JP7106286B2 - automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample collected from a subject and a reagent contained in a reagent container and analyzes components contained in the sample.

Automated analyzers target biochemical test items, immunological test items, etc., and dispense a sample collected from a subject and reagents used for analysis of each test item into reaction containers, and mix the samples in the reaction containers. Changes in color tone and turbidity caused by reagent reactions are optically measured. Based on the measurement results, the automatic analyzer can obtain analysis data represented by the concentration of each inspection item component contained in the sample, the activity of enzymes, and the like.

In an automatic analyzer, when dispensing a reagent into a reaction container, the reagent dispensing probe is moved to the top of the reaction container, and the reagent is discharged from a high place toward the center of the reaction container. There is a problem that the ejected reagent scatters or foams in the reagent, which deteriorates the analysis data. As a solution to this problem, a method is known in which the tip of the reagent dispensing probe is bent, the bent tip is inserted into the reaction vessel, and the reagent is discharged toward the inner wall of the reaction vessel to prevent scattering and foaming. .

Recently, efforts have been made to reduce the volume of samples and reagents, and to reduce the volume of reaction vessels to achieve such miniaturization. Since the opening of the reaction container has become narrower due to the smaller volume, when the reagent pipetting probe tries to enter the reaction container, it collides with it on the way and it cannot be moved to the predetermined position, so the reagent can be accurately distributed. I have a problem with not being able to dispense.

JP 2011-247688 A

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of dispensing reagents with high accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer of an embodiment includes a dispensing probe that discharges from an opening provided at the lower end, a driving section that moves the dispensing probe, and a a fixed conductor in contact with the pipetting probe; and a detector for detecting contact between the pipetting probe and the conductor. and moves to a position where contact between the pipetting probe and the conductor is detected by the detector, thereby bringing the opening close to the inner wall of the reaction container, and the pipetting probe moves to the position of the reaction container. The reagent is discharged from the opening close to the inner wall.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an analysis section according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first reagent dispensing probe according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the reaction section according to the embodiment; A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first reagent dispensing process according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe in dispensing the first reagent according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe in dispensing the first reagent according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe in dispensing the first reagent according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the moving direction of the first reagent dispensing probe in dispensing the first reagent according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe in dispensing the first reagent according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the reaction section according to the embodiment;

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. This automatic analyzer 100 dispenses a standard sample and a reagent corresponding to each inspection item, generates standard data by measuring a mixture of the standard sample and the reagent, and measuring the mixture of the test sample and the reagent to generate test data. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a drive unit 40 that drives a plurality of units that dispense each sample of the standard sample and test sample of the analysis unit 10 and dispense each reagent.

The automatic analyzer 100 also includes an analysis control section 41 that controls the driving section 40 . In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 generates calibration data for each test item with respect to the standard data generated by the analysis unit 10, and uses the generated calibration data for each test item to generate the test sample generated by the analysis unit 10. A calculation unit 42 is provided for generating analysis data for data. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a data storage unit 43 that stores calibration data and analysis data for each inspection item generated by the calculation unit 42 .

The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a display section 44 that displays calibration data, analysis data, and the like generated by the calculation section 42 . In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 provides input for setting analysis parameters related to dispensing of each sample and each reagent and measurement of a mixed solution, input for setting a sample ID for identifying this sample and each inspection item for each sample. It has an input unit 45 for performing such as. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a system control section 46 that controls the analysis control section 41 , the calculation section 42 , the data storage section 43 and the display section 44 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis section 10. As shown in FIG. This analysis unit 10 includes a sample container 11 that stores each sample such as a standard sample and a test sample, and a sample rack 12 that holds the sample container 11 . In addition, the analysis unit 10 includes a first reagent container 13 that stores first reagents of, for example, one-reagent system and two-reagent system that react with the components of each test item, and a first reagent storage 14 that keeps the first reagent container 13 cool. and The analysis unit 10 also includes a first reagent rack 15 arranged in the first reagent storage 14 and holding a plurality of first reagent containers 13 .

The analysis unit 10 also includes a second reagent container 16 that stores a second reagent paired with the first reagent of the two-reagent system, and a second reagent storage 17 that keeps the second reagent container 16 cool. The analysis unit 10 also includes a second reagent rack 18 arranged in the second reagent storage 17 and holding a plurality of second reagent containers 16 . The analysis unit 10 also includes a reaction unit 19 .

The analysis unit 10 also includes a sample pipetting probe 20 that aspirates the sample in the sample container 11 held by the sample rack 12 and discharges the sample to the reaction unit 19 . The analysis unit 10 also includes a sample pipetting arm 21 that supports the sample pipetting probe 20 so as to be movable in the rotational direction and the vertical direction.

In addition, the analysis unit 10 aspirates the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 and discharges the first reagent to the reaction unit 19 into which the sample is dispensed. A dispensing probe 22 is provided. The analysis unit 10 also includes a first reagent dispensing arm 23 that supports the first reagent dispensing probe 22 so as to be movable in the rotational direction and the vertical direction. The analysis unit 10 also includes a first detector 24 that detects contact between the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 .

In addition, the analysis unit 10 aspirates the second reagent in the second reagent container 16 held in the second reagent rack 18 and discharges it to the reaction unit 19 into which the first reagent has been dispensed. A two-reagent dispensing probe 25 is provided. The analysis unit 10 also includes a second reagent dispensing arm 26 that supports the second reagent dispensing probe 25 so as to be movable in the rotational direction and the vertical direction. The analysis unit 10 also includes a second detector 27 that detects contact between the second reagent dispensing probe 25 and the second reagent in the second reagent container 16 .

The analysis section 10 also includes a stirring unit 28 that stirs the mixed liquid of the sample and the first reagent dispensed into the reaction section 19 and the mixed liquid of the sample, the first reagent and the second reagent. In addition, the analysis unit 10 generates standard data and test data by irradiating light on the mixture of the standard sample and the reagent and the mixture of the test sample and the reagent in the reaction unit 19 stirred by the stirring unit 28. A measurement unit 29 is provided to perform the measurement. The analysis unit 10 also includes a cleaning unit 30 that cleans the reaction unit 19 after measurement.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the drive unit 40 has a transport mechanism that drives the sample rack 12 of the analysis unit 10 and moves the sample container 11 held by the sample rack 12 . Further, the drive unit 40 has a motor that drives the first reagent rack 15 and moves the first reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 . Further, the drive unit 40 has a motor for driving the second reagent rack 18 and moves the second reagent container 16 held in the second reagent rack 18 .

In addition, the drive unit 40 has a motor that rotationally drives the reaction unit 19 and rotates the reaction unit 19 . Further, the drive unit 40 has motors for rotationally driving the sample pipetting arm 21, the first reagent pipetting arm 23, and the second reagent pipetting arm 26, respectively. 22 and the second reagent dispensing probe 25 are horizontally rotated. Further, the drive unit 40 has motors for vertically driving the sample pipetting arm 21, the first reagent pipetting arm 23, and the second reagent pipetting arm 26, respectively. 22 and the second reagent dispensing probe 25 are moved vertically.

The analysis control unit 41 has a CPU and a memory circuit, and stores input information such as analysis parameters for each inspection item input from the input unit 45, each sample ID, and inspection items set for the sample identified by this sample ID. Based on this, the drive section 40 is controlled to operate each unit of the analysis section 10 .

When an input to start calibration is received from the input unit 45 , the analysis control unit 41 drives and controls the driving unit 40 to move the sample container 11 , the first reagent container 13 , the second reagent container 16 . movement, dispensing of the standard sample, dispensing of the first reagent, dispensing of the second reagent, stirring of the mixed solution, and calibration operations such as measurement.

Further, when an input to start testing is received from the input unit 45, the analysis control unit 41 drives and controls the driving unit 40 to move the sample container 11, the first reagent container 13, and the second reagent container 16. The analysis unit 10 is caused to perform inspection operations such as movement, dispensing of the test sample, dispensing of the first reagent, dispensing of the second reagent, stirring of the mixed solution, and measurement.

The calculation unit 42 has, for example, a CPU and a storage circuit, and based on the standard data of each inspection item generated by the measurement unit 29 of the analysis unit 10 and the standard value preset for the standard sample of the inspection item, Calibration data indicating the relationship between standard data and standard values of the inspection item is generated. The calculation unit 42 also generates analysis data such as concentration values and enzyme activity values for the test data generated for each test item by the measurement unit 29 using the calibration data of the test item.

The data storage unit 43 has storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD), for example, and stores the calibration data generated by the calculation unit 42 for each inspection item. Also, the analysis data of each test item generated by the calculation unit 42 is stored for each test sample.

The display unit 44 has a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays analysis parameters such as the amount of sample for each inspection item, the amount of the first reagent, and the amount of the second reagent to be discharged to the reaction unit 19 of the analysis unit 10. Displays the analysis parameter setting screen for setting In addition, the display unit 44 displays an inspection item setting screen for setting a sample ID for identifying the sample to be inspected and an inspection item to be inspected for each sample to be inspected.

The input unit 45 includes input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch key panel. Then, the input unit 45 performs input for setting analysis parameters for each inspection item, and input for setting the sample ID and inspection item. Further, the input unit 45 performs an input for starting calibration, an input for starting inspection, and the like.

The system control unit 46 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and after storing input information such as command signals input from the input unit 45, analysis parameters of each inspection item, sample IDs, and inspection item information in the storage circuit, Based on the input information, the analysis control unit 41, the calculation unit 42, the data storage unit 43, and the display unit 44 are integrated to control the entire system.

1 to 10, configurations of the first reagent dispensing probe 22, the reaction section 19, and the first detector 24 of the analysis unit 10, and the first reagent container held in the first reagent rack 15 are described below. The operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the first detector 24 when dispensing the first reagent of 13 to the reaction section 19 will be described.

Since the second reagent pipetting probe 25 is configured in the same manner as the first reagent pipetting probe 22, its explanation is omitted. Also, since the second detector 27 is configured in the same manner as the first detector 24, the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the operation of the second reagent dispensing probe 25 and the second detector 27 when dispensing the second reagent in the second reagent container 16 held in the second reagent rack 18 into the reaction section 19 is Since it operates in the same manner as the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the first detector 24 when dispensing the first reagent in the container 13 to the reaction section 19, the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first reagent dispensing probe 22. As shown in FIG. The first reagent dispensing probe 22 is formed by narrowing the lower end of a conductive, for example, cylindrical stainless steel tube in the linear central axis direction of the stainless steel tube to provide a step. a first tube W1 having an axis; 2 tube portion W2.

The first reagent dispensing probe 22 is formed such that the step between the outer wall of the first tube portion W1 and the outer wall of the second tube portion W2 is a distance L1. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 has an opening 221 for sucking and discharging the first reagent provided at the lower end of the second tube portion W2. Further, the first reagent pipetting probe 22 is supported by the first reagent pipetting arm 23 at the upper end portion of the first tube portion W1. Also, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is electrically connected to the first detector 24 .

In this way, by supporting the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 by the first tube portion W1 having a larger outer diameter than the second tube portion W2, the support rigidity of the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the first reagent dispensing probe 22, which is a factor that lowers the dispensing accuracy of the first reagent.

Next, the configuration of the reaction section 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the reaction section 19. As shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4. FIG. The reaction section 19 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 60 arranged at regular intervals on a first circle 19a indicated by a dashed line, and a second circle 19b concentric with the first circle 19a indicated by a dashed line. It is composed of the same number of conductors 61 as the number of reaction vessels 60 arranged at regular intervals, and an annular reaction disk 62 as a holding body for holding the plurality of reaction vessels 60 and the plurality of conductors 61 .

The reaction container 60 is made of, for example, a plastic or glass material having transparency to the light emitted from the measurement unit 29, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation. It is a container that accommodates the first reagent discharged from the reagent pipetting probe 22 and the second reagent discharged from the second reagent pipetting probe 25 .

Moreover, the reaction container 60 has an opening on the upper surface and forms a rectangular parallelepiped made up of four flat inner walls. The reaction vessel 60 is held by the reaction disk 62 so that the surfaces of the two inner walls facing each other in the radial direction of the first circle 19a are perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, of the two opposing inner walls of the reaction vessel 60, the radially inner inner wall will be referred to as the inner peripheral inner wall, and the radially outer inner wall will be referred to as the outer peripheral inner wall.

Further, the reaction container 60 stopped at the position C1 among the plurality of reaction containers 60 held by the reaction disk 62 moves along the circular orbit T indicated by the broken line in the direction of the horizontal arrow R1 and in the direction opposite to the direction of the R1. It is located on the circular orbit T of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 rotating in the direction of arrow R2.

The conductor 61 is made of, for example, a square prism-shaped stainless steel material having conductivity. Fixed. Here, the conductor 61 is higher than the reaction container 60, and is arranged on the reaction disk 62 such that the two opposite sides of the second circle 19b are perpendicular to the radial direction. It is fixed by metal fittings 63 . In addition, the conductor 61 is arranged horizontally and radially inward in a direction away from the reaction container 60 with respect to the inner peripheral inner wall of the reaction container 60 positioned radially outward. It is fixed at a position separated by the same distance L1 as the step of the probe 22 . Further, among the plurality of conductors 61 held by the reaction disk 62 , the conductors 61 located radially inward with respect to the reaction container 60 stopped at the position C<b>1 are located in the circular orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 . Located on T.

Note that the conductor 61 may be fixed radially outward of the first circle 19 a with respect to the reaction vessel 60 located radially outwardly of the conductor 61 . In this case, the conductor 61 fixed radially outwardly of the first circle 19a is fixed at a position a distance L1 in the horizontal direction from the outer peripheral inner wall of the reaction vessel 60 positioned radially inward. Also, the conductor 61 is fixed so as to be positioned on the circular orbit T of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 .

The first detector 24 includes an oscillator, a bridge circuit, a differential amplifier, a synchronous detection circuit, a phase control circuit, an integrating circuit, an amplifying circuit, a differentiating circuit, etc., and is connected to the first reagent dispensing probe 22 . Then, the first detector 24 converts the change in capacitance between the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the housing that supports each unit of the analysis unit 10 into a voltage signal by a bridge circuit, whereby the first reagent Contact between the liquid surface of the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 held by the rack 15 and the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and contact between the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the conductor 61 are detected. That is, the first detector 24 has a function of detecting the liquid level of the first reagent and a function of detecting contact with the conductor 61 .

The first reagent dispensing step of causing the first reagent dispensing probe 22 of the analysis unit 10 to dispense the first reagent once during one cycle time will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 . . FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the first reagent dispensing process. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 in dispensing the first reagent. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of movement of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 during dispensing of the first reagent. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of stop positions of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 during dispensing of the first reagent.

The second reagent dispensing process for causing the second reagent dispensing probe 25 to dispense the second reagent once during one cycle time is the same as the first reagent dispensing process, so the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 6, in the first reagent dispensing step S, the driving unit 40 rotates the first reagent dispensing probe 22 in the horizontal direction from the basic position of the circular orbit T by the motor that rotationally drives the first reagent dispensing arm 23. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first reagent container 13 to be dispensed held in the first reagent rack 15 is stopped at an upper stop position P1 above (step S1).

After step S1, the drive unit 40 lowers the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the upper stop position P1 by the motor that vertically drives the first reagent dispensing arm 23 to enter the first reagent container 13, as shown in FIG. As shown in 7(b), the first detector 24 stops at the aspiration position P2 which is a predetermined distance below the position where the contact between the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the first reagent is detected (step S2). .

As described above, the first detector 24 detects the contact between the first reagent dispensing probe 22 and the first reagent, so that the analysis control unit 41 detects the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent container 13. can do. Then, the analysis control unit 41 calculates the position of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 when the liquid level of the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 is detected, thereby determining the position of the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 . can be calculated. Further, the analysis control unit 41 can control the drive unit 40 to stop the first reagent dispensing probe 22 at the suction position P2 according to the amount of the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 .

After step S2, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 aspirates the first reagent at the aspiration position P2 (step S3).

After step S3, the driving section 40 raises the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the suction position P2 and stops it at the upper stop position P1 (step S4).

After step S4, the drive unit 40 rotates the first reagent dispensing probe 22 at the upper stop position P1 along the circular orbit T in the R1 direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the driving unit 40 stops the first reagent dispensing probe 22 at the upper stop position P3 above the reaction container 60, which has been discharged with the sample and stopped at the position C1 (step S5). ).

After step S5, the driving section 40 lowers the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the upper stop position P3 and enters the opening of the reaction container 60 at the position C1 from substantially the center. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the drive unit 40 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 22 to the reaction container 60 at the position C1 and the conductor 61 located radially inwardly of the reaction container 60. , the second tube W2 is located in the reaction vessel 60, the first tube W1 is located at a height higher than the reaction vessel 60, and the height of the opening 221 is set as an analysis parameter The liquid mixture of the sample and the first reagent is stopped at an entry position P4 above the height H of the liquid level in the reaction vessel 60 (step S6).

In this way, of the linear first tube portion W1 and second tube portion W2 of the first reagent dispensing probe 22, the second tube portion W2 having a smaller outer diameter than the first tube portion W1 is By entering the reaction container 60, the opening 221 of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can enter the reaction container 60 without collision.

After step S6, the drive unit 40 rotates the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the entry position P4 in the horizontal direction R1, as shown in FIG. Positioned within the reaction container 60 at position C1, the first pipe W1 is positioned at a height higher than the reaction container 60 at position C1, and the first detector 24 detects the connection between the first pipe W1 and the conductor 61. Stop at detection position P5 where contact is detected (step S7).

In the first reagent dispensing probe 22, the outer wall of the second tube portion W2 contacts the inner peripheral inner wall of the reaction container 60 at the position C1 at the detection position P5 where the outer wall of the first tube portion W1 contacts the conductor 61. The opening 221 is close to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 60 at position C1.

In this manner, the conductor 61 is fixed at a position horizontally separated by a distance L1 from the inner peripheral inner wall of the reaction vessel 60 located radially outwardly of the conductor 61, and the reaction vessel 60 By fixing in the direction of rotation of the first reagent pipet probe 22 with the second tube portion W2 inserted therein, the first reagent pipet probe 22 is positioned at the detection position P5 where the opening 221 is close to the inner wall of the reaction container 60. can be stopped.

Further, by bringing the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 into contact with the conductor 61 having higher conductivity than the reaction container 60 , the first detection can be performed more efficiently than when the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 contacts the reaction container 60 . Since the device 24 can detect a large change in capacitance, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can be accurately stopped at the detection position P5 where the opening 221 is close to the inner wall of the reaction container 60 .

In addition, by stopping the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 by bringing the first tube W1, which has higher rigidity than the second tube W2, into contact with the conductor 61, deformation of the first reagent-dispensing probe 22 can be achieved. can be prevented.

Further, by bringing the first tube portion W1, which has higher rigidity than the second tube portion W2, into contact with the conductor 61 and stopping the first reagent pipetting probe 22, the first reagent pipetting probe 22 vibrates. can be suppressed and the first reagent can be dispensed with high accuracy.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is lowered from the upper stopping position P3, and further rotated in the R1 direction from the position P6 where the opening 221 enters the reaction container 60. It is rotated while being lowered and moved obliquely downward as indicated by an arrow, separated from the reaction container 60 and the conductor 61 and stopped at a position P7 at the same height as the entry position P4, and rotated from the position P7 in the R1 direction. , the first detector 24 may stop at the detection position P5 where the contact between the first tube portion W1 and the conductor 61 is detected. As a result, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can be moved from the upper stop position P3 to the detection position P5 in a short period of time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is lowered from the upper stop position P3, and further rotated in the R1 direction from the position P6 where the opening 221 enters the reaction container 60. It may be rotated while being lowered to move obliquely downward as indicated by the arrow, and stopped at the detection position P5 where the first detector 24 detects the contact between the first tube portion W1 and the conductor 61 . good. As a result, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can be moved from the upper stop position P3 to the detection position P5 in a shorter time than in the case of FIG. 10(a).

After step S7, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 discharges the first reagent downward from the opening 221 along the inner wall of the reaction container 60, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9A (step S8). .

By bringing the opening 221 of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 close to the inner wall of the reaction container 60 in this manner, the first reagent can be discharged downward along the inner wall of the reaction container 60 . , the first reagent can be accurately dispensed. As a result, the first reagent drops along the inner wall of the reaction container 60, and the first reagent drops in the air with the momentum of the discharge and collides with the bottom surface of the reaction container 60 and the sample, causing the reagent and the sample to fall. It is possible to prevent a part from scattering to a high position of the inner wall inside the reaction container 60 or outside the reaction container 60, which is not involved in the measurement. In addition, since foaming of the mixture of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction container 60 can be suppressed, it is possible to prevent part of the sample from being retained by the foam, and the stirring unit 28 mixes the sample with the first reagent. 1 reagent can be uniformly stirred.

After step S8, as shown in FIG. 11A, the driving unit 40 rotates the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the detection position P5 in the direction R2 in the horizontal direction and stops it at the entry position P4 (step S9).

After step S9, the driving section 40 raises the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the entry position P4 and stops it at the upper stop position P3, as shown in FIG. 11(b) (step S10).

After step S10, the drive unit 40 rotates the first reagent dispensing probe 22 from the upper stop position P3 along the circular orbit T in the horizontal direction R2 and stops at the basic position (step S11).

After step S8, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is rotated from the detection position P5 in the R2 direction, stopped at the position P7, and rotated in the R2 direction from the position P7 to move up to the position P6 obliquely upward. , stop the rotation from the position P6, move up, and stop at the upper stop position P3. As a result, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can be moved from the detection position P5 to the upper stop position P3 in a short period of time. Further, after step S8, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is moved upward from the detection position P5 while being rotated in the R2 direction to be moved obliquely upward to the position P6, stopped rotating and raised from the position P6, It may be implemented so as to stop at the upper stop position P3. As a result, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 can be moved from the detection position P5 to the upper stop position P3 in a shorter time.

The conductor 61 is not limited to the above embodiment, and the conductor 61 is replaced with an L-shaped plate conductor 61a as shown in FIG. , and a conductor 61a is fixed across the reaction disk 62 and the recessed portion of the inner peripheral inner wall of the reaction container 60a. The surface of the part of the conductor 61a fixed to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 60a may be fixed so as to be substantially flush with the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 60a other than the depression of the inner wall of the reaction vessel 60a. good. In this case, by executing steps S1 to S5, the first reagent pipe portion W1 is positioned above the reaction container 60a and the conductor 61a, and the outer wall of the second pipe portion W2 is positioned above the reaction container 60a and the conductor 61a. The opening 221 can be stopped close to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 60a at the detection position P5 where it contacts the conductor 61a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the upper portion of the reaction container 60 is replaced with a reaction container 60b cut off, and the conductor 61 is replaced with a conductor 61b having the same shape as the cut upper portion of the reaction container 60. Then, the conductor 61b may be arranged on the reaction vessel 60b, and fixed so that the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 60b and the inner wall surface of the conductor 61b are flush with each other. In this case, by executing steps S1 to S5, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is positioned above the reaction container 60b and the conductor 61b, and the outer wall of the second tube W2 is positioned above the reaction container 60b and the conductor 61b. The opening 221 can be stopped close to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 60b at the detection position P5 where it contacts the conductor 61b.

Also, the first reagent dispensing probe 22 may be replaced with a linear tube having the same outer diameter for the first tube portion W1 and the second tube portion W2 and having no steps. can be In this case, the conductor 61 is arranged such that the radially outer side of the two radially opposite sides of the second circle 19b of the conductor 61 and the radially outward side with respect to the conductor 61 By fixing so that the position in the horizontal direction is the same as the inner peripheral inner wall of the reaction container 60 located at , the portion corresponding to the first tube portion W1 is in contact with the conductor 61 and the first detector 24, the second tube W2 can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the reaction container 60 and stopped.

According to the embodiment described above, the relative position of the conductor 61 with respect to the reaction container 60 is fixed, the second tube portion W2 of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is advanced into the reaction container 60, and the first detector 24 stops at the detection position P5 where the contact between the first tube portion W1 and the conductor 61 is detected, the opening 221 of the first reagent dispensing probe 22 is brought close to the inner wall of the reaction container 60, and the reaction container 60 is opened. The first reagent can be discharged along the inner wall. Thereby, the first reagent can be dispensed with high accuracy.

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

W1 First tube W2 Second tube 13 First reagent container 22 First reagent dispensing probe 24 First detector 40 Drive unit 60 Reaction vessel 61 Conductor 62 Reaction disk 221 Opening

Claims (8)

a dispensing probe for discharging a reagent from an opening provided at the lower end;
a driving unit that moves the dispensing probe;
a conductor fixed relative to the reaction vessel and in contact with the dispensing probe;
A detector that detects contact between the dispensing probe and the conductor,
The driving section causes the dispensing probe to enter the reaction vessel and moves to a position where contact between the dispensing probe and the conductor is detected by the detector, thereby opening the opening in the reaction vessel. close to the inner wall of
The dispensing probe is an automatic analyzer that discharges the reagent from the opening that is close to the inner wall of the reaction container. The dispensing probe is composed of a conductive linear tube,
The drive unit causes the dispensing probe to enter the opening of the reaction container having an opening on the upper surface, and move the opening to the position where contact with the conductor is detected, thereby moving the opening to the reaction container. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, which is brought close to the inner wall of the container. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein said conductor is fixed at a position higher than said reaction vessel. The dispensing probe has a first tube portion having a central axis in the vertical direction, and a central axis having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first tube portion and extending downward from the central axis. and a straight pipe having a step between the outer wall of the first pipe portion and the outer wall of the second pipe portion. The automatic analyzer described in . 5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein said conductor is fixed at a position separated by said step in a horizontal direction with respect to the inner wall of said reaction vessel and in a direction away from said reaction vessel. The drive unit lowers the pipetting probe from above the reaction container so that the second pipe part is positioned in the reaction container and the first pipe part is at a height higher than or equal to the reaction container. position, and move horizontally from that position to a position where contact between the first tube and the conductor is detected, thereby opening the opening at the lower end of the second tube to the reaction. close to the inner wall of the container,
6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the dispensing probe discharges the reagent downward from the opening along the inner wall. The drive unit lowers the dispensing probe from above the reaction container , and moves the second pipe from the position where the opening provided at the lower end of the second pipe enters the reaction container. By moving obliquely downward to a position where the contact between the first tube portion and the conductor is detected, where the first tube portion is located in the reaction vessel and the height of the first tube portion is equal to or higher than the reaction vessel. , bringing the opening close to the inner wall of the reaction vessel;
6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the dispensing probe discharges the reagent downward from the opening along the inner wall. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein said conductor is fixed to the upper part of the inner wall of said reaction vessel.

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