Automatic analysis device

Abstract

This automated analysis device is provided with: a dispensing nozzle 30 having an opening portion OP1; a tip 40 having an opening portion OP2 and an opening portion OP3; and a control unit for controlling a sucking operation and a discharging operation of the dispensing nozzle 30. When a liquid LQ2 is discharged from the inside of the dispensing nozzle 30 to the inside of the tip 40 via the opening portion OP1, and the liquid LQ2 and a residual liquid LQ1a are discharged from the inside of the tip 40 to the outside of the tip 40 via the opening portion OP3, the liquid LQ2 is discharged so as to impinge upon an inner wall of the tip 40 before reaching the opening portion OP3 from the opening portion OP1.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An automatic analyzer equipped with a dispensing nozzle for sucking and discharging a specimen such as blood or a liquid such as a reagent is known. In the automatic analyzer, after discharging the sucked liquid into a predetermined container, an operation of sucking a new liquid is performed. At this time, in order to ensure the accuracy of analysis, it is important to prevent the liquid sucked immediately before from mixing into the dispensing nozzle. Therefore, generally, a means for attaching a disposable chip (hereinafter abbreviated as a chip) to the tip of the dispensing nozzle may be taken. Here, a liquid suction tube that can prevent liquid from adhering to the suction hole even when the liquid remaining in the chip scatters when the chip is detached is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, when the chip is detached, even if the residual liquid scatters, it is possible to suppress the residual liquid from adhering to the dispensing nozzle. However, no measures are mentioned for the scattering that occurs when the liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the residual liquid in the chip.

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an automated analyzer that can dispense other liquids into the interior of the tip from the dispensing nozzle so that the opening of the dispensing nozzle does not come into direct contact with the liquid remaining inside the tip when the tip is detached. This suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of analysis using the automated analyzer.

[0006] Other challenges and novel features will become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An automatic analyzer in one embodiment comprises a nozzle having a first opening for aspirating and discharging liquid, a tip having a second opening for mounting on the nozzle so as to surround the first opening, and a third opening for aspirating and discharging liquid, and a control unit for controlling the aspiration and discharging operations of the nozzle. With the tip mounted on the nozzle, the first liquid is aspirated from the outside of the tip to the inside of the tip through the third opening, the first liquid is discharged from the inside of the tip to the outside of the tip through the third opening, then the second liquid is discharged from the inside of the nozzle to the inside of the tip through the first opening, and the second liquid and the first liquid remaining inside the tip are discharged from the inside of the tip to the outside of the tip through the third opening. At this time, the second liquid is discharged so as to hit the inner wall of the tip between the first opening and the third opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, it is possible to suppress the decrease in accuracy of analysis using an automated analyzer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the overview of the automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram illustrating the sample dispensing mechanism. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating each operation performed using the sample dispensing mechanism. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the tip detachment section. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating each step of the chip removal operation performed in the chip removal section. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing each step of the chip removal operation performed in the chip removal section. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the chip. [Figure 8] A plan view showing the chip. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing how liquid is dispensed from the inside of the dispensing nozzle into the inside of the tip. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the dispensing nozzle. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view showing a dispensing nozzle. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing how liquid is dispensed from the dispensing nozzle into the tip. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings used to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for members having the same function, and repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. In addition, in the following embodiments, descriptions of the same or similar parts will not be repeated unless it is particularly necessary.

[0011] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions described in this application intersect and are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction includes the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, which is the opposite direction to the Z1 direction. In this application, the Z1 direction is described as the downward direction and the Z2 direction as the upward direction. Also, expressions such as "plan view" or "planar view" used in this application mean that the plane formed by the X and Y directions is called a "plane," and that this "plane" is viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of the automated analyzer> The automated analyzer 1 in Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a rack conveyance line 4, a reagent cold storage unit 5, a reaction disk (incubator disk) 8, a chip temporary installation unit 11, a consumable conveyance unit 12, a detection unit 13, a reagent dispensing mechanism 14, a specimen dispensing mechanism 20, a dispensing nozzle 30, a chip 40, a chip detachment unit 50, a control unit 60, and the like.

[0014] The rack conveyance line 4 is used to convey the specimen rack 2. The specimen rack 2 houses a plurality of specimen containers 3. Each of the plurality of specimen containers 3 contains a biological sample such as blood or urine as a specimen. With the plurality of specimen containers 3 housed in the specimen rack 2, the specimen rack 2 is conveyed on the rack conveyance line 4.

[0015] The reagent cold storage unit 5 is used to store or cool a plurality of reagent containers 7. The plurality of reagent containers 7 contain various reagents for analyzing specimens. Further, at least a part of the upper surface of the reagent cold storage unit 5 is covered by a reagent disk cover 6.

[0016] The reaction disk 8 is used as a place for reacting a specimen and a reagent. The reaction disk 8 has a reaction container installation part 9 for arranging a plurality of reaction containers 10 and a temperature adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the temperature of the reaction container 10 to a desired temperature.

[0017] A plurality of chips 40 are installed in the chip temporary installation unit 11. The chip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 30 in the chip temporary installation unit 11. The chip 40 is a disposable chip. Also, the used chip 40 is detached from the dispensing nozzle 30 in the chip detachment unit 50.

[0018] The consumable conveyance unit 12 conveys consumables such as the permanently installed chip 40 or the reaction container 10 to a predetermined location.

[0019] The sample dispensing mechanism 20 includes a dispensing nozzle 30 and, as means of driving the dispensing nozzle 30, a rotational drive mechanism and a vertical drive mechanism (not shown). The sample rack 2, reaction vessel mounting section 9, tip temporary mounting section 11, and tip detachment section 50 are arranged along the drive line of the dispensing nozzle 30. In Figure 1, such a drive line is shown as a dashed line. The drive lines of other dispensing mechanisms are similarly shown as dashed lines.

[0020] The reagent dispensing mechanism 14 also includes a reagent dispensing nozzle and, as means of driving the reagent dispensing nozzle, a reagent rotation drive mechanism and an up-and-down drive mechanism (not shown). These drive mechanisms dispense the reagent from the reagent container 7 to the reaction vessel 10 housed in the reaction disk 8.

[0021] The detection unit 13 performs tests on samples that have undergone predetermined processing, such as mixing reagents. The detection unit 13 is equipped with a photomultiplier tube, a light source lamp, a spectrometer, and a photodiode, and also has a function to adjust the temperature of these components. For example, the detection unit 13 can measure the amount of antigen contained in a sample by detecting the light generated during the reaction process between a labeled antibody that binds to the antigen in the sample and a luminescent substrate using a photomultiplier tube.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of the sample dispensing mechanism 20 in Embodiment 1.

[0023] The liquid supply tank 21 is filled with liquid LQ2. Liquid LQ2 is, for example, water with polar molecules or an aqueous solution using the above water as a solvent. A liquid supply pump 22 and a solenoid valve 23 are provided in the flow path 24 connecting the liquid supply tank 21 and the syringe 26. The liquid supply pump 22 sends the liquid LQ2 from the liquid supply tank 21 to the syringe 26. The solenoid valve 23 controls the opening and closing operation of the flow path 24.

[0024] The syringe 26 consists of a cylinder 26a and a plunger 26b. A syringe driving means 27 is electrically connected to the plunger 26b. The syringe driving means 27 drives the plunger 26b up and down relative to the cylinder 26a, thereby manipulating the liquid LQ2 that is filled inside the syringe 26. As a result, the sample dispensing mechanism 20 performs the aspiration and dispensing operations of the liquid.

[0025] The dispensing nozzle 30 is connected to the syringe 26 via a flow path 25. The flow path 25 is filled with liquid LQ2. The dispensing nozzle 30 is electrically connected to a dispensing nozzle driving means 28, such as a motor. The dispensing nozzle driving means 28 can move the dispensing nozzle 30 horizontally and vertically, and can move the dispensing nozzle 30 to a predetermined position.

[0026] The control unit 60 is a computing device that includes semiconductor devices such as a CPU. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 23, syringe driving means 27, and dispensing nozzle driving means 28, and controls their operation. In other words, the aspiration and dispensing operations of the dispensing nozzle 30 are controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 also controls the operations performed by each mechanism provided in the automatic analyzer 1, such as the rack transport line 4, reagent cooling unit 5, reaction disk 8, consumable transport unit 12, detection unit 13, reagent dispensing mechanism 14, and sample dispensing mechanism 20.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the tip 40 attached to the dispensing nozzle 30. The dispensing nozzle 30 has an opening OP1 for aspirating and dispensing liquid. The tip 40 has openings OP2 and OP3. Opening OP2 is provided to surround opening OP1 and to be attached to the dispensing nozzle 30. Opening OP3 is provided for aspirating and dispensing liquid.

[0028] With the tip 40 attached to the dispensing nozzle 30, the opening directions of openings OP1 and OP3 are the same, which is the Z1 direction. The opening direction of opening OP2 is opposite to the opening directions of openings OP1 and OP3, which is the Z2 direction.

[0029] In the temporary tip attachment section 11, after the tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 30, the sample dispensing mechanism 20 uses the dispensing nozzle 30 to draw liquid LQ1 from the sample container 3 on the sample rack 2. Liquid LQ1 is a sample solution, such as a biological sample like blood or urine. Next, the dispensing nozzle 30 dispenses the liquid LQ1 into the reaction vessel 10 housed in the reaction disk 8. After that, the tip detachment section 50 detaches the tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 30.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the basic operations performed using the sample dispensing mechanism 20.

[0031] When aspirating liquid LQ1 from sample container 3, prior to the aspiration operation, air (segmented air) is aspirated into the dispensing nozzle 30 to prevent the liquid LQ2 and liquid LQ1, which are filled inside the dispensing nozzle 30, from mixing. Next, the tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 30 in the tip temporary attachment section 11.

[0032] Next, the dispensing nozzle 30 is lowered by the dispensing nozzle driving means 28 until the opening OP3 of the tip 40 reaches the liquid LQ1, and the syringe driving means 27 performs an aspiration operation with the dispensing nozzle 30. As a result, the liquid LQ1 is drawn from the outside of the tip 40 (sample container 3) into the inside of the tip 40 through the opening OP3.

[0033] After the aspiration operation is complete, the dispensing nozzle 30 is moved to a predetermined sample dispensing position. Next, the dispensing operation is performed by the dispensing nozzle 30 using the syringe driving means 27. As a result, liquid LQ1 is dispensed from the inside of the tip 40 to the outside of the tip 40 (reaction vessel 10) through the opening OP3.

[0034] In this case, near the opening OP3, some of the liquid LQ1 may remain inside the tip 40 as residual liquid LQ1a.

[0035] After the liquid LQ1 is dispensed from inside the tip 40, the dispensing nozzle 30 is moved to the tip detachment section 50, and the tip 40 is detached from the dispensing nozzle 30. At this time, the liquid LQ2 from the liquid supply tank 21 is supplied to the inside of the dispensing nozzle 30 by the liquid supply pump 22 or syringe 26. The liquid LQ2 is dispensed from inside the dispensing nozzle 30 to inside the tip 40 through the opening OP1, and the liquid LQ2 and residual liquid LQ1a are dispensed from inside the tip 40 to the outside of the tip 40 through the opening OP3.

[0036] When the tip 40 is detached, liquid LQ2 is discharged into the interior of the tip 40, thereby removing residual liquid LQ1a from the interior of the tip 40 and easing the reduced pressure inside the tip 40.

[0037] While liquid LQ2 is being dispensed from the inside of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the inside of the tip 40, the dispensing nozzle 30 is raised, causing the top surface of the tip 40 (opening OP2) to collide with the release plate 51 of the tip release section 50. As a result, the tip 40 detaches from the dispensing nozzle 30.

[0038] When liquid LQ2 is dispensed into the tip 40, there is a risk that the liquid LQ2 may collide with residual liquid LQ1a, causing the residual liquid LQ1a to scatter and come into direct contact with the dispensing nozzle 30. If this occurs, the residual liquid LQ1a may fall from the dispensing nozzle 30 into the tip 40 during the next aspiration operation, potentially contaminating the next sample solution and reducing the accuracy of the analysis using the automated analyzer 1.

[0039] In Embodiment 1, the structure of the chip detachment section 50 is modified to solve such problems.

[0040] <Features of the tip detachment section 50> In the automated analyzer 1 of Embodiment 1, the liquid LQ2 discharged from the dispensing nozzle 30 is attracted to the inner wall side of the tip 40 by electrostatic force. By preventing the liquid LQ2 from directly colliding with the residual liquid LQ1a, the scattering of the residual liquid LQ1a can be suppressed. Therefore, direct contact of the residual liquid LQ1a with the dispensing nozzle 30 can be suppressed, thus preventing a decrease in the accuracy of analysis using the automated analyzer 1.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a schematic configuration of the tip detachment section 50. The tip detachment section 50 has a detachment plate 51 and a side wall 52. The detachment plate 51 is provided on the upper part of the side wall 52. Although not shown in the figure, the detachment plate 51 is provided with a first hole that is larger in diameter than the opening OP2 of the tip 40, and a second hole that is smaller in diameter than the opening OP2. The first hole and the second hole are in communication with each other. The first hole is used when moving the tip 40 into the tip detachment section 50, and the second hole is used when detaching the tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 30.

[0042] A chargeable body 54 capable of being charged to a positive or negative potential is provided on the side wall 52. A discharge charging device 53 is provided on the side wall 52 opposite to the location where the chargeable body 54 is provided. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the charging device 53 and controls the voltage supplied to the charging device 53 in order to charge the chargeable body 54 to a positive or negative potential.

[0043] The tip 40 is positioned adjacent to the charged body 54. When the charged body 54 is charged to a positive or negative potential, polarization occurs inside the tip 40. As a result, the surface of the inner wall of the tip 40 becomes charged with the same polarity as the charged body 54. Liquid LQ2 contains polar water molecules and has the property of being attracted to positive or negative charges. Therefore, by polarizing the inside of the resin of the tip 40 and locally charging the surface of the inner wall of the tip 40 with one of these charges, it becomes possible to attract the discharge direction of liquid LQ2 to the charged area on the inner wall of the tip 40.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing steps S1 to S6 of the chip detachment operation performed in the chip detachment unit 50. Figure 6 schematically shows steps S1 to S6 in Figure 5.

[0045] First, in step S1, the dispensing nozzle 30 with the tip 40 attached is moved onto the release plate 51 of the tip release section 50.

[0046] Next, in step S2, voltage is supplied to the charging device 53, and a discharge is generated from the charging device 53, thereby charging the charged body 54 to a positive or negative potential.

[0047] Next, in step S3, the dispensing nozzle 30 is lowered, moving the tip 40 below the release plate 51. This positions the tip 40 adjacent to the charged body 54 within the space enclosed by the release plate 51 and the side wall 52. Local polarization occurs inside the tip 40 located near the charged body 54, and the surface of the inner wall of the tip 40 becomes charged with the same polarity as the charged body 54.

[0048] Next, in step S4, liquid LQ2 is discharged from the inside of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the inside of the tip 40 through opening OP1, and liquid LQ2 and residual liquid LQ1a are discharged from the inside of the tip 40 to the outside of the tip 40 through opening OP3. The liquid LQ2 discharged into the inside of the tip 40 is attracted by the electrostatic force due to the charge on the surface of the inner wall of the tip 40 and is discharged along the inner wall of the tip 40. That is, the liquid LQ2 is discharged so as to hit the inner wall of the tip 40 between opening OP1 and opening OP3. Since the liquid LQ2 does not directly collide with the residual liquid LQ1a, the scattering of residual liquid LQ1a can be suppressed.

[0049] Next, in step S5, the dispensing nozzle 30 is raised, causing the upper surface of the tip 40 (opening OP2) to collide with the release plate 51, thereby detaching the tip 40 from the dispensing nozzle 30. The raising of the dispensing nozzle 30 occurs while liquid LQ2 is being discharged from the inside of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the inside of the tip 40.

[0050] Next, in step S6, after the tip 40 has detached, the dispensing of liquid LQ2 from the dispensing nozzle 30 is stopped. This completes the detachment operation of the tip 40.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) The automated analyzer 1 in Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Note that the following description will mainly focus on the differences from Embodiment 1, and will omit explanations of overlapping points.

[0052] In Embodiment 2, the scattering of residual liquid LQ1a can be suppressed by preventing liquid LQ2 from directly colliding with residual liquid LQ1a, similar to Embodiment 1. To achieve this, Embodiment 2 incorporates improvements to the internal structure of the chip 40.

[0053] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the tip 40 in Embodiment 2 has a watertight body 41 as a structure to obstruct the flow of liquid LQ2 discharged from the opening OP1 of the dispensing nozzle 30. The watertight body 41 is provided on a part of the inner wall 40a such that a space is created between the watertight body 41 and the inner wall 40a of the tip 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the watertight body 41 is positioned at a certain distance from the end of the dispensing nozzle 30 and both ends of the tip 40. In other words, the watertight body 41 is located between the opening OP2 and the opening OP3. When the tip 40 is attached to the dispensing nozzle 30, the watertight body 41 is located between the opening OP1 and the opening OP3.

[0055] Figure 9 shows how liquid LQ2 is dispensed from the opening OP1 of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the interior of the tip 40. When the liquid LQ2 dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 30 hits the watertight body 41, the liquid LQ2 is dispensed in a way that prevents it from directly colliding with the residual liquid LQ1a. The liquid LQ2 that hits the watertight body 41 then flows mainly along the inner wall 40a of the tip 40 toward the opening OP3. In other words, the liquid LQ2 is dispensed in a way that it hits the inner wall of the tip 40 between the opening OP1 and the opening OP3. This suppresses the scattering of residual liquid LQ1a.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, in order to ensure that the liquid LQ2 reliably hits the waterproofing body 41, it is desirable that the waterproofing body 41 be positioned so as to overlap with the opening OP1 in a plan view. Also, the larger the waterproofing body 41, the more reliably the liquid LQ2 will hit the waterproofing body 41. For example, in the direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the opening OP1 (the X direction in Figure 8), the width W2 of the waterproofing body 41 is larger than the opening width W1 of the opening OP1.

[0057] (Embodiment 3) The automated analyzer 1 in Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In the following description, the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2 will be mainly explained, and any overlapping points will be omitted.

[0058] In Embodiment 3, as in Embodiments 1 and 2, the scattering of residual liquid LQ1a can be suppressed by preventing liquid LQ2 from directly colliding with residual liquid LQ1a. To this end, Embodiment 3 incorporates improvements to the end of the dispensing nozzle 30.

[0059] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the dispensing nozzle 30 in Embodiment 3 has a tip portion 31 attached to the tip of the opening OP1. The tip portion 31 is provided with an opening OP4 that communicates with the opening OP1. The opening direction of the opening OP4 is different from that of the opening OP1 and is perpendicular to the opening direction of the opening OP1. By positioning the opening OP4 toward the inner wall 40a of the tip 40, the liquid LQ2 flows mainly along the inner wall 40a of the tip 40 toward the opening OP3.

[0060] Figure 12 shows how liquid LQ2 is dispensed from the opening OP4 of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the inside of the tip 40. When liquid LQ2 is dispensed from the opening OP4 of the dispensing nozzle 30 into the inside of the tip 40, the liquid LQ2 is dispensed through openings OP1 and OP4. When liquid LQ2 and residual liquid LQ1a are dispensed from the inside of the tip 40 to the outside of the tip 40 through opening OP3, the liquid LQ2 is dispensed so as to hit the inner wall of the tip 40 between openings OP4 and OP3. Therefore, the scattering of residual liquid LQ1a is suppressed.

[0061] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Automatic analyzer 2 specimen racks 3. Sample containers 4. Rack transport line 5. Reagent Cooling Unit 6 Reagent Disc Cover 7 Reagent containers 8. Reaction disk 9. Reaction vessel installation section 10 Reaction vessel 11. Temporary chip installation section 12. Consumables transport unit 13 Detection Unit 14 Reagent dispensing mechanism 20. Sample dispensing mechanism 21 Liquid supply tank 22. Liquid supply pump 23 Solenoid valve 24 channels 25 channels 26 Syringes 26a Cylinder 26b Plunger 27 Syringe driving means 28 Dispensing nozzle driving means 30-minute dispensing nozzle 31 Tip 40 chips 40a chip inner wall 41 Waterproofing material 50 Chip detachment section 51 Detachment plate 52 Side wall 53 Charging device 54 Charged body 60 Control Unit LQ1 Liquid (sample solution) LQ1a residual liquid LQ2 liquid OP1 Dispensing nozzle opening OP2 chip aperture OP3 chip aperture OP4 opening at the tip

Claims

1. A nozzle having a first opening for aspirating and discharging liquid, A tip having a second opening for attachment to the nozzle and a third opening for aspirating and discharging liquid, surrounding the first opening, A control unit that controls the suction and discharge operations of the nozzle, Equipped with, An automatic analyzer wherein, with the tip mounted on the nozzle, the analyzer draws a first liquid from outside the tip into the tip through the third opening, discharges the first liquid from inside the tip to outside the tip through the third opening, discharges a second liquid from inside the nozzle into the tip through the first opening, and discharges the second liquid and the first liquid remaining inside the tip from inside the tip to outside the tip through the third opening, the second liquid is discharged so as to strike the inner wall of the tip between the first opening and the third opening.

2. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The nozzle is further provided with a tip detachment section for detaching the tip, The chip detachment section has a side wall and a detachment plate provided on the upper part of the side wall. An automated analyzer is provided on the side wall with a charged body that can be charged to a positive or negative potential.

3. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, A discharge charging device is provided in the portion of the side wall opposite to the portion where the charged body is provided. The control unit is electrically connected to the charging device and controls the voltage supplied to the charging device to charge the charged object to the positive or negative potential.

4. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, An automatic analyzer wherein, with the tip mounted on the nozzle, the second liquid is discharged from the inside of the nozzle into the inside of the tip through the first opening, and the second liquid and the first liquid remaining inside the tip are discharged from the inside of the tip to the outside of the tip through the third opening, the tip is positioned adjacent to the charged body in the space surrounded by the detachment plate and the side wall.

5. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, An automated analyzer in which, with the tip mounted on the nozzle, the opening directions of the first opening and the third opening are the same and opposite to the opening direction of the second opening.

6. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The chip has a watertight body located between the second opening and the third opening, An automatic analyzer, wherein the watertight body is provided on a part of the inner wall of the chip such that a space is created between the watertight body and the inner wall of the chip.

7. In the automated analyzer according to claim 6, With the tip mounted on the nozzle, the opening directions of the first opening and the third opening are the same and opposite to the opening direction of the second opening. An automatic analyzer wherein, when the tip is attached to the nozzle, the water-blocking body is located between the first opening and the third opening.

8. In the automated analyzer according to claim 7, An automated analyzer wherein, in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the first opening, the width of the water-blocking body is greater than the opening width of the first opening.

9. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The nozzle has a tip portion attached to the tip of the first opening, The tip portion is provided with a fourth opening that communicates with the first opening. An automated analyzer wherein the opening direction of the fourth opening is different from the opening direction of the first opening.

10. In the automated analyzer according to claim 9, An automated analyzer wherein the opening direction of the fourth opening is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first opening.

11. In the automated analyzer according to claim 9, When the second liquid is discharged from the inside of the nozzle into the inside of the tip, the second liquid is discharged through the first opening and the fourth opening. An automatic analyzer in which, when discharging the second liquid and the first liquid remaining inside the tip from the inside of the tip to the outside of the tip through the third opening, the second liquid is discharged so as to strike the inner wall of the tip between the fourth opening and the third opening.

12. In the automated analyzer according to claim 9, With the tip mounted on the nozzle, the opening directions of the first opening and the third opening are the same and opposite to the opening direction of the second opening. An automated analyzer wherein the opening direction of the fourth opening is different from the opening directions of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening.

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