JP2989545B2 - Probe unit for liquid dispensing / suction, confirmation and detection method of liquid dispensing operation, drop droplet drop detection method after dispensing operation, and liquid level detection method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the dispensing and suctioning of a liquid such as a blood or a reagent into a reaction container, or to aspirate a liquid into a body of an apparatus for testing blood or the like. Of the probe unit for use, the confirmation detection method for confirming and detecting the dispensing or suction operation when dispensing and suction work is performed by this nozzle, the detection method for detecting the liquid level, and after the dispensing operation The present invention relates to a detection method for detecting a drop of a droplet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a test apparatus for blood or the like, dispensing of liquids such as reagents and blood to a container h set in the body of the test apparatus is usually performed as shown in FIG. Nozzle 1 mounted on the lower surface of head a provided on the body
The syringe 2 for performing suction / discharge is connected to and communicated with the syringe 2, and the syringe 2 is moved by a motor to rotate a cam wheel, and a predetermined amount of a liquid such as a reagent or blood is dispensed. Then, a plate P in which hole-shaped containers h... Are aligned and formed is arranged below the nozzle 1, and each of the containers h. This is performed by discharging the liquid.

At the time of dispensing, each nozzle h
As shown in FIG. 2, a dispensing tip 1a made of plastic is detachably attached to the tip of the nozzle 1 to prevent liquid contamination (mixing) from occurring between the nozzles. There is a type in which the nozzle 1 is configured so that the nozzle 1 is replaced with a new dispensing tip 1a for each operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 1 is provided with a suction nozzle 3 and a drainage bin d communicating with a vacuum pump c. There is a configuration in which liquid or the like dispensed into the container h of the plate P is sucked from the suction nozzle 3 into the drainage bin d by the operation of the vacuum pump c and collected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, between the nozzle 1 and the syringe 2, a state in which the nozzle 1 communicates with the syringe 2 and a state in which the nozzle 1
There is a type in which a three-way valve-shaped solenoid valve e for switching to a state communicating with the nozzle is provided, and the nozzle 1 is switched to the suction nozzle 3.

Thus, when liquids such as reagents and blood are dispensed into the containers h... Set in the body of the inspection apparatus, it is determined whether or not the dispensing operation has been performed correctly. Normally, as shown in FIG.

As means for detecting whether or not the dispensing operation has been performed as prescribed without visual observation, as shown in FIG. 6, a nozzle 1, a syringe 2, a reagent bottle f
Are connected via a three-way valve-shaped solenoid valve e, and a flow meter g is connected to a pipe line between the solenoid valve e and the nozzle 1 to operate the flow meter g. There is a means for detecting and confirming whether or not the dispensing has been performed correctly.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When dispensing a liquid such as a reagent from a plurality of nozzles 1 arranged in a row to a hole-shaped container h provided in alignment with the plate P, holes 40 having the same shape as the container h of the plate P are used.
Are formed separately at a corresponding pitch, and a pair of electrodes 41.
2 are arranged at intervals, and before performing a predetermined dispensing operation on each container h... Of the plate P, the liquid is supplied from the multiple nozzles 1. …
The electrodes 41 and 42 provided in a pair in each hole 40... Are turned on by conducting the dispensed test solution / reagent. Therefore, there is a means for dispensing to each container h of the plate P in anticipation that each nozzle 1...

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a pair of electrodes 50 and 51 are opposed to each other so as to be inserted into each container h of the plate P. The electrode sensor 5 is moved up and down with respect to each container h... Of the plate P for which the dispensing operation of liquids such as reagents and specimens has been completed. There is a means for detecting and confirming that dispensing is correctly performed by being turned on by coming into contact with a liquid surface of a liquid such as a reagent or a specimen dispensed therein.

As means for detecting the liquid level in order to detect whether or not a predetermined amount of a liquid such as a reagent or a sample is dispensed into the container h, as shown in FIG. There is a means in which a float i is provided in the container h so as to be able to move up and down, and a switch SW which is turned on / off by the raising / lowering operation of the float i is assembled to the container h.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the nozzle 1 is formed of a conductor and is formed on one of the electrodes 50,
The other electrode 51 corresponding to this is provided in parallel with the nozzle 1, and the electrode sensor 5 is constituted by these electrodes 50 and 51.
There is a means for detecting the liquid level by turning on the electrode sensor 5 in contact with the liquid level of the reagent / specimen in the container h as shown in FIG.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
Fibers 62 and 63 are connected to the light emitter 60 and the light receiver 61 provided in the sensor amplifier 6a, respectively, and the light emitter 64 and the light receiver 65 are provided at the distal ends thereof, so that the optical liquid level detector 6 can be used. By lowering this with respect to the container h, the light emitted from the light projecting unit 64 is reflected on the liquid surface of the reagent / sample in the container h and received by the light receiving unit 65. Then, there is a means for detecting the liquid level.

As shown in FIG. 14, a pressure sensor PS is provided in the middle of a pipe between the syringe 2 and the nozzle 1, and the lower end of the nozzle 1 is connected to the reagent / specimen in the container h. There is pressure type liquid level detecting means for detecting a liquid level by detecting a pressure change generated in the pipe line by contacting the liquid level with the pressure sensor PS.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Reagents for containers h
FIG. 6 shows a conventional means for detecting whether or not the dispensing has been performed correctly when dispensing a liquid such as a sample, or detecting the liquid level of a liquid such as a dispensed reagent or sample. like,
A flow meter g is provided in the middle of the flow path of a liquid such as a reagent or a sample to be dispensed, and a means for detecting the flow rate by the flow meter g can be used when the liquid has a large volume. There is a problem that cannot be dealt with in the case of capacity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the electrode tank 4 provided with holes 40... Corresponding to the respective containers h.. Means for dispensing from nozzles 1 in advance and detecting whether or not the dispensing functions correctly is performed even if the operation and function of the multiple nozzles 1 are confirmed thereby. Dispensing work for each container h ... of the plate P
There is a problem that is not done correctly.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, a pair of electrodes 50 and 51 are brought into contact with the liquid surfaces of reagents and specimens dispensed into containers h. 50
Means for detecting the liquid level by closing the circuit by energizing the liquid between the 51 and the nozzle, as shown in FIG. 14, the nozzle 1 is immersed in the liquid in the container h. The means for detecting the liquid level by detecting the pressure change has a problem of causing contamination between the containers h.

As shown in FIG. 12, means for detecting a liquid surface by reflected light using an optical liquid surface detecting device 6 comprising a light projecting device 60 and a light receiving device 61 includes a nozzle 1
Alternatively, in addition to the dispensing / suction mechanism such as the suction nozzle 3, a separately operated dispensing confirmation mechanism is incorporated in the body of the inspection apparatus, which causes a problem of complicating the structure. .

Another problem with the conventional means is that there is no means for confirming the suction operation when a liquid such as a reagent or a sample is sucked out of the container h by the suction nozzle 3. is there.

For dispensing reagents, specimens, etc. to the containers h ..., a large number of holes provided vertically and horizontally on the upper surface of the plate P are used for the containers h. On the other hand, when dispensing a specimen, usually, an amount of about 25 microliters is dispensed, but since one droplet of the liquid to be dropped from the nozzle 1 is 8 to 10 microliters, three drops are required. In this case, the dispensing operation is controlled so as to drop three drops at a time. However, it is difficult to count the number of droplets dropped. Is controlled by controlling the stroke of the plunger so that the ejection amount of the ink droplet corresponds to three droplets, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately detect the dispensed amount.

Even if it is possible to control the dispensing of a predetermined number of drops, the droplets adhering to the cylinder tip of the dispensed nozzle 1 will gradually grow. In many cases, the number of drops drops four from the nozzle 1 and the number of drops increases to 35 microliters at a time due to the dripping, leaving a problem that the test result is confused.

After the dispensing operation is completed, the nozzle 1
The phenomenon that the droplets remaining on the tip of the cylinder drop and drop may occur during the process of moving the position of the nozzle 1 to the next hole to be dispensed, i.e., the hole to be dispensed. The problem that the test result is disturbed when the droplets to be dropped fall into the container h where the dispensing of a predetermined amount of liquid has already been dispensed or into the container h where the dispensing is to be performed. There is.

The present invention has been made in order to solve these problems which have occurred in the conventional means, and it is possible to confirm the dispensing and detect the liquid level without complicating the mechanism of the inspection apparatus. It can be performed even during the dispensing process, and the confirmation and detection of the dispensing operation, the detection of the liquid level, the confirmation and detection of the suction operation, and the detection of the dispensed volume can be performed accurately, and the dispensing operation is completed. To provide a new means for accurately detecting a dispensed amount and a dispensed position deviation caused by a phenomenon in which droplets adhering to a cylinder tip of a dislodged nozzle are separated from the nozzle and dropping. And

[0023]

According to the present invention, as a means for achieving the above object, a head a
Alternatively, a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, etc.
And a light detection sensor S having a light receiving element 71,
One ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively, and the other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are respectively guided to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a. A liquid dispensing / suctioning probe unit characterized in that a light projecting part 74 and a light receiving part 75 provided at those ends are mounted downward at the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end side of the head a. When,

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S having a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled.
1 is connected to one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73, and the other end of the optical fiber 72, which is connected to the light source 70, is guided to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a and provided at the end of the optical fiber 72. The light emitting unit 74 is connected to the nozzle 1
It is installed downward at the tip of the container, and the other end of the optical fiber 73 leading to the light receiving element 71 is guided to the lower surface of the container h disposed below the head a, and the light receiving unit 75 is provided at the end thereof.
A liquid dispensing / suctioning probe unit, which is provided upwardly so as to face the light projecting section 74 at the tip of the nozzle 1,

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S having a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled.
1 and the other end of the optical fiber 73 leading to the light receiving element 71 is led to the tip of the nozzle 1, and the light receiving section 75 provided at the end of the optical fiber 73 is connected to the nozzle 1. And the other end of the optical fiber 72 leading to the light source 70 is guided to the lower surface of the container h disposed below the head a,
A probe unit for liquid dispensing and suction, characterized in that a light projecting unit 74 is provided at an end thereof so as to face upward to face a light receiving unit 75 provided at the tip of the nozzle 1,

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S including a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled, and one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. The end sides are respectively guided to the tip end of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end side of the head a,
Light emitting unit 7 provided at the end of these optical fibers 72 and 73
4 and the light receiving unit 75 are attached to the tip of the nozzle 1, and when the dispensing operation of the liquid from the nozzle 1 is stopped or when the nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the liquid surface and pulled up, the droplet generated by attaching to the nozzle 1 A probe unit for dispensing and aspirating liquid, wherein the probe unit is arranged and mounted so as to be wrapped in the particles W;

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S including a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled, and one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. The end side is led to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, respectively.
The light emitting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends are
At the tip of the nozzle 1, it is arranged and mounted so as to be wrapped in the droplet W generated by adhering to the nozzle 1. A method for confirming the detection of the liquid dispensing operation by detecting the presence or absence of the liquid by the light detection sensor S,

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S including a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled, and one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. The end side is led to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, respectively.
The light emitting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends are
At the tip of the nozzle 1, it is arranged and installed so as to be wrapped in the droplet W generated by adhering to the nozzle 1. The light projecting part 74 at the tip of the nozzle 1 from the bottom surface of the droplet W generated at the time of falling
The change in the distance R between the light receiving portions 75 causes the light detection sensor S
A drop detection method for dropping droplets after the dispensing operation, by detecting a change in the illuminance (sensitivity) of the light beam received by the light receiving unit 75 of FIG. ,

A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S including a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled, and one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. The end side is led to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, respectively.
The light emitting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends are
At the tip of the nozzle 1, it is arranged and installed so as to be wrapped in the droplet W generated by adhering to the nozzle 1. A change in the illuminance (sensitivity) of the light beam received by the light receiving unit 75 of the light detection sensor S due to a change in the distance R between the light emitting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 at the tip of the nozzle 1 from the bottom surface of the droplet W is detected. A method of determining the position of dropping of droplets W from the tip of the nozzle 1 after the dispensing operation by activating a warning device by the detection operation. ,

A light detection sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, etc. and a light receiving element 71 is assembled to the body of the head a, and the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71 are provided.
Are connected to one ends of optical fibers 72 and 73, respectively.
The other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are respectively guided to the tips of the nozzles 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends are attached to the tips of the nozzles 1. It is arranged and installed so as to be wrapped in the droplets W generated by being attached to the nozzle 1,
The nozzle 1 is lowered to a position in contact with the liquid level L of the liquid in the container h into which the liquid is dispensed, and then raised, and the presence or absence of the droplet W adhered to the tip of the nozzle 1 is checked. The present invention proposes a method for detecting the liquid level in the container, wherein the liquid level in the container h is detected by detecting the liquid level in the container h.

[0031]

The probe unit for dispensing and aspirating according to the present invention constructed as described above is composed of optical fibers 72 and 73 having one end connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71 of the light detection sensor S provided on the head a or the body. Is guided to the lower end of the dispensing / suction nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the optical fibers 72.
By arranging the light projecting part 74 and the light receiving part 75 provided at the other end of 73 downward, when the liquid is dispensed from the nozzle 1, the light from the light source 70 is emitted from the light projecting part 74. The intensity of the reflection of light from the droplets formed temporarily or constantly around the nozzle 1 can be captured by the light receiving unit 75, and similarly, the light receiving unit 75 In addition to the dispensing / suction operation by turning on / off the light detection sensor S due to the change in the light reflection intensity, the liquid level detection at the time of suction is performed because the light reflection intensity can be captured. However, at the time of dispensing, it is possible to confirm whether or not dispensing is performed correctly, and to detect erroneous dispensing (liquid dripping, etc.) from the nozzle 1 when the probe unit moves,
In addition, these detection / confirmation operations can be performed by at least one probe unit.

The presence of the liquid in the container h using the light detection sensor S combined with the nozzle 1 and the detection of the liquid level thereof are performed by the light source 70 of the light detection sensor S.
Alternatively, the light emitting unit 74 has directivity and emits a light beam having a specific wavelength (400 to 800 nm), a light emitting diode or a laser, or a specific wavelength (400 to 800 nm).
(nm) when a filter that transmits only a light beam having a specific wavelength is attached to the container h when a liquid such as a reagent or a test solution dispensed into the container h has a specific color. Make the operation more accurate.

Further, the means for confirming the dispensing / suction operation of the liquid according to the present invention is performed by detecting the droplets W of the liquid adhering / producing at the lower end of the nozzle 1 with the light detection sensor S. This can be performed more accurately than when light is projected onto the liquid in the container h for detection.

[0034]

Next, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG.
Is a schematic structural diagram of a probe unit for dispensing and aspirating a liquid to be incorporated in a blood or other testing device that implements the present invention,
In the figure, N is the whole probe unit for dispensing liquid, a is the head of the unit, 1 is a nozzle mounted on the lower end side of the head a, 2 is a syringe attached to the head a, b is a drive mechanism for operating the syringe 2;
d is a drain bottle, e and e are solenoid valves, f is a reagent bottle, P is a plate, h ... is a reaction container provided in a hole shape aligned on the plate P, S is a light detection sensor, 70 and 7
1 is a light source and a light receiving element provided on a base plate of the sensor S,
Reference numerals 72 and 73 denote optical fibers connected to one end of the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit which are formed by finishing each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 by cutting them off or provided with a sensitive element, and 76 denotes an amplifier of the light detection sensor S. , 77 indicate a sensitivity adjustment volume.

The head a is basically the same as a head provided as a dispensing head on the body of a blood or other test apparatus, and is provided with a nozzle 1 at the lower end and a motor at the upper end by operating a motor. A drive mechanism b that rotates and drives the cam wheel and a syringe 2 driven by the drive mechanism are incorporated.

The head a is mounted on the body so as to be able to move up and down, and the lower end of the nozzle 1
And the container h placed under the head a can be changed freely, or the mounting table of the container h disposed below the head a can be moved up and down to provide the head a. The distance between the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the container h is changed freely.

Thus, in the probe unit N in this embodiment, the nozzle 1 of the probe unit N dispenses a liquid such as a reagent into the container h by the operation of the above-described syringe 2, and dispenses the dispensed liquid. This is a form in which both the dispensing to be aspirated and the suction are performed, and a dispensing pipe line 10 connecting the syringe 2 and the nozzle 1 is connected to a reagent bottle f via a multi-port solenoid valve e. The discharge pipe 11 provided in the nozzle 1 is connected to the suction pump p and the drainage bottle d via the solenoid valve e.

The light detection sensor S is provided on a base plate by connecting a light source 70 such as a light emitting element or a laser light bulb and a light receiving element 71, and the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71 are connected to one ends of optical fibers 72 and 73, respectively. And a light projecting unit 74 and a light receiving unit 75 are provided on the other end side of the optical fibers 72 and 73, respectively. And the light is irradiated from there, and the emitted light enters the light receiving unit 75 and is detected by being received by the light receiving element 71 through the optical fiber 73. Although the adjusting volume 77 is provided, the light projecting part 74 and the light receiving part 75 are connected to the optical fibers 72 and 73 through the inner cavity of the nozzle 1 as shown in FIG. By directing the, it is then So設 as respectively toward the lower at the lower end of the nozzle 1.

With this, when the nozzle 1 is lowered with respect to the container h by the lowering operation of the head a and the liquid is present in the container h, the light emitted from the light projecting unit 74 is irradiated. When the light is reflected on the liquid surface L and enters the light receiving portion 75 and the light detection sensor S is turned on, the detection operation is performed, and the liquid surface L and the presence of the liquid are also confirmed. Become.

The light projecting section 74 of this optical light detection sensor S
The light receiving section 75 brings the lower end of the nozzle 1 into contact with the liquid level L of the liquid dispensed into the container h as shown in FIG. 17, and then pulls up the liquid at a predetermined speed as shown in FIG. When the lower end of the nozzle 1 is pulled away from the liquid level L as shown in FIG. 19, the nozzle 1 is positioned at the lower end of the nozzle 1 so as to be wrapped by droplets W generated by attaching to the lower end of the nozzle 1. To be installed in

When the nozzle 1 is pulled up by contacting the liquid surface L at the lower end as described above, or when the dispensing operation of the reagent or the like is performed by the operation of the syringe 2 and the operation is completed. The droplets W formed and adhered to the lower end of the nozzle 1 are formed in a shape that is maintained in the adhered state.

At this time, as shown by the chain line in FIGS. 23 and 25, the tip of the nozzle 1 is
The light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75, which are the sensor parts at the tip of the optical fiber of the optical sensor S, are located from the center of the end face of the tip of
However, it is effective to form a shape protruding by a small distance D to adhere and hold the droplet W.

Thus, when it is determined whether or not a liquid such as a reagent has been dispensed into the container h at a predetermined level, the distance between the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the container h is determined by the aforementioned FIG.
7 to FIG. 19, the nozzle 1
The droplets W are attached to the lower end of the droplets, and the droplets W
By detecting the presence or absence of the light with the light detection sensor S, accurate detection can be performed with much higher accuracy than in the case of detecting the reflected light from the liquid surface L shown in FIG. .

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the means for detecting the droplets W attached and generated at the lower end of the nozzle 1 is connected to the suction port j at the bottom of the container h. h
In the case where a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed into the inside of the container h and the liquid is removed by suction from the suction port j, the nozzle 1 is placed at the lower end of the liquid in the container h as shown in FIG. Is lowered to a position where the droplets W come into contact with each other, and when the liquid in the container h is suctioned out from that state, if the droplets W are attached to the lower end of the nozzle 1, the liquid has been dispensed to a predetermined level. Thus, the presence or absence of the droplet W can be confirmed by detecting the presence or absence of the droplet W by the light detection sensor S.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the light projecting section 74 and the light receiving section 75 of the light detection sensor S for detecting the droplets W generated and adhered to the lower end of the nozzle 1 as shown in FIGS. A pair of pipes 10 and a suction pipe 11 are provided at a position defined by the center of the lumen of the nozzle 1 so as to be in parallel with each other at a position defined by the outer periphery of the bore of the nozzle 1. The configuration of the nozzle 1 as described above makes the detection operation of the presence or absence of the droplet W more accurate when the droplet W adheres to the lower end of the nozzle 1 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 26 to 37 are cross-sectional views of various forms of the nozzle 1 formed as described above. In each of these figures, 1b is an outer tube of the nozzle 1, 74 is a light projecting section, and 75 is a light emitting section. The light receiving unit 10 is a pipe for dispensing, and 11 is a pipe for suction. As shown in these drawings, the nozzle 1 is formed in various forms.

Further, the light detection sensor S has a light source 70
, A specific wavelength such as red or green (400-800 nm)
Using a light emitting diode element that emits light with
A filter that transmits only a light beam of a specific wavelength (400 to 800 nm) is incorporated in the light projecting unit 74 or the light source 70 to capture necessary light when detecting a dispensing operation or a suction operation, or There is a case where the detection operation is performed more accurately by cutting off unnecessary light.

Next, FIGS. 38 to 43 show a plurality of containers h.
When continuously dispensing test solutions such as reagents and specimens to
It is explanatory drawing of the confirmation means of a dispensing operation.

FIG. 38 shows a state before the dispensing operation is started. No liquid such as a reagent or a sample is present in the nozzle 1, so that no droplet W adheres to the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the light detection sensor S
Detection operation is off.

FIG. 39 shows a state in which liquid is dispensed by the operation of the syringe 2 or the pump connected to the dispensing tube in the nozzle 1 or the opening of the valve. Droplets W are generated by the flow of the liquid continuously discharged.
Does not exist, and therefore, the light detection sensor S is kept in a state where the detection operation is off.

FIG. 40 shows a state in which the dispensing of a predetermined amount of liquid has been completed, and a state in which droplets W of the liquid are generated at the lower end of the nozzle 1 by stopping the dispensing operation, and the droplets W are attached. Become. As a result, the light detection sensor S is turned on, and detection that the dispensing has been completed is performed.

FIG. 41 shows a state before dispensing when dispensing to the second container h in place of the container h for which dispensing has been completed. Is attached, the light detection sensor S is in an ON state.

FIG. 42 shows a state where the second dispensing operation is started. In this state, the droplets W attached by the ejection of the liquid from the lower end of the nozzle 1 disappear, so that the light detection sensor S is turned off, and it is detected and confirmed that the dispensing operation is being performed by this off operation. Is performed.

FIG. 43 shows a state in which the second dispensing operation has been completed. When the dispensing operation is stopped, droplets W are generated again at the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the droplets W are attached. As a result, the light detection sensor S is turned on, and the completion of the dispensing operation is detected.

Accordingly, the on / off operation of the light detection sensor S enables the detection that the dispensing operation has been performed and that the dispensing operation has been completed. Confirmation can be performed accurately.

Next, FIGS. 44 to 47 show another example of the detecting means of the dispensing operation which is performed by detecting the droplets W generated and adhered to the lower end of the nozzle 1 by the light detection sensor S.

In this example, the nozzle 1 has both a pipetting pipe 10 and a suction pipe 11 so that both pipetting and suction can be performed. This is an example of a detection unit that uses the presence or absence of a droplet W.

FIG. 44 shows that before the dispensing, droplets W generated at the tip of the nozzle 1 by the reverse operation of the syringe 2 or the operation of the vacuum pump are sucked into the suction pipe 11 in the nozzle 1. Have been. Therefore, in this state, the light detection sensor S operates off.

FIG. 45 shows a state where the dispensing operation is being performed by the operation of the syringe 2 from the above state. In this state, the droplets W are not attached or generated at the tip of the nozzle 1 due to the ejection of the liquid, and the light detection sensor S is kept off.

FIG. 46 shows a state in which the dispensing operation has been completed.
In this state, the droplets W are generated at the lower end of the nozzle 1 due to the stop of the dispensing operation, and the droplets W are attached to the nozzles 1. Accordingly, the light detection sensor S is turned on, thereby dispensing operation. Can be detected and confirmed that the process has been completed.

FIG. 47 shows that after confirming that the dispensing operation has been completed, the droplets W at the tip of the nozzle 1 are removed by the reverse operation of the syringe 2 or the operation of a vacuum pump or the like. This shows a state in which the droplets W have disappeared and the droplets W have disappeared.
In this state, the light detection sensor S is turned off and returns to the state of FIG. 44, so that the next container h can be dispensed.

Next, FIGS. 48 to 50 show that the relative distance between the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the container h is varied so that the container h
When the lower end of the nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the liquid inside the nozzle 1, droplets W are attached and generated at the lower end of the nozzle 1, and the droplets W are detected by the photodetection sensor S, whereby the container h
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a means for detecting a liquid level L in the inside.

When the lower end of the nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the liquid surface L of the liquid dispensed into the container h as shown in FIG. 49 and then raised again, as shown in FIG. Drops W of the liquid that has come into contact with the tip are generated.

Accordingly, the distance between the nozzle 1 and the container h is relatively varied, the lower end of the nozzle 1 is lowered to a predetermined level position in the container h, and when the nozzle 1 is raised again, the liquid reaches that level. When the surface L is present, droplets W are generated and can be detected by the operation of detecting the droplets W by the light detection sensor S. If the liquid surface L does not exist at that level, light detection is performed. The detection can be performed by turning off the sensor S.

The droplets W attached to the lower end of the nozzle 1 as shown in FIG. 50 are lowered again to a position where they come into contact with the liquid level L in the container h as shown in FIGS. When this is done, the droplet W attached to the nozzle 1 moves to the liquid surface L side in the container h that has come into contact with it, disappears as shown in FIG. 53, and the light detection sensor S works off.

Therefore, in the process of FIGS. 48 to 50 described above, after the liquid level L is confirmed by the droplets W generated and adhered to the tip of the nozzle 1, the processes shown in FIGS. 51 to 53 are performed.
By repeating the operation shown in (1) and performing the operation of moving the droplets W attached to the tip of the nozzle 1 to the liquid surface L side and eliminating it, the detection operation of the liquid surface L can be performed more reliably.

Next, FIGS. 54 and 55 are explanatory views of still another example of the means for detecting the liquid level L of the liquid dispensed into the container h.

In this example, the relative distance between the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the liquid level L in the container h is changed within a range where the lower end of the nozzle 1 does not contact the liquid level.

That is, as shown in FIG. 54, when the nozzle 1 is sequentially lowered from a state where it is positioned above the liquid level L of the liquid in the container h, as shown in FIG. When the lower end approaches the liquid level L, the light emitted from the light emitting section 74 provided at the lower end of the nozzle 1 is reflected on the liquid level L and enters the light receiving section 75. Thus, the liquid level L can be detected by turning on the light detection sensor S.

This means can detect the liquid level L without bringing the lower end of the nozzle 1 into contact with the liquid level L.
The liquid level L is detected without causing contamination of the liquid inside, but there is a problem that it is difficult to control the relative movement between the nozzle 1 and the container h.

Next, FIGS. 56 to 65 show detection of the suction operation of the liquid in the container h by the nozzle 1 by detecting the presence or absence of the droplet W adhered to the lower end of the nozzle 1 by the light detection sensor S. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a means for performing confirmation.

In this means, first, the lower end of the nozzle 1 is inserted to a predetermined level position in the container h as shown in FIG. 56 by the relative movement between the nozzle 1 and the container h.
Pull up as shown.

At this time, if the liquid has been dispensed into the container h to a predetermined level, the lower end of the nozzle 1 comes into contact with the liquid level L thereof, as shown in FIG. Since the droplets W are attached and generated, the photodetection sensor S detects the droplets W and turns on, thereby confirming that a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed into the container h. It is.

Next, when this check is completed, the nozzle 1 is lowered until the lower end of the nozzle 1 reaches the bottom of the container h as shown in FIG. 58, and when the operation is completed, the suction operation for a predetermined time is performed. When the suction is completed, the nozzle 1 is pulled up as shown in FIG.

At this time, if the suction operation is completely performed, there is no droplet W at the lower end of the nozzle 1 pulled up as shown in FIG. 60, and the light detection sensor S is turned off. Thus, it is possible to confirm that the suction is completed.

In the operation shown in FIGS. 61 and 62,
After confirming the liquid level L of the container h, when performing suction operation for a predetermined time with the lower end of the nozzle 1 reaching the bottom of the container h as shown in FIG. 63, if the suction operation is incomplete, When the nozzle 1 is pulled up as shown in FIG. 65 after the suction operation, droplets W adhere to the lower end of the nozzle 1 and are generated, whereby the light detection sensor S is turned on. The completion is detected, and the suction operation can be properly confirmed.

FIG. 66 shows another embodiment. In this example, a light detection sensor S composed of a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, and the like and a light receiving element 71 is attached to a body of a blood or other testing apparatus or a head a mounted on the body, and One ends of optical fibers 72 and 73 are connected to a light source 70 and a light receiving element 71, respectively, and a light projecting unit 74 and a light receiving unit 75 are connected to the other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73, respectively.
When the light dispensed in the container h is confirmed by the light receiving unit 75 receiving the light emitted from the light emitting unit 74, the light emitting unit is provided at the lower end of the nozzle 1. Only one of the light receiving portion 74 and the light receiving portion 75 is provided, and the other is guided to the optical fiber connected thereto under the mounting table of the container h disposed below the head a. The light emitting unit 74 or the light receiving unit 7 provided at the lower end of the nozzle 1
5 so as to be vertically opposed to each other.
This is an example in which the light emitted from is transmitted through the container h and the liquid dispensed into the container h and enters the light receiving unit 75.

FIGS. 67 to 74 are explanatory views of the means for confirming the detection of the dispensing operation and the means for confirming the detection of the suction operation according to this example.

FIGS. 67 and 68 show the means for detecting and confirming the dispensing operation in the embodiment in which the light projecting section 74 is provided at the lower end side of the nozzle 1 and the light receiving section 75 is provided on the lower surface side of the container h. FIG.

In this example, when the inside of the container h is empty and the liquid dispensing operation is not performed, the light from the light projecting unit 74 passes through the empty container h and enters the light receiving unit 75. As a result, the light detection sensor S is turned on to detect the state.

Then, when the liquid dispensing operation is started and the liquid is poured into the container h, the light from the light projecting part 74 is reflected by the waved liquid surface L and does not enter the light receiving part 75. As a result, the light detection sensor S is turned off, whereby it is possible to confirm that the dispensing operation is being performed.

Next, FIGS. 69 and 70 show an embodiment in which a light receiving section 75 is provided at the lower end of the nozzle 1 and a light projecting section 74 is provided below the container h, contrary to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a dispensing operation detection and confirmation means in FIG.

In this example, when the container h is empty and the dispensing operation is not performed, as shown in FIG.
The light emitted from the light projecting unit 74 passes through the container h and enters the light receiving unit 75, whereby the light detection sensor S is turned on and its confirmation is performed.

When the dispensing operation starts, the light emitting section 74
From the bottom impinges on the liquid dispensed into the container h and the liquid level L thereof from below, as shown in FIG.
When light does not enter the light receiving portion 75 at the lower end of the nozzle 1, the light detection sensor S works off, thereby enabling confirmation of the dispensing operation.

Next, FIGS. 71 and 72 show that a light projecting section 74 is provided on the lower end side of the nozzle 1 and a light receiving section 75 is provided on the lower side of the container h.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for detecting a suction operation performed by the embodiment provided with the symbol.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 71, while the liquid dispensed in the container h is suction-eliminated by the nozzle 1, the light from the light projecting unit 74 is 72, the light detection sensor S is turned off because there is no light entering the light receiving unit 75, the suction operation is completed, and the container h is emptied as shown in FIG. The light from 74 enters the light receiving unit 75 and the light detection sensor S is turned on, so that it is possible to confirm that the suction operation has been completed.

Next, FIGS. 73 and 74 show a case where a light receiving portion 75 is provided at the lower end of the nozzle 1 and the container h
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a suction operation detection / confirmation unit in the embodiment in which the light projecting unit 74 is disposed on the lower surface side of the device.

In this embodiment, while the suction operation is being performed, the light from the light projecting unit 74 is scattered by the liquid in the container h as shown in FIG. When the light is almost eliminated, the light detection sensor S is turned off, the suction operation is completed, and the container h is emptied as shown in FIG. Then, the light detection sensor S is turned on, whereby it is possible to detect and confirm that the suction operation is completed.

Next, FIGS. 75 to 80 show that the probe unit N described above is used to aspirate a predetermined amount of a test solution of a reagent or sample from a receiver q such as a test tube into which the test solution has been poured, and draw it. , The detection of the liquid level, the confirmation of the dispensing operation, and the dispensing operation were completed when a series of work steps of dispensing into the inspection container h consisting of holes provided on the plate P were performed. It is explanatory drawing of each operation | movement, such as detection of erroneous operation by dropping of the droplet W adhering to the nozzle 1 after that.

When a predetermined amount of liquid such as a reagent or a sample is to be sucked from a receiver q such as a test tube, first, the probe unit N
As shown in FIG. 75, the tip of the nozzle 1 is mounted on the head a by the operation of a lifting / lowering operating mechanism (not shown), and the head q or the probe unit N is lowered.
Down to a predetermined depth position.

At this time, if the test solution has been injected into the receiver q to a predetermined level position, the tip of the nozzle 1 comes into contact with the liquid level L of the test solution and rushes into the test solution. The liquid level L is detected by the operation of the light detection sensor S, whereby it is confirmed that the test solution has been present in the receiver q to a predetermined level.

After this confirmation, a predetermined amount of the test solution is sucked into the probe nozzle N by the suction operation of the syringe 2 and then the probe nozzle N is pulled out from the receiver q, and this is assembled with the head a. By the operation of a certain moving mechanism (not shown), the container is moved above a plate P mounted on a plate mounting table mounted on the body of the inspection apparatus, and a container including a large number of holes opened on the upper surface thereof. After the test liquid is positioned above the container h to which the test liquid is to be dispensed and at a predetermined height, the test liquid is dropped into the container h by the discharge operation of the syringe 2 as shown in FIG.

In this operation, if the test liquid is discharged from the nozzle 1, the dispensing operation causes droplets W of the test liquid to be repeatedly generated at the tip of the nozzle 1 of the probe unit N. It can be confirmed that the predetermined dispensing operation has been performed by the operation of the light detection sensor S for detecting the same, and if there is a mistake in the discharge operation and there is no detection operation, FIG.
Thus, the droplet W is not generated, and the malfunction of the ejection operation is determined.

At this time, when the dispensing of the test solution into the container h consisting of a hole is performed using 25 microliters as a standard, since three droplets W are 8 to 10 microliters, three drops are required. The operation of the syringe 2 is controlled so that the droplets W of the above-mentioned droplets are dropped.

In this case, the detection operation of the light detection sensor S is repeated three times, so that a means for counting the number is incorporated in the controller. You will be able to confirm that the note has been made.

After the predetermined dispensing operation, the nozzle 1 is
Then, the droplet W is moved above the container h to be dispensed. At this time, droplets W are attached and generated at the tip of the nozzle 1 with the passage of time, and the droplets W gradually grow as shown in FIG. Then, when it reaches the limit, a phenomenon of dropping occurs as shown in FIG.

The dropping of the droplets W can be reduced by dropping into the container h which has just finished dispensing.
By adding 0 ml, the dispensed amount is increased to about 35 ml, and the result of the test is disturbed.
Also, dropping during the movement of the nozzle 1,
If it falls into the container h which has already been dispensed, it will disturb the dispensed amount, and if it falls into the container h having a different test solution, it will cause an inspection error such as contamination. become.

The dropping of the droplets W attached to the nozzle 1 after the dispensing operation is caused by the phenomenon that the droplets W grow from the lower end of the nozzle 1 to the bottom of the droplets W when the droplets W grow as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 80, the distance R1 becomes small droplets W 'due to dropping of the droplets W, so that the distance R2 is reduced. By detecting a change in the intensity (sensitivity) of the light beam received by the unit 75 with an appropriate detection device, the dropping phenomenon of the droplet W can be accurately detected by the detection signal.

The detection signal of the change in the intensity (sensitivity) accompanying the change in the distance is input to a controller of a computer which controls the program of each operating section of the inspection apparatus, and is recorded. A check is made on the container h that has been located.

When the detecting device detects a change in illuminance (sensitivity) incorporated in the light receiving portion 75 of the light detecting sensor S for detecting the drop, an alarm device such as a buzzer is activated by the detection signal. By letting it be
When the alarm device sounds, it can be detected that the droplets W have fallen. Therefore, the place where the droplets W have fallen is visually discriminated. h... can be checked by man control and marked in advance as a container h.

[00101]

As described above, the probe unit for dispensing and sucking liquid according to the present invention has one end connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71 of the light detection sensor S provided on the head a or the body. Dispensing / suction nozzle 1 provided with the other ends of optical fibers 72 and 73 at the lower end of head a.
The liquid is dispensed from the nozzle 1 by guiding the light projecting part 74 and the light receiving part 75 provided at the other end of the optical fibers 72 and 73 downward to the lower end of the nozzle 1 at the lower end of the nozzle 1. In this case, light from the light source 70 is emitted from the light projecting unit 74, and the light receiving unit 75 can capture the intensity of reflection of light from droplets that are temporarily or constantly formed around the nozzle 1. And similarly, the light receiving section 75
Can capture the intensity of light reflection from the liquid surface in the container h, so that the change in the intensity of light reflection causes the light detection sensor S to be turned on / off to perform the dispensing / suction operation. In addition, liquid level detection can be performed during suction, whether dispensing is performed correctly during dispensing, and erroneous dispensing (liquid drop, etc.) from the nozzle 1 when the probe unit moves can be detected. In addition, the detection and confirmation operations can be performed by at least one probe unit.

When a light source that emits light of a specific wavelength or a filter that transmits only light of a specific wavelength is incorporated in the light source 70 or the light projecting unit 74 of the light detection sensor S, the light is dispensed into the container h. The detection operation can be performed accurately even when the liquid to be removed has a specific color.

The detecting / confirming means for the dispensing operation and the suction operation according to the present invention determines whether or not there is a droplet W of the liquid adhering and generated at the lower end of the nozzle 1 at the lower end of the nozzle 1.
Since the detection is performed by the on / off operation of the light detection sensor S provided with the light detection unit 4 and the light receiving unit 75, the detection can be performed accurately.

In addition, the means according to the present invention determines the dropping of the droplet W from the nozzle 1 after the dispensing operation and the timing of the dropping by the use of the light detection sensor S, which could not be detected conventionally. By being able to detect accurately, the containers h... In which the dispensing amount is incorrect or contamination has occurred due to the dropping of the droplets W are automatically or manually controlled during the dispensing process. By
Since it is possible to accurately check the exclusion from the test, the dispensing operation of the test solution and the control of the dispensed amount become accurate, and a precise test result can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a conventional dispensing means.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a conventional dispensing means in which a tip nozzle is attached to a cylinder mouth.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a conventional dispensing means in which a pipe opening has a form in which a dispensing nozzle and a suction nozzle are arranged in parallel.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a conventional dispensing means in which a cylinder mouth shares a dispensing nozzle and a suction nozzle.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a conventional means for confirming a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a conventional device for confirming a dispensing operation of a liquid to a container.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of another conventional confirmation device for confirming a liquid dispensing operation to a container.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a conventional device for detecting a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a conventional means for detecting the level of a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a conventional means for detecting a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the means.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a conventional detection device for detecting the level of a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the above device.

FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory view of another example of a conventional detection device for detecting the level of a liquid dispensed into a container.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a probe unit for liquid dispensing / suction according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partially broken front view of a main part of the unit.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an initial step of an operation of detecting a liquid level in a container by the above unit.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an intermediate stroke of the above-mentioned detection operation of the above-mentioned unit.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a final step of the detection operation of the above unit.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an initial step of a liquid level detection operation when a suction port is provided at the bottom of the container in the same unit.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an intermediate stroke of the above-mentioned unit detecting operation.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a final stage of a detection operation of the above unit.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of a nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 24 is a transverse sectional view of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 26 is a transverse sectional view of another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 27 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 28 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 30 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 31 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 32 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 35 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 36 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 37 is a transverse sectional view of still another embodiment of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a detecting means of an operation of dispensing a liquid to a container by the unit, and is an explanatory diagram of a state before dispensing.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of the detection means in the middle of a dispensing operation.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram in a state where the dispensing operation of the detection unit is completed.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a state before dispensing when the detecting means dispenses a liquid to a new container that has been replaced.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of the detection unit in the middle of a dispensing operation.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the dispensing operation of the detection unit is completed.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a state before dispensing of a modification of the detecting means of the dispensing operation by the same unit.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the dispensing detection means of the above unit during dispensing.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory view at the end of dispensing of a modification of the dispensing detection means by the same unit.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which droplets have disappeared due to suction in a modified example of the dispensing detection means by the same unit.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory view of a liquid level detecting means by the same unit and is an explanatory view of an initial step.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory view of a liquid level detecting means by the same unit and is an explanatory view of an intermediate stroke.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory view of a liquid level detecting means by the same unit and is an explanatory view of a final step.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram of an initial state of a means for eliminating droplets attached to a lower end of a nozzle of the same unit.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram of a middle stage of a means for eliminating droplets attached to the lower end of the nozzle of the above unit.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of a final state of the means for eliminating droplets attached to the lower end of the nozzle of the unit.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid level detecting means by the above unit, and is an explanatory diagram at the time of starting.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid level detecting means by the above unit, and is an explanatory diagram at the time of a detecting operation.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram of a detecting means of the suction operation of the liquid in the container by the same unit, and is an explanatory diagram of a liquid level detecting process performed as a preceding process.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram of a detecting means of a suction operation of the liquid in the container by the above unit, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which a liquid level is detected as a preceding process.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory view of a detecting means of the suction operation of the liquid in the container by the same unit, and is an explanatory view of a state before the start of the suction operation performed as a previous step.

59 is an explanatory diagram of a detecting means of the suction operation of the liquid in the container by the same unit, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the suction operation performed as a previous process is completed. FIG.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram of a detecting means of the suction operation of the liquid in the container by the above unit, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the completion of the suction operation performed in the previous process is detected.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram when a suction failure is detected in the detection of a suction operation by the above unit, and is an explanatory diagram of a liquid level detection process performed as a previous process.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which detection of a liquid level in a previous process of the unit has been completed.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram of a state before a suction operation of the unit is started.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory view of a state where the suction operation of the unit has been completed.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a malfunction of the suction operation of the unit is detected.

FIG. 66 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the unit.

FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram of a state before starting a dispensing operation of a main part in an example in which the light receiving unit is provided on the lower surface side of the container in the embodiment.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram of a detection operation at the time of dispensing operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of a state before dispensing in an embodiment in which the light projecting unit is provided on the lower surface side of the container in the embodiment.

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram of a detection operation at the time of the dispensing operation of the above example.

FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram of a detection operation of a suction operation in the example in which the light receiving section is provided on the lower surface side of the container in the embodiment.

FIG. 72 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which completion of the suction operation of the above example is detected.

73 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the suction operation is started in the example in which the light projecting unit is provided on the lower surface side of the container in the embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 74 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the completion of the suction operation of the above example is detected.

FIG. 75 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of detecting the liquid level of the test solution when a predetermined amount of the test solution in the test tube is sucked by the probe unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 76 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the tip of the nozzle of the probe unit has entered the liquid surface of the test solution and that the liquid surface is at a predetermined level detected by the light detection sensor.

FIG. 77 is an explanatory view showing a state where a predetermined dispensing operation is being performed when the probe unit performs suction of a predetermined amount of test solution by operation of the syringe and dispenses the solution into a container. is there.

FIG. 78 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the dispensing operation of the probe unit has an error, the test solution is not discharged, and the droplets are not detected by the light detection sensor.

FIG. 79 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which droplets attached to the lower end of the nozzle grow after dispensing a predetermined amount of the test solution into the container by the probe unit.

FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the growth of droplets attached to the lower end of the nozzle of the probe unit has reached a limit, causing dropping;

[Explanation of symbols]

N: probe nozzle, S: light detection sensor, P: plate, W: droplet, L: liquid level, SW: switch, PS: pressure sensor, a: head, b: drive mechanism, c: vacuum pump,
d: drain bottle, e: solenoid valve, f: reagent bottle, g: flow meter, h: container, i: float, j: suction port, p: suction pump, 1 ... cylinder mouth, 1a: dispensing tip, 1b … Outer tube, 10
・ 11 ・ ・ ・ Pipe line, 2 ・ ・ ・ Syringe, 3 ・ ・ ・ Cylinder port for suction, 4 ・ ・ ・
Electrode tank, 40: Hall, 41, 42: Electrode, 5: Electrode sensor, 50: 51: Electrode, 6: Optical liquid level detector, 6a
... Sensor amplifier, 60 ... Light emitter, 61 ... Receiver, 62 ・
63: fiber, 64: light emitting part, 65: light receiving part, 70
... light source, 71 ... light receiving element, 72/73 ... optical fiber,
74: a light projecting unit, 75: a light receiving unit, 76: an amplifier of a light detection sensor, 77: a sensitivity adjustment volume.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-7-35759 (JP, A) JP-A-7-27663 (JP, A) JP-A-8-338849 (JP, A) JP-A-7-357 260797 (JP, A) JP 56-44379 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10 G01N 1/00 101

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, or the like and a light receiving element 71 is mounted on a head a or a body, and an optical fiber 72 is provided on the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, the other end of the optical fiber 72 is guided to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit provided at those ends are connected. 75
A probe unit for dispensing and aspirating a liquid, wherein the probe unit is provided downward at a tip end of a nozzle 1 provided at a lower end side of a head a. 2. A light source 70 having a wavelength of 400 to 800 nm.
2. A light source which emits light rays of
Probe unit for liquid dispensing and suction as described. 3. A light source having a wavelength of 4
2. The probe unit for dispensing / aspirating liquid according to claim 1, further comprising a filter that transmits only light having a wavelength of 00 to 800 nm. 4. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser or the like and a light receiving element 71 is mounted on the head a or the body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. A light projecting unit 74 that connects one end of the optical fiber 73 to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a and connects the other end of the optical fiber 72 that communicates with the light source 70 to the end of the optical fiber 72; The other end of the optical fiber 73, which is provided downward at the tip of the nozzle 1 and communicates with the light receiving element 71, is guided to the lower surface of a container h disposed below the head a.
A liquid dispensing / suctioning probe unit, which is mounted upward so as to face the light projecting part 74 at the tip of the nozzle 1. 5. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser or the like and a light receiving element 71 is mounted on the head a or the body, and an optical fiber 72 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of 73 is connected, the other end of the optical fiber 73 leading to the light receiving element 71 is guided to the tip of the nozzle 1, and the light receiving section 75 provided at the end of the optical fiber 73 is placed below the tip of the nozzle 1. And the other end of the optical fiber 72 leading to the light source 70 is guided to the lower surface of the container h disposed below the head a, and a light projecting unit 74 is provided at the end of the container h at the tip of the nozzle 1. A liquid dispensing / suctioning probe unit, which is mounted upward so as to face the light receiving section 75. 6. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser or the like and a light receiving element 71 is attached to the head a or the body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, and the other end of the optical fiber 72 is guided to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a. The droplets formed by attaching the nozzle 74 to the tip of the nozzle 1 when the dispensing operation of the liquid from the nozzle 1 is stopped or when the nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the liquid surface and pulled up. A liquid dispensing / suctioning probe unit, which is arranged and mounted so as to be wrapped in a particle W. 7. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser or the like and a light receiving element 71 is attached to a head a or a body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, and the other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are respectively guided to the tips of the nozzles 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends.
Is arranged and mounted on the tip of the nozzle 1 so as to be wrapped in the droplet W generated by adhering to the nozzle 1, and the droplet generated by adhering to the tip of the nozzle 1 is provided. A method for confirming and detecting a liquid dispensing operation, wherein the presence / absence of particles W is detected by a light detection sensor S to thereby confirm and detect a liquid dispensing operation. 8. A light detecting sensor S including a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, and the like and a light receiving element 71 is attached to the head a or the body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, and the other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are respectively guided to the tips of the nozzles 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends.
Is arranged and mounted on the tip of the nozzle 1 so as to be wrapped in the droplet W formed by adhering to the nozzle 1, and the droplet formed by adhering to the tip of the nozzle 1 is provided. The intensity (sensitivity) of the light beam received by the light receiving unit 75 of the light detection sensor S due to a change in the distance R between the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 at the tip of the nozzle 1 from the bottom surface of the droplet W caused when the W falls. And detecting a drop of the droplet W from the tip of the nozzle 1 after the dispensing operation. 9. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser, etc. and a light receiving element 71 is assembled to a head a or a body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, and the other ends of the optical fibers 72 and 73 are respectively guided to the tips of the nozzles 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, and the light projecting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends.
Is arranged and mounted at the tip of the nozzle 1 so as to be wrapped in the droplet W generated by adhering to the nozzle 1. The light projecting part 74 at the tip of the nozzle 1 from the bottom surface of the droplet W generated at the time of falling
Dispensing by detecting a change in the intensity (sensitivity) of the light beam received by the light receiving unit 75 of the light detection sensor S due to a change in the distance R between the light receiving units 75 and activating a warning device by the detection operation. A method of determining a dropping position after a dispensing operation, wherein the position of the dropping of droplets W from the tip of the nozzle 1 after the operation is determined. 10. A light emitting element, a light bulb,
A light detection sensor S including a light source 70 such as a laser and a light receiving element 71 is assembled, and one end of each of the optical fibers 72 and 73 is connected to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. The end side is led to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a, respectively.
The light emitting unit 74 and the light receiving unit 75 provided at those ends are
The nozzle 1 is disposed at the tip of the nozzle 1 so as to be wrapped in droplets W generated by being attached to the nozzle 1, and the nozzle 1 is placed in a container h in which liquid is dispensed. The liquid is then moved down to a position where the liquid comes into contact with the liquid level L, and then raised, and the presence or absence of the droplets W formed and adhered to the tip of the nozzle 1 is detected by the light detection sensor S. A method for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a container, comprising detecting a liquid level. 11. A light detecting sensor S having a light source 70 such as a light emitting element, a light bulb, a laser or the like and a light receiving element 71 is mounted on a head a or a body, and an optical fiber 72 is attached to the light source 70 and the light receiving element 71, respectively. One end of the optical fiber 73 is connected, and the other end of the optical fiber 72 is guided to the tip of the nozzle 1 provided at the lower end of the head a. The droplets formed by attaching the nozzle 74 to the tip of the nozzle 1 when the dispensing operation of the liquid from the nozzle 1 is stopped or when the nozzle 1 is brought into contact with the liquid surface and pulled up. It is arranged so as to be wrapped in the grain W and is installed downward at the tip of the nozzle 1, and the light receiving portion 75 of the photodetection sensor S controls the light intensity (sensitivity) of the received light beam to change. Detection means to detect A probe unit for liquid dispensing / suction, wherein a dispensing / suction operation can be confirmed, a liquid level can be detected, and an erroneous dispensing can be detected.