JP2011191148A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a used amount of purified water by switching application corresponding to water quality of the purified water. <P>SOLUTION: This automatic analyzer for dispensing a sample and a reagent into a container, and measuring the mixed liquid includes a water quality measuring means for measuring the water quality of the purified water, and a water supply means for supplying the purified water into a first water storage tank or a second water storage tank based on the water quality of the purified water measured by the water quality measuring means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs cleaning using purified water.

  An automatic analyzer is an apparatus that automatically performs component analysis of a test sample (hereinafter referred to as a sample) such as blood or urine aspirated from a subject. In the sample component analysis, first, a sample and a reagent are mixed in a reaction cell using a hollow needle called a probe, and light is irradiated to the mixed liquid. And it analyzes by investigating the reaction state from the wavelength component of the transmitted light of the irradiated light. This automatic analyzer is widely used in hospitals and laboratories because it can perform analysis on various analysis items for a large number of samples.

  In an automatic analyzer, purified water is stored in a water storage tank and used as water for warming a reaction cell or water for washing a probe. The quality of the purified water stored in the water storage tank deteriorates with time. Since this deterioration of the quality of the purified water causes errors during analysis, the invention of periodically measuring the quality of the purified water in the thermostatic bath and draining and replacing the purified water if the water quality has deteriorated is disclosed (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-136241

  In the automatic analyzer as described above, when the quality of the purified water is not suitable for a specific use such as temperature-controlled bath insulation, the operation of replacing all the purified water in the water storage tank is performed. However, purified water can be used for a variety of purposes, such as thermostatic bath insulation, probe cleaning, and reaction cell cleaning. Furthermore, since the degree of error generation varies depending on the application, the range of the quality of purified water that can be tolerated to keep the error below a certain value also varies depending on the application. Replacing all the purified water in the storage tank according to the deterioration of water quality and discharging purified water that can be used for other purposes unnecessarily increases the amount of purified water used and purifies purified water. Therefore, there is a problem that the consumption of the ion exchange membrane or the like is accelerated.

  Then, in this invention, it aims at reducing the usage-amount of purified water by switching a use according to the quality of purified water.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an automatic analyzer of the present invention comprises a water quality measuring means for measuring the quality of purified water in an automatic analyzer for dispensing a sample and a reagent into a container and measuring the mixed solution, Water supply means for supplying purified water to the first water storage tank or the second water storage tank based on the quality of the purified water measured by the water quality measuring means.

  According to this invention, it becomes possible to reduce the usage-amount of purified water by switching a use according to the quality of purified water.

The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the sample probe and reagent probe washing | cleaning part of an automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an outer wall washing | cleaning part. The figure which shows the structure of the reaction cell washing | cleaning part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the purified water refinement | purification part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the water storage part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The table | surface which shows the water quality reference | standard of each water storage tank of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the water supply process in the 1st water storage tank of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the water supply process in the 2nd water storage tank of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the water supply process in the 3rd water storage tank of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of automatic analyzer 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning unit 10, a water storage unit 20, an analysis unit 30, a thermostatic bath 40, an analysis data processing unit 50, an output unit 60, A system control unit 70, an operation unit 71, and a purified water purification unit 80 are configured. Note that the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this, and appropriate components may be added or omitted.

  The system control unit 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The system control unit 70 executes processing according to various application programs loaded in the ROM and RAM in accordance with an instruction signal input from the operation unit 71 described later. The system control unit 70 performs overall control of the automatic analyzer 1 by processing signals supplied from the respective units and generating various control signals and supplying them to the respective units.

  The operation unit 71 includes, for example, a touch panel display and mechanical buttons, and receives an input made by the user of the automatic analyzer 1 with respect to the operation unit 71. The operation unit 71 outputs an instruction signal to the system control unit 70 in response to a user input.

  Next, the structure of the analysis part 20 and the thermostat 40 is described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 20.

  In FIG. 2, the sample unit 31 of the analysis unit 20 includes a sampler 311 for storing a sample such as urine and blood collected from a subject, a reference sample for calibration, and a sample container in the disk sampler 311. It comprises a sample probe 312 that sucks a sample and discharges it to the reaction cell 331 (hereinafter, a series of operations for sucking and discharging a sample, a reagent, etc. will be described).

  A motor (not shown) is attached to the sample probe 312 and moves its position in accordance with an instruction signal output from the system control unit 70. The sample probe 312 is provided with a liquid level sensor (not shown), which detects whether or not the tip of the probe has contacted the sample based on electrical signal conduction, and outputs the detection result to the system control unit 70. . In addition, a pump (not shown) is attached to the sample probe 312, and the sample is sucked into the sample probe 312 or discharged to the outside of the sample probe 312 in accordance with an instruction signal output from the system control unit 70. When the sample probe 312 dispenses a sample, the sample probe 312 first moves to the upper part of the sample container in which the desired sample in the disk sampler 311 is accommodated. When the sample probe 312 moves to the upper part of the sample container, the sample probe 312 descends, and the tip of the sample probe 312 enters the inside of the sample in the sample container. Based on the output signal from the liquid level sensor, the system control unit 70 stops the descent of the sample probe 312 at a position where the tip of the sample probe 312 reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the sample. When the tip of the sample probe 312 enters the sample, a pump attached to the sample probe 312 is driven to suck the sample into the sample probe 312. When the sample probe 312 sucks the sample, the sample probe 312 moves to the upper part of the sample container, and then moves to the inside of the reaction cell 331. When the sample probe 312 moves into the reaction cell 331, the pump is driven to discharge the sample sucked by the sample probe 312 to the reaction cell 331.

  By the way, the residue of the sample adheres to the sample probe 312 after the discharge operation. More specifically, when the sample probe 312 enters the sample, the sample adheres to the outer wall of the sample probe 312. In addition, a part of the sample that has entered the sample probe 312 when the sample is sucked is attached to the inner wall of the sample probe 312 without being discharged by the discharge operation. When a different sample dispensing operation is performed while the sample is attached to the inside or outside of the sample probe 312, impurities are mixed with the sample (hereinafter, impurity mixing is referred to as carryover), and an error occurs in the analysis data. In this embodiment, in order to avoid such carry-over, the sample probe 312 is cleaned by the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 described later. The configuration of the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 will be described later in detail.

  In FIG. 2, the reagent unit 32 of the analysis unit 20 includes a first reagent store 321, a second reagent store 323, a first reagent store 321, a first reagent store 321 storing reagents for each measurement item that selectively react with a sample. A reagent probe 322 for aspirating a desired reagent from a reagent container in the two reagent storage 323 and discharging it to the reaction cell 331 is formed.

  Similarly to the sample probe 312, a motor and a pump (not shown) are attached to the reagent probe 322. The reagent probe 322 moves according to the instruction signal output from the system control unit 70, and performs the dispensing operation of the first reagent and the second reagent. Similarly to the sample probe 312, the reagent probe 322 adheres to the inside and outside of the reagent probe 322 when a dispensing operation is performed. Since the reagent adhering to the inside and outside of the reagent probe 322 causes a carryover, the reagent probe 322 is washed by the sample probe / reagent probe washing unit 12 described later.

  In FIG. 2, the reaction unit 33 of the analysis unit 20 accommodates the sample discharged from the sample probe 312 of the sample unit 31, the first reagent and the second reagent discharged from the reagent probe 322 of the reagent unit 32. Light is applied to the reaction cell 331 arranged above, the stirrer 332 for stirring the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction cell 331, and the mixed solution in the stirred reaction cell 331. The photometric unit 333 is configured to measure the absorbance of the mixed liquid from the irradiated and transmitted light.

  The reaction cell 331 circulates in response to an instruction signal from the system control unit 70 while being immersed in a thermostatic chamber 40 described later. The reaction cell 331 first moves to the lower part of the sample probe 312 and receives a sample discharged by the sample probe 312. Next, the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the reagent probe 322 and receives the discharge of the first reagent by the reagent probe 322. Next, the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the stirring bar 332, and the mixed liquid of the sample and the first reagent is stirred using the stirring bar 332. When the sample and the first reagent react after a certain period of time, the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the reagent probe 332 and receives the discharge of the second reagent by the reagent probe 322. Next, the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the stirring bar 332, and the mixed liquid of the sample and the first and second reagents is stirred using the stirring bar 332. Next, the reaction cell 331 moves to the light irradiation position of the photometric unit 333, and the absorbance of the liquid mixture by the photometric unit 333 is measured. When the absorbance is measured, the mixed solution is discarded to the outside of the automatic analyzer 1 from a drain tube called a collecting tube (not shown).

  Here, the residue of the mixed solution adheres to the inner wall of the reaction cell 331 after discarding the mixed solution. When another sample or reagent is dispensed with the mixed solution adhering to the inner wall of the reaction cell 331, the sample is mixed with the mixed solution adhering to the inner wall of the reaction cell 331, causing a carry-over. In order to avoid such carry-over, the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 after discarding the mixed solution. The reaction cell cleaning unit 13 cleans the reaction cell 331 and removes the mixed liquid adhering to the inner wall. The configuration of the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 will be described in detail later.

  The stirring bar 332 is configured by attaching a motor to a thin stirring bar. The stir bar 332 receives the instruction signal from the system controller 70 and moves the stir bar into the reaction cell 331. When the stirrer is moved into the reaction cell 331, the stirrer 332 vibrates the stirrer with a motor and stirs the liquid mixture in the reaction cell 331. When the stirring is completed, the stirring bar 332 moves the stirring bar to the outside of the reaction cell 331.

  Here, the residue of a liquid mixture adheres to the stirring rod after stirring. When the mixed solution in the other reaction cell 331 is stirred while the mixed solution is attached to the stirring rod, the mixed solution is mixed with the mixed solution attached to the stirring rod, resulting in carryover. In order to avoid such carry-over, the outer wall cleaning unit 14 cleans the stirring rod after stirring, and removes the adhering mixed solution. The configuration of the outer wall cleaning unit 14 will be described in detail later.

  The photometry unit 333 receives the light having a predetermined wavelength region toward the reaction cell 331 and the transmitted light transmitted through the liquid mixture in the reaction cell 331, and analyzes the wavelength component of the transmitted light. It is comprised by combining with the light-receiving part to perform. When the reaction cell 331 that performs component analysis moves to the irradiation range of the light emitting unit, the light measuring unit 333 emits light toward the reaction cell 331. Since the reaction cell 331 is immersed in the thermostat 40 described later, the light irradiated by the light emitting part passes through the thermostatic water in the thermostat 40 in addition to the liquid mixture in the reaction cell 331 and reaches the light receiving part. Will be. The light receiving unit analyzes the wavelength component of the transmitted light that has arrived, and acquires wavelength component information. The photometric unit 333 outputs this wavelength component information to the analysis data processing unit 50.

  The constant temperature bath 40 in FIG. 2 is a circumferential container that accommodates the reaction cell 331. The constant temperature bath 40 is filled with constant temperature water 41 heated to a predetermined temperature of about 36 degrees. The liquid mixture in the reaction cell 331 is heated by the constant temperature water 41 to a temperature suitable for causing the liquid mixture to react.

  The cleaning unit 10 includes a sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 that cleans the inner walls of the sample probe 312 and the reagent probe 322, a reaction cell cleaning unit 13 that cleans the inner wall of the reaction cell 331, and the sample probe 312 and the reagent probe 322. The outer wall cleaning unit 14 is configured to clean the outer wall.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 and the outer wall cleaning unit 14. FIG. 3 shows a diagram for cleaning the sample probe 312 as an example, but the sample probe 312 may be replaced with a reagent probe 322 or a stirrer 332.

  The sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 includes a probe cleaning pump 121 that discharges purified water. When cleaning the sample probe 312, the system control unit 70 drives a motor attached to the sample probe 312 to move the sample probe 312 into the cleaning tank 143. When the sample probe 312 moves into the cleaning tank 143, the probe cleaning pump 21 sucks a predetermined amount of purified water from the first water storage tank 231 and discharges it into the sample probe 312. The discharged purified water passes through the sample probe 312 and is discharged from the probe tip. As the purified water passes through the sample probe 312, the residue of the sample adhering to the inner wall of the probe is discharged from the probe tip together with the purified water. The purified water discharged from the probe tip is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning tank 143.

  The outer wall cleaning unit 14 includes an outer wall cleaning pump 141 that discharges purified water. The outer wall cleaning pump 141 sucks a predetermined amount of purified water from the third water storage tank and discharges it to the discharge port 142. The discharge port 142 is provided on the side surface of the cleaning layer, and sprays purified water discharged from the outer wall cleaning pump 141 toward the side surface of the sample probe 311. The purified water sprayed removes the residue of the sample adhering to the outer wall of the sample probe 312 and is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning tank 143.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the reaction cell cleaning unit 13. The reaction cell cleaning unit 13 discharges purified water sucked from the second water storage tank 232 toward the discharge port, and a discharge port that is connected to the reaction cell discharge pump 131 and discharges purified water into the reaction cell 331. 132, a suction port 133 that sucks out the mixed solution contained in the reaction cell 331, and a reaction cell suction pump 134 that is connected to the suction port 133 and discharges the sucked mixed solution. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a pair of discharge ports 132 and suction ports 133 are provided as an example, but a plurality of discharge ports 132 and suction ports 133 may be provided. Further, the reaction cell discharge pump 131 is connected to the second water storage tank 232 and a cleaning liquid tank (not shown), and the mixed liquid of the cleaning liquid sucked from the cleaning liquid tank and the purified water sucked from the second water storage tank 232 is contained in the reaction cell 331. You may take the structure discharged to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 is provided so as to come to the upper part of the reaction cells 331 arranged side by side on the circumference. A motor (not shown) is attached to the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 to move the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 up and down. When cleaning the reaction cell 331, the system control unit 70 drives the motor of the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 to lower the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 to the inside of the reaction cell 331. When the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 are lowered, the reaction cell discharge pump 131 sucks purified water from the second water storage tank 232 and discharges it to the discharge port 132. The discharge port 132 discharges purified water into the reaction cell 331.

  When purified water is discharged into the reaction cell 331, the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 rise to the outside of the reaction cell 331 at one end. When the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 move out of the reaction cell, the reaction cell 331 discharged with purified water rotates and moves to the lower part of the suction port 133. When the reaction cell 331 moves to the lower part of the suction port 133, the discharge port 132 and the suction port 133 are lowered again, and the suction port 133 enters the inside of the reaction cell 331 from which purified water has been discharged. When the reaction cell suction pump 134 is driven, the liquid mixture in the reaction cell 331 is discharged through the suction port 133. By the discharging and sucking operations of the purified water, the mixed liquid adhering to the inner wall of the reaction cell 331 is discharged through the suction port 133. When a plurality of discharge ports 132 and suction ports 133 are provided, this purified water discharge and suction operation is performed a plurality of times for one reaction cell 331.

  FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the purified water purification unit 80. The purified water purification unit 80 includes a tap water intake port 82, a filter 83, an ion exchange resin 84, a purified water tank 81, a feed water pump 85, and the like.

  When purifying purified water, the tap water intake port 82 first leads the tap water to the filter 83. The tap water is filtered by the filter 83, and fine impurities and bacteria contained in the tap water are removed. The tap water filtered by the filter 83 is guided to the ion exchange resin 84. The ion exchange resin 84 adsorbs ions such as calcium contained in tap water and removes it from the tap water. The tap water from which ions have been removed by the ion exchange resin 84 is stored in the purified water tank 81 as purified water. The system control unit 70 guides the purified water in the purified water tank 81 to the water storage unit 20 in accordance with the consumption of the purified water by the cleaning unit 10, the constant temperature bath 40, or the like.

  The purified water stored in the purified water tank 81 is guided to the water storage unit 20 in accordance with the consumption of purified water in the washing unit 10 and the constant temperature bath 40. Therefore, when the automatic analyzer 1 does not perform analysis, the purified water continues to be stored in the purified water tank 81. The quality of the purified water stored in the purified water tank 81 for a long time is deteriorated compared to the purified water that has just been filtered by the filter 83 and the ion exchange resin 84. Specifically, impurities such as bacteria slightly mixed in the purified water tank 81 increase in the purified water, or the conductivity of the purified water changes due to ions slightly mixed in the purified water tank 81. The quality of the purified water stored in the purified water tank 81 is measured by a purified water quality meter 220 in the water storage unit 20, which will be described later, and is guided to and stored in different water storage tanks according to the water quality.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the water storage unit 20. The water storage unit 20 includes a first water storage tank 231, a second water storage tank 232, a third water storage tank 233, a purified water quality meter 220, a first water quality meter 221, a second water quality meter 222, a third water quality meter 223, and a solenoid valve. It consists of a three-way valve. Each water storage tank is provided with a water level meter (not shown) that detects the amount of purified water to be stored. The electromagnetic valve is opened and closed by an electric signal applied from the system control unit 70 to block or open the purified water flow path. The three-way valve is opened and closed by an electric signal applied from the system control unit 70, and changes the flow path of the purified water.

  The purified water led from the purified water purification unit 80 to the water storage unit 20 is blocked by the electromagnetic valve 2301. The system control unit 70 determines whether or not water supply to each water tank is necessary based on the detection result of a water level meter or a water quality meter attached to each water tank, and if it is determined that water supply is necessary, the electromagnetic valve 2301 is opened. The quality of the purified water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 2301 is measured by the purified water quality meter 220. The purified water quality meter 220 outputs the measured water quality to the system control unit 70. The system control unit 70 drives the three-way valve 2302 and the three-way valve 2023 according to the measured water quality, and guides purified water to each water storage tank. The system control unit 70 guides the purified water to the first water tank 231 when the quality of the purified water led from the purified water tank 81 is good, and guides the purified water to the third water tank otherwise. Control the three-way valve. The control of each three-way valve based on water quality and water level will be described in detail later.

  The first water storage tank 231 is connected to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 via the deaeration device 24 and the electromagnetic valve 2311. The system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2311 when the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 cleans the sample probe 312 and the reagent probe 322. When the electromagnetic valve 2311 is opened, the purified water in the first water storage tank 231 passes through the deaeration device 24 and is guided to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12. The deaeration device 24 is a device that removes fine bubbles contained in purified water.

  The first water storage tank 231 is connected to the drain pipe via the electromagnetic valve 2312. The system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2312 in response to the deterioration of the water quality in the first water storage tank 231. When the electromagnetic valve 2312 is opened, the purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is discharged from the drain pipe.

  The first water storage tank 231 is provided with an overflow channel 2313. The overflow channel 2313 is provided to connect the upper part of the first water storage tank 231 and the second water storage tank 232. When the amount of purified water stored in the first water storage tank 231 increases, the water level of the first water storage tank 231 increases. When the water level rises and the water surface reaches the overflow channel 2313, the purified water flows out through the overflow channel 2313 to the second water storage tank 232. Even if the amount of purified water flowing into the first water storage tank 231 increases beyond the storable amount, the purified water can be automatically guided to the second water storage tank 232 by the overflow channel 2313.

  The second water storage tank 232 is connected to the constant temperature bath 40 via an electromagnetic valve 2321 and is connected to the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 via an electromagnetic valve 2322. The system controller 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2321 when supplying purified water into the thermostat 40. Further, the system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2322 when cleaning the reaction cell 331. When the electromagnetic valve 2322 is opened, the purified water in the second water storage tank 232 is guided to the reaction cell cleaning unit 13.

  The second water storage tank 232 is connected to the drain pipe via the electromagnetic valve 2323. The system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2323 according to the deterioration of the water quality in the second water storage tank 232 and discharges purified water from the drain pipe. The second water storage tank 232 is provided with an overflow channel 2324 and is connected to the third water storage tank 233.

  The third water storage tank 233 is connected to the outer wall cleaning unit 14 via the electromagnetic valve 2331. The system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2331 when cleaning the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322. When the electromagnetic valve 2331 is opened, the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 is guided to the outer wall cleaning unit 14.

  In addition, the third water storage tank 233 is connected to the drain pipe via the electromagnetic valve 2332. The system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2332 in response to the deterioration of the water quality in the third water storage tank 233, and discharges purified water from the drain pipe.

  The analysis data processing unit 50 includes a calculation unit 51 that analyzes the wavelength component information output from the reaction unit 33 of the analysis unit 30, a storage unit 52 that stores the analysis data created by the calculation unit 51, and the like.

  The computing unit 51 analyzes a predetermined measurement item for the measured sample based on the wavelength analysis information output from the reaction unit 33. When the calculation unit 51 calculates the analysis information, the calculation unit 51 outputs the analysis information to the storage unit 52.

  The storage unit 52 is configured by a storage medium such as an electrically rewritable or erasable HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory that is a nonvolatile memory, and stores analysis information output from the calculation unit 51.

  The output unit 60 includes a printing unit 61 and a display unit 62.

  The printing unit 61 is configured by a printer or the like, and prints out the analysis information output from the calculation unit 51 on a printer sheet or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 62 is configured by a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays analysis information output from the calculation unit 51. In addition, a subject information input screen for inputting subject information such as a sample ID and a name associated with the sample, an analysis condition setting screen for setting analysis conditions for each measurement item, and setting a measurement item for each sample Display the measurement item setting screen for the purpose.

(Analysis error caused by deterioration of purified water quality)
With the configuration described above, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes the sample. Along with the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer 1, the purified water purification unit 80 supplies purified water to the cleaning unit 10 and the constant temperature bath 40.

  Here, it was stated that the quality of the purified water stored in the purified water tank 81 deteriorates as the storage time increases. Deterioration of the quality of the purified water causes various errors in the analysis operation performed by the automatic analyzer 1.

  For example, purified water used in the sample probe / reagent probe washing unit 12 passes through the inside of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322 and is discharged from the washing tank 143. After cleaning the inner wall of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322, the next sample or reagent is aspirated while the purified water used for the cleaning is held inside the probe. Here, for example, when the purified water contains a large amount of impurities, ions, and the like, the density of the purified water and the like increase compared to purified water with few impurities. Changes in the density of purified water cause an error in the amount of sample or reagent aspirated, resulting in an error in the analysis result.

  In addition, after cleaning the inner wall of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322, in order to suck the next sample or reagent while holding the purified water inside the probe, the sample or reagent and a part of the purified water are mixed. The situation that mixes is considered. In this case, the purified water mixed with the sample and the reagent is discharged to the reaction cell 331 and analyzed by the reaction unit 33. Therefore, if the purified water contains a large amount of impurities and ions, the analysis result may contain an error. Will result.

  Further, the system control unit 70 uses a liquid level sensor attached to the sample probe 311 or the reagent probe 322 to determine whether or not the probe has contacted the liquid level based on the current conduction amount detected by the liquid level sensor. It is carried out. After the inner wall of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322 is washed, the purified water contains a large amount of ions in order to aspirate the next sample or reagent while holding the purified water inside the probe. The electrical conductivity of water will increase compared to purified water with few ions. The change in the conductivity of the purified water changes the amount of conduction of the current detected by the liquid level sensor, so that the correct liquid level cannot be detected. Failure to detect the correct liquid level will cause an error in the amount of sample or reagent aspirated, resulting in an error in the analysis result.

  In addition, after the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322 are cleaned on the inner wall, the next sample or reagent is aspirated while the purified water is retained inside the probe. At this time, the suction of the sample or reagent is performed by sandwiching a predetermined amount of air layer between the purified water and the sample or reagent. If the purified water contains a lot of fine bubbles, the air layer changes depending on the amount of bubbles, causing an error in the amount of sample or reagent aspirated, resulting in an error in the analysis results. .

  For example, the absorbance analysis performed by the photometric unit 333 is performed by the light emitting unit irradiating light toward the reaction cell 331 immersed in the thermostat 40. The irradiated light passes through the purified water in the thermostatic bath 40 in addition to the mixed liquid in the reaction cell 331 and reaches the light receiving unit. When many impurities are contained in the purified water in the thermostat 40, the light reaching the light receiving portion also changes according to the impurities. If the light reaching the light receiving unit changes, an error occurs in the analysis result.

  Further, for example, the cleaning of the reaction cell 331 performed in the reaction cell cleaning unit 13 is performed by discharging purified water into the reaction cell 331 and sucking it again. When all of the purified water discharged into the reaction cell 331 cannot be sucked, the next sample or reagent is mixed while a part of the purified water remains in the reaction cell 331. If the purified water contains many impurities, an error will occur in the analysis performed in the reaction unit 33.

  Further, for example, the cleaning of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322 performed by the outer wall cleaning unit 14 is performed by spraying purified water onto the outer walls of the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322. When a part of the purified water adheres to the outer wall of the probe, the sample probe 311 and the reagent probe 322 suck the next sample or reagent with the purified water attached to the outer wall. If the purified water contains a large amount of impurities, the purified water adhering to the outer wall of the probe and the sample or reagent are mixed, resulting in an error in the analysis performed in the reaction unit 33.

  As described above, the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12, the reaction cell cleaning unit 13, the outer wall cleaning unit 14, and the constant temperature bath 40 have errors due to different causes. By the way, the ratio of causing an error with the deterioration of the quality of purified water also varies depending on the application. More specifically, the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 causes an error due to impurities, ions, and bubbles contained in the purified water. That is, since impurities in the purified water come into contact with and mix with the sample or reagent sucked into the probe, even a slight deterioration in the quality of the purified water causes a large error. Therefore, in order to perform an analysis with little error, it is necessary to preferentially supply the sample probe / reagent probe washing unit 12 with high quality water with few impurities, ions, and bubbles.

  On the other hand, the outer wall cleaning unit 14 also causes an error due to impurities contained in the purified water, but even if the purified water used by the outer wall cleaning unit 14 has a large amount of impurities, the amount of purified water adhering to the outer wall of the probe is small. Furthermore, since the sample probe 312 and the reagent probe 322 perform suction by allowing the tip of the probe to enter the sample or reagent for a certain distance or more, purified water adhering to the outer wall of the probe is pushed out by the sample or reagent, and as a result, enters the probe or the reagent. Only a small amount will be aspirated. Therefore, since the purified water adhering to the outer wall of the probe does not mix with the sample or reagent moved to the inside of the probe, purified water having a lower quality than the purified water supplied to the sample probe / reagent probe washing unit 12 is used. Even when washing is performed, the error of the analysis result is kept at a small value.

  Therefore, in the present invention, purified water is stored in different storage tanks for each application. By storing purified water of different water quality for each water storage tank, purified water with high water quality is preferentially supplied to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 or the like, which is an application in which an error is likely to occur.

(Purified water supply treatment)
FIG. 7 shows an example of water quality conditions stored in each water storage tank. The system control unit 70 controls each three-way valve of the water storage unit 20 to switch the flow path of the purified water so that the purified water stored in each water storage tank satisfies the conditions shown in FIG. Specifically, when the purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is insufficient and the purified water is replenished from the purified water purification unit 80, the number of bacteria contained in the purified water measured by the purified water quality meter 220 is 1000 / If the electrical conductivity is less than 1 μS / cm and less than 1 μS / cm, the system control unit 70 supplies purified water to the first water storage tank 231. On the other hand, if the number of bacteria is 1000 cells / ml or more, or the conductivity is 1 μS / cm or more, the system control unit 70 does not supply water to the first water storage tank 231, but to the third water storage tank 233. Supply water.

  Similarly, when the purified water in the second water storage tank 232 is insufficient and the purified water is replenished from the purified water purification unit 80, the number of bacteria contained in the purified water is less than 10,000 / ml and the conductivity is 10 μS / If it is less than cm, the system control unit 70 supplies purified water to the second water storage tank 232. On the other hand, when the number of bacteria is 10,000 cells / ml or more, or when the conductivity is 10 μS / cm or more, purified water is supplied to the third water storage tank 233. By this operation, the second water storage tank 232 is supplied with purified water having a higher quality than the third water storage tank 233, and the first water storage tank 231 is preferentially supplied with purified water having a higher quality than the second water storage tank 232. Will be supplied with water.

  Moreover, the quality of the purified water stored in each water storage tank deteriorates as it is stored in the water storage tank for a long time. Therefore, in the present invention, a water quality meter is attached to each water tank, and the water quality of each water tank is measured. The storage tank whose water quality has deteriorated discharges the purified water stored, and then supplies new purified water. Specifically, if the number of bacteria contained in the purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is 1000 / ml or more, or the conductivity is 1 μS / cm or more, the system control unit 70 sets the first The purified water stored in the water storage tank 231 is discharged, and then the purified water is supplied. Similarly, if the number of bacteria contained in the purified water in the second water storage tank 232 is 10000 / ml or more, or the conductivity is 1 μS / cm or more, the system control unit 70 determines that the second water storage tank The purified water stored in 232 is discharged, and then purified water is supplied. When the number of bacteria contained in the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 is 10000 / ml or more, the system control unit 70 drains the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 and supplies the purified water after the drainage. To do. By purifying the purified water according to the deterioration of the quality of the purified water, and then supplying new purified water, the quality of the purified water stored in the water storage tank is improved.

  In this example, as an example, the reference value of the number of bacteria for switching the water storage tank was set to 1000 / ml, 10,000 / ml, and the reference value of conductivity was set to 1 μS / cm and 10 μS / cm. The reference value is not limited to the exemplified values, and the reference value may be variously changed according to the error tolerance for the analysis result.

  In this example, an example in which water quality is measured using the number of bacteria and conductivity is shown. However, the items used for water quality measurement are not limited to this. For example, the number of impurities may be measured instead of the number of bacteria, or the water quality may be measured using a hydrogen ion index (pH: potential hydrogen) of purified water in addition to the number of bacteria and conductivity.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for supplying purified water to the first water storage tank 231. Hereinafter, the supply process of purified water will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the first water quality meter 221 periodically measures the quality of purified water stored in the first water storage tank 231, and outputs the number of bacteria and conductivity of the purified water to the system control unit 70. In the system control unit 70, the number of purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is K1 (1000 / cm in FIG. 7) or more, or the conductivity is D1 (1 μS / cm in FIG. 7) or more. Is determined (step 6001). When the system control unit 70 determines that the number of bacteria in the purified water is equal to or greater than K1 or the conductivity is equal to or greater than D1 (Yes in step 6001), the system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2312. Then, the purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is discharged from the drain pipe (step 6003). When the purified water is discharged, the system controller 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 2312 again. When the system control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 2312, the purified water quality meter 220 measures the quality of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 and outputs the number of bacteria and conductivity to the system control unit 70. If the system control unit 70 determines that the number of bacteria in the purified water is less than K1 and the conductivity is less than D1 (No in step 6004), the system control unit 70 directs the three-way valve 2302 toward the first water storage tank 231. The solenoid valve 2301 is opened, purified water is supplied to the first water storage tank 231 (step 6005), and the process is terminated (step 6010).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 6001 that the number of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 is K1 or more or the conductivity is D1 or more (Yes in step 6004), the system The control unit 70 opens the three-way valve 2302 and the three-way valve 2303 toward the third water storage tank 233, opens the electromagnetic valve 2301, and supplies purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (step 6006). When a certain amount of purified water is supplied to the third water storage tank 233, the purified water quality meter 220 measures the quality of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 again, and determines the number of bacteria and the conductivity. The data is output to the control unit 70. When the system control unit 70 determines that the number of bacteria in the purified water is less than K1 and the conductivity is less than D1 (No in step 6007), the system control unit 70 directs the three-way valve 2302 toward the first water storage tank 231. Then, the solenoid valve 2301 is opened, purified water is supplied to the first water storage tank 231 (step 6005), and the process is terminated (step 6010).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 6007 that the number of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 is K1 or more or the conductivity is D1 or more (Yes in step 6007), the system The controller 70 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the start of supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (step 6008). If the system control unit 70 determines that a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (No in step 6008), the process returns to step 6006 to supply water to the third water storage tank 233 again. (Step 6006). On the other hand, if the system control unit 70 determines that a certain time has elapsed since the start of supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (Yes in step 6008), that is, the purified water is supplied to the third water storage tank 233 for a certain time. If it is determined that the quality of the purified water supplied by the purified water purification unit 80 does not improve even after continuing, the system control unit 70 displays a warning on the display unit 62 urging the cleaning of the purified water purification unit 80 (step 6009). ), The process is terminated (step 6010).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 6001 that the number of purified water in the first water storage tank 231 is less than K1 and the conductivity is less than D1 (No in step 6001), the first water storage A water level meter attached to the tank 231 detects the water level of the first water storage tank 231 and outputs it to the system control unit 70. The system control unit 70 determines whether or not the water level of the first water storage tank 231 is equal to or lower than a predetermined water supply level (step 6002). When the system control unit 70 determines that the water level in the first water storage tank 231 is lower than the water supply water level (Yes in step 6002), the system control unit 70 proceeds to step 6004 described above and continues the water supply process. On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines that the water level of the first water storage tank 231 is higher than the water supply water level (No in step 6002), the system control unit 70 ends the process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for supplying purified water to the second water storage tank 232. The water supply process to the second water storage tank 232 includes a three-way valve related to water supply and drainage, in which the water quality judgment reference values in Step 7001, Step 7002, Step 7004, and Step 7007 are changed from K1 to K2, and from D1 to D2. Except for the difference in the solenoid valve, the water supply process to the first water storage tank 231 is the same as that of the first water storage tank 231, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233. Hereinafter, the supply process of purified water will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the third water quality meter 233 periodically measures the quality of purified water stored in the third water storage tank 233 and outputs the number of bacteria in the purified water to the system control unit 70. When the system control unit 70 determines that the number of bacteria in the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 is K3 (10000 / cm in FIG. 7) or more (Yes in Step 8001), the system control unit 70 The valve 2332 is opened, and the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 is discharged from the drain pipe (step 8005). When the purified water is discharged, the system controller 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 2332 again. When the system control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 2312, the purified water quality meter 220 measures the quality of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 and outputs the number of bacteria to the system control unit 70. When the system control unit 70 determines that the number of purified water bacteria is less than K3 (Yes in step 8006), the system control unit 70 opens the three-way valve 2302 and the three-way valve 2303 toward the third water storage tank 233, and the electromagnetic valve 2301 is opened, purified water is supplied to the third water storage tank 233 (step 8005), and the process is terminated (step 8007).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 8006 that the number of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 is equal to or greater than K3 (Yes in step 8006), the system control unit 70 determines the three-way valve 2302 and the three-way valve. 2303 is opened toward the third water storage tank 233, the solenoid valve 2301 and the solenoid valve 2332 are further opened, and a certain amount of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 is drained from the drain pipe (step 8008). When the system control unit 70 drains a certain amount of water, the purified water meter 220 again measures the quality of purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 and outputs the number of bacteria to the system control unit 70. When the system control unit 70 determines that the number of bacteria in the purified water is less than K1 (No in Step 8009), the system control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 2332 and supplies water to the third water storage tank 233 (Step 8007). The process is terminated (step 8012).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 8009 that the number of purified water bacteria is K3 or more (Yes in step 8009), the system control unit 70 starts supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 for a certain period of time. It is determined whether or not elapses (step 8010). If the system control unit 70 determines that a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (No in step 8010), the process returns to step 8008 to supply water to the third water storage tank 233 again. (Step 8008). On the other hand, if the system control unit 70 determines that a certain time has elapsed since the start of supplying purified water to the third water storage tank 233 (Yes in Step 8010), that is, it continues to supply purified water to the third water storage tank for a certain time. However, if it is determined that the quality of the purified water supplied by the purified water purification unit 80 does not improve, the system control unit 70 displays a warning on the display unit 62 urging the cleaning of the purified water purification unit 80 (step 8011). The process is terminated (step 8012).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines in step 8001 that the number of bacteria in the purified water in the third water storage tank 233 is less than K3 (No in step 8001), the water level attached to the third water storage tank 233. The meter detects the water level in the third water storage tank 233 and outputs it to the system control unit 70. The system control unit 70 determines whether or not the water level of the third water storage tank 233 is equal to or lower than a predetermined water supply level (step 8002). When the system control unit 70 determines that the water level in the third water storage tank 3 is lower than the water supply water level (Yes in step 8002), the system control unit 70 proceeds to step 8006 described above and continues the water supply process. On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines that the water level of the third water storage tank 233 exceeds the water supply water level, the system control unit 70 continues to determine whether or not the water level of the third water storage tank 233 exceeds the predetermined drainage water level. (Step 8003). Here, the drainage water level is a value provided to prevent water supply exceeding the water storage capacity of the third water storage tank 233, and a value close to the water storage capacity of the third water storage tank 233 is assigned. When the system control unit 70 determines that the water level in the third water storage tank is higher than the predetermined drainage water level (No in Step 8003), the system control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 2332 to supply purified water in the third water storage tank. A fixed amount is discharged (step 8004), and the process is terminated (step 8012). On the other hand, when the system control unit 70 determines that the water level of the third water storage tank is lower than the predetermined drainage water level (Yes in Step 8003), the processing is ended as it is (Step 8012).

  According to the configuration described above, the water storage unit 20 of the automatic analyzer 1 is provided with the three water storage tanks of the first water storage tank 231, the second water storage tank 232, and the third water storage tank 233. Each water tank is provided with a water quality meter, and purified water with good water quality is preferentially stored in the first water tank 231. As a result, the automatic analyzer 1 can preferentially supply purified water with good water quality to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12 that is likely to cause an error in analysis as the quality of purified water deteriorates.

  On the other hand, even when the quality of the purified water supplied from the purified water purification unit 80 is slightly deteriorated and the quality of the sample probe / reagent probe washing unit 12 is less than that used, the automatic analyzer 1 Purified water is stored in the second water storage tank 232 or the third water storage tank 233. The purified water is supplied to the thermostatic bath 40, the reaction cell cleaning unit 13, and the outer wall cleaning unit 14 that are less likely to cause an analysis error even when the water quality deteriorates compared to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12. Even when the quality of the purified water is slightly deteriorated, the purified water is used for an application that hardly causes an error in the analysis. As a result, the purified water can be used more efficiently.

  The purified water purification unit 80 purifies purified water by filtering the tap water using the filter 83 and the ion exchange resin 84, but the performance of the filter 83 and the ion exchange resin 84 deteriorates as the amount of filtration increases. End up. By using the purified water efficiently, the service life of the filter 83 and the ion exchange resin 84 can be extended.

  Moreover, according to this structure, a water quality meter is attached to each water storage tank, and when the water quality deteriorates, the purified water in the water storage tank is discharged and new purified water is supplied. The water quality meter constantly monitors the quality of the purified water in the storage tank, so that the quality of the purified water is always kept above a certain level. By always maintaining the quality of the purified water at a certain level or higher, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of analysis errors caused by the deterioration of the quality of the purified water.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the first water storage tank 231 supplies water to the sample probe / reagent probe cleaning unit 12. However, the water supply destination of the first water storage tank 231 is not limited to this, and for example, the constant temperature bath 40 may be supplied with purified water. According to this configuration, since the degassed purified water is also used for the thermostatic bath 40, an error caused by bubbles can be prevented when measuring the absorbance by the reaction unit 33.

  For example, in this embodiment, the number of water storage tanks constituting the water storage unit 20 is three. However, the number of water storage tanks is not limited to this, and the water storage unit 20 may be configured with two water storage tanks, or may be configured with a larger number.

Further, various inventions can be formed by proper combinations of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Or you may combine the component covering a different Example suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 10 Washing part 12 Sample probe / reagent probe washing part 13 Reaction cell washing part 14 Outer wall washing part 20 Water storage part 22 Water quality detection part 30 Analysis part 31 Sample part 32 Reagent part 33 Reaction part 40 Constant temperature bath 41 Constant temperature water 50 Analysis data processing unit 51 Calculation unit 52 Storage unit 60 Output unit 61 Printing unit 62 Display unit 70 System control unit 71 Operation unit 80 Purified water purification unit 81 Purified water tank 83 Filter 84 Ion exchange resin 85 Water supply pump 121 Probe cleaning pump 131 Reaction Cell discharge pump 132 Discharge port 133 Suction port 134 Reaction cell suction pump 141 Outer wall cleaning pump 142 Discharge port 143 Cleaning tank 220 Purified water quality meter 221 First water quality meter 222 Second water quality meter 223 Third water quality meter 231 First water storage tank 232 2nd water tank 233 3rd water tank 311 Sample Lobe 312 sample probe 322, the reagent probe 331 reaction cell 332 stirrer 333 photometric unit

Claims (5)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
Water quality measuring means for measuring the quality of purified water;
An automatic analyzer comprising water supply means for supplying purified water to the first water storage tank or the second water storage tank based on the quality of purified water measured by the water quality measuring means. A dispensing probe for aspirating and dispensing samples or reagents;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a dispensing probe cleaning unit that cleans the dispensing probe using purified water stored in the first water storage tank. A reaction cell for storing the sample or reagent discharged by the dispensing probe;
A thermostat that keeps the reaction cell warm using purified water stored in the second water storage tank;
3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the water supply means supplies purified water to the second water storage tank when the quality of the purified water measured by the water quality measuring means is lower than a predetermined water quality. . A storage tank water quality measuring means for measuring the quality of purified water stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank;
The water supply means is less than the predetermined water quality when the quality of the purified water stored in the first water storage tank or the second water storage tank measured by the water storage tank water quality measuring means is lower than the predetermined water quality. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein purified water is supplied to the water storage tank. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into containers and measures the mixture,
A water storage tank for storing purified water,
Water quality measuring means for measuring the quality of purified water stored in the water storage tank;
An automatic analyzer comprising water supply means for supplying purified water to the water storage tank when the quality of the purified water measured by the water quality measuring means is lower than a predetermined water quality.

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