Patent ID: 12247992

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are denoted by the same reference character, and redundant description is omitted. The positional relationship such as up, down, right, and left are based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Further, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are not limited to the proportions shown therein. The embodiment below is merely an example for describing the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

<Configuration of Analyzer>

FIG.1is a perspective view showing one example of an external view of an analyzer1according to the present embodiment.FIG.2is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the inside of the analyzer1.

The analyzer1is configured to automatically analyze a specimen such as blood. As shown inFIG.1, the analyzer1includes a housing10having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. For example, the housing10includes a front wall10a, a side wall10bon the right side when viewed from the front, a side wall10con the left side when viewed from the front, a ceiling wall10d, and a rear wall10e.

As shown inFIG.2, the analyzer1includes a specimen container sending-in unit20which sends in a specimen container A into the housing10; a first table21which holds, in an annular shape, a plurality of cuvettes B serving as containers each capable of containing a specimen; a second table22which holds a plurality of reagent containers C each containing a reagent to be mixed with a specimen; a heating unit23which holds and heats a cuvette B; an analysis unit24which holds a cuvette B and analyzes an analysis sample (obtained by mixing a specimen and a reagent) in the cuvette B; a discharge part25for discharging a cuvette B that has been subjected to analysis; a controller26; and the like.

In addition, the analyzer1includes, as devices that each inject a liquid into a cuvette B a specimen injection arm27which injects, into a cuvette B on the first table21, a specimen in a specimen container A having been sent into the specimen container sending-in unit20; two reagent injection devices28,29each of which injects, into a cuvette B, a reagent in a reagent container C on the second table22; and the like.

Further, the analyzer1includes, as devices that each transport a cuvette B, a cuvette supply device30which supplies a cuvette B to the apparatus body; a first transport arm31which transports, to the first table21, the cuvette B supplied by the cuvette supply device30; a second transport arm32which transports the cuvette B on the first table21to the first reagent injection device28and the heating unit23; a third transport arm33which transports the cuvette B in the heating unit23to the second reagent injection device29, the analysis unit24, and the discharge part25; and the like.

In a plan view, the specimen container sending-in unit20is disposed on the front side in the housing10, and the first table21and the second table22are disposed in the vicinity of the center in the housing10. The heating unit23is disposed on the right side in the housing10, and the analysis unit24is disposed on the rear side. The discharge part25is disposed between the heating unit23and the analysis unit24. The cuvette supply device30is disposed on the left side in the housing10, between the analysis unit24and the first table21.

The specimen container sending-in unit20includes a rack sending-in unit40which sends in a rack R holding a plurality of specimen containers A; a specimen suction unit41which is accessible by the specimen injection arm27and at which a specimen is suctioned from each specimen container A in the rack R by the specimen injection arm27; a rack sending-out unit42which sends out the rack R holding the specimen containers A from which the specimens have been suctioned; and a transport device43which transports the rack R in the order of the rack sending-in unit40, the specimen suction unit41, and a rack sending-out unit42. The transport device43transfers the rack R by using a conveyer, for example.

The first table21has a circular shape and is configured to be rotatable by a drive unit (not shown). The first table21includes a plurality of cuvette holders50each configured to hold a cuvette B. The cuvette holders50are arranged at equal intervals over the entire circumference of the first table21in the circumferential direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the cuvette B includes a trunk portion b1 for holding a liquid; and a flange b2 provided near the inlet of the trunk portion b1. The flange b2 protrudes radially outward from an upper portion of the trunk portion b1, and has a greater outer diameter than the trunk portion b1. The cuvette B has a longitudinal dimension of about 30 mm, for example. The trunk portion b1 has an outer diameter D1 of about 8 mm. The flange b2 has an outer diameter D2 of about 10 mm. Each cuvette holder50shown inFIG.2has a hole having a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the trunk portion b1 of the cuvette B and that is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the flange b2. The cuvette holder50can hold a cuvette B, with the trunk portion b1 of the cuvette B accommodated in this hole.

The second table22is disposed inside the first table21. The second table22has a disk shape, and is configured to be rotatable by a drive unit (not shown). The second table22includes a plurality of reagent container holders60each configured to hold a reagent container C. The reagent container holders60are arranged in multiple concentric circles. The reagent container holders60are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, for example.

The heating unit23has a heating plate70of a circular shape. The heating plate70has a plurality of cuvette holders71each configured to hold a cuvette B. The cuvette holders71are arranged at equal intervals over the entire circumference near the outermost periphery of the heating plate70, for example. The heating plate70has a heat source (not shown), and can heat the liquids in the cuvettes B held in the cuvette holders71, to a predetermined temperature.

The analysis unit24has an analysis plate80of a rectangular shape. The analysis plate80has a plurality of cuvette holders81each configured to hold a cuvette B. The cuvette holders81are arranged in a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the analysis plate80, for example. The analysis unit24has a light applicator and a light receiver (not shown). Light is applied from the light applicator to a cuvette holder81, the light having passed through the analysis liquid in the cuvette B is received by the light receiver, and on the basis of the result of the received light, the specimen can be analyzed.

The discharge part25includes a discharge hole82through which a cuvette B is discharged. The discharge hole82is in communication with a cuvette collection unit (not shown) provided at a lower portion of the housing10.

In a plan view, the specimen injection arm27is disposed between the first table21and the specimen suction unit41of the specimen container sending-in unit20in the housing10. The specimen injection arm27includes a drive unit90which drives the specimen injection arm27; and a nozzle91which injects and suctions a specimen.

For example, the drive unit90includes a rotation drive unit which causes the specimen injection arm27to rotate in the planar direction between the specimen suction unit41and the first table21; and an up-down drive unit which causes the specimen injection arm27to move in the up-down direction. The nozzle91is provided at a leading end portion of the specimen injection arm27, and can suction and inject a specimen by means of a pump or the like (not shown). According to such a configuration, the specimen injection arm27can access a specimen container A in the specimen suction unit41, suction a specimen, move to a position above the first table21, and inject the specimen into a cuvette B on the first table21.

The reagent injection device28,29has a slender arm100in a plan view, and includes a nozzle101in a lower portion thereof. The arm100of the first reagent injection device28extends from above the second table22to the vicinity of the heating unit23. The arm100of the second reagent injection device29extends from the second table22to the vicinity of the analysis unit24. Each arm100is fixed to the ceiling of the housing10, for example.

The nozzle101is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the arm100and the up-down direction with respect to the arm100, by a drive unit (not shown). The nozzle101of the first reagent injection device28is movable along the arm100from above the second table22to the vicinity above the heating plate70of the heating unit23. The nozzle101of the second reagent injection device29is movable along the arm100from above the second table22to the vicinity above the analysis plate80of the analysis unit24. Each nozzle101can suction and inject a reagent by means of a pump or the like (not shown). The nozzle101includes a heat source and can heat the suctioned reagent to a predetermined temperature. According to such a configuration, the nozzle101of the first reagent injection device28can access a reagent container C on the second table22, suction a reagent, move to the vicinity above the heating plate70, and inject the reagent into a cuvette B held by the second arm32in the vicinity of the heating plate70. The nozzle101of the second reagent injection device29can access a reagent container C on the second table22, suction a reagent, move to the vicinity above the analysis plate80, and inject the reagent to a cuvette B held by the third arm33in the vicinity of the analysis plate80.

The cuvette supply device30is configured to store empty cuvettes B having been loaded from outside, and sequentially supply the cuvettes B to a cuvette sending-out part182described later. Details of the configuration of the cuvette supply device30will be described later.

In a plan view, the first arm31is disposed between the first table21and a transport path181described later of the cuvette supply device30as shown inFIG.2, for example. The first arm31includes a drive unit110which drives the first arm31; and a cuvette holder111configured to hold a cuvette B. For example, the drive unit110includes a rotation drive unit which causes the first arm31to rotate in the planar direction between the first table21and the cuvette sending-out part182of the cuvette supply device30; and an up-down drive unit which causes the first arm31to move in the up-down direction. The cuvette holder111is provided at a leading end portion of the first arm31, has a U-shape, for example, and can hold a cuvette B by supporting, from below, the flange b2 of the cuvette B. According to such a configuration, the first arm31can hold a cuvette B in the cuvette sending-out part182of the cuvette supply device30, move the cuvette B to a position above the first table21, and place the cuvette B into a cuvette holder50of the first table21.

The second arm32is disposed at the heating plate70of the heating unit23, for example. The second arm32includes a drive unit115which drives the second arm32; and a cuvette holder116configured to hold a cuvette B. For example, the drive unit115includes a rotation drive unit which causes the second arm32to rotate in the planar direction between the first table21and the heating plate70; an up-down drive unit which causes the second arm32to move in the up-down direction; and an extension/contraction drive unit which causes the second arm32to extend/contract in the horizontal direction. The cuvette holder116is provided at a leading end portion of the second arm32, has a U-shape, for example, and can hold a cuvette B by supporting, from below, the flange b2 of the cuvette B. According to such a configuration, the second arm32can hold a cuvette B in a cuvette holder50of the first table21, move the cuvette B to a position below the nozzle101of the first reagent injection device28, or move the cuvette B to a cuvette holder71of the heating plate70.

In a plan view, the third arm33is disposed to a rear side of the analysis unit24in the housing10. The third arm33includes a drive unit120which drives the third arm33; and a cuvette holder121configured to hold a cuvette B. The drive unit120includes a drive mechanism which moves the third arm33in the right-left direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction. The cuvette holder121is provided at a leading end portion of the third arm33, has a U-shape, for example, and can hold a cuvette B by supporting, from below, the flange b2 of the cuvette B. According to such a configuration, the third arm33can hold a cuvette B in a cuvette holder71of the heating plate70, move the cuvette B to a position below the nozzle101of the second reagent injection device29, or move the cuvette B to a cuvette holder81of the analysis unit24. The third arm33can transport a cuvette B having been subjected to analysis, to the discharge part25.

<Configuration of Cuvette Supply Device>

FIG.4is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of the cuvette supply device30. For example, the cuvette supply device30includes a loading part130through which empty cuvettes B are loaded; a first storage part131which stores the cuvettes B loaded from the loading part130; a second storage part132which stores cuvettes B discharged from the first storage part131; and a transporter133which transports cuvettes B from the second storage part132.

For example, the loading part130includes an inlet140having a quadrangular shape; and a transport path141extending from the inlet140to the first storage part131. As shown inFIG.5, when a lid142provided at the ceiling wall10dof the housing10is opened, the inlet140is open in the upper face of the housing10. The transport path141extends in a direction from the front side toward the rear side of the housing10. The transport path141has a substantially quadrangular shape in a vertical cross-section, which is perpendicular to the extending direction. As shown inFIG.6, the transport path141has a bottom face143that is gradually downwardly inclined from the inlet140toward the first storage part131.

As shown inFIG.4, the first storage part131has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. For example, the first storage part131includes a side wall131aon the right side when viewed from the front; a side wall131bon the left side when viewed from the front; a ceiling wall131c; and a rear wall131d. The face on the front side of the first storage part131is open, and is connected to the transport path141. As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the first storage part131has a bottom portion131e.FIG.7illustrates a horizontal cross-section showing an internal configuration of the first storage part131.FIG.8illustrates a vertical cross-section showing internal configurations of the first storage part131and the second storage part132viewed from the rear side of the housing10.FIG.9illustrates a vertical cross-section showing internal configurations of the first storage part131and the second storage part132viewed from the left side of the housing10.

As shown inFIG.7, the bottom portion131ehas a rectangular shape that is long in the right-left direction in a plan view. For example, the bottom portion131eincludes an outlet150, a first inclined plate151, a second inclined plate152, and a vibration plate153.

For example, the outlet150has a quadrangular shape, and is open to the second storage part132below. The outlet150is adjacent to the rear wall131dand is disposed at a position closer to the side wall131aon the right side relative to the center in the right-left direction. The outlet150has dimensions that satisfy the relationship of L<D<3×L, preferably, the relationship of L<D<2×L, when the maximum dimension (the longitudinal dimension shown inFIG.3) of the cuvette B is defined as L and the maximum dimension (the dimension of the diagonal line) of the outlet is defined as D.

As shown inFIG.7toFIG.9, the first inclined plate151is provided on the front side of the first storage part131and is smoothly continuous with the bottom face143of the transport path141. As shown inFIG.7andFIG.9, the first inclined plate151is inclined gradually downwardly toward the outlet150which is on the right side relative to the center in the right-left direction.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the second inclined plate152is provided on the left side-wall131bside in the first storage part131, and is inclined gradually downwardly from the left side-wall131btoward the outlet150. In order to facilitate sliding of cuvettes B, a resin that causes less friction force (for example, polyacetal) is used for the first inclined plate151and the second inclined plate152.

As shown inFIG.7, the vibration plate153has a rectangular shape, for example, and forms a part of the bottom portion131e. The vibration plate153extends in the horizontal direction from the right side-wall131atoward the outlet150. The vibration plate153has a configuration, such as having a thin plate shape or being made from a material having a high elastic modulus, that easily vibrates compared to the other surrounding parts.

As shown inFIG.8, the vibration plate153has an L-shape, for example. The vibration plate153includes a horizontal portion153aextending from the right side-wall131atoward the outlet150side; and a perpendicular portion153bextending downwardly from the leading end of the horizontal portion153a. The perpendicular portion153bis opposed to the outlet150, and forms a part of the edge of the outlet150. An upper face153cof the horizontal portion153aserves as the upper face opposed to the interior of the first storage part131. An outer side face153dof the perpendicular portion153bserves as the side face opposed to the outlet150. The upper face153cof the horizontal portion153aand the outer side face153dof the perpendicular portion153bare smoothly connected to each other at the upper edge of the edge of the outlet150.

A vibration member160that vibrates in the up-down direction is provided at the back face of the vibration plate153. The vibration member160is a vibration actuator that vibrates by being fed with electricity, for example. Vibration of the vibration member160can be controlled by the controller26. The vibration member160causes the vibration plate153to vibrate, thereby being able to drop cuvettes B stored in the first storage part131, through the outlet150into the second storage part132. In the present embodiment, the vibration plate153and the vibration member160form a vibration providing mechanism166, which forms a discharge controller that controls dropping of cuvettes B from the first storage part131to the second storage part132.

As shown inFIG.4,FIG.8, andFIG.9, the second storage part132is provided immediately below the first storage part131. The second storage part132has a smaller storage capacity than the first storage part131.

As shown inFIG.4, the second storage part132has a front wall132a; a side wall132bon the right side when viewed from the front; a side wall132con the left side when viewed from the front; a rear wall132d; and a bottom wall132e.

As shown inFIG.10, the bottom wall132ehas an inclined face having an inverted cone shape (mortar shape) of which the center portion is at the lowest position thereof.

The upper face of the second storage part132is open, and is exposed to the bottom portion131eof the first storage part131. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.8, the upper face on the left side when viewed from the rear of the second storage part132is exposed to the second inclined plate152of the bottom portion131e, and immediately below the second inclined plate152, an empty space170that allows access to the second storage part132from outside is formed. As shown inFIG.1, an openable lid171is provided at the left side-wall10c, of the housing10, which corresponds to the empty space170on the left side of the second storage part132. When the lid171is opened as shown inFIG.11, the second storage part132can be accessed from outside of the housing10.

The transporter133shown inFIG.4takes out cuvettes B in the second storage part132and sequentially transports the cuvettes B to the cuvette sending-out part182.

For example, the transporter133includes a taking-out mechanism180which takes out a cuvette B in the second storage part132; the transport path181for transporting the cuvette B taken out by the taking-out mechanism180; and the cuvette sending-out part182which holds the cuvette B transported through the transport path181.

As shown inFIG.10andFIG.12, for example, the taking-out mechanism180includes a perpendicular plate190provided such that the plate face is directed forward; a rotation shaft191fixed to the plate face of the perpendicular plate190; a pick-up member192which swings up and down about the rotation shaft191and picks up a cuvette B from the second storage part132; and a swing mechanism193which causes the pick-up member192to swing up and down.

In the bottom wall132eof the second storage part132, a slit132fis formed along the right-left direction. The perpendicular plate190is disposed at the slit132f. The pick-up member192has a substantially fan shape, for example, and is mounted to the rotation shaft191such that the side face of the fan shape is directed upward. The pick-up member192includes, at the upper face thereof, a placement portion200of a groove shape that allows a cuvette B to be placed such that the longitudinal direction of the cuvette B is aligned with the sending-out direction extending in the right-left direction (i.e., in a state where the cuvette B is laid down).

The swing mechanism193is a link mechanism. The swing mechanism193can cause the pick-up member192to rotate about the rotation shaft191, thereby causing the pick-up member192to swing between a first position at which the placement portion200is located at the lowest portion of the bottom wall132eof the second storage part132; and a second position at which the placement portion200is inclined such that the sending-out direction side thereof (right side) is positioned lower than the other side thereof.

The transport path181is configured to stand the cuvette B having slid to the sending-out direction side from the inclined placement portion200, such that the flange b2 is at the upper side thereof; and send the cuvette B in this standing state to the cuvette sending-out part182.

Specifically, the transport path181has two [[ ]] parallel-disposed linear rails230which are continuous to the inclined placement portion200, and which extend toward the cuvette sending-out part182. The rails230are inclined so as to be gradually lowered toward the cuvette sending-out part182. A slit231is formed between the two rails230. The width of the slit231is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the trunk portion b1 of the cuvette B, and is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the flange b2. Accordingly, the trunk portion b1 of the cuvette B enters the slit231in the transport path181and the flange b2 is caught by the rails230. As a result, the cuvette B stands up, with the flange b2 at the upper side. The cuvette B in the standing state slides along the rails230and the slit231, and drops.

As shown inFIG.13, the cuvette sending-out part182has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The cuvette sending-out part182includes a rotary part250which is rotated by a drive unit (not shown), for example. The rotary part250has a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral face thereof is provided with a plurality of, e.g., three, accommodation holes251. Each accommodation hole251has a substantially cylindrical shape that can accommodate a cuvette B from the outer peripheral face of the rotary part250. A cuvette B having dropped along the transport path181is accommodated and held in an accommodation hole251when the rotary part250is rotated and the accommodation hole251meets the slit231between the rails230. When no accommodation hole251meets the slit231between the rails230, the cuvette B remains on the rails230. Normally, the dropping amount of cuvettes B in the transport path181is set to be large compared with the number of cuvettes B that are held in the cuvette sending-out part182, and thus, a plurality of cuvettes B are accumulated along the transport path181up to the upper portion of the rails230(i.e., waiting state). The transport path181can hold a predetermined number, e.g.,10, cuvettes B in accordance with the length of the transport path181.

The cuvette supply device30includes a sensor that can detect the state of transport of cuvettes B by the transporter133. Specifically, the transport path181is provided with a first sensor260provided at the uppermost portion of the rails230and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a cuvette B and passage of a cuvette B; and a second sensor261provided at the lowest portion of the rails230and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a cuvette B. The first sensor260and the second sensor261are each a noncontact-type light sensor having a light applicator and light receiver, for example. The first sensor260and the second sensor261each detect the presence or absence of a cuvette B on the basis of whether the light receiver has received light applied from the light applicator. Detection results by the first sensor260and the second sensor261are outputted to the controller26.

The controller26is a computer, for example. As a result of a CPU executing a program stored in a memory, the controller26can control drive of various drive units for the specimen injection arm27, the reagent injection devices28,29, the first arm31, the second arm32, the third arm33, the specimen container sending-in unit20, the first table21, the second table22, the heating unit23, the analysis unit24, the cuvette supply device30, and the like, whereby an analysis process on specimens can be performed. In particular, in the analysis process, the controller26can control operation of the vibration providing mechanism166on the basis of detection results, by the sensors260,261, of the state of transport of cuvettes B.

<Operation of Analyzer>

Next, operation (control) of the analyzer1configured as described above is described.

First, before an analysis process on specimens such as blood is started, a user loads a large number of empty cuvettes B into the cuvette supply device30. At this time, the user opens the lid142of the ceiling wall10dof the housing10shown inFIG.5, and loads a large number of empty cuvettes B through the inlet140. The loaded cuvettes B pass the transport path141to be supplied to the first storage part131. As shown inFIG.14, some of the cuvettes B supplied to the first storage part131drop through the outlet150into the second storage part132, and the rest of the cuvettes B are congested due to natural friction force among the cuvettes B, and stored in the first storage part131. At this time, a substantially constant amount of cuvettes B, which is not too much for the storage capacity of the second storage part132, are stored in the second storage part132.

Next, when the transporter133is driven, the pick-up member192swings up and down at a constant speed. As shown inFIG.12, the pick-up member192is firstly at the first position corresponding to the lowest portion of the second storage part132, and then the pick-up member192rotates upward about the rotation shaft191. The pick-up member192picks up one cuvette B, swings upward to the second position with the cuvette B placed on the placement portion200, and is inclined such that the sending-out direction side of the placement portion200is positioned lower than the other side thereof. The cuvette B slides to the transport path181side in the sending-out direction, and moves onto the rails230of the transport path181. At this time, as shown inFIG.13, the trunk portion b1 of the cuvette B falls into the slit231and the flange b2 is held by the rails230, whereby the cuvette B is made to stand up. In this state, the cuvette B drops along the slope of the transport path181, hits the rotary part250of the cuvette sending-out part182, and stops. When this is repeated, cuvettes B are sequentially accumulated from the lower portion in the transport path181, and finally, a predetermined number of cuvettes B are held up to the uppermost portion of the transport path181.

When the rotary part250is rotated at a predetermined timing and the position of an accommodation hole251and the position of the slit231are aligned with each other, the cuvette B enters the accommodation hole251. The cuvette B in the cuvette sending-out part182is transported to the first table21by the first arm31shown inFIG.2, and is held in a cuvette holder50. This is repeated, and empty cuvettes B are arranged on the first table21in the circumferential direction.

Next, when an analysis process on specimens is started, a rack R holding a plurality of specimen containers A is sent into the rack sending-in unit40of the specimen container sending-in unit20, first. The rack R is transported by the transport device43to the specimen suction unit41. Next, the specimen in a specimen container A in the rack R is suctioned by the specimen injection arm27, and is injected into an empty cuvette B on the first table21. Next, the cuvette B is held by the second arm32, and is moved to a position below the first reagent injection device28.

Next, the reagent in a reagent container C on the second table22is suctioned by the nozzle101of the first reagent injection device28, is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then, is injected into the cuvette B held by the second arm32. Accordingly, the specimen in the cuvette B and the reagent are mixed together.

Next, the cuvette B is transported to the heating plate70of the heating unit23by the second arm32. Here, the mixture of the reagent and the specimen in the cuvette B is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Subsequently, the cuvette B is held by the third arm33, and is moved to a position below the second reagent injection device29, for example. Next, the reagent in a reagent container C on the second table22is suctioned by the nozzle101of the second reagent injection device29, and is injected into the cuvette B held by the third arm33. Accordingly, the specimen in the cuvette B and the reagent are mixed together, whereby an analysis sample is prepared.

Next, the cuvette B is transported to the analysis plate80of the analysis unit24by the third arm33. It should be noted that there are cases where no reagent is injected by the second reagent injection device29. In such a case, the cuvette B in the heating unit23is directly transported to the analysis unit24by the third arm33.

In the analysis unit24, analysis on the analysis sample in the cuvette B is performed. When the analysis ends, the cuvette B is transported to the discharge part25by the third arm33, and is discharged.

During the analysis process described above, empty cuvettes B are supplied from the second storage part132to the cuvette sending-out part182, and are supplied from the cuvette sending-out part182to the first table21. Thus, cuvettes B in the second storage part132are gradually reduced. Therefore, the second storage part132also needs to be supplied with cuvettes B. Supply of cuvettes B to the second storage part132is performed by causing the vibration providing mechanism166to operate, thereby causing a plurality of cuvettes B in the first storage part131to drop through the outlet150. When the vibration providing mechanism166is operated, the vibration member160vibrates and then the vibration plate153vibrates to provide vibration to cuvettes B therearound. Accordingly, some of the cuvettes B drop due to the vibration. The dropping amount (supply amount) of cuvettes B at this time is dependent on the strength and time period of the vibration.

Next, control of the operation of the vibration providing mechanism166when cuvettes B are supplied to the second storage part132is described.FIG.15is a flow chart showing a flow of major operation control of the vibration providing mechanism166.

First, the controller26grasps the state of transport, e.g., a number N of cuvettes B, in the transport path181. The number N of cuvettes B is grasped by use of control signals and the like of the first sensor260, the second sensor261, and the controller26itself. For example, the first sensor260counts the number of cuvettes B that have passed the uppermost portion of the transport path181. The controller26counts control commands which have been given to the first arm31and which are each for sending out a cuvette B from the cuvette sending-out part182. Then, the number N of cuvettes B is grasped by subtracting a number n2, which is the number of cuvettes B having been sent out from the cuvette sending-out part182, from a number n1, which is the number of cuvettes B counted by the first sensor260, for example. For counting the number n2 of cuvettes B, a sensor may be provided to the cuvette sending-out part182to count the number n2. Alternatively, the number n2 of cuvettes B may be obtained as the number of cuvettes B, counted by the second sensor261, that have been transported from the transport path181to the cuvette sending-out part182.

The controller26controls the operation of the vibration providing mechanism166on the basis of the number N of cuvettes B in the transport path181.

For example, when it has been determined that the number N of cuvettes B in the transport path181is not smaller than a predetermined threshold H, e.g., 7 or greater, against the maximum number10, the vibration providing mechanism166does not provide vibration. Meanwhile, when the number N of cuvettes B in the transport path181is smaller than the predetermined threshold H, i.e., when 6 or smaller, the vibration providing mechanism166provides vibration.

When the vibration providing mechanism166provides vibration, the degree of vibration may be changed in accordance with the number N of cuvettes B. For example, when the number N of cuvettes B is not smaller than 3 and not greater than 6, vibration is intermittently provided for a predetermined time period. For example, when the number N of cuvettes B is not smaller than 0 and not greater than 2, vibration is continuously provided for a predetermined time period.

Further, when the number N of cuvettes B is 0 and a state of the number N of cuvettes B being 0 continues for not less than a predetermined time period, e.g., 30 seconds or longer, there is a possibility that neither the first storage part131nor the second storage part132has any cuvettes B therein. Thus, vibration is stopped. The time period of the continuation of the state of the number N being 0 can be detected by the second sensor261.

According to the present embodiment, the analyzer1includes two storage parts, i.e., the first storage part131and the second storage part132, and thus, the total volume of the storage part can be increased. Cuvettes B stored in the first storage part131can be caused to drop through the outlet150of the bottom portion131eof the first storage part131to be stored in the second storage part132. In addition, the vibration providing mechanism166can control the dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150, thereby adjusting the amount of cuvettes B to be stored in the second storage part132. Accordingly, there is no need to separately provide a new transporter that transports cuvettes B to the second storage part132. Thus, increase in size of the analyzer can be suppressed.

The vibration providing mechanism166provides vibration to the cuvettes B in the first storage part131. Therefore, in a state where the cuvettes B in the first storage part131are congested by natural friction force among the cuvettes B, it is possible to provide vibration to a plurality of cuvettes B in the first storage part131, and to cause the cuvettes B to drop through the outlet150of the first storage part131due to the vibration. As a result, dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131can be appropriately controlled.

Since the vibration providing mechanism166provides vibration in the upward direction from the outlet150side of the first storage part131, vibration can be provided in the opposite direction of gravity, to the cuvettes B stored in the first storage part131. This facilitates movement of the cuvettes B congested in the first storage part131. Thus, dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131can be appropriately controlled.

The vibration providing mechanism166includes the vibration plate153disposed in the vicinity of the outlet150of the first storage part131, and the vibration member160which vibrates the vibration plate153. Accordingly, vibration is provided from the vibration plate153having a plate shape, to the cuvettes B in the vicinity of the outlet150of the first storage part131. Therefore, the vibration is effectively transmitted, and dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131can be appropriately controlled. The “vicinity of the outlet150” includes a range within 20 cm, preferably within 15 cm, and more preferably within 5 cm, from the outlet150.

Since the vibration plate153forms a part of the bottom portion131eof the first storage part131, a bottom portion that is in contact with cuvettes B stored in the first storage part131vibrates. As a result, the vibration of the vibration plate153is directly transmitted to the cuvettes B, and dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150can be appropriately controlled.

Since the vibration plate153forms at least a part of the edge of the outlet150, a part of the edge of the outlet150vibrates. As a result, the vibration is directly transmitted to cuvettes B in the vicinity of the outlet150, and dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150can be appropriately controlled.

The vibration plate153has the upper face153copposed to the interior of the first storage part131and the outer side face153dopposed to the outlet150. The upper face153cand the outer side face153dare smoothly connected to each other at the upper end of the edge of the outlet150. Accordingly, cuvettes B can be prevented from being damaged when colliding with the upper end of the edge of the outlet150.

The vibration member160is provided at the back face, of the vibration plate153, which is not opposed to the interior of the first storage part131. Therefore, cuvettes B are prevented from hitting the vibration member160, and the cuvettes B and the vibration member160are protected. Accordingly, the vibration member160can be prevented from being damaged.

The outlet150has dimensions that satisfy the relationship of L<D<2×L when the maximum dimension of the cuvette B is defined as L, and the maximum opening dimension of the outlet150is defined as D. This allows cuvettes B to easily remain in the vicinity of the outlet150. Thus, dropping of cuvettes B can be appropriately inhibited. Accordingly, the amount of cuvettes B that drop into the second storage part132can be appropriately restricted. In the case of DEL, cuvettes B could be stuck in the outlet150. In the case of 2×LSD, too many cuvettes B could drop through the outlet150.

The first storage part131is configured to be able to store more cuvettes B than the second storage part132. Accordingly, the storage capacity of the second storage part132is relatively small. Thus, it is possible to inhibit occurrence of a state where the transporter133of the second storage part132is buried with cuvettes B and cannot perform transport. Meanwhile, since the storage capacity of the first storage part131is relatively large, the total volume of the two storage parts can be increased.

The analyzer1includes the housing10which covers the body of the analyzer, and the housing10is provided with the lid171that allows access to the second storage part132. Therefore, if an excessive amount of cuvettes B have entered the second storage part132, it is possible to take out excess cuvettes B in the second storage part132to the outside of the housing10by opening the lid171. As a result, maintenance work is facilitated.

The analyzer1includes the sensors260,261that can each detect the state of transport of cuvettes B by the transporter133; and the controller26which controls operation of the vibration providing mechanism166on the basis of detection results, by the sensors260,261, of the state of transport of cuvettes B. Thus, the state of transport of cuvettes B from the second storage part132by the transporter133can be detected by use of the sensors260,261. Then, on the basis of the state of transport, operation of the vibration providing mechanism166can be controlled so as to adjust dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131into the second storage part132. As a result, the amount of cuvettes B stored in the second storage part132can be more strictly controlled. For grasping the state of transport of cuvettes B, either one of the sensors260,261may be used, or a sensor other than the sensors260,261, a control signal, or the like may be used.

Since the analyzer1includes the loading part130for loading cuvettes B into the first storage part131, cuvettes B can be appropriately loaded into the first storage part131.

<Another Aspect of Discharge Controller>

In the above embodiment, the discharge controller that can control the dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131has the vibration providing mechanism166. However, the discharge controller may have another mechanism.

For example, as shown inFIG.16, the discharge controller300may have a rotation mechanism303which is provided in the vicinity of the outlet150and which performs rotation drive. For example, the rotation mechanism303includes a rotating body301provided in the vicinity of the outlet150, and a motor302which drives the rotating body301. The drive of the motor302is controlled by the controller26. In this case, similar to the case of the vibration providing mechanism166, the rotation drive of the rotation mechanism303is controlled in accordance with the number N of cuvettes B in the transport path181. For example, when the number N of cuvettes B is smaller than the predetermined threshold H, the rotating body301of the rotation mechanism303is rotated, and when the number N is not smaller than the predetermined threshold H, the rotating body301of the rotation mechanism303is not rotated. When the rotating body301of the rotation mechanism303is rotated, vibration and direct force are provided to a plurality of cuvettes B stored in the first storage part131, and due to the external force such as the vibration, cuvettes B drop through the outlet150of the first storage part131to be stored in the second storage part132. Meanwhile, when the rotation of the rotating body301of the rotation mechanism303is stopped, cuvettes B do not drop through the outlet150of the first storage part131, and cuvettes B are not supplied to the second storage part132.

Also in the present aspect, dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131can be appropriately controlled.

As still another aspect, the discharge controller310may have an opening/closing mechanism313which opens/closes the outlet150as shown inFIG.17. For example, the opening/closing mechanism313includes an opening/closing plate311provided at the outlet150, and a motor312which drives the opening/closing plate311. The drive of the motor312is controlled by the controller26. In this case, similar to the case of the vibration providing mechanism166, the opening/closing drive of the opening/closing mechanism313is controlled in accordance with the number N of cuvettes B in the transport path181. For example, when the number N of cuvettes B is smaller than the predetermined threshold H, the opening/closing plate311of the opening/closing mechanism313is opened, whereby the outlet150is made open. When the number N is not smaller than the predetermined threshold H, the opening/closing plate311of the opening/closing mechanism313is closed, whereby the outlet150is closed. When the outlet150is made open, cuvettes B drop through the outlet150of the first storage part131to be stored in the second storage part132. Meanwhile, when the outlet150is closed, cuvettes B do not drop through the outlet150of the first storage part131, and cuvettes B are not supplied to the second storage part132.

According to the present aspect, dropping of cuvettes B through the outlet150of the first storage part131can be appropriately controlled.

In the embodiment described above, as shown inFIG.18, the second storage part132may include a vibration member320. For example, the vibration member320is provided in an upper portion of the front wall132aof the second storage part132. The vibration member320is a vibration actuator. The drive of the vibration member320is controlled by the controller26. The controller26controls the drive of the vibration member320on the basis of the presence or absence, detected by the first sensor260, of a cuvette B at the uppermost portion of the transport path181, for example.

Specifically, when the first sensor260does not detect any cuvette B for not less than a predetermined time period, e.g., 15 seconds or longer, the vibration member320is vibrated. Accordingly, for example, such a cuvette B that is caught at an upper portion of the second storage part132falls to the lowest portion, and is transported by the transporter133. As a result, the cuvette B can be appropriately sent out from the second storage part132.

Although a preferable embodiment of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could conceive of various changes and modifications within the scope of the idea described in claims. It is understood that such changes and modifications are also included in the technological scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the vibration providing mechanism166in the embodiment described above includes the vibration plate153and the vibration member160, but not limited thereto, the vibration providing mechanism166may have another configuration. The shapes, the provision positions, and the provision numbers of the vibration plate153and the vibration member160may be those in other aspects. In particular, the vibration plate153is not necessarily provided in the bottom portion131eof the first storage part131, but may be provided at any of side walls that are close to the outlet150, for example.

The analyzer1has components such as the first table21, the second table22, the heating unit23, and the analysis unit24as shown inFIG.2. However, the analyzer of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may have another structure. The analyzer of the present disclosure can be applied not only to blood coagulation analysis but also to another type of blood analysis such as a hematoimmunology test, as well as analysis of specimens other than blood. The cuvette supply device30does not necessarily have the configuration described in the above embodiment, and may have another configuration. Also, the configurations of the first storage part131, the second storage part132, the transporter133, and the like are not limited to those in the above embodiment. The discharge controller may be implemented as a component other than the vibration providing mechanism166, the rotation mechanism303, or the opening/closing mechanism313. The shape and the configuration of the cuvette B are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and another container may be used. In the embodiment described above, the cuvette B directly drops through the outlet150of the first storage part131into the second storage part132. However, for example, a transport path or the like for the cuvette B may be provided between the outlet150of the first storage part131and the second storage part132, and the cuvette B may drop, due to gravity, through the outlet150of the first storage part131via the transport path into the second storage part132.