Dispensing device and dispensing method

Abstract

This dispensing device comprises: a syringe having a piston, a first drive device for driving the piston, and a tip mounting part having an elastic member; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the syringe; a processing device; a block having first and second orifices; a pump; and a second drive device for varying the relative positions of the syringe and the block. The processing device: drives the second driving device and fits together the tip mounting part and the first orifice to achieve a state in which the interior of the syringe is hermetically sealed, and then drives the pump and applies positive or negative pressure to the interior of the syringe; subsequently drives the second driving device and fits together the tip mounting part and the second orifice to achieve a state in which the interior of the syringe is hermetically sealed, and then drives the pump and applies positive or negative pressure to the interior of the syringe; and identifies the site of deterioration in the dispensing device on the basis of a first pressure occurring after generation of the positive or negative pressure while the tip mounting part and the first orifice are fitted together, and a second pressure occurring after application of the positive or negative pressure while the tip mounting part and the second orifice are fitted together.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dispensing device and a dispensing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In medical and biological testing equipment, dispensing devices are used to distribute liquids such as specimens and reagents into separate containers. The dispensing device is composed of a pipette part for aspirating and discharging liquid, a tip for aspirating the liquid into the tip, and a transport device for transporting these parts.

[0003] In medical and biological testing, minute amounts of liquid samples are sometimes handled. In such cases, it is necessary to dispense the specified amount accurately and reproducibly, since dispensing the wrong amount can have a detrimental effect on the test results.

[0004] However, due to the influence of disturbances such as the operating environment, device characteristics, deterioration due to aging, or the characteristics or condition of the sample, even if the pressure generating means is operated as designed, the intended amount of dispensed may not be obtained, which makes it necessary to correct the dispense command value.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a dispensing device comprising: "a pressure sensor which measures the pressure inside the piping when liquid is aspirated by the dispensing probe 12c; a calculation unit 34 which calculates an average pressure value measured by the pressure sensor when liquid is aspirated; a memory unit 37 which stores a correlation between the average pressure value when liquid is aspirated for each desired discharge amount and the discharge operation amount; a correction unit 38 which corrects the discharge operation amount based on the correlation between the average pressure value when liquid is aspirated calculated by the calculation unit 34 and the average pressure value stored in the memory unit 37; and a control unit 31 which controls the syringe pump to discharge the desired discharge amount based on the discharge operation amount corrected by the correction unit 38" (see Abstract of Patent Document 1).

[0006] Patent document 2 discloses a dispensing device configured as follows: "The pressure inside and outside the sealed liquid holding container is measured by a pressure sensor connected to a dispensing probe, and the amount of pump operation is corrected according to the measured pressure amount. The amount of pump operation is corrected by calculating the amount of deformation of the dispensing flow path due to pressure changes" (see abstract of Patent document 2).

[0007] Patent Document 3 discloses the following technology (see Abstract of Patent Document 3): "A dispensing device 1 comprising a plurality of nozzles 3 for dispensing liquid, a nozzle moving means 4 for moving the plurality of nozzles 3 vertically, and a suction and discharge means 3a for aspirating and collecting liquid into dispensing tips 5 attached to the ends of the plurality of nozzles 3 and dispensing the aspirated and collected liquid from the dispensing tip 5; the dispensing device 1 has a plurality of openings 7a on its top surface corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 3, and is configured to comprise a dispensing tip fitting section 7 in which a closed space is formed when a plurality of dispensing tips 5 with a plurality of nozzles 3 attached thereto are fitted into the plurality of openings 7a, and an internal pressure detection section 8 for detecting pressure changes within the dispensing tip fitting section 7" (see Abstract of Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-080964 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-169623 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2005-337977 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] A dispensing device is required to aspirate and discharge a minute amount of liquid with good reproducibility and accuracy. In order to aspirate and discharge a liquid with good reproducibility and accuracy, the airtightness of the dispensing device is important. However, the seal parts that separate the inside of the dispensing device from the outside air slide with the piston, so that wear or deterioration occurs at the contact parts, and the accuracy of dispensing decreases. When the wear or deterioration of the seal parts progresses, the intended pressure cannot be generated during aspirating and discharging, which causes a shortage of the aspirated amount and residual liquid during dispensing. Even when a dispensing disposable tip is used and an elastic member is used for the tip attachment part, the airtightness decreases due to wear and deterioration of the elastic member because the tip is repeatedly detached. However, it is not possible to determine which parts require maintenance by simply measuring the pressure inside the dispensing device.

[0010] In methods that use pressure changes during liquid aspira- tion, such as that in Patent Document 1, the difference between the change in the average pressure measured during the dispensing of minute amounts and the value stored in the memory means is very small or even nonexistent, making it difficult to perform corrections based on correlation.

[0011] The dispensing device of Patent Document 2 uses a dispensing probe to drill holes in the interior of a sealed container and corrects the discharge command value in response to the internal pressure value. However, because the amount of aspirated decreases, it is necessary to correct not only the amount of discharge but also the command value when aspirating liquid. Although it is possible to compensate for the lack of liquid during aspirating by aspirating a sufficient amount in advance, this may result in more consumption of consumables such as reagents than necessary, which may lead to increased running costs.

[0012] The aim of Patent Document 3 is to prevent failures during dispensing by detecting improper installation of disposable tips. In dispensing operations, it is important that tips are installed without problems, but in order to make corrections for accurate dispensing, it is necessary to measure the performance and condition of the sealing parts inside the dispensing device.

[0013] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technique that allows for identifying deteriorated parts of a dispensing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the dispensing device of the present disclosure is a dispensing device configured to be able to dispense liquid, and includes: a piston; a first drive device that drives the piston; a syringe having a tip mounting section having an elastic member for mounting a dispensing tip and receiving the piston; a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the syringe; a processing device that processes a detection signal of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor; a block having a first hole and a second hole that can be fitted into the tip mounting section; a pump that is connected to the first hole and the second hole; and a second drive device that changes a relative position between the syringe and the block, and the processing device is the first driving device is driven to engage the tip mounting portion with the first hole, to seal the inside of the syringe, the pump is driven to apply positive pressure or negative pressure into the syringe, thereafter the second driving device is driven to engage the tip mounting portion with the second hole, to seal the inside of the syringe, and the pump is driven to apply positive pressure or negative pressure into the syringe, and a deteriorated portion of the dispensing device is identified based on a first pressure in the syringe after the generation of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion is engaged with the first hole and a second pressure in the syringe after the generation of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion is engaged with the second hole.

[0015] Further features related to the present disclosure will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. Also, the aspects of the present disclosure are achieved and realized by the elements and combinations of various elements and the following detailed description and the appended claims. The description of the present specification is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope or application of the present disclosure in any way. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to identify deteriorated parts of a dispensing device. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a dispensing device of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1B] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a chip mounting portion is fitted into a hole in an inspection block. FIG. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a method of determining whether a dispensing device is usable and a method of correcting a dispensing command value. [Figure 3A] 13 is an example of a dispensing command value map for determining a dispensing command value. [Figure 3B] 13 is an example of a dispensing command value map for determining a dispensing command value. [Figure 4] 13 is a graph showing a transition waveform of pressure value when negative pressure is applied inside a pipe. [Diagram 5] 13 is a graph showing a transition waveform of pressure value when positive pressure is applied inside a pipe. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inspection block according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an inspection block according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an inspection block according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an air circuit diagram of the inspection block according to the second embodiment when in use. [Figure 9A] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the tip mounting portion is fitted into a second measurement hole of the inspection block. FIG. [Figure 9B] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a tip mounting portion is fitted into a first measurement hole of an inspection block. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for determining whether a dispensing device according to a second embodiment is usable. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a method of determining whether a dispensing device according to a second embodiment is usable and a method of correcting a dispensing command value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings shown below show specific embodiments according to the present disclosure, but these are for understanding the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure.

[0019] [First embodiment] <Example of automatic analyzer configuration> FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing device 100 of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. An automatic analyzer is a device that automatically analyzes components of biological samples such as blood and urine. In FIG. 1, some components of the dispensing device 100 are shown in cross section. The dispensing device 100 collects liquid from a sample container and a reagent container (not shown) mounted on the automatic analyzer, and dispenses the liquid into a reaction container (not shown). The dispensing device 100 is placed on an automatic stage (driving device) (not shown) that is configured to be drivable in the horizontal direction (XY direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction).

[0020] The dispensing device 100 comprises a base 101, a motor 102, a coupling 103, a screw shaft 104, a nut 105, a slider 106, a linear guide 107, a piston 108, a syringe fixing base 109, a syringe 110, a tip removal section 111, a spring material 112, an analysis section 113, a pressure sensor 114, a tip mounting section 115, a sealing part 116, an inspection block 117 and a computer 118.

[0021] The base 101 has an L-shaped cross section in the YZ plane. A motor 102 (drive device) is provided on the upper part of the base 101. A screw shaft 104 is rotatably provided on the base 101 and is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 102 via a coupling 103. As the screw shaft 104, for example, a trapezoidal screw or a ball screw can be used.

[0022] The screw shaft 104 is provided with a slider 106 through which the screw shaft 104 passes, and a nut 105 screwed onto the screw shaft 104. One end of the slider 106 in the Y direction is connected to a linear guide 107 provided on the base 101 along the Z direction, and each of the nut 105 and the slider 106 is capable of moving up and down along the direction of the arrow Z (Z direction) shown in Fig. 1. The other end of the slider 106 in the Y direction is joined to a piston 108 protruding downward, and is configured to move up and down without rotating.

[0023] Syringe fixing base 109 is fixed to the lower end of base 101. Syringe 110 is connected to syringe fixing base 109. Syringe 110 receives piston 108 therein. A tip mounting part 115 is provided at the tip of syringe 110. Tip mounting part 115 has a shape that tapers downward. For example, when an analysis operation of the automatic analyzer is started, an automatic stage that moves dispensing device 100 is driven, and a tip (not shown) for dispensing liquid is mounted on tip mounting part 115.

[0024] A tip removal part 111 is provided above the tip mounting part 115. The tip removal part 111 may be a U-shaped notch, or may have a through hole with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening of the tip. The tip removal part 111 is constantly biased upward by a spring material 112 connected to the upper end of the tip removal part 111 and the base 101, and is configured to be freely movable up and down along the Z direction. For example, a spring or the like can be used as the spring material 112.

[0025] The piston 108 and the syringe 110 constitute a pipette mechanism, and the above-mentioned mechanism for moving up and down serves as a pump. To function as a pump, a seal part 116 is incorporated between the piston 108, which moves up and down, and the syringe 110. The piston 108 is shaped to penetrate the seal part 116, allowing the piston 108 to slide smoothly and sealingly preventing air from flowing in or out of the inside of the dispensing device 100 during operation.

[0026] When the motor 102 is driven, the slider 106 and the piston 108 move. When the piston 108 is moved, the pressure inside the pipe of the dispensing device changes. The pressure sensor 114 is connected to the upper part of the tip mounting part 115 and measures the pressure change inside the pipe. Note that "inside the pipe" means the space between the piston 108 and the syringe 110, the internal space of the tip mounting part 115, and the inside of the connecting pipe between the tip mounting part 115 and the pressure sensor 114. The pressure sensor 114 may have an A / D converter. The pressure sensor 114 outputs the measured pressure value to the analysis part 113 in the form of an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0027] The analysis unit 113 (processing device) includes a processor and a storage device. The analysis unit 113 executes a program stored in a memory to store and analyze a pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 114 and feeds back a correction command value to the motor 102.

[0028] The inspection block 117 is used when evaluating the performance and condition of the sealing parts inside the dispensing device 100. The inspection block 117 may be detachable from the automatic analyzer, or may be fixed. The inspection block 117 has a hole 1171 that fits with the tip mounting part 115. The inspection block 117 has a mechanical strength that does not cause plastic deformation due to the fitting of the tip mounting part 115. In FIG. 1, the inner diameter from the entrance of the hole 1171 to just before the tip is constant, but the inner diameter may become smaller toward the bottom. The inner diameter of the tip of the hole 1171 becomes smaller toward the bottom, and the tip of the hole 1171 is closed.

[0029] Although not shown, computer 118 (processing device) is any computer terminal having a processor, memory, storage device, display device, and input / output device. The processor of computer 118 executes a program stored in the memory to control the operation of the entire automatic analyzer, and in particular, controls the driving of motor 102 and the automatic stage. The analysis unit 113 and computer 118 may be configured as a single computer terminal, or the computer 118 may be configured to realize the functions of analysis unit 113.

[0030] 1B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the tip mounting part 115 is fitted into a hole 1171 of the inspection block 117. As shown in FIG. 1B, the outer diameter above the tip of the tip mounting part 115 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the entrance of the hole 1171, and when the tip mounting part 115 and the hole 1171 are fitted together, the inside of the hole 1171 is sealed.

[0031] Instead of mounting the dispensing device 100 on an automatic stage, a driving device may be connected to the base 101 to move the dispensing device 100 in the horizontal and vertical directions. Alternatively, instead of moving the dispensing device 100, the inspection block 117 may be moved. In other words, there is no limitation on the configuration of the driving device as long as the relative positions of the tip mounting part 115 and the inspection block 117 can be changed.

[0032] <How to determine whether a dispensing device can be used> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of determining whether the dispensing device 100 is usable and a method of correcting a dispensing command value.

[0033] (Step S200) The dispensing device 100 is stopped at the initial position shown in Fig. 1A. For example, when a user inputs an instruction to start determining whether the dispensing device 100 can be used via an input device of the computer 118, the computer 118 of the automatic analyzer starts an operation for determining whether the dispensing device 100 can be used.

[0034] (Step S201) The computer 118 drives the automatic stage to move the dispensing device 100 above the inspection block 117 and then lower it, thereby fitting the tip mounting part 115 of the dispensing device 100 into the hole 1171 of the inspection block 117. By fitting, the inside of the tube is sealed.

[0035] (Step S202) The analysis unit 113 starts recording the pressure value inside the pipe measured by the pressure sensor 114 .

[0036] (Step S203) The computer 118 drives the motor 102 to move the piston 108 in the compression direction (downward) or the suction direction (upward), thereby changing the inside of the pipe to a positive pressure state or a negative pressure state.

[0037] (Step S204) After moving the piston 108 by a given amount, the computer 118 stops driving the motor 102 to stop the piston 108 .

[0038] (Step S205) After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of recording the pressure value in the tube, analysis unit 113 stops recording the pressure value in the tube. Instead of this step, analysis unit 113 may measure the pressure value after a predetermined time has elapsed from immediately after tip mounting part 115 is fitted into inspection block 117, and the pressure value after a predetermined time has elapsed from immediately after piston 108 is moved by an arbitrary movement amount.

[0039] (Step S206) The analysis unit 113 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 100 based on the recorded pressure value inside the pipe, and determines whether or not the dispensing device 100 can be used. Details of determining whether or not the dispensing device 100 can be used based on the pressure value will be described later. If it is determined that the dispensing device 100 cannot be used (NG), the process proceeds to step S207. If it is determined that the dispensing device 100 can be used (OK), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0040] (Step S207) The analysis unit 113 transmits a signal indicating that the dispensing device 100 is unusable to the computer 118. The computer 118 generates an error notification screen and displays it on the display device. The error notification screen may include a message urging the user to perform maintenance on the dispensing device 100.

[0041] (Step S208) The analysis unit 113 calculates a correction value for the dispensing command value based on the recorded pressure value, and corrects the dispensing command value. The dispensing command value is the movement amount of the piston 108 (the driving amount of the motor 102) relative to the desired amount of liquid to be dispensed. The analysis unit 113 transmits the corrected dispensing command value to the computer 118. The corrected dispensing command value acquired in this step is used during the dispensing operation in the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer.

[0042] (Step S209) The computer 118 drives the automatic stage to move the pipetting device 100 upward and remove the pipetting device 100 from the inspection block 117 .

[0043] (Step S210) The computer 118 ends the flow of determining whether the dispensing device 100 is usable and correcting the dispensing command value, and proceeds to the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer. A known method can be adopted for the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer.

[0044] <How to correct dispensing command value> 3A is an example of a dispensing command value map 300a for determining a dispensing command value. The horizontal axis of the dispensing command value map 300a indicates the pressure value Pt in the pipe after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of recording the pressure value. The vertical axis of the dispensing command value map 300a indicates an appropriate dispensing command value calculated in a dispensing amount test described later.

[0045] When a positive pressure is applied inside the dispensing device 100 and the pressure value Pt in the tube after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of recording of the pressure value (step S205) is P1 (P1 > 0), the appropriate dispensing command value is V1. When the pressure value Pt is P2 (P2 > 0, P1 > P2), the appropriate dispensing command value is V2 (V1 < V2). When a negative pressure is applied inside the dispensing device 100 and the pressure value Pt is P3 (P3 < 0), the appropriate dispensing command value is V1. When the pressure value Pt is P4 (P4 < 0, |P3| > |P4|), the appropriate dispensing command value is V2.

[0046] As described above, when the absolute value of the pressure value Pt is large, the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 is small, and the difference between the dispensing command value and the actual suction amount and discharge amount becomes small. Therefore, the dispensing command value may be small. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the pressure value Pt is small, the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 has progressed, and the difference between the dispensing command value and the actual suction amount and discharge amount becomes large. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the dispensing command value.

[0047] Figure 3B is an example of a dispensing command value map 300b for determining the dispensing command value. Instead of the dispensing command value map 300a shown in Figure 3A, the dispensing command value may be determined using the dispensing command value map 300b shown in Figure 3B. The horizontal axis of the dispensing command value map 300b indicates the change amount ΔP of the pressure value in the tube that has changed within a predetermined time since the start of recording of the pressure value.

[0048] When a negative pressure is applied inside the dispensing device 100 and the change amount ΔP of the pressure value in the tube within a predetermined time since the start of recording of the pressure value is P5 (P5 > 0), the appropriate dispensing command value is V3. When the change amount ΔP of the pressure value is P6 (P6 > 0, P5 < P6), the appropriate dispensing command value is V4 (V3 < V4). Thus, when the applied pressure is negative pressure, ΔP shifts toward the atmospheric pressure side, so ΔP > 0. When a positive pressure is applied inside the dispensing device 100 and the change amount ΔP of the pressure value is P7 (P7 < 0), the appropriate dispensing command value is V3. When the change amount ΔP of the pressure value is P8 (P8 < 0, |P7| < |P8|), the appropriate dispensing command value is V4. When the applied pressure is positive pressure, ΔP shifts toward the atmospheric pressure side, so ΔP < 0.

[0049] As described above, when the absolute value of the change in pressure value ΔP is large, wear or deterioration of the seal part 116 has progressed, and the difference between the dispensing command value and the actual suction and discharge amounts becomes large, so the dispensing command value needs to be large. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the change in pressure value ΔP is small, wear or deterioration of the seal part 116 is small, and the difference between the dispensing command value and the actual suction and discharge amounts becomes small, so the dispensing command value can be small.

[0050] The dispensing command value maps 300a and 300b may be stored in a storage device of the analysis unit 113, or may be stored in a storage device of the computer 118 and read out by the analysis unit 113 communicating with the computer 118.

[0051] The dispensing command value maps 300a and 300b can be created by combining the transition of pressure values ​​measured under various preset conditions with the results of a dispensing test. More specifically, the dispensing command value maps 300a and 300b can be created as follows. First, the tip mounting portion 115 of the dispensing device 100 is fitted into the hole 1171 of the inspection block 117, and the piston 108 is driven to perform a pressure resistance evaluation of the seal part 116. The pressure resistance evaluation can be performed by either application of positive pressure (compression of the piston 108) or application of negative pressure (suction of the piston 108).

[0052] 4 is a graph showing a waveform 400 of the pressure value when negative pressure is applied inside a tube in a pressure resistance evaluation. The pressure value P11 when the tip mounting part 115 and the inspection block 117 are fitted is a positive pressure. After the piston 108 is moved upward by a given amount (expansion), the pressure value drops to P12 (P12<0). If the seal part 116 is not worn or deteriorated, at time T1 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of pressure value measurement, the pressure value may rise slightly to pressure value P13, but it may also remain at pressure value P12.

[0053] On the other hand, if the seal part 116 is worn or deteriorated, the pressure profile 401 shown by the two-dot chain line may result. In the pressure profile 401, the pressure value becomes P14 (P14<0, P14>P13) at time T1, and changes toward atmospheric pressure.

[0054] If the wear or deterioration of the seal part 116 has progressed further, the result may be pressure profile 402 shown by the dashed line. In pressure profile 402, the pressure value at time T1 is P15 (P15<0, P15>P14), changing toward atmospheric pressure. In this way, when the piston 108 applies the same arbitrary operation (expansion) to seal parts 116 with different levels of wear and deterioration, the fact that differences in the measured pressure profiles occur can be utilized.

[0055] If the seal part 116 is unable to adequately seal the inside of the dispensing device 100 due to wear or deterioration, when the piston 108 is moved upward by a given amount as in the pressure profile 402, the pressure will only drop to a pressure value P16 (P16<0, P16>P12) higher than the initial failure determination value Th1 (Th1>P12) rather than the pressure value P12 that should have been obtained. Also, at time point T1, the pressure will be a pressure value P15 (P15<0) higher than a preset failure determination value Th2 (Th2>Th1). In this case, the liquid cannot be aspirated with good reproducibility, dispensing reproducibility cannot be obtained, and a solution by correcting the dispensing command value will be difficult.

[0056] On the other hand, if the wear or deterioration of the seal part 116 is slight, as in pressure profile 401, the pressure value (P12) when the piston 108 is moved upward by a given amount will be lower than the initial malfunction judgment value Th1, and the pressure value (P14) at time point T1 will be lower than the malfunction judgment value Th2. In this case, it can be dealt with by correcting the dispensing command value. Since the amount of liquid when aspirating liquid will be less than the specified value, and the amount of liquid discharged will also be reduced and liquid will remain in the tip when dispensing liquid, it is necessary to correct both the aspirating command value and the dispensing command value.

[0057] In this way, by comparing the pressure value when the piston 108 is raised by an arbitrary amount of movement with the initial movement failure determination value Th1, or by comparing the pressure value at the time point T1 after a predetermined time has elapsed with the failure determination value Th2, it is possible to determine whether the seal component 116 has failed (worn or deteriorated).

[0058] Figure 5 is a graph showing the transition waveform 500 of the pressure value when a positive pressure is applied to the inside of the tube in the pressure resistance evaluation. The pressure value P21 at the time of fitting between the chip mounting portion 115 and the inspection block 117 is a positive pressure. After the piston 108 is moved downward by an arbitrary amount of movement (compression), the pressure value rises to the pressure value P22 (P22 > 0). When the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 has not progressed, at the time point T1 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of measuring the pressure value, the pressure value may slightly decrease to become the pressure value P23, or may remain at the pressure value P22 and transition.

[0059] On the other hand, when the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 is progressing, it may become the pressure profile 501 shown by the two-dot chain line. In the pressure profile 501, at the time point T1, the pressure value becomes P24 (P24 > 0, P24 < P23) and is changing toward the atmospheric pressure side.

[0060] When the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 further progresses, it may become the pressure profile 502 shown by the one-dot chain line. In the pressure profile 502, at the time point T1, the pressure value becomes P25 (P25 > 0, P25 < P24) and is changing toward the atmospheric pressure side. In this way, similar to when applying a negative pressure, it is possible to utilize the fact that when an arbitrary same operation (compression) is applied by the piston 108 to the seal component 116 with different progress states of wear or deterioration, there are differences in the measured pressure profiles.

[0061] When the seal component 116 cannot sufficiently seal the inside of the dispensing device 100 due to wear or deterioration, as in the pressure profile 502, when the piston 108 is lowered by an arbitrary amount of movement, instead of the pressure value P22 that should originally be obtained, the pressure only rises to a pressure value P26 lower than the initial failure determination value Th3 (Th3 < P22). Also, at time point T1, the pressure value P25 (P25 > 0) is lower than the preset failure determination value Th4 (Th4 < Th3). In this case, since the liquid cannot be discharged reproducibly, it becomes difficult to obtain dispensing reproducibility and it is difficult to solve the problem by correcting the dispensing command value.

[0062] On the other hand, when the wear or deterioration of the seal component 116 is slight, as in the pressure profile 501, the pressure value (P22) when the piston 108 is lowered by an arbitrary amount of movement is higher than the initial failure determination value Th3, and the pressure value (P24) at time point T1 is higher than the failure determination value Th4. In this case, it is possible to cope with it by correcting the dispensing command value. Since the liquid volume during liquid suction decreases compared to the specified value, and during liquid discharge, a decrease in the discharged liquid volume and liquid remaining in the chip occur, it is necessary to correct the command values for both the suction command value and the discharge command value.

[0063] In this way, by comparing the pressure value when the piston 108 is lowered by an arbitrary amount of movement with the initial failure determination value Th3, or by comparing the pressure value at time point T1 after a predetermined time has elapsed with the failure determination value Th4, it is possible to determine whether the seal component 116 has failed (worn or deteriorated).

[0064] Next to the pressure resistance test, a dispensing volume test is performed on the dispensing device 100 equipped with the seal component 116 under wear conditions or deterioration conditions, and the actual dispensing volume with respect to the dispensing command value is tested. As methods for the dispensing volume test, for example, the gravimetric method and the fluorescence amount analysis method can be selected. The gravimetric method is a method of weighing the weight of the liquid before and after dispensing using an analytical balance. The fluorescence amount analysis method is a method of evaluating the liquid volume of the dispensed liquid by measuring the intensity of light using a photometer.

[0065] A method for calculating the correction value from the results of the dispensing volume test will be described below using the pressure resistance evaluation shown in FIG. 4 as an example. The amount of dispensed liquid of the dispensing device 100, whose pressure value has reached P14 at time T1 after a predetermined time has elapsed, is insufficient for the dispensing command value. A necessary correction value can be calculated based on the shortage of the amount of dispensed liquid calculated from the dispensing volume test for the dispensing command value. The sum of the amount of dispensed liquid calculated from the dispensing volume test and the correction value becomes the appropriate dispensing command value. The above test is performed on dispensing devices 100 in various states of wear and deterioration, and an approximation curve is created from the accumulated data, thereby obtaining a dispensing command value map.

[0066] <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, the dispensing device 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a piston 108, a motor 102 (first driving device) that drives the piston 108, a syringe 110 having a tip mounting portion 115 to which a dispensing tip is attached and that receives the piston 108, a pressure sensor 114 that measures the pressure inside the syringe 110, an analysis unit 113 and a computer 118 (processing device) that process a detection signal of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 114, an inspection block 117 having a hole 1171 that can fit into the tip mounting portion 115, and an automatic stage (second driving device) that changes the relative position between the syringe 110 and the inspection block 117.

[0067] In this way, by using the inspection block 117 to seal the inside of the tube, applying pressure, and measuring the pressure after the pressure has been applied, it is possible to identify whether there is an abnormality in the sealing parts inside the dispensing device 100.

[0068] [Second embodiment] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing device 1000 according to the second embodiment. Dispensing device 1000 differs from the first embodiment in that tip mounting part 115 has a groove (not shown) and a wear-resistant elastic member 1001 is provided in the groove. Elastic member 1001 fits with the tip to seal the tip and tip mounting part 115.

[0069] 7A is a perspective view of an inspection block 1101 according to the second embodiment. The inspection block 1101 has a first measurement hole 1102, a flow path 1103, a second measurement hole 1104, a flow path 1107, an elastic member 1109, and a pressing plate 1110. The first measurement hole 1102 communicates with the flow path 1103. The second measurement hole 1104 communicates with the flow path 1107. The elastic member 1109 has wear resistance and is attached near the entrance of the second measurement hole 1104. The pressing plate 1110 is fixed to the inspection block 1101 so as to press the elastic member 1109 from above. The pressing plate 1110 has a through hole communicating with the second measurement hole 1104.

[0070] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the inspection block 1101 on a plane passing through the first measurement hole 1102 and the flow path 1103. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first measurement hole 1102 and the flow path 1103 form a single hole that penetrates the interior of the inspection block 1101 in an L-shape. Instead of connecting the first measurement hole 1102 and the flow path 1103 to form an L-shaped hole, only the first measurement hole 1102 that penetrates the interior of the inspection block 1101 in a straight line may be provided.

[0071] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the inspection block 1101 in a plane passing through the second measurement hole 1104 and the flow path 1107. As shown in FIG. 7C, the second measurement hole 1104 is connected to a sealing side hole 1105 having a larger diameter than the second measurement hole 1104. The flow path 1107 branches off approximately perpendicularly from the sealing side hole 1105. The opening of the sealing side hole 1105 on the opposite side to the second measurement hole 1104 is sealed by a sealing member 1106. A groove 1108 is provided near the entrance of the second measurement hole 1104, and an elastic member 1109 is attached to the groove 1108. Instead of providing the flow path 1107, the sealing side hole 1105 may be opened without providing the sealing member 1106.

[0072] Fig. 8 is an air circuit diagram of the inspection block 1101 when in use. As shown in Fig. 8, the inspection block 1101 is connected to a pump 1203 via a valve 1201 and a regulator 1202. The valve 1201 has two outlet pipes, which are connected to a flow path 1103 (first measurement hole 1102) and a flow path 1107 (second measurement hole 1104), respectively. The valve 1201 switches the air circuit in the direction of the first measurement hole 1102 and the direction of the second measurement hole 1104, or blocks the flow path. The regulator 1202 and the pump 1203 are connected to the inlet side of the valve 1201.

[0073] Valve 1201 can connect or disconnect the air circuit between inspection block 1101 and regulator 1202. Pump 1203 can generate positive or negative pressure and apply it to the inside of the pipe. By using pump 1203 in combination with an ejector system or the like, it is also possible to selectively apply positive or negative pressure. If the generated pressure can be controlled by pump 1203, regulator 1202 is not necessary.

[0074] The operations of the valve 1201 , regulator 1202 and pump 1203 are controlled by the computer 118 .

[0075] <How to determine whether a dispensing device can be used> When dispensing liquid by the dispensing device, a tip is attached to the tip mounting part 115, and liquid is aspirated into the tip and discharged. The tip may be replaced every time the sample to be dispensed is changed, or replaced with a tip of a suitable capacity when the amount of dispensing is changed, and is generally used as a disposable item. Therefore, the tip is frequently attached and detached, and the elastic member 1001 attached to the tip mounting part 115 is worn due to friction with the tip. As the wear progresses, the sealing between the attached tip and the elastic member 1001 decreases, and the accuracy of dispensing decreases. If the wear progresses further, dispensing reproducibility cannot be obtained, and finally it becomes difficult to aspirate the liquid. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wear state of the elastic member 1001 is evaluated based on the measurement result of the pressure when the tip mounting part 115 is fitted into each of the first measurement hole 1102 and the second measurement hole 1104, and the dispensing device 1000 is judged as usable or not. If it is usable, the dispensing command value is corrected and reflected in the dispensing operation.

[0076] First, the wear and deterioration state of the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 1000 can be evaluated using the second measurement hole 1104, and then the wear state of the elastic member 1001 can be evaluated using the first measurement hole 1102. There is no particular limitation on the order of evaluation of the sealing part 116 and the elastic member 1001, but the following describes the case where the state of the sealing part 116 is evaluated first.

[0077] 9A is a diagram showing a state in which the tip mounting part 115 is fitted into the second measurement hole 1104. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the state in which the tip mounting part 115 is fitted into the second measurement hole 1104, the elastic member 1001 attached to the tip mounting part 115 is located inside the sealing side hole 1105. That is, the outer diameter of the elastic member 1001 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second measurement hole 1104 and the inner diameter of the elastic member 1109, and when fitted, the elastic member 1001 passes through the second measurement hole 1104 without contacting the second measurement hole 1104 and the elastic member 1109. The inner diameter of the elastic member 1109 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of a portion of the tip mounting part 115 above the elastic member 1109, and the elastic member 1109 is tightly attached at this portion to seal the inside of the tube.

[0078] Fig. 9B is a diagram showing the state in which the tip mounting part 115 is fitted into the first measurement hole 1102. As shown in Fig. 9B, the inner diameter of the first measurement hole 1102 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the elastic member 1109, and when the tip mounting part 115 and the first measurement hole 1102 are fitted together, the opening of the first measurement hole 1102 is sealed by the elastic member 1109.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a method for determining whether or not the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 1000 is usable.

[0080] (Step S1400) The dispensing device 1000 is stopped at the initial position shown in Fig. 8. For example, when a user inputs an instruction to start determining whether the dispensing device 1000 is usable via an input device of the computer 118, the computer 118 of the automatic analyzer starts an operation for determining whether the dispensing device 1000 is usable.

[0081] (Step S1401) The computer 118 drives the automatic stage to move the dispensing device 1000 so that the tip mounting part 115 is positioned above the second measurement hole 1104 of the inspection block 1101, and then lowers it to fit the tip mounting part 115 into the second measurement hole 1104. By fitting, the inside of the tube is sealed. At this time, the second measurement hole 1104, the valve 1201, the regulator 1202 and the pump 1203 are in communication. The flow path 1103 on the side of the first measurement hole 1102 is open to the atmosphere by the valve 1201. The regulator 1202 is set to an arbitrary pressure value, and the pressure value applied inside the tube is preset.

[0082] (Step S1402) Step S1402 is similar to step S202 described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] (Step S1403) Computer 118 drives pump 1203 to apply either positive or negative pressure in the tubing.

[0084] (Step S1404) After the pressure reaches the pressure value set by regulator 1202 , computer 118 drives valve 1201 to block the flow path connecting second measurement hole 1104 and pump 1203 .

[0085] (Steps S1405 to S1406) Steps S1405 to S1406 are the same as steps S205 to S206 described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore the description will be omitted. Here, the pressure value at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed in step S1405 is P A Let us assume that.

[0086] (Step S1407) If it is determined in step S1406 that the dispensing device 1000 is unusable, the analysis unit 113 transmits a signal indicating that the dispensing device 100 is unusable to the computer 118. The computer 118 generates an error notification screen indicating that the sealing part 116 is worn or deteriorated, and displays it on the display device. The error notification screen may include a message urging the user to perform maintenance on the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 100.

[0087] (Step S1408) If it is determined in step S1406 that the pipetting device 1000 is available for use, the computer 118 drives the automatic stage to move the pipetting device 1000 upward and removes the pipetting device 1000 from the inspection block 1101.

[0088] (Step S1409) The computer 118 finishes the determination of the usability of the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 100, and moves on to the determination of the usability of the elastic member 1001 and the correction of the dispensing command value.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method of determining whether the elastic member 1001 of the dispensing device 100 is usable or not, and a method of correcting a dispensing command value.

[0090] (Step S1500) The dispensing device 1000 is in a state where the tip mounting part 115 is positioned above the second measurement hole 1104 of the inspection block 1101.

[0091] (Step S1501) The computer 118 drives the automatic stage to move the dispensing device 1000 so that the tip mounting part 115 is positioned above the first measurement hole 1102 of the inspection block 1101, and then lowers it to fit the tip mounting part 115 into the first measurement hole 1102. By fitting, the inside of the tube is sealed. At this time, the first measurement hole 1102, the valve 1201, the regulator 1202 and the pump 1203 are in communication. The flow path 1107 on the side of the second measurement hole 1104 is open to the atmosphere by the valve 1201. The regulator 1202 is set to an arbitrary pressure value, and the pressure value applied inside the tube is preset.

[0092] (Steps S1502 to S1503) Steps S1502 to S1503 are similar to steps S1402 to S1403 described with reference to Fig. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Note that if positive pressure was applied in step S1403, positive pressure is also applied in step S1503, and if negative pressure was applied in step S1403, negative pressure is also applied in step S1503.

[0093] (Step S1504) After the pressure reaches the pressure value set by regulator 1202 , computer 118 drives valve 1201 to block the flow path connecting first measurement hole 1102 and pump 1203 .

[0094] (Step S1505) Step S1505 is the same as step S205 described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore the description will be omitted. Here, the pressure value at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed in step S1505 is P B Let us assume that.

[0095] (Step S1506) The analysis unit 113 records the pressure value P A and P B Based on the pressure value P, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the sealing part 116 of the dispensing device 100, and whether or not the dispensing device 1000 can be used. A and P B Details of the determination of whether the dispensing device 1000 can be used based on the above will be described later. If it is determined that the dispensing device 1000 cannot be used (NG), the process proceeds to step S1507. If it is determined that the dispensing device 1000 can be used (OK), the process proceeds to step S1508.

[0096] (Step S1507) The analysis unit 113 transmits a signal to the computer 118 indicating that the dispensing device 100 cannot be used. The computer 118 generates an error notification screen indicating that the elastic member 1001 is worn or deteriorated, and displays it on the display device. The error notification screen may include a message urging the user to perform maintenance on the elastic member 1001 of the dispensing device 100.

[0097] (Step S1508) The analysis unit 113 calculates the recorded pressure value P B And based on the dispensing command value map of FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, a correction value for the dispensing command value is calculated, and the dispensing command value is corrected.

[0098] (Steps S1509 to S1510) Steps S1509 to S1510 are similar to steps S209 to S210 described with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] <Details of how to determine whether or not a dispensing device can be used> The pressure value P in step S1506 described above A and P B A method for determining whether the dispensing device 1000 can be used based on the above will be described separately for when negative pressure is applied and when positive pressure is applied.

[0100] (When negative pressure is applied) (i) When there is no abnormality in the sealing part 116 and no abnormality in the elastic member 1001, the pressure value is P A =P B = the applied pressure of the pump 1203. In this case, it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (ii) When the seal part 116 is worn and there is no abnormality in the elastic member 1001, the pressure value is P A =P B However, the pressure value P A and P B is closer to atmospheric pressure than the pressure applied by the pump 1203. For example, if the pressure applied by the pump 1203 is set to -20 kPa, the pressure value P A and P B In this case, the pressure value P A and P B does not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th2 in FIG. 4), it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (iii) When there is no abnormality in the sealing part 116 and the elastic member 1001 is worn, the pressure value is P A <P B For example, when the applied pressure of the pump 1203 is set to −20 kPa, the pressure value P A is the same as the applied pressure, -20kPa, and the pressure value P B In this case, the pressure value P B does not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th2), it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (iv) When the sealing part 116 is worn and the elastic member 1001 is also worn, the pressure value is P A <P B Furthermore, the pressure value P A and P Bis different from the applied pressure of the pump 1203. For example, if the applied pressure of the pump 1203 is set to -20 kPa, the pressure value P A becomes -19.5kPa, and the pressure value P B In this case, the pressure value P A and P B When the pressure value P does not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th2), it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. A Even if only the temperature of the pipetting device 1000 reaches the malfunction determination value, the pipetting device 1000 is determined to be unusable.

[0101] (when positive pressure is applied) (i) When there is no abnormality in the sealing part 116 and no abnormality in the elastic member 1001, the pressure value is P A =P B = the applied pressure of the pump 1203. In this case, it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (ii) When the seal part 116 is worn and there is no abnormality in the elastic member 1001, the pressure value is P A =P B However, the pressure value P A and P B is closer to atmospheric pressure than the pressure applied by the pump 1203. For example, if the pressure applied by the pump 1203 is set to 30 kPa, the pressure value P A and P B In this case, the pressure value P A and P B does not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th4 in FIG. 5), it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (iii) When there is no abnormality in the sealing part 116 and the elastic member 1001 is worn, the pressure value is P A >P B For example, if the applied pressure of the pump 1203 is set to 30 kPa, the pressure value P A is the same as the applied pressure, 30 kPa, and the pressure value P B In this case, the pressure value P Bdoes not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th4), it can be determined that the dispensing device 1000 is usable. (iv) When the sealing part 116 is worn and the elastic member 1001 is also worn, the pressure value is P A >P B Furthermore, the pressure value P A and P B is different from the applied pressure of the pump 1203. For example, if the applied pressure of the pump 1203 is set to 30 kPa, the pressure value P A becomes 29.5kPa, and the pressure value P B In this case, the pressure value P A and P B When the pressure value P does not exceed the malfunction determination value (malfunction determination value Th4), it can be determined that the dispensing apparatus 1000 is usable. A Even if only the temperature of the pipetting device 1000 reaches the malfunction determination value, the pipetting device 1000 is determined to be unusable.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, the state of the sealing part 116 is evaluated first, and then the state of the elastic member 1001 is evaluated. If the elastic member 1001 is evaluated first, the sealing part 116 inside the dispensing device 1000 must also be evaluated in order to determine whether the dispensing device 1000 can be used. However, by evaluating the sealing part 116 first, if there is an abnormality in the sealing part 116, an error occurs and the elastic member 1001 is not evaluated, thereby shortening the evaluation time.

[0103] <Summary of the second embodiment> As described above, the dispensing device 1000 according to the second embodiment engages the tip mounting part 115 with the second measurement hole 1104 (first hole), seals the inside of the tube, drives the pump 1203 to apply positive pressure or negative pressure into the tube, and then engages the tip mounting part 115 with the first measurement hole 1102 (second hole), seals the inside of the tube, drives the pump 1203 to apply positive pressure or negative pressure into the tube, and obtains a pressure value P A(first pressure), and the pressure value P inside the tube after pressure application when the tip mounting portion and the second hole are fitted together B (the second pressure), and based on this, identify the abnormal location requiring maintenance.

[0104] In this way, by performing an inspection procedure using two stages of pressure application, it is possible to determine whether the dispensing device 1000 is usable in the first place (whether there is any abnormality in the sealing part 116) and whether the part requiring maintenance is the sealing part 116 or the elastic member 1001.

[0105] [Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and it is not necessary to include all of the configurations described. In addition, a part of an embodiment can be replaced with a configuration of another embodiment. In addition, a configuration of another embodiment can be added to a configuration of an embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of each embodiment can be added to, deleted from, or replaced with a part of the configuration of another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100, 1000: Dispensing device 101: Bass 102: Motor 103: Coupling 104: Screw shaft 105: Nut 106: Slider 107: Linear guide 108: Piston 109: Syringe fixing base 110: Syringe 111: Tip removal part 112: Spring material 113:Analysis Department 114: Pressure sensor 115: Tip mounting part 116: Sealing parts 117, 1101: Inspection block 118: Computer 1001: Elastic member 1102: First measurement hole 1103, 1107: flow path 1104: Second measurement hole 1105: Sealing side hole 1106: Sealing member 1108: Groove 1109: Elastic member 1110: Retaining plate 1201: Valve 1202: Regulator 1203: Pump

Claims

1. A dispensing device configured to be able to dispense a liquid, The piston and a first drive device that drives the piston; a syringe having a tip mounting portion having an elastic member for mounting a tip for dispensing, the syringe receiving the piston; a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure in the syringe; A processing device that processes a detection signal of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor; a block having a first hole and a second hole capable of being fitted into the chip mounting portion; a pump connected to the first hole and the second hole; a second drive device that changes a relative position between the syringe and the block; The processing device includes: driving the second driving device to engage the tip mounting portion with the first hole to seal the inside of the syringe, and driving the pump to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the inside of the syringe; Then, the second driving device is driven to fit the tip mounting portion and the second hole, the inside of the syringe is sealed, and the pump is driven to apply a positive pressure or a negative pressure to the inside of the syringe; A dispensing device characterized by identifying a deteriorated portion of the dispensing device based on a first pressure within the syringe after application of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion and the first hole are engaged, and a second pressure within the syringe after application of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion and the second hole are engaged.

2. In claim 1, A dispensing device characterized in that the elastic member passes through the first hole when the tip mounting portion is engaged with the first hole, and is in close contact with the second hole when the tip mounting portion is engaged with the second hole.

3. In claim 1, The processing device includes: A dispensing device comprising: a dispensing command value correction value related to a drive amount of the first drive device, the correction value being calculated based on the second pressure.

4. In claim 3, The processing device includes: A dispensing device, comprising: a dispensing command value map that indicates a relationship between the second pressure and a dispensing command value that provides a desired dispensing amount, and calculates the correction value.

5. In claim 3, The processing device includes: determining whether the dispensing device is usable or not based on the first pressure and the second pressure; A dispensing device characterized in that, if the device is usable, the correction value is calculated, and, if the device is not usable, an error is output to an output device.

6. In claim 5, The processing device includes: The dispensing device is characterized in that, when the first pressure and the second pressure are both equal to the pressure applied by the pump, it is determined that the dispensing device is ready for use.

7. In claim 5, The processing device includes: A dispensing device characterized in that when the first pressure and the second pressure are equal and closer to atmospheric pressure than the applied pressure of the pump, the dispensing device is determined to be unusable when the first pressure and the second pressure are closer to atmospheric pressure than a predetermined threshold value.

8. In claim 5, The processing device includes: A dispensing device characterized in that, when the first pressure is equal to the applied pressure of the pump and the second pressure is different from the applied pressure of the pump, the dispensing device is determined to be unusable when the second pressure is closer to atmospheric pressure than a predetermined threshold value.

9. In claim 5, The processing device includes: A dispensing device characterized in that, when the first pressure and the second pressure are different and both of the first pressure and the second pressure are different from the applied pressure of the pump, the dispensing device is determined to be unusable when the first pressure and the second pressure are closer to atmospheric pressure than a predetermined threshold value.

10. A dispensing method performed by a processing device of a dispensing device, comprising: The dispensing device includes: a first drive device that drives the piston; a second drive device that changes a relative position of the syringe with respect to a block having a first hole and a second hole that can be fitted into a tip mounting portion having an elastic member; The method comprises: The processing device driving the second driving device to engage the tip mounting portion with the first hole, sealing the inside of the syringe, and driving a pump connected to the first hole and the second hole to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the inside of the syringe; Then, driving the second driving device to engage the tip mounting portion with the second hole to seal the inside of the syringe, and driving the pump to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the inside of the syringe; and identifying a deteriorated portion of the dispensing device based on a first pressure in the syringe after application of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion and the first hole are engaged, and a second pressure in the syringe after application of the positive pressure or negative pressure when the tip mounting portion and the second hole are engaged, both measured by a pressure sensor of the dispensing device.

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