JPH0663976B2 - Biochemical analyzer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention makes it possible to check the life of a light source when a biochemical analyzer, in particular, a measuring element optically measures a change in color concentration due to a reaction with a sample. It relates to a biochemical analyzer. [Prior Art] Generally, for liquid samples such as blood and serum, there are a dry method and a wet method as chemical analysis methods when it is necessary to know whether or not a particular component is contained in the liquid sample or the content thereof. Among them, the dry method uses a measuring element in which a thin plate impregnated with a specific reagent is sandwiched between mounts, a liquid sample to be analyzed is dropped and supplied to this measuring element, and this is placed in a constant temperature chamber for reaction. React the liquid sample with the reagent,
The progress state or the result of the reaction is measured and detected by, for example, a means for measuring a change in color density due to the reaction by an optical densitometer, or other means, and a liquid sample can be practically treated as a solid. Although very convenient, it has been difficult to drop and measure a large number of specimens individually on a measuring element. Therefore, recently, an intermittent transfer means capable of holding and transferring a plurality of measuring elements is used. The sample is dropped at an appropriate place of the stop position, and the measuring element is moved to the measuring position in order from a point where a certain time has passed after the dropping, and the measuring surface of the measuring element is irradiated with a metering light beam of a certain wavelength in the photometric section, and the reflected light A biochemical analysis device has been developed that can measure the concentration by converting solid-state light-receiving elements into electric signals. This is excellent in that it can measure multiple measuring elements collectively. However, when the electric signal generated by the light receiving element is converted by the current / voltage converter and the optical density thereof is calculated by the densitometer, the densitometer itself is not always stable, so that the photometric measurement of the measuring element is not performed. It is possible to calibrate the difference between the voltage value that comes out from these two standard density plates with different densities previously measured by a densitometer, which is the standard, and the voltage value when the photometric measurement element is used. However, if this calibration alone reaches the life of the light source and the amount of light entering the light receiving element decreases, the linear relationship between the amount of light and the output current deviates, and sufficient accuracy cannot be compensated. Measures were needed. [Object of the Invention] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a biochemical analyzer capable of checking the light source life timely. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention irradiates a measuring element with a photometric light beam from a light source in a photometric unit, and uses an electric signal from a light receiving element that receives the reflected or transmitted light to measure the concentration. In the biochemical analyzer capable of performing the above-mentioned, the photometric unit is provided with a means for projecting and retracting a reflection or transmission density plate for checking the life of the light source, and the output current from the light receiving element receiving the reflection or transmission light of the concentration plate is A judgment circuit for judging whether or not the level is below a preset level is provided so that the judgment can be made. [Embodiment] Next, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. In Fig. 1, 1 is the main body of the biochemical analyzer and 2 is the measuring element. The measuring element 2 comprises a mount base 3 having a photometric through hole 3a and a mount cover 4 having a sample dropping through hole 4a as shown in FIG. A code (hereinafter, simply referred to as an item code) 6 for discriminating reagent data (analysis item) by a plurality of bits is displayed on the surface of the mount cover 4. The measuring element 2 is inserted through an element insertion port 7 provided on the front surface 1a of the main body 1 into an element mixing groove 9 arranged in the peripheral portion of a disk 8 installed in the main body 1 as shown in FIG. It is fitted through the feeding means 39. When one measuring element 2 is fitted into one element fitting groove 9 from the insertion section S including the element insertion port 7 and the feeding means 39, the disk 8 is moved to the next element fitting groove 9 in the insertion section S. It is designed to rotate to the corresponding position and stop. As a drive means of the disk 8, in the embodiment, a radial groove 15 is formed between the element fitting grooves 9 at the peripheral edge of the disk 8, and a rotary wheel 13 having a rotation center is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the disk 8.
The pin 14 which is planted at the eccentric position of the rotary wheel 13 has the radial groove.
It is configured so that it can engage with 15. As a result, the disk 8 is fed one pitch by a half rotation in which the pin 14 of the rotating wheel 13 engages with the radial groove 15 and then disengages, and the pin 14 disengages from the radial groove 15 and then engages with the next radial groove 15. Until it does, it is subject to intermittent rotation while standing still. A rotating wheel 13 for intermittently rotating the disk 8 is connected to a drive motor 17 via a bevel gear 16 which meshes with a bevel gear 13 'formed on the peripheral surface thereof. The drive motor 17 operates by receiving a pulse signal from the control unit 90, and rotates the rotary wheel 13 once by one pulse signal. Therefore, the length of the stop time of the disk 8 can be freely adjusted by the interval of the pulse signal from this control unit. Reference numeral 18 is a stopper for holding the stability of the disk 8 when it is stopped, and a spring-loaded sphere 18a partially falls into one of the radial grooves 15. As shown in FIG. 4, the disk 8 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 12 on a thermostat 11 containing a heat retaining liquid 10. The disk 8 has a slight gap with respect to the upper surface of the constant temperature plate 11, but is fitted in the element fitting groove 9 so that the measuring element 2 can directly contact the constant temperature plate 11. This is effective for efficiently preheating the measuring element 2, which is normally stored cold, to the reaction temperature with the sample. The constant temperature plate 11 shown here heats the heat-retaining liquid 10 with a heater (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate, and the heat preheats the measuring element. Inside the constant temperature plate 11, a stirring blade 11a is provided for keeping the temperature distribution of the heat retaining liquid 10 constant. The stirring blade 11a has a permanent magnet 11a 'embedded therein and the constant temperature plate 11
The permanent magnet 11b 'embedded in the rotating disk 11b below the magnet can attract and rotate the rotating disk 11b. The turntable 11b is connected to the drive motor 17 via a gear (not shown) and is connected to a gear 75 of a shaft 74 via a base gear 76. A tip gear 78 of a second shaft 77 is connected to the gear 75.
When the disk 8 is rotated by meshing with, it can rotate at the same time. In this embodiment, 20 element fitting grooves 9 provided on the peripheral edge of the disk 8 are provided on the peripheral edge of the disk 8 as indicated by symbols (1) to (5) in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, each element fitting groove 9 is provided with a sample dropping window 19 and a see-through window 20 in which a plurality of through holes corresponding to the item code 6 are connected. Further, on the disk 8 along the side edge of the element fitting groove 9, an address code for specifying the addresses of
21 is displayed so that it can be read by a plurality of bits as in the item code 6. The address of the element fitting groove 9 is opened for calibration described later,
The measuring element 2 is designed so that 19 pieces can be fitted between the addresses and the addresses. Therefore, after powering on this device, after a certain preparatory operation (operation to confirm that no measuring element remains in each element fitting groove = this operation is particularly effective when a power failure occurs) The address is provided at the insertion portion S. At the address, the first measuring element 2 is fitted into the element fitting groove 9, and the insertion completion detecting means (sensor) 91 provided on the insertion path detects that the fitting has been made, and the insertion completion signal is sent to the control unit. Output to. Upon receipt of this insertion end signal, the control section operates the drive motor 17 to feed the disk 8 one pitch, the element fitting groove 9 at the address is made to correspond to the insertion section S, and the next measuring element 2 is inserted at the address. Then, the same operation as described above is repeated, and the element fitting groove 9 corresponds to the element insertion opening 7 in order such as the address, the address, etc., and the measuring elements can be inserted one after another. On the other hand, at the position 22 where the measuring element 2 inserted at each address as described above is fed one pitch from the inserting section S, for example, the item code 6 and the disc displayed on the measuring element 2 using an infrared photo sensor are displayed. Code reader that reads the displayed address code 21
23 and 23 'are provided, and the information read by this is stored in a recording device (not shown) in which address the measuring element of which item is inserted. Similarly, the address and the address are sequentially read and stored. At the stop position 24 next to the installation position (address / item reading section) 22 of the code reading devices 23, 23 ', a discharging section H having a discharging means 25 for discharging the measuring element 2 from the element fitting groove 9 is provided. It has been. The discharging means 25 of the discharging portion H is provided with a discharging claw 26 having an intermediate portion pivotally mounted via a pin 27 above a long hole 19 'formed from the sample dropping window 19 toward the center of the disc.
A spring that connects the head of the discharge claw 26 to the tip of a plunger 31 of a solenoid 30 via a rod 28 and an L-shaped lever 29, and pulls the plunger 31 in the direction of retracting when the solenoid 30 is not energized. 32 is provided, and spring 32 is used in normal times.
By this action, the rod 28 is attracted as shown in FIG. 7A, and the tip of the ejection claw 26 is lifted upward so as not to obstruct the rotation of the disk 8. However, the solenoid 30 is energized and the plunger 31 is moved. When projecting against the spring 32, the rod 28 is pulled to rotate the tip of the ejection claw 26 as shown in FIG. 9B, and the measuring element 2 in the element fitting groove 9 can be ejected through the elongated hole 19 '. It is configured as follows. The measuring element 2 discharged by the operation of the discharging claw 26 is sent to the outside of the main body from the outlet 34 provided on the front surface of the main body 1 via the sending means 33. The delivery means 33 is provided with two parallel shafts 37, 37 'driven in the discharge direction by a gear 36 fixed to an output shaft of a drive motor 35 as shown in FIG. 3, and the shafts 37, 37' are respectively provided with the shafts 37, 37 '. Two
The measuring element 2 is sandwiched between the friction rollers 38, which are individually fixed, and the upper guide plate 381, and can be sent out as shown in FIG. Further, the feeding means 39 provided between the element insertion port 7 and the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 is connected to one shaft 37 of the feeding means 33 through a gear 40 and a continuous shaft 41.
And a measuring element inserted through the element insertion port 7 by providing two friction rollers 43 on each of the shafts 41, 41 'in parallel with a shaft 41' connected to the intermediate gear 42. 2 is sandwiched between the upper guide plate 44 and the upper guide plate 44 so that it can be fed into the element fitting groove 9. An operation panel 45 of this device is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1. On the operation panel 45, a numeral key 46 for inputting a sample No. as necessary when inserting the measuring element 2 into the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8 and three switches for selecting a photometric method 47a-47c, sample drip start switch 4
8 and a drip end switch 49 are provided. When the measuring element 2 is inserted from the element insertion port 7 into the element fitting groove 9, the output signal output from the sensor 91 that detects the measuring element 2 sends the disk 8 one pitch and at the same time drives the output signal. Not shown first timer 101
Is provided. The first timer 101 is for managing the insertion interval of the measuring element 2, for example, the time from the insertion of one measuring element such as the address to the address and the address to the address until the insertion of the next measuring element. is there. The measurement time of this first timer usually considers the time required for one measuring element 2 inserted in the element fitting groove 9 to absorb the heat of the thermostatic plate 11 and reach the reaction temperature (approximately 37 ° C). Will be decided. In the case of this embodiment, this time is set to 3 minutes after the last measuring element is inserted. Specifically, when one measuring element 2 is inserted, the first timer 101 starts counting for 3 minutes, but when the next measuring element is inserted, the count up to that point is cleared and counting is started from the beginning. Therefore, when a certain measuring element is inserted and the next measuring element is not inserted within 3 minutes from this time, when the first timer times out, an insertion end signal is sent to the control unit 90. As a result, the control unit determines that the measuring element inserted immediately before this is not the last measuring element, drives the disk 8, and the measuring element 2 is not inserted and the vacant address is described later. Rapidly conveys to the photometric unit 53,
Calibration is performed at 53. When the calibration is completed and the control unit receives the signal,
The disk 8 is driven to rapidly convey the measuring element 2 inserted in the element fitting groove 9 at the address to the sample dropping section 50. The supple drip unit 50 has a drip port 50 'provided on the upper surface of the main body 1 accommodating the disk 8 and a lower end of the drip port 50' whose base end is fixed to the output shaft 51 'of the motor 51 as shown in FIG. It is composed of the shutter 52 and the shutter. This shutter 52 is closed during the time when the sample is not dropped, for example, during the insertion of the measuring element, the photometric time, the disk drive time, etc., to prevent outside air from entering the main body 1 through the drip port 50 ', The temperature change in 1 is suppressed. In addition to the above functions, the shutter 52 also has a function to set the dropping timing. That is, the shutter 52 normally closes the dropping port 50 'as shown in A of the same figure and opens it as shown in B of the same figure only when dropping the sample. In this case, for the first sample drop, the operator presses the drop start switch (shutter opening actuating push button switch) 48 on the operation panel 45 of the main body 1 so that the sample is opened. After that, the shutter 52 is automatically opened and the shutter 52 is closed after dropping the sample by pressing the dropping end switch (shutter closing push button switch) 49 except in specific cases.
Shutter 52 closes automatically in certain cases shutter
If 52 is left open for a long time, it will be affected by outside air, so this is to be avoided. In short, by automatically performing the opening operation of the shutter 52 and the closing operation in the above specific case after the second time, the sample dropping timing can be randomly extended or shortened at the operator's discretion. As a result, the timing of sample dropping can be kept almost constant, and this makes it easy to manage the time from dropping to photometry, making it easier to create a program for the entire work. Time from closing to opening of the shutter 52 and shutter
In order to manage the time from the closing of 52 to the photometry, the second, third and fourth timers 102 to 104 driven by the signal when the drip end switch 49 is pressed are provided, and the shutter 52 remains open. A fifth timer 105, which is driven by a shutter open signal, is provided for time management to avoid being left unattended. The second timer 102 manages the time from the end of dropping to the photometry for each measuring element. For example, if the measuring element that has finished dropping has the property of measuring light by the end point method, 7 minutes is managed, and if it has the property of measuring light by the rate point method, 2 minutes and 4 minutes are managed for each measuring element. It is like this. Therefore, this second timer has the same number of measuring elements that can be inserted into each element fitting groove 9 (19 in the embodiment).
is set up. Whether the photometric method is the end point method or the rate point method is determined by the analysis item and is stored in the storage device in advance when the item code 6 is read. The third timer 103 manages the time from the completion of dropping the sample to the first measuring element (for example, the measuring element at the address) to the photometry of the measuring element, that is, the possible drip time. For example, if the first measuring element is the end point method, it is 7 minutes, and if it is the rate point method, it is 2 minutes.
Each minute is managed so that it cannot be dripped after that. However, since this 7 minutes and 2 minutes are the time for photometry, the actual time-up time is about 30 to 40 seconds before the above time, taking into account the time to transport the measuring element to the photometry unit 53. That is, in the former case, it is set to 6 minutes 20 to 30 seconds from the end of dropping, and in the latter case, it is set to 1 minute 20 to 30 seconds. This third timer keeps the shutter 52 closed due to the time-up so that dropping cannot be performed thereafter. Therefore, in this embodiment, a stopwatch (not shown in the figure) 30 seconds before the time expires (time-up of the third timer). The display 61 is provided with a countdown display means and a sound alarm means such as 30, 29, 28 ... Remaining time. The fourth timer 104 is for managing the time until the shutter 52 that is closed after the sample is dropped on one measuring element is automatically opened. This management time is flexible as long as the third timer 103 permits, depending on the working speed of the operator. However, it is usually sufficient to adjust the time to about 30 to 15 seconds. The fifth timer 105 manages the time from the opening of the shutter so that the temperature of the measuring element does not change when it is left with the shutter 52 open for a long time, and when the time is up, it issues an alarm and automatically closes. It is for making it. Since the setting time of the fifth timer is set to a short time, for example, within 15 seconds (very short, such as about 10 seconds in the embodiment) due to its nature, the operator is notified of the passage of the time. For this purpose, for example, a constant signal tone is often emitted at intervals of 1 second, and a sounding device (not shown) for this purpose is provided. From shutter open
When the dropping is completed within 15 seconds and the drip end switch is pressed, the shutter is closed. However, when the shutter is closed at the time-up of the fifth timer, the shutter 52 is dropped unless the third timer is up. Start switch
It is possible to open again by pressing 48. As described above, the third timer 103 that manages the drip possible time
Even if the sample dropping is not performed on all of the measuring elements fitted in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8, the subsequent dropping of the sample is disabled. Then, only the dropped measuring elements are sequentially sent to the photometric unit 53 to perform photometry. In other words, if the 3rd timer times up at the point where the sample is dropped from one address to another,
For the measuring elements after the address where only these were measured and the sample was not dropped, recalibration is performed at the time when the measuring element at the address has finished measuring,
The address is sent to the sample dropping section, and the same procedure as above is repeated. The photometric unit 53 optically measures the progress or the result of the reaction with the reagent impregnated in the film of the measuring element 2 by dropping the sample, and optically measures the change in color density due to the reaction. A light beam generated from the light source 54 is converted into a photometric light beam of a desired wavelength (wavelength corresponding to an analysis item) through a lens 55 and a switchable filter 56, and the photometric light beam is bent through a mirror 57 and measured through an optical fiber 58. The measurement surface of the element 2 (the back surface of the element) is irradiated, the reflected light is transmitted to the light receiving element 60 through the optical fiber 59, and the reflection density, that is, the optical density is obtained by a concentration meter (not shown).
This is configured so that the measured value can be obtained by comparing the substance concentration with the calibration curve created for each analysis item. This metering unit
The mounting means 302 including the photometric means 301 including 53 and the measured value in the photometric part and the control part 90 for performing the above-mentioned various controls is one tangential direction R of the disk 8 and the tangential direction orthogonal thereto as shown in FIG. They are provided in R respectively. And photometric unit
The measured value at 53 is displayed as a numerical value on a display 61 arranged in parallel with the mounting means 302, and can be printed on a roll-shaped recording paper 62 provided on the exterior of the main body 1 which covers the upper surface of the disk 8. ing. The filter 56 is a rotating type, and can also be used as a substitute for a shutter. Note that the light receiving element 60 used in this light measuring unit may delay the reaction when light is suddenly received during light measurement. In order to correct this, in the present embodiment, a constant bias is constantly applied to the light receiving element 60 for actual light measurement. Auxiliary lighting means 60 'is provided to reduce the time to reach the level as much as possible. This interrupts when the light source 54 such as a halogen lamp emits light. Reference numeral 63 is a transparent glass which is installed at an angle of 45 ° in the optical path of the photometric light beam. The transparent glass 63 allows a part of the light reflected by the transparent glass light to be referred to a correction circuit via a light receiving element 64. We try to eliminate as much as possible the errors in the measured values due to changes in the amount of light over time. The light receiving element 64 is also preferably provided with the auxiliary illumination means. 65 is a calibration mechanism. Since the calibration mechanism 65 does not always provide a stable value for the concentration meter used in the photometry unit 53, it does not exceed the time as close to the actual measurement element as possible. This is a comparison method to
That is, this is the first standard plate 66 having a low optical density value which is previously measured by a certain device capable of accurately measuring the optical density,
Slide with two types of high optical density second standard plate 67
68 is provided, and the slide 68 is engaged with a pin 71 provided at an eccentric position of a disk 70 fixed to an output shaft of a motor 69 through a long hole 72, and a linear reciprocating motion is given by the rotation of the disk 70. The actuator 73 is attached to the Then, the calibration mechanism 65 starts its operation when the measuring elements are sequentially inserted from the address, and after the time-out of the first timer, the element fitting groove 9 of the empty address comes to the position corresponding to the photometric section 53. Until then, the slide 68 is retracted from the disk 8 as shown in FIG. 12A. The motor 69
Rotates the disk 70 as shown in Figure B and stops it. As a result, the slide 68 moves forward with respect to the actuating body 73 and is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 at the address, and the first standard plate 66 is positioned on the photometric section 53 as shown in FIG. After the photometry of the first standard plate 66, the motor 69 is moved again, and the slide 68 is further moved forward.
The second standard plate 67 is positioned on the photometric unit 53 as shown in FIG. Since the optical density values D1 and D2 for the low voltage value V1 and the high high voltage value V2 emitted from the concentration meter used for the photometry unit 53 are obtained by the photometry of the first and second standard plates 66 and 67, the thirteenth illustration is shown. If the coordinate is obtained by taking the voltage value V on the vertical axis and the optical density D on the horizontal axis, a straight line with a constant slope is obtained. Therefore, if the inclination angle of this straight line is a and the point of intersection with the vertical axis is b, then the relationship V = aD + b holds. Therefore, the optical density Dx at the voltage value Vx obtained by photometry of the actual measuring element can be calculated as Dx = (Vx−b) / a by applying the above formula, and the correct optical density value can be obtained. It is calibrated and the substance concentration value is obtained as a correct value. The calibration is effective when the light intensity is above a certain value, that is, when the output current with respect to the light intensity has a linear relationship (maintains linearity). If it is out of the range, sufficient accuracy cannot be compensated only by performing the calibration. Therefore, in the present invention, the photometric unit 52 is provided with the retracting means 82 of the concentration plate 81 for checking the life of the light source 54, and Light receiving element that receives reflection (or transmitted light) of the density plate 81
A judgment circuit 83 for judging whether or not the output current from 60 is below a preset level is provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the judgment circuit 83 is provided between the current / voltage converter 84 and the densitometer 85 to generate an electric signal in the light receiving element 60 through a switching circuit 85 ', and makes the judgment at the time of calibration. It is designed to switch to the circuit 83. The judgment circuit 83 detects the voltage generated by converting the electric signal generated by the light receiving element 60 by the current / voltage converter 84 with the detector 86, and detects this with the set voltage of the reference voltage setter 87 and the comparator 88. By comparison, if the detected voltage is less than the reference voltage, the safety circuit 89 that issues an alarm or measurement prohibition command is turned on. In this embodiment, the concentration plate 81 for checking the life of the light source 54 is also used as one of the standard concentration plates 66 and 67 used in the calibration mechanism 65, and the projecting / retracting means 82 is also used as the standard concentration 66, 67. Although it is common to the actuation means of the slide 68 equipped with, it does not prevent to be provided independently. Further, it goes without saying that the operation of the judgment circuit 83 is selected at the time when the amount of light from the light source is stable.

After performing the calibration by the calibration mechanism 65 and checking the life of the light source, the measurement elements are sequentially transported from the address to the dropping section 50, and the sample is dropped as described above. Next, the operation sequence of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, turn on the power switch (step I). As a result, it is checked, for example, by the item code reading device 23 whether or not the measuring element remains in the element fitting groove 9 of the disk 8, and if it remains, the element fitting groove 9 of the remaining address is set to the discharge portion H. It is transported and discharged (step II). After all the element fitting grooves 9 are checked, the element fitting groove 9 at the address is moved to a position corresponding to the element insertion port 7 (step III). Here, the operator operates the operation panel 45 on the upper surface of the main body 1 to select any one of the measurement method selection switches 47a to 47c as required (step IV). There are three types of this mode, the endpoint method, the rate point method, and the mixed method thereof, but normally, the mode is the endpoint method unless these selector switches are operated. Therefore, other than this 2
This is to be performed when selecting a seed method or when returning from another mode to the endpoint method mode. Next, the operator operates the numeric keys on the operation panel 45.
Operate 46 to enter the sample number (step V). This sample number is necessary for distinguishing several people who collected the sample, and it is not necessary to enter it for the same person. After the above work is completed, the measuring element 2 is inserted through the element insertion port 7 (step VI). When the first measuring element is inserted into the element fitting groove 9 of the address, it is detected by the sensor, the disk 8 is fed one pitch, and the element fitting groove 9 of the address is held in the insertion portion S of the main body 1. Go. Thus, the insertions are performed one after another, but this insertion interval must be within the time (3 minutes) managed by the first timer. The measuring element inserted in the element fitting groove 9 is placed at the next position at the code reading device 23, 2
The item code 6 and the address code 21 are read by 3 ', and the address and the number of the measuring element of the item are respectively stored in a storage device (not shown). At the time of this insertion, when measuring in the selected mode, for example, the endpoint method mode, and if a measuring element of a mode different from this is inserted, an “error display” appears on the display. Then, the wrong measuring element is conveyed to the discharge section H and immediately discharged. After the ejection, the empty element fitting groove 9 is rotated about once and conveyed again to the insertion portion S, and the next measuring element is inserted. In addition to the different modes, this ejection procedure is performed for things that are not suitable as measuring elements, such as bar code printing errors. Further, a cancel switch 79 is provided on the operation panel 45, and when the measuring element is inserted by mistake, the same operation is performed by pushing this. When the first timer times out due to the insertion of all the measuring elements to be measured, the control unit determines that there is no further insertion, and the measuring element 2 is not inserted and the vacant address is measured. Transported to 53, the photometric unit
The calibration mechanism 65 provided in 53 operates to perform calibration (step VII), and the life of the light source 54 is checked (step VII '). Next, the measuring element 2 inserted into the element fitting groove 9 of the address
The sample is rapidly conveyed to just below the sample lower part 50. A buzzer or the like notifies that this measuring element has reached the proper lower part 50, and the sample number, analysis item, etc. are displayed on the display 61. The operator confirms this display, collects the necessary sample for the pipette P, and then the operation panel 45
Press the upper drip start switch 48. Until now, the measuring element 2 is normally heated to the reaction temperature by the heat of the constant temperature plate 11, and the sample can be dropped at any time. Press the drip start switch 48 to release the shutter
Wait for 52 to open before dropping sample (Step VII
I) After finishing dropping the sample, the operator presses the dropping end switch 49. This allows the shutter 52
Is closed, the disk 8 is rotated, and the measuring element at the next address is moved to just below the dropping part. When the drip end switch 49 is pressed, a second timer for managing the time from the drip end to photometry for each measuring element, a second timer for managing the time from the drip of the first measuring element to photometry (droppable time) 3 timers, 4th timer to manage the time until the next drip,
The 5th timer that manages the time from opening the shutter operates so that the shutter 52 is not left open for a long time. When the third timer times out, the measuring elements at the address are sequentially conveyed to the photometric section 53 and photometrically measured (step IX), but each measuring element 2 is temporarily moved to the photometric section 53 about 10 seconds before the photometric time. It is rapidly transported to the previous disc stop position, waits there, and when the photometric time comes, it moves to the photometric unit 53 and the concentration is measured by the densitometer. As a result, the numerical value of the substance concentration is displayed together with the serial number of the measuring element and the item.
It is displayed on 61 and printed on the roll-shaped recording paper 62. When the third timer times out so that the sample dropping is not performed on all the measuring elements, only the measuring elements that have been dropped by that time are measured, and after this, the remaining measuring elements are subjected to Step VII. To perform step IX. Thus, when the photometry of all the measuring elements is completed, the element fitting groove 9 at the address is moved to the discharging portion H, where all the photometrically measured measuring elements are sequentially discharged (step X).
After the discharge is completed, the address is moved to the insertion part S (step III) and one analysis work is completed. Therefore, if the second analysis work is performed without turning off the power switch thereafter, the work starts from step IV. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the sample dropping timing and the photometric timing when the photometry is performed by the endpoint method after inserting the required number of measuring elements and before discharging the measured measuring elements (called one batch). The horizontal axis shows time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements. In the figure, the thin horizontal bar indicates the length of time until one measuring element is moved to the sample dropping part and the dropping is completed (dropping interval), and the thick horizontal line moves one measuring element to the photometric part to measure light. It shows the length of time until the end (photometric interval). This graph shows that the time t1 from the end of the sample dropping to the first measuring element to the photometric measurement of the measuring element is 6 minutes 30 when the dropping interval and the photometric time are correctly taken every 30 seconds.
Since this time is the sample dropping possible time, it is possible to drop the sample to the measuring elements 2 to 14 during this time, and after 7 minutes for these measuring elements up to 14 Time t2 until 14 minutes on the horizontal axis when photometry ends
Indicates that the dropping cannot be performed. In this graph, the drip interval and photometric interval are set to 30 seconds,
If this is set to 15 seconds, it will be possible to double the amount by simple calculation before the end of the liquid submersion time, and it will be possible to shorten the time until the end of photometry. Fig. 16 is a graph showing the sample dropping timing and the photometric timing in the case of performing the photometry by the rate point method during one batch. The horizontal axis shows the time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements, as described above. Shows. In the figure, the thin horizontal bar of the double-ended arrow indicates the length of time until one measurement element is moved to the sample dropping part and the dropping is completed (dropping interval), and the thick horizontal bar of the double-ended arrow indicates one measuring element. It shows the length of time (photometric interval) until the metering section is moved to the end of photometry. This graph shows that the time t1 from the end of dropping of the sample to the first measuring element to the light measuring of the measuring element is 1 minute 30 when the dropping interval and the photometric time are correctly taken every 30 seconds.
Second, since this time is the sample dropping possible time, it is possible to drop the sample to the measuring elements Nos. 2 to 4 during the time, and after 2 minutes for these measuring elements No. 4 Metering, 4 minutes later, and time to finish
t2 is the drip-disabled time, and the drip-enabled time t is again 2 minutes from the end of this drip-disabled time t2 to 6 to 8 minutes on the horizontal axis.
It becomes 1 ', and during this time, it is possible to add drops to the 5th to 8th measuring elements, and for 4 minutes from 8 to 12 minutes, the drop impossible time t
It is shown that it becomes 2 '. Figure 17 shows the case of photometry in a mixed mode of the end point method and the rate point method during one batch. The horizontal axis shows the time (minutes) and the vertical axis shows the number of measuring elements, as in the previous case. There is. In the figure, the thin horizontal bar shows the sample dropping interval of the endpoint method, the thick horizontal line shows the photometric interval of the same method, the thin horizontal bar of the double-ended arrow shows the sample dropping interval of the rate point method, and the thick horizontal line of the double-ended arrows shows the same. It shows the photometric interval of the method. This graph shows that the sample is sequentially dropped on the measuring elements of the 1st to 6th endpoint methods at 15-second intervals, and the 7th to 12th is possible during the drip time t1 until the photometry of the first measuring element is performed. This shows that the sample dropping on the measuring element of the rate point method and the photometry were completed. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to terminate all the analyzes from the 1st to the 12th at once 8 minutes and 30 seconds after the photometry of the measuring element of the endpoint method is completed. That is, in the case of the mixed mode of the end point method and the rate point method, the end point method is performed first, and the rate point method is used by utilizing the dropable time until photometry. It can be seen that the photometry time can be saved. In the above embodiment, the transfer means using the disk 8 in which the fitting groove 9 of the measuring element 2 is arranged in the peripheral portion is described as an example, but a transfer means other than the disk may be used. [Effects of the Invention] As described above, the biochemical analyzer according to the present invention irradiates the measuring element with the photometric light beam from the light source in the photometric section, and uses the electric signal from the light receiving element that receives the reflected or transmitted light. In a biochemical analyzer capable of measuring concentration, the photometric unit is provided with means for projecting or retracting a reflection or transmission density plate for checking the life of a light source, and a current is received from a light receiving element that receives the reflection or transmission light of the concentration plate.・ The feature is that it is equipped with a judgment circuit that judges whether the voltage output from the voltage converter is less than or equal to the set voltage of the reference voltage setter. It has the excellent effect of preventing the fluctuation of the measured value due to the decrease of the light intensity.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the apparatus, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a measuring element, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a disk and its peripheral mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disk showing the address of the element fitting groove, FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the disk, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are operating states of the ejecting means. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the discharge claw and the sending means, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sending means in an operating state, and FIGS. 10A and 10B are sample dropping portions showing the operation of the shutter. Sectional view, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the structure of the photometric unit, FIGS. 12A, B and C are sectional views showing the operating state of the calibration mechanism, and FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining the calibration, Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the operation sequence of this device, and Fig. 15 is a graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the endpoint method. F, Fig. 16 is a graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the rate point method, Fig. 17 is a graph showing the dropping and photometric timing of the end point and rate method mixed method, and Fig. 18 is the operation panel and operation control system. , Electrical diagram with measuring system and display system, 19th
The figure is a flow chart when measuring the measuring element in the endpoint method mode. 1 ... Main body of biochemical analyzer, 2 ... Measuring element 6 ... Item code, 7 ... Element insertion port, 8 ... Disk, 9 ... Element fitting groove 53 ... Photometric unit 65 ... Calibration mechanism 66 ...... First standard plate, 67 ...... Second standard plate 81 ...... Concentration plate, 82 ...... Ejecting / retracting means 83 ...... Judgment circuit 84 ...... Current / voltage converter, 85 ...... Concentration meter 85 '...... Switching circuit , 86 …… Detector 87 …… Reference voltage setter, 88 …… Safety circuit S …… Insertion part, H …… Discharge part

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A biochemical analyzer in which a photometric beam from a light source is applied to a measuring element in a photometric section, and concentration can be measured using an electric signal from a light receiving element that receives the reflected or transmitted light, The photometric unit is provided with means for projecting or retracting a reflection or transmission density plate for checking the life of the light source, and the voltage output from the light receiving element receiving the reflection or transmission light of the density plate through the current / voltage converter is A biochemical analyzer characterized by comprising a judgment circuit for judging whether or not the voltage is equal to or lower than a set voltage of a voltage setter. 2. The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the determination circuit includes a safety circuit that issues an alarm or a photometry prohibition command when it is determined that the voltage is less than a set voltage. 3. The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination circuit using the concentration plate is operated at a time when the amount of light from the light source is stable. ． 4. The biochemical analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration plate and the retracting means are shared with a standard concentration plate used for calibration and an operating mechanism thereof. 5. The biochemical analysis device according to claim 4, wherein the determination circuit is configured to be simultaneously performed when calibration is performed.