Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To suppress occurrence of clogging inside a disposed cuvette communication path through which a cuvette thrown in from a waste port passes.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer includes: an analysis mechanism that causes a sample and a reagent to react with each other in a cuvette to analyze a measurement item; a disposed cuvette communication path that communicates a disposal port into which the cuvette that has been analyzed by the analysis mechanism to be disposed is input with a disposed cuvette housing unit for housing the disposed cuvette and through which the cuvette input into the disposal port passes from the disposal port to the disposed cuvette housing unit; and a vibration unit for applying vibration to the disposed cuvette communication path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that analyzes the components of a test sample by optically measuring, for example, a mixed solution obtained by mixing a test sample collected from a subject such as blood or a sample such as a standard sample for each test item with a reagent corresponding to each test item. These samples and reagents are mixed in a cuvette, also called a reaction tube, and optical measurements are made.

[0003] Among such automatic analyzers, there is a blood coagulation type automatic analyzer that discharges blood as a sample into a cuvette and observes and measures the coagulation process after mixing with a reagent. In such a blood coagulation type automatic analyzer, since the blood has coagulated inside the cuvette after the measurement of the measurement item has ended, it cannot be washed and reused. Therefore, the cuvette after the measurement has ended needs to be discarded from the discard port using a discard mechanism. The cuvette inserted into the discard port passes through the discarded cuvette communication path and is discarded into a discarded cuvette storage unit that stores the discarded cuvettes.

[0004] However, there is a risk that the inserted cuvette may get stuck and clogged inside the discarded cuvette communication path. For example, the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent remaining in the cuvette may leak out in the middle of the discarded cuvette communication path, or there may be a scratch inside the discarded cuvette communication path, causing the cuvette inserted from the discard port to get clogged in the middle. When clogging occurs in the discarded cuvette communication path, it is necessary to temporarily stop the automatic analyzer to eliminate this clogging. The occurrence of downtime that causes such a reduction in the overall throughput should be avoided as much as possible. This applies not only to blood coagulation type automatic analyzers but also to other automatic analyzers that need to discard cuvettes. [[ID=二十一]] [[ID=二十二]]

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-081213 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020-075812 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2008-511815 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve is to prevent clogging inside the waste cuvette passage through which the cuvettes introduced from the waste port pass. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve 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]

[0007] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment comprises an analysis mechanism that reacts a sample and a reagent in a cuvette to perform analysis of measurement items, a waste port into which cuvettes to be discarded after analysis by the analysis mechanism are introduced, a waste cuvette storage section that houses the discarded cuvettes, a waste cuvette passage through which cuvettes introduced into the waste port pass from the waste port toward the waste cuvette storage section, and a vibration unit that applies vibration to the waste cuvette passage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automated analyzer according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing part of the analytical mechanism configuration in the automated analyzer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 1 illustrates an example of the waste disposal mechanism configuration in an automated analyzer. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the compressor and vibration transmission section of the automated analyzer. [Figure 5] A side view of the compressor and vibration transmission section of the automated analyzer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the structure near the connecting portion in the vibration transmission section shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 7] Figure 6 illustrates the structure of the elongated hole formation section in the vibration transmission section. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along a specific direction illustrating the structure of the vibration transmission section near the elongated hole formation section shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the entrance to the waste cuvette passage in the waste disposal mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the exit section of the waste cuvette passage in the waste disposal mechanism. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage detection process performed by the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage removal process performed by the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] A block diagram illustrating a mechanism for applying vibration to the waste cuvette passage in the event of a blockage in the waste cuvette passage. [Figure 14] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage detection and stop process performed by the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows a flowchart illustrating the content of the message sending process performed by the automated analysis device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be made only when necessary.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, this automatic analyzer 1 is, for example, an automatic analyzer of the blood coagulation type. In the following, the present embodiment will be described by taking the automatic analyzer 1 of the blood coagulation type as an example, but the present embodiment can also be realized by an automatic analyzer of other analysis methods.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a storage circuit 8, a control circuit 9, and a disposal mechanism 10.

[0012] The analysis mechanism 2 generates a mixed solution by mixing a blood sample, which is a sample of a subject, and a coagulation reagent, which is a reagent used for each test item. Further, depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 mixes a standard solution diluted at a predetermined magnification and a reagent used for this test item. The analysis mechanism 2 continuously measures the optical physical property values of the mixed solution of the blood sample and the reagent and the mixed solution of the standard solution and the reagent. By this measurement, for example, standard data and test data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, scattered light intensity, etc. are generated.

[0013] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analysis data regarding the coagulation of a blood sample by analyzing the standard data and the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3, for example, reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8 and analyzes the standard data and the test data according to the read analysis program. Note that the analysis circuit 3 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8.

[0014] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, gears, stepping motors, belt conveyors, lead screws, etc.

[0015] The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings of analysis parameters for each test item related to a blood specimen for which measurement has been requested from an operator or via the in-hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad where an instruction is input by touching the operation surface, etc. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9. Note that in this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to only those having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, a signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs this electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also included in the example of the input interface 5.

[0016] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printing circuit, and a voice device, etc. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display, etc. Note that a processing circuit that converts data representing a display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside is also included in the display circuit. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer, etc. Note that an output circuit that outputs data representing a printing target to the outside is also included in the printing circuit. The voice device includes, for example, a speaker, etc. Note that an output circuit that outputs a voice signal to the outside is also included in the voice device.

[0017] Communication interface 7 connects, for example, to the hospital network NW. Communication interface 7 communicates data with the HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. Alternatively, communication interface 7 may communicate data with the HIS via the Laboratory Information System (LIS), which is connected to the hospital network NW.

[0018] The memory circuit 8 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, or other recording medium that can be read by the processor. The memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be implemented by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 8 may be implemented by multiple storage devices.

[0019] The memory circuit 8 stores the analysis program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and the program for realizing the functions provided in the control circuit 9. The memory circuit 8 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test item. The memory circuit 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each blood sample. The memory circuit 8 stores the test orders entered by the operator or the test orders received by the communication interface 7 via the hospital network NW.

[0020] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the central hub of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 realizes the functions corresponding to the program stored in the memory circuit 8 by executing the program stored in the memory circuit 8. For example, the control circuit 9 realizes the system control function 91, the dispensing control function 92, the blockage detection function 93, the reporting function 94, the stop function 95, the restart function 96, and the message sending function 97 by executing the program read from the memory circuit 8. In this embodiment, the case in which the system control function 91, the dispensing control function 92, the blockage detection function 93, the reporting function 94, the stop function 95, the restart function 96, and the message sending function 97 are realized by a single processor, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the system control function 91, the dispensing control function 92, the blockage detection function 93, the reporting function 94, the stop function 95, the restart function 96, and the message sending function 97 may be realized by each processor executing various programs. The control circuit 9 may also include a memory area for storing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0021] The system control function 91 is a function that comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information received from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2, and the waste disposal mechanism 10, and also controls the analysis circuit 3 to perform analysis according to the inspection items. This system control function 91 constitutes the control unit in this embodiment.

[0022] The dispensing control function 92 controls the dispensing of samples and reagents into cuvettes. For example, in this automatic analyzer 1, the dispensing control function 92 controls the dispensing of standard samples into cuvettes, test samples into cuvettes, and reagents into cuvettes. This dispensing control function 92 constitutes the dispensing control unit in this embodiment.

[0023] The blockage detection function 93, the reporting function 94, the stop function 95, and the restart function 96 are functions realized by the control circuit 9 executing a process to detect cuvette blockages, which will be described later. The message sending function 97 is a function realized by the control circuit 9 executing a process to send a message, which will be described later, when cuvette blockages occur frequently.

[0024] The disposal mechanism 10 is a mechanism for discarding cuvettes that have been analyzed by the analysis mechanism 2. In other words, in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, after the analysis mechanism 2 has finished measuring the measurement items in the cuvette, the blood inside the cuvette has coagulated. Therefore, it cannot be used for measuring the next sample, so the disposal mechanism 10 transports the used cuvette from the analysis mechanism 2 and discards it through the disposal port.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a part of the configuration of the analytical mechanism 2 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the analytical mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, and a reagent storage unit 204.

[0026] The reaction disk 201 holds multiple cuvettes 2011 arranged in a ring. The reaction disk 201 transports the cuvettes 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, during the analysis of a sample, the reaction disk 201 is rotated and stopped alternately at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The cuvettes 2011 are made of, for example, polypropylene (PP) or acrylic. This reaction disk 201 constitutes the holding part in this embodiment.

[0027] The constant temperature unit 202 is composed of a constant temperature bath, such as a heat block. The constant temperature bath houses the cuvette 2011 and maintains the mixed liquid inside the cuvette 2011 at a predetermined temperature.

[0028] The rack sampler 203 provides movable support for a sample rack 2031 capable of holding multiple sample containers, each containing blood samples that have been requested for measurement. In the example shown in Figure 2, a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel is shown.

[0029] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area 2032 for transporting sample racks 2031. That is, using this transport area 2032, the sample racks 2031 are transported from the input position where they are placed to the collection position where the sample racks 2031 are retrieved after measurement is complete. In the transport area 2032, multiple sample racks 2031 aligned in the longitudinal direction are moved in direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0030] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a retraction area 2033 that retracts the sample rack 2031 from the transport area 2032 in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample aspiration position. The sample aspiration position is set at a position where, for example, the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the retraction area 2033, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0031] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area 2034 for returning the sample rack 2031, which holds the sample container in which the sample has been aspirated, to the transport area. In the return area 2034, the sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0032] The reagent cabinet 204 holds multiple reagent containers 100 containing standard solutions and reagents used in various tests performed on blood samples, while keeping them cool. A rotating table is rotatably mounted inside the reagent cabinet 204. The rotating table holds the multiple reagent containers 100 in a ring-like arrangement. In this embodiment, although not shown in Figure 2, the reagent cabinet 204 is covered by a removable reagent cover.

[0033] Furthermore, the analytical mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, shown in Figure 2, comprises a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a reagent dispensing arm 208, and a reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0034] The sample dispensing arm 206 is positioned between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0035] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 206 rotates. A sample aspiration position is provided on this rotational trajectory for aspirating a sample from a sample container held by a sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203. Additionally, a sample dispensing position is provided on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 for dispensing the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the cuvette 2011. The sample dispensing position corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the cuvette 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0036] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically at the sample aspiration position or the sample dispensing position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also aspirates a sample from the sample container located directly below the sample aspiration position, according to the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the aspirated sample into the cuvette 2011 located directly below the sample dispensing position, according to the control circuit 9. These sample dispensing arm 206 and sample dispensing probe 207 constitute an example of the dispensing mechanism in this embodiment.

[0037] The reagent dispensing arm 208 is located between the reaction disk 201 and the reagent storage compartment 204. The reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0038] The reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the reagent dispensing arm 208 rotates. A reagent aspiration position is provided on this rotational trajectory. The reagent aspiration position is, for example, located at the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the opening of the reagent container 100, which is placed in an annular shape on the rotating table of the reagent storage 204. Additionally, a reagent dispensing position is set on the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 209 for dispensing the reagent aspirationd by the reagent dispensing probe 209 into the cuvette 2011. The reagent dispensing position corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the cuvette 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0039] The reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically on its rotational trajectory at the reagent aspiration position or the reagent dispensing position. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates reagent from the reagent container stopped at the reagent aspiration position, according to the control circuit 9. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also dispenses the aspirated reagent into the cuvette 2011 located directly below the reagent dispensing position, according to the control circuit 9. These reagent dispensing arm 208 and reagent dispensing probe 209 constitute another example of the dispensing mechanism in this embodiment.

[0040] Furthermore, in the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, the same number of photometric units (not shown) as there are cuvettes 2011 that can be held in the reaction disk 201 are provided inside. That is, one photometric unit is provided for each cuvette 2011 held in the reaction disk 201.

[0041] The overall configuration of the automated analyzer 1 is as described above. Next, we will explain in detail the mechanism for discarding cuvettes after analysis by the analysis mechanism 2 has been completed in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the waste mechanism 10 provided in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the waste mechanism 10 is configured to include a transport mechanism 11, a waste cuvette connecting passage 12, and a waste cuvette storage section 13.

[0043] The transport mechanism 11 is a mechanism that transports the cuvettes 2011 that have been analyzed in the analysis mechanism 2 and are to be discarded, and puts them into the discard port 101. In Figure 2 above, the transport mechanism 11 of the discard mechanism 10 is shown, specifically the part that grips and picks up the cuvettes 2011 to be discarded from the reaction disk 201. The transport mechanism 11 transports the cuvettes 2011 to be discarded from the reaction disk 201 to the discard port 101 and puts them in.

[0044] The waste cuvette connecting passage 12 connects the waste opening 101 and the waste cuvette storage section 13, and the discarded cuvettes 2011 pass through the inside of this waste cuvette connecting passage 12 from the waste opening 101 towards the waste cuvette storage section 13. In this embodiment, the waste cuvette connecting passage 12 is formed of a hollow pipe-shaped member, and the cuvettes 2011 pass through this hollow portion.

[0045] In other words, the cuvette 2011 introduced into the waste port 101 falls below the waste port 101 and reaches the interior of the hollow waste cuvette passageway 12. The waste cuvette passageway 12 has an inclined path that slopes downward from the waste port 101 toward the waste cuvette storage section 13. Therefore, the cuvette 2011 introduced from the waste port 101 slides down this inclined path toward the waste cuvette storage section 13. Then, it is disposed of into the waste cuvette storage section 13 from the exit 102 on the waste cuvette storage section 13 side of the waste cuvette passageway 12. As can be seen from this, the inclination angle of the waste cuvette passageway 12 is arbitrary, but at a minimum, an inclination angle is required that allows the discarded cuvette 2011 to slide smoothly down the inclined path.

[0046] The waste cuvette storage unit 13 stores the cuvettes 2011 discarded from the waste cuvette connecting passage 12. In other words, the waste cuvette storage unit 13 acts as a waste box, accumulating multiple discarded cuvettes 2011. When a certain amount of cuvettes 2011 have accumulated in the waste cuvette storage unit 13, the user removes the accumulated cuvettes 2011 along with the waste cuvette storage unit 13 and sets a new, empty waste cuvette storage unit 13 in the same position.

[0047] Therefore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the waste cuvette storage section 13 is located in front of the user's standing position when using the automatic analyzer 1, allowing the user to pull out the waste cuvette storage section 13 and remove the cuvettes 2011 contained within it. In this embodiment, the waste port 101 is located in the rear when viewed from the user's standing position when using the automatic analyzer 1, and the waste cuvette passage 12 extends from front to rear, connecting the waste port 101 and the waste cuvette storage section 13. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to remove the waste cuvette storage section 13 filled with cuvettes 2011 from the automatic analyzer 1, and also makes it easier to set up a new, empty waste cuvette storage section 13. Preferably, the waste port 101 is located at the rearmost part of the housing of the automatic analyzer 1, that is, in the horizontal plane where the analysis mechanism 2 is located, there are no other units between the waste port 101 and the rear of the housing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the waste port 101 be positioned closest to either the left or right side of the housing of the automatic analyzer 1, that is, so that no other units exist between the waste port 101 and the adjacent side of the housing in the horizontal plane where the analysis mechanism 2 is located. This allows the reaction disk 201 and reagent storage 204 to be positioned relatively towards the front of the housing, thereby improving the user's work efficiency. It also allows the entire automatic analyzer 1 to be made more compact.

[0048] Figures 4 and 5 show the compressor 30 and vibration transmission unit 31 included in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. More specifically, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the compressor 30 and vibration transmission unit 31, and Figure 5 shows a side view of the compressor 30 and vibration transmission unit 31. Furthermore, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the compressor 30 and vibration transmission unit 31 of Figure 5 as seen from the direction of arrow A1, and Figure 5 is also a side view of the compressor 30 and vibration transmission unit 31 of Figure 4 as seen from the direction of arrow A2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the compressor 30 generates compressed air used in the automatic analyzer 1. However, the compressor 30 may be used for purposes other than generating compressed air. Also, due to its structure, the compressor 30 generates vibrations. In this embodiment, the vibrations generated by the compressor 30 are transmitted to the waste cuvette passage 12. By transmitting and applying vibrations to the waste cuvette passage 12, the clogging of the waste cuvette passage 12 by the discarded cuvettes 2011 is suppressed.

[0050] Specifically, a vibration transmission unit 31 is connected to the compressor 30. In this embodiment, the vibration transmission unit 31 includes a connection part 31a for transmitting vibrations generated by the compressor 30 to the waste cuvette passage 12. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connection part 31a has an L-shape, comprising a bottom part 311 on which the compressor 30 is placed, and an upright wall 312 rising from this bottom part 311. By making the connection part 31a of the vibration transmission unit 31 in this shape, vibrations from the compressor 30 are efficiently transmitted to the waste cuvette passage 12.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration transmission unit 31 specifically allows vibration components in a particular direction from the vibrations generated by the compressor 30 to pass through, while blocking vibration components in other directions, and then transmits them to the waste cuvette communication passage 12. However, the vibration transmission unit 31 may also be configured to allow vibration components from all directions generated by the compressor 30 to pass through and transmit them to the waste cuvette communication passage 12.

[0052] The vibration transmission unit 31 is equipped with a connecting unit 32 at one end. Vibration transmission unit 31 is connected to the waste cuvette passage 12 via this connecting unit 32 so as to transmit vibrations. In this embodiment, the connecting unit 32 is formed by a ring-shaped member through which the waste cuvette passage 12 can pass. Therefore, by tightening the ring with the waste cuvette passage 12 passing through this ring-shaped space, the connecting unit 32 is connected to the waste cuvette passage 12, and vibrations from the compressor 30 are transmitted via the vibration transmission unit 31.

[0053] This compressor 30 constitutes the vibration unit that generates vibrations in this embodiment. However, the vibration unit that applies vibrations to the waste cuvette passage 12 is not limited to the compressor 30. For example, a vibration generating device that independently generates vibrations to be applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 may be provided as the vibration unit. In other words, a dedicated vibration generating device may be provided separately and used as the vibration unit. This vibration generating device may be configured, for example, by an electrically driven device in which vibrations are generated by the rotation of a motor.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates the connection relationship between the vibration transmission unit 31 and the waste cuvette passage 12 near the connecting portion 32 of the vibration transmission unit 31. As shown in Figure 6, a pipe-shaped member of the waste cuvette passage 12 passes through the connecting portion 32, which is provided at one end of the vibration transmission unit 31. For example, the waste cuvette passage 12 is made of transparent acrylic resin or the like, and its internal structure can be observed from the outside. The waste cuvette passage 12 is attached to the connecting portion 32 in a vibration-transmitting manner by tightening the inner diameter of the ring-shaped member in the connecting portion 32 in a reducing direction.

[0055] In the vibration transmission section 31, an elongated hole forming section 31b is provided at one end of the connecting section 31a, and this elongated hole forming section 31b is connected to the connecting section 32. The elongated hole forming section 31b and the connecting section 31a are then coupled by the vibration coupling section 31c. Therefore, the vibration transmission section 31 of this embodiment is composed of a connecting section 31a, an elongated hole forming section 31b, a vibration coupling section 31c, and a connecting section 32.

[0056] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view showing the elongated hole forming portion 31b and the vibration coupling portion 31c according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, four elongated holes HL are formed in the elongated hole forming portion 31b. The vibration coupling portion 31c is coupled so as to penetrate these four elongated holes HL.

[0057] Each of the four elongated holes HL extends long in a specific direction DR1, which is the direction through which the vibration component passes, and in an intersecting direction DR2. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction DR2 is perpendicular to the specific direction DR1, but the intersecting direction DR2 does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the specific direction DR1. For example, due to assembly errors in the waste cuvette passage 12, the compressor 30, the vibration transmission section 31, etc., the angle formed by the specific direction DR1 and the intersecting direction DR2 will vary to some extent.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration component in the specific direction DR1 applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 is a vibration component in a direction intersecting the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends. In particular, in this embodiment, the vibration component in the specific direction DR1 applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 is perpendicular to the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends. This is because, in order to suppress clogging of the cuvette 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12, it is effective to apply vibration in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends. In other words, it can be said that the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends and the intersecting direction DR2 are approximately parallel.

[0059] Here again, the vibration component of the specific direction DR1 applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends. After all, due to assembly errors in the waste cuvette passage 12, the compressor 30, the vibration transmission unit 31, etc., the angle formed between the specific direction DR1 that applies vibration to the waste cuvette passage 12 and the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends will fluctuate to some extent.

[0060] A vibration coupling portion 31c passes through each of the four elongated holes HL. The vibration coupling portion 31c connects the elongated hole forming portion 31b and the connecting portion 31a so that the connecting portion 31a can move in the direction in which the elongated hole HL extends. In other words, even if the connecting portion 31a vibrates in the direction of the intersecting direction DR2 due to the vibration of the compressor 30, the vibration component related to the intersecting direction DR2 is not transmitted to the elongated hole forming portion 31b. For this reason, the vibration component related to the intersecting direction DR2 is also not transmitted to the connecting portion 32 which is connected to the elongated hole forming portion 31b. As a result, the waste cuvette connecting passage 12 connected to the connecting portion 32 can transmit the vibration component in the specific direction DR1 while eliminating the vibration component in the intersecting direction DR2.

[0061] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection portion 31a and the elongated hole forming portion 31b around the vibration coupling portion 31c shown in Figures 6 and 7, along the specific direction DR1. Although Figure 8 shows a partial cross-section around one vibration coupling portion 31c, the cross-sections of other vibration coupling portions 31c are similar to those in Figure 8.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the vibration coupling portion 31c is composed of, for example, a screw SC that is screwed into the connecting portion 31a. The leg portion SC1 of the screw SC, which has a groove formed therein, passes through the elongated hole HL of the elongated hole forming portion 31b and is screwed into and embedded in the connecting portion 31a. The head SC2 of the screw SC is located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 31a, with the elongated hole forming portion 31b in between. Therefore, the connecting portion 31a is coupled to the elongated hole forming portion 31b by the screw SC. In the example of Figure 8, a washer WS is interposed between the head SC2 of the screw SC and the elongated hole forming portion 31b. The presence of this washer WS reduces wear of the head SC2 due to vibration.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the inner diameter R1 of the elongated hole HL in a specific direction DR1 is slightly larger than the outer diameter R2 of the leg portion SC1 of the screw SC. Also, the thickness L2 of the elongated hole forming portion 31b is slightly smaller than the distance L1 between the washer WS and the connecting portion 31a. Therefore, the leg portion SC1 of the screw SC can move in the intersecting direction DR2 along with the vibration of the connecting portion 31a while remaining screwed into the connecting portion 31a. On the other hand, when the connecting portion 31a vibrates in a specific direction DR1, the leg portion SC1 of the screw SC comes into contact with the elongated hole forming portion 31b. As a result, the vibration component in the specific direction DR1 is transmitted to the elongated hole forming portion 31b. Consequently, the vibration component in the specific direction DR1 is transmitted to the waste cuvette connecting passage 12, but the vibration component in the intersecting direction DR2 is not transmitted to the waste cuvette connecting passage 12.

[0064] In addition, while Figures 6 and 7 show an example in which the connection part 31a and the elongated hole forming part 31b are connected by four vibration coupling parts 31c, the number of vibration coupling parts 31c is not limited to four and can be arbitrary. Furthermore, Figures 6 to 8 merely show one example of the structure of the vibration coupling part 31c. There are various methods for allowing vibration components in a specific direction DR1 to pass through while blocking vibration components in other directions and applying vibration to the waste cuvette connecting passage 12, and the structure is not limited to that shown in Figure 8.

[0065] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the portion of the inlet 103 on the waste port 101 side of the waste cuvette passage 12. As shown in Figure 9, a first sensor 12a for detecting the passage of cuvettes 2011 is provided at the inlet 103 of the waste cuvette passage 12. The automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can count the number of cuvettes 2011 to be discarded that have been fed in from the waste port 101 by using this first sensor 12a.

[0066] The first sensor 12a consists of, for example, a signal transmitter TR1 and a signal receiver RV1, where the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter TR1 is received by the signal receiver RV1. When a discarded cuvette 2011 passes over the first sensor 12a, the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter TR1 is blocked and cannot be received by the signal receiver RV1. The first sensor 12a detects that this signal has been blocked and detects the passage of the cuvette 2011.

[0067] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the portion of the outlet 102 on the waste cuvette storage section 13 side of the waste cuvette passageway 12. As shown in Figure 10, a second sensor 12b for detecting the passage of cuvettes 2011 is provided at the outlet 102 of the waste cuvette passageway 12. The automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can count the number of cuvettes 2011 discarded in the waste cuvette storage section 13 by using this second sensor 12b.

[0068] The second sensor 12b, like the first sensor 12a, is composed of a pair of components, for example, a signal transmitter TR2 and a signal receiver RV2, where the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter TR2 is received by the signal receiver RV2. When the discarded cuvette 2011 passes over the second sensor 12b, the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter TR2 is blocked and cannot be received by the signal receiver RV2. The second sensor 12b detects this signal blockage and detects the passage of the cuvette 2011.

[0069] <Clog detection process> Next, the blockage detection function 93 provided by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. This blockage detection function 93 is optional and does not necessarily have to be provided by the automatic analyzer 1. However, by providing this blockage detection function 93, the automatic analyzer 1 can quickly detect when a cuvette 2011 is blocked in the waste cuvette connecting passage 12. If the automatic analyzer 1 does not have this blockage detection function 93, the first sensor 12a and the second sensor 12b described above are not necessarily required elements.

[0070] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage detection process performed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The blockage detection process shown in Figure 11 is realized by the control circuit 9 reading and executing the blockage detection process program stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the automatic analyzer 1 counts the number of cuvettes fed into the waste port 101 by the transport mechanism 11 (step S10). Specifically, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 uses the first sensor 12a to count the number of cuvettes 2011 fed into the waste port 101. In other words, the number of cuvettes 2011 that have passed through the entrance 103 of the waste cuvette passage 12 is counted as the number of cuvettes fed into the waste port 101.

[0072] In step S10, instead of using the first sensor 12a, the count may be based on the number of times the transport mechanism 11 performs the insertion operation to place the cuvette 2011 into the waste port 101. In this case, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 counts the number of times the transport mechanism 11 performs the insertion operation of the cuvette 2011.

[0073] Next, the automatic analyzer 1 counts the number of cuvettes 2011 discarded into the waste cuvette storage section 13 (step S12). Specifically, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 uses the second sensor 12b to count the number of cuvettes discarded into the waste cuvette storage section 13. In other words, the number of cuvettes 2011 that passed through the exit 102 of the waste cuvette passage 12 is counted as the number of cuvettes discarded into the waste cuvette storage section 13.

[0074] Next, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not a blockage of cuvettes 2011 has occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12 (step S14). Specifically, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 calculates the difference between the number of cuvettes 2011 that were fed into the waste port 101, which was counted in step S10, and the number of cuvettes 2011 that were discarded in the waste cuvette storage section 13, which was counted in step S12, and determines whether or not a cuvette blockage has occurred based on this calculated difference.

[0075] Specifically, if the number of cuvettes 2011 fed into the waste port 101 is greater than the number of cuvettes 2011 discarded into the waste cuvette storage section 13, it can be determined that a blockage of cuvettes 2011 has occurred inside the waste cuvette passageway 12. Alternatively, considering the time it takes for the cuvettes 2011 to actually pass through the waste cuvette passageway 12, it can also be determined that a blockage of cuvettes 2011 has occurred inside the waste cuvette passageway 12 if the number of cuvettes fed into the waste port 101 is two or more greater than the number of cuvettes 2011 discarded into the waste cuvette storage section 13.

[0076] If, in step S14, it is determined that cuvette 2011 is not clogged in the waste cuvette passage 12 (step S14: No), the automated analyzer 1 returns to step S10 described above and repeats the process from step S10.

[0077] On the other hand, if step S14 determines that a blockage of cuvette 2011 has occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12 (step S14: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user that a blockage of cuvette 2011 has occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12 (step S16). Specifically, the reporting function 94 of the control circuit 9 makes the report to the user. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 displays it on the display in the output interface 6 or notifies the user by voice using an audio device. The reporting function 94 that performs this step S16 constitutes the first reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0078] Once the report to the user is completed in step S16, the automated analyzer 1 returns to step S10 described above and repeats the process from step S10.

[0079] <Clog detection and clearing process> In the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, vibrations generated by the compressor 30 are continuously applied to the waste cuvette passage 12, but it cannot be said that there is no possibility of cuvette 2011 clogging the waste cuvette passage 12. For this reason, by regularly performing clogging detection processing, the user can quickly become aware that clogging has occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12.

[0080] In addition to or instead of the blockage detection process described above, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment may also perform a blockage clearing process to clear the blockage. In this case, vibration is not normally applied from the compressor 30 to the waste cuvette passage 12, and vibration is applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 only when the blockage detection function 93 detects a blockage.

[0081] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage removal process performed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The blockage removal process shown in Figure 12 is realized by the control circuit 9 reading and executing the blockage removal process program stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, steps S10 to S14 are the same as the blockage detection process described above. However, in the blockage removal process, if a blockage of cuvette 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12 is detected in step S14 (step S14: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 applies vibration to the waste cuvette passage 12 (step S20). Specifically, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 connects the vibration transmission unit 31 so that vibration is transmitted, and transmits the vibration of the compressor 30 to the waste cuvette passage 12.

[0083] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a mechanism for applying vibrations from the compressor 30 to the waste cuvette passage 12 only when a blockage occurs in the waste cuvette passage 12 due to cuvette 2011. As shown in Figure 13, vibrations generated by the compressor 30 are transmitted to the waste cuvette passage 12 via the vibration transmission unit 31. As described above, only the vibration component in a specific direction DR1 is applied to the waste cuvette passage 12.

[0084] However, in the modified example shown in Figure 13, a switching mechanism 33 is additionally provided in the vibration transmission unit 31. This switching mechanism 33 switches the function of the vibration transmission unit 31 so that it does not transmit vibrations from the compressor 30 when there is no blockage of cuvettes 2011 in the waste cuvette connecting passage 12, but transmits vibrations from the compressor 30 when a blockage occurs. For example, the switching mechanism 33 can be configured with a mechanical clutch, in which case the vibration transmission unit 31 transmits vibrations when the clutch is engaged, but does not transmit vibrations when the clutch is disengaged.

[0085] In Figure 13, the switching mechanism 33 is provided in the middle of the connection section 31a, but the position where this switching mechanism 33 is provided is arbitrary. For example, it may be provided between the connection section 31a and the compressor 30, or between the connection section 31a and the vibration coupling section 31c. In other words, the switching mechanism 33 can be inserted at any position between the compressor 30 and the waste cuvette connecting passage 12.

[0086] In step S20 of the blockage clearing process shown in Figure 12, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 switches the switching mechanism 33 so that the vibration transmission unit 31 transmits the vibration of the compressor 30 to the waste cuvette passage 12. In this embodiment, the time for which vibration is applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 is a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds or 20 seconds.

[0087] Then, as shown in Figure 12, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not the blockage of cuvettes 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12 has been cleared (step S22). Specifically, the blockage detection function 93 of the control circuit 9 uses the second sensor 12b to determine whether or not the blocked cuvettes 2011 have passed through the outlet 102 of the waste cuvette passage 12. If the blocked cuvettes 2011 have passed through the outlet 102 and, for example, the number of cuvettes 2011 put into the waste port 101 is the same as the number of cuvettes 2011 discarded in the waste cuvette storage section 13, it is determined that the blockage has been cleared.

[0088] If the automatic analyzer 1 determines in step S22 that the blockage in the waste cuvette passage 12 has been cleared (step S22: Yes), it reports to the user that the blockage has been cleared (step S24). Specifically, the reporting function 94 of the control circuit 9 makes the report to the user. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 displays the information on the display in the output interface 6 or notifies the user by voice using an audio device. This reporting function 94 that performs step S24 constitutes the second reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the blockage in the waste cuvette passage 12 has not been cleared (step S22: No), the system reports to the user that the blockage has not been cleared (step S26). Specifically, the reporting function 94 of the control circuit 9 reports to the user. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 displays the information on the display in the output interface 6 or notifies the user by voice using an audio device. The reporting function 94 that performs this step S26 constitutes the third reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0090] After the reporting process in step S24 or step S26 is completed, the automated analyzer 1 returns to step S10 described above and repeats the process from step S10.

[0091] <Jump detection stop process> In the blockage detection process shown in Figure 11 and the blockage clearing process shown in Figure 12, the automatic analyzer 1 did not immediately stop the operation of the analysis mechanism 2 even if a blockage occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12. However, if a blockage occurs in the waste cuvette passage 12, eventually the analysis mechanism 2 will be unable to dispose of the cuvette 2011 after analysis is complete. For this reason, the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured to stop the operation of the analysis mechanism 2 as soon as it determines that a blockage has occurred in the waste cuvette passage 12.

[0092] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the blockage detection stop process performed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The blockage detection stop process shown in Figure 12 is realized by the control circuit 9 reading and executing the blockage detection stop process program stored in the memory circuit 8. This blockage detection stop process may be performed in addition to the blockage detection process in Figure 11 and the blockage clearing process in Figure 12 described above, or it may be performed in place of these processes.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, steps S10 to S14 are the same as the blockage detection process described above. However, in the blockage detection stop process, if a blockage in cuvette 2011 in the waste cuvette connecting passage 12 is detected in step S14 (step S14: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 stops the operation of the analysis mechanism 2 (step S30). Specifically, the stop function 95 of the control circuit 9 stops the operation of the analysis mechanism 2. The stop function 95 also reports to the user that the operation of the analysis mechanism 2 has been stopped.

[0094] If the analysis mechanism 2 stops working, the user inspects the automatic analyzer 1. In this case, the user knows that the analysis mechanism 2 stopped because cuvette 2011 became clogged in the waste cuvette passage 12, so the user takes steps to clear the blockage in the waste cuvette passage 12. In addition, if necessary, the user cleans the waste cuvette passage 12 or requests the manufacturer to inspect it as a precaution.

[0095] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the user instructs the automated analyzer 1 to restart (step S32). Specifically, the restart function 96 of the control circuit 9 receives the restart instruction from the user and restarts the stopped analysis mechanism 2. As a result, the analysis mechanism 2 of the automated analyzer 1 resumes analysis using the cuvette 2011.

[0096] Once the restart of the analysis mechanism 2 is complete in step S32, the automated analyzer 1 returns to step S10 described above and repeats the process from step S10.

[0097] <Message sending process> Furthermore, in addition to the blockage detection process, blockage removal process, and blockage detection stop process described above, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment may also be equipped with a message sending process that sends a message when the occurrence of blockages in the waste cuvette connecting passage 12 exceeds a predetermined frequency.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the content of the message sending process performed by the automatic analysis device 1 according to this embodiment. The message sending process shown in Figure 15 is realized by the control circuit 9 reading and executing the message sending process program stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0099] As shown in Figure 15, steps S10 to S14 are the same as the blockage detection process described above. However, in the message sending process, if blockage of cuvette 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12 is detected in step S14 (step S14: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the occurrence of blockage of cuvette 2011 exceeds a predetermined frequency (step S40). Specifically, the message sending function 97 of the control circuit 9 determines whether the frequency of blockage of cuvette 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12 exceeds a predetermined frequency.

[0100] For example, the message sending function 97 determines that a predetermined frequency has been exceeded if the number of blockages occurring per hour exceeds three. Alternatively, the message sending function 97 determines that a predetermined frequency has been exceeded if the number of blockages occurring per day exceeds ten.

[0101] If, in step S40, it is determined that the occurrence of blockage in the waste cuvette connecting passage 12 does not exceed a predetermined frequency (step S40: No), the process returns to step S10 described above, and the process from step S10 is repeated.

[0102] On the other hand, if in step S40 it is determined that the occurrence of blockages in the waste cuvette passage 12 exceeds a predetermined frequency (step S40: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 sends a message (step S42). Specifically, the message sending function 97 of the control circuit 9 sends a message indicating that blockages in the waste cuvette passage 12 are occurring frequently. For example, the message sending function 97 may send a message indicating that blockages in the waste cuvette passage 12 are occurring frequently to the maintenance company of the automatic analyzer 1 via the communication interface 7, or to the user of the automatic analyzer 1 via the output interface 6. The message sending function 97 that performs this step S42 constitutes the message sending unit in this embodiment.

[0103] Once the message transmission is complete in step S42, the automated analyzer 1 returns to step S10 described above and repeats the process from step S10.

[0104] As described above, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, vibration is applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 through which the discarded cuvettes 2011 pass. This vibration suppresses the clogging of the waste cuvettes 2011 in the waste cuvette passage 12. As a result, the downtime during which the automatic analyzer 1 is stopped can be reduced, improving the reliability of the automatic analyzer 1 and achieving stable throughput.

[0105] Furthermore, when applying vibration to the waste cuvette passage 12, the vibration component is applied to the waste cuvette passage 12 in a specific direction DR1, which is a direction intersecting the direction in which the waste cuvette passage 12 extends. This effectively suppresses the clogging of the waste cuvette passage 12 with cuvettes 2011.

[0106] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Programmable Logic Devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). A processor functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in a memory circuit, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. Furthermore, a processor is not limited to being a single circuit; it may also be composed of multiple independent circuits combined to form a single processor and achieve its functions. Additionally, multiple components may be integrated into a single processor to achieve its functions.

[0107] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such embodiments and modifications that are included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1...Automatic analyzer, 2...Analysis mechanism, 3...Analysis circuit, 4...Drive mechanism, 5...Input interface, 6...Output interface, 7...Communication interface, 8...Memory circuit, 9...Control circuit, 10...Disposal mechanism, 11...Transport mechanism, 12...Disposal cuvette connecting passage, 12a...First sensor, 12b...Second sensor, 13...Disposal cuvette storage section, 30...Compressor, 31...Vibration transmission section, 31a...Connection section, 31b...Slot forming section, 31c...Vibration coupling section, 32...Connecting section, 33...Switching mechanism, 91...System control function, 92...Dispensing control function, 93...Detection function, 94...Reporting function, 95...Stop function, 96...Restart function, 97...Message sending function

Claims

1. The analytical mechanism involves reacting the sample and reagent in a cuvette to analyze the measured parameters, and A waste cuvette passage connects a waste port into which cuvettes to be discarded after analysis in the aforementioned analysis mechanism are fed, and a waste cuvette storage section into which the discarded cuvettes are stored, and through which cuvettes fed into the waste port pass from the waste port toward the waste cuvette storage section. A vibrating unit that applies vibration to the waste cuvette connecting passage, The system includes a vibration transmission unit that transmits vibration components in a specific direction from the vibrations generated in the aforementioned vibration unit to the waste cuvette communication passage, The vibrating unit is a compressor that generates compressed air used in an automated analyzer. Automatic analyzer.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the waste cuvette passage connects the waste port, which is located at the rear, and the waste cuvette storage section, which is located at the front, as viewed from the standing position of the user using the automatic analyzer.

3. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a blockage detection unit for detecting blockage of cuvettes in the waste cuvette passage.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the blockage detection unit detects blockage of the cuvettes based on the difference between the number of cuvettes introduced from the waste port and the number of cuvettes discarded in the waste cuvette storage unit.

5. The automatic analysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the blockage detection unit is equipped with a first sensor provided at the entrance on the waste port side of the waste cuvette passage, and the number of cuvettes introduced from the waste port is counted using the first sensor.

6. The automated analyzer further includes a transport mechanism that transports cuvettes to be discarded after analysis in the analysis mechanism and puts them into the discard port. The blockage detection unit counts the number of cuvettes inserted from the waste port using the number of times the conveying mechanism has performed the insertion operation. The automated analyzer according to claim 4.

7. The automatic analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the blockage detection unit further comprises a second sensor provided at the outlet on the waste cuvette storage side of the waste cuvette passage, and the number of waste cuvettes discarded in the waste cuvette storage is counted using the second sensor.

8. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a first reporting unit that reports to the user when the blockage detection unit detects a blockage in the waste cuvette passage.

9. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein when the blockage detection unit detects a blockage of cuvettes in the waste cuvette passage, the vibration unit applies vibration to the waste cuvette passage.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, further comprising a second reporting unit that, when the vibration of the vibrating unit is applied to the waste cuvette passage, thereby clearing the blockage of cuvettes in the waste cuvette passage, the blockage is cleared and the device is further comprising a second reporting unit that the blockage has been cleared.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a third reporting unit that reports to the user that the blockage in the waste cuvette passage has not been cleared, when the vibration of the vibrating unit has been applied to the waste cuvette passage but the blockage in the waste cuvette passage has not been cleared.

12. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a stop unit that stops the operation of the analysis mechanism when the blockage detection unit detects a blockage of cuvettes in the waste cuvette passage.

13. The automatic analyzer according to claim 12, further comprising a restart unit for restarting the analysis mechanism, which has been stopped by the stop unit, at the user's instruction.

14. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 13, further comprising a message sending unit that sends a message when the blockage of cuvettes in the waste cuvette passage detected by the blockage detection unit exceeds a predetermined frequency.

15. The waste cuvette passage has an inclined path that slopes downward from the waste port toward the waste cuvette storage section, and the cuvettes introduced from the waste port slide down the inclined path toward the waste cuvette storage section, as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An analytical mechanism for performing analysis of a measurement item by reacting a sample and a reagent in a cuvette, A waste cuvette passage connects a waste port into which cuvettes to be discarded after analysis in the aforementioned analysis mechanism are fed, and a waste cuvette storage section into which the discarded cuvettes are stored, and through which cuvettes fed into the waste port pass from the waste port toward the waste cuvette storage section. A vibrating unit that applies vibration to the waste cuvette connecting passage, The system includes a vibration transmission unit that transmits vibration components in a specific direction from the vibrations generated in the aforementioned vibration unit to the waste cuvette communication passage, The vibration transmission section is A connecting section connected to the aforementioned waste cuvette passage, A long hole is formed in a part that extends in a direction intersecting the aforementioned specific direction and is connected to the connecting part, A connecting portion connects the elongated hole forming portion and the vibrating portion in a manner that allows vibration to be transmitted between them, A vibration coupling portion that penetrates the elongated hole formed in the elongated hole forming portion and connects the elongated hole forming portion and the connecting portion such that the connecting portion can move in the direction in which the elongated hole extends, An automated analyzer equipped with the following features.

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