Analyzer

Abstract

To provide an analyzer which enables only a cell unit to be easily replaced while maintaining quality and measurement performance.SOLUTION: An analyzer includes: a cell unit 10 capable of storing specimens; and a measurement mechanism 23 which holds the cell unit 10 and which optically measures the specimens in the cell unit 10. The measurement mechanism 23 holds the cell unit 10 so as to optically measure the plurality of specimens in the cell unit 10 in sequence while switching them. The cell unit 10 is detachably attached to the measurement mechanism 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an analyzer that performs optical measurements on a sample. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an analyzer of the above type is already known, as described in Patent Document 1. This analyzer (called a "fully automated urine chemical analyzer" in Patent Document 1) is equipped with a measurement mechanism (called a "hemoglobin concentration detection unit" in Patent Document 1) that performs optical measurement of a specimen in a cell unit (called a "urine flow path" in Patent Document 1).

[0003] The measurement mechanism in this analyzer is capable of sequentially carrying out optical measurements on a plurality of specimens by replacing the specimens in the cell unit while holding the cell unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-321270 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned analyzers, it is not possible to easily remove only the cell unit while maintaining the quality and measurement performance. Therefore, if the cell unit becomes unusable due to the accumulation of dirt (e.g., protein) or the intrusion of foreign matter in the sample flow path in the cell unit, it becomes necessary to replace the entire measurement mechanism and cell unit with new ones. This increases the cost of maintenance and leads to an increase in medical industrial waste.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer in which only the cell unit can be easily replaced while maintaining the quality and measurement performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a cell unit capable of containing a specimen, and a measurement mechanism that holds the cell unit and performs optical measurements on the specimen in the cell unit, wherein the measurement mechanism is configured to sequentially perform optical measurements on a plurality of specimens while replacing the specimens in the cell unit while holding the cell unit, and the cell unit is detachable from the measurement mechanism.

[0008] According to this configuration, for example, when dirt (e.g., protein) accumulates in the sample flow path in the cell unit having a waste liquid function, or when foreign matter gets into the sample flow path, causing the cell unit to become unusable, it is possible to replace only the cell unit with a new one. In other words, when the cell unit becomes unusable, it is not necessary to replace the measurement mechanism. That is, according to this configuration, the cell unit having a waste liquid function becomes replaceable, the number of parts per replacement unit in the optical system is reduced, and an analyzer can be realized in which only the cell unit can be easily replaced while maintaining quality and measurement performance.

[0009] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the measurement mechanism has an abutment portion that abuts against the cell unit when attached to the measurement mechanism, and is equipped with a pressing portion that presses the cell unit when attached to the measurement mechanism against the abutment portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, the position and orientation of the cell unit when attached to the measurement mechanism is more stable than in a configuration that does not include a pressing portion, which tends to improve the accuracy of optical measurement of the sample.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the measurement mechanism has a light source and a sensor that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the cell unit, the cell unit has a specimen containing section capable of containing the specimen, and an extension section that extends from the specimen containing section, and the pressing section is fixed to the extension section.

[0012] According to this configuration, it is easy to arrange the pressing portion so as to avoid being between the light source and the cell unit, and between the cell unit and the sensor, and therefore it is easy to prevent the light emitted from the light source from being blocked by the pressing portion.

[0013] Moreover, with this configuration, when the cell unit is removed from the measurement mechanism, the pressing part is also removed from the measurement mechanism, which makes it easy to replace a deteriorated pressing part with a new one.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present invention, the cell unit is detachable from a unit mounting portion included in the measurement mechanism, the unit mounting portion is configured so that the cell unit is attached by inserting the cell unit from the upper side of the unit mounting portion, and is configured so that the cell unit is removed by pulling the cell unit upward, a tubular discharge portion extending downward is provided at the lower part of the cell unit, the cell unit is configured so that the sample in the cell unit is discharged through the discharge portion, and is provided with an insertion portion into which the discharge portion is inserted when the cell unit is attached to the unit mounting portion, and the insertion portion is supported by the measurement mechanism in a state allowing horizontal movement.

[0015] According to this configuration, the cell unit can be attached and detached simply by inserting and removing the cell unit in the vertical direction, which makes the work of attaching and detaching the cell unit easy.

[0016] Furthermore, when the insertion portion is fixed to the measurement mechanism, it is expected that an assembly error of the insertion portion may affect the position and posture of the cell unit when attached to the unit mounting portion. Here, according to this configuration, the insertion portion is supported by the measurement mechanism in a state in which horizontal movement is permitted. Therefore, the effect of the assembly error of the insertion portion as described above is likely to be reduced. In other words, the assembly error of the insertion portion is likely to be absorbed by the horizontal movement. This makes it easier to make the position and posture of the cell unit when attached to the unit mounting portion appropriate.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the cell unit has a prism for optical measurement by the measurement mechanism.

[0018] In a configuration in which the cell unit is detachable from the measurement mechanism, if the prism is separate from the cell unit and fixed to the measurement mechanism, the cell unit is detached while the prism remains fixed to the measurement mechanism. In such a configuration, the sample comes into contact with the prism during optical measurement, and it is relatively difficult to realize a structure in which the sample does not leak between the cell unit and the prism.

[0019] According to this configuration, the prism is included in the cell unit, which makes it easy to realize a structure in which the cell unit is detachable from the measurement mechanism, the sample comes into contact with the prism during optical measurement, and the sample does not leak between the cell unit and the prism.

[0020] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that a tactile identification portion is provided at a portion of the cell unit that is held by a user when attaching or detaching the cell unit, the shape of which indicates the orientation of the cell unit.

[0021] This configuration allows the user to grasp the orientation of the cell unit by touch, making it easier to install the cell unit in the correct orientation even in cases where the part of the measurement mechanism where the cell unit is to be installed is difficult to see.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the sample is urine.

[0023] With this configuration, if the cell unit becomes unusable due to, for example, the accumulation of dirt as a result of performing optical measurements many times while replacing the urine in the cell unit, it is possible to replace only the cell unit with a new one without replacing the measurement mechanism. This makes it possible to realize a urine analyzer in which only the cell unit can be easily replaced while maintaining quality and measurement performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the internal structure of the measuring unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional left side view showing the internal structure of the measurement unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the structure of a support portion and the like. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional left side view showing the structure of the pressing portion and the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow F in the drawing is "forward", the direction of the arrow B is "backward", the direction of the arrow L in the drawing is "left", and the direction of the arrow R is "right". In addition, the direction of the arrow U in the drawing is "upward", and the direction of the arrow D is "downward".

[0026] [Overall configuration of the analyzer] The analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a device that tests the concentration of substances (e.g., glucose, protein, etc.) contained in a liquid sample such as urine, the turbidity of the sample, and the specific gravity of the sample. As shown in Fig. 1, the analyzer 1 includes a sample transport device 2, a display unit 3, a warning light 4, and a sample processing device 6.

[0027] The sample transport device 2 transports one or more Spitz tubes 7 from the loading position of the transport table 5, via a collection position below the sample processing device 6, to the unloading position of the transport table 5. In this embodiment, the loading position of the transport table 5 is the left end of the upper surface of the sample transport device 2. The unloading position of the transport table 5 is the right end of the upper surface of the sample transport device 2.

[0028] A specimen is placed in each of the Spitz tubes 7. As shown in Fig. 1, each Spitz tube 7 is placed against the transport table 5 and transported to the right.

[0029] The display unit 3 may be, for example, a touch panel configured with a liquid crystal display. The display unit 3 can display various information. Furthermore, the user can touch the display unit 3 to cause the analyzer 1 to execute a predetermined process (for example, to start an analysis of the sample placed in the Spitz tube 7).

[0030] The warning light 4 may be made of a transparent body such as an acrylic rod, for example. The warning light 4 notifies the user of the operating status of the analyzer 1 by emitting light.

[0031] The specimen processing device 6 collects a specimen from the Spitz tube 7 located at the above-mentioned collection position. Furthermore, the specimen processing device 6 puts the collected specimen into the specimen storage section 11 of the cell unit 10 (see FIG. 3).

[0032] [Measurement mechanism and cell unit] As shown in Fig. 1, the analyzer 1 includes a measurement section 20. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the measurement section 20 includes a case section 21, a cover section 22, a measurement mechanism 23, and a fixture 24.

[0033] The case 21 is a box-shaped member with an open top. The lid 22 covers the case 21 from above. The measurement mechanism 23 is housed in a space surrounded by the case 21 and the lid 22.

[0034] 2 to 5, the analyzer 1 includes a cell unit 10. The cell unit 10 is held by a measurement mechanism 23. The cell unit 10 can accommodate a sample input from the sample processing device 6. That is, the analyzer 1 includes a cell unit 10 that can accommodate a sample.

[0035] In this embodiment, the specimen is urine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The specimen may be a liquid other than urine, and in particular may be a body fluid other than urine (e.g., blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.).

[0036] The lid 22 is fixed to the measurement mechanism 23 by a fixing device 24. The fixing device 24 may be, for example, a thumb screw, but is not limited thereto. It is preferable that the fixing device 24 is a member that can be removed without using a tool. Furthermore, the number of fixing devices 24 may be one or more.

[0037] The user can access the cell unit 10 and the measuring mechanism 23 from above the case part 21 by removing the fixing device 24 and then removing the cover part 22 .

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cell unit 10 has a specimen holding section 11 and a prism 12. The prism 12 is fixed to the specimen holding section 11 in a state in which it abuts against the specimen holding section 11 from the rear side. The specimen input from the specimen processing device 6 to the cell unit 10 is stored in the specimen holding section 11. More specifically, the specimen input from the specimen processing device 6 to the cell unit 10 is stored in a space surrounded by the inner wall of the specimen holding section 11 and the front surface of the prism 12. As a result, the specimen held in the specimen holding section 11 comes into contact with the front surface of the prism 12.

[0039] Although not particularly limited, prism 12 in this embodiment has a shape as shown in Fig. 4 in plan view. The front surface (front end surface) and rear surface (rear end surface) of prism 12 are parallel to each other. The left side surface of prism 12 is inclined so that the more forward the portion of the left side surface is, the more leftward it is. The right side surface of prism 12 is inclined so that the more forward the portion of the right side surface is, the more rightward it is.

[0040] 3 and 5, an opening 22a is formed in a portion of the cover 22 located above the specimen storage section 11. The specimen dropped from the specimen processing device 6 passes through the opening 22a and falls into the specimen storage section 11. In this way, the specimen is introduced from the specimen processing device 6 into the cell unit 10.

[0041] [Configuration for Turbidity Measurement] As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement mechanism 23 has a first light source 30 (corresponding to the “light source” according to the present invention), a first light source control device 31, and a scattering plate 32.

[0042] The first light source 30 emits light by being driven and controlled by a first light source control device 31. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the first light source 30 is a white LED that emits white light.

[0043] The first light source control device 31 drives and controls the first light source 30. For example, the first light source control device 31 turns the first light source 30 on and off and changes the light amount.

[0044] The scattering plate 32 scatters the light emitted from the first light source 30. The scattering plate 32 is, for example, a translucent plate made of resin. The scattering plate 32 is disposed between the first light source 30 and the cell unit 10.

[0045] The light from the first light source 30 is collected by a lens, a slit, or the like (not shown), and is irradiated onto the cell unit 10 .

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement mechanism 23 has a first sensor 33 (corresponding to the “sensor” according to the present invention), a first sensor control device 34, and a filter plate 35.

[0047] Light emitted from the first light source 30 and transmitted through the specimen in the cell unit 10 (specimen storage section 11) is incident on the first sensor 33. The first sensor 33 is driven and controlled by the first sensor control device 34, and sends an output according to the received light to the first sensor control device 34. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the first sensor 33 is a color sensor and a two-dimensional image sensor. That is, the first sensor 33 is a two-dimensional color image sensor.

[0048] The first sensor 33 is disposed on the optical axis of the light emitted from the first light source 30 and transmitted through the cell unit 10 (specimen storage section 11), in a position perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0049] The first sensor control device 34 drives and controls the first sensor 33. For example, the first sensor control device 34 changes the exposure time and gain of the first sensor 33.

[0050] The filter plate 35 removes light of a specific wavelength from the light incident on the first sensor 33. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the filter plate 35 removes infrared light. The filter plate 35 is disposed between the cell unit 10 and the first sensor 33.

[0051] A processing unit (not shown) provided in the measurement unit 20 determines the turbidity of the sample based on the output sent from the first sensor 33 to the first sensor control device .

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, white light emitted from the first light source 30, which is a white LED, passes through the cell unit 10 and enters the first sensor 33. That is, light of multiple wavelengths emitted from the first light source 30 passes through the cell unit 10 and enters the first sensor 33. In other words, the measurement mechanism 23 of this embodiment performs optical measurement of the specimen by a post-spectroscopic method.

[0053] Thus, the analyzer 1 includes a measurement mechanism 23 that holds the cell unit 10 and performs optical measurement of the sample in the cell unit 10. The measurement mechanism 23 also includes a first light source 30 and a first sensor 33 that detects light emitted from the first light source 30 and transmitted through the cell unit 10.

[0054] With the configuration described above, the measurement mechanism 23 performs optical measurement on the sample in the cell unit 10 to measure the turbidity of the sample.

[0055] [Configuration for specific gravity measurement] As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement mechanism 23 has a second light source 40 and a second light source control device 41.

[0056] The second light source 40 emits light by being driven and controlled by a second light source control device 41. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the second light source 40 is a red laser diode that emits light with a wavelength of 645 nm to 660 nm.

[0057] The second light source control device 41 drives and controls the second light source 40. For example, the second light source control device 41 turns the second light source 40 on and off and changes the light amount.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement mechanism 23 includes a second sensor 42 and a second sensor control device 43.

[0059] Light emitted from the second light source 40 passes through the prism 12 and is reflected by the specimen (contact surface between the prism 12 and the specimen) in the cell unit 10 (specimen storage section 11), and enters the second sensor 42. The second sensor 42 is driven and controlled by the second sensor control device 43, and sends an output according to the received light to the second sensor control device 43. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the second sensor 42 is a color sensor and a two-dimensional image sensor. In other words, the second sensor 42 is a two-dimensional color image sensor.

[0060] The second sensor 42 is disposed on the optical axis of light emitted from the second light source 40 and reflected by the specimen in the cell unit 10 (specimen storage section 11) in a position perpendicular to the optical axis. As shown in Fig. 4, the optical axis of the first light source 30 is along the front-rear direction. The second light source 40 is located on the left side of the optical axis of the first light source 30. The second sensor 42 is located on the right side of the optical axis of the first light source 30.

[0061] The second sensor control device 43 drives and controls the second sensor 42. For example, the second sensor control device 43 changes the exposure time and gain of the second sensor 42.

[0062] A processing unit (not shown) provided in the measurement unit 20 determines the specific gravity of the sample based on the output sent from the second sensor 42 to the second sensor control device 43.

[0063] With the configuration described above, the measurement mechanism 23 measures the specific gravity of the sample by performing optical measurement on the sample in the cell unit 10 using the prism 12. Note that the principle of measuring the specific gravity of a sample based on the reflection of light at the contact surface between the prism 12 and the sample is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] Thus, the cell unit 10 has a prism 12 for optical measurement by a measurement mechanism 23 .

[0065] [Configuration for replacing samples] The measurement mechanism 23 is configured to sequentially perform optical measurements on a plurality of samples while replacing the samples in the cell unit 10, while still holding the cell unit 10. In other words, the analyzer 1 is configured to sequentially perform optical measurements on a plurality of samples by the measurement mechanism 23 while still holding the cell unit 10, while replacing the samples in the cell unit 10. The replacement of samples will be described in detail below.

[0066] 5, the cell unit 10 has a tubular discharge portion 13 that extends downward. The discharge portion 13 is provided in the lower portion of the cell unit 10. That is, the lower portion of the cell unit 10 is provided with the tubular discharge portion 13 that extends downward.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, the analyzer 1 includes a tubular insertion portion 50, a ring-shaped elastic member 51, and a tubular discharge tube 52.

[0068] The insertion portion 50 is supported by a support portion 25 in the measurement portion 20. In this embodiment, the support portion 25 is included in the measurement mechanism 23. The insertion portion 50 and the support portion 25 are located below the opening 22a.

[0069] An elastic member 51 is attached to the upper end of the insertion portion 50. The discharge portion 13 is inserted into the insertion portion 50 from above in a state in which the discharge portion 13 penetrates the elastic member 51. In addition, a discharge tube 52 is connected to the lower end of the insertion portion 50.

[0070] The sample that has undergone the above-mentioned optical measurement is discharged downward from the cell unit 10 through the discharge section 13. That is, the cell unit 10 is configured so that the sample in the cell unit 10 is discharged through the discharge section 13. The sample that has passed through the discharge section 13 is discharged to the outside of the analyzer 1 via the insertion section 50 and the discharge tube 52.

[0071] 2 and 3, the measurement section 20 has a washing section 26. The washing section 26 is configured to be able to introduce a washing liquid into the specimen storage section 11 through the opening 22a after the specimen in the specimen storage section 11 is discharged. The inside of the specimen storage section 11 is cleaned with the introduced washing liquid. The washing liquid is then discharged below the cell unit 10 through the discharge section 13. The washing liquid that has passed through the discharge section 13 is discharged to the outside of the analyzer 1 through the insertion section 50 and the discharge tube 52.

[0072] After the cleaning liquid in the specimen storage section 11 is discharged, a new specimen is introduced into the specimen storage section 11 from the specimen processing device 6.

[0073] With the above-described configuration, the specimen in the specimen storage section 11 is replaced while the measurement mechanism 23 is still holding the cell unit 10.

[0074] [Configuration for attaching and detaching cell units] 4, the measurement mechanism 23 has a unit mounting portion 27. The unit mounting portion 27 is configured to receive the cell unit 10. The cell unit 10 is attachable to and detachable from the unit mounting portion 27.

[0075] That is, the cell unit 10 is detachable from the measurement mechanism 23. More specifically, the cell unit 10 is detachable from a unit attachment portion 27 included in the measurement mechanism 23.

[0076] In detail, as shown in FIG. 5, the unit mounting portion 27 is configured so that the cell unit 10 is mounted by inserting the cell unit 10 from the upper side of the unit mounting portion 27, and is configured so that the cell unit 10 is removed by pulling the cell unit 10 outward.

[0077] When the cell unit 10 is removed from the unit mounting portion 27, the ejection portion 13 is pulled upward from the insertion portion 50 and the elastic member 51. When the cell unit 10 is mounted to the unit mounting portion 27, the ejection portion 13 is inserted into the insertion portion 50 and the elastic member 51 from above.

[0078] That is, the analyzer 1 includes an insertion section 50 into which the discharge section 13 is inserted when the cell unit 10 is attached to the unit attachment section 27 .

[0079] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the support portion 25 supports the insertion portion 50 in a state that allows horizontal movement of the insertion portion 50. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the upper end portion of the insertion portion 50 has a circular outer shape in a plan view. Also, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the support portion 25 has a side wall portion 25a. The side wall portion 25a covers most of the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the insertion portion 50 from the side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the side wall portion 25a may cover the entire outer periphery of the upper end portion of the insertion portion 50 from the side.

[0080] 6, in a plan view, the side wall portion 25a has a shape that follows the outer shape of the upper end portion of the insertion portion 50. The entire side wall portion 25a is spaced apart from the side surface of the upper end portion of the insertion portion 50.

[0081] This allows horizontal movement of the insertion portion 50 within a range up to when the insertion portion 50 abuts against the side wall portion 25a. In other words, the allowable range of horizontal movement of the insertion portion 50 is defined by the side wall portion 25a.

[0082] In this manner, the insertion portion 50 is supported by the measurement mechanism 23 in a state in which horizontal movement is permitted.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the unit mounting portion 27 has a first contact portion 28 (corresponding to the "contact portion" according to the present invention) and a second contact portion 29 (corresponding to the "contact portion" according to the present invention).

[0084] The first contact portion 28 comes into contact with the rear surface (rear end surface) of the prism 12 of the cell unit 10 in a state where it is attached to the unit attachment portion 27. The number of the first contact portion 28 provided may be one or more. In this embodiment, two first contact portions 28 are provided.

[0085] The second contact portion 29 contacts the left or right side surface of the prism 12 of the cell unit 10 in a state where it is attached to the unit attachment portion 27. The number of the second contact portion 29 provided may be one or more. In this embodiment, two second contact portions 29 are provided.

[0086] In this manner, the measurement mechanism 23 has a first contact portion 28 and a second contact portion 29 that come into contact with the cell unit 10 in a state where it is attached to the measurement mechanism 23 .

[0087] 3, 4, and 7, the cell unit 10 has an extension portion 14. The extension portion 14 is a vertically oriented plate-like portion extending laterally from the specimen storage portion 11. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the extension portion 14 extends from the specimen storage portion 11 to the left or right.

[0088] The number of extension parts 14 provided may be one or more. In this embodiment, two extension parts 14 are provided. Of the two extension parts 14, the left extension part 14 extends leftward from the specimen storage part 11. Of the two extension parts 14, the right extension part 14 extends rightward from the specimen storage part 11.

[0089] Thus, the cell unit 10 has the specimen storage section 11 capable of storing a specimen, and the extension section 14 extending from the specimen storage section 11.

[0090] 3, 4, and 7, the pressing portion 15 is fixed to the extension portion 14. The pressing portion 15 is configured to press the cell unit 10 attached to the measurement mechanism 23 against the first abutment portion 28 and the second abutment portion 29.

[0091] More specifically, the pressing portion 15 is configured to press the extending portion 14 in a direction (rearward in this embodiment) in which the extending portion 14 moves away from a surface of the inner wall of the unit mounting portion 27 that faces the front surface of the extending portion 14. This causes the prism 12 to be pressed against the first contact portion 28 and the second contact portion 29.

[0092] That is, the analyzer 1 includes a pressing portion 15 that presses the cell unit 10 attached to the measurement mechanism 23 against the first contact portion 28 and the second contact portion 29. The pressing portion 15 is fixed to the extension portion 14.

[0093] Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the pressing portion 15 is an elastic member (e.g., a leaf spring). The number of pressing portions 15 provided may be one or more. In this embodiment, two pressing portions 15 are provided. More specifically, one pressing portion 15 is provided for each extension portion 14.

[0094] [Tactile Recognition Unit] 3, 5, and 7, the cell unit 10 has a tactile recognition portion 16. The tactile recognition portion 16 is provided at a portion of the cell unit 10 that is held by the user when attaching or detaching the cell unit 10. More specifically, the tactile recognition portion 16 is provided at the upper end portion of the cell unit 10.

[0095] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The tactile recognition unit 16 may be provided at any part of the cell unit 10 as long as the part is held by the user when attaching or detaching the cell unit 10.

[0096] The tactile discrimination unit 16 is configured to indicate the orientation of the cell unit 10 by its shape. More specifically, the tactile discrimination unit 16 is provided at the front end of the upper end of the cell unit 10 when the cell unit 10 is attached to the measurement mechanism 23, and is configured with three protrusions that protrude forward. In other words, the tactile discrimination unit 16 indicates that the side of the cell unit 10 on which the tactile discrimination unit 16 is located is the front side when the cell unit 10 is attached to the measurement mechanism 23.

[0097] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tactile recognition portion 16 may be configured by a notch or a recess instead of a protrusion.

[0098] Furthermore, the tactile discrimination unit 16 may be configured to indicate a direction other than the front when the cell unit 10 is attached to the measurement mechanism 23. For example, the tactile discrimination unit 16 may be provided at the rear end of the upper end of the cell unit 10 when the cell unit 10 is attached to the measurement mechanism 23. In this case, the tactile discrimination unit 16 indicates that the side of the cell unit 10 on which the tactile discrimination unit 16 is located is the rear when the cell unit 10 is attached to the measurement mechanism 23.

[0099] In this manner, the cell unit 10 is provided with a tactile identification portion 16 at a portion that the user holds when attaching or detaching the cell unit 10, the tactile identification portion 16 indicating the orientation of the cell unit 10 by its shape.

[0100] According to the configuration described above, for example, when the cell unit 10 having the waste liquid function becomes unusable due to the accumulation of dirt (e.g., protein) or the intrusion of foreign matter in the sample flow path in the cell unit 10, it is possible to replace only the cell unit 10 with a new one. In other words, when the cell unit 10 becomes unusable, it is not necessary to replace the measurement mechanism 23. That is, according to this configuration, the cell unit 10 having the waste liquid function becomes replaceable, the number of parts per replacement unit in the optical system is reduced, and an analyzer 1 can be realized in which only the cell unit 10 can be easily replaced while maintaining quality and measurement performance.

[0101] Other embodiments (1) The first contact portion 28 may be the inner wall surface of the unit mounting portion 27, or may be a tape-like member attached to the inner wall surface of the unit mounting portion 27. It is preferable that the prism 12 slides smoothly against the member.

[0102] (2) The second contact portion 29 may be the inner wall surface of the unit mounting portion 27, or may be a tape-like member attached to the inner wall surface of the unit mounting portion 27. It is preferable that the prism 12 slides smoothly against the member.

[0103] (3) The support portion 25 does not have to be included in the measurement mechanism 23.

[0104] (4) The prism 12 does not have to be provided.

[0105] (5) The prism 12 does not have to be included in the cell unit 10. For example, the prism 12 may be fixed to the measurement mechanism 23 in an undetachable state.

[0106] (6) The pressing portion 15 does not have to be provided.

[0107] (7) The extension 14 does not have to be provided.

[0108] (8) The measurement mechanism 23 does not have to include the first light source 30, the first light source control device 31, the scattering plate 32, the first sensor 33, the first sensor control device , and the filter plate .

[0109] (9) The measurement mechanism 23 does not have to include the second light source 40, the second light source control device 41, the second sensor 42, and the second sensor control device 43.

[0110] (10) The mechanism for attaching and detaching the cell unit 10 to the measurement mechanism 23 may be any mechanism.

[0111] (11) The insertion section 50 may be supported in a state in which horizontal movement is not permitted.

[0112] (12) The tactile recognition unit 16 does not have to be provided.

[0113] The configurations disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction occurs. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] The present invention can be used in an analyzer that performs optical measurements on a sample. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1: Analyzer 10: Cell unit 11: Sample storage section 12: Prism 13: Discharge section 14:Extending part 15: Pressing section 16: Tactile recognition unit 23: Measuring mechanism 27: Unit mounting part 28: 1st contact part (contact part) 29: Second contact part (contact part) 30: 1st light source (light source) 33: First sensor (sensor) 50: Insertion section

Claims

1. A cell unit capable of accommodating a specimen; a measurement mechanism for holding the cell unit and performing optical measurement of the specimen in the cell unit, the measurement mechanism is configured to sequentially perform optical measurements on a plurality of specimens while replacing the specimens in the cell unit while holding the cell unit, The cell unit is detachable from the measurement mechanism.

2. the measurement mechanism has an abutment portion that abuts against the cell unit in a state where the cell unit is attached to the measurement mechanism, The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressing portion that presses the cell unit attached to the measurement mechanism against the abutment portion.

3. The measurement mechanism includes a light source and a sensor that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the cell unit; the cell unit has a specimen storage section capable of storing the specimen, and an extension section extending from the specimen storage section, The analyzer according to claim 2 , wherein the pressing portion is fixed to the extending portion.

4. the cell unit is detachable from a unit mounting portion included in the measurement mechanism, the unit mounting portion is configured so that the cell unit is mounted by inserting the cell unit from an upper side of the unit mounting portion, and is configured so that the cell unit is removed by removing the cell unit to an upper side, a tubular discharge portion extending downward is provided at a lower portion of the cell unit, the cell unit is configured such that the specimen in the cell unit is discharged through the discharge portion, an insertion portion into which the discharge portion is inserted when the cell unit is attached to the unit attachment portion; 2. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion is supported by the measurement mechanism in a state in which horizontal movement is permitted.

5. 2. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cell unit has a prism for optical measurement by the measurement mechanism.

6. 2. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a tactile identification portion is provided at a portion of the cell unit that is held by a user when attaching or detaching the cell unit, the tactile identification portion indicating the orientation of the cell unit by its shape.

7. 7. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sample is urine.

Images