JP6695343B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes components contained in a biological sample such as blood and urine, and particularly to a light source that irradiates an analysis target with light and a detector that detects light emitted from the light source. It is a technology relating to an automatic analyzer having an analysis port constituted by.

  As a device for analyzing components contained in a sample such as blood, light from a light source, a transmitted light of a single or multiple wavelengths obtained by irradiating a reaction liquid, which is a target of analysis, in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, An automatic analyzer that measures the amount of scattered light is known.

  Automatic analyzers include biochemical analyzers that perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of target components in biological samples in the fields of biochemistry and hematology, and blood coagulation that measures the coagulability of blood samples. There is a device for analysis.

  In any analysis, a dispensing mechanism having a probe (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a dispensing probe) that sucks a liquid from a container containing a liquid such as a sample or a reagent and dispenses the liquid into a reaction container is used. ing. Here, in order to keep the performance of the device high, it is necessary to accurately dispense even a small amount of liquid, but if the position of the dispensing probe shifts, the accuracy of the dispensing amount will decrease. It may cause scattering of samples or reagents.

  In particular, in the case of discharge stirring in which the momentum of reagent discharge is used to stir the sample and reagent, such as in an automatic blood coagulation analyzer, the displacement of the dispensing probe may cause poor stirring. The accuracy may be reduced.

  Further, the dispensing probe may be fixed with dirt, clogged, or deformed due to contact or collision after long-term use. In such a case, it is necessary to replace the dispensing probe or adjust the position. Further, even when the dispensing probe is replaced, the mounting position may be displaced due to individual differences and the like, and highly accurate position adjustment is required so that suction and dispensing can be performed correctly.

  Regarding the technique of adjusting the stop position of the dispensing probe, Patent Document 1 discloses that after the dispensing probe is replaced, the dispensing probe is lowered toward an object serving as a reference for automatic adjustment, and contact is detected. There is described a technique for calculating the horizontal position by checking the presence or absence of contact while slightly changing the descending position.

  In Patent Document 2, after exchanging the dispensing probe or the piercer, the dispensing probe or the piercer is lowered toward the reaction container into which a certain amount of liquid has been dispensed, and the dispensing is automatically performed by detecting the liquid level. Techniques for determining probe or piercer height are described.

  In Patent Document 3, the timing at which the dispensing probe passes through a predetermined position is measured using a detector, and the movement amount and the analysis result are compared with the timing when the dispensing probe is properly adjusted and is not deformed. There is described a technique for automatically correcting the above and notifying the operator of the abnormality when the timing shift exceeds the allowable amount.

JP, 2001-91522, A JP, 2014-122852, A JP, 2013-210388, A

  In recent years, particularly in automatic analyzers, high-precision analysis is required, and the amount of samples and reagents is becoming smaller, so it can be said that the influence of displacement of the dispensing probe on the measurement results will become even greater. ..

  However, in the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is premised that the dispensing probe is brought into contact with a reference material or a liquid, which causes damage, scratches, stains, etc. of the dispensing probe, which result in these. It can also affect the measurement accuracy.

  In addition, the configuration described in Patent Document 3 requires an additional detection means for detecting the dispensing probe, which complicates the device configuration.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention does not require a complicated configuration, and while preventing damage such as damage or contamination of the dispensing probe, reduces the displacement of the dispensing probe, even for a small amount of measurement target. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that realizes highly accurate analysis and a method that uses the apparatus.

  As one aspect for solving the above problems, a reaction container capable of containing a mixed liquid of the sample of the present invention and a reagent, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample and the reagent into the reaction container, and the mixed liquid are An optical system including a holding unit for holding the contained reaction container, a light source for irradiating the reaction container held by the holding unit with light, and a detection unit for detecting the light emitted from the light source is provided. An analysis unit, a storage unit that stores information based on the light detected by the detection unit, and a control unit that controls the dispensing operation of the dispensing mechanism, and the control unit is held by the holding unit. The dispensing mechanism is moved with respect to the dispensing position in the reaction container, and while the dispensing mechanism is moving, the light emitted from the light source is detected by the detection unit, and the detected light is detected. And the relationship between the position of the dispensing mechanism and And a method of controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship, and an analysis method using the device. To do.

  According to the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the dispensing probe without damaging the dispensing probe without requiring a complicated configuration, and to realize highly accurate analysis even for a small amount of measurement target. You can

The figure which shows the basic composition of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of arrangement | positioning of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (1st Embodiment). The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (1st Embodiment). The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the amount of movement of the dispensing probe in the height direction and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the amount of horizontal movement of the dispensing probe and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (2nd Embodiment). The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (3rd Embodiment). The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (4th Embodiment). It is a figure which shows the structure of arrangement | positioning of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (5th Embodiment). The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (5th Embodiment). The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the amount of horizontal movement of the dispensing probe and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment (fifth embodiment). The figure which shows the structure of arrangement | positioning of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (6th Embodiment). The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the amount of horizontal movement of the dispensing probe and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment (sixth embodiment). The figure which shows the structure of arrangement | positioning of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (7th Embodiment). The flowchart which shows an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (7th Embodiment). The flowchart which shows the other example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe which concerns on this Embodiment (7th Embodiment). The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the amount of movement of the dispensing probe in the height direction and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment (seventh embodiment). The figure which shows the outline of the relationship between the horizontal movement amount of the dispensing probe and the light-receiving amount of a detector which concern on this Embodiment (7th Embodiment).

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the respective constituent parts having the same functions in the respective drawings, and the description thereof may be omitted.

First embodiment

<Basic configuration of device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. Here, as an aspect of the automatic analyzer, an example of a combined automatic analyzer including a turntable-type biochemical analysis unit and a blood coagulation time analysis unit will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the automatic analyzer 1 has a reaction disk 13, a sample disk 11, a first reagent disk 15, a second reagent disk 16, a blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 and a photometer 19 arranged on its housing. Has been done.

  The reaction disk 13 is a disk-shaped unit that is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and a plurality of reaction vessels 26 can be arranged on the circumference thereof.

  The sample disk 11 is a disk-shaped unit that is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and a plurality of sample containers 27 containing samples such as standard samples and test samples may be arranged on the circumference thereof. it can.

  The first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16 are disk-shaped units that can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and contain reagents containing components that react with the components of each test item contained in the sample. A plurality of reagent containers can be arranged on the circumference. Although not shown in the figure, the first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16 can also be configured to be able to keep the reagents in the arranged reagent containers cool by providing a cold keeping mechanism or the like.

  A sample dispensing probe 12 is arranged between the sample disk 11 and the reaction disk 13, and the sample container 27 on the sample disk 11, the reaction container 26 on the reaction disk 13, and the sample container 12 are arranged by the rotation operation of the sample dispensing probe 12. The reaction container 28 at the sample dispensing position 18 of the blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 is arranged so that the sample can be sucked and dispensed.

  Similarly, the first reagent dispensing probe 17 is arranged between the first reagent disc 16 and the reaction disc 13, and the second reagent dispensing probe 14 is arranged between the second reagent disc 15 and the reaction disc 13. The respective dispensing operations such as suction and discharge in the reaction container 26 on the reaction disk 13 and the reagent containers on the first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16 are arranged by rotating operation.

  The blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 mainly includes a blood coagulation time detection unit 21, a blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20, a disposable reaction container magazine 25, a sample dispensing position 19, a reaction container transfer mechanism 23, a reaction container disposal port 24, and an optical unit. It consists of a jig magazine 22. Here, the detailed configuration of the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the control system and the signal processing system related to the automatic analyzer 1 will be briefly described. The computer 105, via the interface 101, a sample dispensing control unit 201, a reagent dispensing control unit (1) 206, a reagent dispensing control unit (1) 207, a blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 204, an A / D converter. It is connected to (1) 205, the A / D converter (2) 203, and the transfer mechanism control unit 202, and sends a command signal to each control unit.

  The sample dispensing control unit 201 controls the sample dispensing operation by the sample dispensing probe 12 based on a command received from the computer 105.

  In addition, the reagent dispensing control unit (1) 206 and the reagent dispensing control unit (2) 207 use the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 14 based on a command received from the computer 105. Controls the dispensing operation of the reagent.

  In addition, the transfer mechanism control unit 202 uses the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 based on a command received from the computer 105, the reaction container magazine 25, the sample dispensing position 18, the reaction port 304 of the blood coagulation time detection unit 21, the reaction container. The transfer operation of the disposable reaction container 28 for blood coagulation analysis between the waste ports 24 is controlled.

  Further, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 204 causes the reaction container 28, which is transferred to the reaction port 304 and accommodates the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing probe 12, to be based on the command received from the computer 105. Then, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 dispenses the reagent for blood coagulation. Alternatively, a pretreatment liquid, which is a mixed liquid of the sample mixed in the reaction container 26 and the first reagent for blood coagulation analysis, is dispensed into the empty reaction container 28 by the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20. .. In this case, the second reagent for blood coagulation analysis is then dispensed into the reaction container 28 containing the pretreatment liquid. Here, the reagent for blood coagulation analysis is arranged in the first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16, and the reaction disk is used as necessary by the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 18. After being once dispensed into the reaction container 26 above 13, it is used for blood coagulation analysis.

  By the photometric value of the transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction solution in the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter (1) 205, and by the A / D converter (2) 203 The photometric value of the transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction liquid in the disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 converted into a digital signal is taken into the computer 105.

  The interface 101 includes a printer 106 for printing measurement results as a report, a memory 104 as a storage device, an external output medium 102, an input device 107 such as a keyboard for inputting operation commands, a screen, and the like. A display device 103 for displaying is connected. The display device 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT display.

  The analysis of biochemical items by the automatic analyzer 1 is performed in the following procedure. First, the operator uses the input device 107 such as a keyboard to request inspection items for each sample. In order to analyze the sample for the requested inspection item, the sample dispensing probe 12 dispenses a predetermined amount of the sample from the sample container 27 to the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 according to the analysis parameter.

  The reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 into which the sample has been dispensed is transferred by the rotation of the reaction disk 13 and stops at the reagent receiving position. The pipette nozzles of the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 14 dispense a predetermined amount of reagent liquid into the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 according to the analysis parameter of the relevant inspection item. The dispensing order of the sample and the reagent may be opposite to the example, and the reagent may precede the sample.

  Then, the sample and the reagent are stirred and mixed by a stirring mechanism (not shown). When the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 crosses the photometric position, the transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction solution is measured by a photometer. The measured transmitted light or scattered light is converted by the A / D converter (1) 205 into numerical data proportional to the amount of light, and is taken into the computer 105 via the interface 101.

  Using the converted numerical values, the concentration data is calculated based on the calibration curve previously measured by the analysis method designated for each inspection item. The component concentration data as the analysis result of each inspection item is output to the screen of the printer 106 or the display device 103.

  Before the above measurement operation is executed, the operator sets various parameters necessary for analysis and registers reagents and samples via the operation screen of the display device 103. Further, the operator confirms the analysis result after the measurement on the operation screen on the display device 103.

  The analysis of blood coagulation time items by the automatic analyzer 1 is mainly performed in the following procedure.

  First, the operator requests an inspection item for each sample by using the information input device 107 such as a keyboard. In order to analyze the sample for the requested test item, the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 transfers the disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 from the reaction container magazine 25 to the sample dispensing position 18. The sample dispensing probe 12 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 27 to the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 according to the analysis parameter.

  The reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 into which the sample has been dispensed is transferred to the reaction port 301 of the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 and heated to a predetermined temperature. The first reagent dispensing probe 17 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent solution into the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 on the reaction disk 13 according to the analysis parameter of the relevant inspection item. Since the reaction disk 13 is provided with a thermostat (not shown), the reagent solution dispensed into the reaction container (biochemical analysis) 26 is warmed to 37 ° C.

Thereafter, the blood coagulation / dispensing mechanism 20 sucks the reagent dispensed to the reaction cell (for biochemical analysis) 26, and raises the temperature to a predetermined temperature in the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 by a temperature raising mechanism (not shown). After heating, it is discharged into a reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28.
From the time when the reagent is discharged, photometry of transmitted light or scattered light of the light with which the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is irradiated is started. The measured transmitted light or scattered light is converted by the A / D converter (2) 203 into numerical data proportional to the amount of light, and is taken into the computer 105 via the interface 101.

  Using this converted numerical value, the time required for the blood coagulation reaction (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as blood coagulation time) is obtained. For example, for test items such as ATPP (activated partial thromboplastin time), the blood coagulation time thus obtained is output as the analysis result. Here, regarding the test items such as Fbg (fibrinogen), the data of the component concentration is obtained based on the obtained blood coagulation time and the calibration curve previously measured by the analysis method designated for each test item. And output as the analysis result. Data of the blood coagulation time and the component concentration as the analysis result of each test item are output to the screen of the printer 106 or the display device 103.

  Here, before the above-described measurement operation is executed, the operator performs setting of various parameters necessary for analysis and registration of reagents and samples in advance via the operation screen of the display device 103. Further, the operator can confirm the analysis result after the measurement on the operation screen on the display device 103.

  Further, the discharge destination of the sample discharged by the sample dispensing probe 12 may be the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26. In this case, after reacting with the pretreatment liquid in the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 in advance as described above, the blood coagulation dispensing probe 23 dispenses into the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. You can also

  In the blood coagulation / dispensing probe 20, the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is moved in the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 by the momentum when the reagent is discharged to the sample previously contained in the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. Stirring called discharge stirring is performed to mix with the sample. Contrary to this example, the dispensing order of the sample and reagent may be such that the reagent precedes the sample, and in this case, mixing with the reagent can be performed by the momentum when the sample is ejected. it can.

  Here, in the discharge stirring, it is important to maintain high positional accuracy of the position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 with respect to the reaction container in order to perform reliable stirring, and special attention is required for the position adjustment.

<Basic configuration of blood coagulation time detector>
Next, the structure of the blood coagulation time detector 21 will be described. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 includes a reaction block 301 having one or a plurality of reaction ports 304 in which a disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 can be installed, and a light source. It has 302 and a detector 303 of scattered light or transmitted light, and can detect the intensity of scattered light or transmitted light of the light applied to the reaction solution in the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28.

  In FIG. 1, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 includes a reaction container transfer mechanism 23 for a suction operation of a reagent contained in a reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 on the reaction disk 13 and a blood coagulation time detection unit 21. Dispensing operation is performed to the disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 installed by. The disposable reaction container magazine 25 is used to align and install a plurality of disposable reaction containers (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. The sample dispensing position 18 is provided for dispensing a sample to be analyzed set on the sample disk 11 into a reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28, and here, the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis). ) 28 is transferred from the disposable reaction container magazine 25 by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23. The optical jig magazine 22 is provided with a solid scatterer that scatters light with an appropriate turbidity, and can be transferred by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 like a disposable reaction container.

  Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of arrangement of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  2A is a side sectional view of the arrangement of the dispensing probe, the light source and the detector, and FIG. 2B is a front sectional view of the arrangement. Here, the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 in FIG. 1 includes a reaction block 301 whose temperature is kept constant, a light source 302, and a detector 303, and a disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 can be installed from the upper surface. One or a plurality of reaction ports 304 are provided. The detector 303 is arranged so that the scattered light of the light emitted from the light source 302 to the reaction liquid in the reaction container can be detected.

<How to adjust the position of the dispensing probe>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment.

  A method for adjusting the position of the dispensing probe in the above-described configuration will be described with reference to this figure. Here, as an example of the dispensing probe, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 shown in FIG. 2 will be described, but it goes without saying that in all the embodiments, other dispensing probes such as the sample dispensing probe It is applicable to various dispensing mechanisms such as the dispensing probe 12, the first reagent dispensing probe 17, the second reagent dispensing probe 14, and the like.

  First, in step 301, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S301). Next, in step 302, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the previous adjustment. (Or, it may be the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28)) (S302). Then, in step 303, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the peak of the received light intensity is obtained at the point where the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the detector 303. Here, the horizontal axis in FIG. 4 is the movement amount (mm) from the reference position, and the vertical axis is the count value (count number) obtained by A / D converting the output value of the current corresponding to the detected light intensity. Indicates. Instead of the count value, the vertical axis may be the current intensity (the same applies to FIGS. 5, 11, 13, 16, and 17), and in any case, it corresponds to the received light intensity. .. In step 303, the position of the height at which the peak with the maximum light amount is obtained is stored (S303). Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the relationship between the amount of movement of the dispensing probe in the height direction and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment.

  In step 304, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the height position where the light amount has the maximum value based on the value thus stored (S304).

  Next, in step 305, the change in the received light intensity is measured by moving the same in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point at which the peak is obtained is determined to be the center position of the reaction port 304, and is stored in the memory 104, as in the case of adjustment in the height direction (S305).

  Here, the point at which the peak of the light amount is obtained differs depending on the arrangement of the light source 302 and the detector 303, but if the arrangement is constant, it is always a constant relative positional relationship between the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the reaction port 304. Since the peak of the amount of light is obtained, it is possible to specify the height and horizontal position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 on the reaction port 304 based on this data. In step 306, the difference between the height at which the peak is obtained from the reference height at this time, the movement amount to the horizontal position, and the movement amount stored in advance in the mechanical design is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value ( S306). In the subsequent operations, the difference is added to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct it, so that the height of the blood coagulation reagent in the horizontal position is accurate with respect to the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. Dispensing by the injection probe 305 can be performed.

  According to the above flowchart, the position adjustment of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 in the height direction and the horizontal direction can be automatically performed.

Second embodiment

  In the first embodiment, an example of automatic position adjustment in the configuration of the dispensing mechanism including the uniaxial horizontal movement mechanism and the uniaxial vertical movement mechanism has been described.

  In this embodiment, an application example of automatic position adjustment in a configuration of a dispensing mechanism including a biaxial horizontal movement mechanism (X, Y axes) and a uniaxial vertical movement mechanism (Z axis) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment. Here, similar to the above-described embodiment, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example of the dispensing probe, but it is also applicable to dispensing probes other than this.

  First, in step 601, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S601). Next, in step 602, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the previous adjustment. It moves to the upper position in the X and Y axis directions on the same plane (S602). Then, in step 603, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the peak of the received light intensity is obtained at the point where the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the detector 303. In step 603, the position of the height at which the peak with the maximum light amount is obtained is stored (S603). In step 604, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the height position where the light amount has the maximum value, based on the adjustment value thus stored (S604).

  Next, in step 605, the change in the received light intensity is measured by moving the light in the X direction by a predetermined distance. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point at which the peak is obtained is determined to be the center position of the reaction port 304 on the X axis as in the case of the adjustment in the height direction, and is stored in the memory 104 (S605). In step 606, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the position on the X-axis where the light amount has the maximum value, based on the adjustment value thus stored (S606).

  After that, in step 607, the change in the received light intensity is measured in the same manner by moving the same in the Y-axis direction by a predetermined distance. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point at which the peak is obtained is determined to be the center position of the reaction port 304 on the Y axis as in the case of the adjustment in the height direction, and is stored in the memory 104 (S607).

  Here, the point at which the peak of the light amount is obtained differs depending on the arrangement of the light source 302 and the detector 303, but if the arrangement is constant, it is always a constant relative positional relationship between the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the reaction port 304. Since the peak is obtained, it is possible to specify at which height in the reaction port 304 the position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located based on this data. In step 608, the difference between the movement amount from the reference height at this time to the height at which the peak is obtained and the previously stored movement amount in the mechanical design is stored as an adjustment value in the memory 104 (S608). In the subsequent operations, a difference is added to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount, so that the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 at a position accurately located with respect to the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. Dispensing can be performed by.

  According to the above flowchart, the position adjustment of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is automatically performed even in the configuration including the biaxial horizontal movement mechanism (X, Y axes) and the uniaxial vertical movement mechanism (Z axis). You can

Third embodiment

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of automatic position adjustment in the configuration of the dispensing mechanism including the uniaxial or biaxial horizontal movement mechanism and the uniaxial vertical movement mechanism has been described.

  In this embodiment, an application example of automatic position adjustment in a configuration of a dispensing mechanism including a uniaxial rotation mechanism and a uniaxial vertical movement mechanism will be described. Here, the rotating mechanism means a structure including a rotating shaft (not shown), and a dispensing probe provided at the tip of an arm that moves so as to draw an arc. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment. Here, similar to the above-described embodiment, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example of the dispensing probe, but it is also applicable to other dispensing probes. As described above.

  First, in step 701, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S701). Next, in step 702, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the previous adjustment. It rotates upward (S702). Then, in step 703, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the peak of the received light intensity is obtained at the point where the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the detector 303. In step 703, the position of the height at which the peak with the maximum light amount is obtained is stored (S703).

  In step 704, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the height position where the light amount has the maximum value based on the value thus stored (S704).

  Next, in step 705, the rotation direction is also moved by a predetermined angle to measure the change in the received light intensity. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point at which the peak is obtained is determined to be the center position of the reaction port 304, and is stored in the memory 104, as in the case of adjustment in the height direction (S705).

  The point where the peak is obtained differs depending on the arrangement of the light source 302 and the detector 303, but if the arrangement is constant, the peak of the light amount is always obtained by the relative positional relationship between the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the reaction port 304. Therefore, it is possible to specify at which height and rotational position in the reaction port 304 the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located. In step 706, the difference between the reference height at this time, the height at which the peak is obtained from the rotational position, the amount of movement to the rotational position, and the previously stored amount of movement in the mechanical design is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value. Yes (S706). In the following operations, the height of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the correct rotation of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 with respect to the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 are corrected by adding a difference to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount. Dispensing at position can be performed.

  According to the above flowchart, the position of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 can be automatically adjusted even in the configuration including the uniaxial rotation mechanism and the uniaxial vertical movement mechanism.

Fourth embodiment

  In the above-described embodiment, when the height is adjusted while the horizontal position is shifted, a peak may be obtained at a position slightly shifted from the correct position. In the present embodiment, in order to improve the positional accuracy of the dispensing probe by repeating the adjustment in response to such a situation, a dispensing mechanism including a uniaxial horizontal movement mechanism and a uniaxial vertical movement mechanism is described. An application example of the automatic position adjustment in the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment. Here, similar to the above-described embodiment, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example of the dispensing probe, but it is also applicable to dispensing probes other than this.

  First, in step 801, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S801). Next, in step 802, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the time of the previous adjustment. (Alternatively, it may be the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28)) (S802).

  Then, in step 803, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the peak of the received light intensity is obtained at the point where the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the detector 303. In step 803, the position of the height at which the peak with the maximum light amount is obtained is stored as the first stored value (S803).

  In step 804, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the height position where the light amount has the maximum value based on the value thus stored (S804).

  Next, in step 805, the change in the received light intensity is measured by moving the same in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point at which the peak is obtained is determined as the center position of the reaction port 304 as in the case of the adjustment in the height direction, and is stored in the memory 104 as the first stored value (S805). .

  Then, in step 806, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S806). In step 807, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 (or the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28) based on the movement amount stored in the (n-1) th horizontal adjustment. It moves horizontally again (good) (S807).

  Then, in step 808, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the peak of the received light intensity is obtained at the point where the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the detector 303. In step 808, the position of the height at which the peak with the maximum light amount is obtained is stored as the n-th stored value (S808).

  In step 809, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the height position where the light amount has the maximum value based on the value thus stored (S809).

  Next, in step 810, the change in the received light intensity is measured by moving the same in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance. If the amount of light obtained becomes weak, it is determined that the light is off the center, and the light moves in the opposite direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the point where the peak is obtained is determined to be the center position of the reaction port 304 as in the case of the adjustment in the height direction, and is stored in the memory 104 as the nth stored value (S810). ..

  In step 811, for each of the height and the position in the horizontal direction, it is determined whether the values stored in steps 808 and 810 are the same as the (n-1) th adjustment (S811), and this condition is set. If not satisfied, the process returns to step 806 and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, when this condition is satisfied, in step 812, the difference between the position stored for the nth time and the position stored in advance is stored in the memory 104 (S812).

  Finally, in step 813, the moving amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S813).

  Here, when the horizontal movement mechanism has two axes, it is sufficient to adjust one of the horizontal axes and then the other axis, and the horizontal movement mechanism rotates one axis. In the case of, it can be adjusted by applying the flowchart of FIG. 7 to the present embodiment.

Fifth embodiment

  In the above-described embodiment, even if the position of the tip of the dispensing probe is largely deviated, and the tip of the dispensing probe moves within the irradiation range of the light source even when the tip is moved based on the movement amount in the mechanical design. In addition, if it does not fall within the detection range of the detector, the peak of the light amount cannot be detected, and automatic adjustment is impossible. In this embodiment, three modes will be described as an example of a method for automatically adjusting the position of the dispensing probe in such a situation.

  The first is to move the dispensing probe on the reaction port 304 or in the reaction port 304 by the amount of movement in the mechanical design, visually confirm the positional deviation, and manually adjust the amount of movement, as in the conventional method. This is a method of repeating the operation of inputting, resetting the position of the dispensing probe, moving the dispensing probe with the amount of movement to which the adjustment value has been added, confirming the positional deviation again, and correcting the adjustment value. Even in this case, if the dispensing probe can be adjusted within the light irradiation range and the detection range, the movement amount in the mechanism design is replaced with the movement amount to which the visually adjusted value is added, and the first to fourth embodiments described above are performed. Since it is only necessary to perform the automatic position adjustment according to the form, it is possible to perform the adjustment easily and in a short time as compared with the conventional method of visually adjusting the final position.

  The second is a method of automatically performing rough position adjustment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of arrangement of the dispensing probe, the light source and the detector in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9A is a layout of the dispensing probe, the light source and the detector. 9B is a sectional view from the side of the configuration of FIG. 9, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the same configuration from the front.

  As shown in the figure, a reflecting material 306 is arranged around the installation location of the blood coagulation reagent partial injection probe 305 so as to reflect the light emitted from the light source 302 below. At this time, the reaction port 304 is provided with the optical jig 308 transferred by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 as described later with reference to FIG.

  The reflecting material 306 is concentrically arranged around the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305, and the width of the gap between the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the reflecting material 306 is determined by the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305. Is made uniform at all positions with respect to the center, and the gap is treated so as not to reflect light. The shape of the reflector 306 can be applied to any shape having symmetry, such as a hollow circle or a hollow rectangle.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step 1001, the moving amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1001). Next, in step 1002, the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 transfers the optical jig 308 from the optical jig magazine 22 to the reaction port 304 (S1002).

  Then, in step 1003, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is measured in the horizontal direction, that is, while gradually moving in one of the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the same plane, and the change in the light amount is stored. (S1003).

  Here, when the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 passes over the reaction port 304 on which the optical jig 308 is installed, if the reflecting material 306 does not exist on the reaction port 304, the detector 303 detects the optical jig 308 from the optical jig 308. Only the scattered light of is detected with a constant intensity, but when there is the reflecting material 306, the light that has passed through the optical jig 308 and hits the reflecting material is reflected and again enters the optical jig 308 and is scattered. The received light intensity is high.

  As described above, a material that does not reflect is used in the vicinity of the installation location of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and in the gap with the reflective material 306, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is mounted on the reaction port 304. When it is moved in one direction, as shown in FIG. 11, between the two peaks A and B showing a high intensity, a section where the intensity of light is low and a peak a of a small intensity in this section are detected. The small peak a is caused by the reflected light at the tip end position of the nozzle of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 being incident on the optical jig 308 again.

  When the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved at a constant speed, the reflective material 306 and the gap are arranged symmetrically with respect to the installation position of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 as described above. Therefore, it can be determined that the center of the weak section is the movement amount when the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located at the center of the reaction port 304. In step 1004, the movement amount at this time is obtained using the computer 105 and stored in the memory 104 (S1004).

  In step 1005, it is determined whether or not the horizontal moving mechanism has two axes (S1005). Here, when the moving mechanism has two axes, in steps 1006 and 1007, the same operation is performed for the other axial direction of the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the same plane that was not executed in step 1002 ( S1006, S1007). On the other hand, when there is only one horizontal movement mechanism, the process proceeds to step 1008.

  In step 1008, the difference (adjustment value) between the position of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 stored by the automatic position adjustment in steps 1004 and 1007 and the position stored in advance is stored (S1008). Then, in step 1009, a reset operation is performed (S1009).

  Next, in step 1010, the optical jig 308 is transferred by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 and returned to the position of the optical jig magazine 22 from the reaction port 304 (S1010).

  After that, in step 1011, the movement of the dispensing probe based on the movement amount in the mechanical design in each flowchart is replaced with the movement amount or the adjustment value stored in the memory 104 by the method described in the present embodiment. Automatic position adjustment is performed (step 1011).

  Here, in the above configuration, instead of the optical jig 308, a reaction container that stores a liquid that scatters light in the reaction port 304, for example, a standard solution in which latex particles having a fixed particle diameter are adjusted to a known concentration ( Similarly, automatic position adjustment can be performed by installing (for blood coagulation analysis) 28.

  Thirdly, in the above-described second method, a small peak of the light amount generated when the reflected light at the tip position of the nozzle of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 re-enters the optical jig 308 is detected. This is a method of determining that the moving position is a moving amount when the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located at the center of the reaction port 304, and adjusting the position in the same manner as the second method.

  By the above method, even if the position of the dispensing probe is largely deviated, the position can be roughly adjusted. Routine position adjustments are not necessary during routine inspections, as the deformation of the dosing probe is usually minimal, but it is not necessary at the time of factory assembly, when the unit is disassembled, or when the dosing probe is replaced. When the dispensing probe collides, a large displacement is expected, so it is effective to perform the above position adjustment.

Sixth embodiment

  In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the example of the configuration in which the blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 emits light from the light source 302 arranged below the reaction port 304 has been described. In this embodiment, an application example to a configuration in which a light source is arranged on the side surface of the reaction port 304 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of arrangement of a dispensing probe, a light source, and a detector in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the dispensing probe, the light source, and the detector from the side, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the same arrangement from the top. As shown in FIG. 12B, in this configuration, the detector 303 is arranged at a position perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source 302.

  The automatic position adjustment of the dispensing probe in this configuration is performed according to the following operation. First, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset, and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing is performed based on the movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design stored in advance or the movement amount at the time of the previous adjustment. The probe 305 is moved horizontally from the reference position onto the reaction port 304 (or the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28).

  Then, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing mechanism 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, since the point at which the light reflected by the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 starts to enter the detector 303 is obtained, the position of the height at which the peak of the maximum light amount is obtained is stored. To do. Then, based on the value thus stored, the blood coagulation reagent probe 305 is moved to a position where the light amount has a maximum value.

  Here, the point at which the peak of the light amount is obtained differs depending on the arrangement of the light source 302 and the detector 303, but if the arrangement is constant, it is always a constant relative positional relationship between the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 and the reaction port 304. Since the peak of the amount of light is obtained, it is possible to identify the height position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 on the reaction port 304 based on this data. At this time, the difference between the movement amount from the reference height to the height at which the peak is obtained and the movement amount to the point where the incidence starts, which is obtained from the mechanism design stored in advance, is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value. In the subsequent operations, a difference is added to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount, so that the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 at a position accurately located with respect to the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. Dispensing can be performed by.

  Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the horizontal movement amount of the dispensing probe and the light receiving amount of the detector according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the position can be adjusted in the same manner in the horizontal direction as well, but unlike the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the position deviates from the center position of the reaction port 304 by a certain amount. The amount of light shows a peak at the position. This deviation amount is determined by the arrangement of the light source 302 and the detector 303, and is constant if the arrangement is the same. Therefore, the deviation amount is measured and stored in the memory 104 in advance at the design stage or before factory shipment.

  When the peak of the light amount is detected by performing the automatic position adjustment by the same method as described above, based on the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 from the reference position at that time and the shift amount stored in the memory 104, The amount of movement from the reference position to the center position of the reaction port 304 is obtained, and the difference from the amount of movement in mechanical design is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value. In the subsequent operations, the amount of movement in the mechanism design is added and corrected to correct the height of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 relative to the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28, and horizontal. Dispensing at directional positions can be performed. Furthermore, by applying the method of repeatedly performing the adjustments described in the fourth embodiment to the present embodiment, it is possible to further improve the accuracy.

Seventh embodiment

  In the present embodiment, an application example in which transmitted light is used as the configuration of the photometric unit including the light source 302 and the detector 303 in the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of arrangement of a dispensing probe, a light source and a detector in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 (a) is an arrangement of the dispensing probe, the light source and a detector. 14B is a sectional view from the side of the configuration of FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view of the same configuration from the front. Further, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic position adjustment sequence of the dispensing probe according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 15A is a flowchart when the position adjusting operation is repeated n times, and FIG. 15B is a flowchart when the position adjusting operation is executed once. As shown in FIG. 14A, the light source 302 and the detector 303 sandwich the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 when the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is installed at the reaction port 304. Are arranged so as to face each other.

  First, a case where the position adjusting operation is repeated n times will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1501, the moving amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1501). Next, in step 1502, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the time of the previous adjustment. (Or, it may be the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28)) (S1502). Thereafter, in step 1503, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 16, when the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the light flux, that is, the range of the light emitted from the light source, part of the light is blocked and the amount of light received by the detector decreases. start. In step 1503, the position of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 corresponding to the point where the amount of received light starts to decrease is stored in the memory 104 as the first value (S1503). Here, FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the dispensing probe in the height direction and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment.

  In step 1504, based on the values thus stored, blood coagulation reagent dispensing is performed until the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located below the light flux, that is, to a position where the light flux can be sufficiently blocked. The probe 305 is lowered (S1504).

  Then, in step 1505, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance, and the change in the received light intensity is measured. The blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 has the most decrease in the amount of transmitted light detected when blocking the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 302, so when the amount of light increases, it is determined that the light is far from the center, Move in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 17, it is determined that the point where the peak of the light amount decrease is obtained is the point where the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 passes the optical axis, and this is stored as the first value (S1505). Here, FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the horizontal movement amount of the dispensing probe and the light receiving amount of the detector according to the present embodiment.

Then, in step 1506, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1506). In step 1507, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 (or the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28) based on the movement amount stored in the (n-1) th horizontal adjustment. Move to the top again (good) (S1507)
Next, in step 1508, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. , Similarly to step 1503, the position of the height at which the point where the light amount starts to decrease is obtained is stored as the stored value for the nth time (S1508).

  In step 1509, based on the values thus stored, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved to the position where the tip is located below the light beam, that is, to the position where the light beam can be sufficiently blocked, as in step 1504. It descends (S1509).

Then, in step 1510, similarly to step 1505, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is also moved in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance, and the change in the received light intensity is measured. The blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 has the most decrease in the amount of transmitted light detected when blocking the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 302, so when the amount of light increases, it is determined that it is farther from the center, Move in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 17, it is determined that the point where the peak of the light amount decrease is obtained is the point where the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 passes the optical axis, and this is stored as the n-th value (S1510).
In step 1511, for each of the height and the position in the horizontal direction, it is determined whether or not the values stored in steps 1508 and 1510 are the same as the (n-1) th adjustment (S1511). If not satisfied, the process returns to step 1506 and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, if this condition is satisfied, in step 1512, the difference between the position stored for the nth time and the position stored in advance is stored in the memory 104 (S1512).

  Finally, in step 1513, the moving amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1513).

  In the subsequent operations, by adding a difference to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount, the position of the reaction port 304 or the reaction container (for blood coagulation reagent analysis) 28 and the accurate blood coagulation reagent probe 305 with respect to the optical axis are adjusted. Dispensing can be performed.

  Here, in the case of having a two-axis moving mechanism in the horizontal direction, it can be adjusted in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, but it must be manually adjusted in the direction parallel to the optical axis.

  Further, when the light flux has a shape like a circle, the accuracy in the height direction can be particularly improved by repeating the adjustment a plurality of times as in the above-described fourth embodiment.

  Next, a case where the position adjusting operation is performed once will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 1501, the moving amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1501). Next, in step 1502, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved from the reference position to the reaction port 304 based on the previously stored movement amount from the reference position (home position) in the mechanism design or the movement amount at the previous adjustment. (Alternatively, it may be the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28)) (S1502). Thereafter, in step 1503, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is vertically lowered from the designed reference height (home position), and the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is gradually inserted into the reaction port 304. At that time, as shown in FIG. 16, when the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 enters the light flux, that is, the range of the light emitted from the light source, part of the light is blocked and the amount of light received by the detector decreases. start. In step 1503, the position of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 corresponding to the point where the amount of received light starts to decrease is stored in the memory 104 (S1503). Here, FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the dispensing probe in the height direction and the amount of light received by the detector according to the present embodiment.

  In step 1504, based on the values thus stored, blood coagulation reagent dispensing is performed until the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is located below the light flux, that is, to a position where the light flux can be sufficiently blocked. The probe 305 is lowered (S1504).

  Then, in step 1505, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance, and the change in the received light intensity is measured. The blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 has the most decrease in the amount of transmitted light detected when blocking the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 302, so when the amount of light increases, it is determined that the light is far from the center, Move in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 17, it is determined that the point where the peak of light intensity decrease is obtained is the point where the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 passes the optical axis, and the amount of movement at this time is stored (S1505). Here, FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the horizontal movement amount of the dispensing probe and the light receiving amount of the detector according to the present embodiment.

  Here, the height at which the light amount starts to decrease and the horizontal position where the peak of the light amount decrease is obtained differ depending on the arrangement, but if the arrangement is constant, it is always a constant relative position with respect to the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305. Since the relationship is obtained, it is possible to specify the height and horizontal position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 on the reaction port 304 based on this data. In step 1514, the amount of movement from the reference height to the height at which the amount of light starts to decrease and the amount of movement from the reference position until the peak of the decrease in the amount of light in the horizontal direction is obtained are stored in advance in the mechanism design. The difference between and is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value (S1514).

  Then, in step 1513, the movement amount of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is reset (S1513).

  In the subsequent operations, by adding a difference to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount, the position of the reaction port 304 or the reaction container (for blood coagulation reagent analysis) 28 and the accurate blood coagulation reagent probe 305 with respect to the optical axis are adjusted. Dispensing can be performed.

  Here, in the case of having a two-axis moving mechanism in the horizontal direction, it can be adjusted in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, but it must be manually adjusted in the direction parallel to the optical axis.

Eighth embodiment

  In the present embodiment, in the above-described first to seventh embodiments, when the blood coagulation reagent probe 305 is lowered, a contact detection sensor and a scattered light or transmitted light measurement unit are used together to perform automatic position adjustment. An application example will be described.

  First, on a reference object provided in advance, or on an object that can be used as a reference for the height of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 at the time of dispensing, such as the bottom surface of the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28, The blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is horizontally moved.

  Next, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 305 is moved vertically from the designed reference height (home position) to gradually approach the reference surface, and the contact is detected by the contact detection sensor. At this time, the difference between the movement amount from the reference height to the contact detection and the movement amount from the reference height in the mechanism design stored in advance to the reference surface is stored in the memory 104 as an adjustment value. In the subsequent operation, the difference is added to the movement amount in the mechanism design to correct the movement amount, thereby performing the dispensing at the accurate height position of the dispensing probe for the reaction port 304 and the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28. can do. The adjustment in the horizontal direction is performed in the same manner as the method described above in the first to seventh embodiments.

  This configuration can also be applied to automatic position adjustment of the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 17 for biochemical analysis on the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 shown in FIG. With such a configuration, particularly in a biochemical automatic analyzer equipped with a plurality of measurement units and reaction vessels, when using a dispensing method in which the reagent dispensing probe is brought into contact with the bottom of the reaction vessel and a dispensing method in which they are not brought into contact with each other, The adjustment value can be corrected for each contact, and the position of the dispensing height of the reagent dispensing probe can always be kept constant with high accuracy.

Ninth embodiment

  In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which, in the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the operator when automatic adjustment of the dispensing probe is performed is applied.

  First, separate maintenance menus for automatic adjustment when the dispensing probe is replaced and other times.

  In the automatic adjustment at the time of exchanging the dispensing probe, in the case where the light source 302 is the scattered light measuring section below the reaction port 304, first, at the stage of performing rough alignment by the method described in the fifth embodiment. When the adjustment value does not fall within the preset specified range, an alert is issued indicating that the dispensing probe has an abnormality such as bending, and the operation is restricted to the operator by prohibiting the start of analysis. Notify you of an abnormality.

  Next, as described in the first to third embodiments, when the dispensing probe is inserted into the reaction port 304 or the reaction container for adjustment, the adjustment value falls within a predetermined range preset in the same manner as above. If not, an alert is issued indicating that the dispensing probe has an abnormality such as a bend, and the operator is notified of the abnormality by limiting the operation by a method such as prohibiting the start of analysis.

  Furthermore, in the case where the adjustment is repeated a plurality of times in the fourth embodiment, if the adjustment value does not converge even if the adjustment is repeated more than a preset number of times, there is an abnormality such as rattling in the mounting. As an example, an alert is issued and operations are restricted by methods such as prohibiting the start of analysis to notify the operator of abnormalities. When the adjustment is successful, the adjustment value is stored in the memory 104 as the initial position of the same dispensing probe.

  In the inspection / adjustment other than when the dispensing probe is replaced, in the case where the light source 302 is the scattered light measuring section below the reaction port 304, first, as in the case where the dispensing probe is replaced, the above-described fifth embodiment is performed. When the adjustment value does not fall within the preset specified range at the stage of performing rough alignment by the method described above, an alert is issued as if the dispensing probe has an abnormality such as bending, and the analysis start is prohibited. The method is used to limit the operation and notify the operator of the abnormality.

  Next, as described in the first to third embodiments, when the dispensing probe is inserted into the reaction port 304 or the reaction container for adjustment, the adjusted value after the adjustment is the initial position of the same dispensing probe. If the stored adjustment value does not fall within the preset adjustment range (bending allowance), an alert is issued indicating that there is an abnormality such as an unacceptable bending of the dispensing probe, and analysis start is prohibited. To limit the operation and notify the operator of the abnormality.

  Further, in the case where the above-described adjustment is repeated a plurality of times in the fourth embodiment, if the adjustment value does not converge even if the adjustment is repeated more than a preset number of times, an abnormality such as rattling occurs in the mounting. If so, an alert is issued, the operation is restricted by methods such as prohibiting the start of analysis, and the operator is notified of the abnormality.

  Further, in any of the adjustments, when the light intensity peak is not obtained in the adjustment of inserting the dispensing probe into the reaction port 304 or the reaction container, it is determined that the dispensing probe is not within the irradiation range of the light source and the detection range of the detector. Then, an alert is issued to prompt the operator for manual adjustment, and the operation is restricted by methods such as prohibiting the start of analysis to prevent abnormal analysis results. All the embodiments described above are not limited to blood coagulation analyzers, and are similar to various analyzers that include a dispensing probe and a reaction port or a reaction container and measure scattered light or transmitted light. The method can perform automatic position adjustment.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the displacement of the dispensing probe is prevented without damaging the dispensing probe and a highly accurate analysis is realized even for a small amount of measurement object, without requiring a complicated configuration. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic analyzer 2 ... Blood coagulation time analysis unit 11 ... Sample disk 12 ... Sample dispensing probe 13 ... Reaction disk 14 ... Second reagent dispensing probe 15 ... First reagent disc 16 ... Second reagent disc 17 ... First reagent dispensing probe 18 ... Sample dispensing position 19 ... Photometer 20 ... Blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 21 ... Blood coagulation time detection unit 22 ... Optical jig magazine 23 ... Reaction container transfer mechanism 24 ... Reaction container disposal port 25 ... Disposable reaction container magazine 26 ... Reaction container (for biochemical analysis)
27 ... Sample container 28 ... Reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis)
101 ... Interface 102 ... External output medium 103 ... Display device 104 ... Memory 105 ... Computer 106 ... Printer 107 ... Input device 201 ... Sample dispensing control unit 202 ... ..Transfer mechanism control unit 203 ... A / D converter (2)
204 ... Blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 205 ... A / D converter (1)
206 ... Reagent dispensing control unit (1)
207 ... Reagent dispensing control unit (2)
301 ... Reaction block 302 ... Light source 303 ... Detector 304 ... Reaction port 305 ... Blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 306 ... Reflector 307 ... Slit 308 ... Optical jig

Claims (14)

A reaction container capable of containing a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent,
A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample and the reagent into the reaction container,
An optical system comprising: a holding unit that holds a reaction container containing the mixed liquid; a light source that irradiates the reaction container held by the holding unit with light; and a detection unit that detects the light emitted from the light source. An analysis unit comprising a system for analyzing the sample;
A storage unit that stores information based on light detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit;
A control unit for controlling the dispensing operation of the dispensing mechanism,
During the analysis of the sample, the detection unit in the analysis unit detects scattered light based on the light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit to the reaction container,
The control unit is
The dispensing mechanism is moved with respect to the dispensing position in the reaction container held by the holding unit,
While the dispensing mechanism is moving, the detection unit in the analysis unit detects reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis unit,
The dispensing mechanism stores the relationship between the detected reflected light and the position of the dispensing mechanism in the storage unit, and adjusts the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit is
Based on the relationship between the reflected light detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit and the position of the dispensing mechanism stored in the storage unit,
The position of the dispensing mechanism when the amount of reflected light detected while the dispensing mechanism is moving is maximized is stored in the storage unit as a reference position,
An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored reference position. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The light source in the analysis unit is arranged so as to emit light from below the holding unit,
The detection unit in the analysis unit detects reflected light based on the light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit to the dispensing mechanism on the side surface of the holding unit while the dispensing mechanism is moving. An automatic analyzer characterized by being arranged as follows. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit in the analysis unit is arranged so as to be perpendicular to an optical axis of light emitted by the light source in the analysis unit. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit is
While the dispensing mechanism moves so as to change the height with respect to the holding unit, the detection unit in the analysis unit receives reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis unit. Detected by, by storing the relationship between the detected reflected light intensity and the height of the dispensing mechanism in the storage unit,
Based on the stored relationship, after controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the height of the dispensing mechanism,
While the dispensing mechanism moves to change the position with respect to the holding portion at the adjusted height, the reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis unit is changed. Detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit, the relationship between the detected reflected light intensity and the position at the height of the dispensing mechanism is stored in the storage unit,
An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the position of the dispensing mechanism at the height based on the stored relationship. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit is
Based on the relationship described in the storage unit, find the adjustment value for the position of the dispensing mechanism,
Movement of the dispensing mechanism with respect to the dispensing position in the reaction container held by the holding unit, and the reflected light detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit and the dispensing while the dispensing mechanism is moving. The storage of the relationship with the position of the mechanism in the storage unit,
An automatic analyzer characterized by repeating a plurality of times until the adjustment value becomes the same value. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The dispensing mechanism includes a reflector made of a material that reflects light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit,
The automatic analysis device, wherein the detection unit in the analysis unit detects light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit and reflected by the reflecting material. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8,
The holding unit is provided with a reaction container containing a solid scatterer or a liquid that scatters light,
The control unit is
While the dispensing mechanism is moving, the light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit, the light reflected by the reflector is detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit,
The relationship between the detected light and the position of the dispensing mechanism is stored in the storage unit, and the dispensing mechanism is adjusted so that the position of the dispensing mechanism is adjusted based on the stored relationship. An automatic analyzer characterized by being controlled. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8,
The holding unit is provided with a reaction container containing a solid scatterer or a liquid that scatters light,
The detection unit in the analysis unit is irradiated with light from the light source in the analysis unit, and the light reflected by the reflective material is scattered by a solid scatterer installed in the holding unit or a liquid contained in the reaction container. An automatic analyzer characterized by detecting light generated by the operation. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10,
The control unit is
While the dispensing mechanism is moving, the light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit and reflected by the reflector is a solid scatterer held in the holding section or a liquid contained in the reaction container. Detecting the light generated by scattering by the detection unit in the analysis unit,
The relationship between the detected light and the position of the dispensing mechanism is stored in the storage unit, and the dispensing mechanism is adjusted so that the position of the dispensing mechanism is adjusted based on the stored relationship. An automatic analyzer characterized by being controlled. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
Furthermore, a sensor for detecting the dispensing mechanism by contact with the dispensing mechanism is provided,
Information detected by the sensor,
An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship. The automatic analyzer according to claim 12,
The control unit is
While the dispensing mechanism moves so as to change the height with respect to the holding unit, the detection unit in the analysis unit receives reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis unit. Detected by, the relationship between the intensity of the detected light and the height of the dispensing mechanism is stored in the storage unit,
After controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the height of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship and the information detected by the sensor,
The light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit is detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit while moving to change the position of the dispensing mechanism with respect to the holding unit at the adjusted height. , Storing the relationship between the detected light intensity and the position of the dispensing mechanism at the height, in the storage unit,
An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling the dispensing mechanism so as to adjust the position of the dispensing mechanism at the height based on the stored relationship. A reaction container capable of containing a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent,
A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample and the reagent into the reaction container,
An optical system comprising: a holding unit that holds a reaction container containing the mixed liquid; a light source that irradiates the reaction container held by the holding unit with light; An analysis unit comprising a system for analyzing the sample;
A storage unit that stores information based on light detected by the detection unit in the analysis unit;
A control unit for controlling a dispensing operation of the dispensing mechanism, and an analysis method of an automatic analyzer including:
During the analysis of the sample, the detection unit in the analysis unit detects scattered light based on the light emitted from the light source in the analysis unit to the reaction container,
The control unit is
The dispensing mechanism is moved with respect to the dispensing position in the reaction container held by the holding unit,
While the dispensing mechanism is moving, the detection unit in the analysis unit detects reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis unit,
The dispensing mechanism stores the relationship between the detected reflected light and the position of the dispensing mechanism in the storage unit, and adjusts the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship. Analytical method characterized by controlling. A reaction container capable of containing a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent,
A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample and the reagent into the reaction container,
An optical system comprising: a holding unit that holds a reaction container containing the mixed liquid; a light source that irradiates the reaction container held by the holding unit with light; and a detection unit that detects the light emitted from the light source. An analysis device comprising a system for analyzing the sample,
A storage unit that stores information based on light detected by the detection unit in the analysis device, and a control device that controls a dispensing operation of the dispensing mechanism,
During the analysis of the sample, the detection unit in the analyzer detects scattered light based on the light emitted from the light source in the analyzer to the reaction container,
The control device is
The dispensing mechanism is moved with respect to the dispensing position in the reaction container held by the holding unit,
While the dispensing mechanism is moving, the detection unit in the analysis device detects the reflected light based on the light emitted to the dispensing mechanism from the light source in the analysis device,
The dispensing mechanism stores the relationship between the detected reflected light and the position of the dispensing mechanism in the storage unit, and adjusts the position of the dispensing mechanism based on the stored relationship. An automatic analysis system characterized by controlling the.

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