Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application aims to provide an automatic analysis device that can obtain stable light quantity in a wide wavelength band by combining light from a plurality of LEDs, and can make the temperature characteristics of each LED element uniform. With reference to FIG. 3, the automatic analysis device of the present application is configured such that the light emitted from a second LED is reflected, thereby being combined with the light emitted from a first LED on the same optical axis, the first LED and the second LED being in contact with the same temperature adjustment member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2020800769065, filed on October 7, 2020, entitled "Automatic Analysis Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an automated analytical apparatus for analyzing the amount of components contained in a sample. Background Technology

[0003] In automated analytical devices used to analyze the amounts of proteins, sugars, lipids, enzymes, hormones, inorganic ions, disease markers, etc., contained in biological samples such as blood and urine, the sample and reagents are typically dispensed into liquid containers. Analysis of the test items is based on changes in optical properties such as absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence. In absorbance analysis using automated analytical devices, the following method is used: light from a light source is irradiated onto the sample or a reaction solution containing the sample and reagents. The absorbance is calculated by measuring the amount of transmitted light passing through one or more measurement wavelengths of the sample or reaction solution using a light-receiving element. The component amount is then determined based on the relationship between absorbance and concentration.

[0004] Regarding the light source for absorbance analysis, a broad emission spectrum is preferred to handle multiple inspection items. Furthermore, for high-precision absorbance measurement, a light source that consistently produces a certain amount of light at the measurement wavelength is ideal. Therefore, xenon lamps and halogen lamps are currently used. While these light sources can produce a certain amount of light, the time it takes for the light intensity to stabilize is relatively long, approximately 30 minutes. Moreover, a high light intensity corresponds to high energy consumption and a limited lifespan; for example, halogen lamps require replacement after approximately 1,000 hours, resulting in high maintenance frequency for automated analysis devices.

[0005] In recent years, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been studied as light sources for absorption analysis due to their promising long lifespan. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a structure that combines halogen lamp light and ultraviolet LED light through a filter. Since the light intensity of halogen lamp light decreases significantly under ultraviolet light, this document uses an ultraviolet LED. This document also attempts to maintain high-precision analytical performance by monitoring light intensity degradation through partial reflection of light from the filter when combining halogen lamp light and ultraviolet LED light.

[0006] When using LEDs as the light source for absorption analysis, there are concerns that changes in the emission spectrum and light intensity due to self-heating during illumination or ambient temperature may reduce analytical accuracy. To prevent this, Patent Document 2 uses a temperature-regulating block that contacts the LED photometric unit with the reaction unit (the component that houses the sample or reaction solution). This document achieves device compactness by using LEDs and fixes the LED light-emitting element on a component with high heat capacity for preheating temperature adjustment. Therefore, the LED element is kept within a certain temperature range, unaffected by external gas temperature or self-heating, thereby achieving a certain level of light intensity stability.

[0007] Automated analytical devices use different reagents and light wavelengths depending on the component being measured, with a wavelength range of 340nm to 800nm. Therefore, it is difficult to cover the entire wavelength range with a single LED, necessitating the use of multiple LEDs. Two-wavelength measurement is a known method for absorbance analysis in automated analytical devices. This method quantifies the concentration of the analyte with high precision by simultaneously measuring two wavelengths of light. However, this method relies on the premise that the light wavelengths are aligned with the optical axis and light intensity distribution of the reaction solution. When these are not aligned, the inherently high precision of the two-wavelength measurement method cannot be achieved. For example, when using two wavelengths with inconsistent optical axes or light intensity distributions, the two-wavelength measurement method is more susceptible to interference from bubbles, significantly reducing accuracy compared to when they are aligned. Therefore, Patent Document 3 proposes an improvement: by providing a slit between the light source and the reaction unit, the influence of light intensity distribution on the light source image is eliminated.

[0008] As illustrated above, when using LEDs as the light source for absorption analysis in automated analysis devices, improvements are needed in both the optical system and the temperature control system to achieve high-precision analysis performance.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6294186

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3964291

[0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-105739 Summary of the Invention

[0014] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0015] When using LEDs as the light source for absorption analysis in automated analytical devices, achieving high-precision analytical performance requires aligning the combined optical axis of multiple LED beams with the light intensity distribution to obtain a sufficient amount of light. Furthermore, for high-precision quantitative analysis using a two-wavelength measurement method, the temperature characteristics of the multiple LED light-emitting elements must be consistent. For example, a structure based on perpendicular incidence using a filter can be considered for combining the beams of multiple LEDs. However, when multiple LEDs are arranged according to perpendicular incidence, it is difficult to achieve consistent temperature characteristics if the temperature control of each LED light-emitting element is independent.

[0016] The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its object is to provide an automatic analysis device that can obtain a stable amount of light over a wide wavelength range by combining the light from multiple LEDs, and can make the temperature characteristics of each LED element consistent.

[0017] Methods for solving problems

[0018] The automatic analysis device of the present invention is configured such that the emitted light from the second LED is reflected and combined with the emitted light from the first LED on the same optical axis, and the first LED and the second LED are in contact with the same temperature adjustment component.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention, by combining the first LED and the second LED on the same optical axis, a stable light quantity can be obtained over a wide wavelength range. Furthermore, by contacting the first LED and the second LED with the same temperature adjustment component, the temperature characteristics of each LED can be made consistent with a simple structure. The issues, structures, and effects beyond those described above become clear through the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This shows a structural example of the absorbance measuring unit 113.

[0023] Figure 3 This shows a structural example of the light source unit 301.

[0024] Figure 4 This example illustrates the change in light intensity when two types of LEDs are mounted on the same aluminum substrate and temperature is controlled.

[0025] Figure 5 Examples illustrating the wavelength dependence of light transmittance in a dichroic filter.

[0026] Figure 6A This is a structural example of the light source unit 301 included in the automatic analysis device 10 of Embodiment 2.

[0027] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect obtained by using the diffuser plate 508.

[0028] Figure 7 This is another structural example of the light source unit 301 in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 8A This represents a spectral example when controlling the transmittance of a dichroic filter.

[0030] Figure 8B This explains the criteria for judging whether the spectrum of a halogen lamp is approximately the same as the spectrum of the combined transmitted light.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps to stabilize the light intensity of the automatic analysis device 10.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating other steps to stabilize the light intensity of the automatic analysis device 10.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a modified example of the light source unit 301. Detailed Implementation

[0034] (Implementation Method 1)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automatic analysis device 10 performs measurements by irradiating the sample with light. The automatic analysis device 10 includes a sample tray 103, a reagent tray 106, a reaction tray 109, a dispensing mechanism, a control circuit 201, a light intensity measurement circuit 202, a data processing unit 203, an input unit 204, and an output unit 205.

[0036] The dispensing mechanism moves samples and reagents between trays. Control circuit 201 controls each tray and the dispensing mechanism, while photometric circuit 202 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution. Data processing unit 203 processes the data measured by photometric circuit 202. Input unit 204 and output unit 205 are interfaces with data processing unit 203. The dispensing mechanism includes a sample dispensing mechanism 110 and a reagent dispensing mechanism 111.

[0037] The data processing unit 203 includes an information recording unit 2031 and an analysis unit 2032. The information recording unit 2031 stores control data, measurement data, data used for data analysis, analysis result data, etc. The data processing unit 203 can also be implemented using a computer. The computer at least includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the information recording unit 2031. The processing of the analysis unit 2032 can also be achieved by storing the program code corresponding to these data processing operations in the information recording unit 2031, and having the processor execute the respective program code.

[0038] The input unit 204 and the output unit 205 input and output data between the input unit 2031 and the information recording unit 2031. The input unit 204 can be configured as an information input device such as a keyboard, touchpad, or numeric keypad. The output unit 205 is a device for the user of the automatic analysis device 10 to confirm the analysis results, such as a display.

[0039] Multiple sample cups 102, serving as containers for samples 101, are arranged on the circumference of the sample tray 103. Sample 101 is, for example, blood. Multiple reagent bottles 105, serving as containers for reagents 104, are arranged on the circumference of the reagent tray 106. Multiple reaction units 108 (reaction containers), serving as containers for reaction solutions 107 formed by mixing samples 101 and reagents 104, are arranged on the circumference of the reaction tray 109.

[0040] The sample dispensing mechanism 110 is used when moving a certain amount of sample 101 from the sample cup 102 to the reaction unit 108. The sample dispensing mechanism 110 is configured, for example, as follows: a nozzle for dispensing or aspirating solution, a robot for positioning and conveying the nozzle to a predetermined position, a pump for dispensing or aspirating solution from the nozzle, and a flow path connecting the nozzle and the pump.

[0041] The reagent dispensing mechanism 111 is a mechanism used when moving a certain amount of reagent 104 from the reagent bottle 105 to the reaction unit 108. The reagent dispensing mechanism 111 is, for example, composed of: a nozzle for dispensing or drawing solution, a robot for positioning and conveying the nozzle to a predetermined position, a pump for dispensing or drawing solution from the nozzle, and a flow path connecting the nozzle and the pump.

[0042] The stirring section 112 is a mechanism that stirs and mixes the sample 101 and reagent 104 within the reaction unit 108. The cleaning section 114 discharges the reaction solution 107 from the reaction unit 108 after the analytical processing is completed, and then cleans the mechanism of the reaction unit 108. After cleaning, the next sample 101 is dispensed again from the sample dispensing mechanism 110, and new reagent 104 is dispensed from the reagent dispensing mechanism 111 in the reaction unit 108 for other reaction processing.

[0043] In the reaction pan 109, the reaction unit 108 is immersed in a thermostatic fluid 115 within a thermostatic bath where temperature and flow are controlled. Thus, the temperature of the reaction unit 108 and the reaction solution 107 therein is maintained at a constant temperature by the control circuit 201 during movement through the reaction pan 109. The thermostatic fluid 115 may be, for example, water or air.

[0044] An absorbance measuring unit (spectrometer) 113 for performing absorbance analysis on sample 101 is disposed on a portion of the circumference of reaction disk 109.

[0045] Figure 2 This illustrates a structural example of the absorbance measuring unit 113. Irradiation light generated from the light source unit 301 is emitted along the optical axis 401, focused by the condenser lens 403, and then irradiates the reaction unit 108. At this time, a light source-side slit 402 is provided to limit the width of the emitted light from the light source unit 301 in order to ensure uniform light distribution within the irradiated surface.

[0046] The light transmitted through the reaction solution 107 in the reaction unit 108 is split by the diffraction grating 3021 in the beam splitter 302 and received by the detector array 3022 equipped with multiple light receivers. At this time, the light that has not been transmitted through the reaction solution 107 becomes noise, so a beam splitter-side slit 404 is configured to prevent such stray light from entering the beam splitter 302.

[0047] As an example, the detector array 3022 receives measurement wavelengths of 340nm, 376nm, 405nm, 415nm, 450nm, 480nm, 505nm, 546nm, 570nm, 600nm, 660nm, 700nm, 750nm, and 800nm. The light signals received by these photodetectors are sent to the information recording unit 2031 of the data processing unit 203 via the light intensity measurement circuit 202.

[0048] The following steps are used to calculate the amounts of protein, sugar, lipids, and other components contained in sample 101. First, control circuit 201 instructs cleaning unit 114 to clean reaction unit 108. Next, control circuit 201 dispenses a certain amount of sample 101 from sample cup 102 into reaction unit 108 via sample dispensing mechanism 110. Then, control circuit 201 dispenses a certain amount of reagent 104 from reagent bottle 105 into reaction unit 108 via reagent dispensing mechanism 111.

[0049] During the dispensing of each solution, the control circuit 201 drives the sample tray 103, reagent tray 106, and reaction tray 109 to rotate via their respective drive units. At this time, the sample cup 102, reagent bottle 105, and reaction unit 108 are positioned at predetermined dispensing positions according to the driving timing of their respective dispensing mechanisms.

[0050] Next, the control circuit 201 controls the stirring unit 112 to stir the sample 101 and reagent 104 dispensed into the reaction unit 108, generating a reaction solution 107. As the reaction disk 109 rotates, the reaction unit 108 containing the reaction solution 107 passes the measurement position where the absorbance measuring unit 113 is located. Each time it passes the measurement position, the amount of transmitted light from the reaction solution 107 is measured by the absorbance measuring unit 113. The measurement data is sequentially output to the information recording unit 2031 and stored as reaction process data.

[0051] During the accumulation of reaction process data, if necessary, additional reagents 104 are dispensed into the reaction unit 108 via the reagent dispensing mechanism 111, stirred by the stirring unit 112, and measured for a certain period of time. Thus, the reaction process data obtained at certain time intervals are stored in the information recording unit 2031.

[0052] Figure 3 This illustrates a structural example of the light source unit 301. A first LED 501 and a second LED 502 are mounted on an LED mounting substrate 503. The LED mounting substrate 503 supplies power to the first LED 501 and the second LED 502, balancing the temperatures of the LED elements and the temperature adjustment unit 504. From the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, the LED mounting substrate 503 is preferably constructed of a substrate with a metal base such as aluminum or copper. By mounting the first LED 501 and the second LED 502 on an LED mounting substrate 503 with high thermal conductivity, common temperature variation characteristics can be obtained through temperature control of the temperature adjustment unit 504. The temperature set in the temperature adjustment unit 504 is, for example, set to 37°C. The temperature adjustment unit 504 is controlled based on the temperature obtained by a temperature sensor 505 located inside the temperature adjustment unit 504 or near the LED mounting substrate 503, thereby maintaining each LED element at a certain temperature. The temperature sensor 505 can be, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or a temperature-sensing resistor.

[0053] As the temperature adjustment unit 504, a metal block through which a constant-temperature fluid flows, or a Peltier element, can be used, for example. In the case of a Peltier element, through feedback control of the temperature sensor 505, the LED side (the back side of the LED mounting substrate 503) of the temperature adjustment unit 504 can be controlled to, for example, approximately 37 ± 0.01°C via the control circuit 201. According to this structure, the element temperature of the first LED 501 and the element temperature of the second LED 502 are equal within a certain range, enabling high-precision quantitative analysis when the automatic analysis device 10 performs the two-wavelength measurement method.

[0054] On the other hand, when mounting the first LED 501 and the second LED 502 on an LED mounting substrate 503, a high level of design tolerance is required to ensure that the optical axes of the two LEDs are aligned. This applies not only to the position of the LED's light-emitting element and the mounting position of the LED package on the substrate, but also to the filters and reflectors used to combine the light from the two LEDs.

[0055] In this embodiment 1, as Figure 3 As shown, LED light in a wavelength range with insufficient light intensity is used as the first LED 501, which is incident directly relative to the beam splitter 302 to ensure sufficient light intensity. LED light in a wavelength range with sufficient light intensity is used as the second LED 502, which is incident on the beam splitter 302 after two stages of reflection. A dichroic filter 506 with an incident angle of 45° is arranged in the optical path of the first LED 501, and a reflector such as a mirror is arranged in the optical path of the second LED 502 with an incident angle of 45°.

[0056] The light emitted from the second LED 502 undergoes two stages of reflection, first at the reflector 507 and then at the dichroic filter 506, before combining with the light emitted from the first LED 501 and entering the beam splitter 302 via the optical axis 401. Preferably, only the optical axis of the first LED 501 is designed to coincide with the optical axis 401 incident on the beam splitter 302; the light emitted from the second LED 502 passes through a diffuser to expand the beam range before entering the beam. Details are explained in Embodiment 2.

[0057] Figure 4 This example illustrates the light intensity variation when two types of LEDs are mounted on the same aluminum substrate and temperature control is applied. The measurement time was approximately 20 minutes. The first LED 501 was a white LED light source (driven with a current of 600mA) emitting light from approximately 370nm to 800nm ​​wavelengths. The second LED 502 was an ultraviolet LED light source (driven with a current of 120mA) emitting light at a wavelength of 340nm. The temperature adjustment unit 504 had a 20mm x 20mm cooling surface (cooled by a Peltier element), which was controlled at 37±0.01℃.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown in the graph, the light output of an LED varies depending on the component and the ambient temperature (in... Figure 4The curve in the upper section shows a large variation in light intensity in the center. By mounting the LED on an aluminum LED mounting substrate 503 with high thermal conductivity, a positive correlation was found between the time-dependent characteristics of light intensity variation at 340nm wavelength and at 480nm wavelength. This confirms the effectiveness in eliminating the difference in light intensity variation between the two wavelengths caused by interference such as bubbles (the difference between the two wavelengths is equivalent to an absorbance within 0.001 Abs).

[0059] Figure 5 Examples illustrating the wavelength dependence of light transmittance in a dichroic filter. In the case where the first LED 501 is a white LED light source emitting light from approximately 370 nm to 800 nm, and the second LED 502 is an ultraviolet LED light source emitting light at a wavelength of 340 nm, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the dichroic filter 506 preferably uses a filter that reflects light with a wavelength of 340 nm and transmits light from the long wavelength side, around 370 nm to 800 nm. This allows for the acquisition of the desired wavelength combination characteristics.

[0060] (Implementation Method 1: Summary)

[0061] The automatic analysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment ensures sufficient light intensity by directly incident LED light (first LED 501) in a wavelength range with insufficient light intensity onto the analysis unit, and allows for a certain degree of light intensity attenuation by using LED light (second LED 502) in a wavelength range with sufficient light intensity. Therefore, the light is combined with the emitted light from the first LED 501 through two-stage reflection. As a result, a wide wavelength range and sufficient light intensity can be ensured, thus maintaining high analysis performance over a wide wavelength range.

[0062] The automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 1 mounts a first LED 501 and a second LED 502 on an LED mounting substrate 503, and the temperature of the LED mounting substrate 503 is controlled by a temperature adjustment unit 504. This allows the temperature of the first LED 501 and the second LED 502 to be controlled to be approximately the same, suppressing differences in light intensity between the LEDs. Therefore, within the limited internal space of the automatic analysis device 10, a stable light intensity can be obtained while minimizing the space occupied by the temperature adjustment unit 504.

[0063] (Implementation Method 2)

[0064] Figure 6A This is an example of the structure of the light source unit 301 included in the automatic analysis device 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In this Embodiment 2, by diffusing the emitted light of the second LED 502, the light quantity distribution of the emitted light of the second LED 502 is made uniform on the light-receiving surface of the light receiver of the beam splitter 302. Other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0065] When the effective light-emitting area of ​​the LED light source is set to 1.0 mm square, in order to obtain the light intensity that enables high-precision quantitative analysis, it is necessary to design the light axis of the first LED 501 to be aligned with the incident light axis 401 towards the beam splitter 302. However, in this case, it is difficult to align the outgoing light axis of the second LED 502 with the incident light axis 401 towards the beam splitter 302. Thus, it is difficult to make the light axis and light intensity distribution relative to the reaction solution consistent among the LEDs, and there is a possibility of reduced measurement accuracy in the two-wavelength measurement method. Therefore, in this embodiment 2, a diffuser plate 508 is provided before the light is incident on the reflector plate 507 to expand the effective light-emitting area of ​​the second LED 502.

[0066] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect obtained by using diffuser plate 508. On the light-receiving surface 302A of beam splitter 302, the emitted light from the first LED 501 diffuses into range 501A. Without diffuser plate 508, the emitted light from the second LED 502 diffuses into range 502A. When the optical axes of the LEDs deviate, a portion that overlaps with the two emitted light beams but does not overlap is generated on the light-receiving surface 302A. Figure 6B (Left figure) The in-plane distribution of light intensity on the light-receiving surface 302A becomes uneven.

[0067] When using the diffuser plate 508, the emitted light from the second LED 502 diffuses to a range 502B, encompassing range 501A. Thus, the two emitted light beams overlap on the light-receiving surface 302A, enabling uniform in-plane distribution of light intensity on the light-receiving surface 302A. Specifically, the diffuser plate 508 is preferably configured such that range 502B on the light-receiving surface 302A encompasses range 501A.

[0068] Figure 7 This is another structural example of the light source unit 301 in Embodiment 2. Figure 7 In this method, instead of the diffuser 508, the reflector 507 itself undergoes a surface processing for light diffusion. This allows the beam range to be expanded by utilizing the abundant light from the second LED 502, resulting in a more uniform light distribution on the light-receiving surface 302A. Furthermore, since the light emission position of the second LED 502 can be considered the position of the reflector 507, the distance from the beam splitter 302 to the emission position of the first LED 501 is the same as the distance from the beam splitter 302 to the emission position of the second LED 502 (i.e., the focal length), leading to a closer light distribution, which is ideal.

[0069] Figure 8AThis illustrates a spectral example when controlling the transmittance of a dichroic filter. Currently, halogen lamps are used as light sources for absorption analysis in automated analysis devices. It is anticipated that when the spectrum of a light source can be reproduced as closely as that of a halogen lamp, the analytical performance results will also be similar. Therefore, it is preferable to make the spectrum of the combined light from the first LED 501 and the second LED 502 as close as possible to the spectrum of a halogen lamp. In this invention, the transmittance at any wavelength can be adjusted by adjusting the transmission characteristics of the dichroic filter 506. Transmittance adjustment can be achieved, for example, by controlling the film thickness of the dichroic filter 506.

[0070] The combined light from the first LED501 and the second LED502, for example, becomes Figure 8A The spectrum is shown by the solid line. By adjusting the transmission characteristics of the dichroic filter 506, it is possible to achieve... Figure 8A Adjust the spectrum of the combined light as shown by the dashed lines. Thus, the spectral shape of the combined light approximates the spectral shape of a halogen lamp. Figure 8A (single-dot dash).

[0071] Comparing the halogen lamp with the transmitted combined light, the transmitted combined light has wavelengths with insufficient light intensity. The temperature adjustment unit 504 aims to increase the LED light intensity by lowering the temperature of the LED element, thereby increasing the light intensity of the transmitted combined light across the entire spectrum and bringing the spectrum closer to that of a halogen lamp. For example, a typical ultraviolet LED exhibits approximately a 5% change in light intensity across the entire wavelength with a temperature change of 10°C.

[0072] Figure 8B This explanation establishes the criteria for judging whether the spectrum of a halogen lamp is similar to the spectrum of the transmitted combined light. Figure 8B The upper paragraph is Figure 8A The spectrum of halogen lamps, Figure 8B The next paragraph is Figure 8A The spectrum of the transmitted combined light. For spectral approximation, the light intensity ratio between wavelengths should be consistent across the spectrum. Using Figure 8B Let's illustrate this with specific examples. Figure 8B In this context, it means that the light intensity ratio is constant across the entire wavelength range, but it is sufficient that the light intensity ratio between wavelengths is consistent across the spectrum only at the wavelengths used in the measurement.

[0073] The spectrum of the combined transmitted light has a first luminous intensity at a first wavelength, a second luminous intensity at a second wavelength, and a third luminous intensity at a third wavelength. The spectrum of a halogen lamp has a fourth luminous intensity at a first wavelength, a fifth luminous intensity at a second wavelength, and a sixth luminous intensity at a third wavelength. The wavelengths and luminous intensities used in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples.

[0074] If the ratio of the second light quantity to the first light quantity (first ratio) is consistent with the ratio of the fifth light quantity to the fourth light quantity (second ratio), or if the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio converges within an acceptable range, the two spectra can be considered to be approximate in the wavelength range from the first wavelength to the second wavelength.

[0075] Similarly, if the ratio of the third light intensity to the second light intensity (the third ratio) is the same as the ratio of the sixth light intensity to the fifth light intensity (the fourth ratio), or if the difference between the third ratio and the fourth ratio converges within an acceptable range, the two spectra can be considered approximate within the wavelength range from the second wavelength to the third wavelength. This acceptable range is preferably set to be the same as the acceptable range of the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio. This is because the light intensity ratio between wavelengths is preferably the same across the spectra, regardless of the magnitude of the light intensity.

[0076] exist Figure 8B For ease of explanation, an example is shown where the light intensity ratio is compared between spectra at three wavelengths. The more wavelengths compared, the more approximate the two spectra become. For example, the light intensity ratio is similarly compared between spectra at 12 wavelengths. If each comparison converges within an acceptable range, the two spectra can be considered approximate.

[0077] (Implementation Method 2: Summary)

[0078] The automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 2 diffuses the emitted light from the second LED 502, so that range 502B on the light-receiving surface 302A includes range 501A. This allows for a uniform in-plane distribution of the light intensity of each LED on the light-receiving surface 302A.

[0079] In the automatic analysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment 2, the dichroic filter 506 is configured such that the light intensity ratio between wavelengths in the spectrum of the combined light is consistent with the light intensity ratio between the same wavelengths in the spectrum of the halogen lamp (or, the difference between the light intensity ratios at the same wavelength converges within an acceptable range). As a result, the spectrum of the combined light after transmission is similar to that of the halogen lamp, so even when using an LED light source, characteristics close to the analytical performance when using a halogen lamp can be obtained.

[0080] (Implementation Method 3)

[0081] To consistently achieve stable light absorption analysis performance of the automatic analysis device 10, it is preferable to maintain a constant light intensity in the light source unit 301. This constant light intensity can be achieved through temperature control of the LED mounting substrate 503 and control of the LED drive current. Therefore, in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the control sequence for stabilizing the light intensity of the automatic analysis device 10 will be described. The structure of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0082] For example, AlGaN crystals, as compound semiconductors, are used in LEDs that generate ultraviolet light with wavelengths below 340 nm. When using AlGaN crystals as the light-emitting layer, the luminous efficiency of ultraviolet LEDs is a fraction to a dozen times lower than that of InGaN crystals used in the light-emitting layer of typical white LEDs. Furthermore, the AlGaN crystal light-emitting layer is characterized by a large portion of the applied power becoming heat. The higher the operating temperature and the longer the operating time of the LED, the more defects form in the semiconductor crystal, leading to a decrease in light output over time. Therefore, the lifespan of LEDs using AlGaN crystals is more prone to shortening than that of LEDs using InGaN crystals. In commercially available LEDs, the specification value for the time L70 (the time it takes for the light output to drop to 70%) is typically determined when used at a package surface temperature of 25°C. It is known that L70 is over 10,000 hours for LEDs generating ultraviolet light with wavelengths below 340 nm, but it shortens according to the Arrhenius model if the operating temperature increases. That is, by lowering the operating temperature, the light output increases, thus extending the lifespan. In addition, the light output of an LED can also be increased by increasing the drive current.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence for stabilizing the light intensity of the automatic analysis device 10. After the start-up device (S601) activates the light source unit 301 (S602), water is dispensed into any reaction unit (S603). The control circuit 201 controls the LED driving current and the substrate temperature according to the temperature data obtained from the temperature sensor 505 (S604). The control circuit 201 measures the absorbance via the absorbance measuring unit 113 (S605) and obtains the light intensity data from the light intensity measuring circuit 202 from the information recording unit 2031 (S606). If it is determined that the light intensity is below the specified range, i.e., the light intensity is reduced, the process returns to S604, and the specified light intensity is obtained by controlling the LED driving current and the temperature of the LED mounting substrate 503. If the specified light intensity is obtained, absorption analysis begins (S607).

[0084] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating other sequences for stabilizing the light intensity of the automatic analysis device 10. This flowchart can be used to shorten the start-up time of the automatic analysis device 10. (Regarding...) Figure 9 The same processing steps are assigned the same step numbers. The control circuit 201 determines the LED driving current and substrate temperature at the initial startup of the device based on the temperature data obtained from the temperature sensor 505 (S701). The analysis unit 2032 obtains the temperature change over time from the temperature sensor 505 (S703). The control circuit 201 measures the change in absorbance over time using the absorbance measurement unit 113 (S704). If the specified light intensity is not obtained, the process returns to S702, and the LED driving current and substrate temperature are adjusted (S606).

[0085] As part of the adjustment process in S702, for example, when performing PID control on the temperature of the LED mounting substrate 503 using a Peltier element, the PID parameters are determined based on temperature data. If the ambient temperature is 25°C and the target temperature is set to 37°C, setting 37°C as the target temperature will take time until the temperature stabilizes. Therefore, when the temperature changes slowly over time (i.e., it takes time for the light intensity to stabilize), the target temperature is set higher than the original target value (e.g., 42°C). This allows the target temperature to be reached quickly. In other words, by dynamically changing the target temperature based on the temperature's change over time, the time until the light intensity stabilizes can be shortened.

[0086] (Regarding variations of the present invention)

[0087] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are examples given in detail for the purpose of easily understanding and illustrating the invention, and are not limited to having all the structures described. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with a structure of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add structures of other embodiments to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0088] Figure 11 This is a variation of the light source unit 301. The first LED 501 does not necessarily need to emit light parallel to the combined light wave; for example, ... Figure 11 As shown, the optical path can also be changed by reflecting the emitted light from the first LED 501 using a mirror or similar device. In this case, in order to combine the emitted light from the second LED 502 with the emitted light from the first LED 501, the emitted light from the second LED 502 needs to undergo more reflections than the emitted light from the first LED 501. This is because if the light intensity decreases with each reflection, the second LED 502, which has a higher light intensity, needs to undergo more reflections.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0090] 101: Sample

[0091] 102: Sample Cup

[0092] 103: Sample Disk

[0093] 104: Reagent

[0094] 105: Reagent Bottle

[0095] 106: Reagent tray

[0096] 107: Reaction solution

[0097] 108: Reaction Unit

[0098] 109: Reaction Plate

[0099] 110: Sample Distribution Agency

[0100] 111: Reagent dispensing mechanism

[0101] 112: Stirring section

[0102] 113: Absorbance Measurement Section

[0103] 114: Cleaning Department

[0104] 115: Thermostatic Fluid

[0105] 201: Control Circuit

[0106] 202: Light Measurement Circuit

[0107] 203: Data Processing Department

[0108] 2031: Information Recording Department

[0109] 2032: Analysis Department

[0110] 204: Input Section

[0111] 205: Output Section

[0112] 301: Light Source Department

[0113] 302: Spectrometer

[0114] 3021: Diffraction Grating

[0115] 3022: Detector Array

[0116] 401: Optical Axis

[0117] 402: Light source side slit

[0118] 403: Condensing Lens

[0119] 404: Splitter side slit

[0120] 501: First LED

[0121] 502: Second LED

[0122] 503: LED mounting substrate

[0123] 504: Temperature Control Section

[0124] 505: Temperature Sensor

[0125] 506: Dichroic filter

[0126] 507: Reflector

[0127] 508: Diffuser plate.

Claims

1. An automatic analytical device for measuring samples, characterized in that, The automated analysis device is equipped with a light source that illuminates the reaction vessel containing the sample. The light source has the following features: First LED and Second LED; A first optical element that allows at least a portion of the first light emitted by the first LED to pass through; and The second optical element reflects the second light emitted by the second LED. The first optical element is configured to reflect at least a portion of the second light. The first optical element and the second optical element are configured such that the first light passing through the first optical element and the second light reflected in the first optical element combine on the same optical axis to form a combined light beam. The first optical element allows the first light to pass through such a transmittance that, on the spectrum of the combined light, a first wavelength component has a first intensity, a second wavelength component has a second intensity, and a third wavelength component has a third intensity. In the case where the emitted light of the halogen lamp has a fourth light intensity in the wavelength spectrum, a fifth light intensity in the first wavelength component, and a sixth light intensity in the second wavelength component, the first optical element is configured such that the difference between the first ratio of the second light intensity to the first light intensity and the second ratio of the fifth light intensity to the fourth light intensity converges within an acceptable range, and is configured such that the difference between the third ratio of the third light intensity to the second light intensity and the fourth ratio of the sixth light intensity to the fifth light intensity converges within the acceptable range.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amount of light in the wavelength band used by the second LED is greater than the amount of light in the wavelength band used by the first LED.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The permissible range of the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is the same as the permissible range of the difference between the third ratio and the fourth ratio.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first optical element is a dichroic filter.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second light is ultraviolet light with a center wavelength below 350nm.

6. The automatic analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The automatic analysis device also includes a diffusion component for diffusing the second light.

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