JP2007285957A - Automatic analyzer and its stop position setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of defining the stop position of a dispensation probe in short time, and its stop position setting method. <P>SOLUTION: A position setting part 35 sets up adjustment positions of p-th and (p+1)-th points above a tool 80 arranged to meet a center plane 83 below each stop position of each dispensation probe, downward moves each dispensation probe to p-th and (p+1)-th detection positions detected by each liquid level detector 18a, 18b, 18c after horizontally moving each dispensation probe to p-th and (p+1)-th adjustment positions, creates p-th and (p+1)-th downward move distance data corresponding to distances between adjustment positions of p-th and (p+1)-th points and the p-th and (p+1)-th detection positions, and determines the p-th and (p+1)-th detection positions based on the downward move distance data of the created p-th and (p+1)-th downward move distance data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a position setting method for analyzing components of a test sample, and in particular, body fluid such as human serum and urine is dispensed from one container to another using a dispensing probe. The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components contained in a body fluid and a stop position setting method thereof.

  As an automatic analyzer, a change in color caused by the reaction of a mixed solution in which a test sample and a reagent collected from a sample are dispensed from a sample container and a reagent bottle into a reaction container and mixed, and the amount of transmitted light is measured. An apparatus for measuring the concentration and activity of various components (items) in a test sample by measurement is known.

  In this automatic analyzer, measurement of a measurement item selected according to an inspection is performed from among a large number of items that can be measured by setting analysis conditions for each test sample. The test sample is dispensed from the sample container to the reaction container using the sample dispensing probe, and the reagent corresponding to the item is dispensed from the reagent bottle to the reaction container using the reagent dispensing probe. The test sample and the reagent dispensed in the sample are mixed using a stirrer, the mixed solution is measured, and the sample dispensing probe, the reagent dispensing probe, and the mixed solution that are in contact with the test sample and the reagent are further measured. The reaction vessel and the stirring bar that are in contact with each other are repeatedly used after measurement after being washed.

  In recent automatic analyzers, reaction vessels are miniaturized so that measurement with a very small amount of sample and reagent is possible. In addition, sample containers and reagent bottles that are miniaturized so that a small amount of sample can be aspirated in accordance with the miniaturization are used. Due to these miniaturization, the opening of the sample container and reagent bottle for aspirating the sample and reagent and the opening of the reaction container for discharging the sample and reagent are narrowed. If the stop positions of the dispensing probe such as the sample suction position, the reagent suction position, the sample discharge position, and the reagent discharge position are shifted, the dispensing accuracy is lowered and the analysis data is adversely affected.

  Each dispensing probe contains mounting errors due to variations in processing of the dispensing probe and tolerances of the mounting part.Therefore, it is not always necessary to install a new dispensing probe on the device during installation or inspection of the device. It does not necessarily stop at each stop position. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of each dispensing probe to each stop position every time the dispensing probe is mounted.

Therefore, a protrusion with a known amount of movement from the stop position is provided under the movement trajectory of each dispensing probe, and a temporary movement amount in the horizontal direction from the reference position is set in advance. A method has been proposed in which the operation is repeated while increasing the amount of movement, and the amount of movement to each stop position is determined based on the amount of movement when the protrusion is detected by the abnormal lowering detection due to the collision (for example, Patent Reference 1). reference.).
JP 2001-91522 A

  However, in the conventional method, the margin of the temporary movement amount set first is increased and the dispensing probe is lowered at a position away from the projection, and the amount of movement is increased every time the dispensing probe is operated until the projection is detected. Since the position is moved in one direction, there is a problem that it takes time to determine the stop position.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can determine a stop position of a dispensing probe in a short time and a stop position setting method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 1 sucks the sample or the reagent in an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a container and measures a mixed solution thereof. A dispensing probe for discharging, a dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe horizontally and vertically, a suction position, a discharging position of the sample or the reagent of the dispensing probe, and a cleaning of the dispensing probe This jig includes a position setting means for determining each stop position of the position, and a jig that has an upper surface that forms an inclined surface with a downward slope toward the center, and is arranged so that the center is aligned below the stop position. Detecting means for detecting by contact between the tool and the dispensing probe, and the position setting means sets the p-th and (p + 1) -th adjustment positions (p is an integer of 1 or more) above the jig. And before Detection of the pth and (p + 1) th of the upper surface of the jig detected by the detection means after the dispensing probe is horizontally moved to the pth and (p + 1) th adjustment positions by the dispensing probe moving means. And move down to a position to generate pth and (p + 1) th movement distance data corresponding to the distance between the pth and (p + 1) th adjustment positions and the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions. The pth and (p + 1) th detection positions are determined based on the generated pth and (p + 1) th movement distance data.

  The automatic analyzer stop position setting method of the present invention according to claim 10 is the automatic analyzer stop position setting method in which a sample and a reagent are dispensed into a container and the mixed solution is measured. The sample of the dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the reagent or an aspirating surface having a downward slope toward the center is formed below each stop position of the suction position, the discharge position of the reagent, and the cleaning position of the dispensing probe. A first step of setting a first adjustment position above a jig having an upper surface and aligned with the central portion below the stop position; and the dispensing probe at the first adjustment position. After the horizontal movement, the jig is moved down to a first detection position detected by a detection means by contact between the dispensing probe and the jig, and the first adjustment position and the first adjustment position are detected. Between detection positions A second step of generating first movement distance data corresponding to the distance; a third step of setting a second adjustment position at a position away from the first adjustment position by a predetermined distance; and the dispensing probe. Is moved horizontally to the second adjustment position, and then moved downward to the second detection position detected by the detection means, so that the distance between the second adjustment position and the second detection position is reached. A fourth step of generating corresponding second movement distance data, and a fifth step of determining the first and second detection positions based on the generated first and second movement distance data. It is characterized by having.

  Furthermore, the automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 11 is a dispensing probe that sucks and discharges the sample or the reagent in the automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a container and measures a mixed solution thereof. And a dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe horizontally and up and down, and each stop position of the sample or reagent aspirating position, the dispensing position, and the dispensing probe washing position of the dispensing probe. An upper surface represented by a quadratic function in which a line corresponding to the inclined surface of the vertical cross section including the center portion has a vertex as the vertex. And a detecting means for detecting a jig arranged with the central portion below the stop position by contact between the jig and the dispensing probe, the position setting means, At least first to third adjustment positions are set above the tool, and the dispensing probe moving means horizontally moves the dispensing probe from a preset reference position to the first to third adjustment positions. Later, the first upper surface corresponding to the distance between the reference position and the first to third adjustment positions is moved down to the first to third detection positions on the upper surface of the jig detected by the detection means. To third horizontal movement distance data, and first to third movement distance data corresponding to the distance between the first to third adjustment positions and the first to third detection positions, and Based on the generated first to third horizontal movement distance data and first to third movement distance data, the coordinates of the vertex corresponding to the quadratic function with the reference position as the origin are obtained, and the obtained vertex The horizontal movement distance corresponding to the coordinates of Characterized in that the data has been so defined as the stop position.

  According to the present invention, the adjustment position is set in the vicinity of the stop position, and the adjustment position is reset in the stop position direction even if the position of the dispensing probe moved from the reference position is shifted according to the adjustment position. Therefore, the stop position can be determined with a small number of adjustment position settings. Therefore, since the stop position can be set in a short time, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In the following, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 19 that measures a sample such as a test sample or a calibrator obtained from a subject, an analysis control unit 30 that controls a measurement operation of the analysis unit 19, and an analysis unit 19 A position setting unit 35 for determining a position for performing a measurement operation of each unit, an analysis data processing unit 40 for calculating analysis data by processing a calibrator signal and an analysis signal output from the analysis unit 19 by the measurement operation of each unit, and An output unit 50 for outputting a calibration table and analysis data from the analysis data processing unit 40, an operation unit 60 for inputting analysis conditions, various command signals, etc., an analysis control unit 30, a position setting unit 35, analysis data processing A system control unit 70 that controls the unit 40 and the output unit 50 in an integrated manner.

  The analysis unit 19 includes a sample unit 20 that handles a sample such as a calibrator or a test sample for each item, a reagent unit 21 that handles a reagent for causing a chemical reaction with the sample, and a reaction unit 22 that handles a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent. And.

  The analysis control unit 30 controls the mechanism unit 31 including mechanisms that drive the units constituting the sample unit 20, the reagent unit 21, and the reaction unit 22 of the analysis unit 19, and each mechanism of the mechanism unit 31. And a control unit 32.

  The position setting unit 35 includes an adjustment position setting unit 36 that sets an adjustment position and an adjustment position setting unit in order to determine a stop position at which each unit of the sample unit 20 and the reagent unit 21 of the analysis unit 19 performs a measurement operation and stops. Based on the adjustment information for moving each unit output from 36 to a position corresponding to the adjustment position and the movement information for each unit output from the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30, the position is determined according to the adjustment position. A position data generation unit 37 that generates position data of each moved unit and a position data storage unit 38 that stores the position data generated by the position data generation unit 37 are provided.

  The analysis data processing unit 40 includes a calculation unit 41 that creates a calibration table, calculates analysis data, and the like from a calibrator signal output from the analysis unit 19 and an analysis signal, a calibration table created by the calculation unit 41, And a storage unit 42 for storing the calculated analysis data and the like.

  The calculation unit 41 creates a calibration table for each item from the calibrator signal for each item output from the analysis unit 19, outputs the calibration table to the output unit 50, and saves it in the storage unit 42. In addition, the calculation unit 41 reads out a calibration table corresponding to each analysis signal item output from the analysis unit 19 from the storage unit 42 and then uses the calibration table. The analysis data is calculated and output to the output unit 50 and stored in the storage unit 42.

  The storage unit 42 includes a hard disk and stores a calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the calculation unit 41 for each test sample.

  The output unit 50 includes a printing unit 51 that prints and outputs a calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the analysis data processing unit 40 and a display unit 52 that displays and outputs the calibration table. The printing unit 51 includes a printer and prints out the calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the analysis data processing unit 40 on a printer sheet based on a preset format. The display unit 52 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and sets analysis conditions according to display of a calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the analysis data processing unit 40 and instructions from the system control unit 60. Display the screen for the purpose.

  The operation unit 60 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel, and sets analysis conditions, inputs subject information such as a subject ID and subject name, and a subject specimen. Various operations such as selection of each measurement item, calibration operation of each item, test sample analysis operation, and the like are performed.

  The system control unit 70 includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown) and stores information such as an operator command signal, analysis conditions, subject information, and measurement items for each test sample supplied from the operation unit 60. Based on these pieces of information, control of the entire system is performed such as control for causing each unit constituting the analysis unit 19 to perform measurement operation in a predetermined sequence of a fixed cycle, creation of a calibration table, control on calculation and output of analysis data, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIG.2 and FIG.3, the detail of a structure of the analysis part 19, the analysis control part 30, and the position setting part 35 is demonstrated.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of the configuration of the analysis unit 19. The sample unit 20 of the analysis unit 19 includes a sample container 17 containing a sample such as a calibrator and a test sample, a disk sampler 6 that rotatably holds the sample container 17, and a calibrator suction position (not shown) of the disk sampler 6. A sample dispensing probe 16 that sucks a sample from a sample container 17 at a sample suction position such as a test sample suction position and discharges it from a sample discharge position (not shown) of the reaction unit 22 and a sample dispensing probe cleaning position (not shown). A probe cleaning tank 16a for cleaning the sample dispensing probe 16 is provided below.

  The sample unit 20 holds the sample dispensing probe 16 horizontally to each stop position of the sample suction position, the sample discharge position, and the sample dispensing probe cleaning position, and can move up and down at each stop position. A sample dispensing arm 10 and a liquid level detector 18a for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 17 are provided. Then, the sample detection signal detected by the liquid level detector 18 a is output to the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30.

  Note that the liquid level of the sample is detected using the principle reported in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-33320. The liquid level detector 18a includes a bridge circuit having one end electrically connected to the sample dispensing probe 16 made of a conductive material. And the liquid level of a sample is detected by detecting the change of the electrostatic capacitance which arises between a sample and grounding potential by contact with the sample dispensing probe 16 and a sample.

  The reagent unit 21 includes reagent bottles 7a and 7b containing a plurality of first reagents that selectively react with a sample and a plurality of second reagents paired with the first reagents, and a reagent rack that stores the reagent bottles 7a. 1a, a reagent store 2 holding the reagent rack 1a containing the reagent bottle 7a so as to be rotatable, a reagent store 3 holding the reagent rack 1b containing the reagent bottle 7b so as to be rotatable, and reagent stores 2, 3 The first and second reagents are aspirated from the reagent bottles 7a and 7b at the first and second reagent aspirating positions (not shown), and discharged at the first and second reagent discharging positions (not shown) of the reaction unit 22. Two reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are provided.

  The reagent unit 21 is located below the first and second reagent dispensing probe washing positions (not shown), and has probe washing tanks 14a and 15a for washing the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15, Horizontal movement of the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 to the respective stop positions of the first and second reagent aspirating positions, the first and second reagent discharging positions, and the first and second reagent dispensing probe washing positions And first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 that can be moved up and down at each stop position.

  Furthermore, the reagent unit 21 includes liquid level detectors 18b and 18c for detecting the liquid levels of the first and second reagents in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b on the same principle as the sample. Then, the detection signals of the first and second reagents detected by the liquid level detectors 18 b and 18 c are output to the control unit 32.

  The reaction unit 22 includes a sample discharged from the sample dispensing probe 16 at the sample discharge position, a first reagent discharged from the first reagent dispensing probe 14 at the first reagent discharge position, and a first reagent discharged from the first reagent discharge position. A reaction container 4 that receives the second reagent discharged from the two-agent dispensing probe 15, a reaction disk 5 that rotatably holds a plurality of reaction containers 4 arranged on the circumference, and a reaction unit 22 (not shown) The stirring unit 11a that holds the stirring bar for stirring the liquid mixture of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction vessel 4 stopped at the first stirring position, and stopped at the second stirring position (not shown) of the reaction unit 22 And a stirring unit 11b for holding a stirrer for stirring the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction container 4 so as to be movable up and down.

  The reaction unit 22 irradiates light to the reaction vessel 4 containing the mixed liquid after stirring at a photometric position (not shown), and measures the absorbance at a set wavelength from the transmitted light; A suction nozzle for cleaning and drying the inside of the reaction container 4, a cleaning nozzle, and a cleaning unit 12 for holding the drying nozzle movably up and down, while sucking the mixed liquid after the measurement of the reaction container 4 stopped at the drying position I have.

  Each time the measurement of the mixed solution is completed, the inside of the reaction container 4 is cleaned and dried by the cleaning unit 12 and used again for the measurement. The photometric unit 13 outputs the calibrator of each item obtained by the absorbance measurement, the calibrator signal of the test sample, and the analysis signal to the analysis data processing unit 40.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the analysis control unit 30. The mechanism unit 31 of the analysis control unit 30 includes moving mechanisms 31s, 31r1, and 31r2 that rotate and move the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, and the second reagent dispensing arm 9 of the analyzing unit 19 in respective directions. It has.

  The mechanism unit 31 includes a mechanism that rotates the disk sampler 6, the reagent store 2, and the reagent store 3 of the analysis unit 19, a mechanism that rotates the reaction disk 5, a stirring unit 11 a, a stirring unit 11 b, and a cleaning unit 12. A mechanism that moves up and down, a mechanism that drives a sample dispensing pump that sucks and discharges the sample through the sample dispensing probe 16, and a first and second through the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15. A mechanism for driving each reagent pump for sucking and discharging the reagent, a mechanism for driving each stirrer of each of the stirring units 11a and 11b, and a suction of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 4 through the suction nozzle of the washing unit 12 are performed. A suction pump, a mechanism for driving a cleaning pump for cleaning with the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 4 via a cleaning nozzle of the cleaning unit 12, and a drying nozzle for the cleaning unit 12. And a variety of mechanisms, not shown, such as mechanism for driving the drying pump to dry the reaction vessel 4 after washing through.

  The movement mechanism 31s includes a rotation mechanism 31sr for rotating the sample dispensing arm 10, a detector 31sa for detecting a reference position in the rotation direction, a vertical movement mechanism 31su for moving the sample dispensing arm 10 up and down, And a detector 31sb that detects an upper stop point that is a reference position in the movement direction.

  The rotation mechanism 31 sr includes a motor 31 srm as a power source that drives the sample dispensing arm 10 to rotate. The vertical movement mechanism 31su includes a motor 31sum as a power source that drives the sample dispensing arm 10 up and down.

  The movement mechanisms 31r1 and 31r2 include rotation mechanisms 31r1r and 31r2r that rotate the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9, detectors 31r1a and 31r2a that detect a reference position in the rotation direction, Vertical movement mechanisms 31r1u and 31r2u that move the second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 up and down, and detectors 31r1b and 31r2b that detect a top dead center that is a reference position in the vertical movement direction are provided.

  The rotation mechanisms 31r1r and 31r2r include motors 31r1rm and 31r2rm as power sources for driving the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 to rotate. The vertical movement mechanisms 31r1u and 31r2u include motors 31r1um and 31r2um as power sources for driving the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 up and down.

  Step motors are used for the motors 31srm, 31sum, 31r1rm, 31r1um, 31r2rm, and 31r2um, and are controlled by driving pulses supplied from the control unit 32. Each dispensing probe of the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15 has one pulse supplied from the control unit 32 as the minimum moving distance, and the number of pulses Move horizontally and move up and down according to the distance.

  The signals at the reference positions detected by the detectors 31sa, 31sb, 31r1a, 31r1b, 31r2a, 31r2b are output to the control unit 32.

  The control unit 32 includes control units 32s, 32r1, and 32r2 that control the moving mechanisms 31s, 31r1, and 31r2 of the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, and the second reagent dispensing arm 9, and disks. Controls each mechanism such as sampler 6, reagent storage 2, reagent storage 3, reaction disk 5, stirring units 11a and 11b, cleaning unit 12, sample dispensing pump, reagent pump, suction pump, cleaning pump, and drying pump (not shown) A control unit is provided.

  The control unit 32s supplies a predetermined number of pulses to the motors 31srm and 31sum, thereby driving the rotation mechanism 31sr and the vertical movement mechanism 31su to rotate and move the sample dispensing arm 10 up and down. By this rotation and vertical movement, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved horizontally and up and down to move to each stop position, each sample liquid level detection position, and the like.

  The control units 32r1 and 32r2 supply the predetermined number of pulses to the motors 31r1rm, 31r1um, 31r2rm, and 31r2um, thereby driving the rotation mechanisms 31r1r and 31r2r and the vertical movement mechanisms 31r1u and 31r2u, thereby supplying the first and second reagents. The dispensing arms 8 and 9 are rotated and moved up and down. By this rotation and vertical movement, the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are moved horizontally and moved up and down to the respective stop positions and detection positions of the first and second reagents.

  Each control unit 32 s, 32 r 1, 32 r 2 horizontally moves each dispensing probe to each adjustment position set by the adjustment position setting unit 36 based on the adjustment information from the adjustment position setting unit 36 of the position setting unit 35. After that, it is moved downward from the adjustment position to a detection position detected by each liquid level detector 18a, 18b, 18c of the analysis unit 19. Then, in order to move downward from the adjustment position to the detection position, the information of each descending pulse supplied to each of the motors 31sum, 31r1um, 31r2um is output to the position data generation unit 37 of the position setting unit 35.

  The position setting unit 35 is provided to set each stop position in each dispensing probe of the analysis unit 19 and to calibrate each stop position once set.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 sets each adjustment position in order to determine each stop position of each dispensing probe of the analysis unit 19, and each adjustment for moving each dispensing probe to a position corresponding to the adjustment position. The information is output to each control unit 32 s, 32 r 1, 32 r 2 and position data generation unit 37 of the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30.

  The position data generation unit 37 is based on the adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulses output from the control units 32s, 32r1, and 32r232. The horizontal movement pulse data corresponding to the distance between the reference position detected by each detector 31sa, 31r1a, 31r2a and each adjustment position is used as horizontal movement distance data, and each liquid level detector 18a, Position data of each detection position composed of the horizontal movement distance data and the lower movement distance data is generated by using the descending pulse corresponding to the distance between the detection positions detected by 18b and 18c as the lower movement distance data. The data is stored in the position data storage unit 38.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the latest and previous position data of the position data of each detection position stored in the position data storage unit 38, and compares the lower moving distance data of the read latest and previous position data. To do. And if the latest movement data and the previous movement data are different, the fine adjustment in the direction opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger movement data of the latest and the previous movement data. A new adjustment position is set at a position away from the distance or the coarse adjustment distance.

  Next, the movement operation of the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15 to each stop position will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a view of a part of the configuration of the sample unit 20 and the reaction unit 22 of the analysis unit 19 as viewed from above. The control unit 32 s in the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30 receives a calibrator or test sample measurement instruction from the system control unit 70 and a position setting instruction for the sample dispensing probe 16 from the system control unit 70. 4, the rotation mechanism 31 sr of the moving mechanism 31 s in the mechanism unit 31 of the analysis control unit 30 is controlled based on the adjustment information of the sample dispensing probe 16 output from the sample dispensing probe 16. It moves horizontally in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 along the circular movement locus.

  The stop position on the circular movement locus that stops when measuring the sample dispensing probe 16 is the distance on the circular movement locus in the R1 direction from the reference position 90 of the sample dispensing probe 16 detected by the detector 31sa of the moving mechanism 31s. Ds1 away from the sample discharge position A, the reference sample 90 from the reference position 90 in the R2 direction at a predetermined distance away from the test sample suction position B on the circular movement locus, and from the test sample suction position B to the predetermined distance in the R2 direction. The calibrator suction position C at a distant position, and the sample dispensing probe cleaning between the sample discharge position A and the test sample suction position B and at a predetermined distance on the circular movement locus in the R2 direction from the reference position 90 There is a position D.

  In addition, the sample dispensing probe 16 is provided in the reaction container 4 and the sample container 17 disposed below the sample discharge position A, the sample suction position B and the calibrator suction position C, and the sample dispensing probe cleaning position D, respectively. Then, it moves up and down between the probe cleaning tank 16a.

  Note that the reference position 90 is a position when it is assumed that there are no mounting error factors such as variations in processing of the sample dispensing probe 16 and tolerances of the mounting portion of the sample dispensing arm 10. Each time the probe 16 is mounted, it varies within the range of the mounting error factor.

  Then, in the sample dispensing operation for each cycle executed at the time of measurement, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved, for example, from the sample dispensing probe cleaning position D to the test sample suction position B or calibrator suction horizontally moved in the R2 direction. After stopping the horizontal movement at the position C, it moves down to the liquid level detection position of the test sample or the calibrator in the sample container 17. After aspirating the test sample or calibrator, it moves to the upper stop point. Thereafter, the horizontal movement is stopped at the sample discharge position A after the horizontal movement in the R1 direction, and then the sample is moved down to the sample discharge height of the reaction vessel 4. After the test sample or calibrator is discharged to the reaction container 4 at the sample discharge height, it moves to the upper stop point. Then, it moves horizontally to the sample dispensing probe cleaning position D in the R2 direction. Then, every time the dispensing operation of the same test sample or calibrator is completed, it moves down to the probe cleaning tank 16a and is cleaned.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the reagent part 21 and the reaction part 22 of the analysis part 19 as seen from above. The control unit 32r2 of the control unit 32 is output from the position setting unit 35 in response to the measurement instruction of the calibrator or the test sample from the system control unit 70 or the position setting instruction of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 from the system control unit 70. Based on the adjustment information of the second reagent dispensing probe 15, the rotation mechanism 31 r 2 r of the movement mechanism 31 r 2 of the mechanism unit 31 is controlled, and the directions of the arrows R 1 and R 2 along the circular movement locus indicated by the broken line in FIG. The second reagent dispensing probe 15 is moved horizontally.

  The circle moves in the R2 direction from the reference position 92 of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 detected by the detector 31r2a of the moving mechanism 31r2 to the stop position on the circular movement locus that stops when the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is measured. Second reagent discharge position E at a predetermined distance on the locus, second reagent suction position F at a predetermined distance on the circular movement locus in the R1 direction from reference position 92, and second reagent discharge position E And a second reagent aspirating position F, and there is a second reagent dispensing probe cleaning position G at a position away from the reference position 90 by a predetermined distance on the circular movement locus in the R1 direction.

  Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is disposed in the reaction container 4 and the reagent bottle 7b disposed below the second reagent dispensing position E, the second reagent suction position F, and the second reagent dispensing probe washing position G. Then, it moves up and down between the probe cleaning tank 15a.

  The reference position 92 is a position when it is assumed that there are no mounting error factors such as variations in processing of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 and tolerances of the mounting portion of the second reagent dispensing arm 9. Each time the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is newly mounted, it varies within the range of the mounting error factor.

  In the second reagent dispensing operation for each cycle executed at the time of measurement, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 moves horizontally from the second reagent dispensing probe cleaning position G in the R1 direction, for example, and sucks the second reagent. After stopping the horizontal movement at the position F, it moves down to the liquid level detection position of the second reagent in the reagent bottle 7b. After aspirating the second reagent, it moves to the upper stop point. Then, after moving horizontally in the R2 direction and stopping the horizontal movement at the second reagent discharge position E, the second reagent is discharged into the reaction container 4. After the second reagent is discharged into the reaction container 4, it moves horizontally to the second reagent dispensing probe cleaning position G in the R1 direction. And it moves down to the pool washing tank 15a and is washed.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 moves horizontally in the same manner as the second reagent dispensing probe 15 and stops moving in the horizontal direction at each stop position, and then moves up and down at each stop position. The dispensing operation is performed in the same sequence as the second reagent dispensing operation, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, the position setting used to determine each stop position of each dispensing probe of the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15. This jig will be described taking as an example the case where the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 is determined.

  The upper surface of the jig 80 shown in FIG. 6B has a circular recess 81 formed at the center of the upper surface, and a downward slope toward the center of the upper surface formed at the outer periphery of the center. A surface 82a, an inclined surface 82b that is inclined downward toward the center of the bottom surface formed on the bottom surface of the recess 81, and a circular center surface 83 formed at the center of the inclined surface 82b.

  FIG. 6A is a view showing a vertical section including the center surface 83 of the jig 80. An inclined surface 82b is formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion 81 lower than the inclined surface 82a on the upper surface of the jig 80, and a horizontal center surface 83 is formed at the lowest position of the inclined surface 82b.

  The jig 80 is attached so that the center surface 83 of the jig 80 is positioned above the center of the upper surface of the reaction container 4 at the sample discharge position A. In the following description, the side in the arrow R1 direction shown in FIG. 6 from the center plane 83 of the jig 80 arranged will be referred to as the left side, and the side in the arrow R2 direction will be referred to as the right side.

  The distance required for each of the dispensing probes to move horizontally above the upper surface of the jig 80 arranged at the sample discharge position A is regarded as the width of the upper surface of the jig 80, and the error range of each dispensing probe is determined. Φ1, and the distance required for each dispensing probe to move horizontally on the inclined surface 82b is assumed to be Φ2 with the width of the inclined surface 82b taken as the width, and each dispensing probe horizontally moves on the center surface 83. The distance required to pass through is regarded as the width of the center plane 83 and is defined as Φ3. This distance Φ3 corresponds to an allowable error when determining each stop position. Further, the height h of the side surface of the recess 81 is set.

  The jig 80 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material. When the sample dispensing probe 16 moves down from above the jig 80 and contacts the upper surface of the jig 80, the liquid level detector 18a detects the jig 80 and outputs it to the control unit 32s of the analysis control unit 30. The control unit 32s stops the downward movement operation of the sample dispensing probe 16 when receiving the jig detection signal from the liquid level detector 18a.

  It should be noted that the jig 80 is disposed on the disk sampler 6 holding the sample container 17 at the sample suction position or on the probe cleaning tank 16a to be used for setting the sample suction position or the sample dispensing probe cleaning position D. Can do.

  In addition, the process is performed on the reaction container 4 at the first reagent discharge position, the reagent bottle 7a at the first reagent suction position or the reagent storage 2 in which the reagent bottle 7a is held, and the probe cleaning tank 14a at the first reagent dispensing probe cleaning position. By disposing the tool 80, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 can be used for setting the first reagent discharge position, the first reagent aspirating position, and the first reagent dispensing probe washing position.

  Furthermore, the reaction container 4 at the second reagent discharge position E, the reagent bottle 7b at the second reagent suction position F or the reagent storage 3 in which the reagent bottle 7b is held, and the probe cleaning tank 15a at the second reagent dispensing probe cleaning position G By arranging the jig 80 on the upper side, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 can be used for setting the second reagent discharge position E, the second reagent suction position F, and the second reagent dispensing probe cleaning position G. it can.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 17, the operation | movement which determines each stop position of each dispensing probe is demonstrated.

  Each stop position of each dispensing probe of the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is set in advance, and the position data at each stopping position is the analysis control unit 30. Are registered in a storage circuit inside each of the control units 32s, 32r1, and 32r2.

  Since the operation for determining each stop position of each dispensing probe is the same, an example in which the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 is determined will be described below.

  7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of determining the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16. 7 and 8, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the upper surface of the jig 80 to determine whether the detection position detected by the liquid level detector 18a is inside or outside the recess 81 of the jig 80. Furthermore, when the detection position is the inclined surface 82a outside the recess 81, the operation until the inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 is detected is shown. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 9 shows the operation from the detection position in the recess 81 of the jig 80 until the center plane 83 is detected.

  In FIG. 7, when the detection position is the left inclined surface 82a of the concave portion 81 of the jig 80 or the left inclined surface 82b in the concave portion 81, the left or right inclined surface 82b in the concave portion 81 is detected. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement.

  A jig 80 is disposed on the reaction container 4 at the sample discharge position A of the reaction unit 22 of the analysis unit 19 at the time of installation or inspection by an operator of the automatic analyzer 100, for example. Then, a new sample dispensing probe 16 is mounted on the sample dispensing arm 10 and adjusted in advance so as to be horizontally movable on the circular movement locus shown in FIG.

  And if operation which determines the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 is performed from the operation part 60, the automatic analyzer 100 will start the sample discharge position setting operation | movement of the sample dispensing probe 16 (step S1).

  The system control unit 70 instructs the position setting unit 35 to set the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16. The adjustment position setting unit 36 of the position setting unit 35 instructs the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30 to horizontally move the sample dispensing probe 16 to the reference position 90a shown in FIG. 6A (step S2).

  The reference position 90 a is a position that is detected by the detector 31 sa of the moving mechanism 31 s of the analysis control unit 30, and may include a mounting error of the sample dispensing probe 16 with respect to the reference position 90. This mounting error varies in the R1 direction and the R2 direction from the reference position 90 for each mounting within the mounting error range. In addition, there is a case where the reference position 90 is set without causing a mounting error when mounted.

  Next, the adjustment position setting unit 36 sets the sample dispensing probe 16 to the adjustment position of the first point R at a distance of Ds1 from the reference position 90a in the R1 direction with the aim of moving to the sample discharge position A. The first adjustment information is output to the control unit 32 s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Based on the first adjustment information from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s causes the motor 31srm of the rotation mechanism 31sr of the mechanism unit 31 to move horizontally from the reference position 90a to the adjustment position of the first point R. After supplying the first horizontal movement pulse which is the first adjustment information and horizontally moving the sample dispensing probe 16 to the adjustment position of the first point R, the analysis unit 19 starts from the adjustment position of the first point R. The jig 80 is moved down to the first detection position on the upper surface of the jig 80 detected by the liquid level detector 18a (step S3).

  Note that the sample dispensing probe 16 after being horizontally moved by the distance Ds1 from the reference position 90a is located above the jig 80 that is larger than the mounting error range.

  And the control part 32s is the information of the downward pulse supplied to the motor 31sum of the vertical movement mechanism 31su of the mechanism part 31 in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the adjustment position of the 1st point R to the 1st detection position. Is output to the position data generation unit 37 of the position setting unit 35. Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the first detection position to the upper stop point.

  Based on the first adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulse output from the control unit 32 s, the position data generation unit 37 is located between the reference position 90 a and the adjustment position of the first point R. The first horizontal movement pulse corresponding to the distance is set as the first horizontal movement distance data, and the downward pulse corresponding to the distance between the adjustment position of the first point R and the first detection position is set as the first lower movement distance. Position data of the first detection position as data is generated and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S4).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 determines the adjustment position of the first point R in the R2 direction in order to determine whether or not the first detection position aimed at the sample discharge position A is the center plane 83 of the jig 80. The second adjustment information for adjusting and setting the sample dispensing probe 16 to the adjustment position of the second point R is output to the control unit 32 s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Based on the second adjustment information from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s supplies a fine adjustment pulse in the R2 direction to the motor 31srm to move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the adjustment position of the first point R. After moving horizontally to the adjustment position of the second point R that is a distance of (Ds1-Φ3) from the reference position 90a in the R1 direction to the position away from the fine adjustment distance (Φ3), the liquid from the adjustment position of the second point R The jig 80 is moved down to the second detection position on the upper surface of the jig 80 detected by the surface detector 18a (step S5).

  The fine adjustment pulse supplied to the motor 31srm may be set to one pulse corresponding to the minimum distance that the sample dispensing probe 16 can move horizontally, and the adjustment position may be set more finely.

  Then, the control unit 32s outputs, to the position data generation unit 37, information on the descending pulse supplied to the motor 31sum in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the adjustment position of the second point R to the second detection position. . Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the second detection position to the upper stop point.

  The position data generation unit 37 subtracts the fine adjustment pulse from the first horizontal movement pulse based on the second adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulse output from the control unit 32s. After calculating the second horizontal movement pulse, the second horizontal movement pulse corresponding to the distance between the reference position 90a and the adjustment position of the first point R is used as the second horizontal movement distance data, and the second point R Position data of the second detection position is generated using the descending pulse corresponding to the distance between the adjustment position and the second detection position as second downward movement distance data, and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S6). ).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the position data of the first and second detection positions from the position data storage unit 38, and then the first downward movement distance data and the first of the position data of the first and second detection positions. 2. Compare the two travel distance data. The first and second detection positions are the left inclined surface 82a, the left inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b, or the left side of the jig 80 shown in FIG. Of the inclined surface 82b and the center surface 83, or the center surface 83, the center surface 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, the right inclined surface 82b, the right inclined surface 82b and the inclined surface 82a, or the right inclined surface 82a. The position is determined.

  When the second downward movement distance data (DR2) is larger than the first downward movement distance data (DR1) (Yes in step S7), as shown in FIG. The detection position is determined to be the left inclined surface 82a, the left inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b and the center surface 83, and the process proceeds to step S8.

  If the second downward movement distance data is the same as the first downward movement distance data or smaller than the first downward movement distance data (No in step S7), the first and second detection positions are set. 12 (b), or as shown in FIG. 12 (c), the central plane 83 and the right inclined plane 82b, or the right inclined plane 82b, or the right inclined plane 82b and the inclined plane. 82a or the right inclined surface 82a is determined, and the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG.

  Next, the difference between the second downward movement distance data and the first downward movement distance data is compared with the height h of the side surface of the concave portion 81 of the jig 80. If the difference data obtained by subtracting the first downward movement distance data from the second downward movement distance data is greater than or equal to the height h of the side surface (Yes in step S8), FIG. As shown in b), the first and second detection positions are determined to be the left inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, and the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the first downward movement distance data from the second downward movement distance data is smaller than the height h of the side surface (No in step S8), the first and second detection positions are set to the left side. Are determined to be the inclined surface 82a, the left inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b and the center surface 83, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 makes a rough adjustment in the R2 direction from the adjustment position (m = 1) of the (m + 1) -th point R in order to move the jig 80 to the left inclined surface 82b or the center plane 83, The (m + 2) th adjustment information for setting the sample dispensing probe 16 to the adjustment position of the (m + 2) th point R is output to the control unit 32s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Note that the adjustment position of the (m + 2) -th point R is such that when the coarse adjustment pulse is supplied to the motor 31 srm, the sample dispensing probe 16 moves horizontally in a circle larger than the fine adjustment distance, and on the concave portion 81 of the jig 80. Is a position horizontally moved by a rough adjustment distance Φ4 corresponding to half or a distance shorter than half of the distance required to pass through (that is, the distance approximate to the diameter of the recess 81) from the reference position 90a to R1 The distance is approximately (Ds1-Φ3-m × Φ4) in the direction. The rough adjustment distance may be equal to or longer than half the distance required for the sample dispensing probe 16 to move horizontally and pass over the recess 81 of the jig 80.

  Based on the (m + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s supplies a rough adjustment pulse in the R2 direction to the motor 31srm to move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a. After moving horizontally to the (m + 2) point R adjustment position, it is moved down from the (m + 2) point R adjustment position to the (m + 2) detection position on the upper surface of the jig 80 (step S9).

  Then, the control unit 32s uses the position setting unit to send information about the descending pulse supplied to the motor 31sum in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the adjustment position of the (m + 2) point R to the (m + 2) detection position. It outputs to 35 position data generation part 37. Then, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the (m + 2) th detection position to the upper stop point.

  The position data generation unit 37 performs rough adjustment from the (m + 1) th horizontal movement pulse based on the (m + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulse output from the control unit 32s. After calculating the (m + 2) th horizontal movement pulse obtained by subtracting the pulse, the (m + 2) th horizontal movement pulse corresponding to the distance between the reference position 90a and the (m + 2) th point R adjustment position is the (m + 2) th. The (m + 2) th (m + 2) th moving distance data is the (m + 2) th moving distance data, and the falling pulse corresponding to the distance between the (m + 2) th point R adjustment position and the (m + 2) th detection position is the (m + 2) th lower movement distance data. Is generated and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S10).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the (m + 2) th position data and the previous (m + 1) th position data generated from the latest adjustment position from the position data storage unit 38, and then reads the (m + 2) th position data. The (m + 2) th downward movement distance data of the data is compared with the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data of the (m + 1) th position data.

  When the (m + 2) th downward movement distance data {DR (m + 2)} is larger than the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data {DR (m + 1)} (Yes in step S11), The detection position of (m + 2) is set to the left inclined surface 82a, the left inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b and the center surface 83 shown in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined that the left and right inclined surfaces 82b shown in FIG. 17A are present, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  If the (m + 2) th downward movement distance data is the same as the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data or smaller than the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data (No in step S11), the (m + 1) th ) And (m + 2) detection positions are the left and right inclined surfaces 82b shown in FIG. 17B, or the center surface 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, or the right inclined surface 82b, that is, the (m + 2) th. Is detected as the right inclined surface 82b, and the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data from the (m + 2) th downward movement distance data is greater than or equal to the side height h (Yes in step S12). As shown in FIG. 11B, the (m + 1) th and (m + 2) detection positions are determined to be the left inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, and the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the (m + 1) th downward movement distance data from the (m + 2) th downward movement distance data is smaller than the side surface height h (No in step S12), the (m + 1) th and The detection position of (m + 2) is determined to be the left inclined surface 82a, the left inclined surface 82b, the left inclined surface 82b and the central surface 83, or the left and right inclined surfaces 82b, and the process returns to step S9.

  In this way, when the m-th and (m + 1) th downward movement distance data are different, the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the m-th and (m + 1) th downward movement distance data is the same. By setting the next adjustment position in the opposite direction, the sample dispensing probe 16 can be set in the direction of the center plane 83 of the jig 80.

  Further, when the m-th and (m + 1) -th detection positions are on the left inclined surface 82a, the inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b and the center surface 83 of the jig 80, a rough adjustment is performed in the R2 direction. By setting the adjustment position of the (m + 2) point, the inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 can be determined with a smaller number of adjustment position settings than fine adjustment.

  FIG. 8 shows the process up to detecting the right or left inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 when the detection position is the right inclined surface 82a of the recess 81 of the jig 80 or the right inclined surface 82b in the recess 81. It is the flowchart which showed an example of operation | movement.

  In step S7 of FIG. 7, the first and second detection positions are set to the center plane 83, the center plane 83 and the right inclined plane 82b, the right inclined plane 82b, or the right inclined plane 82b and the inclined plane. If the second downward movement distance data (DR2) and the first downward movement distance data (DR1) are the same (Yes in step S21) after determining that it is 82a or the inclined surface 82a, the adjustment position setting unit As shown in FIG. 12B, 36 determines that the first and second detection positions are the center plane 83 of the jig 80, and proceeds to step S51 of FIG.

  As described above, when the mounting error of the sample dispensing probe 16 is within the allowable error range, the center plane 83 of the jig 80 can be detected only by setting two adjustment positions.

  If the second downward movement distance data is smaller than the first downward movement distance data (No in step S21), the first and second detection positions are set to the center plane 83 as shown in FIG. Then, the right inclined surface 82b, the right inclined surface 82b, the right inclined surface 82b and the inclined surface 82a, or the right inclined surface 82a is determined, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  Next, the difference data obtained by subtracting the second lower movement distance data from the first lower movement distance data is compared with the height h of the side surface of the concave portion 81 of the jig 80. When the difference data obtained by subtracting the second downward movement distance data from the first downward movement distance data is larger than or equal to the height h of the side surface (Yes in step S22), FIG. As shown in a), the first and second detection positions are determined to be the right inclined surface 82b and the inclined surface 82a, and the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the second downward movement distance data from the first downward movement distance data is smaller than the height h of the side surface (No in step S22), the first and second detection positions are set to the first and second detection positions. The first and second detection positions are determined to be the center plane 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, or the right inclined surface 82b, or the right inclined surface 82a, and the process proceeds to step S23.

  In the following description of FIG. 8, the adjustment position of the second point R, the second detection position, and the second position data after “No” in step S22 are respectively set to the adjustment positions of the (n + 1) th point L ( The description will be made with n = 1), (n + 1) th detection position, and (n + 1) th position data.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 roughly adjusts the adjustment position of the (n + 1) th point L, and moves the sample dispensing probe 16 to the (n + 2) th position in order to move to the vicinity of the right inclined surface 82b or the center surface 83. The (n + 2) th adjustment information for setting the adjustment position of the point L in the R1 direction is output to the control unit 32s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Based on the (n + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s supplies a rough adjustment pulse in the R1 direction to the motor 31srm to move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a to R1. (N + 2) detection of the upper surface of the jig 80 from the adjustment position of the (n + 2) point L after horizontal movement to the adjustment position of the (n + 2) point L that is a distance of (Ds1-Φ3 + n × Φ4) in the direction Move down to the position (step S23).

  Then, the control unit 32s sets the position of the information of the descending pulse supplied to the motor 31sum in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the (n + 1) th point L adjustment position to the (n + 2) L detection position. The data is output to the position data generation unit 37 of the unit 35. Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the (n + 2) th detection position to the upper stop point.

  The position data generation unit 37 performs rough adjustment from the (n + 1) th horizontal movement pulse based on the (n + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulse output from the control unit 32s. After calculating the (n + 2) th horizontal movement pulse obtained by adding the pulses, the (n + 2) th horizontal movement pulse corresponding to the distance between the reference position 90a and the (n + 2) th point L adjustment position is the (n + 2) th. Horizontal movement distance data, and the (n + 2) th (n + 2) th lower movement distance data is a descending pulse corresponding to the distance between the (n + 2) th point L adjustment position and the (n + 2) th detection position. The position data of the detected position is generated and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S24).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the (n + 2) th position data and the (n + 1) th position data generated from the latest adjustment position from the position data storage unit 38, and then moves the (n + 2) th downward movement distance. The difference data between the data and the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data is compared with the height h of the side surface of the recess 81 of the jig 80.

  If the (n + 2) th downward movement distance data {DL (n + 2)} is larger than the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data {DL (n + 1)} (Yes in step S25), the (n + 1) th and The detection position of (n + 2) shown in FIG. 17B is the left and right inclined surfaces 82b, or the center surface 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, or the right inclined surfaces 82b and 82a, or FIG. ) And the process moves to step S26.

  If the (n + 2) th downward movement distance data is the same as the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data or smaller than the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data (No in step S25), the (n + 1) th ) And (n + 2) detection positions on the left inclined surface 82b and the center plane 83, or the left and right inclined surfaces 82b shown in FIG. 17A, that is, the (n + 2) detection position on the left inclined surface. 82b is determined, and the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data from the (n + 2) th downward movement distance data is greater than or equal to the side height h (Yes in step S26). As shown in FIG. 14A, the (n + 1) th and (n + 2) detection positions are determined to be the right inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b, and the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG.

  If the difference data obtained by subtracting the (n + 1) th downward movement distance data from the (n + 2) th downward movement distance data is smaller than the side surface height h (No in step S26), the (n + 1) th and ( The n + 2) detection position is determined to be the left and right inclined surfaces 82b, or the center surface 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, or the right inclined surface 82a, and the process returns to step S23.

  Thus, when the nth and (n + 1) th downward movement distance data are different, the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the nth and (n + 1) th downward movement distance data is the same. By setting the next adjustment position in the opposite direction, the adjustment position of the (n + 2) point can be set in the direction of the center plane 83 of the sample dispensing probe 16.

  Further, when the nth and (n + 1) th detection positions are on the center plane 83, or the center plane 83 and the right inclined plane 82b, the inclined plane 82b, or the right inclined plane 82a, coarse adjustment is performed in the R1 direction. By setting the adjustment position of the (n + 2) th point, the inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 can be determined with a smaller number of adjustment position settings than fine adjustment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation until the center plane 83 in the recess 81 is detected after the adjustment position is set in the recess 81 of the jig 80.

  First, Steps S31 to S33 that operate after “Yes” in Step S8 or Step S11 in FIG. 7 or “No” in Step S26 in FIG. 8 will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which the operation is performed after “Yes” in Step S8 will be described. Then, the adjustment position of the second point R, the second detection position, and the second position data in step S8 are respectively converted into the (j + 1) th point R adjustment position (j = 1), the (j + 1) th detection position, The description will be made by replacing it with the (j + 1) th position data.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 finely adjusts the adjustment position of the (j + 1) th point R, and adjusts the sample dispensing probe 16 to the (j + 1) th point R with the aim of moving the jig 80 to the center plane 83. The (j + 2) th adjustment information for setting the position in the R2 direction is output to the control unit 32s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Based on the (j + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s supplies a fine adjustment pulse in the R2 direction to the motor 31srm to move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a to R1. After horizontally moving to the adjustment position of the (j + 2) point R, which is a distance of {Ds1- (j + 1) × Φ3} in the direction, the (j + 2) th of the upper surface of the jig 80 from the adjustment position of the (j + 2) point R Is moved down to the detection position (step S31).

  Then, the control unit 32 s uses the position setting unit to send information about the descending pulse supplied to the motor 31 sum in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the adjustment position of the (j + 2) point R to the (j + 2) detection position. It outputs to 35 position data generation part 37. Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the (j + 2) th detection position to the upper stop point.

  The position data generation unit 37 finely adjusts from the (j + 1) th horizontal movement pulse based on the (j + 2) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the information on the descending pulse output from the control unit 32s. After calculating the (j + 2) th horizontal movement pulse obtained by subtracting the pulse, position data of the (j + 2) th detection position is generated and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S32).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the latest position data of the (j + 2) th detection position and the position data of the previous (j + 1) th detection position from the position data storage unit 38, and then reads the (j + 1) th and The downward movement distance data of (j + 2) is compared.

  When the (j + 2) th downward movement distance data {DR (j + 2)} is larger than the (j + 1) th downward movement distance data {DR (j + 1)} (Yes in step S33), FIG. As shown in (b), it is determined that the (j + 1) th and (j + 2) th detection positions are the left inclined surface 82b, or the left inclined surface 82b and the central surface 83, and the process returns to step S31.

  If the (j + 2) th downward movement distance data is the same as the (j + 1) th downward movement distance data (No in step S33), the (j + 1) th (j + 1) th similar to the detection position shown in FIG. 12B. ) And (j + 2) detection positions are determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80, and the process proceeds to step S51.

  Further, when the (j + 2) th downward movement distance data is smaller than the (j + 1) th downward movement distance data (No in step S33), the (j + 1) th detection position is set as shown in FIG. The center plane 83 is determined and the process proceeds to step S51.

  Thus, when the j and (j + 1) th downward movement distance data are different, the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the jth and (j + 1) th downward movement distance data is the same. By setting the next adjustment position in the opposite direction, the adjustment position of the (j + 2) point can be set in the direction of the center plane 83 of the sample dispensing probe 16.

  When the (j + 1) th detection position is on the left inclined surface 82b, the sample dispensing probe 16 is placed on the center plane 83 by finely adjusting in the R2 direction and setting the adjustment position of the (j + 2) point. You can get closer.

  If the (j + 1) th and (j + 2) downward movement distance data are the same, the (j + 1) th and (j + 2) detection positions can be determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80. . When the (j + 2) th downward movement distance data is smaller than the (j + 1) th downward movement distance data, the (j + 1) th detection position can be determined to be the center plane 83.

  Next, Steps S41 to S43 that operate after “No” in Step S11 in FIG. 7 or “Yes” in Step S22 or S26 in FIG. 8 will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which the operation is performed after “Yes” in Step S22 will be described. Then, the adjustment position of the (m + 2) -th point R, the detection position of the (m + 2) -th position, and the (m + 2) -th position data in step S11 are respectively adjusted to the adjustment position (k = 1) and (( The description will be made by replacing the detected position with (k + 2) and the (k + 2) th position data.

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 finely adjusts the adjustment position of the (k + 2) point L with the aim of moving the jig 80 toward the center plane 83, and adjusts the sample dispensing probe 16 to the adjustment position of the (k + 3) point L. The (k + 3) th adjustment information for setting in the R1 direction is output to the control unit 32s and the position data generation unit 37.

  Based on the (k + 3) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36, the control unit 32s supplies a fine adjustment pulse in the R1 direction to the motor 31srm to move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a to R1. After the horizontal movement to the adjustment position of the (k + 3) point L that is a distance of {Ds1-k × Φ4 + (k−1) × Φ3} in the direction, the upper surface of the jig 80 from the adjustment position of the (k + 3) point L Is moved down to the (k + 3) th detection position (step S41).

  Then, the control unit 32s uses the position setting unit to transmit the information of the descending pulse supplied to the motor 31sum in order to move the sample dispensing probe 16 downward from the adjustment position of the (k + 3) point L to the (k + 3) detection position. It outputs to 35 position data generation part 37. Then, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the (k + 3) th detection position to the upper stop point.

  The position data generation unit 37 finely adjusts from the (k + 2) th horizontal movement pulse based on the (k + 3) th adjustment information output from the adjustment position setting unit 36 and the descending pulse information output from the control unit 32s. After calculating the (k + 3) th horizontal movement pulse to which the pulses are added, position data of the (k + 3) th detection position is generated and stored in the position data storage unit 38 (step S42).

  The adjustment position setting unit 36 reads the latest (k + 3) th position data and the previous (k + 2) th position data from the position data storage unit 38, and then reads the (k + 3) th downward movement distance data and the ( k + 2) The downward movement distance data is compared.

  When the (k + 3) th downward movement distance data {DL (k + 3)} is larger than the (k + 2) th downward movement distance data {DL (k + 2)} (Yes in step S43), FIG. As shown in (b), it is determined that the (k + 2) and (k + 3) detection positions are the right inclined surface 82b of the jig 80, or the central surface 83 and the right inclined surface 82b, and the process proceeds to step S41. Return.

  If the (k + 3) th downward movement distance data is the same as the (k + 2) th downward movement distance data (No in step S43), the (k + 2) th (k + 2) is the same as the detection position shown in FIG. ) And (k + 3) detection positions are determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80, and the process proceeds to step S51.

  Further, when the (k + 3) down movement distance data is smaller than the (k + 2) down movement distance data (No in step S43), the (k + 3) detection position is set as shown in FIG. It judges that it is the center plane 83 of the jig | tool 80, and transfers to step S51.

  Thus, when the (k + 1) th and (k + 2) downward movement distance data are different, the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the (k + 1) th and (k + 2) downward movement distance data. By setting the next adjustment position in the direction opposite to the adjustment position, the adjustment position of the (k + 3) th point can be set in the direction of the center plane 83 of the sample dispensing probe 16.

  When the (k + 2) th detection position is on the left inclined surface 82b, the sample dispensing probe 16 is placed on the center plane 83 by fine adjustment in the R1 direction and setting the adjustment position of the (k + 3) point. You can get closer.

  If the (k + 2) th and (k + 3) downward movement distance data are the same, the (k + 2) th and (k + 3) detection positions can be determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80. . Further, when the (k + 3) th downward movement distance data is smaller than the (k + 2) th downward movement distance data, the (k + 2) th detection position can be determined to be the center plane 83.

  Next, after “Yes” in Step S21 in FIG. 8, “No” in Step S33, or “No” in Step S43, the adjustment position setting unit 36 determines that it is the center plane 83 of the jig 80. The horizontal movement distance data of the position data of the detection position is registered in the internal storage circuit of the control unit 32s as the number of pulses necessary for horizontally moving the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a to the sample discharge position A (step) S51).

  Then, the controller 32s is instructed to move the sample dispensing probe 16 to the reference position 90a (step S52).

  Then, when the sample dispensing probe 16 reaches the reference position 90a, the automatic analyzer 100 ends the position adjustment operation of the sample dispensing probe 16 (step S53).

  According to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the jig 80 is arranged with the center surface 83 aligned below the sample discharge position A, and the first point is set to move to the sample discharge position A. The sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the first and second detection positions corresponding to the adjustment position of the first point and the adjustment position of the second point that is a fine adjustment distance away from the adjustment position of the first point. When the position data of the two detection positions is generated, and the first and second downward movement distance data of the generated first and second detection positions are the same, the first and second detection positions are set as the jig 80. It can be determined as the center plane 83 of.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data (p is an integer of 1 or more) are different, the smaller one from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data. By setting the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point in the direction opposite to the data adjustment position, the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point is set to the center plane 83 from either the left side or the right side of the jig 80. The direction can be set.

  When the p-th and (p + 1) -th downward movement distance data are different and the difference data obtained by subtracting the smaller data from the larger data is smaller than the height h of the side surface of the jig 80, By coarsely adjusting the adjustment position of the larger data from the adjustment position of the smaller data to the direction opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data, and setting the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point, it is less than the fine adjustment. The inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 of the jig 80 can be determined based on the number of adjustment positions set.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) -th downward movement distance data are different and the difference data is greater than or equal to the height h of the side surface, the larger detection position is set in the recess 81. It can be determined that it is the inclined surface 82b.

  Next, the adjustment position of the (p + q) point is finely adjusted in the direction opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data from the larger adjustment position when it is determined that the inclined surface 82b is in the recess 81. (Q is an integer equal to or greater than 2) is set, and (p + q) th downward movement distance data corresponding to the set position is generated.

  When the generated (p + q) downward movement distance data is smaller than the (p + q-1) downward movement distance data, the (p + q-1) th detection position is the center plane 83 of the jig 80. Judgment can be made.

  Further, when the (p + q) down movement distance data is the same as the (p + q-1) down movement distance data, the (p + q-1) and (p + q) detection positions are set to the center plane of the jig 80. 83.

  In the above, the sample discharge position A can be determined by registering the horizontal movement distance data in the position data of the detection position determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80.

  Note that the jig is not limited to the above embodiment, and the bottom surface of the recess 81 in the jig 80 may be formed with an inclined surface having a downward slope toward the center point of the bottom surface.

  Next, another embodiment of the jig will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 shows an embodiment using other jigs. The difference between the jig 80a and the jig 80 shown in FIG. 6 is that the upper surface of the jig 80 is provided with two inclined surfaces 82a and 82b. In contrast, only one inclined surface 82c is provided on the upper surface of the jig 80a.

  The upper surface of the jig 80 a shown in FIG. 18B is formed by a central surface 83 formed in the center of the upper surface in the same manner as the jig 80, and an inclined surface 82 c inclined downward toward the central surface 83. Composed.

  FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a vertical cross section including the center surface 83 of the jig 80a. A horizontal center surface 83 is formed at the lowest position on the upper surface of the jig 80 a, and an inclined surface 82 is formed at a position higher than the center surface 83. The jig 80 a has the same outer dimensions and material as the jig 80. The jig 80a is used when determining the stop positions of the dispensing probes of the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15.

  Next, an example of an operation for determining the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 using the jig 80a will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the setting operation of the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16. The flowchart of FIG. 19 differs from the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 in that the step of determining which of the inclined surfaces 82a and 82b of the jig 80 is in the flowchart of FIG. 19 is excluded. is there.

  19 is executed after steps S1 to S7 in FIG. 7, step S21 in FIG. 8, “yes” in step S7, “yes” in step S21, and “no” in step S21. It consists of all steps. Then, the process moves from “Yes” in Step S7 to Step S31 in FIG. 9, from “Yes” in Step S21 to Step S51 in FIG. 9, and from “No” in Step S21 to Step S41 in FIG.

  Then, by replacing the inclined surface 82a and the inclined surface 82b of the jig 80 in each step of FIGS. 7 to 9 constituting the flowchart of FIG. 19 with the inclined surface 82c of the jig 80a, FIG. 7 to FIG. Since the operation is similar to each step, description of the operation of each step in FIG. 19 is omitted.

  According to the embodiment using the jig 80 a described in FIG. 19, the jig 80 a is arranged with the center surface 83 aligned below the sample discharge position A, and is set to move to the sample discharge position A. The adjustment position of the p-th point (p is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and the detection positions of the p-th and (p + 1) -th positions corresponding to the adjustment position of the (p + 1) -th point that is finely adjusted away from the adjustment position of the p-th point The sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to generate position data of the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions, and below the generated pth and (p + 1) th detection positions of the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions. When the movement distance data is the same, the p-th and (p + 1) -th detection positions can be determined as the center plane 83 of the jig 80a.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data are different, the adjustment position of the larger data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data is opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data. The adjustment position of the (p + 2) point is set in the direction of the center plane 83 from either the left side or the right side of the jig 80a by finely adjusting in the direction of. can do.

  Then, an adjustment position of the (p + 2) th point is set, (p + 2) th downward movement distance data corresponding to the set position is generated, and the generated (p + 2) th downward movement distance data is the (p + 1) th. If it is smaller than the downward movement distance data, it can be determined that the (p + 1) th detection position is the center plane 83 of the jig 80a.

  Further, when the generated (p + 2) downward movement distance data is the same as the (p + 1) downward movement distance data, the (p + 1) th and (p + 2) detection positions are set on the center plane 83 of the jig 80a. It can be judged that there is.

  In the above, the sample discharge position A can be determined by registering the horizontal movement distance data in the position data of the detection position determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80a.

  FIG. 20 shows an embodiment using other jigs. This jig 80c is different from the jig 80a of FIG. 18 only in that the upper surface of the jig 80c is an inclined surface 82c forming a curved surface. It is a point that has been.

  The upper surface of the jig 80c shown in FIG. 20B is configured by an inclined surface 82c having a downward slope toward the center point 83c of the upper surface. The shape, size, and material of the upper surface of the jig 80c are the same as those of the jig 80a.

  FIG. 20A is a view showing a vertical section including the center point 83c of the jig 80c. A center point 83c is at the lowest position on the upper surface of the jig 80c, and an inclined surface 82c is formed at a position higher than the center point 83c. The inclined surface 82c forms a curved surface, and an inclined curve as a vertical cross section of the inclined surface 82c is represented by a quadratic function having the center point 83c as a vertex.

  Similar to the jig 80a, the jig 80c is used to determine each stop position of each of the sample dispensing probes 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, and the second reagent dispensing probe 15. .

  Next, the operation for determining each stop position of each dispensing probe when the jig 80c is used will be described by taking the operation for determining the sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 as an example.

  The jig 80c is attached so that the center point 83c of the jig 80c is positioned above the center of the bottom surface of the reaction container 4 at the sample discharge position A.

  The horizontal movement of the sample dispensing probe 16 on the jig 80c is regarded as a linear movement, and the tip of the sample dispensing probe 16 is represented by two-dimensional coordinates with the reference position 90a as the origin. The detection position on the upper surface of the jig 80c after horizontal movement and vertical movement from the reference position 90a is represented by two-dimensional coordinates using the horizontal movement distance data and the lower movement distance data of the position data as the x coordinate and the y coordinate, respectively. The

  Then, at least three first to third point adjustment positions are set above the jig 80c, and the sample dispensing probe 16 is detected according to the first to third point adjustment positions. By moving to the third detection position, position data of the first to third detection positions is generated. Each coefficient of the quadratic function f (x) is obtained from the generated position data of the first to third detection positions, and a quadratic expression is created. After obtaining the x-coordinate of the apex, that is, the x-coordinate of the center point 83c from this quadratic expression, the horizontal movement distance data of the x-coordinate is used to horizontally move the sample dispensing probe 16 from the reference position 90a to the sample discharge position A. The sample discharge position A of the sample dispensing probe 16 is determined by registering it in the internal storage circuit of the control unit 32s as the number of pulses necessary for this.

  According to the embodiment using the jig 80c described in FIG. 20, the jig 80c is arranged with the center point 83c below the sample discharge position A, and at least according to the adjustment positions of the first to third points. The sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the first to third detection positions to generate position data of the first to third detection positions, and a coefficient of a quadratic function is obtained from the generated position data. Further, the position data of the center point 83c can be obtained by obtaining the coordinates of the vertex of the quadratic function. Then, the sample discharge position A can be determined by registering the horizontal movement distance data of the obtained position data.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the jig 80 is arranged with the center plane 83 aligned below each stop position of each dispensing probe, and the first set for the purpose of moving to each stop position. Each dispensing probe is moved to the first and second detection positions corresponding to the adjustment position of the point and the adjustment position of the second point that is a fine adjustment distance away from the adjustment position of the first point. When the position data of the two detection positions is generated, and the first and second downward movement distance data of the generated first and second detection positions are the same, the first and second detection positions are set as the jig 80. It can be determined as the center plane 83 of.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data (p is an integer of 1 or more) are different, the smaller one from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data. By setting the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point in the direction opposite to the data adjustment position, the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point is set to the center plane 83 from either the left side or the right side of the jig 80. The direction can be set.

  When the p-th and (p + 1) -th downward movement distance data are different and the difference data obtained by subtracting the smaller data from the larger data is smaller than the height h of the side surface of the jig 80, By coarsely adjusting the adjustment position of the larger data from the adjustment position of the smaller data to the direction opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data, and setting the adjustment position of the (p + 2) point, it is less than the fine adjustment. The inclined surface 82b in the recess 81 of the jig 80 can be determined based on the number of adjustment positions set.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) -th downward movement distance data are different and the difference data is greater than or equal to the height h of the side surface, the larger detection position is set in the recess 81. It can be determined that it is the inclined surface 82b.

  Next, the adjustment position of the (p + q) point is finely adjusted in the direction opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data from the larger adjustment position when it is determined that the inclined surface 82b is in the recess 81. (Q is an integer equal to or greater than 2) is set, and (p + q) th downward movement distance data corresponding to the set position is generated.

  When the generated (p + q) downward movement distance data is smaller than the (p + q-1) downward movement distance data, the (p + q-1) th detection position is the center plane 83 of the jig 80. Judgment can be made.

  Further, when the (p + q) down movement distance data is the same as the (p + q-1) down movement distance data, the (p + q-1) and (p + q) detection positions are set to the center plane of the jig 80. 83.

  Thus, by registering the horizontal movement distance data in the position data of the detected position determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80, each stop position can be determined.

  In addition, according to another embodiment, the jig 80a is arranged with the center plane 83 below each stop position of each dispensing probe, and the p-th point set for moving to each stop position is set. Dispensing samples to the adjustment position (p is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and the p-th and (p + 1) -th detection positions corresponding to the adjustment position of the (p + 1) -th point that is a fine adjustment distance away from the adjustment position of this p-th point The probe 16 is moved to generate position data of the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions, and the generated pth and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data of the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions are generated. If they are the same, the p-th and (p + 1) -th detection positions can be determined as the center plane 83 of the jig 80a.

  Further, when the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data are different, the adjustment position of the larger data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th downward movement distance data is opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data. The adjustment position of the (p + 2) point is set in the direction of the center plane 83 from either the left side or the right side of the jig 80a by finely adjusting in the direction of. can do.

  Then, an adjustment position of the (p + 2) th point is set, (p + 2) th downward movement distance data corresponding to the set position is generated, and the generated (p + 2) th downward movement distance data is the (p + 1) th. If it is smaller than the downward movement distance data, it can be determined that the (p + 1) th detection position is the center plane 83 of the jig 80a.

  Further, when the generated (p + 2) downward movement distance data is the same as the (p + 1) downward movement distance data, the (p + 1) th and (p + 2) detection positions are set on the center plane 83 of the jig 80a. It can be judged that there is.

  Thus, by registering the horizontal movement distance data in the position data of the detected position determined to be the center plane 83 of the jig 80a, each stop position can be determined.

  Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the jig 80c is arranged below the stop position of each dispensing probe so that the center point 83c is aligned, and at least the first to third points corresponding to the adjustment positions of the first to third points. The sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the third detection position to generate position data at the first to third detection positions, and a coefficient of a quadratic function is obtained from the generated first to third position data. Further, the position data of the center point 83c can be obtained by obtaining the coordinates of the vertex of the quadratic function. Each stop position can be determined by registering the horizontal movement distance data of the obtained position data.

  As described above, each stop position can be determined with a small number of adjustment position settings, and each stop position can be set in a short time, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the detail of a structure of the analysis part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the detail of a structure of the analysis control part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows a part of structure of the sample part and reaction part of the analysis part which concern on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows a part of structure of the reagent part of the analysis part which concerns on the Example of this invention, and the reaction part. The figure which shows an example of the structure of the jig | tool which concerns on the Example of this invention, and the movement operation | movement of a sample dispensing probe. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which determines the sample discharge position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which determines the sample discharge position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which determines the sample discharge position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the detection position according to the adjustment position which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the structure of the jig | tool which concerns on the other Example of this invention, and the movement operation | movement of a sample dispensing probe. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which determines the sample discharge position which concerns on the other Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the structure of the jig | tool which concerns on the other Example of this invention, and the movement operation | movement of a sample dispensing probe.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Analysis part 20 Sample part 21 Reagent part 22 Reaction part 30 Analysis control part 31 Mechanism part 32 Control part 35 Position setting part 36 Adjustment position setting part 37 Position data generation part 38 Position data storage part 40 Analysis data processing part 41 Calculation part 42 Storage unit 50 Output unit 51 Printing unit 52 Display unit 60 Operation unit 70 System control unit 100 Automatic analyzer

Claims (13)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the sample or the reagent;
Dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe horizontally and vertically, and
Position setting means for determining the stop position of the sample probe or reagent aspiration position, discharge position, and washing position of the dispensing probe;
A jig having an upper surface that forms an inclined surface with a downward slope toward the center, and is arranged with the center located below the stop position is detected by contact between the jig and the dispensing probe. Detecting means,
The position setting means sets p-th and (p + 1) -th adjustment positions (p is an integer equal to or greater than 1) above the jig, and the dispensing probe moving means moves the dispensing probe to the p-th and p-th positions. After the horizontal movement to the (p + 1) th adjustment position, the jig is moved down to the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions on the upper surface of the jig detected by the detection means, and the pth and (p + 1) th are detected. And (p + 1) th movement distance data corresponding to the distance between the adjustment position and the pth and (p + 1) th detection positions, and the generated pth and (p + 1) th movement distances are generated. An automatic analyzer characterized by determining the p-th and (p + 1) -th detection positions based on data.   When the position setting means sets the (p + 1) th adjustment position at a position that is a fine adjustment distance away from the pth adjustment position, the pth and (p + 1) th movement distance data are the same. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the p-th and (p + 1) -th detection positions are determined to be a central portion of the jig.   When the p-th and (p + 1) th movement distance data are different, the position setting means adjusts the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th movement distance data. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the (p + 2) adjustment position is set in a direction opposite to the first direction. When the p-th and (p + 1) th movement distance data are different, the position setting means adjusts the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data of the p-th and (p + 1) th movement distance data. The (p + 2) adjustment position is set at a position away from the fine adjustment distance in the opposite direction, and the dispensing probe is moved horizontally to the (p + 2) adjustment position by the dispensing probe moving means. Later, it is moved down to the (p + 2) detection position detected by the detection means, and the (p + 2) th corresponding to the distance between the (p + 2) adjustment position and the (p + 2) detection position. Generate travel distance data for
When the generated (p + 2) movement distance data is smaller than the (p + 1) movement distance data, the (p + 1) detection position is determined to be the center of the jig. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The inclined surface of the upper surface of the jig has a first inclined surface formed on the outer peripheral portion and a second inner surface formed on the inner side of the outer peripheral portion and at a predetermined height lower than the first inclined surface. And is composed of an inclined surface
The position setting means, when the difference data obtained by subtracting the smaller data from the larger data is smaller than the predetermined height, the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the (p + 2) adjustment position is set at a position away from a coarse adjustment distance in a direction opposite to the direction. The inclined surface of the upper surface of the jig has a first inclined surface formed on the outer peripheral portion and a second inner surface formed on the inner side of the outer peripheral portion and at a predetermined height lower than the first inclined surface. And is composed of an inclined surface
When the difference data is greater than or equal to the predetermined height, the position setting means is opposite to the adjustment position of the smaller data from the adjustment position of the larger data. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the (p + 2) adjustment position is set at a position away from the fine adjustment distance in the side direction.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, 4 or 6, wherein the fine adjustment distance is a minimum distance in which the dispensing probe can move horizontally.   6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the rough adjustment distance is shorter than a distance required for the dispensing probe to move horizontally and pass above the second inclined surface.   The position setting means corresponds to a distance between an adjustment position corresponding to the movement distance data determined to be the center of the jig and a reference position serving as a base point for the horizontal movement of the dispensing probe set in advance. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein horizontal movement distance data to be generated is generated, and the generated horizontal movement distance data is determined as the stop position. In the automatic analyzer stop position setting method that dispenses sample and reagent into a container and measures the mixture,
The dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the sample or the reagent has a descending slope toward the center below the aspiration position, the ejection position of the sample or the reagent, and the stop position of the washing position of the dispensing probe. A first step of setting a first adjustment position above a jig that has an upper surface that forms an inclined surface and is arranged with the central portion below the stop position;
After the dispensing probe is horizontally moved to the first adjustment position, the jig is moved down to a first detection position detected by a detecting means by contact between the dispensing probe and the jig. A second step of generating first movement distance data corresponding to a distance between the first adjustment position and the first detection position;
A third step of setting a second adjustment position at a position away from the first adjustment position by a predetermined distance;
After the dispensing probe is horizontally moved to the second adjustment position, the dispensing probe is moved down to the second detection position detected by the detection means, and the second adjustment position and the second detection position are A fourth step of generating second movement distance data corresponding to the distance between,
And a fifth step of determining the first and second detection positions based on the generated first and second movement distance data, and a stop position setting method for an automatic analyzer. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the sample or the reagent;
Dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe horizontally and vertically, and
Position setting means for determining the stop position of the sample probe or reagent aspiration position, discharge position, and washing position of the dispensing probe;
The stop has an inclined surface with a downward slope toward the center, and a line corresponding to the inclined surface of the vertical section including the center has an upper surface represented by a quadratic function having the center as an apex, and the stop A detecting means for detecting a jig arranged with the central portion below the position by contact between the jig and the dispensing probe;
The position setting means sets at least first to third adjustment positions above the jig, and the dispensing probe moving means moves the dispensing probe from the reference position set in advance to the first to third. Are moved horizontally to the first adjustment position, then moved downward to the first to third detection positions on the upper surface of the jig detected by the detection means, and the reference position and the first to third adjustment positions are adjusted. First to third horizontal movement distance data corresponding to the distance between them, and first to third corresponding to the distances between the first to third adjustment positions and the first to third detection positions. The moving distance data is generated, and further, the vertex corresponding to the quadratic function with the reference position as the origin based on the generated first to third horizontal moving distance data and the first to third moving distance data. The coordinates are obtained, and the coordinates of the obtained vertex are obtained. Automatic analyzer, wherein a corresponding horizontal movement distance data so as to determine as the stop position. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the sample or the reagent;
A dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe;
A jig having an upper surface that forms an inclined surface whose height changes toward the suction position or the discharge position of the dispensing probe, and the stop position is an uppermost position or a lowermost position;
A position setting means for detecting the upper surface of the jig by moving the dispensing probe by the dispensing probe moving means, and determining the stop position based on the detection result;
The position setting means determines the lowest position or the highest position of the jig to determine the stop position, and determines the next detection position based on the detection results of different positions on the upper surface of the jig. An automatic analyzer characterized by doing so. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the sample or the reagent;
A dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe;
The dispensing probe has a top surface that changes in height toward the suction position or the discharge position of the dispensing probe and has an inclined surface whose inclination is represented by a quadratic function, and the stop position is the highest position or the lowest position. A jig that is a position,
A position setting means for detecting the upper surface of the jig by moving the dispensing probe by the dispensing probe moving means, and determining the stop position based on the detection result;
The position setting means determines the stop position by obtaining the lowest position or the highest position using the quadratic function based on detection results at positions of at least three points on the upper surface of the jig. Automatic analyzer characterized by

Images