JP2010286324A - Dispensing system, automatic analysis system, and dispensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispensing system, an automatic analysis system readily obtaining analysis results by accurately detecting a liquid level, and a dispensing method. <P>SOLUTION: A first reagent dispensing system 6 including a liquid level detection section 6p in a capacitance system includes: a pressure sensor 6i for measuring a pressure change when sucking a first reagent of a probe 6b in piping 6c to which a probe 6b is connected; a determination section 6u for determining whether normal reagent suction has been performed, based on pressure data measured by the pressure sensor 6i; and a control section 15 for making control for confirming the amount of liquid in a reagent vessel 2a when the determination section 6u determines that normal reagent suction has not been performed, lowering the probe 6b without raising it from the inside of the reagent vessel 2a for performing liquid level detection processing again, and dispensing a first reagent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing device that dispenses a liquid contained in a container, an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample or the like using the dispensing device, and a dispensing method.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent carryover and contamination during sample or reagent dispensing, dispensing is performed by controlling the amount of probe insertion after detecting the sample or reagent liquid level. Various methods have been proposed for detecting the liquid level, such as an electrostatic capacitance method, a pressure detection method in a pipe connected to a probe, and an optical method. In the liquid level detection method based on the capacity, due to sudden noise from peripheral devices, discharge between the container and the probe due to charging of the container containing the sample or reagent, or the presence of bubbles generated on the sample or sample liquid level In some cases, the liquid level detection by the electrostatic capacity method may occur.

  In order to prevent misdetection of the liquid level due to external noise, static electricity, bubbles, etc., was the separation signal between the probe and the liquid detected after the contact signal between the probe and the liquid was recognized and before the liquid was aspirated? There is disclosed a liquid level detection device that determines whether or not by a determination unit and detects the liquid level again by lowering the probe again when a separation signal is detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as an automatic analyzer that detects that normal suction is hindered by a film or a bubble generated on a specimen or reagent, the suction pressure when sucking a liquid with a suction probe is measured and stored in a storage means. A method is disclosed in which a threshold value at the time of air suction is calculated on the basis of a suction pressure value at the time of air suction, and whether or not a fixed amount has been normally sucked by comparing the measured suction pressure value and the threshold value is disclosed ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, in liquid level detection, in order to control the amount of the probe inserted into the specimen or reagent, the probe is continuously aspirated from the container containing the liquid, and the change in the liquid level due to aspiration is measured. A dispensing device that stores the relationship between the amount of liquid remaining in the container and the liquid level from the bottom of the container based on the result has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-271328 JP-A-2005-17144 JP-A-9-274047

  However, in the thing of patent document 1, when the surface tension of the bubble on a liquid level is large, or when the bubble has covered the liquid level finely, since a bubble does not burst and a separation signal is not detected, it is normal. The liquid level cannot be detected, an error in the amount of dispensing occurs, and the reliability of the analysis data also decreases.

  Moreover, although the thing of the patent document 2 can detect the liquid level misdetection by a bubble and can warn the operator to that effect, it needs a retesting process after that, and after a probe washing | cleaning, it carries out from a dispensing process again. Not only does it take time to obtain the running cost, but also multiple runnings are required, which increases the running cost.

  On the other hand, although the dispensing apparatus described in Patent Document 3 can control the amount of the probe inserted into the specimen or reagent, it does not prevent erroneous detection of the liquid level due to bubbles or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and even when a bubble does not burst due to contact between a probe and a bubble, it is possible to accurately detect the liquid level and obtain an analysis result at an early stage. An object is to provide a dispensing device, an automatic analyzer, and a dispensing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the dispensing device of the present invention detects a change in capacitance between a probe for dispensing a liquid contained in a container and the container, and detects the change. And a liquid level detection mechanism for detecting the liquid level based on whether the lower end of the probe is in contact with the liquid level of the liquid based on the detected signal. After the liquid level is detected by the liquid level detection mechanism, the liquid is separated by the probe. In the dispensing apparatus to be poured, normal liquid suction is performed based on pressure measurement means for measuring a pressure change at the time of liquid suction of the probe in a pipe connected to the probe, and pressure data measured by the pressure measurement means. If the determination means determines whether or not normal liquid suction is not performed, the liquid level is detected again by further lowering the probe after confirming the amount of liquid in the container. Performs management, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to perform the dispensing of the liquid.

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the control means continuously performs the liquid suction process by the dispensing probe until it is determined by the determination means that normal liquid suction has been performed. It is characterized by performing.

  Further, the dispensing device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, based on the pressure data measured by the pressure measuring means, the calculating means for calculating the amount of air sucked by the probe, and for discharging a predetermined amount of the liquid. And a correction means for correcting the drive signal of the dispensing pump based on the air amount calculated by the calculation means.

  The dispensing device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the dispensing device comprises an output means for notifying that the dispensing is abnormal when the judging means judges that normal liquid suction is not performed. .

  Further, the dispensing device of the present invention comprises the control means according to the above-mentioned invention, comprising storage means for storing a maximum amplitude when the probe driving means stops the probe, a suction amount of the liquid, and an internal shape of the container, and the control means After the liquid level detection mechanism detects the liquid level and the probe is temporarily stopped, the probe is controlled to descend into the liquid by the maximum amplitude of the probe driving means to suck the liquid. Then, the liquid level drop due to the liquid suction of the probe is calculated based on the liquid suction amount stored in the storage means and the internal shape of the container, and the probe is controlled to follow the liquid level drop. It is characterized by doing.

  The automatic analyzer of the present invention is an automatic analyzer that optically analyzes a reaction product between a sample and a reagent, and dispenses the sample or the reagent by the dispensing device described in any one of the above. It is characterized by that.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned invention, a cleaning means for cleaning the inner and outer walls of the probe is provided.

  Further, the dispensing method of the present invention detects a change in capacitance between a probe that dispenses liquid contained in a container and the container, and the liquid level of the liquid is detected based on the detected signal. In a dispensing method for dispensing the liquid after detecting the liquid level depending on whether the lower end of the probe is in contact, a first liquid level detecting step of detecting the liquid level by lowering the probe into the container; A first suction step for sucking the liquid after the first liquid level detection step; a first pressure measurement step for measuring a pressure change in a pipe connected to the probe during the first suction step; Based on the pressure data measured in one pressure measurement step, a first determination step for determining whether or not normal liquid suction has been performed, and the first determination step has determined that normal liquid suction has not been performed. In addition, after confirming the amount of liquid in the container, a second liquid level detection step of detecting the liquid level again by further lowering the probe, and a second suction for re-suctioning the liquid after the second liquid level detection step And a step.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, the second pressure measuring step for measuring a pressure change during re-suction of the liquid by the probe during the second suction step, and the second pressure measuring step include Including a second determination step for determining whether or not normal liquid suction has been performed based on the measured pressure data, and the second liquid level until it is determined in the second determination step that normal liquid suction has been performed. The detection step, the second suction step, the second pressure measurement step, and the second determination step are continuously performed.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, a calculation step for calculating the amount of air sucked by the probe based on the pressure data measured in the first pressure measurement step and the second pressure measurement step; And a correction step of correcting the drive signal of the dispensing pump based on the air amount calculated in the calculation step in order to discharge the liquid.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, when it is determined that normal liquid suction is not performed in the first determination step and the second determination step, an output for notifying that the dispensing is abnormal is performed. Including steps.

In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, the extraction step of extracting the maximum amplitude when the probe driving means stops the probe, the suction amount of the liquid, and the internal shape of the container, and the first liquid After the surface detection step and the second liquid level detection step, a probe lowering step for lowering the probe into the liquid by the maximum amplitude of the probe driving means;
A liquid level drop calculating step for calculating a liquid level drop due to the liquid suction of the probe based on the suction amount of the liquid extracted in the extraction step and the internal shape of the container, and the first suction step and In the second suction step, the probe is lowered to follow the suction of the liquid based on the liquid level decrease calculated in the liquid level decrease calculation step.

  The dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, includes a discharge step of discharging the liquid into the reaction container by the probe, and a cleaning step of cleaning the inner and outer walls of the probe, the cleaning step comprising: Washing is performed by changing the amount of washing water or the washing time according to the amount of the probe inserted into the liquid.

  The present invention measures the pressure change when the liquid is sucked by the probe and determines whether or not the liquid is normally sucked based on the pressure change, so that the bubble does not burst by the contact between the probe and the foam. Even in this case, it is possible to accurately detect the liquid level, and when the liquid suction is not normally performed, the probe is lowered without being raised, and the liquid level detection and the liquid suction are performed again. As a result, the analysis result can be obtained early.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer including the dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an operation diagram of reagent dispensing when there is no bubble on the liquid surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure signal and time when the first reagent is aspirated in FIG. FIG. 5 is an operation diagram of reagent dispensing when bubbles are generated on the liquid surface. FIG. 6 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure signal and time when the first reagent is aspirated in FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure signal and the time when the first reagent is aspirated in FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure signal and time during the first reagent suction in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram in the probe during normal suction of the first reagent. FIG. 10 is a schematic view in the probe at the time of abnormal suction of the first reagent. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the dispensing process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent dispensing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an operation diagram of the probe during liquid level detection. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the dispensing process according to the second embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a dispensing device, an automatic analyzer, and a dispensing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer 1 including a dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus that automatically analyzes a sample such as blood or urine containing blood cell components. As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second reagent tables 2 and 3, the reaction table 4, the first and first 2 reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7, sample container transfer mechanism 8, rack 9, analysis optical system 11, cleaning mechanism 12, first and second stirring devices 13 and 14, control unit 15, input unit 16, output unit 17, An analysis unit 18, a storage unit 19, and a sample dispensing device 20 are provided. The dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a first reagent dispensing device 6 and a second reagent dispensing device, as long as the liquid level is detected by a capacitance method and the sample or reagent is dispensed. The injection device 7 and / or the specimen dispensing device 20 can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reagent table 2 includes a plurality of reagent containers 2a for the first reagent arranged in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by a driving unit to convey the reagent containers 2a in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of reagent containers 2a is filled with a reagent corresponding to the inspection item, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is added to the outer surface. . Here, on the outer periphery of the first reagent table 2, a reading device 10a that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium added to the reagent container 2a and outputs it to the control unit 15 is installed.

  The first reagent dispensing device 6 includes an arm 6a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. A probe 6b for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 6a. The first reagent dispensing device 6 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism such as a syringe pump. The first reagent dispensing device 6 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 2a transferred to the predetermined position on the first reagent table 2 by the probe 6b, and rotates the arm 6a clockwise in the drawing. Then, the first reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 to perform dispensing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second reagent table 3 includes a plurality of second reagent reagent containers 3a arranged in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by a driving unit to convey the reagent containers 3a in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of reagent containers 3a is filled with a reagent corresponding to the inspection item, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is added to the outer surface. . Here, on the outer periphery of the second reagent table 3, a reading device 10 b that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium added to the reagent container 3 a and outputs it to the control unit 15 is installed.

  The second reagent dispensing device 7 includes an arm 7a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through the base end of the second reagent as a central axis. A probe 7b for aspirating and discharging the sample is attached to the tip of the arm 7a. The second reagent dispensing device 7 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism such as a syringe pump. The second reagent dispensing device 7 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 3a transferred to the predetermined position on the second reagent table 3 by the probe 7b, and turns the arm 7a counterclockwise in the figure. Then, the second reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 to perform dispensing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction table 4 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 5 arranged in the circumferential direction. The reaction table 4 is arrowed by a driving means different from the driving means for driving the first and second reagent tables 2 and 3. To move the reaction vessel 5 in the circumferential direction. The reaction table 4 is disposed between the light source 11a and the spectroscopic unit 11b, and has a holding unit 4a that holds the reaction vessel 5 and an optical path 4b that includes a circular opening that guides the light beam emitted from the light source 11a to the spectroscopic unit 11b. is doing. The holding part 4a is arranged on the outer periphery of the reaction table 4 at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction, and an optical path 4b extending in the radial direction is formed on the inner peripheral side of the holding part 4a.

  The reaction vessel 5 is an optically transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the analysis optical system 11, such as glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, or polystyrene. It is a container called a cuvette formed into a square cylinder shape by the like. In the reaction container 5, reagents are dispensed from the reagent containers 2 a and 3 a of the first and second reagent tables 2 and 3 by first and second reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7 provided in the vicinity. Here, the first and second reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7 are respectively provided with probes 6b and 7b that rotate in a horizontal plane and dispense reagents to arms 6a and 7a that are moved up and down in the vertical direction. A cleaning tank (not shown) for cleaning the probes 6b and 7b with cleaning water is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the specimen container transfer mechanism 8 transfers the plurality of arranged racks 9 while stepping one by one along the arrow direction. The rack 9 holds a plurality of sample containers 9a that store samples. Here, the sample container 9a is affixed with a bar code or the like on which information on the stored sample is affixed, and every time the advance of the rack 9 transported by the sample container transport mechanism 8 stops, Is dispensed into each reaction vessel 5. A blood sample whose analysis item is blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c is centrifuged in a state where it is previously stored in the sample container 9a, and the plasma sample and the blood cell sample are analyzed items from the blood sample separated into the plasma layer and the blood cell layer. It will be dispensed individually. Here, on the outer periphery of the rack, a reading device 10c that reads the sample information and the container information of the sample container 9a recorded on an information recording medium (not shown) attached to the sample container 9a and outputs it to the control unit 15. Is installed.

  The sample dispensing device 20 includes an arm 20a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the sample dispensing apparatus 20 as a central axis. A probe 20b for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 20a. The sample dispensing device 20 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism such as a syringe pump. The sample dispensing device 20 sucks the sample by the probe 20b from the sample container 9a transferred to the dispensing position by the sample container transfer mechanism 8, and rotates the arm 20a clockwise in the drawing to place the sample in the reaction container 5. To dispense.

  The analysis optical system 11 is an optical system for analyzing by transmitting the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) through the liquid sample in the reaction container 5 in which the reagent and the sample have reacted, and includes a light source 11a, a spectroscopic unit 11b, and a light receiving unit. 11c. The analysis light emitted from the light source 11a passes through the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 and is received by the light receiving unit 11c provided at a position facing the spectroscopic unit 11b. The light receiving unit 11 c is connected to the control unit 15.

  The cleaning mechanism 12 sucks and discharges the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 by the nozzle 12a, and then repeatedly injects and sucks a cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water by the nozzle 12a, thereby performing analysis by the analysis optical system 11. The reaction vessel 5 that has been completed is washed.

  The first and second stirring devices 13 and 14 stir the dispensed specimen and reagent with the stirring rods 13a and 14a to promote the reaction.

  The control unit 15 includes the first and second reagent tables 2 and 3, the first and second reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7, the sample container transfer mechanism 8, the analysis optical system 11, the cleaning mechanism 12, and the first and second stirring. The devices 13 and 14, the input unit 16, the output unit 17, the analysis unit 18, the storage unit 19, and the sample dispensing device 20 are connected. In order to control the operation of these units, a microcomputer or the like is used as the control unit 15. The control unit 15 obtains the absorbance for each wavelength of the liquid sample in each reaction vessel 5 based on the light amount signal for each wavelength input from the light receiving unit 11c, and analyzes the component concentration and the like of the specimen. In addition, the control unit 15, based on the information read from the information recording medium added to the reagent containers 2 a, 3 a, the automatic analyzer 1 so as to stop the analysis work when the reagent lot is different or when the expiration date is out of date. Or alert the operator.

  The input unit 16 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and obtains various information necessary for analyzing the specimen, instruction information for analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The output unit 17 is configured using a printer, a communication mechanism, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample to notify the user. The analysis unit 18 calculates absorbance and the like based on the measurement result acquired from the analysis optical system 11, and performs component analysis of the specimen. The storage unit 19 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the specimen is stored. The storage unit 19 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the first reagent dispensing device 6 dispenses the first reagent in the reagent container 2a to the plurality of reaction containers 5 that are sequentially conveyed in a row. Thereafter, the sample dispensing device 20 dispenses the sample in the sample container 9a, the second reagent dispensing device 7 dispenses the second reagent in the reagent container 3a, and the analysis optical system 11 causes the sample and the reagent to be dispensed. The sample is in a state of being reacted with each other, and the analysis unit 18 analyzes the measurement result, so that the component analysis of the specimen is automatically performed. In addition, the cleaning mechanism 12 is cleaned while transporting the reaction vessel 5 after the measurement by the analysis optical system 11 is completed, so that a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Next, the dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 using the first reagent dispensing apparatus 6 as an example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent dispensing device 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent dispensing device 6 includes a probe 6b, a probe driving unit 6d, a dispensing pump 6e, a pump driving unit 6g, a pressure sensor 6i, a first washing water pump 61, and a second washing water pump. 6o, a washing water tank 6n, a liquid level detection unit 6p, and a dispensing amount detection unit 6t, and each mechanism is controlled by the control unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reagent dispensing device 6 rotates in a horizontal plane and is provided with a probe 6 b for dispensing the first reagent on an arm 6 a that is lifted up and down. A cleaning tank 6r (see FIG. 2) for cleaning 6b is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 6b is connected to a dispensing pump 6e and a pressure sensor 6i by a pipe 6c, and the dispensing pump 6e and the washing water tank 6n are connected via a pipe 6h. The probe 6b is moved in the horizontal direction indicated by the arrow X and the vertical direction indicated by Z in the drawing by the probe driving unit 6d, and the first reagent is aspirated from the reagent container 2a conveyed to the lower part of the probe 6b. The first reagent is dispensed by discharging the reagent into the reaction vessel 5 on the reaction table 4. The probe 6b is made of a metal such as SUS, and has a function as an electrode when detecting the liquid level.

  The dispensing pump 6e is a syringe pump that discharges the first reagent sucked into the reaction container 5 conveyed by the reaction table 4 after the probe 6b sucks the first reagent in the reagent container 2a. The piston 6f is reciprocated by 6g.

  A solenoid valve 6k, a first cleaning water pump 61, a degassing device 6m, and a second cleaning water pump 6o are installed in a pipe 6h that connects the dispensing pump 6e and the cleaning water tank 6n. Moreover, the piping 6s branches from the piping 6h which connects between the deaeration apparatus 6m and the 2nd washing water pump 6o, and the piping 6s connects the washing tank 6r and the washing water tank 6n. The first wash water pump 6l sucks up the wash water L1 stored in the wash water tank 6n, and the sucked wash water L1 is deaerated by the deaeration device 6m, and then is connected to the pipe 6h via the solenoid valve 6k. It is pumped into the injection pump 6e and the pipe 6c. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 6k is switched to “open” after transporting the probe 6b to the cleaning tank 6r when the sucked cleaning water L1 is pumped into the pipe 6h by a control signal from the control unit 15. The probe 6b is filled to the tip with the degassed washing water L1. When the probe 6b sucks and discharges the first reagent by the dispensing pump 6e, it is switched to “closed”. The electromagnetic valve 6q is in the “closed” state when the first reagent is aspirated / discharged by the probe 6b. Here, the washing water L1 acts as a pressure transmission medium, and an incompressible fluid such as distilled water or deaerated water is applied.

  After the dispensing of the probe 6b into the reaction vessel 5 is completed, the probe 6b is transported to the cleaning tank 6r by the probe driving unit 6d and cleaned. The washing water L1 used for washing in the washing tank 6r is pumped by the second washing water pump 6o through the pipe 6s branched from the pipe 6h and the electromagnetic valve 6q. The control unit 15 determines the amount of the probe 6b to be lowered to the cleaning tank 6r in consideration of the amount of insertion of the probe 6b into the first reagent. When the probe 6b is cleaned in the cleaning tank 6r, the cleaning water L1 is supplied to the cleaning tank 6r by the second cleaning water pump 6o, the outer wall of the probe 6b is cleaned, and the probe 6b is cleaned in the probe 6b by the first cleaning water pump 6l. Water L1 is supplied to clean the inner wall.

  The liquid level detector 6p detects the liquid level of the first reagent accommodated in the reagent container 2a. The liquid level detection unit 6p is based on a change in capacitance generated between the metal plate 2c disposed near the bottom of the reagent container 2a and the probe 6b by an oscillation signal generated by an oscillation circuit (not shown). The liquid level of the 1st reagent accommodated in the container 2a is detected.

  The pressure sensor 6i detects the pressure in the pipe 6c when the first reagent is aspirated from the probe 6b by moving the piston 6f backward by the pump drive unit 6g. The pressure sensor 6i outputs a pressure signal to the dispensing amount detection unit 6t.

  The dispensing amount detection unit 6t includes a determination unit 6u, a calculation unit 6v, and a correction unit 6w. The determination unit 6u determines whether normal liquid suction, that is, suction of a predetermined amount of the first reagent has been performed based on the pressure data output from the pressure sensor 6i.

FIG. 3 is an operation diagram of reagent dispensing when there is no bubble on the liquid surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure signal and time when the first reagent is aspirated in FIG. FIG. 5 is an operation diagram of reagent dispensing when bubbles are generated on the liquid surface. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the pressure signal and time during the first reagent aspiration in FIG. 4, 6, 7 and 8, the pressure signal of the vertical axis represents the absolute value (during suction pressure P ₁ is negative).

As shown in FIG. (3-1), if there is no bubble on the liquid surface _{h 1,} by lowering the probe 6b, when the probe 6b tip reaches the first reagent liquid level _{h 1,} the metal plate 2c and the probe 6b And the liquid level detection unit 6p transmits a liquid level detection signal to the control unit 15. After receiving the liquid level detection signal, the control unit 15 controls the probe driving unit 6d to insert a predetermined amount of the probe 6b into the first reagent and stop the descent. After the probe 6b is lowered by a predetermined amount, the probe 6b sucks a predetermined amount of the first reagent by driving the pump drive unit 6g (see FIG. 3-2).

As shown in FIG. 3, when the liquid level is normally detected and a predetermined amount of the first reagent is sucked, the relationship between pressure and time during suction is as shown in FIG. When the drive of the pump drive portion 6g from time t ₀ is started, the suction starts in the first reagent from the time t ₁ by the probe 6b, ends the suction at time t _2. Determination unit 6u measures suction time S ₁ at a predetermined pressure P _1, if the suction time S ₁ by comparing with the threshold S ₀ in the case of sucking the first predetermined amount of reagent in the same conditions is larger than the threshold value S ₀ It is determined that normal suction has been performed. The storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 1, the threshold S ₀ is stored for each suction amount.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. (5-1), if the bubbles are generated on the liquid surface _{h 1} is the drop in probe 6b, when the probe 6b tip reaches Awamen _{h 2,} the metal plate 2c and the probe 6b And the liquid level detection unit 6p transmits a liquid level detection signal to the control unit 15. When the bubble A1 is ruptured by contact with the probe 6b, a separation signal is issued because the capacitance is changed, but when the bubble A1 is not ruptured, the control unit 15 receives the liquid level detection signal, after lowering the predetermined amount (to the liquid surface h ₃₎ probes 6b by the driving of the probe drive unit 6d, to stop the descent. As described above, if the liquid level is erroneously detected by the bubble A1, the probe 6b cannot suck the predetermined amount of the first reagent by driving the pump drive unit 6g (see FIG. (5-2)).

Suction position h ₃ according to the size of the suction amount and bubble A1 of the first reagent is vertical, the surface tension of the bubble A1, suction position h _3, due to various factors such as the driving conditions of the pump drive unit 6 g, the liquid level misdetection The waveform of the pressure signal when the reagent is aspirated later changes. 6, 7 and 8 are examples of pressure waveforms. In any case of FIGS. 6 to 8, there are times a ₂ , a ₃ , and a ₄ during which the predetermined pressure P ₁ is not reached after the start of suction, that is, the bubbles A 1 are sucked, at the predetermined pressure P ₁ . The suction times S ₂ , S ₃ and S ₄ (S ₄ is 0) are smaller than the threshold value S ₀ . Determination unit 6u measures suction time _{S 2,} S 3, _{S 4} at a predetermined pressure _{P 1,} a first predetermined amount of reagent in comparison with the threshold value _{S 0} in the case of suction under the same conditions, less than the threshold _{S 0} In the case of, it is determined that bubbles are sucked. In FIG. _6, between t b -t _c, but also between t d -t ₂ has reached a predetermined pressure _{P 1,} it is possible determine whether a normal suction or not in comparison with _{S 2} and _{S 0} .

  When the determination unit 6u determines that normal liquid suction is not performed and the bubble is sucked by the determination unit 6u, the control unit 15 confirms the first reagent amount in the reagent container 2a and then moves the probe 6b to the reagent by the probe driving unit 6d. Control is performed by lowering the container 2a without raising it, again detecting the liquid level by the liquid level detector 6p, and dispensing the liquid. After the reagent is aspirated, the determination unit 6u determines whether or not the aspiration is normal. If it is determined that the aspiration is not normal, the probe 6b is lowered as it is without being lifted from the reagent container 2a, and the liquid level detection and aspiration are performed. By doing so, quick analysis becomes possible.

The calculation unit 6v measures the bubble suction time from the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor 6i, and calculates the amount of air sucked by the probe 6b from the bubble suction time. For example, if the pressure signal as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained, the calculation unit 6v is by adding the time which does not reach a predetermined pressure _{P 1 (t} b -t _a) the time _(t d -t _c), obtain a foam suction time _{a 2.} Foam suction time _{a 3} in the case of FIG. 7 is a time _(t 2 -t _e), the foam suction time _{a 4} in the case of FIG. 8 is a time _(t 2 -t _1). The calculation unit 6v calculates the amount of air sucked based on the bubble suction time.

  The correction unit 6w corrects the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g that reciprocates the piston 6f of the dispensing pump 6e based on the air amount calculated by the calculation unit 6v. As shown in FIG. 9, in the probe 6b, the pressure from the dispensing pump 6e is transmitted to the first reagent that is sucked and discharged via a predetermined slight air layer following the wash water L1 that is a pressure transmission medium. . This air layer is provided to prevent the cleaning water L1 and the first reagent from mixing. However, as shown in FIG. 10, if air is sucked during the first reagent suction due to liquid level detection due to bubbles, the air layer, which is a compressible medium, becomes excessive, the transmission pressure is buffered, and the discharge amount is precisely controlled. It becomes difficult. Therefore, the correction unit 6w corrects the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g based on the sucked air amount in order to discharge a predetermined amount of the first reagent. In the correction of the drive signal, the time is increased with the same pulse or the number of pulses is increased with the same time according to the air amount.

  Next, the dispensing process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the dispensing process according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 15 extracts from the storage unit 19 the dispensing amount information such as the type of reagent to be dispensed, the dispensing amount, and the size of the reagent container 2a that accommodates the reagent, Obtain (step S101). Subsequently, the control unit 15 drives the probe driving unit 6d to transport the probe 6b to the reagent aspirating position, and also transports the reagent container 2a to be dispensed by the driving means of the first reagent table 2 to the reagent aspirating position ( Step S102). After the probe 6b and the reagent container 2a are transported to the reagent suction position, a predetermined amount of air for preventing the mixing of the cleaning water L1 and the first reagent is sucked, and the probe driving unit 6d starts the lowering of the probe 6b. Detection is started (step S103). As the probe 6b is lowered, the probe 6b is lowered until the tip of the probe 6b comes into contact with the reagent liquid level (No in step S104), and the liquid level detection unit 6p changes the capacitance between the probe 6b and the metal plate 2c. When the liquid level is detected by (Step S104, Yes), the descent of the probe 6b is temporarily stopped (Step S105).

  The control unit 15 calculates the remaining amount of the reagent from the size of the reagent container 2a and the reagent liquid surface position acquired in Step S101, and checks whether the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensing amount (Step S106). If the remaining amount of the reagent is less than the dispensed amount (step S106, No), that effect is output by the output unit 17 to notify the user (step S117). When the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensing amount (step S106, Yes), the predetermined amount of the probe 6b is lowered (step S107), the piston 6f is moved backward by the pump drive unit 6g, and the predetermined amount from the probe 6b. One reagent is aspirated (step S108). The pressure sensor 6i measures the pressure change during reagent aspiration, and the determination unit 6u determines whether normal reagent aspiration has been performed based on the pressure data (step S109). When normal reagent suction is performed and the determination unit 6u determines that a predetermined amount of reagent has been sucked (step S109, Yes), the probe 6d is transported to the reagent discharge position by the probe 6d, and the reaction table 4 is driven. Transports the reaction container 5 for discharging the reagent to the reagent discharge position (step S110).

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 6u determines that normal reagent suction is not performed due to erroneous detection of the liquid level due to bubbles and a predetermined amount of reagent is not sucked (No in step S109), an output unit 17 indicating abnormal suction is output. To notify the user (step S118). Thereafter, the probe driving unit 6d lowers the probe 6b again to restart the liquid level detection (step S103). When the liquid level detection unit 6p detects the liquid level (step S104, Yes), the descent of the probe 6b is temporarily stopped (step S105), and it is confirmed again whether or not the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensing amount (step S105). S106). Aspirate the same amount of reagent after the second time. When the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or larger than the dispensing amount (step S106, Yes), the predetermined amount of the probe 6b is lowered (step S107), and the predetermined amount of the first reagent is aspirated from the probe 6b (step S108). The pressure sensor 6i measures a pressure change at the time of reagent re-aspiration, and the determination unit 6u determines whether normal reagent aspiration is performed based on the pressure data measured again (step S109). When normal reagent aspiration is performed and the determination unit 6u determines that a predetermined amount of reagent has been aspirated (step S109, Yes), the probe driving unit 6d transports the probe 6b to the reagent discharge position and The driving means transports the reaction container 5 for discharging the reagent to the reagent discharge position (step S110), and when the determination unit 6u determines that the predetermined amount of reagent is not sucked (No in step S109), the predetermined amount of reagent is sucked. Step S103 is repeated until it is done.

  After transporting the probe 6b to the reagent discharge position (step S110), the control unit 15 determines whether or not the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g needs to be corrected in order to discharge a predetermined amount of the first reagent to the reaction container 5. Confirm. When the first reagent is normally sucked, that is, when Step S103 to Step S109 are completed once (Step S111, Yes), the pump drive unit 6g drives the dispensing pump 6e with a predetermined drive signal. Then, a predetermined amount of the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 5 (step S112).

  On the other hand, when the first reagent is not normally sucked, that is, when Step S103 to Step S109 are repeated two or more times (Step S111, No), the calculation unit 6v calculates the amount of air sucked during the reagent suction. The correction unit 6w corrects the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g based on the air amount (step S120). The control unit 15 drives the pond drive unit 6g with the drive signal corrected by the correction unit 6w, and discharges a predetermined amount of the first reagent to the reaction container 5 (step S112). When step S103 to step S109 are repeated three or more times, the calculation unit 6v calculates the total amount of air sucked during a plurality of reagent aspirations.

  After discharging the first reagent into the reaction container 5 (step S112), the probe driving unit 6d transports the probe 6b to the cleaning tank 6r (step S113) and cleans the probe 6b. In order to perform cleaning under appropriate conditions, the control unit 15 checks whether or not the first reagent has been normally aspirated (step S114). When the first reagent is normally sucked, that is, when Steps S103 to S109 are completed once (Step S114, Yes), a predetermined amount of washing water L1 is sucked by the second washing water pump 6o. The pressure is fed to the cleaning tank 6r, and the probe driving unit 6d inserts a predetermined amount of the probe 6b into the cleaning tank 6r for cleaning (step S115). The insertion length of the probe 6b into the cleaning tank 6r is set to be 2 to 3 mm longer than the insertion length of the probe 6b from the reagent liquid surface during reagent aspiration.

On the other hand, when the first reagent is not normally sucked, that is, when Steps S103 to S109 are repeated two or more times (No at Step S114), the outer wall of the probe 6b is larger than that when the reagent is normally sucked. Since it is often dirty, the control unit 15 sets the cleaning conditions such as the insertion length of the probe 6b into the cleaning tank 6r, the cleaning time or the amount of cleaning water (step S121). For example, in consideration of the size of the bubble A1 (and l ₁ the size of the bubble A1), the insertion length of the cleaning tank 6r probes 6b, from the reagent liquid surface of the probe 6b at the reagent aspirating It is set longer than the insertion length by (2-3) + l ₁ mm. Moreover, since the washing | cleaning range becomes large, you may lengthen washing | cleaning time and may increase the amount of washing water. This cleaning condition may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 19. After setting the cleaning conditions (step S121), the probe 6b is cleaned under the cleaning conditions (step S115).

  After completion of cleaning (step S115), the control unit 15 confirms whether or not all dispensing has been completed (step S116), and if there is a target for the next dispensing (step S116, No), step S101. Repeat the reagent dispensing process. If there is no target for the next dispensing (step S116, Yes), the reagent dispensing process is terminated.

  The first reagent dispensing device 6 according to the first embodiment erroneously detects the liquid level due to the generation of bubbles, and even if the predetermined amount of the first reagent cannot be sucked and air is sucked, the liquid level error is detected. Since detection and air suction are discriminated afterwards, liquid level detection can be resumed quickly and reagent aspiration can be performed again, reducing the time required for analysis and improving analysis accuracy. Become.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, in order to minimize the contact between the probe 6b and the reagent or the sample at the time of dispensing, the maximum amplitude when the probe driving unit 6d stops descending the probe 6b is measured in advance. The contamination range of the probe 6b due to the contact is controlled so as to be within the contamination range due to the maximum amplitude, and the time and cost required for cleaning the probe 6b are further reduced.

  Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12, taking the first reagent dispensing device 6A as an example. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent dispensing device 6A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The first reagent dispensing device 6A is the same as the first reagent dispensing device 6 except that the control unit 15A includes a liquid level reduction calculating unit 21 except that the first reagent dispensing device 6 is different from the first reagent dispensing device 6 according to the first embodiment. Only the different points will be described below.

  The liquid level decrease calculation unit 21 calculates the reagent liquid level decrease due to the suction of the first reagent by the probe 6b based on the suction amount of the first reagent and the internal shape of the reagent container 2a. The suction amount of the first reagent and the internal shape of the reagent container 2a are stored in the storage unit 19, and the liquid level lowering calculation unit 21 acquires the suction amount of the reagent to be dispensed and the internal shape of the reagent container 2a from the storage unit 19. .

  The control unit 15A acquires the maximum amplitude when the probe 6b descends and stops by the probe driving unit 6d from the storage unit 19, the liquid level detection signal is transmitted by the liquid level detection unit 6p, and controls the probe driving unit 6d to control the probe 6b. Then, the probe 6b is controlled to descend into the first reagent by driving the probe 6d by the maximum amplitude. In Embodiment 2, when the vertical mechanism of the probe driving unit 6d uses a ball screw, the preload of the ball screw is adjusted so that the amplitude at the time of stop is minimized, and when the timing belt is used, Adjust the tension of the timing belt so that the amplitude when stopped is minimized.

  FIG. 13 is an operation diagram of the probe 6b during liquid level detection. As shown in FIG. (13-1), the probe drive unit 6d stops the descent of the probe 6b immediately after receiving the stop signal from the control unit 15A. (See FIG. 13-2), the probe 6b stops again while the vibration is attenuated. Accordingly, since the probe 6b is inserted into the first reagent by the amplitude l, the first reagent adheres to the outer wall portion at the tip of the probe 6b by the amplitude l. When the reagent is aspirated, the probe 6b is inserted into the reagent uniformly or according to the aspiration amount in order to aspirate reliably. In the second embodiment, the control unit 15A lowers the probe 6b in synchronization with the aspiration. Since the amount of insertion is controlled within the maximum amplitude, the contamination range of the probe 6b can be minimized, and further cleaning time and cleaning cost can be reduced.

  Similarly to the control unit 15 in the first embodiment, the control unit 15A restarts the liquid level detection by the liquid level detection unit 6p when the determination unit 6u determines that the bubble has been sucked, and the first reagent By controlling to dispense again, rapid analysis becomes possible.

  Next, the dispensing process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the dispensing process according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, the control unit 15A stores dispensing amount information such as the type of reagent to be dispensed, the aspiration amount, the size of the reagent container 2a containing the reagent, and the maximum amplitude of the probe driving unit 6d. Extracted and acquired from the unit 19 (step S201). Subsequently, the controller 15A transports the probe 6b to the reagent aspirating position by driving the probe driving unit 6d, and transports the reagent container 2a to be dispensed by the driving means of the first reagent table 2 to the reagent aspirating position ( Step S202). After the probe 6b and the reagent container 2a are transported to the reagent suction position, a predetermined amount of air for preventing the mixing of the cleaning water L1 and the first reagent is sucked, and the probe driving unit 6d starts the lowering of the probe 6b. Detection is started (step S203). As the probe 6b is lowered, the probe 6b is lowered until the tip of the probe 6b comes into contact with the reagent liquid level (No in step S204), and the liquid level detection unit 6p changes the capacitance between the probe 6b and the metal plate 2c. (Step S204, Yes), the descent of the probe 6b is temporarily stopped (Step S205).

  The control unit 15A calculates the remaining amount of the reagent from the size of the reagent container 2a and the reagent liquid surface position acquired in step S201, and checks whether the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensing amount (step S206). If the remaining amount of reagent is less than the dispensed amount (step S206, No), the output unit 17 outputs that fact and notifies the user (step S218). If the remaining amount of reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensed amount (step S206, Yes), the probe 6b with the maximum amplitude of the probe drive unit 6d acquired in step S201 is lowered (step S207). Subsequently, the liquid level lowering calculation unit 21 calculates the liquid level lowering due to the suction from the reagent suction amount and the size of the reagent container 2a acquired in step S201 (step S208), and the control unit 15A controls the pump driving unit 6g. The piston 6f is moved backward by this to suck the predetermined amount of the first reagent from the probe 6b, and the lowering of the probe 6b is controlled by driving the probe driving unit 6d so as to follow the liquid level drop due to the calculated suction (step S209). ). The pressure sensor 6i measures a pressure change during reagent aspiration, and the determination unit 6u determines whether normal reagent aspiration has been performed based on the pressure data (step S210). When normal reagent aspiration is performed and the determination unit 6u determines that a predetermined amount of reagent has been aspirated (step S210, Yes), the probe 6d is transported to the reagent discharge position by the probe 6d, and the reaction table 4 is driven. Transports the reaction container 5 for discharging the reagent to the reagent discharge position (step S211).

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 6u determines that normal reagent suction is not performed due to erroneous detection of the liquid level due to bubbles and a predetermined amount of reagent is not sucked (No in step S210), the output unit 17 indicates that abnormal suction is being performed. To notify the user (step S219). Thereafter, the probe driving unit 6d lowers the probe 6b again (step S203), and the liquid level detection is restarted (step S204). When the liquid level detector 6p detects the liquid level (step S204, Yes), the descent of the probe 6b is temporarily stopped (step S205), and it is confirmed again whether or not the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensed amount (step S205). S206). Aspirate the same amount of reagent after the second time. When the remaining amount of the reagent is equal to or greater than the dispensed amount (step S206, Yes), the probe 6b of the probe driving unit 6d is lowered by the maximum amplitude (step S207), and the control unit 15A sets the first predetermined amount from the probe 6b. While aspirating the reagent, the probe driving unit 6d controls the descent of the probe 6b so as to follow the liquid level drop due to the aspiration calculated in step S208 (step S209). The pressure sensor 6i measures a change in pressure when the reagent is re-aspirated, and the determination unit 6u determines whether normal reagent aspiration has been performed based on the pressure data measured again (step S210). When normal reagent aspiration is performed and the determination unit 6u determines that a predetermined amount of reagent has been aspirated (step S210, Yes), the probe driving unit 6d transports the probe 6b to the reagent discharge position and The drive means transports the reaction container 5 that discharges the reagent to the reagent discharge position (step S211), and when the determination unit 6u determines that the predetermined amount of reagent is not sucked (step S210, No), the predetermined amount of reagent is sucked. Step S203 is repeated until it is done.

  After transporting the probe 6b to the reagent discharge position (step S211), in order to discharge a predetermined amount of the first reagent to the reaction container 5, the control unit 15A needs to correct the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g. Confirm. When the first reagent is normally sucked, that is, when Step S203 to Step S210 are completed once (Step S212, Yes), the pump drive unit 6g drives the dispensing pump 6e with a predetermined drive signal. Then, a predetermined amount of the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 5 (step S213).

  On the other hand, when the first reagent is not normally sucked, that is, when Steps S203 to S210 are repeated two or more times (Step S212, No), the calculation unit 6v calculates the amount of air sucked during the reagent suction. The correction unit 6w corrects the drive signal of the pump drive unit 6g based on the air amount (step S221). The control unit 15A drives the pump drive unit 6g with the drive signal corrected by the correction unit 6w, and discharges a predetermined amount of the first reagent to the reaction container 5 (step S213). When step S203 to step S210 are repeated three or more times, the calculation unit 6v calculates the total amount of air sucked during a plurality of reagent aspirations.

  After discharging the first reagent into the reaction container 5 (step S213), the probe driving unit 6d transports the probe 6b to the cleaning tank 6r (step S214), and cleans the probe 6b. In order to perform cleaning under appropriate conditions, the control unit 15A checks whether or not the first reagent has been normally aspirated (step S215). When the first reagent is normally sucked, that is, when Steps S203 to S210 are completed once (Step S215, Yes), a predetermined amount of washing water L1 is sucked by the second washing water pump 6o. Then, the pressure is fed to the washing tank 6r, and the probe driving unit 6d inserts a predetermined amount of the probe 6b into the washing tank 6r for washing (step S216). The insertion length of the probe 6b into the cleaning tank 6r is set to be 2 to 3 mm longer than the insertion length of the probe 6b from the reagent liquid surface during reagent aspiration.

On the other hand, when the first reagent is not normally sucked, that is, when Step S203 to Step S210 are repeated twice or more (Step S215, No), the outer wall of the probe 6b is larger than that during normal reagent suction. Since it is often dirty, the control unit 15A sets the cleaning conditions such as the insertion length of the probe 6b into the cleaning tank 6r, the cleaning time, or the amount of cleaning water (step S222). For example, in consideration of the size of the bubble A1 (and l ₁ the size of the bubble A1), the insertion length of the cleaning tank 6r probes 6b, from the reagent liquid surface of the probe 6b at the reagent aspirating It is set longer than the insertion length by (2-3) + l ₁ mm. Moreover, since the washing | cleaning range becomes large, you may lengthen washing | cleaning time and may increase the amount of washing water. This cleaning condition may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 19. After setting the cleaning conditions (step S222), the probe 6b is cleaned under the cleaning conditions (step S216).

  After completion of the cleaning (step S216), the control unit 15A confirms whether or not all of the dispensing has been completed (step S217), and if there is a target for the next dispensing (step S217, No), step S201. Repeat the reagent dispensing process. If there is no next dispensing target (step S217, Yes), the reagent dispensing process is terminated.

  Even if the first reagent dispensing device 6A according to the second embodiment erroneously detects the liquid level due to the generation of bubbles and sucks air without sucking the predetermined amount of the first reagent, Since detection and air suction are discriminated afterwards, liquid level detection can be resumed quickly and reagent aspiration can be performed again, reducing the time required for analysis and improving analysis accuracy. Become. Furthermore, since the amount of insertion of the probe 6b into the first reagent can be controlled to be minimized, the washing time and washing cost can be further reduced.

  As described above, the dispensing device, the automatic analyzer, and the dispensing method according to the present invention are useful for analyzers that require high-speed and large-scale analysis processing, and that require higher analysis accuracy. Suitable for equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2, 3 1st and 2nd reagent table 2a, 3a Reagent container 2c Metal plate 4 Reaction table 4a Holding part 4b Optical path 5 Reaction container 6, 6A, 7 1st and 2nd reagent dispensing apparatus 6a, 7a , 20a Arm 6b, 7b, 20b Probe 6c, 6h, 6s Piping 6d Probe drive 6e Dispensing pump 6f Piston 6g Pump drive 6i Pressure sensor 6k, 6q Solenoid valve 6l First wash water pump 6m Deaerator 6n Washing water Tank 6o Second washing water pump 6p Liquid level detection unit 6r Washing tank 6t Dispensing amount detection unit 6u Determination unit 6v Calculation unit 6w Correction unit 8 Sample container transfer mechanism 9 Rack 9a Sample container 10a, 10b, 10c Reader 11 Analytical optics System 12 Cleaning mechanism 13, 14 First and second stirrer 15, 15A Control unit 16 Input unit 17 Output unit 18 Analysis Unit 19 Storage Unit 20 Sample Dispensing Device 21 Liquid Level Reduction Calculation Unit L1 Washing Water A1 Foam

Claims (13)

A change in capacitance between the probe for dispensing the liquid contained in the container and the container is detected, and the liquid is determined based on whether or not the lower end of the probe is in contact with the liquid surface of the liquid based on the detected signal. In a dispensing device that includes a liquid level detection mechanism for detecting a surface, and after the liquid level is detected by the liquid level detection mechanism, dispenses the liquid with the probe.
Pressure measuring means for measuring a pressure change at the time of liquid suction of the probe in a pipe connected to the probe;
Determination means for determining whether normal liquid suction has been performed based on the pressure data measured by the pressure measuring means;
When the determination unit determines that normal liquid suction is not performed, after confirming the amount of liquid in the container, the probe is further lowered to perform liquid level detection processing again, and the liquid is dispensed. Control means for controlling
A dispensing device comprising:   2. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continuously performs the liquid suction process by the probe until it is determined by the determination unit that normal liquid suction has been performed. Calculation means for calculating the amount of air sucked by the probe based on the pressure data measured by the pressure measurement means;
3. Dispensing according to claim 1, further comprising correction means for correcting a driving signal of the dispensing pump based on the air amount calculated by the calculating means in order to discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid. apparatus.   The output according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an output means for notifying that the dispensing is abnormal when the determining means determines that normal liquid suction is not performed. Note device. A storage means for storing a maximum amplitude when the probe driving means stops the probe, a suction amount of the liquid, and an internal shape of the container;
The control means includes
After the liquid level detection mechanism detects the liquid level and the probe is temporarily stopped, the maximum amplitude of the probe driving means is controlled to lower the probe into the liquid, and the liquid is sucked, Calculating a drop in liquid level due to suction of the liquid of the probe based on the suction amount of the liquid stored in the storage means and the internal shape of the container, and controlling the descent of the probe so as to follow the drop in liquid level The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein In an automatic analyzer that optically analyzes a reaction product between a sample and a reagent,
An automatic analyzer that dispenses a specimen or a reagent by the dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, further comprising a cleaning unit that cleans the inner and outer walls of the probe. A change in capacitance between the probe for dispensing the liquid contained in the container and the container is detected, and the liquid is determined based on whether or not the lower end of the probe is in contact with the liquid surface of the liquid based on the detected signal. In a dispensing method for dispensing the liquid after detecting the surface,
A first liquid level detection step of detecting the liquid level by lowering the probe into the container;
A first suction step for sucking the liquid after the first liquid level detection step;
A first pressure measuring step for measuring a pressure change in a pipe connected to the probe during the first suction step;
A first determination step of determining whether normal liquid suction has been performed based on the pressure data measured by the first pressure measurement step;
A second liquid level detection step of detecting the liquid level again by further lowering the probe after confirming the amount of liquid in the container when the first determination step determines that normal liquid suction is not performed; ,
A second suction step for sucking the liquid again after the second liquid level detection step;
A dispensing method characterized by comprising: A second pressure measuring step for measuring a pressure change during re-suction of the liquid by the probe during the second suction step;
A second determination step of determining whether or not normal liquid suction has been performed based on the pressure data measured by the second pressure measurement step;
The second liquid level detection step, the second suction step, the second pressure measurement step, and the second determination step are continuously performed until it is determined in the second determination step that normal liquid suction has been performed. The dispensing method according to claim 8. A calculation step of calculating the amount of air sucked by the probe based on the pressure data measured in the first pressure measurement step and the second pressure measurement step;
A correction step of correcting the drive signal of the dispensing pump based on the air amount calculated in the calculation step in order to discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid;
The dispensing method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by comprising:   11. An output step for notifying that abnormal dispensing is performed when it is determined that normal liquid suction is not performed in the first determination step and the second determination step. The dispensing method according to any one of the above. An extraction step for extracting the maximum amplitude when the probe driving means stops the probe, the suction amount of the liquid, and the internal shape of the container;
After the first liquid level detecting step and the second liquid level detecting step, a probe lowering step for lowering the probe into the liquid by the maximum amplitude of the probe driving means;
A liquid level drop calculating step for calculating a liquid level drop due to the liquid suction of the probe based on the suction amount of the liquid extracted in the extraction step and the internal shape of the container, and
12. The first suction step and the second suction step lower the probe so as to follow the suction of the liquid based on the liquid level decrease calculated in the liquid level decrease calculation step. The dispensing method according to any one of the above. A discharge step of discharging the liquid into the reaction vessel by the probe;
Cleaning the inner and outer walls of the probe, and
The dispensing method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the washing step, washing is performed by changing a washing water amount or a washing time according to an insertion amount of the probe into the liquid. .

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