the first direction, the interlocking portion 736 applies a constant force to the second pressing plate 734, thereby causing the second pressing plate 734 to descend together. When the first pressing plate 733 rises along the first direction and the puncture portion 71 is separated from the lid 81 of the container 8, the interlocking portion 736 releases the engagement between the ball plunger of the engagement portion 735 and the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731, causing the second pressing plate 734 to rise together.

[0048] The interlocking portion 736 includes a shaft 7361 , a first boss 7362 , a second boss 7363 , and a biasing portion 7364 .

[0049] The shaft 7361 extends in a first direction. One end of the shaft 7361 is fixedly connected to the first pressing plate 733, and the other end passes through the second pressing plate 734 so as to be movable relative to the second hole portion 7342. The shaft 7361 is movable in the first direction relative to the second pressing plate 734.

[0050] The first boss 7362 is formed on the shaft 7361 so as to be located between the first pressing plate 733 and the second pressing plate 734. The first boss 7362 is formed so as to have a radial dimension larger than that of the second hole 7342. The first boss 7362 can abut against the upper surface of the second pressing plate 734 when the shaft 7361 moves downward relative to the second pressing plate 734. In addition, the first boss 7362 does not penetrate the second hole 7342. Specifically, since the first boss 7362 has a radial dimension larger than that of the second hole 7342, it cannot continue to move downward through the second hole 7342 after abutting against the upper surface of the second pressing plate 734. The abutment between the first boss 7362 and the second pressing plate 734 can prevent the second pressing plate 734 from bending or wobbling due to the cantilever structure while holding the container.

[0051] The second boss 7363 is formed on the shaft 7361 so as to be located below the second pressing plate 734. The second boss 7363 is formed on the shaft 7361 so as to be located at the end of the shaft 7361 that penetrates the second hole portion 7342 of the second pressing plate 734. For example, the second boss 7363 is formed so as to have a larger radial dimension than the second hole portion 7342. The second boss 7363 can abut against the lower surface of the second pressing plate 734 when the shaft 7361 moves upward relative to the second pressing plate 734. In addition, the second boss 7363 does not penetrate the second hole portion 7342. Specifically, since the second boss 7363 has a larger radial dimension than the second hole portion 7342, it cannot continue to move upward through the second hole portion 7342 after abutting against the lower surface of the second pressing plate 734.

[0052] The biasing portion 7364 is fitted to the shaft 7361 along the first direction. The biasing portion 7364 is located between the first pressing plate 733 and the second pressing plate 734. One end of the biasing portion 7364 is fixedly connected to the first pressing plate 733, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second pressing plate 734. The biasing portion 7364 is, for example, a spring. The biasing portion 7364 biases the first pressing plate 733 and the second pressing plate 734 so as to separate them in the first direction. For example, when the first pressing plate 733 moves downward along the first direction, the biasing portion 7364 pushes the second pressing plate 734, thereby moving the second pressing plate 734 downward along the first direction. The first boss 7362 is located within the biasing portion 7364. The first boss 7362 guides the biasing portion 7364.

[0053] Puncture unit 71 includes a first motor 711 , a puncture needle 712 , and a transmission unit 713 .

[0054] The first motor 711 is fixedly installed on a first pressing plate 733 .

[0055] The puncture needle 712 extends along a first direction. One end of the puncture needle 712 is a sharp end. The puncture needle 712 punctures the lid 81 of the container 8 with the sharp end.

[0056] The transmission part 713 connects the first motor 711 and the puncture needle 712. The transmission part 713 transmits the driving force from the first motor 711 to the puncture needle 712 so that the puncture needle 712 moves in the second direction to the cleaning position.

[0057] The transmission part 713 includes a gear 7131 , a rack 7132 , and a second guide rail 7133 .

[0058] The gear 7131 is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the first motor 711. The gear 7131 is rotated by the first motor 711.

[0059] The rack 7132 extends along the second direction. The puncture needle 712 is fixedly disposed on the rack 7132. The rack 7132 meshes with the gear 7131. As the gear 7131 rotates, the rack 7132 and the puncture needle 712 move back and forth along the second direction, or rotate in the second direction within the ZX plane around an axis parallel to the Y axis (for example, the axis of the drive shaft of the first motor 711).

[0060] The second guide rail 7133 is fixedly disposed on the first pressing plate 733 so as to extend in the second direction. The second guide rail 7133 supports the rack 7132 so that the rack 7132 is slidable on the second guide rail 7133 along the second direction.

[0061] The driving unit 72 includes a second motor 721 and a lead screw 722 .

[0062] The second motor 721 drives the first pressing plate 733 to move in the first direction.

[0063] One end of the lead screw 722 is rotatably attached to the frame 731, and the other end is connected to the output shaft of the second motor 721 via a coupling 723. The lead screw 722 is rotated by the second motor 721. The lead screw 722 passes through a first pressing plate 733 and screws into the first pressing plate 733. The lead screw 722 passes through the second pressing plate 734 so as not to come into contact with the second pressing plate 734.

[0064] Lead screw 722 rotates around its own axis as driven by second motor 721. First presser plate 733 is screwed with lead screw 722 and moves up and down in the first direction as lead screw 722 rotates. Second presser plate 734 is not in contact with lead screw 722 and does not move up and down in the first direction as lead screw 722 rotates.

[0065] Next, the operation process of the pressing / puncturing arm 7 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0066] 4 to 6 are schematic structural diagrams for explaining the operation process of the presser / puncturing arm 7 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the presser / puncturing arm 7 starts but does not press or puncture the container 8. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the presser / puncturing arm 7 presses and punctures the container 8. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the presser / puncturing arm 7 has finished puncturing and has moved away from the container 8.

[0067] In this embodiment, the pressing / puncturing arm 7 is in an initial position as shown in Fig. 3. When the container 8 is transported below the puncturing part 71, the pressing / puncturing arm 7 is activated.

[0068] First, second motor 721 of drive unit 72 rotates lead screw 722. As a result, first presser plate 733 of positioning unit 73 and puncture needle 712 of puncture unit 71 move downward along the first direction.

[0069] 4, the shaft 7361 of the interlocking portion 736 moves downward along the first direction together with the first pressing plate 733, but the first boss 7362 is still not in contact with the second pressing plate 734. The biasing portion 7364 is compressed by the first pressing plate 733, thereby pushing the second pressing plate 734 to move downward.

[0070] 5, as the first pressing plate 733 and the second pressing plate 734 move downward, the second pressing plate 734 comes into contact with the lid 81 of the container 8 to press the container 8, and the ball plunger of the engagement portion 735 engages with the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731. Specifically, in the process in which the first pressing plate 733 moves toward the container 8 by the driving of the driving portion 72, the second pressing plate 734 moves toward the container 8 by the biasing force of the biasing portion 7364, and then comes into contact with the lid 81 of the container 8, and the ball plunger of the engagement portion 735 engages with the positioning hole 7310 of the frame 731.

[0071] 5, as the first presser plate 733 moves downward in the first direction, the first boss 7362 of the interlocking portion 736 abuts against the upper surface of the second presser plate 734, thereby further fixing the second presser plate 734. At the same time, the puncture needle 712 of the puncture portion 71 punctures the lid 81 of the container 8 and extends into the inside of the container 8. The sample dispensing arm 21 (suction / transfer arm) extends into the inside of the container 8 through the opening in the lid 81 punctured by the puncture needle 712, collects the sample, and transfers it to a reaction container.

[0072] Next, the lead screw 722 moves the first pressing plate 733 and the puncture needle 712 upward along the first direction by driving the second motor 721 to rotate in the reverse direction. The shaft 7361 of the interlocking part 736 moves upward along the first direction together with the first pressing plate 733. As shown in FIG. 6, in this case, the second boss 7363 has not yet reached a position where it abuts against the lower surface of the second pressing plate 734. Since the engaging part 735 continues to engage with the positioning hole 7310, the second pressing plate 734 is in a state of pressing the container 8 at the stage where the first pressing plate 733 and the puncture needle 712 move upward along the first direction. Specifically, in the process where the first pressing plate 733 is separated from the container 8 by the driving part 72, the engaging part 735 continues to engage with the positioning hole 7310, so the second pressing plate 734 maintains a state of abutting against the lid 81 of the container 8. Furthermore, the second pressing plate 734 maintains a state of contact with the lid 81 of the container 8 due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 7364. This prevents the container 8 from being lifted by the upward movement of the puncture needle 712.

[0073] Then, as the first pressing plate 733 and the interlocking portion 736 continue to move upward in the first direction, the puncture needle 712 is completely separated from the lid 81 of the container 8, and the second boss 7363 of the interlocking portion 736 abuts against the lower surface of the second pressing plate 734. The first pressing plate 733 applies an upward force to the second pressing plate 734 via the second boss 7363 of the interlocking portion 736. As a result, the engaging portion 735 is disengaged from the positioning hole 7310, and the second pressing plate 734 moves upward in the first direction together with the first pressing plate 733 until it returns to the initial position shown in FIG.

[0074] Finally, the first motor 711 of the puncture unit 71 is started. The first motor 711 moves the puncture needle 712 forward in the +X direction (for example, toward the back side in FIG. 3) via the transmission unit 713, and rotates the puncture needle 712 around an axis parallel to the Y axis in the ZX plane via the transmission unit 713. The puncture needle 712 moves to a cleaning position and is cleaned. After the puncture needle 712 is cleaned, the transmission unit 713 drives the first motor 711 to rotate in the reverse direction, thereby returning the puncture needle 712 to the initial position shown in FIG. 3. The puncture needle 712 moves to a dedicated cleaning position by the first motor 711 and the transmission unit 713. It is possible to avoid the cleaning solution remaining on the first pressing plate 733 or the second pressing plate 734, and to completely clean the inner and outer walls of the puncture needle 712 while avoiding cross-infection due to the remaining cleaning solution.

[0075] In this way, in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment, both the action of holding down a container (holding action) and the action of puncturing the container lid (puncturing action) are performed by a single holding / puncturing arm. As a result, in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment, only installation space is required for a single arm that punctures a container while holding down the container lid, which reduces the installation space within the device and enables the device to be made more compact.

[0076] As described above, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment includes a reaction section, an aspiration / transfer arm that absorbs a reagent or sample and transfers it to the reaction section, and a pressing / puncturing arm that holds a container containing the reagent or sample and punctures the lid of the container. The pressing / puncturing arm includes a puncturing section, a driving section, and a positioning section. The puncturing section moves in a first direction to puncture the lid of the container, and moves in a second direction to wash itself. The driving section drives the puncturing section to move in the first direction. The positioning section holds the puncturing section and holds the container in conjunction with the puncturing of the lid of the container by the puncturing section, so that the container is not lifted when it is separated from the puncturing section. In this way, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment includes a single pressing / puncturing arm that performs both the pressing operation and the puncturing operation, so that the container can be punctured while holding the lid of the container. Therefore, in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, only mounting space is required for one arm that performs both the pressing action and the puncturing action, which reduces the mounting space within the device and makes it possible to make the device more compact.

[0077] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer having a compact arm structure for aspirating and transporting reagents and samples.

[0078] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Automatic analyzer 7 Pressing and puncturing arm 21 Sample dispensing arm (aspiration / transfer arm) 31 Reagent dispensing arm (aspiration / transfer arm) 71 Puncture site 72 Drive unit 73 Positioning part

Claims

1. A reaction section; a suction / transfer arm for suctioning a reagent or a sample and transferring it to the reaction section; a holding / puncturing arm that holds a container containing the reagent or the sample and punctures a lid of the container; Equipped with The pressing and puncturing arm includes: a puncture unit that moves in a first direction to puncture the lid of the container and moves in a second direction to clean itself; A drive unit that drives the puncture unit to move in a first direction; a positioning part that holds the puncture part and holds the container in conjunction with the puncture part puncturing the lid of the container to prevent the container from being lifted when separated from the puncture part; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. The positioning portion is A first pressing plate for holding the puncture portion; a second pressing plate located between the first pressing plate and the container; a biasing portion provided between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate and configured to bias the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate so as to separate them in the first direction; Equipped with The second pressing plate is In the process of the first pressing plate moving toward the container by the driving of the driving unit, the first pressing plate moves toward the container by the biasing force of the biasing unit and then abuts against the lid of the container, In the process of the first pressing plate being separated from the container by the driving of the driving unit, the first pressing plate is maintained in contact with the lid of the container by the biasing force of the biasing unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. The positioning portion is a frame fitted to the driving unit and having a positioning hole formed therein; a first guide rail provided on the frame so as to extend in the first direction; an engagement portion provided on the second pressing plate and capable of engaging with a positioning hole of the frame; A linking portion having the biasing portion; Equipped with the first pressing plate has one end connected to the first guide rail so as to be slidable in the first direction, and the other end holds the puncture portion; The second pressing plate has a first hole through which the puncture portion passes and a second hole, and one end of the second pressing plate is connected to the first guide rail so as to be slidable in the first direction; The interlocking portion has one end connected to the first pressing plate and the other end capable of passing through the second hole portion, The first pressing plate moves the second pressing plate by the interlocking portion. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

4. The interlocking portion is a shaft having one end fixedly connected to the first pressure plate and having the other end passing through the second pressure plate so as to be movable relative to the second pressure plate; a first boss formed on the shaft so as to be located between the first presser plate and the second presser plate, capable of contacting the second presser plate when the shaft moves relative to the second presser plate, and not penetrating the second hole portion; a second boss formed on the shaft so as to be located at an end of the shaft passing through the second presser plate, capable of contacting the second presser plate when the shaft moves relative to the second presser plate, and not passing through the second hole; Equipped with The biasing portion is fitted to the shaft so as to be located between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and one end is fixedly connected to the first pressure plate and the other end is fixedly connected to the second pressure plate. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3.

5. The puncture unit includes: a first motor fixed to the first pressing plate; A puncture needle for puncturing the lid of the container; a transmission unit that connects the first motor and the puncture needle and transmits a driving force from the first motor to the puncture needle so that the puncture needle moves in the second direction to a cleaning position; The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

6. The drive unit is A second motor; a lead screw having one end connected to the second motor and rotated by the second motor, and the other end attached to the frame; Equipped with the lead screw is screwed into the first pressing plate and passes through the second pressing plate, and is driven by the second motor to move the first pressing plate along the first direction. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3.

7. The transmission unit includes: a gear connected to the first motor and rotated by the first motor; a rack extending in the second direction, engaging with the gear, and to which the puncture needle is fixed; a second guide rail fixed to the first pressing plate so as to extend in the second direction; Equipped with The rack is slidable on the second guide rail along the second direction. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5.

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