JP2016170079A - Pre-treatment apparatus and analysis system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pre-treatment apparatus that can easily confirm information on actions of another apparatus to which the pre-treatment apparatus supplies a sample, and an analysis system having the apparatus.SOLUTION: Information on actions of a chromatograph and a chromatograph mass analysis device is acquired as added information, and the added information is displayed in added-information display regions 305 and 306 arranged in a part of an apparatus state screen 300. An analyzer can easily confirm information on actions of another apparatus (a chromatograph and a chromatograph mass analysis device) to which the pre-treatment apparatus supplies a sample, while confirming the actions of the pre-treatment apparatus in the apparatus state screen 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a pretreatment device that performs pretreatment on a sample and introduces the pretreated sample into a chromatograph or a chromatograph mass spectrometer.

  For example, when analyzing components contained in a sample derived from a living body such as whole blood, serum, filter paper blood, and urine, the sample may be analyzed after being pretreated by a pretreatment device. Examples of the pretreatment include a process of removing a specific component unnecessary for analysis from a sample and extracting a necessary component, and a process of concentrating or drying the extracted sample. Conventionally, various configurations have been proposed as preprocessing devices that automatically execute such preprocessing (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of cartridges (separation containers) having a separating agent that allows a sample to pass through and separates a specific component in the sample are held and transported by a common transport mechanism. The plurality of cartridges are sequentially transported by a transport mechanism to a pressure load mechanism provided at a predetermined position, and a sample is extracted by applying pressure to the pressure load mechanism. The plurality of tray containers (collection containers) that receive the extraction liquid from the cartridge are transported by a transport mechanism separate from the cartridge below the cartridge, whereby the sample is continuously extracted.

JP 2010-60474 A

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a pretreatment device, a mass spectrometer that analyzes a sample after pretreatment, and the like can be automatically controlled by a control device. In this case, during the analysis, the analyst does not need to operate each device individually, and mainly performs the work of taking in and out the sample container, reagent container, separation container or collection container with respect to the pretreatment device. .

  In this way, during the analysis, the analyst mainly performs work on the preprocessing device, but the display unit provided in the preprocessing device cannot grasp the entire operation including other devices. It was. Therefore, the analyst cannot easily check information such as whether or not the setting contents of conditions regarding the operation of other devices are appropriate or whether or not the other devices are operating normally. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a pretreatment device capable of easily confirming information regarding the operation of another device into which a sample is introduced from the pretreatment device, and an analysis system including the pretreatment device. The purpose is to provide.

  A pretreatment apparatus according to the present invention is a pretreatment apparatus that performs pretreatment on a sample and introduces the pretreated sample into a chromatograph or a chromatograph mass spectrometer, and includes a display unit and a display control unit. And an additional information acquisition unit. The display control unit causes the display unit to display an apparatus status screen for displaying information related to the operation of the preprocessing apparatus. The additional information acquisition unit acquires information related to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer as additional information. The display control unit displays additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit in an additional information display area provided in a part of the apparatus status screen.

  According to such a configuration, the analyst can check information related to the operation of the preprocessing device on the device status screen displayed on the display unit of the preprocessing device. At this time, information regarding the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer is displayed as additional information in an additional information display area provided in a part of the apparatus status screen. Therefore, the analyst can easily check information on the operation of the other device (chromatograph or chromatograph mass spectrometer) into which the sample is introduced from the pretreatment device while checking the operation of the pretreatment device on the device status screen. can do.

  The display control unit may display the execution status of the pretreatment for the sample in the pretreatment device on the device status screen as information on the operation of the pretreatment device.

  According to such a configuration, the analyst can easily confirm information related to the operation of another apparatus while confirming the execution state of the pretreatment for the sample in the pretreatment apparatus on the apparatus status screen. Since the execution status of the pre-processing on the sample in the pre-processing device is information that the analyst periodically confirms, by displaying information on the operation of the other device together with the information on the device status screen, the other device The analyst can easily confirm information on the operation of the.

  When the additional information acquisition unit acquires abnormal information regarding the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer, the display control unit may display the abnormal information in the additional information display area.

  According to such a configuration, when an abnormality relating to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer occurs, the abnormality information is acquired by the preprocessing device and displayed on the display unit of the preprocessing device. Therefore, even when the analyst is working on the pretreatment device, the abnormality of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer can be quickly confirmed on the display unit of the pretreatment device, and the abnormality can be dealt with. it can.

  The pre-processing device may further include an information selection receiving unit that receives selection from a plurality of types of information as additional information to be displayed in the additional information display area. In this case, the display control unit may display additional information whose selection is received by the information selection receiving unit in the additional information display area.

  According to such a configuration, the additional information displayed in the additional information display area can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of information. As a result, as information related to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer, information important to the analyst can be arbitrarily selected and displayed in the additional information display area. Can be confirmed.

  The pre-processing device may further include a setting reception unit and a condition transmission unit. The setting receiving unit receives setting of conditions relating to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer. The condition transmitting unit transmits a condition whose setting is received by the setting receiving unit to the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer.

  According to such a configuration, conditions relating to the operation of the chromatograph or chromatograph mass spectrometer are set using the pretreatment device, and the set conditions are transmitted from the pretreatment device to the chromatograph or chromatograph mass spectrometer. can do. Thereby, when the analyst is working on the pretreatment device, conditions relating to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer can be easily set.

  The display control unit may display a screen switching key on a part of the device status screen. In this case, when the screen switching key is selected, the display control unit switches the display of the display unit from the device status screen to a condition setting screen for receiving setting of conditions by the setting receiving unit. May be.

  According to such a configuration, the analyst can switch the display of the display unit from the apparatus status screen to the condition setting screen only by selecting the screen switching key, and use the condition setting screen to perform the chromatograph or chromatograph mass analysis. Conditions relating to the operation of the apparatus can be easily set.

  The analysis system according to the present invention includes a control for automatically controlling the pretreatment device, a chromatograph into which a sample subjected to pretreatment in the pretreatment device is introduced, and the pretreatment device and the chromatograph in conjunction with each other. A part.

  The analysis system according to the present invention includes the pretreatment device, a chromatograph mass spectrometer into which a sample that has been pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced, the pretreatment device, and the chromatograph mass spectrometer. And a control unit that automatically controls the system.

  According to the present invention, the analyst confirms the operation of the pretreatment device on the device status screen, and information on the operation of another device (chromatograph or chromatograph mass spectrometer) into which the sample is introduced from the pretreatment device. Can also be easily confirmed.

It is a schematic front view which shows the structural example of the analysis system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structural example of a pre-processing apparatus. It is a side view which shows the structural example of a separation container. It is a top view of the separation container of FIG. 3A. It is sectional drawing which shows the AA cross section of FIG. 3B. It is a side view which shows the structural example of a collection container. It is a top view of the collection container of Drawing 4A. It is sectional drawing which shows the BB cross section of FIG. 4B. It is sectional drawing which shows the pre-processing kit of the state with which the separation container and the collection container were piled up. It is a top view which shows the structural example of a filtration port. It is sectional drawing which shows the XX cross section of FIG. 6A. It is sectional drawing which shows the YY cross section of FIG. 6A. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which installed the pre-processing kit in the filtration port. It is the schematic which shows the structural example of a negative pressure load mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of an analysis system. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus status screen displayed on the operation display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a pre-processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a pre-processing apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration example of an analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This analysis system includes a pretreatment device 1, an LC (liquid chromatograph) 100, and an MS (mass spectrometry device) 200. Samples that have been pretreated by the pretreatment device 1 are sequentially introduced into the LC100 and the MS200. Analysis. That is, the analysis system according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC / MS) is connected to the pretreatment device 1. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the sample that has been subjected to the pretreatment by the pretreatment device 1 is introduced only into the LC 100 by omitting the MS 200 may be adopted.

  The pretreatment device 1 performs various pretreatments such as sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, stirring, and filtration on biological samples such as whole blood, serum, filter paper blood, and urine. The sample extracted by these pretreatments is introduced into the LC 100 via the autosampler 101 provided in the LC 100. The LC 100 includes a column (not shown), and sample components separated in the process of passing the sample through the column are sequentially introduced into the MS 200. The MS 200 includes an ionization unit 201 that ionizes a sample introduced from the LC 100 and a mass analysis unit 202 that analyzes the ionized sample.

  The preprocessing device 1 is provided with an operation display unit 1a including a touch panel, for example. The analyst can perform input related to the operation of the preprocessing device 1 by operating the display screen of the operation display unit 1a, and can also provide information regarding the operation of the preprocessing device 1 displayed on the display screen of the operation display unit 1a. Can be confirmed. However, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the touch panel type operation display unit 1a is provided. For example, the display unit configured by a liquid crystal display and the operation unit configured by operation keys or the like are provided separately. May be.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the pretreatment device 1. In this pretreatment apparatus 1, a pretreatment kit consisting of a set of a separation container 50 and a collection container 54 is used for each sample, and pretreatment items (sample dispensing, reagent dispensing) set for each pretreatment kit are used. Note, stirring, filtration, etc.) are performed. The pretreatment apparatus 1 is provided with a plurality of treatment ports for executing each pretreatment item, and the pretreatment kit can be obtained by installing a pretreatment kit containing a sample in any of the treatment ports. A pre-processing item corresponding to each processing port is executed on the sample contained in the container.

  As processing ports, a filtration port 30, a dispensing port 32, a disposal port 34, a stirring port 36a, temperature control ports 38 and 40, a transfer port 43, a washing port 45, and the like are provided in association with each pretreatment item. Yes. Each of these processing ports constitutes a plurality of preprocessing units that respectively execute a plurality of types of preprocessing. Here, the preprocessing item is a preprocessing item necessary for executing the analysis item designated by the analyst.

  The separation container 50 and the collection container 54 constituting the pretreatment kit are transported between the processing ports by the transport arm 24 as a transport unit. A holding portion 25 for holding the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 is formed on the distal end side of the transfer arm 24. The proximal end side of the transfer arm 24 is held so as to be rotatable about the vertical shaft 29. The transfer arm 24 extends in the horizontal direction, and rotates around the vertical axis 29 to move the holding unit 25 so as to draw an arcuate trajectory in the horizontal plane. Each processing port, which is the transfer destination of the separation container 50 and the collection container 54, and other ports are all provided on an arc-shaped track drawn by the holding unit 25.

  A sample is dispensed from the sample container 6 into the pretreatment kit. A plurality of sample containers 6 in which samples are stored can be installed in the sample installation unit 2, and samples are sequentially collected from each sample container 6 by a sampling arm 20 as a sampling unit. A plurality of sample racks 4 that hold a plurality of sample containers 6 are arranged in a ring shape in the sample placement unit 2. The sample placement unit 2 moves each sample rack 4 in the circumferential direction by rotating in a horizontal plane. Thereby, each sample container 6 can be sequentially moved to a predetermined sampling position. Here, the sampling position is located on the trajectory of the sampling nozzle 20a provided at the tip of the sampling arm 20, and a sample is collected from the sample container 6 by the sampling nozzle 20a at the sampling position.

  The sampling arm 20 can rotate in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis 22 provided on the base end side, and can move up and down in the vertical direction along the vertical axis 22. The sampling nozzle 20a is held vertically downward at the tip of the sampling arm 20, and according to the operation of the sampling arm 20, a circular orbital movement in the horizontal plane or vertical movement is performed. Is called.

  A dispensing port 32 is provided at a position on the track of the sampling nozzle 20 a and on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transport arm 24. The dispensing port 32 is a port for dispensing a sample to the unused separation container 50 from the sampling nozzle 20a. The unused separation container 50 is transported to the dispensing port 32 by the transport arm 24.

  A reagent installation unit 8 for installing the reagent container 10 is provided at the center of the sample installation unit 2 in which the sample racks 4 are arranged in an annular shape. The reagent in the reagent container 10 installed in the reagent installation unit 8 is collected by the reagent arm 26. The base end portion of the reagent arm 26 is supported by a vertical shaft 29 that is common to the transfer arm 24, and can be rotated in a horizontal plane around the vertical shaft 29, and in the vertical direction along the vertical shaft 29. It can move up and down. A reagent addition nozzle 26 a is held vertically downward at the tip of the reagent arm 26, and the reagent addition nozzle 26 a is held in the horizontal plane in accordance with the operation of the reagent arm 26. The movement which draws the same circular arc-shaped orbit or the vertical movement in the vertical direction is performed.

  The reagent installing unit 8 is rotatable in a horizontal plane independently of the sample installing unit 2. A plurality of reagent containers 10 are arranged in an annular shape in the reagent installing unit 8, and each reagent container 10 moves in the circumferential direction as the reagent installing unit 8 rotates. Thereby, the desired reagent container 10 can be moved to a predetermined reagent collection position. Here, the reagent collection position is located on the trajectory of the reagent addition nozzle 26a provided at the tip of the reagent arm 26, and the reagent is collected from the reagent container 10 by the reagent addition nozzle 26a at the reagent collection position. . The reagent in the reagent container 10 is added to the sample in the separation container 50 by being sucked by the reagent addition nozzle 26a and then dispensed to the separation container 50 installed in the dispensing port 32. .

  The separation container 50 and the recovery container 54 are held by a container holding unit 12 provided at a position different from the sample setting unit 2 and the reagent setting unit 8. In the container holding unit 12, a plurality of sets of pretreatment kits in which unused separation containers 50 and recovery containers 54 are stacked are arranged in an annular shape. The container holding unit 12 includes a rotating unit 14 that rotates in a horizontal plane, and a plurality of container racks 16 that can be attached to and detached from the rotating unit 14.

  Each container rack 16 can hold a plurality of pretreatment kits. The plurality of container racks 16 are arranged on the rotating unit 14 in an annular shape. An annular holding region for holding a plurality of pretreatment kits is formed by the plurality of container racks 16 arranged side by side in an annular shape. The rotating unit 14 displaces each container rack 16 in the circumferential direction of the holding region by rotating in a horizontal plane. Thereby, a plurality of pretreatment kits can be sequentially moved to a predetermined transport position. Here, the transfer position is located on the track of the holding unit 25 provided at the tip of the transfer arm 24, and the separation container 50 or the collection container 54 is held by the holding unit 25 at the transfer position, and the transfer destination To the next port.

  In this manner, by dividing the container rack 16 into a plurality of container racks 16 and holding the pretreatment kit, each container rack 16 can be individually attached to and detached from the rotating unit 14. As a result, even when the separation container 50 or the collection container 54 held in any one of the container racks 16 is being processed, the other container rack 16 can be attached and detached to perform another operation. Therefore, the preprocessing efficiency can be improved.

  However, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are not limited to the configuration in which the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are held by the container holding unit 12 via the container rack 16, and may be configured to be directly held by the container holding unit 12, for example. . Further, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are not limited to the structure in which the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are held by the container holding unit 12 in a state of being overlapped with each other. There may be. Further, the plurality of container racks 16 is not limited to a configuration in which the plurality of container racks 16 are arranged in an annular shape, and may have a configuration in which the plurality of container racks 16 are arranged in an arc shape, for example. In this case, a plurality of separation containers 50 and recovery containers 54 are held in an arc-shaped holding area instead of an annular shape.

  In the container holding part 12, an analyst can install a plurality of types (for example, two types) of separation containers 50 provided with separation layers having different separation performances. These separation containers 50 are selectively used according to the analysis item of the sample, and the separation container 50 corresponding to the analysis item designated by the analyst is selected from the container holding unit 12 and conveyed. Here, the analysis item is a type of analysis that is subsequently performed using the sample that has been pre-processed by the pre-processing apparatus 1, for example, a type of analysis that is performed by the LC 100 or the MS 200.

  FIG. 3A is a side view showing a configuration example of the separation container 50. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the separation container 50 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing the AA cross section of FIG. 3B. FIG. 4A is a side view showing a configuration example of the collection container 54. 4B is a plan view of the collection container 54 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing a BB cross section of FIG. 4B. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the pretreatment kit in a state where the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are overlaid.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the separation container 50 is a cylindrical container having an internal space 50 a that stores a sample and a reagent. A separation layer 52 is provided at the bottom of the internal space 50a. The separation layer 52 is a separation agent or a separation membrane having a function of selectively separating a specific component in a sample by allowing the sample to pass through and reacting with the specific component physically or chemically, for example.

  As a separating agent constituting the separating layer 52, for example, ion exchange resin, silica gel, cellulose, activated carbon, or the like can be used. Examples of the separation membrane include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane, nylon membrane, polypropylene membrane, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) membrane, acrylic copolymer membrane, mixed cellulose membrane, nitrocellulose membrane, polyethersulfone membrane, An ion exchange membrane, a glass fiber membrane, etc. can be used.

  As a deproteinization filter (separation membrane) for removing the protein in the sample by filtration, PTFE, an acrylic copolymer membrane, or the like can be used. In this case, a prefilter (not shown) may be provided above the separation layer 52 in order to prevent clogging of the deproteinization filter. As such a prefilter, for example, a nylon film, a polypropylene film, a glass fiber film, or the like can be used. The prefilter is for removing insoluble substances and foreign matters having a relatively large particle diameter from the sample. This prefilter can prevent the deproteinization filter from being clogged with insoluble substances and foreign matters having a relatively large particle size.

  On the upper surface of the separation container 50, an opening 50b for injecting a sample or a reagent is formed. Further, an extraction port 50 d for extracting the sample that has passed through the separation layer 52 is formed on the lower surface of the separation container 50. On the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50, a flange portion 50c for engaging the holding portion 25 of the transfer arm 24 is formed so as to protrude in the circumferential direction.

  A skirt portion 51 that contacts the edge of the filtration port 30 when the separation container 50 is accommodated in the filtration port 30 together with the collection container 54 is provided at the center of the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50. The skirt portion 51 protrudes in the circumferential direction from the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50 and is formed in an L-shaped cross section so as to extend downward therefrom, thereby forming a certain space between the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50. doing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C and 5, the collection container 54 is a cylindrical container that houses the lower part of the separation container 50 and collects the sample extracted from the extraction port 50 d of the separation container 50. An opening 54 b for inserting the lower part of the separation container 50 is formed on the upper surface of the collection container 54. Inside the collection container 54, an internal space 54 a that accommodates a portion of the separation container 50 below the skirt portion 51 is formed. Similar to the separation container 50, a flange part 54 c for engaging the holding part 25 of the transfer arm 24 is formed on the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the collection container 54 so as to protrude in the circumferential direction.

  In the state where the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are overlapped as shown in FIG. 5, the upper part of the collection container 54 enters the inside of the skirt portion 51. The outer diameter of the separation container 50 is smaller than the inner diameter of the collection container 54. Thereby, a slight gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50 accommodated in the internal space 54 a of the recovery container 54 and the inner peripheral surface of the recovery container 54. In the container holding unit 12, the separation container 50 and the recovery container 54 are installed in a state where the lower part of the separation container 50 is accommodated in the recovery container 54 (state in FIG. 5).

  Three cutouts 54 d are formed on the edge of the upper surface of the collection container 54. Therefore, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are overlapped as shown in FIG. 5 so that the collection container 54 can be collected through the notch 54 even when the upper surface of the collection container 54 is in contact with the inner surface of the skirt portion 51. The inside and outside of the container 54 can be communicated. However, the number of notches 54d is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. Moreover, not only the notch 54d but the structure in which the small hole was formed may be sufficient, for example.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, the filtration port 30 is provided inside the container holding part 12. That is, an annular or arc-shaped holding region is formed by the plurality of container racks 16 arranged side by side on the outer periphery of the filtration port 30, and the plurality of separation containers 50 and the collection containers 54 are held in the holding region. Yes. As described above, the holding region of the separation container 50 and the recovery container 54 is formed in an annular shape or an arc shape, and the installation space for the filtration port 30 is secured in the empty space in the center portion, thereby making the configuration more compact. Can do.

  In particular, in this embodiment, since the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are held in the holding region in a stacked state, it is not necessary to provide separate holding regions for the separation container 50 and the collection container 54. Therefore, more separation containers 50 and recovery containers 54 can be held in a small holding area. Thereby, the holding | maintenance area | region of the separation container 50 and the collection | recovery container 54 can be made small, and it can be set as a more compact structure.

  Further, by providing the filtration port 30 at the center of the holding area formed in an annular shape or an arc shape, the distance between the plurality of separation containers 50 and the collection containers 54 held in the holding area and the filtration port 30 can be relatively increased. Can be shortened. Thereby, since the time which conveys the separation container 50 and the collection | recovery container 54 to the filtration port 30 can be shortened, pre-processing efficiency can be improved.

  The filtration port 30 constitutes a filtration unit that separates the sample by the separation layer 52 by applying pressure to the sample in the separation container 50. In the present embodiment, for example, two filtration ports 30 are provided side by side on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transport arm 24. The separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are installed in each filtration port 30 in a state of being overlapped as shown in FIG. 5, and the sample separated by the separation layer 52 in the separation container 50 by the negative pressure is contained in the collection container 54. It has come to be collected. However, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are not limited to the structure in which the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are installed in each filtration port 30 in a state of being overlapped with each other, but the structure in which the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are individually installed. There may be. Further, the number of filtration ports 30 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

  Three agitation ports 36 a are provided in the agitation unit 36 provided in the vicinity of the container holding unit 12, for example, on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transfer arm 24. The stirring unit 36 has a mechanism for individually operating each stirring port 36a in a horizontal plane. By such a mechanism, the sample in the separation container 50 arranged in each stirring port 36a can be stirred. However, the number of stirring ports 36a is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more.

  The temperature control ports 38 and 40 are provided, for example, in a thermally conductive block whose temperature is controlled by a heater and a Peltier element, and the temperature of the separation container 50 or the recovery container 54 accommodated in the temperature control ports 38 and 40 is constant. Adjusted to temperature. The temperature control port 38 is for the separation container 50, and, for example, four temperature adjustment ports 38 are arranged side by side on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transfer arm 24. The temperature control port 40 is for the recovery container 54, and four temperature control ports 40 are arranged side by side on the track of the holding portion 25 of the transfer arm 24, for example, similarly to the temperature control port 38 for the separation container 50. However, the number of temperature control ports 38 and 40 is not limited to four, but may be three or less, or may be five or more.

  FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of the filtration port 30. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the XX cross section of FIG. 6A. 6C is a cross-sectional view showing the YY cross section of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the pretreatment kit is installed in the filtration port 30.

  The filtration port 30 is formed of, for example, a recess, and the recess constitutes an installation space 30a for installing the pretreatment kit. That is, as shown in FIG. 6D, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 conveyed from the container holding unit 12 by the conveyance arm 24 are installed in the installation space 30a so as to overlap each other. At this time, the collection container 54 is first accommodated in the installation space 30a, and then the lower part of the separation container 50 is accommodated in the internal space 54a of the recovery container 54.

  A holding member 31 that holds the collection container 54 so as to sandwich the collection container 54 is provided in the filtration port 30. The holding member 31 is, for example, a U-shaped metal member that is open at the top, and constitutes two leaf springs in which two arms extending upward can be elastically displaced in the inner diameter direction of the filtration port 30. doing. The two leaf spring portions of the holding member 31 have, for example, a curved shape or a bent shape that is recessed inward so that the interval between the upper end portion and the lower end portion is the narrowest. The distance between the two leaf spring portions is larger than the outer diameter of the recovery container 54 at the upper end and the lower end, and smaller than the outer diameter of the recovery container 54 at the narrowest distance.

  Due to the shape of the holding member 31 as described above, when the collection container 54 is inserted into the installation space 30a of the filtration port 30, the two leaf springs of the holding member 31 are lowered as the collection container 54 descends. The portion is opened, and the collection container 54 is held in the installation space 30a by the elastic force. The collection container 54 is equally pressed from two opposing directions by the two leaf spring portions of the holding member 31 and is held in the central portion of the installation space 30a. The holding member 31 is fixed in the installation space 30a so that it does not float with the recovery container 54 when the recovery container 54 is taken out.

  A ring-shaped sealing member 60 having elasticity is provided at the edge of the upper surface opening of the filtration port 30. The sealing member 60 is fitted, for example, in a recess provided at the edge of the upper surface opening of the filtration port 30. The material of the sealing member 60 is an elastic material such as silicone rubber or EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). When the collection container 54 and the separation container 50 are installed in the installation space 30 a of the filtration port 30, the lower end of the skirt portion 51 of the separation container 50 contacts the sealing member 60, and the installation space 30 a is formed by the skirt portion 51. It becomes a sealed state. However, the contact portion of the separation container 50 with the sealing member 60 is not limited to a member having a shape such as the skirt portion 51, and may be formed by contact portions having various other shapes such as a flange portion. Can do.

  A pressure reducing flow path 56 communicates with the installation space 30 a from the bottom surface of the filtration port 30. A flow path 57 of the negative pressure load mechanism 55 is connected to the flow path 56. The negative pressure load mechanism 55 includes a vacuum pump, for example, and constitutes a negative pressure load portion that loads a negative pressure into the installation space 30a. If the inside of the installation space 30a is decompressed by the negative pressure load mechanism 55 in a state where the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are accommodated in the filtration port 30, the inside of the installation space 30a becomes negative pressure.

  In the installation space 30a that has become negative pressure, the internal space 54a of the recovery container 54 is formed through a notch 54d of the recovery container 54 and a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the recovery container 54 and the outer peripheral surface of the separation container 50. Communicate. Since the upper surface of the separation container 50 is open to the atmosphere, a pressure difference is generated between the internal space 50 a of the separation container 50 and the internal space 54 a of the recovery container 54 via the separation layer 52. Therefore, only the components that can pass through the separation layer 52 among the samples contained in the internal space 50a of the separation container 50 are separated by the separation layer 52 due to the pressure difference, and are moved to the internal space 54a side of the collection container 54. Extracted.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the negative pressure load mechanism 55. The two filtration ports 30 are connected to a common vacuum tank 66. Each filtration port 30 and the vacuum tank 66 are connected by a flow path 57, and a pressure sensor 62 and a three-way valve 64 are provided in each flow path 57. The pressure in the installation space 30 a of each filtration port 30 is detected by each pressure sensor 62. Each three-way valve 64 is in a state in which the filtration port 30 and the vacuum tank 66 are connected, in a state in which the filtration port 30 side of the flow path 57 is opened to the atmosphere (state in FIG. 7), or in the flow path 57 It can switch to either the state which sealed the edge part by the side of the filtration port 30. FIG.

  A pressure sensor 68 is connected to the vacuum tank 66, and a vacuum pump 58 is connected via a three-way valve 70. Therefore, by switching the three-way valve 70, the vacuum pump 58 can be connected to the vacuum tank 66 as needed, and the pressure in the vacuum tank 66 can be adjusted.

  When a sample extraction process is executed in any one of the filtration ports 30, a pressure sensor 62 is connected between the filtration port 30 and the vacuum tank 66 to detect the pressure in the installation space 30 a of the filtration port 30. The value of is adjusted to be a predetermined value. Thereafter, the end of the flow path 57 on the filtration port 30 side is sealed. Thereby, the installation space 30a of the filtration port 30 becomes a sealed system, and the sample is extracted by maintaining the reduced pressure state in the installation space 30a.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, the pretreatment apparatus 1 is provided with a sample transfer unit 42 for transferring the sample extracted in the collection container 54 to the autosampler 101 side. The sample transfer unit 42 includes a moving unit 44 that moves in one direction (the arrow direction in FIG. 2) in the horizontal plane, and a transfer port 43 for installing the collection container 54 is provided on the upper surface of the moving unit 44. It has been. The moving unit 44 moves by the operation of a drive mechanism having a rack and pinion mechanism, for example.

  When the sample is not transferred to the autosampler 101 side, the transfer port 43 is arranged on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transfer arm 24 (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2). In this state, the collection container 54 is installed in the transfer port 43 by the transfer arm 24 and the collection container 54 is collected from the transfer port 43.

  When transferring the sample to the autosampler 101 side, after the collection container 54 containing the extracted sample is installed in the transfer port 43, the moving unit 44 moves to the outside of the pretreatment apparatus 1. The transfer port 43 is disposed at a position adjacent to the autosampler 101 (a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2). In this state, the sample in the collection container 54 is inhaled by the sampling nozzle provided in the autosampler 101.

  When the sample inhalation by the autosampler 101 is completed, the moving unit 44 is returned to the original position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2), and the collection container 54 is collected by the transport arm 24. The used collection container 54 is transported to the disposal port 34 by the transport arm 24 and discarded. The disposal port 34 is disposed in the vicinity of the dispensing port 32 on the track of the holding unit 25 of the transfer arm 24, and the used separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are discarded.

  A cleaning port 45 for cleaning the sampling nozzle 20a is provided on the orbit of the sampling nozzle 20a. Although not shown, a cleaning port for cleaning the reagent addition nozzle 26a is provided on the orbit of the reagent addition nozzle 26a.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the analysis system. In the following description, “port” refers to a plurality of types of ports such as the filtration port 30, the dispensing port 32, the agitation port 36a, the temperature control ports 38 and 40, and the transfer port 43 in which the separation container 50 or the recovery container 54 is installed. Means one of them.

  The operation display unit 1a, the sample setting unit 2, the reagent setting unit 8, the container holding unit 12, the sampling arm 20, the transfer arm 24, the reagent arm 26, the stirring unit 36, the sample transfer unit 42, and the like provided in the pretreatment apparatus 1 The operation of the negative pressure load mechanism 55 is controlled by the control unit 84. The control unit 84 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and when the CPU executes a program, the preprocessing unit 84a, the processing status management unit 84b, the random access unit 84c, the setting reception unit 84d, and the condition transmission unit 84f. , Function as display control means 84g, additional information acquisition means 84h, information selection reception means 84i, and the like.

  For example, an arithmetic processing device 90 configured by a personal computer (PC) or a dedicated computer is connected to the control unit 84, and the analyst can manage the preprocessing device 1 via the arithmetic processing device 90. . The arithmetic processing unit 90 is connected not only to the preprocessing unit 1 but also to the LC 100 and the MS 200 into which the sample that has been pre-processed by the pre-processing unit 1 is introduced, the autosampler 101 that injects the sample into the LC 100, and the like. The arithmetic processing device 90 can automatically control these devices in conjunction with each other.

  As described above, a plurality of sample containers are installed in the sample installation unit 2, and the samples accommodated in these sample containers should be sequentially dispensed into the separation container 50 and executed on the samples. The separation container 50 is conveyed to the port corresponding to the pretreatment item. When the separation container 50 or the collection container 54 is installed at each port, the preprocessing unit 84a executes a predetermined process at that port.

  The random access means 84c confirms the status of preprocessing at each port, and operates the transport arm 24 so as to transport the separation container 50 that has been preprocessed at that port to the port for performing the next preprocessing. To control. That is, the random access means 84c confirms the pretreatment item to be performed next for each sample, confirms the vacancy status of the port corresponding to the pretreatment item, and if there is a vacancy, the separation container containing the sample 50 or the collection container 54 is transported to the port. When there is no available port corresponding to the pretreatment item to be performed next for each sample, the random access means 84c sets the target separation container 50 or the recovery container 54 as the port as soon as the port is available. To transport.

  The processing status management unit 84b manages the availability of each port and the processing status at each port. The availability of each port can be managed by storing in which port the separation container 50 or the collection container 54 is installed. Further, a sensor for detecting whether or not the separation container 50 or the collection container 54 is installed at each port may be provided, and the availability of each port may be managed based on a signal from the sensor.

  The processing status at each port can be managed based on whether or not the time required for the preprocessing executed at the port has elapsed since the separation container 50 or the recovery container 54 was installed at the port. The status of processing at the transfer port 43 (sample inhalation by the autosampler 101) may be managed depending on whether or not a signal indicating that sample inhalation has ended is received from the autosampler 101 side.

  Here, two filtration ports 30, three agitation ports 36 a, and four temperature control ports 38, 40 are provided, but a priority order is set between the ports that perform the same pretreatment. The random access means 84c is configured to be used in order from the port with the highest priority. For example, when both of the two filtration ports 30 are vacant when the sample is filtered, the collection container 54 is installed in the filtration port 30 having a high priority, and the separation container 50 is placed on the collection container 54. Is installed.

  When analyzing the sample, the analyst selects the analysis item of the sample by operating the operation display unit 1a. The analysis item is selected, for example, by the name of the component to be analyzed in LC100 or MS200. Then, the analyst can further set and select a pre-processing item necessary for executing the analysis item for the selected analysis item by further operating the operation display unit 1a. That is, for the selected analysis item, one or a plurality of arbitrary preprocessing items can be selected and set to be executed in the preprocessing device 1.

  At this time, the analyst can set parameters for each pre-processing item by operating the operation display unit 1a. For example, a dispensing amount is set for a sample or reagent dispensing process, a stirring time or stirring speed is set for a stirring process, and a filtering time or a kind of separation container 50 to be used is set for a filtering process. At this time, the setting accepting unit 84d functions as a setting accepting unit that accepts a plurality of types of preprocessing and parameter settings for each preprocessing for each sample.

  The preprocessing unit 84a, the processing status management unit 84b, and the random access unit 84c constitute a preprocessing execution unit 84e. The preprocessing execution unit 84e controls the preprocessing unit configured by each port, the transfer arm 24, and the like based on the preprocessing and parameter settings received by the setting receiving unit 84d. At this time, the preprocessing execution unit 84e performs control so that a plurality of types of preprocessing set for different samples are executed in parallel.

  That is, the separation container 50 or the recovery container 54 in which different samples are stored is sequentially transferred to each port corresponding to a plurality of types of preprocessing, and the preprocessing for each sample is executed in parallel. Based on the management by the processing status management unit 84b, the preprocessing execution unit 84e performs control so that different samples are not preprocessed simultaneously on the same port. When a plurality of ports are provided for the same preprocessing, each port forms an individual preprocessing unit.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, an arbitrary separation container 50 or a collection container 54 is sequentially transported to a plurality of ports (pretreatment units) by the transport arm 24, and preprocessing is performed in parallel at each port. Can be made. Thereby, even if it takes a long time to pre-process any sample, it is possible to advance the pre-processing of another sample first, and it is possible to suppress generation of useless waiting time.

  In addition, since a plurality of types of pretreatments and parameters for each pretreatment can be set for each sample, a plurality of types of pretreatments rich in variations can be executed for each sample. Even in such a case, an arbitrary separation container 50 or collection container 54 can be sequentially transported to a plurality of ports by the transport arm 24 to execute pretreatment, and the same port can be used for different samples. Since the pre-processing is controlled so as not to be executed simultaneously, the degree of freedom in setting the pre-processing is high and the pre-processing efficiency can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the setting accepting unit 84d accepts not only the setting of conditions regarding the operation of the preprocessing apparatus 1, but also the setting of conditions regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200. That is, the analyst can set conditions regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 by performing a setting operation using the operation display unit 1a of the preprocessing apparatus 1, and the set conditions are received by the setting receiving unit 84d. It is done.

  The conditions regarding the operations of the LC 100 and the MS 200 received by the setting receiving unit 84d are transmitted to the LC 100 and the MS 200 by the condition transmitting unit 84f. At this time, parameters representing conditions relating to the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 are transmitted to the LC 100 and the MS 200 via the arithmetic processing unit 90.

  As described above, the condition transmission unit 84f functions as a condition transmission unit that transmits the conditions regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 set by using the pre-processing device 1 from the pre-processing device 1 to the LC 100 and the MS 200. Thereby, when the analyst is working on the preprocessing apparatus 1, the conditions regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 can be easily set.

  The display control unit 84g functions as a display control unit for controlling display on the operation display unit 1a. Under the control of the display control means 84g, various display screens can be switched and displayed on the operation display unit 1a. In the present embodiment, an apparatus status screen for displaying information related to the operation of the preprocessing device 1 and a condition setting screen for receiving setting of conditions by the setting receiving unit 84d are displayed by operating the display control unit 84g. Displayed on the part 1a.

  The additional information acquisition unit 84h functions as an additional information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 based on signals periodically transmitted from the LC 100 and the MS 200, for example. That is, information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 is automatically transmitted to the preprocessing device 1 via the arithmetic processing device 90, and the information is acquired as additional information by the additional information acquisition unit 84h. .

  The additional information periodically acquired by the additional information acquisition unit 84h is displayed on the operation display unit 1a in real time under the control of the display control unit 84g. However, the information related to the operations of the LC 100 and the MS 200 is not limited to the configuration automatically transmitted from the LC 100 and the MS 200, and for example, the information related to the operations of the LC 100 and the MS 200 based on the request signal transmitted from the preprocessing device 1. May be transmitted to the preprocessing device 1.

  The information selection receiving unit 84i functions as an information selection receiving unit that receives selection of additional information related to the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 displayed on the operation display unit 1a. That is, the additional information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 displayed on the operation display unit 1a can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of information by the analyzer performing a setting operation using the operation display unit 1a of the preprocessing device 1. The selected information is received by the information selection receiving means 84i.

  On the operation display section 1a, only the information whose selection is received by the information selection receiving means 84i among the above-mentioned plural types of information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 is displayed by the control of the display control means 84g. As described above, the information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 acquired by the additional information acquisition unit 84h is not all displayed on the operation display unit 1a, but only the information whose selection is received by the information selection receiving unit 84i. Is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the apparatus status screen 300 displayed on the operation display unit 1a. The apparatus status screen 300 is a screen for displaying information related to the operation of the pretreatment apparatus 1. In this example, the execution status of the pretreatment on the sample in the pretreatment apparatus 1 is displayed. Specifically, a symbol image 301 representing the sample placement unit 2 of the pretreatment apparatus 1 is displayed, and each sample container 6 is associated with the holding position of the sample container 6 in the sample placement unit 2 in the symbol image 301. The execution status of the pretreatment for the sample is displayed.

  The symbol image 301 is divided into a plurality of arc-shaped regions in association with a plurality of sample racks 4 arranged in an annular shape, like the actual sample placement unit 2, and a sample container is provided in each arc-shaped region. A plurality of switching areas 302 corresponding to 6 are provided. By switching the display mode (for example, color) of the switching region 302 corresponding to each sample container 6, the execution status of the pretreatment for the sample in each sample container 6 is displayed according to the display mode. Yes.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which eight sample containers 6 are held in each sample rack 4 has been described. However, in FIG. 9, in the case where ten sample containers 6 are held in each sample rack 4. Is shown about. Thus, the number of sample containers 6 held in each sample rack 4 can be set to an arbitrary number. Further, the sample placement unit 2 is not limited to a configuration in which the sample container 6 is placed divided into a plurality of sample racks 4.

  As for the execution status of the pretreatment for the sample, “Awaiting analysis” where the pretreatment has not yet been executed, “In analysis” where the pretreatment has started but the analysis result has not yet been obtained, and the analysis data is obtained normally. Examples thereof include “normal end” obtained, “abnormal end” in which an abnormality occurred during preprocessing or analysis, and “data abnormality” in which the obtained analysis data is abnormal. In this example, the switching area 302 corresponding to the ten sample containers 6 is switched to the “analysis waiting” display mode, and the switching area 302 corresponding to the two sample containers 6 is switched to the “analyzing” display mode. The switching area 302 corresponding to one sample container 6 is switched to the “data abnormality” display mode.

  In the central portion of the symbol image 301, the operating state of the preprocessing device 1 is displayed. In this example, “analyzing” is displayed because the preprocessing device 1 is operating. For example, when the preprocessing device 1 is stopped, “stopping” is displayed. Further, above the symbol image 301, a preprocessing process display area 303 for displaying a preprocessing process that has been executed for each sample under analysis is provided.

  In the present embodiment, on a part of the apparatus status screen 300, a preprocessing information display area 304 for displaying information related to the operation of the preprocessing apparatus 1, an LC information display area 305 for displaying information related to the operation of the LC100, In addition, an MS information display area 306 for displaying information related to the operation of the MS 200 is provided. The LC information display area 305 and the MS information display area 306 constitute an additional information display area for displaying additional information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 acquired by the additional information acquisition unit 84h.

  The information displayed in the pretreatment information display area 304 includes the connection state 341 of the pretreatment device 1 with respect to the arithmetic processing device 90, the pressure 342 in the filtration port 30, the number of sets of the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 (the remaining number, 343), temperature 344 of each part of the pretreatment device 1 (such as the reagent cooling unit and the temperature control ports 38 and 40), and the state of the pure water tank for storing water used during washing and dispensing 345, pump state 346 for degassing water used during washing and dispensing, waste liquid tank state 347 for draining water used during washing, used separation container 50 and recovery container 54 are discarded Examples thereof include a state 348 of a waste box to be used, a state 349 of a pump for sending out water to be used at the time of washing and dispensing. At least one of these pieces of information may be displayed in the preprocessing information display area 304, other various parameters set as conditions when the preprocessing device 1 operates, and other information on the preprocessing device 1 The state of each part may be displayed.

  Examples of information displayed in the LC information display area 305 include the connection state 351 of the LC 100 to the arithmetic processing unit 90, the pressure 352 of the pump that sends the sample and the mobile phase to the column, the temperature 353 of the oven that heats the column, etc. Can do. In the LC information display area 305, at least one of these pieces of information may be displayed, and other various parameters set as conditions when the LC 100 operates, the states of other parts of the LC 100, and the like are displayed. May be. For example, even if the autosampler needle lowering stroke, sample suction speed, needle washing time, pump mobile phase flow rate, mobile phase mixing ratio, column oven upper limit set temperature, etc. are displayed in the LC information display area 305 in the LC 100 Good. Among the above parameters, the pressure, flow rate, and oven temperature of the mobile phase of the pump are preferably displayed as parameters having a great influence on the analysis data.

  Information displayed in the MS information display area 306 includes the connection state 361 of the MS 200 with respect to the arithmetic processing unit 90, the gas flow rate 362 used in the MS 200, the temperature 363 of each part of the MS 200, the degree of vacuum 364 of each part of the MS 200, and the like. It can be illustrated. In the MS information display area 306, at least one of these pieces of information may be displayed, other various parameters set as conditions when the MS 200 operates, the states of other parts of the MS 200, and the like are displayed. May be. For example, MS information nebulizer gas flow rate, drying gas flow rate, interface voltage / current, DL (desolvent tube) temperature, heat block temperature, detector voltage, vacuum degree of each vacuum chamber, CID gas pressure, etc. It may be displayed at 306. Among these parameters, the nebulizer gas flow rate, the drying gas flow rate, the DL temperature, the heat block temperature, and the degree of vacuum are preferably displayed as parameters that have a large influence on the analysis data.

  In the present embodiment, the analyst can check information related to the operation of the preprocessing device 1 on the device status screen 300 displayed on the operation display unit 1a of the preprocessing device 1. At this time, information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 is displayed as additional information in the additional information display area (the LC information display area 305 and the MS information display area 306) provided in a part of the apparatus status screen 300. Therefore, the analyst can easily confirm information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 into which the sample is introduced from the pretreatment device 1 while confirming the operation of the pretreatment device 1 on the device status screen 300.

  In particular, in this embodiment, since the execution status of the preprocessing for the sample in the preprocessing apparatus 1 is displayed on the apparatus status screen 300 using the symbol image 301 or the like, the analyst displays the execution status on the apparatus status screen. While confirming at 300, information regarding the operation of the LC 100 and the MS 200 can be easily confirmed. Since the execution state of the pretreatment on the sample in the pretreatment apparatus 1 is information that the analyst periodically confirms, by displaying information on the operation of the LC100 and the MS200 together with the information on the apparatus status screen 300, the LC100 And the information regarding the operation of the MS 200 can be easily confirmed by the analyst.

  At least one of the preprocessing information display area 304, the LC information display area 305, and the MS information display area 306 is provided with abnormal display areas 340, 350, and 360 for displaying abnormal information. In the pretreatment information display area 304, for example, the connection state 341 of the pretreatment device 1 with respect to the arithmetic processing device 90, the state 345 of a pure water tank for storing water used at the time of washing and dispensing, the time of washing and dispensing A state 346 of a pump for degassing water used at times, a state 347 of a waste liquid tank for draining water used at the time of cleaning, a state 348 of a waste box in which used separation containers 50 and recovery containers 54 are discarded An abnormality display area 340 is provided in association with a state 349 of a pump for sending out water to be used for cleaning and dispensing. In the LC information display area 305, for example, an abnormality display area 350 is provided in association with the connection state 351 of the LC 100 with respect to the arithmetic processing unit 90. In the MS information display area 306, for example, an abnormality display area 360 is provided in association with the connection state 361 of the MS 200 with respect to the arithmetic processing unit 90.

  Each abnormality display area 340, 350, 360 is for displaying the abnormality information when the corresponding state is abnormal. For example, the abnormality display areas 340, 350, and 360 have different colors depending on whether the state is normal or abnormal. By displaying, an abnormality is displayed. Thereby, when an abnormality relating to the operation of the LC 100 or the MS 200 occurs, the abnormality information is acquired by the additional information acquisition unit 84h, and the lighting state of the corresponding abnormality display areas 350 and 360 is switched, so that the abnormality information is changed. It is displayed in the additional information display area (LC information display area 305 or MS information display area 306).

  Therefore, even when the analyst is working on the pretreatment device 1, the abnormality of the LC 100 or the MS 200 can be quickly confirmed on the operation display unit 1a of the pretreatment device 1 and the abnormality can be dealt with. . However, the state of the LC 100 or the MS 200 in which the abnormality information is displayed in the abnormality display areas 350 and 360 is not limited to the connection state 351 and 361, and abnormality can be displayed for other various states. Moreover, the display of the abnormality information in each abnormality display area 340, 350, 360 is not limited to switching by color, and can be performed by various other modes such as switching of lighting or blinking.

  The additional information to be displayed in the additional information display area (LC information display area 305 or MS information display area 306) can be selected by the analyst from a plurality of types of information. That is, the LC information display area 305 is not limited to the example of FIG. 9, and the analyst can select from various other parameters set as conditions when the LC 100 operates and the states of other parts of the LC 100. Arbitrarily selected information can be displayed. Similarly, the MS information display area 306 is not limited to the example of FIG. 9, and the analyst can select from various other parameters set as conditions when the MS 200 operates and the states of other parts of the MS 200. Can display arbitrarily selected information. As a result, information important to the analyst can be arbitrarily selected and displayed in the LC information display area 305 or the MS information display area 306 as information relating to the operation of the LC 100 or the MS 200. It can be easily confirmed.

  A part of the apparatus status screen 300 (for example, the uppermost part) includes a start key 307 selected when the analysis is started, a pause key 308 selected when the analysis is paused, and an emergency with an alarm in an emergency. In addition to the alarm stop key 309 selected for stopping, a screen switching key 310 selected when switching the display of the operation display unit 1a from the apparatus status screen 300 to the condition setting screen is displayed. The analyst can easily start an analysis in response to an instruction from the preprocessing device 1 by selecting a start key 307 after selecting an analysis method registered in advance.

  In the apparatus status screen 300 as shown in FIG. 9, when the analyst operates the operation display unit 1a and selects the screen switching key 310, the display of the operation display unit 1a is changed from the device status screen 300 to the condition setting screen. It switches and it becomes possible for an analyst to set the conditions regarding operation | movement of LC100 or MS200. That is, when the analyst performs a setting operation on the condition setting screen, the set condition is received by the setting receiving unit 84d, and the condition is transmitted to the LC 100 and the MS 200 by the condition transmitting unit 84f. Yes. Therefore, the analyst simply switches the display of the operation display unit 1a from the apparatus status screen 300 to the condition setting screen by simply selecting the screen switching key 310, and easily uses the condition setting screen for conditions regarding the operation of the LC 100 or the MS 200. Can be set to

  10A and 10B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the preprocessing device 1. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show only the flow of pretreatment for one sample, and this pretreatment operation is executed concurrently and independently with the pretreatment operation of other samples. “Pre-processing is performed in parallel and independently” means that a separation container 50 or a collection container 54 containing another sample is transported while pre-processing is being performed for each sample at each port. This means that the sample is transported to another port by the arm 24 and the pretreatment of the sample is performed independently.

  First, analysis items designated in advance by an analyst are checked for a sample (step S1), and pre-processing items necessary for executing the analysis items are determined. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the dispensing port 32 is vacant. If the dispensing port 32 is vacant (Yes in step S2), an unused separation container 50 for storing the sample is transferred by the transfer arm 24. It is taken out from the container holding part 12 and installed in the dispensing port 32 (step S3). At this time, the separation container 50 and the collection container 54 are installed in the container holding unit 12 in a state where they are overlapped (the state shown in FIG. 5). Hold and transport to dispensing port 32.

  Thereafter, the sample is dispensed by the sampling nozzle 20a into the separation container 50 in the dispensing port 32 (step S4). The sampling nozzle 20a that dispenses the sample into the separation container 50 is prepared for the dispensing of the next sample after being washed in the washing port 45. In the separation container 50 into which the sample has been dispensed, a reagent according to the pretreatment to be performed on the sample is dispensed from the reagent container 10 by the reagent addition nozzle 26a (step S5). Note that the dispensing of the reagent into the separation container 50 may be performed before the dispensing of the sample. In addition, a reagent dispensing port for dispensing the reagent is provided at a position different from the dispensing port 32, and the separation container 50 is transported to the reagent dispensing port by the transport arm 24, and the reagent dispensing is performed. The configuration may be such that reagent is dispensed at the service port.

  After the sample and the reagent are dispensed into the separation container 50 in this way, the availability of the stirring port 36a is confirmed (step S6). If the agitation port 36a is empty (Yes in step S6), the separation container 50 in the dispensing port 32 is conveyed to the vacant agitation port 36a by the conveying arm 24 and agitation processing is performed ( Step S7). This agitation process is performed for a predetermined period of time, whereby the sample and the reagent in the separation container 50 are mixed.

  During the stirring process, the availability of the filtration port 30 is confirmed (step S8). If the filtration port 30 is empty (Yes in step S8), the collection container 54 is transported to the filtration port 30 by the transport arm 24 (step S9). At this time, the collection container 54 installed in the filtration port 30 is a collection container 54 that forms a pair with the separation container 50 being stirred at the stirring port 36a, and is installed in a state of being overlapped with the separation container 50 in the container holding unit 12. It is the collection container 54 that had been stored. During the stirring process, another separation container 50 and recovery container 54 can be transported by the transport arm 24.

  When the stirring process in the stirring unit 36 is completed, the separation container 50 is transported from the stirring port 36a to the filtration port 30 by the transport arm 24, and the separation container 50 is installed on the collection container 54 in the filtration port 30 as shown in FIG. 6D. (Step S10). At this time, the separation container 50 is conveyed until the lower end of the skirt portion 51 of the separation container 50 is slightly lower (for example, about 0.1 mm) than the height of the upper surface of the sealing member 60 provided around the filtration port 30. The arm 24 is pressed toward the installation space 30a. Thereby, since the sealing member 60 is crushed by the lower end of the skirt part 51, the airtightness between the lower end of the skirt part 51 and the sealing member 60 improves.

  A predetermined negative pressure is applied to the installation space 30 a of the filtration port 30 in which the separation container 50 and the recovery container 54 are installed by the negative pressure load mechanism 55. By maintaining for a certain period of time with a negative pressure applied to the installation space 30a of the filtration port 30, the sample in the separation container 50 is filtered and the sample is extracted into the collection container 54 (step S11). Even during the filtration process, the separation arm 50 and the recovery container 54 can be transported by the transport arm 24.

  Although not incorporated in this pretreatment operation, a temperature adjustment process is incorporated in which the sample in the separation container 50 is maintained at a constant temperature for a certain period of time after the sample in the separation container 50 is stirred. There is also. In that case, after the stirring process is completed, the empty state of the temperature control port 38 is confirmed. If there is an empty space, the separation container 50 is transferred to the empty temperature control port 38. Then, after a certain time has elapsed, the separation container 50 in the temperature control port 38 is conveyed to the filtration port 30 and installed on the recovery container 54 in the filtration port 30.

  After the filtration process of the sample is completed, the three-way valve 64 (see FIG. 7) is switched, so that the installation space 30a of the filtration port 30 is set to atmospheric pressure. Then, the used separation container 50 is taken out from the filtration port 30 by the holding unit 25 of the transfer arm 24 and discarded to the disposal port 34 (step S12).

  Thereafter, the availability of the transfer port 43 is confirmed. If the transfer port 43 is empty (Yes in step S13), the collection container 54 in the filtration port 30 is transferred to the sample transfer unit 42 by the transfer arm 24 and transferred. Installed on port 43. Then, the moving unit 44 moves to a position on the side of the autosampler 101 arranged adjacently (a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2), whereby the collection container 54 is transferred to the side of the autosampler 101 (step S14). . On the autosampler 101 side, the sample is sucked into the collection container 54 transferred from the sample transfer unit 42 by the sampling nozzle.

  The moving unit 44 stops at a position on the autosampler 101 side until the sample inhalation in the autosampler 101 is completed, and when the signal indicating that the sample inhalation is completed is received from the autosampler 101 (Yes in step S15), To the position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2). After the transfer of the sample is completed, the used collection container 54 is collected from the transfer port 43 by the transfer arm 24 and discarded to the discard port 34 (step S16).

  Although not incorporated in this pretreatment operation, there may be incorporated a temperature adjustment process for maintaining the sample extracted in the collection container 54 at a constant temperature for a fixed time after the sample is filtered. In that case, the empty state of the temperature control port 40 is confirmed, and if there is an empty space, the collection container 54 is transported to the empty temperature control port 40. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the collection container 54 in the temperature control port 40 is transported to the transfer port 43, and the sample is transferred.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the pretreatment kits are held in two rows with respect to the container rack 16 has been described. However, the container rack 16 may be configured to hold the pretreatment kit in one row, or may be configured to hold in three or more rows.

  Moreover, in the above embodiment, the structure which isolate | separates the sample in the separation container 50 by making the inside of the installation space 30a of the filtration port 30 into a negative pressure was demonstrated. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the configuration may be such that the sample in the separation container 50 is separated by pressurizing the inside of the separation container 50.

  The control unit 84 and the arithmetic processing unit 90 of the preprocessing device 1 are not limited to the configurations provided separately, and may be configured such that the operation of the entire analysis system is controlled by one control unit. That is, the configuration may be such that the arithmetic processing device 90 is omitted, and information is directly transmitted and received between the preprocessing device 1 and the LC 100 or the MS 200.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the other apparatus into which the sample is introduced from the pretreatment apparatus 1 is a liquid chromatograph (LC) or a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC / MS) has been described. However, the configuration of the autosampler 101 is not limited to such a configuration, and when the gas chromatograph is used instead of the liquid chromatograph 100 and a device that can be connected to the gas chromatograph is used as the mass spectrometer 200, the configuration of the autosampler 101 is used for the gas chromatograph. If the program executed by the control unit 84 of the pretreatment device 1 is changed, the pretreatment device 1 that introduces the sample into the gas chromatograph (GC) or the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC / MS) is also used. The invention can be applied. That is, the present invention can be applied to a chromatograph (LC or GC), and can also be applied to a chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC / MS or GC / MS).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pretreatment apparatus 1a Operation display part 2 Sample installation part 4 Sample rack 6 Sample container 8 Reagent installation part 10 Reagent container 12 Container holding part 14 Rotation part 16 Container rack 20 Sampling arm 20a Sampling nozzle 22 Vertical axis 24 Conveying arm 25 Holding part 26 Reagent Arm 26a Reagent Addition Nozzle 29 Vertical Shaft 30 Filtration Port 31 Holding Member 32 Dispensing Port 34 Disposal Port 36 Stirring Portion 36a Stirring Port 38 Temperature Control Port 40 Temperature Control Port 42 Sample Transfer Portion 43 Transfer Port 44 Moving Portion 45 Washing Port 50 Separation container 54 Collection container 84 Control unit 84a Pre-processing unit 84b Processing status management unit 84c Random access unit 84d Setting reception unit 84e Pre-processing execution unit 84f Condition transmission unit 84g Display control unit 84h Additional information acquisition unit 84i Information Selection accepting means 90 processor 100 liquid chromatograph (LC)
101 Autosampler 200 Mass spectrometer (MS)
201 Ionizer 202 Mass Spectrometer 300 Instrument Status Screen 301 Symbol Image 302 Switching Area 303 Preprocessing Step Display Area 304 Preprocessing Information Display Area 305 LC Information Display Area 306 MS Information Display Area 307 Start Key 308 Pause Key 309 Alarm Stop Key 310 Screen switching key 340 Abnormal display area 350 Abnormal display area 360 Abnormal display area

Claims (8)

A pretreatment device that performs pretreatment on a sample and introduces the pretreated sample into a chromatograph or chromatograph mass spectrometer,
A display unit;
A display control unit for displaying on the display unit a device status screen for displaying information on the operation of the preprocessing device;
An additional information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer as additional information;
The display control unit displays the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit in an additional information display area provided in a part of the device status screen.   The preprocessing according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays, on the apparatus status screen, an execution status of preprocessing on a sample in the preprocessing apparatus as information relating to the operation of the preprocessing apparatus. apparatus.   The display control unit displays the abnormality information in the additional information display area when the additional information acquisition unit acquires abnormality information related to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer. The pretreatment device according to claim 1 or 2. An information selection receiving unit for receiving selection from a plurality of types of information as additional information to be displayed in the additional information display area;
The pre-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays additional information whose selection is received by the information selection receiving unit in the additional information display area. A setting accepting unit for accepting setting of conditions relating to the operation of the chromatograph or the chromatograph mass spectrometer;
The condition transmission part which transmits the conditions by which the setting was received by the said setting reception part to the said chromatograph or the said chromatograph mass spectrometer is further provided, The front in any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Processing equipment.   The display control unit displays a screen switching key on a part of the device status screen, and when the screen switching key is selected, for receiving a setting of a condition from the device status screen by the setting receiving unit. The preprocessing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display of the display unit is switched to a condition setting screen. The pretreatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A chromatograph into which a sample that has been pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced;
An analysis system comprising: a control unit that automatically controls the pretreatment device and the chromatograph in conjunction with each other. The pretreatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A chromatograph mass spectrometer into which a sample that has been pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced;
An analysis system comprising: a control unit that automatically controls the pretreatment device and the chromatograph mass spectrometer in conjunction with each other.

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