JP2010085271A - Automatic analysis apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analysis apparatus capable of preventing lowering the efficiency of processing a series of analyses when a reaction vessel is reused to implement the series of analyses. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic analysis apparatus includes a remainder calculation section 33a for calculating a remainder of an undiluted cleaning liquid L in an undiluted cleaning liquid vessel 25 while the series of analyses are suspended, a usage calculation section 33b for calculating the usage of the undiluted cleaning liquid L to be used for next series of analyses while the series of analyses are suspended, a remainder determination section 33c for determining whether the remainder calculated by the remainder calculation section 33a is less than the usage calculated by the usage calculation section 33b, and a notification section 33d for notifying expected shortage of the undiluted cleaning liquid L in the undiluted cleaning liquid vessel 25 when determined less than the usage by the remainder determination section 33c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a reagent and a sample into a reaction vessel and measuring the absorbance of a reaction solution generated in the reaction vessel.

  Conventionally, an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a reagent and a sample into a reaction vessel and measuring the absorbance of a reaction solution generated in the reaction vessel is known. This automatic analyzer is equipped with a washing mechanism for washing a reaction vessel used for analysis, and the reaction vessel for which analysis measurement is completed is washed each time and used repeatedly.

  The cleaning mechanism cleans the reaction vessel using diluted cleaning water obtained by diluting the cleaning stock solution to a predetermined concentration with the diluent. When diluted washing water is produced and the reaction vessel is washed in a state where the washing stock solution is insufficient, the reaction vessel is used again for analysis in a state where the dirt remains, and thus the accuracy of the analysis result is lowered. For this reason, a threshold is set for the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution used for the diluted cleaning water, and when the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution falls below the threshold value, the lack of the cleaning stock solution is prevented by notifying the replenishment of the cleaning stock solution. An automatic analyzer is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-296284 A

  By the way, the automatic analyzer described in Patent Document 1 interrupts a series of analysis processes until the replenishment of the cleaning stock solution is completed when the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution falls below a threshold during the series of analysis processes. When this interruption is performed, the interrupted analysis process is resumed again from the sample and reagent dispensing process, and at the time of interruption, the already dispensed sample and / or reagent is wasted, and a series of There is a problem that the analysis processing time becomes long, and the processing efficiency of a series of analysis processing may decrease.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an automatic analyzer capable of preventing a reduction in processing efficiency of a series of analysis processes when a series of analysis processes is performed by reusing a reaction vessel. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction container, and measures the absorbance of the reaction solution that reacts in the reaction container. When performing an analysis process for analyzing the specimen, the reaction container is washed with diluted washing water obtained by diluting the washing stock solution in the washing stock solution container supplied by the washing stock solution pump of the washing mechanism to a predetermined concentration with the diluent, and the reaction container is washed. In an automatic analyzer that performs a series of analysis processes in which a plurality of analysis processes are continuously performed by reusing a reaction vessel, while the series of analysis processes are stopped, a cleaning stock solution in the cleaning stock solution container A remaining amount calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the amount, and a usage amount calculating means for calculating a usage amount of the cleaning stock solution used in the next series of analysis processes while the series of analysis processes are stopped, The series of analysis processes has stopped In the meantime, the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit, and the remaining amount determining unit is less than the used amount. And a notifying means for notifying that the cleaning stock solution in the cleaning stock solution container is insufficient.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the remaining amount calculating means calculates the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution using a liquid amount sensor.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the usage amount calculating means estimates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution used in a series of past analysis processes. It is characterized by calculating.

  Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above invention, wherein the usage amount calculating means obtains in advance a usage amount of a cleaning stock solution used per unit time during the series of analysis processes, and is used for this unit time. The usage amount of the cleaning stock solution used in the next series of analysis processing is estimated and calculated based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution to be used and the driving time of the next series of analysis processing.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the usage amount calculating means estimates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution based on the total number of reaction vessels used in the next series of analysis processes. It is characterized by calculating.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit while the series of analysis processing is stopped. If it is determined that the cleaning stock solution in the cleaning stock solution container is insufficient, a series of analysis processes can be prevented from being interrupted, resulting in a reduction in the processing efficiency of the series of analysis processes. Can do.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an automatic analyzer according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment supplies a sample to be analyzed. A sample transfer mechanism 2 and a measurement mechanism 3 for dispensing a sample and a reagent into the reaction vessel 20 and reacting in the reaction vessel 20 and measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution are provided. The automatic analyzer 1 automatically analyzes a plurality of samples by the cooperation of these two mechanisms.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample transfer mechanism 2 holds a plurality of sample containers containing samples to be analyzed, and sequentially transfers them to predetermined positions. The sample in the transferred sample container is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 into the reaction container 20 arranged in the reaction tank 13.

  The measurement mechanism 3 includes a sample dispensing mechanism 12 that sucks a sample from the sample container of the sample transfer mechanism 2 and discharges the sample into the reaction container 20 for dispensing, and dispensing of a sample and a reagent into the reaction container 20. A reaction vessel 13 for transferring the reaction vessel 20 to a predetermined position for stirring, photometry and washing; a reagent container 14 capable of containing a plurality of reagent vessels containing reagents dispensed in the reaction vessel 20; A reagent dispensing mechanism 15 that sucks the reagent from the reagent container of the storage 14 and discharges the reagent into the reaction container 20 to dispense, a stirring mechanism 16 that stirs the liquid dispensed into the reaction container 20, and a reaction container. A photometric mechanism 17 for measuring the absorbance of the liquid dispensed into 20, a cleaning mechanism 18 for cleaning the reaction vessel 20 after the measurement by the photometric mechanism 17, and an intrusion of outside air and the inside of the measuring mechanism 3 by covering the measurement mechanism 3. Prevents air from flowing outside And a lid 19 that was.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 dispenses the sample from the sample container of the sample transfer mechanism 2 to the plurality of reaction containers 20 that are sequentially transported, and the reagent dispensing mechanism. 15 dispenses the reagent from the reagent container of the reagent store 14. Thereafter, an analysis process is automatically performed in which the photometric mechanism 17 analyzes the specimen by measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution that reacts in the reaction vessel 20. Thereafter, the cleaning mechanism 18 cleans the reaction vessel 20 that has been measured by the photometric mechanism 17. Thereafter, the washed reaction vessel 20 is reused, and a plurality of analysis processes are continuously performed in a pipeline manner, whereby a series of analysis processes are continuously performed repeatedly.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning mechanism 18 includes a nozzle unit 21, a diluted cleaning water pump 22, a diluted cleaning water container 23, a waste liquid suction pump 24, a cleaning stock solution container 25, a cleaning stock solution pump 26, a dilution solution container 27, and a diluent. A pump 28 is provided. The nozzle unit 21 includes an injection nozzle 21 a and a suction nozzle 21 b and is disposed above the reaction vessel 20 to be cleaned that is transported to a predetermined position on the reaction tank 13. The injection nozzle 21a is connected to the diluted washing water pump 22 and the diluted washing water container 23 by a pipe 21c, and the diluted washing water LT in the diluted washing water container 23 is diluted into the reaction vessel 20 to be washed. Inject by. The suction nozzle 21b is connected to the waste liquid suction pump 24 by a pipe 21d, and sucks the liquid in the reaction vessel 20 by the waste liquid suction pump 24. The liquid in the reaction vessel 20 sucked by the waste liquid suction pump 24 is discarded outside the automatic analyzer 1 through the drain pipe.

  The diluted cleaning water container 23 is connected to the cleaning stock solution container 25 and the cleaning stock solution pump 26 by a pipe 25a. The diluted washing water container 23 is connected to the diluent container 27 and the diluent pump 28 by another pipe 27a. The cleaning stock solution L and the dilution solution Wa are injected into the diluted cleaning water container 23 in a predetermined amount by the cleaning stock solution pump 26 and the dilution solution pump 28, and the cleaning stock solution L is adjusted to the diluted cleaning water LT having a predetermined concentration by the dilution solution Wa. The The cleaning stock solution container 25 has a liquid level sensor 29, and outputs the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 29 to the control unit 31. As the diluent Wa, ion exchange water or purified water is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control mechanism 30 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 32, a determination unit 33, a storage unit 34, and an output unit 35. The above-described units in the diluted cleaning water pump 22, the waste liquid suction pump 24, the cleaning raw solution pump 26, the dilution liquid pump 28, and the control mechanism 30 are connected to the control unit 31 and controlled.

  The control unit 31 is realized by a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input to each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information.

  The input unit 32 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel having an input / output function, and the like, and instruction information necessary for cleaning the reaction container 20 is input thereto. Further, the input unit 32 may acquire and transmit instruction information to the control unit 31 via a communication network (not shown).

  The determination unit 33 includes a remaining amount calculation unit 33a, a usage amount calculation unit 33b, a remaining amount determination unit 33c, and a notification processing unit 33d. The remaining amount calculation unit 33a calculates the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 using the height of the liquid level output from the liquid amount sensor 29 while a series of analysis processes are stopped. . The usage amount calculation unit 33b estimates and calculates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in a series of past analysis processes. Specifically, the use of the cleaning stock solution L that uses the value obtained by multiplying the maximum usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in the past series of analysis processes by a correction factor, for example, 1.1 times, in the next series of analysis processes. Estimated and calculated as a quantity. The remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b while the series of analysis processing is stopped. . Here, while the series of analysis processes are stopped means that the power is on and the series of analysis processes are stopped. For example, pre-processing or When post-processing is in progress. When the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b while the series of analysis processes are stopped, the notification processing unit 33d is in the cleaning stock solution container 25. The output unit 35 notifies that the cleaning stock solution L is insufficient.

  The storage unit 34 is realized by using a hard disk that stores information magnetically and a memory that electrically loads various programs related to this process from the hard disk when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. The The storage unit 34 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. In addition, the storage unit 34 stores the maximum amount of the cleaning stock solution L used for a series of past analysis processes. The output unit 35 is realized by a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various types of information.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the remaining amount determination process procedure of the cleaning stock solution L by the determination unit 33 will be described. First, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the automatic analyzer 1 is stopping a series of analysis processes (step S101). When the automatic analysis apparatus 1 is not in a state where a series of analysis processes are stopped (step S101: No), the determination process in step S101 is repeated. On the other hand, when the automatic analyzer 1 is in the middle of a series of analysis processes (step S101: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is based on the height of the liquid level detected by the liquid amount sensor 29. The remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated (step S102). Thereafter, the usage amount calculation unit 33b estimates and calculates the maximum usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in the past series of analysis processes (step S103). Specifically, the use of the cleaning stock solution L that uses the value obtained by multiplying the maximum usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in the past series of analysis processes by a correction factor, for example, 1.1 times, in the next series of analysis processes. Estimated and calculated as a quantity.

  Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S104). When the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is not less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S104: No), this process ends. On the other hand, when the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S104: Yes), the notification processing unit 33d performs the cleaning used for the next series of analysis processes. The output unit 35 notifies that the cleaning stock solution L in the stock solution container 25 is insufficient (step S105).

  Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the operation of adding the cleaning stock solution L into the cleaning stock solution container 25 has been performed (step S106). When the additional operation of the cleaning stock solution L is not performed (step S106: No), the determination process in step S106 is repeated. On the other hand, when the additional operation of the cleaning stock solution L is performed (step S106: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a calculates the amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 (step S107).

  Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S108). If the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is not less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S108: No), this process ends. On the other hand, when the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S108: Yes), the notification processing unit 33d has an abnormality in the cleaning mechanism 18. A message to that effect is given from the output unit 35 (step S109). In this case, the cleaning mechanism 18 has an abnormality because the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 used for the next series of analysis processes is insufficient in spite of performing the additional operation of the cleaning stock solution L. I can know. Thereafter, the determination unit 33 ends this process.

  In the first embodiment, the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is calculated by the usage amount calculating unit 33b while the series of analysis processes of the automatic analyzer 1 is stopped. When it is determined that the used amount is less than the used amount, the fact that the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is insufficient is notified, so that a series of analysis processes can be prevented from being interrupted, resulting in a series of analysis processes. It is possible to prevent a decrease in processing efficiency.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the usage amount calculation unit 33b estimates and calculates the maximum usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in a series of past analysis processes. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the usage amount calculation unit 33b determines the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time during a series of analysis processes obtained in advance and the driving time of the next series of analysis processes. Based on the above, the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used for the next series of analysis processes is estimated and calculated.

  In the second embodiment, the usage amount calculation unit 33b is based on the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time during a series of analysis processes and the driving time of the next series of analysis processes, which are obtained in advance. Next, the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used for the next series of analysis processes is estimated and calculated. Here, the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time at the time of a series of analysis processes is subtracted from the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L at the start of a series of analysis from the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L after a predetermined time has elapsed. The usage amount of the washing | cleaning stock solution L used per unit time calculated | required by doing. In addition, the memory | storage part 34 has memorize | stored the usage-amount of the washing | cleaning stock solution L used per unit time.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the remaining amount determination process procedure of the cleaning stock solution L used for a series of analysis processes by the determination unit 33 will be described. First, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the automatic analyzer 1 is in a state where a series of analysis processes are stopped (step S201). When the automatic analysis apparatus 1 is not in a state where a series of analysis processes are stopped (step S201: No), the determination process in step S201 is repeated. On the other hand, when the automatic analyzer 1 is in the middle of a series of analysis processes (step S201: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is based on the height of the liquid level detected by the liquid amount sensor 29. The remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated (step S202).

  Thereafter, the use amount calculation unit 33b acquires the use amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time during a series of analysis processes obtained in advance from the storage unit 34 via the control unit 31 (step S203). The drive time for the next series of analysis processes is acquired (step S204). Specifically, the usage amount calculation unit 33b stores the predicted operation time of a series of analysis processes predicted based on the number of samples to be performed in the next series of analysis processes input by the operator from the input unit 32. Get from.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the cleaning mechanism 18 is scheduled to perform the maintenance cleaning process during the next series of analysis processes (step S205). Specifically, the determination unit 33 acquires the date when the cleaning mechanism 18 performs the cleaning process of the maintenance from the storage unit 34 via the control unit 31, and performs a series of analysis processes from this acquired date. It is determined whether or not the cleaning process is scheduled to be executed based on whether a day has passed a predetermined period, for example, one week or one month. When the cleaning mechanism 18 does not execute the cleaning process (Step S205: No), the usage amount calculation unit 33b uses the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time at the time of a series of analysis processes determined in advance and the next series. Based on the analysis processing drive time, the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used for the next series of analysis processing is estimated and calculated (step S206).

  On the other hand, when the cleaning mechanism 18 executes the cleaning process (step S205: Yes), the usage amount calculation unit 33b adds the driving time for the maintenance cleaning process to the driving time for the next series of analysis processes acquired from the storage unit 34. (Step S207), and the usage amount calculation unit 33b adds the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time during a series of analysis processes and the driving time during the maintenance cleaning process. Based on the driving time of the next series of analysis processes, the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used for the next series of analysis processes is estimated and calculated (step S208). This maintenance cleaning process is usually performed weekly or monthly in order to ensure the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 1 regardless of the series of analysis processes. For this reason, if the driving time for the maintenance cleaning process is not included in the series of analysis processes, the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L estimated and calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b is calculated to be small. For this reason, the drive time during the cleaning process for maintenance is added. Here, the driving time during the maintenance cleaning process is added, but the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L required for maintenance may be added to the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L calculated excluding the maintenance.

  Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount estimated and calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S209). When the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is not less than the usage amount estimated and calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S209: No), this process ends. On the other hand, when the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount estimated and calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S209: Yes), the notification processing unit 33d performs the following series of analysis processes. The output unit 35 notifies that the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 used for the above is insufficient (step S210), and the determination unit 33 ends this processing.

  In the second embodiment, while the series of analysis processing is stopped, the remaining amount calculating unit 33c uses the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a by estimating by the usage amount calculating unit 33b. When it is determined that the amount is less than the amount, the fact that the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is insufficient is notified. Specifically, before the next series of analysis processing, the usage amount calculation unit 33b estimates and calculates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L used in the next series of analysis processing, whereby the cleaning stock solution container 25 is used. When the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L is used, it is possible to prevent a series of analysis processes from being interrupted due to the lack of the cleaning stock solution L, and consequently to prevent a reduction in processing efficiency of the series of analysis processing steps. it can.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 2 described above, the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is determined while the series of analysis processing is stopped. However, in Embodiment 3, a series of analysis processing is performed. After the determination of the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L, whether there is an abnormality in the cleaning mechanism 18 is determined using the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a during a series of analysis processes. In addition, the usage amount calculation unit 33a estimates and calculates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L based on the total number of reaction vessels 20 used in a series of past analysis processes. Specifically, based on the total number of reaction vessels 20 used in the past series of analysis processes, the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L when used at the maximum in the past series of analysis processes is calculated.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the determination unit 33 includes a remaining amount calculation unit 33a, a usage amount calculation unit 33b, a remaining amount determination unit 33c, a notification processing unit 33d, a consumed liquid amount calculation unit 33e, and a cleaning unit. A mechanism abnormality determination unit 33f is included. The consumption liquid amount calculation unit 33e is configured so that the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is configured to pass the fixed amount of time between a series of analysis processes from the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a when the series of analysis processes are stopped. The calculated remaining amount is subtracted to calculate the consumption liquid amount of the cleaning stock solution L consumed per unit time. The cleaning mechanism abnormality determination unit 33f determines whether or not a value obtained by dividing the consumed liquid amount by the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time is within a predetermined range.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the remaining amount determination process procedure of the cleaning stock solution L by the determination unit 33 will be described. First, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the automatic analyzer 1 is stopping a series of analysis processes (step S301). When the automatic analysis apparatus 1 is not in a state where a series of analysis processes are stopped (step S301: No), the determination process in step S301 is repeated. On the other hand, when the automatic analysis apparatus 1 is in a state where a series of analysis processes are stopped (step S301: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is based on the height of the liquid level detected by the liquid amount sensor 29. The remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated (step S302). Thereafter, the usage amount calculation unit 33b calculates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution L when the maximum amount is used in the past series of analysis processes based on the total number of reaction vessels 20 used in the past series of analysis processes ( Step S303).

  Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S304). When the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is not less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S304: No), the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, when the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S304: Yes), the notification processing unit 33d performs the cleaning used for the next series of analysis processes. The output unit 35 notifies that the cleaning stock solution L in the stock solution container 25 is insufficient (step S305).

  Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the operation of adding the cleaning stock solution L into the cleaning stock solution container 25 has been performed (step S306). When the additional operation of the cleaning stock solution L is not performed (step S306: No), the determination process in step S306 is repeated. On the other hand, when the additional operation of the cleaning stock solution L is performed (step S306: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a calculates the amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 (step S307).

  Thereafter, the remaining amount determination unit 33c determines whether or not the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is less than the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 33b (step S308). When the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is not less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S308: No), the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, when the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit 33a is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating unit 33b (step S308: Yes), the process proceeds to step S314.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the automatic analyzer 1 has started a series of analysis processes (step S309). When the automatic analyzer 1 has not started a series of analysis processes (step S309: No), the determination process in step S309 is repeated. On the other hand, when the automatic analyzer 1 starts a series of analysis processes (step S309: Yes), the remaining amount calculation unit 33a, after a predetermined time has elapsed, specifically, one hour after the series of analysis processes starts. The remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated using the height of the liquid level detected by the liquid amount sensor 29 after the elapse (step S310).

  Thereafter, the remaining liquid amount calculation unit 33e calculates the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a after one hour has elapsed from the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 33a when the series of analysis processing is stopped. Is subtracted to calculate the amount of liquid consumption of the cleaning stock solution L consumed per unit time (step S311).

  Thereafter, the cleaning mechanism abnormality determination unit 33f acquires the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time from the storage unit 34 via the control unit 31 (step S312). Specifically, the liquid amount of the cleaning stock solution L obtained from the liquid feed amount of the cleaning stock solution pump 26 obtained in advance and the driving time of the cleaning stock solution pump 26 is acquired.

  Thereafter, the cleaning mechanism abnormality determination unit 33f determines whether or not the value obtained by dividing the consumed liquid amount by the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time is within a predetermined range (step S313). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value is less than 1.0, and whether or not the cleaning mechanism 18 is abnormal is determined. When the value is within the predetermined range (step S313: Yes), the process proceeds to step S315. On the other hand, when the value is not within the predetermined range (step S313: No), the notification processing unit 33d notifies the output unit 35 that an abnormality has occurred in the cleaning mechanism 18 (step S314). In this case, since the consumption amount of the cleaning stock solution L is smaller than the amount of the cleaning stock solution L used per unit time during a series of analysis processes obtained in advance, the cleaning stock solution L is clogged in the cleaning stock solution pipe 25a. It can be determined that the cleaning stock solution L is not consumed in a predetermined amount. By this determination, the cleaning stock solution L is not injected into the diluted cleaning water container 23 in a predetermined amount, so that the cleaning abnormality of the reaction container 20 caused by the diluted cleaning water having a low concentration of the cleaning stock solution L can be prevented. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality display screen of the cleaning mechanism 18 displayed on the output unit 35. A message notifying the abnormality of the cleaning mechanism 18 is displayed on the abnormality display screen 35a.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not an analysis end instruction has been received from the control unit 31 (step S315). If the analysis end instruction has not been received (step S315: No), the process proceeds to step S310. When an instruction to end analysis is received (step S315: Yes), this process ends.

  In the third embodiment, while the series of analysis processes are stopped, the determination of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is performed, and then the remaining amount calculation unit 33a is used during the series of analysis processes. The amount of liquid consumed per unit time of the cleaning stock solution L is calculated, and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the cleaning mechanism 18 is determined based on the calculated amount of consumed liquid. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the abnormality of the cleaning of the reaction vessel 20 caused by the abnormality of the cleaning mechanism 18, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of a series of analysis processes caused by the lack of the cleaning stock solution L, and consequently prevent the processing efficiency of the series of analysis processes can do.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated using the height of the liquid level output from the liquid amount sensor 29. However, the present invention is not limited to this. First, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 is calculated by the displacement sensor 41 or the weight sensor 42 using the height of the liquid level or the weight of the liquid amount. May be. In short, it is sufficient that the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution L in the cleaning stock solution container 25 can be calculated.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed typically the washing | cleaning mechanism and control mechanism concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the residual amount determination processing procedure by the determination part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the residual amount determination processing procedure by the determination part of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the determination part of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the residual amount determination processing procedure by the determination part of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an abnormality display screen. It is a top view in case a remaining amount calculation means is a displacement sensor. It is a top view in case a remaining amount calculation means is a weight sensor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Specimen transfer mechanism 3 Measurement mechanism 12 Specimen dispensing mechanism 13 Reaction tank 14 Reagent storage 15 Reagent dispensing mechanism 16 Stirring mechanism 17 Photometric mechanism 18 Washing mechanism 19 Lid 20 Reaction vessel 21 Nozzle part 21a Injection nozzle 21b Suction nozzle 21c, 21d, 25a, 27a Piping 22 Dilution washing water pump 23 Dilution washing water container 24 Waste liquid suction pump 25 Washing stock solution container 26 Washing stock solution pump 27 Dilution solution container 28 Dilution solution pump 29 Fluid quantity sensor 30 Control mechanism 31 Control unit 32 Input Unit 33 determination unit 33a remaining amount calculation unit 33b usage amount calculation unit 33c remaining amount determination unit 33d notification processing unit 33e consumption liquid amount calculation unit 33f cleaning mechanism abnormality determination unit 34 storage unit 35 output unit 41 displacement sensor 42 weight sensor L cleaning stock solution LT diluted washing water Wa diluted solution

Claims (5)

A washing stock solution container supplied by a washing stock solution pump of a washing mechanism when performing an analysis process in which a sample and a reagent are dispensed into a reaction vessel, and the absorbance of the reaction solution reacted in the reaction vessel is measured to analyze the sample. A series of analysis processes in which a plurality of the analysis processes are continuously performed by washing the reaction container using diluted washing water obtained by diluting the washing stock solution to a predetermined concentration with a diluent and reusing the reaction container. In the automatic analyzer to perform
While the series of analysis processes are stopped, a remaining amount calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution in the cleaning stock solution container;
Usage amount calculating means for calculating the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution used in the next series of analysis processes while the series of analysis processes are stopped;
A remaining amount determining means for determining whether the remaining amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating means is less than the used amount calculated by the used amount calculating means while the series of analysis processes are stopped;
When it is determined that the remaining amount determination means is less than the usage amount, a notification means for notifying that the cleaning stock solution in the cleaning stock solution container is insufficient;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising:   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount calculating unit calculates a remaining amount of the cleaning stock solution using a liquid amount sensor.   The said usage-amount calculation means estimates and calculates the usage-amount of the said washing | cleaning stock solution based on the usage-amount of the washing | cleaning stock solution used for the series of past analysis processes, The calculation method of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Automatic analyzer.   The usage amount calculating means obtains in advance a usage amount of a cleaning stock solution used per unit time during the series of analysis processes, and drives a usage amount of the cleaning stock solution used in the unit time and the next series of analysis processes. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the cleaning stock used for the next series of analysis processing is estimated and calculated based on time.   The automatic usage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage amount calculation means estimates and calculates the usage amount of the cleaning stock solution based on the total number of reaction vessels used in the next series of analysis processes. Analysis equipment.