Automatic analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic analysis device comprising: an analysis unit 101; a water supply tank 53 including, in a bottom face 210 thereof, water passage piping 201 that supplies water to the analysis unit 101; an installation face 207 on which the water supply tank 53 is installed; a magnet 205 provided on either the bottom face 210 or the installation face 207; and a metal plate 206 provided on the side of the bottom face 210 or the installation face 207 opposite the side where the magnet 205 is provided. The water supply tank 53 is fixed to the installation face 207 by the magnetic force between the magnet 205 and the metal plate 206. Accordingly, provided is an automatic analysis device that has a simple structure whereby attachment / removal of a water supply tank to / from the device is easy, and that is capable of suppressing lift during water supply tank attachment.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a liquid container that can be accessed by a pipette and for which replenishment work is easy, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid container comprising a main tank, a replenishment tank, and a connecting part that connects the main tank and the replenishment tank. A storage tank for storing liquid is formed in the main tank, and a pipette accesses the storage tank from above. The replenishment tank comprises a bottle for containing liquid and a cap part that covers the mouth of the bottle. The cap part is provided with a take-out port for taking out the liquid to the outside and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the take-out port. When the replenishment tank is attached to the connecting part, the valve mechanism opens the take-out port and the liquid in the bottle is replenished into the storage tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an automatic analyzer, for example, a biochemical automatic analyzer, component analysis of biological samples such as serum and urine is performed. In such a biochemical automatic analyzer, generally, a dispensing probe is used to dispense a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel respectively for reaction, and changes in color tone and turbidity occurring in the reaction solution are optically measured by a photometric unit such as a spectrophotometer.

[0005] Therefore, contamination of the probe affects the accuracy of dispensing, which in turn affects the reliability of the automated analyzer. Accordingly, after dispensing samples, any samples adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the probe are removed by washing with a cleaning solution in a washing tank to prevent carryover.

[0006] Automated biochemical analyzers use water for dispensing samples and for washing probes. The water is produced in a separate manufacturing unit, and the system is equipped with a water tank (supply tank) large enough to ensure a stable water flow and prevent air bubbles from entering the system, even if they are present in the supplied water.

[0007] Patent Document 1 states that the replenishment liquid tank has a storage tank and Ren The disclosed technology includes a connecting cap section, a cap section having an outlet for dispensing liquid to the outside, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the outlet. The connecting section has a screw structure that allows for a gap-free connection, and the valve mechanism opens simultaneously with the connection, allowing the liquid in the tank to be replenished into the storage tank.

[0008] In conventional automated analyzers, the water tank was located outside the device. Consequently, the footprint of the analyzer and the analyzer itself tended to be large. Furthermore, access for maintenance from the rear of the analyzer was difficult.

[0009] To address these challenges, the water supply tank's shape can be modified to accommodate its reduced capacity, thereby improving the footprint around the device.

[0010] In this system, since the water supply tank is removable for maintenance, the water supply piping is often equipped with a spring-loaded valve mechanism to prevent water leakage from the tank. Furthermore, the water supply tank mounting location of the device often has a nipple for connecting to the water supply tank's piping. This nipple has a push rod for opening the water supply tank valve and a rubber O-ring.

[0011] However, the spring reaction force of the valve mechanism, combined with the resistance of the O-ring, caused the entire tank to float, raising concerns about the risk of water leakage and the impact on analytical performance due to air contamination in the flow path.

[0012] In particular, if the water tank floats up, there is a risk that the water level sensor and tank presence sensor installed around the water tank may misdetect, potentially causing the device itself to stop working.

[0013] While a method of forming a threaded structure on a pipe, as described in Patent Document 1, would be effective in preventing lifting, the need to rotate and remove it each time it is attached or detached would be cumbersome and burdensome for the worker, thus requiring a different mechanism.

[0014] To solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an automatic analyzer with a simple structure that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the water supply tank to the device, and which can suppress the tank from floating when installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above problems, but one example is an analysis unit, a water supply tank having two or more pipes on its bottom surface for supplying water to the analysis unit, an installation surface on which the water supply tank is installed, a magnet provided on either the bottom surface or the installation surface, and a magnetic member provided on the side of the bottom surface or the installation surface opposite to the side on which the magnet is provided, wherein the water supply tank is fixed to the installation surface by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a simple structure that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the water supply tank to the device can be used, and the floating of the water supply tank during installation can be suppressed. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the connection part between the water supply tank and the water supply part in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3A] Schematic diagram of the water supply tank valve mechanism in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3B] Schematic diagram of the water supply tank valve mechanism in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] View of the water supply tank in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1 as seen from above. [Figure 5A] Perspective view of the water supply part in the state where the water supply tank in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 5B] Perspective view of the water supply part in the state where the water supply tank in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the water supply tank in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the magnet and the handle in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the bottom surface part of the water supply tank in the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the connection part between the water supply tank and the water supply part in the automatic analysis governance according to Embodiment 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Examples of the automatic analysis device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations of these components may be omitted.

[0019] <Example 1> Example 1 of the automatic analysis device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0020] First, the overall configuration of the automated analyzer will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the automated analyzer 100.

[0021] The automated analyzer 100 shown in Figure 1 can be divided into three main areas: the analysis unit 101, which is configured to mix a sample such as blood with a reagent and react it to measure the absorbance of the reaction solution; a part of the water supply unit 102, which is a mechanism for supplying water to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101; and the controller 24.

[0022] The analysis unit 101 consists of various mechanisms for dispensing samples and reagents into multiple reaction vessels 2, reacting them, and measuring the resulting liquid. It includes a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, a reagent syringe 19, sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, a sample syringe 18, a washing mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, and washing tanks 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, and 33.

[0023] The reaction disk 1 has multiple reaction vessels 2 arranged around its circumference for mixing and reacting samples and reagents. Near the reaction disk 1 is a sample transport mechanism 17 that moves a sample rack 16 on which sample containers 15 containing samples such as blood are placed.

[0024] Between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17, rotatable and vertically movable sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12 are installed, each equipped with a sample probe 11a and 12a. A sample syringe 18 is connected to each of the sample probes 11a and 12a. The sample probes 11a and 12a move in an arc around their axis of rotation to dispense the sample from the sample container 15, which has been transported to the sample dispensing position by the sample transport mechanism 17, into the reaction vessel 2.

[0025] Within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 11, there is a washing tank 13 for washing the sample probe 11a with washing water, and a washing container (omitted for illustrative purposes) for washing with special washing water. Similarly, within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 12, there is a washing tank 14 for washing the sample probe 12a with washing water, and a washing container (omitted for illustrative purposes) for washing with special washing water.

[0026] The reagent disc 9 has a structure that allows multiple reagent bottles 10 to be placed around its circumference. The reagent disc 9 is kept cool and covered by a cover with a suction port (not shown). The reagent bottles 10 are bottles containing reagents used for sample analysis.

[0027] Between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9 are rotatable and vertically movable reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, each equipped with reagent probes 7a and 8a. Reagent syringes 19 are connected to the reagent probes 7a and 8a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a move in an arc around their axis of rotation, accessing the inside of the reagent disk 9 through the suction port and dispensing reagents from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction vessel 2.

[0028] A washing tank 32 for washing the reagent probe 7a with washing water is located within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, and a washing tank 33 for washing the reagent probe 8a with washing water is located within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8.

[0029] Around the reaction disk 1 are stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 for stirring the mixture of sample and reagent (reaction solution) dispensed into the reaction vessel 2, a spectrophotometer 4 for measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source 4a through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 2, and a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 2.

[0030] The stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 are configured to rotate horizontally and move vertically, and are inserted into the reaction vessel 2 to stir the mixture of sample and reagent (reaction solution). Washing tanks 30 and 31, which wash the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 with washing water, are located within the operating range of the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A washing pump is also connected to the washing mechanism 3.

[0031] The controller 24 is connected to the instruments within the automated analyzer 100 described above and controls the operation of each instrument and mechanism within the automated analyzer 100. This controller 24 is a computer equipped with a CPU and memory, and performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample from the detection results of the spectrophotometer 4.

[0032] The controller 24 controls the operation of each device based on various programs stored in the memory device. In addition to the various programs used for measuring the sample, the memory device stores various parameters input via the input device, information on the sample to be measured (such as sample type information), and measurement results.

[0033] The control processes for the actions performed by the controller 24 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.

[0034] The display unit 24a is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information from the automated analyzer 100 to the operator, including input screens for various parameters and settings, analysis data for the initial or re-examination, measurement results, reagent information, etc. It can also be a touch panel that doubles as an input unit.

[0035] The water supply unit 102 has the function of supplying water from the pure water equipment 50 to the analysis unit 101, and is equipped with a water supply solenoid valve 51, a water level sensor 52, a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, a water supply tank presence sensor 55, and the like.

[0036] The pure water system 50 is a system that supplies water from outside the automatic analyzer 100 to the water tank 53 inside the automatic analyzer 100, and is basically a system for facilities such as hospitals and testing centers where the automatic analyzer 100 is installed.

[0037] The water supply tank 53 is a tank that temporarily stores water consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100, which is supplied from the pure water equipment 50 outside the device. A water level sensor 52 is provided adjacent to the water supply tank 53 to detect the water level in the water supply tank 53 in order to prevent overflow or depletion of the water stored in the water supply tank 53.

[0038] Water is not supplied to the water supply tank 53 at all times. When the presence or absence sensor 55 detects that the water supply tank 53 is installed in the water supply unit 102, a water supply solenoid valve 51 is provided in the piping from the water supply equipment 50 to the water supply tank 53 so that water is supplied to the water supply tank 53 when necessary. This water supply solenoid valve 51 is controlled to open and close based on water level information from the water level sensor 52 and command signals from the controller 24.

[0039] The water supply pump 54 supplies water from the water supply tank 53 to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101 via the supply channel. At this time, the controller 24 opens one or more of the solenoid valves 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, and 42a located before the point where water is consumed, and supplies water. On the other hand, if no water is consumed in the analysis unit 101, the water is circulated back to the water supply tank 53 via the circulation channel.

[0040] The water tank presence sensor 55 is located adjacent to the water tank 53 and consists of an optical sensor that detects whether or not the water tank 53 is installed in the water supply section 102. This prevents malfunctions of the automatic analyzer 100 when the water tank 53 is not installed or when something other than the water tank 53 is installed.

[0041] The above describes the configuration of the automated analyzer 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the configuration of the automated analyzer 100 is not limited to a biochemical analyzer that performs analysis of biochemical analytical items as shown in Figure 1, but can also be an analyzer that performs analysis of other analytical items, such as an immunoassay analyzer that performs analysis of immunological analytical items. In addition, the biochemical analyzer is not limited to the form shown in Figure 1, and can be equipped with a separate analytical instrument for measuring other analytical items, such as electrolytes.

[0043] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 is not limited to a single analysis module configuration as shown in Figure 1, but can be configured by connecting two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items, or pre-processing modules that perform pre-processing, via a transport device.

[0044] The analysis of test samples by the automated analyzer 100 described above is generally performed in the following order.

[0045] First, the sample in the sample container 15, which has been transported near the reaction disk 1 by the sample transport mechanism 17 and placed on the sample rack 16, is dispensed into the reaction vessel 2 on the reaction disk 1 by the sample probes 11a and 12a of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12. Next, the reagents to be used for analysis are dispensed from the reagent bottles 10 on the reagent disk 9 into the reaction vessel 2 into which the sample was previously dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8. Subsequently, the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2 is stirred by the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6.

[0046] Subsequently, light generated from the light source 4a is transmitted through the reaction vessel 2 containing the stirred mixture, and the luminous intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The luminous intensity measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is transmitted to the controller 24 via the A / D converter and interface. The controller 24 then performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the liquid sample such as blood or urine, and displays the result on the display unit 24a, etc., and stores it in the storage unit (not shown).

[0047] Next, the characteristic configuration of the water supply tank 53 and its surrounding area of ​​the present invention will be described using Figures 2 and onward. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply unit 102.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the water supply tank 53 has a water supply pipe 201 on its bottom surface 210 that supplies water to the analysis unit 101, and the water supply pipe 201 is connected to a water supply nipple 202 provided on the mounting surface 207 on the housing side of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0049] The water supply piping 201 of the water supply tank 53 is equipped with a water supply tank valve mechanism 203. This water supply tank valve mechanism 203 is provided with a sealing material 203a and an elastic body 203b to prevent water leakage from inside the water supply tank 53.

[0050] When the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 is connected to the water supply nipple 202 located on the mounting surface 207 of the housing side of the automatic analyzer 100, the elastic body 203b deforms as it is pushed up by the push rod 204, opening the valve and allowing water to flow. When it separates from the water supply nipple 202, the elastic body 203b deforms again, closing the valve and preventing water flow. In this way, the opening and closing of the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 by the deformation of the elastic body 203b controls the flow of water to the water supply piping 201.

[0051] The water supply nipple 202 is equipped with leak-preventing materials such as O-rings, packings, and sealants, and the arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow during supply and discharge when connected to the water supply tank. The method of controlling the water flow of the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 will be explained using Figures 3A and later.

[0052] Similarly, the magnet 205, which is provided on the bottom surface 210 of the water supply tank 53, exerts an attractive force between it and the metal plate 206, which is provided on the installation surface 207 of the water supply section 102, on the opposite side of the bottom surface 210 from where the magnet 205 is located.

[0053] In the conventional structure, where there is no attractive force generated between the magnet 205 and the metal plate 206, there was concern that the tank would gradually lift up due to the reaction force of the elastic body 203b included in the water supply tank valve mechanism 203, even when the tank was pushed in and installed until it came into contact with the water supply section 102.

[0054] However, the magnet 205 and metal plate 206 mentioned above overcome the reaction force of the elastic body 203b included in the water supply tank valve mechanism 203, so the water supply tank 53 does not float up and is fixed more strongly to the installation surface 207 of the water supply section 102 than in conventional structures, and can maintain contact.

[0055] The metal plate 206 is fixed to the mounting surface 207 and secures the water supply nipple 202, which is in contact with the water supply pipe 201.

[0056] The metal plate 206 is not limited to metal; it can be substituted with any magnetic material that exerts an attractive force between itself and the magnet 205. However, a ferromagnetic material that generates a particularly strong attractive force is preferable. For example, a resin plate with another magnet attached can be used instead of the metal plate. In that case, the resin plate must be thick enough to exert an attractive force between the magnets. Furthermore, the metal plate and magnetic material do not need to be in the shape of a plate; they can be in other shapes.

[0057] A handle 208 is provided on the water tank 53 and is used when attaching or detaching the water tank 53 from the mounting surface 207 of the water supply unit 102.

[0058] The tank mounting surface 211 is the surface of the water supply tank 53 that comes into contact with the mounting surface 207 of the water supply section 102.

[0059] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 in this embodiment. Figure 3A shows the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 connected to the water supply nipple 202. Figure 3B shows the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 not connected to the water supply nipple 202.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the water supply piping 201 provided in the water supply tank 53 is equipped with a water supply tank valve mechanism 203, a sealing material 203a, and an elastic body 203b, and the water supply nipple 202 is equipped with a push rod 204.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3A, the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 is pushed up by the push rod 204, causing the elastic body 203b to deform and the sealing material 203a to separate from the bottom surface 210 inside the water supply tank 53, thereby opening the valve and allowing water to flow. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow during supply and discharge.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3B, when the water supply tank 53 is removed, the water supply pipe 201 and the water supply nipple 202 separate, causing the elastic body 203b of the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 to return to its original state, and the sealing material 203a to adhere tightly to the bottom surface 210 inside the water supply tank 53, thereby preventing water leakage from inside the water supply tank 53.

[0063] Furthermore, it is desirable that the sealing material 203a included in the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 be deformable to match the shape of the hole in the water passage pipe 201, such as rubber. Also, it is desirable that the elastic body 203b deforms when force is applied, like a spring, and returns to its original state when the load is removed.

[0064] Figure 4 is a top view of the water supply tank 53 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the water supply tank 53 is positioned such that the optical axis 403 of the water level sensor 52 obstructs the convex planar shape 404 portion of the water supply tank 53. The water level sensor 52 is installed inside the water supply section 102 and is positioned so that its optical axis passes through the planar shape 404. It receives light irradiated from the light source 402 with a light receiving section 401 and outputs a voltage according to the amount of light received.

[0065] When the water level is lower than the optical axis, only the water tank 53 exists on the optical axis 403. In this case, the water tank 53 is made of a material that transmits the wavelength of the light source 402, and the surface of the water tank on the optical axis 403 has a planar shape 404, so that the light receiving unit 401 receives the light from the light source 402. As a result, the light receiving unit 401 outputs a voltage.

[0066] On the other hand, if the water level is higher than the optical axis 403, then in addition to the water supply tank 53, there is also water on the optical axis 403. Since water absorbs the wavelength of light from the light source 402, the light receiving unit 401 cannot receive light from the light source 402. As a result, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 401 becomes almost zero. By comparing the output voltage of the light receiving unit 401 with a predetermined threshold, it is possible to determine whether the water level is higher or lower than the optical axis.

[0067] Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of the water supply unit 102 with the water supply tank 53 installed in this embodiment. Figure 5A shows the water supply tank 53 installed and stored in the water supply unit 102. Figure 5B shows the state when the water supply tank 53 is attached or detached.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5A, the water supply unit 102 is equipped with a tilt mechanism 501, and the water supply tank 53 is installed in the tilt mechanism 501, with a structure that allows about half of the water supply tank 53 to be stored inside the water supply unit 102. The positional relationship between the water supply tank 53, the water level sensor 52, and the water supply tank presence sensor 55 when stored inside the water supply unit 102 will be explained later in Figure 6.

[0069] Furthermore, when the water supply tank 53 is retracted, the water supply tank presence sensor 55 installed in the device detects that the water supply tank 53 is installed, enabling the automatic analyzer 100 to operate. At this time, if the water supply tank 53 is not installed, or if the distance between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply tank presence sensor 55 is extremely close, or if the water supply tank presence sensor 55 is outside the detection range of the water supply tank 53, the automatic analyzer 100 cannot operate.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5B, in the state shown in Figure 5A, pull the lever 501a on the tilt mechanism 501 towards you to release the lock on the tilt mechanism 501 and tilt it downwards. After that, pull out the water tank 53 perpendicular to the installation surface 207. When pulling out the water tank 53, the magnet 205 is provided on the handle 208 side of the bottom surface 210 of the water tank 53, making it easier to pull out with little force. The principle of pulling out will be explained using Figure 7.

[0071] On the other hand, when installing the water tank 53, the tilt mechanism 501 is tilted beforehand, and the water tank 53 is inserted perpendicular to the installation surface 207 and installed. When installing the water tank 53, the worker can feel the attraction force of the magnets and magnetic members provided on the bottom surface 210 of the water tank 53 and the installation surface, which has the effect of allowing the worker to recognize that the water tank 53 has been installed correctly.

[0072] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply tank 53 in the state shown in Figure 5A. The water supply tank presence sensor 55, provided in the water supply unit 102, determines the presence or absence of the water supply tank 53 by detecting whether or not the lid 502 is within a predetermined distance when the water supply tank 53 is stored inside. As mentioned above, if the water supply tank 53 is not installed at this time, or if the distance between the water supply tank presence sensor 55 and the water supply tank 53 changes during tilting, the water supply tank presence sensor 55 will be deemed not to be installed, the automatic analyzer 100 will stop operating and an alarm will sound.

[0073] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the magnet 205 and the handle 208. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment rank A magnet 205 is provided at position 205a. Position 205a is when the water supply tank 53 is viewed from the bottom surface 210. salary The magnet is located on the handle 208 side of the water tank 53, and by making the relative distance between the handle 208 and the magnet 205 closer than when the magnet is located at position 205b, the moment of force is reduced, making it possible to pull it out with less force.

[0074] If the magnet is placed at position 205b, the force moment increases due to the increased distance from the handle 208, and therefore the force required to pull it out is greater compared to when the magnet 205 is placed at position 205a.

[0075] Based on the above, when the water tank 53 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the magnet 205 is provided on the bottom surface 210 on the side of the water tank 53 closer to the handle than the central axis of the water tank 53, making it possible to pull it out with little force. The handle 208 is provided on the side of the water tank 53 as shown in the figure, and is designed so that the worker can pull it out by hooking their fingers from below.

[0076] However, this configuration is not limited to this one, as long as the worker can hold it with one hand. For example, the handle 208 may be provided on the top surface of the water tank 53. However, it is conceivable to modify the structure of the lid 502 and provide the handle 208 in a location other than the lid 502.

[0077] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The automatic analyzer 100 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above comprises an analysis unit 101, a water supply tank 53 having a water supply pipe 201 for supplying water to the analysis unit 101 on its bottom surface 210, an installation surface 207 on which the water supply tank 53 is installed, a magnet 205 provided on either the bottom surface 210 or the installation surface 207, and a metal plate 206 provided on the side of the bottom surface 210 or the installation surface 207 opposite to the side on which the magnet 205 is installed. The water supply tank 53 is fixed to the installation surface 207 by the magnetic force between the magnet 205 and the metal plate 206.

[0079] In this way, by using the magnet 205 to stabilize the connection of the water supply tank 53 and prevent it from floating, risks caused by floating, such as water leakage, air contamination, and false detections by various sensors, can be avoided, making it possible to provide a highly reliable analytical device. workerThe system allows for easy attachment and detachment with simple pulling and inserting actions, and when installing the water tank 53, the user can easily determine whether the water tank 53 has been successfully installed by feeling the magnetic attraction of the magnet 205, without feeling any resistance from the spring of the water tank valve mechanism 203 or the O-ring of the nipple or other water leakage prevention mechanisms.

[0080] Furthermore, since the water supply tank 53 is equipped with a water supply tank valve mechanism 203 that controls the flow of water to the water supply piping 201, water leakage can be reliably suppressed with a simple structure.

[0081] Furthermore, the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 has an elastic body 203b, and by opening and closing the water supply tank valve mechanism 203 through the deformation of the elastic body 203b, the flow of water to the water supply piping 201 is controlled, thereby reliably suppressing water leakage with a simple structure.

[0082] Furthermore, the water supply tank 53 has a handle 208 for removing the water supply tank 53 from the mounting surface 207, making it easier to remove and install the water supply tank 53 for maintenance and other purposes.

[0083] Furthermore, the magnet 205 and the metal plate 206 are positioned on the handle 208 side relative to the central axis of the water tank 53 when viewed from the bottom surface 210, which reduces the force required for removal and makes the work easier.

[0084] Furthermore, since the magnetic material is a metal, and in particular the metal is fixed to the mounting surface 207 and holds down the water supply nipple 202 that comes into contact with the water supply pipe 201, the metal plate used to fix the water leakage prevention mechanism such as the water supply nipple 202 that was previously provided can be reused, thus minimizing the need to add new mechanisms.

[0085] Furthermore, by providing a water level sensor 52 adjacent to the water supply tank 53 to detect the water level inside the water supply tank 53, it is not necessary to insert the water level sensor inside the water supply tank 53, and deterioration of water quality can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0086] Furthermore, by providing a water tank presence / absence sensor 55 adjacent to the water tank 53 to detect whether or not the water tank 53 is installed, it is possible to prevent the automatic analyzer 100 from operating when the water tank 53 is not installed.

[0087] <Example 2> The automated analyzer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the water tank in the automated analyzer according to Embodiment 2.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, in Example 1, only one water supply pipe 201 was provided on the bottom surface 210 of the water supply tank 53, but in Example 2, two or more, more specifically three, water supply pipes 201 are provided on the bottom surface 210A of the water supply tank 53A.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, three water supply pipes 201 are provided on the bottom surface 210A of the water supply tank 53A. A water supply port 201a from the pure water equipment 50 is located in the center of the bottom surface 210A of the water supply tank 53A, and a supply port 201b to the water supply pump 54 and a return water inlet 201c from the water supply pump 54 are located on the bottom surface 210A of the water supply tank 53A. A base 210 A When viewed from, water tank 53 A It is located on the handle 208 side relative to the central axis.

[0090] By providing the water supply port 201a, the supply port 201b, and the return water inlet 201c on the bottom surface 210A, the connection direction of the piping can be aligned, allowing for attachment and detachment of the water supply tank 53 in the same way as when there is only one water supply pipe 201 on the bottom surface 210.

[0091] Furthermore, by placing the magnet 205 within the area surrounded by the three water supply pipes 201, the attractive force of one magnet 205 can prevent the water supply pipes 201 from floating up in response to the reaction force generated by the elastic body of the water supply tank valve mechanism 203, which is connected to the three water supply pipes 201.

[0092] Furthermore, the magnet 205, metal plate 206, and water supply pipe 201 are positioned on the handle 208 side relative to the central axis of the water supply tank 53A when viewed from the bottom surface 210A of the water supply tank 53A.

[0093] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automated analyzer in Example 1 described above, and details are omitted.

[0094] Even in a configuration where the bottom surface 210A has two or more water-conducting pipes 201, as in the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 1 described above can be obtained.

[0095] Furthermore, by providing the magnet 205 or metal plate 206 between two or more water supply pipes 201, the water supply tank 53A can be most effectively suppressed from floating in a simple structure that is easy to attach and detach from the device when multiple water supply pipes 201 are provided.

[0096] Furthermore, the magnet 205, metal plate 206, and water supply piping 201 are positioned on the handle 208 side relative to the central axis of the water supply tank 53A when viewed from the bottom surface 210A, which has the effect of reducing the force required when attaching or detaching the water supply tank 53A.

[0097] Furthermore, the number of water supply pipes 201 in Example 2 is not limited to three; the method is also effective when there are two or four or more pipes. In those cases, the same effect can be obtained by changing the size and attractive force of the magnets 205.

[0098] <Example 3> An automated analyzer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the water supply tank and the water supply unit in the automated analyzer according to Embodiment 3.

[0099] In Examples 1 and 2, a magnet 205 was provided on the water supply tank 53 and a metal plate was provided on the water supply unit 102 to prevent the water supply tank 53 from floating when connected to the water supply unit 102. However, the difference in the water supply tank 53B of Example 3 compared to Example 1 is that it is equipped with an electromagnet 701 instead of a magnet 205.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9, the automated analyzer of Example 3 is equipped with a metal plate 206B on the bottom surface 210B side of the water supply tank 53B, and an electromagnet 701 is provided on the mounting surface 207B of the water supply unit 102. The bottom surface 210B of the water supply tank 53B and the water supply unit 102 are connected by the attractive force of a magnet 205, which is the same as in Example 1 in that it prevents the unit from floating up.

[0101] In addition to the electromagnet 701, the system also includes an electromagnet control circuit 702 that switches the energization of the electromagnet 701 ON / OFF.

[0102] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automated analyzer in Example 1 described above, and details are omitted.

[0103] The automated analyzer of Embodiment 3 of the present invention also provides substantially the same effects as the automated analyzer of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0104] In Example 1, regardless of whether the device was powered on or not, a magnetic attraction force was always at work between the magnet 205 and the metal plate 206, and when removing the water tank 53B, it was necessary to pull it out with a force greater than the magnetic attraction force.

[0105] In contrast, in this embodiment, the generation of the attractive force can be arbitrarily switched by controlling the energization of the electromagnet 701 with the electromagnet control circuit 702. This has the advantage that the attractive force is eliminated by de-energizing the electromagnet 701 only when the water tank 53B is pulled out of the water supply unit 102, thereby allowing the water tank 53B to be pulled out of the water supply unit 102 with less force.

[0106] Therefore, the suction force can be maintained regardless of the number or arrangement of water supply pipes 201 provided in the water supply tank 53B, and it is suitable because there is no need to consider the positional relationship between the pipes, magnets, and handles even if the shape of the water supply tank 53B and the water supply section 102 is changed.

[0107] <Other> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. 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.

[0108] Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with parts of the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add parts of the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with parts of other configurations.

[0109] For example, in the above-described embodiments 1 and 2, a configuration in which a magnet 205 is provided on the bottom surface 210 of the water supply tank 53 and a metal plate 206 is provided on the mounting surface 207 was described. However, it is also possible to provide a configuration in which the magnet 205 is provided on the mounting surface 207 and the metal plate 206 is provided on the bottom surface 210.

[0110] Furthermore, although a configuration in which a water supply pipe 201 for supplying water to the analysis unit 101 is provided on the bottom surface 210 of the water supply tank 53 has been described, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the water supply pipe 201 is provided on the side of the water supply tank 53.

[0111] In such a case, the device comprises an analysis unit, a water supply tank having a pipe on its side for supplying water to the analysis unit, a magnet provided on either the side or the surface opposite to the side, and a magnetic member provided on the side opposite to the side on which the magnet is provided, wherein the water supply tank is fixed to the installation surface by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1…Reaction disk 2…Reaction vessel 3…Cleaning mechanism 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, 42a... Solenoid valves 4...Spectrophotometer 4a…Light source 5,6…Agitation mechanism 7,8…Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a, 8a… Reagent probes 9…Reagent disk 10…Reagent bottles 11,12…Sample dispensing mechanism 11a, 12a… Sample probes 13, 14… Washing tank 15…Sample container 16… Sample rack 17…Sample transport mechanism 18... Syringe for samples 19… Syringe for reagents 24… Controller 24a...Display section 30, 31, 32, 33… Washing tanks 40, 42… Circulation pumps 41... Gear pump 50…Water supply equipment 51...Water supply solenoid valve 52...Water level sensor 53, 53A, 53B... Water supply tanks 54...Water supply pump 55...Water tank presence sensor 100…Automatic analyzer 101…Analysis Department 102...Water supply section 201…Water flow piping 201a… Water replenishment port 201b…Supply port 201c...Return water inlet 202...Water supply nipple (component) 203...Water supply tank valve mechanism 203a...Sealant 203b...Elastic body 204... Pushrod 205...Magnet 205a,205b…Position 206, 206B… Metal plate (magnetic material) 207,207B…Installation surface 208...Handle 210,210A,210B…Bottom surface 211... Tank mounting surface 401...Light receiving section 402…Light source 403... Optical axis 404…Plane shape 501...Tilt mechanism 501a... Lever 502…Lid 701...Electromagnet 702...Electromagnet control circuit

Claims

1. Analysis Department, A water supply tank having two or more pipes on its bottom for supplying water to the analysis unit, The installation surface on which the water supply tank is installed, A magnet provided on either the bottom surface or the mounting surface, The system comprises a magnetic member provided on the bottom surface and the mounting surface, on the side opposite to the side on which the magnet is provided, The water supply tank is fixed to the mounting surface by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic member. Automatic analyzer.

2. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The water supply tank is equipped with a valve mechanism that controls the flow of water to the piping. Automatic analyzer.

3. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The valve mechanism has an elastic body, and the flow of water to the piping is controlled by opening and closing the valve mechanism through the deformation of the elastic body. Automatic analyzer.

4. (delete)

5. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The magnet or magnetic member is provided between two or more of the pipes. Automatic analyzer.

6. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The water supply tank has a handle for removing the water supply tank from the mounting surface. Automatic analyzer.

7. In the automated analyzer according to claim 6, The magnet and the magnetic member are positioned on the handle side relative to the central axis of the water tank when the water tank is viewed from the bottom. Automatic analyzer.

8. In the automated analyzer according to claim 6, The magnet, the magnetic member, and the piping are positioned on the handle side relative to the central axis of the water supply tank when the water supply tank is viewed from the bottom. Automatic analyzer.

9. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The magnetic member is made of metal. Automatic analyzer.

10. In the automated analyzer according to claim 9, The aforementioned metal is fixed to the mounting surface and holds down the member that comes into contact with the piping. Automatic analyzer.

11. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The aforementioned magnet is an electromagnet provided on the installation surface, The magnetic member is provided on the bottom surface. Automatic analyzer.

12. In the automated analyzer according to claim 11, The system further includes a control circuit capable of switching the current supply to the electromagnet ON / OFF. Automatic analyzer.

13. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, A sensor for detecting the water level in the water supply tank is further provided adjacent to the water supply tank. Automatic analyzer.

14. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, A sensor is further provided adjacent to the water supply tank to detect whether or not the water supply tank is installed. Automatic analyzer.

15. Analysis Department, A water supply tank having a pipe at its bottom for supplying water to the analysis unit, The installation surface on which the water supply tank is installed, The magnet provided on the bottom surface, The system comprises a magnetic member made of metal fixed to the aforementioned mounting surface, The water supply tank is fixed to the mounting surface by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic member, and the member that comes into contact with the piping is held in place. Automatic analyzer.

16. Analysis Department, A water supply tank having a pipe at its bottom for supplying water to the analysis unit, The installation surface on which the water supply tank is installed, A magnet provided on either the bottom surface or the mounting surface, A magnetic member is provided on the side of the bottom surface and the mounting surface opposite to the side on which the magnet is provided, A sensor for detecting whether or not the water supply tank is installed is located adjacent to the water supply tank. The water supply tank is fixed to the mounting surface by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic member. Automatic analyzer.

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