Automated analyzer

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

automatic analyzer

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

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

[0003] WO2018 / 163745

[0004] The device configuration of Patent Document 1 described above is a system configuration that combines a device configuration specialized for each measurement item with a sample input unit, which poses a problem that its use is limited to large-scale / medium-scale laboratories where the footprint of the automated analyzer within the laboratory can be widely used.

[0005] For this reason, it is desirable to further reduce the footprint of an integrated automatic analyzer that performs analysis of multiple items and is targeted at small-scale laboratories.

[0006] If the product is part of the same family as a conventional product, it is desirable that the operational feel, analysis principles, and operating methods of the conventional device be equivalent or similar to those of the conventional device, from the perspective of reducing the burden on the operator. However, because the operating methods and measurement principles differ for each item, the mechanical layout and system configuration are often specialized for each operation. For this reason, it is necessary to appropriately arrange or simplify the mechanical layout according to each item while inheriting the operational feel of the conventional device.

[0007] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer that has the same operational feel as conventional devices, while realizing a mechanism layout suited to each item.

[0008] The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above-described problems. One example of the present invention is a device comprising: a first analysis unit that performs an analysis related to a first group of analysis items; a second analysis unit that performs an analysis related to a second group of analysis items different from the first group of analysis items; a first mechanism that is used in common by the first group of analysis items and the second group of analysis items; a second mechanism that is different from the first mechanism and is used in common by the first group of analysis items and the second group of analysis items; a first aliquot unit that dispenses a first liquid from the first mechanism to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit; and a second aliquot unit that dispenses a second liquid that is different from the first liquid from the second mechanism to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit, wherein, when the left-right direction of an expected standing position of a user is defined as an X-axis and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as a Y-axis, the first mechanism, the first analysis unit, and the second mechanism are arranged in this order from the left of the standing position along the X-axis, and the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in this order in a direction away from the standing position along the Y-axis.

[0009] As another example, the device includes a first analysis unit that performs analysis related to a biochemical item group, a second analysis unit that performs analysis related to an immune item group, a first mechanism that is used in common for the biochemical item group and the immune item group, and a second mechanism that is different from the first mechanism and is used in common for the biochemical item group and the immune item group, wherein, if the left-right direction of an expected standing position of a user is defined as the X-axis and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, the first mechanism, the first analysis unit, and the second mechanism are arranged in this order from the left of the standing position along the X-axis, and the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in this order in the direction away from the standing position along the Y-axis.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a mechanism layout suited to each item while inheriting the operational feel of conventional devices. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments.

[0011] A diagram showing an overview of the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer. A diagram showing an overview of a first analysis measurement unit and a second analysis measurement unit. A diagram showing an overview of a first mechanism, a first analysis measurement unit, a second mechanism, and a second analysis measurement unit. A diagram showing an overview of an automatic analyzer viewed obliquely from above. A diagram showing an overview of the lower structure of an automatic analyzer.

[0012] An embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0013] The embodiments described below are merely examples, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments.

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

[0015] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer. Figure 2 shows an overview of the first and second analytical measurement units. Figure 3 shows an overview of the first mechanism, first analytical measurement unit, second mechanism, and second analytical measurement unit. Figure 4 shows an overview of the automatic analyzer as viewed obliquely from above.

[0016] In the automated analyzer 1, the first mechanism used in common by the first group of analysis items 300 and the second group of analysis items 400 is the specimen holder 4 located in the specimen holding area 100, and the second mechanism used in common by the first group of analysis items 300 and the second group of analysis items 400 is the reagent holder 16 located in the reagent holding area 200. In addition, the first group of analysis items 300 refers to a group of items related to biochemistry, and the second group of analysis items 400 refers to a group of items related to immunology, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this combination.

[0017] The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is an apparatus for analyzing a sample 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 Figures 1 to 4, the analysis unit 2 includes a sample holder 4, a sample information reader 5, a sample dispensing mechanism 25, a washing tank 26 for the sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent holder 16, a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18, a washing tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism, a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, an opener 46, a washing tank 32 for the second reagent dispensing mechanism, a reagent stirring mechanism 34, a washing tank 15 for the reagent stirring mechanism, a second analysis and detection unit 14, a first incubator 35, a first stirring mechanism 30, a first analysis and detection unit 21, a reaction vessel washing 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 holder 4 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of specimen containers 23 in a ring shape, each containing specimens to be analyzed in the analyses related to the first analysis item group 300 and the second analysis item group 400. A specimen information reader 5 is provided around the specimen holder 4 to read information (various pieces of specimen-related information) such as barcodes attached to the specimen containers. The specimen information reader 5 is preferably located at the side edge of the device housing.

[0020] During sample dispensing, the sample holder 4 rotates and transports the sample container 23 to an access position of the sample dispensing mechanism 25. The sample holder 4 has a sample suction position 24, and just before the sample dispensing mechanism 25 aspirates the sample to be analyzed, the sample holder 4 rotates and transports the sample container 23 to the sample suction position 24.

[0021] Here, in order to make the housing of the automatic analyzer 1 as small as possible, the sample holding section 4 is assumed to protrude partially from the main frame of the automatic analyzer 1, but it is desirable that it be covered by a cover.

[0022] The sample holder 4 may be configured so that two sample holders 4 can be physically switched between them for use. Samples can also be added or replaced mid-stream through a small window provided in the sample holder 4. However, the sample holder 4 does not have to be set up by the user, and may be transported using a transport mechanism or the like. The sample holder 4 may also be configured to hold multiple sample racks, each of which can hold one or more sample containers 23. Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1 may be connected to an external sample rack transport mechanism, and sample racks may be transported to the sample holder 4.

[0023] The sample dispensing mechanism 25 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, an up / down drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe so as to move from the sample container 23 located at the sample suction position 24 to above the first incubator 35 located at the first analysis sample discharge section 27 of the first analysis measurement section 301, and above the disposable container 7 located at the second analysis sample discharge section 28 of the second analysis measurement section 401, and perform sample dispensing.

[0024] The specimen dispensing mechanism 25 is moved between a specimen suction position and a specimen discharge position by a rotation drive mechanism and a vertical drive mechanism, dispenses the specimen at the specimen suction position 24, and discharges the aspirated specimen into the first incubator 35 or the disposable container 7. After discharging the specimen, it is washed in the specimen dispensing mechanism washing tank 26 and moves on to the next specimen dispensing operation.

[0025] As shown in the figure, each position may be accessed by a rotational movement, or each position may be accessed by a linear movement.

[0026] The reagent holding unit 16 is a mechanism for holding a plurality of first reagent containers containing reagents used in the analyses related to the first analysis item group 300 to be reacted in the first incubator 35 and second reagent containers containing reagents used in the analyses related to the second analysis item group 400 to be reacted in the disposable containers 7, and has a reagent disk (not shown in the figures), 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 unit 16 has a function of keeping reagents cool.

[0027] The reagent disk has reagent container holding positions arranged in a double ring, and is configured to hold multiple first and second reagent containers. Details will be described later. The reagent disk also has a rotation drive mechanism that moves each of the first and second reagent containers to a predetermined position on the circumference by rotation.

[0028] In the reagent holding section 16, the reagent disk rotates before dispensing the reagent, and the appropriate reagent container is transported to the first reagent suction position 37 or the second reagent suction position 36, allowing the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 to aspirate the reagent required for analysis.

[0029] Here, the first reagent container and the second reagent container may each be made up of a plurality of different reagent bottles.

[0030] The automated analyzer 1 is provided with a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 for the first analysis item group 300, which serves as a second dispensing section that dispenses reagent from the reagent holding section 16 to the first analysis measurement section 301 and the second analysis measurement section 401, and which dispenses reagent aspirated from a first reagent container into a first incubator 35 for the first analysis, and a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 for the second analysis item group 400, which dispenses reagent aspirated from a second reagent container into a disposable container 7 for the second analysis.

[0031] The first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 have a common configuration, including a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. The second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 may be configured to aspirate reagent from the second reagent container while the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 aspirates reagent from the first reagent container. This can improve analysis throughput.

[0032] The first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 rotate and descend to aspirate a predetermined amount of reagent to the position of a predetermined type of first reagent container or second reagent container in the reagent holding unit 16. After aspirating the reagent, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 ascend.

[0033] Next, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 for biochemical analysis rotates and lowers to dispense the reagent, for example, to a predetermined first incubator 35, or to a disposable container 7 for analysis of an immune item installed at a second reagent dispensing position 31 in the case of a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 for immune analysis. After dispensing the reagent, it is washed in a washing tank 19 for the first reagent dispensing mechanism or a washing tank 32 for the second reagent dispensing mechanism, and then moves on to the next reagent dispensing operation.

[0034] A reagent stirring mechanism 34 (also called a stirrer) is set around the reagent holder 16 as stirring means for stirring the reagent contained in the second reagent container. This reagent stirring mechanism 34 moves to an upper region 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 spontaneous precipitation of the magnetic particles in the solution, the reagent stirring mechanism 34 stirs the magnetic particles immediately before the reagent is dispensed. After stirring, the magnetic particles are washed in the reagent stirring mechanism washing tank 15.

[0035] The immunoassay flow for the second analysis item group 400 in the second analysis measurement unit 401 will be described below in the order of processing.

[0036] The reaction vessel first transport mechanism 6 has drive mechanisms in the X-axis, Y-axis, 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 analysis sample discharge section 28.

[0037] The second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 has a rotation drive mechanism, an up-down drive mechanism, and a reaction vessel gripping mechanism, and has the function of moving disposable vessels 7 containing reaction liquid obtained by mixing a sample and a reagent in an analysis related to the second analysis item group 400 to each reaction vessel installation position, such as a stirring position using the second stirring mechanism 10 provided on the rotation orbit, a second analysis sample discharge section 28, a reaction vessel waiting position 29, a second detection section preparation operation mechanism 13, a second reagent discharge position 31, etc.

[0038] The first reaction vessel transport mechanism 6 transports one disposable vessel 7 from the first tray 7a or the second tray 7b that accommodates unused disposable vessels 7 to the second analysis specimen discharge section 28.

[0039] The specimen dispensing mechanism 25 dispenses a predetermined amount of specimen into a disposable container 7 placed in the second analysis specimen discharging section 28. The disposable container 7 into which the specimen has been discharged is then transported to the second reagent discharging position 31 by the second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11.

[0040] The second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses a predetermined amount of R1 / R2 reagent into the disposable container 7 placed at the second reagent ejection position 31. The disposable container 7 is then moved by the second reaction container transport mechanism 11 to the position of the second stirring mechanism 10, and the mixed solution in the disposable container 7 is stirred.

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

[0042] Thereafter, the disposable container 7 is transported to the reaction container waiting position 29 by the reaction container first transport mechanism 6, and when the time comes for the next reagent to be dispensed, the disposable container 7 is transported to the second reagent dispensing position 31 by the reaction container second transport mechanism 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses the Beads reagent into the disposable container 7, and then the second reaction container transport mechanism 11 transports the disposable container 7 to the second stirring mechanism 10 for further stirring.

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

[0045] The second incubator 9 is regulated to an appropriate temperature for holding the disposable container 7 and promoting the reaction between the sample and the reagent, and when the reaction process between the sample and the reagent in the second incubator 9 is completed, the disposable container 7 is transported to the reaction container waiting position 29 by the reaction container first transport mechanism 6.

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

[0047] Next, the disposable container 7 is transported to the second stirring mechanism 10 by the second reaction container transport mechanism 11. Thereafter, the disposable container 7 is transported by the first reaction container transport mechanism 6 to a mixed liquid aspirating position on the second detection unit preparatory operation mechanism 13, and the second detection unit preparatory operation mechanism 13 moves to a reaction liquid aspirating position provided below the second analysis detection unit 14 and aspirates the reaction liquid. The reaction liquid is then aspirated into the detection unit in the second analysis detection unit 14, and the reaction signal is measured.

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

[0049] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment includes a first analysis specimen discharging unit 27 on which the first incubator 35 that receives a specimen dispensed from the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second analysis specimen discharging unit 28 on which the disposable container 7 that receives a specimen dispensed from the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second reagent discharging position 31 on which the disposable container 7 is placed to receive a reagent dispensed from the second dispensing unit, and a second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 that transports the disposable container 7 between the second analysis specimen discharging unit 28, the second analysis measurement unit 401, and the second reagent discharging position 31. When the automated analyzer 1 is viewed vertically from above, the suction position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 25, the first analysis specimen discharging unit 27, and the second analysis specimen discharging unit 28 are positioned so as to overlap with the movement trajectory of the dispensing probe of the specimen dispensing mechanism 25.

[0050] Next, the flow of biochemical analysis relating to the first analysis item group 300 in the first analysis measurement unit 301 will be described in the order of processing.

[0051] The first incubator 35 is a mechanism for holding the reaction liquid for analysis by the first analysis detection unit 21, which measures the reaction liquid in the analysis related to the first analysis item group 300, and, like the second incubator 9, is regulated to an appropriate temperature in order to promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent.

[0052] First, the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 dispenses a predetermined amount of specimen into a predetermined first incubator 35 that contains a reaction liquid in which the specimen and reagent are mixed for the analysis related to the first analysis item group 300. After that, the first incubator 35 rotates, and moves the first incubator 35 into which the specimen has been dispensed to an access position for the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18, and the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into the first incubator 35 into which the specimen has been dispensed.

[0053] Next, the first incubator 35 rotates, and the first incubator 35 into which the specimen and reagent have been dispensed is moved to the installation position of the first stirring mechanism 30, and the specimen and reagent in the first incubator 35 are stirred by the first stirring mechanism 30.

[0054] When the reaction process between the sample and the reagent in the first incubator 35 is completed, the first incubator 35 rotates and moves the first incubator 35 containing the reaction liquid after the reaction is completed to the installation position of the first analysis detection unit 21, which analyzes the biochemical items of the sample.

[0055] Thereafter, the reaction signal is measured by the detector 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 washing mechanism 22.

[0056] Furthermore, an electrolyte item may be further installed as a measurement unit 20 that can be added to the biochemical items. Note that the analysis items that can be added are not limited to electrolyte items, and other analysis items may also be added.

[0057] The above-described mechanism of the automatic analyzer 1 is referred to as an analysis operation unit.

[0058] Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a control unit 3 that controls the operation of each device in the automatic analyzer 1, including the sample holder 4 and the sample dispensing mechanism 25, in addition to the analysis operation unit.

[0059] The control unit 3 may be configured as a computer having a display unit 3a such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 3b, a storage device, a CPU, a memory, etc., and may be configured as a single computer or separate computers, and is not particularly limited. Of the control unit 3, at least the display unit 3a and the input unit 3b are preferably disposed on the side where the sample holder 4 is disposed, particularly between the sample holder 4 and the second analysis unit 400, to facilitate manual input of sample information. Furthermore, the input unit 3b is preferably movable to a position that is easily accessible by the user when in use, and to a position that does not obstruct the user's access to the various mechanisms around the sample holder 4 when not in use.

[0060] The control of the operation of each device by the control unit 3 is executed based on various programs recorded in the storage device. The control processing of the operation executed by the control unit 3 may be integrated into one program, or may be separated into multiple programs, or may be a combination of these. Furthermore, some or all of the programs may be realized by dedicated hardware or may be modularized.

[0061] The above is the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment.

[0062] Next, the layout configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described.

[0063] First, in this embodiment, mechanisms that can be used in common without being specialized for each item in the process from sample input to output of measurement results are shared.

[0064] Specifically, in order to simplify the layout of the mechanism, the mechanisms that can be used in common for the analyses relating to the first analysis item group 300 and the analyses relating to the second analysis item group 400 (in this embodiment, the sample holding section 4, the reagent holding section 16, and the sample dispensing mechanism 25) are shared, and no dedicated mechanisms are provided.

[0065] Furthermore, the layout of the main mechanism, which is determined by the operating method of each item, was maintained, and the layout of the mechanism was designed to have the same occupied area as the conventional product. In other words, in order to inherit the same measurement principles and operating methods as the conventional product, the layout of the mechanism was designed to maintain the characteristics of the main mechanism layout of each item.

[0066] Of these, the layout of the main mechanisms of the first analysis item group 300 is such that they are arranged on the circumference of the first incubator 35, and the other main mechanisms are laid out on the circumference of the first incubator 35, in order to continuously monitor the reaction process from the ejection of the specimen and reagent to the extraction of the measurement results, and to continuously remove and clean the liquid inside the first incubator 35 after the measurement.

[0067] In contrast, the main mechanism layout for the second analysis item group 400 is such that, from the viewpoint of preventing contamination between specimens, the main mechanism is laid out in an arrangement that allows handling of disposable containers 7 between areas according to each functional use, such as specimen dispensing, reagent dispensing, reagent reaction, and reaction liquid measurement, since the testing method uses disposable containers 7 for each test item.

[0068] In order to satisfy these requirements, if the left-right direction of the expected user's standing position (lower side in Figures 1 to 3 and 5) is defined as the X axis and the direction perpendicular to this X axis as the Y axis, the sample holder 4, first analysis and measurement unit 301, and reagent holder 16 are arranged in this order along the X axis from the left of the standing position (positive X direction in Figures 1 to 3 and 5) to the right (negative X direction in Figures 1 to 3 and 5). In other words, the sample input and sample storage area and the reagent input and reagent storage area within the automatic analyzer 1 are arranged on the left and right sides of the front side of the device for easy access.

[0069] At the same time, the first analyzing and measuring part 301 and the second analyzing and measuring part 401 were arranged in this order along the Y axis in the direction away from the standing position (upward in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5).

[0070] In this case, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 has a structure in which reaction processes and various treatments are carried out continuously in the first incubator 35, and therefore has a relatively large number of short units, whereas the second analysis and measurement unit 401 has a structure in which disposable containers 7 are handed over, and therefore has a large number of units, resulting in a large number of tall units and structures overall. For this reason, from the standpoint of usability, and to ensure accessibility and visibility, the first analysis and measurement unit 301 is laid out on the front side of the center of the automatic analyzer 1, and the second analysis and measurement unit 401 is laid out on the back side.

[0071] The second analyzing and measuring unit 401 is installed so as to be vertically higher than the first analyzing and measuring unit 301. More specifically, the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 is installed at the same height as the surface of the apparatus table, whereas the second analyzing and measuring unit 401 is installed at a position higher than the surface of the table in the vertical direction.

[0072] The touch panel 3 c , which also serves as the display unit 3 a and input unit 3 b of the control unit 3 , was disposed between the sample holder 4 and the second analysis unit 400 .

[0073] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the lower structure of the automatic analyzer.

[0074] For the reasons described above, the second analysis and measurement unit 401, first tray 7a, and second tray 7b cannot be located at the front of the device. Therefore, to facilitate easy access from the front of the automated analyzer 1 to the mechanisms located on the rear side during daily inspections and maintenance by the user, a space is provided vertically below at least one of the sample holder 4, first analysis and measurement unit 301, and reagent holder 16, and on the surface that comes into contact with the floor when the user is standing, allowing the user to insert their toes.

[0075] To enable the toes to step within the footprint of the device, caster members 41 for holding the device are provided at the ends of the housing of the automatic analyzer 1, and a skirt structure 40 is provided at the bottom of the front side of the automatic analyzer 1. As a result, compared to the conventional skirt structure 42, the device standing position 44 in the automatic analyzer 1 of the present invention can be located closer to the inside of the device.

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

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

[0078] 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 side and the second reagent container mounting section 17A and the third reagent container mounting section 17B alternating on the outer side.

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

[0080] In contrast to this, the second reagent container mounting section 17A is positioned so 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 avoid a decrease in analysis throughput while reducing the installation area of ​​the housing of the automated analyzer 1, 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. Also, it is desirable that the distance between the reagent aspirating position and the reagent dispensing position (the distance between the first reagent aspirating position 37 and the reagent dispensing position of the first incubator 35, and the distance between the second reagent aspirating position 36 and the second reagent dispensing position 31) is short.

[0082] In order to achieve both the structure of the reagent holding unit 16 and the relative positions of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33, in the automatic analyzer 1, as shown in Figure 4, etc., the rotation axis 18A of the arm of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 is located on the cover 16A of the reagent holding unit 16.

[0083] The first and second reagent containers are provided with stoppers to prevent deterioration of the reagents. In addition, the second reagent container containing the second liquid for the second analysis item group 400 may be provided with a cap instead of a stopper.

[0084] Because it is a burden for the user to open these stoppers or caps, the automated analyzer 1 is provided with a needle for automatically opening the stoppers of reagent containers placed in the device, in the first reagent dispensing mechanism washing tank 19, in a form that is detachable from the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18. Similarly, an opener 46 is provided near the second reagent aspirating position 36 as a mechanism for removing the caps.

[0085] To prevent the reagent from dripping onto the needle, it is desirable that the needle not be located between the first reagent aspirating position 37 and the reagent dispensing position of the first incubator 35. Therefore, the first reagent dispensing mechanism washing tank 19 is located not between the first reagent aspirating position 37 and the reagent dispensing position of the first incubator 35, but around the first incubator 35 on an extension of the movement trajectory between the first reagent aspirating position 37 of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and the reagent dispensing position of the first incubator 35, so that after recognizing the loading of a reagent container, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 grips the needle, opens it, and performs needle washing at a timing that does not overlap with the timing of reagent aspirating, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, it may be desirable to stir the second liquid for the second analysis item group 400 before use. For this purpose, a reagent stirring mechanism 34 is provided, and 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 extends from the outer periphery of the reagent holder 16 to the second reagent aspirating position 36, which is the stirring position, in the shortest distance. However, in this 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 more time-consuming.

[0087] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, etc., it is provided on the outer periphery of the reagent holding unit 16, opposite the side where the second reagent suction position 36 is located, so that it is on the front side of the automatic analyzer 1, and its operating trajectory spans most of the reagent holding unit 16.

[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 handled by moving it close to the second reagent suction position 36 and waiting there just before the stirring execution cycle, and there will be almost no problems 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, and therefore, after the sample is aspirated, it must pass over the first incubator 35 in addition to the first analysis sample discharging unit 27 before moving to the second analysis sample discharging unit 28. In this case, to prevent the sample from dripping into the first incubator 35, it is desirable to provide a cover over at least the area between the first analysis sample discharging unit 27 and the second analysis sample discharging unit 28, in the area where the trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 25 overlaps with the first incubator 35.

[0090] It is possible to access the second analysis specimen discharge section 28 without passing over the first incubator 35, but this increases the operating distance and requires passing over the first tray 7a and the second tray 7b, which would require similar covers or other measures. Therefore, in order to shorten the travel distance, it is desirable for the trajectory moving to the second analysis specimen discharge section 28 to pass over the first incubator 35.

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

[0092] In the automated analyzer 1 of the present embodiment described above, when the automated analyzer 1 is equipped with a sample dispensing mechanism 25 that dispenses a first liquid from the first mechanism to the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and the second analyzing and measuring unit 401, and a second dispensing unit that dispenses a second liquid different from the first liquid from the second mechanism to the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and the second analyzing and measuring unit 401, or when the automated analyzer 1 is equipped with a first analyzing and measuring unit 301 that performs analysis related to a biochemical item group and a second analyzing and measuring unit 401 that performs analysis related to an immune item group, if the left-right direction of the expected standing position of the user is defined as the X-axis and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, then the first mechanism, first analyzing and measuring unit 301, and second mechanism are arranged in this order from the left of the standing position along the X-axis, and the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and second analyzing and measuring unit 401 are arranged in this order along the Y-axis in the direction away from the standing position.

[0093] This allows an automated analyzer capable of performing two analyses of analysis items with different operating methods and measurement principles to have a mechanical layout and system configuration specialized for each operation, and allows the mechanical layout to be appropriately arranged or simplified according to each item while retaining the operational feel of conventional devices.Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the installation area of ​​the automated analyzer 1 from becoming larger than necessary.

[0094] Furthermore, since the sample is used as the main object of measurement for each item, the sample dispensing mechanism 25 is configured to dispense the sample to the first analyzing and measuring unit 301 and the second analyzing and measuring unit 401. This ensures that each sample suction is performed once for each analysis item, thereby preventing sample mix-ups and incorrect dispensing. Furthermore, there is no need to install multiple sample dispensing mechanisms, which contributes to space savings.

[0095] Furthermore, although the reagent holding unit 16 is designed to store both biochemical and immunological reagents in common, the reagent containers are basically different depending on the item, and since the dispensing operation is the same as that of conventional products, the second dispensing unit has a first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 configured to dispense reagents for the first analysis item group 300 into the first analysis measurement unit 301, and a second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 configured to dispense reagents for the second analysis item group 400 into the second analysis measurement unit 401.This means that the second analysis unit, which has dispensing access to each analysis unit, can be configured with a dedicated dispensing probe that pairs with the analysis unit, preventing reagent dispensing errors and a decrease in analysis throughput.

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

[0097] Furthermore, a space into which the user can insert their toes is provided vertically below at least one of the first mechanism, the first analysis and measurement unit 301, and the second mechanism, and on the surface that comes into contact with the floor when in a standing position, making it easier to access the back side of the automatic analyzer 1.

[0098] The automatic analyzer 1 also comprises a first analysis specimen discharging section 27 on which a first incubator 35 that receives a specimen from the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second analysis specimen discharging section 28 on which a disposable container 7 that receives a specimen from the specimen dispensing mechanism 25 is placed, a second reagent discharging position 31 on which a disposable container 7 is placed to receive a reagent from the second dispensing section, and a second reaction vessel transport mechanism 11 that transports the disposable container 7 between the second analysis specimen discharging section 28, the second analysis measurement section 401, and the second reagent discharging position 31. When the automatic analyzer 1 is viewed vertically from above, the suction position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 25, the first analysis specimen discharging section 27, and the second analysis specimen discharging section 28 are positioned so as to overlap with the movement trajectory of the dispensing probe of the specimen dispensing mechanism 25, thereby enabling efficient handling of the disposable container 7 in the second analysis measurement section 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 lines extending radially from the center of the reagent holder 16 to facilitate access by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18. This allows the user to freely set the allocation of various reagent containers to be stored in the third reagent container mounting section 17B, thereby providing flexibility within a limited number of containers, and improving usability. This also reduces weight imbalance when all first and second reagent containers are loaded, allowing the central axis during centrifugation to be closer to the center of rotation of the reagent disk. Furthermore, it is easy to simultaneously perform dispensing of the first reagent from the first reagent containers loaded in the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 and dispensing of the second reagent from the second reagent container loaded in the second reagent container mounting section 17A by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33.

[0100] Furthermore, by arranging the arm rotation axis 18A of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 18 on the cover 16A of the reagent holding section 16, it is possible to dispense the first reagent from the first reagent containers mounted on the first reagent container mounting section 38 and the third reagent container mounting section 17B while also reducing the mounting area of ​​the device.

[0101] <Others> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all of the described configurations.

[0102] 1: Automated analyzer 2: Analysis unit 3: Control unit 3a: Display unit 3b: Input unit 3c: Touch panel 4: Specimen holder (first mechanism) 5: Specimen information reader 6: Reaction vessel first transport mechanism 7: Disposable vessel (second reaction vessel) 7a: First tray 7b: Second tray 8: Reaction vessel disposal position 9: Second incubator 10: Second stirring mechanism 11: Reaction vessel second transport mechanism (transport unit) 12: Reaction liquid washing and replacement mechanism 13: Second detection unit preparation operation mechanism 14: Second analysis and detection unit 15: Washing tank for reagent stirring mechanism 16: Reagent holder (second mechanism) 16A: Cover 17A: Second reagent vessel mounting unit (second mounting unit) 17B: Third reagent vessel mounting unit (third mounting unit) 18: First reagent dispensing mechanism (second dispensing unit, first arm) 18A: Rotating shaft 19: Washing tank for first reagent dispensing mechanism 20: Measuring section that can be associated with first analysis item 21: First analysis detection section 22: Reaction vessel washing mechanism 23: Sample vessel 24: Sample suction position 25: Sample dispensing mechanism (first dispensing section) 26: Washing tank for sample dispensing mechanism 27: First analysis sample discharge section (first placement location) 28: Second analysis sample discharge section (second placement location) 28a: Dilution position 29: Reaction vessel standby position 30: First stirring mechanism 31: Second reagent discharge position (third placement location) 32: Washing tank for 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 suction position 37: First reagent suction position 38: First reagent container placement section (first placement section) 39: Detection section suction nozzle washing tank 40: Skirt structure 41: Apparatus holding caster section 42: Conventional skirt structure 43: Conventional apparatus standing position 44: Apparatus standing position 46: Opener 100: Sample holding area 200: Reagent holding area 300: First analysis item group (biochemistry item group) 301: First analysis measurement section (first analysis section) 400: Second analysis item group (immunology item group) 401: Second analysis measurement section (second analysis section)

Claims

1. a first analysis unit that performs an analysis related to a first group of analysis items; A second analysis unit that performs an analysis related to a second analysis item group that performs an analysis related to an immune item group different from the first analysis item group; A first mechanism that is used in common for the first group of analysis items and the second group of analysis items; a second mechanism that is different from the first mechanism and is used in common by the first group of analysis items and the second group of analysis items; a first dispensing unit that dispenses a first liquid from the first mechanism to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit; a second dispensing unit that dispenses a second liquid different from the first liquid from the second mechanism to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit, In the case 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, the first mechanism, the first analysis unit, and the second mechanism are arranged in this order from the left of the standing position, the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in this order along the Y axis in a direction away from the standing position; The second analysis section is disposed so as to be vertically higher than the first analysis section. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

2. A first analysis unit that performs an analysis related to a group of biochemical items; A second analysis unit that performs an analysis related to an immune item group; A first mechanism commonly used in the biochemical item group and the immune item group; a second mechanism which is different from the first mechanism and is used in common for the biochemical item group and the immune item group; In the case 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, the first mechanism, the first analysis unit, and the second mechanism are arranged in this order from the left of the standing position, the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in this order along the Y axis in a direction away from the standing position, The second analysis section is disposed so as to be vertically higher than the first analysis section. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

3. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The first dispensing unit is configured to dispense the first liquid to the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

4. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The second dispensing unit has a first arm configured to dispense the second liquid for the first analysis item group to the first analysis unit, and a second arm configured to dispense the second liquid for the second analysis item group to the second analysis unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

5. (delete)

6. 3. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, the first mechanism is a specimen holder; The second mechanism is a reagent holder. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

7. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The first group of analysis items indicates a group of items related to biochemistry. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

8. 3. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, A space into which the user's toes can be inserted is provided vertically below at least one of the first mechanism, the first analysis unit, and the second mechanism and on a surface that is in contact with a floor at the standing position. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

9. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, a first placement location on which a first reaction container that receives the first liquid dispensed from the first dispensing unit is placed; a second placement location on which a second reaction container that receives the first liquid dispensed from the first dispensing unit is placed; a third placement location on which the second reaction container is placed to receive the second liquid dispensed from the second dispensing unit; a transport unit that transports the second reaction container between the second placement location, the second analysis unit, and the third placement location, When the automatic analyzer is viewed from above in the vertical direction, the aspirating position of the first dispensing unit, the first placement location, and the second placement location are disposed at positions overlapping with a moving track of a dispensing probe of the first dispensing unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, the second mechanism is a reagent holder; The reagent holder includes: a first placement portion capable of holding only a first reagent container containing a first reagent among the reagents as the second liquid; a second placement portion capable of holding only a second reagent container containing a second reagent different in type from the first reagent; a third placement portion capable of holding both the first reagent container and the second reagent container, the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, and the third mounting portion are arranged in a double annular shape such that only the first mounting portion is arranged on an inner circumferential side, and the second mounting portion and the third mounting portion are arranged alternately on an outer circumferential side, The first and third placement sections are positioned so as not to be parallel to lines extending radially from the center of the reagent holder in order to facilitate access by the first arm. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

11. The automated analyzer according to claim 10, The first arm has a rotation axis disposed on the cover of the reagent holder. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

12. 3. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, A control unit that controls the operation of the automatic analyzer; A display unit that displays information output by the control unit; An input unit that accepts input from a user, the first mechanism is a specimen holder; The display unit and the input unit are disposed between the sample holder and the second analysis unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by: