Automatic analysis device and dispensing method thereof

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that reduces residues between liquids and achieves high dispensing accuracy. To this end, this automatic analysis device is provided with: a dispensing mechanism that dispenses a sample housed in a sample container or a reagent housed in a reagent container into a reaction container by operating a syringe connected to a nozzle; and a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism, the control unit performing a discharge operation for operating the syringe in a discharge direction after the dispensing mechanism sucks the sample or the reagent and before the dispensing mechanism discharges the sample or the reagent into the reaction container, the discharge operation including: a first discharge operation for discharging the sample or the reagent into the reaction container, and a second discharge operation for discharging the sample or the reagent into the reaction container; the operation is performed in a state in which the nozzle is located at the position of the sample container or the reagent container; and a second discharge operation performed midway when the nozzle moves from the position of the sample container or the reagent container to the position of the reaction container, the amount of operation of the syringe in the first discharge operation being smaller than the amount of operation of the syringe in the second discharge operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic analysis device and its dispensing method. Background Technology

[0002] An automated analytical apparatus for analyzing biological samples such as blood and urine includes a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a liquid containing the sample and reagents into a reaction container. The dispensing mechanism aspirates or dispenses liquid by actuating a syringe connected to a nozzle. Here, because gaps (backlash) exist at the connections of the various mechanical parts constituting the syringe, a small amount of idling occurs when the syringe's direction of motion is reversed. Therefore, for example, a syringe action (backlash removal action) is needed to eliminate idling before dispensing the liquid aspirated by the dispensing mechanism into the reaction container. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following: after the sample probe descends to the position of the sample container and aspirates the sample from the sample container, a backlash removal action is performed at the position of the sample container to dispense the sample from the sample probe (paragraph 0038). Figure 6 wait).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-174318 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] After the sample probe attracts the sample, as a backlash removal action, the syringe is moved in the discharge direction to eliminate syringe idling. Then, as the syringe continues to move in the discharge direction, the sample within the sample probe is expelled. The expelled sample at this time contains not only the sample to be dispensed this time, but also a small amount of the sample from the previous dispensing. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, even when the backlash removal action is performed only when the sample probe is in the sample container, it is impossible to ignore the sample from the previous dispensing. Furthermore, with each repeated dispensing, the sample from the previous dispensing accumulates and is expelled back into the sample container, potentially reducing dispensing accuracy.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the following problem, and its object is to provide an automatic analysis device and dispensing method for reducing liquid residues and achieving high dispensing accuracy.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention comprises: a dispensing mechanism that operates via a syringe connected to a nozzle to dispense a sample contained in a sample container or a reagent contained in a reagent container into a reaction container; and a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism to perform a dispensing action that moves the syringe in a dispensing direction after the dispensing mechanism has attracted the sample or the reagent and before it is discharged into the reaction container, wherein the dispensing action comprises: a first dispensing action performed when the nozzle is located in the sample container or the reagent container; and a second dispensing action performed midway through the movement of the nozzle from the position of the sample container or the reagent container to the position of the reaction container, wherein the amount of movement of the syringe in the first dispensing action is less than the amount of movement of the syringe in the second dispensing action.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, an automatic analysis device and its dispensing method can be provided to reduce liquid residues and achieve high dispensing accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram that roughly represents the overall structure of the automatic analysis device.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a top view that roughly represents the main structure of the automatic analysis device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram that roughly represents the flow path structure of the sample dispensing mechanism.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automated analysis device for the comparative example.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the mechanism of residues from the pre-examiner remaining inside the nozzle.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 7A This is a table representing the values ​​of the first discharge action amount and the second discharge action amount set in the comparative example and Example 1.

[0020] Figure 7B This is a graph showing the average residual rates between specimens in the comparative examples and Example 1.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automatic analysis device of Example 2.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the changes in nozzle cleaning methods. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] (Overall structure of the automatic analysis device)

[0025] An automated analysis device is a device that dispenses samples (examines) such as blood and urine and reagents into a reaction vessel 2, allows them to react, and measures the liquid produced after the reaction. Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram that roughly represents the overall structure of the automatic analysis device. Figure 2 It is a top view that roughly shows the main structure of the automatic analysis device. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic analysis device consists of a sample conveying mechanism 8, a reagent tray 3, a reaction tray 1, a sample dispensing mechanism 9, reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13, a stirring mechanism 17 and 18, a spectrophotometer 16 (measuring unit), a cleaning mechanism 15, and a control unit 24.

[0026] On the reaction plate 1, reaction containers 2 are arranged in a circumferential pattern. Each reaction container 2 is a container for holding a mixture of sample and reagent, and multiple containers are arranged on the reaction plate 1. Near the reaction plate 1, a sample transport mechanism 8 is arranged to transport sample holders 7 carrying multiple sample containers 6 containing the sample to be analyzed. The reaction containers 2 are immersed in a reaction bath 5 filled with a thermally conductive medium (e.g., constant-temperature water) maintained at a temperature of, for example, 37 degrees Celsius. Figure 2 The constant temperature water circulates in the reaction tank 5, so that the temperature of the reaction vessel 2 is always maintained at 37 degrees.

[0027] The reagent tray 3 can hold multiple reagent bottles 4 (reagent containers) containing reagents for analysis on its circumference, and also functions as a cold storage for keeping the reagent bottles 4 cold.

[0028] A sample dispensing mechanism 9 for dispensing samples from the sample container 6 to the reaction container 2 is disposed between the reaction plate 1 and the sample conveying mechanism 8. The sample dispensing mechanism 9 is capable of horizontal rotation and vertical movement, and has a sample nozzle 10 with its front end facing downwards. Within the working range of the sample dispensing mechanism 9, a cleaning tank 19 for cleaning the sample nozzle 10 with cleaning water is disposed. Additionally, reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13 for dispensing reagents from the reagent bottle 4 to the reaction container 2 are disposed between the reaction plate 1 and the reagent plate 3. The reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13 are capable of horizontal rotation and vertical movement, and each has a reagent nozzle 12 and 14 with its front end facing downwards. Within the working range of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13, cleaning tanks 20 and 21 for cleaning the reagent nozzles 12 and 14 with cleaning water are disposed.

[0029] Stirring mechanisms 17 and 18 are arranged around the reaction dish 1. A spectrophotometer 16 (see reference) measures the absorbance of the reaction liquid by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source (not shown) through the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 2. Figure 2 ), cleaning mechanism 15 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 2, etc.

[0030] The stirring mechanisms 17 and 18 are capable of rotating horizontally and moving vertically, and are inserted into the reaction vessel 2 to stir the mixture (reaction solution) of the sample and reagent. Within the working range of the stirring mechanisms 17 and 18, cleaning tanks 22 and 23 are provided for cleaning the stirring mechanisms 17 and 18 with cleaning water.

[0031] The control unit 24, comprised of a computer or similar components, controls the operations of each mechanism constituting the automatic analysis device and performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In order to simplify the illustration, the connection relationship between the various mechanisms constituting the automatic analysis device and the control unit 24 is omitted.

[0032] In the automated analysis apparatus configured as described above, the analysis process generally follows this procedure. First, the control unit 24 dispenses the sample from the sample container 6, which is transported by the sample transport mechanism 8 to the reaction container 2 on the reaction plate 1, through the sample nozzle 10 of the sample dispensing mechanism 9. Then, the control unit 24 cleans the sample nozzle 10 in the cleaning tank 19. Next, the control unit 24 dispenses the reagent from the reagent bottle 4 on the reagent plate 3 through the reagent nozzles 12 and 14 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13 into the reaction container 2, which has already been dispensed with the sample. Then, the control unit 24 cleans the reagent nozzles 12 and 14 in the cleaning tanks 20 and 21.

[0033] Next, the control unit 24 stirs the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2 using stirring mechanisms 17 and 18. Then, the control unit 24 transmits light generated from the light source through the reaction vessel 2 containing the mixture, and measures the luminosity of the transmitted light using a spectrophotometer 16. The luminosity information measured by the spectrophotometer 16 is transmitted to the control unit 24 via an A / D converter and an interface. Then, the control unit 24 calculates the concentration of a predetermined component of the analysis item based on the received luminosity information, and displays the calculation results on a display unit (not shown) or stores them in a storage unit (not shown).

[0034] (Structure of the dispensing mechanism)

[0035] Next, based on Figure 3 The structure of the dispensing mechanism will be explained in detail below. The following explanation uses the sample dispensing mechanism 9 as an example, but the same applies to the reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow path structure of the sample dispensing mechanism. The sample dispensing mechanism 9 mainly includes a sample nozzle 10 and a syringe 28. By actuating the syringe 28 connected to the sample nozzle 10, the sample in the sample container 6 is dispensed into the reaction container 2. Here, a plunger 30 is provided in the syringe 28, and a motor 31 is connected to the plunger 30. Then, the motor 31 drives the plunger 30, thereby drawing or dispensing the sample to be dispensed from the sample nozzle 10.

[0036] Additionally, a flow path from the sample nozzle 10 through the syringe 28, solenoid valve 29, and delivery pump 26 to the water supply pump 25 is formed by a tube 27, and the flow path is filled with system water. System water refers to water used for pressure transmission, etc., and is usually purified water such as ion-exchanged water. When cleaning the inside of the sample nozzle 10, the solenoid valve 29 is opened, and the system water (cleaning water) supplied from the water supply pump 25 is discharged from the front end of the sample nozzle 10.

[0037] When dispensing the sample using the sample dispensing mechanism 9, firstly, the solenoid valve 29 is kept closed, and the sample nozzle 10 moves to the position where it draws the sample from the sample container 6 (sample drawing position). Next, with the tip of the sample nozzle 10 reaching the liquid surface of the sample, the plunger 30 is driven in the drawing direction, thereby introducing the sample into the sample nozzle 10. Afterward, the sample nozzle 10 moves to the position where it discharges the sample into the reaction container 2 (sample discharge position), and in this state, the plunger 30 is driven in the discharge direction, thereby discharging the sample into the reaction container 2. Furthermore, after dispensing the sample using the sample dispensing mechanism 9, the sample nozzle 10 moves to the cleaning tank 19 for internal and external cleaning of the sample nozzle 10.

[0038] Next, the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism 9 will be described in detail.

[0039] (Comparative example of note-taking method)

[0040] First, as a comparative example, based on Figure 4 The sample dispensing method in conventional automated analysis devices is explained. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automated analysis device for the comparative example.

[0041] First, in step S1, with the sample nozzle 10 in the position of the cleaning tank 19, the control unit 24 supplies system water through the liquid delivery pump 26 to perform inner and outer cleaning of the sample nozzle 10.

[0042] Next, in step S2, while the sample nozzle 10 is moving from the position of the cleaning tank 19 to the position of the sample container 6 (sample suction position), the control unit 24 causes the syringe 28 to move in the suction direction to attract segmented air. Segmented air refers to the air that separates the system water from the sample, which serves to prevent the sample from coming into contact with the system water during sample suction and thus diluting the sample concentration.

[0043] Next, the sample nozzle 10 descends to the sample aspiration position. In step S3, with the sample nozzle 10 immersed in the liquid surface of the sample container 6, the control unit 24 causes the syringe 28 to move in the aspiration direction, aspirating a predetermined amount of sample. The aspiration amount of the syringe 28 in step S3 is the required measurement amount a + dummy amount b + sufficient backlash removal amount c. The required measurement amount a refers to the amount of sample required for the measurement in this test item. The dummy amount b refers to the amount of sample extraly aspirated to mitigate the dilution effect caused by system water in the sample nozzle 10.

[0044] The sufficient amount of needle clearance c refers to the sufficient amount of syringe action required to clear the needle clearance of syringe 28.

[0045] Furthermore, backlash refers to the gaps existing in the connecting parts of the various mechanical components that make up the syringe. Backlash removal refers to the action of eliminating the slight free spin caused by these gaps when the syringe's direction of operation is reversed. However, the actual backlash amount (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "actual backlash amount") c' of a syringe varies from syringe to syringe and may not necessarily match the theoretical value of the backlash amount estimated based on the syringe's design values. Therefore, the sufficient backlash removal amount c is set as a value obtained by adding a margin to the theoretical value of the backlash amount, for example, approximately twice the theoretical value.

[0046] Next, after step S3, in step S4, with the sample nozzle 10 immersed in the liquid surface of the sample container 6, the control unit 24 moves the syringe 28 in the discharge direction. The discharge amount of the syringe 28 in step S4 is a sufficient amount of backlash removal c, which is larger than the actual backlash amount c', thus reliably removing the backlash of the syringe 28. Therefore, in step S4, after the backlash is completely removed, a portion of the sample attracted in step S3 (specifically, an amount equivalent to c-c') is returned to the sample container 6.

[0047] Next, after the sample nozzle 10 rises, it moves towards the cleaning tank 19. In step S5, the control unit 24 supplies system water via the liquid delivery pump 26 to clean the outside of the sample nozzle 10. Alternatively, step S5 is sometimes omitted.

[0048] Next, when the sample nozzle 10 moves to the position of the reaction vessel 2 and the tip of the sample nozzle descends to the bottom of the reaction vessel 2, in step S6, the control unit 24 causes the syringe 28 to move again in the discharge direction. The discharge amount of the syringe 28 in step S6 is the measurement required amount a.

[0049] Furthermore, the direction of movement of syringe 28 in step S6 is the same as its previous direction of movement, namely the discharge direction in step S4, so there is no need to consider the tooth gap.

[0050] Next, if there are no other testing requests for the sample after the sample nozzle 10 moves to the cleaning tank 19, in step S7, the control unit 24 discharges the virtual amount of sample from the sample nozzle 10 and returns to step S1.

[0051] (The mechanism of residue between liquids)

[0052] Here, we explain the mechanism of residue between liquids carried over from the first dispensed liquid to the next. The following explanation uses the case where the liquid is a sample as an example, but the same applies when the liquid is a reagent. There are two main reasons for sample residue. The first reason is that some of the sample adhering to the outside of the nozzle may not be completely removed even after cleaning the outside of the nozzle, and thus remain, mixing into the next liquid. The second reason is that some of the sample adhering to the inside of the nozzle may not be completely removed even after cleaning the inside of the nozzle, and thus remain, mixing into the next sample. The following explanation uses... Figure 5 The second reason will be explained in detail.

[0053] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the mechanism of residue from the pre-detector remaining inside the nozzle. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5As shown, after the pre-sample dispensing is completed, the virtual amount of pre-sample located inside the nozzle is discharged in the cleaning tank, and the inside of the nozzle is cleaned by cleaning water. However, because a small amount of pre-sample remains inside the nozzle due to incomplete cleaning, when the next sample is drawn, the inside of the nozzle is in a state where not only the next sample but also a trace amount of pre-sample remains. In this state, if a backlash removal operation is performed, the pre-sample and the next sample are returned together to the sample container holding the next sample. Even assuming that the amount of pre-sample returned to the sample container in one backlash removal operation is small, if dispensing is repeated and the number of backlash removal operations increases, sometimes the pre-sample returned to the sample container may also accumulate, and the impact on dispensing accuracy cannot be ignored.

[0054] Here, as a method to suppress pre-sample residue, extending the cleaning time or increasing the cleaning water volume (per unit time) is considered to improve the cleaning effect. However, extending the cleaning time may reduce the processing capacity of the automated analyzer, and increasing the water pressure to increase the cleaning water volume is not structurally easy for the device. In addition, in the case of special cleaning using detergents, which is different from the usual cleaning using system water, extra actions are required, which may also reduce the processing capacity of the automated analyzer. Moreover, as another method to suppress pre-sample residue, reducing the area of ​​sample adhesion (contamination range) itself is considered. However, the contamination range inside the nozzle depends on the amount of sample attracted, and it is difficult to reduce it uniformly regardless of the measured item.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the residue of pre-sample remaining inside the nozzle, the amount of sample discharged and regurgitated into the sample container during the movement of the nozzle from the sample container to the reaction container is reduced. Two embodiments are given below to illustrate the specific details of the dispensing method.

[0056] (Example 1)

[0057] In Example 1, similar to the Comparative Example, after the dispensing mechanism attracts the sample and before it is discharged into the reaction vessel, the syringe discharge action, including the tooth gap removal action, is performed. However, unlike the Comparative Example, the discharge action is performed in two steps. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0058] Steps S11, S12, S13, S16 and S17 are the same as steps S1, S2, S3, S6 and S7 of the comparative example, respectively.

[0059] Step S14 is the first discharge action performed with the sample nozzle 10 positioned in the sample container 6. In this step S14, similar to step S4 in the comparative example, with the sample nozzle 10 immersed in the liquid surface of the sample container 6, the control unit 24 moves the syringe 28 in the discharge direction. However, the discharge amount of the syringe 28 in step S14 differs from that in the comparative example; it is a first discharge amount d1, which is less than the sufficient backlash removal amount c. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid regurgitated into the sample container 6 and also reduce the amount of pre-analyte contained in the liquid.

[0060] Next, step S15 is the second discharge operation performed with the sample nozzle 10 positioned in the cleaning tank 19. The discharge amount of the syringe 28 in step S15 is the second discharge amount d2, and the sum of the first discharge amount d1 and the second discharge amount d2 is set to the aforementioned sufficient backlash removal amount c. Therefore, at the end of the second discharge operation in step S15, the backlash of the syringe 28 is reliably removed. Furthermore, in step S15, the cleaning of the outer side of the sample nozzle 10 is performed in parallel with the second discharge operation. However, the outer cleaning time is longer than the second discharge operation time, and during the second discharge operation, the cleaning water continuously impacts the sample nozzle 10 from the start to the end of the sample discharge. If the sample is discharged without the cleaning water impacting the tip of the sample nozzle 10, the sample may scatter. To further suppress sample scattering, it is preferable that the sample nozzle 10 stops during the second discharge operation.

[0061] In this embodiment, by making the first discharge action amount d1 smaller than the second discharge action amount d2, the residue suppression effect is improved. Furthermore, considering only the residue suppression effect, the proportion of the first discharge action amount d1 can be further reduced, and the proportion of the second discharge action amount d2 can be further increased. Here, the sample nozzle 10 approaches the cleaning tank 19 midway from the sample container 6 to the reaction container 2 to perform the second discharge action. However, to maintain the processing capacity of the automatic analysis device, the time for approaching the cleaning tank 19 is limited. For example, if the time that can be stopped in the cleaning tank 19 is, for example, 60 ms, considering the pressure response delay of the syringe 28, the time allocated to the second discharge action is less than 40 ms. Therefore, when the proportion of the second discharge action amount d2 is too large, it is sometimes difficult to complete the second discharge action and external cleaning within 40 ms. In this case, during the first discharge action, a certain degree of discharge action needs to be completed beforehand. Depending on the magnitude of the first discharge action amount d1, until the first discharge action ends, the actual tooth gap of the syringe 28 is removed, and a portion (d1-c') of the sample is returned to the sample container 6. However, compared to the comparative example, the amount of regurgitation into the sample container 6 can be reduced, thus suppressing residue.

[0062] Furthermore, as a method to complete the second discharge action within the limited time that the sample nozzle 10 is in the cleaning tank 19, it is also considered to move the syringe 28 at a high speed during the second discharge action. However, if the syringe 28 moves too fast, it is possible that more sample than intended will be discharged due to pressure pulsation, affecting the dispensing accuracy. Therefore, the movement speed of the syringe 28 in the second discharge action is preferably set to the slowest speed in the entire dispensing action (the same speed as when aspirating segmented air in step S12). For example, if the syringe 28 discharges the sample at a resolution of 0.02 μL / pulse and a speed of 1000 pulses / second, the amount of the second discharge action d2 that can be performed in 40 ms is 0.8 μL.

[0063] On the other hand, if there is sufficient time for the sample nozzle 10 to approach the cleaning tank 19 in step S15, the first discharge action amount d1 can be further reduced. Therefore, if the first discharge action amount d1 is set to be less than the theoretical value of the backlash amount estimated based on the syringe design value (the lower limit of the theoretical value is determined by individual differences when there is a range), the backlash of the syringe 28 can be retained even at the end of the first discharge action. Thus, the amount of backflow into the sample container 6 during the first discharge action becomes essentially zero, further suppressing residue.

[0064] In this case, the tooth gap is removed midway through the second discharge action, after which the sample is discharged from the sample nozzle 10.

[0065] Next, use Figure 7A and Figure 7B The effects of Example 1 will be explained. Figure 7A This is a table showing the values ​​of the first and second discharge action amounts set in the comparative example and Example 1. Figure 7B This is a graph showing the average inter-sample residual rate in the comparative examples and Example 1. Furthermore, in the comparative examples, the syringe ejection action, including the gap-removal action, performed before discharge into the reaction vessel was considered a single ejection action; however, for convenience, it was divided into a first ejection action and a second ejection action, with the amount of the second ejection action set to zero. Additionally, the inter-sample residual rate indicates the proportion of the target component of sample A carried into sample B when the preceding sample is set as a high-concentration contaminated sample A and the next sample is set as a low-concentration contaminated sample B.

[0066] like Figure 7A As shown, when the first discharge action amount in the comparative example is set to X, in Example 1, the first discharge action amount is X / 7, and the second discharge action amount is 6X / 7. That is, in Example 1, the first discharge action amount is reduced to one-seventh of that in the comparative example. The result is as follows... Figure 7BAs shown, in Example 1, the inter-sample residue rate was reduced by 65% ​​compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, the reduction rate of inter-sample residue varied depending on conditions such as the initial concentration of the contaminated sample, its viscosity, and the temperature of the measurement environment. Thus, according to Example 1, the amount of sample regurgitated into the sample container can be suppressed, thereby reducing the residue from the sample remaining inside the nozzle, enabling an automated analysis device with high dispensing accuracy.

[0067] (Example 2)

[0068] Example 2 is an example in which the first discharge action amount in Example 1 is set to zero. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the sequence of sample dispensing operations in the automatic analysis device of Example 2.

[0069] Steps S21, S22, S23, S26 and S27 are the same as steps S11, S12, S13, S16 and S17 in Embodiment 1, respectively.

[0070] In step S24, the first discharge action quantity d1' is zero, so the first discharge action is not performed.

[0071] Next, in step S25, a second discharge action is performed. The amount of the second discharge action d2' in Example 2 is larger than the amount of the second discharge action d2 in Example 1, and is the same as the amount of tooth gap removal c.

[0072] According to Example 2, the sample is not regurgitated into the sample container, thus making the residue from the sample remaining inside the nozzle substantially zero, enabling an automated analysis device with higher dispensing accuracy. However, in Example 2, due to the increased amount of the second discharge action, there is a time margin when the sample nozzle 10 approaches the cleaning tank 19.

[0073] (Postscript)

[0074] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications and combinations. For example, while the embodiments suppress residues during sample dispensing, they can also be applied to reagent dispensing.

[0075] In addition, in various embodiments, the outer side of the sample nozzle 10 is cleaned with cleaning water in parallel with the second discharge action, but this cleaning can also be performed by other methods. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the changes in nozzle cleaning methods. For example... Figure 9 As shown, cleaning methods other than cleaning water include methods using air blowers and methods using vacuum suction.

[0076] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the second discharge action is performed at the location of the cleaning tank 19. However, it can also be performed at a location other than the cleaning tank 19, as long as the sample nozzle 10 moves from the sample container 6 to the reaction container 2. Additionally, the second discharge action can be composed of multiple actions performed when the nozzle is in different positions. For example, in the first half of the second discharge action, the nozzle tip can be cleaned with cleaning water at the location of the cleaning tank 19. Then, the nozzle can be moved to the blower position, and in the second half of the second discharge action, residual cleaning water adhering to the nozzle can be removed by vacuum suction. In this way, by combining multiple cleaning methods, the dispensing accuracy can be made more stable.

[0077] Symbol Explanation

[0078] 1…Reaction tray, 2…Reaction container, 3…Reagent tray, 4…Reagent bottle, 6…Sample container, 7…Sample rack, 8…Sample conveying mechanism, 9…Sample dispensing mechanism, 10…Sample nozzle, 11, 13…Reagent dispensing mechanism, 12, 14…Reagent nozzle, 15…Cleaning mechanism, 17, 18…Stirring mechanism, 19…Cleaning tank, 20, 21…Cleaning tank, 22, 23…Cleaning tank, 24…Control unit, 25…Water supply pump, 26…Liquid delivery pump, 27…Pipe, 28…Injector, 29…Solenoid valve, 30…Plunger, 31…Motor.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, comprising: The dispensing mechanism, operated by a syringe connected to a nozzle, dispenses the sample contained in the sample container or the reagent contained in the reagent container into the reaction container; and The control unit controls the dispensing mechanism. Before the sample or reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel after being attracted by the dispensing mechanism, the control unit performs a discharge action that moves the syringe in the discharge direction. Its features are, The discharge action has the following characteristics: The first discharge action is performed while the nozzle is positioned in the sample container or the reagent container; and The second discharge action occurs midway as the nozzle moves from the position of the sample container or the reagent container to the position of the reaction container. The amount of movement of the syringe in the first discharge action is less than the amount of movement of the syringe in the second discharge action.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least during the second discharge action, the sample or the reagent is discharged from the nozzle.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the first discharge action ends, the tooth gaps of the syringe are removed, and from the start of the second discharge action, the sample or the reagent is discharged from the nozzle.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the end of the first discharge action, the gaps in the syringe remain; during the second discharge action, the gaps are removed, and the sample or reagent is discharged from the nozzle.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amount of movement of the syringe in the first discharge action is zero.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic analysis device has a cleaning tank for cleaning the outside of the nozzle. The second discharge action is performed when the nozzle is located in the cleaning tank.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the second discharge action, from the start of the discharge of the sample or the reagent until the end of the discharge, the nozzle is in a state of being impacted by cleaning water.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the second discharge action, the nozzle stops.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second discharge action consists of multiple actions performed when the nozzle is in different positions.

10. A dispensing method, using an automated analytical device equipped with a dispensing mechanism and a control unit, dispensing a sample contained in a sample container or a reagent contained in a reagent container into a reaction vessel, wherein the dispensing mechanism has a nozzle and a syringe, and the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism, characterized in that, The betting method comprises the following steps: In the liquid aspiration step, with the nozzle positioned in the sample container or the reagent container, the control unit moves the syringe in the aspiration direction. In the first discharge step, with the nozzle positioned in the sample container or the reagent container, the control unit moves the syringe in the discharge direction. In the second discharge step, the control unit causes the syringe to move in the discharge direction midway as the nozzle moves from the position of the sample container or the reagent container to the position of the reaction container. as well as In the liquid discharge step, with the nozzle positioned in the reaction vessel, the control unit moves the syringe in the discharge direction. The amount of movement of the syringe in the first discharge step is less than the amount of movement of the syringe in the second discharge step.

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