Dispensing device and sample analysis device

Abstract

To provide a dispensing device and a sample analysis device capable of realizing a mechanism for performing releasing operation of a pipette chip fitted to a dispensing nozzle for performing injection treatment or the like of liquid with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A dispensing unit 24 has: a dispensing nozzle 241 to which a pipette chip 40 is fitted; a syringe mechanism 243 which performs delivery and suction of liquid to the dispensing nozzle 241 by movement of a piston shaft 341; an extrusion mechanism 244 which extrudes the pipette chip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 241 by movement of an extrusion shaft 345 and releases a fitted state; and a shaft drive mechanism 245 which transmits force in a direction in which fluid is sent out by integrally moving with the piston shaft 341 by movement in a predetermined direction, and extrudes the pipette chip 40 by integrally moving with the extrusion shaft 345 when further moving in a predetermined direction after starting integral movement with the piston shaft 341.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device and a sample analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for analyzing a specimen by using a reactant that reacts with a component contained in the specimen are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes this type of technique.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The pipette tip attached to the tip of the dispensing nozzle is replaced with a different pipette tip for each type of liquid. In order to perform a series of operations such as suction of the liquid in the cartridge and injection of the liquid into the analysis chip on the same device, a mechanism for removing the pipette tip from the dispensing nozzle is required. However, this type of sample analyzer also needs to be equipped with a mechanical cylinder mechanism or the like for liquid suction and injection of the dispensing nozzle, and the device configuration has become complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device and a sample analyzer that can realize a mechanism for performing a release operation of a pipette tip attached to a dispensing nozzle that performs liquid injection processing or the like with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a dispensing device comprising a dispensing nozzle to which a pipette tip is attached, a cylinder mechanism that delivers and aspirates fluid to the dispensing nozzle by moving a piston shaft, an extrusion mechanism that extrudes the pipette tip from the dispensing nozzle by moving an extrusion shaft to release the attached state, and a shaft drive mechanism that, by moving in a predetermined direction, moves integrally with the piston shaft to transmit a force in the direction in which the fluid is delivered, and that, when moving further in the predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft, moves integrally with the extrusion shaft to extrude the pipette tip.

[0007] Also, one aspect of the present invention is a sample analysis device comprising a dispensing nozzle to which a pipette tip is attached, a cylinder mechanism that delivers and aspirates fluid to the dispensing nozzle by moving a piston shaft, an extrusion mechanism that extrudes the pipette tip from the dispensing nozzle by moving an extrusion shaft to release the attached state, and a shaft drive mechanism that, by moving in a predetermined direction, moves integrally with the piston shaft to transmit a force in the direction in which the fluid is delivered, and that, when moving further in the predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft, moves integrally with the extrusion shaft to extrude the pipette tip.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dispensing device and a sample analysis device that can realize, with a simple configuration, a mechanism for performing a release operation of a pipette tip attached to a dispensing nozzle for performing liquid injection processing or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

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Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the sample analyzer 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sample analyzer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sample analyzer 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the test kit 2 of this embodiment.

[0012] The sample analyzer 1 is an immunoluminescence measurement device that performs allergy tests and the like by utilizing the antigen-antibody reaction between the components contained in the specimen and the reactant. The sample analyzer 1 performs tests by measuring the luminescence state, for example, by the CLEIA method, the FEIA method, the FIA method, or the like.

[0013] In addition, the sample analyzer 1 performs an allergy test using the test kit 2. The test kit 2 is composed of, for example, an analysis chip 10 on which the reactant is immobilized, and a cartridge 30 that houses a plurality of types of reagents and the like used for the reaction with the components contained in the specimen. The reagents are used for the antigen-antibody reaction.

[0014] <Overall Configuration of the Sample Analyzer> First, the overall configuration of the sample analyzer 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sample analyzer 1 of this embodiment includes a touch panel 21, a chip holder rotation unit 22, a measurement unit 23, a dispensing unit 24, a cartridge holder 25, a code reader 26, and a control unit 50.

[0015] The touch panel 21 is a display device that also serves as an operating device for the sample analyzer 1. The touch panel 21 accepts various settings and operations, and also displays measurement results, analysis results, and the like.

[0016] The chip holder rotation unit 22 is a chip rotation device that rotates the analysis chip 10. In this embodiment, the injection assist operation when injecting liquid (specimen and reagent) into the flow path of the analysis chip 10, and the drainage treatment operation for draining the injected liquid are performed using the rotation of the analysis chip 10 by the chip holder rotation unit 22. The detailed configuration of the analysis chip 10 will be described later.

[0017] The measurement unit 23 is an imaging device that captures an image including light reception information for confirming the light emission state on the analysis chip 10 based on the reaction between the components contained in the specimen and the reactant. The measurement unit 23 acquires image information of the light emission state by capturing the light emission on the analysis chip 10. The measurement unit 23 has a dark box 231 that forms a dark room, and can capture the light emission on the analysis chip 10 inside the dark box 231.

[0018] The dispensing unit 24 dispenses liquid to the analysis chip 10 set in the chip holder rotation unit 22. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit 24 and the cartridge holder 25 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispensing unit 24 has a dispensing nozzle 241 for attaching a pipette tip 40. The dispensing unit 24 sucks and discharges liquid through the pipette tip 40. The pipette tip 40 of this embodiment is a disposable tapered tip that can be replaced for each classification of the liquid to be dispensed. The detailed configuration of the dispensing unit 24 will be described later.

[0019] The cartridge holder 25 houses the cartridge 30. The cartridge 30 houses various liquids and the like necessary for causing antigen-antibody reactions and luminescence reactions. The detailed configuration of the cartridge 30 will be described later.

[0020] The code reader 26 is a device that reads the identification codes assigned to the analysis chip 10 and the cartridge 30 (see FIG. 1). The identification code is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Note that the identification code is not limited to two-dimensional codes. Other types of identification codes such as barcodes can also be used.

[0021] The control unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 is a computer composed of a processor such as a CPU and a memory as a storage unit. The touch panel 21, the chip holder rotation unit 22, the measurement unit 23, the dispensing unit 24, the code reader 26, etc. are electrically connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls various operations such as, for example, the reading control of the code reader 26, the rotation of the chip holder rotation unit 22, the movement of the chip holder rotation unit 22, the movement and dispensing process of the dispensing unit 24, and the imaging by the measurement unit 23. In addition, the control unit 50 also performs image processing, setting of inspection conditions, storage, and output of analysis data.

[0022] <Analysis chip> Next, the analysis chip 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the analysis chip 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the analysis chip 10 of the present embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the analysis chip 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, an absorber 13, and an air communication port 14.

[0024] The first substrate 11 is formed in a disc shape. In the center of the first substrate 11, a frustum-shaped pedestal 111 is formed. In addition, on the outer peripheral portion of the first substrate 11, a wall portion 112 surrounding the pedestal 111 is formed. Note that a circular indicator M1 and a triangular indicator M2 as marker portions are formed on the pedestal 111.

[0025] On the upper surface of the base portion 111, a plurality of types of reactants A (such as antigens) are formed. The plurality of types of reactants are arranged at intervals from each other. The plurality of types of reactants include a first reactant group composed of a plurality of types of reactants for performing a specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) test and a second reactant for performing a non-specific IgE test.

[0026] The first reactant group is, for example, food systems such as eggs, grains, tubers, beans, seeds, fruits and vegetables, meats, and fish, inhalation systems such as house dust, insects, tree pollen, weed pollen, molds, fungi, and animals, anisakis, etc., and is used for identifying causative substances of allergies. The first reactant group includes, for example, 45 items (45 types) of reactants.

[0027] The second reactant is an anti-human IgE antibody for measuring the concentration of IgE in the body, reacts to bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, parasitic infections, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, collagen diseases, multiple myeloma, etc., and is used for testing allergic constitutions.

[0028] By the way, compared with a specific IgE test that measures the concentration of IgE that specifically reacts with each of a plurality of types of reactants, a non-specific IgE test that measures the concentration of IgE itself has a larger measurement range. For example, in a test method measured by imaging the luminescent state, if the measurement ranges are too different, there is a risk that the received light information cannot be appropriately analyzed from the same image captured by the measurement unit 23. Therefore, the first reactant group for specific IgE testing and the second reactant for non-specific IgE testing immobilized on the analysis chip 10 are prepared so that the degree of luminescence is generally within 10 times. As described above, since the non-specific IgE test has a large measurement range, the reactants are relatively largely diluted and immobilized compared to the specific IgE test.

[0029] Note that, in this example, there are two classifications: the first reactant group for specific IgE testing and the second reactant for non-specific IgE testing. However, the number of classifications may be freely changed not only for test items such as classification according to characteristics.

[0030] The second substrate 12 is formed in a disc shape from a light-transmissive material and is joined to the upper part of the first substrate 11. A circular injection port 121 into which various liquids are injected is formed at the center of the second substrate 12. The injection port 121 is formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pedestal 111. Therefore, in plan view, the injection port 121 is located inside the pedestal 111.

[0031] A gap G is formed between the upper surface of the pedestal 111 of the first substrate 11 and the lower surface of the second substrate 12, through which the liquid injected from the injection port 121 is introduced using capillary action. This gap G is formed over the entire outer periphery of the injection port 121. This gap G serves as the flow path of the analysis chip 10.

[0032] The absorber 13 is composed of a water-retaining member and is formed in a ring shape larger than the diameter of the pedestal 111. The absorber 13 is disposed in the liquid replenishment space between the pedestal 111 and the wall portion 112. Due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the analysis chip 10, the liquid discharged from the flow path is absorbed by the absorber 13 in the liquid capture space.

[0033] A plurality of air communication ports 14 are formed outside the pedestal 111 in plan view. Through these air communication ports 14, the inside and outside of the analysis chip 10 communicate with each other, and the air inside the analysis chip 10 is discharged to the outside during liquid injection. The air communication ports 14 are arranged at three positions (a plurality) on the second substrate 12 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0034] In FIG. 6, only one air communication port 14 is shown in relation to the cross-sectional position. As shown in FIG. 6, the air communication port 14 is inclined so as to approach the center of the rotation axis of the analysis chip 10 from bottom to top in the thickness direction of the second substrate 12. By forming the air communication port 14 to be inclined toward the rotation axis side, the occurrence of a situation where liquid leaks outside the analysis chip 10 during centrifugation is prevented.

[0035] <Cartridge> FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is a side view of the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8B is a side view of the cartridge of the present embodiment in a tilted state. FIG. 9 is a front view of the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped block shape as a whole.

[0036] The cartridge 30 has a reagent storage unit 31 for storing various reagents necessary for causing antigen-antibody reactions and luminescence reactions, a chip storage unit 32 for storing three (a plurality of) pipette tips 40, an engagement groove 33 for setting on the cartridge holder 25, and a recess 34.

[0037] The reagent storage unit 31 has a specimen diluent storage unit 311, a labeled antibody storage unit 312, a hydrogen peroxide solution storage unit 313, a luminescent substrate storage unit 314, a cleaning solution storage unit 315, and a sealing member 316. The openings on the upper surfaces of the specimen diluent storage unit 311, the labeled antibody storage unit 312, the hydrogen peroxide solution storage unit 313, the luminescent substrate storage unit 314, and the cleaning solution storage unit 315 are all sealed by the sealing member 316. The sealing member 316 is formed of, for example, a sheet mainly composed of aluminum.

[0038] The specimen diluent storage unit 311 stores the specimen diluent and also serves as the specimen addition unit where the specimen is dispensed. The labeled antibody storage unit 312 stores the labeled antibody, the hydrogen peroxide solution storage unit 313 stores the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the luminescent substrate storage unit 314 stores the luminescent substrate. The cleaning solution storage unit 315 stores the cleaning solution. Liquid suction during each dispensing is performed after a piercing operation in which a pipette tip 40 attached to the dispensing nozzle 241 of the dispensing unit 24 penetrates the sealing member 316 without removing the sealing member 316 from the cartridge 30.

[0039] The tip storage unit 32 is configured to be able to store three pipette tips 40 used for each of the specimen, the labeled antibody, and the luminescent substrate in order to prevent contamination.

[0040] The engagement grooves 33 are formed on each of the two side surfaces of the cartridge 30. The engagement groove 33 of the present embodiment has an inlet portion 331, a straight portion 332, and a bearing portion 333.

[0041] The inlet portion 331 is a portion that serves as an inlet for receiving the engagement shaft 251 of the cartridge holder 25 described later, and the side opposite to the inlet is connected to the straight portion 332. The inlet portion 331 is formed in a tapered shape such that the width gradually narrows as it approaches the straight portion 332 from the inlet side.

[0042] The straight portion 332 is a narrow groove extending in the vertical direction of the cartridge 30. The extending direction of the straight portion 332 is the insertion direction into the cartridge holder 25. One end of the straight portion 332 in its longitudinal direction is connected to the inlet portion 331, and the other end is connected to the bearing portion 333. The straight portion 332 functions as a guide groove for guiding the engagement shaft 251 of the cartridge holder 25 to the bearing portion 333.

[0043] The bearing portion 333 is a portion that abuts against the engagement shaft 251 of the cartridge holder 25 when set in the cartridge holder 25. The bearing portion 333 is set at a position deviated from the position of the center of gravity G of the cartridge 30. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 8A, the bearing portion 333 is set at a position shifted to one side from a virtual vertical line (vertical line) G1 passing through the center of gravity G in the side view of the cartridge 30 (axial view of the engagement shaft 251).

[0044] Also, when the bearing portion 333 tilts the cartridge 30 at an angle that allows the protrusions of the regulation portion 253 described later to escape and within the allowable range during installation, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 8B, the bearing portion 333 is set at a position shifted to one side from a virtual vertical line (vertical line) G2 passing through the center of gravity G in the side view of the cartridge 30 (axial view of the engagement shaft 251).

[0045] Also, the bearing portion 333 is formed in a tapered shape such that the width gradually narrows as it moves away from the straight portion 332. The bearing portion 333 of the present embodiment has a triangular shape with an apex angle at the top, and the engagement shaft 251 of the cartridge holder 25 abuts against portions corresponding to two sides of the triangle, thereby holding the position of the cartridge 30 in a stable state.

[0046] The recesses 34 are formed at two locations on the front side of the cartridge 30. The recesses 34 are portions into which the regulation portion 253 described later enters when the cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge holder 25. In the present embodiment, the recesses 34 are formed at two locations in accordance with the number of the regulation portions 253. Note that the recesses 34 may have any shape as long as the regulation portion 253 can enter, and the shape is not particularly limited.

[0047] <Cartridge Holder> Next, the configuration of the cartridge holder 25 will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cartridge holder 25 with the cartridge 30 mounted in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the cartridge holder 25 is formed in a box shape having a housing hole 250 for housing the cartridge 30. The housing hole 250 is formed to be larger than the cartridge 30 and allows movement (rotational movement) to change the orientation of the cartridge 30 to the set position within the housing hole 250.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cartridge holder 25 with the cartridge 30 removed in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge holder 25 with the cartridge 30 removed in the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cartridge holder 25 includes an engagement shaft 251, a guide portion 252, a restricting portion 253, and a rotation restricting portion 254.

[0049] The engagement shaft 251 is a shaft portion that engages with the engagement groove 33 of the cartridge 30. The engagement shaft 251 is a round bar protruding from the inside of the housing hole 250, and two are arranged inside the housing hole 250. The two engagement shafts 251 are arranged on the inner wall 256 facing the side surface of the cartridge 30 in the set state. The two engagement shafts 251 arranged on each side of the cartridge 30 in the set state are in a facing positional relationship.

[0050] The guide portion 252 is an inclined portion that guides the insertion of the cartridge 30. The guide portion 252 protrudes from the inner wall 255 facing the front side of the cartridge 30 that forms the housing hole 250 and is inclined so that the protruding amount increases as it goes from top to bottom. The guide portion 252 is formed at two locations (a plurality). The two guide portions 252 are arranged side by side in a position facing the front side of the cartridge 30 in the set state.

[0051] The inner wall 255 facing the front side of the cartridge 30 of the present embodiment is formed with an inclined surface 255a that inclines outward as it goes upward in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 at the upper part thereof. The inclined surface 255a is continuous with the inclination of the guide portion 252, enabling smooth guiding of the cartridge 30. The restricting portion 253 is formed at the lower part of the guide portion 252. Accordingly, two restricting portions 253 are formed according to the number of the guide portions 252. In the set state, the two restricting portions 253 enter inside the recess 34 of the cartridge 30. The bottom surface of the restricting portion 253 in the set state has a positional relationship facing the lower surface (bottom surface) of the recess 34 of the cartridge 30. Thus, even if the cartridge 30 in the set state attempts to move vertically upward from the accommodation hole 250, its movement is restricted by the restricting portion 253. In this way, in the set state, the holder engaging portion (restricting portion 253) constituted by a part of the cartridge holder 25 and the cartridge engaging portion (recess 34) constituted by a part of the cartridge 30 engage with each other, so that even if the cartridge 30 in the set state attempts to move vertically upward from the accommodation hole 250, its movement is restricted by the holder engaging portion and the cartridge engaging portion.

[0052] The rotation restricting portion 254 is formed on the inner wall 255 side of the restricting portion 253. Accordingly, two rotation restricting portions 254 are formed according to the number of the restricting portions 253. In the set state, the two rotation restricting portions 254 are in a state where the lower part of the cartridge 30 engages. Thus, even if the cartridge 30 in the set state attempts to rotate and move, its movement is restricted by the rotation restricting portion 254. In this way, in the set state, the holder engaging portion (rotation restricting portion 254) constituted by a part of the cartridge holder 25 and the cartridge engaging portion by the lower part of the cartridge 30 engage with each other, so that even if the cartridge 30 in the set state attempts to rotate and move, its movement is restricted by the holder engaging portion and the cartridge engaging portion.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, the operation of setting the cartridge 30 in the cartridge holder 25 will be described.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state where the insertion of the cartridge 30 into the cartridge holder 25 of the present embodiment is started. As shown in FIG. 13, with the cartridge 30 inclined, the position of the engagement shaft 251 of the cartridge holder 25 is aligned with the position of the engagement groove 33 of the cartridge 30. Then, the engagement shaft 251 is inserted from the inlet portion 331 of the engagement groove 33 of the cartridge 30. The cartridge 30 moves obliquely downward while being supported by the engagement shafts 251 on both sides. In this movement obliquely downward, the engagement shaft 251 is guided by the straight portion 332 of the engagement groove 33, and the lower end portion of the cartridge 30 is guided from the inclined surface 255a of the inner wall 255 to the guide portion 252.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state where the cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge holder 25 of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a state where the cartridge 30 has moved obliquely downward while being guided by the engagement shaft 251 and the guide portion 252 from the state shown in FIG. 13, and the engagement shaft 251 is in contact with the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33. In this state, the upper part of the cartridge 30 is inclined toward the inner wall 255 side. The inclination angle of the cartridge 30 when centered on the engagement shaft 251 in this state is in the range exceeding the angle for the protrusion of the regulating portion 253 to escape and up to the angle at which the moment M described later acts.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 14, when the engagement shaft 251 abuts against the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33, the center of gravity G of the cartridge 30 is located farther from the inner wall 255 of the accommodation hole 250 than the engagement shaft 251. Therefore, due to the self-weight of the cartridge 30, the lower part of the cartridge 30 rotates toward the inner wall 255 side of the accommodation hole 250 with the engagement shaft 251 as the rotation center and engages with the rotation restricting portion 254. That is, the moment M of the force that rotates the lower part of the cartridge 30 toward the inner wall 255 side with the engagement shaft 251 as the rotation center acts, and the movement of the cartridge 30 to the set position using the self-weight of the cartridge 30 is realized. Here, when the engagement shaft 251 abuts against the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33 with the upper part of the cartridge 30 inclined toward the inner wall 255 side, the configuration of the cartridge 30 in which the lower part of the cartridge 30 rotates toward the inner wall 255 side around the engagement shaft 251 can be said to be a configuration in which the position of the bearing portion 333 (engagement shaft 251) of the engagement groove 33 is deviated from the center-of-gravity position of the cartridge 30.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state where the insertion of the cartridge 30 into the cartridge holder 25 of the present embodiment is completed. FIG. 15 shows a set state in which the cartridge 30 has rotated with the engagement shaft 251 as the rotation center from the state shown in FIG. 14 and the insertion into the cartridge holder 25 is completed. In this set state, the restricting portions 232 have entered into the respective two concave portions 34 of the cartridge 30 and the lower part of the cartridge 30 is engaged with the rotation restricting portion 254. Through the above operations, the operation of inserting the cartridge 30 into the cartridge holder 25 is completed.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the engagement shaft 251 is disposed on the cartridge holder 25 and the engagement groove 33 is disposed on the cartridge 30, but the configuration is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the engagement shaft is disposed on the cartridge and the engagement groove is formed on the cartridge holder 25.

[0059] As described above, the sample analyzer 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects. The sample analyzer 1 of the present embodiment includes a cartridge 30 that houses a reagent used for the reaction of a reactant, a cartridge holder 25 having a housing hole 250 that houses the cartridge 30, an engagement shaft 251 disposed on either one of the cartridge 30 and the cartridge holder 25, and an engagement groove 33 disposed on the other of the cartridge 30 and the cartridge holder 25 where the engagement shaft 251 is not disposed. The position of the bearing portion 333, which is the end of the engagement groove 33 with which the engagement shaft 251 abuts, is configured to deviate from the center-of-gravity position of the cartridge 30. That is, the engagement groove 33 has a bearing portion 333 as an end portion that abuts against the engagement shaft 251, and the position of the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33 when the engagement shaft 251 abuts is configured to deviate from the center-of-gravity position of the cartridge 30.

[0060] Thereby, by engaging the engagement shaft 251 with the engagement groove 33, the cartridge 30 automatically moves to the set position due to its own weight. Since the engagement of the engagement shaft 251 and the engagement groove 33 allows the setting operation of the cartridge 30 to be completed, an operation for fixing the cartridge 30 such as a locking mechanism is not required, and high operability can be realized. In addition, since a complicated mechanism is not required, the occurrence of failures can be avoided as in the locking mechanism of the prior art, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0061] Further, in the present embodiment, when the engagement shaft 251 and the engagement groove 33 are engaged and the upper portion of the cartridge 30 is inclined with respect to the inner wall 255 on one side of the housing hole 250, the center-of-gravity position is located at a position separated from the inner wall 255 more than the engagement groove 33.

[0062] Thereby, a moment M of the force for rotating the lower portion of the cartridge 30 toward the inner wall 255 about the rotation center of the engagement shaft 251 acts, and the movement of the cartridge 30 to the set position using its own weight can be made more reliable.

[0063] Further, in the present embodiment, the position of the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33 is set so as to be displaced to one side from the center of gravity G on the surface where the bearing portion 333 is formed.

[0064] As a result, the rotation center is shifted to one side from the center of gravity position, not limited to the possible inclination angle of the cartridge 30. Therefore, a force that rotates the lower part of the cartridge 30 toward the inner wall 255 side with the engagement axis 251 as the rotation center acts strongly, and the rotational movement of the lower part of the cartridge 30 toward the inner wall 255 side can be made smoother.

[0065] Further, in the present embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 241 that applies an external force to the cartridge 30 is further provided, and the position of the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33 is set to be shifted to one side from the axis O1 (see FIG. 24) of the dispensing nozzle 241 in the width direction of the surface on which the bearing portion 333 is formed.

[0066] The cartridge 30 receives a force along the axis of the dispensing nozzle 241 as an external force during the operation of attaching the pipette tip 40 to the dispensing nozzle 241, the piercing operation, and the detachment operation (retreat operation) by the dispensing nozzle 241. Even when such a force is received, since the position of the bearing portion 333 of the engagement groove 33 is set to be shifted to one side from the axis O1 of the dispensing nozzle 241, the position of the cartridge 30 is more firmly fixed, and a stable operation of the dispensing nozzle 241 can be realized. Further, detachment of the cartridge 30 from the cartridge holder 25 during the operation of the dispensing nozzle 241 can be more reliably prevented. Details of the dispensing nozzle 241 will be described later.

[0067] Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge holder 25 has a regulating portion 253 that protrudes in a direction intersecting the vertical direction from the inner wall 255 facing the cartridge 30 in the accommodation hole 250, and the cartridge 30 has a recess 34 into which the regulating portion 253 enters on the side facing the inner wall 255. Thereby, in the set state, the regulating portion 253 as a holder engaging portion constituted by a part of the cartridge holder 25 and the recess 34 as a cartridge engaging portion constituted by a part of the cartridge 30 are engaged. Further, the rotation restricting portion 254 as the holder engaging portion and the lower part of the cartridge 30 as the cartridge engaging portion are engaged.

[0068] During the piercing operation and other operations described below, the cartridge 30 may be lifted from the accommodation hole 250 of the cartridge holder 25 due to the friction between the sealing member 316 and the pipette tip 40 (the weight of the cartridge 30 < the frictional force of the sealing member 316). In this regard, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the cartridge 30 tries to lift, the regulating portion 253 that enters the recess 34 of the cartridge 30 can surely prevent the upward movement of the cartridge 30.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the engaging groove 33 is formed such that the entrance portion 331 as the entrance side where the engaging shaft 251 enters is wider than the back side.

[0070] Thereby, the introduction of the engaging shaft 251 into the engaging groove 33 can be made smooth, and the operability of the setting operation of the cartridge 30 can be further improved.

[0071] In addition, the engaging shaft 251 of the present embodiment is disposed in the accommodation hole 250 of the cartridge holder 25, the engaging groove 33 is disposed in the cartridge 30, and has a straight portion 332 that extends linearly along the insertion direction of the cartridge 30.

[0072] Thereby, the cartridge 30 can be smoothly moved to the set position through the straight portion 332 of the engaging groove 33 formed on the cartridge 30 side, and the operability can be further improved.

[0073] In addition, the cartridge 30 that houses the reagent used for the reaction of the reactant in the present embodiment includes a reagent housing portion 31 that houses the reagent, and an engaging groove 33 that engages with the engaging shaft 251 disposed on the cartridge holder 25 side that houses the cartridge 30, and the position of the bearing portion 333 as the end portion of the engaging groove 33 with which the engaging shaft 251 abuts is configured to deviate from the center of gravity position of the cartridge 30.

[0074] <Dispensing unit> Next, the configuration of the dispensing unit 24 will be described. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 shows the dispensing nozzle 241 before the pipette tip 40 is attached. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part inside the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment from the front side. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part inside the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment from the back side.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the dispensing unit 24 is a dispensing device including a casing 240, a dispensing nozzle 241, a buffer mechanism 242, a cylinder mechanism 243, an extrusion mechanism 244, a shaft drive mechanism 245, and a unit movement mechanism 246. In FIGS. 17 and 18, for convenience of explanation, the casing 240 and the pressing portion 346 described later are shown in cross-section. The same applies to FIGS. 21 and 22 described later.

[0076] The casing 240 is a housing that accommodates components for sending and sucking air (fluid) of the dispensing unit 24 and components for removing the pipette tip 40. The casing 240 of the present embodiment has a three-dimensional L-shaped configuration in plan view.

[0077] The dispensing nozzle 241 is configured to be detachable from the pipette tip 40 at its tip. Inside the dispensing nozzle 241, a flow path (not shown) for sending and sucking air to the pipette tip 40 is formed. The dispensing nozzle 241 has a small-diameter portion 241A where the elastic member 242A is disposed, a large-diameter portion 241B located on the lower surface side of the small-diameter portion 241A, and a flange portion 241C located on the upper surface side of the small-diameter portion 241A. The lower surface of the flange portion 241C abuts on the upper surface of the upper wall of the casing 240 to define the lowermost position of the dispensing nozzle 241.

[0078] The buffer mechanism 242 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 241 and is a mechanism that releases the force applied when the pipette tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 241. The buffer mechanism 242 is disposed inside the casing 240. In the buffer mechanism 242, an elastic member 242A is disposed at the small-diameter portion 241A of the dispensing nozzle 241. The lower surface of the elastic member 242A abuts against the stepped surface between the large-diameter portion 241B and the small-diameter portion 241A. The upper surface of the elastic member 242A abuts against the inner upper surface wall of the casing 240. The elastic member 242A is composed of a member such as a spring that contracts in the axial direction of the dispensing nozzle 241 and has a restoring force that tries to return to its original shape. The spring can be appropriately selected according to the structure, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. The dispensing nozzle 241 of the present embodiment is held by the casing 240 via the elastic member 242A. Note that the arrangement location of the elastic member 242A is not limited to the inside of the casing 240 and may be arranged outside the casing 240. The dispensing nozzle 241 is connected to a cylinder mechanism 243 described later by a flexible tube 342 so as not to affect the delivery and suction of air.

[0079] The cylinder mechanism 243 is a mechanical cylinder mechanism that delivers and sucks air as a fluid to and from the dispensing nozzle 241. The cylinder mechanism 243 is disposed inside the casing 240. The cylinder mechanism 243 includes a casing 240 that also serves as a cylinder, a piston shaft 341 as an operating shaft, and a sealing member 243A between the cylinder and the piston shaft 341. The sealing member 243A is composed of an elastic member such as an O-ring.

[0080] The base end portion of the piston shaft 341 protrudes from the upper surface of the casing 240, and the tip end portion functions as a piston inside the cylinder mechanism 243. A cylinder-side receiving portion 343 that receives the operating force from a shaft drive mechanism 245 described later is disposed at the base end portion of the piston shaft 341.

[0081] The flexible tube 342 has one end connected to the cylinder mechanism 243 inside the casing 240 and the other end connected to the base end of the dispensing nozzle 241 protruding outside the casing 240. The flexible tube 342 is formed of a bendable flexible material and conveys and sucks air to the dispensing nozzle 241 via the inside and outside of the casing 240 while bending.

[0082] The extrusion mechanism 244 is a device for removing the pipette tip 40 attached to the dispensing nozzle 241 from the dispensing nozzle 241. The extrusion mechanism 244 includes an extrusion shaft 345, a pressing portion 346, and an elastic member 348.

[0083] The extrusion shaft 345 is supported by the casing 240 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the dispensing nozzle 241. The base end side of the extrusion shaft 345 protrudes from the upper surface of the casing 240, and the tip side protrudes from the lower surface of the casing 240 and is connected to the pressing portion 346. A columnar extrusion-side receiving portion 347 that receives the pressing of the shaft drive mechanism 245 is disposed at the base end portion of the extrusion shaft 345. The extrusion shaft 345 has a large-diameter portion 345B where the elastic member 348 is disposed and that is located on the upper surface side of the extrusion shaft 345.

[0084] The elastic member 348 is a mechanism for returning the pressing portion 346 to the standby position. At least a part of the elastic member 348 is disposed inside the casing 240. The elastic member 348 is disposed on the extrusion shaft 345. The lower surface of the elastic member 348 abuts against the inner lower surface wall of the casing 240. The upper surface of the elastic member 348 abuts against the large-diameter portion 345B. The elastic member 348 is configured by a member such as a spring that contracts in the axial direction of the extrusion shaft 345 and has a restoring force to return to its original shape. The spring can be appropriately selected according to the structure, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. The extrusion shaft 345 of the present embodiment is held by the casing 240 via the elastic member 348. Note that the arrangement location of the elastic member 348 is not limited to the inside of the casing 240 and may be disposed outside the casing 240.

[0085] The pressing part 346 is disposed below the casing 240. The pressing part 346 is formed in a block shape. The pressing part 346 is positioned so as to overlap the end surface on the proximal end side of the pipette tip 40 in the axial direction view of the dispensing nozzle 241 so that it can contact the proximal end part of the pipette tip 40. The pressing part 346 moves from a standby position where it does not contact the pipette tip 40 to an extrusion position where it extrudes the pipette tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 241 as the extrusion shaft 345 moves.

[0086] Next, the shaft drive mechanism 245 will be described. The shaft drive mechanism 245 operates both the piston shaft 341 and the extrusion shaft 345. The shaft drive mechanism 245 includes an operating part 445 that moves up and down by an actuator (not shown) and a transmission part 446 attached to the distal end side of the operating part 445. The transmission part 446 is formed in a flat plate shape with a flat surface portion facing in the vertical direction and operates integrally with the up and down movement of the operating part 445. The transmission part 446 is moved by the actuator to a standby position, a position above the standby position, and a position below the standby position. The region above the standby position is used when aspirating and discharging the reagent. The region below the standby position is used during the release operation of the pipette tip 40 described later.

[0087] FIG. 19 is an enlarged side view showing the positional relationship among the transmission part 446, the cylinder side receiving part 343, and the extrusion side receiving part 347 of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is an enlarged plan view showing the positional relationship between the transmission part 446 and the piston shaft 341 of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment.

[0088] First, the relationship between the transmission part 446 and the cylinder side receiving part 343 will be described. The transmission part 446 operates the piston shaft 341 by contacting the cylinder side receiving part 343.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a notch portion 446a is formed in the transmission portion 446 as an insertion portion for inserting the piston shaft 341. Further, the cylinder-side receiving portion 343 includes a first contact portion 343a fixed to the piston shaft 341, a second contact portion 343b, and a connection portion 343c. Both the first contact portion 343a and the second contact portion 343b are flange-shaped portions configured in a columnar shape, and are arranged to sandwich the transmission portion 446 in the vertical direction with the piston shaft 341 inserted through the notch portion 446a. The connection portion 343c is formed in a columnar shape having a smaller diameter than the first contact portion 343a and the second contact portion 343b, and connects the first contact portion 343a and the second contact portion 343b in a state of passing through the inside of the notch portion 446a.

[0090] A gap is formed in the axial direction of the piston shaft 341 between the transmission portion 446 and the cylinder-side receiving portion 343. In the present embodiment, the vertical interval between the first contact portion 343a and the second contact portion 343b is formed to be slightly larger than the thickness of the transmission portion 446. Thereby, a vertical gap d1 is formed between the cylinder-side receiving portion 343 (first contact portion 343a) and the transmission portion 446. In the example of FIG. 19, a gap d1 is formed between the lower surface of the first contact portion 343a and the upper surface of the transmission portion 446, but the position of the gap d1 changes depending on the vertical position of the operating portion 445. The position of the gap may be between the upper surface of the second contact portion 343b and the lower surface of the transmission portion 446. Also, gaps may occur between both the lower surface of the first contact portion 343a and the upper surface of the transmission portion 446 and between the upper surface of the second contact portion 343b and the lower surface of the transmission portion 446.

[0091] Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the size of the notch portion 446a is set so as not to contact the connection portion 343c including the piston shaft 341 in a state where the piston shaft 341 is inserted. That is, a gap is formed in the radial direction centered on the piston shaft 341 in the axial view of the piston shaft 341 between the cylinder-side receiving portion 343 and the notch portion 446a.

[0092] Next, the relationship between the transmission part 446 and the extrusion-side receiving part 347 will be described. When the transmission part 446 comes into contact with the extrusion-side receiving part 347, the extrusion shaft 345 is operated. As shown in Fig. 19, in the standby position of the pressing part 346, a vertical gap d2 is formed between the extrusion-side receiving part 347 located at the base end of the extrusion shaft 345 and the transmission part 446. The gap d2 between the extrusion-side receiving part 347 and the transmission part 446 is set to be at least 0 mm or more in the downward direction from the standby position of the transmission part 446.

[0093] When the transmission part 446 moves downward by a distance equal to or greater than the gap d2, it contacts the extrusion-side receiving part 347 and moves the extrusion shaft 345 downward. That is, until the distance equal to the gap d2 is reached, the extrusion shaft 345 does not move, and only the piston shaft 341 moves downward.

[0094] The air suction operation will be described. In the air suction operation, first, the operating part 445 holding the transmission part 446 starts to move upward. Since the cylinder-side receiving part 343 of the piston shaft 341 does not contact the transmission part 446 until the transmission part 446 reaches a distance equal to the gap d1, it does not move. When the transmission part 446 moves upward by a distance equal to the gap d1, the upper surface of the transmission part 446 abuts against the lower surface of the first contact part 343a of the cylinder-side receiving part 343. From this state, when the transmission part 446 moves further upward, the piston shaft 341 moves upward and air is sucked from the dispensing nozzle 241.

[0095] The air delivery operation will be described. In the air delivery operation, starting from the state where the operating part 445 holding the transmission part 446 is located upward, it starts to move downward. With the movement of the operating part 445, the upper surface of the transmission part 446 contacts the upper surface of the second contact part 343b and pushes it upward, so that the piston shaft 341 moves downward and air is delivered to the dispensing nozzle 241.

[0096] Next, referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a releasing operation for releasing the pipette tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 241 will be described. FIG. 21 is a front view showing the standby position of the pressing portion 346 of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front view showing the contact position of the pressing portion 346 of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment.

[0097] In the releasing operation of the pipette tip 40, the operating portion 445 that holds the transmission portion 446 starts to move downward. In the present embodiment, until the transmission portion 446 reaches a distance corresponding to the gap d2, the extrusion-side receiving portion 347 is not in contact with the transmission portion 446, so the extrusion shaft 345 does not move. When the transmission portion 446 moves downward by a distance corresponding to the gap d2, the lower surface of the transmission portion 446 abuts against the upper surface of the extrusion-side receiving portion 347. From this state, as the transmission portion 446 moves further downward, the pressing portion 346 moves from the standby position to the contact position where it contacts the pipette tip 40. As the transmission portion 446 moves further downward from the contact position where the pressing portion 346 contacts the pipette tip 40, the pipette tip 40 is pushed downward from the dispensing nozzle 241, and the mounted state is released. Thereafter, as the transmission portion 446 returns upward, the extrusion shaft 345 is biased upward by the elastic member 348, and the pressing portion 346 returns to the standby position.

[0098] Note that the releasing operation of the pipette tip 40 is basically not performed when sucking and discharging liquid to / from the pipette tip 40.

[0099] The shaft drive mechanism 245 is operationally controlled by the control unit 50. In the present embodiment, both the cylinder mechanism 243 and the extrusion mechanism 244 can be operated by software installed in the control unit 50.

[0100] Next, the unit moving mechanism 246 will be described. The unit moving mechanism 246 moves the dispensing unit 24 up and down by an actuator (not shown). The unit moving mechanism 246 moves the dispensing unit 24 up and down to the mounting height of the pipette tip 40, the liquid suction height for sucking the reagent from the cartridge 30, the dispensing height for dispensing to the analysis chip 10, and the like. The unit moving mechanism 246 may be provided with an actuator for the horizontal position in addition to only the up and down movement.

[0101] The unit moving mechanism 246 is operationally controlled by the control unit 50. In the present embodiment, the vertical position adjustment of the dispensing unit 24 can be performed by the software installed in the control unit 50.

[0102] As described above, the dispensing unit 24 as the dispensing device of the present embodiment has the following effects. The dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment includes a dispensing nozzle 241 to which the pipette tip 40 is attached, a cylinder mechanism 243 that sends and sucks fluid to the dispensing nozzle 241 by the movement of the piston shaft 341, an extrusion mechanism 244 that extrudes the pipette tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 241 by the movement of the extrusion shaft 345 to release the mounted state, and a shaft drive mechanism 245 that moves to a predetermined position, transmits a force in the direction in which the fluid is sent out by moving integrally with the piston shaft 341, and moves integrally with the extrusion shaft 345 to extrude the pipette tip 40 when it moves further in a predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft 341. More specifically, the shaft drive mechanism 245 moves in a predetermined direction, transmits a force in the direction in which the fluid is sent out by contacting the piston shaft 341, and when it moves further in a predetermined direction after contacting the piston shaft 341, it contacts the extrusion shaft 345 and moves integrally with the extrusion shaft 345 to extrude the pipette tip 40.

[0103] Accordingly, by adjusting the amount of movement in a predetermined direction, it is possible to properly use the operation of sending fluid to the dispensing nozzle 241 and the operation of releasing the attachment of the pipette tip 40. The cylinder mechanism 243 responsible for sending and sucking the fluid and the extrusion mechanism 244 responsible for releasing the attachment of the pipette tip 40 can be operated by the same axial drive mechanism 245, and the dispensing unit 24 can be realized with a simple device configuration.

[0104] In addition, the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment includes a buffer mechanism 242 connected to the dispensing nozzle 241 and capable of contracting in the axial direction of the dispensing nozzle 241, and a casing 240 that houses at least a part of the dispensing nozzle 241 via the buffer mechanism 242.

[0105] Accordingly, since the force applied when the pipette tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 241 can be absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic member 242A, breakage of the dispensing nozzle 241 and the pipette tip 40 can be effectively prevented. Further, since the force at the time of attaching the pipette tip 40 becomes constant due to the elastic force of the elastic member 242A, the attachment state of the pipette tip 40 also becomes stable.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the cylinder mechanism 243 and the dispensing nozzle 241 are arranged at positions that do not overlap on the same axis, and the cylinder mechanism 243 and the dispensing nozzle 241 are connected via a flexible tube 342 that serves as a fluid flow path.

[0107] Accordingly, by using the flexible tube 342, the cylinder mechanism 243 and the dispensing nozzle 241 can be arranged offset from the same straight line, so that the degree of freedom in the layout of the device configuration can be improved. This also facilitates securing a space for realizing the buffer mechanism 242 that arranges the elastic member 242A to absorb the force at the time of attachment.

[0108] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shaft drive mechanism 245 has a transmission part 446 that moves in a predetermined direction. The cylinder mechanism 243 is disposed on the piston shaft 341 and has a cylinder-side receiving part 343 that contacts the transmission part 446 and moves in the predetermined direction. The extrusion mechanism 244 is disposed on the extrusion shaft 345. When the transmission part 446 contacts the cylinder-side receiving part 343, the extrusion mechanism 244 is located at a standby position spaced apart from the transmission part 446. After the transmission part 446 advances a predetermined distance in the predetermined direction, the extrusion mechanism 244 contacts the transmission part 446 and starts to move in the predetermined direction, and has an extrusion-side receiving part 347.

[0109] Thereby, with a simple configuration of providing a gap between the extrusion shaft 345 at the standby position and the transmission part 446, the shaft drive mechanism 245 whose operation changes according to the amount of movement can be realized.

[0110] In addition, in the present embodiment, the transmission part 446 has a notch part 446a as an insertion part through which the piston shaft 341 is inserted. The cylinder-side receiving part 343 has a first contact part 343a located on one side of the transmission part 446 with the piston shaft 341 inserted into the notch part 446a, and a second contact part 343b located on the other side of the transmission part 446 with the piston shaft 341 inserted into the notch part 446a. The distance between the first contact part 343a and the second contact part 343b in the axial direction of the piston shaft 341 is formed to be larger than the thickness of the piston shaft 341 in the axial direction in the transmission part 446.

[0111] As a result, the force for not only discharging but also sucking fluid can be transmitted from the transmission part 446 to the piston shaft 341 by the first contact part 343a and the second contact part 343b arranged so as to sandwich the transmission part 446. Further, when the piston shaft 341 and the transmission part 446 are connected and fixed, the operation for adjusting the position of the dispensing nozzle 241 becomes complicated. In particular, since the piston shaft 341 is a mechanism for discharging and sucking fluid, if the position in its axial direction is not appropriate, it may affect the discharging and sucking of the fluid. In this regard, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the axial position adjustment of the dispensing nozzle 241 can be precisely and easily performed by using the gap d1 formed between the cylinder side receiving part 343 (the first contact part 343a and the second contact part 343b) and the transmission part 446. Also, the positional deviation and the operation deviation between the shaft drive mechanism 245 and the unit movement mechanism 246 can be absorbed.

[0112] Further, in the present embodiment, a gap is formed in the radial direction of the piston shaft 341 between the cylinder side receiving part 343 and the notch part 446a.

[0113] As a result, the generation of wear due to the axial movement of the piston shaft 341 between the cylinder side receiving part 343 and the transmission part 446 can be prevented, and the load on the cylinder mechanism 243 can be effectively reduced. Also, by using the radial gap between the cylinder side receiving part 343 and the notch part 446a, the position adjustment can be precisely and easily performed not only in the axial direction but also in the radial direction of the piston shaft 341. Also, the positional deviation and the operation deviation between the shaft drive mechanism 245 and the unit movement mechanism 246 can be absorbed.

[0114] In addition, the sample analyzer 1 of the present embodiment includes a dispensing nozzle 241 to which a pipette tip 40 is attached, a cylinder mechanism 243 that delivers and sucks fluid to and from the dispensing nozzle 241 by moving a piston shaft 341, an extrusion mechanism 244 that ejects the pipette tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 241 by moving an extrusion shaft 345 to release the attachment state, and a shaft drive mechanism 245 that moves in a predetermined direction to transmit a force in the direction in which fluid is delivered while moving integrally with the piston shaft 341, and that moves integrally with the extrusion shaft 345 to eject the pipette tip 40 when it moves further in the predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft 341.

[0115] <Liquid suction operation by the dispensing unit> Next, the liquid suction operation by the dispensing unit 24 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the liquid suction process of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment.

[0116] In step S11, the control unit 50 controls the unit movement mechanism 246 to move the dispensing nozzle 241 to the mounting height of the pipette tip 40 directly above the pipette tip 40 accommodated in the cartridge 30 and attach the pipette tip 40 to the tip of the dispensing nozzle 241. As described above, the force applied to the pipette tip 40 during attachment is relaxed by the buffer mechanism 242, and the pipette tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 241 with a constant force.

[0117] In step S12, the control unit 50 controls the unit movement mechanism 246 to move the dispensing nozzle 241 to the preparation height for the piercing operation directly above the reagent storage section 31 accommodated in the cartridge 30. This preparation height is the upper position of the reagent for which liquid suction will be performed next in the reagent storage section 31.

[0118] In step S13, the control unit 50 controls the unit moving mechanism 246 and the cylinder mechanism 243 to start sucking by the dispensing nozzle 241 simultaneously with the piercing operation. FIG. 24 is a side view showing the piercing operation of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, in the piercing operation, the pipette tip 40 is pushed downward in accordance with the position of the liquid suction target of the reagent storage unit 31 covered by the sealing member 316, and the sealing member 316 is penetrated by the pipette tip 40. Since the cylinder mechanism 243 sucks the dispensing nozzle 241 in this series of operations, the reagent adhering to the inside of the sealing member 316 from the tip of the pipette tip 40 is also sucked. In addition, the inside of the reagent storage unit 31 to be liquid-sucked also becomes negative pressure by suction without becoming positive pressure, and the scattering of the reagent to the outside of the cartridge 30 due to the pushing of the pipette tip 40 is suppressed.

[0119] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the piercing operation, even when a force is applied by the pipette tip 40 to penetrate the sealing member 316, the moment M of the cartridge 30 generated by its own weight around the engagement shaft 251 further increases, and the lower part of the cartridge 30 is pressed against the rotation restricting portion 254. As a result, the position of the cartridge 30 is more firmly fixed, and a stable piercing operation becomes possible.

[0120] In step S14, the control unit 50 controls the unit moving mechanism 246 to move the dispensing nozzle 241 to the upper retracted position after the piercing operation. FIG. 25 is a side view showing the retracted position after the piercing operation of the dispensing unit 24 of the present embodiment. The movement to this retracted position breaks the possible liquid film generated during the piercing operation. Thereafter, control is executed to move the dispensing nozzle 241 downward to the position where the reagent is sucked, and the suction operation of the reagent is performed. By these series of processes, the liquid suction process is completed. The sucked reagent is injected into the analysis chip 10.

[0121] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even if a force that lifts the cartridge 30 acts due to the friction between the pipette tip 40 of the dispensing nozzle 241 and the sealing member 316 of the cartridge 30 during the retraction operation after the piercing operation, the regulating unit 253 prevents the cartridge 30 from being lifted.

[0122] Note that, similar to the mechanism described during the piercing operation in step S13 above, even when the pipette tip 40 is attached, the moment M of the cartridge 30 generated by its own weight around the engagement shaft 251 further increases, and the lower part of the cartridge 30 is pressed against the rotation restricting portion 254. As a result, the position of the cartridge 30 is fixed more firmly, and the pipette tip 40 can be stably attached.

[0123] As described above, the sample analysis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects. The sample analysis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a pipette tip 40 as a tapered tip portion, a dispensing nozzle 241 that sucks a reagent from the pipette tip 40, a cylinder mechanism 243 that delivers and sucks fluid to and from the dispensing nozzle 241, a unit movement mechanism 246 that performs a piercing operation of passing the pipette tip 40 through a sealing member 316 that covers an opening of a reagent storage portion 31 in which a reagent is stored by moving the dispensing nozzle 241, and a control unit 50 as a control device that executes control to suck fluid with respect to the dispensing nozzle 241 by the cylinder mechanism 243 during the piercing operation.

[0124] As a result, since the piercing operation and the suction operation of the dispensing nozzle 241 are performed simultaneously, the positive pressure inside the reagent storage portion 31 is suppressed, and the liquid attached to the sealing member 316, which is a sealing sheet, is also sucked. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the liquid attached to the sealing member 316 in the container of the cartridge 30 leaks to the outside during the piercing operation.

[0125] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 50 executes control to move the pipette tip 40 upward once after the piercing operation and then move it downward to a position where the reagent is sucked.

[0126] Thus, by performing an operation to return to the position before piercing once before the liquid suction operation after the piercing operation, the liquid film formed in the gap of the reagent storage unit 31 during the piercing operation can be cut. As a result, it is possible to suppress the outflow of bubbles to the outside when the pipette tip 40 of the dispensing nozzle 241 is moved downward in a state where the liquid film is formed.

[0127] Further, the sample analyzer 1 of the present embodiment further includes a cartridge 30 having a reagent storage unit 31 and a cartridge holder 25 having a storage hole 250 for housing the cartridge 30. The cartridge holder 25 has a restricting portion 253 protruding in a direction intersecting the vertical direction from the inner wall 255 facing the cartridge 30 in the storage hole 250. The cartridge 30 has a recess 34 into which the restricting portion 253 enters on the side facing the inner wall 255. Thus, in the set state, the restricting portion 253 as a holder engaging portion formed by a part of the cartridge holder 25 and the recess 34 as a cartridge engaging portion formed by a part of the cartridge 30 are engaged.

[0128] Thus, it is possible to surely prevent the cartridge 30 from floating due to the friction between the sealing member 316 and the pipette tip 40 after the piercing operation by the restricting portion 253 that enters the recess 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0129] The sample analyzer 1 of the present embodiment further includes an engaging shaft 251 disposed on either one of the cartridge 30 and the cartridge holder 25, and an engaging groove 33 disposed on the other of the cartridge 30 and the cartridge holder 25 where the engaging shaft 251 is not disposed. The axis O1 of the dispensing nozzle 241 is deviated from the axis O2 of the engaging shaft 251.

[0130] Thus, even when a force is applied to penetrate the sealing member 316 by the pipette tip 40 during the piercing operation, the position of the cartridge 30 is more firmly fixed, and a stable piercing operation can be performed.

[0131] Also, as a result, even when a force is applied to penetrate the sealing member 316 by the pipette tip 40 during the piercing operation, the engagement between the engagement shaft 251 and the engagement groove 33 is less likely to be released compared to the configuration where the axis O1 of the dispensing nozzle 241 is on the axis O2 of the engagement shaft 251. The detachment of the regulating portion 253 from the concave portion 34 also becomes difficult, the position of the cartridge 30 is fixed more firmly, and the detachment of the cartridge 30 from the cartridge holder 25 during the piercing operation can be more reliably prevented.

[0132] As described above, the preferred embodiment and modification example of the sample analysis apparatus 1 of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the individual forms shown in these embodiments, and it goes without saying that various changes based on the idea of the present invention are possible.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0133] 1 Sample analysis apparatus 10 Analysis chip 24 Dispensing unit (dispensing device) 25 Cartridge holder 30 Cartridge 33 Engagement groove 40 Pipette tip (tip portion) 50 Control unit (control device) 241 Dispensing nozzle 243 Cylinder mechanism 244 Extrusion mechanism 245 Axis drive mechanism 246 Unit movement mechanism 250 Accommodation hole 251 Engagement shaft 333 Bearing portion (end portion of engagement groove) 341 Piston shaft 345 Extrusion shaft

Claims

1. A dispensing nozzle to which a pipette tip is attached, a cylinder mechanism that delivers and aspirates fluid to and from the dispensing nozzle by moving a piston shaft, an extrusion mechanism that extrudes the pipette tip from the dispensing nozzle by moving an extrusion shaft to release the attached state, a shaft drive mechanism that, by moving in a predetermined direction, moves integrally with the piston shaft to transmit a force in the direction in which the fluid is delivered, and that moves integrally with the extrusion shaft to extrude the pipette tip when it moves further in the predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft, A dispensing device comprising the above.

2. A buffer mechanism that is connected to the dispensing nozzle and is contractible in the axial direction of the dispensing nozzle, A casing that houses at least a part of the dispensing nozzle via the buffer mechanism, Comprising the above, The dispensing device according to Claim 1.

3. The cylinder mechanism and the dispensing nozzle are arranged at positions that do not overlap on the same axis, The cylinder mechanism and the dispensing nozzle are connected via a flexible tube that serves as a flow path for the fluid, The dispensing device according to Claim 2.

4. The shaft drive mechanism has a transmission part that moves in the predetermined direction, The cylinder mechanism has a cylinder-side receiving part that is arranged on the piston shaft, contacts the transmission part, and moves in the predetermined direction, The extrusion mechanism has an extrusion-side receiving part that is arranged on the extrusion shaft, is located at a standby position spaced apart from the transmission part when the transmission part contacts the cylinder-side receiving part, and contacts the transmission part after the transmission part has advanced a predetermined distance in the predetermined direction to start moving in the predetermined direction. The dispensing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The transmission part has an insertion part through which the piston shaft is inserted, The cylinder-side receiving part has a first contact part located on one side of the transmission part with the piston shaft inserted through the insertion part, has a second contact part located on the other side of the transmission part with the piston shaft inserted through the insertion part, Comprising the above, The distance between the first contact part and the second contact part in the axial direction of the piston shaft is formed to be larger than the thickness of the piston shaft in the axial direction of the transmission part. The dispensing device according to Claim 4.

6. A gap is formed in the radial direction of the piston shaft between the cylinder-side receiving part and the insertion part. The dispensing device according to Claim 5.

7. A dispensing nozzle to which a pipette tip is attached, A cylinder mechanism that delivers and aspirates fluid to and from the dispensing nozzle by the movement of the piston shaft; An extrusion mechanism that releases the mounted state by extruding the pipette tip from the dispensing nozzle by the movement of the extrusion shaft; A shaft drive mechanism that, by moving in a predetermined direction, transmits a force in the direction in which the fluid is delivered while moving integrally with the piston shaft, and that moves integrally with the extrusion shaft to extrude the pipette tip when it moves further in the predetermined direction after starting to move integrally with the piston shaft; A sample analysis apparatus comprising the above.

Images