Biochemical analysis device and biochemical analysis method

Abstract

A biochemical analysis device and a biochemical analysis method are provided. The biochemical analysis device comprises: a piercer (7) for penetrating a cover member; a nozzle (8) passing through the piercer penetrating the cover member (22) and sucking a sample; a liquid level sensor (82) for detecting whether the nozzle (8) contacts the sample; and a control device for driving the nozzle (8) and the piercer, wherein the control device performs an error notification when it is detected that the nozzle (8) contacts a contained object in the piercer (7) and when it is detected that the nozzle (8) collides with the cover member (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biochemical analysis device and a biochemical analysis method. Background Art

[0002] An analytical device is known for performing biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting a specimen with a reagent within a reaction container. The analytical device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-42294 includes a container for storing the specimen, a nozzle (pipette) for aspirating the specimen, and a sensor. The sensor detects whether the nozzle has contacted the liquid surface of the specimen. Upon detecting that the nozzle has contacted the liquid surface, the device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-42294 causes the nozzle to begin aspirating the specimen. After the nozzle aspirates the specimen, the analytical device dispenses the specimen into another container. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Furthermore, a container for storing a sample or reagent has an opening that is sometimes covered with a lid. To extract the contents from such a container, a configuration is conceivable in which a cylindrical piercer is provided, the piercer is passed through the lid, a nozzle is inserted into the piercer that has passed through the lid, and the contents are extracted using the nozzle.

[0004] With this structure, after the piercer penetrates the cover member, droplets of the contents may adhere to the piercer due to backflow of the contents within the container. In this case, when the nozzle contacts the droplets within the piercer, the nozzle begins suctioning. As a result, the nozzle performs suction in an area where the contents are not present, failing to aspirate the contents. Alternatively, the piercer may fail to penetrate the cover member. In this case, the nozzle is not inserted into the container, preventing aspiration of the contents. The user cannot easily identify why the analyzer is unable to aspirate the contents.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables a user to easily recognize the reason why an analyzer cannot extract the contents.

[0006] A biochemical analysis device according to one aspect of the present disclosure performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by causing a specimen and a reagent to react within a reaction container. The biochemical analysis device includes: a placement unit for placing a storage container, the storage container having a cover member for storing a sample or reagent; a piercer for penetrating the cover member; a nozzle for passing through the piercer through the cover member and aspirating the sample; a first sensor for detecting whether the nozzle contacts the sample; a second sensor for detecting whether the nozzle collides with the sample; and a control device for driving the nozzle and the piercer. When the first sensor detects that the nozzle contacts the sample within the piercer and when the second sensor detects that the nozzle collides with the cover member, the control device executes a first error notification.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a biochemical analysis method for performing a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting a specimen and a reagent within a reaction container. The biochemical analysis method includes the following steps: performing an error notification upon detecting that a nozzle in a container for storing a sample contacts a droplet of the sample within a piercer, wherein the sample is a sample or a reagent, the container has a lid, the nozzle is for aspirating the sample, and the piercer is for penetrating the lid; and performing an error notification upon detecting that the nozzle collides with the lid.

[0008] The above objects, features, aspects and advantages and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of main parts of the analysis device according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the analysis device according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a state before the piercer of the present embodiment penetrates the cover member.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a state where the piercer according to the present embodiment has penetrated the cover member.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a state after the piercer according to the present embodiment has penetrated the cover member and before the nozzle is inserted into the storage container.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which the nozzle of this embodiment contacts the liquid surface of the sample.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a state where the nozzle of this embodiment is inserted into a sample.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining the collision sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of types of cover members according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a state in which blood (sample) adheres to the inside of the piercer according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a method in which the nozzle of the present embodiment detects a sample inside the drill.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a state in which a liquid droplet hits the side surface of a nozzle according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which bubbles are generated above the liquid surface of a sample according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of the previous altitude and the current altitude.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing upper limit values ​​and the like.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of an overview of each error message.

[0028] Figure 20 This is an example of a setting screen for the difference threshold value.

[0029] Figure 21 This is an example of a setting screen for enabling or disabling error notification.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device.

[0031] Figure 23This is an example of a flow chart of a control device.

[0032] Figure 24 This is an example of a flow chart of the suction process.

[0033] Figure 25 This is an example of a flowchart of the first error processing and re-puff processing.

[0034] Figure 26 This is an example of a flowchart of the second error processing and the re-through processing.

[0035] Figure 27 This is an example of a flowchart of the third error processing and re-puff processing.

[0036] Figure 28 It is a cross-sectional view of a drill and a storage container according to a second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element and the number of pulses output by the control device to the drill motor.

[0038] Figure 30 This is a diagram for explaining a non-penetrating sensor.

[0039] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing an example of types of cover members according to the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 32 This is a diagram showing an example of types of cover members according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding parts in the figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. It is initially intended that at least some of the structures in the various embodiments be used in combination as appropriate. The drawings are not shown in proportion to actual size; to facilitate understanding of the structure, some parts are shown with altered proportions to clarify the structure.

[0042] <First embodiment>

[0043] [Device Structure]

[0044] The biochemical analysis device (hereinafter referred to as the "analyzer") according to the first embodiment is configured to dispense a specimen and reagents into a reaction vessel using a nozzle and optically measure the reaction state within the reaction vessel. Hereinafter, the specimen may be referred to as a "sample" or "test specimen." Examples of the specimen include blood components (serum or plasma) or urine. In this embodiment, a disposable test tube is used as the reaction vessel of the analyzer.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the main parts of an analysis device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In FIG, the height direction of the analyzer 1 is set as the Z-axis direction, the width direction of the analyzer 1 is set as the X-axis direction, and the depth direction of the analyzer 1 is set as the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is also the vertical direction of the analyzer 1. The analyzer 1 has a control device 500 for controlling each part of the analyzer 1. Figure 1 In the figure, for convenience, the control device 500 is recorded in the upper right corner, but in fact, the control device 500 is configured in the same Figure 1 Different locations.

[0046] The control device 500 transports a plurality of storage containers 2 containing samples to a predetermined position and causes the nozzle to aspirate the sample in each storage container 2 and dispense the sample.

[0047] The storage container 2 is placed in the analyzer 1 in a state of being held by the rack 3. Each rack 3 holds a plurality of storage containers 2. Figure 1 In the example, five storage containers 2 are arranged on one rack 3. The analyzing device 1 has a setting portion 4. A plurality of racks 3 are set on the setting portion 4. Figure 1 In the example, there are 11 brackets configured.

[0048] Typically, the storage container 2 has a cylindrical shape having an opening. Regarding the storage container 2, there are storage containers whose openings are covered by a cover member and storage containers whose openings are not covered by a cover member. The bracket 3 for holding the storage container 2 whose openings are covered by a cover member is also called a CTS (Closed Tube Sampling) bracket. In addition, the bracket 3 for holding the storage container 2 whose openings are not covered by a cover member is also called a SAM bracket. In addition, a mark for distinguishing whether it is a CTS bracket or a SAM bracket is provided on each bracket 3. Typically, the mark is a barcode. The analysis device 1 has a mark sensor 700 (see Figure 2 ) The control device 500 can determine whether the rack 3 holding the storage container 2 from which the sample is to be aspirated is a CTS rack or a SAM rack based on the detection result of the mark sensor 700 .

[0049] The control device 500 moves the rack 3 to the transport position 5 along the direction D1. The direction D1 is the direction in which the racks 3 are arranged. The direction D1 is also the X-axis direction.

[0050] Next, the control device 500 transports the stent 3 from the installation portion 4 in direction D2. Direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to direction D1. Direction D2 is also the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the control device 500 sequentially moves the plurality of stents 3 one by one to the transport position 5 based on input such as a start operation by the user. The control device 500 transports one stent 3 from the transport position 5 in direction D2.

[0051] The stent 3 transported from the setting unit 4 temporarily stops on the stent transport path 6. The control device 500 determines at a predetermined timing whether the stent 3 to be processed is a CTS stent or a SAM stent. If the stent 3 to be processed is determined to be a CTS stent, the control device 500 uses the nozzle 8 to aspirate the sample from the storage container 2 held on the stent 3 (i.e., CTS stent) after piercing the cover member with the piercer 7. The piercer 7 is cylindrical with a pointed tip. Since the piercer 7 drills a hole in the cover member, it is also called a "drilling member." In this way, the piercer 7 is used to penetrate the cover member.

[0052] Furthermore, when it is determined that the rack 3 to be processed is a SAM rack, the control device 500 uses the nozzle 8 to aspirate the sample from the storage container 2 held on the rack 3 (ie, SAM rack).

[0053] The drill 7 extends in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The drill drive device 71 holds the drill 7 and drives it to ascend and descend. The drill drive device 71 includes a drill arm 711 extending in the horizontal direction. The drill 7 is held at one end of the drill arm 711. A rotation shaft 712 is attached to the other end of the drill arm 711. The drill arm 711 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 712. By rotating the drill arm 711 about the rotation shaft 712, the drill drive device 71 can move the drill 7 horizontally along an arc-shaped track 717. The drill drive device 71 can also move the drill arm 711 in the vertical direction along the rotation shaft 712.

[0054] The nozzle 8 extends in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The nozzle driving device 81 holds the nozzle 8 and drives the nozzle 8 in a manner that causes the nozzle 8 to rise and fall. The nozzle driving device 81 includes a nozzle arm 811 extending in the horizontal direction. The nozzle 8 is held at one end of the nozzle arm 811. A rotating shaft 812 is mounted on the other end of the nozzle arm 811. The nozzle arm 811 is rotatable around the rotating shaft 812. The nozzle driving device 81 is capable of moving the nozzle 8 in the horizontal direction along the arc-shaped track 817 by rotating the nozzle arm 811 around the rotating shaft 812. The nozzle driving device 81 is also capable of moving the nozzle arm 811 in the vertical direction along the rotating shaft 812.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control device 500 drives the drill 7 by controlling the drill driving device 71. In addition, the control device 500 drives the nozzle 8 by controlling the nozzle driving device 81. The control device 500 controls the drill 7 by controlling the drill driving device 71. Figures 4 to 8 The piercer 7 is used to penetrate the cover member. The control device 500 inserts the nozzle 8 into the piercer 7 and lowers the nozzle 8. The control device 500 uses the nozzle 8 in the piercer to aspirate the sample from the absorption container 2. The aspirated sample is temporarily retained at a predetermined location.

[0056] Alternatively, the nozzle 8 may draw the reagent before drawing the sample. In this case, for example, before the nozzle 8 draws the sample, the nozzle drive 81 rotates the nozzle arm 811, moving the nozzle 8 above the reagent held in the reagent holder 815. The nozzle drive 81 then moves the nozzle arm 811 vertically downward. This inserts the nozzle 8 into the reagent, allowing the nozzle 8 to draw the reagent. Alternatively, as a modified example, the analyzer 1 may use another nozzle to draw the reagent.

[0057] Then, the nozzle driving device 81 moves the nozzle arm 811 vertically upward to withdraw the nozzle 8 from the reagent. Figures 4 to 8 The suction action of the sample.

[0058] Thus, the piercer 7 is a member for penetrating the cover member 22. In addition, the nozzle 8 is a member for passing through the piercer 7 penetrating the cover member 22 and sucking the sample.

[0059] After the control device 500 uses the nozzle 8 to suck the sample from the storage container 2, it retracts the nozzle 8 from the storage container 2. Thereafter, the control device 500 stops the nozzle 8 directly above the dispensing port 814 by rotating the nozzle arm 811. The dispensing port 814 is located on the track 817. After the nozzle 8 stops directly above the dispensing port 814, the control device 500 lowers the nozzle 8. Thus, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the dispensing port 814. The control device 500 causes the nozzle 8 to eject the retained sample in a state of being inserted into the dispensing port 814, thereby dispensing the sample into the dispensing port 814. The sample dispensed into the dispensing port 814 is injected into the test tube arranged at the dispensing port 814.

[0060] Each time a sample is aspirated, the nozzle 8 is removed from the storage container 2 and the piercer 7. After dispensing, the nozzle 8 is cleaned with a cleaning solution before the next sample aspiration operation is performed. If the nozzle 8 aspirates samples from the same storage container 2 multiple times, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the same storage container 2 multiple times. During these multiple aspirations, the piercer 7 remains inserted into the storage container 2.

[0061] [Hardware Structure of Analyzer]

[0062] Next, the hardware configuration of the analyzing device 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the analysis device 1. The control device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 530, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 532, a storage device 534, and an input / output buffer (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals.

[0063] The CPU 530 expands the control program stored in the storage device 534 into the RAM 532 and executes it. This control program is a program that records the procedures for various processes performed by the control device 500. In addition to the control program, the storage device 534 also stores various information and data used for the various processes. The control device 500 executes various processes in the analysis device according to this control program and various information and data. Furthermore, the processes are not limited to those executed by software; they can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0064] In addition to the control program recording the processing process, information or data such as reagent information, analysis schedule, and analysis history are also registered in the storage device 534. The reagent information is information about each reagent (e.g., reagent ID, reagent type, expiration date, etc.).

[0065] To efficiently analyze all scheduled samples, an analysis schedule is determined based on sample information (e.g., analysis items for each sample) and the availability of each port. For example, the analysis schedule includes the timing of each aliquot and measurement, the sample and reagent to be aliquoted, and the photometric port to be measured. The analysis schedule is managed for each sample ID (and each sample container).

[0066] The analysis history records the progress of the analysis, including those during the analysis. The analysis history records are updated sequentially as the analysis progresses. For example, the analysis history records include the test tube's movement path (including its current position), the sample and reagents dispensed into the test tube, the photometric port used for measurement, and the measurement results. The analysis history records are managed for each test tube. The control device 500 and the user can each check whether the analysis is progressing (or progressing) as scheduled by referring to the analysis history records.

[0067] In addition, the analyzing device 1 includes a drill driving device 71, a nozzle driving device 81, a liquid level sensor 82, a collision sensor 809, and a bracket 3. The details of the liquid level sensor 82 and the collision sensor 809 will be described later. The nozzle driving device 81 drives the nozzle 8. The control device 500 sends a control signal to the drill driving device 71. The drill driving device 71 drives the drill 7 based on the control signal from the control device 500. The drill driving device 71 includes a pulse motor. Hereinafter, the pulse motor of the drill driving device 71 is also referred to as the "drill motor 713 (see Figure 4 etc.)". The control device 500 can determine the position of the drill 7 based on the number of pulses applied to the pulse motor of the drill driving device 71, and can control the position of the drill 7. In other words, the driving amount of the drill 7 corresponds to the number of pulses applied to the pulse motor of the drill driving device 71.

[0068] In addition, the control device 500 sends a control signal to the nozzle drive device 81. The nozzle drive device 81 drives the nozzle 8 based on the control signal from the control device 500. The nozzle drive device 81 includes a pulse motor. The pulse motor of the nozzle drive device 81 is also referred to as a "nozzle motor 813 (see Figure 6 etc.)". The control device 500 can determine the position of the nozzle 8 based on the number of pulses applied to the pulse motor of the nozzle driving device 81, and can control the position of the nozzle 8. That is, the driving amount of the nozzle 8 corresponds to the number of pulses applied to the pulse motor of the nozzle driving device 81.

[0069] Thus, the control device 500 drives the nozzle 8 and the drill 7. Figure 1 As described in , the control device 500 drives the rack 3. The rack 3 is a member for arranging the storage container 2. The rack 3 corresponds to the "arranging unit" of the present disclosure.

[0070] [Analysis system configuration example]

[0071] Next, a configuration example of an analysis system including the analysis device 1 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the analysis system 120 . Figure 3The analysis system 120 in the example includes an analysis device 1, an input device 200, a display device 250, and a host device 270. The host device 270 corresponds to an “external device” in the present disclosure.

[0072] The input device 200 is a device into which a user inputs various information. The input device 200 includes a mouse, keyboard, and the like. Information input from the input device 200 is transmitted to the analysis device 1. The display device 250 displays various information based on control by the analysis device 1. Alternatively, the analysis device 1 may include at least one of the input device 200 and the display device 250. Furthermore, the analysis system 120 may include a touch panel that integrates the input device 200 and the display device 250. Alternatively, the analysis device 1 may include such a touch panel. The host device 270 is an upstream device of the analysis device 1. Information from the host device 270 is input to the analysis device 1. Upon receiving an error notification from the analysis device 1, the host device 270 executes an error notification.

[0073] [Suction of sample]

[0074] Next, use Figures 4 to 8 The following describes a flow of sucking a sample in the storage container 2 having the cover member 22 using the piercer 7 and the nozzle 8. In addition, a portion of the rack on which the storage container 2 is placed is shown as a placement portion.

[0075] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a state before the drill 7 penetrates the cover member 22. The drill driving device 71 rotates the drill arm 711 when the drill 7 is inserted into the storage container 2, thereby Figure 4 As shown, the drill 7 is moved horizontally to above the storage container 2.

[0076] Figure 5 This figure shows the state after the drill 7 has penetrated the cover member 22. The drill driving device 71 moves the rotary shaft 712 and the drill arm 711 vertically downward, thereby moving the drill 7 vertically downward. As a result, the drill 7 penetrates the cover member 22 and then enters the storage container 2.

[0077] Figure 6 This figure shows the state after the piercer 7 has penetrated the cover member 22 and before the nozzle 8 is inserted into the storage container 2. When the nozzle 8 is inserted into the storage container 2, the nozzle driving device 81 rotates the nozzle arm 811 to move the nozzle 8 horizontally to the top of the piercer 7 inserted into the storage container 2. Figure 6 As shown, the nozzle driving device 81 moves the nozzle 8 vertically downward so that the nozzle 8 is inserted into the drill 7 .

[0078] Here, if Figure 6 As shown, a liquid level sensor 82 is provided inside the nozzle arm 811. Typically, the liquid level sensor 82 is a capacitance sensor. The liquid level sensor 82 detects a change in capacitance when the tip of the nozzle 8 or the side of the nozzle 8 contacts the sample. The liquid level sensor 82 detects contact between the nozzle 8 and the sample based on this change in capacitance.

[0079] Figure 7 17 is a diagram showing a state where the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid surface 17A of the sample 17. Figure 7 As shown, the nozzle 8 is lowered, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 When the tip of nozzle 8 contacts liquid surface 17A of the sample as shown, liquid level sensor 82 detects contact of the tip of nozzle 8 with liquid surface 17A based on a change in electrostatic capacitance. Control device 500 determines that the tip of nozzle 8 has contacted liquid surface 17A based on the detection result of liquid level sensor 82. Thus, liquid level sensor 82 is a sensor for detecting whether nozzle 8 has contacted the sample. The liquid level sensor corresponds to the "first sensor" in this disclosure.

[0080] When the control device 500 determines that the tip of the nozzle 8 has contacted the liquid surface 17A, the control device 500 further lowers the nozzle 8 by a predetermined amount. By lowering the nozzle 8 by the predetermined amount, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the sample 17.

[0081] Figure 8 This figure shows the nozzle 8 inserted into the sample 17. With the nozzle 8 immersed in the sample in the storage container 2, the control device 500 drives a pump (not shown) to aspirate the sample in the storage container 2. As described above, the control device 500 dispenses the aspirated sample into the dispensing port 814.

[0082] [Collision Sensor]

[0083] Next, the collision sensor 809 will be described. Figure 4 and Figure 5As described, the control device 500 causes the piercer 7 to penetrate the cover member 22. Generally, the cover member 22 is rubber-like, but if the cover member 22 is hard (hard), the piercer 7 may not penetrate. If the nozzle 8 is further lowered without the piercer 7 penetrating the cover member 22, the nozzle 8 may be damaged due to, for example, the pressure of the cover member 22 against the nozzle 8. Therefore, the analyzer 1 of this embodiment detects whether the nozzle 8 has collided with an object. For example, if the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22, the object is the cover member 22. Alternatively, if the nozzle 8 is lowered while the piercer 7 has penetrated the cover member 22, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the storage container 2. When the nozzle 8 is inserted into the storage container 2, it may collide with foreign matter within the storage container 2 as the object. In this case, the analyzer 1 of this embodiment also detects whether the nozzle 8 has collided with the object.

[0084] In addition, based on the detection of the collision of the nozzle 8 with the cover member 22 , the control device 500 executes the second error process.

[0085] In addition, the second error processing includes at least one of a second alarm processing and a second error storage processing. The second alarm processing is a processing of outputting a second alarm sound from the speaker 722 and a processing of displaying an error image on the display device 250. The second alarm sound is a sound indicating that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cover member 22. In addition, the second error image is an image indicating that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cover member 22. The second error image is, for example, an image called "P error" described later. The second error storage processing is a processing of storing the error history in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area can be set as a storage area of ​​the analysis device 1 or as a storage area of ​​an external device of the analysis device 1. Furthermore, when the user operates the input device 200 to display the second error image while the error storage processing is being executed, the stored error history is displayed on the display device 250. The collision sensor that detects the collision state is described below.

[0086] Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining a collision sensor. Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing the interior of the nozzle arm 811 . Figure 9 (A) is a diagram showing a state where the nozzle 8 is not in a collision state. Figure 9 (B) is a diagram showing a state where the nozzle 8 is in a collision state.

[0087] A force-applying member 803, a light shielding plate 804, a base 805, a retaining member 806, and a collision sensor 809 are arranged on the nozzle arm 811. The base 805 is a member for supporting the nozzle 8. The base 805 is engaged with the nozzle 8. The collision sensor 809 corresponds to the "second sensor" of the present disclosure. The force-applying member 803 is, for example, a spring, more specifically, a compression coil spring. One end of the force-applying member 803 is mounted on the inner surface of the nozzle arm 811. In addition, the other end of the force-applying member 803 is retained by the retaining member 806. The retaining member 806 retains the force-applying member 803 and is engaged with the outer periphery of the base 805. Thus, the force-applying member 803 applies force to the nozzle 8 downward in the Z-axis direction.

[0088] The light shielding plate 804 has an L-shaped cross section. Furthermore, one end of the light shielding plate 804 is joined to the outer periphery of the base 805. The collision sensor 809 includes a light output portion 801 and a light input portion 802. The light output portion 801 outputs light to the light input portion 802. When light is input to the light input portion 802, an optical signal is transmitted to the control device 500. The optical signal indicates that light has been input to the light input portion 802.

[0089] The nozzle driving device 81 lowers the nozzle 8 by lowering the rotating shaft 812. Figure 9 As shown in (A), when the nozzle 8 is not in a collision state, the light from the light output portion 801 is blocked by the light shielding plate 804. Therefore, when the nozzle 8 is not in a collision state, the light from the light output portion 801 is not input to the light input portion 802. As described above, the force of the force-applying member 803 is applied downward to the nozzle 8. Therefore, in a state where the nozzle 8 is not in a collision state (for example, a state where the nozzle 8 begins to collide with the collision object), the state where the light is not input to the light input portion 802 (that is, Figure 9 The state shown in (A)).

[0090] However, when the nozzle 8 starts to contact the collision object (for example, the cover member 22), the nozzle 8 is further lowered by the nozzle driving device 81, and the nozzle 8 is blocked by the cover member 22, so that a force is applied to the nozzle 8 in the Z-axis direction. Then, when the nozzle 8 continues to descend and the force applied to the nozzle 8 in the upward direction exceeds the force applied to the nozzle 8 in the downward direction by the force applying member 803, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 8 (B), the nozzle 8 rises relative to the nozzle arm 811 .

[0091] Since the nozzle 8 rises relative to the nozzle arm 811, the light shielding plate 804 connected to the nozzle 8 also rises. Figure 9As shown in (B), when the light shielding plate 804 is raised, the light from the light output unit 801 is not blocked by the light shielding plate 804. As a result, the light is input to the light input unit 802. When light is input to the light input unit 802, the light signal from the light input unit 802 is input to the control device 500. The control device 500 determines that it is in the collision state due to the input light signal.

[0092] In this way, Figure 9 In the example, the configuration is such that when the nozzle 8 is raised relative to the nozzle arm 811, the state in which light is not input to the light input section 802 is switched to a state in which light is input to the light input section 802. As a modified example, the configuration may be such that when the nozzle 8 is raised relative to the nozzle arm 811, the state in which light is input to the light input section 802 is switched to a state in which light is not input to the light input section 802.

[0093] That is, the analyzing device 1 includes a light output unit 801 that outputs light, a light input unit 802 to which light is input, and a force applying member 803. The force applying member 803 applies a force to the nozzle 8 in a downward direction (i.e., in the direction of the storage container 2). Then, when the nozzle 8 moves upward relative to the nozzle arm 811, thereby changing the input state of the light input unit 802, the control device 500 determines that it is in a collision state. The change in the input state of the light input unit 802 can be set as "from a state in which no light is input to the light input unit 802 to a state in which light is input to the light input unit 802" as in the present embodiment. In addition, the change in the input state of the light input unit 802 can also be set as "from a state in which light is input to the light input unit 802 to a state in which no light is input to the light input unit 802" as in the modified example.

[0094] In addition, as described above, the situations in which the collision state of the nozzle 8 is detected mainly include the following situations: "a situation in which the nozzle 8 collides with an object to be collided in the drill 7", "a situation in which the drill 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22 and the nozzle 8 collides with the cover member 22 as the object to be collided", and "a situation in which the nozzle 8 collides with an object to be collided in the storage container 2 when the drill 7 is able to penetrate the cover member 22".

[0095] In the present embodiment, the analyzing device 1 detects whether or not the nozzle 8 collides with the cover member 22 as the collision target by the following method. Figure 10 This is an example of the first information stored in the first storage device 5341. The first storage device 5341 is included in the storage device 534 (refer to Figure 2 ). Figure 10 In the embodiment, a first cover member and a second cover member are defined.

[0096] Assume that the first cover member is made of a material that is easier to stretch than the second cover member. In addition, the pulse corresponding to the first cover member is P1, and the pulse corresponding to the second cover member is P2. Among them, P1>P2. Generally speaking, when the drill 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22, when the cover member 22 is the first cover member, the cover member 22 stretches compared to when the cover member 22 is the second cover member. Therefore, when the drill 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22, when the cover member 22 is the first cover member, the position where the nozzle 8 collides with the cover member 22 becomes lower in the Z-axis direction compared to when the cover member 22 is the second cover member. Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, it is set to P1>P2.

[0097] The control device 500 acquires the type of the cover member 22. The control device 500 determines whether the cover member 22 is the first cover member or the second cover member, for example. The driving amount (i.e., the number of pulses) of the nozzle 8 when the collision of the nozzle 8 is detected by the collision sensor 809 is the driving amount associated with the acquired type of the cover member 22 (i.e., Figure 10 In the case of the pulse P1 or the pulse P2 shown, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 collides with the cover member 22.

[0098] For example, when it is determined that the cap member 22 is the first cap member, if the amount of drive of the nozzle 8 (i.e., the number of pulses) when the collision of the nozzle 8 is detected is P1 (or a value close to P1), the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cap member 22. Furthermore, when it is determined that the cap member 22 is the second cap member, if the amount of drive of the nozzle 8 (i.e., the number of pulses) when the collision of the nozzle 8 is detected is P2 (or a value close to P2), the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cap member 22.

[0099] In addition, Figure 10 In the embodiment, the pulse numbers of two types of cover members 22 are specified. However, the pulse numbers of three or more types of cover members 22 may be specified. In other words, Figure 10 The information is information obtained by associating pulses (that is, predetermined drive amounts) with each of two or more types of cover members 22 .

[0100] As described above, each rack 3 is provided with a mark for distinguishing whether it is a CTS rack or a SAM rack. The mark for distinguishing a CTS rack may also include information that allows the control device 500 to determine the type of the cover member 22 of the storage container 2 held on the CTS rack. In this case, the control device 500 obtains the type of the cover member 22 of the storage container 2 based on the detection result of the mark sensor 700. Next, the control device 500 refers to the information indicating Figure 10 The number of pulses associated with the type of the cover member 22 is acquired based on the information of the setting content.

[0101] Furthermore, when the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cover member 22, that is, when executing the second error process, the control device 500 executes a re-penetration process of the piercer 7. The re-penetration process of the piercer 7 is a process for causing the piercer 7 to penetrate the cover member 22 again if the piercer 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22. The re-penetration process is a process for attempting to penetrate the cover member 22 by temporarily raising the piercer 7 and then lowering it again.

[0102] Furthermore, a limit is set on the number of times the re-penetration process can be performed. If the control device 500 performs the re-penetration process multiple times, the piercer 7 may collide with the cover member 22, and fragments of the cover member 22 may be mixed into the sample 17. Furthermore, if the control device 500 performs the re-penetration process multiple times, the piercer 7 may collide with the cover member 22, and the piercer 7 may be damaged.

[0103] Therefore, by setting a limit on the number of re-penetration processes, the possibility of fragments of the cover member 22 being mixed with the sample 17 and the possibility of damage to the nozzle 8 can be reduced. The limit corresponds to the "prescribed number of times" in this disclosure. For example, the limit is "2 times."

[0104] The control device 500 executes the re-penetration process until the number of re-penetration processes reaches a predetermined number of times. In addition, when the number of re-penetration processes reaches a predetermined number of times, the control device 500 notifies an alarm. The notification of the alarm, for example, outputs an alarm sound from the speaker 722.

[0105] [Liquid level detection in the drill]

[0106] After the drill 7 has completed the penetration of the cover member 22, the control device 500 Figure 6 As shown, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the interior of the drill 7 and lowered.

[0107] Here, the case where the storage container 2 is a blood collection tube is described as an example. Normally, a nurse or the like uses a blood collection needle to collect blood. The blood collected from the subject is stored in a blood collection tube with a cover member 22. When the nurse removes the blood collection needle from the blood collection tube after collecting blood, a small amount of blood may adhere to the upper portion of the cover member 22. In this case, if the piercer 7 penetrates the cover member 22, the blood adhered to the cover member 22 may sometimes intrude into the interior of the piercer 7. In addition, if the piercer 7 penetrates the cover member 22, the sample 17 in the storage container 2 may flow back toward the piercer 7 due to the difference between the pressure value inside the storage container 2 and the pressure value outside the storage container 2. In this case, blood may also adhere to the interior of the piercer 7.

[0108] Figure 11 : is a diagram showing a state where blood (sample) is adhered to the inside of the piercer 7. Figure 11 The attached sample is set as droplet 610. Droplet 610 is a part of the sample. Figure 11 In the example shown, the tip of nozzle 8 contacts droplet 610. When the tip of nozzle 8 contacts droplet 610, liquid level sensor 82 detects droplet 610. Therefore, control device 500 starts suctioning from nozzle 8 based on the detection of droplet 610, thereby performing dry suction of nozzle 8. Dry suction is suction performed at a location where no specimen is present.

[0109] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 500 detects that the nozzle 8 contacts the sample (at Figure 11 In the example of droplet 610), the first error handling is performed.

[0110] The first error handling process includes at least one of a first alarm process and a first error storage process. The first alarm process involves outputting a first alarm sound from the speaker 722 and displaying a first error image on the display device 250. The first error image is an image indicating that the nozzle 8 has detected the sample inside the piercer 7. For example, the first error image is an image referred to as "P Error," described later. The first error storage process stores the error history in a predetermined storage area. The predetermined storage area can be a storage area within the analyzer 1 or a storage area of ​​an external device to the analyzer 1. Furthermore, when the user operates the input device 200 to display the first error image while the error storage process is being executed, the stored error history is displayed on the display device 250. Furthermore, when executing the first error handling process, the control device 500 does not cause the nozzle 8 to perform aspiration. When executing the first error handling process, the control device 500 does not cause the nozzle 8 to perform aspiration, but instead performs a re-aspiration process. The re-aspiration process involves temporarily raising the nozzle 8 and then lowering it again, performing aspiration using the nozzle 8.

[0111] Next, a method in which the control device 500 causes the nozzle 8 to probe the sample inside the piercer 7 will be described. Figure 12 : is a diagram showing a method of probing a sample in the interior of the drill 7 by the nozzle 8. Figure 12 The initial position X1 of the front end of the drill 7 and the initial position X2 of the front end of the nozzle 8 are shown in FIG. The drill 7 shown by the dotted line represents the drill 7 in the initial position. The drill 7 shown by the solid line represents the drill 7 that has penetrated the cover member 22. The initial position X1 of the front end of the drill 7 is the position of the front end of the drill 7 before being driven. The initial position X2 of the front end of the nozzle 8 is the position of the front end of the nozzle 8 before being driven. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, the initial position X2 of the front end of the nozzle 8 is set higher than the initial position X1 of the front end of the drill 7.

[0112] Figure 12 In the example of the drill 7, the front end of the drill 7 is formed by forming a tapered surface 7A. The drill 7 has a first length L1 and a second length L2 longer than the first length L1 in the extending direction of the drill 7. In order to make the drill 7 penetrate the cover member 22, the distance for driving the drill 7 is determined. This distance is the distance L2 + L4. In addition, the distance between the initial position X2 and the initial position X1 is set as the distance L5.

[0113] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, when the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 inside the drill 7, the driving distance LN of the nozzle 8 is L4 + L5 < LN < L4 + L5 + L2. In addition, when the driving distance LN of the nozzle 8 is LN ≥ L4 + L5 + L2, detecting that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen means that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen outside the drill 7.

[0114] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen while the driving distance LN of the nozzle 8 is less than L4 + L5 + L2, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 inside the drill 7. In other words, when it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen while the driving amount of the nozzle 8 is less than the driving amount corresponding to L4 + L5 + L2, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 inside the drill 7. In addition, the threshold Th related to the driving amount is set as "the driving amount corresponding to L4 + L5 + L2". In this case, when it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen while the driving amount of the nozzle 8 is less than the threshold Th, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 inside the drill 7.

[0115] In addition, the threshold Th is the driving amount corresponding to the distance L4, the distance L5, and the distance L2. In addition, since the distance L4 and the distance L5 are predetermined values, the threshold Th can also be referred to as the driving amount corresponding to the length L2 in the extending direction of the drill 7. That is, when it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen while the driving amount (i.e., the driving distance) of the nozzle 8 is less than the threshold Th, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen inside the drill 7. In other words, the control device 500 determines whether it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the specimen inside the drill 7 based on the driving amount of the nozzle 8 and the driving amount corresponding to the length L2 in the extending direction of the drill 7.

[0116] In addition, there is a case where the nozzle 8 is lowered obliquely inside the drill 7. In this case, the control device 500 determines that the droplet 610 has hit the side surface of the nozzle 8. Figure 13 610 is a diagram showing a state where the droplet 610 contacts the side of the nozzle 8. Figure 13 In the case shown, the control device 500 also performs the first error processing. Figure 13 In the example, the tip of the nozzle 8 slightly protrudes from the piercer 7. Thus, even when the tip of the nozzle 8 slightly protrudes from the piercer 7 and the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610, the control device 500 can still determine that the nozzle 8 has contacted the droplet 610. For example, the length of the piercer in the extension direction can be set to L3. Here, L3 = L2 + α. The value of α can be determined by the designer of the analysis device 1. Furthermore, as a modified example, the length of the piercer in the extension direction can be set to L1.

[0117] The situation in which the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid droplet 610 in the piercer 7 refers to a situation that may occur during the first suction process in one storage container 2 .

[0118] [Liquid level detection in storage container]

[0119] As in Figure 8 As also described in [1], after the piercer 7 penetrates the cover member 22, the nozzle 8 is inserted into the interior of the piercer 7, and the nozzle 8 aspirates the sample from the storage container 2. For example, when multiple aspiration processes are performed on a single storage container 2, the sample in the storage container 2 decreases after each aspiration process. Therefore, the liquid level during an aspiration process should generally be lower than the liquid level during the previous aspiration process.

[0120] However, there is a case where bubbles of the sample or the like are generated above the liquid surface of the sample due to, for example, vibration of the analyzer 1 or the like. Figure 14 17A is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which bubbles 612 are generated above the liquid surface 17A of the sample 17. Figure 14 As shown, it is assumed that the nozzle 8 contacts the bubble 612. In this case, although the nozzle 8 has not reached the liquid surface of the sample 17, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 has contacted the liquid surface of the sample 17 based on the detection result of the liquid level sensor 82. In this case, the nozzle 8 may perform dry suction.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 500 determines the height of the nozzle 8 when detecting that the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid surface 17A, and stores the determined height of the nozzle 8 in the storage device 534. The height of the nozzle 8 is also referred to as the "last height". In addition, the detection of the contact of the nozzle 8 with the liquid surface 17A is also referred to as the "last detection". The height of the nozzle 8 corresponds to the drive amount of the nozzle 8 from the initial position. Since the drive amount of the nozzle 8 is the number of pulses output to the nozzle motor, the control device 500 determines the number of pulses as the height of the nozzle 8. After storing the last height, the control device 500 causes the nozzle 8 to perform suction processing.

[0122] Thereafter, when the nozzle 8 is detected to have contacted the liquid surface 17A during the next suction process, the height of the nozzle 8 is determined and stored in the storage device 534. The height of the nozzle 8 is also referred to as the "current height." Furthermore, the detection of the nozzle 8 contacting the liquid surface 17A is also referred to as the "current detection." The "current height" corresponds to the "first height" in this disclosure. The "previous height" corresponds to the "second height" in this disclosure.

[0123] Figure 15 1 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid surface 17A that the nozzle 8 contacts. Figure 15 (A) is a diagram showing an example of the liquid level 17A related to the previous height. Figure 15 FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the liquid surface 17A related to the current height when the bubbles 612 and the like are not generated in the nozzle 8 . Figure 15 (C) is a diagram showing an example of the liquid level 17A related to the current height when bubbles 612 and the like are generated in the nozzle 8. Figure 15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the height of the position of the nozzle 8 is set to be the height based on the bottom surface 2B of the storage container 2 .

[0124] The control device 500 determines whether the current altitude (ie, the first altitude) is higher than the previous altitude (ie, the second altitude). Figure 15 (A) and Figure 15 As shown in (B), when it is determined that the current height H1 is lower than the previous height H2 (that is, when it is determined that the current height H1 < the previous height H2), the control device 500 performs the suction process of the nozzle.

[0125] On the other hand, Figure 15 (A) and Figure 15As shown in (C), the control device 500 performs the third error processing when it is determined that the current height H3 is higher than the previous height H2 (that is, when it is determined that the current height H3> the previous height H2). In addition, a part of the sample 17 other than the bubble 612 is attached to the liquid surface 17A. Figure 15 In addition, even if the previous height was Figure 15 The situation shown in (A) and the height this time is Figure 13 In the case shown, it is determined that the current height H3 is higher than the previous height H2. Therefore, in this case, the control device 500 also executes the third error processing.

[0126] The third error handling process includes at least one of a third alarm process and a third error storage process. The third alarm process involves outputting a third alarm sound from the speaker 722 and displaying a third error image on the display device 250. The third error image is an image indicating that the nozzle 8 has detected the sample inside the storage container 2. The third error image is an image referred to as "S rise" (described later). The third alarm sound is a sound indicating that the nozzle 8 has detected the sample inside the storage container 2. The third error storage process stores the error history in a predetermined storage area. The predetermined storage area can be a storage area within the analyzer 1 or a storage area of ​​a device external to the analyzer 1. Furthermore, when the error storage process is executed and the user operates the input device 200 to display the third error image, the stored error history is displayed on the display device 250. Furthermore, when executing the third error handling process, the control device 500 performs a re-suction process instead of aspiration with the nozzle 8. As described above, the re-suction process involves aspiration with the nozzle 8 after temporarily raising and then lowering the nozzle 8. Furthermore, when the first to third error processes are executed, there may be a droplet 610 in the piercer 7 (see Figure 13 ). Therefore, the control device 500 can also pull out the drill 7 from the storage container 2 and clean and dry the drill 7. Thereafter, the control device 500 lowers the drill 7 again.

[0127] Thus, the control device 500 executes the third error handling based on the current height of the nozzle 8 (i.e., the first height) when the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid surface 17A of the sample 17, and the previous height of the nozzle 8 (i.e., the second height) stored in the storage device 534 at the time of the previous detection by the liquid level sensor 82. Typically, the control device 500 determines whether the current height (i.e., the first height) is higher than the previous height (i.e., the second height). If the control device 500 determines that the current height H3 is higher than the previous height H2 (i.e., if the current height H3 is determined to be greater than the previous height H2), the third error handling is executed.

[0128] In addition, if Figure 15 As shown in (D), due to the influence of the surface tension of sample 17 and other factors, the outer portion of liquid surface 17A may rise relative to the center of liquid surface 17A. In this case, nozzle 8 may also descend with the tip of nozzle 8 facing in an inclined direction. In this case, the current height H4 is greater than the previous height H2.

[0129] However, even in Figure 15 In the state shown in (D), the nozzle 8 sucks the sample 17, and the probability of the nozzle 8 performing empty suction is also low. Figure 15 In the state shown in (D), the control device 500 performs the suction process of the nozzle 8. That is, even if the current height is higher than the previous height, the control device 500 performs the suction process of the nozzle 8 when the difference ΔH between the current height and the previous height is less than the threshold value. The case where the difference ΔH is less than the difference threshold value is as follows Figure 15 The threshold value is set to a value corresponding to a predetermined pulse amount of the nozzle motor 813. The predetermined pulse amount is, for example, 10 pulses, which is approximately 1.5 mm.

[0130] In this embodiment, the control device 500 executes the third error handling if the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude and the difference ΔH between the current altitude and the previous altitude is greater than a threshold. Alternatively, as a variation, the control device 500 may not use a threshold and instead execute the third error handling if the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude. In this manner, the control device 500 executes the third error handling based on the current altitude being higher than the previous altitude.

[0131] In addition, the control device 500 can also perform error processing under other conditions. For example, Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of other conditions. In this embodiment, Figure 16As shown, an upper limit and a lower limit are set for the liquid level 17A of the sample 17. If the driving amount when the liquid level sensor 82 detects the sample 17 is less than the driving amount corresponding to the upper limit, that is, if the liquid level sensor 82 detects the sample 17 at a height above the upper limit, the control device 500 executes the fourth error processing. For example, the fourth error processing is executed when an excessive amount of sample 17 is contained in the storage container 2.

[0132] The fourth error processing includes at least one of a fourth alarm process and a fourth error storage process. The fourth alarm process is a process of outputting a fourth alarm sound from the speaker 722 and a process of displaying a fourth error image on the display device 250. The fourth error image is an image indicating that the detection position of the liquid level sensor 82 is higher than the upper limit. The fourth error image corresponds to the S error described later. The fourth alarm sound is a sound indicating that the detection position of the liquid level sensor 82 is higher than the upper limit. The fourth error storage process is a process of storing the error history of the fourth error in a predetermined storage area. The predetermined storage area can be a storage area of ​​the analyzer 1 or a storage area of ​​an external device of the analyzer 1. Furthermore, when the user operates the input device 200 to display the fourth error image while the error storage process is being executed, the fourth error image is displayed on the display device 250.

[0133] Furthermore, if the driving amount when the liquid level sensor 82 detects the sample 17 is greater than the driving amount corresponding to the lower limit, that is, if the liquid level sensor 82 detects the sample 17 at a position below the lower limit, the control device 500 executes the fifth error processing. For example, the fifth error processing is executed when there is too little sample 17 in the storage container 2.

[0134] The fifth error processing includes at least one of the fifth alarm processing and the fifth storage processing. The fifth alarm processing is a process of outputting the fifth alarm sound from the speaker 722 and a process of displaying the fifth image on the display device 250. The fifth image is an image indicating that the detection position of the liquid level sensor 82 is lower than the lower limit value. The fifth error image corresponds to S insufficient, which will be described later. The fifth alarm sound is a sound indicating that the detection position of the liquid level sensor 82 is lower than the lower limit value. The fifth storage processing is a process of storing the error history of the fifth error in a prescribed storage area. The prescribed storage area can be set as a storage area of ​​the analysis device 1 or as a storage area of ​​an external device of the analysis device 1. Furthermore, when the user performs an operation on the input device 200 to display the fifth image while the error storage processing is being performed, the fifth image is displayed on the display device 250. In addition, as Figure 16 As shown in the figure, the range between the upper limit and the lower limit is called the "normal range".

[0135] [About error display]

[0136] Next, an example of error display by the display device 250 will be described. Figure 17 This is an example of a list screen for requesting the analysis device 1. Figure 17 As shown in the screen of , for example, a request to the analysis device 1 is input from the input device 200. Figure 17 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the main items displayed are a request identification column 950, a sample column 951, a rack column 952, a status column 954, an analysis item column 956, a request list button 906, a data list button 908, and an error button 910. When the request list button 906 is operated, the error button 910 is displayed. Figure 17 's picture.

[0137] The request identification column 950 displays identification information for identifying each request. The request identification column 950 displays a request number as identification information. The sample column 951 displays information for identifying a sample to be analyzed. Figure 17 In the example, for example, S1 to S8 are displayed as identification information of the specimen. In addition, the specimen barcode can also be displayed as identification information of the specimen. The category of the rack and the date and time of the commission are displayed in the rack column 952. The category of the rack is information indicating the place where the specimen is stored. For example, for a commission with a commission number of "2", the rack is displayed as "S001-02" and the date and time of the commission is "14:26 on 4 / 19". In addition, the first letter "S" of the class of the rack indicates a SAM rack, and the first letter "P" of the class of the rack indicates a CTS rack.

[0138] In addition, each request number is associated with an analysis item to be executed (hereinafter referred to as "analysis item"). Figure 17 In the example, as analysis items, there are analysis items A to analysis item D. The reagents to be used, the amount of the sample to be used, and the analysis method are specified in each analysis item. In addition, each analysis is performed in the order of analysis of analysis item A, analysis of analysis item B, analysis of analysis item C, and analysis of analysis item D. In addition, one or more analysis items requested for one sample are also referred to as "multiple analysis items". Thus, in this embodiment, the analysis unit 723 can perform analysis of each analysis item in multiple analysis items (analysis items A to analysis items D) on one sample under the control of the control device 500. In addition, the display device 250 displays the sample (i.e., the identification information S1 to S8 of the sample).

[0139] In addition, an error message is displayed in the status bar. Figure 17In the example, as error messages, "S rise ×" and "P error ×" are displayed. The "S rise ×" information and the third error message indicating an error based on the third error processing (see the following) are displayed. Figure 19 ) or the third error image. The information of "P error ×" indicates the first error message (refer to the following Figure 19 ) and the second error message (see below Figure 19 ), wherein the first error message indicates an error based on the first error handling, and the second error message indicates an error based on the second error handling. In addition, the information "P error ×" may also correspond to the first error image or the second error image described above.

[0140] In addition, although not shown in the figure, a fourth error message "S error" is also displayed (see Figure 19 ) and the fifth error message "S is insufficient" (see the following Figure 19 ). "S error" is the fourth error image or an error message indicating an error based on the fourth error process. "S insufficient" is the sixth error image or an error message indicating an error based on the fifth error process. In addition, other error messages may also be displayed. Regarding other error messages, for example, there are error messages indicating that the dispensing of a reagent has failed and error messages indicating that a reagent is insufficient.

[0141] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an overview of the analysis results. Figure 17 When the data list button 908 is pressed, the control device 500 displays Figure 18 The analysis results are listed in the screen. Figure 18 In the example of , a request identification column 950, a sample column 951, a rack column 952, and an analysis result column 959 are displayed. Figure 18 The time recorded in the request identification column 950 in the example is the time when the processing by the analysis device 1 ends. Figure 18 In the example of , four analysis results, analysis results 961 to 964, are shown.

[0142] In the analysis result 961, the analysis result of the sample S7 is shown. For the analysis item A, the analysis result A10 is derived. However, for the next analysis item B, an error of S rising is detected. Here, the error of "S rising" is Figure 15(C) is an error caused by the liquid level sensor 82 detecting a droplet 610. This error occurs when the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610. Since the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610, the droplet 610 falls and most of the droplet 610 disappears. In this embodiment, when an error indicating an S rise is detected, the nozzle 8 is raised and then lowered again to re-pump the nozzle 8. At the time of the re-pump, most of the droplet 610 disappears.

[0143] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an error indicating an S rise is detected, the analysis unit 723 also analyzes the items other than the item in which the error indicating an S rise is detected, among the plurality of items including the item in which the error indicating an S rise is detected. In other words, when an error indicating an S rise is detected, the analysis unit 723 performs analysis on the specimen for the remaining items other than the item in which the error indicating an S rise is detected, among the plurality of analysis items.

[0144] exist Figure 18 In the example analysis result 961, it is shown that an error of S rising is detected in analysis item B. Therefore, for the multiple analysis items including analysis item B, the analysis is performed on the items after the item (i.e., analysis item B) in which the error of S rising is detected (i.e., analysis item C and analysis item D). Figure 18 In the example, an S-rise error is also detected for analysis items C and D.

[0145] On this basis, the analysis unit 723 reanalyzes the sample in which the error S rise is detected. Figure 18 In the example of , the analysis unit 723 re-analyzes the sample B in which an error S rise was detected, as shown in the analysis result 963. In the analysis result 963, the analysis result is displayed together with the text "Re-check" indicating that the analysis was re-executed. Figure 18 In the example shown, analysis result A12 is displayed for the analysis result of analysis item A. Analysis result B12 is displayed for the analysis result of analysis item B. Analysis result C12 is displayed for the analysis result of analysis item C. Analysis result D12 is displayed for the analysis result of analysis item D. Furthermore, analysis result A12, analysis result B12, analysis result C12, and analysis result D12 are each displayed in association with a text image such as "Recheck."

[0146] In addition, when the rise of S is detected, the specimen in which the rise of S is detected (in Figure 18In the example of the sample S7), an error message 972 indicating an increase in S is displayed in association with the sample S7. In addition, when an increase in S is detected, an error message 976 indicating an increase in S is displayed in association with the error analysis item in which the increase in S is detected among the plurality of analysis items. Figure 18 In the example shown in FIG1 , error message 972 indicating an S rise is displayed in association with specimen S7 in analysis result 961. Furthermore, error message 976 indicating an S rise is displayed in association with the analysis item (i.e., analysis item B to analysis item D) in which an S rise error was detected among the plurality of analysis items in analysis result 961.

[0147] In addition, when a P error is detected, the analysis unit 723 does not perform analysis on the remaining analysis items of the plurality of analysis items except for the analysis item in which the P rise error is detected. In the case of a P error being detected, the analysis unit 723 performs analysis again on the sample B in which the P error is detected. Figure 18 In the example of , as shown in analysis result 962, a P error was detected in the inspection based on analysis item B, so analysis of analysis item C and analysis item D was not performed. Figure 18 In the example, "Unchecked" is displayed for Analysis Item C and Analysis Item D. Figure 18 In the example of , the analysis unit 723 re-analyzes the sample B in which the error of P rise was detected as shown in the analysis result 964. In the analysis result 964, the analysis result is displayed together with the text "Re-check" indicating that the analysis was re-executed. Figure 18 In the example shown in FIG, analysis result A13 is displayed for analysis item A. As for analysis result A13, a P error is detected again for analysis item B.

[0148] In addition, when a P error is detected, the sample in which the P error is detected (in Figure 18 In the example of the sample S8), an error message 974 of P error is displayed in association with the sample S8. In addition, when a P error is detected, an error message 978 of P error is displayed in association with the analysis item in which the P error is detected among the plurality of analysis items. Figure 18 In the example shown in FIG1 , error message 974 indicating a P error is displayed in association with sample S8 in analysis result 962. Furthermore, error message 978 indicating a P error is displayed in association with the analysis item (i.e., analysis item B) in which a P error was detected among the plurality of analysis items in analysis result 962.

[0149] Here, when an error in S rising is detected, the analyzing apparatus 1 prompts the user to select which analysis result to select between the analysis result A10 and the analysis result A12, wherein the analysis result A10 is obtained by analyzing the remaining analysis items except the analysis item in which the error in S rising is detected ( Figure 18 The analysis result A12 is obtained by re-analyzing the sample in which the error S rise was detected ( Figure 18 Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 500 displays the error message 972 of S rise in a manner different from other error messages (error message of P error, error message of S deficiency, error message of S error). Figure 18 In the example, displaying in different ways means displaying the error message 972 indicating an S rise in a different direction from the error message 974 indicating a P error in a different direction. Error message 972 indicating an S rise in a different direction is displayed in a first color (e.g., orange), and error message 974 indicating a P error in a different direction. Error message 972 indicating an S rise in a different direction is displayed in a second color (e.g., pink).

[0150] Additionally, when performing the initial suction (e.g. Figure 18 In the case of the analysis result 961 of the analysis item A, there is already a droplet 610 in the borer 7. Figure 13 In the case of the nozzle 8, the air suction is performed. Then, by performing the second suction, Figure 11 In this case, the control device 500 may not execute the remaining analysis items of the analysis result 961, but may display P error (first error image) for rechecking. This is because, in Figure 13 When the sample is detected at the position and the analysis result A10 of the analysis result 961 is derived, the sample may not be correctly aspirated, and the P error is displayed to prevent the user from using the analysis result A10.

[0151] In addition, Figure 18 In the example described above, the display format of error information associated with the specimen differs between the cases of an S rise and a P error. However, the control device 500 may display at least one of the error information associated with the specimen and the error information associated with the analysis item in which the error was detected, in a format different from the error information indicating other detected errors.

[0152] In addition, regarding errors that are different from both S rise and P error (for example, S error or S deficiency), a mark “×” is not displayed as in the case of S rise and P error.

[0153] In addition, when operating Figure 18 When the error button 910 is pressed, for example, the specific content of the P error (ie, whether the error is an error based on the first error processing or an error based on the second error processing) is displayed.

[0154] Figure 19 The figure shows an example of the outline of each error message. The first error message is a message indicating that "the nozzle has detected the sample inside the drill." The first error message is, for example, Figure 11 The first error message corresponds to the P error mentioned above. The second error message is a message indicating that "the nozzle collides with the cover member". The second error message is, for example, a message indicating that Figure 9 The second error message corresponds to the P error mentioned above. The third error message is a message indicating that "the liquid level is detected at a higher position than the last time". The third error message is, for example, Figure 15 The third error message corresponds to the above-mentioned S rise.

[0155] The fourth error message is a message indicating that "the liquid level is detected at a position above the upper limit value". Figure 16 The fourth error message corresponds to the above-mentioned S error. The fifth error message is a message indicating that "the liquid level is detected at a position lower than the lower limit value". The fifth error message is, for example, a message indicating that the liquid level sensor 82 is detected at a position lower than the lower limit value. Figure 16 A message when the liquid level is detected at a position below the lower limit value shown. The fifth error message corresponds to the above-mentioned insufficient S. In this way, the first error message to the fifth error message are different messages. In addition, the error represented by the first error message is called the first error. The error represented by the second error message is called the second error. The error represented by the third error message is called the third error. The error represented by the fourth error message is called the fourth error. The error represented by the fifth error message is called the fifth error. In addition, the display device 250 can also display the error message in association with the identification information of the specimen in which the error based on the error message occurred.

[0156] [About threshold setting]

[0157] Next, an example of a screen displayed on the display device 250 by the control device 500 will be described. The user can freely set the threshold value of the difference. Figure 20 This is an example of a setting screen for the difference threshold value. The control device 500 displays this setting screen in the display area 250A of the display device 250. Figure 20In the setting screen, a text image such as "Please enter the difference threshold" and an input area 260 for entering the difference threshold are displayed. The user uses the input device 200 to enter the difference threshold in the input area 260. The threshold can be set as the allowable distance between the previous height and the current height, or as the number of pulses of the nozzle motor 813 corresponding to the distance. Figure 20 In the example, the value is set to a distance (e.g., in mm). When a difference threshold is input, the control device 500 sets the difference threshold. For example, the control device 500 stores the difference threshold in the storage device 534. The control device 500 executes the third error processing based on the difference threshold stored in the storage device 534.

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, the user can set whether to send the analysis device 1 to the host device 270 (see Figure 3 ) for error notification. Figure 21 This is an example of a setting screen for the presence or absence of error notification. The control device 500 displays this setting screen in the display area 250A of the display device 250. Figure 21 On the setting screen, a text image such as "Should I notify the host device of the error?", a YES image 262, a NO image 264, and a cursor 266 are displayed. The user uses the input device 200 to align the cursor 266 with either the YES image 262 or the NO image 264. Then, the user performs a decision operation on the input device 200, whereupon the control device 500 executes a process corresponding to the image at which the cursor 266 is aligned. For example, when the user performs a decision operation with the cursor 266 aligned with the YES image 262, the control device 500 notifies the host device 270 of the error. On the other hand, when the user performs a decision operation with the cursor 266 aligned with the NO image 264, the control device 500 does not notify the host device 270 of the error. Alternatively, the user may set the error notification for each of the first to fifth error processes.

[0159] [Functional Configuration Example of Control Device]

[0160] Figure 22 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 500. The control device 500 has the functions of a first error processing unit 502, a nozzle driving unit 504, a second error processing unit 506, a drill driving unit 508, a third error processing unit 510, and a receiving unit 542.

[0161] When the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 has contacted the sample when the drive amount of the nozzle 8 is less than a threshold value Th (e.g., a drive amount equivalent to L4 + L5 + L2), the first error processing unit 502 determines that the nozzle 8 has contacted the liquid droplet 610 inside the piercer 7. The first error processing unit 502 executes the first error processing if it determines that the nozzle 8 has contacted the liquid droplet 610 inside the piercer 7. Simultaneously, the nozzle driving unit 504 causes the nozzle driving device 81 to perform a re-suction process on the nozzle 8.

[0162] The second error processing unit 506 executes the second error processing based on the collision detection by the collision sensor 809. At the same time, the drill driving unit 508 causes the drill driving device 71 to execute the re-penetration processing of the drill 7.

[0163] If the current height is higher than the previous height and the difference between the current height and the previous height is greater than the threshold, the third error processing unit 510 executes the third error processing. At the same time, the nozzle driving unit 504 causes the nozzle driving device 81 to perform the re-suction process of the nozzle 8. In addition, the display device 250 displays the setting screen of the difference threshold (see Figure 20 The receiving unit 542 receives the difference threshold value input from the setting screen. The difference threshold value received by the receiving unit 542 is stored in the storage device 534. The third error processing unit 510 uses the difference threshold value stored in the storage device 534 to determine whether a third error has occurred.

[0164] [Flowchart of the analysis device]

[0165] Figures 23 to 27 This is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the analyzer 1. When the "execution condition for performing one aspiration process on the sample stored in the storage container 2" is satisfied, the control device 500 executes Figures 23 to 27 The "condition for executing a single puffing process" for the first puffing process performed on a storage container 2 is, for example, "a user has performed a start operation." Furthermore, the "condition for executing a single puffing process" for the second and subsequent puffing processes performed on a storage container 2 is, for example, "a condition for completing the previous puffing process."

[0166] Figure 23 This is the main process of the control device 500. Figure 23 In step S2, the control device 500 determines whether the rack 3 holding the sample storage container 2 is a CTS rack or a SAM rack. If the control device 500 determines that the rack 3 holding the sample storage container 2 is a CTS rack ("YES" in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0167] In step S4, the control device 500 lowers the piercer 7 (the piercer 7 begins to descend). When the piercer 7 completes its descent, the process proceeds to step S5. At the time the piercer 7 completes its descent, the piercer 7 may or may not have penetrated the cover member 22. In step S5, the control device 500 begins lowering the nozzle. The process then proceeds to step S6. Next, in step S6, the control device 500 determines whether a droplet 610 is detected within the piercer 7. If the droplet 610 is detected within the piercer 7 in step S6 ("Yes" in step S6), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control device 500 performs a first error handling and re-suction process. The process of step S12 will be described later. If the droplet 610 is not detected within the piercer 7 in step S6 ("No" in step S6), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0168] In step S18, the control device 500 determines whether the nozzle 8 has been detected colliding with the cover member 22. If the control device 500 determines in step S18 that the nozzle 8 has been detected colliding with the cover member 22 ("YES" in step S18), the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the control device 500 executes the second error handling and the re-penetration process. The process of step S20 will be described later.

[0169] If the control device 500 determines in step S18 that the collision of the nozzle 8 with the cover member 22 is not detected in the piercer 7 (NO in step S18 ), the process proceeds to step S22 .

[0170] In step S22, the control device 500 determines whether a liquid surface is detected outside the piercer 7. If the determination in step S22 is "No," the process returns to step S5, where the nozzle 8 continues to be lowered. If the determination in step S22 is "Yes," the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the control device 500 performs a suction process. The process in step S24 will be described later.

[0171] If the determination in step S2 is "No," that is, if the sample in the storage container 2 not covered by the cover member 22 is being aspirated, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control device 500 lowers the nozzle 8 (the nozzle 8 begins to lower). When the process in step S26 is completed, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0172] Figure 24This is a flowchart of the "suction process" of step S24. In step S242, the control device 500 determines whether the nozzle 8 has detected the liquid surface. If the determination in step S242 is "No," the control device 500 drives (i.e., lowers) the nozzle 8 in step S244. Furthermore, the control device 500 repeats the processes of steps S242 and S244 until the nozzle 8 detects the liquid surface. Furthermore, after the determination in step S22 is "Yes," the determination in step S242 of step S24 is "Yes."

[0173] If the judgment is "yes" in step S242, the process proceeds to step S245. In step S245, the control device 500 determines whether the height of the nozzle 8 when the liquid level is detected is within the normal range (see Figure 16 If the judgment in step S245 is "No," the process proceeds to step S256. In step S256, the control device 500 executes the fourth error handling or the fifth error handling. Typically, in step S256, if the height of the nozzle 8 is determined to be higher than the upper limit, the control device 500 executes the fourth error handling. Furthermore, typically, in step S256, if the height of the nozzle 8 is determined to be lower than the lower limit, the control device 500 executes the fifth error handling. The process then terminates.

[0174] In step S246, the control device 500 determines whether the current height of the nozzle 8 is "higher than the previous height of the nozzle 8 and the difference between the current height and the previous height is greater than the threshold value". In the case where it is determined in step S246 that the current height is higher than the previous height of the nozzle 8 and the difference between the current height and the previous height is greater than the threshold value (that is, in the case where it is determined as "yes" in step S246), the processing proceeds to step S254. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined as "no" in step S246, the processing proceeds to step S248. In addition, Figure 24 In step S246, a statement such as "Is the nozzle position higher than the last detected position?" is shown in a simplified manner.

[0175] In step S248, the control device 500 deletes the previous height of the nozzle. Next, in step S250, the current height of the nozzle 8 (i.e., the height of the nozzle 8 when the determination in step S242 was "Yes") is stored in the storage device 534 as the previous height. The previous height stored in step S242 is used in the subsequent aspiration process, step S246. Next, in step S252, the control device 500 causes the nozzle 8 to aspirate the sample.

[0176] Next, an example of a flowchart (subroutine) of the first error process and the re-suction process in step S12 will be described. Figure 25 This is an example of a flowchart of the first error processing and re-puff processing.

[0177] In step S202, the control device 500 performs the first error processing. Then, in step S204, the nozzle automatic number X is increased by 1. Here, the nozzle automatic number X is the number of times that the re-suction process of the nozzle 8 is performed. The initial value of the nozzle automatic number X is 0. In step S206, the control device 500 determines whether the nozzle automatic number X has reached the specified value Xth. The specified value Xth corresponds to the "first specified number" of the present disclosure. In step S206, when the control device 500 determines that the nozzle automatic number X has reached the specified value Xth ("yes" in step S206), an alarm process is performed in step S210. Here, the alarm process of step S210 is an alarm process different from the alarm process of the first error processing of step S202. In addition, the alarm process of step S210 can also be set to the same alarm process as the alarm process of the first error processing of step S202. By ending the alarm process, the overall process ends.

[0178] In addition, when the control device 500 determines that the number of automatic nozzle rotations X has not reached the predetermined value Xth in step S206 ("No" in step S206), the control device 500 raises the drill 7 and the nozzle 8 in step S208, and then the process ends. Figure 25 Although not particularly shown, the control device 500 cleans and dries the drill 7 pulled out from the storage container 2 using a predetermined cleaning mechanism or the like.

[0179] Next, an example of a flowchart (subroutine) of the second error processing and the re-through processing in step S20 will be described. Figure 26 This is an example of a flowchart of the second error processing and the re-through processing.

[0180] In step S122, the control device 500 performs the second error processing. Next, in step S124, the automatic drill count Y is incremented by 1. Here, the automatic drill count Y represents the number of times the drill 7 has re-penetrated. The initial value of the automatic drill count Y is 0. In step S126, the control device 500 determines whether the automatic drill count Y has reached a specified value Yth. The specified value Yth corresponds to the "second specified number" of the present disclosure. This specified value Yth is associated with the specimen identification information (e.g., the specimen barcode). Furthermore, this specified value Yth and the specimen identification information associated with this specified value Yth are stored in a specified area. If the control device 500 determines in step S126 that the automatic drill count Y has reached the specified value Yth ("Yes" in step S126), an alarm process is performed in step S130. The alarm process in step S130 is different from the alarm process in the second error processing in step S122. By terminating the alarm process, the entire process ends.

[0181] In addition, when the control device 500 determines in step S126 that the number of automatic drilling times Y has not reached the predetermined value Yth ("No" in step S126), the control device 500 raises the drilling tool 7 and the nozzle 8 in step S128, and then the process ends. Figure 26 Although not particularly shown, the control device 500 cleans and dries the drill 7 pulled out from the storage container 2 using a predetermined cleaning mechanism or the like.

[0182] Next, an example of a flowchart (subroutine) of the third error process and re-suction process in step S254 will be described. Figure 27 This is an example of a flowchart of the third error processing and re-puff processing.

[0183] In step S2542, the control device 500 performs the third error processing. Then, in step S2544, the nozzle automatic number Z is increased by 1. Here, the nozzle automatic number Z is the number of times that the re-suction process of the nozzle 8 is performed. The initial value of the nozzle automatic number Z is 0. In step S2546, the control device 500 determines whether the nozzle automatic number Z has reached the specified value Zth. In step S2546, when the control device 500 determines that the nozzle automatic number Z has reached the specified value Zth ("Yes" in step S2546), an alarm process is performed in step S130. Here, the alarm process of step S2550 is an alarm process different from the alarm process of the third error processing of step S2542. By ending the alarm process, the overall process ends.

[0184] In addition, when the control device 500 determines in step S2546 that the nozzle automatic number Z has not reached the specified value Zth ("No" in step S2546), the control device 500 raises the drill 7 and the nozzle 8 in step S2548. Thereafter, the processing ends. Figure 26 Although not specifically shown, the control device 500 cleans and dries the drill 7 removed from the storage container 2 using a predetermined cleaning mechanism. The process then returns to step S2. Alternatively, the drill automatic count Y and the nozzle automatic count X may be set to the same count. Alternatively, the drill automatic count Y and the nozzle automatic count X may be set to different counts.

[0185] In addition, Figure 25 Step S208, Figure 26 Step S128 and Figure 27 After the processing of step S2548 is completed, the processing after step S2 is executed again, so the suction processing is actually performed again. Figure 25 In the processing of step S210, step S130 and step S2550, the analysis processing and the alarm processing may be terminated together.

[0186] Furthermore, the control device 500 may store at least one of the predetermined value Xth, the predetermined value Yth, and the predetermined value Zth in association with the sample identification information.

[0187] <Second embodiment>

[0188] In the first embodiment described above, the analysis device 1 is described as using the collision sensor 809 (see Figure 9 ) to detect whether the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22. However, the analyzing device 1 may use other members to detect whether the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22. In the second embodiment, the analyzing device 1 uses a piezoelectric element to detect whether the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0189] Figure 28 : is a cross-sectional view of the drill 7 and the storage container 2 of the second embodiment. A piezoelectric element 850 is provided on the periphery of the drill 7. Figure 28 In the example of , the piezoelectric element 850 is provided near the front end of the drill 7. Figure 28 In the example of , the piezoelectric element 850 is provided above the tapered surface 7A of the drill 7 .

[0190] Piezoelectric element 850 is connected to control device 500. Piezoelectric element 850 converts the force applied thereto into a voltage corresponding thereto and outputs a current based on the voltage value to control device 500. Control device 500 determines the force applied to piezoelectric element 850 based on the current.

[0191] Figure 29 : is a graph showing the relationship between the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element 850 and the number of pulses output by the control device 500 to the drill motor 713. Figure 29 In FIG. 8 , the X-axis represents the number of pulses outputted to the drill motor by the control device 500 , and the Y-axis represents the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element 850 .

[0192] Figure 29 (A) shows a case where the piercer 7 has penetrated the cover member 22 . Figure 29 (B) shows a case where the piercer 7 does not penetrate the cover member 22 .

[0193] exist Figure 29 In the example (A), during the period from pulse number 0 to PA, the pressure value applied to the piezoelectric element 850 is 0. The period from pulse number 0 to PA is the period from when the piercer 7 is in the initial position until the piercer 7 contacts the cover member 22. The period from pulse number PA to PB is the period from when the piercer 7 contacts the cover member 22 until the tip 7B of the piercer 7 pushes the cover member 22.

[0194] The period of pulse numbers PB to PC is the period from when the tip 7B of the piercer 7 presses the cover member 22 until the tip 7B of the piercer 7 penetrates the cover member 22. Figure 29 In the example (A), when the pulse number is PB, the cover member 22 is stretched and the tip 7B of the piercer 7 protrudes the most. Then, when the pulse number becomes PC, the tip 7B of the piercer 7 penetrates the cover member 22.

[0195] exist Figure 29 In the example of (A), there are inflection points α and β as the locations where the pressure value increases with the increase in the number of pulses. Figure 29 The inflection point α is the point where the pressure value changes from an increasing direction to a decreasing direction. The inflection point β is the point where the degree of change (gradient) of the pressure value decreases.

[0196] On the other hand, Figure 29 In (B), the pressure change during the period from 0 to PA is Figure 29 The same as (A). Figure 29In (B), when the number of pulses is equal to or greater than PA, there is no "region where the pressure value increased as the number of pulses increases decreases."

[0197] Thus, in this embodiment, when the control device 500 detects the inflection point β as the pulse number increases, it determines that the drill 7 has penetrated the cover member 22. When the control device 500 does not detect the inflection point β as the pulse number increases, it determines that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0198] <Third embodiment>

[0199] The analyzer 1 of the third embodiment includes a third sensor for detecting a collision between the piercer 7 and the cover member 22. The cover member 22 is typically made of a difficult-to-penetrate material such as rubber. Therefore, the piercer driving device 71 drives the piercer 7 with a high force. Furthermore, if the storage container 2 contains impurities, the piercer 7 collides with the impurities, driving the piercer 7 with such high force, potentially damaging the storage container 2. Furthermore, if the piercer 7 is driven with such high force while the piercer 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22, the storage container 2 may also be damaged.

[0200] Therefore, the analyzer 1 of this embodiment executes the sixth error processing based on the detection of a collision of the drill 7 (e.g., failure to penetrate the cover member 22) during the descent of the drill 7. In this embodiment, the analyzer 1 detects the collision of the drill 7 with the cover member 22, and if the collision is still detected even when the drill 7 is driven with an additional number of pulses described later, the analyzer 1 detects a "non-penetration state in which the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22." Here, the "collision state" refers to a state in which a predetermined force F is applied upward by the cover member 22 to the drill 7 driven downward when the drill 7 contacts the cover member 22 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 30 (B)).

[0201] Furthermore, the sixth error processing includes at least one of a sixth alarm process and a sixth error storage process. The sixth alarm process involves outputting a sixth alarm sound from the speaker 722 and displaying an error image on the display device 250. The sixth alarm sound indicates that the drill 7 has failed to penetrate the cover member 22. Furthermore, the sixth error image indicates that the drill 7 has failed to penetrate the cover member 22. The sixth error image corresponds to the aforementioned P error. The sixth error storage process stores the error history in a predetermined storage area. The predetermined storage area can be a storage area of ​​the analyzer 1 or a storage area of ​​an external device to the analyzer 1. Furthermore, when the user operates the input device 200 to display the sixth error image while the error storage process is being executed, the stored error history is displayed on the display device 250. The collision sensor for detecting a collision state and a non-penetration state will be described below.

[0202] Figure 30 This is a diagram for explaining a collision sensor. Figure 30 is a diagram showing the interior of the drill arm 711 . Figure 30 (A) is a diagram showing a state where the drill 7 is not in a collision state. Figure 30 (B) is a diagram showing a situation where the drill 7 is in a collision state.

[0203] The drill arm 711 is equipped with a force-applying member 703, a retaining member 706, a light shield 704, and a collision sensor 709. The collision sensor 709 corresponds to the "sixth sensor" of the present disclosure. The force-applying member 703 is, for example, a spring, more specifically, a compression coil spring. One end of the force-applying member 703 is mounted on the inner surface of the drill arm 711. The other end of the force-applying member 703 is retained by the retaining member 706. The retaining member 706 retains the force-applying member 703 and engages with the outer periphery of the drill 7. Thus, the force-applying member 703 applies force to the drill 7 downward in the Z-axis direction.

[0204] The light shielding plate 704 has an L-shaped cross section. One end of the light shielding plate 704 is joined to the outer periphery of the drill 7. The collision sensor 709 includes a light output unit 701 and a light input unit 702. The light output unit 701 outputs light to the light input unit 702. When light is input to the light input unit 702, a light signal is transmitted to the control device 500. The light signal indicates that light has been input to the light input unit 702.

[0205] The drill driving device 71 lowers the drill 7 by lowering the rotating shaft 712. Figure 30As shown in (A), when the piercer 7 is not in the collision state, the light from the light output unit 701 is not input to the light input unit 702 due to the light shielding plate 70. As described above, the force of the force applying member 703 is applied downward to the piercer 7. Therefore, when the piercer 7 is not in the collision state (for example, when the piercer 7 begins to collide with the cover member 22), the force applied to the piercer 7 maintains the state in which the light is not input to the light input unit 702 (that is, Figure 30 The state shown in (A)).

[0206] However, when the drill driving device 71 further lowers the drill 7 after the drill 7 starts to contact the cover member 22, the drill 7 is blocked by the cover member 22, and a force is applied to the drill 7 upward in the Z-axis direction. Then, when the drill 7 is further lowered and the force applied to the drill 7 upward exceeds the force applied to the drill 7 downward by the force applying member 703, as shown in FIG. Figure 30 As shown in (B) of FIG. 7 , the drill 7 rises relative to the drill arm 711. Here, the "predetermined amount of force F" described above corresponds to "a force exceeding the force applied downward by the biasing member 703."

[0207] As the drill 7 rises relative to the drill arm 711, the light shielding plate 704 engaged with the drill 7 also rises. Figure 30 As shown in (B), when the light shielding plate 704 rises, the light from the light output unit 701 is not blocked by the light shielding plate 704. As a result, the light is input to the light input unit 702. When light is input to the light input unit 702, an optical signal from the light input unit 702 is input to the control device 500. The control device 500 determines that it is in the collision state due to the input optical signal.

[0208] In addition, Figure 30 In the example of , the following structure is adopted: when the drill 7 rises relative to the drill arm 711, the drill 7 and the rotation shaft 712 protrude from the drill arm 711. Figure 30 In the example, the following configuration is used: when the drill 7 is raised relative to the drill arm 711, the state in which light is not input to the light input portion 702 is switched to a state in which light is input to the light input portion 702. As a modified example, the following configuration may be used: when the drill 7 is raised relative to the drill arm 711, the state in which light is input to the light input portion 702 is switched to a state in which light is not input to the light input portion 702.

[0209] Specifically, the analyzing device 1 includes a light output unit 701 that outputs light, a light input unit 702 to which light is input, and a force applying member 703. The force applying member 703 applies a force downward (i.e., toward the storage container 2) to the piercer 7. Furthermore, when the piercer 7 moves upward relative to the piercer arm 711, thereby changing the input state of the light input unit 702, the control device 500 determines that the piercer 7 is in a collision state. The change in the input state of the light input unit 702 can be, as in the present embodiment, "changed from a state where light is not input to the light input unit 702 to a state where light is input to the light input unit 702." Alternatively, the change in the input state of the light input unit 702 can be, as in a modified example, "changed from a state where light is input to the light input unit 702 to a state where light is not input to the light input unit 702."

[0210] Furthermore, even if the control device 500 determines a collision state, there are cases where the control device 500 can penetrate the cover member 22 by further lowering the drill 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the control device 500 determines a collision state, processing is performed to further lower the drill 7 by outputting a predetermined amount of pulses to the drill motor 713 of the drill drive device 71. Hereinafter, this output pulse is also referred to as an "additional pulse." The additional pulse corresponds to the "predetermined drive amount" in this disclosure.

[0211] When the control device 500 enables the drill 7 to penetrate the cover member 22 by outputting an additional pulse to the drill motor 713, the control device 500 executes the following process, namely, executes a process for driving the nozzle 8. On the other hand, when the drill 7 fails to penetrate the cover member 22 even when the control device 500 outputs an additional pulse to the drill motor 713, the control device 500 determines that the drill 7 is in a "non-penetration state" and executes the sixth error process.

[0212] In this embodiment, if the drill 7 has penetrated the cover member 22 when the control device 500 outputs an additional pulse to the drill motor 713, the upward force applied to the drill 7 is released. When the upward force applied to the drill 7 is released, the downward force applied to the drill 7 by the force applying member 703 causes the light input unit 702 to enter a "light non-input state." If the control device 500 determines that this light non-input state has been reached, the control device 500 determines that the drill 7 has completed penetration of the cover member 22. On the other hand, if this light input state continues even when the control device 500 outputs an additional pulse to the drill motor 713, the control device 500 determines that the drill 7 has failed to penetrate the cover member 22 (i.e., is in a non-penetration state).

[0213] That is, in this embodiment, when the control device 500 executes the following sequence of processing: "determining the light input state of the light input section 702," "outputting an additional pulse," and "determining the light non-input state of the light input section 702," the control device 500 determines that the piercer 7 has penetrated the cover member 22. On the other hand, when the control device 500 executes the following sequence of processing: "determining the light input state of the light input section 702," "applying an additional pulse," and "determining the light input state of the light input section 702," the control device 500 determines that the piercer 7 is in the non-penetration state where it has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0214] The control device 500 executes the sixth error processing based on detection by the collision sensor 709 of the drill 7 colliding with the cover. More specifically, the control device 500 executes the sixth error processing when (a) a collision state is detected (i.e., after the light input state is reached), (b) the drill 7 is driven at a predetermined drive level (i.e., an additional pulse is output to the drill motor 713), or (c) the collision state continues (i.e., the light input state continues).

[0215] As a modified example, the control device 500 may detect that the drill 7 has stopped despite outputting pulses to the drill motor 713. In this case, the detection by the second sensor may be referred to as "the control device 500 has detected that the drill 7 has stopped."

[0216] In addition, in the present embodiment, the additional pulse is set to be different depending on the type of cover member 22 . Figure 31 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the setting contents of the additional pulse. Figure 31 In the embodiment, a first cover member and a second cover member are defined.

[0217] Assume that the first cover member is made of a material that stretches more easily than the second cover member. Therefore, in order for the drill 7 to penetrate, the first cover member requires a greater number of pulses than the second cover member. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pulse corresponding to the first cover member is P2, and the pulse corresponding to the second cover member is P1. Furthermore, P2 > P1.

[0218] express Figure 31 The information of the setting contents is stored in the second storage device 5342. The second storage device 5342 is included in the storage device 534 (refer to Figure 2 )middle.

[0219] Furthermore, when the control device 500 determines that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22, that is, when the sixth error process is executed, the control device 500 executes a re-penetration process of the drill 7. The re-penetration process of the drill 7 is a process for causing the drill 7 to penetrate the cover member 22 again if the drill 7 has failed to penetrate the cover member 22. The re-penetration process is a process for attempting to penetrate the cover member 22 by temporarily raising the drill 7 and then lowering the drill 7 again.

[0220] Furthermore, a limit is set on the number of times the re-penetration process can be performed. If the control device 500 performs the re-penetration process multiple times, the piercer 7 may collide with the cover member 22, and fragments of the cover member 22 may be mixed into the sample 17. Furthermore, if the control device 500 performs the re-penetration process multiple times, the piercer 7 may collide with the cover member 22, and the piercer 7 may be damaged.

[0221] Therefore, by setting a limit on the number of re-penetrations, the possibility of fragments of cover member 22 being mixed with sample 17 and the possibility of piercer 7 being damaged can be reduced. The limit corresponds to the "third predetermined number" of times in this disclosure. For example, the limit is "2 times."

[0222] The control device 500 performs the re-penetration process until the number of re-penetration processes reaches a predetermined number. In addition, when the number of re-penetration processes reaches a predetermined number, the control device 500 issues an alarm. The alarm notification is, for example, outputting an alarm sound from the speaker 722. In addition, the collision detection of the drill 7 is, for example, Figure 23 In the case where a collision of the drill 7 is detected, the process of step S20 is executed, for example. In addition, the prescribed number of times related to the re-penetration process corresponds to Figure 26 Yth.

[0223] <Fourth embodiment>

[0224] In this embodiment, the error message when an error in detecting an S rise is different from that in the above embodiment. There are three reasons for the occurrence of an error in S rise. The first reason is that the bubble 612 is detected in the storage container 2 (see Figure 15 (C)). As the second reason, the first height is higher than the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is greater than the above threshold. This second reason may occur in the following cases: due to impact on the analysis device 1, such as Figure 15 As shown in (D), the liquid surface 17A becomes curved and the nozzle 8 contacts the end of the curve. The third reason is that the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 in the drill 7 (see Figure 11 ).

[0225] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an error in detecting an S rise is detected, the control device 500 displays a notification that any of the following situations may occur: a bubble 612 is detected in the storage container 2; the first height H1 is higher than the second height H2, and the difference between the first height H1 and the second height H2 is above the threshold; and the nozzle 8 contacts the droplet 610 in the drill 7.

[0226] Figure 32 This is an example of a display screen of this embodiment. Figure 32 In the example, the following screen is displayed: "One of the following situations may have occurred: bubbles in the contents were detected in the storage container; the liquid level was detected at a higher position than the previous level; liquid droplets were detected in the drill." By displaying this screen, the user can identify the cause of the S rise error.

[0227] [Other embodiments]

[0228] (1) In the above embodiment, the case where the nozzle 8 sucks the sample is mainly described. However, the object sucked by the nozzle 8 may also be a reagent. The reagent may also be contained in a storage container covered by the cover member 22. In addition, the reagent may also be contained in a storage container that is not covered by the cover member 22 and the opening is exposed. In addition, in this disclosure, the reagent and the specimen are referred to as "contained objects". The storage container 2 is a container for containing the contained object. In addition, the liquid level sensor 82 is a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the contained object.

[0229] (2) In the above embodiment, the control device 500 uses the amount of drive of the nozzle 8 as a method for detecting whether the nozzle 8 is in contact with the liquid droplet 610 within the piercer 7. However, the control device 500 may detect whether the nozzle 8 is in contact with the liquid droplet 610 within the piercer 7 by other methods. For example, the analysis device 1 may include an imaging device for capturing an image of the interior of the piercer 7. Alternatively, when the imaging device captures the contact of the liquid droplet 610 within the piercer 7, the control device 500 may detect that the nozzle 8 is in contact with the liquid droplet 610 within the piercer 7.

[0230] (3) In the above embodiment, the error notification is mainly described as an error display. However, the error notification is not limited to the error display, and other methods may be used. For example, the error notification may include outputting a sound indicating that an error has occurred, or printing a message indicating that an error has occurred on paper and outputting the paper.

[0231] [Parenthesis]

[0232] (1-1) The control device 500 stores the position of the nozzle 8 when it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the contained object (the sample in this embodiment) in the storage device 534 (see Figure 24 In addition, the control device 500 performs an error notification based on the fact that the current height of the nozzle 8 when the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 contacts the contained object is higher than the previous height of the nozzle 8 stored in the storage device as the height when the liquid level sensor 82 last detected that the nozzle 8 contacted the contained object (refer to Figure 18 The S rises and Figure 24 The third error handling of step S254).

[0233] In addition, this error notification is performed differently from other errors (for example, a P error error, an S error error, an S insufficient error).

[0234] According to such a structure, error notification is performed based on the fact that the current height of the nozzle when the nozzle 8 is detected to be in contact with the storage object is higher than the previous height of the nozzle when the nozzle 8 was detected to be in contact with the storage object last time. Figure 15 As shown in (C), an error notification is performed when bubbles are generated above the contents and the nozzle contacts the bubbles. In addition, the error notification is performed in a different manner from the error notification when other errors are detected. Therefore, the error notification is performed when it is detected that the nozzle contacts the contents in the drill and when it is detected that the nozzle collides with the cover member, so that the user can easily identify the reason why the analysis device cannot aspirate the contents. In addition, when the error notification is performed, the nozzle 8 does not perform suction, so the situation of performing empty suction of the contents can be reduced. In addition, there is the following situation: the user confirms the error notification, and thus, in the case of an abnormality in the contents (for example, bubbles are generated in the contents), the user can immediately eliminate the abnormality of the contents by, for example, changing the storage container 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary waste of the contents and useless analysis of the specimen.

[0235] (1-2) The control device 500 determines whether the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude (for example, referring to Figure 24 In addition, when the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude and the difference between the current altitude and the previous altitude is greater than the threshold, the control device 500 executes the third error processing. Figure 15 In the case of (C), the control device 500 executes the third error processing. According to such a structure, when the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude and the difference between the current altitude and the previous altitude is less than the threshold, the control device 500 does not execute the third error processing. For example, when the current altitude is Figure 15In the case of (D), the control device 500 does not execute the third error processing. Therefore, the control device 500 can avoid executing the unnecessary third error processing.

[0236] (1-3) The receiving unit 542 of the control device 500 receives Figure 20 The screen displayed accepts the change of the threshold value.

[0237] According to such a configuration, since the user can change the threshold value, user convenience can be improved.

[0238] (1-4) After determining whether the current altitude is higher than the previous altitude, the control device 500 deletes the previous altitude stored in the storage device (refer to Figure 24 Step S248).

[0239] According to such a structure, it is possible to prevent a plurality of second heights from remaining in the storage device, and to reduce the storage capacity of the storage device.

[0240] (1-5) Figure 24 As shown in step S254, the control device 500 performs error notification (third error processing) while performing processing (re-suction processing) of controlling the nozzle 8 so that the nozzle 8 again sucks the absorbed content.

[0241] According to such a configuration, since the nozzle 8 is caused to perform the re-suction process, the nozzle 8 can suction the contents without delay.

[0242] (1-6) The receiving unit 542 of the control device 500 receives the Figure 21 The screen shown receives an input of whether or not to transmit an error notification based on error processing to the host device 270 .

[0243] According to such a configuration, the user can select whether or not to transmit an error notification to the host device 270 , thereby improving user convenience.

[0244] (1-7) as error notifications, such as Figure 32 As shown, the control device 500 performs notification of the possibility of any of the following situations: detection of bubbles in the content within the storage container 2; a first height being higher than a second height, and the difference between the first and second heights being greater than a threshold; or contact of the nozzle with a droplet of the content within the piercer. Thus, the user can recognize the possibility of any of the following situations: detection of bubbles in the content within the storage container 2; a first height being higher than the second height, and the difference between the first and second heights being greater than a threshold; or contact of the nozzle with a droplet of the content within the piercer.

[0245] (1-8) The analysis unit 723 can perform multiple analysis items on the sample. Figure 17 As shown, the display device 250 displays identification information ( Figure 17 Specimen column 951) and multiple analysis items ( Figure 17 956). When the error of S rising is detected, the analysis unit 723 performs analysis on the sample for the remaining analysis items except the analysis item in which the error is detected. Figure 18 As shown, as error notification, when the control device 500 detects an error, error information 972 indicating an increase in S is displayed in association with the specimen, and error information 976 is displayed in association with the analysis item in which an error is detected among the plurality of analysis items. At least one of the error information associated with the specimen and the error information associated with the analysis item in which an error is detected is displayed in a manner different from error information indicating that other errors are detected. Figure 17 In the example, error messages for S rising are displayed in orange, and error messages for other errors (such as P errors) are displayed in pink.

[0246] As described above, when the error of S rising is detected, the analysis unit 723 analyzes the items other than the item in which the error of S rising is detected, among the items including the item in which the error of S rising is detected. Therefore, when the control device 500 detects the error of S rising, it can remind the user to select the item to be analyzed by analyzing the remaining analysis items other than the analysis item in which the error of S rising is detected ( Figure 18 The analysis results of the analysis results 961) and the analysis results obtained by re-analyzing the sample in which the error S rise was detected ( Figure 18 Any one of the analysis results obtained by analyzing the analysis result 963).

[0247] (2-1) Regarding the control device 500, Figure 11 As shown, when the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid drop 610 in the drill 7, the nozzle 8 cannot extract the contents, and the control device 500 performs an error notification (eg, Figure 18 P error and Figure 19 ). In addition, if Figure 9 As shown in (B), when it is detected that the nozzle 8 hits the cover member 22, the nozzle 8 cannot suck the contents, and the control device 500 performs an error notification (for example, Figure 18 P error and Figure 19 The error notification is, for example, a notification indicating that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0248] With this configuration, the user confirms the error notification, allowing them to identify the reason why the analyzer failed to aspirate the contents (i.e., nozzle 8 contacted droplet 610 within piercer 7 or impacted cover member 22). Furthermore, the user can identify the cause in advance without directly checking analyzer 1 and storage container 2. This allows the user to perform steps to correct the cause, allowing them to view the analysis results without delay. Furthermore, with analyzer 1, if nozzle 8 contacts droplet 610 within piercer 7 or impacts cover member 22, nozzle 8 does not aspirate, thereby preventing empty aspiration by nozzle 8. If empty aspiration were performed, the analysis result data would be unacceptable, requiring the user to request reanalysis. This would result in a delay in obtaining the analysis results. In this embodiment, because empty aspiration is prevented, the user does not need to request reanalysis, and delays in obtaining the analysis results can be avoided.

[0249] In this embodiment, the error notification generated by the nozzle 8 contacting the liquid droplet 610 in the piercer 7 and the error notification generated by detecting the nozzle 8 hitting the cover member 22 may be the same or different.

[0250] (2-2) Figure 12 As shown, the control device 500 determines whether it is detected that the nozzle 8 contacts the liquid droplet 610 in the piercer 7 based on the driving amount of the nozzle 8 and the driving amount based on the length in the extending direction of the piercer 7 .

[0251] According to such a configuration, when it is detected that the nozzle 8 has come into contact with the liquid droplet 610 in the piercer 7 , error notification can be appropriately performed.

[0252] (2-3) Figure 25 As shown, when the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 has come into contact with the liquid droplet 610 , the control device 500 causes the nozzle 8 to perform a re-suction process.

[0253] According to this configuration, when the liquid level sensor 82 detects that the nozzle 8 has contacted the liquid droplet 610 , a process of causing the nozzle 8 to suck the contents again is executed. Therefore, the nozzle 8 can suck the contents without delay.

[0254] (2-4) When the control device 500 detects the liquid level in the drill 7 (in Figure 23 In step S6, the control device 500 executes the process of step S12. In the process of step S12, if Figure 25 As shown in step S206, the control device 500 performs the re-inhalation process until the number of re-inhalation processes ( Figure 25The number of automatic nozzle re-puffs (X) reaches the predetermined value Xth. Furthermore, after the number of re-puffs reaches the predetermined value Xth, an alarm is issued in step S210 as an error notification. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the number of re-puffs by the nozzle 8 has reached the predetermined value Xth through the alarm.

[0255] (2-5) Figure 26 As shown, when the collision sensor 809 detects that the nozzle 8 has collided, the control device 500 causes the drill 7 to perform a re-penetration process.

[0256] If the collision sensor 809 detects that the nozzle 8 has collided, the piercer 7 is likely to have failed to penetrate the cover member 22. Therefore, with this configuration, the control device 500 can properly penetrate the cover member 22 by causing the piercer 7 to execute a re-penetration process.

[0257] (2-6) When the control device 500 detects that the nozzle 8 has collided with the drill 7 (in Figure 23 In step S18, the control device 500 executes the process of step S20. In the process of step S20, if Figure 26 As shown in step S126, the control device 500 performs the re-penetration process until the number of re-penetration processes ( Figure 26 The automatic drill count (Y) reaches a predetermined value Yth. Furthermore, after the number of re-penetration processes reaches the predetermined value Yth, an alarm is issued in step S130 as an error notification. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the number of re-penetration processes by the drill 7 has reached the predetermined value Yth based on the alarm.

[0258] In addition, when the control device 500 detects the liquid level at a higher position than the previous time (in Figure 24 In step S246, the control device 500 executes the process of step S254. In the process of step S254, if Figure 27 As shown in step S2546, the control device 500 performs the re-inhalation process until the number of re-inhalation processes ( Figure 25 The number of automatic nozzle re-puffs (Z) reaches the specified value Zth. Furthermore, after the number of re-puffs reaches the specified value Zth, an alarm is issued in step S2550 as an error notification. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the number of re-puffs by the nozzle 8 has reached the specified value Zth through the alarm.

[0259] (2-7) The analyzing device 1 includes a first storage device 5341 for storing information obtained by associating "the number of pulses for determining whether a collision with the cover member 22 is detected" with respect to two or more types of cover members 22 (for example, see Figure 10 The control device 500 acquires the type of the cover member 22. If the amount of nozzle 8 driven when the collision of the nozzle 8 is detected is the amount associated with the acquired type of the cover member 22, the control device 500 determines that the nozzle 8 has collided with the cover member 22 and issues a second error notification. As described above, the second error notification indicates that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0260] According to such a configuration, even when the types of the cover members 22 are different, the control device 500 can appropriately determine whether the nozzle 8 has collided with the cover member 22 .

[0261] (2-8) When the collision sensor 809 detects that the nozzle 8 has collided, the control device 500 issues an error notification (P error in the above example) indicating that the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22. Thus, the user can recognize that the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0262] (2-9) As described in the third embodiment, the analyzing device 1 includes the collision sensor 709 (third sensor) for detecting the non-penetration state in which the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22. Upon detecting the non-penetration state, the control device 500 executes a second error notification (e.g., displaying the sixth error image) indicating that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22.

[0263] According to such a configuration, the user can recognize that the piercer 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22 based on the second error notification.

[0264] (2-10) After detecting the non-penetration state in which the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22 , the control device 500 executes the second error notification when the collision sensor 709 detects a collision when the drill 7 is driven with an additional number of pulses.

[0265] According to this configuration, even when a non-penetration state between the drill 7 and the cover member 22 is detected, the drill 7 may penetrate the cover member 22 when the drill 7 is driven with an additional number of pulses. Furthermore, when a non-penetration state between the drill 7 and the cover member 22 is detected, the fact that the collision sensor 709 detects the non-penetration state even when the drill 7 is driven with an additional number of pulses means that the drill 7 has not penetrated the cover member 22. Therefore, when a non-penetration state between the drill 7 and the cover member 22 is detected, the second error notification is executed when the collision sensor 709 detects the non-penetration state even when the drill 7 is driven with an additional number of pulses, thereby enabling appropriate second error notification.

[0266] (2-11) A second storage device 5342 is provided for storing information obtained by associating the additional pulse numbers with respect to two or more types of cover members 22 (for example, see Figure 31 ) Control device 500 acquires the type of cover member 22 and refers to the information to acquire the number of additional pulses associated with the type of cover member 22 .

[0267] According to such a structure, for example, the number of additional pulses can be set according to the hardness of the cover member 22, and the number of pulses can be set according to the ease of expansion of the cover member 22 (see Figure 31 ) to drive the drill 7.

[0268] (2-12) When the non-penetration state is detected, the control device 500 causes the drill 7 to execute the re-penetration process and executes the second error notification (for example, displaying the sixth error image).

[0269] According to such a configuration, since the process of automatically penetrating the piercer 7 through the cover member 22 is performed, the piercer 7 can be penetrated through the cover member 22 without delay.

[0270] (2-13) The control device 500 performs the re-penetration process until the number of re-penetration processes ( Figure 26 When the number of re-penetration processes reaches the predetermined value Yth, an alarm is issued in step S210. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the number of re-penetration processes of the drill 7 has reached the predetermined value Yth based on the alarm.

[0271] [Way]

[0272] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0273] (Item 1-1) An analysis device performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by causing a reaction between the specimen and a reagent in a reaction container. The analysis device comprises: a nozzle that draws a sample from a container for a sample or a reagent; a sensor that detects whether the nozzle contacts the sample; a storage device; and a control device that controls the nozzle to rise and fall, wherein the control device draws the sample based on detection of contact between the nozzle and the sample, stores the height of the nozzle when contact between the nozzle and the sample is detected in the storage device, detects an error based on a first height of the nozzle when the sensor detects contact between the nozzle and the sample being higher than a second height of the nozzle stored in the storage device, the second height of the nozzle being the height of the nozzle when the sensor last detected contact between the nozzle and the sample, and performs error notification in a manner different from that in other cases where an error is detected.

[0274] With this configuration, the analysis device detects an error based on the fact that the nozzle height at the time of detecting contact with the contained object is higher than the nozzle height at the previous time the nozzle contact with the contained object was detected. Furthermore, when the analysis device detects an error, it performs error notification differently than when it detects other errors. Thus, the user can identify an error caused by the fact that the nozzle height at the time of detecting contact with the contained object is higher than the nozzle height at the previous time the nozzle contact with the contained object was detected.

[0275] (Item 1-2) In the analyzing device described in Item 1-1, the control device performs error notification when the first height is higher than the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0276] With this configuration, for example, it is determined whether the first height is higher than the second height, and error notification is performed when the first height is higher than the second height and the difference between the first height and the second height is greater than a threshold value. Therefore, error notification can be appropriately performed.

[0277] (Item 1-3) In the analyzing device described in Item 1-2, the control device accepts the change of the threshold value.

[0278] According to such a configuration, since the user can change the threshold value, user convenience can be improved.

[0279] (Item 1-4) In the analyzing device described in Item 1-2 or Item 1-3, the control device deletes the second height stored in the storage device after determining whether the first height is higher than the second height.

[0280] According to such a structure, it is possible to prevent a plurality of second heights from remaining in the storage device, and to reduce the storage capacity of the storage device.

[0281] (Item 1-5) In the analyzing apparatus described in any one of Items 1-1 to 1-4, the control device controls the nozzle to cause the nozzle to suck up the contents again, and performs error notification.

[0282] According to such a configuration, since the process of causing the nozzle to suck the contents again is executed, the nozzle can be caused to suck the contents without delay.

[0283] (Item 1-6) In the analysis device described in any one of Items 1-1 to 1-5, the control device receives input of whether to send an error notification to an external device, and the external device performs error notification upon receiving the error notification based on error processing.

[0284] According to such a configuration, the user can select whether or not to transmit an error notification to an external device, thereby improving user convenience.

[0285] (Item 1-7) In the analysis device described in any one of Items 1-1 to 1-6, the storage container is covered with a cover member, and the biochemical analysis device further includes a borer for penetrating the cover member, and the nozzle passes through the borer penetrating the cover member and absorbs the content, and the error notification is a notification of any of the following situations that may occur: bubbles of the content are detected in the storage container; the first height is higher than the second height, and the difference between the first height and the second height is greater than a threshold value; and the nozzle contacts a droplet of the content in the borer.

[0286] According to such a structure, the user can identify that any of the following situations may occur: bubbles of the contents are detected in the storage container; the first height is higher than the second height, and the difference between the first height and the second height is greater than the threshold; and the nozzle contacts droplets of the contents in the drill.

[0287] (Item 1-8) The analysis device described in any one of Items 1-1 to 1-7 further comprises: an analysis mechanism capable of performing analysis of multiple analysis items on a specimen; and a display device that displays identification information for identifying the specimen and multiple analysis items, and when an error is detected, the analysis mechanism performs analysis of the remaining analysis items among the multiple analysis items except for the analysis item in which the error is detected on the specimen, and as an error notification, the control device displays error information associated with the specimen when an error is detected, and displays error information associated with the analysis item in which the error is detected among the multiple analysis items, and displays at least one of the error information associated with the specimen and the error information associated with the analysis item in which the error is detected in a manner different from the error information indicating that other errors have been detected.

[0288] According to such a configuration, when the above-mentioned error is detected, analysis of the remaining analysis items other than the error-detected analysis item among the plurality of analysis items can be performed on the sample, and the above-mentioned error can be recognized more clearly than other errors.

[0289] (Items 1-9) A biochemical analysis method for performing biochemical analysis of a specimen by causing the specimen and a reagent to react in a reaction container, the device for performing biochemical analysis comprising: a nozzle that draws a content from a storage container for containing a content serving as a reagent or a specimen; a sensor for detecting whether the nozzle contacts the content; a storage device; and a control device that controls so that the nozzle rises and falls, the biochemical analysis method comprising the following steps: causing the nozzle to draw the content when the sensor detects that the nozzle contacts the content; storing the height of the nozzle when the sensor detects that the nozzle contacts the content in the storage device; detecting an error based on the fact that a first height of the nozzle when the sensor detects that the nozzle contacts the content is higher than a second height of the nozzle stored in the storage device, the second height of the nozzle being the height of the nozzle the last time the sensor detected that the nozzle contacted the content; and, in the event of an error being detected, performing error notification in a manner different from that in the event of other errors being detected.

[0290] With this configuration, the analysis device detects an error based on the fact that the nozzle height at the time of detecting contact with the contained object is higher than the nozzle height at the previous time the nozzle contact with the contained object was detected. Furthermore, when the analysis device detects an error, it performs error notification differently than when it detects other errors. Thus, the user can identify an error caused by the fact that the nozzle height at the time of detecting contact with the contained object is higher than the nozzle height at the previous time the nozzle contact with the contained object was detected.

[0291] (Item 2-1) An analysis device performs a biochemical analysis of a specimen by reacting a specimen and a reagent within a reaction container. The analysis device comprises: a placement unit for placing a storage container having a lid member for storing a sample or reagent; a piercer for penetrating the lid member; a nozzle for passing through the piercer through the lid member and aspirating the sample; a first sensor for detecting whether the nozzle contacts the sample; a second sensor for detecting whether the nozzle collides with the sample; and a control device for driving the nozzle and the piercer. An error notification is executed when the first sensor detects that the nozzle contacts a droplet of the sample within the piercer, and an error notification is executed when the second sensor detects that the nozzle collides with the lid member.

[0292] With this configuration, an error notification is issued when the first sensor detects that the nozzle has contacted a droplet of the contents within the piercer, and an error notification is issued when the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided with the cover member. This allows the user to easily identify the reason why the analyzer cannot extract the contents.

[0293] (Item 2-2) In the analysis device described in Item 2-1, the drill is extended, the control device drives the nozzle along the extension direction of the drill, and the control device determines whether it is detected that the nozzle contacts the droplet in the drill based on the driving amount of the nozzle and the driving amount corresponding to the length in the extension direction of the drill.

[0294] According to such a configuration, when it is detected that the nozzle has come into contact with a liquid droplet in the drill, error processing can be appropriately performed.

[0295] (Item 2-3) In the analyzing apparatus described in Item 2-1 or Item 2-2, the control device performs a re-suction process of controlling the nozzle so that the nozzle re-suctions the contents.

[0296] According to such a configuration, since the nozzle automatically attempts to suck the contents again, the nozzle can be made to suck the contents without delay.

[0297] (Item 2-4) In the analyzing apparatus described in Item 2-3, the control device performs the re-aspiration process until the number of re-aspiration processes reaches a first prescribed number, and when the number of re-aspiration processes reaches the first prescribed number, the control device performs error notification.

[0298] According to such a configuration, the user can recognize that the number of times the nozzle has been re-pumped has reached the first predetermined number based on the error notification.

[0299] (Item 2-5) In the analyzing device described in any one of Items 2-1 to 2-4, when the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided, the control device performs a re-penetration process of controlling the piercer to allow the piercer to penetrate the cover member again.

[0300] According to such a configuration, since the piercer is attempted to automatically penetrate the cover member again, the nozzle can be caused to suck the contents without delay after the piercer is automatically penetrated again through the cover member.

[0301] (Item 2-6) In the analysis device described in Item 2-5, the control device performs re-penetration processing until the number of re-penetration processing reaches a second specified number, and when the number of re-penetration processing reaches the second specified number, the control device performs error notification.

[0302] According to such a configuration, the user can recognize, based on the error notification, that the number of times the drill has re-penetrated has reached the second predetermined number of times.

[0303] (Item 2-7) The analyzing device described in any one of Items 2-1 to 2-6 further includes a first storage device for storing first information obtained by associating drive amounts with categories of two or more cover members, the control device obtains the category of the cover member, and when the drive amount of the nozzle when the second sensor detects that a collision has occurred is a drive amount associated with the acquired category of the cover member, the control device determines that the nozzle has collided with the cover member.

[0304] According to such a structure, it can be determined that the nozzle has collided with the cover member.

[0305] (Item 2-8) In the analyzing device described in any one of Items 2-1 to 2-7, when the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided, the control device performs an error notification indicating that the piercer has not penetrated the cover member.

[0306] The second sensor detecting a collision of the nozzle is assumed to indicate that the piercer has not penetrated the cover member. With this configuration, when the second sensor detects a collision of the nozzle, i.e., when the piercer has not penetrated the cover member, the user can recognize that the piercer has not penetrated the cover member based on the error notification.

[0307] (Item 2-9) In the analysis device described in any one of Items 2-1 to 2-8, there is also a third sensor for detecting a non-penetration state in which the drill does not penetrate the cover member, and the control device executes an error notification indicating that the drill does not penetrate the cover member based on the detection of the non-penetration state.

[0308] According to such a configuration, the user can recognize that the piercer has not penetrated the cover member based on the error notification.

[0309] (Item 2-10) In the analyzing device described in Item 2-9, after the third sensor detects a collision state in which the drill collides with the cover member, even when the drill is driven at a prescribed driving amount, if the third sensor detects a non-penetration state, the control device also performs an error notification.

[0310] With this configuration, even when a collision between the drill and the cover member is detected, the drill may penetrate the cover member even when the drill is driven at the specified drive amount. Furthermore, even when a collision between the drill and the cover member is detected, the second sensor detecting the collision even when the drill is driven at the specified drive amount indicates that the drill has not penetrated the cover member. Therefore, even when a collision between the drill and the cover member is detected, if the second sensor detects the collision even when the drill is driven at the specified drive amount, the second error processing is executed, thereby enabling appropriate second error processing to be executed.

[0311] (Item 2-11) The analyzing device described in Item 2-10 further includes a second storage device for storing information obtained by associating specified driving amounts with the categories of two or more cover members, the control device obtains the category of the cover member, and the control device refers to the information to obtain the specified driving amount associated with the category of the cover member.

[0312] According to such a configuration, for example, a predetermined driving amount can be set based on the hardness of the cover member, and the drill can be driven according to the hardness of the cover member.

[0313] (Item 2-12) In the analyzing apparatus described in any one of Items 2-9 to 2-11, when the non-penetration state is detected, the control device executes a re-penetration process of controlling the piercer to allow the piercer to re-penetrate the cover member.

[0314] According to such a configuration, since the piercer is attempted to automatically penetrate the cover member again, the nozzle can be caused to suck the contents without delay after the piercer is automatically penetrated again through the cover member.

[0315] (Item 2-13) In the analysis device described in Item 2-12, the control device performs re-penetration processing until the number of re-penetration processing reaches a third specified number, and when the number of re-penetration processing reaches the third specified number, the control device performs error notification.

[0316] According to such a configuration, the user can recognize, based on the error notification, that the number of automatic processes of the drill and the number of automatic processes of the nozzle have reached the second predetermined number of times.

[0317] (Item 2-14) A biochemical analysis method for performing a biochemical analysis of a specimen by causing a specimen and a reagent to react within a reaction container. The apparatus for performing the biochemical analysis comprises: a placement unit for placing a storage container, the storage container having a lid member for storing a sample or reagent; a piercer for penetrating the lid member; a nozzle for passing through the piercer through the lid member and aspirating the sample; a first sensor for detecting whether the nozzle contacts the sample; a second sensor for detecting whether the nozzle collides with the sample; and a control device for driving the nozzle and the piercer. The biochemical analysis method includes the following steps: performing an error notification when the first sensor detects that the nozzle contacts a droplet of the sample within the piercer; and performing an error notification when the second sensor detects that the nozzle collides with the lid member.

[0318] With this configuration, an error notification is issued when the first sensor detects that the nozzle has contacted a droplet of the contents within the piercer, and an error notification is issued when the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided with the cover member. This allows the user to easily identify the reason why the analyzer cannot extract the contents.

[0319] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be encompassed.

Claims

1. A biochemical analysis device for performing biochemical analysis of a sample by causing a sample and a reagent to react in a reaction container, the biochemical analysis device comprising: an arrangement portion for arranging a storage container, the storage container being used to store a storage object as the specimen or the reagent and having a cover member; a drill for penetrating the cover member; a nozzle that passes through the piercer penetrating the cover member and sucks the contained material; A first sensor, used for detecting whether the nozzle contacts the received object; a second sensor for detecting whether a collision occurs with the nozzle; and a control device that drives the nozzle and the drill, in, When the first sensor detects that the nozzle contacts a drop of the contained object in the piercer, the control device performs an error notification. The control device performs error notification when the second sensor detects that the nozzle hits the cap member.

2. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drill is extended, The control device drives the nozzle along the extension direction of the drill, The control device determines whether it is detected that the nozzle contacts the liquid droplet in the piercer based on the driving amount of the nozzle and the driving amount corresponding to the length in the extending direction of the piercer.

3. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the first sensor detects that the nozzle has come into contact with the liquid droplet, the control device performs a re-suction process of controlling the nozzle so that the nozzle re-suctions the contained object.

4. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: the control device executes the re-inhalation process until the number of times of the re-inhalation process reaches a first predetermined number of times, The control device performs error notification when the number of re-puff processes reaches the first predetermined number of times.

5. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided, the control device performs a re-penetration process of controlling the piercer to allow the piercer to penetrate the cover member again.

6. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control device executes the re-penetration process until the number of times of the re-penetration process reaches a second predetermined number of times, When the number of the re-penetration processing reaches the second predetermined number of times, the control device executes error notification.

7. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The device further comprises a first storage device for storing first information in which the driving amounts are associated with the two or more types of the cover members, the control device acquires the type of the cover member, The control device determines that the nozzle collides with the cap member when the driving amount of the nozzle when the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided is a driving amount associated with the acquired type of the cap member.

8. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the second sensor detects that the nozzle has collided, the control device performs an error notification indicating that the piercer has not penetrated the cover member.

9. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A third sensor is further provided, the third sensor being used to detect a non-penetration state in which the drill does not penetrate the cover member, The control device performs an error notification indicating that the drill has not penetrated the cover member based on the detection of the non-penetration state.

10. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the third sensor detects the collision state of the piercer and the cover member, the control device performs error notification if the third sensor detects the non-penetration state even when the piercer is driven by a predetermined driving amount.

11. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The device further comprises a second storage device for storing information in which the predetermined driving amount is associated with each of two or more types of the cover members. the control device acquires the type of the cover member, The control device refers to the information to acquire the predetermined driving amount associated with the type of the cover member.

12. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the non-penetration state is detected, the control device performs a re-penetration process of controlling the piercer to allow the piercer to re-penetrate the cover member.

13. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The control device executes the re-penetration process until the number of times of the re-penetration process reaches a third predetermined number of times, When the number of the re-through processing reaches the third predetermined number of times, the control device executes error notification.

14. A biochemical analysis method for performing biochemical analysis of a sample by causing a sample and a reagent to react in a reaction container, The biochemical analysis method comprises the following steps: When it is detected that a nozzle in a storage container for storing a storage object contacts a drop of the storage object in a piercer, an error notification is performed, wherein the storage object is the specimen or the reagent, the storage container has a cover member, the nozzle is used to suck the storage object, and the piercer is used to penetrate the cover member; and When the collision of the nozzle with the cover member is detected, error notification is performed.

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