JP2010151670A - Automatic analysis apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the maximum number of sample containers and reaction containers loaded and to achieve compactness in an automatic measuring apparatus for transferring the sample containers and the reaction containers in their mixture through the use of a single transfer means. <P>SOLUTION: An automatic analysis apparatus is constituted of: the transfer means for mounting and transferring the sample containers and the reaction containers in their mixture; an intermediate transfer means for receiving and mounting the reaction containers mounted to the transfer means; a reaction means for receiving the reaction containers from the intermediate transfer means and maintaining them at a prescribed temperature; a first reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction containers mounted to the transfer means to the intermediate transfer means; a second reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction containers mounted to the intermediate transfer means to the reaction means; and a dispensing means for drawing by suction samples in the sample containers mounted to the transfer means and dispensing them to the reaction containers mounted to the intermediate transfer means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer that mixes a predetermined reagent with a sample, for example, and causes a reaction for a predetermined time. Specifically, the present invention is particularly preferably applied to an immunoassay apparatus or the like for measuring a trace component contained in a biological sample such as serum, plasma or urine using an antibody or an antigen against the component, and compared with a conventional one. Thus, the present invention relates to a smaller and more improved analysis apparatus.

  Biological sample clinical tests should be performed with an automatic analyzer in consideration of the processing speed required to process many samples in a short time, eliminating the effect of operator skill on the test results. is there. In general, in an automatic analyzer for biochemistry, a facility for preparing a plurality of sample containers for storing a biological sample to be examined, a facility for preparing a reagent to be reacted with the sample, and a reaction for reacting the sample with the reagent Equipment for preparing the container, equipment for dispensing a predetermined amount of sample and reagent in the reaction container, equipment for placing the reaction container in which the sample and the reagent are dispensed under a predetermined condition for a certain period of time, It consists of equipment for carrying out the measurement and equipment for transporting the sample container and / or reaction container between these equipments. As described above, since many apparatuses are required for the automatic analyzer, the apparatus tends to increase in size when the request for improving the processing speed is satisfied, and the configuration and operability of each facility tend to be complicated.

  While there is a request as described above, there is also a request for reducing the installation area and simplifying the configuration and operability of each facility rather than improving the processing speed and the like. An automatic immunoanalyzer that automatically performs immunoassay on biological samples will be described as a specific example. Conventionally, in order to meet such demands, sample containers and reaction containers are manually arranged on different transport lines, and the measurement results A desktop autoimmune analyzer that automatically performs output has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, both the sample container and the reaction container transport line are configured by an endless conveyor type snake chain. However, in the partial region of the sample container transport line and the reaction container transport line, both are synchronized. It is controlled to intermittently move in parallel. Furthermore, as compared with the device of Patent Document 1, the configuration and operability of each facility, the installation area, etc. are further simplified and miniaturized as a device that uses a single transfer line to react with the sample container. An apparatus for transporting containers in a mixed state has been proposed (Patent Document 2).

  By the way, the automatic analyzer is not always required to be monitored by the operator during the operation of the apparatus. If there is no problem, the operator can leave the apparatus and engage in other work. However, in the automatic analyzer, it is difficult to wash the sample and the reaction solution attached to the container in a short time, and therefore the reaction container once used is usually discarded without being reused. For this reason, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1 or 2, in the absence of an operator, the total number of sample containers and reaction containers (maximum erection number) initially placed on the annular transport track is the upper limit of the processing number, which exceeds the upper limit. In order to carry out the measurement, the processed container must be taken out and a new container must be placed before the processing of the sample container or the reaction container that has been placed first. If the maximum number of erections can be increased, the time that the operator can engage in other tasks can be extended. However, for this purpose, it is necessary to enlarge the annular track, which causes a problem of increasing the size of the apparatus.

Japanese Patent No. 2884604 Japanese Patent No. 399495

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and transfers a reaction vessel placed on a conveyance means to an intermediate conveyance means together with a single conveyance means for conveying a sample container and a reaction container in a mixed state. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the sample is dispensed from the sample container placed on the transport means, automatic analysis improves the maximum number of sample containers and reaction containers that can be placed on the device while being compact. A device is provided.

The present invention completed in order to achieve the above-described object is to receive and place the reaction container placed on the carrying means, carrying means for placing and carrying the sample container and the reaction container in a mixed state. The intermediate transfer means, the reaction means for receiving the reaction container from the intermediate transfer means and maintaining it at a predetermined temperature, the first reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction container placed on the transfer means to the intermediate transfer means, and the intermediate transfer means A second reaction container transfer means for transferring the placed reaction container to the reaction means, and a part for sucking the sample in the sample container placed on the transport means and dispensing it to the reaction container placed on the intermediate transport means Here, each means is an automatic analyzer having the following characteristics.
(1) The conveying means can sequentially convey the containers placed on the means to the points A and B,
(2) The intermediate transfer means receives the reaction container transferred from the transfer means by the first reaction container transfer means at the point C, and transfers the received reaction container between the point C and the point D. Is possible,
(3) The reaction means can receive the reaction container conveyed from the intermediate conveyance means by the second reaction container transfer means at the point E,
(4) The first reaction vessel transfer means can transfer the reaction vessel transferred to the point A to the point C, and the second reaction vessel transfer means sets the reaction vessel transferred to the point C. Can be transferred to point E, and
(5) The dispensing means can suck the sample in the sample container transported there at the point B and dispense it into the reaction container transported there at the point D.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by taking an automatic immune analyzer for immunoassay as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic immunoanalyzer according to the present invention. The transport means 1 is an annular track (infinite track) constituted by a drive device that can be easily controlled, such as a stepping motor, and the sample container 6 and the reaction container 7 are placed in a mixed state in the direction of the arrow. It conveys and it conveys to the points A and B sequentially for every container. In the reaction container in this example, a solid-phased antibody and an enzyme-labeled antibody corresponding to the analysis item are sealed in a freeze-dried state in advance. The sample container of this example contains biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma, and urine, standard samples for quantifying them, and samples for quality control of the analyzer. As described above, when the reagent is previously sealed in the reaction container, the reaction container is moved to the point A before the reaction container is transferred to the point A by the transfer unit 1 or by the first reaction container transfer unit. A breaker for breaking the enclosure of the container is disposed after the sample is transferred to point C and before the sample is dispensed at point D.

  In this example, a commercially available container rack 8 carrying the sample container and the reaction container is transported. In addition to this, for example, a tray having a recess in which the sample container or the reaction container can be placed is annularly formed by a snake chain. And a method of driving by a sprocket, a method of providing a belt conveyor at the bottom of a groove-shaped annular path having a width enough to pass the trays one by one, and conveying the trays one by one, etc. A configuration can be employed. In this example, it is transported so as to draw a substantially rectangular transport track 9, but the transport track may be a circle, a polygon, or an indeterminate shape. In this example, the container rack is transported in the short side direction in the short side portion of the substantially rectangular transport track 9, and is transported in the long side direction of the container rack in the long side portion of the transport track 9. By doing so, the maximum number of installations on the transport track is improved. Furthermore, in this example, the transport means includes a sensor 10 for acquiring information about a container placed and transported thereon. The sensor can be exemplified by sensing whether or not a container is placed on a container rack, the type of the container when the container is present (sample container or reaction container), and the like. When some or all of the reagent for a predetermined reaction is sealed in advance, a label is attached to the container side in advance as to the type of reaction container the reaction container is, It is also possible to sense with the sensor and change the amount of sample dispensed by the dispensing means described later according to the result. As will be described later, in the present invention, since the reaction container transported to the position A is transferred to the intermediate transport means, it is necessary to acquire information such as the container type at a previous point, and when a sensor is provided, It is preferably provided at a point before reaching point A. Of course, if there is a rule such as placing a sample container at the top of the tip of an independent commercially available container rack as to the type of container to be transported by the transport means 1, a sensor for sensing the type of container is provided. There is no need to provide it.

  It is preferable in terms of simplification of equipment and the like that the transport unit 1 transports the container on a single plane. However, for example, by arranging a means for transporting the container in the Z-axis direction in the middle of the transport, it is possible to transport the container on two or more parallel planes. The maximum number of erections on the transport track can be further improved by proper use.

  The reaction vessel 7 placed on the conveying means 1 is recognized by the sensor of the conveying means, and after reaching the point A, it is transferred to the point C by the transferring means 14 described later and received by the intermediate conveying means 2 at the point C. Placed. In the example of FIG. 1, five reaction containers are placed following the sample container 6. Each of the five reaction containers is transferred to the point A by the transfer means 1 and is transferred to the transfer means 14. Is transferred to the intermediate transfer means 2. The intermediate transport unit 2 receives the reaction container at the point C and transports the received reaction container to the point D. At this point D, a predetermined amount of the sample sucked from the sample container transported to the point B is dispensed by the dispensing means 15 described later. In this way, when a sample container is placed at an arbitrary location on the transport means and subsequently one or more reaction containers are placed, the sample container (one piece) located at the head and the subsequent reaction container As long as the total number is equal to or less than the number of containers that can be placed in the portion from position A to position B, the sample sucked from the first sample container can be dispensed into the subsequent reaction container for analysis. How many containers can be placed in the portion from the position A to the position B depends on the number of analyzes expected to be performed on one sample, that is, the number of reaction containers that can be consumed for one sample. (For example, when the same analysis is repeated X times for one sample or when different X times of analysis are performed, it can be exemplified that X is taken into consideration.) Further, for example, the number of containers that can be placed between the ABs can be determined based on the number of containers that can be placed on a commercially available container rack. In the apparatus of FIG. 1, a total of six containers can be placed between AB based on the number (6) of containers that can be placed on a commercially available container rack. Therefore, if the reaction containers 7 all contain the same reagent, five repeated analyzes are possible, and if all the reagents corresponding to different analyzes are accommodated, five times for the same sample. Different analyzes can be performed. In order to place a large number of containers between AB, the transport trajectory from A to B may be changed to a different one from the example shown in the figure.

  Since the intermediate transport means 2 transports the reaction vessel carried by it between the points C and D, unlike the transport means 1, as shown in this example rather than being an annular track. It is preferable also in terms of simplification of equipment to carry a predetermined number of reaction vessels and to reciprocate them on a straight track. When the intermediate transport unit 2 is configured to carry a predetermined number of reaction vessels, the predetermined number may be the same as the number of containers that can be placed on the portion from the position A to B in the transport unit 1. Particularly preferred. In addition to the transfer of the reaction vessel 7 from the transfer means 1 to the intermediate transfer means 2, the dispensing operation of the sample sucked from the sample container placed on the transfer means is performed. It is preferable to arrange on a plane. However, if, for example, a means capable of transporting the reaction container in the Z-axis direction is adopted as a first reaction container transfer means described later, the reaction container is reciprocally transported on a plane parallel to the plane to which the transport track by the transport means 1 belongs. It is also possible to configure. Furthermore, as in the configuration shown in the drawings, the container transport path from point A to B in the transport means and the transport path of the reaction container between points C and D in the intermediate transport means are both straight, and By setting both in parallel, the transfer path of the first reaction vessel transfer means and the dispensing means can be simplified, and the equipment of the analyzer can be further simplified. In any case, in the transfer means 1 and the intermediate transfer means 2, the interval between the adjacent containers when the containers are placed is made substantially the same, and the containers are intermittently moved by the both transfer means for the interval. It is particularly preferable to carry it in order to control the apparatus. There is no particular limitation on the speed of intermittent conveyance, and for example, conveyance can be exemplified by the interval every 10 to 100 seconds. However, it is not always necessary to transport at the same speed and interval. For example, when the sample container is transported to the point B, the transport is stopped for a time necessary for reliably performing the dispensing operation by the dispensing means. This can be illustrated.

  The intermediate transport unit 2 preferably includes a stirring unit in order to mix the sample dispensed in the reaction container with a reagent for analysis and to make the sample uniform. As the stirring means, for example, a paddle device for stirring by inserting a stirring paddle into the reaction vessel from the upper part of the reaction vessel, an eccentric cam attached to the lower part of the intermediate conveying means, and a cam device for vibrating by rotation thereof, Conventionally known ones can be exemplified, for example, a vibration transmission plate engaged with a motor via a guide member for vibration is attached to the intermediate conveying means, but those capable of stirring without contact with the reaction liquid are particularly preferable.

  The reaction means 3 receives a reaction container transferred from the intermediate transfer means by a second reaction container transfer means described later at a point E, maintains this at a predetermined temperature, and performs a predetermined reaction such as an immune reaction under a constant temperature condition. Is to advance. The reaction means 3 in this example is a disk provided with holes for supporting the reaction vessel on concentric circles and driven to rotate by a driving means (not shown) such as a stepping motor, but is not limited thereto. For example, an annular path may be used similarly to the transport unit 1. In the apparatus of this example configured as an immunoassay apparatus, a so-called B / F separation apparatus (not shown), an apparatus (not shown) for dispensing an enzyme substrate that changes to a fluorescent substance under the action of a labeling enzyme. ), A stirrer for accelerating the reaction (not shown), and a device 11 for measuring fluorescence are respectively provided for B / F separation, substrate dispensing and fluorescence for the reaction vessel supported on the circumference. It is arranged so that the measurement can be performed.

  A temperature control device for maintaining the reaction vessel in the reaction means 3 at a predetermined temperature is, for example, maintaining the disk itself at a predetermined temperature, or the reaction means 3 except for the receiving point E of the reaction vessel. Covering with a body and adjusting the temperature of the inside of the housing with a heater or the like can be exemplified. If necessary, a stirring device for promoting the reaction can be added to the reaction means. For example, it is possible to exemplify a configuration in which a minute magnetic substance is put in a reaction container and a magnetic means is used in the reaction means 3 to move the magnetic substance in the reaction container.

  The number of reaction vessels on which the reaction means 3 can be placed is analyzed in addition to the conveyance capacity of the conveyance means 1, the dispensing capacity of the dispensing means 15, the processing capacity of the measuring device 11 arranged in the reaction means 3, etc. It is determined as appropriate in consideration of the time required for the reaction. When the number of reaction containers to be placed is small, the reaction means 3 itself can be reduced in size, but when a large space is required for the reaction means 3, the reaction means 3 is transferred to the transfer means 1 and the intermediate transfer. It can be exemplified that it is installed on a plane parallel to the plane on which the means 2 is installed. Thus, if the reaction means 3 and the transport means 1 are hierarchically arranged, the apparatus can be miniaturized and the installation area can be reduced.

  The transfer of the reaction container from the point A of the transfer means 1 to the point C of the intermediate transfer means 2 is performed by the first container transfer means 14, and the reaction container is transferred from the point C of the intermediate transfer means 2 to the point E of the reaction means 3. It is carried out by the second reaction vessel transfer means. The reaction container transferred by the first reaction container transfer means is the one before the sample is dispensed, while the reaction container transferred by the second reaction container transfer means is the one after the sample dispensing. For this reason, compared with the first, the second reaction container transfer means is preferably capable of transferring the container with higher accuracy. However, when adopting means capable of transferring the container with high precision, the first and first Two reaction vessel transfer means can be combined with a single means. Thus, the apparatus configuration can be further simplified by using a single means as the first and second reaction vessel transfer means. Specifically, as a means for transferring the container with high accuracy, for example, when the reaction container is a container having a flange, a conventionally known clamping part (chuck head) that engages with the flange part, etc. It is possible to exemplify adopting a holding device and a device that moves the holding device.

  While the transfer of the reaction container by the first reaction container transfer means is a unilateral transfer from the transfer means 1 to the intermediate transfer means 2, the transfer of the reaction container by the second reaction container transfer means is from the intermediate transfer means 2. In addition to the transfer to the reaction means 3, the transfer from the reaction means 3 to the intermediate transfer means 2 is added in some cases, and the transfer is between the intermediate transfer means 2 and the reaction means 3. As a case where the reaction container is transferred from the reaction means 3 to the intermediate transport means 2, for example, after dispensing a sample into the reaction container, after performing a first reaction under a predetermined temperature condition, a reagent is further added. There is a case where it is necessary to perform the second reaction under a predetermined temperature condition by dispensing and stirring by the stirring means included in the intermediate conveying means described later. Here, the first and second reactions may correspond to each step of the multistage immune reaction. In addition, for example, a process of performing hemolysis of a whole blood sample or alkali denaturation of a protein in a serum sample on the intermediate transport unit, and then transferring the reaction container to the reaction unit 3 and incubating for a certain time is a first step. It is regarded as a reaction, and after that step, the step of returning the reaction vessel to the intermediate conveying means 2, dispensing the neutralizing agent, and performing a neutralization process with a stirring operation can be regarded as the second reaction.

  Even if the first reaction container transfer means and the second reaction container transfer means described above are used as a single means or are configured as different means, the transfer path is a straight line. In addition, it is particularly preferable to make the transfer path of the points A and C and the transfer path of the points C and E straight.

  The sample in the sample container placed on the transport means 1 is dispensed by the dispensing means 15 to the reaction container 7 transferred and placed on the intermediate transport means 2. When it is necessary to dilute the sample, a configuration in which a diluent is supplied may be adopted, and the diluent may be sucked before or after the dispensing means sucks the sample at the point B. The dispensing means 15 itself is composed of a nozzle shaft connected to a pump and a device for moving the nozzle shaft from the sample suction point B to the sample dispensing point D, and these are conventionally known ones. be able to. By the way, in order to avoid contamination between samples in analysis, different nozzle tips should be used for each sample, and it is preferable to employ a dispensing means for exchanging nozzle tips for each sample in the apparatus of the present invention. In this case, in order to supply the replacement nozzle tip to the dispensing means, a device for transporting the replacement nozzle 12 is added in the middle of the point D from the point B where the dispensing means moves, and the used nozzle It can be exemplified that a disposal box for discarding chips is arranged in the transfer path of the dispensing means. In the case of adopting such a configuration, it is preferable that a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the nozzle tip is attached to the dispensing means so that the dispensing operation does not occur when the nozzle tip is not attached. Further, regarding the movement of the dispensing means, in preparation for the possibility of the sample dripping adhering to the outside of the tip of the nozzle tip when the sample is sucked at the point B and then moved to the dispensing point D, the nozzle tip is prepared. Can be temporarily saved from directly under the transfer path of the dispensing means.

  If necessary, the dispensing means can be configured so that the reagent can be dispensed at a point F on the reaction means with respect to the reaction container received by the reaction means 3. For example, only a part of the reagent necessary for analysis is initially dispensed into the reaction vessel 7, and after the predetermined reaction is first performed in a temperature-controlled state, the remaining reagent is additionally dispensed. For example, when a so-called two-step immunoassay is performed, a labeling reagent is additionally dispensed. In such a case, in order to aspirate the reagent to be additionally dispensed, the reagent to be additionally dispensed is held in the middle of point D from point B, which is the transfer path of the dispensing means, or in the middle of point F from point D. It is possible to exemplify that a container 13 to be placed is arranged or a means for transporting a container holding the reagent at the position is added. In the apparatus of FIG. 1, the configuration in which the replacement nozzle chip 12 and the container 13 holding the additional reagent are integrally transported and supplied is exemplified, but these may be transported separately.

  The above-described means for additionally dispensing the reagent at the point F can be provided separately from the dispensing means 15. However, in order to improve the maintenance convenience of the apparatus and simplify the apparatus configuration, a configuration in which the dispensing means 15 is moved to the point F is particularly preferable in order to eliminate unnecessary drive systems and simplify the apparatus configuration.

  The transfer path from the point B to the point D of the dispensing means is preferably a straight line in order to simplify the device for movement. Further, when the dispensing means is moved from the point D to the point F as necessary, the transfer route is configured to be a straight line on the extension line of the transfer route from the point B to the point D. Is particularly preferable for simplifying the device configuration.

  Next, the analysis by the apparatus of this invention is demonstrated based on FIGS. In the following description, the takt time refers to a time interval in which a container is intermittently transported by a transport means, and when the apparatus is continuously driven, measurement results are obtained one after another. It matches the interval. The tact time can be regarded as a unit of synchronous operation of the apparatus, and the progress of the operation can be expressed as tact 1, tact 2, and the like. The tact time is often set to a specific time selected from 10 to 100 seconds, and one or more processing steps can be performed at one or more sites during one tact.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the sample container S and the reaction containers R1 to R5 are placed on the container rack 8 in this order from the traveling direction. In the figure, a sample container containing a sample is represented by a black circle (●), and a reaction container that may contain a reagent is represented by a white circle (◯). Further, the container holding part on the container rack or the intermediate conveying means is represented by a white square (□).

  The time point in FIG. At this time, the sample container S on the container rack 8 has reached the position A. Further, the leading reaction container holding part of the intermediate conveying means 2 has reached the position C. FIG. 3 shows a state of tact 2 that is advanced by one tact from the time of FIG. Here, the intermittently moving container rack 8 moves one pitch, and the reaction container R1 moves to position A. Within the same tact, the first reaction container transfer means transfers the reaction container R1 from position A to position C along the track 4 and places the reaction container R1 on the intermediate transport means 2.

  FIG. 4 shows a state of tact 3 that is advanced by one tact from the time of FIG. Here, the intermittently moving container rack 8 further moves one pitch, and the reaction container R2 moves to the position A. In synchronization with the movement of the container rack, the intermediate conveying means 2 also moves to the right by one pitch. Within the same tact, the first reaction vessel transfer means transfers the reaction vessel R2 along the track 4 from the position A to the position C. As a result, the reaction containers R1 and R2 are placed side by side on the intermediate conveying means. FIG. 5 shows the state of tact 4 that is one tact advanced from the time of FIG. Here, the intermittently moving container rack 8 further moves one pitch, and the reaction container R3 moves to the position A. In synchronization with the movement of the container rack, the intermediate transport unit 2 also moves to the right by one pitch. In the same tact, the first reaction vessel transfer means transfers the reaction vessel R3 from position A to position C along the track 4. As a result, the reaction containers R1, R2, and R3 are placed on the intermediate transport unit in a state where they are aligned.

  FIG. 6 shows a state of tact 5 that is advanced by one tact from the time of FIG. Here, the intermittently moving container rack 8 further moves one pitch, and the reaction container R4 moves to the position A. In synchronization with the movement of the container rack, the intermediate conveying means 2 also moves to the right by one pitch. Within the same tact, the first reaction vessel transfer means transfers the reaction vessel R4 along the track 4 from the position A to the position C. As a result, the reaction containers R1, R2, R3, and R4 are placed on the intermediate transport unit in a state where they are aligned.

  FIG. 7 shows an initial state (tact 6-1) of the tact 6 that has advanced one tact from the time point of FIG. Here, the intermittently moving container rack 8 further moves one pitch, the sample container reaches position B, and the reaction container R5 moves to position A. In synchronization with the movement of the container rack, the intermediate conveying means 2 also moves to the right by one pitch. Within the same tact, the first reaction vessel transfer means transfers the reaction vessel R5 along the track 4 from the position A to the position C. As a result, the reaction containers R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are placed on the intermediate transport unit in a state where they are aligned. FIG. 8 shows an intermediate state of the tact 6 (tact 6-2). Here, the intermediate transfer means moves and the reaction vessel R1 reaches the position D. Within the same tact, the dispensing means sucks the sample from the sample container at the position B, moves along the track 5 to the position D, and dispenses the sample into the reaction container R1 located at the position D. In the figure, a sample container into which a sample has been dispensed is represented by a double circle (◎).

  FIG. 9 shows the late state of the tact 6 (tact 6-3). Here, the intermediate transport means moves to return the reaction container R1 containing the sample to the position C. Within the same tact, the second reaction container transfer means transfers the reaction container R1 containing the sample to a position E (not shown) and places it on the reaction means. The reaction means is controlled to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the antigen-antibody reaction for analysis proceeds, the fluorescence measurement is performed through a necessary washing step, and the analysis result is output.

  Since the present invention is configured to circulate and transport a sample container and a reaction container in a mixed state using a single transport means using a circulation trajectory, it is more simplified than transporting the sample container and the reaction container by separate transport means. In addition, a smaller device can be provided. In addition, by fixing the position for picking up the reaction container from the transfer means and the receiving position for the intermediate transfer means, the transfer track of the intermediate transfer means can be made a straight track, and the apparatus for transferring the reaction vessel is simplified. And can be refined. In addition, by fixing the position where the sample is aspirated from the sample container placed on the transport means and the position where the sample is dispensed to the reaction container placed on the intermediate transport means, the transfer path of the dispensing means is straightened. It is possible to make a track, and it is possible to simplify and refine the device for moving the dispensing means.

  In the present invention, when a sample container is placed at an arbitrary location on the transport means and subsequently one or more reaction containers are placed, the sample container (one piece) located at the head and the subsequent reaction container As long as the total number is equal to or less than the number of containers that can be placed in the portion from position A to position B, the sample sucked from the first sample container can be dispensed into the subsequent reaction container for analysis.

It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the drive state of each structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conveyance means 2 Intermediate | middle conveyance means 3 Reaction means 4 Orbit of 1st and 2nd reaction container transfer means 5 Orbit of dispensing means 6 Sample container 7 Reaction container 8 Container rack 9 Circulation orbit 10 Sensor 11 Detector 12 Rack of pipette tip 13 Reagent rack 14 First and second reaction vessel transfer means 15 Dispensing means

Claims (7)

A transport means for placing and transporting a sample container and a reaction container in a mixed state, an intermediate transport means for receiving and placing a reaction container placed on the transport means, a reaction container received from the intermediate transport means, and a predetermined A reaction means for maintaining the temperature at the temperature, a first reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction vessel placed on the transfer means to the intermediate transfer means, and a second reaction for transferring the reaction vessel placed on the intermediate transfer means to the reaction means A container transfer means, and a dispensing means for sucking the sample in the sample container placed on the transport means and dispensing it into the reaction container placed on the intermediate transport means, wherein each means is An automatic analyzer having the following characteristics.
(1) The conveying means can sequentially convey the containers placed on the means to the points A and B,
(2) The intermediate transfer means receives the reaction container transferred from the transfer means by the first reaction container transfer means at the point C, and transfers the received reaction container between the point C and the point D. Is possible,
(3) The reaction means can receive the reaction container conveyed from the intermediate conveyance means by the second reaction container transfer means at the point E,
(4) The first reaction vessel transfer means can transfer the reaction vessel transferred to the point A to the point C, and the second reaction vessel transfer means sets the reaction vessel transferred to the point C. Can be transferred to point E, and
(5) The dispensing means is capable of sucking the sample in the sample container transported there at the point B and dispensing it into the reaction container transported there at the point D.   The container transport path from the point A to B in the transport means and the transport path of the reaction container between the points C and D in the intermediate transport means are both straight and parallel, The apparatus of claim 1.   The transfer path of the reaction container from point A to C and the transfer path of the reaction container from point C to E in the reaction container transfer means are one straight line, and the transfer path from point B to D of the dispensing means The apparatus of claim 1, wherein is straight and both are parallel.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit includes a sensor for acquiring information on a container placed on and transported by the unit. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transport unit includes a stirring unit that stirs the reaction vessel in which the sample is dispensed by the dispensing unit at the position D.   The reaction means is capable of transporting the received reaction container to the point F, and disposing a reagent container containing a reagent between the points B and D and / or between the points D and F. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:   The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the dispensing unit is capable of sucking the reagent in the reagent container and dispensing it into the reaction container transported to the point F.

Images