Automatic analyzer

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer which can suppress the increase in the size of the device while having a plurality of reaction lines.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer 1 includes a diluted specimen cell turn table 3, a plurality of reaction lines 6A and 6B, and a diluted specimen dispensing unit 22. The diluted specimen cell turn table 3 has a plurality of diluted specimen cells P3 for housing a diluted specimen. The plurality of reaction lines 6A and 6B to which the diluted specimen is supplied reacts the diluted specimen with a reagent. The diluted specimen dispensing unit 22 supplies the diluted specimen housed in a diluted specimen cell P3 of the diluted specimen cell turn table 3 to the plurality of reaction lines 6A and 6B. The diluted specimen dispensing unit 22 supplies the diluted specimen to the plurality of reaction lines 6A and 6B, from one diluted specimen line provided on the diluted specimen cell turn table 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] Automated analyzers are used in a variety of fields, including biochemical testing and blood transfusion testing, to analyze multiple components contained in samples quickly and with high accuracy. Automated analyzers have a reaction table that performs reactions between samples and reagents, and a diluted sample cell turntable that supplies diluted samples to the reaction table. The automated analyzer dispenses diluted samples from diluted sample cells arranged on the diluted sample line of the diluted sample cell turntable, and supplies the diluted samples to reaction cells arranged on the reaction line of the reaction table.

[0003] An example of such an automatic analyzer is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for providing two reaction lines and two diluted sample lines that supply diluted samples to the two reaction lines. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, each of the two diluted sample lines supplies diluted samples to a specific one of the two reaction lines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2010 / 117045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 required preparing diluted sample lines according to the number of reaction lines. Furthermore, as the number of diluted sample lines increased, the number of mechanisms for stirring the diluted sample cells arranged on each diluted sample line, mechanisms for supplying sample to the diluted sample cells on each diluted sample line, mechanisms for cleaning the diluted sample cells, etc., also increased. As a result, the technology described in Patent Document 1 had the problem of increasing the size of the device and further complicating its structure.

[0006] In consideration of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can prevent the size of the apparatus from increasing even while having multiple reaction lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, an automated analyzer includes a diluted sample cell turntable, multiple reaction lines, and a diluted sample dispensing unit. The diluted sample cell turntable has multiple diluted sample cells that contain diluted samples, which are diluted samples. The multiple reaction lines are supplied with the diluted samples contained in the diluted sample cells of the diluted sample cell turntable, and react the diluted samples with reagents. The diluted sample dispensing unit supplies the diluted samples contained in the diluted sample cells of the diluted sample cell turntable to the multiple reaction lines. The diluted sample dispensing unit then supplies the diluted sample from one diluted sample line provided on the diluted sample cell turntable to the multiple reaction lines. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the automatic analyzer of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the size of the apparatus from increasing even though it has a plurality of reaction lines. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram showing a control system around a diluted sample cell turntable in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a supply operation of a diluted sample in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the movement position of the diluted sample cell for each cycle. [Figure 5] 3 is a time chart showing the operation of each device during one cycle (basic cycle) in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a table showing the operation of each device in each cycle in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a table showing modified examples of the operation of each device in each cycle in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of diluted sample in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of diluted sample in a conventional automatic analyzer. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a diluted sample cell turntable in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a side view showing a diluted sample cell turntable in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is an enlarged view showing a backlash adjustment mechanism of a diluted sample cell turntable in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an operating speed profile of a diluted sample cell turntable in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the high-low speed ratio of the diluted sample cell turntable and the amplitude and settling time in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15]1 is a cross-sectional view showing a diluted sample cell in an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the depth and the liquid volume of a diluted sample cell. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the depth and operation time of the diluted sample cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 17. Note that common members in each figure are given the same reference numerals.

[0011] 1. Example of implementation 1-1.Configuration of the automatic analyzer First, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this example") will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. 1 is a biochemical analyzer that automatically measures the amount of a specific component contained in a biological sample such as blood or urine. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a measurement unit 1a and a control unit 1b.

[0013] The measurement unit 1a includes, for example, a sample turntable 2, a diluted specimen cell turntable 3, a first reagent turntable 4, a second reagent turntable 5, and a reaction turntable 6. The measurement unit 1a also includes a diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11, a diluted specimen cell cleaning mechanism 12, a first reaction stirring mechanism 13, a second reaction stirring mechanism 14, a multi-wavelength photometer 15, and a reaction cell cleaning mechanism 16.

[0014] The measurement section 1a also includes a sample dispensing unit 21, a diluted sample dispensing unit 22, a first reagent dispensing unit 23, a second reagent dispensing unit 24, and a plurality of probe washing mechanisms 31, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, 34A, and 34B.

[0015] On the other hand, the control unit 1b is equipped with a display unit 41, and further includes an input unit, a memory unit, and a control unit, as will be described in detail below. Details of these components will be explained below in the order of the measurement unit 1a and the control unit 1b.

[0016] <Measurement part 1a> [Sample Turntable 2] The sample turntable 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The sample turntable 2 holds a plurality of sample containers P2 arranged in multiple rows along the circumferential direction. The sample turntable 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction by a drive mechanism (not shown), and transports the held sample containers P2 along the circumferential direction.

[0017] Samples to be measured and control samples for quality control are stored as dispensing liquids in each sample container P2 held on the sample turntable 2. The sample turntable 2 transports these various samples to predetermined positions.

[0018] In addition to the specimen container P2, a diluent container containing a diluent and a hemolyzing agent container containing a hemolyzing agent for hemolysis treatment may be held on the sample turntable 2. The sample turntable 2 may also have a function of cooling the specimen container P2 and other containers held therein.

[0019] [Diluted sample cell turntable 3] The diluted sample cell turntable 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The diluted sample cell turntable 3 holds a plurality of diluted sample cells P3, each containing a dispensing liquid, arranged in a circumferential direction. As a result, a plurality of diluted sample cells P3 are arranged in a circumferential direction on the diluted sample cell turntable 3, forming one diluted sample line. The diluted sample cell turntable 3 rotates a drive mechanism in a circumferential direction by a drive motor 53 (see FIG. 10), thereby transporting the held diluted sample cells P3 in the circumferential direction. The drive of the drive motor 53 is controlled by the control unit 1b.

[0020] A diluted sample (hereinafter referred to as "diluted sample") aspirated from a sample container P2 placed on the sample turntable 2 is injected into the diluted sample cell P3 held on the diluted sample cell turntable 3 as a dispensed liquid.

[0021] The detailed operation and configuration of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 will be described later.

[0022] [First reagent turntable 4 and second reagent turntable 5] The first reagent turntable 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The first reagent turntable 4 holds a plurality of first reagent containers P4 arranged in two circumferential rows. The inner line along which the plurality of first reagent containers P4 are arranged is referred to as the first reagent line 4A, and the outer line along which the plurality of first reagent containers P4 are arranged is referred to as the second reagent line 4B.

[0023] The first reagent turntable 4 is rotated in a circumferential direction by a drive mechanism (not shown), and transports the held first reagent containers P4 along the circumferential direction. The first reagent is stored in the first reagent containers P4 as a dispensing liquid.

[0024] The second reagent turntable 5 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The second reagent turntable 5 holds a plurality of second reagent containers P5 arranged in two circumferential rows. The inner line along which the plurality of second reagent cells P5 are arranged is referred to as the first reagent line 5A, and the outer line along which the plurality of second reagent containers P5 are arranged is referred to as the second reagent line 5B.

[0025] The second reagent turntable 5 is rotated in a circumferential direction by a drive mechanism (not shown), and transports the held second reagent containers P5 along the circumferential direction. The second reagent containers P5 store the second reagent as a dispensing liquid.

[0026] [Reaction Turntable 6] The reaction turntable 6 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The reaction turntable 6 holds a plurality of reaction cells P6 arranged in two rows along the circumferential direction. The inner line along which the plurality of reaction cells P6 are arranged is referred to as a first reaction line 6A, and the outer line along which the plurality of reaction cells P6 are arranged is referred to as a second reaction line 6B. The reaction turntable 6 rotates in the circumferential direction by a drive mechanism (not shown), and transports the held plurality of reaction cells P6 along the circumferential direction.

[0027] A predetermined amount of the diluted sample collected from the diluted sample cell P3 on the diluted sample cell turntable 3, and a first reagent collected from a first reagent container P4 on the first reagent turntable 4 or a second reagent collected from a second reagent container P5 on the second reagent turntable 5 are dispensed into the reaction cell P6. Then, the diluted sample and the first or second reagent are stirred in the reaction cell P6, and a reaction occurs.

[0028] The reaction turntable 6 described above has a thermostatic bath (not shown). The thermostatic bath constantly maintains the temperature of the reaction cell P6 constant. If the automated analyzer 1 does not have the diluted sample cell turntable 3, the sample collected from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2 is dispensed into the reaction cell P6 held on the reaction turntable 6.

[0029] [Diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11] The diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 is arranged around the diluted specimen cell turntable 3. The diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 has a stirring mechanism and a drive mechanism for driving the stirring mechanism. The diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 inserts the two stirring bars of the stirring mechanism into the diluted specimen cell P3 held on the diluted specimen cell turntable 3, and stirs the sample to be measured and the diluent.

[0030] [Diluted sample cell washing mechanism 12] The diluted specimen cell cleaning mechanism 12 is arranged around the diluted specimen cell turntable 3. The diluted specimen cell cleaning mechanism 12 cleans the diluted specimen cell P3 after the diluted specimen has been aspirated by the diluted specimen dispensing unit 22, which will be described later.

[0031] [First reaction stirring mechanism 13 and second reaction stirring mechanism 14] The first reaction stirring mechanism 13 and the second reaction stirring mechanism 14 are arranged around the reaction turntable 6. The first reaction stirring mechanism 13 and the second reaction stirring mechanism 14 stir the diluted sample and the first reagent or the second reagent in the reaction cell P6 held on the reaction turntable 6.

[0032] The first reaction stirring mechanism 13 and the second reaction stirring mechanism 14 each have a stirring mechanism and a drive mechanism for driving the stirring mechanism. The first reaction stirring mechanism 13 and the second reaction stirring mechanism 14 insert the stirrer of the stirring mechanism into a reaction cell P6 held at a predetermined position on the reaction turntable 6, and stir the diluted specimen (or specimen) and the first reagent or the second reagent. This allows the reaction between the diluted specimen, the first reagent, and the second reagent to proceed.

[0033] [Multi-wavelength photometer 15] The multi-wavelength photometer 15 is a specific example of a measurement unit according to the present invention. The multi-wavelength photometer 15 is arranged around the reaction turntable 6. The multi-wavelength photometer 15 performs optical measurement on the diluted sample that has reacted with the first and second reagents in the reaction cell P6, and detects the reaction state of the diluted sample. The multi-wavelength photometer 15 outputs the amounts of various components in the sample as absorbance to the control unit 1b.

[0034] [Reaction cell cleaning mechanism 16] The reaction cell cleaning mechanism 16 is arranged around the reaction turntable 6. The reaction cell cleaning mechanism 16 cleans the inside of the reaction cell P6 after the test has been completed.

[0035] [Sample dispensing unit 21] The sample dispensing unit 21 is arranged around the sample turntable 2 and the diluted sample cell turntable 3. The sample dispensing unit 21 includes a thin tube-shaped sample supply probe 21A that extends vertically. The sample dispensing unit 21 operates according to a preset measurement program. The sample dispensing unit 21 inserts the tip of the sample supply probe 21A into the sample in the sample container P2 held on the sample turntable 2, and aspirates a predetermined amount of sample.

[0036] The sample dispensing unit 21 also supplies a predetermined amount of diluent (e.g., physiological saline or pure water) into the sample supplying probe 21A. The sample dispensing unit 21 inserts the tip of the sample supplying probe 21A into the diluted sample cell P3 on the diluted sample cell turntable 3, and dispenses the sample aspirated from the sample container P2 and a predetermined amount of diluent into the diluted sample cell P3. As a result, the sample to be measured, diluted to a predetermined concentration factor, is injected into the diluted sample cell P3.

[0037] The sample supplying probe 21A is equipped with a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) that detects contact between the tip of the sample probe and the liquid level based on, for example, the electrostatic capacitance between the liquid level and the tip of the sample probe.

[0038] [Diluted Sample Dispensing Unit 22] The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 is disposed between the diluted sample cell turntable 3 and the reaction turntable 6. The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 includes diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B. The diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B are each formed in the shape of a thin tube extending vertically. The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 operates according to a preset measurement program.

[0039] The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 inserts the tips of the diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B into the same or different diluted sample cells P3 on the diluted sample cell turntable 3, respectively, to aspirate a predetermined amount of diluted sample. The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 inserts the tip of the first diluted sample supply probe 22A into a reaction cell P6 aligned on the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the diluted sample aspirated from the diluted sample cell P3 into the reaction cell P6. The diluted sample dispensing unit 22 also inserts the tip of the second diluted sample supply probe 22B into a reaction cell P6 aligned on the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the diluted sample aspirated from the diluted sample cell P3 into the reaction cell P6.

[0040] [First reagent dispensing unit 23] The first reagent dispensing unit 23 is disposed between the reaction turntable 6 and the first reagent turntable 4. The first reagent dispensing unit 23 includes first reagent probes 23A and 23B (see FIG. 2). The first reagent probes 23A and 23B are each formed in the shape of a thin tube extending in the vertical direction. The first reagent dispensing unit 23 operates according to a preset measurement program.

[0041] The first reagent dispensing unit 23 inserts the tip of the first reagent probe 23A into a first reagent container P4 aligned on the first reagent line 4A of the first reagent turntable 4, and aspirates a predetermined amount of the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing unit 23 also inserts the tip of the first reagent probe 23A into a reaction cell P6 aligned on the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the first reagent aspirated from the first reagent container P4.

[0042] The first reagent dispensing unit 23 inserts the tip of the first reagent probe 23B into a first reagent container P4 aligned on the second reagent line 4B of the first reagent turntable 4, and aspirates a predetermined amount of the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing unit 23 also inserts the tip of the first reagent probe 23B into a reaction cell P6 aligned on the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the first reagent aspirated from the first reagent container P4.

[0043] [Second reagent dispensing unit 24] The second reagent dispensing unit 24 is disposed between the reaction turntable 6 and the second reagent turntable 5. The second reagent dispensing unit 24 has the same configuration as the first reagent dispensing unit 23, and is equipped with second reagent probes 24A and 24B (see FIG. 2). The second reagent dispensing unit 24 operates according to a preset measurement program.

[0044] The second reagent dispensing unit 24 inserts the tip of the second reagent probe 24A into a second reagent container P5 aligned on the first reagent line 5A of the second reagent turntable 5, and aspirates a predetermined amount of the second reagent. The second reagent dispensing unit 24 also inserts the tip of the second reagent probe 24A into a reaction cell P6 aligned on the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the second reagent aspirated from the second reagent container P5.

[0045] The second reagent dispensing unit 24 inserts the tip of the second reagent probe 24B into a second reagent cell P5 aligned with the second reagent line 5B of the second reagent turntable 5, and aspirates a predetermined amount of the second reagent. The second reagent dispensing unit 24 also inserts the tip of the second reagent probe 24B into a reaction cell P6 aligned with the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6, and dispenses the second reagent aspirated from the second reagent cell P5.

[0046] [Probe cleaning mechanism 31] The probe cleaning mechanism 31 is disposed on the path of the sample supplying probe 21A of the sample dispensing unit 21. The probe cleaning mechanism 31 cleans the sample supplying probe 21A. The probe cleaning mechanism 31 includes a cleaning liquid supply pipe and a cleaning tank. The cleaning liquid supply pipe supplies a shower of cleaning liquid to the tip of the sample supplying probe 21A, which is disposed above the cleaning tank. This cleans the outer wall of the sample supplying probe 21A.

[0047] [Probe cleaning mechanisms 32A and 32B] The probe cleaning mechanism 32A is disposed on the path of the first diluted sample supply probe 22A of the diluted sample dispensing unit 22. The probe cleaning mechanism 32A cleans the first diluted sample supply probe 22A. The probe cleaning mechanism 32B is disposed on the path of the second diluted sample supply probe 22B of the diluted sample dispensing unit 22. The probe cleaning mechanism 32B cleans the second diluted sample supply probe 22B. The probe cleaning mechanisms 32A and 32B each include a cleaning liquid supply pipe and a cleaning tank. The cleaning liquid supply pipes provided in each of the probe cleaning mechanisms 32A and 32B supply cleaning liquid in a shower-like manner to the tips of the first diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B, which are disposed above the respective cleaning tanks. This cleans the outer walls of the first diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B.

[0048] [Probe cleaning mechanisms 33A and 33B] The probe cleaning mechanism 33A is disposed on the path of the first reagent probe 23A of the first reagent dispensing unit 23. The probe cleaning mechanism 33A cleans the first reagent probe 23A. The probe cleaning mechanism 33B is disposed on the path of the first reagent probe 23B of the first reagent dispensing unit 23. The probe cleaning mechanism 33B cleans the first reagent probe 23B. The probe cleaning mechanisms 33A and 33B each include a cleaning liquid supply pipe and a cleaning tank. The cleaning liquid supply pipes provided in each of the probe cleaning mechanisms 33A and 33B supply cleaning liquid in a shower-like manner to the tips of the first reagent probes 23A and 23B, which are disposed above the respective cleaning tanks. This cleans the outer walls of the first reagent probes 23A and 23B.

[0049] [Probe cleaning mechanisms 34A and 34B] The probe cleaning mechanism 34A is disposed on the path of the second reagent probe 24A of the second reagent dispensing unit 24. The probe cleaning mechanism 34A cleans the second reagent probe 24A. The probe cleaning mechanism 34B is disposed on the path of the second reagent probe 24B of the second reagent dispensing unit 24. The probe cleaning mechanism 34B cleans the second reagent probe 24B. The probe cleaning mechanisms 34A and 34B each include a cleaning liquid supply pipe and a cleaning tank. The cleaning liquid supply pipes provided in each of the probe cleaning mechanisms 34A and 34B supply cleaning liquid in a shower-like manner to the tips of the second reagent probes 24A and 24B, which are disposed above the respective cleaning tanks. This cleans the outer walls of the second reagent probes 24A and 24B.

[0050] <Control unit 1b> The control unit 1b is connected to the drive mechanisms for the components constituting the measurement unit 1a described above, the multi-wavelength photometer 15, and also to a specimen supplying device for supplying specimens to the measurement unit 1a.

[0051] The sample supply device has a supply unit, a collection unit, a transport unit, and a barcode reader. The supply unit supplies a sample rack, which contains multiple (e.g., five) sample containers for storing samples, to the measurement unit 1a. The collection unit collects the sample rack after the sample dispensing process by the sample dispensing unit 21 has been completed. The transport unit transports the sample rack from the supply unit to the collection unit. The barcode reader is disposed between the supply unit and the sample collection position.

[0052] When the operator places a sample rack in the supply unit, the transport unit transports the sample rack to a barcode reading position of the barcode reader. The barcode reader reads the barcode information attached to the sample container. The transport unit then transports the sample rack to a sample collection position. When the sample dispensing unit 21 completes the dispensing process, the transport unit transports the sample rack to the collection unit.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system around the diluted sample cell turntable 3. 2, the controller 1b is connected to the diluted sample cell turntable 3, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11, the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12, the sample supply probe 21A, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A, and the second diluted sample supply probe 22B. The controller 1b controls the operations of the diluted sample cell turntable 3, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11, the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12, the sample supply probe 21A, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A, and the second diluted sample supply probe 22B.

[0054] 1-2. Supply of diluted sample Next, an example of the operation of supplying a diluted sample from the diluted sample cell turntable 3 to the reaction turntable 6 in the automatic analyzer 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a diluted sample supply operation. The flowchart in FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which a diluted sample is prepared in a diluted sample cell P3, stirred, and then supplied to a reaction cell P6 for each analysis item. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of the movement position of the diluted sample cell P3 per cycle. The following explanation shows an example in which the number of diluted sample cells placed on the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is 120. The basic movement amount of one cycle on the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is 41 cells.

[0055] 3, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates an original sample (original sample) from a sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2 (step S1). Then, the sample supplying probe 21A discharges the aspirated original sample and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3 on the diluted sample cell turntable 3 (step S2). In the processes of steps S1 and S2, the diluted sample is supplied to the diluted sample cell P3 arranged at dilution line cell position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3, as shown in FIG.

[0056] Next, the control unit 1b rotates the diluted specimen cell turntable 3 in the circumferential direction to move the diluted specimen cell P3 supplied with the diluted specimen in step S1 to the stirring position (step S3).Then, the diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted specimen cell P3 supplied with the diluted specimen (step S4).

[0057] In this example, the stirring operation is performed twice. Specifically, if the cycle in which diluted sample is supplied to diluted sample cell P3 placed at dilution line cell position "1" is considered the first cycle, the first stirring operation is performed on that diluted sample cell P3 in the second cycle. Then, in the fifth cycle, the second stirring operation is performed on that diluted sample cell P3. Of the two stirring bars of the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11, one stirring bar is used for the first stirring operation, and the other stirring bar is used for the second stirring operation.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), diluted sample cell P3 is transported to dilution line cell position "42" during the first mixing operation. Diluted sample cell P3 is transported to dilution line cell position "45" during the second mixing operation. Therefore, dilution line cell position "42" becomes the first mixing operation position (first mixing position), and dilution line cell position "42" becomes the second mixing operation position (second mixing position).

[0059] As described above, the number of diluted sample cells is 120, and the basic movement amount per cycle is 41. Therefore, three rotations of the dilution mechanism 11 results in a movement of 123 cells (41 x 3). Thus, the cell positions shift by three cells per rotation. Therefore, as described above, by performing the first stirring operation in the second cycle and the second stirring operation three cycles later in the fifth cycle, the first and second stirring positions of the stirring bar in the dilution mechanism 11 can be brought closer together. This allows two stirring operations to be performed using a common drive mechanism for the two stirring bars of the dilution mechanism 11, without providing separate drive mechanisms for each of the two stirring bars. Furthermore, by performing the stirring operation twice, stirring efficiency can be maintained even with a short downtime.

[0060] Next, the control unit 1b rotates the diluted sample cell turntable 3 in the circumferential direction to transfer the diluted sample cell P3, which has been mixed in step S3, to the dispensing position of the first diluted sample supply probe 22A (step S5). The first diluted sample supply probe 22A then aspirates the diluted sample from the diluted sample cell P3 that has been transferred to the dispensing position (step S6). The first diluted sample supply probe 22A then dispenses the aspirated diluted sample into the reaction cell P6 aligned with the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6 (step S7). Note that the diluted sample cell P3 to be dispensed into the first reaction line 6A in steps S6 and S7 has been transported to the dilution line cell position "86" as shown in FIG. 4(d).

[0061] Next, the control unit 1b rotates the diluted sample cell turntable 3 in the circumferential direction to transfer the diluted sample cell P3 dispensed into the first reaction line 6A to the dispensing position of the second diluted sample supply probe 22B (step S8). The second diluted sample supply probe 22B then aspirates the diluted sample from the diluted sample cell P3 transferred to the dispensing position (step S9). The second diluted sample supply probe 22B then dispenses the aspirated diluted sample into the reaction cell P6 aligned with the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6 (step S10). The diluted sample cell P3 to be dispensed into the second reaction line 6B in the processes of steps S9 and S10 has been transported to the dilution line cell position "88" as shown in FIG. 4(e).

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 4, the dilution line cell positions for dispensing into the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B are set to "86" and "88", but this is not limited to this and can be set to any dilution line cell position.

[0063] Next, the control unit 1b determines whether the dispensing (collection) of the diluted sample prepared in one diluted sample cell P3 into the reaction cell P6 is complete in the processes of steps S1 to S10 (step S11). If the control unit 1b determines in the process of step S11 that the dispensing is not complete, the process returns to the process of step S5, and the processes of steps S5 to S10 are repeated. That is, steps S5 to S10 are repeated until the diluted sample is dispensed in the number of analysis items assigned to the same sample.

[0064] Furthermore, if the control unit 1b determines in step S11 that dispensing is complete, it rotates the diluted sample cell turntable 3 in the circumferential direction to transfer the diluted sample cell P3 to the cell washing position (step S12). Then, the diluted sample cell washing mechanism 12 repeatedly performs a washing operation on the diluted sample cell P3 a predetermined number of times (step S13). As shown in FIG. 4(f), the start point of the diluted sample cell washing mechanism 12 is, for example, dilution line cell position "50." And, as shown in FIG. 4(g), the end point of the diluted sample cell washing mechanism 12 is, for example, dilution line cell position "77." And, when the washing operation shown in step S13 is completed, the diluted sample preparation and supply operation is completed.

[0065] Next, the overall operation of the diluted sample cell turntable 3, sample supply probe 21A, diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11, diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B, and diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12 in the automatic analyzer 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a time chart showing the operation of each device during one cycle (basic cycle). Figure 6 is a table showing the operation of each device during each cycle.

[0066] 5, during the basic cycle, cycle A is performed as the first operation and cycle B is performed as the second operation. Cycle A includes the movement of the diluted sample cell turntable 3, the sample supply probe 21A discharging the original sample and diluent, the mixing operation of the diluted sample cell mixing mechanism 11, the cleaning operation of the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12, and the diluted sample discharge operation of the diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B.

[0067] During cycle A, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 rotates a basic movement amount of 41 cells (a predetermined number of rotations) and then stops. Then, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 stops, the sample supplying probe 21A discharges the original sample and diluent, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs, and the diluted sample cell washing mechanism 12 washes. That is, during cycle A, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 performs one movement operation to move the basic movement amount.

[0068] The sample supply probe 21A aspirates the original sample from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2 during cycle B of the previous basic cycle, and discharges the retained original sample together with the diluent into the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the diluted sample preparation position. Also, while the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is moving the basic amount during cycle A, the diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B aspirate and discharge the retained diluted sample into the reaction cells P6 of the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B on the reaction turntable 6 during cycle B of the previous basic cycle.

[0069] In cycle B, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves, the sample supply probe 21A aspirates the original sample, and the diluted sample supply probes 22A and 22B aspirate. Also, in cycle B, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A aspirates the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "86," and the second diluted sample supply probe 22B aspirates the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the second diluted sample collection position "88."

[0070] Therefore, during cycle B, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 transports the target diluted sample cell P3 to the first diluted sample dispensing position "86" (rotates by a first arbitrary amount) and stops. Then, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A performs a suction operation. Thereafter, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 transports the target diluted sample cell P3 to the second diluted sample dispensing position "88" (rotates by a second arbitrary amount) and stops. Then, the second diluted sample supply probe 22A performs a suction operation. That is, during cycle B, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 performs two movement operations, one to move the cell by the first arbitrary amount and the other to move the cell by the second arbitrary amount. Thus, during cycle B, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 basically stops a number of times equal to the number of reaction lines (twice in this example).

[0071] As described above, the first diluted sample supplying probe 22A and the second diluted sample supplying probe 22B that have aspirated the diluted sample will discharge the diluted sample they are holding into the reaction cells P6 of the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6 during cycle A of the next basic cycle. The aspirating operation of the sample supplying probe 21A of the original sample may be performed at any timing during cycle B.

[0072] In this way, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 of this example performs three movement operations during a basic cycle: a basic movement amount performed in cycle A, and a first arbitrary amount and a second arbitrary amount performed in cycle B. That is, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 performs movement operations a number of times equal to the number of reaction lines plus one (three times in this example) during a basic cycle, thereby stopping a number of times equal to the number of reaction lines plus one (three times in this example). In other words, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 performs movement operations a number of times corresponding to the number of reaction lines during a basic cycle, thereby stopping a number of times corresponding to the number of reaction lines.

[0073] The direction and amount of movement of the basic amount of movement are fixed, but the direction and amount of movement of the first and second arbitrary amounts are arbitrarily set according to the position of the dilution line cell immediately before the movement of the diluted sample cell P3 to be transported to the first and second diluted sample collection positions, respectively. The direction and amount of movement of the first and second arbitrary amounts are set so that the amount of movement of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is minimized.

[0074] Furthermore, the first movement direction, which is the basic movement amount during one cycle operation, and the second and third movement directions, which are the first and second arbitrary amounts, are not limited to being all the same direction, but may all be different directions. That is, the movement direction of the basic movement amount during one cycle operation and the second and third movement directions, which are the first and second arbitrary amounts, are appropriately set depending on the supply position, mixing position, washing position, dispensing position to the first reaction line 6A, and dispensing position to the second reaction line 6B at the dilution line cell position.

[0075] The basic movement amount indicating the first movement amount during one cycle of operation, and the first and second arbitrary amounts indicating the second and third movement amounts are stored in the control unit 1b. The first and second arbitrary movement amounts also include "0." That is, the diluted sample cell P3 is transferred to a predetermined position (supply position, mixing position, or washing position) in the dilution line cell position by the first movement during cycle A of one cycle of operation. The diluted sample is then supplied, stirred (first and second times), and washed. If the diluted sample cell P3 containing the diluted sample to be dispensed into the reaction cell P6 of the first reaction line 6A during cycle B of the same basic cycle is stopped at the first diluted sample dispensing position, the movement amount of the first arbitrary amount becomes "0," and the diluted sample cell turntable 3 does not rotate. Furthermore, the diluted sample is then aspirated by the first diluted sample supply probe 22A from the diluted sample cell P3 transferred to the first diluted sample dispensing position by the second movement during cycle B of one basic cycle of operation. At this time, if the diluted sample cell P3 containing the diluted sample to be dispensed into the reaction cell P6 of the second reaction line 6B in cycle B of the same basic cycle is stopped at the second diluted sample dispensing position, the second arbitrary amount of movement becomes "0" and the diluted sample cell turntable 3 does not rotate.

[0076] Figure 6 is a table showing the operation of each device in each cycle. An example will be described in which the number of diluted sample cells P3 placed on the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is 120, and the movement distance of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 in cycle A is 41 cells. As shown in Figure 4, the diluted sample preparation position is "1," the first mixing position is "42," the second mixing position is "45," and the washing positions are "50" to "77." The first diluted sample dispensing position, i.e., the dispensing position for the first reaction line 6A, is "86," and the second diluted sample dispensing position, i.e., the dispensing position for the second reaction line 6B, is "88." An example will be described in which analysis items a to d are measured for samples A to G, respectively.

[0077] 6, when the number of basic cycles is "0", during cycle A, the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12 performs a cleaning operation on the diluted sample cell P3 located at cleaning positions "50" to "77" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. During cycle B, the sample supply probe 21A aspirates the sample A from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2.

[0078] Next, during cycle A of the basic cycle number "1", the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample A and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3 that has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This results in diluted sample A being prepared in the diluted sample cell P3 located at diluted sample preparation position "1". Furthermore, during cycle B, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates sample B from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2.

[0079] During cycle A of the basic cycle number "2," the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample B and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3, which has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This produces diluted sample B in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at diluted sample preparation position "1." At this time, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted sample A in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the first stirring position "42." Then, during cycle B, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates sample C from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2.

[0080] During cycle A of the basic cycle number "3," the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample C and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3, which has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This produces diluted sample C in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at diluted sample preparation position "1." At this time, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted sample B in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the first stirring position "42." Then, during cycle B, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates sample D from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2.

[0081] During cycle A of the basic cycle number "4," the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample D and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3, which has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This produces diluted sample D in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at diluted sample preparation position "1." At this time, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted sample C in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the first stirring position "42." Then, during cycle B, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates sample E from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2.

[0082] During cycle A of the basic cycle number "5," the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample E and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3, which has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This prepares diluted sample E in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at diluted sample preparation position "1." At this time, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted sample D in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the first stirring position "42." The diluted sample cell P3, which contains diluted sample A, moves a distance of 41 × 3 = 123 cells over three cycles from the first stirring operation. Therefore, the diluted sample A moves to the second stirring position "45," as shown in FIG. 4(c). The diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 then stirs the diluted sample A in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the second stirring position "45." This completes two stirring operations for the diluted sample A.

[0083] During cycle B, the sample supply probe 21A aspirates sample F from sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2. Furthermore, during cycle B, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a first arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A moves to the first diluted sample collection position "86." The first diluted sample supply probe 22A then aspirates diluted sample A from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "86" for measurement of analysis item a. Thereafter, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a second arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A moves to the second diluted sample collection position "88." The second diluted sample supply probe 22B then aspirates diluted sample A from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "88" for measurement of analysis item b.

[0084] During cycle A of the basic cycle number "6," the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample F and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3, which has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. This prepares diluted sample F in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at diluted sample preparation position "1." At this time, the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted sample E in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the first stirring position "42." At this time, the diluted sample cell P3, which contains diluted sample B, moves a distance of 41 × 3 = 123 cells over three cycles from the first stirring operation. Therefore, the diluted sample B moves to the second stirring position "45," as shown in FIG. 4(c). The diluted sample cell stirring mechanism 11 then stirs the diluted sample B in the diluted sample cell P3, which is positioned at the second stirring position "45."

[0085] Furthermore, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves the basic movement amount during cycle A, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A dispenses the diluted sample A aspirated for measurement of analysis item a into the reaction cell P6 of the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6. At this time, the second diluted sample supply probe 22B dispenses the diluted sample A aspirated for measurement of analysis item b into the reaction cell P6 of the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6.

[0086] During cycle B, the sample supplying probe 21A aspirates the sample G from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2. This allows all of the samples required for analysis to be aspirated from the sample container P2 on the sample turntable 2. Therefore, the sample supplying probe 21A does not perform an aspirating operation in the subsequent basic cycle numbers.

[0087] Furthermore, during cycle B, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a first arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A moves to the first diluted sample collection position "86." The first diluted sample supply probe 22A then aspirates the diluted sample A from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "86" for measurement of analysis item c. Thereafter, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a second arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A moves to the second diluted sample collection position "88." The second diluted sample supply probe 22B then aspirates the diluted sample A from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "88" for measurement of analysis item d.

[0088] Next, during cycle A of the basic cycle number "7", the sample supplying probe 21A dispenses the aspirated sample G and diluent into the diluted sample cell P3 that has been transported to diluted sample preparation position "1" on the diluted sample cell turntable 3. As a result, diluted sample G is prepared in the diluted sample cell P3 located at diluted sample preparation position "1". Then, all of the samples required for analysis can be dispensed into the diluted sample cell P3. Therefore, the sample supplying probe 21A does not perform a dispensing operation in the subsequent basic cycle numbers.

[0089] Furthermore, during cycle A, the diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted specimen F in the diluted specimen cell P3 located at the first stirring position "42." At this time, the diluted specimen cell P3 containing the diluted specimen C moves a distance of 41 x 3 = 123 cells over three cycles from the first stirring operation. Therefore, the diluted specimen B moves to the second stirring position "45," as shown in FIG. 4(c). Then, the diluted specimen cell stirring mechanism 11 stirs the diluted specimen C in the diluted specimen cell P3 located at the second stirring position "45."

[0090] Furthermore, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves the basic movement amount during cycle A, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A dispenses the diluted sample A aspirated for measurement of analysis item c into the reaction cell P6 of the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6. At this time, the second diluted sample supply probe 22B dispenses the diluted sample A aspirated for measurement of analysis item d into the reaction cell P6 of the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6. This allows the diluted sample A for measurement of analysis items a to d to be supplied to the reaction cell P6 of the reaction turntable 6.

[0091] During cycle B, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a first arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample B moves to the first diluted sample collection position "86." The first diluted sample supply probe 22A then aspirates diluted sample B from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "86" for measurement of analysis item a. Thereafter, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a second arbitrary amount, the diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample B moves to the second diluted sample collection position "88." The second diluted sample supply probe 22B then aspirates diluted sample B from the diluted sample cell P3 transported to the first diluted sample collection position "88" for measurement of analysis item b.

[0092] Thereafter, in the basic cycle number, for the measurement of analysis items a to d, diluted specimens B to G are stirred and supplied to reaction cell P6 of reaction turntable 6. The explanation is the same as the operation in the basic cycle number described above, and therefore will be omitted.

[0093] Furthermore, at the basic cycle number "90", the diluted sample cell P3 containing the diluted sample A reaches the dilution line cell position "50", which is the start position of the cleaning position. Then, the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12 performs a cleaning operation on the diluted sample cell P3 located at the cleaning start position "50".

[0094] Furthermore, at basic cycle number "117," diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A reaches dilution line cell position "77," which is the end position of the cleaning position. Then, diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12 performs a cleaning operation on diluted sample cell P3 located at cleaning end position "77." This completes the cleaning operation on diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A.

[0095] During the A cycle of the basic cycle number described above, the diluted sample cell P3 is transported from the cleaning position "50" to "77" and the supply operation of the diluted sample to the reaction cell P6 of the reaction turntable 6 is completed, and a cleaning operation is performed by the diluted sample cell cleaning mechanism 12 for the diluted sample cell P3.

[0096] In conventional automated analyzers, the diluted sample supply probe dispenses diluted sample from the diluted sample cell only once per cycle. In contrast, in the automated analyzer 1 of this example, from basic cycle number "6" onwards, the diluted sample supply, mixing, and cleaning operations are performed in parallel with the diluted sample dispensing operations into reaction lines 6A and 6B within the same cycle. This allows for parallel analysis using multiple reaction lines, improving the analytical throughput of the automated analyzer 1.

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, the automatic analyzer 1 of this example has multiple reaction lines, namely, the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B. This allows for parallel analysis using multiple reaction lines, thereby improving the analytical processing capacity of the automatic analyzer 1.

[0098] Furthermore, although there are multiple reaction lines, there is only one diluted sample line that supplies diluted samples to these multiple reaction lines, which prevents the automatic analyzer 1 from becoming too large and reduces the number of stirring mechanisms, sample supply probes, etc.

[0099] 6, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A and the second diluted sample supply probe 22B each aspirate the same diluted sample during cycle B. However, this is not limiting. For example, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A and the second diluted sample supply probe 22B may each aspirate different diluted samples during cycle B.

[0100] Fig. 7 is a table showing modified examples of the operation of each device in each cycle. In the modified example shown in Fig. 7, an example will be described in which analysis items a to e are measured for samples A to G, respectively. Note that the operation from basic cycle number "0" to basic cycle number "6" is the same as the operation example shown in Fig. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] During cycle B of the basic cycle number "7," when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 moves a first arbitrary amount, diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample B moves to first diluted sample collection position "86." Then, the first diluted sample supply probe 22A aspirates diluted sample B from diluted sample cell P3 transported to first diluted sample collection position "86" for measurement of analysis item a. In contrast, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 subsequently moves a second arbitrary amount, diluted sample cell P3 containing diluted sample A moves to second diluted sample collection position "88." Then, the second diluted sample supply probe 22B aspirates diluted sample A from diluted sample cell P3 transported to first diluted sample collection position "88" for measurement of analysis item e.

[0102] Then, during cycle A of the basic cycle number "8", the first diluted sample supply probe 22A dispenses diluted sample B aspirated for measurement of analysis item a into reaction cell P6 of the first reaction line 6A of the reaction turntable 6. At this time, the second diluted sample supply probe 22B dispenses diluted sample A aspirated for measurement of analysis item e into reaction cell P6 of the second reaction line 6B of the reaction turntable 6. This allows diluted sample A to be supplied to reaction cell P6 of the reaction turntable 6 for measurement of analysis items a to e.

[0103] The other operations are the same as those in the example of operation shown in FIG. 6, and therefore will not be described again.

[0104] 1-3. Remaining supply of diluted samples Next, the difference in the remaining amount of diluted sample after a dispensing operation between a conventional automatic analyzer and the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of diluted sample in the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of diluted sample in a conventional automatic analyzer.

[0105] 9 has two reaction lines 6A and 6B, similar to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the conventional automatic analyzer has multiple diluted sample lines, including a first diluted sample line 301A that supplies diluted sample to the first reaction line 6A and a second diluted sample line 301B that supplies diluted sample to the second reaction line 6B. In contrast, the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment supplies diluted sample to the two reaction lines 6A and 6B from a single diluted sample line, as described above.

[0106] Here, we will explain the case where, for example, four analyses are requested for each of the reaction lines 6A and 6B, and 20 μL of diluted sample is required for each analysis. In this case, 20 μL x 4 = 80 μL of diluted sample is required for each of the two reaction lines 6A and 6B. Furthermore, diluted sample cell P3 holds 200 μL of diluted sample.

[0107] 9, in a conventional automatic analyzer, 80 μL of diluted sample is dispensed from each of diluted sample lines 301A and 301B, leaving 120 μL of diluted sample in diluted sample cell P3 of each of diluted sample lines 301A and 301B.

[0108] In contrast, in the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment, diluted sample is supplied from one diluted sample line to two reaction lines 6A and 6B, so that 40 μL of diluted sample remains in the diluted sample cell P3. Thus, with the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment, by supplying diluted sample from a single diluted sample cell P3 to multiple reaction lines 6A and 6B, the residual volume per diluted sample can be minimized. As a result, the amount of sample used can be significantly reduced.

[0109] 2. Configuration of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 Next, the detailed configuration of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a perspective view showing the diluted sample cell turntable 3, FIG. 11 is a side view showing the diluted sample cell turntable 3, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing the backlash adjustment mechanism of the diluted sample cell turntable 3.

[0110] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the diluted sample cell turntable 3 has a rotating body 51 on which the diluted sample cell P3 is placed, a rotating shaft 58, a shaft holder 52, a drive motor 53, a drive gear 54, a driven gear 56, a base plate 55, and a backlash adjustment mechanism 60.

[0111] The rotor 51 is formed in the shape of a circular flat plate. A plurality of diluted sample cells P3 are arranged around the periphery of the rotor 51. The rotor 51 is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft 58. The rotary shaft 58 is rotatably supported by a shaft holder 52, for example, by a bearing. A driven gear 56 is attached to the lower side of the rotor 51 or to the rotary shaft 58.

[0112] The driven gear 56 meshes with the drive gear 54. The drive gear 54 is attached to the drive shaft of the drive motor 53. The drive motor 53 is mounted on a base plate 55. A backlash adjustment mechanism 60 is provided on the base plate 55. The amount of pressure applied by the drive gear 54 to the driven gear 56 is adjusted by the backlash adjustment mechanism 60. The backlash adjustment mechanism 60 can reduce backlash between the drive gear 54 and the driven gear 56, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the diluted sample cell P3.

[0113] 12, the backlash adjustment mechanism 60 has a spring fall-off prevention screw 61, an adjustment bracket 62, a fixing screw 63, and a coil spring 64. The adjustment bracket 62 is slidably fixed to the end of the base plate 55 via the fixing screw 63. In addition, the adjustment bracket 62 has a drive motor 53, to which a drive gear 54 is attached, fixed.

[0114] The adjustment bracket 62 faces the end of the base plate 55 and is disposed closer to the drive motor 53 than the end of the base plate 55. A coil spring 64 is interposed between the adjustment bracket 62 and the end of the base plate 55. The coil spring 64 is attached to the end of the base plate 55 with a spring fall-off prevention screw 61. The adjustment bracket 62 receives a reaction force from the base plate 55 via the coil spring 64. As a result, the drive motor 53 fixed to the adjustment bracket 62 is pressed toward the driven gear 56. This makes it possible to reduce backlash between the drive gear 54 and the driven gear 56.

[0115] 10, the backlash adjustment mechanism 60 is provided with two coil springs 64, but the number of coil springs 64 is not limited to one, and may be three or more. However, in order to stably press the drive motor 53 in parallel with the driven gear 56, it is preferable to provide two coil springs 64.

[0116] Although the above description has been given of an example in which a gear mechanism is used as the mechanism for rotating the diluted sample cell turntable 3, the present invention is not limited to this. Various other mechanisms, such as a belt and pulley mechanism or a direct drive mechanism, may also be used as the mechanism for rotating the diluted sample cell turntable 3.

[0117] Here, the belt and pulley mechanism is prone to vibration due to increased positioning settling time caused by fluctuations in belt tension when starting and stopping. Furthermore, the direct drive mechanism requires a larger motor to drive the inertial load of the rotor 51 of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 and the diluted sample cell P3.

[0118] On the other hand, a gear mechanism may have a problem with poor positioning repeatability due to the effect of backlash caused by the meshing of gears. However, the effect of this backlash can be reduced by using the backlash adjustment mechanism 60 described above. Furthermore, a gear mechanism can minimize settling time, thereby suppressing vibration. Another advantage is that the inertial load can be reduced by appropriately setting the gear tooth ratio, allowing for drive by a relatively small motor. Therefore, it is preferable to use a gear mechanism as the mechanism for rotating the diluted sample cell turntable 3.

[0119] 3. Operation speed of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 Next, the operating speed of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operating speed profile of the diluted sample cell turntable 3. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the high / low speed ratio of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 and the amplitude / settling time.

[0120] As shown in Figure 13, when the diluted sample cell turntable 3 starts operating, it starts at a low rotation speed, passes through an acceleration range, and reaches the operating rotation speed. After that, it passes through a deceleration range, returns to a low rotation speed, and stops. The operating speed profile of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 can be determined by setting the total operating time, movement amount, acceleration time ratio, deceleration time ratio, and high / low speed ratio (H / L), which is the ratio of the low speed to the operating speed.

[0121] The three operating speed profiles shown in Figure 13 compare the results when the operating time, travel distance, and acceleration / deceleration time ratio are constant, and only the high / low speed ratio is changed from 10 to 500. As shown in Figure 13, as the high / low speed ratio (H / L) increases, the operating speed increases, and conversely, the low speed decreases. It can also be seen that the operating speed profile shape becomes sharper. On the other hand, because the low speed is a natural number with a minimum of 1, it can also be seen that there is no significant difference in the operating speed profile shape even if the high / low speed ratio (H / L) is increased beyond a certain point.

[0122] Figure 14 shows the results of measurements of the relationship between the vibration of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 when the shape of the operating speed profile is changed and the settling time until the vibration subsides. Here, the vibration indicates the maximum value of the tangential vibration of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 that occurs after the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is rotated and stopped. The settling time indicates the time it takes for this vibration to subside below a certain threshold (below ±0.05 mm in this example). Note that all parameters of the speed profile are the same except for the high / low speed ratio (H / L).

[0123] When the high / low speed ratio (H / L) is controlled with a speed profile of 10, it can be seen that the vibration amplitude after the rotation of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 reaches 0.9 mm. The settling time until the vibration subsides is approximately 50 ms. In contrast, when the high / low speed ratio (H / L) is controlled with a speed profile of 50, the vibration amplitude is reduced to approximately 0.2 mm. The settling time is also shortened to approximately 10 ms. However, even if the high / low speed ratio (H / L) is increased to 100 or more, no significant improvement in the amplitude or settling time is observed. Therefore, it is preferable to set the high / low speed ratio (H / L) to 50.

[0124] 4. Shape and dimensions of diluted sample cell P3 Next, the shape and dimensions of the diluted sample cell P3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the diluted sample cell P3, Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the depth and the liquid volume of the diluted sample cell P3, and Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the depth and the operation time of the diluted sample cell P3.

[0125] 15, the diluted sample cell P3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. Here, in the acceleration / deceleration region of the speed profile of the rotational movement of the diluted sample cell turntable 3, acceleration (including negative acceleration during deceleration) occurs in the tangential direction of the diluted sample cell turntable 3. Due to this acceleration, the solution in the diluted sample cell P3 is also accelerated in the tangential direction of the diluted sample cell turntable 3.

[0126] When the operation of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 reaches the operating speed, the centripetal force in the radial direction of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 reaches its maximum. A centrifugal force acts as a counter force on the solution in the diluted sample cell P3. In this way, a large force is constantly acting on the solution in the diluted sample cell P3 in the tangential or radial direction of the diluted sample cell turntable 3 during rotation. To prevent the solution in the diluted sample cell P3 from overflowing due to the action of acceleration or centrifugal force, it is preferable that the shape and dimensions of the diluted sample cell P3 be as follows:

[0127] As shown in Figure 15, the diluted specimen cell P3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, consisting of a cylindrical or conical shape. Generally, the diluted specimen cell P3 needs to hold 150 μL to 300 μL of diluted specimen. When the diluted specimen cell P3 is rotated with this amount of liquid held in it, the liquid level of the diluted specimen rises by approximately 20% to 30%.

[0128] Therefore, when cleaning the diluted sample cell P3 in the next step, the cleaning solution must be poured in to a height equal to or greater than the diluted sample volume plus 30%. Furthermore, even with the cleaning solution in the diluted sample cell P3, the cell is rotated. However, the cleaning solution may contain surfactants, which reduces the liquid's surface tension compared to diluted samples. In this case, even with the same operating profile, the liquid level rises by approximately 2.5 to 3 times compared to diluted samples. Therefore, the cell height (depth) L must be set to a distance that prevents the cleaning solution from overflowing from the diluted sample cell P3 even in this state.

[0129] For example, if 250 μL of diluted sample is placed in diluted sample cell P3, the diluted sample liquid level will be 17 mm above the bottom of diluted sample cell P3. In this state, rotating the diluted sample cell turntable 3 will raise the liquid level by approximately 20% to 30%, as described above. Therefore, in the next washing step, washing liquid is dispensed to a height of 22 mm above the bottom of diluted sample cell P3.

[0130] Furthermore, if the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is rotated in this state, the level of the cleaning solution will rise by an additional +12.5 mm (5 mm × 2.5 times). As a result, the cleaning solution will reach a height of approximately 29.5 mm from the bottom of the diluted sample cell P3. The determined height of the diluted sample cell P3 is 35 mm, which is the height obtained by adding a margin of +5 mm to this height. The total volume of the diluted sample cell P3, including this margin, is approximately 610 μL.

[0131] Next, it is possible to increase the volume by widening the diameter of the diluted sample cell P3. However, if the diluted sample cell P3 is made too thick, the influence of inertial force will be greater than the surface tension of the liquid. Therefore, if the diluted sample cell turntable 3 is rotated under the same conditions, the solution will overflow from the diluted sample cell P3. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the diluted sample cell P3 be a maximum of 6 mm or less.

[0132] For these reasons, it is preferable to set L / D, the ratio of the depth (L) to the diameter (D) of the diluted sample cell P3, to, for example, 8 to 10. If L / D is set to less than 8, the liquid will overflow significantly. Conversely, if L / D is set to more than 10, the solution will not overflow. However, this is not preferable because it increases the influence of the surface tension of the liquid, adversely affecting the cleaning action of the diluted sample cell P3 and placing greater restrictions on the shape of the cleaning nozzle and dispensing probe.

[0133] The diluted sample cell P3 is preferably made of a thermoplastic resin, but may be made of other materials such as a thermosetting resin, a photocurable resin, or glass.

[0134] FIG. 16 is a graph modeling the relationship between the cell shape and liquid volume of the diluted sample cell P3 shown in FIG. 15. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the operating time for the diluted sample cell turntable 3 to rotate 180 degrees is constant (e.g., 0.3 seconds). As shown in FIG. 16, there is a linear correlation between the liquid volume and the depth (cell depth) L of the diluted sample cell P3. Therefore, in order to increase the liquid volume, it is necessary to increase the depth of the diluted sample cell P3.

[0135] Furthermore, because multiple positioning operations are performed during one cycle, there are limitations on the operation time per operation. There is also a requirement for the amount of liquid that can be held in the diluted sample cell P3; for example, 250 μL is the required holding volume. As mentioned above, if the operation time is shortened, the liquid held in the diluted sample cell P3 will be expelled to the outside due to centrifugal force. Therefore, to prevent this, the depth of the diluted sample cell P3 must be increased.

[0136] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation time and the cell depth L when the amount of liquid that needs to be held in the diluted specimen cell P3 is fixed at, for example, 250 μL. As shown in FIG. 17, in order to achieve an operation time of 0.3 seconds or less, the cell depth of the diluted specimen cell P3 needs to be 35 mm or more.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0138] For example, the present invention has been described as being applied to a biochemical analyzer used to analyze biological samples such as blood and urine, but it is not limited to this and can be applied to devices that perform various other analyses such as those of water quality and food.

[0139] In the above-described embodiment of the automated analyzer 1, the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B are arranged concentrically on a single reaction turntable, but this is not limiting. For example, multiple reaction turntables may be provided, and the first reaction line 6A and the second reaction line 6B may be arranged on different reaction turntables. Furthermore, the number of reaction lines is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0140] In this specification, the words "parallel" and "orthogonal" are used, but these do not mean only "parallel" and "orthogonal" in the strict sense, but also include "parallel" and "orthogonal" and may also mean a "substantially parallel" or "substantially orthogonal" state within a range in which the functions can be exerted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1...automatic analyzer, 1a...measurement unit, 1b...control unit, 2...sample turntable, 3...diluted sample cell turntable, 4...first reagent turntable, 4A...first reagent line, 4B...second reagent line, 5...second reagent turntable, 5A...first reagent line, 5B...second reagent line, 6...reaction turntable, 6A...first reaction line, 6B...second reaction line, 11...diluted sample cell stirring mechanism, 12...diluted sample cell washing mechanism, 13...first reaction stirring mechanism, 14...second reaction stirring mechanism, 15...multi-wavelength photometer, 16...reaction cell washing mechanism, 21...sample dispensing unit, 21A...sample supply probe, 22...diluted sample dispensing unit, 22A...first diluted sample supply probe, 22B...second diluted sample supply probe, 23...first reagent dispensing unit, 23A...first reagent probe, 23B...first reagent probe, 24...second reagent dispensing unit, 24A...second reagent probe, 24B...second reagent probe, 30...probe cleaning mechanism, 31...probe cleaning mechanism, 32A...probe cleaning mechanism, 32B...probe cleaning mechanism, 33A...probe cleaning mechanism, 33B...probe cleaning mechanism, 34A...probe cleaning mechanism, 34B...probe cleaning mechanism, 51...rotating body, 52...shaft holder, 53...drive motor, 54...drive gear, 55...base plate, 56...driven gear, 58...rotating shaft, 60...backlash adjustment mechanism, 62...adjustment bracket, P2...sample container, P3...diluted sample cell, P4...first reagent container, P5...second reagent container, P6...reaction cell

Claims

1. a diluted sample cell turntable having a plurality of diluted sample cells for accommodating diluted samples; a plurality of reaction lines to which the diluted specimens contained in the diluted specimen cells of the diluted specimen cell turntable are supplied and which allow the diluted specimens to react with reagents; a diluted sample dispensing unit that supplies the diluted sample accommodated in the diluted sample cell of the diluted sample cell turntable to a plurality of reaction lines, The diluted sample dispensing unit supplies the diluted sample to the plurality of reaction lines from one diluted sample line provided on the diluted sample cell turntable. Automatic analyzer.

2. The diluted sample line is formed by arranging a plurality of the diluted sample cells in a circumferential direction of the diluted sample cell turntable. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. a drive mechanism for rotating the diluted sample cell turntable in a circumferential direction; a control unit that controls the drive mechanism, the control unit controls the drive mechanism to move the diluted sample cell turntable a predetermined amount in a circumferential direction; During the basic cycle, the diluted sample cell turntable is stopped multiple times. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit stops the diluted sample cell turntable at least a number of times corresponding to the number of the reaction lines during the basic cycle operation. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

5. a sample dispensing unit for supplying the sample and a diluent to the diluted sample cell; a diluted sample cell stirring mechanism for stirring the diluted sample contained in the diluted sample cell, The control unit controls the drive mechanism, the diluted sample dispensing unit, the sample dispensing unit, and the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism, and during the operation of the basic cycle, performs a supply operation of the sample and the diluent by the sample dispensing unit, a stirring operation by the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism, a suction operation of suctioning the diluted sample contained in the diluted sample cell, and a discharge operation of the suctioned diluted sample to the plurality of reaction lines. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

6. The control unit controls the drive mechanism, the diluted sample dispensing unit, the sample dispensing unit, and the diluted sample cell stirring mechanism, and performs the supply operation of the sample and the diluent, the stirring operation, and the discharge operation of the diluted sample to the plurality of reaction lines when the diluted sample cell turntable is stopped for the first time during the operation of the basic cycle, and performs the suction operation of suctioning the diluted sample contained in the diluted sample cell when the diluted sample cell turntable is stopped for the second or subsequent times. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit performs a first operation and a second operation during the operation of the basic cycle, In the first operation, the diluted sample cell turntable is moved by a basic movement amount; In the second operation, the diluted sample cell turntable is moved a plurality of times by an arbitrary amount. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

8. The drive mechanism includes: A drive motor; a drive gear provided on a drive shaft of the drive motor; a driven gear provided on the diluted sample cell turntable and meshing with the drive gear; The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

9. A backlash adjustment mechanism is provided to press the drive gear against the driven gear. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.

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