JP2015087185A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the cost for a photometric system.SOLUTION: A reaction disk 11 holds plural reaction tubes 31 in a rotatable manner. A mechanism drive unit 61 drives the reaction disk 11 to rotate so that each of the plural reaction tubes 31 passes a photometry position PP in order. The light source 251 has plural LED lamps 83 each has an emission wavelength different from each other. An optical detection section 253 detects a beam of light which is generated by the light source 251 and transmits a reaction tube 31 as the measurement target that has passed through the photometry position PP. An analysis control section 59 controls only an LED lamp 83 in the plural LED lamps 83, which corresponds to the emission wavelength for measurement item of a sample in the reaction tubes 31 to be measured, to turn ON when the reaction tube 31 as the measurement target passes through the photometry position PP.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  Absorption analysis is performed in the automatic analyzer. A halogen lamp is typically used as a light source for absorption analysis. Halogen lamps have problems such as a long stabilization time after turning on the power, heat dissipation for stable light emission and spectrum, high power consumption, and periodic replacement. Further, in the case of a system in which white light is spatially separated into a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths by a diffraction grating and the separated light beams are detected by a photodetector, a high-performance optical system is required.

JP-A-8-122247 JP-A-8-201172 JP 11-295219 A JP 2009-186461 A JP 2010-106119 A

  An object of the embodiment is to provide an automatic analyzer that can realize cost reduction of a photometric system.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes a reaction tube holding mechanism that holds a plurality of reaction tubes movably, and a drive that rotates the reaction tube holding mechanism so that the plurality of reaction tubes sequentially pass through a photometric position. , A light source unit having a plurality of LED lamps having different emission wavelengths, a light detection unit that detects light that is generated from the light source unit and passes through the reaction tube of the photometric object that has passed through the photometric position, and the photometric object When the reaction tube passes through the photometric position, the control unit turns on only the LED lamp corresponding to the emission wavelength for the measurement item of the sample in the reaction tube to be measured among the plurality of LED lamps. And.

The figure which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the functional block which concerns on the photometry system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the wavelength table memorize | stored by the wavelength table memory | storage part of FIG. The figure which shows typically the detailed structure of the photometry mechanism of FIG. The figure which shows the typical external appearance of the rotary paraboloid type light source part which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a rotation center including a rotation axis of the light source unit of FIG. The figure which shows typically the structure of the LED lamp which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the some LED lamp in the support surface body of the light source part of FIG. The figure which shows the typical external appearance of the parabolic columnar mirror type light source part which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view crossing the long axis of the light source unit shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the some LED lamp in the support surface body of the light source part of FIG. The figure which shows the typical external appearance of the other light source part of the parabolic columnar mirror type | mold which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the long axis of the light source unit in FIG. 12A. The figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the several LED lamp in the support surface body of the light source part of FIG. 12A. The figure which shows the detail of the wavelength table memorize | stored in the wavelength table memory | storage part of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the free spectrum area | region and superimposition area | region which concern on this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the lighting time table about the measurement item A and the measurement item B of FIG. The figure which shows the course of light when the LED lamp of wavelength (lambda) 11 which belongs to a free spectrum area | region, and the LED lamp of wavelength (lambda) 21 which belongs to a superimposition area | region light simultaneously. The figure which shows the light course when the 2nd order diffracted light of wavelength (lambda) 11 which belongs to a free spectrum area | region, and the 1st order diffracted light of wavelength (lambda) 21 which belongs to a superimposition area light at different time. The figure which shows the course of the light of the light ray of wavelength (lambda) 15 and the light ray of wavelength (lambda) 16 adjacent in wavelength. Simultaneously incident LED lamps of wavelength λ15 and LED lamps of wavelength λ17 that are separated in number of wavelengths are lit at the same time, and LED lamps of wavelength λ16 and λ18 are lit at the same time. The figure which shows a course. The figure which shows typically the structure of the LED lamp which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the analysis mechanism of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a reaction disk 11, a sample disk 13, a first reagent container 15, a second reagent container 17, a sample arm 19-1, a sample probe 21-1, and a first disk are provided in the casing of the automatic analyzer. Analysis mechanisms such as a reagent arm 19-2, a first reagent probe 21-2, a second reagent arm 19-3, a second reagent probe 21-3, a stirring mechanism 23, a photometric mechanism 25, and a cleaning mechanism 27 are mounted. Yes.

  The reaction disk 11 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 31 arranged in an annular shape. The reaction disk 11 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals. The reaction tube 31 is made of, for example, glass. The sample disk 13 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 11. The sample disk 13 holds a sample container 33 in which a sample is stored. The sample disk 13 rotates so that the sample container 33 containing the sample to be dispensed is arranged at the sample inhaling position. The sample container 33 has a label on which sample identification information is written. As sample identification information, a patient number and a measurement item are included, for example. The first reagent storage 15 holds a plurality of first reagent bottles 35 in which a first reagent that selectively reacts with a measurement item of a specimen is accommodated. The 1st reagent storage 15 rotates so that the 1st reagent bottle 35 in which the 1st reagent of dispensing object was stored may be arranged in the 1st reagent inhalation position. The second reagent storage 17 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 11. The second reagent store 17 holds a plurality of second reagent bottles 37 in which a second reagent corresponding to the first reagent is accommodated. The 2nd reagent storage 17 rotates so that the 2nd reagent bottle 37 in which the 2nd reagent of dispensing object was stored may be arranged in the 2nd reagent inhalation position.

  A sample arm 19-1 is disposed between the reaction disk 11 and the sample disk 13. A sample probe 21-1 is attached to the tip of the sample arm 19-1. The sample arm 19-1 supports the sample probe 21-1 so as to be movable up and down. The sample arm 19-1 supports the sample probe 21-1 so as to be rotatable along an arcuate rotation locus. The rotation trajectory of the sample probe 21-1 passes through the sample suction position on the sample disk 13 and the sample discharge position on the reaction disk 11. The sample probe 21-1 inhales the specimen from the specimen container 33 disposed at the specimen inhalation position on the sample disk 13 and ejects the specimen to the reaction tube 31 disposed at the specimen ejection position on the reaction disk 11. .

  A first reagent arm 19-2 is arranged in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction disk 11. A first reagent probe 21-2 is attached to the tip of the first reagent arm 19-2. The first reagent arm 19-2 supports the first reagent probe 21-2 so as to be movable up and down. The first reagent arm 19-2 supports the first reagent probe 21-2 so as to be rotatable along an arcuate rotation locus. The rotation locus of the first reagent probe 21-2 passes through the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 15 and the first reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 11. The first reagent probe 21-2 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent bottle 35 arranged at the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 15, and puts it in the first reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 11. The first reagent is discharged into the arranged reaction tube 31.

  A second reagent arm 19-3 is arranged in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction disk 11. A second reagent probe 21-3 is attached to the tip of the second reagent arm 19-3. The second reagent arm 19-3 supports the second reagent probe 21-3 so as to be movable up and down. The second reagent arm 19-3 supports the second reagent probe 21-3 so as to be rotatable along an arcuate rotation locus. The turning locus of the second reagent probe 21-3 passes through the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 17 and the second reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 11. The second reagent probe 21-3 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent bottle 37 arranged at the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 17 and puts it on the second reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 11. The second reagent is discharged into the arranged reaction tube 31.

  A stirring mechanism 23 is disposed near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 11. The stirring mechanism 23 is equipped with a stirring bar 23s. The stirring mechanism 23 supports the stirring bar 23s so as to be movable up and down. The stirring mechanism 23 is a mixture of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction tube 31 disposed at the stirring position on the reaction disk 11 or a mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent by the stirring bar 23s. Stir. Hereinafter, these mixed solutions are referred to as reaction solutions.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a photometric mechanism 25 is provided in the vicinity of the reaction disk inside the housing. Specifically, the photometric mechanism 25 has a light source unit and a light detection unit. The light source unit emits light toward the photometric position in the reaction disk 11. A plurality of light emission diodes (LEDs) are used in the light source unit. The light detection unit detects light irradiated from the light source unit and transmitted through the reaction tube 31 and the reaction solution. The light detection unit generates an output signal having an output value corresponding to the detected light intensity. The output signal is used for calculation of absorbance, measurement values of measurement items, and the like. Details of the light source unit will be described later.

  A cleaning mechanism 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the reaction disk 11. The cleaning mechanism 27 is equipped with a cleaning nozzle and a drying nozzle. The cleaning mechanism 27 cleans the reaction tube 31 at the cleaning position of the reaction disk 11 with a cleaning nozzle and dries it with a drying nozzle.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment employs an LED as a light source and devise a photometric system to realize cost reduction. Hereinafter, the photometric system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks related to the photometric system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment has a system reading unit 53, a wavelength table storage unit 55, an emission wavelength determining unit 57, an analysis mechanism control unit 59, a mechanism drive, with a system control unit 51 as a center. Section 61, light source switching section 63, signal processing section 65, data processing section 67, display 69 section, input section 71, and main storage section 73.

  The label reading unit 53 reads sample identification information indicated by a label attached to the sample container. Specifically, the specimen identification information encoded in a code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed on the label. The label reading unit 53 optically reads the code of the label attached to the sample container 33 by a reader that reads the code, and decodes the read code into sample identification information. The reader is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the sample inhaling position in the sample disk 13. The sample identification information includes the measurement items of the sample stored in the sample container 33 arranged at the sample inhaling position.

  The wavelength table storage unit 55 stores a look-up table (LUT) in which an emission wavelength identifier (hereinafter referred to as a wavelength identifier) is associated with each of a plurality of measurement items. Hereinafter, the LUT that associates the measurement item with the wavelength identifier is referred to as a wavelength table. Note that the above association is not limited to being defined in the LUT, but may be defined in the database.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wavelength table. As shown in FIG. 3, the wavelength table associates a wavelength identifier with each of a plurality of measurement items. Each measurement item has a wavelength of light necessary for the measurement item. The emission wavelength indicates the wavelength of light generated by an LED lamp described later. For example, the wavelength identifier of the emission wavelength λA is associated with the measurement item A, the wavelength identifier of the emission wavelength λB is associated with the measurement item B, and the wavelength identifier of the emission wavelength λC is associated with the measurement item C. A single wavelength may be defined as the emission wavelength, or a wavelength band may be defined. The wavelength table is used by the emission wavelength determining unit 57.

  The light emission wavelength determining unit 57 determines the light emission wavelength using the wavelength table for the measurement item to be measured. More specifically, the emission wavelength determining unit 57 applies the wavelength table to the measurement item read by the label reading unit 53, specifies the wavelength identifier associated with the measurement item, and corresponds to the specified wavelength identifier. Determine the emission wavelength. Note that the target for determining the emission wavelength is not limited to the measurement item read by the label reading unit 53. For example, the emission wavelength determination unit 57 may determine the emission wavelength for the measurement item input via the input unit 71 by the operator.

  The analysis mechanism control unit 59 synchronously controls a plurality of analysis mechanisms mounted on the automatic analyzer. Examples of the analysis mechanism relating to the photometric system of the present embodiment include the reaction disk 11 and the photometric mechanism 25. The reaction disk 11 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 31 around the rotation center axis. The reaction disk 11 has a mechanism driving unit 61 such as a motor. The mechanism drive unit 61 rotates the reaction disk 11 in accordance with a drive signal from the analysis mechanism control unit 59. As the reaction disk 11 rotates, the plurality of reaction tubes 31 sequentially pass through a predetermined position (photometric position) in the photometric system. The photometric mechanism 25 includes a light source unit 251 and a light detection unit 253. The light source unit 251 includes a plurality of LED lamps having different emission wavelengths. The light source switching unit 63 individually switches light emission and extinction of the plurality of LED lamps included in the light source unit 251 at the timing according to the control from the analysis mechanism control unit 59. The light detection unit 253 detects light that is generated from the light source unit 251 and passes through the photometry target reaction tube that has passed through the photometry position, and generates an output signal corresponding to the detected light intensity. The light detection unit 253 is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional light detector. The generated output signal is supplied to the signal processing unit 65. The signal processing unit 65 reads the detection signal from the light detection unit 253, performs A / D conversion on the output signal from the light detection unit 253, and converts the output signal into digital data. Hereinafter, digital data will be referred to as photometric data. The photometric data is supplied to the data analysis unit 67. The data analysis unit 67 calculates the absorbance based on the photometric data from the signal processing unit 65, and calculates the item value related to the measurement item based on the absorbance.

  The analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the mechanism drive unit 61 and the light source switching unit 63 synchronously, and turns on and off the plurality of LED lamps in synchronization with the transport timing to the photometry position of the reaction tube 31 to be photometric. Switch individually. Specifically, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the mechanism driving unit 61 to rotate the reaction disk 11 intermittently so that the plurality of reaction tubes 31 sequentially pass through the photometric positions. The analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the light source switching unit 63 while the reaction disk 11 is rotating. When the reaction tube 31 to be measured passes through the photometric position, the reaction tube 31 to be measured among the plurality of LED lamps. Only the LED lamp corresponding to the emission wavelength for the measurement item of the sample contained in the sample is lit.

  The display unit 69 displays various information on the display device. For example, the display unit 69 displays a wavelength table setting screen or displays absorbance, item values, and the like. Examples of the display device include display devices such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a plasma display.

  The input unit 71 receives various commands and information input from an operator via an input device. As the input device, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a switch button, or an input device such as a keyboard can be used as appropriate.

  The main storage unit 73 is a storage device that stores various information. For example, the main storage unit 73 stores various setting parameters, an operation program for the automatic analyzer, and the like.

  The system control unit 51 functions as the center of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. The system control unit 51 reads an operation program from the main storage unit 73 and controls each unit according to the read operation program.

  Next, details of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a detailed photometric mechanism 25 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the photometric mechanism 25 has a light source unit 251. The light source unit 251 includes a plurality of LED lamps having different emission wavelengths. The reaction disk 11 is supplied with a drive signal from the analysis mechanism control unit 59, and sequentially passes the plurality of reaction tubes 31 to a predetermined position (photometry position) PP in the photometry system. A slit 255 and a lens 257 are provided in the optical path between the light source unit 251 and the photometric position PP. The slit 255 limits the amount of light from the light source unit 251. The lens 257 collects the light from the slit 255. The light collected by the lens 257 passes through the reaction liquid in the reaction tube 31 and the reaction agent 31.

  The light transmitted through the reaction tube 31 and the reaction solution at the photometric position PP is received by the photodetector 253 through the lens 259, the slit 261, and the diffraction grating 263. The lens 259 collects the light transmitted through the reaction tube 31 and the reaction liquid in the reaction tube 31. The slit 261 limits the amount of light collected by the lens 259. The diffraction grating 263 is an optical device that splits the light from the slit 261. The diffraction grating 263 is constituted by, for example, a concave mirror having a plurality of grooves (grating lines) formed at equal intervals on the mirror surface. The light applied to the diffraction grating 263 is spatially dispersed by the grating lines formed on the diffraction grating 263. The light detection unit 253 receives the light separated by the diffraction grating 263 and generates an output signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. The light detection unit 220 includes, for example, a plurality of light receiving elements that are arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally along the optical path of light from the diffraction grating 263. Each light receiving element receives a light beam belonging to a wavelength band corresponding to its spatial arrangement position, and generates an analog electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light beam. For example, the light receiving element is realized by a photodiode.

  Next, a specific structure of the light source unit 251 according to the present embodiment will be described. As a light source used in the photometric system of the automatic analyzer, it is possible to emit light of the types of wavelengths necessary for measurement of all measurement items (for example, 16 types), a sufficient illuminance, a point light source or A linear light source is required. The light source unit 251 according to the present embodiment has a parabolic columnar mirror type, a rotating parabolic mirror type, and a combination thereof. The parabolic prism mirror type light source unit forms a line light source, and the rotary parabolic mirror type light source unit forms a point light source.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of a rotary parabolic mirror type light source unit 251A. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation center including the rotation axis RA of the light source unit 251A. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the parabolic columnar mirror type light source unit 251 </ b> A has a substantially circular support surface body 81 </ b> A. The support surface body 81 is a structure having light shielding properties. A circular opening Ap <b> 1 is formed in the support surface body 81. The opening Ap <b> 1 is formed substantially at the center of the support surface body 81. A plurality of LED lamps 83 corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are attached to one surface of the support surface body 81A. A rotary parabolic mirror 85 is attached to the support surface body 81A. The support surface body 81A and the parabolic columnar mirror 85A are arranged such that the optical axis Rl, which is the central axis of the directional light beam emitted from each LED lamp 83, forms a point-like focal point Pf at the opening Ap1 of the support surface body 81. Positioned. Thereby, the rotary parabolic mirror type light source unit 251A functions as a point light source.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the LED lamp 83. As shown in FIG. 7, the LED lamp 83 includes an LED 831, a phosphor 833, and a condensing photometry system 835. The LED 831 generates light having a wavelength having energy capable of exciting the phosphor 833. The phosphor 833 is excited by the excitation light generated from the LED 831 and generates fluorescence having an emission wavelength corresponding to the substance of the phosphor 833. The LED lamp 83 is provided with one phosphor 833 capable of generating fluorescence having a specific light emission wavelength among the 16 types of light emission wavelengths for photometry. The condensing photometry system 835 condenses the fluorescence generated from the phosphor 833. The fluorescence condensed by the condensing photometry system 835 is emitted to the outside with directivity.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the plurality of LED lamps 83 on the support surface body 81A of the rotary parabolic mirror type light source unit 251A. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of LED lamps 83 respectively corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are provided on the support surface of the support surface body 81A except for the opening Ap1. Numbers 1 to 16 shown in FIG. 8 indicate one of the 16 wavelengths. As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of LED lamps 83 are arranged so that LED lamps 83 having 16 types of emission wavelengths are arranged at substantially the same distance from the opening Ap1. Moreover, it is preferable that the LED lamps 83 having 16 types of light emission wavelengths are dispersed and arranged on the support surface 81A so that the LED lamps 83 having the same light emission wavelength are not spatially localized.

  Here, the effect of arranging the LED lamps 83 having different emission wavelengths so as not to be spatially localized will be described. For example, in FIG. 6, consider a case where an LED lamp with a wavelength A is localized and arranged on the left half with respect to the opening Ap1 of the support surface 81A, and an LED lamp with another wavelength B is arranged on the right half. In this case, the emission direction of the wavelength A is localized on the right side with respect to the axis RA, and the emission direction of the wavelength B is localized on the left side with respect to the axis RA. In the case of such an arrangement, in the optical system shown in FIG. 4, for example, light of wavelength A of optical system 257 passes through the upper optical path (optical path A), and light of wavelength B passes through the lower optical path (optical path B). It is equivalent to passing. Both are focused in the reaction tube 31, that is, the optical system is designed so as to pass through the same point, but in the reaction tube 31 slightly away from the focus, the optical path A and the optical path B are slightly different. Pass through a distant part. Stirring is performed so that the reaction liquid in the reaction tube 31 is uniform in the reaction tube. In such a case, the optical path A of the wavelength A and the optical path B of the wavelength B pass through different parts of the reaction liquid. There is no problem. However, when stirring is not sufficient, the difference in the light absorption characteristics of the reaction liquid with respect to the wavelength A and the wavelength B includes not only the difference in wavelength but also the non-uniformity of the reaction liquid. In order to avoid such inconvenience, it is desirable that the light of wavelength A and the light of wavelength B pass through substantially the same optical path. For this reason, the LED lamps 83 having the same emission wavelength are preferably arranged so as not to be spatially localized.

  Next, the structure of the parabolic prismatic light source unit 251B will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of a parabolic prism mirror type light source unit 251B. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view intersecting the long axis RB of the light source unit 251B shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the light source unit 251 </ b> B has a support surface body 81 </ b> B having a rectangular shape. A rectangular opening (slit) Ap2 is formed in the support surface body 81B. The opening Ap2 is formed at approximately the center in the short axis RC direction of the support surface body 81B. A plurality of LED lamps 83 corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are attached to one surface of the support surface body 81B. A parabolic columnar mirror 85B is attached to the support surface body 81B. The support surface body 81B and the parabolic columnar mirror 85B are positioned so that the optical axis Rl from each LED lamp 83 forms a linear focal point Pf in the opening Ap2. Thereby, the parabolic prism mirror type light source unit 251B functions as a linear light source.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the plurality of LED lamps 83 on the support surface body 81B of the parabolic columnar light source unit 251B. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of LED lamps 83 respectively corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are provided on the support surface of the support surface body 81B except for the opening Ap2. As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of LED lamps 81 are arranged such that LED lamps 83 having 16 types of light emission wavelengths are arranged at substantially the same distance from the opening Ap2. Further, it is preferable that the LED lamps 83 having 16 types of light emission wavelengths are dispersed and arranged on the support surface 81B so that the LED lamps 83 having the same light emission wavelength are not spatially localized.

  Next, the structure of a light source unit 251C of a type combining a parabolic columnar mirror and a rotating parabolic mirror will be described. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a schematic appearance of the light source unit 251C. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the light source unit 251C as viewed from the side, and shows an optical path of light on the optical axis emitted from the LED. The light source unit 251 </ b> C has a shape in which a parabolic mirror is connected to both ends of a parabolic columnar mirror by dividing the parabolic mirror into halves on a plane including a rotation axis. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the plurality of LED lamps 83 on the support surface body 81C of FIG. 12A. As shown in FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, and FIG. 13, the light source unit 251C has a support surface body 81C having a rectangular shape and a semicircular shape at both ends thereof. A rectangular opening (slit) Ap3 is formed in the support surface body 81C. The opening Ap3 is formed in the approximate center of the support surface 81C in the short axis RC direction. Further, the opening Ap3 is formed in the support surface body 81C portion corresponding to the position of the parabolic columnar mirror in the major axis direction of the support surface body 81C. A plurality of LED lamps 83 corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are attached to one side of the support surface body 81C. A mirror 85C in which a parabolic column surface and rotating paraboloids are combined is attached to the support surface body 81C. The support surface 81C and the parabolic columnar mirror 85C are positioned so that the optical axis Rl from each LED lamp 83 forms a linear focal point Pf at the opening Ap3. Accordingly, the light source unit 251C functions as a line light source. Thereby, the illuminance of light emitted from the opening Ap3 can be increased.

  Next, lighting control of the light source unit 251 performed under the control of the analysis mechanism control unit 59 will be described. Schematically, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 first uses the light emission wavelength determined by the light emission wavelength determination unit 57 to define a timing table (the time table for specifying the lighting timing of the LED lamp 83 for each measurement item to be measured). Hereinafter, it is referred to as a lighting time table). The lighting time table is a table in which the light emission time and the light-off time are recorded in time series for each of the plurality of LED lamps 83. Then, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the light source switching unit 63 according to the created lighting time table, and measures each sample accommodated in each reaction tube 31 when each of the plurality of reaction tubes 31 passes the photometric position. Only the LED lamp 83 corresponding to the emission wavelength for the item is made to emit light.

  First, the details of the wavelength table stored in the wavelength table storage unit 55 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing details of the wavelength table stored in the wavelength table storage unit 55. As shown in FIG. 14, a wavelength identifier is associated with each measurement item. In general, for measurement of measurement items, in addition to light having a wavelength that directly contributes to measurement (hereinafter referred to as measurement wavelength), a wavelength used for removing instability of the measurement system (hereinafter referred to as reference wavelength) Light) is used. The light beam having the measurement wavelength is attenuated by the influence of the reagent contained in the test solution. Light having a reference wavelength passes through the specimen without being affected by the reagent. Each of the measurement wavelength and the reference wavelength is divided into a free spectral range and a superimposed region. The free spectral region is a short wavelength band, and the overlapping region is a long wavelength band. For example, the measurement wavelengths of the measurement items are λ11, λ12, λ21, and λ22. Of these, the wavelengths belonging to the free spectral region are λ11 and λ12, and the wavelengths belonging to the overlapping region are λ21 and λ22. The measurement wavelengths of the reference items are λ13, λ14, λ23, and λ24. Of these, the wavelengths belonging to the free spectral region are λ13 and λ14, and the wavelengths belonging to the overlapping region are λ23 and λ24. Note that λ1m indicates an emission wavelength belonging to the free spectral region, and λ2m indicates an emission wavelength belonging to the overlapping region. That is, n in λnm represents the order of diffracted light.

  Here, the free spectrum region and the overlapping region will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a free spectral region and a superimposed region of diffracted light by a diffraction grating. When light in a wide wavelength band is incident on the diffraction grating, there is a wavelength at which the traveling directions of adjacent orders of diffracted light partially overlap. The wavelength band that does not overlap is called the free spectral region of the diffraction grating. The overlapping wavelength band is referred to as the overlapping region. When light of wavelengths λ1 to λ2 is used as m-th order diffracted light, spectrum superposition can be prevented if the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied. Note that first-order diffracted light is used for photometry.

λ1−λ2 = λ / m λ1 <λ2 (1)
For example, when the zero-order diffracted light includes a wavelength on the long wavelength band side from 350 nm, in the first-order diffracted light and the second-order diffracted light, the wavelength band from 350 nm to 700 nm can be split without overlapping the spectrum. This wavelength band from 350 nm to 700 nm is the free spectral region. When the zero-order diffracted light includes a wavelength band from 350 nm to 800 nm, the second-order diffracted light in the wavelength band from 350 nm to 400 nm is superimposed in the wavelength band from 700 nm to 800 nm. That is, the longer wavelength band than the free spectral region is a superposed region, and in this wavelength region, it is necessary to remove spectra other than the order. In the above example, it is necessary to remove the second-order diffracted light in the wavelength band from 350 nm to 400 nm.

  Λ11, λ12, λ21, and λ22 shown as the measurement wavelengths of the measurement item A in FIG. 14 are the wavelengths in the free spectral region, and λ21 and λ22 overlap the second-order diffracted light in λ11 and λ12, that is, overlap An example of the wavelength of the region is shown. The same applies to the measurement item B and the measurement item C in FIG. 14, and similar examples are shown for the reference wavelengths of the measurement item A, the measurement item B, and the measurement item C.

  Conventionally, by arranging a color filter in front of the photodetector, the light belonging to the region where the long-wavelength light of the short-wavelength light is superimposed on the first-order diffracted light is removed. In the case of the above example, the second-order diffracted light belonging to the wavelength band from 350 nm to 400 nm is removed. However, by arranging the color filter, light belonging to the wavelength band from 700 nm to 800 nm, which is a measurement target, is also attenuated, and the S / N ratio is deteriorated. In the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the second-order diffracted light from being superimposed on the first-order diffracted light without using a color filter by lighting control described later.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting time table for the measurement item A and the measurement item B in FIG. Note that the reaction tube A in FIG. 16 corresponds to the measurement item A, and the reaction tube B corresponds to the measurement item B. Further, it is assumed that the reaction tube B passes through the photometric position after the reaction tube A. The group Gr1 is a group of wavelengths belonging to the free spectrum region, and the group Gr2 is a group of wavelengths belonging to the superposition region. The analysis mechanism control unit 59 determines the lighting timing and extinguishing timing of the LED lamp of each emission wavelength for each reaction tube according to the lighting timing determination rule. Specifically, the following four rules can be cited as decision rules.

  Condition 1. Light is irradiated only during the period when the reaction tube 31 passes the photometric position. In other words, the LED lamp 83 is lit only during the period when the reaction tube 31 passes the photometric position. By turning on the LED lamp 83 only during the passage period of the photometry position of the reaction tube 31, it is possible to reduce the power consumption related to the lighting of the LED lamp 83.

  Condition 2. The LED lamp 83 having the emission wavelength belonging to the free spectrum region and the LED lamp 83 having the emission wavelength belonging to the overlapping region are lit at different times. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the LED lamp 83 having the wavelength λ11 belonging to the free spectral region and the LED lamp 83 having the wavelength λ21 belonging to the overlapping region are simultaneously turned on, the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ11 is first-order diffracted by the wavelength λ21. It will be mixed in the light. In this case, the detection result of the first-order diffracted light with the wavelength λ21 includes noise caused by the second-order diffracted light with the wavelength λ11. As described above, by using the color filter, it is possible to prevent the first-order diffracted light and the second-order diffracted light from being superimposed, but the S / N ratio is deteriorated due to the arrangement of the color filter. Therefore, the above two conditions are imposed. When this condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 18, the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ11 belonging to the free spectral region and the first-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ21 belonging to the overlapping region reach the photodetector 253 at different times. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the superposition of the second-order diffracted light belonging to the free spectral region and the first-order diffracted light belonging to the superposed region without using a color filter. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the LED lamp corresponding to the wavelength λ11 and the LED lamp corresponding to the wavelength λ21 are lit at different times.

  Condition 3. The LED lamp of the measurement wavelength and the LED lamp of the reference wavelength corresponding to the measurement wavelength are turned on at the same time. For example, the wavelength λ11 is the measurement wavelength, and the wavelength λ13 is the reference wavelength. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the LED lamp corresponding to the wavelength λ11 and the LED lamp corresponding to the wavelength λ13 are lit at the same time.

  Condition 4. The LED lamps having two emission wavelengths adjacent in wavelength number are lit at different times. In other words, the plurality of LED lamps that are turned on at the same time generate light having a plurality of emission wavelengths that are separated in number of wavelengths. For example, the wavelength λ15 and the wavelength λ16 are adjacent in terms of the number of wavelengths, and the wavelength λ15 and the wavelength λ17 are separated in terms of the number of wavelengths. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the first-order diffracted light of wavelength λ15 and the first-order diffracted light of wavelength λ16 that are adjacent in terms of the number of wavelengths pass through spatially adjacent optical paths and reach the photodetector. Therefore, when the LED lamp having the wavelength λ15 and the LED lamp having the wavelength λ16 that are adjacent in terms of the number of wavelengths are turned on at the same time, the first-order diffracted lights of the two wavelengths are spatially adjacent to each other in the photodetector. Since the light has a spatial spread, two wavelengths may be superimposed on the photodetector. In order to prevent such problems due to adjacent light beams of two wavelengths in terms of the number of wavelengths, it is necessary to increase the distance between the diffraction grating and the photodetector and to increase the wavelength resolution of the diffraction grating. It is necessary to improve or use detector elements with high spatial resolution. However, if the distance between the diffraction grating and the photodetector is increased, the scale of the photometric system is increased. Further, in order to improve the wavelength resolution of the diffraction grating, it is necessary to increase the total number of grooves formed in the diffraction grating, which increases the manufacturing cost of the diffraction grating. Furthermore, the cost increases when a detection element with a high spatial resolution is used. Therefore, the above four conditions are imposed in this embodiment. When this condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 20, the LED lamp with the wavelength λ15 and the LED lamp with the wavelength λ17 that are simultaneously incident are turned on at the same time, and the LED lamp with the wavelength λ16 and the wavelength λ18 LED lamps are lit at the same time. In this case, for example, the first-order diffracted light of wavelength λ15 and the first-order diffracted light of wavelength λ17 are incident on spatially separated regions in the photodetector 253. Therefore, without increasing or decreasing the distance between the diffraction grating 263 and the photodetector 253, improving the wavelength resolution of the diffraction grating, or using a detection element with high spatial resolution. The problem due to the adjacent in the photodetector 253 can be prevented.

  The lighting period of each LED lamp 83 can be arbitrarily set. The time when each LED lamp 83 is turned on or off is typically defined by a relative time from the start time of the photometric period of each specimen in the lighting time table. The time when each LED lamp 83 is turned on or off may be defined by an absolute time.

  Next, the lighting process by the analysis mechanism control unit 59 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the mechanism driving unit 61 so as to rotate the reaction disk 11 intermittently. As a result, the plurality of reaction tubes 31 sequentially pass through the photometric position. The passage of the photometry position by the reaction tube 31 can be detected by an arbitrary reaction tube sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor provided in the vicinity of the photometry position. For example, the reaction tube sensor outputs an ON signal while the reaction tube 31 passes the photometry position, and the reaction tube sensor outputs an OFF signal while the reaction tube 31 does not pass the photometry position. The ON signal or the OFF signal is supplied to the analysis mechanism control unit 59.

  The analysis mechanism control unit 59 controls the light source switching unit 63 according to the lighting time table in synchronization with the transport timing of each reaction tube 31 to the photometric position by the reaction disk. More specifically, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 turns on the LED lamp 83 necessary for the measurement item of the sample accommodated in the reaction tube 31 passing through the photometry position when the ON signal is output. A lighting instruction for causing the light source to switch is supplied to the light source switching unit 63. The light source switching unit 63 turns on the LED lamp 83 to be lit for a predetermined lighting period in accordance with the lighting instruction from the analysis mechanism control unit 59, and turns off the LED lamp to be turned off. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the first half of the passage period of the reaction tube A, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 sequentially turns on the LED lamps of Gr1 (wavelength λ11, wavelength λ12, wavelength λ13, wavelength λ14).

  First, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 supplies an LED lamp lighting instruction with a wavelength λ11 and an LED lamp lighting instruction with a wavelength λ13 to the light source switching unit 63, and the light source switching unit 63 has an LED lamp with a wavelength λ11 and a wavelength λ13. Turn on the LED lamp. Other LED lamps are turned off. At this time, the photodetector 253 detects the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ11 and the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ13 in addition to the first-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ11 and the first-order diffracted light having the wavelength λ13. Since the second-order diffracted light conventionally overlaps with the wavelength of the other overlapping region, the detection signal from the light-receiving element spatially corresponding to the second-order diffracted light of wavelength λ11 and the light-receiving element spatially corresponding to the second-order diffracted light of wavelength λ13 The detection signal from is not used for calculating the absorbance, but in the present embodiment, since it does not overlap with the wavelength of the other overlapping region, second-order diffracted light can also be used. That is, the detection signals from the light receiving elements spatially corresponding to the first-order diffracted light and the second-order diffracted light of wavelength λ11 are added to obtain a signal corresponding to wavelength λ11. The same applies to the wavelength ramp 13. Therefore, the signal processing unit 65 is limited to a light receiving element that spatially corresponds to the first and second order diffracted light of wavelength λ11, and a light receiving element that spatially corresponds to the first and second order diffracted light of wavelength λ13. The detection signals are read, and the read detection signals are added and converted into photometric data. As described above, the signal processing unit 65 reads the detection signal limited to the light receiving element spatially corresponding to the light emission wavelength necessary for the measurement item to be measured, and converts the read detection signal into photometric data.

  After the lighting period elapses, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 supplies the LED lamp with the wavelength λ11 to turn on and the LED lamp with the wavelength λ13 to turn off to the light source switching unit 63, and the light source switching unit 63 has the LED lamp with the wavelength λ11. And the LED lamp of wavelength λ13 are turned off. Next, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 supplies the LED lamp lighting instruction of wavelength λ12 and the LED lamp lighting instruction of wavelength λ14 to the light source switching unit 63, and the light source switching unit 63 selects the LED lamp of wavelength λ12 and the wavelength λ14. Turn on the LED lamp. Other LED lamps are turned off. After the lighting period has elapsed, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 supplies the LED lamp with the wavelength λ12 and the LED lamp with the wavelength λ14 to turn off, and the light source switching unit 63 has the LED lamp with the wavelength λ12. And the LED lamp of wavelength λ14 are turned off.

  Next, in the second half of the passage period of the reaction tube A, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 performs lighting control on the LED lamps of Gr2 (superimposed region, wavelength λ21, wavelength λ22, wavelength λ23, wavelength λ24) in the same manner as described above. However, the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength of GR2 is not detected because it falls outside the range of the photodetector, and photometric data is generated only by the first-order diffracted light.

  As described above, the superposition of the second-order diffracted light having the wavelength of Gr1 (free spectrum region) and the first-order diffracted light having the wavelength of Gr2 (superimposed region) can be eliminated, and the accuracy of the absorbance and the item value can be improved.

  This is the end of the description of the lighting control of the light source unit 251 performed under the control of the analysis mechanism control unit 59.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, one phosphor is mounted on one LED lamp. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of an LED lamp according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 21, the LED lamp according to the modification has a plurality of phosphors respectively corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths for one LED element. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the LED lamp 38-1 generates a fluorescent material that generates fluorescence of wavelength λ11, a fluorescent material that generates fluorescence of λ13, a fluorescent material that generates fluorescence of λ15, and a fluorescent material of λ17. It is equipped with a fluorescent material. The LED lamp 38-2 is equipped with a phosphor that generates fluorescence of wavelength λ12, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ14, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ16, and a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ18. The LED lamp 38-3 is equipped with a phosphor that generates fluorescence of wavelength λ21, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ23, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ25, and a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ27. The LED lamp 38-4 is equipped with a phosphor that generates fluorescence of wavelength λ22, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ24, a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ26, and a phosphor that generates fluorescence of λ28.

  A plurality of phosphors mounted on the LED lamp are excited by the excitation light emitted by the lighting of the LED elements of the LED lamps, and fluorescences corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths are simultaneously generated. That is, fluorescence having a plurality of emission wavelengths is simultaneously incident on the photodetector. Therefore, in order to prevent a plurality of fluorescent lights adjacent in wavelength number from entering the photodetector at the same time, each LED lamp has a plurality of fluorescent substances respectively corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths that are separated in wavelength number. It should be provided.

  Also in the modified example, the analysis mechanism control unit 59 measures the sample in the reaction tube 31 among the plurality of LED lamps 83 when the reaction tube 31 to be measured passes through the photometric position, as in the above embodiment. Only the LED lamp 83 corresponding to the emission wavelength for the item is made to emit light.

  The light source part 251 which concerns on a modification can reduce the kind of LED lamp mounted compared with the LED lamp manufactured for every light emission wavelength. Therefore, switching control of turning on / off the LED lamp 83 by the analysis mechanism control unit 59 is facilitated.

(General)
As described above, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes the reaction disk 11, the mechanism driving unit 61, the light source unit 251, the light detection unit 253, and the analysis mechanism control unit 59. The reaction disk 11 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 31 rotatably. The mechanism driving unit 61 rotates the reaction disk 11 so that the plurality of reaction tubes 31 sequentially pass through the photometric position PP. The light source unit 251 includes a plurality of LED lamps 83 having different emission wavelengths. The light detection unit 253 detects the light generated from the light source unit 251 and transmitted through the reaction tube 31 that is a photometric target that has passed through the photometric position PP. When the reaction tube 31 to be measured passes through the light measurement position PP, the analysis control unit 59 corresponds to the emission wavelength for the measurement item of the specimen in the reaction tube 31 to be measured among the plurality of LED lamps 83. Only the LED lamp 83 is lit.

  With the above configuration, the light source unit 251 according to the present embodiment is equipped with an LED lamp lamp, and the LED lamp 83 is lit only during the passage period of the photometric position of the reaction tube 31. Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment can achieve effects such as shortening the apparatus start-up time, lowering power consumption, and prolonging the light source replacement period as compared with the conventional case where a halogen lamp is used. The analysis mechanism control unit 59 can turn on only the LED lamps that generate light having a light emission wavelength necessary for photometry. That is, since light having an emission wavelength unnecessary for photometry is not generated, the light utilization efficiency is improved as compared with the conventional case. Therefore, a high-performance optical system is unnecessary as compared with the conventional case in which white light is spatially separated into a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths by a diffraction grating and the separated light beams are detected by a photodetector. Therefore, the cost required for optical systems other than the light source can be reduced.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, cost reduction of the photometry system is realized.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Reaction disk 11, 13 ... Sample disk, 15 ... 1st reagent storage, 17 ... 2nd reagent storage, 19-1 ... Sample arm, 21-1 ... Sample probe, 19-2 ... 1st reagent arm, 21- DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... 1st reagent probe, 19-3 ... 2nd reagent arm, 21-3 ... 2nd reagent probe, 23 ... Agitation mechanism, 25 ... Photometry mechanism, 27 ... Cleaning mechanism, 31 ... Reaction tube, 33 ... Test container, 35 ... 1st reagent bottle, 37 ... 2nd reagent bottle, 51 ... System control part, 53 ... Label reading part, 55 ... Wavelength table storage part, 57 ... Emission wavelength determination part, 59 ... Analysis mechanism control part, 61 ... Mechanism Drive unit 63 ... Light source switching unit 65 ... Signal processing unit 67 ... Data processing unit 69 ... Display unit 71 ... Input unit 73 ... Main storage unit 81 ... Support body 83 ... LED lamp 85 ... Collection Optical optical system, 251... Light source unit, 53 ... light detection unit

Claims (15)

A reaction tube holding mechanism for movably holding a plurality of reaction tubes;
A drive unit that rotates the reaction tube holding mechanism so that the plurality of reaction tubes sequentially pass through the photometric position;
A light source unit having a plurality of LED lamps having different emission wavelengths;
A light detection unit that detects light generated from the light source unit and transmitted through a reaction tube of a photometry target that has passed through the photometry position;
When the phototube to be measured passes through the photometric position, the LED lamp is turned on only among the plurality of LED lamps corresponding to the emission wavelength for the measurement item of the sample in the phototube to be measured. A control unit,
An automatic analyzer comprising: A storage unit that associates and stores the emission wavelength to each of the plurality of measurement items;
The control unit is lit only for LED lamps corresponding to the emission wavelength associated with the measurement item of the sample in the reaction tube to be measured among the plurality of LED lamps in the storage unit,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. Each of the plurality of measurement items is associated with two or more emission wavelengths,
The two or more emission wavelengths are divided into a first wavelength belonging to a first group and a second wavelength belonging to a second group,
The control unit sets the LED lamp corresponding to the first wavelength and the LED lamp corresponding to the second wavelength associated with the measurement item of the specimen in the reaction tube to be measured at different timings. Turn on individually,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. In the first group, the emission wavelength is included in the free spectral region of the diffraction grating,
In the second group, the emission wavelength is not included in the free spectral region of the diffraction grating.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 3. Each of the plurality of measurement items is associated with two or more emission wavelengths,
The two or more emission wavelengths are divided into a measurement wavelength and a reference wavelength corresponding to the measurement wavelength,
The control unit causes the LED lamp corresponding to the measurement wavelength associated with the measurement item associated with the measurement item of the sample in the reaction tube to be measured and the LED lamp corresponding to the reference wavelength to be turned on simultaneously.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the measurement wavelength and the reference wavelength are separated from each other in terms of the number of wavelengths.   The control unit individually lights a plurality of LED lamps respectively corresponding to a plurality of light emission wavelengths adjacent in wavelength. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. Each of the plurality of LED lamps is
An LED element that generates excitation light having a wavelength capable of exciting the phosphor;
A phosphor portion that is excited by excitation light generated from the LED element and generates fluorescence.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the phosphor portion has a single phosphor corresponding to a single emission wavelength.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the phosphor part has a plurality of phosphors respectively corresponding to a plurality of emission wavelengths. The light source unit is
A support structure in which an opening is formed;
The plurality of LED lamps provided in the support structure;
A mirror having a rotating paraboloid that allows incident light from each of the plurality of LED lamps to form a focal point at the aperture;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The light source unit is
A support structure in which an opening is formed;
The plurality of LED lamps provided in the support structure;
A mirror having a parabolic column surface that allows incident light from each of the plurality of LED lamps to form a focal point at the opening;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. A determination unit that determines an emission wavelength for a measurement item of the sample in the reaction tube to be photometrically measured according to code information attached to a sample container that houses the sample in the reaction tube to be photometric;
The controller is lit only for LED lamps corresponding to the determined emission wavelength,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the light detection unit includes a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in an optical path of light from the light source unit.   2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit turns on the LED lamp only during a period in which the reaction tube to be measured is passing through the photometric position.