Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device by which it is possible to shorten analysis time while guaranteeing use of various reagents. This automatic analysis device comprises: a first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that, upon drawing in a reagent, moves to a prescribed location away from the reagent and then discharges the reagent; and a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies a reagent via a flow path connecting an intake opening to a discharge opening for the reagent. The second reagent dispensing mechanism comprises a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In an automated analyzer that automatically analyzes the components of a sample (specimen) such as blood, the sample and a reagent are dispensed and mixed, and the resulting mixture is used for measurement. A commonly known method for dispensing reagents is the pipetting method. As described in Patent Document 1, for example, a pipetting-type dispensing mechanism aspirates a reagent from a reagent container, then rises, rotates horizontally, and then descends to dispense the reagent into a reaction container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-99681 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Pipetting-type reagent dispensing mechanisms are suitable for dispensing many different types of reagents, but are not suitable for controlling the temperature of the reagents. To control the temperature of the reagents in an automated analyzer employing a pipetting-type dispensing mechanism, as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to incorporate a heater into the dispensing mechanism itself or to dispense the reagent into a separate reaction vessel or the like and allow it to heat up for a certain period of time. Furthermore, pipetting-type reagent dispensing mechanisms are limited in the amount of reagent that can be dispensed at one time. Therefore, pipetting-type reagent dispensing mechanisms often require time for preparations before analysis, such as adjusting the temperature of the reagent and dispensing the appropriate amount, which can result in longer analysis times.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can shorten the analysis time while ensuring the use of a wide variety of reagents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the automatic analyzer of the present invention has a first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that aspirates a reagent, moves away from the reagent, and then ejects the reagent after moving to a predetermined location, and a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies the reagent through a flow path connected from the reagent suction port to the reagent ejection port, and the second reagent dispensing mechanism is equipped with a temperature control mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can shorten the analysis time while ensuring the use of a wide variety of reagents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 10 is a flowchart showing a first reagent discharging operation. [Figure 2B] 6 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the first reagent discharging operation. [Figure 3A] 10 is a flowchart showing a second reagent discharging operation. [Figure 3B] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the second reagent discharging operation. [Figure 4A] 10 is a flowchart showing a third reagent discharging operation. [Figure 4B] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the third reagent discharging operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the positional relationship of a reagent dispensing mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another positional relationship of the reagent dispensing mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing still another positional relationship of the reagent dispensing mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described using Examples 1 to 3. [Example]

[0010] (Device configuration) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automated analyzer according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automated analyzer of this embodiment mainly includes a reaction disk 1, a sample transport mechanism 8, a sample dispensing mechanism 3, a reagent disk 9 equipped with a reaction vessel 2, a first reagent dispensing mechanism 100, a second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, and a stirring mechanism 5. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the automated analyzer of this embodiment also includes a measurement unit that measures transmitted light and scattered light from a mixture of sample and reagent, a control unit that controls each mechanism, and the like. In this embodiment, the measurement unit measures transmitted light and scattered light. However, the measurement unit may also measure potential, electrical resistance, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or the like, and is not limited to a specific measurement method. Furthermore, the measurement unit is not limited to measuring the mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2. The measurement unit may also measure the mixture after transferring the mixture from the reaction vessel 2 to the measurement unit using a nozzle or flow path for solution transport. The reaction disk 1 has a plurality of reaction vessels 2 for reacting samples with reagents, spaced apart at predetermined intervals along its circumferential direction (circumferentially), and rotates in the direction indicated by arrow Z in FIG. 1. A sample transport mechanism 8 is provided near the reaction disk 1 and transports a rack 7 on which sample vessels 6 are placed. The sample dispensing mechanism aspirates the sample contained in the sample vessel 6 and dispenses it into the reaction vessel 2, and is capable of vertical movement and horizontal rotation. The reagent disk 9 is a storage cabinet on which a plurality of reagent vessels 10 containing reagents are placed in a circumferential arrangement, and is kept cold as necessary.

[0011] The first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is a mechanism that dispenses reagent by pipetting, and when it aspirates a reagent (first reagent) contained in a reagent container 10 on the reagent disk 9, it rises to separate from the reagent, rotates to a reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 1, and then descends to dispense the reagent into the reaction container 2. When the reagent container 10 to be aspirated changes and the type of first reagent to be dispensed changes, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is cleaned by a first reagent dispensing mechanism cleaning mechanism 101.

[0012] On the other hand, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is a mechanism that dispenses reagent by a dispensing method, and supplies the reagent through a flow path that connects the suction port of the reagent (second reagent) to the discharge port. The discharge port of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is composed of multiple reagent discharge nozzles 14a to 17a, each of which discharges the second reagent into a reaction vessel 2 located at a reagent discharge position. Although not shown in FIG. 1, each nozzle is connected via a separate reagent transport tube to the suction port of each reagent vessel installed in a common reagent installation section, and the second reagent can be delivered by the operation of a syringe, diaphragm pump, or the like. Note that the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 may have only one reagent discharge nozzle.

[0013] The second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 of this embodiment also includes a temperature control mechanism (not shown) for controlling the temperature of the second reagent. The second reagent filled in the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is temperature-controlled by at least one of the reagent discharge nozzles 14a-17a, the syringe, the reagent transport tube, and other reagent reservoirs, so that the second reagent is pre-controlled (heated) to a temperature suitable for analysis before being dispensed into the reaction vessel 2. This reduces the time required for reagent temperature control, thereby shortening the overall analysis time. If the reaction disk 1 has a temperature control mechanism such as a thermostatic bath, the reagent in the reaction vessel 2 after dispensing may also be temperature-controlled. In particular, when a large amount of reagent is dispensed, it is effective to use both the temperature control mechanism of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 and the temperature control mechanism of the reaction disk 1 in combination.

[0014] 1, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 are capable of dispensing reagent into the reaction vessel 2 at the first reagent dispensing position B and the second reagent dispensing position D, respectively. Therefore, only one of the dispensing mechanisms may dispense the reagent at the first reagent dispensing position B, and only the other dispensing mechanism may dispense the reagent at the second reagent dispensing position D. However, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 dispenses the first reagent and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 dispenses the second reagent at the first reagent dispensing position B.

[0015] The stirring mechanism 5 stirs the sample and reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2, and is cleaned by a stirring mechanism cleaning mechanism 51. The stirring mechanism 5 is not limited to a contact type using a stirring rod or the like, but may be a non-contact type (ultrasonic, etc.) that does not require cleaning. In addition to the above-mentioned mechanisms, the automated analyzer also includes a sample dispensing mechanism cleaning mechanism 31 that cleans the sample dispensing mechanism 3, a second reagent dispensing mechanism cleaning mechanism 201 that cleans the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 4 that cleans the reaction vessel 2, and the like. In the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 4, the mixed liquid is discharged from the reaction vessel 2 after measurement has been completed, and cleaning water is supplied to clean the reaction vessel 2.

[0016] (Analysis operation) The analytical operation of the automatic analyzer will now be described.

[0017] First, the sample dispensing mechanism 3 aspirates a sample from a sample container 6 on a rack 7 transported by the sample transport mechanism 8, and dispenses the sample into a reaction container 2 located at the sample dispensing position A. After dispensing the sample, the sample dispensing mechanism 3 is cleaned by the sample dispensing mechanism cleaning mechanism 31.

[0018] Next, the reaction disk 1 rotates, and stops when the reaction container 2 into which the sample has been dispensed is at the first reagent dispensing position B. At this time, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 10 at the reagent aspirating position H, and dispenses the first reagent into the reaction container 2 at the first reagent dispensing position B. Meanwhile, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 dispenses the second reagent from one of the reagent dispensing nozzles 14a to 17a into the common reaction container 2 at the first reagent dispensing position B.

[0019] Thereafter, the reaction disk 1 rotates, and stops when the reaction vessel 2 into which the sample and reagent have been dispensed is at the first mixing position C. At this time, the mixing mechanism 5 mixes the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2. Note that if the sample and reagent are sufficiently mixed in the process of dispensing the reagent from the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, mixing by the mixing mechanism 5 can be omitted.

[0020] Furthermore, if necessary, the reaction disk 1 also stops when the reaction vessel 2 is at the second reagent dispensing position D, and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and / or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 dispenses the reagent into the reaction vessel 2. If the reagent has been dispensed into the reaction vessel 2 at the second reagent dispensing position D, the stirring mechanism 5 stirs the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2 when the reaction vessel 2 is at the second stirring position E.

[0021] When the mixing of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2 is complete, the reaction disk 1 rotates and the reaction vessel 2 moves to the measurement position. The measurement unit then measures the transmitted or scattered light of the light irradiated onto the reaction vessel 2 from the light source, and sends the results to the control unit. After the measurement, the reaction vessel 2 is cleaned by the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 4 and transported to the disposal unit.

[0022] (Reagent dispensing operation) Here, three methods will be specifically described for the above-mentioned operations, particularly the operations when the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 dispense reagents into a common reaction vessel 2 that is stopped. Note that all of the reagent dispensing methods described below are based on the premise that the amount of the second reagent dispensed by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 into the reaction vessel 2 is greater than the amount of the first reagent dispensed by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 into the reaction vessel 2. Therefore, in all of the reagent dispensing methods, the first reagent finishes being dispensed before the second reagent.

[0023] <First reagent dispensing method> 2A is a flowchart showing the first reagent dispensing operation, and FIG. 2B is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the first reagent dispensing operation. The first reagent dispensing method is a method in which the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 starts dispensing the second reagent after the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 has finished dispensing the first reagent.

[0024] First, when the reaction vessel 2 is at the reagent dispensing position, the reaction disk 1 stops (step S301), and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent vessel 10 (step S302). Subsequently, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 starts dispensing the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2 (step S303).

[0025] When the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 finishes dispensing the reagent (step S304), the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 starts dispensing the second reagent into the reaction vessel 2 (step S305). When the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 finishes dispensing the reagent (step S306), the reaction disk 1 rotates (step S307), and when the reaction vessel 2 is at the measurement position or the like, the reaction disk 1 stops again (step S308).

[0026] As described above, the second reagent is in a larger volume than the first reagent, and the liquid flow of the large amount of second reagent that is ejected later allows the first and second reagents to be mixed efficiently. However, if the ejection volume of the second reagent is not that large or if the viscosity of the first reagent is extremely high, the first reagent that was ejected earlier may accumulate at the bottom of the reaction vessel 2 and be difficult to flow. In such cases, the reaction vessel 2 is placed in the stirring position and further stirred by the stirring mechanism 5.

[0027] <Second reagent dispensing operation> Fig. 3A is a flowchart showing the second reagent dispensing operation, and Fig. 3B is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the second reagent dispensing operation. The second reagent dispensing method is a method in which the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 starts dispensing the second reagent before the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 finishes dispensing the first reagent.

[0028] First, when the reaction vessel 2 is at the reagent dispensing position, the reaction disk 1 stops (step S401), and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent vessel 10 (step S402). Next, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 starts dispensing the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2 (step S403). Up to this point, the process is the same as the first reagent dispensing method.

[0029] In the second reagent dispensing method, while the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is dispensing the first reagent, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 starts dispensing the second reagent (step S404). While the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is dispensing the second reagent, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 finishes dispensing the reagent first (step S405), and then the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 finishes dispensing the reagent (step S406). When each reagent dispensing mechanism finishes dispensing the reagent, the reaction disk 1 rotates (step S407), and when the reaction vessel 2 is at the measurement position or the like, the reaction disk 1 stops again (step S408).

[0030] According to the second reagent dispensing method, the second reagent is dispensed before the first reagent, which was dispensed earlier, accumulates on the bottom surface of the reaction vessel 2, so that a large amount of the second reagent engulfs a small amount of the first reagent, thereby promoting mixing of the first and second reagents.

[0031] <Third Reagent Dispensing Operation> Fig. 4A is a flowchart showing the third reagent dispensing operation, and Fig. 4B is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each mechanism in the third reagent dispensing operation. The third reagent dispensing method is a method in which the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 starts and finishes dispensing the first reagent while the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is dispensing the second reagent.

[0032] First, when the reaction container 2 is at the reagent dispensing position, the reaction disk 1 stops (step S501), and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 10 (step S502).

[0033] Next, in the third reagent dispensing method, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 starts dispensing the second reagent before the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 starts dispensing the first reagent (step S503). Then, while the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is dispensing the second reagent, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 starts dispensing the first reagent (step S504). When a predetermined amount of the first reagent has been dispensed, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 stops dispensing the first reagent (step S505). Thereafter, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 stops dispensing the second reagent (step S506). When each reagent dispensing mechanism has finished dispensing the reagent, the reaction disk 1 rotates (step S507), and when the reaction vessel 2 is at the measurement position, the reaction disk 1 stops again (step S508). The order of steps S502 and S503 may be reversed.

[0034] According to the third reagent discharging method, a small amount of the first reagent flows into a large amount of the second reagent, which promotes mixing of the first and second reagents. Therefore, even if the amount of the second reagent discharged is not so large or the viscosity of the first reagent is extremely high, it is possible to mix the first and second reagents uniformly.

[0035] (Reagent dispensing position of the reagent dispensing mechanism) 5 to 7, the positional relationship between the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 when the first reagent and the second reagent are dispensed into a common reaction vessel 2 that is stopped will be described. Here, the reagent dispensing nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 will be used as an example for description, but the same applies to the reagent dispensing nozzle 15a, the reagent dispensing nozzle 16a, and the reagent dispensing nozzle 17a.

[0036] Figure 5 is a side view showing the positional relationship of the reagent dispensing mechanisms. As shown in Figure 5, the outlet of the reagent dispensing nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is positioned higher than the outlet of the reagent dispensing nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100. For this reason, the first reagent discharged from the reagent dispensing nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is less likely to adhere to the reagent dispensing nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, and therefore the reagent dispensing nozzle 14a does not need to be cleaned as long as it continues to dispense the same second reagent.

[0037] Furthermore, it is desirable that the liquid level in the reaction vessel 2 at the time when the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 has finished dispensing the second reagent be higher than the discharge port of the reagent discharge nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100. This can be expected to have the effect of the second reagent cleaning the outer wall of the reagent discharge nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 when the first reagent is a concentrated reagent and the second reagent is a reagent that is shared with multiple concentrated reagents, such as a dilution liquid.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a side view showing another positional relationship of the reagent dispensing mechanisms. The case shown in FIG. 6 can be expected to achieve the same effect as the case shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the reagent discharge nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is tilted toward the reagent discharge nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 with respect to the vertical direction, and the discharge port of the reagent discharge nozzle 14a opens toward the outer wall of the reagent discharge nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100. Therefore, the dilution liquid discharged from the reagent discharge nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 directly hits the outer wall of the reagent discharge nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100, further enhancing the cleaning effect. Furthermore, because the second reagent is discharged at an angle with respect to the vertical direction, mixing of the first and second reagents can be promoted even when they are difficult to mix, such as when the amount of the second reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2 is small and the difference in amount with the first reagent is small, or when the viscosity of the first reagent is high. Since the small amount of the first reagent remaining on the outlet or outer wall of the reagent discharge nozzle 18 is washed away by the second reagent, the accuracy of the amount of the first reagent contained in the mixed liquid is also improved.

[0039] Figure 7 is a side view showing yet another positional relationship of the reagent dispensing mechanisms. The same effect as in Figure 5 can be expected in the case shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, in the case shown in Figure 7, the outlet of the reagent dispensing nozzle 14a of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is located closer to the side of the reaction vessel 2 than the outlet of the reagent dispensing nozzle 18 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100. Therefore, particularly when the reaction vessel 2 has a round bottom, the second reagent flows along the curved outer surface toward the inner diameter, promoting mixing of the first and second reagents.

[0040] (Temperature control of reagents) As described above, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is equipped with a temperature adjustment mechanism (not shown). Therefore, even if the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 does not have a temperature adjustment mechanism, the second reagent to be mixed with the first reagent can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature in advance by the temperature adjustment mechanism of the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, so that the mixture itself can be controlled to a temperature suitable for analysis (e.g., 37°C). For example, if the first reagent is kept cold or at room temperature in the reaction disk 1, the second reagent can be adjusted in advance to a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for analysis (e.g., 37°C to 40°C).

[0041] As described above, the first reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2 by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is smaller in volume than the second reagent dispensed into the common reaction vessel 2 by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200, assuming, for example, that the first reagent is a concentrated reagent and the second reagent is a diluted solution. For this reason, even if the temperature of the first reagent is low before dispensing, it is likely to increase in temperature when mixed with the second reagent. Note that the temperature adjustment mechanism may control the temperature of the second reagent before dispensing to be lower when the ratio of the amount of the second reagent to the amount of the first reagent is large, and to be higher when the ratio of the amount of the second reagent to the amount of the first reagent is small.

[0042] (Modification of Example 1) Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of Example 1. As shown in Fig. 8, in this modified example, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 is capable of dispensing reagent only at the second reagent dispensing position D, and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 is capable of dispensing reagent only at the first reagent dispensing position B. First, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 dispenses the first reagent at the second reagent dispensing position D, and then the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 dispenses the second reagent at the first reagent dispensing position B. In this modification, the second reagent is also in greater volume than the first reagent, so the first and second reagents are efficiently mixed by the liquid flow of the large amount of second reagent that is subsequently discharged. However, if the discharge volume of the second reagent is not that large or if the viscosity of the first reagent is extremely high, the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 2 is further agitated by the agitation mechanism 5.

[0043] In this modified example, too, the pipetting-type first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 can ensure the use of many types of first reagents, while a relatively large amount of temperature-controlled second reagent can be dispensed from the dispensing-type second reagent dispensing mechanism 200. Therefore, this modified example also makes it possible to shorten the time required for preparations before analysis, such as adjusting the reagent temperature and dispensing the appropriate amount. [Example]

[0044] (Device configuration) FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Example 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the automatic analyzer of this example differs from Example 1 in that it further includes a reagent loading unit 11. That is, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 of Example 2 can aspirate the first reagent not only from the reagent disk 9 but also from the reagent loading unit 11. The number of reagent containers 12 loaded on the reagent loading unit 11 may be one or more. The first reagent contained in the reagent container 12 may be the same as or different from the first reagent contained in the reagent container 10 on the reagent disk 9. Furthermore, the reagent containers 12 placed on the reagent loading unit 11 and the reagent containers 10 placed on the reagent disk 9 do not need to have the same shape, and may have different shapes depending on the amount used or frequency of use.

[0045] In this embodiment, a reagent container 10 (reagent container for disks), a reagent container 12 (reagent container for a mounting section), and another reagent container 12 (reagent container for another mounting section) are arranged at different positions on the movement trajectory of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100, specifically, at reagent suction position H, reagent suction position F, and reagent suction position G, respectively. The first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 dispenses the reagent aspirated from each reagent container into a common reaction container 2 at a first reagent dispensing position B and / or a second reagent dispensing position D. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, not only the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 but also the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 may dispense reagent into a stopped common reaction container 2.

[0046] (Reagent dispensing operation) The reagent dispensing operation in this embodiment will now be described. First, the reaction vessel 2 into which the sample has been dispensed moves to the second reagent dispensing position D as the reaction disk 1 rotates and stops. Next, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent vessel 12 at the reagent aspirating position F or the reagent aspirating position G. If necessary, the outer wall of the reagent dispensing nozzle 18 is cleaned by the first reagent dispensing mechanism cleaning mechanism 101 at a predetermined cleaning position. Furthermore, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 aspirates another first reagent from the reagent vessel 10 at the reagent aspirating position H. Then, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 discharges the aspirated first reagents into the reaction vessel 2 at the second reagent dispensing position D. As described above, in this embodiment, before dispensing the first reagent aspirated from the reagent vessel 12 into the reaction vessel 2, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 also aspirates the first reagent from another reagent vessel 10 and discharges them together into the reaction vessel 2. This allows the first reagent to be efficiently dispensed into the reaction vessel 2. The first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 may first aspirate the first reagent at the reagent aspirating position H, and then aspirate the first reagent at the reagent aspirating position F or the reagent aspirating position G.

[0047] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment, the first reagent dispensed by the pipetting-type first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 can be stored separately on the reagent disk 9 and the reagent storage unit 11, for example, depending on whether it requires refrigeration or is frequently used. That is, if the first reagent contained in the reagent container 12 is frequently used and does not require refrigeration, the reagent container 12 is made larger than the reagent container 10 and is stored in the reagent storage unit 11, which does not have a refrigeration function. In this way, according to this embodiment, the pipetting-type first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 can dispense an even wider variety of first reagents. Note that this embodiment is based on the assumption that the reagent disk 9 stores the first reagent in a refrigerated state and the reagent storage unit 11 stores the first reagent at room temperature; however, a configuration is also possible in which the reagent disk 9 does not have a refrigeration function and the reagent storage unit 11 has a refrigeration function.

[0048] (Modification of Example 2) Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of Example 2. As shown in Fig. 10, in this modified example, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 can dispense reagent only at the second reagent dispensing position D, and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 can dispense reagent only at the first reagent dispensing position B. The automatic analyzer according to this modified example can also efficiently dispense a variety of first reagents stored in different reagent containers into reaction containers 2, thereby shortening the time required for preparation before analysis. [Example]

[0049] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Example 3. As shown in Fig. 11, in the automatic analyzer of this example, reagent container 12 containing a first reagent dispensed by first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and reagent containers 14 to 17 containing second reagents dispensed by second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 are arranged side by side in a common reagent installation section 13. Reagent containers 14 to 17 are connected to reagent discharge nozzles 14a to 17a of second reagent dispensing mechanism 200 via reagent transport tubes 14b to 17b, respectively.

[0050] In the automated analyzer according to this embodiment, the reagent containers of each reagent dispensing mechanism are concentrated together, making it easier for the user to install and replace reagent containers. In particular, because the reagent installation unit 13, like the reagent disk 9, is located in front of the automated analyzer (at least the first reagent dispensing mechanism 100 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism), reagent container installation and replacement can be performed in the space in front of the automated analyzer, further improving operability.

[0051] It should be noted that the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 3 have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one Example with the configuration of another Example, or to add the configuration of another Example to the configuration of one Example. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each Example with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1... reaction disk, 2... reaction vessel, 3... sample dispensing mechanism, 4... reaction vessel cleaning mechanism, 5... stirring mechanism, 6... sample vessel, 7... rack, 8... sample transport mechanism, 9... reagent disk, 10... reagent vessel, 11... reagent installation section, 12... reagent vessel, 13... reagent installation section, 14-17... reagent vessel, 14a-17a... reagent discharge nozzle, 14b-17b... reagent transport tube, 18... reagent discharge nozzle, 31... cleaning mechanism for sample dispensing mechanism, 51... cleaning mechanism for stirring mechanism, 100... first reagent dispensing mechanism, 101... cleaning mechanism for first reagent dispensing mechanism, 200... second reagent dispensing mechanism, 201... cleaning mechanism for second reagent dispensing mechanism

Claims

1. a first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that aspirates a reagent, moves away from the reagent, and then dispenses the reagent; a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies a reagent through a flow path connected from a suction port to a discharge port of the reagent, the second reagent dispensing mechanism includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent; the amount of the second reagent dispensed by the second reagent dispensing mechanism into the common reaction vessel is greater than the amount of the first reagent dispensed by the first reagent dispensing mechanism into the reaction vessel; The automatic analyzer, wherein the first reagent dispensing mechanism dispenses the first reagent and the second reagent dispensing mechanism dispenses the second reagent into the common reaction vessel that is stopped.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, An automated analyzer, wherein the second reagent dispensing mechanism starts dispensing the second reagent after the first reagent dispensing mechanism starts dispensing the first reagent.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, An automated analyzer, wherein the second reagent dispensing mechanism starts dispensing the second reagent before the first reagent dispensing mechanism finishes dispensing the first reagent.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, an automatic analyzer, wherein the second reagent dispensing mechanism finishes dispensing the second reagent after the first reagent dispensing mechanism finishes dispensing the first reagent;

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The automated analyzer, wherein the first reagent dispensing mechanism starts and finishes dispensing the first reagent while the second reagent dispensing mechanism is dispensing the second reagent.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, an outlet of the second reagent dispensing mechanism positioned higher than an outlet of the first reagent dispensing mechanism;

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, the first reagent is a concentrated reagent and the second reagent is a diluent; The diluent discharged from the second reagent dispensing mechanism hits an outer wall of a nozzle of the first reagent dispensing mechanism.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, an outlet of the second reagent dispensing mechanism that opens toward an outer wall of a nozzle of the first reagent dispensing mechanism;

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, an outlet of the second reagent dispensing mechanism positioned closer to a side surface of the reaction vessel than the outlet of the first reagent dispensing mechanism;

10. A first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that aspirates a reagent, moves away from the reagent, moves to a predetermined location, and then dispenses the reagent; a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies a reagent through a flow path connected from a suction port to a discharge port of the reagent, the second reagent dispensing mechanism includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent; Reagent containers are arranged at different positions along a movement path of the first reagent dispensing mechanism, The first reagent dispensing mechanism aspirates the reagent from each reagent container and dispenses it into a common reaction container.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, The first reagent dispensing mechanism aspirates reagent from another reagent container before dispensing the reagent aspirated from the predetermined reagent container, and dispensing these reagents collectively into the reaction container.

12. A first reagent dispensing mechanism of a pipetting type that aspirates a reagent, moves away from the reagent, moves to a predetermined location, and then dispenses the reagent; a second reagent dispensing mechanism of a dispensing type that supplies a reagent through a flow path connected from a suction port to a discharge port of the reagent, the second reagent dispensing mechanism includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reagent; an automatic analyzer, wherein a reagent container containing a first reagent dispensed by the first reagent dispensing mechanism and a reagent container containing a second reagent dispensed by the second reagent dispensing mechanism are installed side by side in a common reagent installation section;

13. The automatic analyzer according to claim 12, The reagent installation unit is located in front of the first reagent dispensing mechanism and the second reagent dispensing mechanism.

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