Measurement chip, automatic analysis device, and automatic analysis system

Abstract

To improve throughput in electrolyte item measurement while reducing the size of an automatic analysis device.SOLUTION: A measurement chip according to an embodiment comprises: a chip body for accommodating a sample, or a mixed solution obtained by mixing the sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent for diluting the sample; a suction port provided on the chip body and designed to suction the sample or the mixed solution; a plurality of terminals provided in the chip body to measure the concentration of a target substance in the sample or mixed solution sucked through the suction port; and an attachment part for attaching the chip body to a conveyor section of an automatic analysis device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a measurement chip, an automatic analysis device, and an automatic analysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that analyzes the components of a test sample corresponding to each test item by, for example, optically measuring a mixed solution obtained by mixing a test sample collected from a subject such as blood or a standard sample for each test item with a reagent corresponding to each test item or a diluting solution for diluting the sample. One of the test items of such an automatic analyzer is the measurement of electrolyte items such as sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions in a sample or a mixed solution.

[0003] When an electrolyte measurement unit is used to measure these electrolyte items, the automatic analyzer measures the concentration of the electrolyte in the sample or mixed solution by sending the sample or mixed solution to the electrolyte measurement unit and measuring the potential of the sent sample or mixed solution. However, when measuring electrolyte items using the electrolyte measurement unit, it is necessary to clean the electrolyte measurement unit every time an electrolyte item is measured, making it difficult to improve throughput. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-12823 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 improve the throughput in the measurement of electrolyte items while miniaturizing the automatic analyzer. 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 later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The measurement chip according to the embodiment includes a chip body that contains a sample or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to react with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample, an suction port provided on the chip body for aspirating the sample or the mixed solution, a plurality of terminals provided on the chip body for measuring the concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixed solution aspirated from the suction port, and an attachment portion for attaching the chip body to a transport portion of an automatic analysis device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a supply unit included in the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transport mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transport path of a measuring chip in a transport mechanism according to the first embodiment and each position on the transport path. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of steps from when a measuring tip is attached to a transport mechanism until it is discarded in the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a transport mechanism in an electrolyte item measurement process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the content of a remaining amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of steps from when a measuring tip is attached to a transport mechanism to when it is discarded in an analysis mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a view showing another example of the configuration of the measuring chip according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transport mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of steps from when a measuring chip is attached to a transport mechanism to when the measuring chip is discarded in an analysis mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to Modification 1. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to Modification 1. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transport mechanism according to Modification 1. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip setting section included in an analysis mechanism according to Modification 1. [Figure 22] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a transport path and each position on the transport path of a measuring tip in a transport mechanism and a waste tip transport mechanism according to Modification 1. [Figure 23]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of steps from when a measuring tip is attached to a transport mechanism to when it is discarded in an analysis mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an electrolyte item measurement process executed by an automatic analyzer according to the first modified example. [Diagram 25] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams for explaining other examples of the transport path and each position on the transport path of the measuring tip in the transport mechanism and the waste tip transport mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to Modification 2. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction unit according to Modification 2. [Figure 28] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a transport path of a measuring chip in a transport mechanism according to Modification 2 and each position on the transport path. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an electrolyte item measurement process executed by an automatic analyzer according to Modification 2. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of a transport mechanism in an electrolyte item measurement process according to Modification 2. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the transport mechanism included in the analysis mechanism according to the second modification. [Diagram 32] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a transport path of a measuring chip in another example of the configuration of the transport mechanism according to Modification 2, each position on the transport path, and an example of the operation of the transport mechanism. [Diagram 33] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a transport path of a measuring chip in another example of the configuration of the transport mechanism according to Modification 2, each position on the transport path, and an example of the operation of the transport mechanism. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transport mechanism according to Modification 3. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to Modification 3. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a measuring chip according to Modification 3 is attached to a transport mechanism. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the transport mechanism and the measuring tip according to the third modification. [Figure 38]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the transport mechanism and the measuring tip according to the third modification. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a state in which the measuring tip according to the third modification is attached to the transport mechanism. [Diagram 40] 40A and 40B are views showing other examples of the guide portion and the correction portion shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a measurement chip, an automatic analyzer, and an automatic analysis system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be given only when necessary.

[0009] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. The automatic analyzer according to this embodiment is an apparatus that measures components in a sample by measuring, for example, a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, or a mixture of a sample to be measured and a diluent. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include, for example, an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0010] The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample, with a reagent used for each test item set for the sample. Depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 also generates a mixture by mixing the sample with a dilution liquid for diluting the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures a mixture obtained by mixing a reagent with the sample, or a mixture of the sample to be measured and a dilution liquid, and generates, for example, standard data and test data. In this embodiment, the analysis mechanism 2 measures, for example, a sample, a mixture of a sample and a reagent, or a mixture of a sample and a dilution liquid, and generates standard data and test data associated with electric potential. In the following, when there is no distinction between a standard sample and a test sample, they may be simply referred to as "sample".

[0011] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8, and generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. according to the read analysis program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data indicating a relationship between the standard data and a standard value previously set for the standard sample, based on the standard data. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analysis data expressed as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value, based on the test data and the calibration data of the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis data includes data that associates the concentration value with the enzyme activity value, data that records the concentration of a desired ion in a sample in a time series, etc. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, etc. to the control circuit 9.

[0012] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. For example, the drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, etc. For example, the drive mechanism 4 rotates a transport mechanism, etc., which will be described later, at a predetermined angle.

[0013] The input interface 5 receives settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to a sample requested to be measured from a user or via a hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad where an instruction is input by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts an operation instruction input by a user into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9. In this embodiment, the input interface 5 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also included in the input interface 5.

[0014] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, and the like. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer, and the like. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker, and the like. The audio device also includes an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0015] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, an intra-hospital network NW, and connects the automatic analyzer 1 to the intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with the HIS via a Laboratory Information System (LIS) connected to the intra-hospital network NW.

[0016] The memory circuit 8 is configured with a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 8 can be realized by a plurality of storage devices.

[0017] Furthermore, the memory circuitry 8 stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuitry 3, and a control program executed by the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each test item.

[0018] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. For example, the control circuit 9 outputs a control signal to the drive mechanism 4 for driving each part of the analysis mechanism 2. The control circuit 9 also executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the operation program. The control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include, for example, a reaction disk 201, a thermostatic unit 202, a rack sampler 203, a first reagent storage 204, a second reagent storage 205, a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, a first stirring unit 212, a second stirring unit 213, a photometric unit 214, a cleaning unit 215, a storage unit 216, a first detection unit 217, a supply unit 218, a transport mechanism 219, a disposal unit 220, and a second detection unit 221.

[0020] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 transports the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, during an analysis operation of a mixture of a sample and a reagent or a mixture of a sample and a diluent, the reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The reaction vessels 2011 are formed of, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP), or acrylic.

[0021] The thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. The thermostatic unit 202 heats and keeps the temperature of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 to a predetermined temperature by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium.

[0022] The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples requested to be measured. These sample containers contain specimens such as blood requested to be measured. In the example shown in Figure 2, a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel is shown.

[0023] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area 2032 for transporting the sample rack 2031. That is, using this transport area 2032, the sample rack 2031 is transported from an input position where the sample rack 2031 is input to a recovery position where the sample rack 2031 after measurement is recovered. In the transport area 2032, a plurality of sample racks 2031 aligned in the longitudinal direction are moved in the direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0024] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a retraction area 2033 that retracts the sample rack 2031 from the transport area 2032 in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the vertical movement path of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the retraction area 2033, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0025] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a return area 2034 for returning the sample rack 2031 holding the sample container into which the sample has been aspirated, to the transport area 2032. In the return area 2034, the sample rack 2031 is moved in a direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0026] The first reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of reagent containers, each containing a first reagent that reacts with a specific component contained in a standard sample and a test sample, in a cool state. The first reagent is, for example, a buffer solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the like. A reagent label is affixed to the reagent container. An optical mark representing reagent information is printed on the reagent label. For the optical mark, any pixel code such as a one-dimensional pixel code or a two-dimensional pixel code is used. The reagent information is information about the reagent contained in the reagent container, and includes, for example, the reagent name, reagent manufacturer code, reagent item code, bottle type, bottle size, capacity, manufacturing lot number, and expiration date.

[0027] The first reagent storage 204 also keeps a plurality of standard sample containers for storing standard samples cool. Each of the plurality of standard sample containers stores a standard sample of the same component but at a different concentration. The standard sample containers may be held in a sample rack 2031. The first reagent storage 204 also keeps one or a plurality of diluent containers for storing diluent cool.

[0028] A reagent rack 2041 is rotatably provided in the first reagent storage 204. The reagent rack 2041 holds a plurality of reagent containers, a plurality of standard sample containers, and a diluent container arranged in a circular ring shape. The reagent rack 2041 is rotated by a drive mechanism 4. Also, a reader (not shown) is provided in the first reagent storage 204 to read reagent information from reagent labels attached to the reagent containers. The read reagent information is stored in a memory circuit 8.

[0029] The second reagent storage 205 keeps cool a plurality of reagent containers containing a second reagent paired with a first reagent of a two-reagent system. The second reagent is a solution containing an insoluble carrier, for example, carrier particles, on which an antigen or antibody that binds or dissociates by a specific antigen-antibody reaction with a predetermined antigen or antibody contained in the sample is immobilized. The substance that binds or dissociates by a specific reaction may be an enzyme, a substrate, an aptamer, or a receptor. A reagent rack 2051 is provided in the second reagent storage 205 so as to be freely rotatable.

[0030] The reagent rack 2051 holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged in a circular ring shape. Note that a standard sample container that contains a standard sample may be kept cool in the second reagent storage 205. The reagent rack 2051 is rotated by a drive mechanism 4. Also, a reader (not shown) that reads reagent information from a reagent label affixed to the reagent container is provided in the second reagent storage 205. The read reagent information is stored in a memory circuit 8.

[0031] A second reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent aspirating position is provided at a position where the rotation path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement path of the openings of the reagent containers arranged in a circular shape on the reagent rack 2051 intersect, for example.

[0032] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a driving mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0033] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. A dispensing position is provided on this rotation orbit. Also, a sample dispensing position for dispensing the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction vessel 2011 is provided on the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing position is provided at a position where the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 intersect.

[0034] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves up and down at the dispensing position or the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also aspirates a sample from a sample container at the dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also discharges the aspirated sample into a reaction container 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0035] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0036] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the first reagent dispensing arm 208. A first reagent aspirating position where the first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent, the standard sample, or the diluent is provided on this rotation orbit. The first reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement orbit of the opening of the reagent container, the standard sample container, or the diluent container arranged in an annular shape on the reagent rack 2051. In addition, a first reagent dispensing position is set on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 for discharging the first reagent, the standard sample, or the diluent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction container 2011. The first reagent dispensing position is provided at a position where the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement orbit of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0037] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0038] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the second reagent dispensing arm 210. The above-mentioned second reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotation orbit. In addition, a second reagent dispensing position for discharging the second reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction vessel 2011 is set on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211. The second reagent dispensing position is provided at a position where the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 intersect.

[0039] The first stirring unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 has a first stirring arm 2121 and a first stirring bar provided at the tip of the first stirring arm 2121. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the reaction liquid of the standard sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201 with the first stirring bar. The first stirring unit 212 also stirs the reaction liquid of the test sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201 with the first stirring bar. The first stirring unit 212 may also stir the reaction liquid of the test sample and the diluent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

[0040] The second stirring unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 has a second stirring arm 2131 and also has a second stirring bar provided at the tip of the second stirring arm 2131. The second stirring unit 213 uses the second stirring bar to stir the reaction liquid of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 also uses the second stirring bar to stir the reaction liquid of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position.

[0041] The photometry unit 214 optically measures the reaction liquid of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The photometry unit 214 has a light source 2141 and a photodetector 2142. The photometry unit 214 irradiates light from the light source in accordance with the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light is incident on the first side wall of the reaction vessel 2011 and is emitted from a second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometry unit 214 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 by the photodetector 2142. This photometry unit 214 corresponds to a photometry section in this embodiment. The photodetector 2142 corresponds to a light detection section in this embodiment.

[0042] Specifically, for example, the photodetector 2142 is disposed at a position on the optical axis of the light irradiated from the light source 2141 to the reaction vessel 2011. The photodetector 2142 detects light transmitted through the reaction solution of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011. The automatic analyzer 1 acquires photometric data represented by the intensity of the light detected by the photodetector 2142. The automatic analyzer 1 then generates standard data represented by absorbance based on measurement data acquired at a predetermined timing from the photometric data. The photodetector 2142 also detects light transmitted through the reaction solution of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011. The automatic analyzer 1 acquires photometric data represented by the intensity of the light detected by the photodetector 2142. The automatic analyzer 1 then generates test data represented by absorbance based on measurement data acquired at a predetermined timing from the photometric data. The photometry unit 214 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3 .

[0043] The cleaning unit 215 cleans the inside of the reaction container 2011 after the measurement of the reaction liquid by the photometry unit 214 has been completed.

[0044] The storage section 216 stores the measuring tips 300. The storage section 216 according to this embodiment stores a plurality of measuring tips 300.

[0045] The measuring chip 300 is a chip for measuring electrolyte items. The measuring chip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is a disposable chip. The measuring chip 300 is transported by being attached to a transport mechanism 219. The measuring chip 300 and the automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixed liquid stored in the measuring chip 300 constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment includes a chip body 301, an aspiration port 302, a plurality of terminals 303, and an attachment section 304. The chip body 301 contains a sample or a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent for diluting the sample. The aspiration port 302 is an opening provided in the chip body 301 for aspirating the sample or the mixed liquid.

[0047] A plurality of terminals 303 are provided on the chip body 301, and measure the concentration of a target substance in a sample or mixed liquid sucked through the suction port 302. Here, the target substance is an electrolyte such as sodium ion, potassium ion, or chloride ion. The electrolyte may be magnesium ion, iron ion, zinc ion, or the like.

[0048] The multiple terminals 303 according to this embodiment are provided on the chip body 301 such that the axial direction of each of the multiple terminals 303 is perpendicular to the radial direction of the suction port 302. The multiple terminals 303 according to this embodiment are provided on the chip body 301 by being integrally formed with the chip body 301. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the multiple terminals 303 are four. Note that, although the multiple terminals 303 according to this embodiment are provided in four pieces, the number of the multiple terminals 303 provided on the chip body 301 is not limited to this. That is, the number of the multiple terminals 303 is arbitrary, and the number of the multiple terminals 303 provided on the chip body 301 may be two or three, or may be five or more.

[0049] The multiple terminals 303 include an ion selective electrode (hereinafter, referred to as ISE) that selectively detects an electrolyte contained in the sample or the mixed liquid, and a reference electrode that generates a constant potential. In this embodiment, the four terminals that are the multiple terminals 303 are ISEs 3031 to 3033 and a reference electrode 3034, as shown in FIG.

[0050] The ISE 3031 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects sodium ions. The ISE 3031 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of sodium ions with respect to the reference electrode 3034 under the condition that the activity coefficient and the solution temperature of the sample or mixed solution sucked through the suction port 302 are constant.

[0051] The ISE 3032 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects potassium ions. The ISE 3032 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the potassium ion concentration with respect to the reference electrode 3034 under the condition that the activity coefficient and the solution temperature of the sample or mixed solution sucked through the suction port 302 are constant.

[0052] The ISE 3033 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects chloride ions. The ISE 3033 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the chloride ion concentration with respect to the reference electrode 3034 under the condition that the activity coefficient and the solution temperature of the sample or mixed solution sucked through the suction port 302 are constant.

[0053] The reference electrode 3034 has a liquid junction that generates a constant potential.

[0054] In addition, although the ISEs 3031 to 3033 included in the multiple terminals 303 according to the present embodiment are arranged to selectively detect sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions, the substances selectively detected by the ISEs 3031 to 3033 are not limited to sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions. In other words, the substances selectively detected by the ISEs 3031 to 3033 are arbitrary, and for example, the ISEs 3031 to 3033 may selectively detect magnesium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, etc. In addition, although the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034 are arranged in this order from the left in the example shown in FIG. 3, the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034 may be arranged in any order.

[0055] The mounting part 304 is a part for mounting the chip body 301 to the transport mechanism 219 of the automatic analyzer 1. The mounting part 304 according to this embodiment is an opening for inserting a measurement chip mounting part of the transport mechanism 219 of the automatic analyzer 1, which will be described in detail later. The inner diameter of the mounting part 304 according to this embodiment is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the mounting part of the transport mechanism 219. Therefore, the measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment is mounted to the transport mechanism 219 of the automatic analyzer 1 by fitting the mounting part 304 onto the measurement chip mounting part of the transport mechanism 219.

[0056] The first detection unit 217 detects the remaining amount of the measuring chips 300 stored in the storage unit 216. The first detection unit 217 is provided in the storage unit 216 or in the vicinity of the storage unit 216. The first detection unit 217 is, for example, an optical sensor, a weight sensor, an optical camera, etc. The detection result of the first detection unit 217 is output to the control circuit 9.

[0057] The supply unit 218 supplies the measuring chip 300 stored in the storage unit 216 to a supply position where the measuring chip 300 is supplied. The supply unit 218 is configured, for example, by a belt, a slider, a supply rail, or the like. The configuration of the supply unit 218 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply unit 218 provided in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the supply unit 218 according to this embodiment includes a supply rail 2181, a measuring chip sending mechanism 2182, and a positioning mechanism 2183.

[0058] The supply rail 2181 discharges the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 to the outside and supplies it to a supply position. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the supply rail 2181 is provided, for example, inclined toward the supply position. Therefore, the measuring tip 300 slides on the supply rail 2181 by gravity and moves toward the supply position. The supply position is, for example, a position where a rotation track, which is a transport path of the transport mechanism 219, and a movement track of the measuring tip 300 on the supply rail 2181 intersect.

[0059] The measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 is a mechanism that sends out the measuring tip 300 on the supply rail 2181 to a supply position under the control of the control circuit 9. This measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 is provided in the vicinity of the supply position.

[0060] The positioning mechanism 2183 is a mechanism that rotates the measuring chip 300 so that the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are positioned at a predetermined position relative to the transport mechanism 219. Specifically, the positioning mechanism 2183 rotates the measuring chip 300 supplied to the supply position in accordance with the control of the control circuit 9 so that the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are positioned at a position corresponding to a connection portion of the transport mechanism 219 described later. The positioning mechanism 2183 is provided in the vicinity of the supply position. Note that the positioning mechanism 2183 may retreat to a retreat position when positioning is not performed, and may move from below or to the side of the measuring chip 300 when positioning is required.

[0061] Although the supply unit 218 according to this embodiment includes the supply rail 2181, the measuring chip sending mechanism 2182, and the positioning mechanism 2183, the measuring chip sending mechanism 2182 and the positioning mechanism 2183 may not be included. In other words, the supply unit 218 may include at least the supply rail 2181.

[0062] The transport mechanism 219 is capable of mounting a measuring tip 300 for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample or a mixed liquid, and transports the measuring tip 300. The transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment transports the measuring tip 300 supplied to the supply position to a reaction vessel position described later under the control of the control circuit 9. The transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment also transports the measuring tip 300 after the measurement is completed to a disposal position described later. This transport mechanism 219 corresponds to the transport unit in this embodiment.

[0063] The configuration of the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment includes a measuring chip mounting portion 2191, a transport arm 2192, a measuring portion 2193, a connecting portion 2194, a suction mechanism 2195, a measuring chip removal mechanism 2196, a heating portion 2197, and a temperature sensor 2198.

[0064] The measuring chip 300 is attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191. The outer diameter of the measuring chip attachment part 2191 according to this embodiment is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the attachment part 304. Therefore, by inserting the measuring chip attachment part 2191 according to this embodiment into the attachment part 304 of the measuring chip 300, the measuring chip 300 is fitted onto the measuring chip attachment part 2191. As a result, the measuring chip 300 is attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191 according to this embodiment.

[0065] The transport arm 2192 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the storage unit 216. The transport arm 2192 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. Note that, although the transport arm 2192 shown in FIG. 2 is configured with one transport arm, the number of the transport arms 2192 is not limited to this. That is, the number of the transport arms 2192 is arbitrary. For example, the transport arm 2192 may be configured with two or more arms.

[0066] In addition, the transport arm 2192 transports the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191 along a predetermined transport path. Specifically, the transport arm 2192 according to this embodiment transports the measuring chip 300 from the supply part 218 to the disposal part 220 so that the measuring chip attachment part 2191 of the transport mechanism 219 and the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191 pass through the transport path. The transport path of the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191 is formed, for example, on a rotation orbit on an arc accompanying rotation centered on one end of the transport arm 2192. The transport path of the measuring chip 300 in the transport mechanism 219 is arbitrary. For example, the transport path of the measuring chip 300 in the transport mechanism 219 may be formed on an elliptical orbit, or may be a transport path without a specific shape.

[0067] The measuring unit 2193 measures the potential of a plurality of terminals 303 provided on the measuring chip 300 transported by the transport mechanism 219. Specifically, for a sample or mixed liquid, the measuring unit 2193 measures the potential between the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034. The measuring unit 2193 outputs the measured potential data to the analysis circuit 3 as standard data or test data. The measuring unit 2193 according to this embodiment measures the potential of the plurality of terminals 303 via a connection unit 2194 provided on the transport mechanism 219. The measuring unit 2193 according to this embodiment is provided on the transport mechanism 219, for example.

[0068] The connection part 2194 is a connection terminal provided in the transport mechanism 219 and electrically connected to the measurement part 2193. Specifically, one end of the connection part 2194 is electrically connected to the measurement part 2193, and the other end of the connection part 2194 can be connected to a plurality of terminals 303 provided in the measuring chip 300. This connection part 2194 has a plurality of connection terminals to measure the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode. The number of connection terminals provided in this connection part 2194 corresponds to the number of the plurality of terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300. The connection part 2194 according to this embodiment has four connection terminals to connect the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034.

[0069] The suction mechanism 2195 is provided in the transport mechanism 219, and is a mechanism for aspirating a sample or a mixed liquid into the measuring tip 300 mounted on the measuring tip mounting portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219. The suction mechanism 2195 is, for example, a syringe pump consisting of a cylinder having a hollow portion and a plunger communicating with the hollow portion, or a cylinder. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the suction mechanism 2195 is a syringe pump. The suction mechanism 2195 according to this embodiment aspirates a sample or a mixed liquid by moving the plunger up and down in the hollow portion of the measuring tip mounting portion 2191 as a cylinder. For example, a mechanism (not shown) for moving the hollow portion of the measuring tip mounting portion 2191 up and down is connected to the plunger. The configuration of the suction mechanism 2195 is not limited to this. That is, the configuration of the suction mechanism 2195 is arbitrary, and for example, the suction mechanism 2195 may be configured by a tube having one end connected to a syringe pump or a vacuum pump and the other end attached to the tip of the transport mechanism 219. The suction mechanism 2195 corresponds to the suction unit in this embodiment.

[0070] The measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 is a mechanism for removing the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191 from the measuring chip attachment part 2191. This measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 is connected to a mechanism (not shown) that moves the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 up and down. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 can move up and down with respect to the measuring chip attachment part 2191.

[0071] The heating unit 2197 heats the sample or mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300. The heating unit 2197 is controlled by the control circuit 9 based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2198. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the heating unit 2197 is attached to the measuring chip mounting part 2191, and heats the sample or mixed liquid of the measuring chip 300 mounted on the measuring chip mounting part 2191 via the measuring chip mounting part 2191. In this embodiment, the heating unit 2197 is, for example, a heater.

[0072] The temperature sensor 2198 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the sample or mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300. As shown in Fig. 2, the temperature sensor 2198 according to this embodiment is attached to the tip of the measuring chip mounting portion 2191. The measurement result of this temperature sensor 2198 is output to the control circuit 9.

[0073] 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transport path of the measuring chip 300 in the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment and each position on the transport path. As shown in Fig. 6, a supply position P11, a reaction vessel position P12, and a disposal position P13 are provided at each position on the transport path TP1 of the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment. The transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment transports the measuring chip 300 to each position on the rotation orbit that is the transport path TP1 in the order of the supply position P11, the reaction vessel position P12, and the disposal position P13 under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0074] As described above, the supply position P11 is a position where the measuring tip 300 is supplied. The supply position P11 according to this embodiment is provided at a position where the rotation orbit, which is the transport path TP1 of the transport mechanism 219, and the movement orbit of the measuring tip 300 on the supply rail 2181 intersect.

[0075] The reaction vessel position P12 is a position where a sample or a mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 is aspirated into the measurement tip 300. The reaction vessel position P12 according to this embodiment is provided at a position where a rotation orbit, which is a transport path TP1 of the transport mechanism 219, and a movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 intersect.

[0076] The discard position P13 is a position where the measuring tip 300 is discarded in the discard section 220. The discard position P13 according to this embodiment is provided at a position where the rotation orbit, which is the transport path TP1 of the transport mechanism 219, and a line segment extending upward from the center of the discard section 220 intersect.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 2, the disposal unit 220 discards the measuring tips 300 for which measurement has been completed. In this embodiment, the disposal unit 220 is equipped with a discard measuring tip storage unit 2201. This discard measuring tip storage unit 2201 stores the measuring tips 300 that are to be discarded after measurement has been completed. The discard measuring tip storage unit 2201 according to this embodiment is provided directly below the discard position P13 so that the measuring tips 300 attached to the transport mechanism 219 can be discarded.

[0078] The second detection unit 221 detects the amount of measuring tips 300 discarded in the disposal unit 220. Specifically, the second detection unit 221 detects the amount of measuring tips 300 accommodated in the discard measuring tip accommodation unit 2201. This second detection unit 221 is provided in the discard measuring tip accommodation unit 2201 in the disposal unit or in the vicinity of the discard measuring tip accommodation unit 2201. The second detection unit 221 is, for example, an optical sensor, a weight sensor, an optical camera, or the like. The detection result of this second detection unit 221 is output to the control circuit 9.

[0079] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of flows from when the measuring chip 300 is attached to the transport mechanism 219 to when it is discarded in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the measuring chip 300 is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219 at the supply position P11. When the measuring chip 300 is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment are connected to the connection portion 2194. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), at the reaction vessel position P12, the suction port 302 of the measuring chip 300 contacts the sample or mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. Then, the measuring chip 300 aspirates the sample or mixture from the suction port 302 by the suction mechanism 2195. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(c), in the measuring chip 300, the sample or mixture aspirated from the suction port 302 contacts the multiple terminals 303. As a result, the measuring unit 2193 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303 via the connection unit 2194 provided in the transport mechanism 219. Then, as shown in Fig. 7(d), the measuring tip 300 for which measurement by the measuring unit 2193 has been completed is removed by the measuring tip removal mechanism 2196 at the disposal position P13, and is discarded in the disposal unit 220.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 1, the control circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1 executes a control program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91, a temperature control function 92, a transport control function 93, a first report function 94, and a second report function 95 by executing the control program. In this embodiment, the system control function 91, the temperature control function 92, the transport control function 93, the first report function 94, and the second report function 95 are realized by a single processor, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a control program to realize these various functions.

[0081] The system control function 91, temperature control function 92, transport control function 93, first reporting function 94, and second reporting function 95 shown in Figure 1 correspond to the system control unit, temperature control unit, transport control unit, first reporting unit, and second reporting unit in this embodiment, respectively.

[0082] The system control function 91 is a function that controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 in an integrated manner based on input information input from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the analysis mechanism 2 to control the sample dispensing arm 206 and the first reagent dispensing arm 208 to dispense a sample, a reagent, or a diluent into a reaction vessel 2011, or to aspirate a sample or a mixed liquid into a measuring tip 300. The system control function 91 according to this embodiment also controls the measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 and the positioning mechanism 2183. The system control function 91 also controls the analysis circuit 3 to perform an analysis according to a test item.

[0083] The temperature control function 92 controls the temperature of at least one of the measuring chip 300, the sample contained in the measuring chip 300, and the mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300. The temperature control function 92 according to this embodiment controls the heating unit 2197 based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2198 to control the temperature of the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191. As a result, the temperature control function 92 makes the temperature of the sample or mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300 become a predetermined temperature. Here, the predetermined temperature is, for example, 37°C. Note that the predetermined temperature is not limited to 37°C. In other words, the predetermined temperature is arbitrary and may be 37°C or higher or 37°C or lower.

[0084] The transport control function 93 controls the drive mechanism 4 to control the transport mechanism 219. The transport control function 93 according to this embodiment controls the vertical movement and horizontal rotation of the transport arm 2192 in the transport mechanism 219. Specifically, the transport control function 93 controls the transport mechanism 219 to transport the measuring chip 300 to each position on the transport path TP1.

[0085] The first reporting function 94 reports to the user when the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount based on the detection result of the first detection section 217. When the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, the first reporting function 94 according to this embodiment reports to the user via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7 that the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount.

[0086] The second reporting function 95 reports to the user when the amount of the measuring tips 300 discarded in the disposal unit 220 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the second detection unit 221. Specifically, the second reporting function 95 reports to the user when the amount of the measuring tips 300 accommodated in the disposal measuring tip accommodation unit 2201 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the second detection unit 221. When the amount of the measuring tips 300 accommodated in the disposal measuring tip accommodation unit 2201 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the second reporting function 95 according to this embodiment reports to the user via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7 that the amount of the measuring tips 300 accommodated in the disposal measuring tip accommodation unit 2201 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

[0087] 1 executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program to realize a calibration data generating function 31 and an analysis data generating function 32. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 are realized by a single processor will be described, but this is not limiting. For example, the analysis circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

[0088] The calibration data generating function 31 is a function that generates calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the calibration data generating function 31. When the calibration data generating function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 generates a calibration curve based on the standard data, which is measurement data including absorbance for standard samples of different concentrations. This generated calibration curve is stored in the memory circuit 8 as calibration data.

[0089] The analytical data generating function 32 is a function that generates analytical data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the analytical data generating function 32. When the analytical data generating function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out calibration data including information regarding the calibration curve from the storage circuit 8. Based on the test data and calibration data, the analysis circuit 3 generates analytical data including information regarding the concentration of the detection target in the test sample.

[0090] When the analytical data generating function 32 according to this embodiment acquires data of the potential measured by the measuring unit 2193 as test data from the measuring unit 2193, the analytical data generating function 32 calculates the concentration of the target substance of the sample or mixed solution contained in the measuring chip 300 based on the potential measured by the measuring unit 2193. Specifically, the analytical data generating function 32 calculates the concentration of the target substance of the sample or mixed solution contained in the measuring chip 300 as analytical data based on the potential measured by the measuring unit 2193 and the calibration data. Then, the analytical data generating function 32 outputs the calculation result to the control circuit 9. That is, it can be seen that the analytical data generating function 32 of the analysis circuit 3 functions as a calculation unit when calculating the concentration of the target substance of the sample or mixed solution.

[0091] Next, the electrolyte item measurement process will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the contents of the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the transport mechanism 219 in the electrolyte item measurement process according to this embodiment. In this electrolyte item measurement process, the measuring chip 300 is used to measure electrolyte items, and the measuring chip 300 that has completed the measurement is discarded. For example, this electrolyte item measurement process is a process that is executed at the timing when the measurement of the electrolyte item is started.

[0092] 8, in the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219 to a supply position P11 (step S11). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to move the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219 to the supply position P11.

[0093] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the automatic analyzer 1 positions the measuring chip 300 (step S13). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 sets the positioning mechanism 2183 to the measuring chip 300 supplied to the supply position P11, as shown in Fig. 9(a). Then, the system control function 91 controls the positioning mechanism 2183 based on an image captured by an optical camera (not shown) that captures the measuring chip 300 supplied to the supply position P11, so that the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are at predetermined positions.

[0094] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 mounts the measuring chip 300 (step S15). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to lower the measuring chip mounting portion 2191 and mount the measuring chip mounting portion 2191 on the mounting portion 304 of the measuring chip 300, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0095] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring chip 300 to the reaction container position P12 (step S17). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to transport the measuring chip 300 attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 to the reaction container position P12, as shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0096] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the automatic analyzer 1 aspirates the sample or the mixed liquid (step S19). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to lower the measuring tip 300 as shown in Fig. 9(d). Then, the system control function 91 controls the aspirating mechanism 2195 to aspirate the sample or the mixed liquid into the measuring tip 300.

[0097] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the temperature (step S21). The temperature control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the heating unit 2187 so that the temperature of the sample or mixed liquid becomes a predetermined temperature based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2188. Note that if the sample or mixed liquid aspirated in step S19 has reached the predetermined temperature, the process of this step S21 is omitted.

[0098] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the potential (step S23). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 causes the measurement unit 2193 to measure the potential of each of the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 via the connection unit 2194.

[0099] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the concentration of the target substance (step S25). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the analysis data generation function 32 in the analysis circuit 3 to calculate the concentration of the target substance based on the potential measured in step S23. In this embodiment, the analysis data generation function 32 calculates the concentrations of sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions based on the potential measured by the measurement unit 2193. Then, the analysis data generation function 32 outputs the calculation result to the control circuit 9.

[0100] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 outputs the calculation result (step S27). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 outputs the calculation result of the concentration of the target substance via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7.

[0101] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring tip 300 to a disposal position P13 (step S29). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to transport the measuring tip 300 for which measurement has been completed to the disposal position P13, as shown in Fig. 9(e).

[0102] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the automatic analyzer 1 discards the measuring tip 300 (step S31). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 discards the measuring tip 300 in the discarding section 220. More specifically, the transport control function 93 controls the transport arm 2192 at the discarding position P13 to lower the measuring tip mounting section 2191. Then, the transport control function 93 controls the measuring tip removing mechanism 2196 to remove the measuring tip 300 from the measuring tip mounting section 2191, thereby discarding the measuring tip 300 in the discard measuring tip storage section 2201. Note that in step S31, the transport control function 93 controls the transport arm 2192 at the discarding position P13 to lower the measuring tip mounting section 2191, but the transport control function 93 does not have to lower the measuring tip mounting section 2191. In other words, the transport control function 93 may control the measurement tip removal mechanism 2196 to remove the measurement tip 300 from the measurement tip attachment part 2191 at the disposal position P13 without lowering the measurement tip attachment part 2191, thereby discarding the measurement tip 300 in the discard measurement tip storage part 2201.

[0103] By executing step S31, the electrolyte item measurement process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0104] In the electrolyte item measurement process according to the present embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the concentration of the target substance in step S25, outputs the calculation result in step S27, and then transports the measuring tip 300 to the disposal position P13 in step S29 and discards the measuring tip 300 in step S31. However, the timing of the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S29 and S31 is not limited to this. That is, the timing of the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S29 and S31 is arbitrary, and for example, the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S29 and S31 may be performed after the potential is measured in step S23. In this case, the calculation of the concentration of the target substance in step S25 and the output of the calculation result in step S27 may be performed in parallel with the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S29 and S31, or may be performed after the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S29 and S31 is completed.

[0105] 10 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the remaining amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this remaining amount reporting process, when the remaining amount of the measuring chip 300 stored in the storage unit 216 is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, the remaining amount reporting process is reported to the user. For example, this remaining amount reporting process is a process that is executed while the power of the automatic analyzer 1 is ON.

[0106] 10, first, in the remaining amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the first detection unit 217 (step S41). Specifically, the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage unit 216.

[0107] 10, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (step S43). Specifically, the first report function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the first detection section 217 in step S31.

[0108] Then, in step S43, if the remaining amount in the measuring chip 300 is not below the predetermined remaining amount (step S43: No), the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the first detection unit 217 and waits by repeating steps S41 and S43 until the remaining amount in the measuring chip 300 becomes below the predetermined remaining amount.

[0109] On the other hand, in step S43, if the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount (step S43: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports this to the user (step S45). Specifically, the first report function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7 that the remaining amount of the measuring tip 300 stored in the storage section 216 is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount. By executing this step S45, the remaining amount report process according to this embodiment is terminated.

[0110] 11 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this waste amount reporting process, if the amount of the measuring tips 300 discarded in the discarding unit 220 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the user is notified. For example, this waste amount reporting process is a process that is executed while the power of the automatic analyzer 1 is ON.

[0111] 11, first, in the waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the second detection unit 221 (step S51). Specifically, the second reporting function 95 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the amount of the measuring tips 300 discarded in the disposal unit 220.

[0112] 11, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the amount of the discarded measuring tips 300 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S53). Specifically, the second report function 95 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the amount of the measuring tips 300 discarded in the discard unit 220 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the second detection unit 221 in step S51.

[0113] Then, in step S53, if the amount of discarded measuring chips 300 is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (step S53: No), the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the second detection unit 221 and waits by repeating steps S51 and S53 until the amount of measuring chips 300 discarded in the disposal unit 220 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.

[0114] On the other hand, if the amount of the discarded measuring tips 300 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in step S53 (step S53: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports this to the user (step S55). Specifically, the second report function 95 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user that the amount of the measuring tips 300 discarded in the disposal unit 220 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. By executing this step S55, the waste amount reporting process according to this embodiment is terminated.

[0115] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, when measuring an electrolyte item, the disposable measuring tip 300 is transported by the transport mechanism 219, a sample or a mixed liquid is aspirated into the measuring tip 300, the potential of the aspirated sample or mixed liquid is measured by a plurality of terminals 303 provided on the measuring tip 300, and the concentration of the target substance is calculated based on the measured potential, so that it is not necessary to wash the transport mechanism 219 every time an electrolyte item is measured. As a result, it is possible to improve the throughput when measuring an electrolyte item.

[0116] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the measurement unit 2193 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303 while the sample or mixed liquid is contained in the measurement chip 300, so the sample or mixed liquid does not come into contact with the transport mechanism 219. As a result, the occurrence of carryover can be reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the sample or the mixed liquid does not come into contact with the transport mechanism 219, and therefore there is no need for a cleaning unit for cleaning the transport mechanism 219. As a result, the automatic analyzer 1 can be made more compact.

[0118] Second Embodiment The measuring chip 300 according to the above-described first embodiment may also be provided with a holding section for holding a sample or a mixed liquid within the measuring chip 300. Below, a second embodiment will be described in which this modification is applied to the above-described first embodiment, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 12, the measuring chip 300a according to this embodiment is configured to include a chip body 301, an aspiration port 302, a plurality of terminals 303, an attachment section 304, and a holding section 305. The configuration other than the holding section 305 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so a description thereof will be omitted. The measuring chip 300a according to this embodiment and the automatic analysis device 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixture contained in this measuring chip 300a constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0120] Holding section 305 is provided on chip body 301, and holds the sample or mixed liquid aspirated from suction port 302. Holding section 305 is made of a spongy material such as paper or sponge. At least a portion of holding section 305 is in contact with multiple terminals 303. The material of holding section 305 is not limited to paper or sponge. In other words, the material of holding section 305 is arbitrary, and may be any material capable of holding a sample or mixed liquid.

[0121] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of flows from when the measuring chip 300a is attached to the transport mechanism 219 to when it is discarded in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the above-mentioned first embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the measuring chip 300a is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219 at the supply position P11. When the measuring chip 300a is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a according to this embodiment are connected to the connection portion 2194. Next, as shown in FIG. 13(b), at the reaction vessel position P12, the suction port 302 of the measuring chip 300a comes into contact with the sample or mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. Then, the measuring chip 300a aspirates the sample or mixture from the suction port 302 by the suction mechanism 2195. Next, as shown in FIG. 13(c), in the measuring chip 300a, the sample or mixed liquid sucked from the suction port 302 is held in the holding section 305 of the measuring chip 300a. Next, as shown in FIG. 13(d), in the measuring chip 300a, the sample or mixed liquid held in the holding section 305 comes into contact with the multiple terminals 303. As a result, the measuring section 2193 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303 via the connecting section 2194 provided in the transport mechanism 219. Then, as shown in FIG. 13(e), the measuring chip 300a after the measurement by the measuring section 2193 is removed by the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 at the disposal position P13 and discarded in the disposal section 220.

[0122] As described above, according to the automatic analysis device 1 of this embodiment, the holding portion 305 is additionally provided in the measurement chip 300a, thereby reducing the probability that the sample or mixed liquid will leak from the measurement chip 300a.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the automatic analysis device 1 of this embodiment, the holding portion 305 of the measurement chip 300a holds the sample or mixed liquid, thereby reducing the risk of the disposal portion 220 being contaminated by the sample or mixed liquid and the risk of the user becoming infected when the user disposes of the measurement chip 300a contained in the disposal portion 220.

[0124] In the second embodiment described above, the holder 305 of the measuring chip 300a is provided at a position separated from the suction port 302, but the holder 305 may be provided near the suction port 302. By providing the holder 305 near the suction port 302 in this manner, the automatic analyzer 1 can bring the holder 305 into contact with the sample or the mixed liquid and aspirate the sample or the mixed liquid. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 does not require the suction mechanism 2195, and the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0125] In the second embodiment described above, a communication port 3051 may be provided in the holder 305 of the measuring chip 300 as shown in Fig. 14. By providing the communication port 3051 in this manner, it is possible to facilitate the suction of the sample or mixed liquid by the suction mechanism 2195.

[0126] Third Embodiment In the measuring chip according to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to make the measuring chip itself capable of aspirating a sample or a mixed liquid, thereby making it possible to eliminate the need for the aspirating mechanism 2195 of the automatic analyzer 1. Below, a third embodiment will be described in which this modified example is applied to the first embodiment described above, and the differences from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0127] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 15, a measuring chip 300b according to this embodiment includes a chip body 301a, an aspiration port 302a, a plurality of terminals 303a, and a mounting part 304a. The measuring chip 300b according to this embodiment and an automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using a sample or a mixed liquid contained in this measuring chip 300b constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0128] The chip body 301a contains a sample or a mixture obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent for diluting the sample. The chip body 301a according to this embodiment sucks the sample or the mixture through the suction port 302a by capillary action. The chip body 301a contains the sample or the mixture sucked by the capillary action.

[0129] Suction port 302a is an opening provided in chip body 301a for sucking in a sample or a mixed liquid. In the opening of suction port 302a according to this embodiment, the width and diameter are determined so that capillary action occurs.

[0130] The terminals 303a are provided on the chip body 301a such that the axial direction of the terminals 303a is perpendicular to the radial direction of the suction port 302a. The terminals 303a according to this embodiment are provided inside the chip body 301a. The other configurations of the terminals 303a are the same as those of the terminals 303 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0131] The mounting section 304a is a portion for mounting the chip body 301a to the transport mechanism 219 in the analysis mechanism 2. The mounting section 304a according to this embodiment is the outer wall of the chip body 301a for insertion into the measurement chip mounting portion according to this embodiment, which will be described in detail later. Therefore, the outer diameter of the outer wall of the mounting section 304a according to this embodiment is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the measurement chip mounting portion according to this embodiment. Therefore, the measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment is mounted on the transport mechanism 219 of the automatic analyzer 1 by inserting the mounting section 304a into the measurement chip mounting portion.

[0132] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transport mechanism according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 16, the transport mechanism 219a according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the measuring chip mounting part and the measuring chip detaching mechanism, and therefore in this embodiment, they are written as the measuring chip mounting part 2191a and the measuring chip detaching mechanism 2196a. In addition, the transport mechanism 219a according to this embodiment does not include the suction mechanism 2195 because the measuring chip 300b sucks the sample or the mixed liquid by capillary action. Note that the configuration and functions other than the measuring chip mounting part 2191a, the measuring chip detaching mechanism 2196a, and the suction mechanism 2195 are the same as those in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0133] The measuring chip 300b is attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191a. The inner diameter of the measuring chip attachment part according to this embodiment is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the outer wall of the attachment part 304a according to this embodiment. By inserting the measuring chip attachment part 2191a according to this embodiment into the attachment part 304a of the measuring chip 300b, the measuring chip 300b is inserted into the measuring chip attachment part 2191a. As a result, the measuring chip 300b is attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191a according to this embodiment.

[0134] The measuring chip removal mechanism 2196a is a mechanism for removing the measuring chip 300b attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2191a. The measuring chip removal mechanism 2196a according to this embodiment is provided inside the measuring chip attachment part 2191a.

[0135] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a series of flows from when the measuring chip 300b is attached to the transport mechanism 219 to when it is discarded in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment described above. First, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the measuring chip 300b is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191a of the transport mechanism 219a at the supply position P11. When the measuring chip 300b is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191a of the transport mechanism 219a, the multiple terminals 303a of the measuring chip 300b according to this embodiment are connected to the connection portion 2194. Next, as shown in FIG. 13(b), at the reaction vessel position P12, the suction port 302 of the measuring chip 300 comes into contact with the sample or mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. At this time, the chip body 301a of the measuring chip 300b sucks the sample or mixture through the suction port 302a by capillary action. Next, as shown in Fig. 17(c), in the measuring tip 300b, the sample or mixed liquid sucked from the suction port 302a comes into contact with the multiple terminals 303a. As a result, the measuring unit 2193 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303a via the connection unit 2194 provided in the transport mechanism 219a. Then, as shown in Fig. 13(d), the measuring tip 300b after the measurement by the measuring unit 2193 is removed by the measuring tip removal mechanism 2196a at the disposal position P13 and discarded in the disposal unit 220.

[0136] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the measuring tip 300b can suck up the sample or the mixed liquid by capillary action, so the suction mechanism 2195 of the transport mechanism 219a is not necessary. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 can be made compact.

[0137] [Variation 1] In the automated analyzer 1 according to the second and third embodiments described above, the transport mechanism 219 is provided with a connection portion 2194 in order to connect the multiple terminals 303a, 303b to the measurement portion 2193, but the multiple terminals may be connected to the measurement portion without providing a connection portion in the transport mechanism 219. Below, the difference from the second embodiment described above will be described using the case where this modification is applied to the second embodiment described above as modification 1.

[0138] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 18, the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first modified example is configured by adding a measuring chip installation unit 222 to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment described above. In addition, since the transport mechanism and the disposal unit are different from those of the second embodiment, in this modified example, they are referred to as a transport mechanism 219b and a disposal unit 220a. The configurations and functions other than the measuring chip installation unit 222, the transport mechanism 219b, and the disposal unit 220a are equivalent to those of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0139] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip according to this modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 12 in the second embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 19, the measuring chip 300c according to this modified example 1 has multiple terminals different from those in the second embodiment, and therefore, in this modified example, these terminals are referred to as multiple terminals 303b. The configuration and functions other than the multiple terminals 303b are equivalent to those in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described. The measuring chip 300c according to this modified example and the automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixture contained in the measuring chip 300c constitute an automatic analysis system according to this modified example.

[0140] The plurality of terminals 303b are provided on the chip body 301, and measure a target substance of a sample or a mixed liquid aspirated from the suction port 302. The plurality of terminals 303b according to this modification are provided on the chip body 301 such that one end of each of the plurality of terminals 303b is exposed to the outside from the outer wall of the chip body 301, and the axial direction of each of the plurality of terminals 303 is parallel to the radial direction of the suction port 302. The plurality of terminals 303b according to this modification are provided so that each of the plurality of terminals 303b contacts the holding portion 305. Specifically, the plurality of terminals 303b are provided on the inner wall of the chip body 301. The configuration of the other plurality of terminals 303b is the same as that of the plurality of terminals according to the first embodiment, which is the same as that of the plurality of terminals according to the second embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transport mechanism according to this modified example, and corresponds to Fig. 5 of the suction mechanism 2195 of the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the suction mechanism 2195 of the second embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 20, a transport mechanism 219b according to this modified example differs from the second embodiment in that it does not include a measuring unit 2193 and a connecting unit 2194. The configuration and functions other than the measuring unit 2193 and the connecting unit 2194 are equivalent to those of the suction mechanism of the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the suction mechanism 2195 of the second embodiment described above, in Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described.

[0142] The transport mechanism 219b according to this modification transports the measuring chip 300c from the supply unit 218 to the measuring chip installation unit 222 so that the measuring chip mounting unit 2191 of the transport mechanism 219b and the measuring chip 300c mounted on the measuring chip mounting unit 2191 pass through the transport path. The transport path of the measuring chip 300c mounted on the measuring chip mounting unit 2191 is formed, for example, on a circular arc rotation orbit accompanied by rotation centered on one end of the transport arm 2192. The transport path of the measuring chip 300c in the transport mechanism 219b is arbitrary. For example, the transport path of the measuring chip 300c in the transport mechanism 219b may be formed on an elliptical orbit, or may be a transport path without a specific shape. This transport mechanism 219b corresponds to the transport unit in this modification.

[0143] The disposal unit 220a discards the measuring tip 300c after the measurement is completed. In this modification, the disposal unit 220a includes a disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 and a disposal measuring tip transport mechanism 2202. The configuration of the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 is the same as the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 of the first embodiment, which is the same as the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 of the second embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] The discard measurement chip transport mechanism 2202 transports the measuring chip 300c for which measurement has been completed from the measuring chip installation section 222 to the discard measurement chip storage section 2201. The discard measurement chip transport mechanism 2202 according to this modified example is configured to include a discard measurement chip mounting section 2202_1, a discard measurement chip transport arm 2202_2, and a discard measurement chip removal mechanism 2202_3.

[0145] A measuring tip 300c for which measurement has been completed is attached to the waste measuring tip attachment part 2202_1. The waste measuring tip transport arm 2202_2 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The waste measuring tip removal mechanism 2202_3 is a mechanism for removing the measuring tip 300c attached to the waste measuring tip attachment part 2202_1. This waste measuring tip removal mechanism 2202_3 is connected to a mechanism (not shown) for moving the waste measuring tip removal mechanism 2202_3 up and down. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the waste measuring tip removal mechanism 2202_3 is provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the waste measuring tip attachment part 2203_1.

[0146] The configuration of the discard measurement chip transport mechanism 2202 is not limited to the discard measurement chip mounting part 2202_1, the discard measurement chip transport arm 2202_2, and the discard measurement chip removal mechanism 2202_3. That is, the discard measurement chip transport mechanism 2202 may have any configuration, and may be configured to transport the measuring chip 300c from the measuring chip installation part 222 to the discard measurement chip storage part 2201 by gripping the measuring chip 300c, for example.

[0147] The measuring chip placement section 222 is a platform provided on the transport path of the transport mechanism 219b, and is provided with connection sections (to be described later) for connecting to a plurality of terminals 303b of the measuring chip 300c, for placement of the measuring chip 300c.

[0148] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measuring chip setting unit 222 included in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this modified example. As shown in Fig. 21, the measuring chip setting unit 222 is configured to include a measuring chip placement unit 2221, a connection unit 2222, and a measurement unit 2223. The measuring chip placement unit 2221 places the measuring chip 300c transported by the transport mechanism 219b.

[0149] The connection part 2222 is a connection terminal provided in the measuring chip installation part 222 and electrically connected to the measuring part 2223. Specifically, one end of the connection part 2222 is electrically connected to the measuring part 2223, and the other end of the connection part 2222 can be connected to a plurality of terminals 303b provided in the measuring chip 300c. This connection part 2194 has a plurality of connection terminals to measure the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode. The number of connection terminals provided in this connection part 2222 corresponds to the number of the plurality of terminals 303b of the measuring chip 300c. The connection part 2222 according to this modification has four connection terminals to connect the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034.

[0150] The measuring unit 2223 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303b provided on the measuring chip 300c transported by the transport mechanism 219b. The measuring unit 2223 according to this modification measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303b via the connection unit 2222 provided on the measuring chip installation unit 222.

[0151] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transport path and each position on the transport path of the measuring chip 300c in the transport mechanism 219b and the discarded measuring chip transport mechanism 2202 according to this modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 6 showing the transport path of the first embodiment equivalent to the transport path of the second embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 22, each position on the transport path according to this modified example is configured by adding a measuring chip installation position P14 to each position on the transport path according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the discard position is different from that of the first embodiment, in this modified example, it is written as a discard position P13a. In this modified example, the configuration other than the discard position P13a and the measuring chip installation position P14 is equivalent to that of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment described above, so the description will be omitted.

[0152] The discard position P13a is a position where the measuring tip 300c is discarded. The discard position P13a according to this modification is provided at a position where the rotation orbit, which is the transport path TP2 of the discard measuring tip transport mechanism 2202, intersects with a line segment extending upward from the center of the discard measuring tip storage unit. In other words, the discard measuring tip storage unit 2201 is provided directly below the discard position P13a.

[0153] The measuring chip installation position P14 is a position where the measuring chip 300c is installed on the measuring chip installation section 222. The measuring chip installation position P14 according to this modification is provided at a position where the rotation orbit, which is the transport path TP1a of the transport mechanism 219b, and the transport path TP2 of the discarded measuring chip transport mechanism 2202 intersect.

[0154] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a series of flows from when the measuring chip 300c is attached to the transport mechanism 219b to when it is discarded in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the second embodiment described above. First, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the measuring chip 300c is attached to the measuring chip attachment portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219b at the supply position P11. Next, as shown in FIG. 23(b), at the reaction vessel position P12, the suction port 302 of the measuring chip 300c comes into contact with the sample or mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. Then, the measuring chip 300c aspirates the sample or mixture from the suction port 302 by the suction mechanism 2195. Next, as shown in FIG. 23(c), in the measuring chip 300c, the sample or mixture aspirated from the suction port 302 is held in the holding portion 305 of the measuring chip 300c. Next, as shown in FIG. 23(d), in the measuring chip 300c, the sample or mixture held in the holding section 305 comes into contact with the multiple terminals 303b. Next, as shown in FIG. 23(e), the measuring chip 300c is transported to the measuring chip installation position P14. As shown in FIG. 23(f), at the measuring chip installation position P14, the measuring chip 300c is removed by the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 and installed in the measuring chip installation section 222. As a result, the multiple terminals 303b of the measuring chip 300c are connected to the connection section 2222, so that the measuring section 2223 measures the potential of the multiple terminals 303b through the connection section 2222 provided in the measuring chip installation section 222. Then, the measuring chip 300a after the measurement by the measuring section 2223 is transported to the discarding position P13a by the discard measuring chip transport mechanism 2202 and is accommodated in the discard measuring chip accommodation section 2201.

[0155] FIG. 24 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, which is equivalent to the second embodiment. In this electrolyte item measurement process, the measuring chip 300c is used to measure electrolyte items, and the measuring chip 300c after the measurement is completed is discarded. For example, this electrolyte item measurement process is a process executed at the timing when the measurement of the electrolyte items is started. Note that the process up to step S21 is equivalent to the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0156] 24, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring chip 300c to the measuring chip installation position P14 (step S61). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to transport the measuring chip 300c to the measuring chip installation position P14.

[0157] 24, the automatic analyzer 1 sets the measuring chip 300c (step S63). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to set the measuring chip 300c on the measuring chip setting section 222. More specifically, the transport control function 93 lowers the transport arm 2192 at the measuring chip setting position P14 to place the measuring chip 300c on the measuring chip setting section 222. Then, the transport control function 93 controls the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 to remove the measuring chip 300c from the measuring chip mounting section 2191.

[0158] Next, as shown in FIG. 24, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the potential (step S65). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 causes the measuring unit 2223 to measure the potential of each of the multiple terminals 303b of the measuring chip 300c through the connecting unit 2222. The measurement of the potential in step S65 is not limited to the timing when the measuring chip 300c is placed on the measuring chip placement unit 222. For example, after the measuring chip 300c is placed on the measuring chip placement unit 222, the connecting unit 2222 and the multiple terminals 303b provided on the measuring chip placement unit 222 may be electrically connected at a predetermined timing to measure the potential in step S65. In addition, the processes of steps S25 and S27 after step S65 are the same as those in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0159] 24, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring tip 300c to the discard position P13a (step S67). Specifically, after the measurement is completed, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the discard measuring tip transport mechanism 2202 to transport the measuring tip 300c placed in the measuring tip placement section 222 to the discard position P13a.

[0160] Next, as shown in FIG. 24, the automatic analyzer 1 discards the measuring tip 300c (step S69). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 discards the measuring tip 300c in the disposal section 220. More specifically, the transport control function 93, at the disposal position P13a, controls the discard measuring tip transport mechanism 2202 to discard the measuring tip 300c in the discard measuring tip storage section 2201. By executing this step S69, the electrolyte item measurement process according to this modified example is completed.

[0161] In the electrolyte item measurement process according to the present modified example, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the concentration of the target substance in step S25, outputs the calculation result in step S27, and then transports the measuring tip 300c to the disposal position P13a in step S67 and discards the measuring tip 300c in step S69. However, the timing of the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300 in steps S67 and S69 is not limited to this. That is, the timing of the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300c in steps S67 and S69 is arbitrary, and for example, the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300c in steps S67 and S69 may be performed after the potential is measured in step S23. In this case, the calculation of the concentration of the target substance in step S25 and the output of the calculation result in step S27 may be performed in parallel with the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300c in steps S67 and S69, or may be performed after the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300c in steps S67 and S69 is completed.

[0162] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this modification, the transport of the measuring chip 300c and the measurement of the sample or the mixed liquid can be performed by different mechanisms, so that the transport mechanism 219b can transport the next measuring chip 300c without waiting for the completion of the measurement of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300c. As a result, the throughput can be improved in the measurement of electrolyte items.

[0163] Moreover, this modified example 1 can also be applied to the third embodiment. Moreover, modified example 1, which measures the potential using the measuring chip installation part 222, may be applied to the first embodiment. When this modified example 1 is applied to the first embodiment, it is necessary to install the measuring chip 300 in the measuring chip installation part 222, measure the potential, and transport it to the disposal part 220 without removing the measuring chip 300 from the measuring chip attachment part 2191. Therefore, when modified example 1 is applied to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, by providing a measuring chip installation position P14 and a disposal position P13 on the transport path of the transport mechanism 219, the measuring chip 300 is installed in the measuring chip installation part 222 without removing the measuring chip 300 from the measuring chip attachment part 2191, the potential is measured, and the measuring chip 300 that has completed the measurement is transported to the disposal position P13, thereby performing the electrolyte item measurement process.

[0164] In the above-mentioned modified example 1, as in the second embodiment, the transport mechanism 219 includes the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198, and the heating unit 2197 is controlled based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2198 to control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid in the measuring chip 300c attached to the transport mechanism 219, but this is not limited to the above. That is, the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198 may be provided at any location, and for example, the measuring chip installation unit 222 may include the heating unit and the temperature sensor, or the supply unit 218 may include the heating unit and the temperature sensor. In addition, the transport mechanism 219 may not include the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198, and the temperature control function 92 may control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the reaction container 2011 by controlling the thermostatic unit 202, thereby aspirating the sample or the mixed liquid at a predetermined temperature.

[0165] [Modification 2] In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second and third embodiments described above, the measuring chip is transported by a transport mechanism 219 equipped with a transport arm 2192, but it is also possible to transport the measuring chip by a transport mechanism equipped with a rotating table on which the measuring chip can be attached. Below, an example in which a modified example is applied to the second embodiment described above will be described as Modified Example 2.

[0166] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to this modified example, and corresponds to FIG. 2 showing the analysis mechanism of the first embodiment equivalent to the analysis mechanism of the second embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 26, the analysis mechanism 2 according to the modified example 2 is configured by adding a suction unit 223 to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment described above. In addition, since the supply unit, the transport mechanism, and the waste unit are different from those of the second embodiment, in this modified example, they are represented as the supply unit 218a, the transport mechanism 219c, and the waste unit 220b. The configurations and functions other than the supply unit 218a, the transport mechanism 219c, the waste unit 220b, and the suction unit 223 are equivalent to those of FIG. 2 in the analysis mechanism of the first embodiment equivalent to the analysis mechanism of the second embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0167] The supply unit 218a supplies the measuring tip 300a stored in the storage unit 216 to a supply position where the measuring tip 300a is supplied. The supply unit 218a is composed of, for example, a belt, a slider, a supply rail, etc. The supply unit 218a according to this modification includes a supply rail 2181, a measuring tip sending mechanism 2182, and a positioning mechanism 2183a. The configurations of the supply rail 2181 and the measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 are equivalent to the supply rail 2181 and the measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 of the first embodiment, which are equivalent to the supply rail 2181 and the measuring tip sending mechanism 2182 of the second embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0168] The positioning mechanism 2183a is a mechanism for rotating the measuring chip 300a so that the terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a are positioned at a predetermined position relative to the suction unit 223. Specifically, the positioning mechanism 2183a rotates the measuring chip 300a conveyed to a positioning position described later so that the terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a are positioned at a position corresponding to a connection part of the suction unit 223 described later under the control of the control circuit 9. The positioning mechanism 2183a is provided in the vicinity of the positioning position. The positioning mechanism 2183a may retreat to a retreat position when positioning is not performed, and may move from below or to the side of the measuring chip 300a when positioning is required.

[0169] The transport mechanism 219c can accommodate a measuring tip 300a for measuring a sample or a mixed liquid, and transports the measuring tip 300a. As shown in Fig. 26, the transport mechanism 219c according to this modification includes a turntable 2199 and a support unit 21910. The transport mechanism 219c corresponds to the transport unit in this modification.

[0170] The rotating table 2199 can mount the measuring chip 300a and rotates to transport the measuring chip 300a along a predetermined transport path. As shown in FIG. 26, the rotating table 2199 according to this modification is provided with a measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 for mounting the measuring chip 300a. The outer wall of the measuring chip 300a is mounted in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1. That is, the mounting portion 304 of the measuring chip 300a according to this modification is the outer wall of the chip body 301. In the example shown in FIG. 26, four measuring chip mounting holes 2199_1 are provided, but the number of measuring chip mounting holes 2199_1 is not limited to this. That is, the number of measuring chip mounting holes 2199_1 is arbitrary.

[0171] The support portion 21910 supports the turntable 2199. Specifically, the support portion 21910 supports the turntable 2199 so that the turntable 2199 can rotate and move up and down. The turntable 2199 is attached to one end of the support portion 21910, and the other end is connected to the drive mechanism 4.

[0172] The transport mechanism 219c according to this modification transports the measuring chip 300a from the supply unit 218 to the disposal unit 220b so that the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 of the rotating table and the measuring chip 300a mounted in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 pass through the transport path. The transport path of the measuring chip 300 mounted in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 is formed on a rotation orbit accompanying rotation around the support unit 21910 of the rotating table 2199.

[0173] The disposal unit 220b discards the measuring tip 300a after the measurement is completed. As shown in Fig. 2, in this modification, the disposal unit 220b includes a disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 and a disposal guide 2203. The configuration of the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 is the same as the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 of the first embodiment, which is the same as the disposal measuring tip storage unit 2201 of the second embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0174] The disposal guide 2203 is a guide member for removing the measuring tip 300a transported to the disposal position P13 from the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 and storing it in the discard measuring tip storage section 2201. This disposal guide 2203 is provided above the discard measuring tip storage section 2201.

[0175] The suction unit 223 is provided separately from the transport mechanism 219c, and aspirates a sample or a mixed liquid into the measuring tip 300a attached to the turntable 2199. The suction unit 223 according to this modification is provided near the transport mechanism 219c and the reaction disk 201, and aspirates a sample or a mixed liquid into the measuring tip 300a transported to the reaction container position P12. The suction unit 223 corresponds to the suction section in this modification.

[0176] The configuration of the suction unit 223 according to this modified example will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction unit 223 according to this modified example. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the suction unit 223 is configured to include a measuring chip mounting portion 2231, a suction arm 2232, a measuring portion 2233, a connecting portion 2234, a plunger 2235, a measuring chip removal mechanism 2236, a heating portion 2237, and a temperature sensor 2238.

[0177] The measuring chip attachment part 2231 is attached to the measuring chip 300a when a sample or a mixed liquid is aspirated into the measuring chip 300. The measuring chip attachment part 2231 is provided at one end of the suction arm 2232. The measuring chip attachment part 2231 has a hollow part 2231_1 inside for attaching a plunger 2235.

[0178] The suction arm 2232 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction by the drive mechanism 4. Although the suction arm 2232 shown in Fig. 26 is composed of one transfer arm, the number of suction arms 2232 is not limited to this. In other words, the number of suction arms 2232 is arbitrary. For example, the suction arm 2232 may be composed of two or more arms.

[0179] The measuring unit 2233 measures the potential of a plurality of terminals 303 provided on the measuring chip 300a transported by the transport mechanism 219c. Specifically, the measuring unit 2233 measures the potential between the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034 for the sample or mixed liquid. The measuring unit 2233 outputs the measured potential data to the analysis circuit 3 as standard data or test data. The measuring unit 2233 according to this modification measures the potential of the plurality of terminals 303 via a connection unit 2234 provided on the suction unit 223. The measuring unit 2233 according to this modification is provided in the suction unit 223, for example.

[0180] The connection part 2234 is a connection terminal provided in the suction unit 223 and electrically connected to the measurement part 2233. Specifically, one end of the connection part 2234 is electrically connected to the measurement part 2233, and the other end of the connection part 2234 can be connected to a plurality of terminals 303 provided in the measuring chip 300a. This connection part 2234 has a plurality of connection terminals to measure the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode. The number of connection terminals provided in this connection part 2234 corresponds to the number of the plurality of terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a. The connection part 2234 according to this modification has four connection terminals to connect the ISEs 3031 to 3033 and the reference electrode 3034.

[0181] The plunger 2235 is attached to the hollow portion 2231_1 of the measuring chip attachment portion 2231. The plunger 2235 moves up and down within the hollow portion 2231_1, thereby allowing the sample or the mixed liquid to be sucked into the measuring chip 300a.

[0182] The measuring chip removal mechanism 2236 is a mechanism for removing the measuring chip 300a attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2231. In the example shown in Fig. 27, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2236 is connected to a mechanism (not shown) that moves the measuring chip removal mechanism 2236 up and down. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 27, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2236 can move up and down with respect to the measuring chip attachment part 2231.

[0183] The heating unit 2237 heats the sample or mixture contained in the measuring chip 300a. The heating unit 2237 is controlled by the control circuit 9 based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2238. In the example shown in Fig. 27, the heating unit 2237 is attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2231, and heats the sample or mixture of the measuring chip 300a attached to the measuring chip attachment part 2231 via the measuring chip attachment part 2231. In this modification, the heating unit 2237 is, for example, a heater.

[0184] The temperature sensor 2238 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the sample or mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip 300a. In the example shown in Fig. 27, the temperature sensor 2238 is attached to the tip of the measuring chip attachment portion 2231. The measurement result of this temperature sensor 2238 is output to the control circuit 9.

[0185] 28 is a diagram showing an example of the transport path of the measuring chip 300a in the transport mechanism 219c according to this modified example and each position on the transport path, and corresponds to FIG. 6 showing the transport path of the first embodiment equivalent to the transport path of the second embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 28, each position on the transport path TP4 according to this modified example is configured by adding a positioning position P15 to each position on the transport path according to the first embodiment described above. In this modified example, the configuration and function other than the positioning position P15 are the same as those in FIG. 6 showing the transport path of the first embodiment equivalent to the transport path of the second embodiment described above, so that the description will be omitted.

[0186] The positioning position P15 is a position where the positioning mechanism 2183a positions the measuring tip 300a. The positioning position P15 according to this modification is provided at a position where the rotation orbit of the transport mechanism 219c intersects with a line segment extending vertically from the center of the positioning mechanism 2183a.

[0187] Next, the electrolyte item measurement process according to this modification will be described with reference to Figs. 29 and 30. Fig. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this modification, and corresponds to Fig. 8 in the first embodiment equivalent to the second embodiment. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an operation example of the transport mechanism 219c according to this modification, and corresponds to Fig. 9 in the first embodiment equivalent to the second embodiment. In this electrolyte item measurement process, the measuring tip 300a is used to measure electrolyte items, and the measuring tip 300a after the measurement is completed is discarded. For example, this electrolyte item measurement process is a process executed at the timing when the measurement of the electrolyte items is started.

[0188] First, as shown in FIG. 29, in the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this modification, the automatic analyzer 1 mounts the measuring chip 300a. (Step S71). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to mount the measuring chip 300a in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 of the turntable 2199. More specifically, the transport control function 93 lowers the turntable 2199 to supply the measuring chip 300a to the supply position P11, and then raises the turntable 2199 to insert the measuring chip 300a into the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 from below the measuring chip 300a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 30(a), the transport control function 93 mounts the measuring chip 300a in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1.

[0189] 29, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring chip 300a to the positioning position P15 (step S73). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to transport the measuring chip 300a attached to the measuring chip attachment hole 2199_1 of the turntable 2199 to the positioning position P15.

[0190] 29, the automatic analyzer 1 positions the measuring chip 300a (step S75). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 lowers the rotating table 2199 at the positioning position P15, sets the measuring chip 300a in the positioning mechanism, and controls the positioning mechanism 2183a so that the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a are positioned at predetermined positions based on an image captured by an optical camera (not shown) that captures the measuring chip 300a.

[0191] Next, as shown in Fig. 29, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring tip 300a to the reaction vessel position P12 (step S77). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to transport the measuring tip 300a attached to the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 to the reaction vessel position P12. More specifically, the transport control function 93 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the turntable 2199. As a result, as shown in Fig. 30(b), the transport control function 93 transports the measuring tip 300a attached to the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 to the reaction vessel position P12.

[0192] 29, the automatic analyzer 1 lowers the transport mechanism 219c (step S79). The transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 at the reaction vessel position P12 to lower the turntable 2199 of the transport mechanism 219c so that the measuring tip 300a attached to the measuring tip attachment hole 2199_1 comes into contact with the sample or mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 2011.

[0193] Next, as shown in FIG. 29, the automatic analyzer 1 attaches the suction unit 223 (step S81). The system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 at the reaction vessel position P12 to lower the suction unit 223, and attaches the measuring chip attachment portion 2231 to the measuring chip 300a, as shown in FIG. 30(c). At this time, the connection portion 2234 of the suction unit 223 and the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a are also electrically connected. Note that the process of step S19 after this step S81 is the same as the process of the first embodiment, which is the same as the process of the second embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0194] 29, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the temperature (step S83). The temperature control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the heating unit 2237 so that the temperature of the sample or mixed liquid becomes a predetermined temperature based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2238. Note that if the sample or mixed liquid aspirated in step S81 has reached the predetermined temperature, the process of this step S83 is omitted.

[0195] 29, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the potential (step S85). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 causes the measurement unit 2233 to measure the potential of each of the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300a via the connection unit 2234. Moreover, the processes of steps S25 and S27 after this step S83 are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0196] Next, as shown in Fig. 29, the automatic analyzer 1 removes the suction unit 223 (step S87). The system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to raise the turntable 2199 and the suction unit 223 of the transport mechanism 219c at the reaction vessel position P12, and controls the measuring tip removal mechanism 2236 of the suction unit 223 to remove the measuring tip attachment portion 2231 from the measuring tip 300a, as shown in Fig. 30(d).

[0197] Next, as shown in Fig. 29, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the measuring tip 300a to the disposal position P13 (step S89). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 as shown in Fig. 9(e) to rotate the turntable 2199 of the transport mechanism 219c, and transports the measuring tip 300a for which measurement has been completed to the disposal position P13 as shown in Fig. 30(e).

[0198] Next, as shown in FIG. 29, the automatic analyzer 1 discards the measuring tip 300a (step S91). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to discard the measuring tip 300a in the disposal section 220. More specifically, the transport control function 93 lowers the turntable 2199 to bring the measuring tip 300a attached to the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 into contact with the disposal guide 2203, and removes the measuring tip 300a from the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1, thereby discarding the measuring tip 300a in the discarded measuring tip storage section 2201 as shown in FIG. 30(f). By executing this step S91, the electrolyte item measurement process according to this modification is completed.

[0199] In the electrolyte item measurement process according to the present modified example described above, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the concentration of the target substance in step S25, outputs the calculation result in step S27, and then removes the suction unit 223 in step S87, transports the measuring tip 300a to the disposal position P13 in step S89, and discards the measuring tip 300a in step S91, but the timing of performing the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300a in steps S87, S89, and S91 is not limited to this. That is, the timing of performing the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300a in steps S87, S89, and S91 is arbitrary, and for example, the disposal operation of the measuring tip 300a in steps S87, S89, and S91 may be performed after measuring the potential in step S23. In this case, the calculation of the concentration of the target substance in step S25 and the output of the calculation result in step S27 may be performed in parallel with the disposal operation of the measuring chip 300a in steps S87, S89, and S91, or may be performed after the disposal operation of the measuring chip 300a in steps S87, S89, and S91 is completed.

[0200] As described above, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this modification, when measuring an electrolyte item, the disposable measuring tip 300a is transported by the rotating table 2199 provided with the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 as the transport mechanism 219c, and is sucked into the measuring tip 300a by the suction unit 223, and the potential of the sample or mixed solution is measured by the multiple terminals 303 provided on the measuring tip 300a, and the concentration of the target substance is calculated based on the measured potential, so that cleaning of the transport mechanism 219c is not required every time an electrolyte item is measured. As a result, even when the rotating table 2199 provided with the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1 is used as the transport mechanism 219c in measuring an electrolyte item, the throughput can be improved.

[0201] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this modification, the measurement unit 2193 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 303 while the sample or mixed liquid is contained in the measurement tip 300, so the sample or mixed liquid does not come into contact with the transport mechanism 219. As a result, the occurrence of carryover can be reduced.

[0202] Furthermore, in the automatic analysis device 1 of this modified example, multiple measurement chips 300 can be transported, and before the measurement of one measurement chip 300a is completed, preparation for measurement of another measurement chip 300a is simultaneously performed, thereby improving throughput.

[0203] In the above-mentioned modified example 2, the measuring tip 300a is brought into contact with the disposal guide 2203 by the downward movement of the transport mechanism 219c, and the measuring tip 300a is disposed of in the discarded measuring tip storage section 2201, but the method of disposing of the measuring tip 300a is not limited to using the disposal guide 2203. A mechanism for transporting the measuring tip 300a to be disposed of from the transport mechanism 219c to the discarded measuring tip storage section 2201 may be provided.

[0204] Moreover, the above-mentioned modified example 2 can also be applied to the third embodiment and modified example 1. When this modified example is applied to the third embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 according to modified example 2 does not need the suction unit 223, and therefore, instead of the suction unit 223, it is sufficient to have a mechanism for electrically connecting a connection part electrically connected to the measurement part to a plurality of terminals 303 of the measurement chip 300a.

[0205] In the above-mentioned modified example 2, the suction unit 223 includes the heating part 2237 and the temperature sensor 2238, and the heating part 2237 is controlled based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2238 to control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid in the measuring chip 300a attached to the suction unit 223, but this is not limited to the above. That is, the heating part 2237 and the temperature sensor 2238 may be provided at any location, and for example, the rotating table 2199 may include the heating part 2237 and the temperature sensor 2238, or the supply part 218a may include the heating part 2237 and the temperature sensor 2238. Also, without including the heating part 2237 and the temperature sensor 2238, the temperature control function 92 may control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by controlling the thermostatic part 202, and the sample or the mixed liquid at a predetermined temperature may be aspirated.

[0206] In the above-mentioned modified example 2, the turntable 2199 is provided with only the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1, but the turntable may be provided with a measuring chip mounting hole and a measuring chip mounting groove. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the transport mechanism 219c provided in the analysis mechanism 2 according to modified example 2. In the example shown in Fig. 31, the turntable 2199a is provided with a measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1a and a measuring chip mounting groove 2199_2.

[0207] The measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1a is formed by a mounting hole 2199_11 and a disposal hole 2199_12. The disposal hole 2199_12 is formed to be larger than the mounting hole 2199_11. The measuring chip mounting groove 2199_2 is formed so that the measuring chip 300a supplied to the supply position P11 can be attached thereto.

[0208] An operation example of the transport mechanism 219c including the rotating table 2199a will be described with reference to FIG. 32 and FIG. 33. FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 are diagrams showing the transport path of the measuring chip 300a in another example of the configuration of the transport mechanism 219c according to this modified example, each position on the transport path, and an operation example of the transport mechanism 219c. As shown in FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32(b), the rotating table 2199a moves the measuring chip mounting groove 2199_2 to the supply position P11 and mounts the measuring chip 300a in the measuring chip mounting groove 2199_2. Then, as shown in FIG. 32(c), the rotating table 2199a transports the measuring chip 300a mounted in the measuring chip mounting groove 2199_2 to the positioning position P15, and positions the measuring chip 300a by the positioning mechanism 2183a. Next, as shown in FIG. 32(d), the rotating table 2199a transports the measuring chip 300a to the reaction vessel position P12. Then, at the reaction vessel position P12, the suction unit 223 is attached to the measuring tip 300a.

[0209] Next, as shown in FIG. 33(a), the suction unit 223 removes the measuring tip 300a from the measuring tip mounting groove 2199_2 of the rotating table 2199a by moving in the horizontal direction, and aspirates the sample or mixture contained in the reaction container 2011 into the measuring tip 300a. Then, as shown in FIG. 33(b), the suction unit 223 mounts the measuring tip 300a for which measurement has been completed in the mounting hole 2199_11 of the measuring tip mounting hole 2199_1a after the measurement is completed. Then, as shown in FIG. 33(c), the rotating table 2199a rotates to transport the measuring tip 300a mounted in the mounting hole 2199_11 to the disposal position P13. At this time, as the measuring tip 300a mounted in the mounting hole 2199_11 approaches the disposal position P13, it comes into contact with the disposal guide 2203 and moves to the disposal hole 2199_12. Then, as shown in FIG. 33(d), when the measuring tip 300a is transported to the discard position P13, the measuring tip 300a moves from the attachment hole 2199_11 to the discard hole 2199_12, and is discarded from the discard hole 2199_12 to the discard measuring tip storage section 2201.

[0210] As described above, even with the turntable 2199a including the measuring chip mounting holes 2199_1a and the measuring chip mounting grooves 2199_2, the throughput can be improved as in the second modification.

[0211] [Modification 3] In the automated analyzer 1 according to the first to third embodiments described above, a correction unit for correcting the position of the measuring chip 300 in the rotational direction may be provided in the measuring chip mounting portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219, and a guide unit for guiding the correction unit may be provided in the chip body 301 of the measuring chip 300, thereby correcting the position of the chip body 301 in the rotational direction so that the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are positioned at predetermined positions relative to the transport mechanism 219. Below, a case where a modification example is applied to the first embodiment described above will be referred to as modification example 3, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0212] Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transport mechanism 219 according to the third modified example, and corresponds to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 34, the transport mechanism 219 according to this embodiment differs from the transport mechanism 219 according to the first embodiment described above in terms of the measuring chip mounted part and the measuring chip detaching mechanism, and therefore in this embodiment, they are referred to as the measuring chip mounted part 2191b and the measuring chip detaching mechanism 2196b. Note that the configurations and functions other than the measuring chip mounted part 2191b and the measuring chip detaching mechanism 2196b are the same as those in Fig. 5 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0213] As shown in Fig. 34, the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b according to this embodiment includes a correction portion 2191_1 for correcting the rotational position of the measuring chip 300. The correction portion 2191_1 is inserted into a guide portion of the measuring chip 300 described later, thereby correcting the rotational position of the measuring chip 300 mounted on the measuring chip mounting portion 2191 of the transport mechanism 219. This correction portion 2191_1 is formed on the outer periphery of the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b. As shown in Fig. 34, the correction portion 2191_1 according to this embodiment is a protrusion formed in an inverted triangular shape.

[0214] 34, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b according to this embodiment is formed so as not to interfere with the correction unit 2191_1 when removing the measuring chip 300 from the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b. For example, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b is formed in a C-shape when viewed from the mounting direction (vertically downward) of the measuring chip 300. Note that other configurations of the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b according to this embodiment are similar to those of the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0215] Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring chip 300 according to Modification 3, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 35, the measuring chip 300 according to this embodiment has a different chip body from the measuring chip 300 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, in this embodiment, it is referred to as chip body 301b. Note that the configuration other than the chip body 301b is the same as Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0216] The chip body 301b according to this embodiment is formed with a guide portion 3011 for guiding the correction portion 2191_1. This guide portion 3011 is a cutout formed in a shape corresponding to the correction portion 2191_1. As shown in FIG. 35, the guide portion 3011 according to this embodiment is a cutout formed in an inverted triangular shape so as to correspond to the inverted triangular correction portion 2191_1. This guide portion 3011 is formed at a predetermined position of the chip body 301b.

[0217] 8, in step S13, the system control function 91 controls the positioning mechanism 2183 based on the image captured by the optical camera to position the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 at predetermined positions. In step S15, the transport control function 93 controls the drive mechanism 4 to lower the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b. The transport control function 93 then mounts the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b on the mounting portion 304 of the measuring chip 300 while inserting the correction portion 2191_1 of the measuring chip 300 into the guide portion 3011.

[0218] Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring chip 300 according to this modified example is mounted on the transport mechanism 219. As shown in Fig. 36, when the measuring chip mounted portion 2191b is mounted on the mounting portion 304 of the measuring chip 300, the guide portion 3011 of the measuring chip 300 is inserted into the correction portion 2191_1 of the transport mechanism 219, whereby the position of the measuring chip 300 in the rotational direction relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected. Then, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 and the connection portion 2194 of the transport mechanism 219 are connected.

[0219] As described above, according to the automatic analysis device 1 of this modified example, a correction section 2191_1 for correcting the rotational position of the measurement chip 300 is provided on the measurement chip attachment section 2191 of the transport mechanism 219, and a guide section 3011 for guiding the correction section 2191_1 is provided on the chip body 301 of the measurement chip 300, and by inserting the guide section 3011 into the correction section 2191_1, the rotational position of the measurement chip 300 relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected and the multiple terminals 303 and the connection section 2194 are connected. Therefore, the multiple terminals 303 can be positioned at positions corresponding to the connection section 2194 with greater accuracy than when the multiple terminals 303 are positioned at positions corresponding to the connection section 2194 based solely on an image captured by an optical camera.

[0220] In addition, in the above-mentioned modified example 3, a correction section may be provided in the measuring chip mounting section 2191b, and a guide section may be provided in the chip body 301. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing another example of the transport mechanism 219 and the measuring chip 300 according to the modified example 3. FIG. 37(a) is a diagram showing the configurations of the guide section and the correction section, and corresponds to FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 in the above-mentioned modified example 3. FIG. 37(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the measuring chip 300 shown in FIG. 37(a) is mounted on the transport mechanism 219, and corresponds to FIG. 36 in the above-mentioned modified example 3.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 37(a), the chip body 301 is provided with a correction section 3012, and the measuring chip mounting section 2191b is provided with a guide section 2191_2. The correction section 3012 and the guide section 2191_2 correspond to the correction section 2191_1 and the guide section 3011, respectively, and have substantially the same functions, so that the description is omitted. Then, as shown in FIG. 37(b), the measuring chip mounting section 2191b is mounted on the mounting section 304, and the correction section 3012 of the measuring chip 300 is inserted into the guide section 2191_2 of the measuring chip mounting section 2191b, whereby the position of the measuring chip 300 in the rotation direction relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected. Then, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are connected to the connection section 2194 of the transport mechanism 219. That is, similarly to the cases shown in Figures 34 to 36, the rotational position of the measuring tip 300 relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected, so that the multiple terminals 303 can be positioned at positions corresponding to the connection portions 2194 with greater accuracy.

[0222] In addition, in the above-described modified example 3, the guide portion 3011 and the correcting portion 2191_1 are formed in an inverted triangular shape, but the shapes of the guide portion 3011 and the correcting portion 2191_1 are not limited to this. That is, the shapes of the guide portion 3011 and the correcting portion 2191_1 are arbitrary. In addition, the guide portion 3011 and the correcting portion 2191_1 do not have to have the same shape. That is, the guide portion 3011 and the correcting portion 2191_1 may have different shapes.

[0223] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing another example of the transport mechanism 219 and the measuring chip 300 according to the third modification. In the example shown in FIG. 38, the correction unit 2191_1a is a protrusion formed in a rectangular shape with a pointed tip on the side inserted into the guide unit 3011a. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 38, the guide unit 3011a is a notched shape formed in a rectangular shape with a pointed bottom so as to correspond to the shape of the correction unit 2191_1a. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 38, the guide unit 3011 has an insertion opening for inserting the correction unit 2191_1a that is shaped to be inclined toward the center of the guide unit 3011a.

[0224] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing another example of a state in which the measuring chip 300 according to this modified example is mounted on the transport mechanism 219. As shown in FIG. 39, the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b is mounted on the mounting portion 304 of the measuring chip 300, and the correction portion 2191_1a of the transport mechanism 219 is inserted into the guide portion 3011a of the measuring chip 300. As a result, similar to the example shown in FIG. 36, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 and the connection portion 2194 of the transport mechanism 219 are connected. Note that, as shown in FIG. 39, in a state in which the correction portion 2191_1a is inserted into the guide portion 3011a, a space may be provided between the correction portion 2191_1a and the guide portion 3011a.

[0225] 38 and 39, the multiple terminals 303 can be positioned at the positions corresponding to the connecting portion 2194 with higher accuracy than when the multiple terminals 303 are positioned at the positions corresponding to the connecting portion 2194 based only on the captured image of the optical camera. Furthermore, since the guide portion 3011a has a shape inclined toward the center of the guide portion 3011a, when the measuring chip mounting portion 2191b descends and the correction portion 2191_1a is inserted into the guide portion 3011a, the correcting portion 2191_1a rotates the measuring chip 300 along the shape inclined toward the center of the guide portion 3011a, and the position of the measuring chip 300 in the rotation direction relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected. Therefore, the multiple terminals 303 can be positioned at the positions corresponding to the connecting portion 2194, even if the error in the positioning of the measuring chip 300 by the positioning mechanism 2183 is large.

[0226] In the example shown in Figures 38 and 39, a guide section may be provided on the measuring chip mounting section 2191b, and a correction section may be provided on the chip body 301b. Figure 40 is a diagram showing another example of the guide section and correction section shown in Figures 38 and 39. Figure 40(a) is a diagram showing the configurations of the guide section and correction section, and corresponds to Figure 38 described above. Also, Figure 40(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the measuring chip 300 shown in Figure 40(a) is mounted on the transport mechanism 219, and corresponds to Figure 39 described above.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 40(a), the chip body 301 is provided with a correction section 3012a, and the measuring chip mounting section 2191b is provided with a guide section 2191_2a. The correction section 3012a and the guide section 2191_2a correspond to the correction section 2191_1a and the guide section 3011a, respectively, and have substantially the same functions, so that the description is omitted. Then, as shown in FIG. 40(b), the measuring chip mounting section 2191b is mounted on the mounting section 304, and the correction section 3012a of the measuring chip 300 is inserted into the guide section 2191_2a of the measuring chip mounting section 2191b, whereby the position of the measuring chip 300 in the rotation direction relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected. Then, the multiple terminals 303 of the measuring chip 300 are connected to the connection section 2194 of the transport mechanism 219. That is, similarly to the cases shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the position of the measuring tip 300 in the rotational direction relative to the transport mechanism 219 is corrected, so that the multiple terminals 303 can be positioned at positions corresponding to the connection parts 2194.

[0228] In the above-mentioned modified example 3, the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b is formed in a C-shape when viewed from the mounting direction (vertically downward) of the measuring chip 300, but the shape of the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b is not limited to this. That is, the shape of the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b is arbitrary, and may be, for example, cylindrical or rectangular as long as the measuring chip removal mechanism 2196b and the correction unit 2191_1 do not interfere with each other when removing the measuring chip 300 from the measuring chip mounting part 2191b.

[0229] Furthermore, although the modified example 3 has been described as a modified example of the above-mentioned first embodiment, it can also be applied to the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the modified example 1, and the modified example 2. When the modified example 3 is applied to the modified example 1, in addition to the correction unit and the guide unit provided in the measuring chip 300c and the transport mechanism 219b, or instead of the correction unit and the guide unit provided in the measuring chip 300c and the transport mechanism 219b, either one of the correction unit or the guide unit may be provided on the outer periphery of the chip body 301 of the measuring chip 300c, and the other of the correction unit or the guide unit may be provided on the measuring chip mounting part 2221 of the measuring chip installation part 222. Furthermore, when applying variant example 3 to variant example 2, in addition to the correction unit and guide unit provided in the measuring chip 300a and the transport mechanism 219c, or instead of the correction unit and guide unit provided in the measuring chip 300a and the transport mechanism 219c, either a correction unit or a guide unit may be provided on the outer periphery of the chip body 301 of the measuring chip 300c, and the other of either a correction unit or a guide unit may be provided in the measuring chip mounting hole 2199_1 of the rotating table 2199.

[0230] [Other Modifications] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, modified example 1 and modified example 2, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user when the amount of the measuring chips stored in the storage section 216 is less than a predetermined amount and when the amount of the measuring chips discarded in the disposal section 220, 220a is more than a predetermined amount, but the case of reporting to the user is not limited to this. For example, when an abnormality occurs such as a measuring chip not being supplied to the supply position P11, an image of the supply position P11 cannot be acquired by the optical camera, a sample cannot be normally aspirated, or a potential cannot be measured, the first reporting function 94 or the second reporting function 95 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 may report to the user. In addition, when an abnormality occurs, the measurement of the electrolyte item may be temporarily suspended until the abnormality is resolved.

[0231] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the transport mechanism 219 includes the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198, and the heating unit 2197 is controlled based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 2198 to control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid in the measuring chip 300 attached to the transport mechanism 219, but this is not limited to the above. That is, the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198 may be provided at any location, and for example, the supply unit 218 may include the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198. Also, the transport mechanism 219 may not include the heating unit 2197 and the temperature sensor 2198, and the temperature control function 92 may control the temperature of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by controlling the thermostatic unit 202, thereby aspirating the sample or the mixed liquid at a predetermined temperature.

[0232] In addition, the automatic analyzer 1 of the first to third embodiments described above is described as being applied to an automatic analyzer that performs a biochemical test, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the first to third embodiments are also applicable to other automatic analyzers that measure electrolyte items, such as an automatic analyzer that performs a blood coagulation analysis test.

[0233] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. Instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 8, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0234] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel device and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0235] 1...automatic analyzer, 2...analysis mechanism, 3...analysis circuit, 4...drive mechanism, 5...input interface, 6...output interface, 7...communication interface, 8...memory circuit, 9...control circuit, 91...system control function, 92...temperature control function, 93...transport control function, 94...first report function, 95...second report function, 201...reaction disk, 202...constant temperature section, 203...rack sampler, 204...first reagent storage, 205...second reagent storage, 206...sample dispensing arm, 207...sample dispensing probe, 208...first reagent dispensing arm, 209...first reagent dispensing probe, 210...second reagent dispensing arm, 211...second Reagent dispensing probe, 212...first mixing unit, 213...second mixing unit, 214...photometric unit, 215...washing unit, 216...storage section, 217...first detection section, 218, 218a...supply section, 219, 219a, 219b, 219c...transport mechanism, 220, 220a, 220b...disposal section, 221...second detection section, 222...measuring tip installation section, 223...suction unit, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c...measuring tip, 301, 301a...tip body, 302...suction port, 303, 303a, 303b...multiple terminals, 304, 304a...mounting section, 305...holding section, NW...hospital network

Claims

1. a chip body that accommodates a sample or a mixture obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent that reacts with the sample or a diluent that dilutes the sample; a suction port provided in the tip body for suctioning the sample or the mixed liquid; a plurality of terminals provided on the chip body for measuring a concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixed liquid aspirated through the aspirating port; a mounting section for mounting the chip body on a transport section of an automatic analyzer; The measurement chip comprises:

2. The measurement chip according to claim 1 , further comprising a holding section provided on the chip body, the holding section holding the sample or the mixed liquid aspirated from the suction port.

3. The measuring chip according to claim 1 , wherein the chip body sucks the sample or the mixed liquid through the suction port by capillary action.

4. The measuring chip according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of terminals are provided on the chip body such that an axial direction of each of the plurality of terminals is perpendicular to a radial direction of the suction port.

5. The measurement chip according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of terminals are provided on the chip body such that one end of each of the plurality of terminals is exposed to the outside from an outer wall of the chip body and an axial direction of each of the plurality of terminals is parallel to a radial direction of the suction port.

6. 6. The measuring chip according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of terminals include an ion-selective electrode that selectively detects an electrolyte contained in the sample or the mixed liquid, and a reference electrode that generates a constant potential.

7. a conveying unit that can be fitted with a measuring chip for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample, and that conveys the measuring chip; a measuring unit that measures potentials of a plurality of terminals provided on the measuring chip transported by the transport unit; a calculation unit that calculates a concentration of a target substance of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the measurement chip based on the potential measured by the measurement unit; and An automatic analyzer comprising:

8. The conveying unit is a measuring chip mounting portion to which the measuring chip is mounted; a transport arm that transports the measuring chip attached to the measuring chip attachment portion along a predetermined transport path; The automated analyzer of claim 7 .

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8 , further comprising an aspirating unit provided in the transport unit and configured to aspirate the sample or the mixed liquid into the measuring tip attached to the measuring tip receiving portion of the transport unit.

10. A connection unit is provided in the transport unit and electrically connected to the measurement unit, The automated analyzer according to claim 8 , wherein the measurement unit measures the potentials of the plurality of terminals via the connection unit provided in the transport unit.

11. The conveying unit is a rotating table to which the measuring chip can be attached and which rotates so as to transport the measuring chip along a predetermined transport path; A support portion that supports the rotary table; The automated analyzer of claim 7 .

12. The automated analyzer according to claim 11 , further comprising an aspirating unit that aspirates the sample or the mixed liquid into the measurement tip attached to the rotating table.

13. A connection unit is provided in the suction unit and electrically connected to the measurement unit, The automated analyzer according to claim 12 , wherein the measurement unit measures the electric potentials of the plurality of terminals via the connection unit provided in the suction unit.

14. A measuring chip installation unit for installing the measuring chip is provided on the transport path of the transport unit and has a connection unit electrically connected to the measurement unit, The automated analyzer according to claim 7 , wherein the measurement section measures the potentials of the plurality of terminals via the connection section provided on the measuring chip installation section.

15. The automated analyzer according to claim 7 , further comprising a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of at least one of the measuring chip, the sample contained in the measuring chip, and the mixed liquid contained in the measuring chip.

16. A storage section for storing the measurement chip; The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 , further comprising a supply unit that supplies the measuring chip stored in the storage unit to a supply position that is a position where the measuring chip is supplied.

17. a first detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the measuring chip stored in the storage unit; The automatic analyzer according to claim 16, further comprising a first reporting unit that reports to a user when the remaining amount of the measurement chip stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount based on the detection result of the first detection unit.

18. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 , further comprising a disposal unit for disposing of the measuring chip after the measurement by the measuring unit is completed.

19. A second detection unit that detects the amount of the measuring tips discarded in the discard unit; 20. The automated analyzer according to claim 18, further comprising a second reporting unit that reports to a user when the amount of the measurement tips discarded in the disposal unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on a detection result of the second detection unit.

20. A measurement chip for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample; an automatic analysis device that analyzes the sample using the sample or the mixed solution contained in the measurement chip, The measuring chip includes: A chip body that accommodates the sample or the mixed liquid; a suction port provided in the tip body for suctioning the sample or the mixed liquid; a plurality of terminals provided on the tip body for measuring a concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixed liquid aspirated through the aspirating port; The automated analyzer comprises: a transport unit that allows the measurement chip to be attached and transports the measurement chip; a measuring unit that measures the potentials of the terminals provided on the measuring chip transported by the transport unit; a calculation unit that calculates a concentration of a target substance of the sample or the mixed solution contained in the chip body based on the potential measured by the measurement unit. Automated analysis system.

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