Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device with which it is possible to prevent a device from becoming larger overall and to perform special cleansing while suppressing production costs. For this purpose, the present invention is an automatic analysis device that dispenses each of a sample and a reagent into a reaction container to cause a reaction, and measures a reacted liquid, wherein the automatic analysis device comprises: a plurality of dispensing mechanisms; a controller that controls the plurality of dispensing mechanisms; normal cleansing tanks dedicated for respective dispensing mechanisms, each of the normal cleansing tanks being provided at a position accessed by only one of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, and performing normal cleansing on the dispensing mechanism that has accessed the tank; and a special cleansing tank that is shared by each of the dispensing mechanisms, the special cleansing tank being provided at a position accessed by all of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, and performing cleansing different from the normal cleansing on the dispensing mechanisms that have accessed the tank.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In automated analyzers, the nozzles used to dispense samples and reagents are generally washed and reused using a cleaning mechanism to prevent variations in the amount of aspirated / discharged samples and contamination. However, as samples and other materials are becoming smaller and analysis becomes more sensitive every year, insufficient cleaning of the nozzles has a greater impact on analytical accuracy, and there is a greater demand than ever before for improved cleaning performance of the nozzles.

[0003] Therefore, as a technique for improving the cleaning performance of the dispensing nozzle, a special cleaning using a cleaning liquid containing detergent that is stronger than cleaning water is known. For example, Patent Document 1 states that "the special cleaning is composed of cleaning performed in the first cleaning tank 28b using a cleaning liquid containing an alkaline, acidic, neutral, or other detergent supplied to the first cleaning tank 28b, and (normal) cleaning performed in the first cleaning tank 28a using cleaning water that is performed after the special cleaning" (paragraph 0043). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-110913 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional automatic analyzer described in Patent Document 1 and the like, a dedicated special washing tank is provided for each of the multiple dispensing mechanisms, which increases the size of the entire apparatus and the manufacturing costs.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of performing special cleaning while preventing the entire apparatus from becoming large and suppressing manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel, reacts them, and measures the reacted liquid, and is characterized by comprising a plurality of dispensing mechanisms, a controller for controlling the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, a normal cleaning tank dedicated to each of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms, which is provided at a position accessible by only one of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms and performs normal cleaning of the accessed dispensing mechanism, and a special cleaning tank shared by each of the dispensing mechanisms, which is provided at a position accessible by all of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms and performs non-normal cleaning of the accessed dispensing mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer capable of performing special cleaning while preventing the entire apparatus from becoming large and suppressing manufacturing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analysis unit in an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sample dispensing mechanism in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of a sample dispensing mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of a dispensing operation. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a special operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing combinations of operation patterns in each sample dispensing mechanism. [Figure 7] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where both sample dispensing mechanisms perform a dispensing operation. [Figure 8] 11 is a timing chart showing a case where one sample dispensing mechanism performs a special operation and the other sample dispensing mechanism performs a dispensing operation. [Figure 9] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where both sample dispensing mechanisms perform special operations. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the sample dispensing mechanisms are interfering with each other. [Figure 11] 9 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of each sample dispensing mechanism at the timing indicated by T1 in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of each sample dispensing mechanism at the timing indicated by T2 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of a sample dispensing mechanism in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of a sample dispensing mechanism in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a timing chart in the case where one sample dispensing mechanism performs a special operation and the other sample dispensing mechanism performs a dispensing operation in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where both sample dispensing mechanisms perform special operations in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of a sample dispensing mechanism in a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of a sample dispensing mechanism in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a timing chart in the case where one sample dispensing mechanism performs a dispensing operation and the other sample dispensing mechanism performs a special operation in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where both sample dispensing mechanisms perform special operations in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an analysis unit in an automatic analyzer of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, reaction containers 2 are arranged circumferentially on a reaction disk 1, and a plurality of reagent bottles 12 are arranged circumferentially in a reagent disk 11. Reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10 are connected to a reagent pump 23 via a syringe. In addition, a sample container 20 containing a test sample such as blood or urine can be moved between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 11 by a sample transport mechanism 22 while being placed on a rack 21.

[0012] Around the reaction disk 1, a cleaning mechanism 3, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, a reagent disk 11, and a sample pump 24 are arranged, and a cleaning pump 25 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3 that cleans used reaction containers 2. Sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are installed between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 22, and are connected to the sample pump 24 via syringes.

[0013] Furthermore, the automated analyzer of this embodiment has washing tanks 30-33 installed within the movement trajectory of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10, a normal washing tank 15 and a drying mechanism 17 installed within the movement trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 13, a normal washing tank 16 and a drying mechanism 18 installed within the movement trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 14, and a special washing tank 19 installed within the movement trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14. Note that a special washing tank and a drying mechanism may also be installed within the movement trajectory of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7-10.

[0014] Here, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 are equipped with sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a. The sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a move horizontally (rotational movement around a vertical rotation axis and translational movement on a horizontal rail) and move up and down to dispense the sample from the sample container 20 to the reaction container 2.

[0015] The sample dispensing nozzles 13a, 14a are usually washed in their own dedicated normal washing tanks 15, 16. However, when a pre-specified test item is to be measured, the sample dispensing nozzles 13a, 14a are each subjected to a special washing different from the normal washing in a shared special washing tank 19, and then normally washed in their own dedicated normal washing tanks 15, 16, and further water droplets adhering to the periphery are removed in their own dedicated drying mechanisms 17, 18.

[0016] The automatic analyzer in this embodiment also has a controller 26 that functions as an analysis unit that analyzes the test sample in the reaction vessel 2, and the operation of each mechanism connected to this controller 26 is controlled.

[0017] Next, the outline of the configuration of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a side view of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 include sample dispensing nozzles 13a, 14a connected to syringes for aspirating and discharging samples, an arm 44 for holding the sample dispensing nozzles 13a, 14a, a vertical movement mechanism 41 for moving the arm 44 up and down, a rotation mechanism 42 for rotating the arm 44, and a horizontal mechanism 43 for moving the arm 44 horizontally. The rotation mechanism 42 may be a horizontal mechanism that moves in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal mechanism 43.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, this embodiment is an automatic analyzer in which dedicated drying mechanisms 17, 18 are installed at positions accessible only to one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14. Since the automatic analyzer of this embodiment requires only one special washing tank, the entire device can be made compact and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0019] A sample suction position S1 and a sample discharge position C1 are provided at the end points of the operating trajectory of each sample dispensing mechanism 13, 14, and between them are provided regular washing tanks 15, 16 and drying mechanisms 17, 18, respectively, and a shared special washing tank 19.

[0020] Here, the special cleaning performed in the special cleaning tank 19 is a stronger cleaning than normal cleaning using a detergent solution containing detergent, and is performed when special cleaning is set as an item that requires it among the test items set for the sample. As a specific cleaning method for special cleaning, a method using detergent will be described, but this is not limiting and ultrasonic waves may also be used.

[0021] Moreover, the drying mechanisms 17 and 18 in this embodiment are disposed inside the normal washing tanks 15 and 16 or at positions close to the normal washing tanks 15 and 16. The drying mechanisms 17 and 18 themselves are configured as an air-injection type blower that blows compressed air onto the sample dispensing nozzle 13a to blow away the washing liquid. The drying mechanism 17 may also be a drying port that uses vacuum suction or a wiper that wipes off the washing liquid. In this way, by providing the drying mechanisms 17 and 18, the washing liquid adhering to the sample dispensing nozzle 13a after the special washing is prevented from being carried into the sample, and the accuracy of the analysis can be maintained at a high level.

[0022] Next, a flow of the sample dispensing operation will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Here, the dispensing operation of one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14, the sample dispensing mechanism 13, will be described as an example.

[0023] First, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the normal washing tank 15 to the sample suction position S1 above the sample container 20 (step S100).

[0024] Then, at this sample suction position S1, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a descends and becomes immersed in the sample contained in the sample container 20. In this state, the syringe operates to aspirate the sample, and then the sample dispensing nozzle 13a ascends (step S101).

[0025] Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the sample suction position S1 to the normal washing tank 15 (step S102). At the position of the normal washing tank 15, the outer wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is washed with water (step S103).

[0026] Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to a sample discharge position C1 above a predetermined reaction container 2 on the reaction disk 1 (step S104).

[0027] Furthermore, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is lowered, the syringe is operated to discharge the sample, and when the discharge of the sample is completed, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is raised (step S105).

[0028] Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal washing tank 15 (step S106).

[0029] If the same sample is to be dispensed continuously, this marks the end of one cycle. However, if this is the last dispense of the same sample, normal cleaning is then performed by operating the syringe. Specifically, water from a tank (not shown) is discharged from the sample dispensing nozzle 13a to clean not only the outer wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a but also the inner wall of the nozzle (internal cleaning).

[0030] Next, a flow of a special operation for performing special cleaning will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Here, the dispensing operation of one of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14, the sample dispensing mechanism 13, will be described as an example.

[0031] The special operations in this embodiment are broadly divided into special washing performed using detergent, normal washing performed thereafter, and drying performed thereafter.

[0032] Specifically, first, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves from the normal washing tank 15 to the special washing tank 19 (step S200).

[0033] Next, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is lowered and becomes immersed in the detergent solution containing the detergent in the special washing tank 19.

[0034] In this state, a special cleaning is performed by operating the syringe connected to the sample dispensing nozzle 13a to suck up detergent liquid, and the inner and outer walls of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a are cleaned (step S201).

[0035] Thereafter, the sample dispensing nozzle 13a rises, and the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal washing tank 15 (step S202).

[0036] Here, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 operates the syringe to discharge the detergent liquid sucked into the special cleaning tank 19 from the sample dispensing nozzle 13a together with water from a tank not shown, thereby cleaning the inside of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a (step S203).

[0037] Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the drying mechanism 17, and the sample dispensing nozzle 13a descends (step S204).

[0038] Here, the drying mechanism 17 drops the water droplets on the outer wall of the sample dispensing nozzle 13a (step S205). Note that when the sample dispensing nozzle 13a is raised, the drying mechanism 17 blows air onto the nozzle, so that the water droplets can be dropped evenly in the vertical direction.

[0039] Thereafter, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 moves to the normal washing tank 15 (step S206).

[0040] Next, the actual operation method of the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 will be described. In the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 are operated simultaneously to increase the processing capacity. The actual operation patterns are combinations of the above-mentioned dispensing operations and special operations, and there are a total of four patterns as shown in FIG. 6. However, since the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 have common access locations of the sample suction position S1, the sample discharge position C1, and the special washing tank 19, there is a possibility that the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 may interfere with each other if they are simply operated simultaneously.

[0041] Therefore, a method for reducing the waiting time while preventing the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 from interfering with each other for each operation pattern will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Although the sample dispensing operation will be described here, it is also possible to perform a similar dispensing operation for a reagent. In the timing charts shown in Figures 7 to 9, the time periods allocated to the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14, normal washing in the normal washing tanks 15, 16, special washing in the special washing tank 19, and drying in the drying mechanism are indicated by convex marks, assuming that the series of sample dispensing operations shown in Figure 4 constitutes one cycle.

[0042] 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing nozzles 13a and 14a when the test items set for the sample do not include any items that require special cleaning. This corresponds to a pattern in which both the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 perform dispensing operations.

[0043] Since both sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 perform the dispensing operation shown in FIG. 4, when the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 start dispensing operations at the same time, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 interfere with each other at the sample suction position S1 or the sample discharge position C1. Therefore, the start point (phase) of one sample dispensing operation is shifted by half a cycle from the other sample dispensing mechanism, thereby preventing the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 from interfering with each other. As a result, the occurrence of waiting time during dispensing operation is suppressed, and the processing speed of the analysis device can be increased. In addition, a dedicated normal washing tank is provided at a position that is accessed only by one of the multiple sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14, and when one sample dispensing mechanism is accessing the normal washing tank, it does not interfere with the other sample dispensing mechanism.

[0044] 8 is a timing chart showing the operations of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 when the test items set for the sample include one item that requires special cleaning. Here, an example is explained in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs a special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs a dispensing operation. Note that the operation of the pattern in which the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs a dispensing operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs a special operation is similar, so an explanation is omitted.

[0045] First, in this embodiment, it is assumed that when one sample dispensing mechanism accesses the special cleaning tank 19 during a special operation, there is an interference area between the trajectory of the other sample dispensing mechanism moving back and forth between the sample suction position S1 and the sample discharge position C1 during the dispensing operation. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, when the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the special cleaning tank 19, if the sample dispensing mechanism 14 tries to move to the sample suction position S1, the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 interfere with each other.

[0046] Therefore, in this embodiment, when one sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs a special operation and the other sample dispensing mechanism 14 performs a dispensing operation, when the other sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves through the interference region, one sample dispensing mechanism 13 is caused to access a retracted position away from the special cleaning tank 19. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 at the timing indicated by T1 in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, when the sample dispensing mechanism 14 during the dispensing operation moves through the interference region, the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 during the special operation to access the position of the normal cleaning tank 15, thereby preventing interference between the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14.

[0047] In this way, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 must access the normal washing tank 15 during the special operation, and the special washing cannot be performed sufficiently in one cycle corresponding to one dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14, and there is a possibility that carryover of the previous sample occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the special washing is divided into a first special washing and a subsequent second special washing, and the first special washing is performed in the first cycle and the second special washing is performed in the second cycle. Specifically, first, during the first cycle of dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the first special washing, and while the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves through the interference area, the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 to access the evacuation position. Then, during the second cycle of dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the second special washing, and while the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves through the interference area, the controller 26 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 13 to access the evacuation position.

[0048] In the special operation of this embodiment, after the special cleaning, the drying mechanism 17 is accessed to dry the sample dispensing mechanism 13. In this way, taking into consideration the drying performed after the special cleaning, in this embodiment, the time of the second special cleaning is made shorter than that of the first special cleaning, and both the second special cleaning and drying are performed in the second cycle. Specifically, during the second cycle of the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 14, after the sample dispensing mechanism 13 performs the second special cleaning, the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the retracted position while the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moves through the interference area, and then the sample dispensing mechanism 13 accesses the drying mechanism to perform drying.

[0049] In this embodiment, the special cleaning is divided into two steps, but the special cleaning may be divided into three or more steps when the sample pump 24 is small and the pressure is low. The retracted position is not limited to the position of the normal cleaning tank 15, and it is sufficient that there is no interference area between the sample dispensing mechanism 13 when it accesses the retracted position and the trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 14 moving back and forth between the sample suction position S1 and the sample discharge position C1 during the dispensing operation.

[0050] 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 when the test items set for the sample include two items that require special cleaning. This case corresponds to a pattern in which both the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 perform special operations.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, the special operation of each sample dispensing mechanism uses two cycles of the dispensing operation, performing a first special wash and a normal wash in the first cycle, and a second special wash, a normal wash, and drying in the second cycle.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 at the timing shown as T2 in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 12, when the sample dispensing mechanism 13 is performing special cleaning in the special cleaning tank 19, the controller 26 controls the sample dispensing mechanism 14 to access a retracted position away from the special cleaning tank 19, specifically, the normal cleaning tank 16. By operating in this manner, it is possible to prevent the sample dispensing mechanisms 13 and 14 from interfering with each other.

[0053] According to the embodiment described above, since only one special washing tank, which is larger than the normal washing tank and drying mechanism, is required, the whole device can be made compact and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Even if the special washing tank is shared, the waiting time of each sample dispensing mechanism can be prevented to avoid interference between the mechanisms, and a decrease in processing capacity can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate the miniaturization of samples and the high sensitivity of analysis, and it is possible to arrange the mechanisms in a high density, thereby realizing an automatic analyzer with high processing capacity.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a dedicated drying mechanism is provided for each sample dispensing mechanism, so that operations to avoid interference during drying are not required, and an increase in standby time can be suppressed. EXAMPLES

[0055] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, this embodiment is an automatic analyzer in which a drying mechanism 57 shared by both the two sample dispensing mechanisms 13, 14 is installed at a position accessible to both. The automatic analyzer of this embodiment requires only one special washing tank and one drying mechanism, so the entire device can be made even more compact and the manufacturing costs can be further reduced. EXAMPLES

[0056] 14 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27 and 28 in this embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, each sample dispensing mechanism moves linearly between the sample suction position S1 and the sample discharge position C1, but in this embodiment, each sample dispensing mechanism moves rotationally between the sample suction position S1 and the sample discharge position C1.

[0057] 14, the sample dispensing mechanisms 27 and 28 of this embodiment have mechanisms that can rotate and move up and down on the same axis, and can access a sample discharge position C1 and a sample suction position S1 that are provided in common to both sample dispensing mechanisms. In addition, between the sample discharge position C1 and the sample suction position S1, a dedicated normal washing tank 34 and a drying mechanism 58 are provided at a position that is accessible only by the sample dispensing mechanism 27, and a dedicated normal washing tank 35 and a drying mechanism 59 are provided at a position that is accessible only by the sample dispensing mechanism 28.

[0058] Furthermore, the automated analyzer of this embodiment has a special washing tank 19 that is commonly accessed by the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28, and this special washing tank 19 is on the same circular orbit TR1 as the sample discharge position C1, the sample suction position S1, the normal washing tanks 34, 35, and the drying mechanisms 58, 59. The special washing tank 19 of this embodiment is located between the normal washing tanks 34 and 35, and on the orbit TR1 on the sample suction position S1 side.

[0059] In addition, it is desirable to arrange the special cleaning tank 19 at a position where the movement distance of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 is not significantly biased. If the movement distance of one sample dispensing mechanism becomes long, the movement to the special cleaning tank 19 may not be completed within the desired time, and an unnecessary cycle may be required overall. Therefore, in this embodiment, the special cleaning tank 19 is arranged to be located on the orbit TR1 (a circular arc shown by a solid line in FIG. 14), which is a relatively short orbit connecting the point symmetric position (P) of the sample discharge position C1 and the sample suction position S1 with respect to the rotation center of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28. This makes the movement distance between the sample discharge position C1 of each of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 and the special cleaning tank 19 approximately equal, which has the advantage of making it easier to unify the operations of each of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28. In addition, since the distance between the sample suction position S1 and the special washing tank 19 is relatively short, even when one sample dispensing mechanism passes through the sample suction position S1 to access the special washing tank 19, it can be quickly retreated to a dedicated normal washing tank, and interference with the other sample dispensing mechanism can be avoided. That is, according to this embodiment, the distances between the normal washing tanks 34, 35 and the special washing tank 19 are approximately the same, and the waiting time for avoiding interference with the sample dispensing mechanisms is reduced, so that the washing process can be performed efficiently.

[0060] Although the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 are described here as rotating about the same axis, even if they do not have the same center of rotation, it is possible to discharge a sample into a reaction vessel placed at the sample discharge position C1 or to use the special cleaning tank 19. Therefore, in this specification, the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 may have slightly different central rotation axes than the same axis, which is also included in the term "coaxial".

[0061] FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27 and 28 of this embodiment in the case where one of the test items set for the sample requires special cleaning. Here, an example is described in which the sample dispensing mechanism 27 performs a special operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 28 performs a dispensing operation. As in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, two cycles are used for the special operation, while the dispensing operation is performed once per cycle. For example, the sample dispensing mechanism 27 performing a special operation moves from the normal cleaning tank 34 to the special cleaning mechanism 19 and performs special cleaning, then moves from the special cleaning mechanism 19 to the normal cleaning tank 34 and performs normal cleaning, moves from the normal cleaning tank 34 to the special cleaning mechanism 19 and performs special cleaning again, then moves from the special cleaning mechanism 19 to the normal cleaning tank 34 and performs normal cleaning, moves from the normal cleaning tank 34 to the drying mechanism 58 and dries, and then moves from the drying mechanism 58 to the normal cleaning tank 34.

[0062] 16 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 of this embodiment in the case where the test items set for the sample include two items that require special cleaning. For example, when the sample dispensing mechanism 28 is in the special cleaning tank 19, the sample dispensing mechanism 27 is in a retreat position such as the dedicated normal cleaning tank 34, and when the sample dispensing mechanism 28 moves to a retreat position such as the dedicated normal cleaning tank 35, the sample dispensing mechanism 27 moves to the special cleaning tank 19. This makes it possible for the sample dispensing mechanisms to prevent physical interference with each other while suppressing unnecessary waiting time.

[0063] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 27, 28 in a modification of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, this modification is similar to the third embodiment in the position of the special cleaning tank 19, but is different in that it has a plurality of sample discharge positions C1a, C1b. The position of the point symmetry P described above varies depending on whether the sample discharge position C1a or C1b is used as the reference, so a point on the orbit TR1 located between the point symmetry based on the sample discharge position C1a and the point symmetry based on the sample discharge position C1b is adopted as the point symmetry P for convenience in this case. However, since the sample discharge positions are usually close to each other, the same effect can be obtained regardless of which position is used as the reference. EXAMPLES

[0064] Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 in this embodiment have mechanisms for rotating about different axes, and each of them passes through different orbits TR2, TR3. At the intersection of each orbit, there is a common special washing tank 19 and a sample suction position S1, and on orbit TR2, there is a sample discharge position C1c as well as a dedicated normal washing tank 34 and a drying mechanism 58, and on orbit TR3, there is a sample discharge position C1d as well as a dedicated normal washing tank 35 and a drying mechanism 59.

[0065] 19 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45 and 46 of this embodiment when the test items set for the sample include one item that requires special cleaning. Here, an example is described in which the sample dispensing mechanism 45 performs a dispensing operation and the sample dispensing mechanism 46 performs a special operation.

[0066] For example, when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 is in the special washing tank 19, the sample dispensing mechanism 45 is in the sample discharge position C1c, and when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 finishes special washing and starts moving to the dedicated normal washing tank 35, it passes through the special washing tank 19 and moves to the dedicated normal washing tank 34. This makes it possible for the sample dispensing mechanisms to prevent physical interference with each other while suppressing unnecessary waiting time.

[0067] 20 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sample dispensing mechanisms 45, 46 of this embodiment when the test items set for the sample include two items that require special cleaning. For example, when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 is in the special cleaning tank 19, the sample dispensing mechanism 45 is in a retreat position such as the dedicated normal cleaning tank 34, and when the sample dispensing mechanism 46 moves to a retreat position such as the dedicated normal cleaning tank 35, the sample dispensing mechanism 45 moves to the special cleaning tank 19. This makes it possible for the sample dispensing mechanisms to prevent physical interference with each other while suppressing unnecessary waiting time.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, but includes various modified examples. The above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1... reaction disk, 2... reaction vessel, 3... cleaning mechanism, 4... spectrophotometer, 5,6... stirring mechanism, 7-10... reagent dispensing mechanism, 11... reagent disk, 12... reagent bottle, 13,14,27,28,45,46... sample dispensing mechanism, 13a,14a... sample dispensing nozzle, 15,16,34,35... normal washing tank, 17,18,57,58,59... drying mechanism, 19... special washing tank, 20... sample sample container, 21...rack, 22...sample transport mechanism, 23...reagent pump, 24...sample pump, 25...washing pump, 26...controller, 30-33...washing tank, 41...up-down mechanism, 42...rotation mechanism, 43...horizontal mechanism, 44...arm, S1...sample suction position, C1, C1a, C1b, C1c, C1d...sample discharge position, TR1, TR2, TR3...motion trajectory of sample dispensing mechanism

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer for dispensing a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel, respectively, to cause a reaction, and measuring the reacted liquid, comprising: A plurality of dispensing mechanisms; A controller for controlling the plurality of dispensing mechanisms; a normal washing tank provided at a position where only one of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms can access the dispensing mechanism, and performing normal washing on the dispensing mechanism that has accessed the dispensing mechanism; a special cleaning tank provided at a position where all of the plurality of dispensing mechanisms can access the special cleaning tank, which is shared by the respective dispensing mechanisms and performs cleaning different from normal cleaning on the dispensing mechanisms that have accessed the special cleaning tank; Equipped with a dispensing operation in which the dispensing mechanism reciprocates between an aspirating position for the sample or reagent and a dispensing position for the sample or reagent, and accesses the normal washing tank during the reciprocating operation; A special operation of performing special cleaning on the dispensing mechanism in the special cleaning tank; a trajectory of one of the dispensing mechanisms when the one of the dispensing mechanisms accesses the special cleaning tank during the special operation and a trajectory of the other of the dispensing mechanisms reciprocating between the suction position and the discharge position during the dispensing operation have an interference region; When one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the special operation and the other of the dispensing mechanisms performs the dispensing operation, the controller When the other dispensing mechanism performs the dispensing operation of a first cycle, the one dispensing mechanism performs a first special cleaning among the special cleanings, and controls the other dispensing mechanism to access a retreat position away from the special cleaning tank while moving through the interference area; The automatic analyzer is characterized in that, when the other dispensing mechanism is performing the second cycle of the dispensing operation, one of the dispensing mechanisms performs a second special wash among the special washes and is controlled to access the retracted position while the other dispensing mechanism is moving through the interference area.

2. In claim 1, The special operation is to perform the special cleaning, and then access a drying mechanism to dry the dispensing mechanism, The controller: The automatic analyzer is characterized in that, during the second cycle of the dispensing operation of the other dispensing mechanism, one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the second special cleaning, which is shorter than the first special cleaning, and then accesses the retracted position while the other dispensing mechanism moves through the interference area, and then accesses the drying mechanism to perform drying.

3. In claim 1 or 2, a trajectory of one of the dispensing mechanisms when the one of the dispensing mechanisms accesses the normal washing tank and a trajectory of the other of the dispensing mechanisms reciprocating between the suction position and the discharge position during the dispensing operation do not have an interference region; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the retracted position is the position of the normal washing tank.

4. In claim 1, When one of the dispensing mechanisms performs the special operation and the other of the dispensing mechanisms also performs the special operation, the controller The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein, when one of the dispensing mechanisms is performing the special cleaning, the other of the dispensing mechanisms is allowed to access the retracted position.

5. In claim 4, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the retracted position is the position of the normal washing tank.

6. In claim 1, The plurality of dispensing mechanisms rotate coaxially and reciprocate between an aspirating position for the sample or reagent and an ejecting position for the sample or reagent; The special washing tank is disposed between the normal washing tanks and on the side of the suction position.

7. In claim 6, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the special washing tank is located on a relatively short orbit connecting a point-symmetric position of the discharge position and the suction position with respect to a center of rotation.

8. In claim 1, the plurality of dispensing mechanisms rotate about different axes and reciprocate along different trajectories between an aspirating position for the sample or reagent and a discharging position for the sample or reagent; An automatic analyzer characterized in that the special cleaning tank is located at the intersection of each track.

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