JP2008256566A - Dispenser and autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove all the time static electricity charged in a container by simple processing to detect a liquid level of a liquid, at all times. <P>SOLUTION: Charge removal processing is carried out, by reciprocating a dispensing nozzle horizontally between the center of an opening part of a sample container and a prescribed neighboring position in an opening edge of the sample container, before sucking a sample liquid by a dispensing nozzle (step S8). A tip part of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the sample container are thereby brought into a position within a prescribed neighboring range, and the static electricity charged in the container is discharged via the dispensing nozzle. Since the static electricity charged in the container is removed at all times by the simple charge removal processing, before sucking the sample liquid by the dispensing nozzle, in this manner, and the liquid can be dispensed normally, because the liquid level of the liquid is detected by a liquid face detecting part without being affected by the static electricity, when thereafter the tip part of the dispensing nozzle toward the liquid is moved to suck in the liquid (step S9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid and an automatic analyzer using the dispensing device.

  The automatic analyzer dispenses sample liquids such as blood and urine and reagent liquids according to the test items into the reaction container, and mixes and reacts these sample liquids and reagent liquids to determine the optical characteristics of the reaction liquids. The component concentration of the sample solution is analyzed by measuring. This type of automatic analyzer has a dispensing device that dispenses a liquid such as a sample solution or a reagent solution using a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing device has a liquid level detection unit that detects the liquid level of the liquid when the liquid is sucked by the dispensing nozzle. The liquid level detection unit includes a capacitance method and a conduction method. The electrostatic capacity method uses a dispensing nozzle having conductivity, and detects the liquid level from the change in capacitance when the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the liquid level. In the conductive method, the liquid level is detected from electrical continuity when a conductive dispensing nozzle and an electrode disposed in the vicinity of the dispensing nozzle come into contact with the liquid level. In the dispensing device, the liquid level detection unit detects whether the tip of the dispensing nozzle is immersed in a liquid such as a sample liquid or a reagent liquid, and the suction of the nozzle is reliably performed. Accurate dispensing by controlling the amount of immersion.

  However, since the container in which the liquid is stored is formed of synthetic resin or glass, static electricity is easily charged. Static electricity is generated when a container is manufactured, when a liquid is contained in the container, when the container is transported, when the container is installed in the apparatus, or when the container is moved during analysis. In the above dispensing device, if static electricity is discharged to the dispensing nozzle before the dispensing nozzle reaches the liquid level, the liquid level is erroneously detected by obtaining an erroneous detection signal from the liquid level detection unit. This causes a problem that normal dispensing is not performed.

  In order to solve the above problem, in the conventional dispensing device, when the detection signal is obtained by the liquid level detection unit, the liquid level position obtained from the descending distance of the dispensing nozzle is stored, and the liquid is dispensed multiple times from the same container. The amount of change in the liquid level at the time of dispensing is compared between the previous dispensing and the next dispensing, and whether or not this variation is a variation that has changed due to normal dispensing. There is something that judges correctness. Since this conventional dispensing apparatus does not require a static eliminating apparatus that removes static electricity charged in the container, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the cost of the apparatus increases (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-127136

  However, in the conventional dispensing device, after the liquid is dispensed, it is determined that the liquid level position detected by the liquid level detector is not normal due to the influence of static electricity charged on the container. It is not intended to avoid situations where the container is affected by static electricity charged before the injection. For this reason, when obtaining a reaction solution in which the sample solution and the reagent solution are dispensed and mixed in the reaction vessel, even if the reagent solution is dispensed normally, the charged static electricity is charged in the sample solution container. As a result of discharging through the liquid level, the liquid level detection unit may erroneously detect the liquid level and the sample liquid may not be dispensed normally. In such a case, the reagent solution dispensed normally is not used for analysis and is wasted. In addition, in order to use the same dispensed item again in order not to waste the reagent solution that has been dispensed normally, it is necessary to move the reaction container to the position where the sample solution is dispensed. become.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is capable of performing normal dispensing by detecting the correct liquid surface position by always removing static electricity charged in a container by simple processing. An object is to provide an injection device and an automatic analyzer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is configured to move the container and the dispensing nozzle relative to each other to move the tip of the dispensing nozzle. In the dispensing device that sucks the liquid by immersing the tip of the dispensing nozzle in the liquid while detecting the liquid level using the conductivity of the section, before sucking the liquid by the dispensing nozzle In addition, the movement control unit that moves the dispensing nozzle and / or the container until the leading end of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the container reach a position in a predetermined proximity range or a position where they contact each other. It is provided with.

  Moreover, the dispensing device according to claim 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when the movement control unit performs a plurality of suctions from the same container, the discharging process is performed at least during the first suction. To do.

  In the dispensing device according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the above invention, the movement control unit performs the charge removal process every preset number of times of suction.

  In the dispensing device according to claim 4 of the present invention, in the above invention, when the movement control unit contacts the tip of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the container, the tip of the dispensing nozzle Is made shallower than the immersion depth at which the tip of the dispensing nozzle is immersed in the liquid.

  The dispensing device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the above-described invention, further comprising a storage unit that stores container information relating to an opening area of the opening of the container and a position of the opening, and the movement control unit includes: The charge removal process is performed using container information acquired from the storage unit.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer which concerns on Claim 6 of this invention is an automatic analyzer which analyzes the reaction liquid which mixed and reacted the several different liquid, Comprising: It is any one of Claims 1-5 The dispensing device is provided.

  In the dispensing device and the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, before the liquid is sucked by the dispensing nozzle, the distal end portion of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the container reach a predetermined proximity range or a contact position. By static elimination treatment, static electricity charged in the container is discharged through the dispensing nozzle. In this way, before the liquid is sucked using the dispensing nozzle, the static electricity charged in the container is always removed by a simple charge-removing process, so that the tip of the dispensing nozzle is turned into liquid to suck the liquid thereafter. When the liquid is moved in the direction, the liquid level can be detected by the liquid level detection unit without being affected by static electricity, so that normal dispensing can be performed.

  Exemplary embodiments of a dispensing device and an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The automatic analyzer 1 analyzes the component concentration and the like of the sample solution by measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction solution obtained by mixing the sample solution such as blood and urine and the reagent solution according to the test item and reacting them. Is. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample placement unit 2, a reaction unit 3, a reagent placement unit 4, a sample dispensing mechanism 5, and a reagent dispensing mechanism 6.

  The sample mounting part 2 constitutes a disk-shaped table, and a plurality of storage parts 21 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table are provided. Each storage unit 21 stores a sample container 22 that stores a sample solution. The sample container 22 is formed of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin or glass, has a circular opening 22a (see FIG. 6) facing upward, and the position of the center O of the opening 22a. Is stored in a form whose position is determined by the storage unit 21. Moreover, the sample mounting part 2 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 by the sample table drive part 20 (refer FIG. 3) as a moving mechanism. When the sample mounting portion 2 rotates, the sample container 22 moves to a predetermined suction position where the sample liquid is sucked by the sample dispensing mechanism 5 described later in a form in which the position of the center O of the opening 22a is determined. become.

  Further, in the sample container 22, various information relating to the stored sample liquid, the opening area of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 (range shown by hatching in FIG. 6), and the container information 101a regarding the height position of the opening 22a ( An identification label (not shown) having a reference is attached. On the other hand, the sample placement unit 2 is provided with a reading unit 23 that reads information on the identification label of the sample container 22.

  The reaction unit 3 constitutes an annular table, and is provided with a plurality of storage units 31 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table. In each storage unit 31, a transparent reaction container 32 that stores a reaction solution obtained by reacting a sample solution and a reagent solution is stored in a position-determined form. Moreover, the reaction part 3 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 by a reaction table drive part (not shown). When the reaction unit 3 rotates, the reaction container 32 is placed at a predetermined discharge position where the sample liquid is discharged by the sample dispensing mechanism 5 described later, or at a predetermined discharge position where the reagent liquid is discharged by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 described later. Will move.

  The reaction unit 3 is provided with a measurement optical system 33. The measurement optical system 33 includes a light source 33a and a photometric sensor 33b. The light source 33a emits analysis light (340 to 800 nm) having a predetermined wavelength. The photometric sensor 33b measures the light beam emitted from the light source 33a and transmitted through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32. The reaction unit 3 is provided with a cleaning mechanism 34 for discharging the measured reaction solution from the reaction vessel 32 and washing the reaction vessel 32.

  The reagent placement unit 4 constitutes a disk-shaped table, and a plurality of storage units 41 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table are provided. Each storage unit 41 stores a reagent container 42 that stores a reagent solution. The reagent container 42 is formed of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin or glass, and has a circular opening 42a (see FIG. 6) facing upward, and the position of the center O of the opening 42a. Is stored in a form whose position is determined by the storage unit 41. Moreover, the reagent mounting part 4 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 by the reagent table drive part 40 (refer FIG. 3) as a moving mechanism. When the reagent mounting unit 4 rotates, the reagent container 42 moves to a predetermined suction position where the reagent liquid is sucked by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 described later in a form in which the position of the center O of the opening 42a is determined. become.

  In addition, the reagent container 42 includes reagent information relating to the type, amount, and lot number of the reagent solution contained therein, the opening area of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 (range shown by hatching in FIG. 6), and the height of the opening 42a. An identification label (not shown) having container information 101a (see FIG. 3) regarding the position is affixed. On the other hand, the reagent placement unit 4 is provided with a reading unit 43 that reads information on the identification label of the reagent container 42.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 5 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 constitute a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention. The sample dispensing mechanism 5 is provided between the sample placement unit 2 and the reaction unit 3, and has a dispensing nozzle 51 as shown in FIG. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is provided between the reagent placement unit 4 and the reaction unit 3 and has a dispensing nozzle 61 as shown in FIG. Since the sample dispensing mechanism 5 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 are configured in the same manner, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 will be described, and the reference numeral and the like are attached to the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 in parentheses.

  The dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is a rod-shaped body formed in a hollow shape, and is disposed on the arm 52 (62) with its tip directed downward. The arm 52 (62) is fixed to an upper end of a vertically extending shaft member 53 (63), and the shaft member 53 (63) is rotated by an arm driving unit 54 (64) as a moving mechanism, thereby causing a horizontal direction. The dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is moved to a position above the sample container 22 (reagent container 42) disposed at the suction position or the reaction container 32 disposed at the discharge position. Further, the arm 52 (62) moves up and down as the shaft member 53 (63) is moved in the vertical direction by the arm driving unit 54 (64), and the sample container 22 (reagent container 42) disposed at the suction position. Alternatively, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is inserted into and removed from the reaction vessel 32 arranged at the discharge position. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is connected to a syringe pump through a pipe through which deaerated water passes, and the sample liquid is sucked or discharged by driving the syringe pump. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 (reagent dispensing mechanism 6) includes a dispensing nozzle 51 (moving between the sample placing unit 2 (reagent placing unit 4) and the reaction unit 3). A cleaning tank 55 (65) for cleaning the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is provided in the middle of the movement trajectory 61).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 (reagent dispensing mechanism 6) includes a liquid level detection unit 56. The liquid level detection unit 56 includes an oscillation circuit 56a, a capacitance detection circuit 56b, and a comparison circuit 56c. The oscillation circuit 56a oscillates and applies an AC signal having a predetermined frequency. The capacitance detection circuit 56b is formed of an electrode 56d provided in the vicinity of the sample container 22 (reagent container 42) moved to the suction position based on the alternating current signal of the oscillation circuit 56a, and stainless steel or the like to be conductive. Capacitance with the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) having The comparison circuit 56c compares the input from the capacitance detection circuit 56b and outputs a detection signal when the reference value is reached. The liquid level detection unit 56 detects the liquid level of the sample liquid (reagent liquid) based on a change in capacitance when the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) contacts the sample liquid (reagent liquid). In addition, although not shown in the figure, as another liquid level detection unit described above, electrical continuity in which a conductive dispensing nozzle and an electrode disposed in the vicinity of the dispensing nozzle are in contact with the liquid is detected. Some of them detect the liquid level. In the automatic analyzer 1, the liquid level detection unit 56 detects whether the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is immersed in the sample liquid (reagent liquid) and the suction is reliably performed, and the sample liquid ( Accurate dispensing can be performed by controlling the amount of the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) immersed in the reagent solution.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the sample dispensing mechanism 5 dispenses the sample liquid from the sample container 22 to the reaction container 32 conveyed along the circumferential direction by the rotating reaction unit 3. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 dispenses the reagent solution from the reagent container 42 into the reaction container 32 into which the sample solution has been dispensed. The reaction vessel 32 into which the sample solution and the reagent solution have been dispensed reacts while the sample solution and the reagent solution are stirred while being conveyed along the circumferential direction by the reaction unit 3, and the light source 33 a and the photometric sensor 33 b. Pass between. At this time, the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32 is photometrically measured by the photometric sensor 33b, and the component concentration and the like are analyzed. After the analysis, the reaction vessel 32 is used for the analysis of the sample solution again after the measurement reaction solution is discharged and washed by the washing mechanism 34. In the above measurement, in the sample dispensing mechanism 5 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, the dispensing nozzle 51 (61) is washed with the washing liquid in the washing tank 55 (65) after dispensing the sample liquid (reagent liquid). .

  Control of the above-described dispensing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the moving mechanism in the dispensing device according to the present invention. The dispensing apparatus has a movement control unit 100 as shown in FIG. The movement control unit 100 includes a storage unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, reading units 23 and 43, a liquid level detection unit 56, a sample table driving unit 20, a reagent table driving unit 40, Arm drive units 54 and 64 are connected. The movement control unit 100 uses the container information 101a and the inspection item information 101b acquired from the storage unit 101 according to programs and data stored in advance in the storage unit 101, and uses the arm drive units 54 and 56, the sample table drive unit 20 and the reagent. The table driving unit 40 is controlled.

  Container information 101 a read from the identification label of the sample container 22 by the reading unit 23 provided in the sample placement unit 2 is input to the movement control unit 100. In the movement control unit 100, this container information is acquired in advance and stored in the storage unit 101 in association with the sample container 22 that is moved to the suction position by the sample table driving unit 20. In addition, the container information 101 a read from the identification label of the reagent container 42 by the reading unit 43 provided in the reagent mounting unit 4 is input to the movement control unit 100. In the movement control unit 100, the container information 101 a is acquired in advance and stored in the storage unit 101 in association with the reagent container 42 that is moved to the suction position by the reagent table driving unit 40.

  The input unit 102 performs an operation for inputting, for example, the number of inspection items or a plurality of inspection items to the movement control unit 100, and setting of how many times the charge removal process described later is performed at the time of suction. Keyboards and mice are used. The movement control unit 100 acquires in advance inspection item information 101b regarding the number of inspection items input from the input unit 102 and the number of times of discharging performed according to the number of inspection items. The data is stored in the storage unit 101 in association with the sample container 22 moved to the suction position by the drive unit 20. The display unit 103 is used for notifying the operator of analysis contents and warnings, and a display panel or the like is used.

  The sample solution dispensing operation by the movement control unit 100 will be described. 4 is a flowchart showing the dispensing operation of the sample liquid, FIG. 5 is an operation diagram showing the dispensing operation, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the sample container as viewed from above.

  First, when starting the dispensing operation, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 54 to a position above the center O (see FIG. 6) of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 moved to the suction position. The dispensing nozzle 51 is moved (step S1). Next, when the container information 101a is stored in the storage unit 101 (step S2: Yes), the movement control unit 100 acquires the container information 101a (step S3).

  Next, the movement control unit 100 uses the inspection item information 101b stored in the storage unit 101 to make a determination regarding steps S4 to S6. The movement control unit 100 has a plurality of sample items and performs aspiration multiple times continuously from the same sample container 22 (step S4: Yes), and the current aspiration is the first aspiration (step S5: Yes). Then, the process proceeds to the charge removal process of step S7 and step S8. Moreover, the movement control part 100 transfers to the static elimination process of step S7 and step S8, when the sample item is single and does not aspirate several times continuously from the same sample container 22 (step S4: No). In addition, the movement control unit 100 does not perform the first suction (step S5: No), and the suction performed this time is the number of times (for example, five times) set in the inspection item information 101b. In this case, that is, when the suction is performed at the set number of times that the number of times of performing the neutralization process according to the number of inspection items is set (step S6: Yes), the process proceeds to the neutralization process of step S7 and step S8. In step S6, the movement control unit 100 sets the number of times that the current suction is not performed at the set number of times, that is, the number of times the charge removal process is performed according to the number of inspection items. If the suction is not performed at step S6 (No at step S6), the process proceeds to step S9 without performing the charge removal process at steps S7 and S8.

  Next, in the charge removal process of step S7 and step S8, the movement control unit 100 uses the container information 101a stored in the storage unit 101. In step S7, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 54 to position the center O of the opening 22a in the sample container 22 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). The dispensing nozzle 51 is lowered to a position where the tip 51a of the dispensing nozzle 51 enters a predetermined depth D into the opening 22a of the sample container 22. Here, when the sample liquid W1 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 51 as shown in FIG. 5D, the predetermined penetration depth D is immersed in the tip 51a of the dispensing nozzle 51 from the liquid surface of the sample liquid W1. It is set in advance so as to be shallower than the immersion depth d.

  In step S8, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 54, as shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 6, and the center O of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 and the sample. The dispensing nozzle 51 is reciprocated in the horizontal direction between a predetermined proximity position N of the opening edge 22 b of the container 22. Specifically, in the operation of step S8, the dispensing nozzle 51 at the position of the center O of the opening 22a in the sample container 22 with the predetermined penetration depth D is moved closer to the opening edge 22b from the center O. Next, the dispensing nozzle 51 is horizontally moved from the proximity position N to the position of the center O of the opening 22a and returned to the original position. Here, the proximity position N is a position where the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 and the opening edge 22b of the sample container 22 are in a predetermined proximity range (proximity interval), and static electricity charged in the sample container 22 is separated. This is the position where the injection nozzle 51 is discharged. The proximity position N can be appropriately set depending on the electrostatic charging characteristics (charge amount) depending on the material for molding the sample container 22, the conductivity of the dispensing nozzle 51, and the like. In step S8, the arm driving unit 54 is driven to move the dispensing nozzle 51, and the sample table driving unit 20 is driven to move the sample container 22, or the arm driving unit 54 and the sample table driving unit are moved. 20 may be driven to move the dispensing nozzle 51 and the sample container 22.

  Next, the movement control unit 100 performs a suction / discharge process (step S9). In the suction process, the movement control unit 100 moves the dispensing nozzle 51 at the position of the center O of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 and the depth of entry D as shown in FIG. 54 is driven and lowered toward the liquid surface of the sample liquid W1. And the movement control part 100 inputs a detection signal from the liquid level detection part 56 when the front-end | tip 51a of the dispensing nozzle 51 contacts the liquid level of the sample liquid W1, Based on this detection signal, the dispensing nozzle 51 The tip 51a is placed at a position where the immersion depth d is entered. Then, the sample liquid W1 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 51 arranged at the position of the immersion depth d.

  In the discharge process, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 54 so that the tip 51a of the dispensing nozzle 51 is removed from the opening 22a of the sample container 22, and the dispensing nozzle is moved to the upper position moved in step S1. 51, and the dispensing nozzle 51 is further moved with respect to the reaction vessel 32 at the discharge position. Then, the sample liquid W1 is discharged into the reaction container 32.

  Next, when there is a next suction from the same sample container 22 using the inspection item information 101b stored in the storage unit 101 (step S10: Yes), the movement control unit 100 adds 1 to the number of times of suction and performs step S1. (Step S11). On the other hand, when there is no next suction from the same sample container 22 (step S10: No), the movement control unit 100 ends this dispensing operation.

  When the container information 101a is not stored in the storage unit 101 in step S2 (step S2: No), the movement control unit 100 informs the display unit 103 that the charge removal process in steps S7 and S8 is not performed. Display (step S12), mark the analysis result without neutralization processing (step S13), and proceed to step S9.

  At the time of performing the dispensing operation of the sample liquid W1, in step S7 and step S8 before the sample liquid W1 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 51, the distal end portion of the dispensing nozzle 51 and the opening edge 22b of the sample container 22 have a predetermined value. At least one of the dispensing nozzle 51 or the sample container 22 is moved to a position in the proximity range, and static elimination processing is performed to discharge the static electricity charged in the sample container 22 to the dispensing nozzle 51 and remove it. Thus, before the sample liquid W1 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 51, the static electricity charged in the sample container 22 is always removed, so that the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 is sampled to suck the sample liquid W1 thereafter. When moving toward the liquid W1, the liquid level of the sample liquid W1 can be detected by the liquid level detection unit 56 without being affected by static electricity, so that normal dispensing can be performed. In addition, since the static electricity is discharged by the dispensing nozzle 51, it is possible to remove the static electricity by a simple process without requiring a static eliminating device such as an ionizer for removing the static electricity charged in the sample container 22. Further, the opening that can most affect the erroneous detection of the liquid level detection unit 56 in the dispensing operation by bringing the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 and the opening edge 22b of the sample container 22 to a position in a predetermined proximity range. Since the static electricity at the edge 22b is discharged, the influence of static electricity can be efficiently avoided as compared with the case where static elimination is performed from the outside of the sample container 22 by the static eliminator. In step S8, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 51 and the opening edge 22b of the sample container 22 may be brought into contact with each other to discharge the static electricity charged in the sample container 22 to the dispensing nozzle 51.

  In step S7, the penetration depth d at which the tip 51a of the dispensing nozzle 51 enters the opening 22a of the sample container 22 is immersed in the sample liquid W1. It is shallower than For this reason, when the front-end | tip part of the dispensing nozzle 51 and the opening edge 22b of the sample container 22 are made to contact in step S7, the range in which deposits, such as dirt, can adhere to the dispensing nozzle 51 is the range of immersion depth d. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhering matter from being brought into the sample liquid W1 when the sample liquid W1 is sucked. Furthermore, by suppressing the adhesion of deposits to the dispensing nozzle 51 within the range of the immersion depth d, it becomes possible to reliably clean the dispensing nozzle 51 after dispensing.

  In addition, when the static electricity charged in the sample container 22 is discharged to the dispensing nozzle 51 by the charge removal process in step S7 and step S8, the liquid level detection unit 56 changes the electrostatic capacity, and it has been erroneously detected in the past. The noise that was being generated occurs. In the present embodiment, since this noise is generated during the charge removal process, the detection signal output from the liquid level detection unit 56 in step S7 and step S8 can be ignored. On the other hand, when it is detected that the static electricity charged in the sample container 22 has been discharged to the dispensing nozzle 51 by the charge removal process in step S7 and step S8 using this noise, the sample container is started from the middle of the process in step S7 and step S8. The dispensing nozzle 51 may be returned to the center O of the 22 opening 22a, and the process may proceed to the suction / discharge process in step S9.

  Further, in step S2 and step S3, container information 101a relating to the opening area of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 and the height position of the opening 22a is stored in the storage unit 101, and static elimination is performed using the container information 101a. Processing is in progress. By using the container information 101a, when the sample container 22 having a different shape or size is used, the dispensing nozzle 51 and the sample container 22 can be moved with high accuracy in the charge removal process of step S7 and step S8. become. In step S12 and step S13, when there is no container information 101a in step S2, the operator is notified and the analysis result is marked. For this reason, it is possible to distinguish the analysis when there is no container information 101a and the charge removal process cannot be performed. When the sample container 22 is a fixed type, there is no need to determine the container information 101a regarding the opening area of the opening 22a of the sample container 22 and the height position of the opening 22a, so steps S2, S3, S12 , S13 can be omitted.

  In step S4 and step S5, when performing a plurality of suctions continuously from the same sample container 22, the charge removal process is performed during the first suction. In the case where there are a plurality of inspection items and the sample liquid W1 is continuously sucked from the same sample container 22, the dispensing operation is continuously performed without moving the sample container 22, so that static electricity is generated during the first suction. If removed, the influence of static electricity is avoided during subsequent suction. Accordingly, the static electricity is removed at the time of the first suction, and thereafter the dispensing operation can be performed quickly by omitting the charge removal process by the suction operation of sucking the sample liquid W1 from the same sample container 22, so that the analysis can be speeded up. Become.

  In step S6, the static elimination process is performed every preset number of times of suction. When the number of inspection items is large, there is a possibility that static electricity will be charged in the sample container 22 again over time even if the static elimination process is performed at the time of the first suction. Accordingly, by performing the static elimination process for each set number of times of suction, the static electricity that is charged again is removed, so that the liquid level detection unit 56 can always detect the liquid level of the sample liquid W1 without being affected by static electricity. And normal dispensing can be performed.

  In the environment where the air is dry, the sample container 22 is easily charged with static electricity. In such an environment, even if there are a plurality of inspection items and suction is performed a plurality of times continuously from the same sample container 22, the neutralization process is performed each time steps S4, S5, S6, S10, and S11 are omitted. Is preferred. Further, when the suction of the sample liquid from the sample container 22 is a re-inspection item, it is preferable to perform the static elimination process without fail.

  By the way, in a general automatic analyzer, suction is performed a plurality of times continuously from the same sample container 22, and analysis of different inspection items is continuously performed on the same sample solution. For this reason, in the dispensing operation for sucking the reagent solution from the reagent container 42, the suction is not performed a plurality of times continuously from the same reagent container 42. That is, when dispensing a reagent solution, the reagent table drive unit 40 is driven each time and the reagent container 42 is moved to the suction position before the suction operation is performed. Therefore, the reagent container 42 is easily charged with static electricity. Therefore, in the dispensing operation of the reagent solution, the charge removal process is performed each time.

  The reagent liquid dispensing operation by the movement control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reagent liquid dispensing operation.

  First, when starting the dispensing operation, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 64 to a position above the center O (see FIG. 6) of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 moved to the aspirating position. The dispensing nozzle 61 is moved (step S21). Next, when the container information 101a is stored in the storage unit 101 (step S22: Yes), the movement control unit 100 acquires the container information 101a (step S23).

  Next, the movement control part 100 performs the static elimination process of step S24 and step S25. In this charge removal process, the movement control unit 100 uses the container information 101 a stored in the storage unit 101. In step S24, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 64 to position the center O of the opening 42a in the reagent container 42 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). The dispensing nozzle 61 is lowered to a position where the tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 enters the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 by a predetermined depth D. Here, the predetermined penetration depth D means that when the reagent liquid W2 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 61 as shown in FIG. 5D, the tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 is moved from the liquid surface of the reagent liquid W2. It is set to be shallower than the immersion depth d to be immersed.

  In step S25, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 64, as shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 6, and the center O of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 and the reagent. The dispensing nozzle 61 is reciprocated in the horizontal direction between a predetermined proximity position N of the opening edge 42b of the container 42. Specifically, in the operation of step S25, the dispensing nozzle 61 at the position of the center O of the opening 42a in the reagent container 42 with the predetermined entry depth D is moved closer to the opening edge 42b from the center O. Next, the dispensing nozzle 61 is horizontally moved from the proximity position N to the position of the center O of the opening 42a and returned to the original position. Here, the proximity position N is a position where the tip of the dispensing nozzle 61 and the opening edge 42b of the reagent container 42 are in a predetermined proximity range (proximity interval), and static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 is distributed. This is the position at which the nozzle 61 is discharged. The proximity position N can be set as appropriate depending on the electrostatic charging characteristics (charge amount) depending on the material or the like forming the reagent container 42, the conductivity of the dispensing nozzle 61, and the like. Note that in step S25, the reagent table driving unit 40 is driven to move the reagent container 42, or the arm driving unit 64 and the reagent table driving unit are moved unexpectedly by driving the arm driving unit 64 to move the dispensing nozzle 61. 40 may be driven to move the dispensing nozzle 61 and the reagent container 42.

  Next, the movement control unit 100 performs a suction / discharge process (step S26). In the suction process, the movement control unit 100 moves the dispensing nozzle 61 at the position of the center O of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 and the position of the penetration depth D as shown in FIG. 64 is driven and lowered toward the liquid surface of the reagent liquid W2. And the movement control part 100 inputs a detection signal from the liquid level detection part 56, when the front-end | tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 contacts the liquid level of the reagent liquid W2, Based on this detection signal, the dispensing nozzle 61 The tip 61a is placed at a position where the immersion depth d is entered. Then, the reagent liquid W2 is aspirated by the dispensing nozzle 61 arranged at the position of the immersion depth d.

  In the discharge process, the movement control unit 100 drives the arm driving unit 64 so that the tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 is removed from the opening 42a of the reagent container 42, and the dispensing nozzle is moved to the upper position moved in step S21. 61 is moved, and the dispensing nozzle 61 is further moved with respect to the reaction container 32 at the discharge position. Then, the reagent liquid W2 is discharged into the reaction container 32. After the process of step S26, this dispensing operation is terminated.

  In step S22, if the container information 101a is not stored in the storage unit 101 (step S22: No), the movement control unit 100 informs the display unit 103 that the charge removal process in steps S24 and S25 is not performed. Display (step S27), and mark the result of the analysis without neutralization processing (step S28), and proceed to step S26.

  When performing the dispensing operation of the reagent liquid W2, in step S24 and step S25 before the reagent liquid W2 is aspirated by the dispensing nozzle 61, the distal end of the dispensing nozzle 61 and the opening edge 42b of the reagent container 42 have a predetermined At least one of the dispensing nozzle 61 or the reagent container 42 is moved to a position in the proximity range, and static elimination processing is performed to discharge the static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 to the dispensing nozzle 61 and remove it. In this way, since the static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 is always removed before the reagent liquid W2 is sucked by the dispensing nozzle 61, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 61 is then moved to the reagent in order to suck the reagent liquid W2. When moving toward the liquid W2, the liquid level of the reagent liquid W2 can be detected by the liquid level detection unit 56 without being affected by static electricity, so that normal dispensing can be performed. In addition, since the static electricity is discharged by the dispensing nozzle 61, the static electricity can be removed by a simple process without the need for a static eliminating device such as an ionizer for removing the static electricity charged in the reagent container. Further, the opening that can most affect the erroneous detection of the liquid level detection unit 56 in the dispensing operation by bringing the tip of the dispensing nozzle 61 and the opening edge 42b of the reagent container 42 to a position within a predetermined proximity range. Since the static electricity at the edge 42b is discharged, the influence of static electricity can be efficiently avoided as compared with the case where static elimination is performed from the outside of the reagent container 42 by the static elimination device. In step S25, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 61 and the opening edge 42b of the reagent container 42 may be brought into contact with each other to discharge the static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 to the dispensing nozzle 61.

  Further, in step S24, the penetration depth d at which the tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 enters the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 is immersed, and the immersion depth d at which the tip 61a of the dispensing nozzle 61 is immersed in the reagent liquid W2 during suction. It is shallower than Therefore, when the tip of the dispensing nozzle 61 and the opening edge 42b of the reagent container 42 are brought into contact with each other in step S24, the range in which deposits such as dirt adhere to the dispensing nozzle 61 is the range of the immersion depth d. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhering substance to the reagent liquid W2 when the reagent liquid W2 is sucked. Furthermore, by suppressing the adhesion of the deposits to the dispensing nozzle 61 within the range of the immersion depth d, it becomes possible to reliably clean the dispensing nozzle 61 after dispensing.

  In addition, when static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 is discharged to the dispensing nozzle 61 in the charge removal process in step S24 and step S25, the liquid level detection unit 56 changes the capacitance to a static value. The noise that was being generated occurs. In the present embodiment, since this noise is generated during the charge removal process, the detection signal output from the liquid level detection unit 56 in step S24 and step S25 can be ignored. On the other hand, when it is detected that the static electricity charged in the reagent container 42 is discharged to the dispensing nozzle 61 in the charge removal process in steps S24 and S25 using this noise, the reagent container is started from the middle of the process in steps S24 and S25. The dispensing nozzle 61 may be returned to the center O of the opening 42a of 42, and the suction / discharge process of step S26 may be performed.

  In step S22 and step S23, container information 101a regarding the opening area of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 and the height position of the opening 42a is stored in the storage unit 101, and the container information 101a is used to eliminate static electricity. Processing is in progress. By using the container information 101a, when the reagent container 42 having a different shape or size is used, the dispensing nozzle 61 and the reagent container 42 can be moved with high accuracy in the charge removal processing in step S24 and step S25. become. In step S27 and step S28, if there is no container information 101a in step S22, the operator is notified and the analysis result is marked. For this reason, it is possible to distinguish the analysis when there is no container information 101a and the charge removal process cannot be performed. When the reagent container 42 is a fixed type, the container information 101a regarding the opening area of the opening 42a of the reagent container 42 and the height position of the opening 42a does not need to be determined. Therefore, the processing in steps S22 and S23 is performed. Can be omitted.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the automatic analyzer of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the dispensing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the moving mechanism in the dispensing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows dispensing operation | movement of a sample liquid. It is an operation | movement diagram which shows dispensing operation | movement. It is the schematic which looked at the container from upper direction. It is a flowchart which shows dispensing operation | movement of a reagent liquid.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Sample mounting part 20 Sample table drive part 21 Storage part 22 Sample container 22a Opening part 22b Open edge 23 Reading part 3 Reaction part 31 Storage part 32 Reaction container 33 Measurement optical system 33a Light source 33b Photometric sensor 34 Cleaning mechanism DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Reagent mounting part 40 Reagent table drive part 41 Storage part 42 Reagent container 42a Open part 42b Open edge 43 Reading part 5 Sample dispensing mechanism 51 Dispensing nozzle 51a Tip 52 Arm 53 Shaft member 54 Arm drive part 55 Washing tank 56 Liquid Surface detection unit 56a Oscillation circuit 56b Capacitance detection circuit 56c Comparison circuit 56d Electrode 6 Reagent dispensing mechanism 61 Dispensing nozzle 61a Tip 62 Arm 63 Shaft member 64 Arm drive unit 65 Washing tank 100 Movement control unit 101 Storage unit 101a Container information 101b Inspection item information 102 Input section 103 Display N proximity position O center W1 sample liquid W2 reagent solution

Claims (6)

The tip of the dispensing nozzle is moved to the liquid while detecting the liquid level by utilizing the conductivity of the tip of the dispensing nozzle by relatively moving the container containing the liquid and the dispensing nozzle. In a dispensing device that sucks liquid by dipping in
Before the liquid is sucked by the dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle and / or the container is moved until the tip end portion of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the container reach a position in a predetermined proximity range or a contact position. A dispensing apparatus comprising a movement control unit that performs static elimination processing by being moved.   2. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement control unit performs the charge removal process at least during the first suction when performing suction multiple times from the same container.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movement control unit performs the charge removal process every preset number of times of suction.   In the case where the tip of the dispensing nozzle and the opening edge of the container are brought into contact with each other, the movement control unit determines the depth of penetration at which the tip of the dispensing nozzle enters the opening of the container. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip is made shallower than an immersion depth in which the tip is immersed in a liquid. A storage unit for storing container information related to the opening area of the opening of the container and the position of the opening;
The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movement control unit performs the charge removal process using container information acquired from the storage unit.   An automatic analyzer for analyzing a reaction liquid obtained by mixing and reacting a plurality of different liquids, comprising the dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. .

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