Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application provides an automatic analysis device, comprising: a rib (300) provided on a reagent disc (9), or a rib (400) provided on a reagent mounting portion (103); a reflective sensor (200) provided on a reagent conveying mechanism (101) and detecting the rib (300, 400); and a controller (21) adjusting a conveying parameter of the reagent conveying mechanism (101) based on a position of the rib (300, 400) detected by the reflective sensor (200). Thus, in the automatic analysis device capable of automatically conveying in and out a reagent bottle, the burden of an operator can be reduced compared with the prior art, and the device can be prevented from being stopped.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an automatic analyzer that performs analysis of a biological sample such as blood or urine (hereinafter referred to as "specimen"), and particularly relates to an automatic analyzer that can perform analysis of more analysis items. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an example of an automatic analyzer that reduces the burden on an operator caused by reagent registration, reagent replacement, and the like, and that does not cause a reagent shortage in analysis and minimizes interruption of analysis, Patent Literature 1 describes an automatic analyzer that separately dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a plurality of reaction vessels to make them react, and that measures a liquid in which the reaction has been performed, wherein a first reagent storage unit that stores a reagent used for the reaction, a second reagent storage unit that stores a reagent for assistance, and a reagent transfer unit that transfers the reagent from the second reagent storage unit to the first reagent storage unit are provided.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-37171 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally, a reagent used for a biochemical automatic analyzer or an immunological automatic analyzer is managed by an operator setting a reagent bottle on a reagent tray, and then acquiring identification information attached to the reagent bottle by a reading mechanism such as an RFID reader, a bar code reader, or the like provided in the device.

[0008] On the other hand, in recent years, it has been known that a reagent bottle is set on a reagent tray mechanism using a mechanism that automatically carries in and carries out the reagent bottle, and management of the reagent is performed, as described in Patent Literature 1.

[0009] The automatic carrying-in and carrying-out technology of the reagent bottle as described in Patent Literature 1 has the following advantages: the burden on an operator caused by reagent registration, reagent replacement, and the like is reduced, and a reagent shortage in analysis does not occur, and interruption of analysis is minimized.

[0010] Here, with an increase in the analysis speed of an automatic analyzer in recent years, the amount of consumption of a reagent has increased, and the interval of replacement of a reagent bottle has become shorter.

[0011] In order to accurately manage reagents in this case, it is important to arrange a reagent bottle normally to a reagent disk technique, but the relative positional relationship of the reagent bottle carrying-in and carrying-out mechanism and the reagent disk mechanism is not constant due to manufacturing unevenness of each component. Therefore, adjustment of the mechanism part is required according to the product, which becomes a heavy burden on the adjustment operator.

[0012] In addition, due to the deterioration of the sliding portion over the years, misalignment of each mechanism cannot be avoided, but when misalignment occurs, it becomes an abnormality in the arrangement of the reagent bottle, and in the worst case, it can lead to the stop of the operation of the device due to the malfunction of the reagent disk, so countermeasures are required.

[0013] The present application provides an automatic analysis device capable of automatically carrying out and carrying in a reagent bottle, wherein the burden on the operator can be reduced compared to the past, and the device can be prevented from stopping.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] The present application includes a plurality of solutions to the above problem, and if one example is cited, it is an automatic analysis device characterized by comprising: a reagent storage portion that stores a reagent bottle containing a reagent that reacts with a specimen; a reagent carrying portion that carries the reagent bottle to the reagent storage portion; a reference member that is provided to the reagent storage portion or the reagent carrying portion and is constituted by at least any one of a rib that divides the reagent bottle, a concave shape that indicates a position where the reagent bottle is arranged, and a convex shape that indicates a position where the reagent bottle is arranged; a sensor that is provided to a side where the reference member is not provided among the reagent storage portion and the reagent carrying portion, is constituted by at least any one of a reflection type sensor and a laser displacement meter that measures a distance to the reference member, and detects the reference member, the reflection type sensor being constituted by a light source and a detector that detects light emitted from the light source and reflected on the reference member; and a control portion that adjusts a carrying parameter of the reagent carrying portion based on a position of the reference member detected by the sensor.

[0016] Effect of the invention

[0017] According to the present application, the burden on the operator can be reduced compared to the past, and the device can be prevented from stopping. The above problems, structures, and effects will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an automatic loading mechanism provided to the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a holding mechanism of the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the ribs of the reagent disk or the reagent mounting portion and the reagent bottle in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a sensor provided to the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the ribs of the reagent disk and the reagent mounting portion in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the X direction of the reagent disk and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism relative to the reagent disk (X direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the reagent disk and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 is a flowchart of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the reagent disk relative to the holding mechanism (θ direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent disk and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 is a flowchart of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism relative to the reagent disk (Z direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 is a flowchart of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the reagent mounting portion relative to the holding mechanism (Y direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 15 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the X direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 16 is a flowchart of a procedure of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism with respect to the reagent mounting portion (X direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a procedure of performing automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism with respect to the reagent mounting portion (Z direction) in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent disk and the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of confirming the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface of the reagent disk using the holding mechanism in the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] USING Figures 1 to 20 An embodiment of the automatic analysis device of the present application will be described. In addition, in the drawings used in the present specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar symbols, and sometimes repeated description will be omitted with respect to these components.

[0039] First, using Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic analysis device will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1 In the present embodiment, the automatic analysis device 1000 is a device for reacting a specimen and a reagent by separately dispensing them into a reaction vessel 2 and measuring the liquid that has been reacted, and includes a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a specimen transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, a reagent syringe 18, a sample dispensing mechanism 11, a specimen syringe 19, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5, 6, a cleaning pump 20, cleaning tanks 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, a controller 21, and an automatic loading mechanism 100 (see Figure 2 ).

[0041] The reaction vessels 2 are arranged in a circle on the reaction disk 1. The specimen transport mechanism 17 that moves a shelf 16 on which a specimen container 15 is placed is provided in the vicinity of the reaction disk 1.

[0042] A rotatable and vertically movable sample dispensing mechanism 11 is provided between the reaction plate 1 and the sample transfer mechanism 17. The sample dispensing mechanism 11 includes a sample probe 11a. A sample syringe 19 is connected to the sample probe 11a. The sample probe 11a moves while tracing an arc around the rotation axis to dispense the sample from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2.

[0043] The reagent tray 9 is configured to hold multiple reagent bottles 10 containing reagents on its circumference. Details will be described later.

[0044] The reagent tray 9 is kept cold and is equipped with a suction port 111 (see reference). Figure 2 The reagent tray 9 in this embodiment is completely free of any device (such as an RFID sensor) for obtaining information about the reagents recorded in the reagent bottle 10, which is attached to the RFID tag.

[0045] A rotatable and vertically movable reagent dispensing mechanism 7 and 8 are provided between the reaction plate 1 and the reagent plate 9. The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 and 8 are respectively equipped with reagent probes 7a and 8a. A reagent syringe 18 is connected to the reagent probes 7a and 8a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a move while tracing an arc around the rotation axis, and access the reagent plate 9 through the suction port 111 to dispense the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 into the reaction vessel 2.

[0046] Around the reaction plate 1 are a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, and stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A cleaning pump 20 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3. Cleaning tanks 32, 33, 13, 30, and 31 are respectively provided within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, the sample dispensing mechanism 11, and the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. The sample container 15 contains the sample and is placed on a shelf 16 and transported by the sample transport mechanism 17. In addition, each mechanism is connected to a controller 21.

[0047] The controller 21 is composed of a computer or the like, controls the operation of each mechanism in the automatic analysis device 1000, and performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample.

[0048] The above describes the overall structure of the automatic analysis device 1000.

[0049] The automatic analysis device 1000 described above typically performs the analysis and processing of the sample in the following order.

[0050] First, a sample in a sample container 15 placed on a rack 16 carried to the vicinity of the reaction disk 1 by the sample carrying mechanism 17 is dispensed to a reaction container 2 on the reaction disk 1 by a sample probe 11a of a sample dispensing mechanism 11. Next, a reagent used for analysis is dispensed to the reaction container 2 to which the sample has been dispensed from a reagent bottle 10 on a reagent disk 9 by reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8. Next, stirring of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2 is performed by a stirring mechanism 5.

[0051] Then, light generated from the light source 4a is made to pass through the reaction container 2 in which the mixed solution after stirring is placed, and the intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The intensity of the light measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is sent to the controller 21 via an A / D converter and an interface. Then, the controller 21 performs an operation to find the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample, and the result is displayed by the display section 21a or the like, or stored in a storage section (not shown).

[0052] Next, the structure of the automatic loading mechanism 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 to FIG. 10. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the automatic loading mechanism 100. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the gripping mechanism. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ribs of the reagent disk or the reagent mounting section and the reagent bottle. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the sensor provided to the gripping mechanism.

[0053] As described above, a cap 112 is attached to the reagent probe suction port position of the reagent bottle 10 in order to seal the inside, and normally, the cap 112 is removed and set in the device when placed in the automatic analysis device 1000.

[0054] However, in recent years, a method has been proposed in which a notch-shaped hole is formed in the cap 112, and the reagent probe 7a, 8a is inserted into the notch-shaped hole to suck the reagent in the reagent bottle 10. The opening of the cap 112 is a small notch, and therefore, the contact of the reagent with the outside air is minimized, and the deterioration of the reagent is improved compared to the past.

[0055] In this case, if the operator sets the unopened new reagent bottle 10 in the automatic analysis device 1000, a hole is formed in the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, and the operation is automatically performed to set it in the reagent disk 9. The mechanism for this operation is the automatic loading mechanism 100.

[0056] The automatic loading mechanism 100 is disposed above the reagent disk 9, and is Figure 2 as shown in the structure. Figure 2The automatic loading mechanism 100 includes a reagent loading section 103, a reagent loading mechanism 102, a reagent conveying mechanism 101, a needle cleaning tank 108, a needle drying port 109, an RFID sensor 115, a support column 117, and a metal plate 118, and is configured such that all of these mechanisms except the support column 117 are mounted on a single metal plate 118.

[0057] The reagent loading unit 103 is the part used by the operator to set the reagent bottle 10 when it is inserted into the automatic analysis device 1000. The reagent loading unit 103 is connected to the reagent loading mechanism 102. Figure 2 The upper edge moves in the up-down direction. The range of motion of the reagent loading part 103 is limited to the metal plate 118 on which the automatic loading mechanism 100 is installed, thus placing it within the device.

[0058] The reagent loading unit 103 is configured to hold multiple reagent bottles 10 in a straight line, for example, it is a tray with multiple reagent bottle slots for holding reagent bottles 10.

[0059] The reagent loading mechanism 102 is configured to enable the reagent loading section 103 to move along a track by means of a motor or the like, along a guide provided between the insertion position of the reagent bottle 10 into the device and the standby position of the reagent loading section 103.

[0060] The reagent conveying mechanism 101 is a mechanism for conveying reagent bottles 10 disposed in the reagent loading section 103 into the reagent tray 9, or for disposing of reagent bottles 10 in the reagent tray 9 into the reagent loading section 103.

[0061] The reagent conveying mechanism 101 includes a clamping mechanism 106 that holds the reagent bottle 10, a cap opening mechanism 104 that has a slit-shaped hole in the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, a vertical drive motor 132 that moves the cap opening mechanism 104 up and down, and a mechanism that moves the clamping mechanism 106 and the cap opening mechanism 104 up and down. Figure 2 A horizontal drive motor 131 that drives in the left and right directions is a component.

[0062] Reagent transport mechanism 101 Figure 2 Between the position of the reagent carrier 103 and the position of the opening and closing cover 113, in Figure 2 It moves along the upper edge in the left-right direction. That is, the reagent-carrying part 103... Figure 2 The reagent conveying mechanism 101 moves vertically along the upper edge. Figure 2 The upper part moves in the horizontal direction, therefore, the movement directions are orthogonal. In addition, the reagent conveying mechanism 101 is arranged in a straight line at the position where the clamping mechanism 106 holds the reagent bottle 10 and at the position where the reagent bottle 10 is moved into and out of the reagent tray 9.

[0063] The cap unpinning mechanism 104 is provided with a needle 105 for cutting a notch in the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10. In the cap unpinning mechanism 104, the needle cleaning tank 108 arranged in parallel with the direction of movement of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 performs cleaning of the needle 105 after the cap 112 is cut, and the needle drying port 109 arranged in parallel with the direction of movement of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 performs removal of the cleaning water in the next process. Thus, the reagent is not diluted by the cleaning water when the notch is cut in the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the needle cleaning tank 108 and the needle drying port 109 are arranged in parallel with the direction of movement of the reagent carrying mechanism 101. Figure 3

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the clamping mechanism 106 has a hooking claw 106a for holding the reagent bottle 10, and holds the reagent bottle 10 by hooking the hooking claw 106a to the notch portion of the reagent bottle 10. Figure 2

[0065] The shutter 113 is a cover for preventing the cold air inside the reagent tray 9, which is kept cold, from escaping, and is normally in a closed state. When the reagent carrying mechanism 101 accesses the reagent tray 9, the shutter 113 is opened and moves to enable the carrying-in and carrying-out of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent tray 9.

[0066] The RFID sensor 115 is arranged on the movement path of the reagent mounting portion 103, and acquires information on the reagent in the reagent bottle 10 recorded in the RFID tag attached to the reagent bottle 10. Further, the reagent information is information on the kind and filling amount of the reagent placed in the reagent bottle. In addition, a mechanism for reading the reagent information such as a bar code reader that reads a bar code can be provided instead of the RFID sensor 115.

[0067] The above is the structure of the automatic loading mechanism 100.

[0068] Next, the operation from the setting of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent mounting portion 103 by the operator to the carrying-in to the reagent tray 9 will be described.

[0069] When the operator wants to carry-in a new reagent bottle 10 to the reagent tray 9 of the device, first, the first pressing of the button switch (not shown) of the device is performed. The device recognizes the first pressing of the button switch by the operator. Thus, the reagent mounting mechanism 102 moves, and the reagent mounting portion 103 moves from the standby position to the front of the device (lower side). Figure 4

[0070] After the reagent mounting portion 103 reaches the front of the device, the operator sets the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent mounting portion 103. After the necessary number of reagent bottles 10 are set to the reagent mounting portion 103, the operator presses the button switch again.​​​

[0071] After recognizing that the operator has pressed the push button switch, the reagent information is read by the RFID sensor 115 mounted on the automatic loading mechanism 100. Upon reading the reagent information, the reagent information is displayed on the display section 21a as being temporarily registered.

[0072] After reading the reagent information, the reagent mounting section 103 is moved to a position below the cap opening mechanism 104. Next, the cap opening mechanism 104 is lowered toward the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, and a notch to the extent that the reagent probes 7a, 8a can be inserted is formed in the cap 112 by the needle 105. After the notch is formed in the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, the cap opening mechanism 104 is raised, and the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is moved to the position of the needle cleaning tank 108 in order to clean the needle 105, and the needle 105 is cleaned. Then, the position of the needle drying port 109 is moved to, and drying of the needle 105 is performed.

[0073] After drying, the reagent mounting section 102 operates the reagent mounting section 103, and moves the reagent bottle 10 in which the notch is formed to a position below the clamping mechanism 106. Then, the clamping mechanism 106 is lowered, and the reagent bottle 10 is gripped, and then the shutter 113 is opened. Then, the clamping mechanism 106 is raised, and moved to the position of the opened shutter 113, and the carried reagent bottle 10 is carried into the position of the empty reagent tray 9. After carrying in, the clamping mechanism 106 is returned to the position of the reagent mounting section 103 again.

[0074] The above operation is repeated for all the reagent bottles 10 mounted on the reagent mounting section 103 and required to be carried into the reagent tray 9. After all the reagent bottles 10 provided on the reagent mounting section 103 and required to be carried in are carried into the reagent tray 9, the shutter 113 is closed.

[0075] By normally closing the shutter 113, it is recognized that the reagent bottle 10 is normally provided in the reagent tray 9, and registration of the reagent information is completed. At this time, the display section 21a attached to the device displays that the reagent information is officially registered from the temporarily registered state.

[0076] The above is the reading of the reagent information from the provision of the reagent bottle 10, the opening operation of the cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, the carrying-in operation to the reagent tray 9, and the registration of the reagent information in the automatic loading mechanism 100.

[0077] In the case where the reagent provided in the reagent tray 9 is in an empty state, the reagent bottle 10 is carried out in the following flow. The carrying-out timing of the reagent bottle 10 can be in the analysis, or after the end of the last dispensing of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, or after the output of the analysis result.

[0078] First, the controller 21 opens the shutter 113. In addition, the reagent carrying mechanism 101 moves to the position of the opened shutter 113. Next, the empty reagent bottle 10 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 106. In addition, in parallel with this, the reagent mounting portion 103 moves from the standby position and stops at a position where the empty reagent bottle insertion slot of the reagent mounting portion 103 is below the track of the gripping mechanism 106.

[0079] Next, in the state where the empty reagent bottle 10 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 106, the reagent carrying mechanism 101 moves to the position of the reagent mounting mechanism 102. In parallel with this, the shutter 113 is closed. At this time, it is determined that the reagent bottle 10 has been normally carried out, and the registered reagent information is deleted, which is displayed on the display portion 21a. Then, the empty reagent bottle 10 is placed in the empty reagent bottle insertion slot of the reagent mounting portion 103 by the gripping mechanism 106. Then, the reagent mounting mechanism 102 returns to the standby position.

[0080] Then, the operator is notified by the display portion 21a or the like that the empty reagent bottle 10 can be taken out.

[0081] The operator receives the notification and takes out the empty reagent bottle 10 to the outside of the device.

[0082] In addition, in the case where the reagent bottles 10 are provided in all of the reagent insertion slots of the reagent mounting portion 103, in the case where the reagent bottle 10 provided in the reagent disk 9 is empty and is desired to be discarded to the outside of the device, one or more empty reagent insertion slots are provided in advance with respect to the settable number of the reagent disk 9. On this basis, the reagent bottle 10 provided in the reagent mounting portion 103 is carried into the reagent disk 9 without cutting the notch of the cap 112, the empty reagent bottle 10 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 106 and is placed in the reagent mounting portion 103, and then the operator carries out the empty reagent bottle 10. After the carrying out, the reagent bottle 10 provided in the reagent disk 9 without cutting the notch can be returned to the empty reagent insertion slot again. If the empty insertion slot is provided in the reagent mounting portion 103, the same action can be performed.

[0083] Here, in the above-described action of providing the reagent bottle 10 in the reagent mounting portion 103 and the discharge action of the reagent bottle 10, it is very important to correctly set the positional relationship of the reagent disk 9 and the gripping mechanism 106 and the positional relationship of the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 in order to perform stable provision or discharge. Hereinafter, the reason for this will be described.

[0084] In the case where misalignment of the reagent bottle 10 with respect to the gripping mechanism 106 occurs in the action of the reagent disk 9 and the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent bottle 10 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 106 at a different position from the position that should be gripped originally, and there is a risk that stable gripping cannot be performed. In addition, when the misalignment becomes large, in the worst case, it can not be possible to grip.

[0085] In addition, in the case where misalignment of the reagent bottle 10 with respect to the cap release mechanism 104 occurs in the operation of the reagent mounting portion 103, in the operation of opening the cutout of the cap 112 to the extent that the reagent probes 7a, 8a can be inserted, the cutout is opened at a position offset from the center of the cap 112, and it is possible that an excessive load is applied to the reagent probes 7a, 8a at the time of suction. In addition, when the offset is large, in the worst case, the cutout cannot be opened, or the cutout is opened at an excessive position, and the contact of the reagent with the outside air is increased, and there is a problem that the deterioration of the reagent is accelerated.

[0086] Here, in the reagent disk 9, ribs 300 that divide the reagent bottles 10 are provided on the placement surface 500 of the reagent disk 9, and ribs 400 that divide the reagent bottles 10 are also provided on the placement surface 600 of the reagent mounting portion 103. In view of the above risks, Figure 5 These ribs 300, 400 and the gap 900 with the reagent bottles 10 are set to 0.5 mm or less.

[0087] The gap 900 between these ribs 300, 400 and the reagent bottles 10 is 0.5 mm or less, and therefore in the case where the positional relationship of the reagent disk 9 and the clamping mechanism 106, or the positional relationship of the reagent mounting portion 103 and the clamping mechanism 106 is destroyed, in the operation of placing the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent disk 9 by the clamping mechanism 106, the reagent bottle 10 can be placed on the ribs 300. In addition, in the operation with respect to the reagent mounting portion 103, there is also a possibility that the reagent bottle 10 is placed on the ribs 400.

[0088] In addition, the positional relationship of these mechanisms differs in each device due to the deviation of each component, and therefore the device installation worker needs to manually align using a dedicated jig or the like for adjustment. Furthermore, with the deterioration of each drive portion over the years, the positional relationship is also considered to shift, and as the worst case, in the analysis, the device can stop.

[0089] According to the above, for a mechanism having a reagent disk 9, a clamping mechanism 106, a reagent mounting portion 103, and a plurality of drive shafts, the positional relationship of each is very important.

[0090] As a result of intensive research by the present inventors and others for a solution to these problems, the following technology was conceived: a sensor (light source 210 + detector 211) is provided to the clamping mechanism 106, and detects the ribs 300 provided to the reagent disk 9, or the ribs 400 provided to the reagent mounting portion 103, and automatically adjusts the positions of the reagent disk 9 and the clamping mechanism 106, or the reagent mounting portion 103 and the clamping mechanism 106.

[0091] In addition, the following is conceived: the member serving as a reference is not limited to the ribs 300, 400, and a concave-convex shape or the like for marker or reagent setting can be used; the sensor is not limited to a reflection type, and a camera, a laser displacement meter, or the like can be used; and the structure other than the originally provided structure in these members serving as a reference and the sensor can be either of a mounted type and a detachable type.

[0092] Details thereof will be described below.

[0093] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor 200 is provided at the gripping mechanism 106 of the reagent carrying mechanism 101. The sensor 200 is provided with a light source 210 and a detector 211, and can grasp the distance from the sensor 200 to the object surface by using triangulation. By using this sensor 200, the distance from the gripping mechanism 106 to, for example, the rib 300 provided on the setting surface 500 of the reagent disk 9 or to the rib 400 provided on the setting surface 600 of the reagent mounting portion 103 is detected. Figures 6 to 20

[0094] Then, in the controller 21, the carrying parameters of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 are adjusted on the basis of the positions of the ribs 300, 400 detected by the reflection-type sensor 200.

[0095] Further, the sensor 200 can be a device incorporated in the gripping mechanism 106 or can be a detachable device. The detachable structure is not particularly limited, and various publicly known schemes can be adopted. Thus, it becomes very easy to apply the technology of the present application to an existing device.

[0096] In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that the optical axis 201 of the sensor 200 is located at the center of the gripping mechanism 106.

[0097] Here, the sensor 200 can be located at any position of the gripping mechanism 106, but in this case, the distance from the optical axis 201 of the sensor 200 to the center of the gripping mechanism 106 needs to be further reflected as a correction value in the following description.

[0098] Details of the automatic adjustment will be described below using Figures 6 to 12

[0099] First, details of the position adjustment of the reagent disk 9 and the reagent carrying mechanism 101 will be described using Figure 6 Figure 7 is a schematic view showing the ribs of the reagent disk and the reagent mounting portion. Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the X direction of the reagent disk and the gripping mechanism, Figure 9 is a flowchart of automatic adjustment of the position of the gripping mechanism with respect to the reagent disk (in the X direction). Figure 10 ​​​This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the reagent tray and clamping mechanism in the Y direction. Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the automatic adjustment of the position of the reagent tray relative to the clamping mechanism (θ direction). Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the reagent tray and clamping mechanism along the Z direction. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the automatic adjustment of the position of the clamping mechanism relative to the reagent tray (Z direction).

[0100] As a prerequisite, use Figure 6 The structures on the setting surface 500 of the reagent tray 9 and the setting surface 600 of the reagent mounting part 103 will be described.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, in the reagent tray 9, multiple reagent bottles 10 can be arranged concentrically. In the radial direction, starting from the inner circumference, ribs 300a and 300b are provided to set the setting position on the inner circumference, and ribs 300c and 300d are provided to set the setting position on the outer circumference. In addition, in the circumferential direction, ribs 300e and 300f are provided on the inner circumference, and ribs 300g and 300h are provided on the outer circumference. The setting position on the inner circumference is set by ribs 300a, 300e, 300b, and 300f, and the setting position on the outer circumference is set by ribs 300c, 300g, 300d, and 300h.

[0102] Reagent carrying unit 103 Figure 6 The middle section is designed to hold five reagent bottles (10). Figure 6 Starting from the lower middle side, ribs 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e are provided. A wall higher than the height of the rib is provided on the side closer to the depth of rib 400e. Ribs 400f and 400g are provided on the side surfaces of these ribs 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e.

[0103] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 In this process, the moving direction of the reagent carrying unit 103 is set to the X direction, and the moving direction of the clamping mechanism 106 is set to the Y direction. Figure 7 The direction perpendicular to the paper is defined as the Z direction. Additionally, the direction of the rotational component in the X-Y plane is defined as the θ direction.

[0104] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 7 An example of the automatic adjustment of the horizontal position of the reagent tray 9 and the clamping mechanism 106 using the aforementioned sensor 200 will be described.

[0105] Furthermore, the automatic adjustment actions described below are controlled by controller 21.

[0106] First, such asFigure 8 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 9, the reagent disk 9 and the holding mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S120).

[0107] Next, the shutter 113 is opened (step S121). Next, the holding mechanism 106 is operated toward the shutter 113. At this time, in the case where the horizontal drive motor 131 of the holding mechanism 106 is a step motor, the horizontal drive motor 131 is subjected to one pulse drive (step S122), and the presence or absence of detection of the rib 300a is confirmed using the sensor 200 (step S123).

[0108] In the case where detection is not performed, the process returns to step S122, and the horizontal drive motor 131 is subjected to one pulse drive again.

[0109] In the case where detection is performed, the distance a1 from the standby position of the holding mechanism 106 to the rib 300a is grasped and managed by the controller 21 on the basis of the total number of pulses imparted at the time of detection (step S124).

[0110] By repeating the processes of steps S120 to S124, the distance a2 from the standby position of the holding mechanism 106 to the rib 300c can also be grasped.

[0111] Further, in the case where the drive motor is provided with an encoder capable of grasping the rotational speed and the position, by causing the drive motor to operate at a constant speed, the above-described distances a1 and a2 can be grasped, and compared with the step motor, the time until each distance is grasped can be shortened.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, the reagent disk 9 and the holding mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S120). Figure 9 The center positions of the ribs 300a and 300b and the center positions a3 of the ribs 300c and 300d of the reagent bottle 10 are fixed values, and the distance a5 obtained by adding the distance a1 grasped by the processes of steps S120 to S124 to the distance a3 and the distance a6 obtained by adding the distance a2 to the distance a3 are the stop positions of the holding mechanism 106 with respect to the reagent disk 9. Therefore, the controller 21 sets the stop positions a5 and a6 of the holding mechanism 106 with respect to the reagent disk 9 in the X direction (step S125), and closes the shutter 113 (step S126).

[0113] The adjustment of the above-described stop positions a5 and a6 can be completed immediately, or can be performed after a predetermined time elapses, and then, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 21 moves the reagent disk 9 and the holding mechanism 106 to the standby position again (step S130). Figure 10 Figure 9 The adjustment of the above-described stop positions a5 and a6 can be completed immediately, or can be performed after a predetermined time elapses, and then, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 21 moves the reagent disk 9 and the holding mechanism 106 to the standby position again (step S130).

[0114] ​Then, open the opening / closing cover 113 (step S131). Next, move the clamping mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle 10 setting position a5 on the inner circumference side of the reagent tray 9 (step S132). The position moved at this time is the position set in step S125.

[0115] Then, the reagent disk drive motor (illustration omitted) is driven by a pulse (step S133). After rotation, the sensor 200 is used to confirm whether the rib 300e is detected (step S134).

[0116] Furthermore, the reagent tray 9 and the reagent tray drive motor are connected by gears or belts. However, considering the backlash in the gears or belts, the rotation direction of the reagent tray 9 and the reagent tray drive motor is the same as the movement direction of the reagent tray 9 and the reagent tray drive motor toward the standby position.

[0117] If sensor 200 does not detect anything, the process returns to step S133, causing the reagent disk drive motor to perform a one-pulse drive.

[0118] If detected, the distance b1 from the standby position of reagent tray 9 to rib 300e is determined and managed based on the total number of pulses assigned at the time of detection (step S135).

[0119] By applying the actions of these steps S131 to S135 to the reagent bottle 10 setting position a6 on the outer periphery of the reagent tray 9, it is also possible to determine the distance b2 from the standby position of the reagent tray 9 to the rib 300g.

[0120] Furthermore, when the drive motor is equipped with an encoder that can control the speed and position, the aforementioned distances b1 and b2 can be controlled by making the drive motor operate at a constant speed. Compared with a stepper motor, the time required to control each distance can be shortened.

[0121] like Figure 11 As shown, the positions of reagent bottle 10, namely the center positions b3 of ribs 300e and 300f, and b3 of ribs 300g and 300h, are fixed values. The distance b5 (distance b1 minus distance b3) and the distance b6 (distance b2 minus distance b3), obtained through the above actions, are the stopping positions of reagent tray 9 relative to clamping mechanism 106. Therefore, controller 21 sets the stopping positions b5 and b6 of clamping mechanism 106 relative to reagent tray 9 in the θ direction (step S136). Then, the opening / closing cover 113 is closed (step S137).

[0122] Next, below, use Figure 12 and Figure 11 The process of automatically adjusting the vertical position of the reagent tray 9, which uses sensor 200, and the clamping mechanism 106 is explained.

[0123] First, as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 11 the reagent disk 9 and the holding mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S140).

[0124] Then, the shutter 113 is opened (step S141). Next, the holding mechanism 106 is moved to the stop position a5 set in step S125 described above (step S142), and the reagent disk 9 is moved in the horizontal direction to the stop position b5 set in step S136 described above (step S143). Further, the stop position of the holding mechanism 106 can be a6, and the stop position of the reagent disk 9 can be b6.

[0125] Next, the distance cl from the standby position in the vertical direction of the holding mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle setting surface 500 of the reagent disk 9 is grasped using the sensor 200 (step S144). The grasped distance is managed by the controller 21 (step S145).

[0126] As shown in Figures 13 to 18 , in a case where the height of the reagent bottle 10 and the amount of the buffer of the holding mechanism 106 required for hooking the hooking claw 106a to the notch portion of the reagent bottle 10 are added to define c2, the height c3 of the holding mechanism 106 when the reagent bottle 10 is set to the reagent disk 9 and when the reagent bottle 10 is gripped from the reagent disk 9 is a value obtained by subtracting c2 from the distance cl obtained by the above-described sensor, and c3 is the stop position in the vertical direction of the holding mechanism 106. Therefore, the controller 21 sets the stop position c3 in the Z direction of the holding mechanism 106 (step S146). Then, the shutter 113 is closed (step S147).

[0127] Next, an example of the automatic adjustment of the position of the reagent mounting portion 103 and the holding mechanism 106 using the sensor 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 13 .

[0128] Figure 14 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism, Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the automatic adjustment of the position of the reagent mounting portion with respect to the holding mechanism in the Y direction. Figure 16 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the X direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism, Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism with respect to the reagent mounting portion in the X direction. Figure 18 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism, Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism with respect to the reagent mounting portion in the Z direction. is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent mounting portion and the holding mechanism, Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the automatic adjustment of the position of the holding mechanism with respect to the reagent mounting portion in the Z direction.

[0129] First, the flow of automatic adjustment of the horizontal direction position of the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 will be described.

[0130] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S150). Figure 14 Figure 13 As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S150).

[0131] Then, the gripping mechanism 106 is operated toward the direction of the shutter 113, and stopped on the track of the reagent mounting portion 103 (step S151). Further, the stop position of the gripping mechanism 106 is a temporary position that does not reflect the adjustment value.

[0132] Next, in the case where the drive motor 134 of the reagent mounting portion 103 is a step motor, one pulse drive is performed on the drive motor 134 to move the reagent mounting portion 103 closer to the device (step S152), and after the movement, the sensor 200 is used to confirm the detection of the rib 400a (step S153).

[0133] In the case where the detection is not made based on the sensor 200, the processing returns to step S152, and one pulse drive is performed on the drive motor 134.

[0134] In the case where the detection is made, the controller 21 grasps and manages the distance dl from the standby position of the reagent mounting portion 103 to the rib 400a based on the total number of pulses imparted at the time of the detection (step S154).

[0135] By repeating the processing of these steps S151 to S154, the distances d2, d3, d4, and d5 from the standby position of the reagent mounting portion 103 to the ribs 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e can also be grasped.

[0136] Further, in the case where the drive motor is provided with an encoder capable of grasping the rotational speed and the position, by operating the drive motor at a constant speed, the above-described distances dl to d5 can be grasped, and compared to the step motor, the time until each distance is grasped can be shortened.

[0137] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S150). Figure 15 The center distance d6 of the reagent bottle 10, that is, the rib 400a and the rib 400b is a fixed value. The distance d7 after adding the distance d6 to the distance dl grasped by the above-described operation is the stop position of the reagent mounting position of the reagent mounting portion 103 with respect to the gripping mechanism 106. Therefore, the controller 21 sets the stop position d7 of the Y direction of the reagent mounting portion 103 (step S155).

[0138] ​Further, the setting of the stop position described above is also applied to the distances d2, d3, d4, and d5, whereby the stop position can be defined at the other set positions of the reagent mounting portion 103.

[0139] After the adjustment of the stop position in the Y direction of the reagent mounting portion 103 described above is completed, as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 15 the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position (step S160).

[0140] Then, the reagent mounting position of the reagent mounting portion 103 is moved to the stop position d7 described above (step S161). Next, the horizontal drive motor 131 of the gripping mechanism 106 is subjected to one pulse drive, and the gripping mechanism 106 is moved in the direction of the shutter 113 (step S162).

[0141] After the movement, the sensor 200 is used to confirm the detection of the rib 400f (step S163).

[0142] In the case where detection is not made based on the sensor 200, the horizontal drive motor 131 is subjected to one pulse drive again, and the process returns to step S162.

[0143] In the case where detection is made, the controller 21 grasps and manages the distance el from the standby position of the gripping mechanism 106 to the rib 400f based on the total number of pulses imparted at the time of detection (step S164).

[0144] Further, in the case where the drive motor is provided with an encoder capable of grasping the rotational speed and the position, the distance el described above can be grasped by causing the drive motor to operate at a constant speed, and the time until each distance is grasped can be shortened compared to the case of a stepping motor.

[0145] As shown in Figure 17 , the set position of the reagent bottle 10, that is, the distance e2 between the centers of the ribs 400f and 400g is a fixed value. The distance e3 obtained by adding the distance el grasped by the operation described above to the distance e2 is the stop position of the gripping mechanism 106 with respect to the reagent mounting portion 103. Therefore, the controller 21 defines the stop position e3 of the gripping mechanism 106 with respect to the X direction of the reagent mounting portion 103 (step S165).

[0146] Next, an example of automatic adjustment of the position in the vertical direction of the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 using the sensor 200 will be described.

[0147] First, as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 17 , the reagent mounting portion 103 and the gripping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and the operation is started (step S170).

[0148] Then, the reagent carrier 103 is moved to the stop position d7 set in step S155 above (step S171), and the clamping mechanism 106 is moved horizontally to the stop position e3 set in step S165 above (step S172).

[0149] Next, using sensor 200, the distance f1 from the standby position in the vertical direction of clamping mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle setting surface 600 of reagent mounting section 103 is determined (step S173). The determined distance is managed by controller 21 (step S174).

[0150] like Figure 19 As shown, when the height of the reagent bottle 10 and the buffering amount of the clamping mechanism 106 required to hook the hook 106a onto the cut portion of the reagent bottle 10 are defined as f2, the height f3 of the clamping mechanism 106 when the reagent bottle 10 is placed on the reagent mounting part 103 and when the reagent bottle 10 is gripped from the reagent mounting part 103 is the value obtained by subtracting f2 from the distance f1 obtained by the aforementioned sensor, and f3 is the stop position of the clamping mechanism 106 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the controller 21 sets the stop position f3 of the clamping mechanism 106 in the Z direction (step S175).

[0151] In addition, sometimes a conical part is provided on the attached cap 112 of the reagent bottle 10, the needle cleaning tank 108, and the needle drying port 109. Also, sometimes a conical part is provided on the needle 105.

[0152] In this case, even if there is a slight misalignment of the cap 112, needle cleaning groove 108, and needle drying port 109 relative to the horizontal direction of the needle 105, it can be corrected. Therefore, the position adjustment of the cap opening mechanism 104 relative to the horizontal direction of the needle cleaning groove 108 and needle drying port 109 is not necessary, but it can still be performed.

[0153] In addition, sometimes a cushioning material is provided on the needle 105. Therefore, even if there is a slight misalignment of the cap 112, needle cleaning groove 108, and needle drying port 109 relative to the vertical direction of the needle 105, it can be corrected. Therefore, the position adjustment of the cap opening mechanism 104 relative to the vertical direction of the needle cleaning groove 108 and needle drying port 109 is not necessary, but it can still be performed.

[0154] Through the above processing, the horizontal and vertical positions of the reagent tray 9, reagent mounting section 103, and clamping mechanism 106 are adjusted. Adjusting the positions of each mechanism is necessary during device installation and during the removal and installation of mechanisms; however, by using the above-described automatic adjustment, operator time can be eliminated, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time.

[0155] Further, using Figure 20 and Figure 19 An example of automatic adjustment specific to the reagent disk 9 will be described. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view in the Z direction of the reagent disk and the clamping mechanism, Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of confirming the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface 500 of the reagent disk using the clamping mechanism.

[0156] The reagent disk 9 also has the following described problems.

[0157] For example, the reagent disk 9 is generally manufactured by either being integrally formed or by dividing components, but since the shape is large and the support point is only the center of rotation of the reagent disk 9, it is considered that as the gravitational force increases, the reagent bottle setting surface of the reagent disk 9 deforms.

[0158] Since Figure 20 the reagent bottle setting surface 500 of the reagent disk 9 shown in FIG. 8 deforms, it is possible that the reagent dispensing performance of the reagent probes 7a, 8a is affected.

[0159] Specifically, the reagent probes 7a, 8a move while tracing a circular arc with the center of rotation, access the inside of the reagent disk 9 from the suction port 111, and perform dispensing of the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction vessel 2.

[0160] At this time, since the reagent disk 9 deforms, unevenness in the height of each reagent bottle setting surface 500 occurs, and even if the same reagent bottle 10 is used, the height of the liquid surface of each reagent bottle 10 as viewed from the reagent probes 7a, 8a differs, and there is a concern that the reagent dispensing performance is affected. In addition, in the case where the reagent bottle setting surface 500 inclines, there is a concern that the reagent probes 7a, 8a cannot be inserted into the cutout of the cap 112, resulting in bending of the probes and stopping of the device.

[0161] In order to prevent this, it is possible to grasp the unevenness in the height and the inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface 500 using the sensor 200 provided to the clamping mechanism 106.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 9, the reagent disk 9 and the clamping mechanism 106 are moved to the standby position, and adjustment is started (step S180). Figure 2 Then, the shutter 113 is opened (step S181). Next, the reagent disk 9 is moved to b5 (step S182), and the clamping mechanism 106 is moved to a7 (step S183). At this time, the distance gl from the clamping mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle setting surface 500 is grasped using the sensor 200 (step S184).

[0163]

[0164] ​Then, the reagent disk 9 is rotated to a position b7 (omitted for convenience of illustration) that is slightly (e.g., an amount of 1 step) rotated from b5 (step S185), and the gripping mechanism 106 is moved to a8 (step S186). At this time, the distance g2 from the gripping mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle setting surface 500 is grasped using the sensor 200 (step S187).

[0165] Finally, the reagent disk 9 is rotated to a position b8 (omitted for convenience of illustration) that is slightly (e.g., an amount of -1 step) rotated from b5 (step S188). At this time, the distance g3 from the gripping mechanism 106 to the reagent bottle setting surface 500 is grasped using the sensor 200 (step S189). The distances grasped in steps S184, S187, and S189 are managed by the controller 21, and the shutter 113 is closed (step S190).

[0166] In addition, by repeating the above-described operation, the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface 500 at all positions in the reagent disk 9 can be grasped. In this case, in the above-described operation, it is necessary to narrow the range at a position where the reagent disk 9 does not have a reagent bottle 10, for example, in a normal analysis program, and it is possible to check whether the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface are abnormal.

[0167] The height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface 500 are grasped from the distances gl, g2, and g3 obtained as above, and it is determined whether the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface 500 are abnormal (step S191). For example, it is determined by whether the differences between the distances gl, g2, and g3 are all below a predetermined value or the like.

[0168] When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the device issues an alarm, the reagent bottle setting surface 500 is set to be unusable (step S193), and the process ends.

[0169] On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no abnormality, the reagent bottle setting surface 500 is set to be usable (step S192), and the process ends.

[0170] The data such as the horizontal direction position, the vertical direction position of the gripping mechanism 106 of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 with respect to the reagent disk 9 or the reagent mounting portion 103, the height and inclination of the reagent bottle setting surface of the reagent disk 9 obtained above are managed by the controller 21.

[0171] These data can be obtained at every predetermined timing of a normal analysis program operation or at the time of a maintenance operation.

[0172] Further, the controller 21 determines whether or not there is an abnormality or a failure state of the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 based on the data of the temporal change in the distance, and issues an alarm in a case where it is determined that there is an abnormality in a case where the distance deviates from a reference range or exceeds a threshold value, or the like.

[0173] Further, the controller 21 can predict a period in which the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is determined to be abnormal or to be in a failure state based on the temporal change, and issue an alarm.

[0174] As described above, assuming that the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 stops the position change due to deterioration with age or the like, it is possible to predict the life of each component based on the progress of the acquired position data, and issue an alarm.

[0175] Further, at the time of issuing an alarm, it is also possible to change the alarm level according to the amount of deviation from the original position data in the setting of the controller 21.

[0176] For example, if it is the amount of deviation from the range that does not affect the action related to the registration and deletion of the reagent bottle, only a warning alarm is performed, and the device can be used as usual. Next, in a case where the threshold value that affects the action related to the registration and deletion of the reagent bottle 10 is approached, an alarm that recommends replacement of the component is performed, and the device can be used as usual. Finally, in a case where it is determined that there is an influence on the action related to the registration and deletion of the reagent bottle 10, an alarm that stops the registration and deletion function of the reagent is performed, and the function of the automatic loading mechanism 100 is stopped.

[0177] Further, in a case where it is determined that there is an abnormality or a failure state, the controller 21 can stop only the action of the reagent carrying mechanism 101, and issue an alarm that the reagent carrying mechanism 101 stops the transport of the reagent bottle 10. At this time, the other mechanisms can act as usual, and the analysis can be performed as long as the amount of reagent of the reagent bottle 10 set is not empty.

[0178] Further, in a case where there are a plurality of reagent disks 9, it is possible to allow only the carrying of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent disk 9 other than the reagent disk 9 determined to be abnormal, and to stop only the carrying of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent disk 9 determined to be abnormal.

[0179] The above-described checking function of each mechanism is an example, but by providing the above-described checking function, it is possible to check the abnormality of the device, and prevent the abnormal state in which the device is stopped in the analysis or the like.

[0180] In addition, in the position adjustment with respect to the reagent disk 9 described above, it is desirable to change the processing of the measurement result depending on the presence or absence of the reagent bottle 10. For example, it is desirable to take measures such as performing measurement only in the vicinity of the reference member or limiting the measurement result to only the result obtained in the vicinity of the reference member.

[0181] On the other hand, in the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent bottle 10 is basically disposed only at the time of carrying in / out, and thus, in comparison with the reagent disk 9, no particular consideration is required.

[0182] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0183] In the automatic analysis device 1000 of the present embodiment described above, the rib 300 disposed in the reagent disk 9 or the rib 400 disposed in the reagent mounting portion 103, the sensor 200 of the reflection type that detects the ribs 300, 400 disposed in the reagent carrying mechanism 101, and the controller 21 that adjusts the carrying parameter of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 based on the position of the ribs 300, 400 detected by the sensor 200 of the reflection type are provided, and thus, it is possible to automatically grasp the relative positional relationship (horizontal, height) of the mechanism related to the carrying in / out of the reagent bottle and the reagent disk 9 on the device side, and to reflect the adjustment value to each mechanism portion.

[0184] Thus, it is not necessary to perform adjustment of the mechanism portion for each product, and thus, even in the case where misalignment of each mechanism occurs due to manufacturing or degradation of the sliding portion over the years, it is not necessary to perform adjustment using a dedicated jig, and in comparison with the past, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator, and in comparison with the past, it is possible to reduce the cause of stopping of the device. Furthermore, in comparison with the past, it is possible to stably set the reagent bottle 10 normally in the reagent disk 9.

[0185] In addition, the sensor 200 of the reflection type measures the distance from the standby position of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 to the ribs 300, 400 in the horizontal direction, and thus, it is possible to adjust the movement parameter of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the horizontal direction.

[0186] Furthermore, by adjusting the movement amount of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the horizontal direction based on the distance from the standby position to the ribs 300, 400, it is possible to adjust the movement distance of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the horizontal direction without performing manual maintenance or the like, and it is possible to perform stable carrying of the reagent bottle 10.

[0187] In addition, the sensor 200 of the reflection type measures the distance from the standby position of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 to the ribs 300, 400 in the vertical direction, and thus, it is possible to perform adjustment of the movement parameter of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the vertical direction.

[0188] Moreover, the moving distance of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the vertical direction is adjusted based on the distance from the standby position to the ribs 300, 400, so that the moving distance of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 in the vertical direction can be adjusted without performing manual maintenance or the like, and stable carrying of the reagent bottle 10 can be performed.

[0189] In addition, based on the temporal change in the distance from the standby position to the ribs 300, 400 detected by the reflection-type sensor 200, it is determined whether or not the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is abnormal or in a failure state, and thus it is possible to automatically grasp the misalignment due to deterioration with age, and it is possible to take measures to reflect the misalignment in the adjustment value or the like before a failure or the like occurs. Therefore, compared with the past, it is possible to suppress abnormal stop of the device during analysis.

[0190] Moreover, based on the temporal change, the period when the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 becomes abnormal or in a failure state is predicted and determined, and a warning is issued, and thus it is possible to take measures earlier before a failure or the like occurs.

[0191] In addition, in a case where it is determined that at least any one of the reagent mounting portion 103, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is abnormal or in a failure state, only the operation of the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is stopped, and a warning is issued that the carrying of the reagent bottle 10 by the reagent carrying mechanism 101 is stopped, and thus it is possible to avoid immediate stop of analysis, and it is possible to take measures early, and therefore, stable analysis can be performed.

[0192] Moreover, the height and the inclination of the placement surface 500 are found based on the temporal change in the distance from the standby position to the ribs 300 at a plurality of positions, and based on the inclination, it is determined whether or not the reagent disk 9 is abnormal or in a failure state, and thus it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the reagent disk 9 itself is deteriorated with age.

[0193] In addition, based on the temporal change, the period when the reagent disk 9 becomes abnormal or in a failure state is predicted and determined, and a warning is issued, and thus, compared with the past, it is possible to easily suppress a case where the reagent disk 9 itself cannot be used.

[0194] Moreover, in a case where a plurality of reagent disks 9 are present, in a case where it is determined that the reagent disk 9 is abnormal or in a failure state, only the carrying of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent disk 9 other than the reagent disk 9 determined to be abnormal is allowed, and the carrying of the reagent bottle 10 to the reagent disk 9 determined to be abnormal is stopped, and thus it is possible to suppress complete stop of analysis due to only the presence of the reagent disk 9 determined to be abnormal.

[0195] <Other>

[0196] Moreover, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiments are described in detail in order to easily understand the present application, and are not limited to necessarily having all the structures described.

[0197] For example, Figure 2 In the above-described embodiments, an automatic analysis device provided with an automatic loading mechanism 100 for automatically loading the reagent bottle 10 into the reagent disk 9 is described as an example, but the automatic loading mechanism 100 does not necessarily have to be in the form shown in FIG. 1, and as long as there is a portion where the driving shafts intersect at least once, the present application can be applied. ​

[0198] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a case where the sensor is provided on the reagent conveying mechanism 101, and the reference member is provided on the reagent disk 9 or the reagent mounting portion 103 is described, but a case where the sensor 200 is provided on the reagent disk 9 or the reagent mounting portion 103 side instead of the clamping mechanism 106, and the conveying parameters of the reagent conveying mechanism 101 are controlled based on the position of the reference member provided on the reagent conveying mechanism 101 can be adopted. Even in this form, the same effects as the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

[0199] Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, a case where the reference member is the rib 300, 400 that divides the reagent bottle 10 is described, but in addition to the rib 300, 400, at least any one of a mark provided on the reagent conveying mechanism 101, the reagent disk 9, or the reagent mounting portion 103, a concave shape or a convex shape that indicates the position where the reagent bottle 10 is provided can be provided as the reference member, and the same effects can be obtained. In particular, in the case of the reference member being a mark, it can be attached and detached. If it can be attached and detached like this, the present application can be easily applied to existing devices, and as long as it is installed only when adjustment is necessary, it is almost impossible to cause an obstacle to the operation or the like at the time of normal analysis operation or the like.

[0200] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a case where the sensor is a reflection type sensor 200 constituted by the light source 210 and the detector 211 that detects the light emitted from the light source 210 and reflected by the reference member is described, but the sensor can be replaced with at least any one of a camera that photographs the reference member, and a laser displacement meter that measures the distance to the reference member.

[0201] Symbol explanation:

[0202] ​1 - reaction disk, 2 - reaction vessel, 3 - washing mechanism, 4 - spectrophotometer, 4a - light source, 5, 6 - stirring mechanism, 7, 8 - reagent dispensing mechanism, 7a, 8a - reagent probe, 9 - reagent disk (reagent storage section), 10 - reagent bottle, 11 - sample dispensing mechanism, 11a - sample probe, 13 - washing tank, 15 - sample container, 16 - shelf, 17 - sample carrying mechanism, 18 - reagent syringe, 19 - sample syringe, 20 - washing pump, 21 - controller (control section), 21a - display section, 30, 31, 32, 33 - washing tank, 100 - automatic loading mechanism, 101 - reagent carrying mechanism (reagent carrying section), 102 - reagent mounting mechanism, 103 - reagent mounting section, 104 - cap opening mechanism, 105 - needle, 106 - clamping mechanism, 106a - hooking claw, 108 - needle washing tank, 109 - needle drying port, 111 - suction port, 112 - cap, 113 - opening and closing cover, 115 - RFID sensor, 117 - support, 118 - metal plate, 131 - horizontal drive motor, 132 - up and down drive motor, 134 - drive motor, 200 - sensor, 201 - optical axis, 210 - light source, 211 - detector, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f, 300g, 300h - rib (reagent disk), 400, 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e, 400f, 400g - rib (reagent mounting section), 500 - reagent bottle setting surface (reagent disk), 600 - reagent bottle setting surface (reagent mounting section), 900 - gap between rib and reagent bottle, 1000 - automatic analysis device.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, have: The reagent storage section contains reagent bottles that hold reagents that react with the sample. The reagent transport department transports the reagent bottles to the reagent storage department; A reference component is disposed in the reagent storage section and is composed of at least one of a rib that divides the reagent bottle, a concave shape that indicates the position of the reagent bottle, and a convex shape that indicates the position of the reagent bottle. A sensor, disposed in the reagent conveying unit, is composed of at least one of a reflective sensor and a laser displacement meter for measuring the distance to the reference component, and measures the distance from the standby position in the vertical direction of the reagent conveying unit to the reference component. The reflective sensor is composed of a light source and a detector for detecting light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reference component. as well as The control unit adjusts the transport parameters of the reagent transport unit based on the position of the reference component detected by the sensor, and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality or malfunction in the reagent storage unit or the reagent transport unit based on the time-varying distance from the standby position to the reference component detected by the sensor.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reagent loading unit, which has the reference component and the reagent bottle. The reagent conveying unit transports the reagent bottle from the reagent loading unit to the reagent storage unit. The sensor also detects the reference component located in the reagent loading unit.

3. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, have: The reagent carrier is equipped with a reagent bottle containing reagents that react with the sample; The reagent storage department, which stores the aforementioned reagent bottles; A reagent transport unit that transports the reagent bottles from the reagent loading unit to the reagent storage unit; A reference component is disposed on the reagent mounting part and is composed of at least one of a rib that divides the reagent bottle, a concave shape that indicates the position of the reagent bottle, and a convex shape that indicates the position of the reagent bottle. A sensor, disposed in the reagent conveying unit, is composed of at least one of a reflective sensor and a laser displacement meter for measuring the distance to the reference component, and measures the distance from the standby position in the vertical direction of the reagent conveying unit to the reference component. The reflective sensor is composed of a light source and a detector for detecting light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reference component. as well as The control unit adjusts the transport parameters of the reagent transport unit based on the position of the reference component detected by the sensor, and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality or malfunction in the reagent loading unit, the reagent storage unit, or the reagent transport unit based on the time-varying distance from the standby position to the reference component detected by the sensor.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The sensor measures the distance from the standby position in the horizontal direction of the reagent conveying section to the reference component.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit adjusts the horizontal movement of the reagent conveying unit based on the distance from the standby position to the reference component.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The control unit adjusts the vertical movement of the reagent conveying unit based on the distance from the standby position to the reference component.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The control unit predicts and determines the period when the reagent loading unit, the reagent storage unit, or the reagent transport unit will become abnormal or malfunctioning based on the changes over time, and issues an alarm.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, If the control unit determines that at least one of the reagent loading unit, the reagent storage unit, or the reagent transport unit is in an abnormal or malfunctioning state, it will only stop the operation of the reagent transport unit and issue an alarm that the reagent transport unit has stopped transporting the reagent bottle.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The control unit calculates the height and tilt of the reference component based on the time-varying distance from the standby position to the reference component at multiple locations, and determines the abnormal or faulty state of the reagent storage unit based on the tilt.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit predicts and determines the period when the reagent storage section will become abnormal or malfunctioning based on the changes over time, and issues an alarm.

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the presence of multiple reagent storage units, If the control unit determines that the reagent storage section is in an abnormal or faulty state, it only allows the transfer of reagent bottles to reagent storage sections other than the reagent storage section that is determined to be abnormal, and stops the transfer of reagent bottles to the reagent storage section that is determined to be abnormal.

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