Sample dilution and dispensing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample dilution and dispensing device. The sample dilution and dispensing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a sample mounting stage having a number of through holes penetrating the top and bottom surfaces, into which a number of sample containers are inserted and mounted, and movable in one direction on a plane, a sample supply unit for supplying a sample to the sample container, a diluent supply unit for supplying a diluent to the sample container, a scale arranged at an injection position below the sample mounting stage and supporting the sample container to measure the weight of the sample and diluent supplied to the sample container, a support stage arranged directly below the sample mounting stage and including a first support surface formed by inclining upward from one side to the other along the moving direction of the sample mounting stage, and a second support surface arranged by inclining downward from one side to the other so as to face the first support surface, and a controller for controlling the operation of the sample mounting stage, the sample supply unit, and the diluent supply unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for physical and chemical analysis of a sample, and more particularly to a sample pretreatment device for dispensing and diluting a sample into a plurality of sample containers for analysis. [Background technology]

[0002] Although sample analysis may involve analyzing one sample only once, it is common to dispense the sample into multiple sample containers to prepare multiple samples for repeated analysis. Also, rather than analyzing the sample solution as is, a diluent is added to adjust the concentration to an appropriate level, and depending on the subject of analysis, an internal standard substance is often added to the sample container to increase the reliability of the analysis. Therefore, in order to analyze a sample, a pretreatment is required in which the sample is first dispensed into multiple sample containers and a diluent and an internal standard substance are added to prepare multiple sample samples.

[0003] Conventionally, samples were placed in graduated vials, and pretreatment was performed by the experimenter injecting diluents and internal standards while directly watching the scales. Although some automated equipment was used for this type of work, it was almost always done manually. The most important technical point in producing sample samples is to accurately match the ratio of sample to diluent. However, even highly skilled experimenters find it difficult to maintain a consistent mixing ratio when producing multiple sample samples.

[0004] Another problem with conventional methods is that the dilution is based on volume, which makes it difficult to accurately adjust the concentration of the sample because the volume of the liquid changes depending on the ambient temperature. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a sample dilution and dispensing device having an improved structure that not only increases the speed of sample preparation by fully automating sample dispensing and dilution, but also allows the sample and diluent to be mixed consistently in an accurate ratio.

[0006] On the other hand, other objects of the present invention not explicitly stated should be considered in addition within the scope that can be easily inferred from the following detailed description and other effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the problems described above, the following solutions are proposed.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the sample dilution and dispensing device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a sample mounting stage having a number of through holes penetrating the top and bottom surfaces, into which a plurality of sample containers can be inserted and placed, and which is movable in one direction on a plane, a sample supply unit for supplying a sample to the sample container, a diluent supply unit for supplying a diluent to the sample container, a scale arranged at an injection position below the sample mounting stage, supporting the sample container and measuring the weight of the sample and diluent supplied to the sample container, a support stage arranged directly below the sample mounting stage, and having a first support surface formed with an upward inclination from one side to the other along the direction of travel of the sample mounting stage, and a second support surface formed with an upward inclination from one side to the other side and arranged opposite the first support surface, and a controller for controlling the operation of the sample mounting stage, the sample supply unit, and the diluent supply unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a support block that is placed on and supported by the balance, is disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface, and has a flat upper surface for supporting the sample container.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the highest point of the first support surface is located several mm higher than the upper surface of the support block, and the highest point of the second support surface is located several mm lower than the upper surface of the support block.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a mounting container for accommodating the sample container, the mounting container being inserted into the through hole of the sample mounting table and having a flat lower surface.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a magnet is embedded in the center of the support block, and a magnetic material is embedded in the center of the lower surface of the stationary container.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a corner of the lower surface of the stationary container is inclined to correspond to the inclination of the first and second supporting surfaces.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sample mounting table has a number of through holes formed along a circumferential direction, and the sample mounting table rotates on its axis.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise an internal standard supply unit for supplying at least one internal standard to the sample container, and for sucking in and discharging the internal standard. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The present invention is characterized in that the injection of the sample and the diluent is based on weight, not on volume, as in the past. Due to the nature of liquids, the volume changes depending on the temperature, so the volume standard is not suitable, and since not all operators read the vial scales in the same way, there are problems with consistency and accuracy. If the injection of the sample and the diluent is based on weight, as in the present invention, there is an advantage that the injection and dilution of the sample can be ensured to be accurate and general by automatic measurement using a scale.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, the dispensing and dilution of samples into a plurality of sample containers are both performed automatically without manual operations, and there is an advantage that a large number of samples can be pretreated very quickly.

[0018] In addition, the present invention uses a syringe pump instead of a conventional peristaltic pump, which allows for very precise control of the supply of sample and diluent, since the plunger displacement can be adjusted at a precise level in the syringe pump. By precisely controlling the supply of sample and diluent, the most important technical aspect of sample dispensing and dilution, that is, the accurate ratio of sample to diluent, can be achieved.

[0019] Another feature of the present invention is that the sample is aspirated and discharged using a disposable pipette, thereby making it possible to prevent sample contamination, which is an important technical issue in the dispensing and dilution of a sample.

[0020] On the other hand, even if the effects are not explicitly mentioned herein, the effects and provisional effects described in the following specification that are expected by the technical features of the present invention are to be treated as described in the specification of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sample dilution and dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the important parts of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line aa in FIG. 5 for illustrating the sample mounting table and the support table. [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the important parts of FIG. 5 as seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 2 is a front view of the diluent supply unit and the internal standard supply unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a side view of the diluent supply unit and the internal standard supply unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pipette inserted into an inlet / outlet tube. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the pipette is separated by a pusher. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic flow chart for explaining operation control by a controller in a sample dilution and dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. * It is clear that the attached drawings are illustrative and are used as references for understanding the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions will be omitted if they are obvious to those skilled in the art and may obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0023] The present invention relates to a sample dilution and dispensing device, which mixes liquid samples with a diluent to produce samples suitable for analysis, and dispenses the samples to produce a set of multiple sample samples, where the dispensing of samples and the supply of diluent to each sample are performed automatically under the control of computer programming.

[0024] The present invention is primarily intended for samples in the form of a mixture of a liquid sample and a diluent for ICP-AES analysis, but is not necessarily limited to this and should be applicable to all samples produced by mixing two or more liquids.

[0025] Hereinafter, a sample dilution and dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sample dilution and dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are respectively a schematic plan view, a front view, and a left side view of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic separated perspective view of the important parts of the sample dilution and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line aa in FIG. 5 for explaining the sample placement table and support table.

[0028] Referring to the drawings, a sample dilution and dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 10, a sample mounting table 20, a sample supplying unit 40, a diluent supplying unit 50, and an internal standard supplying unit 60.

[0029] The frame 10 provides a space for mounting various components, which will be described later, and in this example is formed in a roughly square shape.

[0030] The sample mounting stage 20 is for mounting a plurality of sample containers, and is horizontally installed on the bottom surface of the frame 10. In this example, the sample mounting stage 20 is formed in an annular shape, and a number of through holes 21 are formed along the circumferential direction. A hollow guide tube 22 is installed on the underside of the sample mounting stage 20 along the vertical direction while enclosing the lower part of the through hole 21. A sample container 98 (described later) alone or a mounting container 91 containing a sample container 98 as in this example is inserted into this through hole 21. In this example, a flange portion 93 formed to extend upward from the upper side of the mounting container 91 hangs over the outer periphery of the through hole 21 and is supported by the sample mounting stage 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, the sample holding stage 20 rotates in one direction, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise, on a horizontal plane. There are various driving means for rotating the sample holding stage 20, but in this embodiment, a gear 26 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sample holding stage 20 is coupled to an outer peripheral gear 27 provided on the rotating shaft of a motor 25 to apply a rotational force. A plurality of support blocks 29 for supporting the sample holding stage 20 are provided around the sample holding stage 20.

[0032] A scale 80 is installed at a specific position directly below the path of the through-hole of the sample mounting table 20. The scale 80 is for measuring the weight of the sample in the sample container. Although the sample is contained in the sample container and the mounting container, since the weights of the sample container and the mounting container are already known, the scale 80 can be used to measure the weight of only the sample.

[0033] A support table having a first support surface 81 and a second support surface 82 is provided below the sample mounting table 20 with respect to the balance 80. The first support surface 81 and the second support surface 82 are respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the moving direction of the sample mounting table 20. That is, the first support surface 81 is formed to be inclined upward from one side to the other side along the moving direction of the sample mounting table 20, whereas the second support surface 82 is formed to be inclined downward from one side to the other side and disposed slightly apart from the first support surface. Therefore, the first support surface 81 and the second support surface 82 are disposed to face each other with a slight distance from each other with the balance 80 as the center.

[0034] 6, the stationary container slides along the first support surface 81 and the second support surface 82. Therefore, in this example, a corner t of the lower surface of the stationary container 91 is formed to be inclined so as to correspond to the inclination angle of the first support surface and the second support surface.

[0035] A support block 85 is placed on the balance 80 between the first support surface 81 and the second support surface 82. The upper surface of the support block 85 is formed flat. As shown in FIG. 6, the stationary container 91 is supported on the support block 85 and stands on its own. In order to accurately measure the weight, the first support surface and the support block, and the second support surface and the support block should not come into contact with each other, and there should be a gap of about several mm between them. Similarly, when the stationary container is placed on the support block, it is preferable that the stationary container 91 and the sample stationary stage 20 or the guide tube 22 are also spaced apart by a gap of several mm without coming into contact with each other.

[0036] A magnet 86 is embedded in the center of the upper side of the support block 85, and a magnetic body 96 is also embedded in the center of the lower surface of the stationary container 91, so that the stationary container 91 can be positioned at the center of the support block 85 by itself and stand on its own. In this example, the magnetic body 96 can be a set screw.

[0037] 6, the highest point of the first support surface 81 is located higher than the upper surface of the support block 85 by a slight height difference d1 (approximately 2 mm), whereas the highest point of the second support surface 82 is located lower than the upper surface of the support block 85 by a slight height difference d2 (approximately 2 mm). This height difference allows the mounting container 91 to be supported by the support block 85 and stand on its own while the sample mounting stage 20 rotates, and can easily be detached from the support block 85 and move forward. The operation of the mounting container being supported by and detached from the support block will be described again later.

[0038] The sample supply unit 40 is for automatically supplying a liquid sample to the sample container 98. The sample supply unit 40 includes a Y-axis rail 31, a first X-axis rail 32, and a Z-axis rail 33. The Y-axis rail and the first X-axis rail are installed on a frame 10 and can move relative to each other. In this example, the Y-axis rail 31 is fixed to the frame 10, the first X-axis rail 32 is installed movably on the Y-axis rail 31, and the Z-axis rail 33 is installed movably on the first X-axis rail 32. A lifting body 41 is coupled to the Z-axis rail 33 so as to be movable up and down along the Z-axis rail. A linear motor or the like is installed on each rail to apply a driving force. The lifting body 41 can be moved in a three-dimensional coordinate system by each rail and motor.

[0039] A hollow inlet / outlet pipe 42 is inserted vertically into and connected to the lifting body 41. The inlet / outlet pipe 42 is for supplying a sample to a sample container 98, and is connected to a first syringe pump 49 via a connecting pipe 45, etc., as shown in Figures 7, 11, and 12. The first syringe pump 49 is a pump that utilizes the principle of a syringe, and can precisely control the amount of sample sucked in and discharged depending on the amount of movement of a plunger that is reciprocally mounted on a barrel. As this is a widely used pump, further detailed description will be omitted.

[0040] A pipette 43 is removably inserted into the lower end of the inlet / outlet tube 42. A number of pipettes 43 are vertically placed in a storage box 44 that is installed at a predetermined position inside the frame 10. When the lifting body 41 moves to the storage box 44 by the operation of the sample supplying unit 40 and is then lowered, the inlet / outlet tube 42 also descends and can be inserted into the pipette 43. The state in which the pipette 43 is inserted into the inlet / outlet tube 42 can be seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0041] The sample supply unit 40 also includes a plunger 70, which is a component for pressing the pipette 43 downward to separate it. The plunger 70 includes an insertion tube 71, a spring 73, and an eccentric cam 74 as a pressing means. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the insertion tube 71 is formed in a hollow shape and is inserted into the inflow / outflow tube 42, and can slide vertically along the inflow / outflow tube 42. A spring 73 is interposed between a flat plate portion 72 formed at the upper end of the insertion tube 71 and the lower surface of the lifting body 41. The upper and lower ends of the spring 73 are respectively connected to the lifting body 41 and the flat plate portion 72 to elastically press the insertion tube 71 upward. The eccentric cam 74 is rotatably connected to the lifting body in a kind of elliptical shape with one side longer than the other side, and the rotation shaft 77 is arranged eccentrically. The rotation shaft 77 is connected to a driving means such as a motor (not shown). When the eccentric cam 74 rotates from the state shown in Fig. 11 to the state shown in Fig. 12, it pushes the insertion tube 71 downward. The eccentric cam 74 causes the insertion tube 71 to slide downward along the inflow / outflow tube 42, pressuring the pipette 43 downward and separating it from the inflow / outflow tube 42. A waste tube 59 is disposed below the position where the sample supply unit 40 separates the pipette 43.

[0042] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, sample storage container 47, in which a certain amount of sample remains, is placed vertically in storage box 48 provided at a predetermined position inside frame 10. When elevator 41 moves to storage box 48 by the operation of sample supply unit 40 and then lowers, pipette 43 inserted into inlet / outlet tube 42 is inserted inside sample storage container 47. In this state, if the plunger of the first syringe pump is pulled outward, negative pressure is applied and the sample is sucked into pipette 43. Conversely, if the first syringe pump is pushed into the plunger while pipette 43 is filled with sample, the sample inside pipette 43 is pressurized and discharged outside the barrel.

[0043] An important point in the present invention is that the amount of sample aspirated is limited to the extent that it fills only the inside of the pipette. If a larger amount of sample is required, a pipette with a larger capacity is used. This is to prevent contamination. That is, in the present invention, a disposable pipette 43 is used to prevent contamination of the inflow / outflow tube 42. Even if the same type of sample is separated and stored in a sample storage container, it is always necessary to consider the possibility that some of the samples may be accidentally contaminated or altered. Therefore, even when dispensing the same type of sample, a disposable pipette is used instead of aspirating the sample directly into the inflow / outflow tube 42. Furthermore, when dispensing and diluting different types of samples, the different types of samples are filled into the inflow / outflow tube, so contamination may occur between the samples. Therefore, a disposable pipette is used to prevent contamination. However, if more sample than the predetermined amount is aspirated, the sample fills the pipette 3 and then fills up the inside of the inflow / outflow tube 42, causing contamination. In the present invention, a disposable pipette is used to prevent contamination, so it is preferable to limit the amount of sample aspirated to the amount that can fill only the inside of the pipette. Since the pipette is discarded immediately after one aspiration and discharge like a syringe needle, contamination can be effectively prevented.

[0044] The diluent supply unit 50 is for supplying a diluent to the sample container 98, and the internal standard supply unit 60 is for supplying an internal standard to the sample container 98. The internal standard is a liquid substance for increasing the efficiency of a particular analysis, and may be of various types, and one or more internal standards may be added to a sample. Since the internal standard is a well-known technical matter in this technical field, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] An X-axis second rail 34 is fixed to the frame 10 for the diluent supplying unit 50 and the internal standard supplying unit 60, and a Z-axis rail 35 is installed movably on the X-axis second rail 34. A lifting block 51 that is vertically movable is connected to the Z-axis rail 35. The diluent supplying unit 50 and the internal standard supplying unit 60 do not move on the Y-axis, but move only on the X-axis second rail and the Z-axis.

[0046] A plurality of discharge pipes 52, 62 are arranged in line on the lift block 51. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in this example, one discharge pipe 52 for discharging the diluent and three discharge pipes 62 for discharging the internal standard are provided. The discharge pipes 52, 62 are formed vertically and hollow. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the diluent discharge pipe 52 is connected to a second syringe pump 54 via a connecting pipe 53, and each discharge pipe 62 for supplying the internal standard is also connected to each third syringe pump 64 via each connecting pipe 63.

[0047] The second syringe pump 54 and the third syringe pump 64 are connected to a diluent storage container (not shown) and an internal standard storage container (not shown), respectively. For example, the second syringe pump 54 is connected to two lines, namely, a connecting pipe 53 for connecting to the discharge pipe 52 mentioned above, and a connecting pipe (not shown) for connecting to the diluent storage container. The second syringe pump can selectively open and close the two lines using a valve or the like. The third syringe pump 64 is also provided with a connecting pipe 63 for connecting to the discharge pipe 62, and a connecting pipe (not shown) for connecting to the internal standard storage container. By selectively opening and closing the valve, the second syringe pump and the third syringe pump can suck the diluent or the internal standard from the storage container, respectively, and can discharge the sucked liquid through the discharge pipes 52 and 62.

[0048] A controller (not shown) continuously receives the measured values ​​of the balance 80 in real time and controls the operation of the sample mounting table 20, the sample supply unit 40, the diluent supply unit 50, and the internal standard supply unit 60. The controller records the position coordinates of the plurality of sample storage containers 47 stored in the sample storage box 48 and the coordinates of the plurality of pipettes 43 placed in the pipette storage box 44. The controller also records the injection positions for injecting the sample, diluent, and internal standard, that is, the plane coordinates and height coordinates of the area directly above the balance 80. The controller can control the positions of the inlet / outlet pipe 42 of the sample supply unit 40, the diluent supply unit 50, and the outlet pipes 52, 62 of the internal standard supply unit in real time.

[0049] Hereinafter, the operation of the sample dilution and dispensing device 100 under the control of the controller will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] In the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, first, a plurality of sample containers 98 are placed in the stationary container 91, and then placed in each through-hole 21 of the sample mounting table 20. The sample mounting table 20 is moved to move the first sample container (mounted container) to the injection position, i.e., onto the support block 85. When the sample mounting table 20 is rotated, the stationary container 91 moves toward the support block 85. During this process, the stationary container 91 comes into contact with the first support surface 81 and slides upward, and when it is seated on the support block 85, the rotation of the sample mounting table 20 stops. Due to the action of the magnetic body 86 of the stationary container 91 and the magnet of the support block 85, the stationary container 91 can be positioned in the center of the support block 85. When the stationary container is placed on the support block, its weight is measured by the scale 80. In this example, the bottom surface of the stationary container is flat, so that the stationary container stands on the support block, and the stationary container is positioned in the center of the scale, so that the weight can be accurately measured.

[0051] The controller also operates the sample supply unit 40, and lowers the lifting body 41 from above the pipette storage box 44, so that the pipette 43 is inserted into the inlet / outlet tube 42. After the pipette 43 is inserted, the lifting body 41 is further moved to be positioned above the first sample storage container 47, and the pipette 43 inserted into the inlet / outlet tube 42 is immersed in the sample storage container 47. The first syringe pump 49 is operated to suck the sample into the pipette 43. Next, the lifting body is further moved to the top of the first sample container waiting at the injection position. The first syringe pump is operated to discharge the sample filled in the pipette 43 into the sample container. The scale 80 measures the weight of the supplied sample. After the sample is discharged, the lifting body 41 is moved to the top of the waste tube 59, and the eccentric cam 74 is rotated to remove the pipette 43 from the inlet / outlet tube 42 and discard it into the waste tube 59.

[0052] After the sample is injected, a diluent is supplied, and one or more internal standards may be supplied if necessary. The second syringe pump 54 of the diluent supply unit 50 is operated to suck in the diluent and move the lift block 51 to the injection position. The second syringe pump 54 is operated to discharge the diluent into the sample container through the discharge pipe 52. If an internal standard needs to be supplied, the third syringe pump 64 is operated to supply the internal standard into the sample container as described above. The scale measures the weights of the diluent and the internal standard, respectively, and transmits them to the controller. The lift block 51 leaves the injection position and moves along the second rail of the X-axis and the rail of the Z-axis to a standby position that does not interfere with the movement path of the lift body 41 of the sample supply unit 40.

[0053] After the sample, diluent, and / or internal standard are supplied to the first sample container to prepare one sample sample, the sample holder is further rotated to move the second sample container to the injection position, and the first sample container begins to slide downward along the second support surface.

[0054] By continuing to repeat the above process and dispensing and diluting the sample into all of the sample containers placed on the sample placement stage 20, multiple sample samples can be formed.

[0055] The present invention is characterized in that the injection of the sample and the diluent is based on weight, not on volume, as in the past. Due to the nature of liquids, the volume changes depending on the temperature, so the volume standard is not suitable, and since not all operators read the vial scales in the same way, there are problems with consistency and accuracy. If the injection of the sample and the diluent is based on weight, as in the present invention, there is an advantage that the injection and dilution of the sample can be ensured to be accurate and general by automatic measurement using a scale.

[0056] In addition, the present invention uses a syringe pump instead of a conventional peristaltic pump, which allows for very precise control of the supply of sample and diluent, since the plunger displacement can be adjusted at a precise level in the syringe pump. By precisely controlling the supply of sample and diluent, the most important technical aspect of sample dispensing and dilution, that is, the accurate ratio of sample to diluent, can be achieved.

[0057] Another feature of the present invention is that the sample is aspirated and discharged using a disposable pipette, thereby making it possible to prevent sample contamination, which is an important technical issue in the dispensing and dilution of a sample.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present invention, the sample container can be very easily attached to and detached from the injection position by using the first and second support surfaces having unique structures at the injection position of the sample container.

[0059] Furthermore, in the present invention, the dispensing and dilution of samples into a plurality of sample containers are both performed automatically without manual operations, and there is an advantage that a large number of samples for ICP-AES analysis can be pretreated very quickly.

[0060] Meanwhile, it has been described that the pumps of the sample supply unit, diluent supply unit, and internal standard supply unit are all syringe pumps, and the use of a syringe pump has the advantage of allowing precise control of the supply amount, but it is noted that in the present invention, various types of pumps such as a peristaltic pump can be used in addition to the syringe pump. Even if a syringe pump is not used, a method of inserting a pipette into the inlet / outlet tube and applying negative pressure to the inlet / outlet tube can be adopted. The use of a disposable pipette has the advantage of preventing contamination of the sample, but the present invention does not exclude a method of directly supplying the sample through the inlet / outlet tube as in the diluent supply unit without using a pipette.

[0061] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the sample container in which the sample and diluent are placed can be used alone or can be used in a state where it is housed in a stationary container having a flat bottom as described above. When used alone, it is preferable to use a form in which the sample container has a flat bottom like the stationary container and has a magnetic body inserted therein.

[0062] The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above, and it is reiterated that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to obvious modifications or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. a sample placement stage having a number of through holes formed through the top and bottom surfaces thereof, into which a plurality of sample containers are inserted and placed, the sample placement stage being movable in one direction on a flat surface; a sample supply unit for supplying a sample to the sample container; a diluent supply unit for supplying a diluent to the sample container; a scale disposed at an injection position below the sample holder, supporting the sample container and measuring the weight of the sample and diluent supplied to the sample container; a support table including a first support surface that is disposed directly below the sample mounting table and is inclined upward from one side to the other side along a moving direction of the sample mounting table, and a second support surface that is inclined downward from one side to the other side and is disposed to face the first support surface; and a controller for controlling the operation of the sample placement table, the sample supply unit, and the diluent supply unit.

2. The sample dilution and dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a support block that is placed and supported on the scale, is positioned between the first support surface and the second support surface, and has a flat upper surface to support the sample container.

3. The sample dilution and dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the highest point of the first support surface is positioned several mm higher than the upper surface of the support block, and the highest point of the second support surface is positioned several mm lower than the upper surface of the support block.

4. The sample dilution and dispensing device as described in claim 2, further comprising a mounting container for accommodating the sample container, the mounting container being inserted into the through hole of the sample mounting table and having a flat bottom surface.

5. A magnet is embedded in the center of the support block, 5. The sample dilution and dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein a magnetic material is embedded in the center of the bottom surface of the stationary container.

6. 5. The sample dilution and dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein corners of the bottom surface of the stationary container are inclined to correspond to the inclinations of the first and second support surfaces.

7. A number of through holes are formed in the sample mounting table along a circumferential direction, 2. The sample dilution and dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the sample placement stage rotates on its axis.

8. 2. The sample dilution and dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising an internal standard supply unit for supplying at least one internal standard to the sample container and for sucking in and discharging the internal standard.

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