Reaction vessel and automatic analyzer

Abstract

To improve measurement efficiency.SOLUTION: The reaction vessel according to the present embodiment is used for measurement by an automatic analyzer and for accommodating a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent to be measured, and includes a container body and a suction port. The suction port is provided in the container body, and the sample sucked is allowed to flow into the inside of the container body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3D

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, the automatic analyzer causes the sample dispensing probe to aspirate the sample from the sample container and dispense the sample into the reaction container.The automatic analyzer then dispenses a reagent into the reaction container into which the sample has been dispensed, and measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent.The automatic analyzer also cleans the sample dispensing probe in a cleaning tank every time the sample is dispensed.

[0003] However, in a method in which a sample dispensing probe sucks up a sample and dispenses it into a reaction vessel, the sample may not be sufficiently removed from the sample dispensing probe by washing, causing carry-over and resulting in incorrect measurement results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-228952 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5287579 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6058277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve is to improve measurement efficiency. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The reaction vessel according to the present embodiment is used in the measurement of an automatic analyzer, and is a reaction vessel for containing a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and is provided with a vessel body and an intake port. The intake port is provided in the vessel body and allows the aspirated sample to flow into the vessel body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a reaction container and a suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of the suction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a connection diagram of a second configuration example of the reaction container and the aspirator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a view for explaining a suction operation in a second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G is a view for explaining a suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container and the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a backflow prevention part of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a backflow prevention part of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a backflow prevention part of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a backflow prevention part of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a backflow prevention part of the reaction vessel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 11E] FIG. 11E is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 11F] FIG. 11F is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which the reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a reaction container according to a second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a reaction container according to a second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of a reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view showing a third configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing a third configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view showing a third configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view showing a third configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 14E] FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view showing a third configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining the suction operation. [Figure 15E] FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction container according to the second embodiment, and is a view for explaining a suction operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17E] FIG. 17E is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 17F] FIG. 17F is a diagram showing a procedure of a process of an automatic analyzer to which a reaction container according to the second embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a reaction vessel and an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. In principle, the contents described in one embodiment are also applicable to other embodiments.

[0009] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 to which a reaction container according to the first embodiment is applied. The automatic analyzer 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes an analysis device 70, a drive device 80, and a processing device 90.

[0010] The analytical device 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used in the analysis of each test item to generate standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 includes a plurality of units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. A processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

[0011] The processing device 90 includes an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 , and a memory circuit 60 .

[0012] The input device 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, and a touch panel, and is used to input data for setting analysis parameters for each test item, and to input data for setting test identification information and test items for test samples.

[0013] The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 30.

[0014] The memory circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0015] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data processing function 31 and a control function 32. The control function 32 controls a drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data processing function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

[0016] For example, the standard data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data (calibration curve or standard curve) for determining the amount or concentration of a substance, and the test data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data resulting from measuring a test sample. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing the measurement results, such as the amount or concentration of a substance, derived from the test data and the standard data, and the analytical data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing a positive or negative determination result. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving analytical data representing a positive or negative determination result.

[0017] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuitry 30 is recorded in the storage circuitry 60 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 30 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading the programs from the storage circuitry 60 and executing them. In other words, the processing circuitry 30 in a state in which each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 30 of FIG.

[0018] In FIG. 1, the processing functions described below are described as being realized by a single processing circuit 30. However, a processing circuit may be formed by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize a function.

[0019] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 60. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 60, the program is directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer 70 of an automatic analyzer 100 to which the reaction container 3 according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0021] The analytical device 70 includes a sample rack 5 that holds a plurality of sample containers 11. The sample containers 11 contain samples such as standard samples for each test item and test samples. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of sample racks 5, each containing three sample containers 11, are arranged. Here, the number of sample containers 11 contained in the sample rack 5 is not limited to three.

[0022] The analysis device 70 further includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on a circumference, and a reaction disk 4 that rotatably holds each of the plurality of reaction vessels 3. The reaction vessels 3 are disposable reaction vessels, and are discarded, for example, after the mixed liquid in the reaction vessels 3 is measured.

[0023] The analysis device 70 further includes a transport device 110. The transport device 110 includes a supply unit 111 and a transfer unit 112. The supply unit 111 includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of reaction containers 3 that have been input, and a drive unit that supplies the reaction containers 3 in the storage unit to the transfer unit 112. The transport device 110 moves the reaction containers 3 supplied from the supply unit 111 by the transfer unit 112. The transfer unit 112 moves the reaction containers 3 to a position where the sample arm 10 described later can access the reaction containers 3. For example, the transfer unit 112 has two rails. The two rails are inclined downward from the start end on the storage unit side to the end. The reaction containers 3 move along the rails toward the end due to their own weight.

[0024] The analysis device 70 further includes a sample arm 10. The sample arm 10 moves the reaction container 3 moved by the transport unit 112 to the sample rack 5. For example, the sample arm 10 accesses the reaction container 3 that has been moved to the end of the rail, and moves it to the sample rack 5. Then, the sample in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 is aspirated into the reaction container 3. For example, an aspirator (described later) aspirates an amount of the sample from the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 into the reaction container 3, the amount being set as an analysis parameter for the test item. The sample arm 10 moves the reaction container 3 containing the sample to the reaction disk 4.

[0025] The analyzer 70 further includes a plurality of reagent containers 6, a reagent repository 1 for storing each of the plurality of reagent containers 6, and a plurality of reagent containers 7, and a reagent repository 2 for storing each of the plurality of reagent containers 7. The reagent containers 6, 7 contain reagents containing components that react with components of each test item contained in the sample. For example, the reagent container 6 contains a one-reagent system reagent or a first reagent of a two-reagent system, and the reagent container 7 contains a second reagent that is different from the reagent in the reagent container 6 of the two-reagent system for each test item. The reagent repository 1 includes a reagent rack 1a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 6 of each test item. The reagent repository 2 includes a reagent rack 2a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 7 of each test item.

[0026] The analyzer 70 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 14, a reagent dispensing arm 8, a reagent dispensing pump 14a, a reagent detector 14b, a washing tank 14c, a stirrer 17, a stirring arm 18, and a washing tank 17a. The reagent dispensing probe 14 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 6. Specifically, the reagent dispensing probe 14 aspirates the reagent in the reagent container 6 for each test item held in the reagent rack 1a, and dispenses the amount of the reagent set as an analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container 3 containing the sample. The reagent dispensing arm 8 supports the reagent dispensing probe 14 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The reagent dispensing pump 14a causes the reagent dispensing probe 14 to aspirate and dispense the reagent. The reagent detector 14b, as a liquid level detection function, determines that the reagent in the reagent container 6 has been detected when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 14, which has descended from above the liquid level, approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a. Specifically, the reagent detector 14b is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing probe 14, and detects the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 by a change in capacitance when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 14 approaches or comes into contact with the reagent in the reagent container 6. When the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 is detected, the reagent dispensing pump unit 14a causes the reagent dispensing probe 14 to suck and discharge the reagent. The washing tank 14c washes the reagent dispensing probe 14 every time a reagent is dispensed. The stirrer 17 stirs the mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 3. The stirring arm 18 supports the stirrer 17 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The cleaning tank 17a cleans the stirring bar 17 every time the mixed liquid is stirred.

[0027] The analyzer 70 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 15, a reagent dispensing arm 9, a reagent dispensing pump 15a, a reagent detector 15b, a washing tank 15c, a stirrer 19, an agitation arm 20, and a washing tank 19a. The reagent dispensing probe 15 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 7. The functions of the reagent dispensing probe 15, the reagent dispensing arm 9, the reagent dispensing pump 15a, the reagent detector 15b, the washing tank 15c, the stirrer 19, the agitation arm 20, and the washing tank 19a are the same as those of the reagent dispensing probe 14, the reagent dispensing arm 8, the reagent dispensing pump 14a, the reagent detector 14b, the washing tank 14c, the stirrer 17, the agitation arm 18, and the washing tank 17a, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0028] The analysis device 70 further includes a measurement unit 13 and a disposal unit 120. The measurement unit 13 measures the mixed liquid by irradiating the reaction vessel 3 containing the mixed liquid after stirring with light. Specifically, the measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction vessel 3 at the rotating measurement position with light, and detects the light transmitted through the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 3 by this irradiation. The measurement unit 13 then processes the detected signal to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The reaction vessel 3 is a disposable reaction vessel, and is discarded after the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 3 is measured. The disposal unit 120 is a vessel for discarding the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement by the measurement unit 13 is completed. For example, the sample arm 10 discards the reaction vessel 3 by moving the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement is completed to the disposal unit 120.

[0029] The driving device 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70 .

[0030] The drive device 80 includes a mechanism for driving the sample rack 5 of the analyzer 70, and moves each sample container 11. The drive device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 1a of the reagent repository 1, and rotates each reagent container 6. The drive device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 2a of the reagent repository 2, and rotates each reagent container 7. The drive device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the reaction disk 4, and rotates each reaction container 3.

[0031] The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the sample arm 10, and by driving the sample arm 10, moves the reaction vessel 3 from the transfer section 112 to the sample rack 5 that holds the specimen vessel 11. By driving the sample arm 10, the driving device 80 moves the reaction vessel 3 containing the sample from the sample rack 5 to the reaction disk 4. By driving the sample arm 10, the driving device 80 moves the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed from the reaction disk 4 to the disposal section 120.

[0032] The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9, and moves the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 between the reagent containers 6 and 7 and the reaction container 3, respectively. The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the reagent dispensing pumps 14a and 15a, and causes the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 to dispense the reagent. That is, the driving device 80 causes the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 to aspirate the reagent from the reagent containers 6 and 7 and eject the reagent into the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the stirring arms 18 and 20, and moves the stirring bars 17 and 19 into the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the stirring bars 17 and 19, and causes the sample and reagent in the reaction container 3 to be stirred.

[0033] The control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the driving device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70 .

[0034] In an automatic analyzer, a sample dispensing probe generally aspirates a sample and dispenses it into a reaction vessel, and the sample dispensing probe is washed after each sample dispensing. However, in a method in which a sample dispensing probe aspirates a sample and dispenses it into a reaction vessel, when the sample dispensing probe that has dispensed the sample is washed, the sample may not be sufficiently removed by washing, resulting in carry-over. Carry-over can cause, for example, an abnormally high measurement result in the next measurement.

[0035] Therefore, the reaction vessel 3 used in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment is configured as follows to improve the measurement efficiency. The reaction vessel 3 according to this embodiment is used in the measurement of the automatic analyzer 100, is a reaction vessel that contains a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and includes a vessel body and an intake port. The intake port is provided in the vessel body, and allows the aspirated sample to flow into the vessel body.

[0036] An example of the configuration of the reaction vessel 3 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0037] 3A to 3F are cross-sectional views showing a first configuration example of the reaction container 3 and the suction device 330 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] 3A, the reaction vessel 3 has a vessel body 300 with an opening 305 formed on the upper surface thereof, and a flange provided on the opening 305 side of the vessel body 300, and the outer diameter of the flange is larger than the outer diameter of the vessel body 300. For example, in order to align the reaction vessels 3 supplied from the supply unit 111 in FIG. 2 by the rails of the transfer unit 112, the distance between the rails is longer than the outer diameter of the vessel body 300 and shorter than the outer diameter of the flange.

[0039] The container body 300 is provided with an intake port 310 for allowing the aspirated sample 130 to flow into the inside of the container body 300. For example, the intake port 310 is provided on the bottom surface of the container body 300. The intake port 310 is provided with a backflow prevention unit 320 for preventing backflow from the inside of the container body 300 to the outside. A specific example of the backflow prevention unit 320 will be described later.

[0040] 3A, the sample 130 contained in the sample container 11 is aspirated by an aspirator 330 that is detachable from the container body 300. That is, the sample 130 is caused to flow into the container body 300 from an intake port 310 provided in the bottom surface portion of the container body 300 by the suction of the aspirator 330. Here, a reagent that reacts with the sample 130 is dispensed from an opening 305 of the container body 300. The opening 305 of the container body 300 is formed at the end portion of the container body 300 opposite to the bottom surface portion.

[0041] The suction device 330 has a connection part 331 formed so as to be detachable from the reaction container 3, and a suction pump part 332 for sucking the sample 130 from the suction port 310 into the container body 300. The outer diameter of the connection part 331 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the container body 300, and the connection part 331 is connected to the reaction container 3 by inserting the tip side of the connection part 331 into the container body 300 from the opening 305 of the container body 300. Here, the suction device 330 is, for example, a mechanism possessed by the automatic analyzer 100, and is attached to the tip of the sample arm 10. In addition, the suction pump part 332 is, for example, a metal cylinder, and is connected to a mechanism (not shown) for moving the cylinder up and down at the tip of the sample arm 10. Note that, although a metal cylinder is given as an example of moving the suction pump part 332 up and down, the suction pump part 332 may be moved up and down using a medium such as water.

[0042] 3A to 3F, the suction operation in the first configuration example of the reaction container 3 and the suction device 330 according to the first embodiment will be described. The suction operation is performed by the driving device 80 driving the sample arm 10 and the suction pump section 332 of the suction device 330, etc., in response to a control signal output from the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Here, the details of the processing of the automatic analyzer 100, including the suction operation, will be described later.

[0043] First, in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the driving device 80 connects the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 attached to the tip of the sample arm 10 to the opening 305 of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 that has been moved to the end of the rail of the transfer part 112. Next, in FIG. 3C, the driving device 80 lowers the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the suction port 310 of the reaction container 3 connected to the suction device 330 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5. Next, in FIG. 3D, the driving device 80 moves the suction pump part 332 of the suction device 330 upward, so that the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the inside of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump part 332. Next, in FIG. 3E, the driving device 80 raises the reaction container 3 connected to the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10. 3F, the driving device 80 detaches the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 from the container body 300 of the reaction container 3. Specifically, after the driving device 80 moves the reaction container 3 to the reaction disk 4, the driving device 80 detaches the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 from the container body 300 of the reaction container 3.

[0044] In this way, when aspirating the sample 130, the suction device 330 is connected to the opening 305 of the container body 300, and after connecting to the container body 300, it aspirates the reagent 130 and causes the reagent 130 to flow into the inside of the container body 300 through the suction port 310, and after aspirating the sample 130, it detaches from the container body 300.

[0045] 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing a second configuration example of the reaction container 3 and the suction device 330 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Here, for the second configuration example, changes from the first configuration example will be described.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4A, in the second configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 does not have the flange in the first configuration example, and for example, the vessel body 300 has a tapered structure that tapers from the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 to the center part. That is, the outer diameter of the vessel body 300 gradually increases from the center part of the vessel body 300 toward the opening 305. For example, in order to align the reaction vessel 3 supplied from the supply part 111 by the two rails of the transfer part 112, the distance between the rails is longer than the outer diameter of the center part of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3 and shorter than the outer shape of the opening 305 of the vessel body 300. As a result, the vessel body 300 can be easily connected to the suction device 330 due to the tapered structure, and can be connected more firmly. In addition, an intake port 310 is provided on the bottom part of the vessel body 300 to allow the aspirated sample 130 to flow into the inside of the vessel body 300.

[0047] 4B, in the suction device 330, the connection part 331 is formed so that the tip side of the connection part 331 has a tapered structure. The suction device 330 further has a detachment part 333 for detaching the suction device 330 from the container body 300 after suctioning the sample 130. For example, the detachment part 333 is provided on the other end side opposite to the tip side of the connection part 331 that connects to the container body 300. The detachment part 333 is a mechanism for detaching the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 from the container body 300 of the reaction container 3. The operation of the detachment part 333 will be described later.

[0048] 4C is a connection diagram of a second configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 and the suction device 330 according to the first embodiment. When the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 is connected to the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3, the end part of the detachment part 333 of the suction device 330 on the opening 305 side faces the end part forming the opening 305 of the vessel body 300.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4C, the suction device 330 further includes a detection unit 334 that detects contact of the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5. For example, the detection unit 334 is formed to contact the sample 130 in the sample container 11 before the suction port 310, and the detection unit 334 determines that the sample in the sample container 11 has been detected when the tip of the detection unit 334 contacts the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5. Specifically, the detection unit 334 detects the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the detection unit 334 contacts the sample in the sample container 11. When the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 is detected, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 is caused to flow into the inside of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump unit 332.

[0050] In this manner, the suction device 330 detects contact between the sample 130 and the suction port 310 by the detection unit 334, and starts suctioning the sample 130 when the detection unit 334 detects the contact.

[0051] Next, the suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction container 3 and the suction device 330 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5G.

[0052] First, in FIG. 5A, the driving device 80 connects the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 to the opening 305 of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 that has been moved to the end of the rail of the transfer part 112. At this time, in FIG. 5B, the detachment part 333 of the suction device 330 is located at the end forming the opening 305 of the container body 300. Next, in FIG. 5C, the driving device 80 lowers the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the suction port 310 of the reaction container 3 connected to the suction device 330 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5. Next, in FIG. 5D, the driving device 80 moves the suction pump part 332 of the suction device 330 upward, so that the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the inside of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump part 332.

[0053] Next, in FIG. 5E, the driving device 80 raises the reaction vessel 3 connected to the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10. At this time, in FIG. 5F, the driving device 80 further moves the suction pump part 332 of the suction device 330 upward, so that the sample 130 remaining in the suction port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 flows into the inside of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3 by suction by the suction pump part 332. Thereafter, in FIG. 5G, the driving device 80 moves the detachment part 333 of the suction device 330 downward, and raises the detachment part 333 while pressing the end part forming the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3, thereby detaching the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 from the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3. Specifically, after the driving device 80 moves the reaction vessel 3 to the reaction disk 4, the driving device 80 detaches the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 from the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3.

[0054] Here, in the first and second configuration examples of the reaction vessel 3 and the aspirator 330 according to the first embodiment, when the connection part 331 of the aspirator 330 is connected to the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3, if the internal air pressure of the vessel body 300 becomes high, the aspirator 330 may perform suction by the suction pump part 332. In the second configuration example, the aspirator 330 has a detection part 334 that detects contact of the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11, but is not limited thereto, and the first configuration example may also have the detection part 334. In addition, the aspirator 330 may not have the detection part 334, and the liquid level of the sample 130 may be measured in advance, and the aspirator 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 may be lowered by a distance that takes into consideration the distance to the measured liquid level of the sample 130 and the amount (predetermined amount) of the sample to be aspirated.

[0055] Here, specific examples of the backflow prevention unit 320 of the reaction vessel 3 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the backflow prevention unit 320 is a check valve 321 that prevents backflow from the container body 300 toward the suction port 310. As shown on the right side of Fig. 6, the check valve 321 is opened when the air pressure inside the container body 300 decreases, allowing the sample 130 to be sucked into the container body 300. As shown on the left side of Fig. 6, when the air pressure inside and outside the container body 300 becomes equal, the check valve 321 closes to prevent the backflow of the sample 130.

[0057] Here, the check valve 321 has been given as an example of preventing the backflow of the sample 130, but the shape of the backflow prevention unit 320 is not limited to the check valve 321 as long as it is a mechanism for preventing the backflow of the sample 130 inside the container body 300. For example, the backflow prevention unit 320 may be a flap gate type valve 322 as shown in Fig. 7. In the normal state, the flap gate type valve 322 closes the suction port 310 as shown on the left side of Fig. 7. Then, when the sample 130 is aspirated, the flap gate type valve 322 opens the suction port 310 as shown on the right side of Fig. 7.

[0058] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the backflow prevention unit 320 is a flow path closing unit 323 that prevents backflow from the intake port 310 toward the container body 300. For example, the flow path closing unit 323 is a rotating body provided with the intake port 310 at the bottom of the container body 300, and a through hole 323A is formed in the flow path closing unit 323. In a normal state, as shown on the left side of FIG. 8, the flow path closing unit 323 forms a flow path from the intake port 310 to the container body 300 via the through hole 323A, and closes the flow path as shown on the right side of FIG. 8 after the sample 130 is sucked. For example, in FIG. 8, the driving device 80 closes the flow path by rotating the flow path closing unit 323 half a turn by mechanical operation or magnetism after the sample 130 is sucked.

[0059] Here, the flow path closing portion 323 is given as an example of stopping the backflow of the sample 130, but the backflow prevention portion 320 is not limited to the shape of the flow path closing portion 323 as long as it is a mechanism for preventing the backflow of the sample 130 inside the container body 300. For example, the backflow prevention portion 320 may be a flow path closing portion 324 as shown in FIG. 9. For example, the flow path closing portion 324 is a member provided so as to be slidable in the left-right direction within the bottom surface portion of the container body 300, and the flow path closing portion 324 has a through hole 324A formed therein. In a normal state, as shown on the left side of FIG. 9, the flow path closing portion 324 forms a flow path from the intake port 310 to the container body 300 via the through hole 324A, and closes the flow path as shown on the right side of FIG. 9 after the sample 130 is sucked. For example, in FIG. 9, the driving device 80 slides the flow path closing portion 324 leftward by a set amount to close the flow path.

[0060] Although a valve and a mechanism for closing a flow path have been given as examples of stopping the backflow of sample 130, backflow prevention unit 320 may be plug 325 as long as it is a mechanism for preventing the backflow of sample 130 inside container body 300. In addition to the type of preventing the backflow of sample 130 with plug 325, a type of preventing the flow path by deforming intake port 310 by heat or pressure may also be used.

[0061] 11A to 11F are diagrams showing the procedure of processing by the automatic analyzer 100 to which the reaction container 3 according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0062] 11A, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a first control signal to the drive device 80 to take out the reaction vessel 3 from the transfer section 112. In this case, in response to the first control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the tip of the sample arm 10 to the end of the rail of the transfer section 112. Then, the drive device 80 lowers the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 to connect the connection section 331 of the suction device 330 to the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3 that has been moved to the end of the rail of the transfer section 112.

[0063] 11B, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a second control signal to the drive device 80 to move the reaction container 3 to the sample rack 5. In this case, in response to the second control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to raise the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, and moves the reaction container 3 connected to the suction device 330 from the transfer section 112 to the sample rack 5. At this time, since the reaction container 3 has been taken out from the end of the rail of the transfer section 112, the reaction container 3 aligned on the rail of the transfer section 112 slides due to its own weight.

[0064] Thereafter, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a third control signal to the driving device 80 for contacting the suction port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11. In this case, in response to the third control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to lower the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, thereby bringing the suction port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 connected to the suction device 330 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held in the sample rack 5.

[0065] Then, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a fourth control signal to the driving device 80 for aspirating the sample 130 in the sample container 11 into the container body 300 of the reaction container 3. In this case, in response to the fourth control signal, the driving device 80 moves the suction pump unit 332 of the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 upward, so that the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the container body 300 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump unit 332.

[0066] 11C, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a fifth control signal to the drive device 80 to move the reaction container 3 containing the sample 130 to the reaction disk 4. In this case, in response to the fifth control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to raise the reaction container 3 connected to the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, and moves the reaction container 3 containing the sample 130 from the sample rack 5 to the reaction disk 4. Then, the drive device 80 lowers the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10, and detaches the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 from the reaction container 3 containing the sample 130.

[0067] Thereafter, the reagents in the reagent containers 6, 7 are dispensed into the reaction container 3 moved to the reaction disk 4 from the opening 305 side of the container body 300 of the reaction container 3. The measurement unit 13 measures the mixture of the sample 130 and the reagent in the reaction container 3 by irradiating the reaction container 3 at the measurement position with light. Alternatively, the measurement unit 13 measures the mixture by measuring the electric potential of the mixture in the reaction container 3.

[0068] 11D, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a sixth control signal to the driving device 80 to remove the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed from the reaction disk 4. In this case, in response to the sixth control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the tip of the sample arm 10 to the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed on the reaction disk 4. Then, the driving device 80 lowers the suction device 330 at the tip of the sample arm 10 to connect the connection part 331 of the suction device 330 to the opening 305 of the vessel body 300 of the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed.

[0069] 11E, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a seventh control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reaction container 3 after the measurement. In this case, in response to the seventh control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the reaction container 3 after the measurement from the reaction disk 4 to the disposal unit 120, and detaches the connection unit 331 of the suction device 330 attached to the sample arm 10 from the reaction container 3 after the measurement. That is, since the disposal unit 120 is a container for discarding the reaction container 3 after the measurement, the reaction container 3 after the measurement is discarded by storing the reaction container 3 after the measurement in the disposal unit 120.

[0070] 11F, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 again outputs the first control signal to the driving device 80. In this case, in the same manner as described above, in response to the first control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to remove the reaction vessel 3 that has moved to the end of the rail of the transport section 112.

[0071] In this way, the reaction vessel 3 according to the first embodiment includes the vessel body 300 and the intake port 310, and the intake port 310 is provided in the vessel body 300 and causes the aspirated sample 130 to flow into the vessel body 300. As a result, in the first embodiment, the sample dispensing probe, the sample dispensing pump that causes the sample dispensing probe to aspirate and discharge the sample, and the washing tank that washes the sample dispensing probe every time the sample is dispensed are not required. For example, in a method in which the sample dispensing probe aspirates a sample and discharges it into a reaction vessel, if the sample is not sufficiently removed by washing when the sample dispensing probe that dispensed the sample is washed, carry-over may occur due to the influence of the sample. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the aspirated sample 130 is caused to flow into the vessel body 300, so the sample dispensing probe, the sample dispensing pump, and the washing tank are not required, and as a result, carry-over does not occur. In the automatic analyzer 100, since carry-over does not occur, the measurement efficiency can be improved.

[0072] Second embodiment In the reaction vessel 3 according to the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the suction device 330 for suctioning the sample 130 is connected to the vessel body 300. In the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment, a suction device for suctioning the sample 130 is provided in the vessel body 300. In addition, in the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment, a reagent is stored in the vessel body 300, so that a reagent vessel for storing the reagent is not required. Below, a configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Note that in the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views showing a first configuration example of a reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment.

[0074] The reaction vessel 3 has a vessel body 300, a suction device 330, a reaction chamber 342, and a flow path control section 344. The suction device 330 is provided in the vessel body 300, and as in the first embodiment, suctions the sample 130. The reaction chamber 342 is provided inside the vessel body 300, and contains a reagent 140 that reacts with the sample 130. The reagent 140 is, for example, a one-reagent type reagent.

[0075] The flow path control section 344 has members 344A and 344B provided slidably in the left-right direction inside the container body 300, and a member 344C that supports the members 344A and 344B outside the container body 300. The member 344B is disposed at a higher stage than the member 344A, and a through hole TH is formed in the members 344A and 344B.

[0076] Next, the suction operation in the first configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C.

[0077] First, in FIG. 12A, the driving device 80 connects the tip of the sample arm 10 to the suction device 330 of the reaction vessel 3 on the transfer unit 112. Next, the driving device 80 lowers the reaction vessel 3 connected to the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the suction port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held by the sample rack 5. Next, in FIG. 12B, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction vessel 3 to the right by a set amount when suctioning the sample 130, thereby simultaneously sliding the members 344A and 344B of the flow path control unit 344 to form the flow path 343 in the flow path control unit 344. For example, the flow path 343 is a flow path from the suction port 310 to the suction device 330 via the through hole TH of the member 344A, the reaction chamber 342, and the through hole TH of the member 344B, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 12B. At this time, the driving device 80 drives the suction pump unit 332 of the suction device 330, so that the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump unit 332. Next, in FIG. 12C, after the driving device 80 has aspirated the sample 130, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control unit 344 leftward by a set amount to close the flow path 343. As a result, the mixture 150 of the sample 130 and the reagent 140 is contained in the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3.

[0078] 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views showing a second configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment. Here, for the second configuration example, changes from the first configuration example will be described.

[0079] In the second configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 has a suction device 340 provided inside the vessel body 300, instead of the suction device 330 in the first configuration example. The suction device 340 is a reduced pressure chamber 341 whose air pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0080] Next, the suction operation in the second configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13C.

[0081] First, in FIG. 13A, the driving device 80 connects the tip of the sample arm 10 to the reaction vessel 3 on the transfer unit 112. Next, the driving device 80 lowers the reaction vessel 3 connected to the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the intake port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held by the sample rack 5. Next, in FIG. 13B, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction vessel 3 to the right by a set amount when aspirating the sample 130, thereby simultaneously sliding the members 344A and 344B of the flow path control unit 344 to form the flow path 343 in the flow path control unit 344. For example, the flow path 343 is a flow path from the intake port 310 to the decompression chamber 341 via the through hole TH of the member 344A, the reaction chamber 342, and the through hole TH of the member 344B, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 13B. At this time, due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3. Next, in FIG. 13C, after aspirating the sample 130, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control section 344 leftward by a set amount to close the flow path 343. As a result, the mixture 150 of the sample 130 and the reagent 140 is accommodated in the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3.

[0082] 14A to 14E are cross-sectional views showing a third configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment. Here, for the third configuration example, changes from the second configuration example will be described.

[0083] In the third configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 has reduced pressure chambers 341A and 341B which are the reduced pressure chamber 341 in the second configuration example, and reaction chambers 342A and 342B which are the reaction chamber 342 in the second configuration example. The reaction chambers 342A and 342B are provided inside the vessel body 300, and each of them contains a reagent 141 and 142 which reacts with the sample 130. For example, the reagents 141 and 142 are reagents in the reagent vessels 6 and 7, respectively. The reaction chambers 342A and 342B are examples of a first reaction chamber and a second reaction chamber, respectively, and the reagents 141 and 142 are examples of a first reagent of a two-reagent system and a second reagent different from the reagent of the two-reagent system, respectively.

[0084] The flow path control section 344 has members 344A to 344C provided slidably in the left-right direction inside the container body 300, and a member 344D that supports the members 344A to 344C outside the container body 300. The member 344B is disposed at a higher level than the member 344A, and the member 344C is disposed at a higher level than the member 344B. Through holes TH1 and TH2 are formed in the members 344A to 344C.

[0085] Next, the suction operation in the third configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14E.

[0086] 14A, the driving device 80 connects the tip of the sample arm 10 to the reaction vessel 3 on the transfer section 112. Next, in FIG. 14B, the driving device 80 lowers the reaction vessel 3 connected to the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the intake port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held in the sample rack 5. Then, when the driving device 80 aspirates the sample 130, it slides the member 344D of the flow path control section 344 of the reaction vessel 3 leftward by a first set amount, thereby simultaneously sliding the members 344A to 344C of the flow path control section 344, and forms the flow path 343A in the flow path control section 344. For example, the flow path 343A is a flow path from the intake port 310 to the decompression chamber 341A via the through hole TH1 of the member 344A, the through hole TH1 of the reaction chamber 342A, the through hole TH1 of the member 344B, and the through hole TH1 of the member 344C, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 14B. At this time, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342A of the reaction container 3 due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341A. Next, in FIG. 14C, after the sample 130 is sucked, the driving device 80 slides the member 344D of the flow path control unit 344 leftward by a second set amount to close the flow path 343A. As a result, the mixture 151 of the sample 130 and the reagent 141 is accommodated in the reaction chamber 342A. The flow path 343A is an example of a first flow path.

[0087] Next, in FIG. 14D, the driving device 80 slides the member 344D of the flow path control section 344 of the reaction vessel 3 leftward by a third set amount, for example, to simultaneously slide the members 344A to 344C of the flow path control section 344, forming the flow path 343B in the flow path control section 344. For example, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 14D, the flow path 343B is a flow path from the intake port 310 to the decompression chamber 341B via the through hole TH2 of the member 344A, the through hole TH2 of the reaction chamber 342A, the through hole TH2 of the member 344B, the through hole TH2 of the reaction chamber 342B, and the through hole TH2 of the member 344C. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 in the reaction chamber 342A flows into the reaction chamber 342B due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341B. Next, in FIG. 14E, the driving device 80 slides the member 344D of the flow path control section 344 leftward by a fourth set amount to close the flow path 343B. As a result, the mixture 152 of the mixture 151 and the reagent 142 is contained in the reaction chamber 342B. The flow path 343B is an example of a second flow path.

[0088] 15A to 15E are cross-sectional views showing a fourth configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment. Here, for the fourth configuration example, changes from the second configuration example will be described.

[0089] In the fourth configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 has a pressurized chamber 345 having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in addition to the second configuration example. Also, in the fourth configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 has reaction chambers 342A and 342B which are the reaction chambers 342 in the second configuration example. In the fourth configuration example, the reaction vessel 3 further has a backflow prevention unit 320 provided in the vessel body 300, and for example, as the backflow prevention unit 320, a check valve for preventing backflow from the reaction chamber 342A in the direction of the intake port 310 and a check valve for preventing backflow from the reaction chamber 342B in the direction of the reaction chamber 342A are provided. Also, in the upper surface part opposite to the bottom surface part of the vessel body 300, a through hole 350 formed from the upper surface part to the reaction chamber 342B in the vessel body 300 is provided.

[0090] The flow path control section 344 has members 344A and 344B provided slidably in the left-right direction inside the container body 300, and a member 344C that supports the members 344A and 344B outside the container body 300. The member 344B is disposed at a higher level than the member 344A. Through holes TH1 and TH2 are formed in the member 344A, and a through hole TH is formed in the member 344B.

[0091] Next, with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15E, a suction operation in the fourth configuration example of the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0092] First, in FIG. 15A, the driving device 80 connects the tip of the sample arm 10 to the reaction vessel 3 on the transfer unit 112. Next, in FIG. 15B, the driving device 80 lowers the reaction vessel 3 connected to the tip of the sample arm 10, and brings the intake port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 into contact with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held by the sample rack 5. Then, when the driving device 80 aspirates the sample 130, it slides the member 344C of the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction vessel 3 leftward by a first set amount, thereby simultaneously sliding the members 344A and 344B of the flow path control unit 344, thereby forming the flow path 343A in the flow path control unit 344. For example, the flow path 343A is a flow path from the intake port 310 to the decompression chamber 341 via the reaction chamber 342A and the through hole TH1 of the member 344A, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 15B. At this time, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342A of the reaction container 3 due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341. Next, in FIG. 15C, after aspirating the sample 130, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control section 344 leftward by a second set amount to close the flow path 343A. As a result, the mixture 151 of the sample 130 and the reagent 141 is accommodated in the reaction chamber 342A. The flow path 343A is an example of a first flow path.

[0093] Next, in FIG. 15D, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control section 344 of the reaction vessel 3 leftward by a third set amount, for example, to simultaneously slide the members 344A and 344B of the flow path control section 344, forming the flow path 343B in the flow path control section 344. For example, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 15D, the flow path 343B is a flow path from the pressurizing chamber 345 to the through hole 350 via the through hole TH of the member 344B, the decompression chamber 341 after use, the through hole TH2 of the member 344A, the reaction chamber 342A, and the reaction chamber 342B. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 in the reaction chamber 342A flows into the reaction chamber 342B due to the pressurization by the pressurizing chamber 345. Next, in FIG. 15E, the driving device 80 slides the member 344C of the flow path control section 344 leftward by a fourth set amount to close the flow path 343B. As a result, the mixture 152 of the mixture 151 and the reagent 142 is contained in the reaction chamber 342B. The flow path 343B is an example of a second flow path.

[0094] Here, in the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment, for example, in the first to fourth configuration examples, a stirring mechanism may be provided in the reaction chamber to stir the sample and the reagent in the reaction chamber. Also, in the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment, for example, in the first and second configuration examples, a case where one reagent is stored in one reaction chamber has been described, and in the third and fourth configuration examples, a case where two reagents are stored in two reaction chambers each has been described, but when three or more reagents are used, it is possible to realize this by storing the three or more reagents in three or more reaction chambers, respectively, and forming the flow paths in order.

[0095] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer 70' of an automatic analyzer 100 to which a reaction container 3 according to the second embodiment is applied. In the reaction container 3 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to aspirate a sample and mix the sample and a reagent inside the container body 300, so that the second embodiment can reduce the device scale more than the first embodiment. For example, in the analyzer 70' of FIG. 16, the reagent storage 1, the reagent rack 1a, the reagent storage 2, the reagent rack 2a, the reagent containers 6 and 7, the reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9, the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15, the reagent dispensing pumps 14a and 15a, the reagent detectors 14b and 15b, the washing tanks 14c and 15c, the stirrers 17 and 19, the washing tanks 17a and 19a, and the stirring arms 18 and 20 of the analyzer 70 of FIG. 2 are unnecessary.

[0096] 17A to 17F are diagrams showing the procedure of processing of an automatic analyzer 100 to which a reaction container 3 according to the second embodiment is applied. Here, in the second embodiment, since the scale of the device can be reduced compared to the first embodiment, a waste section 120 is disposed at the position where the reagent storage 1 in Fig. 2 was disposed. In the example shown in Figs. 17A to 17F, a plurality of transfer sections 112 are arranged.

[0097] 17A, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a first control signal to the drive device 80 to remove the reaction vessel 3 from the transfer section 112. In this case, in response to the first control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the tip of the sample arm 10 to the end of the rail of a selected one of the multiple transfer sections 112. Then, the drive device 80 lowers the tip of the sample arm 10 to remove the reaction vessel 3 that has moved to the end of the rail of the transfer section 112.

[0098] 17B, ​​the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a second control signal to the driving device 80 for moving the reaction container 3 to the sample rack 5. In this case, in response to the second control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to raise the tip of the sample arm 10, thereby moving the reaction container 3 from the transfer section 112 to the sample rack 5.

[0099] Thereafter, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a third control signal to the driving device 80 for contacting the intake port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11. In this case, in response to the third control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to lower the tip of the sample arm 10, thereby contacting the intake port 310 of the reaction vessel 3 with the sample 130 in the sample vessel 11 held in the sample rack 5.

[0100] Then, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a fourth control signal to the driving device 80 for aspirating the sample 130 in the sample container 11 into the container body 300 of the reaction container 3. In this case, in response to the fourth control signal, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction container 3 from the tip of the sample arm 10 as follows.

[0101] In the first configuration example, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction container 3 so as to form a flow path 343 from the intake port 310 of the reaction container 3 through the reaction chamber 342 to the aspirator 330, and drives the suction pump unit 332 of the aspirator 330 of the reaction container 3, so that the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3 by suction by the suction pump unit 332. Thereafter, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to close the flow path 343. At this time, a mixture 150 of the sample 130 and the reagent 140 is contained in the reaction chamber 342.

[0102] In the second configuration example, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction container 3 so as to form a flow path 343 from the intake port 310 of the reaction container 3 via the reaction chamber 342 to the aspirator 330. At this time, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342 of the reaction container 3 due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341 of the reaction container 3. Thereafter, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to close the flow path 343. At this time, a mixture 150 of the sample 130 and the reagent 140 is contained in the reaction chamber 342.

[0103] In the third configuration example, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction container 3 so as to form a flow path 343A from the intake port 310 of the reaction container 3 to the decompression chamber 341A via the reaction chamber 342A. At this time, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342A of the reaction container 3 due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341A. After that, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to close the flow path 343A. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 of the sample 130 and the reagent 141 is contained in the reaction chamber 342A. Then, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to form a flow path 343B from the intake port 310 to the decompression chamber 341B via the reaction chamber 342A and the reaction chamber 342B. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 in the reaction chamber 342A flows into the reaction chamber 342B due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341B. Thereafter, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 to close the flow path 343B. At this time, the mixture 152 of the mixture 151 and the reagent 142 is contained in the reaction chamber 342B.

[0104] In the fourth configuration example, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 of the reaction container 3 so as to form a flow path 343A from the inlet 310 of the reaction container 3 to the decompression chamber 341 via the reaction chamber 342A. At this time, the sample 130 in the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 5 flows into the reaction chamber 342A of the reaction container 3 due to the decompression by the decompression chamber 341. Thereafter, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to close the flow path 343A. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 of the sample 130 and the reagent 141 is accommodated in the reaction chamber 342A. Then, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 so as to form a flow path 343B from the pressurizing chamber 345 to the through hole 350 via the decompression chamber 341 after use, the reaction chamber 342A, and the reaction chamber 342B. At this time, the mixed liquid 151 in the reaction chamber 342A flows into the reaction chamber 342B due to the pressurization by the pressurizing chamber 345. Thereafter, the driving device 80 controls the flow path control unit 344 to close the flow path 343B. At this time, the mixture 152 of the mixture 151 and the reagent 142 is contained in the reaction chamber 342B.

[0105] 17C, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a fifth control signal to the drive device 80 to move the reaction container 3 containing the mixture of the sample and the reagent to the reaction disk 4. In this case, in response to the fifth control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to raise the tip of the sample arm 10 and move the reaction container 3 containing the sample 130 from the sample rack 5 to the reaction disk 4. Then, the drive device 80 lowers the tip of the sample arm 10 to detach the reaction container 3 containing the mixture of the sample and the reagent from the tip of the sample arm 10.

[0106] Thereafter, the measurement unit 13 measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 3 by irradiating light to the reaction vessel 3 at the measurement position. Alternatively, the measurement unit 13 measures the mixture in the reaction vessel 3 by measuring the electric potential of the mixture.

[0107] 17D, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a sixth control signal to the driving device 80 to remove the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed from the reaction disk 4. In this case, in response to the sixth control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the tip of the sample arm 10 to the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed on the reaction disk 4. Then, the driving device 80 lowers the tip of the sample arm 10 to remove the reaction vessel 3 for which measurement has been completed.

[0108] 17E, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a seventh control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement. In this case, in response to the seventh control signal, the drive device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to move the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement from the reaction disk 4 to the disposal section 120, and detaches the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement from the tip of the sample arm 10. That is, by storing the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement in the disposal section 120, the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement is discarded.

[0109] 17F, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 again outputs the first control signal to the driving device 80. In this case, in response to the first control signal, the driving device 80 drives the sample arm 10 to remove the reaction vessel 3 that has moved to the end of the rail of the transport section 112, as described above.

[0110] As described above, the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment includes a vessel body 300 and an intake port 310, which is provided in the vessel body 300 and allows the aspirated sample 130 to flow into the vessel body 300. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, no carryover occurs in the automatic analyzer 100, and measurement efficiency can be improved.

[0111] Furthermore, the reaction vessel 3 according to the second embodiment includes an aspirator (aspirator 330 or aspirator 340) provided in the vessel body 300 for aspirating the sample 130, a reaction chamber 342 provided inside the vessel body 300, and a flow path control unit 344. The reaction chamber 342 contains a reagent 140 that reacts with the sample 130, and the flow path control unit 344 forms a flow path 343 from the intake port 310 to the reaction chamber 342 via the aspirator, thereby causing the sample 130 to flow into the reaction chamber 342. As a result, in the second embodiment, a probe or pump for dispensing the sample and the reagent, a stirrer or stirring arm for stirring the sample and the reagent, a washing tank for washing the probe, and the like are not required. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the device scale can be reduced more than in the first embodiment.

[0112] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the measurement efficiency.

[0113] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 3 Reaction vessel 100 automatic analyzer 300 Container body 310 Intake port

Claims

1. A reaction vessel for use in the measurement of an automatic analyzer, which contains a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, A container body; an intake port provided at one end of the container body for allowing the aspirated sample to flow into the container body; Equipped with The sample is aspirated by a suction device that is detachable from the container body, The suction device comprises: a second opening provided at the other end of the container body through which a reagent that reacts with the sample is dispensed when the sample is aspirated; After the connection with the container body, the reagent is aspirated to cause the reagent to flow into the container body through the suction port; After the sample is aspirated, the container is detached from the container body. Reaction vessel.

2. a detection unit that detects contact between the sample and the intake port; Further comprising: When the detection unit detects the contact, the aspirating device starts aspirating the sample. The reaction vessel of claim 1.

3. A reaction vessel for use in the measurement of an automatic analyzer, which contains a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, A container body; an intake port provided at one end of the container body for allowing the aspirated sample to flow into the container body; a suction device provided in the container body for suctioning the sample; a reaction chamber provided inside the container body and containing a reagent that reacts with the sample; a flow path control unit that forms a flow path from the intake port through the reaction chamber to the aspirator when the sample is aspirated, thereby causing the sample to flow into the reaction chamber, and closes the flow path after the sample is aspirated; A reaction vessel comprising:

4. The suction device is a vacuum chamber. The reaction vessel according to claim 3.

5. The decompression chamber includes a first decompression chamber and a second decompression chamber, The reaction chamber includes a first reaction chamber containing a first reagent and a second reaction chamber containing a second reagent, The flow path control unit is forming a first flow path that is the flow path from the intake port through the first reaction chamber to the first decompression chamber, thereby causing the sample to flow into the first reaction chamber; After the first flow path is formed, a second flow path is formed from the first reaction chamber to the second decompression chamber via the second reaction chamber, thereby causing a mixture of the sample and the first reagent to flow into the second reaction chamber. The reaction vessel according to claim 4.

6. A pressurizing chamber provided in the container body; Further comprising: The reaction chamber includes a first reaction chamber containing a first reagent and a second reaction chamber containing a second reagent, The flow path control unit is forming a first flow path that is the flow path from the intake port through the first reaction chamber to the decompression chamber, thereby causing the sample to flow into the first reaction chamber; After the first flow path is formed, a second flow path is formed from the pressure chamber to the second reaction chamber via the first reaction chamber, thereby causing a mixture of the sample and the first reagent to flow into the second reaction chamber. The reaction vessel according to claim 4.

7. The suction port is provided with a backflow prevention portion that prevents backflow from the inside to the outside of the container body. The reaction vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The reaction vessel is discarded after the mixture in the reaction vessel is measured. The reaction vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A reaction vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a measurement unit for measuring a mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel; An automatic analyzer comprising:

10. a suction device for suctioning the sample through the suction port into the container body; The automated analyzer according to claim 9 , further comprising:

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