Automatic analyzer and dispensing device

Abstract

To perform stable dispensation.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment includes a first positioning member, and a second positioning member that is provided on a side of a dispensing probe that dispenses a sample or a reagent and that positions the dispensing probe by coming into contact with the first positioning member, in which the dispensing probe performs at least one of suction and discharge in a state where the first positioning member and the second positioning member are in contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automated analyzer and a dispenser. [Background technology]

[0002] In automated analyzers for clinical testing, a certain amount of a biological sample (hereinafter referred to as "sample") such as blood or urine is mixed with a reagent to cause a reaction, and the mixture is irradiated with light to measure the amount of transmitted or scattered light obtained. This allows the automated analyzer to determine the concentration, activity value, and time required for change of the substance to be measured. Conventionally, automated analyzers have addressed this issue by increasing the rigidity and operational accuracy of the reagent dispensing arm that holds the reagent dispensing probe at one end, and the operational accuracy of the turntable on which the reagent container is placed, in order to ensure the accuracy of the positioning (dispensing position accuracy) of the opening of a reagent container that holds a reagent stored in a reagent storage room, relative to an insertion hole formed in the lid of the reagent storage room for inserting a probe.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a need to increase the arm length of the reagent dispensing arm, i.e., to increase the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm and to increase the operating speed of the reagent dispensing arm. However, increasing the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm or increasing the operating speed of the reagent dispensing arm makes it difficult to ensure the dispensing position accuracy of the reagent dispensing probe, and this may result in an inability to dispense reagent stably. For this reason, increasing the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm or increasing the operating speed of the reagent dispensing arm requires the use of a highly rigid reagent dispensing arm or a mechanism for operating the reagent dispensing arm with high accuracy, which can ensure the dispensing position accuracy of the reagent dispensing probe, and this increases the manufacturing cost of the automated analyzer.

[0004] Furthermore, this problem occurs not only when dispensing reagents but also when dispensing samples. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to perform stable dispensing even when the operating radius of a dispensing arm, such as a reagent dispensing arm or a sample dispensing arm, is increased or when the operation speed of the dispensing arm is increased. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-65654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to enable stable dispensing. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment is an automatic analyzer comprising a first positioning member and a second positioning member provided on the side of a dispensing probe that dispenses a sample or reagent and that positions the dispensing probe by coming into contact with the first positioning member, and when the first positioning member and the second positioning member are in contact with each other, the dispensing probe performs at least one of suction and discharge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the analysis mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second positioning member provided in the first reagent dispensing probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a reagent aspirating process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe moved to a first reagent aspirating position in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe is positioned in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe moved to a first reagent aspirating position in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe is positioned in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a reagent discharging process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first reagent dispensing probe moved to a first reagent discharging position in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe is positioned in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are views showing an example of the configuration of a first positioning member and a second positioning member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe moved to a first reagent aspirating position in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe is positioned in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second positioning member disposed on the outer periphery of the first reagent dispensing probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an automatic analyzer and a dispensing device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 is configured to include, for example, an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0011] The analysis mechanism 2 adds a reagent corresponding to the measurement item of a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the mixture obtained by adding the reagent to the sample, and generates, for example, standard data and test data. In this embodiment, the standard data represents the measurement result of absorbance for a standard sample containing a known concentration of the analyte. The test data represents the measurement result of absorbance for the test sample. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between a standard sample and a test sample, they may be simply referred to as "sample."

[0012] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data, analytical data, etc. by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8 and generates calibration data, analytical data, etc. in accordance with the read analysis program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates standard data and calibration data that indicates a relationship with a predetermined standard value for a standard sample based on the standard data. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analytical data expressed as concentration, enzyme activity value, and time required for change based on the test data and calibration data for the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analytical data, etc. to the control circuit 9.

[0013] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. For example, the drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, or the like.

[0014] The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings such as analytical parameters for each measurement item related to the sample for which measurement has been requested. The input interface 5 is realized, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad where instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs these electrical signals to the control circuit 9. Note that in this embodiment, the input interface 5 is not limited to those equipped with physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 5 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs these electrical signals to the control circuit 9.

[0015] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, etc. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, an LED display, and a plasma display. This display circuit corresponds to the display unit in this embodiment. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer, etc. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker, etc. The audio device also includes an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0016] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, an intra-hospital network NW, and connects the automatic analyzer 1 to the intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with an HIS (Hospital Information System) via the intra-hospital network NW. Note that the communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with an HIS via a Laboratory Information System (LIS) connected to the intra-hospital network NW.

[0017] The memory circuit 8 is configured by a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. This memory circuit 8 stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and a control program executed by the control circuit 9. The memory circuit 8 also stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each measurement item. Note that the memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 8 can be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0018] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes an operating program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the operating program. The control circuit 9 may also include a storage area for storing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the analysis mechanism 2 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include, for example, a reaction base 200, a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, a sample dispensing arm 204, a sample dispensing probe 205, a first reagent storage 206, a second reagent storage 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, a first positioning member 212, a second positioning member 213, a first stirring unit 214, a second stirring unit 215, a photometric unit 216, and a cleaning unit 217.

[0020] The reaction base 200 is the base of the analysis mechanism 2. The reaction base 200 is provided with a reaction disk 201, a first reagent storage 206, a second reagent storage 207, and the like.

[0021] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring. The reaction disk 201 transports the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, during the analysis operation of a mixture of a sample and a reagent, the reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The reaction vessels 2011 are formed from, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP), or acrylic.

[0022] The thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. The thermostatic unit 202 immerses the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium, thereby raising the temperature of the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 to a predetermined temperature and keeping the temperature constant.

[0023] The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples for which measurement has been requested. These sample containers contain specimens such as blood for which measurement has been requested. In the example shown in Figure 2, the sample rack 2031 is capable of holding five sample containers in parallel.

[0024] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area 2032 for transporting the sample rack 2031. That is, using this transport area 2032, the sample rack 2031 is transported from an input position where the sample rack 2031 is input to a recovery position where the sample rack 2031 is recovered after measurement. In the transport area 2032, a plurality of sample racks 2031 aligned in the longitudinal direction are moved in direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0025] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a retraction region 2033 that retracts the sample rack 2031 from the transport region 2032 in order to move the sample container held in the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 205 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the sample container held in the sample rack 2031 supported by the rack sampler 203. In the retraction region 2033, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0026] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a return area 2034 for returning a sample rack 2031 holding a sample container containing a sample to the transport area 2032. In the return area 2034, the sample rack 2031 is moved in a direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0027] The sample dispensing arm 204 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 204 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 204 holds a sample dispensing probe 205 at one end.

[0028] The sample dispensing probe 205 rotates along an arcuate rotational path in accordance with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 204. The openings of the sample containers held in the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 are positioned on this rotational path. In addition, a sample dispensing position for dispensing the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 205 into the reaction container 2011 is provided on the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 205. The sample dispensing position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 205 and the movement path of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0029] The sample dispensing probe 205 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at the sample suction position or the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 205 also aspirates a sample from a sample container located directly below the sample suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 205 also aspirates the aspirated sample into a reaction container 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0030] The first reagent storage 206 stores reagent containers 100 containing a first reagent. Specifically, the first reagent storage 206 keeps a plurality of reagent containers 100 refrigerated, each containing a first reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in a standard sample and a test sample. A reader (not shown) that reads reagent information from a reagent label attached to the reagent container 100 is provided inside the first reagent storage 206. The read reagent information is stored in the memory circuitry 8. The first reagent storage 206 may also keep a plurality of standard sample containers refrigerated, each containing a standard sample. Each of the plurality of standard sample containers contains, for example, a standard sample of the same component but at different concentrations. The standard sample containers may be held in a sample rack 2031.

[0031] The first reagent storage 206 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first housing 2061 and a first turntable 2062.

[0032] The first housing 2061 is formed so as to be able to store the reagent container 100. The first housing 2061 has an opening at the top end, and is formed so as to be able to house the first turntable 2062 inside. The opening of the first housing 2061 is covered by a first positioning member 212.

[0033] The first turntable 2062 has a plurality of reagent containers 100 arranged in a circular pattern placed on it. The first turntable 2062 is rotatably provided within the first housing 2061. The first turntable 2062 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4, thereby transporting the reagent containers 100 placed on the first turntable 2062 to a predetermined position. Note that a standard sample container may also be placed on the first turntable 2062.

[0034] The second reagent storage 207 stores reagent containers 100 containing a second reagent that pairs with the first reagent of the two-reagent system. Specifically, the second reagent storage 207 keeps a plurality of reagent containers 100 containing the second reagent cool. In addition, a reader (not shown) that reads reagent information from the reagent label attached to the reagent container 100 is provided inside the second reagent storage 207. The read reagent information is stored in the memory circuitry 8.

[0035] The second reagent storage 207 shown in FIG. 2 includes a second housing 2071 and a second turntable 2072.

[0036] The second housing 2071 is formed so as to be able to store the reagent container 100. The second housing 2071 has an opening at the top end, and is formed so as to be able to house the second turntable 2072 inside. The opening of the second housing 2071 is covered by the first positioning member 212.

[0037] The second turntable 2072 has a plurality of reagent containers 100 arranged in a circular pattern placed thereon. The second turntable 2072 is rotatably provided within the second housing 2071. The second turntable 2072 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4, thereby transporting the reagent containers 100 placed on the second turntable 2072 to a predetermined position.

[0038] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the first reagent storage 206. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0039] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational path in accordance with the rotation of the first reagent dispensing arm 208. A first reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational path. The first reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 placed on the first turntable 2062. In addition, a first reagent dispensing position is set on the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 for dispensing the reagent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction container 2011. The first reagent dispensing position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement path of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0040] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a first reagent aspirating position or a first reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 100 stopped at the first reagent aspirating position under the control of the control circuit 9. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates the aspirated reagent into a reaction container 2011 located directly below the first reagent dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0041] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent storage 207. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0042] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational path in accordance with the rotation of the second reagent dispensing arm 210. A second reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational path. The second reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 placed on the second turntable 2072. In addition, a second reagent dispensing position is set on the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 for dispensing the reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction container 2011. The second reagent dispensing position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement path of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0043] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a second reagent aspirating position or a second reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 also aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 100 stopped at the second reagent aspirating position under the control of the control circuit 9. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 also aspirates the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the second reagent dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0044] In the following, when the first reagent storage 206 and the second reagent storage 207 are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent storage." In the following, when the first housing 2061 and the second housing 2071 are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "housing." In the following, when the first reagent dispensing arm and the second reagent dispensing arm are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent dispensing arm." In the following, when the first reagent dispensing probe and the second reagent dispensing probe are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent dispensing probe." In the following, when the first reagent dispensing position and the second reagent dispensing position are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent dispensing position." In the following, when the first reagent dispensing position and the second reagent dispensing position are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent dispensing position." In addition, in the following, when the first reagent dispensing position and the second reagent dispensing position are referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the "reagent dispensing position." In addition, the reagent dispensing probe is an example of a dispensing probe.

[0045] The first positioning member 212 is provided on the base side. Here, the base side refers to the reaction base 200 side. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first positioning member 212 is provided closer to the reaction base 200, which is the base side, than the second positioning member 213. As shown in FIG. 2, the first positioning member 212 according to the first embodiment is a lid that covers an opening of a housing and has an insertion hole H into which a reagent dispensing probe is inserted. In the example shown in FIG. 2, two first positioning members 212 are provided, and each of the two first positioning members 212 covers the opening of the first housing 2061 and the second housing 2071, respectively. The insertion hole H is a hole that penetrates the lid. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the insertion hole H has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the top surface of the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, in order to come into contact with the tapered shape of the second positioning member 213. An insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212 covering the opening of the first housing 2061, is provided at a position where the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 stored in the first housing 2061. In addition, an insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212 covering the opening of the second housing 2071, is provided at a position where the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 stored in the second housing 2071.

[0046] Second positioning member 213 is provided on the dispensing probe side and positions the dispensing probe by contacting first positioning member 212. In the example shown in Fig. 2, second positioning member 213 is provided on the reagent dispensing probe side of first positioning member 212 and positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting first positioning member 212. An apparatus constituted by the above-described reagent dispensing arm and reagent dispensing probe, and equipped with second positioning member 213 provided on the reagent dispensing probe side that dispenses reagent, and which positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting first positioning member 212 provided on the base side, corresponds to the dispensing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0047] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of a second positioning member 213 provided on the first reagent dispensing probe 209 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4A, the second positioning member 213 is disposed on the outer periphery of the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 so as to accommodate the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and is provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the first reagent dispensing probe 209. Also, as shown in Fig. 4A, the second positioning member 213 is biased toward the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 by a biasing member 2131 that biases the second positioning member 213 toward the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the tip of the second positioning member 213 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(b), three ribs Lib are provided at 120° intervals on the tip of the second positioning member 213, and each of these three ribs Lib has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the second positioning member 213 has been described using the second positioning member 213 arranged on the first reagent dispensing probe 209 as an example, but the configuration of the second positioning member 213 arranged on the second reagent dispensing probe 211 is similar to the configuration of the second positioning member 213 arranged on the first reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0049] The first stirring unit 214 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 214 has a first stirring arm 2141. The first stirring unit 214 also has a first stirring bar at the tip of the first stirring arm 2141. The first stirring unit 214 uses the first stirring bar to stir a mixture of a standard sample and a first reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 214 also uses the first stirring bar to stir a mixture of a test sample and a first reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

[0050] The second stirring unit 215 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 215 has a second stirring arm 2151. The second stirring unit 215 also has a second stirring bar at the tip of the second stirring arm 2151. The second stirring unit 215 uses the second stirring bar to stir a mixture of a standard sample, a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at a second stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 215 also uses the second stirring bar to stir a mixture of a test sample, a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position.

[0051] The photometry unit 216 optically measures the mixture of the sample, first reagent, and second reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2011. The photometry unit 216 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometry unit 216 irradiates light from the light source under the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light enters the reaction vessel 2011 from a first side wall and exits from a second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometry unit 216 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 with the photodetector.

[0052] The cleaning unit 217 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 after the measurement of the mixed solution by the photometry unit 216 has been completed.

[0053] 1, the control circuit 9, for example, executes a control program to realize a system control function 91 and a dispensing control function 92. Note that, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the system control function 91 and the dispensing control function 92 are realized by a single processor, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the system control function 91 and the dispensing control function 92 may be realized by each processor executing a control program.

[0054] The system control function 91 is a function that controls all parts of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. For example, the system control function 91 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the analysis mechanism 2 in the control circuit 9, and also controls the analysis circuit 3 so as to perform analysis according to the measurement items. The system control function 91 corresponds to the system control unit in this embodiment.

[0055] The dispensing control function 92 controls the dispensing of the sample and the reagent into the reaction vessel 2011. For example, the dispensing control function 92 controls the dispensing of the standard sample into the reaction vessel 2011, the dispensing of the test sample into the reaction vessel 2011, and the dispensing of the reagent into the reaction vessel 2011. This dispensing control function 92 corresponds to the dispensing control unit in this embodiment.

[0056] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the reagent aspirating process according to the first embodiment. In this reagent aspirating process, the reagent dispensing probe is moved to the reagent aspirating position, lowered, the reagent is aspirated, and then raised. This reagent aspirating process is realized, for example, by the control circuit 9 reading and executing a reagent aspirating process program stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0057] 5, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent aspirating position (step S11). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the reagent dispensing arm, thereby moving the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent aspirating position.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moved to the first reagent aspirating position in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the dispensing control function 92 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the first reagent dispensing position, so that the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the second positioning member 213 are positioned above the insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212.

[0059] Next, as shown in FIG. 5 , the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automated analyzer 1 lowers the reagent dispensing probe (step S13). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 lowers the reagent dispensing probe at the reagent dispensing position. As the reagent dispensing probe lowers, the first positioning member 212 comes into contact with the second positioning member 213. This positions the reagent dispensing probe with respect to the insertion hole H of the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, and the opening of the reagent container 100. That is, even if the reagent dispensing probe is misaligned with respect to the insertion hole H of the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100 due to low rigidity of the reagent dispensing arm and / or low operational accuracy of the reagent dispensing arm in step S11, the first positioning member 212 comes into contact with the second positioning member 213 in step S13, thereby positioning the reagent dispensing probe with respect to the insertion hole H and the opening of the reagent container 100, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensing position of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0060] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between an insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, and the second positioning member 213. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned with respect to the insertion hole H in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, and the opening of the reagent container 100 by contact between the tapered shape of the insertion hole H formed in the lid and the tapered shape of the rib Lib of the second positioning member 213.

[0061] 7(a), when insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is first positioning member 212, is in contact with second positioning member 213, the tip of first reagent dispensing probe 209 remains housed in second positioning member 213. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is first positioning member 212, is in contact with second positioning member 213, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 descends, causing second positioning member 213 to slide in a direction away from the tip of first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the tip of first reagent dispensing probe 209 protrudes from second positioning member 213. As a result, first reagent dispensing probe 209 is inserted into reagent container 100. In addition, contact between the insertion hole H formed in the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, and the second positioning member 213 can be said to mean, for example, that the first positioning member 212 is engaged with the second positioning member 213.

[0062] 5, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 causes the reagent to be aspirated (step S15). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 causes the reagent dispensing probe to aspirate the reagent in the reagent container 100. More specifically, the dispensing control function 92 causes the reagent dispensing probe to aspirate the reagent while the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, is in contact with the second positioning member 213. That is, while the first positioning member 212 is in contact with the second positioning member 213, the reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent.

[0063] 5, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 raises the reagent dispensing probe (step S17). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to raise the reagent dispensing probe. This causes the reagent dispensing probe to be withdrawn from the reagent container 100. After the reagent dispensing probe is withdrawn from the reagent container 100, the reagent dispensing probe further rises, releasing the contact between the first positioning member 212 and the second positioning member 213.

[0064] The reagent aspirating process according to this embodiment is completed by the lifting of the reagent dispensing probe in step S17. After this, when the lifting of the reagent dispensing probe is completed, the dispensing control function 92 moves the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent dispensing position, dispenses the aspirated reagent into the reaction vessel 2011, and analyzes the sample. After the reagent dispensing probe is washed, the reagent aspirating process is performed to aspirate the next reagent.

[0065] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a lid, which is the first positioning member 212, provided on the reaction base 200 side, and a second positioning member 213, which is provided on the reagent dispensing probe side and positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting the lid, which is the first positioning member 212. The reagent dispensing probe aspirates reagent when the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, is in contact with the second positioning member 213. Therefore, even if the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm is increased or the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm is increased, the accuracy of the dispensing position of the reagent dispensing probe can be ensured. This allows for stable reagent dispensing while improving throughput by increasing the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm and realizing high layout flexibility independent of the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm.

[0066] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the second positioning member 213 is arranged on the outer periphery of the tip of the reagent dispensing probe and is arranged to be slidable in the axial direction of the reagent dispensing probe. Therefore, the second positioning member 213 comes into contact with the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, and positions the reagent dispensing probe, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensing position and absorbing vibrations caused by the movement of the reagent dispensing arm or reagent dispensing probe being stopped, thereby enabling more stable reagent dispensing.

[0067] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the second positioning member 213 is arranged on the outer periphery of the tip of the reagent dispensing probe so as to accommodate the tip of the reagent dispensing probe, and when the lid, which is the first positioning member 212, is in contact with the second positioning member 213, the reagent dispensing probe is lowered, causing the tip of the reagent dispensing probe to protrude from the second positioning member 213.Therefore, when the reagent dispensing probe is moving horizontally or up and down, the second positioning member 213 protects the tip of the reagent dispensing probe and prevents the reagent dispensing probe from coming into contact with other parts.

[0068] Second Embodiment In the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the first positioning member 212 is a lid, but this is not limited to this. In the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment, the first positioning member may be a positioning jig. Below, a case in which this modification is applied to the first embodiment described above will be referred to as the second embodiment, and differences from the first embodiment described above will be described. Note that the functional configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 2 described above. As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the configurations of the first reagent reservoir, the second reagent reservoir, and the first positioning member are different from those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore are referred to as the first reagent reservoir 206a, the second reagent reservoir 207a, and the first positioning member 212a. Note that the configurations other than the first reagent reservoir 206a, the second reagent reservoir 207a, and the first positioning member 212 are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, the first reagent storage 206a includes a first housing 2061, a first turntable 2062, and a first lid 2063. The first lid 2063 is formed with a first insertion hole H1 into which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is inserted, and covers the opening of the first housing 2061. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first insertion hole H1 does not have a tapered shape that decreases in diameter with increasing distance from the top surface of the first lid 2063, but the first insertion hole H1 may have a tapered shape that decreases in diameter with increasing distance from the top surface of the first lid 2063. The configurations of the first reagent storage 206a, the first housing 2061, and the first turntable 2062 other than the first lid 2063 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, the second reagent storage 207a includes a second housing 2071, a second turntable 2072, and a second lid 2073. The second lid 2073 is formed with a second insertion hole H2 into which the second reagent dispensing probe 211 is inserted, and covers the opening of the second housing 2071. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first insertion hole H1 does not have a tapered shape that decreases in diameter with increasing distance from the top surface of the first lid 2073, but the second insertion hole H2 may have a tapered shape that decreases in diameter with increasing distance from the top surface of the second lid 2073. The configurations of the second reagent storage 207a, the second housing 2071, and the second turntable 2072 other than the second lid 2073 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0072] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first insertion hole H1 and the second insertion hole H2, they may be simply referred to as "insertion hole H." In addition, in the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first lid 2063 and the second lid 2073, they may be simply referred to as "lid."

[0073] The first positioning member 212a is a positioning jig provided above the lid and having a passage hole formed therein for the reagent dispensing probe to pass through. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two first positioning members 212a are provided, one above the first lid 2063 and the other above the second lid 2073. As shown in FIG. 8, the first positioning member 212a is formed, for example, in an L-shape having an upper surface 2121 in which a passage hole TH is formed and a side portion 2122 extending from the upper surface 2121 along the side surface of the reagent reservoir. The first positioning member 212a is provided so that the upper surface 2121 overhangs above the lid of the reagent reservoir. The passage hole TH formed in the upper surface 2121 is a hole that penetrates the upper surface 2121. The passage hole TH has, for example, a tapered shape that decreases in diameter with increasing distance from the upper surface of the upper surface 2121.

[0074] The first positioning member 212a is disposed so that the position of the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 and the position of the insertion hole H formed in the lid of the reagent container generally coincide in the vertical direction. Specifically, the passage hole TH of the first positioning member 212a provided above the first lid 2063 is provided at a position where the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 stored in the first housing 2061 intersect, and generally coincides in the vertical direction with the position of the first insertion hole H1 formed in the first lid 2063 of the first reagent container 206a. Furthermore, the passage hole TH of the first positioning member 212a provided above the second lid 2073 is provided at a position where the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100 stored in the second housing 2071 intersect, and the position of the passage hole TH generally coincides in the vertical direction with the position of the second insertion hole H2 formed in the second lid 2073 of the second reagent storage 207a. In this way, the position of the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 and the position of the insertion hole H formed in the lid of the reagent storage generally coincide in the vertical direction, so that the reagent dispensing probe passes through the passage hole TH without coming into contact with it, and is inserted into the reagent container 100 without coming into contact with the insertion hole H either.

[0075] According to the configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment, in step S11 of the reagent aspirating process shown in Fig. 5, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the reagent dispensing arm, thereby moving the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent aspirating position. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moved to the first reagent aspirating position in the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 9, when the dispensing control function 92 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the reagent dispensing position, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the second positioning member 213 are positioned above the first insertion hole H1 formed in the first lid 2063 and the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface 2121 of the first positioning member 212a.

[0076] 5 , the dispensing control function 92 lowers the reagent dispensing probe at the reagent dispensing position. As the reagent dispensing probe descends, the first positioning member 212a and the second positioning member 213 come into contact with each other. This positions the reagent dispensing probe relative to the insertion hole H of the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100. That is, even if the reagent dispensing probe is misaligned with the insertion hole H of the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100 in step S11 due to low rigidity of the reagent dispensing arm and / or low operational accuracy of the reagent dispensing arm, the first positioning member 212a and the second positioning member 213 come into contact with each other in step S13, thereby positioning the reagent dispensing probe relative to the insertion hole H of the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensing position of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0077] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned in the second embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 10, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between the passing hole TH of the first positioning member 212a and the second positioning member 213. More specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between the tapered shape of the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 of the first positioning member 212a and the tapered shape of the second positioning member 213.

[0078] 10(a), when the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 of the first positioning member 212a is in contact with the second positioning member 213, the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 remains housed in the second positioning member 213. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), when the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 is in contact with the second positioning member 213, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 descends, causing the second positioning member 213 to slide in a direction away from the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 protrudes from the second positioning member 213. Then, when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 further descends, the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is inserted into the first insertion hole H1 and the reagent container 100. The contact between the first positioning member 212a and the second positioning member 213 can be expressed in other words as the first positioning member 212a being fitted with the second positioning member 213, for example.

[0079] 5, the reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent while the positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212a, is in contact with the second positioning member 213. Then, in step S17 of the reagent aspirating process shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to raise the reagent dispensing probe. This causes the reagent dispensing probe to be withdrawn from the reagent container 100 and the insertion hole H. After the reagent dispensing probe has been withdrawn from the reagent container 100 and the insertion hole H, the reagent dispensing probe further rises, releasing the contact between the positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212a, and the second positioning member 213.

[0080] The reagent aspirating process according to this embodiment is completed by raising the reagent dispensing probe in step S17. The subsequent process is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment includes a positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212a, provided above the reagent reservoir on the reaction base 200 side, and a second positioning member 213, which is provided on the reagent dispensing probe side and positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting the positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212a. The reagent dispensing probe aspirates reagent when the positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212a, is in contact with the second positioning member 213. This ensures the accuracy of the reagent dispensing probe's dispensing position even when the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm is increased or the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm is increased. This allows for stable reagent dispensing while improving throughput by increasing the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm and realizing high layout flexibility independent of the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm.

[0082] Third Embodiment In the automated analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the first positioning member 212a is provided above the reagent reservoir, but the location where the first positioning member is provided is not limited thereto. The first positioning member may be provided above the reaction disk 201. Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described, which is a case where this modification is applied to the second embodiment described above, and differences from the second embodiment described above will be described.

[0083] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 described above. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first positioning member is different from that of the second embodiment described above, and is therefore referred to as the first positioning member 212b. Note that the configuration other than the first positioning member 212b is the same as that of the first and second embodiments described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The first positioning member 212b is a positioning jig provided above the reaction disk 201 and having a passage hole formed therein for the reagent dispensing probe to pass through. In the example shown in FIG. 11, two first positioning members 212b are provided, and each of the two first positioning members 212b is provided above the reaction disk 201. As shown in FIG. 11, the first positioning member 212b is formed in an L-shape having an upper surface portion 2121 in which a passage hole TH is formed and a side portion extending from the upper surface portion 2121 along the side surface of the reaction disk 201, similar to the third embodiment described above. The first positioning member 212b is provided so that the upper surface portion 2121 overhangs above the reaction disk 201. The passage hole TH formed in this upper surface portion 2121 is a hole penetrating the upper surface portion 2121. The passage hole TH has, for example, a tapered shape that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the upper surface of the upper surface portion 2121.

[0085] The first positioning member 212b is arranged so that the position of a passage hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 and the position of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 when the reaction disk 201 is stopped generally coincide with each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, one passage hole TH of the first positioning member 212b provided above the reaction disk 201 is provided at a position where the rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement path of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 intersect, and generally coincides with the position of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 when the reaction disk 201 is stopped generally in the vertical direction. The other passing hole TH of the first positioning member 212b provided above the reaction disk 201 is provided at a position where the rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement path of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 intersect, and is approximately aligned in the vertical direction with the position of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 when the reaction disk 201 is stopped. In this way, the position of the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 and the position of the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 when the reaction disk 201 is stopped are approximately aligned in the vertical direction, so that the reagent dispensing probe passes through the passing hole TH without coming into contact with it, and is inserted into the reaction vessel 2011 without coming into contact with the insertion hole H either.

[0086] 12 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the reagent dispensing process according to the third embodiment. In this reagent dispensing process, the reagent dispensing probe is moved to the reagent dispensing position, the reagent dispensing probe is lowered, the reagent is dispensed, and the reagent dispensing probe is raised. This reagent dispensing process is realized, for example, by the control circuit 9 reading and executing a reagent dispensing process program stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0087] 12, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent dispensing position (step S21). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the reagent dispensing arm, thereby moving the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent dispensing position.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moved to the first reagent dispensing position in the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the dispensing control function 92 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the first reagent dispensing position, whereby the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the second positioning member 213 are positioned above the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 of the first positioning member 212b.

[0089] 12, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 lowers the reagent dispensing probe (step S23). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 lowers the reagent dispensing probe at the reagent dispensing position. As the reagent dispensing probe lowers, the first positioning member 212b comes into contact with the second positioning member 213. This positions the reagent dispensing probe with respect to the opening of the reaction vessel 2011. That is, even if the reagent dispensing probe is misaligned with respect to the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 in step S11 due to low rigidity of the reagent dispensing arm and / or low operational accuracy of the reagent dispensing arm, the first positioning member 212b comes into contact with the second positioning member 213 in step S13, thereby positioning the reagent dispensing probe with respect to the opening of the reaction vessel 2011, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensing position of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0090] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between a passing hole TH formed in the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213. More specifically, as shown in Figure 14(a), the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned with respect to the opening of the reaction vessel 2011 by contact between the tapered shape of the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 of the first positioning member 212b and the tapered shape of the rib Lib of the second positioning member 213.

[0091] 14(a), when the passing hole TH formed in the first positioning member 212b is in contact with the second positioning member 213, the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 remains housed in the second positioning member 213. Therefore, when the passing hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 is in contact with the second positioning member 213, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the first reagent dispensing probe 209 descends, causing the second positioning member 213 to slide in a direction away from the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 protrudes from the second positioning member 213. As a result, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is inserted into the reaction vessel 2011. In addition, contact between the through hole TH formed in the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213 can be rephrased as, for example, the first positioning member 212b being engaged with the second positioning member 213.

[0092] 12, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 causes the reagent to be dispensed (step S25). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 causes the reagent dispensing probe to dispense the reagent aspirated into the reaction vessel 2011. More specifically, the dispensing control function 92 causes the reagent dispensing probe to dispense the reagent while the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213 are in contact with each other. That is, while the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213 are in contact with each other, the reagent dispensing probe dispenses the reagent.

[0093] 12, the dispensing control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 raises the reagent dispensing probe (step S27). Specifically, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to raise the reagent dispensing probe. This causes the reagent dispensing probe to be withdrawn from the reaction vessel 2011. After the reagent dispensing probe is withdrawn from the reaction vessel 2011, the reagent dispensing probe further rises, thereby releasing the contact between the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213.

[0094] The reagent dispensing process according to this embodiment is completed by the lifting of the reagent dispensing probe in step S27. After this, when the lifting of the reagent dispensing probe is completed, the dispensing control function 92 cleans the reagent dispensing probe, moves the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent aspirating position, and executes the reagent aspirating process to aspirate the next reagent.

[0095] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212b, provided above the reaction disk 201 on the reaction base 200 side, and a second positioning member 213, which is provided on the reagent dispensing probe side and positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting the positioning jig, which is the first positioning member 212b. The reagent dispensing probe dispenses reagent when the first positioning member 212b and the second positioning member 213 are in contact with each other. This ensures the accuracy of the reagent dispensing probe's dispensing position even when the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm is increased or the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm is increased. This allows for stable reagent dispensing while improving throughput by increasing the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm and realizing high layout flexibility independent of the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm.

[0096] [Fourth embodiment] In the automated analyzers 1 according to the first to third embodiments described above, the second positioning member 213 is configured by being disposed on the outer periphery of the reagent dispensing probe, but this is not limited to this. The second positioning member 213 may also be provided on the dispensing arm. Below, a fourth embodiment will be described in which this modification is applied to the first embodiment described above, and differences from the first embodiment will be explained. The functional configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore will not be explained here.

[0097] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analyzing mechanism 2 according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 described above. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the configurations of the first reagent reservoir, the second reagent reservoir, the first positioning member, and the second positioning member are different from those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore are referred to as the first reagent reservoir 206a, the second reagent reservoir 207a, the first positioning member 212c, and the second positioning member 213a. Note that the configurations other than the first reagent reservoir 206a, the second reagent reservoir 207a, the first positioning member 212c, and the second positioning member 213a are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the configurations of the first reagent reservoir 206a and the second reagent reservoir 207a are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0098] 15, two first positioning members 212c are provided, one on the top surface of the first lid 2063 and one on the top surface of the second lid 2073.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first positioning member 212c and a second positioning member 213a according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the first positioning member 212c is configured to include a contact member 121, a biasing member 122, and a containing member 123. The contact member 121 is a member that comes into contact with the second positioning member 213a. The contact member 121 has a tapered shape that narrows toward the top. The contact member 121 is biased upward by the biasing member 122. The biasing member 122 biases the contact member 121 upward. The containing member 123 contains the biasing member 122. Furthermore, when the reagent-dispensing probe moves downward while the contact member 121 and the second positioning member 213a are in contact with each other, the containing member 123 contains the contact member 121 that is pressed downward by the second positioning member 213a and moves downward.

[0100] The second positioning member 213a is provided on the reagent dispensing arm. In the example shown in FIG. 15, two second positioning members 213a are provided, one for the first reagent dispensing arm 208 and one for the second reagent dispensing arm 210. As shown in FIG. 16, the second positioning member 213a has a hole formed therein corresponding to the first positioning member 212c. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the inner wall of this hole is parallel to the vertical direction. This hole may have a tapered shape to match the shape of the contact member 121 of the first positioning member 212c.

[0101] 5, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the reagent dispensing arm, thereby moving the reagent dispensing probe to the reagent aspirating position. Furthermore, the rotation of the reagent dispensing arm also moves the second positioning member 213a provided on the reagent dispensing arm.

[0102] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 moved to the first reagent aspirating position in the fourth embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 17, when the dispensing control function 92 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the first reagent dispensing position, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned above the first insertion hole H1 formed in the first lid 2063, and the second positioning member 213a is positioned above the first positioning member 212c provided on the upper surface of the first lid 2063.

[0103] 5, the dispensing control function 92 lowers the reagent dispensing probe at the reagent dispensing position. As the reagent dispensing probe descends, the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a come into contact with each other. This positions the reagent dispensing probe relative to the insertion hole H in the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100. That is, even if the reagent dispensing probe is misaligned with the insertion hole H in the lid and the opening of the reagent container 100 in step S11 due to low rigidity of the reagent dispensing arm and / or low operational accuracy of the reagent dispensing arm, the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a come into contact with each other in step S13, thereby positioning the reagent dispensing probe relative to the insertion hole H and the opening of the reagent container 100, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensing position of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0104] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned in the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 18, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a. More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned by contact between the contact member 121 of the first positioning member 212c and the hole formed in the second positioning member 213a. Note that contact between the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a can be expressed as, for example, the first positioning member 212c being fitted into the second positioning member 213a.

[0105] 18 , the timing at which the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a come into contact may be before the first reagent dispensing probe 209 starts to pass through the first insertion hole H1, that is, when the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned above the first insertion hole H1. By adjusting the timing at which the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a come into contact in this manner, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 can pass through the first insertion hole H1 after the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a come into contact and the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is positioned. This reduces the risk of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 coming into contact with other components while the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is descending.

[0106] 5, the reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent while the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a are in contact with each other. Then, in step S17 of the reagent aspirating process shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing control function 92 controls the drive mechanism 4 to raise the reagent dispensing probe. This causes the reagent dispensing probe to be withdrawn from the reagent container 100. After the reagent dispensing probe has been withdrawn from the reagent container 100 and the insertion hole H, the reagent dispensing probe further rises, releasing the contact between the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a.

[0107] As described above, the automated analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a first positioning member 212c provided on the top surface of the lid of the reagent storage container on the reaction base 200 side, and a second positioning member 213a that positions the reagent dispensing probe by contacting the first positioning member 212c provided on the reagent dispensing arm on the reagent dispensing probe side. The reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent while the first positioning member 212c and the second positioning member 213a are in contact with each other. This ensures the accuracy of the reagent dispensing probe's dispensing position even when the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm is increased or the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm is increased. This allows for stable reagent dispensing while improving throughput by increasing the operation speed of the reagent dispensing arm and realizing high layout flexibility that is not dependent on the operating radius of the reagent dispensing arm.

[0108] In the fourth embodiment described above, the first positioning member 212c is configured by the contact member 121, the biasing member 122, and the housing member 123, and the second positioning member 213a is configured by having a hole formed therein, but this is not limiting. For example, the first positioning member may be configured by having a hole formed therein, and the second positioning member may be configured by a contact member, a biasing member, and a housing member.

[0109] [Variation 1] In the second and third embodiments described above, the case of positioning a reagent dispensing probe has been described as an example, but the first positioning members 212a, 212b and the second positioning member 213 may also be used when positioning the sample dispensing probe 205. Specifically, when positioning the sample dispensing probe 205 when aspirating a sample, the first positioning members 212a, 212b are provided so that the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface portion 2121 of the first positioning members 212a, 212b is positioned at a position where the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 205 intersects with the movement path of the opening of a sample container held by a sample rack 2031 supported by the rack sampler 203. When positioning the sample dispensing probe 205 when dispensing a sample, the first positioning members 212a and 212b are arranged so that the passage hole TH formed in the upper surface 2121 of the first positioning members 212a and 212b is positioned at a position where the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 205 intersects with the movement path of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. The second positioning member 213 is arranged on the outer periphery of the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 so as to accommodate the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 and is arranged to be slidable in the axial direction of the sample dispensing probe 205. The sample dispensing probe 205 may perform at least one of suction and discharge while the first positioning members 212a and 212b are in contact with the second positioning member 213. In this case, the sample dispensing probe 205 is an example of a dispensing probe. In addition, an apparatus that is composed of the above-mentioned sample dispensing arm 204 and sample dispensing probe 205, and that is provided on the sample dispensing probe 205 side that dispenses the sample and that has a second positioning member 213 that positions the sample dispensing probe 205 by coming into contact with first positioning members 212a, 212b that are provided on the base side corresponds to the dispensing apparatus of this modified example.

[0110] [Variation 2] In the fourth embodiment described above, the second positioning member 213a may be provided on the sample dispensing arm 204. In this case, the first positioning member 212c is provided at a position corresponding to the second positioning member 213a provided on the sample dispensing arm 204 when the sample dispensing probe 205 is located at the sample aspirating position or the sample dispensing position. An apparatus comprising the above-described sample dispensing arm 204 and sample dispensing probe 205, and including the second positioning member 213a provided on the sample dispensing probe 205 side that dispenses the sample and that positions the sample dispensing probe 205 by coming into contact with the first positioning member 212c provided on the base side, corresponds to the dispensing apparatus of this modified example.

[0111] [Other Modifications] In the automatic analyzers 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, variant 1 and variant 2 described above, the first positioning members 212a, 212b are provided so as to be able to position the reagent dispensing probe during either reagent aspirating or reagent dispensing, or so as to be able to position the sample dispensing probe 205 during either sample aspirating or sample dispensing, but the first positioning members 212a, 212b may also be provided so as to be able to position the reagent dispensing probe during both reagent aspirating and reagent dispensing, or so as to be able to position the sample dispensing probe 205 during both sample aspirating and sample dispensing.

[0112] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 1 according to the first to third embodiments and Modification 1 described above, second positioning member 213 is arranged on the outer periphery of the tip of the reagent dispensing probe so as to accommodate the tip of the reagent dispensing probe, or is arranged on the outer periphery of the tip of sample dispensing probe 205 so as to accommodate the tip of sample dispensing probe 205, but this is not limited to this. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing second positioning member 213 arranged on the outer periphery of the first reagent dispensing probe. As shown in FIG. 19, second positioning member 213 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the first reagent dispensing probe and provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the first reagent dispensing probe. In other words, second positioning member 213 does not have to accommodate the tip of the reagent dispensing probe or the tip of sample dispensing probe 205.

[0113] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 1 according to the first to third embodiments and Modification 1 described above, the second positioning member 213 is biased by a biasing member toward the tip of the reagent dispensing probe or sample dispensing probe 205, but a biasing member need not be provided. In this case, the second positioning member 213 will be positioned at the tip of the reagent dispensing probe or sample dispensing probe 205 due to its own weight.

[0114] Furthermore, although the above-described first to fourth embodiments, Modification 1, and Modification 2 have been described as being applied to an automatic analyzer that performs a biochemical test, the embodiments are not limited to this. That is, the first to fourth embodiments can also be applied to an automatic analyzer that performs a blood coagulation analysis test or an immunoassay test.

[0115] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. Instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 8, the processor may be configured so that the program is directly embedded in its circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0116] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and method described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...automatic analyzer, 2...analysis mechanism, 3...analysis circuit, 4...drive mechanism, 5...input interface, 6...output interface, 7...communication interface, 8...memory circuit, 9...control circuit, 91...system control function, 92...dispensing control function, 100...reagent container, 121 ...contact member, 122...urging member, 123...accommodation member, 200...reaction base, 201...reaction disk, 202...constant temperature section, 203...rack sampler, 204...sample dispensing arm, 205...sample dispensing probe, 206, 206a...first reagent storage, 207, 207a...second reagent storage, 208...first reagent dispensing arm, 209...first reagent dispensing probe, 210...second reagent dispensing arm, 211...second reagent dispensing probe, 212, 212a, 212b, 212c...first positioning member, 213, 213a...second positioning member, 214...first stirring unit, 215...second stirring unit, 216...photometric unit, 217...cleaning unit

Claims

1. a first positioning member; a second positioning member provided on a dispensing probe that dispenses a sample or a reagent, the second positioning member contacting the first positioning member to position the dispensing probe, the dispensing probe performs at least one of suction and discharge while the first positioning member and the second positioning member are in contact with each other; Automatic analyzer.

2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the first positioning member and the second positioning member come into contact when the dispensing probe is lowered.

3. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member that biases the second positioning member toward the tip of the dispensing probe.

4. The liquid supply system further includes a housing configured to accommodate a reagent container for accommodating the reagent, The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the first positioning member is a lid that covers an opening of the housing and has an insertion hole formed therein into which the dispensing probe is inserted.

5. a housing formed to be able to house a reagent container containing the reagent; an insertion hole into which the dispensing probe is inserted, and a lid covering the opening of the housing; The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the first positioning member is provided on an upper surface of the lid.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insertion hole has a tapered shape whose diameter decreases with increasing distance from the upper surface of the lid.

7. a housing formed to be able to house a reagent container containing the reagent; an insertion hole into which the dispensing probe is inserted, and a lid covering an opening of the housing; 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning member is a positioning jig provided above the lid and having a passage hole formed therein for the dispensing probe to pass through.

8. Further comprising a reaction disk for holding a reaction vessel containing a sample or a reagent; 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning member is a positioning jig provided above the reaction disk and having a passage hole formed therein for the dispensing probe to pass through.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the passage hole has a tapered shape whose diameter decreases with increasing distance from the upper surface.

10. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the second positioning member is provided on a dispensing arm that holds the dispensing probe.

11. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the second positioning member is disposed on an outer periphery of the dispensing probe and is provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the dispensing probe.

12. the second positioning member is disposed on the outer periphery of the tip of the dispensing probe so as to accommodate the tip of the dispensing probe, and is provided slidably in the axial direction of the dispensing probe; The automatic analyzer of claim 1, wherein when the first positioning member and the second positioning member are in contact with each other, the tip of the dispensing probe descends, causing the second positioning member to slide away from the tip of the dispensing probe and protrude from the second positioning member.

13. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the tip of the second positioning member has a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip of the dispensing probe.

14. A dispensing device comprising: a second positioning member provided on a dispensing probe that dispenses a sample or a reagent, the second positioning member contacting the first positioning member to position the dispensing probe.

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