Automatic analysis device

Abstract

When provided with a specimen dispensing mechanism 25 that dispenses a first liquid from a first mechanism into the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and a second analyzing and measuring unit 401, and a second dispensing unit that dispenses a second liquid different from the first liquid from a second mechanism into the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and a second analyzing and measuring unit 401, or when provided with a first analyzing and measuring unit 301 for analyses pertaining to biochemical item groups and a second analyzing and measuring unit 401 for analyses pertaining to immunization item groups, the automated analyzer of the present invention has, where the x-axis is defined as the left / right direction from the user's standing position and the y-axis is defined as the direction perpendicular to the x-axis, the first mechanism, the first analyzing and measuring unit 301, and the second mechanism arranged in order along the X-axis from the left of the standing position, and the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and the second analyzing and measuring unit 401 arranged in this order along the Y-axis in the direction away from the standing position. Thereby provided is an automatic analyzer that realizes a mechanism layout in line with each item while maintaining the operational feel of a conventional device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer in which at least two or more different measurement units each performing different types of analysis are combined in a single device configuration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of the device configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, it has a system configuration in which a device configuration specialized for each item measurement and a specimen introduction unit are combined. For this reason, there is a problem that the available area is limited to large / medium-sized laboratories where the occupied area of the automatic analyzer in the floor area of the examination room can be widely used.

[0005] Therefore, in an integrated automatic analyzer that performs analysis of multiple items targeting small-scale laboratories, it is desirable to further reduce its occupied area.

[0006] Here, in the case of a family product with a conventional product, from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the operator, it is desirable that the operation feeling, analysis principle, and operation method of the conventional device are the same or similar. However, since the operation method and measurement principle are different for each item, the mechanism layout and system configuration are mostly specialized for each operation. For this reason, while inheriting the operation feeling of the conventional device, it is necessary to appropriately arrange or simplify the mechanism layout according to each item.

[0007] This invention provides an automated analyzer that inherits the feel of operating conventional devices while achieving a mechanism layout tailored to each item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above problems, but one example is a first analytical unit that performs analysis related to a group of biochemical items, immunity The second analysis unit performs analysis on the item group, and the biochemical item group and the immunity Used in common across the group of items Sample holding section And, as stated above Sample holding section This is a different mechanism, and the biochemical items and the immunity Used in common across the group of items Reagent holding section and 、 In a system equipped with the following, where the left-right direction of the assumed user's standing position is defined as the X-axis and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, along the X-axis, from the left of the standing position... Sample holding section , the first analysis unit, the Reagent holding section The components are arranged in the order of the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit, respectively, along the Y-axis in a direction away from the standing position, and the second analysis unit is installed so as to be higher vertically than the first analysis unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a mechanism layout that conforms to each item while inheriting the operability of conventional devices. Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an overview of the entire configuration of the automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an overview of the first and second analytical measurement units. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an overview of the first mechanism, the first analytical measurement unit, the second mechanism, and the second analytical measurement unit. [Figure 4]A diagram showing an overview of the automated analyzer as viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an overview of the lower structure of the automated analyzer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An embodiment of the automated analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0013] The embodiments described below are examples only, and can be modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, features illustrated or described with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments.

[0014] Furthermore, in the drawings used herein, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations of these components may be omitted.

[0015] First, the overall configuration of the automated analyzer will be explained using Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automated analyzer. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the outline of the first and second analytical measurement units. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the outline of the first mechanism, the first analytical measurement unit, the second mechanism, and the second analytical measurement unit. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the outline of the automated analyzer viewed from diagonally above.

[0016] In the automated analyzer 1, the first mechanism used in common with the first analytical item group 300 and the second analytical item group 400 is the sample holding unit 4 located in the sample holding area 100, and the second mechanism used in common with the first analytical item group 300 and the second analytical item group 400 is the reagent holding unit 16 located in the reagent holding area 200. Furthermore, although the first analytical item group 300 represents a group of items related to biochemistry and the second analytical item group 400 represents a group of items related to immunology, it goes without saying that the system is not limited to this combination.

[0017] The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is an apparatus for analyzing a specimen using a reagent corresponding to a predetermined analysis item, and is composed of an analysis unit 2 and a control unit 3.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the analysis unit 2 includes a specimen holding unit 4, a specimen information reading unit 5, a specimen dispensing mechanism 25, a cleaning tank 26 for the specimen dispensing mechanism, a reagent holding unit 16, a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18, a cleaning tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism, a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, an opener 46, a cleaning tank 32 for the second reagent dispensing mechanism, a reagent stirring mechanism 34, a cleaning tank 15 for the reagent stirring mechanism, a second analysis detection unit 14, a first incubator 35, a first stirring mechanism 30, a first analysis detection unit 21, a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 22, a first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6, a second incubator 9, a second stirring mechanism 10, a second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11, and the like.

[0019] The specimen holding unit 4 has a structure capable of annularly holding a plurality of specimen containers 23 that accommodate specimens to be analyzed in the analysis related to the first analysis item group 300 and the analysis related to the second analysis item group 400. Around this specimen holding unit 4, a specimen information reading unit 5 for reading information such as a barcode attached to the specimen container (various information related to the specimen) is provided. Preferably, the specimen information reading unit 5 is desirably located at the side end of the apparatus housing.

[0020] During specimen dispensing, the specimen holding unit 4 rotates to transport the specimen container 23 to the access position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 25. This specimen holding unit 4 has a specimen suction position 24. Immediately before the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 sucks the specimen to be analyzed, the specimen holding unit 4 rotates to transport the specimen container 23 to the specimen suction position 24.

[0021] Here, in order to make the housing of the automatic analyzer 1 as small as possible, a part of the specimen holding unit 4 protrudes from the main frame of the automatic analyzer 1, but it is desirable that it is covered by a cover.

[0022] Furthermore, the sample holding unit 4 may be configured to allow two sample holding units 4 to be physically swapped alternately for use. Samples can also be added or replaced midway through the process via a small window provided in the sample holding unit 4. However, it is not necessary for the user to install it themselves; it may be transported using a transport mechanism or the like. In addition, the sample holding unit 4 may be structured to hold multiple sample racks, each capable of holding one or more sample containers 23. Moreover, the automatic analyzer 1 may be connected to an external sample rack transport mechanism, and the sample racks may be transported to the sample holding unit 4.

[0023] The sample dispensing mechanism 25 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, an up-and-down drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe, which move the sample container 23 at the sample aspiration position 24 onto the first incubator 35 located at the first analytical sample discharge unit 27 of the first analytical measurement unit 301, and onto the disposable container 7 located at the second analytical sample discharge unit 28 of the second analytical measurement unit 401 to perform sample dispensing.

[0024] The sample dispensing mechanism 25 moves between the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position using its rotational drive mechanism and vertical drive mechanism. At the sample aspiration position 24, the sample is dispensed, and the aspirationed sample is discharged into the first incubator 35 or the disposable container 7. After the sample is discharged, the sample dispensing mechanism is washed in the washing tank 26 and then proceeds to the next sample dispensing operation.

[0025] As shown in the diagram, the configuration may involve accessing each position by rotational motion, or by linear motion.

[0026] The reagent holding section 16 is a mechanism for holding multiple first reagent containers containing reagents used for analysis related to the first analytical item group 300, which are reacted in the first incubator 35, and second reagent containers containing reagents used for analysis related to the second analytical item group 400, which are reacted in the disposable container 7. It has a reagent disc (omitted for illustrative purposes), reagent container holding positions (first reagent container mounting section 38, second reagent container mounting section 17A, third reagent container mounting section 17B), and a cover 16A. The reagent holding section 16 is equipped with a reagent cooling function.

[0027] The reagent disk has reagent container holding positions arranged in a double ring shape, and is configured to hold multiple first and second reagent containers. Details will be described later. The reagent disk also has a rotational drive mechanism, which moves each first and second reagent container to a predetermined position on its circumference through rotational motion.

[0028] In the reagent holding section 16, the reagent disc rotates before reagent dispensing, transporting the appropriate reagent container to the first reagent aspiration position 37 or the second reagent aspiration position 36, thereby enabling the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 to aspirate the reagents necessary for analysis.

[0029] Here, the first reagent container and the second reagent container may each consist of multiple different reagent bottles.

[0030] The automated analyzer 1 is equipped with a second dispensing unit that dispenses reagents from the reagent holding unit 16 to the first analysis measurement unit 301 and the second analysis measurement unit 401. This second dispensing unit is for the first analysis item group 300 and includes a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 that discharges reagents drawn from the first reagent container to the first incubator 35 for the first analysis, and a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 that discharges reagents drawn from the second reagent container to the disposable container 7 for the second analysis.

[0031] The first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 share common components, consisting of a rotational drive mechanism, an up-and-down drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. While the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 is aspirating reagent from the first reagent container, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 may be configured to aspirate reagent from the second reagent container. This can improve the analytical throughput.

[0032] The first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 rotate and descend to the positions of the first and second reagent containers of a predetermined type in the reagent holding section 16, and aspirate a predetermined amount of reagent. After the reagent is aspirated, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 rise.

[0033] Next, the reagents rotate and descend to the designated disposable containers 7 for immunoassay, which are located at the reagent dispensing destination. For example, if it is the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 for biochemical analysis, the first incubator 35 is designated, and if it is the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 for immunoassay, the second reagent dispensing position 31 is designated. The respective reagents are then dispensed. After the reagents are dispensed, the device is washed in the washing tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism or the washing tank 32 for the second reagent dispensing mechanism, and the device proceeds to the next reagent dispensing operation.

[0034] Around the reagent holder 16, a reagent stirring mechanism 34 (also called a stiller) is set as a means of stirring the reagent contained in the second reagent container. This reagent stirring mechanism 34 moves to the upper area of ​​the second reagent container containing the magnetic particle solution to be stirred, lowers the magnetic particle stirring element of the reagent stirring mechanism 34, and stirs the magnetic particle solution by rotating this stirring element. To prevent the magnetic particles in the solution from settling naturally, the reagent stirring mechanism 34 stirs the magnetic particles just before the reagent is dispensed. After stirring, it is washed in the reagent stirring mechanism washing tank 15.

[0035] The following describes the immunoassay flow for the second analysis item group 400 in the second analysis measurement unit 401, in the order of processing.

[0036] The first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6 has drive mechanisms in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, and a reaction vessel gripping mechanism, and moves above the first tray 7a, the second tray 7b, the reaction vessel disposal position 8, the second incubator 9, and the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28.

[0037] The second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 has a rotation drive mechanism, an up-and-down drive mechanism, and a reaction vessel gripping mechanism, and has the function of moving the disposable container 7, which contains the reaction solution in which the sample and reagent are mixed in the analysis related to the second group of analysis items 400, to the stirring position by the second stirring mechanism 10 provided on the rotational orbit, as well as to each reaction vessel installation position such as the second analysis sample discharge unit 28, the reaction vessel standby position 29, the second detection unit preparation operation mechanism 13, and the second reagent discharge position 31.

[0038] The reaction vessel first transport mechanism 6 transports one disposable container 7 from the first tray 7a and the second tray 7b, which contain unused disposable containers 7, to the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28.

[0039] The sample dispensing mechanism 25 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into a disposable container 7 installed in the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28. Subsequently, the disposable container 7 from which the sample has been dispensed is transported to the second reagent dispensing position 31 by the reaction vessel second transport mechanism 11.

[0040] The second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses a predetermined amount of R1 / R2 reagent into a disposable container 7 located at the second reagent discharge position 31. Subsequently, the disposable container 7 is moved to the position of the second stirring mechanism 10 by the reaction vessel second transport mechanism 11, and the mixture inside the disposable container 7 is stirred.

[0041] After stirring the reaction solution, the disposable container 7 is moved to the second incubator 9 by the reaction vessel first transport mechanism 6. If dilution is necessary at this point, the disposable container 7 is transported to the dilution position 28a, and the diluted sample is aspirated in the next cycle.

[0042] Subsequently, the first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6 transports the disposable container 7 to the reaction vessel standby position 29, and when it is time for the next reagent dispensing, the second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 transports the disposable container 7 to the second reagent dispensing position 31.

[0043] Furthermore, the Beads reagent is dispensed into the disposable container 7 via the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, and then the disposable container 7 is transported to the second stirring mechanism 10 by the second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 for further stirring.

[0044] After stirring is complete, the disposable container 7 is transported to the second incubator 9 by the reaction vessel first transport mechanism 6.

[0045] The second incubator 9 is kept at an appropriate temperature to hold the disposable container 7 and promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent. Once the reaction process between the sample and the reagent on the second incubator 9 is complete, the first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6 transports the disposable container 7 to the reaction vessel waiting position 29.

[0046] Furthermore, when the disposable container 7 is transported onto the second detection unit preparation mechanism 13 by the second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11, the reaction liquid washing and replacement mechanism 12 and the second detection unit preparation mechanism 13 move to perform the pre-washing process.

[0047] Next, the disposable container 7 is transported to the second stirring mechanism 10 by the second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11. Subsequently, the disposable container 7 is transported to the mixed liquid suction position on the second detection unit preparation mechanism 13 by the first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6, and the second detection unit preparation mechanism 13 moves to the reaction liquid suction position located below the second analysis detection unit 14, and performs suction of the reaction liquid. After that, the reaction liquid is drawn into the detection unit in the second analysis detection unit 14, and the reaction signal is measured.

[0048] After signal measurement, the disposable container 7 is transported to the reaction vessel standby position 29 by the reaction vessel second transport mechanism 11, and then transported to the reaction vessel disposal position 8 by the reaction vessel first transport mechanism 6 for disposal.

[0049] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment includes a first analytical sample dispensing unit 27 on which a first incubator 35 that receives samples from the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second analytical sample dispensing unit 28 on which a disposable container 7 that receives samples from the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second reagent dispensing position 31 on which a disposable container 7 is placed to receive reagents from the second dispensing unit, and a second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 that transports the disposable container 7 between the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28, the second analytical measurement unit 401, and the second reagent dispensing position 31. When the automated analyzer 1 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the aspiration position of the sample dispensing mechanism 25, the first analytical sample dispensing unit 27, and the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28 are positioned to overlap with the movement trajectory of the dispensing probe of the sample dispensing mechanism 25.

[0050] Next, the biochemical analysis flow for the first group of analysis items 300 in the first analysis measurement unit 301 will be explained in order of processing.

[0051] The first incubator 35 is a mechanism that holds the reaction solution for analysis by the first analysis detection unit 21, which measures the reaction solution in the analysis related to the first group of analysis items 300. Similar to the second incubator 9, it is temperature-controlled to an appropriate temperature in order to promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent.

[0052] First, the sample dispensing mechanism 25 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into a predetermined first incubator 35 that contains a reaction solution in which the sample and reagent are mixed for the analysis of the first analytical item group 300. Then, the first incubator 35 rotates, moving the first incubator 35 from which the sample was dispensed to the access position of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18, and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into the first incubator 35 from which the sample was dispensed.

[0053] Next, the first incubator 35 rotates, moving the first incubator 35, from which the sample and reagents have been dispensed, to the position where the first stirring mechanism 30 is installed, and the sample and reagents inside the first incubator 35 are stirred by the first stirring mechanism 30.

[0054] Once the reaction process between the sample and reagents on the first incubator 35 is complete, the first incubator 35 rotates and moves the first incubator 35 containing the reaction solution after the reaction is complete to the installation position of the first analysis and detection unit 21 for analyzing the biochemical components of the sample.

[0055] Subsequently, the reaction signal is measured by the detection unit in the first analysis and detection unit 21. After the signal measurement, the reaction liquid is discharged from the first incubator 35 by the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 22.

[0056] Furthermore, an electrolyte parameter may be added as an additional measurement unit 20 that can be attached to the biochemical parameters. Note that the additional analytical parameters are not limited to electrolyte parameters, but may include other analytical parameters.

[0057] The mechanism described above within the automated analyzer 1 is referred to as the analysis operation unit.

[0058] Furthermore, in addition to the analysis operation unit, the automated analyzer 1 is equipped with a control unit 3 that controls the operation of each component within the automated analyzer 1, including the sample holding unit 4 and the sample dispensing mechanism 25.

[0059] The control unit 3 can be composed of a computer having a display unit 3a such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 3b, a storage device, a CPU, memory, etc., and may be composed of one computer or multiple computers, and is not particularly limited. Preferably, at least the display unit 3a and the input unit 3b of the control unit 3 are located on the side where the sample holding unit 4 is located, especially between the sample holding unit 4 and the second analysis unit 400, in order to facilitate the manual input of sample information. Furthermore, it is desirable that the input unit 3b be movable to a position that is easily accessible to the user when in use, and to a position that does not obstruct the user's access to the various mechanisms around the sample holding unit 4 when not in use.

[0060] The control unit 3 controls the operation of each device based on various programs stored in the memory. The control processes performed by the control unit 3 may be combined into a single program, divided into multiple programs, or a combination of these. Furthermore, some or all of the programs may be implemented using dedicated hardware or modularized.

[0061] The above describes the configuration of the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment.

[0062] Next, we will describe the layout configuration of the automated analyzer 1.

[0063] First, in this embodiment, we decided to share mechanisms that can be used in common, rather than being specialized for each item, throughout the process from sample input to measurement result output.

[0064] Specifically, in order to simplify the layout of the mechanism, the mechanism that can be used in common for analyses related to the first analytical item group 300 and analyses related to the second analytical item group 400 (in this embodiment, the sample holding unit 4, the reagent holding unit 16, and the sample dispensing mechanism 25) is made common, and no dedicated mechanism is provided.

[0065] Furthermore, the design maintains the characteristics of the main mechanism layout based on the operating method of each item, resulting in a mechanism layout with the same occupied area as conventional products. In other words, in order to inherit the same measurement principles and operating methods as conventional products, the mechanism layout maintains the characteristics of the main mechanism layout of each item.

[0066] Of these, the layout of the main mechanism for the first analytical item group 300 is arranged on the circumference of the first incubator 35 in order to continuously monitor the reaction process from the dispensing of samples and reagents to the extraction of measurement results, and to continuously perform liquid removal and cleaning inside the first incubator 35 after measurement, with the other main mechanisms laid out on the circumference of the first incubator 35.

[0067] In contrast, the main mechanism layout for the second analytical item group 400 was designed to prevent contamination between samples. Since the testing method involves discarding disposable containers 7 for each test item, the main mechanism was laid out in a way that allows for the handling of disposable containers 7 between areas according to their respective functional uses, such as sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, reagent reaction, and reaction solution measurement.

[0068] To meet these requirements, the X-axis is defined as the left-right direction of the expected user's standing position (Figures 1 to 3, and the lower side of Figure 5), and the Y-axis is defined as the direction perpendicular to this X-axis. Along the X-axis, the sample holding unit 4, the first analysis and measurement unit 301, and the reagent holding unit 16 are arranged in that order from left (positive X direction in Figures 1 to 3, and Figure 5) to right (negative X direction in Figures 1 to 3, and Figure 5). In other words, the sample loading and storage area for the sample into the automated analyzer 1 and the reagent loading and storage area are located on the left and right sides of the front of the device, respectively, to facilitate access.

[0069] At the same time, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 and the second analysis and measurement unit 401 were arranged in that order along the Y-axis, moving away from the standing position (Figures 1 to 3, upper part of Figure 5).

[0070] In this case, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 has a structure in which the reaction process and various treatments are carried out continuously in the first incubator 35, and therefore has a relatively large number of low-profile units. In contrast, the second analysis and measurement unit 401 has a structure in which disposable containers 7 are passed, and therefore has a large number of units, and overall has many tall units and structures. For this reason, from the standpoint of usability, in order to ensure accessibility and visibility, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 is laid out on the front side of the central part of the automatic analyzer 1, and the second analysis and measurement unit 401 is laid out on the rear side.

[0071] Furthermore, the second analysis and measurement unit 401 is installed so as to be higher vertically than the first analysis and measurement unit 301. More specifically, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 is installed at the same height as the device table surface, while the second analysis and measurement unit 401 is installed at a position higher vertically above the table surface.

[0072] The touch panel 3c, which serves as both the display unit 3a and the input unit 3b of the control unit 3, is positioned between the sample holding unit 4 and the second analysis unit 400.

[0073] Figure 5 shows an overview of the lower structure of the automated analyzer.

[0074] For the reasons mentioned above, the second analytical measurement unit 401, the first tray 7a, and the second tray 7b cannot be placed on the front side of the device. Therefore, in order to facilitate easy access from the front to the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 during daily inspections and maintenance by the user, a space is provided vertically downwards from at least one of the sample holding unit 4, the first analytical measurement unit 301, and the reagent holding unit 16, and on the surface in contact with the floor at the user's standing position, allowing the user's toes to be inserted.

[0075] To allow the toes to be placed within the footprint of the installed device, a device-holding caster section 41 is provided at the end of the housing of the automatic analyzer 1, and a skirt structure 40 is provided at the lower front of the automatic analyzer 1. As a result, the device standing position 44 in the automatic analyzer 1 of the present invention can be located further inside the device compared to the conventional device standing position 43 with the conventional skirt structure 42.

[0076] Furthermore, since the first analytical item group 300 and the second analytical item group 400 are different analytical items, it is desirable that the shapes of the first reagent container containing the first reagent for the first analytical item group 300 and the second reagent container containing the second reagent for the second analytical item group 400 be different. In this case, it is desirable that the reagent holding section 16 be provided with dedicated positions for holding each reagent container.

[0077] Specifically, the reagent holding section 16 includes, as reagent holding positions, a first reagent container mounting section 38 capable of holding only the first reagent container containing the first reagent among the second liquid reagents, a second reagent container mounting section 17A capable of holding only the second reagent container containing the second reagent of a different type from the first reagent, and a third reagent container mounting section 17B capable of holding both the first reagent container and the second reagent container.

[0078] Furthermore, the positions of the first reagent container mounting section 38, the second reagent container mounting section 17A, and the third reagent container mounting section 17B are arranged in a double ring shape, with only the first reagent container mounting section 38 on the inner circumference and the second reagent container mounting section 17A and the third reagent container mounting section 17B alternating on the outer circumference.

[0079] Furthermore, the first reagent container mounting section 38 on the inner circumference and the third reagent container mounting section 17B on the outer circumference are positioned so that their longitudinal directions are not parallel to the lines extending radially from the center of the reagent holding section 16, in order to facilitate access to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18.

[0080] In contrast, the second reagent container mounting section 17A is positioned such that its longitudinal direction is not parallel to the longitudinal directions of the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B.

[0081] Here, in order to reduce the footprint of the automated analyzer 1 while avoiding a decrease in analytical throughput, it is desirable that the operating areas of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, it is desirable that the distance between the reagent aspiration position and the reagent discharge position (the distance between the first reagent aspiration position 37 and the reagent discharge position of the first incubator 35, and the distance between the second reagent aspiration position 36 and the second reagent discharge position 31) be short.

[0082] In order to achieve compatibility between the structure of the reagent holding section 16 and the arrangement of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, the automated analyzer 1 is configured such that, as shown in Figure 4, the rotation axis 18A of the arm of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 is positioned on the cover 16A of the reagent holding section 16.

[0083] The first and second reagent containers are equipped with stoppers to prevent reagent degradation. Furthermore, the second reagent container, which contains the second liquid for the second analytical parameter group 400, may be equipped with a cap instead of a stopper.

[0084] Since it would be burdensome for the user to open these stoppers or caps, the automatic analyzer 1 is equipped with a needle for automatically opening reagent containers placed inside the device, which is detachably attached to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and located in the washing tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism. Similarly, an opener 46 is provided near the second reagent aspiration position 36 as a mechanism for removing caps.

[0085] Regarding the needle, it is desirable not to place it between the first reagent aspiration position 37 and the reagent discharge position of the first incubator 35 to avoid reagent dripping onto the needle. Therefore, the washing tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism is not placed between the first reagent aspiration position 37 and the reagent discharge position of the first incubator 35, but rather positioned around the first incubator 35 on the extension of the operating trajectory between the first reagent aspiration position 37 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the reagent discharge position of the first incubator 35. After recognizing the insertion of the reagent container, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 grasps the needle, opens the container, and washes the needle at a timing that does not overlap with the timing of reagent aspiration, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, some of the second liquids for the second analytical item group 400 are desirable to be stirred immediately before use. A reagent stirring mechanism 34 is provided for this purpose, but in order to minimize the operating distance of the reagent stirring mechanism 34, it is desirable that it be located in a position that does not overlap with the operating area of ​​the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and that it extends from the outer circumference of the reagent holding section 16 to the second reagent aspiration position 36, which is the stirring position, at the shortest possible distance. However, in that case, it is expected that the reagent stirring mechanism 34 will be difficult to access from the front side of the automatic analyzer 1, and maintenance will be time-consuming.

[0087] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the reagent holder 16 is positioned on the outer circumference opposite to the side where the second reagent aspiration position 36 is located, so that its movement trajectory spans most of the reagent holder 16, and so that it is located on the front side of the automatic analyzer 1.

[0088] In this case, the operation will take time, but since the operating trajectory of the reagent stirring mechanism 34 does not overlap with the operating area of ​​the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, if stirring is required, it can be addressed by moving it closer to the second reagent aspiration position 36 and waiting before the stirring cycle, and problems rarely occur on the time chart.

[0089] In the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is shared between the first analysis item group 300 and the second analysis item group 400. Therefore, after aspirating the sample, it is necessary to pass over the first incubator 35 in addition to the first analysis sample dispensing unit 27 before moving to the second analysis sample dispensing unit 28. In this case, to prevent the sample from dripping onto the first incubator 35, it is desirable to provide a cover over at least the area between the first analysis sample dispensing unit 27 and the second analysis sample dispensing unit 28 where the trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 25 and the first incubator 35 overlap.

[0090] While it is possible to avoid passing over the first incubator 35 when accessing the second analysis sample dispensing unit 28, this would increase the travel distance and require passing over the first tray 7a and the second tray 7b. Since similar measures such as covers would be taken for the first tray 7a and the second tray 7b, it is desirable that the trajectory to reach the second analysis sample dispensing unit 28 pass over the first incubator 35 in order to shorten the travel distance.

[0091] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0092] In the automated analyzer 1 of the above-described embodiment, if it includes a sample dispensing mechanism 25 that dispenses a first liquid from the first mechanism to the first analytical measurement unit 301 and the second analytical measurement unit 401, and a second dispensing unit that dispenses a second liquid different from the first liquid from the second mechanism to the first analytical measurement unit 301 and the second analytical measurement unit 401, or if it includes a first analytical measurement unit 301 that performs analysis related to a group of biochemical items and a second analytical measurement unit 401 that performs analysis related to a group of immunological items, then, assuming that the left-right direction of the assumed user's standing position is defined as the X-axis and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, then along the X-axis, the first mechanism, the first analytical measurement unit 301, and the second mechanism are arranged in that order from left to right of the standing position, and along the Y-axis, the first analytical measurement unit 301 and the second analytical measurement unit 401 are arranged in that order away from the standing position.

[0093] This allows for an automated analyzer capable of analyzing two analytical items with different operating methods and measurement principles, while having a mechanism layout and system configuration specialized for each operation. Furthermore, it allows for the appropriate arrangement or simplification of the mechanism layout according to each item, while maintaining the user experience of conventional devices. In addition, it helps to prevent the installation area of ​​the automated analyzer 1 from becoming unnecessarily large.

[0094] Furthermore, since the sample is used as the primary target of measurement for each item, the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is configured to dispense the sample to the first analytical measurement unit 301 and the second analytical measurement unit 401. This ensures that sample dispensing is performed reliably, with one sample aspiration per analytical item, thereby preventing sample mix-ups and incorrect dispensing. In addition, it eliminates the need to implement multiple sample dispensing mechanisms, contributing to space saving.

[0095] Furthermore, although the reagent holding unit 16 is structured to store reagents for both biochemistry and immunology in common, the reagent containers are fundamentally different depending on the item, and the dispensing operation is inherited from conventional products. Therefore, the second dispensing unit has a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 configured to dispense reagents for the first group of analysis items 300 into the first analytical measurement unit 301, and a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 configured to dispense reagents for the second group of analysis items 400 into the second analytical measurement unit 401. This allows the second analytical unit, which accesses each analytical unit for dispensing, to be equipped with a dedicated dispensing probe paired with the analytical unit, thereby preventing reagent dispensing errors and a decrease in analytical throughput.

[0096] Furthermore, by installing the second analysis and measurement unit 401 so that it is higher vertically than the first analysis and measurement unit 301, it is possible to maintain a structure appropriate to each measurement principle while suppressing the first analysis and measurement unit 301 from becoming an obstacle when accessing the second analysis and measurement unit 401 located on the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1, thereby making access easier.

[0097] Furthermore, by providing a space in the vertical downward direction of at least one of the first mechanism, the first analysis and measurement unit 301, and the second mechanism, and on the surface in contact with the floor at the standing position, in which the user's toes can be inserted, access to the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 becomes easier.

[0098] Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a first analytical sample dispensing unit 27 on which a first incubator 35 that receives samples from the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second analytical sample dispensing unit 28 on which a disposable container 7 that receives samples from the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second reagent dispensing position 31 on which a disposable container 7 is placed to receive reagents from the second dispensing unit, and a second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 that transports the disposable container 7 between the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28, the second analytical measurement unit 401, and the second reagent dispensing position 31. When the automatic analyzer 1 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the aspiration position of the sample dispensing mechanism 25, the first analytical sample dispensing unit 27, and the second analytical sample dispensing unit 28 are positioned to overlap with the movement trajectory of the dispensing probe of the sample dispensing mechanism 25, thereby enabling efficient handling of the disposable container 7 in the second analytical measurement unit 401.

[0099] Furthermore, the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B are positioned so as not to be parallel to the lines radiating from the center of the reagent holding section 16, in order to facilitate access to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18. This allows the user to freely set the distribution of various reagent containers stored in the third reagent container mounting section 17B, providing flexibility within a limited number of storage spaces and improving usability. In addition, it reduces weight imbalance when all first and second reagent containers are loaded, and allows the central axis during centrifugation to be brought closer to the rotation center of the reagent disk. Moreover, it is possible to easily achieve compatibility between dispensing the first reagent from the first reagent container mounted on the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and dispensing the second reagent from the second reagent container mounted on the second reagent container mounting section 17A by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33.

[0100] Furthermore, by positioning the rotation axis 18A of the arm of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 on the cover 16A of the reagent holding section 16, it is possible to achieve a configuration that allows for dispensing of the first reagent from the first reagent container mounted on the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B while simultaneously reducing the mounting area of ​​the device.

[0101] <Other> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible. The embodiments described above are explained in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1: Automatic analyzer 2:Analysis Department 3: Control Unit 3a: Display section 3b: Input section 3c: Touch panel 4: Specimen holding section (first mechanism) 5: Specimen information reading unit 6: Reaction vessel first transport mechanism 7: Disposable container (second reaction vessel) 7a: Tray 1 7b: Second tray 8: Reaction vessel disposal location 9: Second Incubator 10: Second stirring mechanism 11: Reaction vessel second transport mechanism (transport section) 12: Reaction solution washing and replacement mechanism 13: Second detection unit preparation mechanism 14: Second Analysis and Detection Unit 15: Washing tank for reagent stirring mechanism 16: Reagent holding section (second mechanism) 16A: Cover 17A: Second reagent container mounting section (second mounting section) 17B: Third reagent container mounting section (Third mounting section) 18: First reagent dispensing mechanism (second dispensing section, first arm) 18A: Rotation axis 19: Washing tank for the first reagent dispensing mechanism 20: Measurement unit that can be attached to the first analysis item 21: First Analysis and Detection Unit 22: Reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 23: Specimen container 24: Specimen aspiration location 25: Specimen dispensing mechanism (Dispensing Unit 1) 26: Washing tank for sample dispensing mechanism 27: First analysis sample dispensing unit (first placement location) 28: Second analysis sample dispensing unit (second placement area) 28a: Dilution position 29: Reaction vessel standby position 30: First stirring mechanism 31: Second reagent dispensing position (third placement location) 32: Washing tank for the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33: Second reagent dispensing mechanism (second dispensing section, second arm) 34: Reagent stirring mechanism 35: First Incubator (First Reaction Vessel) 36: Second reagent aspiration position 37: First reagent aspiration position 38: First reagent container mounting section (first mounting section) 39: Detection unit suction nozzle cleaning tank 40: Skirt structure 41: Device holding caster section 42: Conventional skirt structure 43: Conventional equipment positioning 44: Equipment positioning 46: Opener 100: Sample holding area 200: Reagent holding area 300: 1st analysis item group (biochemistry item group) 301: 1st analysis measurement section (1st analysis section) 400:Second analysis item group (immunity item group) 401:Second analysis and measurement section (second analysis section)

Claims

1. The first analytical department performs analyses related to biochemical parameters, The Second Analysis Department conducts analyses related to immune system parameters, A specimen holding unit used in common with the aforementioned biochemical item group and the aforementioned immunological item group, It comprises a reagent holding unit which has a mechanism different from the aforementioned sample holding unit and is used in common with the biochemical item group and the immunological item group, When the left-right direction of the expected user's standing position is defined as the X-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, Along the X-axis, the sample holding unit, the first analysis unit, and the reagent holding unit are arranged in that order from left to right of the standing position. The first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in order along the Y-axis in a direction away from the aforementioned standing position. The second analysis unit is installed so as to be higher vertically than the first analysis unit. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

2. In the automated analyzer according to Claim 1, A first dispensing unit that dispenses the first liquid from the sample holding unit to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit, The device further comprises a second dispensing unit that dispenses a second liquid, different from the first liquid, from the reagent holding unit to the first and second analysis units. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

3. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The first dispensing unit is configured to dispense the first liquid into the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

4. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The second dispensing unit includes a first arm configured to dispense the second liquid for the biochemical items into the first analysis unit, and a second arm configured to dispense the second liquid for the immunological items into the second analysis unit. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

5. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, A space is provided vertically below at least one of the sample holding section, the first analysis section, and the reagent holding section, and on the surface in contact with the floor at the standing position, into which the user's toes can be inserted. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

6. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, A first mounting location on which a first reaction vessel that receives the first liquid from the first dispensing section is placed, A second mounting area on which a second reaction vessel that receives the first liquid from the first dispensing section is placed, A third mounting area on which the second reaction vessel is placed to receive the second liquid from the second dispensing section, The system includes a transport unit that transports the second reaction vessel between the second placement area, the second analysis unit, and the third placement area. When the automated analyzer is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the aspiration position of the first dispensing unit, the first mounting position, and the second mounting position are positioned to coincide with the movement trajectory of the dispensing probe of the first dispensing unit. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

7. In the automated analyzer according to claim 4, The reagent holding section is A first mounting section capable of holding only the first reagent container containing the first reagent among the second liquid reagents, A second mounting section capable of holding only a second reagent container containing a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent, It has a third mounting section capable of holding both the first reagent container and the second reagent container, The first mounting section, the second mounting section, and the third mounting section are arranged in a double ring shape such that only the first mounting section is on the inner circumference side, and the second and third mounting sections alternately are on the outer circumference side. The first mounting section and the third mounting section are positioned so as not to be parallel to the lines radiating from the center of the reagent holding section, in order to facilitate access for the first arm. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

8. In the automated analyzer according to claim 7, The first arm has its rotation axis positioned on the cover of the reagent holding section. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

9. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, A control unit that controls the operation of the automated analyzer, A display unit that displays the information output by the control unit, It comprises an input section that accepts input from the user, The display unit and the input unit are located between the sample holding unit and the second analysis unit. An automated analyzer characterized by the following features.

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