Detection device for light emission analysis, and automated analyzer

Abstract

Provided is a technology wherein, using a simple means, a second member that is provided with a measurement container can be attached to and detached from a first member that retains a photodetector, such that the photodetector and the measurement container have an appropriate positional relationship. A detection device 200 for light emission analysis comprises: a cylindrical first member 220 that has a light detector 210 for detecting light emitted from a specimen under measurement, and has an insertion hole 221 provided penetrating in a vertical direction and into which the light detector 210 is inserted; a base substrate 230 that is provided to the lower side of the first member 220 in the vertical direction; a second member 250 that has a supply chamber into which the specimen is supplied, and is positioned on the lower side of the base substrate 230 in the vertical direction; and a third member 260 that comes into contact with an upper surface of the first member 220 at the periphery of the insertion hole 221, and has a plurality of tab sections 263 which slide relative to the second member 250, wherein by rotating the third member 260 while the same is in contact with the upper surface side of the first member 220, the plurality of tab sections 263 are locked by the second member 250, and the first member 220 and the second member 250 are fixed via the third member 260.

Description

Emission analysis detector and automatic analyzer

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device for optical emission spectrometry and an automated analyzer.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for quantitatively analyzing minute amounts of a substance to be measured by binding a luminescent substrate to the substance to be measured, introducing a reaction solution containing this substance into a flow cell, which is a measurement container, and detecting the luminescence generated when the substance is excited with a photodetector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube).

[0003] JP 2014-149305 A

[0004] In the above-described automatic analyzer, in order to prevent misalignment between the measurement container and the photodetector, for example, a first member (photodetector holding member) that is a member that holds the photodetector and a second member (measurement container holding member) that is a member that includes the measurement container may be fixed with screws, etc. Fixing the first member and the second member with screws, etc. in this way can prevent misalignment between the photodetector and the measurement container, thereby increasing the light-blocking property of the area surrounded by the flow path in the measurement container and the photodetector, and preventing a decrease in the S / N ratio when measuring a signal with the photodetector.

[0005] However, for example, when the first member and the second member are fixed with screws, an operator must use a tool to tighten or loosen the screws each time the measurement container is carried in or out, which results in poor workability. Furthermore, when fixing with screws or the like, there is a risk of improper tightening due to human error by the tightening operator. If the measurement container is fixed tilted or misaligned with respect to the photodetector due to improper tightening, this may result in insufficient light reception by the photodetector or the entry of ambient light, potentially resulting in incorrect analysis results.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that allows a second member having a measurement container to be attached and detached to a first member holding a photodetector by simple means so that the photodetector and the measurement container are in an appropriate positional relationship.

[0007] One of the detection devices for optical emission analysis that solves the above-mentioned problems is an optical emission analysis detection device having a photodetector that detects light emitted from a sample to be measured, comprising: a cylindrical first member having an insertion hole that penetrates vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; a base substrate provided vertically below the first member; a second member having a supply chamber into which the sample is supplied and arranged vertically below the base substrate; and a third member that abuts on an upper surface of the first member around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claw portions that slide relative to the second member; by rotating the third member while abutting on the upper surface of the first member, the plurality of claw portions are engaged with the second member, and the first member and the second member are fixed via the third member.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a technology can be provided that allows a second member having a measurement container to be attached and detached to a first member holding a photodetector by simple means so that the photodetector and the measurement container are in an appropriate positional relationship.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an automatic analyzer. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining the fixing principle in the detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a modified example of the detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the fixing operation of the detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining the fixing principle in the detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view explaining the fixing operation of the detection device for luminescence analysis of embodiment 3.

[0010] In the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments, but unless otherwise expressly stated, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a partial or complete variation, detail, supplementary explanation, etc. of the other.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.), unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number and may be more or less than the specific number.

[0012] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0013] Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or similar to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is considered that this is clearly not the case in principle. This also applies to the above numerical values ​​and ranges.

[0014] In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted. In addition, hatching may be used even in plan views to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0015] <Regarding Emission Analysis> Prior to describing the emission analysis detection device and automatic analyzer of each embodiment, a brief description of emission analysis technology will be given.

[0016] Luminescence analysis is a method used to analyze trace components, and is generally more sensitive than absorption measurement, making it widely used in fields such as environmental analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, food analysis, clinical testing, and nucleic acid analysis. Luminescence here refers to the emission of light when an excited state substance transitions to the ground state.

[0017] Luminescence is classified according to the cause of electron excitation. For example, luminescence generated when electrons are excited by heat is classified as thermoluminescence, luminescence generated when electrons are excited by light irradiation is classified as photoluminescence, and luminescence generated when electrons are excited by voltage is classified as electroluminescence. The luminescence analysis detection device according to this embodiment includes a measurement container that can be applied to luminescence analysis of these various luminescence modes. In each embodiment described below, an example is given in which the technology of the present disclosure is applied to luminescence analysis by chemiluminescence.

[0018] Chemiluminescence is a form of luminescence, in which a substance produced by a chemical reaction emits light when it transitions from an excited state to a ground state. Bioluminescence, such as that of fireflies, which uses enzymes to promote chemical reactions, is a type of chemiluminescence.

[0019] In chemiluminescence analysis, for example, a solution containing at least one chemiluminescent reagent, i.e., a sample, is first supplied to a measurement container via a corresponding liquid supply means and allowed to undergo a chemical reaction. Light emitted from the solution by chemiluminescence in the measurement container is then detected by a photodetector using a photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode. The photoelectric conversion element then converts the incident light into a current intensity corresponding to the amount of light, and the luminescence intensity is measured based on this.

[0020] The emission wavelength of chemiluminescence is generally in the visible light range (350 nm to 800 nm). Therefore, in each embodiment, the signal emission wavelength will be described as being visible light. However, even if the emission wavelength is outside the visible light range, the same effect can be obtained by selecting a material that matches the wavelength characteristics.

[0021] (Embodiment 1) <Regarding the Automated Analyser> An automated analyzer is an apparatus that analyzes liquid samples derived from living organisms, such as blood, urine, etc. In order to analyze liquid samples derived from living organisms with high sensitivity, a technology is required that can selectively recognize a target component to be analyzed from a sample that contains a large amount of coexisting components.

[0022] For example, in immunoassays in which antigens or antibodies in cancer markers, infectious disease viruses, hormones, etc. are used as samples to be analyzed, serum contains many protein components (e.g., approximately 70 g / L), whereas the components to be analyzed are present in extremely small amounts on the order of f (femto) mol / L to n (nano) mol / L.

[0023] In biological sample analysis, which requires such high sensitivity, a technique is employed in which a substance that selectively binds to the component to be analyzed is used to selectively label and separate the analyte.

[0024] For example, in the sandwich method commonly used in immunoassays, analysis is carried out through the following steps (1) to (3): (1) A first antibody bound to magnetic particles and a second antibody bound to a luminescent labeling substance are mixed with the antigen to be analyzed, allowing them to bind through an antigen-antibody reaction; (2) A permanent magnet is used to magnetically capture the magnetic particles, and coexisting components not bound to the magnetic particles are discharged outside the reaction vessel; (3) The luminescent labeling substance bound to the magnetic particles is made to emit light, and the luminescence intensity, which depends on the concentration of the antigen to be analyzed, is measured.

[0025] <Overall Configuration of Automated Analyser> Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic example of the overall configuration of an automated analyzer. First, the overall configuration of an automated analyzer equipped with an emission analysis detection device will be described with reference to Fig. 1 .

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the automated analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 110, a control unit 130, an input unit 150, and a display device 170. The analysis unit 110 performs analysis operations. The control unit 130 controls the entire device. The input unit 150 accepts information input by a user. The display device 170 displays various types of information. The input unit 150 may also be used as the display device 170, an example of which is a touch panel monitor.

[0027] The analysis unit 110 includes a transport mechanism 111, a sample probe 112, a chip loading / unloading unit 113, a chip magazine 114, a reaction vessel magazine 115, a chip / reaction vessel transport mechanism 116, an incubator (reaction disk) 117, a reagent disk 118, a reagent dispensing probe 119, a reagent probe washing unit 120, a magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121, a magnetic particle stirring mechanism washing unit 122, a dispensing probe for a detection device 123, and a detection device for luminescence analysis (hereinafter simply referred to as the detection device) 200.

[0028] The transport mechanism 111 transports a sample container 124 containing a sample to a sample dispensing position. The sample probe 112 dispenses the sample. The tip attachment / detachment unit 113 attaches and detaches a disposable tip (hereinafter referred to as a tip) to and from the sample probe 112.

[0029] The chip magazine 114 is a device for supplying chips. The reaction vessel magazine 115 is a device for supplying reaction vessels. The chip / reaction vessel transport mechanism 116 is a device for transporting chips and reaction vessels.

[0030] The incubator 117 is a device that has a plurality of openings 125 that can maintain the reaction solution in the reaction vessel at a constant temperature. The reagent disk 118 is a device that holds reagent vessels 126 that contain analytical reagents.

[0031] The reagent dispensing probe 119 is a device that dispenses an analytical reagent into the incubator 117. The reagent probe washing unit 120 is a device that washes the reagent dispensing probe 119 with water or a washing liquid.

[0032] The magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121 is a device that stirs the analytical reagent containing magnetic particles before dispensing. The magnetic particle stirring mechanism washing unit 122 is a device that washes the magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121 with water or a washing liquid.

[0033] The detection device 200 is a device that performs luminescence detection. The detection device dispensing probe 123 is a device that dispenses reaction liquid into the detection device 200. A plurality of bottles, including spare bottles, for supplying common reagents such as luminescence reagent, cleaning liquid, and probe cleaning liquid are stored in the automatic analyzer 100, and each reagent is supplied to a corresponding mechanism through a reagent tube inserted into each bottle.

[0034] <Outline of Analysis Process by Automated Analyzer> Next, a brief outline of the analysis process by the automated analyzer 100 will be described. When the analysis process by the automated analyzer 100 is started, first, a reaction vessel supplied from the reaction vessel magazine 115 is placed on the incubator 117. Meanwhile, the magnetic particle stirring mechanism 121 stirs the measurement reagent containing magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles are suspended in the reagent vessel 126.

[0035] Next, a measurement reagent (reaction reagent) containing magnetic particles and a measurement reagent (reaction reagent) containing a first antibody are dispensed into the reaction vessel by the reagent dispensing probe 119 and mixed, and incubation is carried out for a certain period of time.

[0036] Thereafter, the sample container 124 containing the sample is transported to the sample dispensing position by the transport mechanism 111, the tip is attached to the sample probe 112 in the tip attachment / detachment unit 113, and the sample is dispensed by the sample probe 112 into a reaction container on the incubator 117. Next, the reagent dispensing probe 119 dispenses a measurement reagent containing a second antibody into the reaction container, and incubation is carried out for a certain period of time.

[0037] The liquid in the reaction vessel is dispensed into a measurement vessel provided in the detection vessel 200 by the detection vessel dispensing probe 123, and emission analysis is performed in the detection vessel 200. The measurement results obtained by emission analysis are displayed on the display device 170. The measurement vessel provided in the detection vessel 200 is replaced periodically due to deterioration or other reasons.

[0038] <Regarding the Detector> Next, a detector 200 for luminescence analysis will be described. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the detector for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the detector for luminescence analysis of embodiment 1, with Fig. 3 being a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 being a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 3.

[0039] The detection device (luminescence analysis detection device) 200 is used in fields such as clinical testing, nucleic acid analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, food analysis, and environmental analysis.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the detection device 200 of embodiment 1 includes a photodetector 210, a photodetector holding member 220 as a first member, a base substrate 230, a measurement container 240 and a measurement container holding member 250 as second members, and a fixing member 260 as a third member.

[0041] The photodetector holding member 220 is disposed above the base substrate 230 in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure), and the measurement container 240 and measurement container holding member 250 are disposed below the base substrate 230 in the vertical direction. As will be described in detail later, the photodetector holding member 220, measurement container 240, and measurement container holding member 250 are fixed by fixing members 260 in a state in which they are positioned relative to the base substrate 230.

[0042] The photodetector 210 is a sensor that detects light emitted from the sample supplied to the measurement container 240, and examples thereof include a photomultiplier tube and a photodiode. In this example, a photomultiplier tube is used as the photodetector 210. Although not shown, the photodetector 210 is connected to an electrical signal detection device processing circuit or the like for extracting an electrical signal from the photodetector 210.

[0043] The photodetector holding member 220 is a member for holding the photodetector 210, and has an insertion hole 221, which is a space into which the photodetector 210 is inserted. In other words, the photodetector holding member 220 is a cylindrical member in which the insertion hole 221 is formed. The insertion hole 221 is a space with a substantially circular opening shape, and is provided so as to penetrate the photodetector holding member 220 along the longitudinal direction of the photodetector holding member 220. The photodetector holding member 220 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure).

[0044] The lower end of the photodetector holding member 220 (the lower end in the Z direction in FIG. 2 ) is provided with a large-diameter portion 222 whose diameter (outer diameter) is larger than that of the other portions of the photodetector holding member 220. The photodetector holding member 220 is positioned and fixed to the base substrate 230 with this large-diameter portion 222 abutting against the base substrate 230.

[0045] The base substrate 230 is a substrate on which the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250 are positioned and fixed, and is disposed between the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250 .

[0046] The base substrate 230 has a communication hole 231 formed therein, the communication hole 231 having approximately the same opening diameter as the insertion hole 221 of the photodetector holding member 220 and communicating with the insertion hole 221. The photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 are positioned and fixed so that the communication hole 231 overlaps with the insertion hole 221 in the Z direction. The photodetector 210 is held by the photodetector holding member 220 in a state where it is inserted into the communication hole 231 together with the insertion hole 221. It can be said that the insertion hole 221 and the communication hole 231 constitute a holding portion that holds the photodetector 210.

[0047] In this way, the photodetector 210 is inserted into the insertion hole 221 and the communication hole 231, and the periphery of the photodetector 210 is covered with the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230, thereby preventing external light unnecessary for measurement from entering the photodetector 210 and becoming noise light. Furthermore, it is desirable that the photodetector holding member 220 be subjected to a matte finish, a black paint finish, or both. This allows unnecessary external light (stray light) incident on the photodetector 210 to be more efficiently attenuated. Furthermore, it is also desirable that the base substrate 230 be subjected to a similar finish.

[0048] The photodetector holding member 220 can also be used to mechanically connect the optical emission analysis detection device 200 to an external analysis device (not shown). In this embodiment, the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 are configured as separate members, but the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 may be formed integrally. In other words, the base substrate 230 may constitute a part of the photodetector holding member 220, which is the first member.

[0049] The measurement container 240 is, for example, a disk-shaped member, and is formed with a supply chamber 241 into which a sample to be measured is supplied. This supply chamber 241 also causes the supplied sample to emit light. The measurement container 240 is arranged vertically below the base substrate 230 while being held by a measurement container holding member 250. The measurement container 240 according to this embodiment is formed with a diameter of about 30 mm, and a sample is placed in the supply chamber 241 when performing emission analysis.

[0050] The measurement container holding member 250 is a member that holds the measurement container 240, and includes an accommodation portion 251 that is a space that accommodates the measurement container 240. The measurement container holding member 250 is positioned and fixed to the base substrate 230 in a state in which the measurement container 240 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 251.

[0051] The measurement container 240 is disposed in a region facing the communication hole 231 of the base substrate 230 in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). In other words, the measurement container 240 is disposed so as to face the photodetector 210 held by the photodetector holding member 220 in the Z direction.

[0052] Note that there are no particular limitations on the configurations of the measurement container 240 and the measurement container holding member 250. For example, the measurement container holding member 250 may also serve as the measurement container 240. As an example, a flow path that functions as the supply chamber 241 may be formed in the measurement container holding member 250, and the sample may be continuously supplied to this flow path.

[0053] Examples of components formed by the measurement container 240 and the measurement container holding member 250 include flow cells (flow-through cells) used in immunological analysis in clinical tests, and nucleic acid microarrays (DNA chips) used in nucleic acid analysis.

[0054] Furthermore, the measurement container holding member 250 can be used to mechanically connect this optical emission analysis detection device to an external analytical device (not shown). For example, the role of the measurement container holding member 250 is to facilitate temperature control by thermally connecting the measurement container 240 to an external temperature control device (not shown) in order to perform highly accurate analysis. In this case, it is desirable to use a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, as the material for the measurement container holding member 250.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to adjust the temperature of the measurement container 240 while efficiently detecting light emission, it is desirable that the "side surface" and "at least a portion of the outer periphery of the top surface" of the measurement container 240 be covered by the measurement container holding member 250, as shown in FIG. 3. The outer periphery of the top surface of the measurement container 240 means the outer periphery of the top surface, i.e., the surface facing the photodetector 210. Another purpose of covering a portion of the measurement container 240 with the measurement container holding member 250 is to protect the measurement container 240. Still another purpose is to prevent external light unnecessary for measurement from entering the photodetector 210 through the measurement container 240 and becoming noise light.

[0056] In order to efficiently attenuate unwanted external light emission, it is desirable that the measurement container holding member 250 be matte-finished and painted black. In this embodiment, the measurement container holding member 250 is made of aluminum and is matte-finished and painted black.

[0057] The fixing member 260 is a member for fixing the measurement container holding member 250 in a positioned state relative to the base substrate 230. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing member 260 fixes the photodetector holding member 220 in a positioned state relative to the base substrate 230. In other words, the fixing member 260 is a member for fixing the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 to the measurement container holding member 250 in a positioned state.

[0058] <Fixing Structure> Hereinafter, the fixing structure of the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 by the fixing member 260 will be described.

[0059] The measurement container holding member 250 is provided with cylindrical protrusions 252 as protrusions that protrude from the upper surface of the measurement container holding member 250 toward the photodetector holding member 220. In this embodiment, the cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided so as to protrude vertically upward. The cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided at two locations that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the measurement container 240 (the center of the accommodation portion 251). These two cylindrical protrusions 252 are provided at 180-degree intervals around the periphery of the accommodation portion 251 of the measurement container holding member 250. Each cylindrical protrusion 252 is fitted into a fitting hole 232 provided in the base substrate 230. That is, the base substrate 230 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 232 (two in this embodiment) corresponding to each cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0060] Each columnar protrusion 252 has a length (height) that protrudes to the upper surface side of the base substrate 230, i.e., the photodetector holding member 220 side. A groove 253 is provided in at least a part of the outer periphery of each columnar protrusion 252 on the upper surface side of the base substrate 230. This groove 253 extends in the circumferential direction of the columnar protrusion 252. In this embodiment, the groove 253 is formed around the entire periphery of the columnar protrusion 252. A claw portion 263 of a fixing member 260, which will be described later, fits into this groove 253, thereby positioning and fixing the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 is positioned and fixed to the base substrate 230.

[0061] The photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 may be provided with a fitting structure for positioning them. For example, one of the photodetector holding member 220 or the base substrate 230 may be provided with a convex portion that protrudes toward the other, and the other may be provided with a concave portion into which this convex portion fits. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 may be positioned and fixed in advance by means other than the fixing member 260.

[0062] Here, the cylindrical protrusion 252 of the measurement container holding member 250 and the fitting hole 232 of the base substrate 230 are formed with an arbitrary fitting tolerance that matches the positioning accuracy required of the measurement container holding member 250. In other words, the measurement container holding member 250 is positioned relative to the base substrate 230 by fitting the cylindrical protrusion 252 into the fitting hole 232.

[0063] Therefore, the measurement container holding member 250 holding the measurement container 240 can be installed at a position with good reproducibility relative to the base substrate 230. For example, when replacing the measurement container 240, the measurement container holding member 250 holding the measurement container 240 can be positioned with high precision relative to the base substrate 230.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cylindrical protrusions 252 are configured as separate members that can be separated from the measurement container holding member 250. As an example, each cylindrical protrusion 252 and the measurement container holding member 250 are fixed to each other by a female screw provided in the measurement container holding member 250 and a male screw provided at one end of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0065] Any material can be selected for the cylindrical protrusions 252, as long as it is not a material with an extremely low modulus of elasticity, such as rubber. In this embodiment, stainless steel is used as the material for the cylindrical protrusions 252, but resins such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyamide (PA) may also be used.

[0066] The cylindrical protrusion 252 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the measurement container holding member 250 to the upper surface side of the base substrate 230. The cylindrical protrusion 252 may be fastened to the measurement container holding member 250 by, for example, press fitting, shrink fitting, or the like, or may be formed integrally with the measurement container holding member 250 by, for example, cutting, molding, or the like.

[0067] Furthermore, the tip of the columnar protrusion 252 may be processed to have a conical or spherical surface so that it can be easily inserted into the fitting hole 232 of the base substrate 230. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the columnar protrusion 252 may be coated with a slidable material such as a fluorine-based resin.

[0068] When the columnar protrusion 252 is configured to be separable from the measurement container holding member 250, it is preferable that a shape such as a D-cut, a slot, a cross groove, etc. is machined on part of the outer periphery of the columnar protrusion 252. This makes it easier to attach the columnar protrusion 252 to the measurement container holding member 250.

[0069] The fixing member 260 is a member having a substantially circular planar shape, and has an insertion hole 261 formed in its center, through which the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted. This insertion hole 261 is formed with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 222 of the photodetector holding member 220. Therefore, when the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted into the insertion hole 261, the lower surface of the fixing member 260 abuts against the upper surface of the large diameter portion 222. The fixing member 260 is formed so as to be rotatable in this state. As an example, the fixing member 260 has a ring portion 262 rotatably disposed around the outer periphery of the photodetector holding member 220.

[0070] The fixing member 260 also has claws 263 that protrude horizontally from the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. In this embodiment, the claws 263 are formed to have a thickness thinner than the ring portion 262. These claws 263 are provided corresponding to the respective columnar protrusions 252 so that they can fit into the grooves 253 of the respective columnar protrusions 252 by rotating the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262). That is, the claws 263, like the columnar protrusions 252, are arranged at two locations that are point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the measurement container 240.

[0071] More specifically, a wall portion 264 is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the ring portion 262, protruding from the lower surface of the ring portion 262 toward the base substrate 230. The fixing member 260 according to this embodiment is provided at two locations that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the measurement container 240. The two wall portions 264 are provided continuously over a range of 90 degrees along the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. In other words, the two wall portions 264 are provided at an interval of 90 degrees on the outer periphery of the ring portion 262.

[0072] The claw portions 263 are provided on a lower end surface 264a of the wall portion 264. The two claw portions 263 are provided continuously along the outer periphery of the ring portion 262 over a range of 90 degrees.

[0073] Here, the lower end surface 264a of each wall portion 264 is a helical surface with the center of the insertion hole 261 as its axis. In other words, the claw portion 263 is disposed on a helical surface provided on the wall portion 264 protruding from the ring portion 262 with the center of the insertion hole 261 as its axis. As a result, the claw portion 263 is provided so that the upper surface 263a is a helical surface. Note that a helical surface refers to a surface that is curved in an arc and whose height changes continuously. In the following description, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 may also be referred to as the helical surface 263a.

[0074] The upper surfaces 263a of the two claw portions 263 do not form a continuous spiral surface, and the two claw portions 263 must be provided in symmetrical directions as shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the two claw portions 263 must be arranged so that one claw portion 263 is positioned at the same position as the other claw portion 263 when the fixing member 260 is rotated 180 degrees.

[0075] Here, it is desirable that the upper surface (helical surface) 263 a of the claw portion 263 be a surface formed by continuously changing a line segment that is horizontal in an arbitrary vertical cross section as shown in FIG. 3 along the helical winding, but in actual use, the helical surface 263 a may also be a surface approximated by a circular arc or a spline.

[0076] The side surface (upper surface) 253a of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252, with which the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 comes into contact, is a horizontal plane, but in the configuration of this embodiment, since the inclination of the helical surface 263a is slight, the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 deform within the elastic range of the material, and the two come into contact almost parallel.

[0077] Furthermore, because the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is a helical surface, the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 slide against each other as the fixing member 260 rotates, and the contact position between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 moves vertically upward. That is, the measurement container holding member 250 holding the measurement container 240 is pushed up in the vertical direction. As a result, the measurement container holding member 250 is pressed against the lower surface of the base substrate 230. This positions and fixes the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230.

[0078] On the other hand, as the fixing member 260 rotates, the fixing member 260 is pressed against the upper surface of the large diameter portion 222 of the photodetector holding member 220. As a result, the photodetector holding member 220 is pressed against the upper surface of the base substrate 230. This positions and fixes the photodetector holding member 220 to the base substrate 230. Furthermore, the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250, which are arranged on either side of the base substrate 230, are fixed via the fixing member 260.

[0079] Next, the state in which the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 are fixed to the measurement container holding member 250 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the fixing principle in the detection device, and is a schematic diagram that enlarges the contact portion between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 in Figure 3 and emphasizes the lead angle α of the helical surface 263a for explanation purposes. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fixing operation of the detection device.

[0080] 5 , when an operator rotates the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262), the cylindrical protrusion 252 receives a load component N perpendicular to the helical surface 263a and a frictional force μN along the helical surface 263a due to the torque. The load N is a reaction force generated when the contact portion 270 between the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 moves vertically upward as the fixing member 260 rotates, thereby stretching the wall portion 264 (ring portion 262) on which the claw portion 263 is provided and the cylindrical protrusion 252. In other words, the relationship between the rotation angle and the load N when the fixing member 260 is rotated with the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 in contact with each other is determined by the elastic modulus of the materials of the fixing member 260 and the cylindrical protrusion 252. For example, when a material with a low elastic modulus (such as polyacetal) is used for the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) compared to a material with a high elastic modulus (such as stainless steel), the load N is smaller when the material with a low elastic modulus is used when the fixing member 260 is rotated at the same angle.

[0081] The resultant force Ncosα+μNsinα of these vertical components acts as a vertical load F on the cylindrical protrusion 252, and becomes the fastening force of the measurement container holding member 250. Therefore, for the same load N, the smaller the lead angle α of the helical surface 263a, the greater the vertical load F. As a result, the fastening force between the cylindrical protrusion 252 and the claw portion 263 increases, and the light-blocking property of the photodetector 210 improves when the measurement container holding member 250 is fixed to the base substrate 230.

[0082] However, if the lead of the spiral surface 263a (the distance traveled when the spiral makes one revolution) is reduced, the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230 increases. Therefore, making the lead of the spiral surface 263a too small makes the work complicated, which is contrary to the object of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0083] On the other hand, when the outer diameter of the helical surface 263a is small, it is necessary to increase the lead angle α in order to prevent the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230 from increasing too much. As a result, the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 and the inner surface (upper surface) of the groove portion 253 deviate from a nearly parallel state. This may cause the claw portion 263 to become unable to slide against the inner surface of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0084] It is desirable to determine the lead of the helical surface 263a taking these points into consideration. For example, it is desirable to determine the lead of the helical surface 263a so that the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) required to fix the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230 is within a range that is not troublesome in practical use. As an example, it is preferable to set the outer diameter of the helical surface 263a to 65 mm, the lead to about 4 mm, and the rotation range of the fixing member 260 required to fix the measurement container holding member 250 to the base substrate 230 to less than 90 degrees. In this case, the lead angle α is 1.1 degrees, and the height difference between both ends of the helical surface 263a in the longitudinal direction is about 1 mm.

[0085] In this embodiment, the fixed state of the photodetector holding member 220, base substrate 230 and measurement container holding member 250 is maintained by rotating the fixing member 260 through frictional force at the contact portion 270 between the cylindrical protrusion 252 and the claw portion 263, but the means for maintaining the fixed state is not limited to this.

[0086] For example, a knob-type setscrew may be provided on the outer periphery of the ring portion 262, so that the fixed state between the fixing member 260 and the photodetector holding member 220 is maintained. Alternatively, a ball plunger may be provided on one of the ring portion 262 and the photodetector holding member 220, and a hole into which the ball fits may be provided on the other member. This holds the fixing member 260 at a specific angle, and maintains the fixed state between the fixing member 260 and the photodetector holding member 220. As a result, the fixed state between the measurement container holding member 250 and the base substrate 230 is also maintained.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the claw portion 263 is provided on the lower end surface 264a of the wall portion 264. Therefore, the dimensional error of the cylindrical protrusion 252 can be absorbed by the amount of rotation of the fixing member 260. In other words, even if there is a dimensional error in the cylindrical protrusion 252, the fixing member 260 can appropriately fix the measurement container holding member 250 and the like with good reproducibility.

[0088] 2, if the cylindrical projection 252 is longer than shown in the figure, the position at which the claw 263 begins to contact the groove 253 of the cylindrical projection 252 will move to the left in the figure. In other words, the rotation angle (ring angle) from when the fixing member 260 begins to rotate clockwise until the claw 263 begins to contact the groove 253 of the cylindrical projection 252 will be larger than in the example of FIG. 2.

[0089] However, since the lead angle of the spiral surface 263a is constant, the fixing member 260 can be tightened with the desired torque within the movable range of the ring portion 262, that is, within the range in which the claw portion 263 is provided circumferentially of the ring portion 262, regardless of the ring angle at which the two begin to contact.

[0090] As described above, in the detection device 200 of this embodiment, even if there are some dimensional errors in the components, the measurement container holding member 250 and the like can be fixed with the desired fastening force, and therefore reproducibility is good. That is, in the detection device 200 of this embodiment, even if there are dimensional errors in the components, the measurement container holding member 250 and the like can be positioned and fixed with high precision to the base substrate 230.

[0091] The fixing member 260 can be manufactured by, for example, a cutting method, a molding method, a three-dimensional modeling method, etc. Furthermore, the fixing member 260 according to this embodiment can also be manufactured by a cutting method using a multi-tasking machine.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 (wall portion 264) that constitute the fixing member 260 are separate and separate members that are fastened together using screws, but they may also be integrated. For example, the claw portion 263 and the ring portion 262 can be manufactured as an integrated unit by means of cutting, molding, welding, three-dimensional modeling, or the like.

[0093] There are advantages whether the ring portion 262 and the claw portion 263 are separate, detachable members or integrated members. Because the claw portion 263 is a member that slides against the cylindrical projection 252, making it a separate, detachable member from the ring portion 262 has the advantage of being able to be locally replaced in response to wear and other deterioration that occurs with use.

[0094] On the other hand, when the two are integrated, the number of parts is reduced, which has the advantage of reducing costs. Furthermore, since the claw portion 263 is a component that receives a concentrated load from the cylindrical protrusion 252, it is necessary to consider the risk of breakage. However, when the claw portion 263 is integrated with the ring portion 262, there is the advantage that the risk of breakage of the claw portion 263 is kept low.

[0095] It should be noted that, in light of the objectives of the technology of the present disclosure, the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) can be rotated by hand by an operator without using tools. Furthermore, the fixing member 260 can be formed in any shape as long as it rotates around the outer periphery of the photodetector holding member 220 and has a horizontally protruding claw portion 263 that fits into the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the fixing member 260 may include a handle 265 provided on the upper surface of the ring portion 262. Furthermore, for example, the fixing member 260 may be manufactured so that the shape of the ring portion 262 itself functions as a handle. This improves the operability of the fixing member 260 by an operator.

[0096] Furthermore, the materials for the ring portion 262 and the claw portion 263 constituting the fixing member 260 can be selected arbitrarily, as long as they are not, such as rubber, of an extremely low modulus of elasticity. As an example, the ring portion 262 is formed of polyamide, and the claw portion 263 is formed of stainless steel. Among resin materials, polyamide is known for its relatively high tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, it has self-lubricating properties, making it a suitable example of a material for the ring portion 262, which rotates around the photodetector holding member 220 and receives a fastening force from the cylindrical protrusion 252. Stainless steel has excellent mechanical strength, making it resistant to deformation even when a thin-walled shape like the claw portion 263 receives a concentrated load from the cylindrical protrusion 252, and has excellent abrasion resistance, making it a suitable example of a material for the claw portion 263.

[0097] In the above configuration, reference marks, scales, etc. (not shown) may be provided on the outer periphery of the base substrate 230 or the ring portion 262 of the fixing member 260 so that the rotation angle of the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) can be quantitatively identified or so that it can be determined whether the measurement container holding member 250, etc. is properly fixed to the base substrate 230.

[0098] Furthermore, in order to improve the sliding properties when the fixing member 260 rotates around the photodetector holding member 220, a sliding coating, sliding tape, washer, bearing, etc. (not shown) may be provided on the contact portions between the ring portion 262 and the photodetector holding member 220, such as the upper surface of the large diameter portion 222, the lower surface of the ring portion 262, and the inner surface of the insertion hole 261.

[0099] <Fixing Operation> Next, the fixing operation of the measurement container holding member 250 and the like by the fixing member 260 will be described with reference to Figures 7(a) to (c). Figures 7(a) to (c) are perspective views explaining the fixing operation of the measurement container holding member and the like by the fixing member. Note that in Figure 7, in order to clearly show the main parts, the base substrate 230 and members that are not important for the explanation are omitted from the illustration.

[0100] 7A is a diagram showing the state in which the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, the measurement container holding member 250, and the fixing member 260 are assembled and before the fixing member 260 is rotated. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the state in which the fixing member 260 is rotated until the columnar protrusions 252 and the claw portions 263 begin to come into contact. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing the state in which the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 are fixed by the fixing member 260 by further rotating the fixing member 260 with an arbitrary torque after the columnar protrusions 252 and the claw portions 263 come into contact.

[0101] First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the photodetector holding member 220, base substrate 230, measurement container holding member 250, and fixing member 260 are assembled. As described above, the columnar protrusion 252 of the measurement container holding member 250 is fitted into the fitting hole 232 of the base substrate 230 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) is arranged around the photodetector holding member 220 arranged on the base substrate 230. That is, the photodetector holding member 220 is inserted into the insertion hole 261 of the fixing member 260. At this time, the columnar protrusion 252 is arranged between two wall portions 264 so that the tab portion 263 does not interfere with the columnar protrusion 252.

[0102] 7(b), the fixing member 260 is rotated counterclockwise, whereby the claw portion 263 enters the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. As described above, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is a helical surface, and therefore, as the fixing member 260 rotates, the gap between the side surface (upper surface) of the groove portion 253 and the upper surface (helical surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 gradually becomes smaller, and the claw portion 263 and the cylindrical protrusion 252 begin to come into contact with each other.

[0103] 7( c), when the fixing member 260 is further rotated with an arbitrary torque, the claws 263 slide within the grooves 253, and the cylindrical projections 252 are subjected to a load that pulls them vertically upward. When the torque and the frictional force at the contact points between the claws 263 and the cylindrical projections 252 are balanced, the rotation of the fixing member 260 stops, and the measurement container holding member 250 and the like are fixed to the base substrate 230. That is, the claws 263 are engaged with the cylindrical projections 252, and the measurement container holding member 250 and the like are fixed to the base substrate 230.

[0104] As described above, in the detection device 200 of this embodiment, the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in positions with good reproducibility by simple means that do not require tools for attachment and detachment. In other words, the photodetector holding member 220 and the measurement container holding member 250 can be positioned and fixed with good precision relative to the base substrate 230.

[0105] As a modified example of the configuration of the detection device for optical emission analysis, a detection device 200 according to embodiments 2 and 3 will be described below. Note that in embodiments 2 and 3, the same components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0106] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a detection device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the fixing member 260 includes the claw portions 263 that protrude inward in a substantially horizontal direction from the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fixing member 260 includes the claw portions 263 that protrude outward in a substantially horizontal direction from the outer periphery of the ring portion 262. The upper surface 263a of the claw portions 263 is a helical surface. In other words, the detection device 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the helical surface 263a is provided on the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262.

[0108] Unlike the first embodiment, the fixing member 260 of the second embodiment does not have a wall portion, and the claw portions 263 are provided so as to protrude from the lower end of the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262 toward the outside of the ring portion 262. The upper surfaces 263a of the claw portions 263 are machined into a spiral surface (helical surface). As an example, the claw portions 263 are formed so that their thickness gradually increases in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 262, and as a result, the upper surfaces 263a of the claw portions 263 form a helical surface.

[0109] The claw portion 263 can be manufactured by, for example, cutting, molding, three-dimensional modeling, or the like. In the case of the fixing member 260 of this embodiment, it can also be manufactured by cutting using a multi-tasking machine. Furthermore, the columnar protrusion 252 provided on the measurement container holding member 250 is formed to a predetermined length according to the position of the claw portion 263 in the Z direction. In the example of FIG. 8 , the position of the claw portion 263 is located farther from the base substrate 230 in the Z direction than in the example of embodiment 1. Therefore, the length of the columnar protrusion 252 is longer than that of embodiment 1, and a groove portion 253 is formed at a position corresponding to the claw portion 263.

[0110] The fixing operation of the measurement container holding member 250 and the like in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted here.

[0111] In this embodiment, the protruding direction of the claw portion 263 is the outer diameter direction of the ring portion 262, and therefore the upper surface 263 a of the claw portion 263 can be machined to have a spiral surface. For example, by cutting, the claw portion 263 can be easily formed integrally with the ring portion 262.

[0112] As described above, in the configuration of the detection device 200 according to embodiment 2, the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in positions with good reproducibility by simple means that do not require tools for attachment and detachment, as in embodiment 1. Furthermore, by providing the claw portions 263 on the outer diameter surface of the ring portion 262, the fixing member 260 can be made smaller, which also reduces costs.

[0113] Third Embodiment A detection device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0114] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the detection device of embodiment 3. Fig. 11 is a diagram explaining the fixing principle in the detection device of embodiment 3. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view explaining the fixing operation of the detection device of embodiment 3. Note that in Figs. 10 and 12, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3 indicate the same parts, and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted. Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the cylindrical protrusion 252 of the measurement container holding member 250 is fitted into the fitting hole 232 of the base substrate 230, and Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the fixing member 260 is rotated.

[0115] As described above, in the first embodiment, an example has been given of a configuration in which the upper surfaces (helical surfaces) 263a of the claw portions 263 of the fixing member 260 come into contact with the side surfaces (upper surfaces) of the groove portions 253 provided in the cylindrical protrusions 252, thereby fixing the measurement container holding member 250 and the like to the base substrate 230. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the tip surfaces 263b of the claw portions 263 of the fixing member 260 come into contact with the bottom surfaces 253b of the groove portions 253 provided in the cylindrical protrusions 252, thereby fixing the measurement container holding member 250 and the like to the base substrate 230.

[0116] In other words, in the first embodiment, when the fixing member 260 is rotated, the upper surface 263 a of the claw portion 263, which is a helical surface, comes into contact with the upper surface 253 a of the groove portion 253, which is a flat surface, of the cylindrical protrusion 252. In contrast, in the third embodiment, when the fixing member 260 is rotated, the tip surface 263 b of the claw portion 263, which is a composite surface of a spiral and a cone, comes into contact with the bottom surface 253 b of the groove portion 253, which is a conical surface, of the cylindrical protrusion 252.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the claw portion 263 is formed as a separate member from the ring portion 262, but in this embodiment, the claw portion 263 is formed integrally with the ring portion 262. Of course, the claw portion 263 according to this embodiment may also be formed as a separate member from the ring portion 262.

[0118] 10, in any vertical cross section, the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a straight line with a certain inclination, and is an inclined surface facing diagonally upward. More specifically, the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 so as to face upward with respect to a line segment along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0119] Meanwhile, the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 is also a straight line with a certain inclination in a vertical cross section, forming an inclined surface facing diagonally downward. More specifically, the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 is an inclined surface that is inclined downward at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to a line segment along the vertical direction (Z direction). In other words, the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 are substantially parallel surfaces. The bottom surface 253b of the groove 253 can also be said to form the side surface (conical surface) of a cone with its apex located below in the Z direction.

[0120] 11, the planar projection of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a curve whose inner diameter changes monotonically as a function of angle, i.e., a spiral shape. The planar projection of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a spiral shape with its axis at the center of the ring portion 262. Examples of spirals include an algebraic spiral and a logarithmic spiral, which can generally be generated by computer-aided design (CAD).

[0121] 11, the rate of change of the inner diameter is emphasized to clearly explain the shape of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263, which is a compound surface. However, in actual use, the rate of change of the inner diameter of the claw portion 263 may be smaller than the rate of change shown in the example of FIG. 11. The method for determining the rate of change may be the same as the method for determining the lead of the helical surface 263a in the first embodiment.

[0122] In this way, the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a composite surface of a conical surface and a spiral. The inclination θ1 of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 in any vertical cross section is constant anywhere in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 262 and is the same inclination as the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252. Also, as shown in Figure 10, unlike the first embodiment, the upper surface of the claw portion 263 is not an inclined surface but is a horizontal surface like the lower surface.

[0123] Furthermore, it is desirable that the planar projection of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a curve whose radius is defined as a function of angle as described above, but in actual use, it may be manufactured so that part or all of it is approximated by a circular arc or a spline. Note that the claw portion 263 having such a shape can be manufactured by cutting, molding, three-dimensional modeling, etc.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the upper surface 263a of the claw portion 263 is a spiral surface, and as the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) rotates, the gap between the upper surface (spiral surface) 263a of the claw portion 263 and the inner surface (upper surface) 253a of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 changes in the vertical direction.

[0125] On the other hand, in embodiment 3, the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is a composite surface as described above, so that the distance between the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the cylindrical protrusion 252 changes horizontally as the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) rotates.

[0126] In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the claw portion 263 is configured such that the position (height) of the upper surface 263a changes vertically in any vertical cross section. In contrast, the claw portion 263 according to the third embodiment is configured such that the inner diameter of the claw portion 263 changes horizontally in any vertical cross section. That is, in the third embodiment, the position of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 changes horizontally in any vertical cross section.

[0127] Even if the claw portion 263 has such a structure, the measurement container holding member 250 and the like can be positioned and fixed with high precision to the base substrate 230 by the fixing member 260 .

[0128] Next, the fixing operation of the measurement container holding member 250 and the like by the fixing member 260 will be described. First, as shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 11 , it is assumed that the columnar protrusion 252 is disposed at a first position P1, which is near the end of the wall portion 264 (the end on the front side in the rotation direction of the fixing member). In this state, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12(a), the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the columnar protrusion 252 are separated. In other words, the claw portion 263 and the columnar protrusion 252 are disposed with a gap therebetween.

[0129] From this state, suppose that the fixing member 260 (ring portion 262) is rotated, causing the columnar protrusion 252 to move relatively to the second position P2, as shown in FIG. 11 . During this movement, the inner diameter D1 of the claw portion 263 gradually decreases, meaning that the position of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 moves horizontally. Therefore, the gap between the claw portion 263 and the columnar protrusion 252 narrows. Then, when the columnar protrusion 252 is positioned at the second position P2, the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 of the columnar protrusion 252 comes into contact with the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263.

[0130] Furthermore, when the fixing member 260 is rotated with an arbitrary torque, the tip surfaces 263b of the claws 263 are pressed against the bottom surfaces 253b of the grooves 253. The load that the bottom surfaces 253b of the grooves 253 receive from the tip surfaces 263b of the claws acts on a vertical component due to the inclination of the bottom surfaces 253b of the grooves 253 and the tip surfaces 263b of the claws 263, generating a load that pulls the columnar protrusions 252 vertically upward. In other words, a load that pulls the measurement container holding member 250 vertically upward is generated. Then, when the torque that rotates the fixing member 260 and the frictional force at the contact portions between the tip surfaces 263b of the claws 263 and the bottom surfaces 253b of the grooves 253 are balanced, the rotation of the fixing member 260 stops, and the measurement container holding member 250 is fixed to the base substrate 230.

[0131] As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, as with the above-mentioned embodiments, the photodetector holding member 220, the base substrate 230, and the measurement container holding member 250 can be fixed in positions with good reproducibility using simple means that do not require tools for attachment and detachment.

[0132] Furthermore, the detection device 200 according to each of the above-described embodiments can fix the measurement container in a position with good reproducibility using simple means that does not require tools for attachment and detachment, so that the measurement container 240 can be replaced quickly, and furthermore, the good reproducibility of the installation position of the measurement container 240 contributes to reducing the variation in the analysis results.

[0133] In the configuration of the third embodiment, the planar projection of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 is preferably a curve whose radius is defined as a function of angle as described above, but is not limited to this. The tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 may be formed into a curved surface that allows the claw portion 263 to slide within the groove portion 253 and generate a load that pulls the cylindrical protrusion 252 up in the vertical direction when the fixing member 260 is rotated.

[0134] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the configuration in which the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 are each an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 has been exemplified, but the configuration of both is not limited to this. For example, the inclination angles of the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 and the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 do not necessarily have to be the same. Furthermore, either the tip surface 263b of the claw portion 263 or the bottom surface 253b of the groove portion 253 may be an inclined surface. Even in this case, the photodetector holding member 220 and the base substrate 230 can be fixed to the measurement container holding member 250.

[0135] (Other embodiments) The technology of the present disclosure has been specifically described above based on each embodiment, but it goes without saying that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technology.

[0136] The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the technology of the present disclosure, and is not necessarily limited to a configuration including all of the described configurations.

[0137] It is also possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment.It is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0138] 100...Automatic analyzer, 110...Analysis unit, 111...Transport mechanism, 112...Sample probe, 113...Tip loading / unloading unit, 114...Tip magazine, 115...Reaction vessel magazine, 116...Tip / reaction vessel transport mechanism, 117...Incubator, 118...Reagent disk, 119...Reagent dispensing probe, 120...Reagent probe washing unit, 121...Magnetic particle stirring mechanism, 122...Magnetic particle stirring mechanism washing unit, 123...Dispensing probe for detection device, 124...Sample container, 125...Opening, 126...Reagent container, 130...Control unit, 150...input unit, 170...display device, 200...detection device for optical emission analysis (detection device), 210...photodetector, 220...photodetector holding member (first member), 221...insertion hole, 222...large diameter portion, 230...base substrate, 240...measurement container, 241...supply chamber, 250...measurement container holding member (second member), 251...accommodation portion, 252...cylindrical protrusion (protrusion portion), 253...groove portion, 260...fixing member (third member), 261...insertion hole, 262...ring portion, 263...claw portion, 264...wall portion, 265...handle, 270...contact portion

Claims

1. A detection device for optical emission analysis having a photodetector that detects light emitted from a sample to be measured, comprising: a cylindrical first member having an insertion hole that penetrates vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; a base substrate provided vertically below the first member; a second member having a supply chamber into which the sample is supplied and disposed vertically below the base substrate; and a third member abutting an upper surface of the first member around the insertion hole and having a plurality of claw portions that slide relative to the second member, wherein by rotating the third member while abutting the upper surface of the first member, the multiple claw portions are engaged with the second member, and the first member and the second member are fixed via the third member.

2. A detection device for optical emission analysis as described in claim 1, wherein the second member is arranged on the same circumference around the supply chamber and has a plurality of cylindrical protrusions protruding towards the first member, and the outer peripheral surface of each protrusion is provided with a groove extending in the circumferential direction of the protrusion, and the third member has a ring portion arranged around the first member and the plurality of claw portions are provided protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the ring portion towards the protrusions, and when the third member is rotated, the plurality of claw portions each fit into the groove portion of each protrusion, thereby engaging the claw portions with the second member.

3. A detection device for optical emission analysis according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the claw portion is a helical surface, and when the third member is rotated, the upper surface of the claw portion slides against the upper surface of the groove portion, thereby causing the claw portion to engage with the second member.

4. A detection device for optical emission analysis according to claim 3, wherein the third member has a plurality of wall portions protruding from the outer periphery of the ring portion towards the base substrate, the lower end surfaces of the wall portions being helical surfaces, and the claw portions being provided on the lower end surfaces of the wall portions.

5. A detection device for optical emission analysis according to claim 2, wherein the base substrate is provided with fitting holes into which the respective protrusions fit, and the plurality of claw portions are engaged with the second member on the side of the first member closer to the base substrate.

6. A detection device for optical emission analysis according to claim 2, wherein the tip surface of the claw portion is formed in a spiral shape in the horizontal direction, and when the third member is rotated, the tip surface of the claw portion slides against the bottom surface of the groove portion, thereby engaging the claw portion with the second member.

7. The emission spectrometry detection device according to claim 6, wherein the tip surface of the claw portion is an inclined surface facing obliquely upward.

8. The emission spectrometry detection device according to claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the groove is an inclined surface facing obliquely downward.

9. An automatic analyzer comprising: a reagent dispensing probe which dispenses a reaction reagent into a reaction vessel; a detection device for luminescence analysis having a photodetector which detects light emitted from a sample to be measured; a detection device dispensing probe which dispenses the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel as a sample into the detection device for luminescence analysis; and a display device which displays the measurement results obtained by the detection device for luminescence analysis, wherein the detection device for luminescence analysis comprises: a cylindrical first member having an insertion hole which penetrates vertically and into which the photodetector is inserted; a base substrate provided vertically below the first member; a second member having a supply chamber into which the sample is supplied and which is disposed vertically below the base substrate; and a third member which abuts against an upper surface of the first member around the insertion hole and has a plurality of claw portions which slide relative to the second member, and by rotating the third member while abutting against the upper surface of the first member, the plurality of claw portions are engaged with the second member, and the first member and the second member are fixed via the third member.

Images