WO2022070399A1 - Automatic sample injection device - Google Patents

Automatic sample injection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022070399A1
WO2022070399A1 PCT/JP2020/037517 JP2020037517W WO2022070399A1 WO 2022070399 A1 WO2022070399 A1 WO 2022070399A1 JP 2020037517 W JP2020037517 W JP 2020037517W WO 2022070399 A1 WO2022070399 A1 WO 2022070399A1
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Prior art keywords
vial
unit
light emitting
light receiving
output signal
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PCT/JP2020/037517
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雅弘 小島
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株式会社島津製作所
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Priority to PCT/JP2020/037517 priority Critical patent/WO2022070399A1/en
Priority to JP2022553389A priority patent/JP7400988B2/en
Publication of WO2022070399A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022070399A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/24—Automatic injection systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic sample injection device for gas chromatography analysis.
  • the automatic sample injection device that automatically injects a sample into an analyzer for performing gas chromatography analysis is known (see Patent Document 1).
  • the automatic sample injection device is a mobile turret provided with a plurality of vial holders for placing vials containing samples, etc., and a vial placed in the vial holder of the turret for inhaling a sample or solvent. It is equipped with a syringe.
  • the vial containing the target sample is placed in a predetermined position by moving the turret, and the sample in the vial placed in the predetermined position is sucked by the syringe and injected into the analyzer. ..
  • the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of a vial by the photosensor depends on the individual difference of the photosensor (difference in light emission intensity of the light emitting part, difference in signal intensity depending on the sensitivity of the light receiving part), and the light absorption rate depending on the material, color and shape of the vial. And affected by reflectance. Therefore, if various vials can be used, in addition to variations due to individual differences in the photosensor, the intensity of the light incident on the light receiving part of the photosensor will vary greatly depending on the type of vial, and the credibility of detection of the presence or absence of vials will occur. The sex is significantly reduced.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the influence of individual differences of photosensors on the detection of the presence or absence of vials.
  • the automatic sample injection device holds a syringe that sucks and discharges liquid from the tip so that the tip faces vertically downward, and uses the syringe from a vial placed at a position directly below the syringe. It has a sampling unit configured to collect a sample and a plurality of vial holders on which the vials are placed, and the plurality of vial holders are moved so as to draw a trajectory passing through a position directly under the syringe.
  • the vial is provided with a turret to be generated, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion arranged to sandwich the vial on the vial holder arranged at the detection position set on the orbit, and is arranged at the detection position.
  • a transmissive photosensor provided so that the output signal of the light receiving unit changes depending on whether or not the vial is placed on the holder, and the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is controlled by the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.
  • the light emitting intensity adjusting unit is configured to adjust the output signal of the light receiving unit to a reference intensity within a predetermined range when the vial is not arranged between the two, and the vial is placed on the vial holder.
  • the output signal of the light receiving unit and the threshold value in a state where the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity and the threshold value holding unit that holds the threshold value for detecting whether or not the vial is set.
  • Vial detection configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder located at the detection position by comparing with the threshold value held in the holding unit. It has a department.
  • the emission intensity of the light emitting unit of the transmissive photosensor is determined by the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.
  • the emission intensity adjusting unit that adjusts to a reference intensity within the range, and the output signal of the light receiving unit and the threshold value holding unit are held in a state where the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. Since it is provided with a vial detection unit configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on a vial holder arranged at a predetermined detection position by comparing with the threshold value. Variations in the output signal due to individual differences in the transmissive photosensor are suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of individual differences in the photo sensor on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial.
  • the threshold value for vial detection is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit when there is no vial between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, it is necessary to adjust the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit. It seems that there is no such thing.
  • the light emitting intensity of the light emitting part varies greatly among individuals, and if the light emitting part is driven by a uniform driving power without adjusting the light emitting part of the light emitting part at all, the light emitting intensity of the light emitting part exceeds the detection limit of the light receiving part. It is possible.
  • the threshold value is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit, the output signal of the light receiving unit exceeds the threshold value even though the light from the light emitting unit is sufficiently dimmed by the vial. It is possible that the vial will not be detected.
  • the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to such an intensity that the output signal of the light receiving unit when there is no vial between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is within a predetermined range. Does not occur.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic sample injection device.
  • the automatic sample injection device of this embodiment is mounted on the top plate of the gas chromatograph device and is used, and includes a sampling unit 2, a turret 4, and an arithmetic control device 6.
  • the sampling unit 2 includes a syringe 8 for sucking and discharging the liquid.
  • This automatic sample injection device is arranged on the gas chromatograph device so that the syringe 8 of the sampling unit 2 is located directly above the injection port provided on the upper surface of the gas chromatograph device.
  • the syringe 8 is provided so as to be movable up and down with the tip for sucking and discharging the liquid facing vertically downward.
  • the turret 4 has a plurality of vial holders 10 on which a vial containing a liquid such as a sample is placed arranged on the same circumference on a horizontal upper surface, and rotates around the center of the circumference on which the vial holders 10 are arranged. It is a circular member that rotates in a horizontal plane as a center.
  • the turret 4 moves each vial holder 10 so as to draw a trajectory passing through a position directly under the syringe 8 by rotating, and an arbitrary vial holder 10 is moved to a desired position such as a position directly under the syringe 8. Can be placed.
  • the turret 4 includes a blank portion 12 formed of a through hole on the circumference on which the vial holder 10 is arranged.
  • the blank portion 12 is a region where the vial is not arranged, and when the blank portion 12 is positioned directly under the syringe 8, the injection port of the gas chromatograph device is exposed to the syringe 8. In this state, the syringe 8 has access to the injection port, and the sample taken from the vial by the syringe 8 can be injected into the injection port of the gas chromatograph device.
  • the transmissive photosensor 14 includes a light emitting unit 14a and a light receiving unit 14b arranged so as to face each other, and as shown in FIG. 2, a vial V is placed on a vial holder 10 arranged at a detection position. If mounted, the cap C of the vial V is located between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b, and the light directed from the light emitting unit 14a to the light receiving unit 14b is shielded or dimmed by the cap C. ing.
  • the arithmetic control unit 6 is realized by a computer apparatus (for example, a personal computer) equipped with a CPU (central processing unit) and an information storage device.
  • the arithmetic control device 6 includes a light emission intensity adjusting unit 16, a threshold value setting unit 18, a threshold value holding unit 20, and a vial detecting unit 22.
  • the emission intensity adjusting unit 16, the threshold value setting unit 18, and the vial detection unit 22 are functions obtained by executing a predetermined program by the CPU, and the threshold value holding unit 20 is a part of the information storage device. It is a function obtained by the storage area.
  • the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 is configured to adjust the intensity (light emitting intensity) of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity when the light emitting unit 14a is turned on.
  • the reference intensity means that the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is within a predetermined range when the vial V does not exist between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14 (state in FIG. 3).
  • the strength is set to fit.
  • the predetermined range is a range defined so that the light receiving unit 14b can accurately detect the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting unit 14a.
  • the light emitting unit 14a is an LED
  • the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14 can be adjusted by controlling the drive current of the LED.
  • the threshold value setting unit 18 is configured to set a threshold value for detecting whether or not a vial is placed on the vial holder 10 arranged at the detection position. Specifically, when the threshold value setting unit 18 adjusts the light emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity in a state where there is no vial between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14.
  • the threshold value is set based on the output signal (referred to as a reference output signal) of the light receiving unit 14b of.
  • the threshold value can be a fixed percentage of the reference output signal (eg, 50%).
  • the threshold value holding unit 20 is configured to hold the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit 18.
  • the vial detection unit 22 is placed on the vial holder 10 arranged at the detection position by comparing the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14 with the threshold value held by the threshold value holding unit 20. It is configured to detect whether or not a vial is placed.
  • the emission intensity of the light emitting portion 14a of the transmissive photo sensor 14 is adjusted.
  • the light emitting intensity of the light emitting portion 14a is adjusted in a state where the blank portion 12 of the turret 4 is arranged at the detection position (step 101).
  • the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 turns on the light emitting unit 14a, reads the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b (step 102), and determines whether or not the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is within a predetermined range. (Step 103).
  • the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 adjusts the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a (step 104), and then the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is again. Is read to determine whether or not the output signal is within a predetermined range (steps 102 and 103). This operation is repeated so that the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b falls within a predetermined range.
  • the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a at this time becomes the "reference intensity”.
  • the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 stores the driving power required for causing the light emitting unit 14a to emit light at the “reference intensity” in a predetermined storage area of the information storage device (step 105).
  • the threshold value setting unit 18 sets a threshold value based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 14 when the emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity (step 106), and sets the set threshold value. It is stored in the threshold value holding unit 20 (step 107).
  • the emission intensity adjusting unit 16 adjusts the emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity
  • the vial detection unit 22 reads the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b at that time (step 202), and sets the read output signal as a threshold value. Compare with the threshold value held in the holding unit 20 (step 203).
  • the vial detection unit 22 determines that the vial is placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 204), and determines that the vial is placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 204), and the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b. Is above the threshold value, it is determined that the vial is not placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 205).
  • the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity is used as it is to set the threshold value and detect the presence or absence of the vial.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the threshold value is set using the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting unit 14a is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity.
  • the threshold value is set using the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting unit 14a is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity.
  • the threshold value setting unit 18 is not an essential configuration requirement. That is, the threshold value may be a fixed value set independently of the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when adjusting the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a.
  • the reference (predetermined range) of the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b which is the reference when adjusting the emission intensity by the light emitting unit 14a, is the threshold value for detecting the presence or absence of the vial on the vial holder 10. It is defined so that it can be executed accurately.
  • the value obtained by subtracting the signal can be used to detect the presence or absence of a vial. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of the vial on the vial holder 10.
  • a syringe for sucking and discharging liquid from the tip is held so that the tip faces vertically downward, and the vial arranged at a position directly below the syringe is used. It has a sampling unit configured to collect a sample using a syringe and a plurality of vial holders on which the vials are placed, and the plurality of vials are drawn so as to pass through a position directly under the syringe.
  • the emission intensity adjusting unit configured to adjust the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the light receiving unit and the light receiving unit to a reference intensity within a predetermined range, and the vial holder.
  • a threshold holding unit that holds a threshold for detecting whether or not a vial is placed, and an output signal of the light receiving unit with the emission intensity of the light emitting unit adjusted to the reference intensity. By comparing with the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit, it is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. It is equipped with a vial detector.
  • the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit is adjusted so that the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are used. It is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the and. According to such an aspect, it is possible to reduce the influence of the adjustment variation of the emission intensity of the light emitting portion on the detection of the vial.
  • the light emitting portion is adjusted to the reference intensity, and the vial is not arranged between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.
  • a threshold value setting unit configured to set the threshold value based on the output signal of the light receiving unit may be provided.
  • the threshold value holding unit can be configured to hold the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit.
  • the threshold setting unit is used when the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity in a state where the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.
  • the threshold value is set based on the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit, and the vial detecting unit is configured to set the threshold value.
  • the threshold value is a value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity.
  • the vial may be configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. According to such an embodiment, the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial on the vial holder can be reduced.
  • the vial detection unit is used when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. By comparing the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit with the threshold value, it is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. ing. According to such an embodiment, the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial on the vial holder can be reduced.
  • This second aspect can be combined with the first aspect.
  • the turret has a plurality of vial holders on the same circumference in a horizontal plane, and any vial holder can be obtained by rotating around the center of the circumference as a rotation center. It is a circular turret configured to be arranged at a desired position on the circumference and provided with a blank portion on the circumference in which the vial holder does not exist, and the threshold setting portion is the detection. By locating the blank portion at a position, the vial is not arranged between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.
  • This third aspect can be combined with the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

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Abstract

The present invention comprises: a sampling part (2) configured to hold a syringe (8) for taking in and discharging liquid from a leading end thereof such that the leading end faces vertically downward, and to collect a sample from a vial disposed at a position directly under the syringe (8) by using the syringe (8); a turret (4) that has a plurality of vial holders (10) in which vials are respectively placed and that moves the plurality of vial holders (10) so as to draw a course passing through the position directly under the syringe (8); a transmissive photosensor (14) that has a light-emitting part (14a) and a light-receiving part (14b) disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich a vial on a vial holder (10) disposed at a detection position set on the course and that is provided such that an output signal from the light-receiving part (14b) changes depending on whether the vial is placed on the vial holder (10) disposed at the detection position; an emission intensity adjustment part (16) configured to adjust the emission intensity of the light-emitting part (14a) to a reference intensity such that the output signal outputted from the light-receiving part (14b) when a vial is not disposed between the light-emitting part (14a) and the light-receiving part (14b) stays within a prescribed range; a threshold retaining part (20) that retains a threshold for detecting whether the vials are placed on the vial holders (10); and a vial detection part (22) configured to detect whether the vial is placed on the vial holder (10) disposed at the detection position, by comparing the threshold retained by the threshold retaining part (20) and the output signal from the light-receiving part (14b) in a state where the emission intensity of the light-emitting part (14a) is adjusted to the reference intensity.

Description

自動試料注入装置Automatic sample injection device
　本発明は、ガスクロマトグラフィ分析用の自動試料注入装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an automatic sample injection device for gas chromatography analysis.
　ガスクロマトグラフィ分析を行なうための分析装置に試料を自動注入する自動試料注入装置が知られている（特許文献１参照）。自動試料注入装置は、試料等を収容したバイアルを載置するためのバイアルホルダが複数設けられた移動式のターレットと、ターレットのバイアルホルダに載置されたバイアルから試料や溶媒を吸入するためのシリンジと、を備えている。ガスクロマトグラフへ試料を注入する際、ターレットが移動することによって目的の試料を収容したバイアルが所定位置に配置され、所定位置に配置されたバイアルの試料がシリンジによって吸入されて分析装置へ注入される。 An automatic sample injection device that automatically injects a sample into an analyzer for performing gas chromatography analysis is known (see Patent Document 1). The automatic sample injection device is a mobile turret provided with a plurality of vial holders for placing vials containing samples, etc., and a vial placed in the vial holder of the turret for inhaling a sample or solvent. It is equipped with a syringe. When injecting a sample into a gas chromatograph, the vial containing the target sample is placed in a predetermined position by moving the turret, and the sample in the vial placed in the predetermined position is sucked by the syringe and injected into the analyzer. ..
特開平９－３２５１５３号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-325153
　ターレットの各バイアルホルダにバイアルが載置されているか否かを自動的に検知しようとした場合、フォトセンサを使用することが一般的である。その場合、フォトセンサによるバイアルの有無の検知精度は、フォトセンサの個体差（発光部の発光強度、受光部の感度による信号強度の違い）、バイアルの材質、色及び形状等による光の吸収率及び反射率の影響を受ける。そのため、様々なバイアルを使用可能とすると、フォトセンサの個体差によるばらつきに加えて、フォトセンサの受光部に入射する光の強度がバイアルの種類によって大きくばらついてしまい、バイアルの有無の検知の信用性が著しく低下する。 When trying to automatically detect whether or not a vial is placed in each vial holder of the turret, it is common to use a photo sensor. In that case, the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of a vial by the photosensor depends on the individual difference of the photosensor (difference in light emission intensity of the light emitting part, difference in signal intensity depending on the sensitivity of the light receiving part), and the light absorption rate depending on the material, color and shape of the vial. And affected by reflectance. Therefore, if various vials can be used, in addition to variations due to individual differences in the photosensor, the intensity of the light incident on the light receiving part of the photosensor will vary greatly depending on the type of vial, and the credibility of detection of the presence or absence of vials will occur. The sex is significantly reduced.
　フォトセンサによるバイアルの検知の信頼性を確保するために、白色のキャップを装着したバイアルのみを使用可能とするなど、使用可能なバイアルの種類を限定することが考えられる。しかし、様々な種類のバイアル（例えば、白色以外のカラーキャップを装着したバイアル）を使用したいというユーザからの要求がある。したがって、様々なバイアルを使用可能とするためには、フォトセンサの個体差がバイアルの有無の検知に与える影響を小さくすることが必要である。 In order to ensure the reliability of vial detection by the photo sensor, it is conceivable to limit the types of vials that can be used, such as allowing only vials with a white cap to be used. However, there is a demand from users who want to use various types of vials (eg, vials fitted with non-white color caps). Therefore, in order to enable the use of various vials, it is necessary to reduce the influence of individual differences in the photosensor on the detection of the presence or absence of vials.
　本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、フォトセンサの個体差がバイアルの有無の検知に与える影響を小さくすることを目的とするものである。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the influence of individual differences of photosensors on the detection of the presence or absence of vials.
　本発明に係る自動試料注入装置は、先端から液の吸入及び吐出を行なうシリンジを前記先端が鉛直下方を向くように保持し、前記シリンジの直下の位置に配置されたバイアルから前記シリンジを用いて試料を採取するように構成されたサンプリング部と、前記バイアルがそれぞれ載置される複数のバイアルホルダを有し、前記シリンジの直下の位置を通過する軌道を描くように前記複数のバイアルホルダを移動させるターレットと、前記軌道上に設定された検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上の前記バイアルを挟み込むように対向配置された発光部及び受光部を有し、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かによって前記受光部の出力信号が変化するように設けられた透過型フォトセンサと、前記発光部の発光強度を、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号が所定範囲内に収まる基準強度に調整するように構成された発光強度調整部と、前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するためのしきい値を保持するしきい値保持部と、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態で前記受光部の出力信号と前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値とを比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されたバイアル検知部と、を備えている。 The automatic sample injection device according to the present invention holds a syringe that sucks and discharges liquid from the tip so that the tip faces vertically downward, and uses the syringe from a vial placed at a position directly below the syringe. It has a sampling unit configured to collect a sample and a plurality of vial holders on which the vials are placed, and the plurality of vial holders are moved so as to draw a trajectory passing through a position directly under the syringe. The vial is provided with a turret to be generated, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion arranged to sandwich the vial on the vial holder arranged at the detection position set on the orbit, and is arranged at the detection position. A transmissive photosensor provided so that the output signal of the light receiving unit changes depending on whether or not the vial is placed on the holder, and the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is controlled by the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The light emitting intensity adjusting unit is configured to adjust the output signal of the light receiving unit to a reference intensity within a predetermined range when the vial is not arranged between the two, and the vial is placed on the vial holder. The output signal of the light receiving unit and the threshold value in a state where the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity and the threshold value holding unit that holds the threshold value for detecting whether or not the vial is set. Vial detection configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder located at the detection position by comparing with the threshold value held in the holding unit. It has a department.
　本発明に係る自動試料注入装置によれば、透過型フォトセンサの発光部の発光強度を、前記発光部と受光部との間にバイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号が所定範囲内に収まる基準強度に調整する発光強度調整部、及び、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態で前記受光部の出力信号と前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値とを比較することによって、所定の検出位置に配置されたバイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されたバイアル検知部を備えているので、透過型フォトセンサの個体差による出力信号のばらつきが抑制される。これにより、フォトセンサの個体差がバイアルの有無の検知に与える影響を小さくすることができる。 According to the automatic sample injection device according to the present invention, the emission intensity of the light emitting unit of the transmissive photosensor is determined by the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The emission intensity adjusting unit that adjusts to a reference intensity within the range, and the output signal of the light receiving unit and the threshold value holding unit are held in a state where the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. Since it is provided with a vial detection unit configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on a vial holder arranged at a predetermined detection position by comparing with the threshold value. Variations in the output signal due to individual differences in the transmissive photosensor are suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of individual differences in the photo sensor on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial.
　なお、発光部と受光部との間にバイアルがないときの受光部の出力信号に基づいてバイアル検知のためのしきい値を設定するようにすれば、発光部の発光強度を調整する必要がないようにも考えられる。しかし、発光部の発光強度は個体差が大きく、発光部の発光強度を何ら調整せずに一律の駆動電力で発光部を駆動すると、発光部の発光強度が受光部の検出限界を超えていることもあり得る。そのような場合、受光部の出力信号に基づいてしきい値を設定すると、発光部からの光がバイアルによって十分に減光されているにも拘わらず受光部の出力信号がしきい値を上回ってしまい、バイアルが検知されないという事態も生じ得る。本発明では、発光部の発光強度が、発光部と受光部との間にバイアルがないときの受光部の出力信号が所定範囲内に収まるような強度に調整されるので、このような問題は生じない。 If the threshold value for vial detection is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit when there is no vial between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, it is necessary to adjust the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit. It seems that there is no such thing. However, the light emitting intensity of the light emitting part varies greatly among individuals, and if the light emitting part is driven by a uniform driving power without adjusting the light emitting part of the light emitting part at all, the light emitting intensity of the light emitting part exceeds the detection limit of the light receiving part. It is possible. In such a case, if the threshold value is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit, the output signal of the light receiving unit exceeds the threshold value even though the light from the light emitting unit is sufficiently dimmed by the vial. It is possible that the vial will not be detected. In the present invention, the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to such an intensity that the output signal of the light receiving unit when there is no vial between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is within a predetermined range. Does not occur.
自動試料注入装置の一実施例を示す概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram which shows one Example of the automatic sample injection apparatus. 同実施例における透過型フォトセンサによるバイアル検出原理を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the vial detection principle by the transmission type photo sensor in the same Example. ブランク部が検出位置に配置された状態を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the state which the blank part is arranged in the detection position. 同実施例におけるしきい値の設定に関する動作の一例を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation about the setting of the threshold value in the same Example. 同実施例におけるバイアルの検出動作の一例を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detection operation of the vial in the same Example.
　以下、図面を参照しながら、本発明に係る自動試料注入装置の実施形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic sample injection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　図１に自動試料注入装置の一実施例を示す。 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic sample injection device.
　この実施例の自動試料注入装置は、ガスクロマトグラフ装置の天板上に載置されて使用されるものであり、サンプリング部２、ターレット４及び演算制御装置６を備えている。 The automatic sample injection device of this embodiment is mounted on the top plate of the gas chromatograph device and is used, and includes a sampling unit 2, a turret 4, and an arithmetic control device 6.
　サンプリング部２は、液の吸入及び吐出を行なうためのシリンジ８を備えている。この自動試料注入装置は、サンプリング部２のシリンジ８がガスクロマトグラフ装置の上面に設けられた注入ポートの直上に位置するようにガスクロマトグラフ装置上に配置される。シリンジ８は、液の吸入及び吐出を行なう先端が鉛直下方を向いた状態で上下動可能に設けられている。 The sampling unit 2 includes a syringe 8 for sucking and discharging the liquid. This automatic sample injection device is arranged on the gas chromatograph device so that the syringe 8 of the sampling unit 2 is located directly above the injection port provided on the upper surface of the gas chromatograph device. The syringe 8 is provided so as to be movable up and down with the tip for sucking and discharging the liquid facing vertically downward.
　ターレット４は、試料などの液を収容するバイアルがそれぞれ載置される複数のバイアルホルダ１０が水平な上面において同一円周上に配列され、バイアルホルダ１０が配列されている円周の中心を回転中心として水平面内で回転する円形状の部材である。ターレット４は、回転することによってシリンジ８の直下の位置を通過する軌道を描くように各バイアルホルダ１０を移動させるものであり、任意のバイアルホルダ１０をシリンジ８の直下の位置など所望の位置に配置することができる。ターレット４は、バイアルホルダ１０が配列されている円周上に、貫通孔からなるブランク部１２を備えている。ブランク部１２は、バイアルが配置されることのない領域であり、ブランク部１２をシリンジ８の直下に位置させるとガスクロマトグラフ装置の注入ポートがシリンジ８に対して露出した状態となる。この状態では、シリンジ８が注入ポートへアクセス可能であり、シリンジ８によってバイアルから採取した試料をガスクロマトグラフ装置の注入ポートへ注入することができる。 The turret 4 has a plurality of vial holders 10 on which a vial containing a liquid such as a sample is placed arranged on the same circumference on a horizontal upper surface, and rotates around the center of the circumference on which the vial holders 10 are arranged. It is a circular member that rotates in a horizontal plane as a center. The turret 4 moves each vial holder 10 so as to draw a trajectory passing through a position directly under the syringe 8 by rotating, and an arbitrary vial holder 10 is moved to a desired position such as a position directly under the syringe 8. Can be placed. The turret 4 includes a blank portion 12 formed of a through hole on the circumference on which the vial holder 10 is arranged. The blank portion 12 is a region where the vial is not arranged, and when the blank portion 12 is positioned directly under the syringe 8, the injection port of the gas chromatograph device is exposed to the syringe 8. In this state, the syringe 8 has access to the injection port, and the sample taken from the vial by the syringe 8 can be injected into the injection port of the gas chromatograph device.
　バイアルホルダ１０の軌道上、すなわち、バイアルホルダ１０が配列されている円周上に、各バイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルが載置されているか否かを透過型フォトセンサ１４によって検知するための検出位置が設定されている。この実施例では、シリンジ８の直下の位置の近傍の位置が検出位置となっている。透過型フォトセンサ１４は、互いに対向して配置された発光部１４ａ及び受光部１４ｂを備えており、図２に示されているように、検出位置に配置されたバイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルＶが載置されていれば、発光部１４ａと受光部１４ｂとの間にバイアルＶのキャップＣが位置し、発光部１４ａから受光部１４ｂへ向かう光がキャップＣによって遮光又は減光されるようになっている。 Detection position for detecting whether or not a vial is placed on each vial holder 10 on the orbit of the vial holder 10, that is, on the circumference on which the vial holder 10 is arranged by the transmissive photosensor 14. Is set. In this embodiment, the detection position is a position in the vicinity of the position directly below the syringe 8. The transmissive photosensor 14 includes a light emitting unit 14a and a light receiving unit 14b arranged so as to face each other, and as shown in FIG. 2, a vial V is placed on a vial holder 10 arranged at a detection position. If mounted, the cap C of the vial V is located between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b, and the light directed from the light emitting unit 14a to the light receiving unit 14b is shielded or dimmed by the cap C. ing.
　演算制御装置６は、ＣＰＵ（中央演算装置）及び情報記憶装置を備えたコンピュータ装置（例えば、パーソナルコンピュータ）によって実現されるものである。演算制御装置６は、発光強度調整部１６、しきい値設定部１８、しきい値保持部２０及びバイアル検知部２２を備えている。発光強度調整部１６、しきい値設定部１８及びバイアル検知部２２は、所定のプログラムがＣＰＵによって実行されることにより得られる機能であり、しきい値保持部２０は情報記憶装置の一部の記憶領域によって得られる機能である。 The arithmetic control unit 6 is realized by a computer apparatus (for example, a personal computer) equipped with a CPU (central processing unit) and an information storage device. The arithmetic control device 6 includes a light emission intensity adjusting unit 16, a threshold value setting unit 18, a threshold value holding unit 20, and a vial detecting unit 22. The emission intensity adjusting unit 16, the threshold value setting unit 18, and the vial detection unit 22 are functions obtained by executing a predetermined program by the CPU, and the threshold value holding unit 20 is a part of the information storage device. It is a function obtained by the storage area.
　発光強度調整部１６は、発光部１４ａを点灯させた際に、発光部１４ａから発せられる光の強度（発光強度）を基準強度に調整するように構成されている。基準強度とは、透過型フォトセンサ１４の発光部１４ａと受光部１４ｂとの間にバイアルＶが存在しない状態（図３の状態）にしたときに、受光部１４ｂの出力信号が所定範囲内に収まるように設定された強度である。所定範囲とは、発光部１４ａからの発光強度を受光部１４ｂが正確に検出することができるように定められた範囲である。発光部１４の発光強度は、発光部１４ａがＬＥＤである場合には、ＬＥＤの駆動電流を制御することによって調整することができる。 The light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 is configured to adjust the intensity (light emitting intensity) of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity when the light emitting unit 14a is turned on. The reference intensity means that the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is within a predetermined range when the vial V does not exist between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14 (state in FIG. 3). The strength is set to fit. The predetermined range is a range defined so that the light receiving unit 14b can accurately detect the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting unit 14a. When the light emitting unit 14a is an LED, the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14 can be adjusted by controlling the drive current of the LED.
　しきい値設定部１８は、検出位置に配置されたバイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するためのしきい値を設定するように構成されている。具体的には、しきい値設定部１８は、透過型フォトセンサ１４の発光部１４ａと受光部１４ｂとの間にバイアルが存在しない状態で、発光部１４ａの発光強度を基準強度に調整したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号（基準出力信号と称する）に基づいてしきい値を設定する。しきい値は、基準出力信号の一定割合（例えば、５０％）とすることができる。 The threshold value setting unit 18 is configured to set a threshold value for detecting whether or not a vial is placed on the vial holder 10 arranged at the detection position. Specifically, when the threshold value setting unit 18 adjusts the light emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity in a state where there is no vial between the light emitting unit 14a and the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14. The threshold value is set based on the output signal (referred to as a reference output signal) of the light receiving unit 14b of. The threshold value can be a fixed percentage of the reference output signal (eg, 50%).
　しきい値保持部２０は、しきい値設定部１８により設定されたしきい値を保持するように構成されている。 The threshold value holding unit 20 is configured to hold the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit 18.
　バイアル検知部２２は、透過型フォトセンサ１４の受光部１４ｂの出力信号をしきい値保持部２０に保持されているしきい値と比較することによって、検出位置に配置されたバイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されている。 The vial detection unit 22 is placed on the vial holder 10 arranged at the detection position by comparing the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b of the transmissive photosensor 14 with the threshold value held by the threshold value holding unit 20. It is configured to detect whether or not a vial is placed.
　しきい値の設定に関する動作の一例について、図４のフローチャートを図１とともに用いて説明する。 An example of the operation related to the setting of the threshold value will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 4 together with FIG.
　まず、透過型フォトセンサ１４の発光部１４ａの発光強度の調整が行われる。発光部１４ａの発光強度の調整は、ターレット４のブランク部１２が検出位置に配置された状態で行なわれる（ステップ１０１）。この状態で、発光強度調整部１６は、発光部１４ａを点灯させて受光部１４ｂの出力信号を読み取り（ステップ１０２）、受光部１４ｂの出力信号が所定範囲内に収まっているか否かを判定する（ステップ１０３）。受光部１４ｂの出力信号が所定範囲から外れている場合（ステップ１０３：Ｎｏ）、発光強度調整部１６は、発光部１４ａの発光強度を調整した後（ステップ１０４）、再び受光部１４ｂの出力信号を読み取ってその出力信号が所定範囲内に収まっているか否かを判定する（ステップ１０２、１０３）。この動作を、受光部１４ｂの出力信号が所定範囲内に入るように繰り返す。 First, the emission intensity of the light emitting portion 14a of the transmissive photo sensor 14 is adjusted. The light emitting intensity of the light emitting portion 14a is adjusted in a state where the blank portion 12 of the turret 4 is arranged at the detection position (step 101). In this state, the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 turns on the light emitting unit 14a, reads the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b (step 102), and determines whether or not the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is within a predetermined range. (Step 103). When the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is out of the predetermined range (step 103: No), the light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 adjusts the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a (step 104), and then the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is again. Is read to determine whether or not the output signal is within a predetermined range (steps 102 and 103). This operation is repeated so that the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b falls within a predetermined range.
　受光部１４ｂの出力信号が所定範囲内に収まっている場合（ステップ１０３：Ｙｅｓ）、このときの発光部１４ａの発光強度が「基準強度」となる。発光強度調整部１６は、発光部１４ａを「基準強度」で発光させるために必要な駆動電力を情報記憶装置の所定の記憶領域に記憶させる（ステップ１０５）。しきい値設定部１８は、発光部１４ａの発光強度が基準強度に調整されたときの受光部１４の出力信号に基づいてしきい値を設定し（ステップ１０６）、設定したしきい値をしきい値保持部２０に記憶させる（ステップ１０７）。 When the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is within a predetermined range (step 103: Yes), the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a at this time becomes the "reference intensity". The light emitting intensity adjusting unit 16 stores the driving power required for causing the light emitting unit 14a to emit light at the “reference intensity” in a predetermined storage area of the information storage device (step 105). The threshold value setting unit 18 sets a threshold value based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 14 when the emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity (step 106), and sets the set threshold value. It is stored in the threshold value holding unit 20 (step 107).
　次に、バイアルホルダ１０にバイアルが載置されているか否かを検知する動作について、図５のフローチャートを図１とともに用いて説明する。 Next, the operation of detecting whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder 10 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5 together with FIG.
　バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知したバイアルホルダ１０（対象のバイアルホルダ１０）を検出位置に配置する（ステップ２０１）。発光強度調整部１６は、発光部１４ａの発光強度を基準強度に調整し、バイアル検知部２２は、そのときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号を読み取り（ステップ２０２）、読み取った出力信号をしきい値保持部２０に保持されているしきい値と比較する（ステップ２０３）。バイアル検知部２２は、受光部１４ｂの出力信号がしきい値以下である場合に、対象のバイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルが載置されていると判定し（ステップ２０４）、受光部１４ｂの出力信号がしきい値を上回っている場合に、対象のバイアルホルダ１０上にバイアルが載置されていないと判定する（ステップ２０５）。 Place the vial holder 10 (target vial holder 10) that has detected whether or not the vial is placed at the detection position (step 201). The emission intensity adjusting unit 16 adjusts the emission intensity of the light emitting unit 14a to the reference intensity, the vial detection unit 22 reads the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b at that time (step 202), and sets the read output signal as a threshold value. Compare with the threshold value held in the holding unit 20 (step 203). When the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b is equal to or less than the threshold value, the vial detection unit 22 determines that the vial is placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 204), and determines that the vial is placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 204), and the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b. Is above the threshold value, it is determined that the vial is not placed on the target vial holder 10 (step 205).
　なお、以上の実施例では、発光部１４ａの発光強度を基準強度に調整したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号をそのまま用いて、しきい値の設定及びバイアルの有無の検知を行なうように構成されているが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。例えば、発光部１４ａの発光強度を基準強度に調整したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号から発光部１４ａを消灯したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号を差し引いた値を用いて、しきい値の設定及びバイアルの有無の検知を行なうように構成されていてもよい。このような構成にすることで、バイアルホルダ１０上のバイアルの有無の検知に対して外乱光が与える影響を軽減することができる。 In the above embodiment, the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity is used as it is to set the threshold value and detect the presence or absence of the vial. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold value is set using the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting unit 14a is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity. And may be configured to detect the presence or absence of a vial. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of the vial on the vial holder 10.
　なお、しきい値設定部１８は必須の構成要件ではない。すなわち、しきい値を、発光部１４ａの発光強度の調整の際の受光部１４ｂの出力信号とは無関係に設定された固定値としてもよい。この場合、発光部１４ａによる発光強度の調整の際の基準となる受光部１４ｂの出力信号の基準（所定範囲）は、バイアルホルダ１０上のバイアルの有無の検知が固定のしきい値を用いて正確に実行できるように定められたものである。
　上記のように、しきい値が固定値である場合も、発光部１４ａの発光強度を基準強度に調整したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号から発光部１４ａを消灯したときの受光部１４ｂの出力信号を差し引いた値をバイアルの有無の検知に用いることができる。これにより、バイアルホルダ１０上のバイアルの有無の検知に対して外乱光が与える影響を軽減することができる。 The threshold value setting unit 18 is not an essential configuration requirement. That is, the threshold value may be a fixed value set independently of the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when adjusting the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a. In this case, the reference (predetermined range) of the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b, which is the reference when adjusting the emission intensity by the light emitting unit 14a, is the threshold value for detecting the presence or absence of the vial on the vial holder 10. It is defined so that it can be executed accurately.
As described above, even when the threshold value is a fixed value, the output of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting unit 14a is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit 14b when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit 14a is adjusted to the reference intensity. The value obtained by subtracting the signal can be used to detect the presence or absence of a vial. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of the vial on the vial holder 10.
　以上において説明した実施例は、本発明に係る自動試料注入装置の実施形態の一例を示したに過ぎない。本発明に係る自動試料注入装置の実施形態は、以下に示すとおりである。 The examples described above are merely an example of an embodiment of the automatic sample injection device according to the present invention. An embodiment of the automatic sample injection device according to the present invention is as shown below.
　本発明に係る自動試料注入装置の一実施形態では、先端から液の吸入及び吐出を行なうシリンジを前記先端が鉛直下方を向くように保持し、前記シリンジの直下の位置に配置されたバイアルから前記シリンジを用いて試料を採取するように構成されたサンプリング部と、前記バイアルがそれぞれ載置される複数のバイアルホルダを有し、前記シリンジの直下の位置を通過する軌道を描くように前記複数のバイアルホルダを移動させるターレットと、前記軌道上に設定された検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上の前記バイアルを挟み込むように対向配置された発光部及び受光部を有し、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かによって前記受光部の出力信号が変化するように設けられた透過型フォトセンサと、前記発光部の発光強度を、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号が所定範囲内に収まる基準強度に調整するように構成された発光強度調整部と、前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するためのしきい値を保持するしきい値保持部と、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態で前記受光部の出力信号と前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値とを比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されたバイアル検知部と、を備えている。 In one embodiment of the automatic sample injection device according to the present invention, a syringe for sucking and discharging liquid from the tip is held so that the tip faces vertically downward, and the vial arranged at a position directly below the syringe is used. It has a sampling unit configured to collect a sample using a syringe and a plurality of vial holders on which the vials are placed, and the plurality of vials are drawn so as to pass through a position directly under the syringe. It has a turret that moves the vial holder, and a light emitting part and a light receiving part that are arranged so as to sandwich the vial on the vial holder that is arranged at the detection position set on the orbit, and is arranged at the detection position. A transmissive photosensor provided so that the output signal of the light receiving unit changes depending on whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder, and the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is referred to the light emitting unit. The emission intensity adjusting unit configured to adjust the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the light receiving unit and the light receiving unit to a reference intensity within a predetermined range, and the vial holder. A threshold holding unit that holds a threshold for detecting whether or not a vial is placed, and an output signal of the light receiving unit with the emission intensity of the light emitting unit adjusted to the reference intensity. By comparing with the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit, it is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. It is equipped with a vial detector.
　上記一実施形態の第１態様は、前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値が、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整され、かつ、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号に基づいて設定されたものである。このような態様により、前記発光部の発光強度の調整ばらつきがバイアルの検知に与える影響を軽減することができる。 In the first aspect of the above embodiment, the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit is adjusted so that the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are used. It is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit when the vial is not arranged between the and. According to such an aspect, it is possible to reduce the influence of the adjustment variation of the emission intensity of the light emitting portion on the detection of the vial.
　上記第１態様では、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態であり、かつ、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態であるときの前記受光部の出力信号に基づいて前記しきい値を設定するように構成されたしきい値設定部をさらに備えていてもよい。その場合、前記しきい値保持部は、前記しきい値設定部によって設定された前記しきい値を保持するように構成することができる。 In the first aspect, the light emitting portion is adjusted to the reference intensity, and the vial is not arranged between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. Further, a threshold value setting unit configured to set the threshold value based on the output signal of the light receiving unit may be provided. In that case, the threshold value holding unit can be configured to hold the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit.
　上記の場合、前記しきい値設定部は、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態において、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値に基づいて前記しきい値を設定するように構成されており、前記バイアル検知部は、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値を前記しきい値と比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されていてもよい。このような態様により、バイアルホルダ上のバイアルの有無の検知に対して外乱光が与える影響を軽減することができる。 In the above case, the threshold setting unit is used when the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity in a state where the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The threshold value is set based on the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit, and the vial detecting unit is configured to set the threshold value. The threshold value is a value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. By comparison, it may be configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. According to such an embodiment, the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial on the vial holder can be reduced.
　上記一実施形態の第２態様では、前記バイアル検知部は、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値を前記しきい値と比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されている。このような態様により、バイアルホルダ上のバイアルの有無の検知に対して外乱光が与える影響を軽減することができる。この第２態様は上記第１態様と組み合わせることができる。 In the second aspect of the above embodiment, the vial detection unit is used when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. By comparing the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit with the threshold value, it is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position. ing. According to such an embodiment, the influence of ambient light on the detection of the presence or absence of a vial on the vial holder can be reduced. This second aspect can be combined with the first aspect.
　上記一実施形態の第３態様では、前記ターレットは、前記複数のバイアルホルダを水平面内における同一円周上に有し、前記円周の中心を回転中心として回転することによって任意の前記バイアルホルダを前記円周上の所望の位置に配置するように構成され、前記円周上に前記バイアルホルダの存在しないブランク部が設けられている円形ターレットであって、前記しきい値設定部は、前記検出位置に前記ブランク部を位置させることによって前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態を形成するように構成されている。この第３態様は、上記第１態様及び／又は第２態様と組み合わせることができる。 In the third aspect of the above embodiment, the turret has a plurality of vial holders on the same circumference in a horizontal plane, and any vial holder can be obtained by rotating around the center of the circumference as a rotation center. It is a circular turret configured to be arranged at a desired position on the circumference and provided with a blank portion on the circumference in which the vial holder does not exist, and the threshold setting portion is the detection. By locating the blank portion at a position, the vial is not arranged between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. This third aspect can be combined with the first aspect and / or the second aspect.
　　　２　　　サンプリング部
　　　４　　　ターレット
　　　６　　　演算制御装置
　　　８　　　シリンジ
　　　１０　　　バイアルホルダ
　　　１２　　　ブランク部
　　　１４　　　透過型フォトセンサ
　　　１４ａ　　　発光部
　　　１４ｂ　　　受光部
　　　１６　　　発光強度調整部
　　　１８　　　しきい値設定部
　　　２０　　　しきい値保持部
　　　２２　　　バイアル検知部 2 Sampling unit 4 Turret 6 Arithmetic control device 8 Syringe 10 Vial holder 12 Blank unit 14 Transmissive photo sensor 14a Light emitting unit 14b Light receiving unit 16 Emission intensity adjustment unit 18 Threshold setting unit 20 Threshold holding unit 22 Vial detection unit

Claims (6)

  1. 　先端から液の吸入及び吐出を行なうシリンジを前記先端が鉛直下方を向くように保持し、前記シリンジの直下の位置に配置されたバイアルから前記シリンジを用いて試料を採取するように構成されたサンプリング部と、
    　前記バイアルがそれぞれ載置される複数のバイアルホルダを有し、前記シリンジの直下の位置を通過する軌道を描くように前記複数のバイアルホルダを移動させるターレットと、
    　前記軌道上に設定された検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上の前記バイアルを挟み込むように対向配置された発光部及び受光部を有し、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かによって前記受光部の出力信号が変化するように設けられた透過型フォトセンサと、
    　前記発光部の発光強度を、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号が所定範囲内に収まる基準強度に調整するように構成された発光強度調整部と、
    　前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するためのしきい値を保持するしきい値保持部と、
    　前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態で前記受光部の出力信号と前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値とを比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されたバイアル検知部と、を備えた自動試料注入装置。     Sampling configured to hold a syringe that inhales and discharges liquid from the tip so that the tip faces vertically downward, and uses the syringe to collect a sample from a vial located directly below the syringe. Department and
    A turret having a plurality of vial holders on which the vials are placed and moving the plurality of vial holders so as to draw a trajectory passing through a position directly below the syringe.
    It has a light emitting part and a light receiving part arranged to sandwich the vial on the vial holder arranged at the detection position set on the orbit, and the vial holder arranged at the detection position has the light emitting part and the light receiving part. A transmissive photosensor provided so that the output signal of the light receiving unit changes depending on whether or not a vial is placed, and
    The emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to a reference intensity within a predetermined range when the output signal of the light receiving unit is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Emission intensity adjustment unit and
    A threshold holding unit that holds a threshold for detecting whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder.
    By comparing the output signal of the light receiving unit with the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit in a state where the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity, the signal is placed at the detection position. An automatic sample injection device including a vial detection unit configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder.
  2. 　前記しきい値保持部に保持されている前記しきい値は、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整され、かつ、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていないときの前記受光部の出力信号に基づいて設定されたものである、請求項１に記載の自動試料注入装置。 In the threshold value held in the threshold value holding unit, the emission intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity, and the vial is arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The automatic sample injection device according to claim 1, which is set based on the output signal of the light receiving unit when there is no light receiving unit.
  3. 　前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整された状態であり、かつ、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態であるときの前記受光部の出力信号に基づいて前記しきい値を設定するように構成されたしきい値設定部をさらに備え、
    　前記しきい値保持部は前記しきい値設定部によって設定された前記しきい値を保持するように構成されている、請求項２に記載の自動試料注入装置。     The output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity and the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Further provided with a threshold setting unit configured to set the threshold based on the above.
    The automatic sample injection device according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value holding unit is configured to hold the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit.
  4. 　前記しきい値設定部は、前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態において、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値に基づいて前記しきい値を設定するように構成されており、
    　前記バイアル検知部は、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値を前記しきい値と比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されている、請求項３に記載の自動試料注入装置。     The threshold setting unit is the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity in a state where the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. It is configured to set the threshold value based on the value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is turned off from the output signal.
    The vial detection unit is a value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. 3. The automatic according to claim 3, wherein it is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position by comparing with the threshold value. Sample injection device.
  5. 　前記バイアル検知部は、前記発光部の発光強度が前記基準強度に調整されているときの前記受光部の出力信号から前記発光部が消灯しているときの前記受光部の出力信号を差し引いた値を前記しきい値と比較することによって、前記検出位置に配置された前記バイアルホルダ上に前記バイアルが載置されているか否かを検知するように構成されている、請求項１に記載の自動試料注入装置。 The vial detection unit is a value obtained by subtracting the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit is off from the output signal of the light receiving unit when the light emitting intensity of the light emitting unit is adjusted to the reference intensity. The automatic according to claim 1, wherein is configured to detect whether or not the vial is placed on the vial holder arranged at the detection position by comparing with the threshold value. Sample injection device.
  6. 　前記ターレットは、前記複数のバイアルホルダを水平面内における同一円周上に有し、前記円周の中心を回転中心として回転することによって任意の前記バイアルホルダを前記円周上の所望の位置に配置するように構成され、前記円周上に前記バイアルホルダの存在しないブランク部が設けられている円形ターレットであって、
    　前記しきい値設定部は、前記検出位置に前記ブランク部を位置させることによって前記発光部と前記受光部との間に前記バイアルが配置されていない状態を形成するように構成されている、請求項３に記載の自動試料注入装置。     The turret has the plurality of vial holders on the same circumference in a horizontal plane, and arranges any of the vial holders at a desired position on the circumference by rotating around the center of the circumference as a rotation center. A circular turret having a blank portion on the circumference in which the vial holder does not exist.
    The threshold setting unit is configured to form a state in which the vial is not arranged between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit by locating the blank unit at the detection position. Item 3. The automatic sample injection device according to item 3.
PCT/JP2020/037517 2020-10-02 2020-10-02 Automatic sample injection device WO2022070399A1 (en)

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PCT/JP2020/037517 WO2022070399A1 (en) 2020-10-02 2020-10-02 Automatic sample injection device
JP2022553389A JP7400988B2 (en) 2020-10-02 2020-10-02 Automatic sample injection device

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09325153A (en) * 1996-06-05 1997-12-16 Shimadzu Corp Automatic sample injector
JP2007036773A (en) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-08 Nec Computertechno Ltd Apparatus and method for detecting detection object by optical sensor
JP2009168492A (en) * 2008-01-11 2009-07-30 Anywire:Kk Photoelectric sensor system
JP2015159385A (en) * 2014-02-23 2015-09-03 オムロン株式会社 Photoelectronic sensor

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09325153A (en) * 1996-06-05 1997-12-16 Shimadzu Corp Automatic sample injector
JP2007036773A (en) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-08 Nec Computertechno Ltd Apparatus and method for detecting detection object by optical sensor
JP2009168492A (en) * 2008-01-11 2009-07-30 Anywire:Kk Photoelectric sensor system
JP2015159385A (en) * 2014-02-23 2015-09-03 オムロン株式会社 Photoelectronic sensor

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