JP2015068701A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer which does not reduce throughput while securing reliability of an inspection result and includes a transport device capable of delivering reaction vessels to a plurality of placement positions on reaction means.SOLUTION: A θ axis gripping transport device 90 is provided between transport means allowing a plurality of reaction vessels to be placed thereon and reaction means allowing the plurality of reaction vessels to be placed thereon like a circle and to rotate and includes a first perpendicular revolving shaft 91 which is freely vertically movable, a first arm 93 provided so as to be freely turnably connected to the first perpendicular revolving shaft, a second perpendicular revolving shaft 92 provided at a front end part of the first arm, and a second arm 94 which is freely turnably connected to the first arm by the second perpendicular revolving shaft and is provided with a reaction vessel gripping part 97. The second arm is rotated in a state where the second perpendicular revolving shaft is aligned with a revolving shaft of the reaction means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a specific component contained in a biological sample such as serum, plasma, and urine. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a transport device capable of delivering a reaction container to a plurality of placement positions on a reaction means.

  Automatic analyzers have been widely used in the field of clinical testing, where multiple reaction containers (which may also serve as measurement containers) are arranged in a transport system (conveyor system) with an endless transport path and measured sequentially. ing. The performance required for an automatic analyzer used in the clinical examination field is firstly the reliability of test results over a wide range of measurement concentrations, and secondly the processing speed, that is, the throughput per hour (throughput). In order to generally improve the throughput when the transport system of the automatic analyzer is a work processing system that sequentially transports a plurality of works (corresponding to reaction vessels) to processing units arranged in series along a transport path. In order to achieve this, it is important how to increase the processing speed of each processing unit and how to devise a configuration for processing a plurality of workpieces simultaneously.

  Regarding the processing speed of each processing unit, it is necessary to identify the processing unit that is the rate-determining process and make efforts to improve the processing speed of the processing unit. As a method of simultaneously processing a plurality of workpieces, for example, a reaction container is loaded into a rotary reaction table on which a plurality of reaction containers can be placed, for each throughput time (output cycle time), and a predetermined reaction time. A method of sequentially carrying out the reaction containers after the elapse of time has been widely adopted. According to the method, it is necessary to prepare a reaction table on which reaction containers equal to or more than the number calculated by [reaction time / cycle time] can be placed. Further, there is also disclosed an apparatus configuration in which processing capacity is improved by arranging two systems of a dispensing device, a reaction line (reaction processing unit), a cleaning device, and a detection unit in parallel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). Here, the cycle time represents the period of each processing unit or the entire automatic analyzer that performs a periodic operation.

  In order to control the automatic analyzer, a time chart that is a set of processing cycles is usually created by periodically capturing synchronous operations between the processing units. Usually, the cycle time coincides with a cycle in which the automatic analyzer periodically outputs test results, that is, a throughput time. However, depending on how the cycle time is handled (how to define), it may coincide with an integral multiple of the throughput time or 1 / integer.

  In order to improve the processing speed of the automatic analyzer, it is necessary to shorten the cycle time. For example, when the processing speed is 240 tests per hour, the cycle time is 15 seconds corresponding to the reciprocal thereof, and each processing unit operates synchronously during the cycle time and outputs one inspection result in the final process. .

  Depending on the processing contents of each processing unit, a series of processing may not fit within the set cycle time. For example, for a process that requires about 10 minutes per test, such as incubation for an immune reaction, a reaction table capable of simultaneously controlling the temperature of a plurality of reaction containers as described above can be used from 10 seconds. Operation control in units of several tens of seconds is possible. When the reaction table is a rotary type, the reaction table is usually rotated by one pitch for each cycle time, and the reaction container is carried out and carried in at a predetermined rotation position.

  On the other hand, in the immunoassay operation, the success or failure of the separation (hereinafter referred to as B / F separation) of the component bound to the solid phase reagent (Bound) and the liquid phase free component (Free) affects the measurement sensitivity of the immunoassay. Therefore, this process requires a considerable processing time. When suspending magnetic fine particles are used as the solid phase carrier for the purpose of increasing the immune reaction rate, the magnetic fine particles by the B / F separation magnet are locally dispersed from the dispersed suspension state to the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel. It is estimated that the transition time (collection time) until collection (magnetic collection state) takes 15 seconds or more. This is because, in order for the magnetic fine particles to maintain suspendability, the content of the magnetic component having a high specific gravity cannot be increased so much. Even in this case, in order not to reduce the processing speed, the cycle time is set to 15 seconds, and in the subsequent processing cycle, the time chart is set so as to continue the collection of the magnetic fine particles whose collection points are changed. Can be considered. However, when B / F separation is carried out on the reaction table, the reaction vessel on the reaction table is transported to a different position each time one treatment cycle proceeds. Since the magnetic fine particles are re-dispersed away from the influence of the magnet, the collection efficiency is lowered. That is, if the cycle time is set to 15 seconds, the throughput can be maintained high, but if the number of processing processes for collecting fine particles is increased, the time until the result is reported increases. Also, if the collection time takes 20 seconds, for example, even if collection can be achieved using a cycle time of 2 cycles (total 30 seconds), the cycle time of other processing units will be 30 seconds, Wasteful waiting time increases and throughput decreases. Even when the cycle time is set to 20 seconds in accordance with the collection time of the magnetic fine particles, the throughput decreases accordingly.

JP-A-3-279863 JP 2011-137694 A JP 2009-079944 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that ensures the reliability of test results and does not decrease the processing capability even when there are processing steps that cause the cycle time of the automatic analyzer to increase. . Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer equipped with a transfer device capable of delivering a reaction container to a plurality of mounting positions on a reaction means.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention was completed as a result of repeated investigations on each means provided in the automatic analyzer.

That is, the first aspect of the present invention is:
Transfer means capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers, reaction means capable of mounting and rotating a plurality of reaction containers on the circumference, and transfer of reaction containers between the transfer means and the reaction means An automatic analyzer including a gripping and conveying device,
The gripping and conveying device is
A first vertical rotation shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the transport means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
And an apparatus capable of gripping the reaction vessel on the reaction means by the grip portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis is coincident with the rotation axis of the reaction means. is there,
The automatic analyzer.

The second aspect of the present invention is as follows.
Reaction vessel supply means for supplying the reaction vessel;
First and second reaction means for reacting a solution accommodated in a reaction container, which can be rotated by placing a plurality of reaction containers on a circumference;
A first transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the first reaction means;
A second transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the second reaction means;
A first gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the first conveying means and the first reaction means;
A second gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the second conveying means and the second reaction means;
A dispensing means capable of dispensing a liquid into the reaction container conveyed by the first or second conveying means;
Detection means capable of detecting a measurement signal from the solution contained in the reaction vessel reacted by the first or second reaction means;
An automatic analyzer equipped with
The first and second gripping and conveying devices are
A first vertical rotation shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the transport means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
And an apparatus capable of gripping the reaction vessel on the reaction means by the grip portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis is coincident with the rotation axis of the reaction means. is there,
The automatic analyzer.

The third aspect of the present invention is as follows.
Periodic operation by the reaction container supply means, the dispensing means and the detection means is performed with a cycle time of T seconds per reaction container,
Periodic operation by the first and second reaction means, the first and second transport means, and the first and second gripping and transporting devices is performed with a cycle time of 2 T seconds per reaction vessel,
The periodic operation by the first reaction means, the first transport means and the first gripping transport apparatus, and the periodic operation by the second reaction means, the second transport means and the second gripping transport apparatus are represented by T Alternately with a phase difference of seconds,
The automatic analyzer according to the second aspect.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

  The reaction container supply means in the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a means for supplying the reaction container to the transport means described later. In the present invention, the reaction container means a concave container in which a sample and a reagent are introduced and a reaction useful for analyzing a specific component is performed. The reaction container supply means may supply an empty reaction container or a reaction container in which a reagent is sealed in advance. Examples of the reaction container include a cup-shaped container having one storage part, and a multiple container in which a plurality of storage parts are provided side by side and integrated. When using multiple containers, it is also possible to use a lyophilized container disclosed in Patent Document 2 after storing different reagents for each storage section. In addition, when the reaction container after reaction processing is conveyed as it is to a detection means, the reaction container will also serve as a measurement container. The reaction container supply means may be provided with at least a reaction container storage part for storing the reaction container before use and a transport part capable of supplying the reaction container from the reaction container storage part to a transport means described later. As an example of the transport unit, a transport unit having a straight rail and a transport plate slidable along the rail having a holder on which a reaction vessel can be placed, or a drive that can move vertically and horizontally linearly. Examples thereof include a transport unit equipped with a mechanism (chuck mechanism) capable of gripping the reaction container in the mechanism, and a transport unit combining them. Further, an identification unit for identifying an identification code attached to the sealing seal of the reaction container and a breakage unit for breaking the sealing seal may be further provided along the transporting path of the transporting unit.

  The reaction means in the automatic analyzer of the present invention can place reaction containers conveyed from a gripping and conveying apparatus, which will be described later, on the circumference by the number calculated by [reaction time / cycle time] or more. Is provided with a rotary table capable of maintaining the temperature at a constant temperature. An intermediate reagent supply unit required for the reaction treatment of the solution stored in the reaction vessel may be further provided on the transfer path of the rotary table. In addition, when the reaction of the solution stored in the reaction vessel by the reaction means is a reaction using an antigen-antibody reaction, and the reaction vessel contains a solution containing a solid phase, the sample combined with the solid phase B / F (Bound / Free) separation part for separating the component (Free) in the sample and the component (Free) in the sample that is not bound to the solid phase in the liquid phase, a transfer path of the reaction table It may be further provided above.

  The transport means in the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a means capable of transporting to a position for receiving the reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and a position for receiving transport by a gripping transport device described later. As an example of the conveying means, a belt-driven conveying plate that is slidable by engaging with the rail, having a conveying lane of a straight path fixed horizontally and a plurality of container holders on which reaction vessels can be placed. And means provided. There may be at least two container holders provided on the transport plate. Moreover, you may further have a container holder which mounts the said pretreatment reaction container for the measurement item which needs the pretreatment of a sample.

  The transport plate may have a stirring unit capable of stirring the reaction container placed on the transport plate. As an example of the stirring unit, the vibration transmission plate is connected to the transport plate via a guide member that is disclosed in Patent Document 3 and extends in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, which are plane orthogonal axes. There is an agitation unit in which an eccentric shaft is provided in a fixed motor, and the rotation of the eccentric shaft is transmitted to a vibration transmission plate to turn the center of mass of the vibration transmission plate small. In the above example, the container holder is fixed to the vibration transmission plate. As another example of the stirring unit, a container holder for directly placing a reaction container is suspended in a swingable manner in the X-axis direction (or the Y-axis direction) via a rotary shaft / bearing with respect to the frame. In addition, the agitating portion in which the frame itself is suspended in a swingable manner in the Y-axis direction (or the X-axis direction) via a rotary shaft / bearing with respect to the block hollow portion can be exemplified. By providing a protrusion on the bottom of the container holder and causing the vibration transmitting member engaged therewith to move circularly or elliptically in a horizontal plane, the container holder can be swung in a conical or elliptical cone shape. Although depending on a number of parameters such as the vibration transmission member's vibration frequency, amplitude, and container holder size, the agitation by the agitating unit that swings the container holder nested in the block, There is a possibility that stronger stirring can be achieved as compared with the stirring method of simply swirling in a horizontal plane.

The automatic analyzer of the present invention is
A first vertical rotating shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the conveying means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
In addition, by gripping and transporting the reaction container on the reaction means by the grasping portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis is coincident with the rotation axis of the reaction means. It is characterized by having an apparatus. By combining with the above-mentioned transport means, the time required for the first reaction (primary reaction) in the reaction means, the time required for stirring on the transport plate, or the stirring is performed. The degree of freedom for optimizing the time required for the second reaction (secondary reaction) after returning the completed reaction vessel to the reaction means can be widely obtained.

  The dispensing means in the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a means capable of dispensing a liquid such as a sample, a reagent, and a diluent (water, etc.) into a reaction container placed on a container holder of a transport plate. Of the dispensing means, as the dispensing means for dispensing the sample (and dispensing water as necessary), a pipetter-type dispensing means capable of attaching / detaching a disposable chip is preferable, while an enzyme substrate (hereinafter referred to as an enzyme substrate) As a dispensing means for dispensing commonly used reagents such as a substrate and a luminescent reagent, a dispenser type dispensing means having a fixed discharge nozzle is preferable. The automatic analyzer of the present invention includes a plurality of reaction means, transport means, and gripping and transport apparatuses. Particularly, with regard to the means for dispensing a sample, since the dispensing accuracy directly affects the test result, it is common. One method is preferable in that the problem of the difference between machines related to the dispensing accuracy can be avoided.

  The detection means in the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a means for detecting a measurement signal from the solution contained in the reaction vessel that has been reacted by the reaction means, and a known optical detection means or electrochemical detection means can be used. . Although the automatic analyzer of the present invention includes a plurality of reaction means, transport means, and gripping and transport apparatuses, the detection means is the same as the means for dispensing a sample because the detection accuracy directly affects the test result. Therefore, it is preferable to use one common means because the problem of the difference between machines related to the detection accuracy can be avoided.

  Among the automatic analyzers of the present invention, the operation time required for supplying the reaction vessel by the reaction vessel supply means is relatively short, such as several seconds to several tens of seconds, even if the identification unit and the breaking unit are provided on the supply path. Therefore, the cycle time can be set short. Since the movement of the arm and the liquid suction / discharge operation (dispensing operation) by the dispensing means are all completed within a few seconds, the dispensing operation can be performed in a relatively short time as in the case of the reaction container supply means. . In addition, detection of the measurement signal by the detection means may involve opening / closing of the shutter of the detector casing, loading / unloading of the reaction container, and transport of the reaction container in the detector casing, but each operation is completed in a short time. Therefore, it can be performed in a relatively short time as a whole. On the other hand, the reaction of the solution stored in the reaction vessel by the reaction means includes a step of increasing the cycle time. The steps for increasing the cycle time include, for example, a step of collecting magnetic fine particles in B / F separation of an immunoassay apparatus using suspended magnetic fine particles as a solid phase carrier, a step of dissolving a freeze-dried reagent containing a protein component, etc. Can be given.

Therefore, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is
Reaction vessel supply means for supplying the reaction vessel;
First and second reaction means for reacting a solution accommodated in a reaction container, which can be rotated by placing a plurality of reaction containers on a circumference;
A first transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the first reaction means;
A second transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the second reaction means;
A first gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the first conveying means and the first reaction means;
A second gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the second conveying means and the second reaction means;
A dispensing means capable of dispensing a liquid into the reaction container conveyed by the first or second conveying means;
Detection means capable of detecting a measurement signal from the solution contained in the reaction vessel reacted by the first or second reaction means;
In the case of an automatic analyzer equipped with a measurement signal from a solution contained in a reaction vessel by a reaction vessel supply by a reaction vessel supply means, liquid dispensing by a dispensing means, and detection means by a relatively short operation time Is detected with a cycle time of T seconds per reaction vessel, while the first and second reaction means, the first and second transport means, and the first and second transport means including continuous longer processing steps, The gripping and conveying apparatus is preferably operated with a cycle time of 2 T seconds per reaction container (one analysis).

  In the automatic analyzer of the present invention, the reaction processing of the solution stored in the reaction container by the first reaction means, the reaction container transport by the first transport means and the first gripping transport apparatus, and the reaction by the second reaction means If parallel processing is performed to simultaneously operate the reaction processing of the solution contained in the container and the transport of the reaction container by the second transport means and the second gripping transport device, supply of the reaction container supply means to each transport means In addition, the transfer from each transfer means to the detection means is performed simultaneously, but this is impossible as long as one reaction container supply means and one detection means are assumed. Therefore, the reaction process of the solution stored in the reaction container by the first reaction means, the transfer of the reaction container by the first transfer means and the first gripping transfer device, and the solution stored in the reaction container by the second reaction means It is preferable to provide a time difference (phase difference) between the reaction process and the transfer of the reaction container by the second transfer means and the second gripping transfer device. Furthermore, the reaction processing of the solution stored in the reaction container by the first reaction means, the transfer of the reaction container by the first transport means and the first gripping transport device, and the solution stored in the reaction container by the second reaction means It is particularly preferable that the reaction process and the transfer of the reaction container by the second transfer means and the second gripping transfer device are each performed with a phase difference of T seconds.

The automatic analyzer of the present invention is
Transfer means capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers, reaction means capable of mounting and rotating a plurality of reaction containers on the circumference, and transfer of reaction containers between the transfer means and the reaction means An automatic analyzer including a gripping and conveying device,
The gripping and conveying device is
A first vertical rotation shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the transport means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
In addition, the reaction container on the reaction means can be grasped by the grasping portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis coincides with the rotation axis of the reaction means. It is characterized by.

  After the reaction with the sample by the reaction means is completed by the automatic analyzer of the present invention, the reaction container placed on the reaction means is placed on the transport means by the gripping transport device and then placed on the reaction means again. Thus, the reaction with the sample by the reaction means can be performed again.

  Furthermore, the gripping and transporting device provided in the automatic analyzer of the present invention is capable of transporting the reaction container placed on the transporting means to a plurality of placement positions of the reaction means and is located at the plurality of placement positions. Can be transported to the transport means, so that the time required for the first reaction (primary reaction) in the reaction means, the time required for the work such as stirring on the transport means, or the reaction vessel that has completed the work is returned to the reaction means. After that, a wide degree of freedom for optimizing the time required for the second reaction (secondary reaction) can be obtained.

1 shows one embodiment of an automatic analyzer of the present invention. An aspect of a time chart for controlling the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 is shown. Double arrows indicate magnet collection, inverted white triangles indicate liquid suction, white triangles indicate liquid discharge, and black triangles indicate complete dispersion due to liquid discharge. Arrow and triangle length (height) Represents the time required for the work. One mode of the reaction means with which the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 is equipped is shown. 1 shows one embodiment of an immunoassay operation procedure by the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. The perspective view of the holding | grip conveyance apparatus with which the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 is equipped is shown.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an automatic analyzer for performing immunoassay (immunoassay) by a two-step sandwich method, which is an embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention. The device shown in FIG.
A reaction container supply means 10 provided with a reaction container storage unit 11 for storing the reaction container 1 before immunoassay, and a reaction container transfer unit 12 for transporting the reaction container 1 to Lf-Lg-L0;
Y-axis gripping and conveying means 20 (Y-axis means the vertical direction in FIG. 1) capable of conveying the reaction vessel 1 between L1-L0-L6;
A transport means 30 provided with a transport plate 32 having a container holder on which the reaction container 1 can be placed, and a transport lane 31 capable of transporting the transport plate 32 between L4-L1-L7-L2-L3;
A θ-axis gripping and conveying device (θ axis means a direction rotating around a vertical axis) 90 capable of conveying the reaction vessel 1 between L3-L5 or L3-L8;
Sample dispensing means 40 capable of aspirating the sample and dispensing the aspirated sample into the reaction vessel at the position L2,
A common reagent dispensing means 50 for dispensing a common reagent such as a substrate reagent to the reaction container 1 at the position L4;
A reaction means 60 provided with a reaction table 61, an intermediate reagent dispensing unit 62 for dispensing an intermediate reagent such as a labeling reagent, and B / F (Bound / Free) separation units 64 and 65 for washing;
Detection means 70 for detecting a measurement signal derived from the sample for each reaction container 1;
The conveying means 30, the θ-axis gripping and conveying apparatus 90, and the reaction means 60 each have two series (hereinafter referred to as A series and B series). The reaction vessels 1 supplied by the reaction vessel supply means 10 are alternately supplied to the A series and the B series, and the reaction containers (and contents) 1 after the reaction processing are alternately supplied from the A series and the B series to the detection means 70. Supplied. The reaction container 1 is an integrated plastic container provided with two housing parts (wells), and a reagent (solid phase reagent) containing a solid phase on which an antibody is immobilized is placed in one housing part, and the other container is housed. A detection reagent (intermediate reagent) is placed in the part, freeze-dried, and sealed with a seal with an identification code indicating the attribute of the contents (Patent Document 2).

  FIG. 2 shows a synchronous operation between the processing units in the form of a time chart when performing an immunoassay using the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows an event that one reaction vessel experiences during the measurement process, that is, an operation procedure (assay protocol) associated with the number of processing cycles. In the time chart shown in FIG. 2, each processing unit is arranged on the horizontal axis, and the time axis is arranged on the vertical axis. 2, that is, the cycle times of the reaction container supply means 10, the Y-axis gripping and conveying means 20, the sample dispensing means 40, the common reagent dispensing means 50, and the detecting means 70 are each 15 seconds, and the center of FIG. In addition, the cycle times of the right column, that is, the conveying means 30a and 30b (conveying plates 32a and 32b), the θ-axis gripping and conveying devices 90a and 90b, and the reaction means 60a and 60b are 30 seconds, respectively. Note that FIG. 2 shows only operations necessary for describing the temporal synchronization relationship between the processing units in principle. Although FIG. 2 shows the processing contents on the time axis in 1 second increments, the time control may actually be performed in finer increments (for example, in 0.1 second increments or 0.5 second increments). The time t (second) (0 ≦ t ≦ 30) represents the time in each processing cycle. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the immunoassay using the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 will be specifically described.

  First, the reaction container 1 stored in the reaction container storage unit 11 is transferred to the position Lf of the reaction container transfer unit 12 by a transfer unit (not shown) (processing cycle 1 in FIG. 4, reaction container supply means in FIG. 2). 10 t = 0 to 1). The cycle shown in FIG. 4 is counted as the processing cycle 1 from the start of the transfer of the reaction vessel by the transfer unit (not shown) from the reaction vessel storage unit 11, so that t = 0 to 1 ( “Transport to Lf” described up to “second” corresponds to process cycle 2 in FIG. The reaction container 1 transported to the position of Lf is caused to read the identification code attached to the reaction container 1 by the code identification unit 13 and recognize it by the apparatus (from t = 1 to 2). The reaction vessel 1 from which the identification code has been read is transported to the Lg position by the reaction vessel transfer unit 12 (t = 2 to 3), and then the seal is broken by the seal breaking unit 14 (t = 3 to 4). Transport to position L0 (t = 5 to 6).

  The reaction container 1 transported to the position L0 is gripped by the Y-axis gripping transport means 20 (t = 5 to 6), transported to the position L1a on the transport lane 31a route, and then the container that the transport plate 32a has It is placed on the holder U2 (t = 6 to 7). After the reaction container 1 placed on the container holder U2 at the position of L1a is transported to the position of L2a by the transport plate 32a (t = 9 to 10), by the sample dispensing unit 41 passing through the Y-axis trajectory, Dispensed water and the sample are dispensed into the container containing the solid phase reagent in the reaction vessel 1 (t = 12 to 13). The reaction container 1 into which the dispensed water and the sample have been dispensed is immediately transported to the position of L4a, and then the common reagent dispensing means 50 passing through the Y-axis trajectory is used to supply the dispensed water to the labeling reagent (intermediate in the reaction container 1). Dispensing the reagent in the container containing the reagent (t = 13 to 14), the lyophilized labeled reagent is dissolved beforehand.

  Here, the configuration and the operation of the sample dispensing means 40 showing the operation independent of the conveyance of the reaction vessel 1 will be described. The sample dispensing means 40 operates with a cycle time of 15 seconds. After the sample dispensing unit 41 provided with a nozzle head that is movable in both the Y axis and the Z axis (vertical direction) connected to an intake / exhaust mechanism (not shown) moves to the position of the pipette tip supply unit 42, A pipette tip is attached (t = 0 to 2). The sample dispensing section 41 provided with the nozzle head moves to the position of the dispensing water supply section 43 and adjusts the wet state of the attached pipette tip (in FIG. 2, expressed as “chip rinse”, t = 3 to 5 ), The dispensed water is sucked by the dispensed water supply unit 43 between t = 5 and 7 (seconds). Dispensing water here refers to diluting water or buffer solution common to the inspection items, and by adding a predetermined amount to the sample, an aqueous liquid for making the sample liquid and viscosity uniform and stabilizing the measurement result. Say. Subsequently, after the sample dispensing unit 41 has moved to the position of the sample supply unit 44 and lowered the nozzle provided in the sample dispensing unit 41 while detecting the liquid level (t = 8 to 9), t = 9 To 11 (seconds), suck and hold in the pipette tip equipped with the sample in addition to the previous dispensed water. Thereafter, the sample dispensing unit 41 moves to the position of L2a on the transport lane 31a route (t = 11 to 12), and puts the sucked dispensing water and the sample into the solid phase reagent in the reaction container 1 at the position of L2a. Dispense into the containing section. After dispensing, the sample dispensing unit 41 moves to the position of the pipette tip discarding unit 45, removes the pipette tip attached to the nozzle head with a remover (not shown), and discards it (t = 14 to 15). The processing content between t = 15 and 30 (seconds) is that the sample (and dispensed water) is dispensed to the reaction container at the dispensing position L2b on the transport lane 31b route, This is the same as the processing described above.

  The common reagent dispensing means 50 used for dissolving the labeling reagent also operates independently of the transport of the reaction container 1 and operates with a cycle time of 15 seconds. In the common reagent dispensing means 50, a dispenser type dispenser for a substrate and dispensed water is provided so as to be movable in one arm. The common reagent dispensing means 40 dispenses the dispensed water into the container containing the labeled reagent in the reaction container 1 that has been transferred to the common reagent dispensing position L4a between t = 12 and 13 (seconds). Dispensing water into the container containing the labeled reagent in the reaction container 1 that was transferred to the common reagent dispensing position L4b between t = 13 and 14 (t = 13 to 14) and t = 27 to 28 (seconds) (T = 28 to 29). The lyophilized labeling reagent is dissolved in advance by the dispensing operation of the dispensing water described above. The processing content of the common reagent dispensing means 50 includes the dispensing operation of the substrate reagent in addition to the dispensing water dispensing operation described above (processing cycle 22 in FIG. 4, t = 14 to 15).

  The transport means 30a and 30b are provided with transport lanes 31a and 31b that are horizontally fixed on the X-axis (horizontal axis) path, and transport plates 32a and 32b that slide by engaging with the transport lane. The plates 32a and 32b have container holders U1, U2, and U3 and a vibration mechanism (not shown).

  The transport means 30a and 30b and the θ-axis gripping and transporting apparatus 90a and 90b operate with a cycle time of 30 seconds, and the transport means 30a (transport lane 31a-transport plate 32a) and the θ-axis gripping and transporting apparatus 90a and the transport means 30b (transport The lane 31b-conveying plate 32b) and the θ-axis gripping / conveying device 90b operate with a phase difference of 15 seconds. The operations (processing contents) of both the conveying means 30a and 30b and the both θ-axis grasping and conveying devices 90a and 90b are as follows. Are the same. Therefore, hereinafter, operations (processing contents) by the conveying means 30a and the θ-axis gripping and conveying device 90a will be described in detail. After the sample dispensing by the sample dispensing means 40 and the dissolution of the labeling reagent by the common reagent dispensing means 50, the transport plate 32a moves to the position of the stirring position L7a, and the reaction container 1 placed on the container holder U2 is removed. Receive a first agitation (t = 15 to 18) and a second agitation (t = 25 to 29). In addition, during the period from the first stirring to the second stirring, the transport plate 32a is transferred to the position L1a of the reaction vessel 1 into which the substrate reagent has been dispensed (processing cycle 22, FIG. 4, t = 18 to 19). Then, the reaction vessel 1 having finished the reaction by the reaction means 60 is received into the vessel holder U1 (processing cycle 13 in FIG. 4, t = 20 to 21). After completion of the second stirring, the reaction vessel 1 placed on the vessel holder U2 is moved to the position of L3a (t = 29 to 30), and the reaction vessel 1 is held by the θ-axis holding and conveying device 90a (in FIG. (Denoted as “primary carry-out”) (process cycle 3 in FIG. 4, t = 0 to 1), and placed at the position of L5a of the reaction table 60a (t = 1 to 2). The reaction between the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing means 40 and the solid phase reagent previously stored in the reaction vessel 1 proceeds in the reaction table 60a (this reaction is hereinafter referred to as “primary reaction”).

  In explaining the operation after the primary reaction, the reaction means 60 shown in FIG. 3 is used. The automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 includes two reaction means 60 shown in FIG. 3 (60a and 60b). The reaction means 60 of FIG. 3 is provided with a reaction table 61 having 20 reaction container holding seats (A to T) on which the reaction container can be placed on the peripheral edge. The reaction table 61 stops by rotating 9 pitches (turning angle: 162 degrees) counterclockwise every processing cycle (30 seconds). Of the reaction container holding seats of the reaction table 61, a reaction container holding seat located at a position L5 for receiving the reaction container placed at the position L3 of the transfer lane 31 (or delivering the reaction container to the position L3). After that, a symbol indicating the position of the reaction vessel holding seat is assigned in the order of B, C, and D in the counterclockwise direction. The reaction means 60 is provided with B / F separation parts 64 and 65 for performing B / F (Bound / Free) separation at the periphery of the reaction table 61, and a magnet 66 for collecting magnetic fine particles. A nozzle cleaning tank 63 for cleaning the nozzles of the 67 and the B / F separation unit is provided in a form corresponding to each of the B / F separation units 64 and 65. In this embodiment, for the sake of design, three sets of magnets 67 that can approach / separate from the positions of the reaction vessel holding seats L, M, and N move integrally. Further, three sets of magnets 66 that can approach / separate from the positions of the reaction vessel holding seats B, C, and E also move integrally. In FIG. 3, the operation trajectory of the nozzle of the B / F separation unit is indicated by a sector line. In the immunoassay using the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1, the B / F separation is performed twice. The first B / F separation uses the B / F separation unit 64, and the second B / F separation is performed. Both B / F separators 64 and 65 are used. The B / F separation unit 64 performs B / F separation with respect to the reaction vessel located at the reaction vessel holding seats B and C, and the B / F separation unit 65 against the reaction vessel located at the reaction vessel holding seats L and N. To perform B / F separation. Magnets 66 and 67 are also provided at the positions of the reaction vessel holding seats E and M, respectively, because the pre-magnetization is performed before the nozzle suction / discharge operation by the B / F separation units 64 and 65. This is because it takes a relatively long time to collect and collect magnetic fine particles. For example, when it is difficult to perform the particulate collection operation by the magnets 66 and 67 and the reaction liquid / cleaning liquid nozzle suction and discharge operation by the B / F separation units 64 and 65 during the 30-second processing cycle, It is necessary to have a configuration in which pre-magnetization is performed in which the collection of fine particles is started early by the magnet using the processing cycle immediately before the F separation operation. The time required for the rotation of the reaction table 61 in FIG. 3 is within 1 second of the processing cycle of 30 seconds (t = 6 to 7 in the reaction table 60a, t = 21 to 22 in the reaction table 60b), and other than that Time has stopped. Meanwhile, the first B / F separation and the second B / F separation are performed by the B / F separation unit.

  The reaction means 60a and the reaction means 60b each operate with a phase difference of 15 seconds, and the operations (processing contents) of both reaction means 60a and 60b are the same. Therefore, the operation (processing contents) by the reaction means 60a will be described in detail below. After the reaction (primary reaction) between the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing means 40 and the solid phase reagent previously stored in the reaction vessel 1 is carried out for about 3.5 minutes (7 treatment cycles as the treatment cycle), 4 for about 28 seconds from t = 7 in the process cycle 10 to t = 5 in the process cycle 11, the magnet 67 is subjected to preliminary magnetism at the position M of the reaction vessel holding seat. The magnetic collection at the position of M by the magnet 67 is represented by a double-headed arrow in the column BF2-1 / BF2-3 in FIG. After the pre-magnetized reaction vessel is moved from the reaction vessel holding seat M to the B position, as a first B / F separation, a reaction liquid suction-cleaning liquid discharge-suction operation (t = 13 to 18) is continued. The cleaning liquid discharge-suction-discharge-suction operations (t = 21 to 28 seconds) are all performed by the B / F separation unit 64 under the magnetic collection state by the magnet 66. In FIG. 2, the liquid suction state by the B / F separation unit 64 is indicated by a white inverted triangle, the liquid discharge state is indicated by a white triangle, and the height (length) of the inverted triangle / triangle indicates the suction / discharge time. The reaction vessel after the first B / F separation moves to the position of the reaction vessel holding seat K in the next processing cycle (processing cycle 12 in FIG. 4, t = 6 to 7).

  An intermediate reagent solution in which the labeling reagent is dissolved is accommodated in the accommodating part (the accommodating part facing the outside of the reaction container mounted on the reaction table 61) next to the reaction container accommodating part in which the sample and the solid phase reagent have reacted. The intermediate reagent solution is dispensed by the intermediate reagent dispensing unit 62 provided at the position of the reaction container holding seat K into the accommodating unit containing the solid phase reagent (from t = 29 in the processing cycle 12 to the processing cycle). 13 until t = 3). The reaction means 60 is provided with a nozzle cleaning tank 63 for cleaning the nozzles of the intermediate reagent dispensing unit 62, and performs nozzle cleaning by suction / discharge between t = 7 and 17.

  The reaction container in which the intermediate reagent is dispensed into the storage section containing the solid phase reagent is moved to the reaction container holding seat T (position L8a in FIG. 1) (t = 6 to 7), and then is moved by the θ-axis gripping and conveying device 90a. It is transported to the position of L3a on the transport lane 31a and placed on the container holder U1 of the transport plate 32a waiting at the position of L3a (t = 19 to 21). This is because the reaction between the labeling reagent and the sample component-solid phase reagent complex (hereinafter referred to as “secondary reaction”) is rapidly performed by stirring the mixture of the labeling reagent and the sample component-solid phase reagent. This is to make it progress.

  1 includes a vertical rotation shaft 91 provided between the conveyance plate 32 and the reaction table 61, and an arm that is rotatably connected to the vertical rotation shaft 91. 93, and a vertical rotation shaft 92 provided at the tip of the arm 93, and an arm 94 rotatably connected to the arm 93 by the vertical rotation shaft 92. A reaction vessel gripping portion is provided at the tip of the tube. Here, the configuration of the θ-axis gripping and conveying device 90 will be described with reference to FIG. There is a first vertical rotation shaft 91 that can move up and down and is configured by providing a vertical movement drive motor 95 and a vertical shaft rotation motor (not shown) to a support member (not shown) fixed to the automatic analyzer main body. A member constituting the first arm 93 is connected to the upper portion (continuous connecting portion 96) of the first vertical rotation shaft 91. A second vertical rotation shaft 92 is provided at the tip of the first arm 93 and the second arm 94 is pivotally attached. A reaction vessel gripping portion 97 is provided at a predetermined position in the middle of the second arm 94. In the present embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing a pair of claw members sandwiching the wide side surfaces and edges of the reaction vessel 1 with a motor 98 for opening and closing is employed. The rotation of the second arm 94 with respect to the first arm 93 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 100 via the drive belt with the second vertical rotation shaft 92 as a fulcrum, and is connected to the rotation shaft 100. This is achieved by moving the sector gear 101 fixed to the second arm by meshing with the small gear. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the second arm 94 with respect to the first arm 93 is limited to only one pitch of the reaction table, that is, 18 °, so that the stopper 102 (the first arm 93 frame body) that restricts the rotation angle is used. And a combination of protrusions provided on the second arm 94 frame). Further, a flag and an optical sensor 104 are provided for confirming the state where the second arm 94 is housed in the first arm 93 frame and the rotation angle is 0 °.

  Regarding the position of the first vertical rotation shaft, which is the fixed rotation shaft of the θ-axis gripping and transporting device, in the automatic analyzer of the present invention, the gripping position of the reaction vessel in the transporting means (transporting plate) and the reaction means (reaction table) Alternatively, it depends on the direction of the container at the mounting position and the gripping direction when gripping / mounting by the θ-axis gripping and transporting device. As shown in FIG. 1, a reaction container (two-hole container in this embodiment) having a mounting directionality is placed on a circular reaction table 61 in a radial manner, and the θ-axis gripping and conveying device 90 When the holding direction of the container in the state where the second arm 94 is accommodated in the first arm 93 and the rotation angle is 0 ° is the direction in which the longitudinal direction of the container coincides with the longitudinal direction of the first arm 93, the reaction table 61 An intersection of a straight line connecting the upper placement position (or take-out position) and the rotation center of the reaction table 61 and a straight line passing through the placement position (or gripping position) on the transport plate 32 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the container. The first vertical rotating shaft 91, that is, the fixed rotating shaft of the θ-axis gripping and conveying device 90 is installed at the position. When the reaction container 1 is transported from the reaction table 61 to the transport plate 32, the tip of the arm is rotated with the second vertical rotation shaft 92 of the θ-axis gripping transport device 90 aligned with the center of the reaction table 61. The reaction container in the position of L8 (reaction container holding seat T) is gripped by the grip portion. After gripping, the second arm 94 is folded (corresponding to directly above the position L5), and this time around the first vertical rotation shaft 91 which is a fixed rotation shaft, the reaction vessel 1 is routed along the transfer lane 31a. It is transported to the position of L3 above and placed on the container holder U1 of the transport plate 32a that has been waiting at the position of L3a. At this time, the reaction container after the primary reaction placed on the container holder U1 and the reaction container after the sample dispensing placed on the container holder U2 are juxtaposed on the transport plate 32a. Although the transport plate 32a also has a container holder U3, the container holder U3 is a holder for placing a reaction container used for sample pretreatment, and the sample is not pretreated in this immunoassay. Therefore, it is omitted.

  The reaction vessel after the completion of the primary reaction returned to the transport plate 32a is moved to the stirring position L4a (t = 24 to 25) and then receives the second stirring (t = 25 to 29). After stirring, the same path is moved in the opposite direction and placed again at the position L8a of the reaction table 61a (processing cycle 14 in FIG. 4, t = 2 to 5, shown as “secondary carry-out” in FIG. 2). After the reaction (secondary reaction) between the labeling reagent and the sample component-solid phase reagent complex is performed on the reaction table 61a for about 2 minutes (4 processing cycles as the processing cycle), the labeling is performed as the second B / F separation. Separation and washing of the reagent-sample component-solid phase reagent complex (Bound) and the unreacted labeling reagent (Free) are performed in three times using two B / F separation units 64a and 65a. In order to thoroughly clean the labeling reagent that directly affects the detection sensitivity, it is necessary to divide the magnetic fine particles completely into the reaction vessel by discharging the washing liquid after canceling the magnetized state. This is because it is necessary to secure a long time for the magnetic collecting operation after the liquid is dispersed), while the entire cycle time is not excessively increased only for the magnetic collecting process. is there. In the second B / F separation, the complete dispersion operation is performed twice (black triangle in FIG. 2). This is to prevent the labeling reagent contained in the intermediate reagent from adsorbing to the solid phase reagent non-specifically. If any labeling reagent that is not bound to a specific component in the sample remains in the reaction vessel, the detection limit of the immunoassay is directly adversely affected. In addition, when the liquid is attracted after the complete dispersion, if the magnetic flux collecting operation is incomplete, the fine particles are mistakenly attracted and the measurement sensitivity is lowered. For this reason, after complete dispersion, it is necessary to secure a sufficient time for the magnetic flux collecting operation. In this immunoassay, the magnetic collection time after the first complete dispersion requires about 23 seconds, and the magnetic collection time after the second complete dispersion requires about 28 seconds.

  The reaction container after the secondary reaction is moved to the position of the reaction container holding seat E by rotation of the reaction table 61a (t = 6 to 7 in the processing cycle 18), and then pre-magnetized by the magnet 66 for a total of 26 seconds ( T = 7 to 10 in process cycle 18, t = 12 to 30 in process cycle 18, and t = 0 to 5 in process cycle 19). After the pre-magnetization, the reaction vessel is transferred to the position of the reaction vessel holding seat N by the rotation of the reaction table 61a (t = 6 to 7 in the processing cycle 19), and the second B / F separation for the first time (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the suction / discharge operation is repeated three times (t = 8.5 to 19.5) while maintaining the magnetic collection state by the magnet 67. This operation is illustrated in FIG. 2 by an inverted triangle / triangle described as BF2-1 of the reaction means 60a.

  The reaction container 61 is moved to the position of the reaction container holding seat C by the rotation of the reaction table 61a (t = 6 to 7 in the processing cycle 20), and then the magnetic collection state by the magnet 66 is maintained from t = 7 to 10. From t = 8.5 to 10, the liquid contained in the reaction vessel containing the solid phase reagent is aspirated, the magnetism collection state is released, and the cleaning liquid is discharged for about 1 second (t = 10 to 11). By this operation, the magnetic fine particles are dispersed throughout the liquid in the reaction vessel (complete dispersion). This operation is illustrated in FIG. 2 as an inverted triangle (suction) / black triangle (complete dispersion) indicated as BF2-2 of the reaction means 60a. After complete dispersion, the collection of magnetic fine particles by the magnet 66 is started again from t = 12. Liquid aspiration and complete dispersion are performed again about 11.5 seconds after the start of collection (t = 3.5 to 5 in treatment cycle 21). This operation is illustrated in FIG. 2 as an inverted triangle (suction) / black triangle (complete dispersion) indicated as BF2-2 of the reaction means 60a.

  The reaction container that has been subjected to the two suction / complete dispersion operations performed as BF2-2 is moved to the position of the reaction container holding seat L by the rotation of the reaction table 61a (from t = 6 to 7 in the processing cycle 21). While performing the magnetic flux collecting operation for about 28 seconds, the cleaning liquid suction / discharge / suction operation (from t = 29.5 in processing cycle 21 to t = 5 in processing cycle 22) (in FIG. 2, BF2 of reaction means 60a) The second B / F separation is completed by performing an inverted white triangle (suction) / white triangle (discharge) / inverted white triangle (suction) described as -3.

  After completion of the second B / F separation, the reaction vessel 61 moves to the position (position L5a) of the reaction vessel holding seat A by the rotation of the reaction table 61a (from t = 6 to 7 in the processing cycle 22), and then the θ-axis gripping and conveying device. 90, the container holder U1 on the transport plate 32a is gripped and transported toward the standby position L3a (from t = 7 to 9) (described as final unloading and returning to the secondary container in FIG. 2). After the reaction container placed on the container holder U1 has moved to the dispensing position L4a (t = 14 to 15), the substrate reagent (including a sensitizer if necessary) is placed in the container that contains the solid phase reagent. Dispense. The reaction container into which the substrate reagent is dispensed is stirred (t = 15 to 18) (first stirring) at the stirring position L7a, and then transferred to the position L1a.

  At positions L1a (A series) and L1b (B series), a reaction vessel containing a reaction liquid, that is, a measurement liquid, processed in parallel in the A series and the B series has a predetermined temporal phase difference (in this example, 15 seconds). It is conveyed alternately with a phase difference. The Y-axis gripping and conveying means 20 alternately holds the reaction containers at the position L1a (A series) and the position L1b (B series), and then conveys and places them to the position L6 of the detecting means 70 (A series: t = 18 to 20, B series: t = 3 to 5).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the detection means 70 is provided with a rotary table having a plurality of reaction container holding seats. The reaction vessel derived from the A series placed at the position of L6 is measured by the photometry unit 71 for 1.3 seconds from t = 13 of the processing cycle 28 (light emitted about 3 minutes after the substrate dispensing). Measure). In addition, the detection process of the reaction container derived from the B series is the same operation except that the reaction container derived from the A series has a phase difference of 15 seconds. That is, the detection means 70 is controlled with a cycle time of 15 seconds.

  After completion of the photometric operation, the reaction vessel derived from the A series is transported to the waste container container 80 after being gripped by the Y-axis gripping and transporting means 20 at t = 10 to 12 in the processing cycle 29 (t = 12 to 13). After 15 seconds, the Y-axis gripping and transporting means 20 grips the reaction container after completion of the photometry operation derived from the B series, and transports it to the waste container container 80 (t = 27 to 28).

  Further, the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 includes a reaction container supply means 10, a Y-axis gripping and conveying means 20, a sample dispensing means 40, a common reagent dispensing means 50, a detecting means 70, and a cycle time of 15 seconds. The transport means 30, the θ-axis gripping transport apparatus 90, and the reaction means 60 having a time of 30 seconds are provided as two series (A series / B series), and the A series and B series reaction processing is performed with a phase difference of 15 seconds. As a result, measurement results can be acquired at 15-second intervals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Reaction container 10: Reaction container supply means 11: Reaction container storage part 12: Reaction container transfer part 13: Code identification part 14: Seal breaking part 20: Y-axis grip conveyance means 30: Conveyance means 31: Conveyance lane 32: Conveying plate 40: Sample dispensing means 41: Sample dispensing section (orbit)
42: Pipette tip supply unit 43: Dispensing water supply unit 44: Sample supply unit 45: Pipette tip disposal unit 50: Common reagent dispensing means (orbit)
60: Reaction means 61: Reaction table 62: Intermediate reagent dispensing part 63: Nozzle washing tank 64/65: B / F separation part 66/67: Magnet 70: Detection means 71: Photometry part 80: Waste container container 90: θ Shaft gripping and conveying device 91: first vertical rotation axis (fixed rotation axis)
92: Second vertical rotation axis 93: First arm 94: Second arm 95: Vertical motion drive motor 96: Continuously connected portion 97: Reaction vessel gripping portion 98: Opening / closing drive motor 99: Second arm rotation Motor 100: Rotating shaft 101: Fan-shaped gear fixed to the second arm 102: Stopper 103: Optical sensor

Claims (3)

Transfer means capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers, reaction means capable of mounting and rotating a plurality of reaction containers on the circumference, and transfer of reaction containers between the transfer means and the reaction means An automatic analyzer including a gripping and conveying device,
The gripping and conveying device is
A first vertical rotation shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the transport means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
And an apparatus capable of gripping the reaction vessel on the reaction means by the grip portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis is coincident with the rotation axis of the reaction means. is there,
The automatic analyzer. Reaction vessel supply means for supplying the reaction vessel;
First and second reaction means for reacting a solution accommodated in a reaction container, which can be rotated by placing a plurality of reaction containers on a circumference;
A first transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the first reaction means;
A second transport means capable of receiving a reaction container supplied from the reaction container supply means and capable of mounting a plurality of reaction containers to be reacted in the second reaction means;
A first gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the first conveying means and the first reaction means;
A second gripping and conveying device capable of mutually transferring reaction vessels between the second conveying means and the second reaction means;
A dispensing means capable of dispensing a liquid into the reaction container conveyed by the first or second conveying means;
Detection means capable of detecting a measurement signal from the solution contained in the reaction vessel reacted by the first or second reaction means;
An automatic analyzer equipped with
The first and second gripping and conveying devices are
A first vertical rotation shaft that is vertically movable and provided between the transport means and the reaction means;
A first arm provided rotatably connected to a first vertical rotation shaft;
A second vertical axis of rotation provided at the tip of the first arm;
A second arm rotatably connected to the first arm by a second vertical rotation shaft and provided with a gripping part for gripping the reaction vessel;
And an apparatus capable of gripping the reaction vessel on the reaction means by the grip portion by rotating the second arm in a state where the second vertical rotation axis is coincident with the rotation axis of the reaction means. is there,
The automatic analyzer. Periodic operation by the reaction container supply means, the dispensing means and the detection means is performed with a cycle time of T seconds per reaction container,
Periodic operation by the first and second reaction means, the first and second transport means, and the first and second gripping and transporting devices is performed with a cycle time of 2 T seconds per reaction vessel,
The periodic operation by the first reaction means, the first transport means and the first gripping transport apparatus, and the periodic operation by the second reaction means, the second transport means and the second gripping transport apparatus are represented by T Alternately with a phase difference of seconds,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2.

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