Detection device for luminescence analysis and automatic analysis device

Abstract

Provided is a technique whereby a second member provided with a measurement container can be attached to and detached from a first member that holds a photodetector by a simple means so that the photodetector and the measurement container have an appropriate positional relationship. The detection device (200) for luminescence analysis has a photodetector (210) for detecting light generated from a sample to be measured, and is provided with: a cylindrical first member (220) having an insertion hole (221) through which the photodetector (210) is inserted, the cylindrical first member (220) being provided so as to penetrate in the vertical direction; a base substrate (230) provided below the first member (220) in the vertical direction; a second member (250) that has a supply chamber to which a sample is supplied, and that is disposed below the base substrate (230) in the vertical direction; and a third member (260) that comes into contact with the upper surface of the first member (220) around the insertion hole (221) and that has a plurality of claws (263) that slide with respect to the second member (250), the plurality of claws (263) being locked to the second member (250) by rotating the third member (260) in a state in which the third member (260) comes into contact with the upper surface side of the first member (220), and the third member (260) being locked to the second member (250) by rotating the third member (260) in a state in which the third member (260) comes into contact with the upper surface side of the first member (220). The first member (220) and the second member (250) are fixed via a third member (260).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a detection device for luminescence analysis and an automatic analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] Regarding the detection device and automatic analysis device for luminescence analysis, the following technology is disclosed: combining a luminescent matrix with a substance to be measured, introducing a reaction liquid containing the substance into a flow cell serving as a measurement container, and detecting the luminescence emitted when the substance is excited using a photodetector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube), thereby performing quantitative analysis on trace amounts of the substance to be measured (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-149305 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned automated analysis apparatus, to prevent positional misalignment between the measurement container and the photodetector, for example, a first component (photodetector holding component) that holds the photodetector and a second component (measurement container holding component) that houses the measurement container are fixed with screws or the like. By fixing the first and second components with screws or the like, positional misalignment between the photodetector and the measurement container can be suppressed. Therefore, the light-shielding properties of the area surrounded by the flow path within the measurement container and the photodetector are improved, and the reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) during signal measurement by the photodetector can be suppressed.

[0008] However, for example, when the first and second components are secured with screws, the operator needs to use tools to tighten or loosen the screws whenever the measuring container is moved in or out, making the workability low. Furthermore, when using screws for securing the components, human error during tightening can lead to inadequate tightening. If the measuring container is tilted or misaligned relative to the photodetector due to inadequate tightening, insufficient light reception in the photodetector and interference with light incidence may result in abnormal analytical results.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technique that allows for the simple assembly and disassembly of a second component having a measuring container relative to a first component holding a photodetector, so that the photodetector and the measuring container are in a proper positional relationship.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One type of luminescence analysis detection apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems is a luminescence analysis detection apparatus having a photodetector for detecting light generated from a sample that is the object of measurement. It comprises: a cylindrical first component having an insertion hole through-the-vertical direction into which the photodetector is inserted; a base plate disposed on the lower side of the first component in the vertical direction; a second component having a supply chamber for supplying the sample and disposed on the lower side of the base plate in the vertical direction; and a third component abutting against the upper surface of the first component around the insertion hole and having a plurality of claws that slide relative to the second component. The third component is rotated while abutting against the upper surface of the first component, thereby locking the plurality of claws against the second component, and fixing the first component and the second component via the third component.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, a technique can be provided that allows for the simple assembly and disassembly of a second component having a measuring container relative to a first component holding a photodetector, so that the photodetector and the measuring container are in a proper positional relationship. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view schematically illustrating an example of an automatic analysis device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the fixing principle of the luminescence analysis detection device in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a front view showing a modified example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the fixed operation of the luminescence analysis detection device according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a front view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 3.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the fixing principle of the luminescence analysis detection device in Embodiment 3.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed operation of the luminescence analysis detection device in Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following embodiments, for convenience, they are divided into multiple parts or embodiments as needed for description, but unless otherwise explicitly stated, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a variation, detail, supplementary description, etc., of another.

[0027] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when referring to the quantity of elements (including number, value, quantity, range, etc.), it is not limited to that specific quantity, except in cases where it is specifically stated or where it is explicitly limited to a specific quantity in principle. It can be more than a specific quantity or less than a specific quantity.

[0028] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including element steps, etc.) are of course not necessary except in cases where they are specifically stated or where they are obviously considered necessary in principle.

[0029] Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of constituent elements, etc., the references include those that are substantially similar or analogous to their shape, except for cases that are specifically stated or that are obviously not the case in principle. This also applies to the values ​​and ranges mentioned above.

[0030] Furthermore, in all the accompanying drawings used to illustrate the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to label the same parts in principle, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the drawings, shading lines are sometimes used in the top view.

[0031] <About Luminescence Analysis>

[0032] Before describing the detection device and automatic analysis device for luminescence analysis in each embodiment, a brief explanation of luminescence analysis technology will be given.

[0033] Luminescence analysis is one of the methods used for the analysis of trace components. It is generally more sensitive than absorption measurement and is widely used in environmental analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, food analysis, clinical examination, nucleic acid analysis, and other fields. The luminescence referred to here is the emission of light when a substance in an excited state transitions to its ground state.

[0034] Luminescence is classified according to the factors that excite electrons. For example, luminescence caused by thermal excitation of electrons is classified as thermoluminescence, luminescence caused by light irradiation to excite electrons is classified as photoluminescence, and luminescence caused by voltage excitation of electrons is classified as electroluminescence. The luminescence analysis detection device of this embodiment includes a measuring container capable of being applied to luminescence analysis of these various luminescence modes. In the embodiments described below, examples are given of applying the technology of this disclosure to chemiluminescence-based luminescence analysis.

[0035] Chemiluminescence is a form of light emission, which occurs when substances produced by a chemical reaction transition from an excited state to a ground state, releasing light. Bioluminescence in insects, such as fireflies, where enzymes promote chemical reactions, is a type of chemiluminescence.

[0036] In chemiluminescence-based analysis, for example, a solution containing at least one chemiluminescent reagent supplied via a corresponding delivery unit, i.e., a sample, is first supplied to a measuring container to undergo a chemical reaction. Then, a photodetector using a photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier tube or photodiode detects the light emitted from the solution through chemiluminescence within the measuring container. This light is then converted into a current intensity corresponding to the incident light intensity by the photoelectric conversion element, and the luminescence intensity is measured accordingly.

[0037] It should be noted that the emission wavelength of chemiluminescence is typically in the visible light region (350nm–800nm). Therefore, in each embodiment, the wavelength of signal emission is also described as visible light. However, even if the emission wavelength is outside the visible light region, the same effect can be obtained as long as a component with wavelength characteristics is selected.

[0038] (Implementation Method 1)

[0039] <About Automatic Analysis Device>

[0040] Automated analytical apparatuses are devices used to analyze liquid samples from living organisms, such as blood and urine. To analyze these liquid samples with high sensitivity, techniques are needed to selectively identify the analyte from samples containing a large number of coexisting components.

[0041] For example, in immunoassays of samples that use antigens and antibodies from cancer markers, infectious viruses, hormones, etc., as analytical objects, serum contains a large amount of protein components (e.g., about 70 g / L), while the analytical objects are extremely small in quantity, ranging from f (nanopico) mol / L to n (nano) mol / L.

[0042] In the analysis of biological samples requiring high sensitivity, techniques are employed to selectively label and separate the analytes by utilizing substances that selectively bind to the components that are being analyzed.

[0043] For example, in the sandwich method commonly used in immunoassays, the analysis is performed using the steps shown in (1) to (3) below.

[0044] (1) For the antigen of the analyte, a first antibody with magnetic particles and a second antibody with luminescent labeling are mixed and bound together by an antigen-antibody reaction.

[0045] (2) Use permanent magnets to capture magnetic particles and discharge coexisting components that have not been combined with magnetic particles to the outside of the reaction vessel.

[0046] (3) Make the luminescent labeling material bound to the magnetic particles emit light, and measure the luminescence intensity depending on the concentration of the antigen of the analyte.

[0047] <Overall Structure of the Automatic Analysis Device>

[0048] Figure 1 This is a top view schematically illustrating an example of the overall structure of an automated analysis device. (Refer to...) Figure 1 First, the overall structure of the automatic analysis device with a detection device for luminescence analysis will be explained.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic analysis device 100 includes an analysis unit 110, a control unit 130, an input unit 150, and a display device 170. The analysis unit 110 performs analysis operations. The control unit 130 controls the entire device. The input unit 150 receives information input by the user. The display device 170 displays various information. Alternatively, the input unit 150 can also be used in conjunction with the display device 170; for example, a touch panel monitor can be used.

[0050] The analysis unit 110 includes a transport mechanism 111, a sample probe 112, a pipette tip assembly / disassembly unit 113, a pipette tip box 114, a reaction vessel box 115, a pipette tip / reaction vessel transport mechanism 116, a culture vessel (reaction tray) 117, a reagent tray 118, a reagent dispensing probe 119, a reagent probe cleaning unit 120, a magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121, a magnetic particle stirring mechanism cleaning unit 122, a dispensing probe for the detection device 123, and a detection device for luminescence analysis (hereinafter also referred to as the detection device) 200.

[0051] The conveying mechanism 111 is a device that conveys the sample container 124 containing the sample to the sample dispensing position. The sample probe 112 is a device for dispensing the sample. The suction tip assembly 113 is a device for attaching and detaching a disposable suction tip (hereinafter referred to as the suction tip) from the sample probe 112.

[0052] The pipette tip box 114 is a device for supplying pipette tips. The reaction vessel box 115 is a device for supplying reaction vessels. The pipette tip / reaction vessel transport mechanism 116 is a device for transporting pipette tips and reaction vessels.

[0053] The incubator 117 is a device with multiple openings 125 that is capable of maintaining the reaction solution inside the reaction vessel at a constant temperature. The reagent tray 118 is a device for holding the reagent container 126 containing the analytical reagents.

[0054] The reagent dispensing probe 119 is a device for dispensing analytical reagents into the culture vessel 117. The reagent probe cleaning unit 120 is a device for cleaning the reagent dispensing probe 119 with water and cleaning solution.

[0055] The magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121 is a device for stirring analytical reagents containing magnetic particles before dispensing. The magnetic particle stirring mechanism cleaning unit 122 is a device for cleaning the magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121 with water or cleaning solution.

[0056] The detection device 200 is a device for performing luminescence detection. The dispensing probe 123 of the detection device is a device for dispensing the reaction solution into the detection device 200. Multiple bottles, including preparatory bottles, for supplying common reagents such as luminescence reagents, cleaning solutions, and probe cleaning solutions are stored in the automatic analysis device 100, and each reagent is supplied to the corresponding mechanism through reagent tubes inserted into each bottle.

[0057] <Overview of the analysis process of the automatic analysis device>

[0058] Next, a brief overview of the analysis process of the automatic analysis device 100 will be given.

[0059] When the analysis process of the automatic analysis device 100 begins, firstly, the reaction vessel supplied from the reaction vessel box 115 is placed on the incubator 117. On the other hand, the measuring reagent containing magnetic particles is stirred by the magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121, and the magnetic particles are suspended in the reagent container 126.

[0060] Next, the measuring reagent (reaction reagent) containing magnetic particles and the measuring reagent (reaction reagent) containing the first antibody are dispensed into the reaction vessel and mixed using the reagent dispensing probe 119, and then cultured for a constant time.

[0061] Subsequently, the sample container 124 containing the sample is transported to the sample dispensing position via the conveying mechanism 111. The pipette tip is then attached to the sample probe 112 in the pipette tip dispensing section 113, through which the sample probe 112 dispenses the sample into the reaction vessel on the incubator 117. Next, a measuring reagent containing a second antibody is dispensed into the reaction vessel via the reagent dispensing probe 119, and a constant-time incubation is performed.

[0062] The liquid in the reaction vessel is dispensed by the detection device using the dispensing probe 123 into the measuring container installed in the detection device 200, where luminescence analysis is performed. The measurement results obtained from the luminescence analysis are displayed on the display device 170. Furthermore, the measuring container installed in the detection device 200 is replaced periodically due to deterioration or other reasons.

[0063] <About the detection device>

[0064] Next, the detection device 200, which is a detection device for luminescence analysis, will be described. Figure 2 This is a front view showing an example of the luminescence analysis detection device of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the luminescence analysis detection device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA-line sectional view, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 BB line section view.

[0065] The detection device (luminescence analysis detection device) 200 is used, for example, in fields such as clinical examination, nucleic acid analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, food analysis, or environmental analysis.

[0066] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the detection device 200 of Embodiment 1 includes a photodetector 210, a photodetector holding member 220 as a first component, a substrate 230, a measuring container 240 and a measuring container holding member 250 as a second component, and a fixing member 260 as a third component.

[0067] The photodetector holding member 220 is disposed on the upper side of the substrate 230 in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure), and the measurement container 240 and the measurement container holding member 250 are disposed on the lower side of the substrate 230 in the vertical direction. Details will be described later. These photodetector holding members 220, measurement container 240, and measurement container holding members 250 are fixed relative to the substrate 230 by the fixing member 260.

[0068] The photodetector 210 is a sensor that detects light emitted from the sample supplied to the measuring container 240; examples include photomultiplier tubes and photodiodes. In this example, a photomultiplier tube is used as the photodetector 210. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, an electrical signal detection processing circuit for extracting the electrical signal from the photodetector 210 is connected to the photodetector 210.

[0069] The photodetector holding member 220 is a component for holding the photodetector 210 and has an insertion hole 221 for inserting the photodetector 210. That is, the photodetector holding member 220 is a cylindrical component with the insertion hole 221 formed therein. The insertion hole 221 is a space with a generally circular opening shape, extending through the photodetector holding member 220 along its length. The photodetector holding member 220 is arranged such that its length direction is along the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure).

[0070] At the lower end of the photodetector holding component 220 ( Figure 2 The lower end in the Z direction is provided with a large-diameter portion 222, which is larger than the other parts of the photodetector holding member 220. The photodetector holding member 220 is positioned and fixed to the substrate 230 in the state where the large-diameter portion 222 abuts against the substrate 230.

[0071] The substrate 230 is a substrate that positions and fixes the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250, and is disposed between the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250.

[0072] The substrate 230 has a connecting hole 231 having an opening diameter approximately the same as the insertion hole 221 of the photodetector holding member 220 and communicating with the insertion hole 221. The photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 are positioned and fixed such that the connecting hole 231 overlaps with the insertion hole 221 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the photodetector 210 is held by the photodetector holding member 220 when it is inserted into the connecting hole 231 along with the insertion hole 221. These insertion holes 221 and connecting holes 231 can also be said to constitute a holding portion for holding the photodetector 210.

[0073] In this way, the photodetector 210 is inserted into the insertion hole 221 and the connecting hole 231, and the photodetector 210 is surrounded by the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230, thereby preventing unwanted external light from entering the photodetector 210 and becoming noise light during measurement. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 is preferably subjected to an matte finish or a blackening finish, or both. This allows for more effective attenuation of unwanted external light (stray light) relative to the photodetector 210. Additionally, the substrate 230 is preferably subjected to the same finish.

[0074] Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 can also be used to mechanically connect the light emission analysis detection device 200 to an external analysis device (not shown). In this embodiment, the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 are composed of different components, but they can also be integrally formed. That is, the substrate 230 can also be part of the photodetector holding member 220, which is the first component.

[0075] The measuring container 240 is, for example, a circular plate-shaped component, and has a supply chamber 241 for supplying the sample to be measured. This supply chamber 241 is also the part that causes the supplied sample to emit light. The measuring container 240 is disposed on the lower side of the substrate 230 in the vertical direction, held in place by the measuring container holding member 250. In this embodiment, the measuring container 240 has a diameter of approximately 30 mm, and the sample is placed in the supply chamber 241 during luminescence analysis.

[0076] The measuring container holding member 250 is a member that holds the measuring container 240 and has a space for accommodating the measuring container 240, namely the storage part 251. When the measuring container 240 is housed in the storage part 251, the measuring container holding member 250 is positioned and fixed relative to the base plate 230.

[0077] Furthermore, the measuring container 240 is disposed in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure) in the region opposite to the through hole 231 of the substrate 230. In other words, the measuring container 240 is disposed opposite to the photodetector 210 held by the photodetector holding member 220 in the Z direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the structure of the measuring container 240 and the measuring container holding member 250 is not particularly limited. For example, the measuring container holding member 250 may also serve as the measuring container 240. As an example, a flow path that functions as a supply chamber 241 may be formed in the measuring container holding member 250, to which the sample is continuously supplied.

[0079] Examples of components formed by the measuring container 240 and the measuring container holding component 250 include flow cells for immunoassays used in clinical examinations and nucleic acid microarrays (DNA pipette tips) for nucleic acid analysis.

[0080] Furthermore, the measuring container holding member 250 can be used to mechanically connect the intraluminescence analysis detection device to an external analysis device (not shown). For example, the function of the measuring container holding member 250 can be to facilitate temperature adjustment by thermally connecting the measuring container 240 to an external temperature adjustment device (not shown) for high-precision analysis. In this case, materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, are preferably used as the material for the measuring container holding member 250.

[0081] In addition, in order to efficiently detect luminescence while adjusting the temperature of the measuring container 240, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the measuring container holding member 250 preferably covers the "side" and "at least a portion of the outer periphery of the upper surface" of the measuring container 240. The outer periphery of the upper surface of the measuring container 240 refers to the outer periphery of the upper surface, i.e., the surface opposite to the photodetector 210. Additionally, as another purpose of the measuring container holding member 250 covering a portion of the measuring container 240, protection of the measuring container 240 can be cited. Furthermore, as another purpose, it can be cited to prevent unwanted external light from entering the photodetector 210 through the measuring container 240 during measurement, thus preventing it from becoming noise light.

[0082] To efficiently attenuate unwanted light emanating from the outside, the measuring container holding member 250 is preferably subjected to a matte finish and a black coating. In this embodiment, the measuring container holding member 250 is made of aluminum and is subjected to a matte finish and a black coating.

[0083] The fixing member 260 is a member for fixing the measuring container holding member 250 in a position relative to the substrate 230. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing member 260 fixes the photodetector holding member 220 in a position relative to the substrate 230. In other words, the fixing member 260 is a member for fixing the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 to the measuring container holding member 250 in a positioned state.

[0084] <Fixed Structure>

[0085] The following describes the fixing structure of the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, and the measuring container holding member 250 using the fixing member 260.

[0086] The measuring container holding member 250 is provided with cylindrical protrusions 252 that protrude from the upper surface of the measuring container holding member 250 toward the photodetector holding member 220. In this embodiment, the cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided in a vertically upward manner. The cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided at two points symmetrical with respect to the center of the measuring container 240 (the center of the receiving portion 251). These two cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided at 180-degree intervals around the receiving portion 251 of the measuring container holding member 250. Each cylindrical protrusion 252 is fitted into a fitting hole 232 provided on the base plate 230. That is, the base plate 230 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 232 (two in this embodiment) corresponding to each cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0087] Each cylindrical protrusion 252 has a length (height) protruding to the upper surface side of the substrate 230, i.e., the side of the photodetector holding member 220. A groove 253 is provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of each cylindrical protrusion 252 on the upper surface side of the substrate 230. This groove 253 extends along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical protrusion 252. In this embodiment, the groove 253 is formed throughout the entire circumference of the cylindrical protrusion 252. The measuring container holding member 250 is positioned and fixed relative to the substrate 230 by the claw 263 of the fixing member 260 (described later) entering this groove 253. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 is positioned and fixed relative to the substrate 230.

[0088] Alternatively, a fitting structure for positioning the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 can be provided. For example, a protrusion protruding towards the other can be provided on one of the photodetector holding member 220 or the substrate 230, and a recess for fitting the protrusion can be provided on the other. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 can also be pre-positioned and fixed by a means different from that of the fixing member 260.

[0089] Here, the cylindrical protrusion 252 of the measuring container holding member 250 and the fitting hole 232 of the base plate 230 are formed with arbitrary fitting tolerances to match the positioning accuracy required by the measuring container holding member 250. That is, the measuring container holding member 250 is positioned relative to the base plate 230 by the cylindrical protrusion 252 fitting into the fitting hole 232.

[0090] Therefore, the measurement container holding member 250 holding the measurement container 240 can be positioned relative to the substrate 230 in a position that allows for good reproduction. For example, when changing the measurement container 240, the measurement container holding member 250 holding the measurement container 240 can be positioned relative to the substrate 230 with high precision.

[0091] In this embodiment, the cylindrical protrusion 252 is composed of other components that can be separated from the measuring container holding member 250. As an example, each cylindrical protrusion 252 and the measuring container holding member 250 are fixed to each other by an internal thread provided on the measuring container holding member 250 and an external thread provided on one end of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0092] The material of the cylindrical protrusion 252 can be any material, as long as it is not a material with a significantly low elastic modulus like rubber. In this embodiment, stainless steel is used as the material of the cylindrical protrusion 252, but resins such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyamide (PA) can also be used, for example.

[0093] Furthermore, the cylindrical protrusion 252 can be provided in such a way that it protrudes from the upper surface of the measuring container holding member 250 to the upper surface of the base plate 230, and its structure is not particularly limited. The cylindrical protrusion 252 can be fastened to the measuring container holding member 250 by pressing, hot pressing, or other means. Alternatively, it can be integrally formed with the measuring container holding member 250 by means of cutting, forming, or other methods.

[0094] Alternatively, the front end of the cylindrical protrusion 252 can be machined into a conical or spherical surface to facilitate insertion into the fitting hole 232 of the substrate 230. Additionally, a sliding coating of a fluorine-based resin or similar material can be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0095] When the cylindrical protrusion 252 is configured to be separable from the measuring container holding member 250, it is preferable to have a shape such as a D-shaped cut, a groove, or a cross groove machined on a portion of the outer periphery of the cylindrical protrusion 252. This facilitates the installation of the cylindrical protrusion 252 onto the measuring container holding member 250.

[0096] The fixing member 260 is a planar member with a generally circular shape, and a through hole 261 is formed at its center through which the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted. This through hole 261 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 222 of the photodetector holding member 220. Therefore, when the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted into the through hole 261, the lower surface of the fixing member 260 abuts against the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 222. The fixing member 260 is configured to rotate in this state. As an example, the fixing member 260 has an annular portion 262 that is rotatably disposed around the outer periphery of the photodetector holding member 220.

[0097] Furthermore, the fixing member 260 has a claw portion 263 protruding horizontally on the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. In this embodiment, the claw portion 263 is formed with a thickness thinner than that of the ring portion 262. The claw portion 263 is provided corresponding to each cylindrical protrusion 252 in such a way that it enters the groove 253 of each cylindrical protrusion 252 by rotating the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262). That is, the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 are similarly arranged at two points symmetrical about the center of the measuring container 240.

[0098] More specifically, a wall portion 264 protruding from the lower surface of the ring portion 262 toward the base plate 230 is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. In this embodiment, the fixing member 260 is provided at two locations symmetrical about the center point of the measuring container 240. The two wall portions 264 are continuously provided along the outer periphery of the ring portion 262 within a 90-degree range. In other words, the two wall portions 264 are provided at 90-degree intervals on the outer periphery of the ring portion 262.

[0099] Furthermore, a claw portion 263 is provided on the lower end face 264a of the wall portion 264. Also, two claw portions 263 are continuously provided along the outer periphery of the ring portion 262 within a 90-degree range.

[0100] Here, the lower end surface 264a of each wall portion 264 becomes a helical surface about the center of the insertion hole 261. In other words, the claw portion 263 is arranged about the center of the insertion hole 261 on the helical surface of the wall portion 264 protruding from the ring portion 262. As a result, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is arranged as a helical surface. In addition, a helical surface refers to a surface that is curved into an arc shape and whose height changes continuously. In the following description, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is sometimes also referred to as the helical surface 263a.

[0101] Furthermore, the upper surfaces 263a of the two claws 263 do not form a continuous helical surface, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the two claws 263 must be positioned in a left-right symmetrical direction. That is, the two claws 263 need to be configured such that when the fixing member 260 is rotated 180 degrees, one claw 263 is in the position of the other claw 263.

[0102] Here, the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 is preferably formed by making the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 by means of making the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 ... Figure 3 The surface shown is formed by the continuous variation of horizontal line segments along the chord in any vertical section, but in practical use, the helical surface 263a can also be a surface approximated by circular arcs or splines.

[0103] The upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw 263 contacts the side surface (upper surface) 253a of the groove 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252, which is a horizontal surface. However, in the structure of this embodiment, the inclination of the helical surface 263a is small. Therefore, the claw 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 deform within the elastic region of the material and contact each other in approximately parallel.

[0104] Furthermore, since the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is a helical surface, as the fixing member 260 rotates, the claw portion 263 slides against the cylindrical protrusion 252, and the contact position between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 moves vertically upward. That is, the measuring container holding member 250 holding the measuring container 240 is pushed upward in the vertical direction. As a result, the measuring container holding member 250 is pressed against the lower surface of the base plate 230. Thus, the measuring container holding member 250 is positioned and fixed relative to the base plate 230.

[0105] On the other hand, as the fixing member 260 rotates, it is pressed against the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 222 of the photodetector holding member 220. As a result, the photodetector holding member 220 is pressed against the upper surface of the substrate 230. Thus, the photodetector holding member 220 is positioned and fixed relative to the substrate 230. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220, which is disposed across the substrate 230, is fixed to the measurement container holding member 250 via the fixing member 260.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The state in which the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 are fixed will be described in more detail. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the fixing principle of the detection device. Figure 3 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the contact portion between the claw 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252, with the lead angle α of the helical surface 263a emphasized for illustration. Additionally, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the fixed operation of the detection device.

[0107] like Figure 5As shown, the cylindrical protrusion 252 experiences a load component N perpendicular to the helical surface 263a and a frictional force μN along the helical surface 263a due to the torque generated when the operator rotates the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262). The load N moves vertically upwards through the contact portion 270 between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 as the fixing member 260 rotates, mainly due to the reaction force generated by the wall portion 264 (ring portion 262) with the claw portion 263 and the elongation of the cylindrical protrusion 252. That is, the relationship between the rotation angle of the fixing member 260 when it is rotated with the claw portion 263 in contact with the cylindrical protrusion 252 and the load N is determined by the elastic modulus of the materials of the fixing member 260 and the cylindrical protrusion 252. For example, when a material with a low modulus of elasticity (such as polyacetal) is used for the fixing part 260 (ring 262), and a material with a high modulus of elasticity (stainless steel) is used, the load N of the fixing part 260 at the same rotation angle is smaller when a material with a low modulus of elasticity is used.

[0108] Furthermore, the resultant force of these vertical components, Ncosα + μNsinα, acts as the vertical load F of the cylindrical protrusion 252, becoming the clamping force of the measuring container holding member 250. Therefore, with the same load N, the smaller the lead angle α of the helical surface 263a, the greater the vertical load F. As a result, the clamping force between the cylindrical protrusion 252 and the claw 263 increases, improving the light-shielding performance of the photodetector 210 when fixing the measuring container holding member 250 to the substrate 230.

[0109] However, if the lead of the helical surface 263a (the distance the helix advances in one revolution) is reduced, the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measuring container holding member 250 relative to the base plate 230 increases. Therefore, if the lead of the helical surface 263a is made too small, the operation becomes complicated, thus defeating the purpose of this disclosure.

[0110] On the other hand, when the outer diameter of the helical surface 263a is small, in order to prevent the rotation of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measuring container holding member 250 relative to the base plate 230 from increasing excessively, the lead angle α needs to be increased. Therefore, the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 and the inner surface (upper surface) of the groove portion 253 are disengaged from a nearly parallel state. Furthermore, the claw portion 263 may not be able to slide relative to the inner surface of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0111] With this in mind, it is preferable to determine the lead of the helical surface 263a. For example, it is preferable to determine the lead of the helical surface 263a so that the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260 (ring 262) required to fix the measuring container holding member 250 relative to the base plate 230 is within a range that will not become practically complicated. As an example, it is preferable to set the outer diameter of the helical surface 263a to 65 mm, the lead to about 4 mm, and the rotation range of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measuring container holding member 250 relative to the base plate 230 to less than 90 degrees. In this case, the lead angle α is 1.1 degrees, and the height difference between the two ends of the helical surface 263a in the longitudinal direction is about 1 mm.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the fixed state of the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230 and the measuring container holding member 250, which are achieved by rotating the fixing member 260, is maintained by the frictional force in the contact portion 270 between the cylindrical protrusion 252 and the claw portion 263, but the above-mentioned fixing state maintenance mechanism is not limited to this.

[0113] For example, a retaining screw with a handle can be provided on the outer periphery of the ring portion 262 to maintain the fixed state of the fixing member 260 and the photodetector holding member 220. Alternatively, a ball plug can be provided on one of the components of the ring portion 262 and the photodetector holding member 220, and a hole for ball engagement can be provided on the other component. In this way, the fixing member 260 is held at a specific angle, and the fixed state of the fixing member 260 and the photodetector holding member 220 is maintained. As a result, the fixed state of the measuring container holding member 250 and the substrate 230 is also maintained.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the claw portion 263 is provided on the lower end face 264a of the wall portion 264. Therefore, the dimensional error of the cylindrical protrusion 252 can be absorbed by the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260. That is, even if there is a dimensional error in the cylindrical protrusion 252, the measuring container holding member 250 and the like can be properly and reproducibly fixed by the fixing member 260.

[0115] For example, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the cylindrical protrusion 252 is longer than the length illustrated. In this case, the position where the claw 263 begins to contact the groove 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 moves to the left in the figure. In other words, the rotation angle (circumferential angle) from when the fixing member 260 begins to rotate to the right until the claw 263 begins to contact the groove 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 is greater than... Figure 2 The examples are numerous.

[0116] However, since the lead angle of the helical surface 263a is constant, the fixing component 260 can be tightened with the desired torque as long as it is within the movable range of the ring portion 262, that is, within the range where the claw portion 263 is provided in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 262, regardless of the ring angle at which the two begin to contact.

[0117] Thus, in the detection apparatus 200 of this embodiment, even if there are some dimensional errors in the constituent parts, the measuring container holding member 250 and the like can be fixed with the required clamping force, resulting in good reproducibility. That is, in the detection apparatus 200 of this embodiment, even if there are dimensional errors in the constituent parts, the measuring container holding member 250 and the like can be positioned and fixed with high precision relative to the base plate 230.

[0118] Furthermore, the fixing component 260 can be manufactured, for example, by cutting, forming, or three-dimensional modeling. Additionally, in the case of the fixing component 260 in this embodiment, it can also be manufactured by cutting using a multi-functional machining center.

[0119] In this embodiment, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 (wall portion 264) constituting the fixing member 260 are separate components that can be fastened with screws, but they can also be integrated. For example, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 can also be integrally manufactured by methods such as cutting, forming, welding, or three-dimensional modeling.

[0120] Both the ring portion 262 and the claw portion 263 have advantages, whether they are separate, independent components or integrated components. The claw portion 263 is a component that slides relative to the cylindrical protrusion 252. Therefore, by using other components that can be separated from the ring portion 262, it is possible to perform local replacement for wear and other deterioration that occurs during use.

[0121] On the other hand, when the two are integrated, the number of parts is reduced, thus having the advantage of cost reduction. Furthermore, the claw 263 is a part that bears concentrated loads from the cylindrical protrusion 252, so it is necessary to conduct a study on the risk of damage. However, when integrated with the ring 262, the risk of damage to the claw 263 is reduced.

[0122] It should be noted that, according to the technical objectives of this disclosure, the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) can, of course, be rotated by the operator's hand without the use of tools. Furthermore, the fixing member 260 can be formed into any shape as long as it has a horizontally protruding claw portion 263 that rotates around the outer periphery of the photodetector holding member 220 and enters the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. For example, as... Figure 6As shown, the fixing member 260 may also have a handle 265 provided on the upper surface of the ring portion 262. Alternatively, for example, the fixing member 260 may be made in the shape of the ring portion 262 itself to function as a handle. This improves the operator's operability of the fixing member 260.

[0123] Furthermore, the materials of the ring portion 262 and the claw portion 263 constituting the fixing member 260 can be arbitrarily selected as long as they are not materials with a significantly low modulus of elasticity, such as rubber. For example, the ring portion 262 is formed of polyamide, and the claw portion 263 is formed of stainless steel. Polyamide is known to have relatively high tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and wear resistance among resin materials, and it also has self-lubricating properties. Therefore, it is a preferred material for the ring portion 262, which rotates around the light detector and is subjected to a fastening force from the cylindrical protrusion 252. Stainless steel has excellent mechanical strength, so it is difficult to deform even when subjected to concentrated loads from the cylindrical protrusion 252 in a thin-walled shape like the claw portion 263, and it also has excellent wear resistance. Therefore, it is a preferred material for the claw portion 263.

[0124] In addition, in the above structure, in order to quantitatively identify the rotation angle of the fixing member 260 (ring 262), or to identify whether the measuring container holding member 250 and the like are properly fixed relative to the base plate 230, markings, scales, etc. (not shown) may be marked on the outer periphery of the base plate 230 and the ring 262 of the fixing member 260.

[0125] In addition, to improve the sliding properties of the fixed component 260 when rotating around the photodetector holding component 220, sliding coatings, sliding strips, washers, bearings, etc. (not shown) may be provided at the contact portion between the ring portion 262 and the photodetector holding component 220, such as the upper surface of the large diameter portion 222, the lower surface of the ring portion 262, and the inner surface of the through hole 261.

[0126] <Fixed Action>

[0127] Next, use Figure 7 Sections (a) to (c) describe the fixing action of the fixed part 260 on the measuring container holding part 250, etc. Figure 7 (a) to (c) are perspective views illustrating the fixing action of the fixed component on the measuring container holding component, etc. Additionally, in Figure 7 In order to make the main parts easier to understand, the illustrations of the base plate 230 and other components that are not important in the description are omitted.

[0128] In more detail, Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing the state before the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, the measuring container holding member 250, and the fixing member 260 are assembled and the fixing member 260 is rotated. Figure 7 (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the fixing member 260 is rotated until the cylindrical protrusion 252 begins to contact the claw 263. Figure 7 (c) is a diagram showing the state in which the fixing member 260 is further rotated with any torque after the cylindrical protrusion 252 contacts the claw 263, thereby fixing the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230 and the measuring container holding member 250 by the fixing member 260.

[0129] First, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, the measurement container holding member 250, and the fixing member 260 are assembled. As described above, the cylindrical protrusion 252 of the measurement container holding member 250 is fitted into the fitting hole 232 of the substrate 230 (see reference). Figure 3 Additionally, a fixing member 260 (ring 262) is disposed around the photodetector holding member 220 disposed on the substrate 230. That is, the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted into the insertion hole 261 of the fixing member 260. At this time, the cylindrical protrusion 252 is disposed between the two wall portions 264 in such a way that the claw portion 263 does not interfere with the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0130] Next, as Figure 7 As shown in (b), the fixing member 260 is rotated counterclockwise. As a result, the claw 263 enters the groove 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. As described above, since the upper surface 263a of the claw 263 is a helical surface, as the fixing member 260 rotates, the gap between the side surface (upper surface) of the groove 253 and the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw 263 gradually decreases, and the claw 263 begins to contact the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0131] After that, as Figure 7 As shown in (c), if the fixing member 260 is rotated further with any torque, the claw 263 slides within the groove 253, and the cylindrical protrusion 252 is subjected to a load that pulls it vertically upward. Furthermore, when the torque is balanced with the frictional force at the contact point between the claw 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252, the rotation of the fixing member 260 stops, and the measuring container holding member 250 and the like are fixed to the base plate 230. That is, the measuring container holding member 250 and the like are fixed to the base plate 230 by the claw 263 engaging the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0132] As explained above, in the detection apparatus 200 of this embodiment, the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in a position with good reproduction by a simple means without using tools for disassembly and assembly. In other words, the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250 can be positioned and fixed with high precision relative to the substrate 230.

[0133] The detection apparatus 200 of Embodiments 2 and 3 will be described below as variations of the structure of the detection apparatus for luminescence analysis. Furthermore, in Embodiments 2 and 3, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in the figures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0134] (Implementation Method 2)

[0135] Figure 8 This is a front view illustrating the structure of the detection device in Embodiment 2. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 CC section view.

[0136] In Embodiment 1, a structure is illustrated in which the fixing member 260 has a claw portion 263 protruding inward in a generally horizontal direction from the outer periphery of the ring portion 262, but as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in Embodiment 2, the fixing member 260 has a claw portion 263 that protrudes outward in a generally horizontal direction from the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. Furthermore, the upper surface 263a of this claw portion 263 is a helical surface. In other words, the detection device 200 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the helical surface 263a is provided on the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262.

[0137] Unlike in Embodiment 1, the fixing member 260 in Embodiment 2 does not have a wall portion, and the claw portion 263 protrudes from the lower end of the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262 toward the outside of the ring portion 262. Furthermore, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is machined into a helical surface. For example, the claw portion 263 is formed such that its thickness gradually increases in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 262, resulting in the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 becoming a helical surface.

[0138] Furthermore, the claw portion 263 can be manufactured, for example, by cutting, forming, or three-dimensional modeling. In the case of the fixing member 260 in this embodiment, it can also be manufactured by cutting using a composite machining center. Additionally, the cylindrical protrusion 252 provided on the measuring container holding member 250 is formed to a predetermined length according to the position of the claw portion 263 in the Z direction. Figure 8In this example, compared to the example of Embodiment 1, the position of the claw portion 263 is located away from the base substrate 230 in the Z direction. Therefore, the length of the cylindrical protrusion 252 is longer than that of Embodiment 1, and a groove portion 253 is formed at the position corresponding to the claw portion 263.

[0139] Furthermore, the fixing operation of the measuring container holding member 250 and the like in Embodiment 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1, so the description here is omitted.

[0140] In this embodiment, the protruding direction of the claw portion 263 is the outer diameter direction of the ring portion 262, so the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 can be machined into a helical surface. For example, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 can be easily integrally formed by cutting.

[0141] As described above, in the structure of the detection device 200 of Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in a position with good reproduction by a simple means without using tools for assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, by providing the claw portion 263 on the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262, the fixing member 260 can be miniaturized, thereby reducing costs.

[0142] (Implementation Method 3)

[0143] Reference Figures 10-12 The detection device of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0144] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the detection device according to Embodiment 3. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the fixing principle of the detection device in Embodiment 3. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed operation of the detection device in Embodiment 3. Furthermore, in Figure 10 as well as Figure 12 In, with Figure 3 The same reference numerals denote the same parts, therefore, further description is omitted. Additionally, Figure 12 (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the cylindrical protrusion 252 of the measuring container holding member 250 is fitted into the fitting hole 232 of the base plate 230. Figure 12 (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the fixed part 260 is rotated.

[0145] As described above, in Embodiment 1, an example is shown where the upper surface (spiral surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 of the fixing member 260 contacts the side surface (upper surface) of the groove portion 253 provided in the cylindrical protrusion 252, thereby fixing the measuring container holding member 250 and the like relative to the base substrate 230. In contrast, in Embodiment 3, an example is shown where the measuring container holding member 250 and the like are fixed relative to the base substrate 230 by the front end surface 263b of the claw portion 263 of the fixing member 260 contacting the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 provided in the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0146] In other words, in Embodiment 1, when the fixing member 260 is rotated, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263, which is a helical surface, contacts the upper surface 253a of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252, which is a planar surface. Conversely, in Embodiment 3, when the fixing member 260 is rotated, the front end surface 263b of the claw portion 263, which is a composite surface of a vortex and a cone, contacts the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252, which is a conical surface.

[0147] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the claw portion 263 is formed from a component different from the ring portion 262, but in this embodiment, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 are integrally formed. Of course, the claw portion 263 in this embodiment may also be composed of a component different from the ring portion 262.

[0148] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, in any vertical section, the front end face 263b of the claw 263 becomes a straight line with a constant inclination, becoming an inclined surface facing obliquely upward. More specifically, the front end face 263b of the claw 263 becomes an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 relative to the line segment along the vertical direction (Z direction) facing upward.

[0149] On the other hand, the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 also forms a straight line with a constant inclination in the vertical section, becoming an inclined surface facing downwards. More specifically, the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 becomes an inclined surface that is inclined downwards at a predetermined angle θ1 relative to the line segment along the vertical direction (Z direction). That is, the front end surface 263b of the claw 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 are approximately parallel surfaces. The bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 can also be said to constitute the lateral surface (conical surface) of a cone with its apex at the lower side in the Z direction.

[0150] Furthermore, such as Figure 11As shown, the planar projection of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 becomes a curve whose inner diameter changes monotonically as a function of angle, i.e., a vortex shape. The planar projection of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 is a vortex shape with the center of the ring portion 262 as the axis. Examples of vortices include algebraic spirals and logarithmic spirals, which can generally be generated through computer-aided design (CAD).

[0151] In addition, Figure 11 In order to easily understand the shape of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263, which is a composite surface, the rate of change of the inner diameter is emphasized. However, in practical use, the rate of change of the inner diameter of the claw portion 263 can be greater than... Figure 11 Examples of minute rates of change. The method for determining the rate of change can be the same as the method for determining the lead of the helical surface 263a in Embodiment 1.

[0152] Thus, the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 becomes a composite surface of a cone and a vortex. The inclination θ1 of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 in any vertical section is constant at any point in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 262, and is the same inclination as the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the upper surface of the claw 263 differs from that in Embodiment 1; instead of being an inclined surface, it is a horizontal surface, just like the lower surface.

[0153] Furthermore, the planar projection of the front end face 263b of the claw 263 is preferably a curve whose radius is defined as a function of the angle, as described above. However, in practical applications, it can also be approximated by circular arcs or splines, either partially or entirely. Moreover, claws 263 of this shape can be manufactured using cutting methods, forming methods, three-dimensional modeling methods, etc.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is illustrated as a helical surface, thereby the gap between the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 and the inner surface (upper surface) 253a of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 changes in the vertical direction as the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) rotates.

[0155] On the other hand, in embodiment 3, the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 becomes a composite surface as described above, thereby, with the rotation of the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262), the distance between the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 changes in the horizontal direction.

[0156] In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the claw portion 263 is configured such that the position (height) of its upper surface 263a varies in the vertical direction in any vertical cross-section. In contrast, the claw portion 263 of Embodiment 3 is configured such that the inner diameter of the claw portion 263 varies in the horizontal direction in any vertical cross-section. That is, in Embodiment 3, the position of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 varies in the horizontal direction in any vertical cross-section.

[0157] Even with the claw portion 263 configured in this way, the measuring container holding portion 250 and the like can be positioned and fixed with high precision relative to the base plate 230 by means of the fixing portion 260.

[0158] Next, the fixing operation of the fixing member 260 on the measuring container holding member 250, etc., will be explained. First, as Figure 11 As shown by the imaginary line, the cylindrical protrusion 252 is positioned near the end of the wall portion 264 (the end on the front side in the rotational direction of the fixing member), i.e., the first position P1. In this state, as... Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown in (a), the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 is separated from the bottom face 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. That is, the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 are arranged with a gap between them.

[0159] By rotating the fixed part 260 (ring 262) from this state, as Figure 11 As shown, the cylindrical protrusion 252 moves relative to the second position P2. During this movement, the inner diameter D1 of the claw portion 263 gradually decreases, that is, the position of the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263 moves in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the gap between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 narrows. Moreover, with the cylindrical protrusion 252 positioned in the second position P2, the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 contacts the front end face 263b of the claw portion 263.

[0160] Furthermore, if the fixing member 260 is rotated with any torque, the front end face 263b of the claw 263 is pressed against the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253. The load on the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 from the front end face 263b of the claw acts in the vertical direction due to the inclination of the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 and the front end face 263b of the claw 263, generating a load that pulls the cylindrical protrusion 252 vertically upward. That is, a load that pulls the measuring container holding member 250 vertically upward is generated. Then, at the moment when the torque that rotates the fixing member 260 is balanced by the frictional force at the contact portion of the front end face 263b of the claw 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253, the rotation of the fixing member 260 stops, and the measuring container holding member 250 is fixed to the base plate 230.

[0161] As explained above, according to the structure of this embodiment, and similarly to the embodiments described above, the photodetector holding member 220, the substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in a position with good reproduction by a simple means without using tools for disassembly and assembly.

[0162] Furthermore, the detection device 200 described in the above embodiments can fix the measuring container in a reproducible position by a simple means without using tools for disassembly and assembly, thus enabling the rapid replacement of the measuring container 240. Consequently, the reproducibility of the setting position of the measuring container 240 is good, which helps to reduce the deviation of the analysis results.

[0163] Furthermore, in the structure of Embodiment 3, the planar projection of the front end face 263b of the claw 263 is preferably a curve whose radius is defined as a function of the angle, as described above, but it is not limited to this. The front end face 263b of the claw 263 only needs to be formed into a curved surface that can generate a load that pulls the cylindrical protrusion 252 up in the vertical direction when the fixing member 260 is rotated, as the claw 263 slides in the groove 253.

[0164] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, the front end surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 are illustrated as inclined surfaces tilted at a predetermined angle θ1, but the structures are not limited to this. For example, the tilt angles of the front end surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 do not necessarily have to be the same. Additionally, either the front end surface 263b of the claw portion 263 or the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 may be an inclined surface. In this case, the photodetector holding member 220 and the substrate 230 can also be fixed to the measurement container holding member 250.

[0165] (Other implementation methods)

[0166] The technology of this disclosure has been specifically described above based on various embodiments, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0167] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are embodiments that have been explained in detail for the purpose of easily understanding the technology disclosed herein, and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described.

[0168] Furthermore, it is possible to replace a portion of the structure of a certain embodiment with the structure of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add structures of other embodiments to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, regarding a portion of the structure of each embodiment, it is possible to add, delete, or replace other structures.

[0169] Symbol Explanation

[0170] 100—Automatic analysis device; 110—Analysis unit; 111—Transfer mechanism; 112—Sample probe; 113—Pipette tip assembly / disassembly unit; 114—Pipette tip box; 115—Reaction vessel box; 116—Pipette tip / reaction vessel transfer mechanism; 117—Culturer; 118—Reagent tray; 119—Reagent dispensing probe; 120—Reagent probe cleaning unit; 121—Magnetic particle stirring mechanism; 122—Magnetic particle stirring mechanism cleaning unit; 123—Dispensing probe for detection device; 124—Sample container; 125—Opening; 126—Reagent container; 130—Control unit; 150—Input unit; 1 70—Display device; 200—Detection device for luminescence analysis (detection device); 210—Photodetector; 220—Photodetector holding member (first member); 221—Insertion hole; 222—Large diameter portion; 230—Base plate; 240—Measuring container; 241—Supply chamber; 250—Measuring container holding member (second member); 251—Storage portion; 252—Cylindrical protrusion (protrusion portion); 253—Gutter portion; 260—Fixing member (third member); 261—Through hole; 262—Ring portion; 263—Claw portion; 264—Wall portion; 265—Handle; 270—Contact portion. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. (Modified) A detection apparatus for luminescence analysis, comprising a photodetector for detecting light emitted from a sample that is the object of measurement. The detection device for luminescence analysis is characterized by having: A cylindrical first component having an insertion hole that extends vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; A base plate is disposed on the lower side of the first component in the vertical direction; The second component has a supply chamber for supplying the sample and is disposed on the lower side of the substrate in the vertical direction; and The third component abuts against the upper surface of the first component around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claws that slide relative to the second component. The third component is rotated so that it abuts against the upper surface of the first component, thereby locking the plurality of claws into the second component, and fixing the first component and the second component together via the third component. The second component has a plurality of cylindrical protrusions arranged on the same circumference around the supply chamber and protruding toward the first component. Each protrusion has a groove extending in the circumferential direction of its outer peripheral surface. The third component has a ring portion disposed around the first component, and the plurality of claw portions are provided protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion toward the protrusion portion. When the third component is rotated, the plurality of claws respectively enter the groove of each protrusion, thereby locking the claws into the second component. 2. (Delete) 3. (Modified) The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the claw is a helical surface. When the third component is rotated, the upper surface of the claw slides relative to the upper surface of the groove, thereby locking the claw onto the second component. 4. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third component has a plurality of wall portions protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion toward the base plate side. The lower end face of the wall is a spiral surface. The claw portion is disposed on the lower end face of the wall portion. 5. (Modified) The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate has fitting holes where the protrusions fit together. The plurality of claws are engaged with the second component on the side closer to the first component than the base plate. 6. (Modified) The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end face of the claw is formed into a vortex shape in the horizontal direction. When the third component is rotated, the front end face of the claw slides relative to the bottom surface of the groove, thereby locking the claw onto the second component. 7. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front end face of the claw is an inclined surface facing upwards. 8. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the groove is an inclined surface facing downwards. 9. (Revised) An automatic analysis device, comprising: A reagent dispensing probe dispenses reaction reagents into the reaction vessel. A detection device for luminescence analysis, which has a photodetector for detecting light generated from a sample that is the object of measurement; The detection device uses a dispensing probe to dispense the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel as a sample into the luminescent analysis detection device; and A display device that displays the measurement results obtained by the light emission analysis detection device. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The detection device for luminescence analysis includes: A cylindrical first component having an insertion hole that extends vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; A base plate is disposed on the lower side of the first component in the vertical direction; The second component has a supply chamber for supplying the sample and is disposed on the lower side of the substrate in the vertical direction; and The third component abuts against the upper surface of the first component around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claws that slide relative to the second component. The third component is rotated so that it abuts against the upper surface of the first component, thereby locking the plurality of claws into the second component, and fixing the first component and the second component together via the third component. The second component has a plurality of cylindrical protrusions arranged on the same circumference around the supply chamber and protruding toward the first component. Each protrusion has a groove extending in the circumferential direction of its outer peripheral surface. The third component has a ring portion disposed around the first component, and the plurality of claw portions are provided protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion toward the protrusion portion. When the third component is rotated, the plurality of claws respectively enter the groove of each protrusion, thereby locking the claws into the second component.

Claims

1. A detection device for luminescence analysis, comprising a photodetector for detecting light emitted from a sample that is the object of measurement. The detection device for luminescence analysis is characterized by having: A cylindrical first component having an insertion hole that extends vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; A base plate is disposed on the lower side of the first component in the vertical direction; The second component has a supply chamber for supplying the sample and is disposed on the lower side of the substrate in the vertical direction. as well as The third component abuts against the upper surface of the first component around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claws that slide relative to the second component. The third component is rotated so that it abuts against the upper surface of the first component, thereby locking the plurality of claws onto the second component and fixing the first component and the second component together via the third component.

2. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component has a plurality of cylindrical protrusions arranged on the same circumference around the supply chamber and protruding toward the first component. Each protrusion has a groove extending in the circumferential direction of its outer peripheral surface. The third component has a ring portion disposed around the first component, and the plurality of claw portions are provided protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion toward the protrusion portion. When the third component is rotated, the plurality of claws respectively enter the groove of each protrusion, thereby locking the claws into the second component.

3. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the claw is a helical surface. When the third component is rotated, the upper surface of the claw slides relative to the upper surface of the groove, thereby locking the claw onto the second component.

4. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third component has a plurality of wall portions protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion toward the base plate side. The lower end face of the wall is a spiral surface. The claw portion is disposed on the lower end face of the wall portion.

5. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The substrate has fitting holes where the protrusions fit together. The plurality of claws are engaged with the second component on the side closer to the first component than the base plate.

6. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front end face of the claw is formed into a vortex shape in the horizontal direction. When the third component is rotated, the front end face of the claw slides relative to the bottom surface of the groove, thereby locking the claw onto the second component.

7. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front end face of the claw is an inclined surface facing upwards.

8. The detection device for luminescence analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the groove is an inclined surface facing downwards.

9. An automatic analysis device, comprising: A reagent dispensing probe dispenses reaction reagents into the reaction vessel. A detection device for luminescence analysis, which has a photodetector for detecting light generated from a sample that is the object of measurement; The detection device uses a dispensing probe to dispense the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel as a sample into the luminescent analysis detection device; and A display device that displays the measurement results obtained by the light emission analysis detection device. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The detection device for luminescence analysis includes: A cylindrical first component having an insertion hole that extends vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; A base plate is disposed on the lower side of the first component in the vertical direction; The second component has a supply chamber for supplying the sample and is disposed on the lower side of the substrate in the vertical direction. as well as The third component abuts against the upper surface of the first component around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claws that slide relative to the second component. The third component is rotated so that it abuts against the upper surface of the first component, thereby locking the plurality of claws onto the second component and fixing the first component and the second component together via the third component.

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