JP2021173555A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer for improving measurement accuracy of biochemical examination items.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer includes: a holding part for holding a plurality of reaction cells 2011a, 2011b, 2011c; dispensing probes 209 and 2121 for sucking a specimen or reagent; position detecting means for detecting the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells by a contact sensor for detecting that the tips of the dispensing probes 209 and 2121 are physically brought into contact with the bottom surfaces 2011x of the reaction cells; memory means for storing the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the reaction cells; and stirring control means for controlling the stirring means based on the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the reaction cells stored in the memory means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automatic analyzer.

In the automatic analyzer used for biochemical tests, multiple reaction cells are prepared, and a colorimetric measurement method is used to measure the color change of the reaction solution by stirring the test sample and reagents in these reaction cells. Has been done. The reaction cell is placed on the reaction disk on the circumference and moves in order from the dispensing position to the stirring position and the photometric position, but the distortion of the reaction disk on which the reaction cell is placed and the parallelism of the mounting part This can cause variations in the height of the reaction cells.

If the height of the reaction cell varies, the height of the reaction cell at the stirring position varies. However, since the stirring position of the stirring unit is constant, the stirring position may be too high depending on the reaction cell to cause scattering, or the stirring may not be performed well and the measurement data may be adversely affected.

Further, in recent years, in order to reduce the cost of biochemical inspection, it has been required to perform accurate measurement with a small amount of a test sample, and improvement of stirring accuracy is desired. This applies not only to the stirring unit, but also to the dispensing probe.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-066592 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-0646773 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-236967 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-174536

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an automatic analyzer for improving the measurement accuracy of biochemical test items.

In the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, a holding unit for holding a plurality of reaction cells, a dispensing probe for sucking a sample or a reagent, and a tip of the dispensing probe are physically placed on the bottom surface of the plurality of reaction cells. A position detecting means for detecting the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells by a contact sensor for detecting contact, a storage means for storing the positions of the bottom surfaces of the reaction cells, and the storage means stored in the storage means. A stirring control means for controlling the stirring means based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell is provided.

The block diagram which showed the functional structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the structure of the analysis mechanism in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. A side layout view of the reaction cell showing a state in which the tip of the sample dispensing probe is in contact with the bottom surface of the reaction cell. A side perspective view of the sample dispensing arm, the sample dispensing probe, and the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 (normal state without contact with obstacles). A side perspective view of the sample dispensing arm, the sample dispensing probe, and the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 (state in contact with an obstacle). FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the sample dispensing arm and the sample dispensing probe in contact with an obstacle, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged perspective view of the contact sensor shown in FIG. 6A. figure. FIG. 7 (a) is a side layout view of the reaction cell for explaining the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe corrected for the variation in the height of the reaction cell, and FIG. 7 (b) is the variation in the height of the reaction cell. The side layout view of the reaction cell explaining the amount of descent of the 1st stirring arm which corrected the above. The figure which shows an example of the bottom position table stored in a storage circuit (the amount of descent to contact is stored as the number of electric pulses). The figure which shows an example of the bottom position table stored in a storage circuit (the correction value with respect to the standard drop amount is stored as the number of electric pulses). The figure which shows an example of the bottom position table stored in a storage circuit (the amount of descent to contact is stored as a distance). The figure which shows an example of the bottom position table stored in the storage circuit (the correction value with respect to the standard descent amount is stored as a distance). The figure explaining the arrangement and structure of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism provided in the automatic analyzer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The side layout view of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reaction cell which illustrates the state which moved the ultrasonic stirring mechanism upward. The side layout view of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reaction cell which illustrates the state which moved the ultrasonic stirring mechanism downward. The side layout view of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reaction cell which illustrates the state which set the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism upward. The side layout view of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reaction cell which illustrates the state which set the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism downward. The figure which shows an example of the target provided in the automatic analyzer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

[First Embodiment]
(Automatic analyzer)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a storage circuit 8, and a control circuit. It is configured to include 9.

The automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a sample or the like by using a latex agglutination method, and various carrier particles can be used as an insoluble carrier to be added to a reagent. As the carrier particles, for example, latex particles, polystyrene, polystyrene latex, silica particles and the like can be used.

The analysis mechanism 2 adds the reagent used in each test item set for this sample to a standard sample or a sample such as a test sample which is a sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the reaction solution obtained by adding the reagent to the sample, and generates, for example, standard data and test data. In the present embodiment, the standard data represents the measurement data of the absorbance of a standard sample whose concentration to be detected is known. In addition, the test data represents the measurement data of the absorbance of the test sample which is a sample.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes the standard data and the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 and generates the calibration data, the analysis data, and the like. The calibration data includes, for example, information about the calibration curve generated based on the standard data. In addition, the analysis data includes information regarding, for example, the concentration of the detection target contained in the test sample, which is obtained by analyzing the test data based on the calibration data.

The analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 8 and realizes a function corresponding to the operation program to generate calibration data, analysis data, and the like. For example, the analysis circuit 3 is configured with 1) standard data obtained for a standard sample having a known absorbance and a concentration of 0, and a plurality of standard samples having a known concentration, and 2) presets for these standard samples. A calibration curve is generated based on the density and 3) preset metering timing and the like, and calibration data including information on the calibration curve is calculated. Further, the analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data based on the test data, the calibration data including the calibration curve of the test item corresponding to the test data, and the preset metering timing and the like. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, and the like to the control circuit 9.

The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, or the like. In the present embodiment, in particular, the driving mechanism 4 includes a sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41, a first reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 42, a second reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 43, and a first stirring unit driving mechanism. 44 and a second stirring unit drive mechanism 45 are provided.

The input interface 5 receives settings such as analysis parameters of each test item related to the sample requested to be measured, for example, from the operator or via the in-hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad on which instructions are input by touching an operation surface, and the like. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9. In the present embodiment, the input interface 5 is not limited to the one provided with physical operating parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9 is also an input interface. It is included in the example of 5.

The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printing circuit, or the like. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, and the like. In the present embodiment, the display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer and the like. In the present embodiment, the printing circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print target to the outside.

The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, the hospital network NW, and connects the automatic analyzer 1 to the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with the HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via the laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW.

The storage circuit 8 is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium, a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, or the like that can be read by a processor. The storage circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the storage circuit 8 can be realized by a plurality of storage devices.

Further, the storage circuit 8 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuit 9. The storage circuit 8 stores information on the calibration curve regarding the reagent held in the analysis mechanism 2. The calibration curve related to the reagent used in the analysis mechanism 2 is generated by the automatic analyzer 1 and stored in the storage circuit 8 as calibration data. Further, the calibration data stored in the storage circuit 8 also includes, for example, data regarding the metering timing preset for the reagent for each inspection item.

The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 realizes a function corresponding to the operation program by executing the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. The control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis mechanism 2 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature section 202, a sample disk 203, a first reagent storage 204, and a second reagent storage 205. It is configured with and.

The reaction disk 201 carries the reaction cell 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction cells 2011 in a circular arrangement. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4.

The reaction cell 2011 is made of, for example, glass. The reaction cell 2011 has a square columnar container and has an opening at the top. Of the first to fourth side walls forming the quadrangular prism, the light emitted from the light source provided in the photometric unit 214 is incident from the outer surface of the first side wall. Light incident from the outer surface of the first side wall is emitted from the outer surface of the second side wall facing the first side wall of the first to fourth side walls.

The constant temperature section 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. By immersing the reaction cell 2011 in the heat medium to be stored, the constant temperature section 202 raises the temperature of the reaction solution contained in the reaction cell 2011 to a predetermined temperature and keeps it warm.

The sample disk 203 holds a plurality of sample containers for accommodating samples. The sample disk 203 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. In the present embodiment, the sample containing the component to be detected is appropriately referred to as a test sample.

The first reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of reagent containers containing the first reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in the standard sample and the test sample cold. The first reagent is, for example, a buffer solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the like. A reagent label is affixed to the reagent container. An optical mark indicating reagent information is printed on the reagent label. Any pixel code such as a one-dimensional pixel code and a two-dimensional pixel code is used for the optical mark. The reagent information is information about the reagent contained in the reagent container, and includes, for example, a reagent name, a reagent maker code, a reagent item code, a bottle type, a bottle size, a capacity, a production lot number, an effective period, and the like. ..

In addition, the first reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of standard sample containers containing standard samples cold. Each of the plurality of standard sample containers contains standard samples of the same component having different concentrations. The standard sample container may be held on the sample disk 203.

A reagent rack 2041 is rotatably provided in the first reagent storage 204. The reagent rack 2041 holds a plurality of reagent containers and a plurality of standard sample containers arranged in an annular shape. The reagent rack 2041 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. Further, in the first reagent storage 204, a reader (not shown) for reading reagent information from the reagent label attached to the reagent container is provided. The read reagent information is stored in the storage circuit 8.

A first reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent suction position is, for example, a position where the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the moving trajectory of the openings of the reagent container and the standard sample container arranged in a ring shape on the reagent rack 2041. It is provided in.

The second reagent storage 205 keeps a plurality of reagent containers containing the second reagent paired with the first reagent of the two-reagent system cold. The second reagent is a solution containing an insoluble carrier in which a predetermined antigen or antibody contained in a sample and an antigen or antibody that binds or dissociates by a specific antigen-antibody reaction are immobilized, for example, carrier particles. Enzymes, substrates, aptamers, and receptors may be used as binding or dissociating substances due to a specific reaction. A reagent rack 2051 is rotatably provided in the second reagent storage 205.

The reagent rack 2051 holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged in an annular shape. In the second reagent storage 205, the standard sample container containing the standard sample may be kept cold. The reagent rack 2051 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. Further, in the second reagent storage 205, a reader (not shown) for reading reagent information from the reagent label attached to the reagent container is provided. The read reagent information is stored in the storage circuit 8.

A second reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent suction position is provided at a position where, for example, the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement trajectory of the opening of the reagent container arranged in a ring shape in the reagent rack 2051 intersect.

Further, the analysis mechanism 2 of the automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 2 further includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, and a first reagent dispensing probe 209. It includes a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, a first stirring unit 212, a second stirring unit 213, a photometric unit 214, and a cleaning unit 215.

The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds the sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 206 rotates. The opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 is located on the rotating track. Further, on the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207, a sample discharging position for discharging the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 207 to the reaction cell 2011 is provided. The sample discharge position is provided at a position where the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the reaction cell 2011 held in the reaction disk 201 intersect.

The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 of the driving mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction directly above the opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 or at the sample ejection position. Further, the sample dispensing probe 207 sucks the sample from the sample container located directly below the sample according to the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the sample dispensing probe 207 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction cell 2011 located immediately below the sample discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9.

The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 208 rotates. A first reagent suction position is provided on this rotating track. Further, on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, a first reagent discharging position for discharging the first reagent or the standard sample sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the reaction cell 2011 is set. ing. The first reagent discharge position is provided at a position where the rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the reaction cell 2011 held in the reaction disk 201 intersect.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the first reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 42 of the driving mechanism 4, and moves in the vertical direction at the first reagent suction position or the first reagent discharge position on the rotation orbit. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent or the standard sample from the reagent container located immediately below the first reagent suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the sucked first reagent or standard sample to the reaction cell 2011 located immediately below the first reagent discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9. That is, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is an example of the discharge unit in the present embodiment.

The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 210 rotates. A second reagent suction position is provided on this rotating track. Further, on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, a second reagent discharging position for discharging the second reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 to the reaction cell 2011 is set. The second reagent discharge position is provided at a position where the rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement trajectory of the reaction cell 2011 held in the reaction disk 201 intersect.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the second reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 43 of the driving mechanism 4, and moves in the vertical direction at the second reagent suction position or the second reagent discharge position on the rotation orbit. Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container located immediately below the second reagent suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the sucked second reagent to the reaction cell 2011 located immediately below the second reagent discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9. That is, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 is an example of the discharge unit in the present embodiment.

The first stirring unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 has a first stirring element provided at the tips of the first stirring arm 2121 and the first stirring arm 2121. The first stirrer is composed of, for example, a plurality of fins radially extending in the outer peripheral direction about the first stirrer arm 2121.

The first stirring unit 212 is driven by the first stirring unit driving mechanism 44 of the driving mechanism 4, and agitates the mixed liquid contained in the reaction cell 2011. That is, the first stirring unit 212 stirs the mixed solution of the standard sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction cell 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201 by the first stirrer. Further, the first stirring unit 212 uses the first stirrer to stir the mixed solution of the test sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction cell 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201. ..

The second stirring unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 has a second stirring element provided at the tips of the second stirring arm 2131 and the second stirring arm 2131. The second stirrer is composed of, for example, a plurality of fins extending radially in the outer peripheral direction about the second stirrer arm 2131.

The second stirring unit 213 is driven by the second stirring unit driving mechanism 45 of the driving mechanism 4, and agitates the mixed liquid contained in the reaction cell 2011. That is, the second stirring unit 213 is a mixed solution of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent housed in the reaction cell 2011 located at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 201 by the second stirrer. To stir. In addition, the second stirring unit 213 uses the second stirrer to stir the mixed solution of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction cell 2011 located at the second stirring position.

The photometric unit 214 optically measures the reaction liquids of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent discharged into the reaction cell 2011. The photometric unit 214 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 214 irradiates light from the light source according to the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light is incident on the first side wall of the reaction cell 2011 and emitted from the second side wall facing the first side wall. The photometric unit 214 detects the light emitted from the reaction cell 2011 by a photodetector. The photometric unit 214 is an example of the photometric unit in the present embodiment.

Specifically, for example, the photodetector is arranged at a position on the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source to the reaction cell 2011. The photodetector detects the light transmitted through the reaction solution of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction cell 2011, and generates standard data represented by the absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. .. In addition, the photodetector detects the light transmitted through the reaction solution of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction cell 2011, and the test is represented by the absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. Generate data. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data and test data as measurement results to the analysis circuit 3.

The cleaning unit 215 cleans the inside of the reaction cell 2011 for which the measurement of the reaction solution has been completed by the photometric unit 214.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit 9 realizes a function corresponding to the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. For example, the control circuit 9 realizes the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, and the measurement control function 93 by executing the operation program. In the present embodiment, the case where the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, and the measurement control function 93 are realized by a single processor will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a control circuit may be formed by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, and the measurement control function 93 may be realized by executing an operation program by each processor.

The system control function 91 is a function that controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 in an integrated manner based on the input information input from the input interface 5.

The calibration control function 92 is a function of controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate standard data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the calibration control function 92 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, at the time of initial setting, at the time of starting the device, at the time of maintenance, and at the time of inputting an instruction to start the calibration operation from the operator.

When the calibration control function 92 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2 generates standard data. Specifically, for example, by being driven by the driving mechanism 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the analysis mechanism 2 sucks the standard sample from the first reagent storage 204, and the sucked standard sample is sucked into the reaction cell 2011. Discharge to. Subsequently, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204, and discharges the sucked first reagent into the reaction cell 2011 in which the standard sample is discharged. Subsequently, the first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent is added to the standard sample.

Next, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205, and discharges the sucked second reagent into a mixed solution in which the standard sample and the first reagent are mixed. Subsequently, the second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution in which the second reagent is added to the mixed solution. The photometric unit 214 generates standard data by optically measuring the reaction solution obtained by stirring the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometric unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction solution a preset number of times in a preset cycle, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The analysis mechanism 2 repeats the above operation for a plurality of preset concentration standard samples, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

The measurement control function 93 is a function of controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate test data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the measurement control function 93 in response to a predetermined instruction. The predetermined instruction is, for example, an instruction to start the measurement operation input from the operator, an instruction to indicate that the preset time has been reached, or the like.

When the measurement control function 93 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2 generates test data. Specifically, driven by the drive mechanism 4, the sample dispensing probe 207 of the analysis mechanism 2 sucks the test sample from the sample disk 203 and discharges the sucked test sample into the reaction cell 2011. Subsequently, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204, and discharges the sucked first reagent into the reaction cell 2011 in which the test sample is discharged. Subsequently, the first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent is added to the test sample.

Next, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205, and discharges the sucked second reagent into the mixed solution in which the test sample and the first reagent are mixed. Subsequently, the second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution in which the second reagent is added to the mixed solution. Subsequently, the photometric unit 214 generates test data by optically measuring the reaction solution obtained by stirring the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometric unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction solution a preset number of times in a preset cycle, and outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3.

As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the measurement control function 93 is based on the bottom surface 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 that have been measured in advance and stored in the storage circuit 8 when generating the test data. The amount of descent of the sample dispensing probe 207, the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the amount of descent of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121, and the amount of descent of the second stirring arm 2131. Is controlled to correct the variation in the height of the reaction cell 2011.

Further, the analysis circuit 3 shown in FIG. 1 realizes a function corresponding to the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8. For example, the analysis circuit 3 realizes the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 by executing the operation program. In the present embodiment, the case where the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 are realized by a single processor will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form an analysis circuit, and each processor may execute an operation program to realize the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32.

The calibration data generation function 31 is a function of generating calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, the analysis circuit 3 executes the calibration data generation function 31. When the calibration data generation function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 generates a calibration curve based on the standard data which is the measurement data including the absorbances of the standard samples having different concentrations. The generated calibration curve is stored in the storage circuit 8 as calibration data.

The analysis data generation function 32 is a function of generating analysis data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, the analysis circuit 3 executes the analysis data generation function 32. When the analysis data generation function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out the calibration data including the information about the calibration curve from the storage circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data including information on the concentration of the detection target of the test sample based on the test data and the calibration data.

(Position detection means)
Next, the position detecting means in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of one reaction cell 2011a out of a plurality of reaction cells 2011. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample dispensing probe 207 moves in the vertical direction at the sample ejection position for ejecting the sucked test sample into the reaction cell 2011.

That is, in the example of FIG. 3, the sample dispensing probe 207 descends and is inserted into the reaction cell 2011a just above the opening of one reaction cell 2011a, and discharges the test sample into the reaction cell 2011a. .. After that, the sample dispensing probe 207 rises and is removed from the reaction cell 2011a. The amount of descent and the amount of ascent of the sample dispensing probe 207 in this operation are the same.

In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, a contact sensor is provided on the sample dispensing arm 206 to which the sample dispensing probe 207 is attached, and the contact sensor is used with the sample dispensing probe 207 and the reaction cell 2011. Detects physical contact. That is, when the sample dispensing probe 207 descends and the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, the contact sensor detects the physical contact. Therefore, this contact sensor serves as a position detecting means for detecting the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011.

In the present embodiment, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is calculated based on the amount of descent until the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, and for each sample dispensing probe 207. It is stored in the storage circuit 8. Here, the amount of descent is the distance that the sample dispensing probe 207 has descended. More specifically, the starting point is the position of the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 before the sample dispensing probe 207 starts descent, and the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. It is defined by the distance from the start point to the end point when the position of the tip 207x is the end point.

4 and 5 show the sample dispensing arm 206, the sample dispensing probe 207, and the side of the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 that moves the sample dispensing arm 206 and the sample dispensing probe 207 in the vertical direction. It is a perspective view from. The sample dispensing probe drive mechanism 41 constitutes a part of the drive mechanism 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sample dispensing arm 206 is provided with a contact sensor 300 as a position detecting means for detecting the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. That is, a contact sensor 300 is provided at the attachment portion of the sample dispensing probe 207 in the sample dispensing arm 206, and when the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with some obstacle, the contact is made. It is configured to be detected.

Originally, when the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 mistakenly contacts the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, the contact sensor 300 detects this contact and lowers the sample dispensing probe 207. It is provided to stop. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the contact sensor 300 in the normal state is buried and housed inside the sample dispensing arm 206, but in the descent operation, the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 When the sensor comes into contact with an obstacle such as the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, the sample dispensing probe 207 is configured to float upward as shown in FIG. 5 in order to absorb the impact. That is, when the sample dispensing probe 207 is descending, for example, when the tip end 207x comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, the contact sensor 300 is moved upward so that the reaction cell 2011 is not damaged. The sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 stops the descent of the sample dispensing probe 207 while moving to absorb the impact.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the contact sensor 300. That is, FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the sample dispensing arm 206 and the sample dispensing probe 207, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged perspective view of the contact sensor 300 portion thereof. Is.

As can be seen from FIG. 6A, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 is in contact with an obstacle and the contact sensor 300 at the base of the sample dispensing probe 207 is lifted. There is. Therefore, the contact sensor 300 is moved above the sample dispensing arm 206.

As can be seen from FIG. 6B, in the contact sensor 300, the sample dispensing probe 207 is mechanically connected to the detection plate 302 via the relay member 301. Therefore, if the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with an obstacle while the sample dispensing probe 207 is descending, and the sample dispensing probe 207 cannot be further descended, it is compared with the sample dispensing arm 206. In relative terms, the relay member 301 and the detection plate 302 move upward. In other words, the sample dispensing arm 206 can continue to descend, albeit slightly, but the sample dispensing probe 207 in contact with the obstacle and the relay member 301 mechanically connected to the sample dispensing probe 207. The detection plate 302 cannot continue descending and stops at its height position.

The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided with a photo interrupter 303, and the photo interrupter 303 moves in the same manner as the sample dispensing arm 206. That is, even when the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with an obstacle, the descent continues, albeit slightly.

The photo interrupter 303 has a concave shape, and the tip end portion of the detection plate 302 is normally located in the recessed gap. That is, in a normal state, the tip of the detection plate 302 is located in the gap of the photo interrupter 303, and the light transmitted from the light transmitting side of the photo interrupter 303 does not reach the sensor provided on the light receiving side. However, when the detection plate 302 moves relatively upward, the detection plate 302 moves from the gap of the photointerruptor 303 and does not block the light. Therefore, the light transmitted from the light transmitting side of the photo interrupter 303 is detected by the sensor provided on the light receiving side. Therefore, the photo interrupter 303 is turned on, and it is detected that the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 has come into contact with an obstacle. The signal for detecting the contact with the obstacle is taken into the control circuit 9. Then, the control circuit 9 that has taken in this signal stops the driving of the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 and stops the descent of the sample dispensing probe 207.

In the present embodiment, the contact sensor 300 is provided not only on the sample dispensing arm 206 but also on the first reagent dispensing arm 208 and the second reagent dispensing arm 210. Therefore, it is also possible to detect that the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 has physically contacted an obstacle such as the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, and the second reagent dispensing probe 211 is the reaction cell 2011. It is also possible to detect physical contact with an obstacle such as the bottom surface 2011x.

The contact sensor 300 may be provided in the first stirring unit 212 or the second stirring unit 213. By providing the contact sensor 300, it is possible to detect that the tip of the first stirring arm 2121 has physically contacted an obstacle such as the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, and the second stirring arm 2131 can be detected. It is possible to detect that the tip has physically contacted an obstacle such as the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011.

(Control of descent amount)
In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the contact sensor 300 is used to measure the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 in advance and store them in the storage circuit 8. That is, by inserting the sample dispensing probe 207 into each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 in advance and bringing the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011, the plurality of reaction cells The position of the bottom surface 2011x of 2011 is measured and stored in the storage circuit 8. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 is a sample dispensing probe 207 and a first reagent in the case of actually performing a biochemical test of a test sample based on the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of measured reaction cells 2011. The amount of descent of the dispensing probe 209, the second reagent dispensing probe 211, the first stirring arm 2121, and the second stirring arm 2131 is controlled.

That is, in the control circuit 9, the relative positions of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 are constant from the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 stored in the storage circuit 8. Control to be. Further, the control circuit 9 is stored in the storage circuit 8 from the position of the bottom surface 2011x of each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 to the relative position of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. Is controlled to be constant. Further, the control circuit 9 is stored in the storage circuit 8 from the position of the bottom surface 2011x of each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 to the relative position of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. Is controlled to be constant. Further, in the control circuit 9, the relative positions of the first stirring arm 2121 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 are constant from the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 stored in the storage circuit 8. Control to be. Further, in the control circuit 9, the relative positions of the second stirring arm 2131 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 are constant from the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 stored in the storage circuit 8. Control to be.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of correcting the variation in height of the reaction cell 2011 based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 measured in advance. FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining the control of the lowering amount of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the control of the lowering amount of the first stirring arm 2121.

In FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the heights of the reaction cells 2011a, 2011b, and 2011c vary. Therefore, the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of these reaction cells 2011a, 2011b, and 2011c also vary.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 lowers and inserts the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction cell 2011a. At this time, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a is read from the storage circuit 8, and the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is set based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the read reaction cell 2011a. That is, the relative position between the tip 209x of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the first reagent is predetermined. The amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is set so as to be a predetermined distance.

Similarly, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011b from the storage circuit 8 when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is lowered and inserted into the reaction cell 2011b. Then, the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is set based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the read reaction cell 2011b. That is, the relative position between the tip 209x of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011b when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the first reagent is predetermined. The amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is set so as to be a predetermined distance. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 performs such control on the reaction cell 2011c and all the remaining reaction cells 2011.

Here, the method for controlling the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 has been described with reference to FIG. 7A, but the method for controlling the amount of descent of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the sample dispensing probe 207 The method of controlling the amount of descent of is similar to this.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 lowers and inserts the first stirring arm 2121 inside the reaction cell 2011a. At this time, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a is read from the storage circuit 8, and the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 is set based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the read reaction cell 2011a. That is, a predetermined relative position between the tip 2121x of the first stirring arm 2121 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a when the first stirring arm 2121 rotates the stirrer to perform stirring is predetermined. The amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 is set so as to have a distance of.

Similarly, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011b from the storage circuit 8 when the first stirring arm 2121 is lowered and inserted into the reaction cell 2011b. The amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 is set based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the read reaction cell 2011b. That is, a predetermined relative position between the tip 2121x of the first stirring arm 2121 and the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011b when the first stirring arm 2121 rotates the stirrer to perform stirring is predetermined. The amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 is set so as to have a distance of. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 performs such control on the reaction cell 2011c and all the remaining reaction cells 2011.

Here, the method for controlling the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 has been described with reference to FIG. 7B, but the method for controlling the amount of descent of the second stirring arm 2131 is also the same.

The sample dispensing probe drive mechanism 41 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes, for example, a motor such as a stepping motor controlled by an electric pulse. Such a motor can control the number of rotations of the motor itself by controlling the number of electric pulses supplied to the motor, thereby controlling the amount of descent of the sample dispensing probe 207. can.

This also applies to other drive mechanisms. That is, the first reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 42, the second reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 43, the first stirring unit driving mechanism 44, and the second stirring unit driving mechanism 45 are stepping controlled by electric pulses, respectively. It is configured to include a motor such as a motor. Therefore, by controlling the number of electric pulses supplied to the motor, the number of rotations of the motor can be controlled, and the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the descent of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 can be controlled. The amount, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121, and the amount of descent of the second stirring arm 2131 can be controlled, respectively.

In such a motor, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a can be measured as the number of electric pulses until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. Then, the storage circuit 8 can store the number of electric pulses as the amount of descent until the sample dispensing probe 207 detects the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bottom position table stored in the storage circuit 8. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 included in the automatic analyzer 1 is individually stored as the number of electric pulses. For example, in the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41, the first reaction cell 2011 supplied 5026 electric pulses to the motor before the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 came into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. It is shown that.

In this bottom position table, the number of electric pulses is stored for all the reaction cells 2011 included in the automatic analyzer 1, and the sample dispensing probe 207 detects the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. It shows the amount of descent until it is done. Therefore, when actually measuring the test sample, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the amount of descent of the reaction cell 2011 to be processed from the storage circuit 8 and dispenses the sample probe 207. The amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the amount of descent of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121, and the amount of descent of the second stirring arm 2131 are determined.

Regarding the amount of descent of these dispensing probes and stirring arms, the standard amount of descent when the reaction cell 2011 is ideally attached without error, taking into consideration the length and function of the dispensing probe and stirring arm. Is set in advance by design. For example, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 needs to be set so that the tip 2121x does not come into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. Further, the stirrer provided at the lower end of the first stirring arm 2121 stirs the reaction solution contained in the reaction cell 2011, and at that time, the reaction solution moves to the outside of the reaction cell 2011. It is necessary to prevent it from scattering. In consideration of these various circumstances, the standard amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 is determined and stored in advance in, for example, the storage circuit 8. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the standard drop amount of the first stirring arm 2121 from the storage circuit 8, and based on the difference between this standard drop amount and the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the actual reaction cell 2011, the first 1 Determine the amount of descent of the stirring arm 2121.

The amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 can be determined, for example, by the number of electric pulses. In the example of the bottom position table of FIG. 8, when determining the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 with respect to the first reaction cell 2011, first, the standard amount of descent of the sample dispensing probe 207 is used as a reference. For example, it is assumed that the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the standard drop amount in the design of the reaction cell 2011 is the number of electric pulses of 5000 times. However, the measured position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is the position of the 5026 electrical pulses. Therefore, the electric pulse is supplied to the motor of the sample dispensing probe drive mechanism 41 26 times more than the position of the standard bottom surface 2011x. As a result, a correction value of +26 times can be derived from the bottom position table of FIG. 8 with respect to the standard descent amount.

Then, for example, it is assumed that the standard drop amount of the first stirring arm 2121 is defined by 4500 electric pulses. In this case, by adding the correction value of +26 times to the standard drop amount of 4500 times, the drop amount of 4526 electric pulses can be determined for the first reaction cell 2011. Therefore, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 to supply 4526 electric pulses to the motor that drives the first stirring unit 212 to perform the first stirring. The arm 2121 is lowered to stir the mixed solution contained in the first reaction cell 2011. Then, when the stirring in which the first stirring element is rotated is completed, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and reverses the motor for the first stirring unit 212. The first stirring arm 2121 is moved to the outside of the first reaction cell 2011 by supplying an electric pulse of 4526 times to the motor so that the first stirring arm 2121 rises by rotating the first stirring arm 2121. To remove.

On the other hand, the bottom position table stored in the storage circuit 8 can also hold the number of electric pulses as a correction value for the standard drop amount for each reaction cell 2011. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a bottom position table in which the bottom position is stored as a correction value for the standard descent amount. That is, in the example of FIG. 9, the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 are stored in the storage circuit 8 as correction values for the standard drop amount.

In other words, the bottom surface position table shown in FIG. 9 replaces the bottom surface position table shown in FIG. 8 with a correction pulse number which is a correction value and stores it. In this example, the standard drop amount until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is 5000 electrical pulses. Therefore, the correction value of the first reaction cell is +26, and the correction value of the second reaction cell is +132.

Therefore, when the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the corresponding reaction cell 2011 from the storage circuit 8, it is composed of a correction value, so this correction value is dispensed. The actual amount of descent will be derived by adding it to the standard amount of descent of the probe and stirring arm. For example, assuming that the standard drop amount of the first stirring arm 2121 is 4500 electric pulses, when determining the drop amount of the first reaction cell 2011, the correction value +26 is added to the 4500 electric pulses. Therefore, the amount of drop of the 4526 electric pulse can be derived.

Further, the bottom position table to be stored in the storage circuit 8 can be stored not by the reference of the number of electric pulses but by the reference of the distance. When the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is memorized based on the number of electric pulses, the motor included in the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41, the motor provided in the first reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 42, and the second reagent dispensing It is premised that the motor included in the probe drive mechanism 43, the motor included in the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44, and the motor included in the second stirring unit drive mechanism 45 have the same electrical characteristics. In other words, if the same number of electric pulses are applied, the motor will rotate the same amount, and it is premised that the dispensing probe and the stirring arm are lowered by the same amount.

On the other hand, by constructing the bottom surface position table based on the descent distance converted from the number of electric pulses, the control according to the present embodiment can be realized even if such a premise is not satisfied. In such a premise, the conversion from the number of electric pulses to the distance may vary depending on the characteristics of the motor, the mass of the dispensing probe to be lowered, the mass of the stirring arm, etc. It needs to be decided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a bottom position table generated based on the distance of descent converted from the number of electric pulses. In the example of FIG. 10, for the first reaction cell 2011, the tip 207x is the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 when the sample dispensing probe 207 starts descending and descends a distance of 10.552 mm. Indicates contact with. This assumes, for example, that the descending distance per electric pulse in the motor of the sample dispensing probe drive mechanism 41 is set to 0.02 mm. That is, in the example of FIG. 10, since the number of electric pulses supplied to the first reaction cell 2011 is 5026, it is calculated that the descended distance is 100.52 mm by the conversion formula of 5026 × 0.02 mm. .. Therefore, in the bottom position table shown in FIG. 10, the descended distance of the first reaction cell 2011 is stored as 100.52 mm.

The bottom position table stores the lowered distance for all reaction cells 2011 included in the automatic analyzer 1. This descent distance represents the distance that the sample dispensing probe 207 descended before detecting the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. Therefore, when actually measuring the test sample, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the descended distance of the reaction cell 2011 to be processed from the storage circuit 8 as the amount of descent, and measures the sample. The amount of descent of the injection probe 207, the amount of descent of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the amount of descent of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121, and the amount of descent of the second stirring arm 2131 are determined. do.

As described above, when determining the amount of descent of these dispensing probes and stirring arms, the reaction cell 2011 is ideal without error, taking into consideration the length and function of the dispensing probes and stirring arms. The standard drop amount when installed is set in advance by design. In this case, the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 can also be determined by the distance. In the example of the bottom position table of FIG. 10, when determining the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 with respect to the first reaction cell 2011, first, the standard amount of descent of the sample dispensing probe 207 is used as a reference. For example, it is assumed that the position of the standard drop amount of the design bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is a distance of 100.00 mm. However, the measured position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is the amount of descent at a distance of 100.52 mm. Therefore, the sample dispensing probe 207 is lowered 0.52 mm longer than the position of the standard bottom surface 2011x. As a result, a correction value of +0.52 mm can be derived from the bottom surface position table of FIG.

Then, for example, it is assumed that the standard descent amount of the first stirring arm 2121 is defined as the descent amount at a distance of 800.00 mm. In this case, by adding the correction value of +0.52 mm to the standard drop amount of 800.00 mm, the drop amount of 800.52 mm can be determined for the first reaction cell 2011. Therefore, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 so that the first stirring arm 2121 lowers the motor for the first stirring unit 212 by 800.52 mm. Rotate. For example, when the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 is set to lower the first stirring arm 2121 by 0.025 mm per one electric pulse, the conversion formula of 800.52 mm / 0.025 is used to obtain 4020. The number of electric pulses of 8 can be calculated. The number of electric pulses after the decimal point is rounded, rounded down, rounded up, or the like. In the present embodiment, the number of electric pals after the decimal point is rounded off.

The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 supplies the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 with 4021 electric pulses to lower the first stirring arm 2121 into the first reaction cell 2011, and 1 The mixed solution contained in the reaction cell No. 2011 is stirred. Then, when the stirring in which the first stirring element is rotated is completed, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and reverses the motor for the first stirring unit 212. The first stirring arm 2121 is external to the first reaction cell 2011 by supplying an electric pulse of 4021 times to the motor so that the first stirring arm 2121 rises by rotating the first stirring arm 2121. To remove.

As described above, the bottom position table stored in the storage circuit 8 can also hold the number of electric pulses as a correction value for the standard drop amount. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a bottom surface position table in which the bottom surface position is stored as a correction value for the standard descent amount. That is, in the example of FIG. 11, the positions of the bottom surfaces 2011x of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 are stored after being converted into distances as correction values for the standard drop amount.

In other words, the bottom position table shown in FIG. 11 replaces the bottom position table shown in FIG. 10 with a distance which is a correction value and stores it. In this example, it is assumed that the standard drop amount until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is 100 mm. Therefore, the correction value of the first reaction cell is +0.52 mm, and the correction value of the second reaction cell is +2.64 mm.

Therefore, when the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 to be processed from the storage circuit 8, it is composed of the correction value. Note The actual amount of descent is derived by adding it to the standard amount of descent of the probe and stirring arm. For example, assuming that the standard descent amount of the first stirring arm 2121 is a distance of 800.00 mm, when determining the descent amount of the first reaction cell 2011, the standard descent amount distance of 800.00 mm is used. By adding the correction value of +0.52 mm, the descent distance of 800.52 mm can be derived.

The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 converts the determined distance of the descent of 800.52 mm into the number of electric pals. Here, for example, since it is assumed that the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 is set to lower the first stirring arm 2121 by 0.025 mm per electric pulse, 800.52 mm / 0. The number of electric pulses of 4020.8 can be calculated by the conversion formula of 025. The number of electric pulses after the decimal point is rounded, rounded down, rounded up, or the like. In the present embodiment, similarly to the above, the number of electric pals after the decimal point is rounded off.

Then, similarly to the above, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 supplies the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 with 4021 electric pulses, and causes the first stirring arm 2121 to the first reaction cell 2011. It is lowered to the inside and the mixed solution contained in the first reaction cell 2011 is stirred. Then, when the stirring in which the first stirring element is rotated is completed, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the motor of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and reverses the motor for the first stirring unit 212. The first stirring arm 2121 is external to the first reaction cell 2011 by supplying an electric pulse of 4021 times to the motor so that the first stirring arm 2121 rises by rotating the first stirring arm 2121. To remove.

In the above-described embodiment, the sample dispensing probe 207 is used to detect the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a, but another dispensing probe or stirring arm is used to detect the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. It may be detected. For example, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 or the second reagent dispensing probe 211 may be used to detect the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. In this case, the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a is detected using the contact sensor provided on the first reagent dispensing arm 208 or using the contact sensor provided on the second reagent dispensing arm 210. ..

The process of detecting the position of the bottom surface 2011x of each of the plurality of reaction cells 2011 can be executed, for example, when the dispensing probe or the stirring arm is replaced, or when some part of the automatic analyzer 1 is replaced. is assumed. Alternatively, it is assumed that the operation is performed once a day before operation or once a week at a predetermined frequency. Further, it is assumed that the operator instructs the automatic analyzer 1 to execute the automatic analyzer 1 via the input interface 5.

In the present embodiment, the reaction disk 201 constitutes the holding portion, and the storage circuit 8 constitutes the storage means. The sample dispensing probe 207, the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the second reagent dispensing probe 211 constitute a reagent or a dispensing probe that sucks the reagent. The contact sensor 300 provided on the sample dispensing arm 206, the contact sensor 300 provided on the first reagent dispensing arm 208, and the contact sensor 300 provided on the second reagent dispensing arm 210 are used in a plurality of reaction cells 2011. It constitutes a position detecting means for detecting the position of the bottom surface 2011x.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213 constitute the stirring means. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213, which are stirring means, through the control of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and the second stirring unit drive mechanism 45. It constitutes a stirring control means.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41, the first reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 42, and the second reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism 43 lower and raise the dispensing probe. , Consists of a probe drive mechanism. The first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and the second stirring unit drive mechanism 45 constitute the stirring drive mechanism.

Further, in the present embodiment, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the descent amount of the dispensing probe based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 stored in the storage circuit 8. Consists of.

As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 in which the amount of descent of the first stirring arm 2121 and the second stirring arm 2131 is stored in the storage circuit 8 Even if there is a variation in the position of the bottom surface 2011x of a plurality of reaction cells 2011, the variation can be absorbed and the position of stirring using the stirrer can be made constant. .. Therefore, it is possible to avoid problems such as the mixed liquid contained inside the reaction cell being scattered or the mixture not being able to be stirred well. As a result, even if the test sample as a sample is small, the biochemical test items can be measured with high accuracy.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the stirring means is configured by the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213 having a stirrer, but in the second embodiment, the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit having an ultrasonic stirring mechanism The stirring means is configured by the two stirring units 213. Hereinafter, parts different from the above-described first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and arrangement of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 included in the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is provided located outside the reaction cell 2011. That is, the ultrasonic agitation mechanism 400 agitates the mixture by ultrasonic waves in a state of non-contact with the mixture contained inside the reaction cell 2011.

In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is provided in each of the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213. However, since this ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is not in contact with the mixed liquid inside the reaction cell 2011, only one may be provided in common for the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213. It is possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is provided inside the constant temperature section 202. As described above, since the heat medium set to a predetermined temperature is stored in the constant temperature section 202, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is also immersed in the heat medium. That is, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 has water resistance that can be used even when immersed in a liquid.

The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element. That is, in the present embodiment, by applying a high frequency AC voltage to the piezoelectric element, ultrasonic waves are generated and irradiated toward the reaction cell 2011. At that time, by setting the frequency of the AC voltage so as to be the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element, it is possible to obtain ultrasonic waves having a large amplitude.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is configured so that the position in the height direction can be changed by the first stirring unit driving mechanism 44 and the second stirring unit driving mechanism 45. For example, taking the first stirring unit 212 as an example, as shown in FIG. 13, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 drives the first stirring unit with respect to the reaction cell 2011 whose mounting position is higher than the standard position. The mechanism 44 is controlled to move the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 of the first stirring unit 212 in a high direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, for the reaction cell 2011 whose mounting position is lower than the standard position, the first stirring unit 212 is controlled so that the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 of the first stirring unit 212 is lowered. Move to.

More specifically, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out any of the bottom position table shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 described above from the storage circuit 8 and positions the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction. To control. For example, when the bottom position table shown in FIG. 8 is used, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 is based on the number of electric pulses until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 contacts the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. , Correct the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction.

For example, assuming that the standard drop of reaction cell 2011 is 5000 electrical pulses, the first reaction cell 2011 has a drop of 5026 electrical pulses, which is 26 times more than the standard bottom 2011x position. This means that an electric pulse is supplied to the motor of the sample dispensing probe drive mechanism 41. Therefore, the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction is made lower than the standard position by the amount of descent that the sample dispensing probe 207 is lowered by the 26 electric pulses. That is, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 converts the number of electric pulses, which is the difference between the standard drop amount of the reaction cell 2011 and the measured drop amount, into a distance and corrects the converted distance. , The position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction is controlled. This point is the same when the bottom position table shown in FIG. 9 is used.

When any of the bottom position tables shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is used, the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 converted into a distance is already stored, and the measurement control function 93 is based on this distance. The position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction is adjusted.

Alternatively, in the present embodiment, the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 may be changed by the first stirring unit driving mechanism 44 and the second stirring unit driving mechanism 45. For example, taking the first stirring unit 212 as an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 drives the first stirring unit with respect to the reaction cell 2011 whose mounting position is higher than the standard position. The mechanism 44 is controlled to set the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 of the first stirring unit 212 so that the ultrasonic waves are emitted in a high direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, for the reaction cell 2011 whose mounting position is lower than the standard position, the first stirring unit 212 is controlled to superimpose the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 of the first stirring unit 212. Set so that the sound wave is emitted in the low direction.

More specifically, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads out any of the bottom position table shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 described above from the storage circuit 8 and irradiates the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400. Orientation control. For example, when the bottom position table shown in FIG. 8 is used, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 is based on the number of electric pulses until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 contacts the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011a. , The distance from the standard position of the reaction cell 2011 is calculated, and the direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is adjusted based on the calculated distance. This point is the same when the bottom position table shown in FIG. 9 is used.

When any of the bottom position tables shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is used, the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 converted into a distance is already stored, and the measurement control function 93 is based on this distance. The direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 is adjusted.

The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 may be capable of controlling both the position in the height direction and the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves. In this case, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 is in the height direction of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 based on the information regarding the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 shown in the bottom surface position table read from the storage circuit 8. Both the position and orientation of the will be adjusted.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, the first stirring unit 212 having the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 and the second stirring unit 213 having the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 constitute the stirring means. The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 controls the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213, which are stirring means, through the control of the first stirring unit drive mechanism 44 and the second stirring unit drive mechanism 45. It constitutes a stirring control means.

As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 400 in the height direction and the ultrasonic wave are based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage circuit 8. Since at least one of the irradiation directions of the above is controlled, even if there is a variation in the position of the bottom surface 2011x of a plurality of reaction cells 2011, the variation is absorbed and the position of stirring using ultrasonic waves is made constant. can do. Therefore, it is possible to avoid problems such as the reaction liquid contained in the reaction cell being scattered or not being able to be stirred well. As a result, even if the test sample as a sample is small, the biochemical test items can be measured with high accuracy.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, there are a plurality of using any of the sample dispensing probe 207, the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the second reagent dispensing probe 211. When the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 is measured in advance and the test sample is analyzed, the measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 is based on the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011 measured in advance. The height variation of the reaction cell 2011 was absorbed.

As can be seen from this, high accuracy is required for attaching the sample dispensing probe 207, the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the dispensing probe of the second reagent dispensing probe 211. That is, if the lengths and heights of these dispensing probes vary, it is not possible to accurately detect the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a probe correction mechanism is additionally provided in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and when these analytical probes are replaced, an attachment error and a length are obtained. It is possible to correct individual differences such as dimensions. Hereinafter, parts different from the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the analysis mechanism 2 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, one or more targets 222 are provided on the reaction base 220 which is the base of the analysis mechanism 2. In this embodiment, in particular, the target 222 is manufactured integrally with the reaction base 220. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the reaction base 220 and the target 222, particularly the height relationship, is fixed. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the various mechanisms arranged on the reaction base 220 and the target 222 is also fixed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the target 222 is composed of a columnar fixing member having a horizontal upper surface. The shape and size of the target 222 are arbitrary, but even if there are individual differences such as attachment error and length in the dispensing probe, an area that allows the tip to come into contact with the target 222 is required. In addition, stability is required so that the height and position do not shift when the tip of the dispensing probe comes into contact.

Further, in the present embodiment, the target 222 is located on the rotation orbit of each of the sample dispensing probe 207, the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the second reagent dispensing probe 211. ing. That is, one target 222 is provided on the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207, and one target 222 is also provided on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209. Although not shown, one target 222 is also provided on the rotation orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211. However, it is not necessary that the target 222 is provided for all the dispensing probes. For example, the target 222 may be provided for the dispensing probe used to detect the position of the bottom surface 2011x of the reaction cell 2011. It's enough.

Then, when the sample dispensing probe 207, the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the dispensing probe of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 are replaced, the control circuit 9 targets the tips of these dispensing probes. It is brought into contact with 222 to measure individual differences such as mounting error and length of the dispensing probe.

For example, when the sample dispensing probe 207 is replaced, the control circuit 9 controls the sample dispensing probe driving mechanism 41 based on an instruction from the operator or the like to target the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 to the target 222. To contact. The amount of descent until the tip 207x of the sample dispensing probe 207 comes into contact with the target 222 is determined by design. Assuming that the design descent amount is the standard descent amount, the error between this standard descent amount and the measured descent amount is retained as a correction value. This correction value is stored in, for example, the storage circuit 8 as a sample dispensing probe correction value.

The measurement control function 93 of the control circuit 9 reads the sample dispensing probe correction value from the storage circuit 8 when analyzing the test sample, and performs an operation of lowering the sample dispensing probe 207. Corrects the amount of descent. As a result, it is possible to absorb individual differences such as attachment error and length of the sample dispensing probe 207, and control the amount of descent of the sample dispensing probe 207 with high accuracy.

This also applies to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the second reagent dispensing probe 211. Further, the target 222 is similarly arranged in the first stirring unit 212 and the second stirring unit 213 in the first embodiment, and the mounting error and length of the first stirring arm 2121 and the second stirring arm 2131 are individually arranged. After measuring the difference, these errors may be corrected and absorbed when measuring the test sample.

As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the target 222 is provided on the reaction base 220 of the analysis mechanism 2, and the sample dispensing probe 207 and the first reagent dispensing probe 209 are used by using the target 222. , And individual differences such as attachment error and length of the dispensing probe of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 are measured, and these errors are absorbed by correction in the actual measurement using the test sample. I tried to do it. Therefore, the amount of descent of the dispensing probe can be controlled with high accuracy, and the dispensing accuracy and stirring accuracy can be further improved.

Although some embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel devices and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described in the present specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalent scope are intended to include such forms and variations contained within the scope and gist of the invention.

1 ... Automatic analyzer, 2 ... Analysis mechanism, 3 ... Analysis circuit, 4 ... Drive mechanism, 5 ... Input interface, 6 ... Output interface, 7 ... Communication interface, 8 ... Storage circuit, 9 ... Control circuit, 31 ... Calibration data Generation function, 32 ... Analytical data generation function, 41 ... Sample dispensing probe driving mechanism, 42 ... First reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism, 43 ... Second reagent dispensing probe driving mechanism, 44 ... First stirring unit driving mechanism, 45 ... 2nd stirring unit drive mechanism, 91 ... system control function, 92 ... calibration control function, 93 ... measurement control function, 201 ... reaction disk, 202 ... constant temperature part, 203 ... sample disk, 204 ... first reagent storage, 205 ... Second reagent storage, 206 ... Sample dispensing arm, 207 ... Sample dispensing probe, 207x ... Tip, 208 ... First reagent dispensing arm, 209 ... First reagent dispensing probe, 209x ... Tip, 210 ... Second Reagent dispensing arm, 211 ... 2nd reagent dispensing probe, 212 ... 1st stirring unit, 213 ... 2nd stirring unit, 214 ... Photometric unit, 215 ... Washing unit, 220 ... Reaction base, 222 ... Target, 300 ... Contact Sensor, 301 ... Relay member, 302 ... Detection plate, 303 ... Photo interrupter, 400 ... Ultrasonic stirring mechanism, 2011 ... Reaction cell, 2011a ... Reaction cell, 2011b ... Reaction cell, 2011c ... Reaction cell, 2011x ... Bottom surface, 2041 ... Reagent rack, 2051 ... Reagent rack, 2121 ... 1st stirring arm, 2121x ... Tip, 2131 ... 2nd stirring arm, NW ... In-hospital network

Claims (14)

A holding unit that holds multiple reaction cells,
With a dispensing probe that sucks the sample or reagent,
A position detecting means for detecting the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells by a contact sensor that detects that the tip of the dispensing probe physically touches the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells.
A storage means for storing the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell and
A stirring control means for controlling the stirring means based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage means, and a stirring control means.
An automatic analyzer equipped with. The stirring control means is such that the relative position between the stirring means and each reaction cell of the plurality of reaction cells is constant from the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage means. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the amount of descent of the stirring means is set. It further includes a probe drive mechanism that lowers and raises the dispensing probe.
The storage means is the amount of descent until the probe driving mechanism detects the position of the bottom surface of the plurality of reaction cells detected by the position detecting means, the dispensing probe, and the position of the bottom surface of the plurality of reaction cells. Remember as,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2. The probe drive mechanism is configured to include a motor controlled by an electric pulse.
The position of the bottom surface of the plurality of reaction cells is measured as the number of electric pulses in which the dispensing probe is lowered until the probe driving mechanism detects the bottom surface of the plurality of reaction cells. The automatic analyzer according to 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells as the number of electric pulses. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells as the distance of the descent converted from the number of electric pulses. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells as correction values with respect to the standard drop amount. A stirring drive mechanism for lowering and raising the stirring means is further provided.
The stirring drive mechanism is configured to include a motor controlled by an electric pulse.
The stirring control means calculates the number of electric pulses for driving the motor of the stirring driving mechanism from the positions of the bottom surfaces of the plurality of reaction cells stored in the storage means, and is based on the calculated number of electric pulses. To lower the stirring means.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 4. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stirring means includes a stirrer inserted inside the plurality of reaction cells. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stirring means includes an ultrasonic stirring mechanism located outside the plurality of reaction cells. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein the stirring control means controls the position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism in the height direction based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage means. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the stirring control means controls the orientation of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage means. The automatic according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a probe control means for controlling the amount of descent of the dispensing probe based on the position of the bottom surface of the reaction cell stored in the storage means. Analysis equipment. It further comprises a target provided on the reaction base which is the base of the holding and the placement of the dispensing probe.
13. Automatic analyzer.

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