Automatic analyzer and measurement tape

Abstract

To accurately supply a measurement sheet to a measurement unit one at a time.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer includes holding means, separating means, conveying means, and measuring means. The holding means holds a measurement tape including a plurality of measurement sheets having a measured part for measuring a dispensed sample. The separating means separates the measurement sheet from the measurement tape. The conveying means conveys the separated measurement sheet to a measurement position. The measuring means performs the measurement on the measurement sheet that has been conveyed to the measurement position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that optically and electrically measures the concentration or activity of components contained in samples such as blood or urine by utilizing chemical reactions with test reagents. Some automatic analyzers perform various measurements by supplying disposable paper measurement sheets to a measurement unit. For example, one measurement sheet is provided with measurement areas for one cycle, where various analysis items are measured. Using a paper measurement sheet eliminates the need to clean the measurement unit, and throughput can be increased.

[0003] Since the measurement sheet with the measurement parts for one cycle is small, it is difficult to accurately supply the measurement sheets one by one to the measurement part. On the other hand, if a large measurement sheet with the measurement parts for multiple cycles is used, the position of the measurement parts cannot be controlled for each cycle, so multiple measurement positions are required. This requires a mechanism to move the measurement part, which increases costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-132800 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 accurately supply a measurement sheet to a measurement unit. 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 automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a holding means, a separating means, a transporting means, and a measuring means. The holding means holds a measurement tape including a plurality of measurement sheets each having a measurement target portion for measuring a dispensed sample. The separating means separates the measurement sheets from the measurement tape. The transporting means transports the separated measurement sheets to a measurement position. The measuring means performs the measurement on the measurement sheets transported to the measurement position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement sheet according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the separation means according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the conveying means according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit and the disposal unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the measurement process performed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring tape is fed to the conveying means from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring tape is fixed to the conveying means from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how the measuring tape is separated from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is transported in the transport direction from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring device approaches the measurement sheet from the state shown in FIG. 12 to perform measurement. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring device is separated from the measurement sheet from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet after completion of measurement is transported to a disposal section from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how the next measurement is performed from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring tape is supplied to the conveying means from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is cut off from the measurement tape from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is transported from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a conveying unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit and the disposal unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring tape is fed to the conveying means from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is cut off from the measurement tape from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is transported from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet is transported in the transport direction from the state shown in FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which the measuring device approaches the measurement sheet from the state shown in FIG. 29 to perform measurement. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet after completion of measurement is transported to a disposal section from the state shown in FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing how the next measurement is performed from the state shown in FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing how the measurement sheet after completion of measurement is transported to a disposal section from the state shown in FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement unit according to another modified example of the embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a top view of the measuring tape in FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state in which the measurement sheet separated from the measurement tape in FIG. 34 is fixed to a conveying means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a measuring tape and an automatic analyzer will be described in detail 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 repeated description will be given only when necessary.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to a first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 includes 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 ejects a sample such as blood or urine onto the measurement sheet. Depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 also ejects a standard solution obtained by diluting the sample at a predetermined ratio onto the measurement sheet described below. The analysis mechanism 2 uses the measurement sheet to react the sample with a reagent and measures the characteristics of the sample by measuring a specific component contained in the sample. Measurement methods include color measurement and electrode measurement. In color measurement, a reagent that reacts with a specific component in the sample is used to measure the color change of the sample that has reacted with the reagent. In electrode measurement, an electrode that generates a potential according to the amount of a specific component such as an electrolyte is used to measure the potential of the electrode that has reacted with the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 generates standard data and test data including the measurement results. The sample may be called a specimen.

[0011] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analysis data by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3, for example, reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8, and analyzes the standard data and test data according to the read analysis program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 calculates the concentration of a specific component contained in the sample (specimen) based on the color change and electric potential of the sample measured by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 may include a storage area that stores at least a part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8.

[0012] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

[0013] The input interface 5 receives settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to a sample instructed to be measured by an operator or a sample requested to be measured via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad where instructions are input by touching the operation surface, and a touch panel. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. The input interface 5 is an example of an input means.

[0014] In this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, the input interface 5 may include 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.

[0015] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal provided from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, etc. The output interface 6 notifies the user of the residual water detection result. The output interface 6 is an example of a notification means. The notification means may be called a reporting means.

[0016] 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 may also include a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer. The printing circuit may also include an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker. The audio device may also include an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside. The output interface 6 may be realized as a touch panel or a touch screen together with the input interface 5.

[0017] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, a hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) via a laboratory department system connected to the hospital network NW.

[0018] The memory circuitry 8 stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuitry 3 and a control program for realizing the functions of the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each test item. The memory circuitry 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each sample. The memory circuitry 8 stores a test order input by an operator or a test order received by the communication interface 7 via the hospital network NW.

[0019] The memory circuit 8 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit that stores various information. The memory circuit 8 may be a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, in addition to an HDD or SSD. The memory circuit 8 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory circuit 8 may be called a memory.

[0020] The memory circuit 8 stores programs executed by the control circuit 9, various data used in the processing of the control circuit 9, and the like. As the program, for example, a program that is installed in advance in a computer from a network or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium and causes the computer to realize each function of the control circuit 9 is used. Note that the various data handled in this specification are typically digital data. The memory circuit 8 is an example of a storage means.

[0021] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes a program read from the storage circuit 8 to execute a system control function 91. That is, the control circuit 9 includes the system control function 91. In the present embodiment, each function is realized by a single processor, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function. In addition, each of the system control functions 91 may be called a system control circuit, or may be implemented as an individual hardware circuit. The above description of each function executed by the control circuit 9 is the same in the following embodiments and modified examples. In addition, the control circuit 9 may include a storage area that stores at least a part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8. The control circuit 9 may be called a control unit or a processing circuit.

[0022] 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)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 8, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit in the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize the function. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function. The above description of the "processor" is also applicable to the following embodiments and modified examples.

[0023] The control circuit 9 uses a system control function 91 to comprehensively control each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 drives the drive mechanism 4 to perform a measurement according to a test item, and controls the analysis circuit 3 to analyze the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The control circuit 9 that realizes the system control function 91 is an example of a control unit.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 1. The analysis mechanism 2 includes a sample rack 201, a rack input section 202, a first transport section 203, a dispensing rail 204, a dispensing probe 205, a plurality of measurement units 206, a measurement-in-progress rack standby section 208, a second transport section 209, a rack storage section 210, and a rack recovery section 211.

[0025] The sample rack 201 holds a plurality of sample containers 200 that contain samples requested to be measured. For example, the sample rack 201 can hold five sample containers in parallel.

[0026] The sample rack 201 that has been inserted is placed in the rack insertion section 202 .

[0027] The first transport section 203 transports the sample rack 201 placed in the rack input section 202 to the first aspiration position P1 by the drive mechanism 4. At the first aspiration position P1, an unmeasured sample is aspirated.

[0028] The dispensing rail 204 movably supports the dispensing probe 205. The dispensing probe 205 dispenses the sample contained in the sample rack 201. Specifically, the dispensing probe 205 aspirates the sample contained in the sample rack 201 transported to the first aspirating position P1, and then moves along the dispensing rail 204 toward the measurement unit 206 and dispenses the aspirated sample to a dispensing position P2 set in the measurement unit 206. The dispensing position P2 may also be referred to as a dispensing position.

[0029] The dispensing probe 205 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically between the aspiration position P1 and the dispensing position P2. The dispensing probe 205 aspirates a sample from the sample rack 201 positioned at the aspiration position P1 under the control of the control circuit 9. The dispensing probe 205 also discharges the aspirated sample to the measurement unit 206 positioned at the dispensing position P2 under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0030] Each measurement unit 206 measures the physical properties of the sample dispensed from the sample rack. Specifically, each measurement unit 206 transports the sample discharged at the dispensing position P2 to a measurement position P3 set in the measurement unit 206, and performs measurement on the sample transported to the measurement position P3 using a predetermined measurement method. The measurement method is, for example, electrode measurement or color measurement. Each measurement unit 206 generates standard data or test data based on the measurement result, and outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, measurement by one type of measurement method is performed for one measurement unit 206. For example, electrode measurement is performed in one measurement unit 206, and color measurement is performed in the remaining multiple measurement units 206. The measurement unit 206 is preferably made of a chemically stable material. Examples of chemically stable materials include polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0032] 2 shows seven measurement units 206, the number of measurement units 206 provided may be one or more, and may be eight or more. In the present embodiment, an example in which the measurement units 206 as a whole can perform two measurement methods, color measurement and electrode measurement, is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all the measurement units 206 may perform color measurement, and a plurality of the measurement units 206 may perform measurements by three or more measurement methods.

[0033] The first transport section 203 transports the sample rack 201 into which the sample has been dispensed at the first aspiration position P1 to the measurement-in-progress rack standby section 208.

[0034] The sample rack 201 from which the sample has been aspirated at the first aspirating position P1 is transported to the in-measurement rack standby section 208. The sample rack 201 waits in the in-measurement rack standby section 208 until the measurement of the sample by the measuring unit 206 is completed.

[0035] The second transport section 209 transports the sample rack 201 for which measurement has been completed from the measurement-in-progress rack standby section 208 to the second suction position P4 or the rack storage section 210. When the measurement by the measurement unit 206 is normally completed, the second transport section 209 transports the sample rack 201 to the rack storage section 210 by the drive mechanism 4. On the other hand, when retesting by the measurement unit 206 is required, the second transport section 209 transports the sample rack 201 requiring retesting to the second suction position P4 by the drive mechanism 4. At the second suction position P4, the sample determined to require remeasurement is aspirated.

[0036] The sample contained in the sample rack 201 transported to the second aspiration position P4 is aspirated by the dispensing probe 205. The dispensing probe 205 moves along the dispensing rail 204 toward the measurement unit 206, and dispenses the aspirated sample into the measurement unit 206. The measurement unit 206 then remeasures the sample.

[0037] The sample rack 201 for which measurement by the measurement unit 206 has been completed is transported to the rack storage section 210 .

[0038] In the rack collection section 211, the sample racks 201 for which the measurement has been completed are collected.

[0039] The analyzing mechanism 2 also includes an urgent specimen placement section 212 and a third transport section 213.

[0040] In the urgent specimen placement section 212, a specimen rack 201 containing specimens that require urgent testing (hereinafter referred to as urgent specimens) is placed.

[0041] The third transport section 213 transports the sample rack 201 arranged in the urgent sample arrangement section 212 to the second aspirating position P4 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0042] The urgent sample stored in the sample rack 201 transported to the second aspirating position P4 is aspirated by the dispensing probe 205. Then, the dispensing probe 205 moves along the dispensing rail 204 toward the measurement unit 206 and dispenses the aspirated sample into the measurement unit 206. Then, the measurement unit 206 measures the urgent sample.

[0043] The dispensing probe 205 can be moved relative to the dispensing rail 204 by the driving mechanism 4. A washing unit 214 and a washing liquid storage unit 215 are provided on the movement track of the dispensing probe 205. The washing liquid storage unit 215 stores pure water and detergent used for washing the dispensing probe 205. The washing unit 214 uses the pure water and detergent stored in the washing liquid storage unit 215 to wash the dispensing probe 205 after dispensing the sample. Note that, instead of the washing unit 214 and the washing liquid storage unit 215, a disposable sampling tip attached to the tip of the dispensing probe 205 may be used. In this case, washing of the dispensing probe 205 is not necessary, so that carryover of the sample can be eliminated and the device can be made smaller.

[0044] The analysis mechanism 2 also includes a reader 216. The reader 216 is provided at a position where it can read, for example, an optical mark attached to the sample rack 201. The optical mark is, for example, a mark that encodes identification information of the sample accommodated in the sample rack 201, a barcode, a one-dimensional pixel code, or a two-dimensional pixel code. The reader 216 starts reading the optical mark when an instruction to start ID reading is received from the control circuit 9. When the sample rack 201 arrives at a position where it can read the optical mark, the reader 216 reads the identification information of the sample from the optical mark. The reader 216 supplies the read identification information to the control circuit 9. The reader 216 may be replaced with another sensor that uses RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or the like.

[0045] A reader may be provided to read the optical mark attached to the sample rack 201 placed in the urgent sample placement section 212. A reader to read the optical mark attached to each measurement unit 206 may be provided to be movable. In this case, the reader moves to the placement position of each measurement unit 206 and reads the optical mark attached to the measurement unit 206 to obtain, for example, the lot, expiration date, corresponding measurement method, etc. of the measurement sheet held in the measurement unit 206. By making the reader movable, production costs are reduced compared to the case where one reader is provided for each measurement unit 206.

[0046] Here, the flow of the test using the analysis mechanism 2 configured as described above will be briefly described. When performing a test, the user first places the sample rack 201 in which the test sample is placed in the rack input section 202. The automatic analyzer 1 transports the placed sample rack 201 to the first transport section 203. The first transport section 203 transports the sample rack 201 to the position where the reader 216 is placed. The automatic analyzer 1 reads the barcode indicating the rack ID or specimen ID given to the sample rack 201 by the reader 216 and acquires the requested item of the test sample. Next, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the test sample corresponding to the requested item to the first suction position P1 and aspirates the sample using the dispensing probe 205. Next, the automatic analyzer 1 discharges a specified amount of the test sample to the dispensing position P2 of the measurement unit 206 corresponding to the acquired requested item. The sample rack 201 being measured is transported to the measurement rack standby section 208 and is held until the measurement is completed. The sample rack 201 for which the measurement has been completed is transported to the second transport section 209, and if retesting is required, it is transported to the second suction position P4, where the retest is performed. On the other hand, if retesting is not required, the sample rack 201 is transported to the rack recovery section 211 through the rack storage section 210. The user recovers the measured sample rack 201 transported to the rack recovery section 211. When testing an urgent sample, the user places the sample rack 201 in which the urgent sample is placed in the urgent sample placement section 212. The automatic analyzer 1 transports the sample rack 201 placed in the urgent sample placement section 212 to the second suction position P4, and performs the measurement of the urgent sample. The first transport section 203 may be called a normal sample sampler, the second transport section 209 may be called a retest sampler, and the dispensing probe 205 may be called a sampling probe. The first suction position P1 may be called a sample suction position, and the dispensing position P2 may be called a sampling position.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the measurement unit 206 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement unit 206. The measurement unit 206 includes a tape storage section 410, a tape support section 420, a feed belt 430, a conveyor belt 440, a fixing auxiliary section 450, and a measurement device 460. The measurement tape 300 wound in a roll shape is stored in a rotatable state in the tape storage section 410. The tape storage section 410 is an example of a holding means for holding the measurement tape 300, and the tape support section 420, the feed belt 430, and the conveyor belt 440 are examples of a separation means for separating the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300. The conveyor belt 440 is an example of a conveying means for conveying the separated measurement sheet 310 to a measurement position, and the measurement device 460 is an example of a measuring means for measuring the measurement sheet 310 conveyed to the measurement position. Moreover, the tape support portion 420 and the delivery belt 430 are an example of a fixing means for fixing the measurement tape 300, and the conveyor belt 440 is an example of a pulling means for pulling the measurement tape 300 in a direction away from the fixing means.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement tape 300. The measurement tape 300 is a strip-shaped body in which a plurality of measurement sheets 310 are connected in one direction. Each measurement sheet 310 is a microfluidic analysis device that performs reaction and analysis of a sample using minute structures and flow paths made on a paper substrate as reaction fields. The paper substrate is made of, for example, cellulose fibers. The width of the measurement sheet 310 is, for example, 1 cm to 5 cm. The measurement sheet 310 is configured to transport a test sample to a predetermined position by capillary action. By using a paper substrate, the measurement sheet 310 can be made thin, lightweight, and inexpensive. In addition, by using a paper substrate, even if a biological material adheres to the measurement sheet 310, the measurement sheet 310 can be safely disposed of by incinerating it. In addition, when a sample is dropped on the paper, the sample naturally flows through the flow path by capillary action, so compared to the case of using a glass or plastic substrate, there is no need to provide an external device such as a pump, and the device can be made smaller. In addition, by using the measurement sheet 310 with a substrate made of paper that can be discarded after use, a mechanism for cleaning the reaction tube can be omitted, and the device can be made smaller than when a reaction tube that can be reused after use is used. As the minute structures and flow paths created on the paper substrate, for example, those described in Yamada Kentaro, Suzuki Koji, Citterio Daniel, "Paper Substrate Microfluidic Analysis Device", Electrochemistry, The Electrochemical Society of Japan, December 27, 2014, pp. 30-35 can be used.

[0049] A porous material formed into a sheet shape may also be used as the measurement sheet 310. Examples of the porous material include rubber, sponge, silicone, and resins such as polypropylene. In this case, the sample is delivered by utilizing the capillary phenomenon of the porous material.

[0050] Each measurement sheet 310 includes a measurement target portion 320 for performing measurement. For example, one measurement sheet 310 includes one cycle of measurement target portions 320. In this case, one measurement sheet 310 includes one measurement target portion 320. Note that one measurement sheet 310 may include a plurality of cycles of measurement target portions 320. The measurement target portion 320 includes a dispensing portion for dropping a sample, a measuring portion for measuring the sample, and a flow path connecting the dispensing portion and the measuring portion. The dispensing portion, the measuring portion, and the flow path are formed by surrounding the periphery with, for example, silicon or the like. The dispensing portion opens toward the outside on the surface of the measurement sheet 310. The aspirated sample is discharged from the dispensing probe 205 to the dispensing portion for each cycle. The flow path communicates with each of the dispensing portion and the measuring portion inside the measurement sheet 310. In the flow path, the sample dispensed to the dispensing portion automatically flows and is transported to the measuring portion. The measurement sheet 310 is transported a predetermined distance for each cycle. While the measurement sheet 310 is transported to the measurement position, the sample dispensed in the dispensing section is transported to the measurement section via a flow path. The measurement section opens to the outside on the surface of the measurement sheet. When the measurement sheet 310 is transported to the measurement position, the sample exposed from the measurement section is measured by the measurement device 460.

[0051] For example, in the measurement unit 206 for color measurement, a measurement tape 300 including a measurement sheet 310 for color measurement is installed. A different reagent is accommodated in each flow path. The reagent reacts with a predetermined component contained in the sample. The measurement sheet 310 used for color measurement may be called a reagent sheet. The sample discharged into the dispensing section naturally flows into the inside of the flow path by capillary action and flows through the flow path to the measurement section. At this time, the sample and the reagent react inside the flow path. In the measurement section, the color change of the sample after reacting with the reagent is measured using a measurement device 460 for color measurement. In addition, by connecting multiple flow paths and measurement sections to one dispensing section and arranging different reagents in each flow path, multiple types of components can be measured by one dispensing. The reagent may be accommodated in the measurement section instead of the flow path.

[0052] In addition, in the measurement unit 206 for electrode measurement, a measurement tape 300 including a measurement sheet 310 for electrode measurement is installed. The sample discharged into the dispensing part naturally flows into the inside of the flow path by capillary action, and flows through the flow path to the measurement part. In the measurement part, a specific electrolyte contained in the sample is measured using a measurement device 460 for electrode measurement having an electrode that reacts with a specific component contained in the sample and a reference electrode that serves as a reference. In addition, by connecting multiple flow paths and measurement parts to one dispensing part and measuring different electrolytes in each measurement part, it is possible to measure multiple types of electrolytes with one dispensing. For example, it is possible to measure the concentrations of three electrolytes, sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions, in one dispensing part.

[0053] It is sufficient that one or more measurement sections 320 are provided on one measurement sheet 310, and a plurality of measurement sections 320 may be provided on one measurement sheet 310. In addition, both the measurement section 320 for color measurement and the measurement section 320 for electrode measurement may be provided on one measurement sheet 310.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 3, the tape support part 420 supports the tip part of the measuring tape 300 from below. The feed belt 430 is provided above the tape support part 420. The feed belt 430 contacts the measuring tape 300 arranged on the tape support part 420 from above, holds the measuring tape 300 together with the tape support part 420, and sequentially sends out the held measuring tape 300 to the conveyor belt 440 by the driving mechanism 4. The feed belt 430 can feed out the measuring tape 300 with a single gear or the like.

[0055] The fixing assistant part 450 is provided on the upper side of the conveyor belt 440 and assists in fixing the measurement tape 300 to the conveyor belt 440 by guiding the measurement tape 300 downward.

[0056] The measurement unit 206 also includes a separation mechanism that separates the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300 supplied from the delivery belt 430. The detailed configuration of the separation mechanism will be described later.

[0057] The conveyor belt 440 supports the measurement sheet 310 separated by the separation mechanism from below, and conveys the measurement sheet 310 by a predetermined distance at a predetermined time interval by the drive mechanism 4 to a measurement position. The predetermined time is, for example, the time required for one cycle. Hereinafter, the direction from the position where the measurement sheet 310 is placed to the measurement position will be referred to as the conveying direction, and the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction on the conveyor belt 440 will be referred to as the width direction. The conveyor belt 440 conveys the measurement sheet 310, for example, by a belt conveyor system. The conveying direction is the direction from the delivery belt 430 to the measurement device 460. On the conveyor belt 440, a setting position where the separated measurement sheet 310 is placed, a dispensing position where a sample is dropped onto the measurement sheet 310, a measurement position where the sample dropped onto the measurement sheet 310 is measured, and a recovery position where the measurement sheet 310 after the measurement is completed is set. The conveyor belt 440 conveys the measurement sheet 310 supplied to the supply position to the dispensing position and the measurement position by repeatedly driving and stopping at a predetermined time.

[0058] At the dispensing position, a sample is discharged from the dispensing probe 205 to a dispensing portion of the measurement sheet 310. The sample dropped into the dispensing portion flows into the flow path and is automatically transported to the measurement portion by capillary action. At the measurement position, the measurement device 460 measures the sample transported to the measurement portion.

[0059] The measuring device 460 is a measuring device that measures a sample. The measuring device 460 is fixed to the upper part of the conveyor belt 440 at a measurement position where the measurement is performed. The measuring device 460 is also provided at a position facing the measurement unit of the measurement sheet 310 placed on the conveyor belt 440. The measuring device 460 performs a measurement of a predetermined measurement method on the measurement sheet 310 that has been conveyed to the measurement position. The predetermined measurement is a color measurement or an electrode measurement. One measuring device 460 may be provided for one measurement unit 206, or multiple measuring devices 460 each performing a measurement by a different measurement method may be provided.

[0060] In the measurement unit 206 that performs color measurement, a measurement tape 300 including a measurement sheet 310 for color measurement and a measurement device 460 for color measurement are used. In the measurement sheet 310 for color measurement, a reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in the sample is contained in the flow path. The measurement sheet 310 used for color measurement may be called a reagent sheet. The sample discharged to the dispensing section naturally flows into the inside of the flow path due to capillary action, and flows through the flow path to the measurement section. At this time, the sample and the reagent react inside the flow path. In the measurement section, the color change of the sample after reacting with the reagent is measured using the measurement device 460. At this time, for example, an imaging device capable of photographing the color change of the sample reacting with the reagent is used. The reagent may be contained in the measurement section instead of the flow path.

[0061] The measuring device 460 performing color measurement includes an imaging unit on a surface facing the measurement sheet 310 conveyed on the conveyor belt 440. The imaging unit captures an image of the measurement target portion 320 of the opposing measurement sheet 310. The imaging unit is, for example, a camera. An illumination unit may be provided that irradiates light onto the measurement target portion 320 of the opposing measurement sheet 310 to facilitate imaging by the imaging unit.

[0062] The measuring device 460 that performs the color measurement can be moved toward or away from the conveyor belt 440 by the drive mechanism 4. When performing the color measurement, the imaging unit measures the color change of the measured part 320 under the control of the control circuit 9. Thereafter, the measuring device 460 generates standard data and test data including the measurement results, and transmits the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0063] In the measurement unit 206 for performing electrode measurement, a measurement tape 300 including a measurement sheet 310 for electrode measurement and a measurement device 460 for electrode measurement are used. In the measurement sheet 310 for electrode measurement, the sample discharged into the dispensing section naturally flows into the inside of the flow path by capillary action and flows through the flow path to the measurement section. In the measurement section, a measurement device 460 having an electrode that reacts with a specific component contained in the sample is used to measure the specific component contained in the sample. As the measurement device 460 for performing electrode measurement, for example, a measurement device capable of measuring the electric potential of the measurement section is used. The specific component is, for example, an electrolyte such as sodium ion, potassium ion, and chloride ion. The measurement device 460 for performing electrode measurement is equipped with an electrode that generates an electric potential corresponding to the amount of the specific component contained in the sample. For example, an ion selective electrode (ISE) is used as the electrode, and the automatic analyzer 1 detects the concentration of the electrolyte contained in the sample by measuring the electric potential of the ion selective electrode.

[0064] The measuring device 460 that performs electrode measurement has a connection part on a surface facing the measurement sheet 310 transported on the transport belt 440. The connection part has one reference electrode and one or more ion selective electrodes (ISEs). The potential of each ion selective electrode changes depending on the amount of a specific component contained in the sample. Specifically, each ion selective electrode has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects a specific electrolyte. For example, three ion selective electrodes that detect sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions, respectively, are provided.

[0065] The measuring device 460 performing the electrode measurement can be moved toward or away from the conveyor belt 440 by the driving mechanism 4. When performing the electrode measurement, the measuring device 460 moves toward the measurement sheet 310 arranged on the conveyor belt 440 under the control of the control circuit 9, and each ion selective electrode and reference electrode are connected to the target measurement portion 320. The measuring device 460 measures the voltage of each ion selective electrode and the voltage of the reference electrode, and calculates the potential between each ion selective electrode and the reference electrode. After that, the measuring device 460 outputs the measured data to the analysis circuit 3 as standard data or test data. Then, for example, sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions contained in the sample are detected.

[0066] The conveyor belt 440 also includes a constant temperature unit. The constant temperature unit is disposed, for example, inside the conveyor belt 440, and heats the back side of the measurement sheet 310 conveyed on the conveyor belt 440 to keep it at a constant temperature.

[0067] Next, the separation mechanism will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 4, the measurement tape 300 has a perforation 330 and a cut portion 340. The perforation 330 and the cut portion 340 are provided at the boundary portion of the adjacent measurement sheets 310. By providing the perforation 330, a weak portion having a lower strength than other parts of the measurement tape 300 is formed at the boundary portion. Therefore, when a pulling force is applied to the measurement tape 300, the measurement tape 300 is easily separated at the boundary portion of the measurement sheet 310.

[0068] At the cut portion 340, a notch is formed that is recessed from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the measurement tape 300. By providing the cut portion 340, a stress concentration portion is formed at the boundary portion where stress is concentrated more than other parts of the measurement tape 300. Therefore, when a force is applied to pull the measurement tape 300, stress is concentrated at the boundary portion having the cut portion 340, and the measurement tape 300 is likely to separate at the boundary portion of the measurement sheet 310.

[0069] Further, the measurement tape 300 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 350. The insertion holes 350 penetrate the measurement tape 300. The insertion holes 350 are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the measurement tape 300 at a predetermined interval along the extension direction of the measurement tape 300. A solvent such as urethane resin may be used to strengthen the vicinity of the insertion holes 350.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the separation means. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the boundary between the feed belt 430 and the conveyor belt 440 in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a top view of the conveyor belt 440 seen from above. FIG. 6 shows the state in which the measurement sheet 310 is set. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the conveyor belt 440 has protrusions 441. The protrusions 441 are protrusions provided at predetermined intervals on the conveyor belt 440, and are formed in a shape that engages with the insertion hole 350 of the measurement tape 300. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusions 441 are inserted into the insertion hole 350 of the measurement tape 300 fed onto the conveyor belt 440, so that the measurement tape 300 is fixed to the conveyor belt 440. As shown in FIG. 5, the feed belt 430 also has protrusions 431 that engage with the insertion hole 350 of the measurement tape 300, and are used to feed out the measurement tape 300.

[0071] When the conveyor belt 440 is driven in the conveying direction with the measuring tape 300 fixed to it, the measuring tape 300 is pulled in the conveying direction by the conveyor belt 440. At this time, since the measuring tape 300 is fixed by the feed belt 430, the measuring tape 300 is pulled in the opposite direction to the conveying direction by the feed belt 430. Therefore, when the measuring tape 300 is pulled from both sides in the conveying direction, the measurement sheet 310 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 is separated from the measuring tape 300. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tape support part 420, the feed belt 430, and the conveyor belt 440 form a separation mechanism.

[0072] 5, the measurement unit 206 further includes a separation confirmation unit 470. The separation confirmation unit 470 is fixed to the upper side of the conveyor belt 440 and detects whether the measurement sheet 310 has been normally separated from the measurement tape 300. The separation confirmation unit 470 is, for example, an optical sensor such as a camera installed above the conveyor belt 440. The separation confirmation unit 470 may be a contact sensor such as a pressure sensor connected to the conveyor belt 440.

[0073] The control circuit 9 receives the detection result from the separation confirmation unit 470 by the system control function 91, and if the measurement sheet 310 is not properly separated or if the separated measurement sheet 310 is not properly placed on the conveyor belt 440, reports an error to the user and stops dispensing the sample. The occurrence of an error may be reported to the user by voice, or may be displayed on the display of the display circuit. Also, only one of reporting the error to the user and stopping dispensing of the sample may be performed. The separation confirmation unit 470 and the control circuit 9 are an example of a reporting means.

[0074] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement means and the discard means. As shown in FIG. 7, the measurement unit 206 further includes a discard section 500 and a discard detection section 510.

[0075] The disposal section 500 is a container that contains the measurement sheets 310 after the measurement has been completed.

[0076] The conveyor belt 440 conveys the measurement sheet 310 that has been measured by the measuring device 460 at the measurement position to a disposal section 500.

[0077] The waste detection unit 510 is a sensor that is installed in the waste unit 500 and detects the amount of measurement sheets 310 stored in the waste unit 500 (hereinafter referred to as the waste amount). The waste detection unit 510 is, for example, an optical sensor or a weight sensor, but other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the waste amount. The waste detection unit 510 is an example of a detection means.

[0078] The control circuit 9 receives the detection result from the waste detection unit 510 through the system control function 91, and if the amount of waste reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, reports it to the user or stops dispensing. For example, if the amount of waste reaches or exceeds the capacity of the waste unit 500, it determines that the waste unit 500 is full and stops dispensing the sample. The user discards the measurement sheet 310 in the waste unit 500 and then resumes the measurement. The control circuit 9 is an example of a reporting means.

[0079] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1. The measurement process is a process in which the measurement sheet 310 used for the measurement is separated from the measurement tape 300 when measuring a sample using the measurement sheet 310, and the separated measurement sheet 310 is supplied onto the conveyor belt 440. The separated measurement sheet 310 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 440 to the dispensing position and the measurement position at a predetermined timing, and the sample is measured. Each process described below is executed by driving each driving mechanism 4 according to the control of the control circuit 9, but the description thereof will be omitted. Note that the processing procedure in each process described below is only an example, and each process can be appropriately changed as much as possible. In addition, the processing procedure described below can be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The above description of the processing procedure in each process is the same in each of the following embodiments and modified examples.

[0080] (Measurement processing) (Step S101) The measurement process is started in a state where the end of the measurement tape 300 stored in the tape storage section 410 is placed on the feed belt 430 as shown in FIG. 5. When the measurement process starts, the feed belt 430 first feeds the measurement tape 300 including one measurement sheet 310 to the conveyor belt 440 as shown in FIG. 9. At this time, the fixing assistant section 450 guides the measurement tape 300 onto the conveyor belt 440. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the protrusions 441 engage with each insertion hole 350 of the measurement tape 300, and the measurement tape 300 including one measurement sheet 310 is fixed to the conveyor belt 440. When the measurement tape 300 is fixed to the conveyor belt 440, the boundary between the measurement sheets 310 is located between the feed belt 430 and the conveyor belt 440.

[0081] (Step S102) When the measuring tape 300 is fixed to the conveyor belt 440, the control circuit 9 applies a driving force to the conveyor belt 440 to convey the measuring tape 300 in the conveying direction, as shown in FIG. 11. A force to move the measuring tape 300 in the conveying direction acts on the measuring tape 300 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 from the protrusions 441 of the conveyor belt 440. Meanwhile, the measuring tape 300 is sandwiched between the tape support part 420 and the feed belt 430. Therefore, a force to pull the measuring tape 300 back in the opposite direction to the conveying direction acts on the measuring tape 300 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 from the tape support part 420 and the feed belt 430. As a result, a force to convey the measuring tape 300 in the conveying direction and a force in the opposite direction act on the measuring tape 300 fixed to the conveyor belt 440.

[0082] As described above, the boundary portion is formed to have a lower strength than other portions by the perforations 330, and is formed to concentrate stress at the boundary portion by the cut portions 340. Therefore, the force acting on the measurement tape 300 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 is concentrated at the boundary portion, and the measurement sheet 310 breaks at the boundary portion located between the portion fixed to the conveyor belt 440 and the portion held by the tape support portion 420 and the feed belt 430, and the portion fixed to the conveyor belt 440 is separated from the measurement tape 300 and fixed on the conveyor belt 440.

[0083] (Step S103) Next, the control circuit 9 receives the detection result from the separation confirmation unit 470 and detects whether or not the measurement sheet 310 has been normally separated.

[0084] (Step S104) If the measurement sheet 310 is separated and the separated measurement sheet 310 is normally fixed to the conveyor belt 440 (step S103-Yes), the control circuit 9 determines that the separation of the measurement sheet 310 has been performed normally, and performs measurement of the sample using the measurement sheet 310.

[0085] (Step S105) On the other hand, if the measurement sheet 310 is not separated, or if the separated measurement sheet 310 is not properly fixed to the conveyor belt 440 (step S103-No), the control circuit 9 determines that the separation of the measurement sheet 310 has not been performed properly, reports an error to the user, and stops dispensing the sample.

[0086] Next, the measurement of the sample in step S104 will be briefly described. When measuring a sample, the measurement sheet 310 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 is conveyed to the dispensing position, and after the sample is dropped onto the dispensing portion of the measurement target portion 320 at the dispensing position, it is conveyed to the measurement position as shown in Figures 7 and 12. During the conveyance, the sample discharged into the dispensing portion is conveyed to the measurement portion through the flow path, and a reaction occurs between the sample and the reagent in the flow path or the measurement portion.

[0087] When the measurement sheet 310 in which the reaction has been completed reaches the measurement position, the measurement device 460 moves toward the measurement sheet 310 and measures the sample, as shown in Fig. 13. When the measurement is completed, the measurement device 460 moves away from the measurement sheet 310, as shown in Fig. 14. Next, the conveyor belt 440 conveys the measurement sheets 310 in which the measurement has been completed to the disposal section 500 in sequence, as shown in Fig. 15.

[0088] Then, when the next measurement sheet 310 in which the reaction has been completed reaches the measurement position, as shown in FIG. 16, the sample measurement for the next measurement sheet 310 is carried out.

[0089] The control circuit 9 repeatedly executes the above measurement process until the measurements of all the preset test items are completed or the measurement is stopped due to an error.

[0090] The effects of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0091] The automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a holding means for holding a measurement tape 300 having a plurality of measurement sheets 310, a separating means for separating the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300, a conveying means for conveying the separated measurement sheet 310 to a measurement position where the measurement is performed, and a measuring means for measuring a sample on the measurement sheet 310 conveyed to the measurement position. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a tape storage section 410 as a holding means, a tape support section 420, a feed belt 430, and a conveying belt 440 as a separating means, a conveying belt 440 as a conveying means, and a measuring device 460 as a measuring means. Each measurement sheet 310 has a measured portion 320 for measuring the physical properties of the dispensed sample. For example, each measurement sheet 310 has a measured portion 320 for one cycle. The measuring device 460 can measure, for example, the potential or color reaction of the measurement sheet 310 conveyed to the measurement position on the conveying belt 440.

[0092] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the automatic analyzer 1, by using the tape-shaped measurement tape 300 in which two or more measurement sheets 310 are connected, and a separation means capable of separating the measurement sheets 310 from the measurement tape 300, it is possible to separate the measurement sheets 310 required for the measurement at the timing required for the measurement from the tape-shaped measurement tape 300 in which two or more measurement sheets 310 are connected. For example, by separating the measurement sheets 310 one by one from the measurement tape 300 and placing the separated measurement sheets 310 one by one on the conveying means, it is possible to accurately and reliably supply one measurement sheet 310 to the conveying means.

[0093] In addition, since the paper-based measurement sheet 310 is small and thin, if multiple measurement sheets 310 are stored, it is difficult to accurately supply them to the conveyor belt 440. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the measurement tape 300 to which multiple measurement sheets 310 are connected is sent to the conveyor belt 440, making it easy to supply the measurement sheets 310 to the conveyor belt 440. In addition, by storing multiple measurement sheets 310 in the form of a connected tape, the structure of the measurement unit 206 and the analysis mechanism 2 can be simplified, and cost reduction, miniaturization, and improved reliability can be achieved.

[0094] In addition, if the measurement sheet 310 is conveyed and measured without being separated from the measurement tape 300 without using the separation means of the present application, some measurement sheets 310 will move once and some measurement sheets 310 will move ten times. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the separation means is provided, the measurement sheets 310 can be conveyed and measured one by one, and the same operation can be performed on multiple measurement sheets 310. This makes it possible to make the measurement conditions between the measurement sheets 310 the same.

[0095] The conveyor belt 440 conveys the measurement sheet 310 placed on the conveyor belt 440 by a predetermined distance at each predetermined time for each cycle. At this time, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the driving of the conveyor belt 440 so that the measurement sheet 310 reaches the measurement position in a state where the reaction of the sample is completed. At the measurement position, the measurement of the sample is performed by the measurement device 460, which is a measurement means. At this time, the measurement sheet 310 to be measured can be conveyed to the measurement position at the timing of measurement, so that the measurement can be performed at one measurement position, and it is not necessary to provide multiple measurement positions on the conveyor belt 440. In addition, since the measurement can be performed at one measurement position, the measurement device 460 can be fixed at the measurement position, and a mechanism for moving the measurement device 460 is not required.

[0096] The separating means of this embodiment includes a fixing means for fixing the measurement sheet 310 of the measurement tape 300, and a pulling means for pulling the measurement sheet 310 of the measurement tape 300 in a direction away from the fixing means. Specifically, the fixing means includes a tape support part 420 and a feed belt 430, and the pulling means includes a conveyor belt 440. The automatic analyzer 1 can separate the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300 by pulling the measurement tape 300 fixed by the tape support part 420 and the feed belt 430 to the opposite side by driving the conveyor belt 440.

[0097] Moreover, the measurement tape 300 used in the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment has a weak portion and a stress concentration portion provided at the boundary portion of the adjacent measurement sheets 310. Specifically, the measurement tape 300 has a perforation 330 as the weak portion and a cut portion 340 as the stress concentration portion. This makes it easier for the measurement tape 300 to be separated at the boundary portion of the measurement sheets 310, and the measurement sheets 310 can be effectively separated. Note that other means for facilitating separation may be provided at the boundary portion of the measurement sheets 310.

[0098] In addition, the conveyor belt 440 of this embodiment has a protrusion 441 for fixing the measurement tape 300, and the measurement tape 300 has an insertion hole 350 into which the protrusion 441 engages. The protrusion 441 engages with the insertion hole 350 of the measurement tape 300 supplied onto the conveyor belt 440, thereby firmly fixing the measurement tape 300 to the conveyor belt 440, which makes it easier for the conveyor belt 440 to pull the measurement tape 300 and easier to transport the separated measurement sheet 310.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, a fixing auxiliary portion 450 is provided to hold down the measuring tape 300 that moves upward away from the conveyor belt 440, so that the measuring tape 300 supplied to the conveyor belt 440 can be effectively fixed to the conveyor belt 440.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 further includes a separation confirmation unit 470 as a separation confirmation means for detecting whether the measurement sheet 310 has been normally separated from the measurement tape 300, and the control circuit 9 can report an error to the user and stop dispensing the sample if the measurement sheet 310 has not been normally separated or if the separated measurement sheet 310 has not been normally placed on the conveyor belt 440.

[0101] Furthermore, by providing a constant temperature section inside the conveyor belt 440, the measurement sheet 310 conveyed on the conveyor belt 440 can be heated from the back side and kept at a constant temperature.

[0102] The automatic analyzer 1 also includes a disposal unit 500 that stores the measurement sheets 310 for which measurement has been completed, and a disposal detection unit 510 that detects the amount of measurement sheets 310 (amount of waste) stored in the disposal unit 500. The disposal detection unit 510 is an example of a detection means. When the amount of waste is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control circuit 9 can notify the user or stop the sample dispensing operation.

[0103] (Modification of the first embodiment) The protrusions 441 may be arranged at different positions in the conveying direction (lateral side of the paper in FIG. 6) on one side (for example, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 6) and the other side (for example, the lower side of the paper in FIG. 6) of the conveyor belt 440 in the width direction. Since the insertion holes 350 provided in the measurement tape 300 are arranged at positions corresponding to the protrusions 441, the insertion holes 350 are arranged at different positions in the extending direction (lateral side of the paper in FIG. 4) on one side (for example, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 4) and the other side (for example, the lower side of the paper in FIG. 4) of the measurement tape 300 in the width direction. In this case, when the measurement sheet 310 is separated from the measurement tape 300, it is separated from one side to the other side in the width direction, so that the stability of the measurement sheet 310 when it is separated is improved. In addition, by configuring the conveyor belts 440 at different positions in the width direction to be able to be driven independently, the timing at which the conveyor belt 440 on one side and the conveyor belt 440 on the other side pull the measurement tape 300 can be set to different times, thereby separating the measurement sheet 310 from one side to the other side in the width direction. In the present embodiment, the tape storage unit 410 has been described as holding the measurement tape 300 in a rolled state, but the measurement tape 300 may be held in a folded state. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the measurement tape 300 may be stored in a folded state along the horizontal direction, or as shown in FIG. 18, the measurement tape 300 may be stored in a folded state along the vertical direction.

[0104] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the first embodiment as follows. Descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the separating means includes a fixing means for fixing the measurement tape 300 and a pulling means for pulling the measurement tape 300 in a direction away from the fixing means. In the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the separating means includes a cutting means for cutting the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300.

[0105] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the measurement unit 206 of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 19, the measurement unit 206 includes a conveyor belt 440, a measuring device 460, a separation confirmation unit 470, a tape supply unit 480, and a cutting unit 490. The tape supply unit 480 includes a tape storage unit 410, a tape support unit 420, and a feed belt 430, and supplies the measurement tape 300 stored in the tape storage unit 410 to the conveyor belt 440 by the feed belt 430. In this embodiment, the tape supply unit 480 supplies the measurement tape 300 along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 440. The illustration and description of the tape storage unit 410, the tape support unit 420, the feed belt 430, the measurement device 460, and the separation confirmation unit 470 are omitted.

[0106] The measurement tape 300 of this embodiment is, like the first embodiment, a strip-shaped tape formed by connecting a plurality of measurement sheets 310, and includes a measurement target portion 320. However, no perforations, cutouts, or insertion holes are provided.

[0107] The cutting unit 490 is an example of a cutting means. The cutting unit 490 is, for example, a cutter that moves along the conveying direction by being driven by the driving mechanism 4. The cutting unit 490 is disposed above the conveying belt 440, and moves along the conveying direction with the measurement tape 300 placed on the conveying belt 440, thereby cutting the measurement tape 300 at the boundary between the measurement sheets 310 and separating the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300. The cutting unit 490 is disposed above the conveying belt 440.

[0108] Further, the conveyor belt 440 is provided with a frame 442 for fixing the measurement sheet 310 cut by the cutting unit 490. The frame 442 is made of, for example, silicon. The frame 442 is formed to have a size sufficient to surround one measurement sheet 310, for example.

[0109] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment will be described. The measurement process of this embodiment is started in a state in which the measurement tape 300 (not shown) is stored in the tape supply unit 480 as shown in FIG.

[0110] In the process of step S101, the tape supply unit 480 sends out the measurement tape 300 including one measurement sheet 310 to the conveyor belt 440. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the measurement tape 300 including one measurement sheet 310 is placed on the conveyor belt 440. When the measurement tape 300 is fixed to the conveyor belt 440, the boundary between the measurement sheets 310 is located directly below the cutting portion 490.

[0111] When the measurement tape 300 is placed on the conveyor belt 440, in the process of step S102, the cutting unit 490 moves the cutter along the conveying direction as shown in Fig. 21, and cuts the measurement tape 300 at the boundary between the measurement sheets 310. When the measurement tape 300 is cut at the boundary, one measurement sheet 310 is separated from the measurement tape 300, and the measurement sheet 310 is fixed within the frame 442 of the conveyor belt 440.

[0112] In the processing of step S103, if it is detected that the separation of the measurement sheet 310 is not performed normally (step S103-No), the control circuit 9 determines that the separation of the measurement sheet 310 is not performed normally, reports an error to the user, and stops dispensing the sample (step S105).

[0113] On the other hand, when the measurement sheet 310 is separated and the separated measurement sheet 310 is normally fixed to the conveyor belt 440 (step S103-Yes), the control circuit 9 executes the measurement of the sample using the measurement sheet 310 (step S104). At this time, as shown in Fig. 22, the measurement sheet 310 fixed to the conveyor belt 440 is conveyed to the dispensing position and the measurement position along the conveying direction, and the measurement is executed by the measuring device 460.

[0114] The effects of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0115] In the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the separating means includes a cutting unit 490 as a cutting means for cutting the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300. The cutting unit 490 is, for example, a cutter. According to the above configuration, by using a tape-shaped measurement tape 300 in which two or more measurement sheets 310 are connected and a separating means capable of separating the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300, it is possible to separate the measurement sheet 310 required for measurement from the tape-shaped measurement tape 300 in which two or more measurement sheets 310 are connected at the timing required for measurement. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, a cutting means for cutting the measurement sheet 310 from the measurement tape 300 is used as the separation means, so there is no need to process the measurement tape 300 to provide a perforation or a cut portion as in the first embodiment. In addition, since the measurement sheet 310 can be separated without using traction by the conveyor belt 440, the feed direction of the measurement tape 300 can be set to a direction different from the conveying direction, improving the degree of freedom in device design. In addition to the cutting means, the measurement tape 300 may be provided with a perforation or a cut portion as in the first embodiment. In this case, cutting of the measurement sheet 310 by the cutting means becomes easier. Also, as in the first embodiment, an insertion hole may be provided in the measurement tape 300, and a protrusion formed in a shape that engages with the insertion hole may be provided on the conveyor belt 440. Even in this case, the measurement tape 300 can be fixed to the conveyor belt 440 at the time of cutting, making it easier to cut the measurement sheet 310 by the cutting means.

[0117] Furthermore, the frame 442 of the conveyor belt 440 does not need to completely surround the installation position where the measurement sheet 310 is placed, and may be provided only partially around the installation position as shown in FIG.

[0118] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which one measuring method is performed by one measuring device 460 in one transporting means. In this modified example, one transporting means is used to perform measurements by a plurality of measuring methods using a plurality of measuring devices 460. Descriptions of configurations, operations, and effects similar to those of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0119] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the measurement unit 206 of this modified example. The measurement unit 206 of this modified example has both an electrode measurement function and a color measurement function. As shown in FIG. 24, the measurement unit 206 includes a tape supply unit 480A that supplies the measurement tape 300A for electrode measurement to the conveyor belt 440, a tape supply unit 480B that supplies the measurement tape 300B for color measurement to the conveyor belt 440, a cutting unit 490A for cutting the measurement tape 300A for electrode measurement, and a cutting unit 490B for cutting the measurement tape 300B for color measurement. The measurement tape 300A for electrode measurement includes a plurality of measurement sheets 310A for electrode measurement, and the measurement tape 300B for color measurement includes a plurality of measurement sheets 310B for color measurement.

[0120] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the measurement position in this modified example. As shown in Fig. 25, the measurement unit 206 includes a measurement device 460A for electrode measurement and a measurement device 460B for color measurement.

[0121] The tape supply unit 480A and the tape supply unit 480B are disposed adjacent to each other in the conveying direction. The tape supply unit 480A and the tape supply unit 480B are disposed at positions spaced apart by a distance equal to the size of one measurement sheet 310. The tape supply unit 480A and the tape supply unit 480B may be interchanged, or may be disposed at positions spaced apart by a distance equal to the size of two or more measurement sheets 310.

[0122] The cutting unit 490A is provided in the tape supply unit 480A and cuts the measurement tape 300A for electrode measurement supplied from the tape supply unit 480A. The cutting unit 490B is provided in the tape supply unit 480B and cuts the measurement tape 300B for color measurement supplied from the tape supply unit 480B.

[0123] Next, the operation of the automated analyzer 1 of this modified example will be described. The measurement process of this modified example is started in a state in which measurement tape 300A (not shown) is stored in tape supply unit 480A, and measurement tape 300B (not shown) is stored in tape supply unit 480B, as shown in FIG.

[0124] 26, in the process of step S101, the tape supply unit 480A supplies the measurement tape 300A to the frame 442 of the conveyor belt 440, and the tape supply unit 480B supplies the measurement tape 300B to the adjacent frame 442. In this state, the boundary of the measurement tape 300A is located directly below the cutting portion 490A, and the boundary of the measurement tape 300B is located directly below the cutting portion 490B.

[0125] When the measurement tapes 300A and 300B are placed on the conveyor belt 440, in the process of step S102, as shown in Fig. 27, the measurement tape 300A is cut by the cutting unit 490A, and the measurement tape 300B is cut by the cutting unit 490B, and the measurement sheets 310A and 310B are separated from the measurement tapes 300A and 300B. The separated measurement sheets 310A and 310B are fixed in the adjacent frames 442.

[0126] In the process of step S103, if it is detected that separation is not performed normally in at least one of the measurement sheets 310A, 310B (step S103-No), the control circuit 9 reports the error to the user and stops dispensing the sample (step S105).

[0127] On the other hand, if separation is normally performed for both the measurement sheets 310A and 310B (step S103-Yes), the control circuit 9 performs measurement of the sample using each of the measurement sheets 310A and 310B (step S104). At this time, as shown in Fig. 28, each of the measurement sheets 310A and 310B is conveyed together along the conveying direction, and measurement is performed by the measuring devices 460A and 460B.

[0128] Next, the measurement of the sample in step S104 of this modified example will be briefly described. When measuring the sample, the measurement sheets 310A and 310B fixed to the conveyor belt 440 are sequentially conveyed to the dispensing position, and after the sample is dispensed at the dispensing position, they are conveyed to the measurement position as shown in Figures 25 and 29.

[0129] When the measurement sheet 310A in which the reaction has been completed reaches directly under the measurement device 460A and the measurement sheet 310B reaches directly under the measurement device 460B, as shown in Fig. 30, the measurement device 460A moves in a direction approaching the measurement sheet 310A, and an electrode measurement is performed on the measurement sheet 310A, and at the same time, the measurement device 460B moves in a direction approaching the measurement sheet 310B, and a color measurement is performed on the measurement sheet 310B. When the electrode measurement and color measurement are completed, the measurement device 460A moves in a direction away from the measurement sheet 310A, and the measurement device 460B moves in a direction away from the measurement sheet 310B. As shown in Fig. 33, the conveyor belt 440 sequentially conveys the measurement-completed measurement sheets 310A and 310B to the disposal section 500.

[0130] Then, when the next measurement sheet 310 in which the reaction has been completed reaches the measurement position, the sample is measured on the next measurement sheet 310. At this time, as shown in Fig. 32, only one of the electrode measurement and the color measurement may be performed.

[0131] (Other variations) In the first embodiment, a measurement tape 300 in which a plurality of measurement sheets 310 are connected along the same direction is used, but as shown in FIG. 34, a measurement tape 300 in which a plurality of measurement sheets 310 are connected in a screw shape may be used. FIG. 35 is a view of the measurement tape 300 in FIG. 34 viewed from above. Each of the plurality of measurement sheets 310 is formed in a fan shape along a circumference centered on the same axis, and is connected to each other via a boundary portion formed radially from the same axis. The tape supply unit 480 holds the measurement tape 300 in a state where it is overlapped in a screw shape, and sends out the measurement tape 300 including one measurement sheet 310 to the conveyor belt 440. The measurement tape 300 supplied on the conveyor belt 440 is cut by the cutting unit 490, and the measurement sheet 310 separated from the measurement tape 300 is placed on the conveyor belt 440 as shown in FIG. 36.

[0132] When the measurement tape 300 is held in a roll shape, the terminals provided on the measurement portion 320 of the measurement tape 300 may be bent and damaged. As shown in Figures 34 and 35, by holding the measurement tape 300 in a screw shape, the measurement tape 300 can be stored without bending the terminals provided on the measurement portion 320.

[0133] In FIG. 34, the direction in which the measurement tape 300 is fed by the tape supply unit 480 is substantially the same as the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 440, but it may be different.

[0134] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to accurately supply the measurement sheets one by one to the measurement unit.

[0135] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1…Automatic analyzer 2…Analysis mechanism 3…Analysis circuit 4. Driving mechanism 5. Input interface 6...Output interface 7...Communication interface 8…Memory circuit 9...Control circuit 91...System control function 200...Sample container 201...Sample rack 202…Rack insertion section 203...Transportation section 204…Dispensing rail 205…Dispensing probe 206…Measuring unit 208…Measuring rack standby section 209...Transportation section 210…Rack storage section 211…Rack collection section 212…Emergency specimen placement section 213...Transportation section 214…Cleaning section 215…Cleaning fluid storage section 216…Leader 300, 300A, 300B…Measuring tape 310, 310A, 310B... Measurement sheet 320...Measured part 330…Perforation 340…Notch 350…Insertion hole 410…Tape storage section 420…Tape support part 430…Feed belt 431...Protrusion 440...Conveyor belt 441...Protrusion 442…Frame 450…Fixing auxiliary part 460, 460A, 460B…Measuring device 470...Separation confirmation section 480, 480A, 480B...Tape supply section 490, 490A, 490B...cutting section 500…Discarded section 510…Discard detection unit P1, P4...Suction position P2: Dispensing position P3…Measurement position

Claims

1. A holding means for holding a measurement tape having a plurality of measurement sheets each having a measurement portion for measuring a dispensed sample; a separating means for separating the measurement sheet from the measurement tape; a conveying means for conveying the separated measurement sheet to a measurement position; a measuring means for performing the measurement on the measurement sheet conveyed to the measurement position; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. The separating means includes a fixing means for fixing the measurement sheet of the measurement tape, and a pulling means for pulling the measurement sheet of the measurement tape in a direction away from the fixing means. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. The measuring tape has a weakened portion and a stress concentrating portion provided at the boundary between the adjacent measuring sheets. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

4. The measuring device further includes a separation detection means for detecting whether the measuring sheet is normally separated from the measuring tape. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

5. The measuring sheet is not normally separated from the measuring tape. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

6. The measuring device further includes a dispensing stop means for stopping dispensing of the sample when the measurement sheet is not normally separated from the measurement tape. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

7. The conveying means conveys the separated measurement sheet by a predetermined distance at predetermined time intervals. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

8. The conveying means includes a thermostatic unit that maintains the measurement sheet at a constant temperature. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

9. The measurement means performs an electrode measurement or a color measurement on the measurement sheet transported to the measurement position. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

10. The measuring device further includes a disposal unit for storing the measurement sheet after the measurement is completed. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

11. A detection means for detecting an amount of the measurement sheets accommodated in the waste section; a notification means for notifying a user when the amount of the measurement sheet is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The automated analyzer of claim 10 further comprising:

12. A detection means for detecting an amount of the measurement sheets accommodated in the waste section; a dispensing stop means for stopping the dispensing operation of the sample when the amount of the measurement sheet is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The automated analyzer of claim 10 further comprising:

13. The separating means comprises a cutting means for cutting the measurement sheet from the measurement tape. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

14. The measuring means is fixed at the measuring position. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

15. The measurement sheet has one cycle of the measurement portion. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

16. a plurality of measurement sheets having measurement portions for measuring the physical properties of the dispensed samples; Measuring tape.

17. The measuring tape has a weakened portion and a stress concentrating portion provided at the boundary between the adjacent measuring sheets.

17. The measuring tape of claim 16.

18. The measurement sheet has one cycle of the measurement portion.

17. The measuring tape of claim 16.

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