Automated analysis device

Abstract

The dispensing mechanism, after drawing the mixed solution (103) in the reaction vessel (102) using the nozzle (101), ejects the drawn mixed solution again into the reaction vessel, thereby stirring the mixed solution. At the time of ejecting the mixed solution again into the reaction vessel, the nozzle is moved upward at a slower speed than the speed at which the liquid level of the mixed solution is raised by the ejection of the mixed solution from the nozzle during a first period (time T2 to T3), and the speed at which the nozzle is moved upward is lower than the speed during the first period during a second period (time T3 to T4) immediately after the first period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analytical device for qualitative / quantitative analysis of specific components contained in biological samples such as blood and urine. Background Technology

[0002] As automated analytical devices, biochemical analytical devices and immunoassay devices are known for analyzing the biological components contained in test subjects (samples) such as blood and urine. In automated analytical devices, the concentration of the mixture produced by the reaction of the sample with the mixture used in the analysis of each test item, enzyme activity, etc., are optically measured.

[0003] To achieve high-precision measurements, it is necessary to stir the sample and reagents as uniformly as possible. As a method for stirring the sample and reagents, to save space in the apparatus and shorten cleaning procedures, there are methods that use a dispensing mechanism instead of a separate stirring mechanism.

[0004] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a method of drawing at least a portion of the mixture in a reaction vessel (adjustment vessel) into a dispensing nozzle, then spraying it into the reaction vessel (adjustment vessel) and stirring the mixture (hereinafter referred to as nozzle stirring).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-66466

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-132521 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Patent Document 1 does not provide detailed descriptions of the suction and ejection actions in nozzle stirring. Patent Document 2 describes nozzle stirring using a disposable nozzle, disclosing that in the nozzle stirring process, suction is performed at a position where the nozzle tip contacts or approaches the bottom of the adjusting container, and during ejection, the nozzle tip is ejected near the liquid surface after ejection. Furthermore, the speed at which the mixture is ejected from the nozzle can vary depending on the surface tension or viscosity of the liquid.

[0011] Typically, the dispensing mechanism draws in liquid, causing the nozzle to descend and immerse its tip in the drawn liquid. The liquid volume varies depending on the object being measured, resulting in varying liquid levels. Furthermore, in the case of non-disposable nozzles, the tip of the immersed nozzle needs to be cleaned to prevent contamination. Therefore, while immersing the nozzle in the liquid, a liquid level detection is performed, and the nozzle is immersed to a certain depth based on the detected liquid level. The immersion depth of the nozzle tip is set to a depth that absorbs detection deviations without excessively increasing the cleaning range. It should be noted that methods for liquid level detection include those using electrostatic capacitance or ultrasonic waves.

[0012] The inventors discovered that when the tip of the nozzle is immersed in the mixture during stirring, it hinders the uniformity of the mixture stirred by the nozzle. The reason is that, since the mixture above the tip of the nozzle is not attracted, stirring in that part is difficult. Upon re-ejection, it is difficult to generate flow of stirring liquid near the side of the nozzle, thus stirring in that part does not occur.

[0013] In addition, if air bubbles remain in the mixture, they may adversely affect optical measurements. Therefore, it is necessary to take great care to prevent air bubbles from being entrained during re-ejection.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to improve the uniformity of the mixture in the reaction vessel by nozzle stirring by actively stirring the mixture near the liquid surface of the reaction vessel, especially the depth of the mixture immersed in the nozzle tip during aspiration.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] An automatic analysis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a culture vessel for a reaction vessel; a dispensing mechanism having a nozzle capable of moving upward or downward to dispense a sample or reagent into the reaction vessel; and a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism to stir the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel. After the dispensing mechanism draws the mixture from the reaction vessel using the nozzle, it sprays the drawn mixture back into the reaction vessel, thereby stirring the mixture. When the control unit sprays the mixture back into the reaction vessel, it moves the nozzle upward at a speed faster than the speed at which the liquid level of the mixture rises due to the re-spraying of the mixture from the nozzle during a first period. During a second period immediately following the first period, it maintains or reduces the speed at which the liquid level of the mixture rises due to the re-spraying of the mixture from the nozzle, and moves the nozzle upward at a speed lower than the speed during the first period.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] The present invention provides an automatic analysis device that improves the uniformity of mixtures stirred by nozzles based on a dispensing mechanism.

[0019] Other issues and new features will become clear from the description and accompanying drawings in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic analysis device.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the sequence of stirring using the nozzle.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of the nozzle stirring in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the stirring of the mixture in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of the nozzle stirring in Example 2.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the stirring of the mixture in Example 2.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of the nozzle stirring in Example 3.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the stirring of the mixture in Example 3.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the analytical model used in numerical fluid analysis.

[0029] Figure 10A This is a graph showing the analysis results.

[0030] Figure 10B This is a graph showing the analysis results. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the various figures, common constituent elements and the same constituent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0032] Figure 1 The overall structure of the automated analysis device is briefly shown in the diagram. Figure 1In the culture vessel 1, reaction vessels 2 are arranged in a circular pattern. These reaction vessels 2 are disposable containers used throughout the entire reaction. They are stored in a reaction vessel tray 20 and supplied to the culture vessel 1 via a dispensing head / reaction vessel transport mechanism 17. The culture vessel 1 is controlled to rotate in one cycle, driven by a motor or similar mechanism, at a distance from the designated positions of the reaction vessels.

[0033] Multiple reagent bottles 4 and sample containers 5 can be placed in the reagent / sample common storage section 3. In this example, the reagent bottle 4 is located on the inner periphery of the sample container 5, but it is also possible that the sample container 5 is located on the inner periphery of the reagent bottle 4, or that the reagent bottle 4 and sample container 5 are arranged separately in the circumferential direction rather than in the radial direction.

[0034] A first dispensing mechanism 8 and a second dispensing mechanism 9, capable of circular (rotational) and vertical movement and equipped with dispensing nozzles, are respectively provided between the incubator 1 and the reagent / sample shared storage section 3. Pumps 10 and 11 are respectively connected to the dispensing nozzles.

[0035] The first dispensing unit 8 and the second dispensing unit 9 are used separately for different analytical processes. For example, if the first dispensing unit 8 is used for biochemical analysis and the second dispensing unit 9 is used for immunoassay, the samples and reagents for biochemical analysis are dispensed in the first dispensing unit 8, and the samples and reagents for immunoassay are dispensed in the second dispensing unit 9. It should be noted that for samples undergoing either biochemical or immunoassay analysis, the first dispensing unit 8 dispenses the samples close to the sample being analyzed, and the second dispensing unit 9 dispenses the samples close to the sample being analyzed. It should be noted that in the second dispensing unit 9 for immunoassay, there is a high need to prevent cross-contamination between samples; therefore, a dispensing head 18 is installed at the dispensing nozzle during dispensing. The dispensing head 18 is stored in the dispensing head tray 19 and supplied to the dispensing head mounting position 22 via the dispensing head / reaction vessel transport mechanism 17, where it is installed at the dispensing nozzle.

[0036] The dispensing nozzle moves in an arc around the rotation axis to dispense the sample from the sample container to the reaction container. On the track of each dispensing nozzle are reagent suction positions 6 and 7 on the reagent / sample common receiving unit 3, first dispensing positions and second dispensing positions on the incubator 1, and cleaning tanks 12 (13) for cleaning the dispensing nozzles. Since a dispensing head is used in the second dispensing mechanism 9, a dispensing head mounting position 22 and a dispensing head disposal position 23 also exist on its track. The first dispensing mechanism 8 and the second dispensing mechanism 9 need to be configured in a way that prevents physical interference between their respective dispensing nozzle tracks and between the mechanisms themselves.

[0037] In biochemical tests, samples and reagents are aspirated through the dispensing nozzle; in immunological tests, samples and reagents are aspirated through the dispensing head attached to the dispensing nozzle. The samples and reagents are mixed by the aspiration and ejection action performed by the dispensing nozzle or dispensing head within the reaction vessel 2. Thus, the mixing of samples and reagents is achieved through pipetting action via the dispensing nozzle or dispensing head, eliminating the need for a separate stirring mechanism. The reaction vessel 2, containing the reaction solution containing the mixed samples and reagents, is maintained at a specified temperature by the incubator 1 to promote the reaction within a specified time.

[0038] A spectrophotometer 15 for biochemical testing is arranged around the culture vessel 1. The spectrophotometer 15 has a light source and a detector (not shown). It disperses and detects the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the reaction solution containing the sample and reagents with the light source, thereby determining the absorbance of the reaction solution.

[0039] In addition, the reaction solution that has reacted for a specified time in the culture vessel 1 is measured using the detection device 16 for immunoassay. In immunoassay, as a method for detecting labeled substances, there are methods based on the principles of electrochemiluminescence and chemiluminescence. The structure and physical properties of the second liquid, labeled substance, and detection area are selected to suit their respective characteristics, and a photomultiplier tube is used as a detector to measure the amount of light emitted from the luminescent reaction originating from the labeled substance.

[0040] In biochemical tests, the reaction vessel 2, whose absorbance has been measured in culture vessel 1, is disposed of in the dispensing head / reaction vessel waste bin 21 via the dispensing head / reaction vessel transport mechanism 17. In immunological tests, the movement of the reaction vessel 2 containing the reaction solution that has reacted in culture vessel 1 for a specified time towards the detection unit 16, and the movement of the reaction vessel 2, whose measurement has been completed by the detection unit 16, towards the dispensing head / reaction vessel waste bin 21, are also carried out via the dispensing head / reaction vessel transport mechanism 17.

[0041] The various mechanisms of the automated analysis device are connected to the control unit 28. The control unit 28 controls various mechanisms, including the rotation drive of the incubator, the rotational movement inside the reagent / sample storage compartment, the driving of the sample nozzle, sample suction, and sample ejection. It should be noted that... Figure 1 For the sake of simplicity, the connections between the various mechanisms and the control unit that constitute the automatic analysis device are omitted.

[0042] Figure 2The sequence of nozzle stirring is shown. It should be noted that stirring using a dispensing nozzle and stirring using a dispensing head are the same action; therefore, both will be referred to as "nozzle" below. In S01, the sample and reagent are dispensed into the reaction vessel 102 through nozzle 101, and the reaction vessel 102 contains a mixture 103 of the sample and reagent. Next, the nozzle is lowered toward the mixture 103, immersing the tip of nozzle 101 in the mixture 103 for approximately 3 mm (S02). Then, while lowering nozzle 101, the mixture 103 is aspirated (hereinafter referred to as "re-aspiration," S03). Next, while raising nozzle 101, the mixture 103 is ejected into the reaction vessel 102 (hereinafter referred to as "re-ejection," S04). The dispensing, re-aspiration, and re-ejection actions are performed by driving the syringe, and the re-aspiration and re-ejection actions can be repeated multiple times as needed.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] Figure 3 Example 1 illustrates a drive control example for nozzle stirring. Timing diagram C01 shows the flow rate of the mixture drawn in or ejected by the nozzle during stirring. In Example 1, the flow rate during re-ejection of the mixture is divided into two stages: high-speed ejection and low-speed ejection. Specifically, re-drawing of the mixture occurs (times T0-T1), followed by a stop (times T1-T2). Then, re-ejection occurs in two stages: re-ejection based on high-speed ejection (times T2-T3) and re-ejection based on low-speed ejection (times T3-T4), followed by a stop. During both stages of re-ejection, the ejection flow rate per unit time is set to constant. Short stop periods are provided between each re-drawing / re-ejection and the next action. It should be noted that high-speed and low-speed are different designations based on their relative speeds and do not imply faster or slower than a specific speed. The same applies in the following examples.

[0045] Timing diagram C02 shows the nozzle's moving speed, and timing diagram C03 shows the relationship between the liquid level of the mixture in the reaction vessel and the height of the nozzle tip as the nozzle moves. In Example 1, the nozzle rises at high speed during the high-speed ejection re-ejection period (times T2-T3), and at low speed during the low-speed ejection re-ejection period (times T3-T4). During the high-speed rise period (times T2-T3), the nozzle's rising speed is set to be higher than the liquid level's rising speed, resulting in the nozzle tip being near the liquid level at the end of the high-speed rise period (time T3). During the low-speed rise period (times T3-T4), the nozzle's rising speed is set to be equal to the liquid level's rising speed, ensuring that the nozzle tip remains near the liquid level throughout the low-speed ejection re-ejection period (times T3-T4).

[0046] The movement of the nozzle is controlled by the control unit of the automatic analysis device. Before re-suction begins (at time T0), the control unit lowers the nozzle, which is positioned above the liquid surface, while detecting the liquid level via a liquid level detection mechanism in the dispensing mechanism. The nozzle stops when it descends to a certain depth from the liquid surface. During subsequent re-ejection, based on the displacement of the liquid level height of the mixture according to a predetermined flow rate (timing diagram C01), control values ​​for the nozzle's rising speed and time are provided to the control unit in advance. The control unit controls the nozzle's movement according to these control values. The same applies in the following embodiments.

[0047] Figure 4 This diagram schematically illustrates the stirring of the mixture. During high-speed ejection, the flow of liquid generated by ejecting the mixture 103 at high speed from the nozzle 101 primarily stirs the lower part of the mixture 103 (S11). During subsequent low-speed ejection, the flow of liquid generated by ejecting the mixture 103 at low speed from the nozzle 101 located near the liquid surface primarily stirs the upper part of the mixture 103, especially near the liquid surface (S12).

[0048] Thus, if the mixture is ejected at high speed, it travels a greater distance per unit time, resulting in flow in the lower part of the mixture. On the other hand, if the mixture is ejected at low speed, it travels a shorter distance per unit time, resulting in flow in the upper part of the mixture. Moreover, when ejected at low speed, the tip of the nozzle is near the liquid surface, thereby stirring the upper part of the mixture 103, including the area near the liquid surface. As a result, the uniformity of the mixture 103 within the reaction vessel 102 based on nozzle stirring can be improved (S13).

[0049] It should be noted that the height of the nozzle tip during low-speed ejection only needs to be near the liquid level. This can be any of the following: the nozzle tip height is slightly below the liquid level, the nozzle tip height is the same as the liquid level, or the nozzle tip height is slightly above the liquid level. However, the lower the nozzle tip height is than the liquid level, the more difficult it is to stir near the liquid level. Therefore, it needs to be at least higher than the nozzle tip height during suction. Furthermore, if the nozzle tip height is too high above the liquid level, the mixture inside the nozzle will be interrupted from the mixture inside the reaction vessel, easily leading to air bubble entrapment. Therefore, the nozzle tip height needs to be set to a level that ensures uninterrupted mixing. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Figure 5Example 2 illustrates the drive control example of nozzle stirring. Timing diagram C11 shows the flow rate of the mixture drawn in or ejected by the nozzle during stirring. In Example 2, the flow rate during re-ejection of the mixture consists of two phases: high-speed ejection and low-speed ejection, but the order differs from Example 1. Specifically, the re-drawing of the mixture occurs at time T... 10 ~T 11 Stop (time T) 11 ~T 12 Then, a re-ejection based on low-speed ejection (at time T) is performed. 12 ~T 13 ) and re-ejection based on high-speed ejection (time T) 13 ~T 14 The process consists of two phases of re-ejection followed by cessation. A short pause is established between each of the re-inhalation and re-ejection phases and the next action.

[0052] Timing diagram C12 shows the nozzle's moving speed, and timing diagram C13 shows the relationship between the liquid level of the mixture in the reaction vessel and the height of the nozzle tip as the nozzle moves. In Example 2, during the re-ejection period based on low-speed ejection (time T) 12 ~T 13 The initial stage (time T) 12 ~T 15 This causes the nozzle to rise at high speed, during the later part of the re-ejection period based on low-speed ejection (time T). 15 ~T 13 ) and the re-ejection period based on high-speed ejection (time T) 13 ~T 14 This causes the nozzle to rise at a low speed. It should be noted that in this example, at time T... 16 The tip of the nozzle reaches the liquid surface.

[0053] During the period of rapid ascent (time T) 12 ~T 15 The rising speed of the nozzle inside is set to be high compared to the rising speed of the liquid surface, at the end of the high-speed rising period (time T). 15 The velocity of the nozzle tip near the liquid surface. During the low-speed ascent (time T) 15 ~T 14 The rise rate of the nozzle within the nozzle is set to be consistent with the later stage of the re-ejection period based on the low-speed ejection (time T). 15 ~T 13 The liquid level rises at the same rate within the nozzle, so that the tip of the nozzle remains near the liquid level throughout this period.

[0054] Figure 6This diagram schematically illustrates the stirring of the mixture. In the initial stage of low-speed ejection, the nozzle tip moves towards the vicinity of the liquid surface. In the later stage of low-speed ejection, the flow of liquid generated by the low-speed ejection of the mixture 103 from the nozzle 101 located near the liquid surface primarily stirs the upper part of the mixture 103, particularly near the liquid surface (S21). Then, the flow of liquid generated by the high-speed ejection of the mixture 103 from the nozzle 101 primarily stirs the lower part of the mixture 103 (S22). Thus, by separately stirring the upper and lower parts of the mixture 103, including the vicinity of the liquid surface, the uniformity of the mixture 103 within the reaction vessel 102 based on nozzle stirring can be improved, similar to Example 1 (S23).

[0055] In Example 2, due to the re-ejection period based on high-speed ejection (time T) 13 ~T 14 This causes the nozzle to rise at a low speed, therefore at time T 14 The nozzle tip is below the liquid surface, but if the height difference between the nozzle tip and the liquid surface is suppressed to below the height difference during re-suction, the cleaning range of the nozzle will not expand. On the other hand, at time T... 13 Because the flow rate is ejected at a high speed near the liquid surface, the liquid surface is more prone to fluctuation compared to Example 1, increasing the likelihood of air bubbles being entrained. Therefore, in Example 2, it is preferable to eject the flow rate at time T. 13 Set the height of the nozzle tip to at least below the liquid level.

[0056] Example 3

[0057] Figure 7 Example 3 illustrates the drive control example of nozzle stirring. Timing diagram C21 shows the flow rate of the mixture drawn in or ejected by the nozzle during stirring. In Example 3, when re-ejecting the mixture, after ejecting at a constant ejection flow rate per unit time (hereafter referred to as high-speed ejection as equivalent to the high-speed ejection in Examples 1 and 2), ejection continues while reducing the ejection flow rate per unit time. Specifically, re-drawing of the mixture (at time T) 20 ~T 21 Stop (time T) 21 ~T 22 Then, a high-speed ejection occurs based on a certain period (time T). 22 ~T 23 After that, it decelerates while simultaneously launching again (at time T). 23 ~T 24 Then stop. There are short pauses between each of the re-inhalation, re-ejection and the next action.

[0058] Timing diagram C22 shows the nozzle's moving speed, and timing diagram C23 shows the relationship between the liquid level of the mixture in the reaction vessel and the height of the nozzle tip as the nozzle moves. In Example 3, during the re-ejection period based on high-speed ejection (time T) 22 ~T 23 This causes the nozzle to rise at high speed, and during the re-ejection period while decelerating (time T) 23 ~T 24 This causes the nozzle to rise at a low speed.

[0059] During the period of rapid ascent (time T) 22 ~T 23 The rising speed of the nozzle inside is set to be high compared to the rising speed of the liquid surface, at the end of the high-speed rising period (time T). 23 The velocity of the nozzle tip near the liquid surface. During the low-speed ascent (time T) 23 ~T 24 The upward speed of the nozzle within the tube is set to be such that at the end of the low-speed upward period (time T) 24 The velocity of the nozzle tip near the liquid surface. Although there is some deviation between the nozzle tip and the liquid surface in the initial stage of deceleration and ejection, the deviation is eliminated as the rise of the liquid surface slows down due to the decrease in flow rate, and the nozzle tip is located near the liquid surface.

[0060] Figure 8 This diagram schematically illustrates the stirring of the mixture. During high-speed ejection, the flow of liquid generated by ejecting the mixture 103 at high speed from the nozzle 101 primarily stirs the lower part of the mixture 103 (S31). During subsequent decelerated ejection, the flow of liquid generated by ejecting the mixture 103 from the nozzle 101 located near the liquid surface while decelerating primarily stirs the upper part of the mixture 103, particularly near the liquid surface (S32). In this way, by stirring both the upper and lower parts of the mixture 103, including the part near the liquid surface, the uniformity of the mixture 103 within the reaction vessel 102 based on nozzle stirring can be improved, similar to Examples 1 and 2 (S33).

[0061] In Example 3, the re-ejection flow rate is in one stage, therefore fewer parameters are required and installation is easier compared to Examples 1 and 2. The nozzle movement speed needs to be set in a way that minimizes the deviation between the nozzle tip and the liquid surface during deceleration.

[0062] The effects of improved stirring efficiency in the above embodiments are illustrated using fluid analysis results. Figure 9This diagram illustrates the analytical model used in numerical fluid dynamics analysis. The analytical model consists of a nozzle 201 and a reaction vessel 202. As an initial state, a sample 203 and a reagent 204 are disposed in the nozzle 201. The analysis is performed on cases where solution is ejected from or drawn into the nozzle 201 by applying a flow velocity as a boundary condition to the upper surface of the nozzle 201. Furthermore, the analysis is performed on cases where the nozzle 201 descends or ascends by providing movement of the nozzle 201 as an analytical condition.

[0063] Figures 10A-10B The analysis results are shown below. The analysis is based on the conditions of flow rate and nozzle movement speed in Example 1 (refer to...). Figure 3 The comparison example was conducted with a control example. The control example is one in which the flow rate and nozzle movement speed are kept constant during re-ejection. Therefore, in the control example, a certain distance is maintained between the liquid surface and the nozzle tip during re-ejection. Figures 10A-10B The relationship between time and the coefficient of variation (CV) of the sample concentration in the reaction vessel is depicted. Figure 301 shows a comparative example, and Figure 302 shows the analysis results of Example 1. It should be noted that the CV value is an indicator of the deviation of the sample concentration, which is calculated by the ratio of the average value of the sample concentration calculated in each analysis cell in the reaction vessel 202 to the standard deviation (standard deviation / average value).

[0064] Figure 10B The graph shows the time period from 1 s to 1.5 s under magnification. It can be seen that at the end of the re-ejection (1.5 s), the CV value of Example 1 (302) is smaller than that of Comparative Example (301), that is, it is stirred more uniformly.

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, as a dispensing mechanism for nozzle stirring, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing both samples and reagents is illustrated, but nozzle stirring can be performed using a dispensing mechanism for dispensing either samples or reagents. The embodiments are described in detail for the purpose of readily understanding the present invention and are not limited to having all the structures described. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment may be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, or the structure of another embodiment may be added to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, parts of the structure of each embodiment may be added to, deleted from, or replaced.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0067] 1: Incubator, 2: Reaction vessel, 3: Reagent / sample shared storage unit, 4: Reagent bottle, 5: Sample container, 6: Reagent aspiration position, 7: Sample aspiration position, 8: First dispensing mechanism, 9: Second dispensing mechanism, 10, 11: Pump, 12, 13: Cleaning tank, 15: Spectrophotometer, 16: Detection mechanism, 17: Dispensing head / reaction vessel transport mechanism, 18: Dispensing head, 19: Dispensing head tray, 20: Reaction vessel tray, 21: Dispensing head / reaction vessel waste bin, 22: Dispensing head installation position, 23: Dispensing head waste position, 28: Control unit, 101: Nozzle, 102: Reaction vessel, 103: Mixture, 201: Nozzle (model), 202: Reaction vessel (model), 203: Sample (model), 204: Reagent (model), 301, 302: Charts.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, wherein the automatic analysis device has: a culture device for a reaction container; a dispensing mechanism provided with a nozzle capable of moving upward or downward, which dispenses a sample or a reagent into the reaction container; and a control section that controls the dispensing mechanism to stir a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent in the reaction container, the dispensing mechanism, after drawing the mixed solution in the reaction container with the nozzle, re-dispenses the drawn mixed solution into the reaction container during a re-dispensing period including a first period and a second period, thereby stirring the mixed solution, the control section, when re-dispensing the mixed solution into the reaction container, moves the nozzle upward at a faster speed than the speed at which the liquid level of the mixed solution rises by re-dispensing of the mixed solution from the nozzle during the first period, and reduces the speed at which the liquid level of the mixed solution rises by re-dispensing of the mixed solution from the nozzle and moves the nozzle upward at a slower speed than the speed during the first period during the second period immediately after the first period, the speed at which the nozzle is moved upward during the first period is set to a speed at which the tip of the nozzle is located near the liquid level of the mixed solution at the end of the first period, the speed at which the nozzle is moved upward during the second period is set to a speed at which the tip of the nozzle is located near the liquid level of the mixed solution at the end of the second period.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein at the end of the first period, the tip of the nozzle is located below the liquid level of the mixed solution, and the position of the tip of the nozzle is located higher than the position of the tip of the nozzle when drawing the mixed solution with the nozzle.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein at the end of the first period, the tip of the nozzle is located above the liquid level of the mixed solution, and the mixed solution in the nozzle is not interrupted from the mixed solution in the reaction container.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the control section controls the discharge flow rate per unit time of the nozzle and the moving speed of the nozzle to be constant during the first and second periods, respectively, the discharge flow rate per unit time of the nozzle during the second period is smaller than the discharge flow rate per unit time of the nozzle during the first period, and the moving speed of the nozzle during the second period is slower than the moving speed of the nozzle during the first period.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, wherein the moving speed of the nozzle during the second period is equal to the speed at which the liquid level of the mixed solution rises during the second period.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the control section controls the discharge flow rate per unit time of the nozzle to be constant during the entire first and second periods, and controls the moving speed of the nozzle to be constant during the first and second periods, respectively, The moving speed of the nozzle in the second period is slower than the moving speed of the nozzle in the first period.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, wherein The moving speed of the nozzle in the second period is equal to the speed of the rising of the liquid surface of the mixed solution in the second period.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, wherein The re-dispensing period includes a third period, The control section increases the speed of the rising of the liquid surface of the mixed solution in the reaction vessel by the re-dispensing of the mixed solution from the nozzle in the third period immediately after the second period.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 8, wherein The moving speed of the nozzle in the third period is slower than the speed of the rising of the liquid surface of the mixed solution in the third period.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 9, wherein The position of the tip of the nozzle at the end of the third period is higher than the position of the tip of the nozzle when the mixed solution is sucked by the nozzle.

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The control section controls the dispensing flow rate of the nozzle per unit time to be constant in the first period, and controls the moving speed of the nozzle to be constant in the first and second periods respectively, The dispensing flow rate of the nozzle per unit time in the second period is gradually decreased with respect to the dispensing flow rate of the nozzle per unit time in the first period, The moving speed of the nozzle in the second period is slower than the moving speed of the nozzle in the first period.

12. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein A dispensing head is attached to the nozzle.

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