JP2018194301A - Automatic analyzer, and adjusting method of cleaning liquid amount - Google Patents

Abstract

To maintain the accuracy of measurement data, and to reduce the burden on the administrator and the like.SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes a cleaning liquid supply unit, a cleaning pool, a liquid level detection unit, a cleaning liquid amount calculation unit, a cleaning liquid amount determination unit, and a cleaning liquid amount adjustment unit. The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies a cleaning liquid used for cleaning a probe. The cleaning pool stores the supplied cleaning liquid. The liquid level detection unit detects a liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool. The cleaning liquid amount calculation unit calculates a cleaning liquid amount of the cleaning liquid based on a result of detection of a liquid level of the cleaning liquid by the liquid level detection unit. The cleaning liquid amount determination unit determines whether or not the calculated cleaning liquid amount falls within a predetermined range. The cleaning liquid amount adjusting unit adjusts the cleaning liquid amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit in the predetermined range when the calculated cleaning liquid amount is determined not to fall within the predetermined range by the cleaning liquid amount determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer and a method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid.

  The automatic analyzer is a device for measuring components related to test items such as biochemical test items and immunological test items included in a sample contained in a sample container. In the automatic analyzer, a sample accommodated in a sample container is dispensed into a reaction tube by a sample dispensing probe. Moreover, the reagent accommodated in the reagent storage is dispensed into the reaction tube by the reagent dispensing probe. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the reaction tube, and a predetermined component in the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent is optically measured.

  By the way, in an automatic analyzer, after dispensing a sample or the like, for example, the sample attached to the inner or outer wall of the probe is washed in a washing pool, thereby preventing the occurrence of carryover or the like. At this time, for example, the amount of cleaning water used for cleaning the probe (hereinafter referred to as cleaning water amount) is adjusted by a pump and a valve on the flow path.

  The amount of washing water is an important factor in maintaining the accuracy of the measurement data, but changes due to performance deterioration due to aging of the pump, single failure, clogging of the flow path, and the like. When the amount of cleaning water for cleaning the inner and outer walls of the probe is less than a predetermined reference value, for example, the probe cannot be sufficiently cleaned, and carryover or the like may occur. In addition, when the amount of cleaning water for cleaning the outer wall of the probe is larger than a predetermined reference value, water droplets may remain at the tip of the probe. For this reason, it becomes difficult to maintain the accuracy of the measurement data.

  In addition, it is difficult to detect a change in the amount of washing water, and maintenance such as periodic confirmation of the amount of washing water and adjustment of a valve for adjusting the amount of washing water is required by an apparatus manager or the like. Maintenance of the amount of washing water is usually performed manually by an apparatus manager or the like. At this time, the amount of washing water needs to be adjusted within a very narrow range. For this reason, the work burden on the device manager or the like was large.

JP 2008-58163 A JP 2007-315949 A

  An object of the embodiment is to realize maintenance of accuracy of measurement data and reduction of a burden on an apparatus manager or the like.

  According to the embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes a cleaning liquid supply unit, a cleaning pool, a liquid level detection unit, a cleaning liquid amount calculation unit, a cleaning liquid amount determination unit, and a cleaning liquid amount adjustment unit. The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies a cleaning liquid used for cleaning the probe. The cleaning pool stores the supplied cleaning liquid. The liquid level detection unit detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool. The cleaning liquid amount calculation unit calculates the cleaning liquid amount of the cleaning liquid based on the result of detection of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid by the liquid level detection unit. The cleaning liquid amount determination unit determines whether or not the calculated cleaning liquid amount falls within a predetermined range. The cleaning liquid amount adjusting unit sets the cleaning liquid amount supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the predetermined range when the calculated cleaning liquid amount is determined not to fall within a predetermined range by the cleaning liquid amount determining unit. Adjust to fit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning mechanism provided in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow in which the control circuit according to the embodiment controls the electromagnetic valve to adjust the cleaning liquid amount when the cleaning liquid amount supplied to the cleaning pool does not fall within a predetermined range. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a modification. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of notifying that the cleaning pool is contaminated outside when the control circuit according to the modification determines that the cleaning pool is contaminated. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method by which the control circuit according to the modification determines whether or not the cleaning pool is contaminated. FIG. 9 is a notification screen for notifying that the cleaning pool displayed on the display circuit according to the modification is contaminated.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. An automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, a display circuit 6, a storage circuit 7, and a control circuit 8.

  The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample and a reagent used for each inspection item set for the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance and test data.

  The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes calibration data, analysis data, and the like based on the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads the operation program from the storage circuit 7 and generates calibration data, analysis data, and the like according to the operation program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data indicating the relationship between the standard data and a standard value preset in the standard sample. The analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data represented as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value based on the test data and the calibration data of the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analysis data to the control circuit 8.

  The drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like. The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 8.

  The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad on which an instruction is input by touching an operation surface. The input interface 5 receives, for example, a sample ID for identifying a sample to be inspected, an inspection item for the sample ID, and an analysis parameter of each inspection item from the operator. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 8, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 8. In the present specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to the one having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 8 is also an input interface. It is included in 5 examples.

  The display circuit 6 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, and the like. The display circuit 6 is connected to the control circuit 8 and displays a signal supplied from the control circuit 8 to the outside. The display circuit 6 displays calibration data and analysis data supplied from the control circuit 8, for example.

  The storage circuit 7 includes a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage circuit 7 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuit 8. The storage circuit 7 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The storage circuit 7 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test sample. Information on the shape of the cleaning pool provided in the automatic analyzer 1 is stored. The information regarding the shape of the cleaning pool is, for example, the cross-sectional area of the cleaning pool.

  The control circuit 8 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 8 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 7, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operation program.

  2 and 3 are schematic views showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a reaction disk 201 and a reagent store 202.

  A constant temperature bath 2012 filled with constant temperature water is provided in the reaction disk 201. The constant temperature bath 2012 has a circumferential shape. The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 2011 by a constant temperature bath 2012. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The reaction tube 2011 is made of, for example, glass.

  The reagent storage 202 is an example of a reagent storage that holds a plurality of reagent containers that store reagents. In this embodiment, the reagent storage 202 is disposed inside the reaction disk 201. The reagent store 202 holds a plurality of reagent containers circumferentially by a reagent container rack. The outer circle 2021 in the reagent container 202 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is the position of the opening of the reagent container arranged on the outer circumference among the reagent containers arranged circumferentially in the reagent container 202. Represents. The inner circle 2022 in the reagent storage 202 represents the position of the opening of the reagent container arranged on the inner circumference among the reagent containers arranged in a circle in the reagent storage 202. The reagent container held in the reagent storage 202 contains the reagent dispensed into the reaction tube 2011. The reagent container 101 whose opening is arranged along the outer circle 2021 contains the first reagent corresponding to each test item. The first reagent to be used is determined for each inspection item. The reagent container 101 in which the opening is arranged along the inner circle 2022 contains the second reagent corresponding to each test item. Similar to the first reagent, the second reagent is determined for each inspection item. The reagent container rack is rotated around the center of the reagent storage 202 by the drive mechanism 4.

2 and 3 includes a rack loading unit 230, a rack moving unit 240, a rack collection unit 250, and a STAT rack loading lane 260.
The rack input unit 230 includes an input lane 231. The sample rack 102 is loaded into the loading lane 231. The sample rack 102 holds a plurality of sample containers 100 that store samples. Forms that can be picked up by a transfer arm 241 provided in the rack moving unit 240, for example, a pair of grooves, are formed on the side surfaces of both ends of the sample rack 102. In addition, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chip (wireless tag) for identifying the presence or absence of the sample rack 102 is attached to the sample rack 102.

  Sample container 100 accommodates a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample. The sample container 100 is affixed with a label printed with an optical mark on which identification information or the like of the sample stored in the sample container 100 is written. The optical mark is a mark obtained by encoding information related to the sample container 100, sample identification information, and the like, for example, a bar code, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and the like.

  The sample rack 102 is loaded into the loading lane 231. The sample rack 102 loaded into the loading lane 231 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moved to a loading position where it can move to the rack moving unit 240. At this time, the movement of the sample rack 102 in the loading lane 231 is realized by, for example, a belt conveyor and a lead screw.

  The rack moving unit 240 includes a transfer arm 241, a transfer rail 242, a sampling lane 243, a buffer lane 244, and a reader 245.

  The transfer arm 241 has, for example, a pair of claws that can move up and down. The transport arm 241 transports the sample rack 102 so that the forklift carries the load with the fork lift while the claws are inserted into the pair of grooves formed in the sample rack 102.

  The transport arm 241 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and transports the sample rack 102. For example, the transfer arm 241 moves on the transfer rail 242 after holding the sample rack 102 placed at the input position in the input lane 231. As a result, the transport arm 241 transports the held sample rack 102 to the sampling lane 243. The transport rail 242 is provided between the sampling lane 243 and the buffer lane 244 and serves as a guide when the transport arm 241 moves. In addition, the transport arm 241 moves on the transport rail 242 after holding the sample rack 102 located at the unloading position in the sampling lane 243 that can be moved to the rack recovery unit 250. Thereby, the transport arm 241 transports the held sample rack 102 to the buffer lane 244 or the rack collection unit 250. Further, the transport arm 241 transports the sample rack 102 placed on the buffer lane 244 to the rack collection unit 250. The transfer arm 241 transfers the sample rack 102 placed on the buffer lane 244 to the STAT rack input lane 260.

  The sampling lane 243 is a lane for transporting a plurality of sample racks in which the sample containers 100 to be dispensed are held under a sample suction position 2432 where the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample. . The sampling lane 243 moves the sample rack 102 loaded from the loading position in the loading lane 231 by the driving mechanism 4. For example, the sampling lane 243 moves the opening of each sample container 100 held in the sample rack 102 below the sample suction position 2432. In addition, the sampling lane 243 moves the sample rack 102 from below the sample suction position 2432 to the rack collection unit 250 when dispensing of the samples stored in all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 is normally completed. Move to an unloadable position. The movement of the sample rack 102 in the sampling lane 243 is realized by, for example, a belt conveyor and a lead screw.

  The buffer lane 244 is a retention area for temporarily retaining the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores a sample in which a predetermined error has occurred.

  The reader 245 is provided in the vicinity of the sample suction position 2432, for example. The reader 245 starts reading when triggered by an instruction to start reading ID from the control circuit 8. When the sample container 100 to be dispensed reaches a position where the optical mark can be read, the reader 245 reads the identification information of the sample from the optical mark attached to the sample container 100. The reader 245 supplies the read sample identification information to the control circuit 8. Note that the reader 245 may be replaced with another sensor using RFID or the like.

  The rack collection unit 250 includes a first collection lane 251 and a second collection lane 252. The first collection lane 251 and the second collection lane 252 serve as collection destinations for the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 for which measurement has been completed normally. In addition, the first recovery lane 251 and the second recovery lane 252 also serve as a discharge destination of the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores a sample in which a predetermined error has occurred. The first collection lane 251 and the second collection lane 252 are driven by the drive mechanism 4 to move the sample rack 102 conveyed by the conveyance arm 241 from the rack moving unit 240 to the take-out position.

  The STAT rack loading lane 260 is a lane for loading the sample rack 102 in which the sample container 100 that stores a sample that needs to be measured urgently is held.

  2 and 3 includes a sample dispensing arm 204, a sample dispensing probe 205, a liquid level detector 207, a cleaning pool 208, a first reagent dispensing arm 210, and a first reagent dispensing. Probe 211, liquid level detector 213, cleaning pool 214, second reagent dispensing arm 216, second reagent dispensing probe 217, liquid level detector 219, cleaning pool 220, first stirring unit 222, and second stirring unit 223.

  The sample dispensing arm 204 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sampling lane 243 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The sample dispensing arm 204 holds a sample dispensing probe 205 at one end. The sample dispensing arm 204 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. As the sample dispensing arm 204 rotates, the sample dispensing probe 205 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory. A sample suction position P1, which is a position where the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample from the sample container 100, is set on the rotation trajectory. The sample suction position P1 is set in advance so as to be positioned on the sampling lane 243. A sample discharge position P2 for discharging the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 205 to the reaction tube 2011 is set at a position different from the sample suction position on the rotation trajectory. The rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 205 includes a movement trajectory of the sample container 100 held on the sample rack 102 placed on the sampling lane 243 and a movement trajectory of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201, respectively. Intersects. Intersections with the respective movement trajectories are the sample suction position P1 and the sample discharge position P2.

  The sample dispensing probe 205 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the sample suction position P1 and the sample discharge position P2. Further, the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample from the sample container 100 located at the sample suction position P <b> 1 according to the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the sample dispensing probe 205 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction tube 2011 located at the sample discharge position P <b> 2 according to the control of the control circuit 8.

  One end of the liquid level detector 207 is electrically connected to the sample dispensing probe 205. The liquid level detector 207 includes an oscillation circuit, a bridge circuit, a differential amplifier, a synchronous detection circuit, an integration circuit, an amplification circuit, and the like. The liquid level detector 207 detects contact of the sample dispensing probe 205 with the cleaning liquid, for example, by a change in capacitance (change in potential) when the sample dispensing probe 205 comes into contact with the cleaning liquid in the cleaning pool 208, for example. To do. The liquid level detector 207 outputs a detection signal related to the contact of the sample dispensing probe 205 to the control circuit 8.

  The cleaning pool 208 is disposed at the sample probe cleaning position P3. The cleaning pool 208 temporarily stores the cleaning liquid discharged into the cleaning pool 208.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cleaning mechanism included in the analysis mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment. The cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 includes a tube 281 whose one end is connected to the sample dispensing probe 205, a syringe 282 connected to the other end of the tube 281 and a plunger that fits into an opening provided at the lower end of the syringe 282. 283. Further, the cleaning mechanism includes a tank 289 that stores a pressure transmission medium filled in each of the sample dispensing probe 205, the tube 281, and the syringe 282. The pressure transmission medium filled in the tank 289 is pure water, for example.

  Further, the cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 sucks the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 289 and supplies the sucked pressure transmission medium into the sample dispensing probe 205 via the syringe 282 and the tube 281 as the cleaning liquid. A cleaning pump 284 is provided. Further, the cleaning mechanism includes an electromagnetic valve 285 that opens and closes a flow path that communicates between the syringe 282 and the cleaning pump 284. In the electromagnetic valve 285, for example, the degree of opening of the valve and / or the opening time can be adjusted in accordance with the input electric signal. The electromagnetic valve 285 includes, for example, a linear solenoid valve that adjusts the opening degree of the valve and a duty solenoid valve that adjusts the opening time of the valve.

  Specifically, for example, when the electromagnetic valve 285 is a linear solenoid valve, the degree of opening of the valve is adjusted according to the magnitude of the current applied to the electromagnetic valve 285. When the solenoid valve 285 is a duty solenoid valve, the opening time of the valve is adjusted according to a change in the duty ratio indicating the ratio of the pulse width to the repetition period of the pulse voltage applied to the solenoid valve 285. . This makes it possible to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 284 into the sample dispensing probe 205 (hereinafter referred to as cleaning liquid amount). Note that the solenoid valve 285 may be controlled only for opening and closing.

  When dispensing the sample, the flow path between the syringe 282 and the washing pump 284 is closed by an electromagnetic valve 285 controlled by the control circuit 8. When the drive mechanism 4 sucks and drives the plunger 283 in the direction of the arrow L1, the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample in the sample container 100 at the sample suction position 2432. Further, when the driving mechanism 4 drives the plunger 283 to discharge in the direction of the arrow L2, the sample dispensing probe 205 discharges the sample into the reaction tube 2011 located at the sample discharge position P2.

  The flow path between the syringe 282 and the washing pump 284 is predetermined by an electromagnetic valve 285 controlled by the control circuit 8 when dispensing of the same sample is completed, during regular maintenance, or when the automatic analyzer 1 is initially set. It is opened with an opening degree of. The cleaning pump 284 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and supplies the cleaning liquid into the sample dispensing probe 205.

  In addition, the cleaning pool 208 shown in FIG. 4 discharges the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool 208 and the discharge ports 2081 and the discharge ports 2082 for discharging the cleaning liquid into the cleaning pool 208. A drainage port 2083 for liquid is provided.

  The cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 includes a cleaning pump 287 that sucks the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 289 and supplies the suctioned pressure transmission medium as a cleaning liquid to the cleaning pool 208 via the tube 286. The cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 is divided into two in the middle, and discharged from the discharge port 2081 and the discharge port 2082 toward the contact outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 205.

  The cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 includes an electromagnetic valve 288 that opens and closes a flow path that communicates between the branch pipe 290 and the cleaning pump 287. The electromagnetic valve 288 can adjust the opening degree and / or opening time of the valve in accordance with, for example, an input electric signal. The electromagnetic valve 288 includes, for example, a linear solenoid valve and a duty solenoid valve.

  Specifically, for example, when the electromagnetic valve 288 is a linear solenoid valve, the degree of opening of the valve is adjusted according to the magnitude of the current applied to the electromagnetic valve 288. When the solenoid valve 288 is a duty solenoid valve, the opening time of the valve is adjusted according to a change in the duty ratio indicating the ratio of the pulse width to the repetition period of the pulse voltage applied to the solenoid valve 288. . This makes it possible to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 to the contact outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 205. Note that the solenoid valve 288 may be capable of adjusting the degree of opening and the opening time, and any type may be used as long as the flow rate of the cleaning liquid can be adjusted steplessly.

  The cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 includes a tube 293 connected at one end to a drainage port 2083 provided in the cleaning pool 208, and an electromagnetic valve 294 that stores the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool 208. The electromagnetic valve 294 is closed under the control of the control circuit 8 when storing the cleaning liquid supplied in the cleaning pool 208. Further, when the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool 208 is discharged, the cleaning liquid is opened under the control of the control circuit 8.

  When dispensing of the same sample is completed, at the time of regular maintenance, or at the initial setting of the automatic analyzer 1, the flow path between the branch pipe 290 and the washing pump 287 is controlled by an electromagnetic valve 288 controlled by the control circuit 8. It is opened with a predetermined opening degree. The cleaning pump 287 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and supplies the cleaning liquid toward the contact outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 205.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sampling lane 243 so as to be vertically movable in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The first reagent dispensing arm 210 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 210 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. When the first reagent dispensing arm 210 is rotated, the first reagent dispensing probe 211 is rotated along an arcuate rotation trajectory. On this rotation trajectory, the first reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the first reagent corresponding to each test item from the reagent container disposed on the outer circle 2021 of the reagent storage 202, and the suction. A first reagent discharge position P4 for discharging the first reagent to the reaction tube 2011 is set. The rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 211 is the movement trajectory of the reagent container (reagent suction port) disposed on the outer circle 2021 of the reagent storage 202, and the movement of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Crosses with each trajectory. The intersection with each movement locus is the reagent suction position and the first reagent discharge position P4.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position on the rotation path and the first reagent discharge position P4. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the reagent aspirating position on the rotation path in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the aspirated first reagent to the reaction tube 2011 located at the first reagent discharge position P4 according to the control of the control circuit 8.

  The configuration and function of the liquid level detector 213 are the same as those of the liquid level detector 207.

  The cleaning pool 214 is disposed at the first reagent probe cleaning position P5. The configuration and function of the cleaning pool 214 are the same as the configuration and function of the cleaning pool 208 shown in FIG.

  The configuration and function of the cleaning mechanism for cleaning the first reagent dispensing probe 211 are the same as the configuration and function of the cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sample dispensing probe 205 shown in FIG.

  The second reagent dispensing arm 216 is provided between the reagent storage 202 and the rack loading unit 230 so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The second reagent dispensing arm 216 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 217 at one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 216 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. As the second reagent dispensing arm 216 is rotated, the second reagent dispensing probe 217 is rotated along an arcuate rotation trajectory. A reagent aspirating position where the second reagent dispensing probe 217 aspirates the second reagent corresponding to each inspection item from the reagent container 101 disposed on the inner circle 2022 of the reagent storage 202 on the rotation trajectory, A second reagent discharge position P6 for discharging the sucked second reagent to the reaction tube 2011 is set. The rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 217 is the movement trajectory of the reagent container (reagent suction port) arranged on the inner circle 2022 of the reagent storage 202, and the movement of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Crosses with each trajectory. The intersections with the respective movement trajectories are the reagent suction position and the second reagent discharge position P6.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 217 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position on the rotation path and the second reagent discharge position P6. In addition, the second reagent dispensing probe 217 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the reagent suction position on the rotation path in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing probe 217 discharges the aspirated second reagent to the reaction tube 2011 located at the second reagent discharge position P6 according to the control of the control circuit 8.

  The configuration and function of the liquid level detector 219 are the same as those of the liquid level detector 207.

  The cleaning pool 220 is disposed at the second reagent probe cleaning position P7. The configuration and function of the cleaning pool 220 are the same as the configuration and function of the cleaning pool 208 shown in FIG.

  The configuration and function of the cleaning mechanism for cleaning the second reagent dispensing probe 217 are the same as the configuration and function of the cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sample dispensing probe 205 shown in FIG.

  The first stirring unit 222 and the second stirring unit 223 have a stirring arm and a stirring bar, respectively. The stirring arm supports the stirring bar in the vicinity of the tip so as to be rotatable and movable up and down. The first stirring unit 222 moves the stirrer to the reaction tube 2011 located at the stirring position in the reaction disk 201 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8 and mixes the sample and the first reagent in the reaction tube 2011 by the stirrer. The liquid, that is, the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 after the first medicine is dispensed is stirred. The second stirring unit 223 moves the stirrer to the reaction tube 2011 located at the stirring position in the reaction disk 201 according to the control of the control circuit 8, and the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction tube 2011 by the stirrer. The mixed liquid in which the reagent is mixed, that is, the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 after dispensing the second reagent is stirred.

2 and 3 includes a photometric unit 224, a cleaning unit 225, and an electrolyte measurement unit 226.
The photometry unit 224 irradiates light to the mixed solution of the sample and reagent discharged into the reaction tube 2011, and optically measures the light that has passed through the mixed solution. The photometric unit 224 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 224 emits light from the light source to the reaction tube 2011 under the control of the control circuit 8. The photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixed solution of the standard sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 2011 or the mixed solution of the sample to be tested and the reagent. The photodetector generates standard data or test data represented by, for example, absorbance based on the detected light intensity. The photometry unit 224 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

  The cleaning unit 225 includes a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning nozzle, and a drying nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 sucks the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 located at the reaction tube cleaning position as waste liquid by the waste liquid nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 cleans the reaction tube 2011 by discharging a cleaning solution to the reaction tube 2011 located at the reaction tube cleaning position by the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 dries the reaction tube 2011 cleaned with the cleaning liquid by supplying dry air to the reaction tube 2011 with a drying nozzle.

  The electrolyte measurement unit 226 measures a specific electrolyte present in the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011. The electrolyte measurement unit 226 measures, for example, the concentration of ions generated from a specific electrolyte.

  The control circuit 8 according to the present embodiment implements various functions shown in FIG. 1 by executing the operation program read from the storage circuit 7. That is, the control circuit 8 includes a system control function 81, a cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, a cleaning liquid amount determination function 83, and a cleaning liquid amount adjustment function 84. In the present embodiment, a case where the system control function 81, the cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, the cleaning liquid amount determination function 83, and the cleaning liquid amount adjustment function 84 are realized by a single processor will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a control circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes an operation program, whereby a system control function 81, a cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, a cleaning liquid amount determination function 83, and a cleaning liquid amount adjustment function 84 are provided. It does not matter if it is realized.

  The system control function 81 is a function that controls each unit in the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. When the system control function 81 is executed, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 based on the input information and supplies the drive pulse to the stepping motor, whereby the sample dispensing probe 205 and the first reagent dispensing probe are supplied. 211 and the vertical movement of the second reagent dispensing probe 217 are controlled. Further, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, opening / closing of the electromagnetic valve 294 based on the input information.

  The cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82 is a function for calculating the amount of cleaning liquid discharged to the cleaning pool provided in the automatic analyzer 1. When the cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82 is executed, the control circuit 8 calculates the cleaning liquid amount based on, for example, the results of two liquid level detections.

  Specifically, the control circuit 8 stands by until a detection signal related to the first contact with the sample dispensing probe 205 is received from the liquid level detector 207. When the control circuit 8 receives the detection signal in the first liquid level detection, for example, the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 starts to descend from the initial position (standby position) of the vertical movement, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool The first descending amount is calculated based on the number of driving pulses supplied until the contact.

  After calculating the first descending amount, the control circuit 8 waits until a detection signal related to the second contact with the sample dispensing probe 205 is received from the liquid level detector 207. Further, when the control circuit 8 receives the detection signal in the second liquid level detection, for example, the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 starts to descend from the initial vertical movement position and comes into contact with the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool. Based on the number of driving pulses supplied until then, the second descending amount is calculated. The control circuit 8 calculates a difference value between the calculated second descending amount and the first descending amount. As a result, the control circuit 8 recognizes the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool after the first liquid level detection.

  The cleaning liquid amount determination function 83 is a function for determining whether or not the cleaning liquid amount supplied to the cleaning pool falls within a predetermined range. When the cleaning liquid amount determination function 83 is executed, the control circuit 8 causes the cleaning liquid amount discharged to the cleaning pool 208 to fall within a predetermined range based on the difference value of the descending amount calculated by the cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, for example. It is determined whether or not.

  The cleaning liquid amount adjusting function 84 is a function for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid discharged to the cleaning pool. When the cleaning liquid amount adjustment function 84 is executed, the control circuit 8 controls, for example, the electromagnetic valve 288 based on the determination result of the cleaning liquid amount determination function 83 to change the magnitude of the current applied to the electromagnetic valve 288. Thus, the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 288 is adjusted. Further, the control circuit 8 adjusts the opening time of the electromagnetic valve 288 by changing the duty ratio indicating the ratio of the pulse width to the repetition period of the pulse voltage applied to the electromagnetic valve 288. Further, the control circuit 8 controls the electromagnetic valve 285, for example, based on the determination result of the cleaning liquid amount determination function 83, and changes the magnitude of the current applied to the electromagnetic valve 285, thereby changing the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 285. adjust. Further, the control circuit 8 adjusts the opening time of the electromagnetic valve 285 by changing the duty ratio indicating the ratio of the pulse width to the repetition period of the pulse voltage applied to the electromagnetic valve 285.

  Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow in which the control circuit 8 according to the present embodiment controls the electromagnetic valve 288 to adjust the cleaning liquid amount when the cleaning liquid amount supplied to the cleaning pool 208 does not fall within a predetermined range. It is. Hereinafter, a case where a predetermined instruction for checking and adjusting the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 into the cleaning pool 208 via the input interface 5 during the regular maintenance will be described as an example. . At this time, it is assumed that the electromagnetic valve 294 provided in the cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is opened. The electromagnetic valve 288 is assumed to be a linear solenoid valve. In addition, it is assumed that the amount of cleaning liquid adjusted by the preset opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 288 does not fall within a predetermined allowable range. The solenoid valve 288 may be a duty solenoid valve, or a valve capable of controlling the opening degree and the opening time of the valve at the same time.

  When a predetermined instruction is input, the control circuit 8 executes the system control function 81 and closes the electromagnetic valve 294 (step SA1). Thereby, the cleaning pool 208 can store the cleaning liquid discharged into the cleaning pool 208.

  The control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the electromagnetic valve 288, and supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning pump 287 toward the cleaning pool 208 (step SA2). The discharged cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning pool 208. At this time, the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied is, for example, an amount that can be stored in the cleaning pool 208 to a height at which the cross-sectional shape becomes constant.

  The control circuit 8 executes the system control function 81 and lowers the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 from the initial position of the vertical movement until the cleaning liquid level is detected (step SA3).

  When receiving the detection signal related to the contact of the sample dispensing probe 205 from the liquid level detector 207, the control circuit 8 executes the cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, and the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 is initially moved up and down in step SA3. The first descent amount is calculated based on the number of drive pulses that are started from the position and come into contact with the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool (step SA4).

  The control circuit 8 executes the system control function 81 to raise the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 from the liquid level of the cleaning liquid to the initial position of the vertical movement. Then, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the electromagnetic valve 288, and supplies a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid from the cleaning pump 287 toward the cleaning pool 208 (step SA5).

  The control circuit 8 executes the system control function 81 and lowers the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 from the initial position of vertical movement until the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is detected (step SA6).

  When the control circuit 8 receives a detection signal relating to the contact of the sample dispensing probe 205 from the liquid level detector 207, the cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82 causes the tip of the sample dispensing probe 205 to move from the initial vertical movement position in step SA3. The second descending amount is calculated based on the number of drive pulses supplied until the descent starts and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool 208 comes into contact. Then, the control circuit 8 calculates a difference value between the calculated second descending amount and the first descending amount calculated in Step SA4 (Step SA7). The control circuit 8 recognizes the amount of cleaning liquid supplied in step SA5 based on, for example, the calculated difference value of the descent amount and the cross-sectional area of the cleaning pool 208 stored in the storage circuit 7.

  The control circuit 8 determines whether or not the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool 208 falls within a predetermined range based on the calculated difference value of the descending amount (step SA8). Specifically, the control circuit 8 compares the calculated difference value of the descent amount with a threshold value D2 that is smaller than the preset threshold values D1 and D1, so that the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool 208 is a predetermined value. It is determined whether it falls within the range. In the present embodiment, since the calculated difference value of the descending amount is larger than the threshold value D1 or smaller than the threshold value D2, the control circuit 8 determines that the cleaning liquid amount supplied to the cleaning pool 208 does not fall within a predetermined range. (No in Step SA8), it is determined whether or not the amount of the cleaning liquid is excessive, that is, whether or not the calculated difference value of the descending amount is larger than the threshold value D1 (Step SA9).

  When the control circuit 8 determines that the amount of the cleaning liquid is excessive (step SA69 Yes), the control circuit 8 controls the electromagnetic valve 288 so that the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 falls within the normal range, that is, the calculated decrease amount The degree of opening of the electromagnetic valve 288 is reduced so that the difference value of the value becomes equal to or less than the threshold value D1 (step SA10).

  When the control circuit 8 determines that the amount of the cleaning liquid is not excessive, that is, the calculated difference value of the descending amount is smaller than the threshold value D2 (No in Step SA9), the control circuit 8 controls the electromagnetic valve 288 and is supplied from the cleaning pump 287. The degree of opening of the electromagnetic valve 288 is increased so that the cleaning liquid amount falls within the normal range, that is, the difference value of the calculated lowering amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value D2 (step SA11).

  After step SA10 or step SA11, the control circuit 8 controls the electromagnetic valve 294 to open the electromagnetic valve 294, thereby discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning pool 208 (step SA12). Thereafter, the control circuit 8 executes steps SA1 to SA8 again, and verifies that the result adjusted in step SA10 or step SA11 is appropriate.

  In step SA5, the control circuit 8 checks a series of cleaning liquid amounts when it is determined that the calculated difference value of the descent amount is not less than D2 and not more than D1, that is, falls within a predetermined range (Yes in step SA9). To finish the processing.

  According to the embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 to supply a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid to the cleaning pool 208 and store the cleaning liquid in the cleaning pool 208, for example. The control circuit 8 receives from the liquid level detector 207 a detection signal acquired when the sample dispensing probe 205 comes into contact with the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool 208. Based on the detection signal received from the liquid level detector 207, the control circuit 8 calculates a difference value of the descending amount of the sample dispensing probe 205 indicating the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged to the cleaning pool 208. The control circuit 8 compares the calculated difference value of the descending amount of the sample dispensing probe 205 with the threshold values D1 and D2 set in advance, so that the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 falls within a predetermined range. Judge whether it fits. When the control circuit 8 determines that the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 does not fall within a predetermined range, the control circuit 8 controls the electromagnetic valve 288 to perform cleaning so that the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 falls within an appropriate range. The amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the pool 208 is adjusted.

  As a result, even when the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool has changed due to performance degradation due to deterioration over time of the pump, single failure, flow path clogging, or the like, the amount of cleaning liquid can be automatically adjusted. Further, since the cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning pool, it can be expected that the cleaning pool is cleaned by pool cleaning.

  Therefore, according to the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the accuracy of the measurement data and reduce the burden on the device manager or the like.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, whether or not the amount of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool falls within a predetermined range using the detection signal related to the contact of the sample dispensing probe 205 output from the liquid level detector 207, for example. The case where it is determined has been described. Normally, the detection signal detected by the liquid level detector 207 includes information on the potential acquired when the sample dispensing probe 205 comes into contact with the liquid level. In a modified example, in addition to determining whether or not the amount of the cleaning liquid falls within a predetermined range, the automatic analyzer uses the detection signal detected by the liquid level detector 207 when the amount of the cleaning liquid falls within the predetermined range. A case will be described in which the contamination level is recognized based on the included potential value, and it is determined whether or not the cleaning pool is contaminated according to the recognized contamination level.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1A according to the modification. An automatic analyzer 1A illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, a display circuit 6, a storage circuit 7, and a control circuit 8A.

  The control circuit 8A according to the modification implements various functions shown in FIG. 6 by executing the operation program read from the storage circuit 7. That is, the control circuit 8A includes a system control function 81, a cleaning liquid amount calculation function 82, a cleaning liquid amount determination function 83, a cleaning liquid amount adjustment function 84, a contamination determination function 85, and an output control function 86.

  The contamination determination function 85 is a function for determining whether or not the cleaning pool is contaminated according to the contamination degree of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool provided in the automatic analyzer 1A. When the contamination determination function 85 is executed, the control circuit 8A acquires the potential value from the detection signal output from the liquid level detector 207. The control circuit 8A recognizes the contamination level by comparing the acquired potential value with a preset threshold value. The control circuit 8A determines whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated according to the recognized degree of contamination.

  The output control function 86 is a function for notifying an apparatus administrator or the like that the cleaning pool included in the automatic analyzer 1A is contaminated. When the output control function 86 is executed, the control circuit 8A controls the display circuit 6, and when the cleaning pool 208 is determined to be contaminated by the contamination determination function 85, for example, the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated. A message is displayed.

  Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1A according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of notifying that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated outside when the control circuit 8A according to the modification determines that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated. Hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where a predetermined instruction for checking and adjusting the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning pump 287 into the cleaning pool 208 is input via the input interface 5 during the periodic maintenance. At this time, it is assumed that the electromagnetic valve 294 provided in the cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is opened. The electromagnetic valve 288 is assumed to be a linear solenoid valve. In addition, it is assumed that the amount of the cleaning liquid adjusted by the preset opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 288 is within an allowable range. The solenoid valve 288 may be a duty solenoid valve, or a valve capable of controlling the opening degree and the opening time of the valve at the same time.

  The operation from step SB1 to step SB12 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as that from step SA1 to step SA12 shown in FIG.

  If the control circuit 8A determines that the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged to the cleaning pool 208 in step SB8 falls within a predetermined range (Yes in step SB8), the control circuit 8A executes the contamination determination function 85 (step SB13). By executing the contamination determination function 85, the control circuit 8A acquires the value of the potential from the detection signal received from the liquid level detector 207 in step SB7, for example. The control circuit 8A recognizes the contamination level by comparing the acquired potential value with a preset threshold value. The control circuit 8A determines whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated according to the recognized degree of contamination.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method by which the control circuit 8A according to the modification determines whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 8 represents the amount of change in potential. In FIG. 8, two threshold values T0 and Th are preset. When the acquired potential value is equal to the threshold value T0, the control circuit 8A recognizes “no contamination”. At this time, the control circuit 8A determines that the cleaning pool 208 is not contaminated. When the acquired potential value exceeds the threshold Th, the control circuit 8A recognizes that the degree of contamination is high. At this time, the control circuit 8A determines that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated. Note that the control circuit 8A recognizes that the contamination level is low when the value of the acquired potential is T0 or more and Th or less. At this time, the control circuit 8A determines that the cleaning pool 208 is not contaminated. In this flowchart, a case where the acquired potential value exceeds the threshold Th will be described.

  In step SB13, since the value of the acquired potential is larger than the preset threshold value Th, the control circuit 8A determines that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated (Yes in step SB13). If it is determined that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated (Yes in step SB13), the control circuit 8A controls the display circuit 6 to display that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated (step SB14).

  FIG. 9 is an example of a notification screen for notifying that the cleaning pool 208 displayed on the display circuit 6 according to the modification is contaminated. As shown in FIG. 9, the display circuit 6 has a notification number “95”, a notification date and time “2017/2/19 15:30:55” as information for supporting maintenance that prompts cleaning of the cleaning pool 208, and The content “The contamination level of the cleaning pool 208 has exceeded the threshold value. Please clean the cleaning pool 208” is displayed. Thereby, the device manager or the like can recognize that the cleaning pool 208 must be cleaned.

  According to the modification, the control circuit 8A acquires the value of the potential from the detection signal received from the liquid level detector 207. The control circuit 8A recognizes the contamination level by comparing the acquired potential value with a preset threshold value. The control circuit 8A determines whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated according to the recognized degree of contamination. As a result, for example, it is possible to cope with a problem such as clogging of a flow path due to contamination of a sample or the like in the cleaning pool 208 at an appropriate timing.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the control circuit 8A according to the modification example determines whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated in step SB13 after determining whether or not the cleaning liquid amount falls within a predetermined range in step SB8 of the flowchart shown in FIG. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 8A may execute Step SB13 and Step SB14 shown in FIG. 7 immediately after storing the cleaning liquid in the cleaning pool 208.

  Further, the control circuit 8A, for example, supplies the cleaning liquid into the cleaning pool 208 until the value of the potential included in the detection signal received from the liquid level detector 207 is equal to or lower than the threshold Th for the degree of contamination of the cleaning pool 208. Storage of the cleaning liquid, determination of whether or not the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated, and discharge of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning pool 208 may be repeated. As a result, the cleaning pool 208 can be automatically cleaned.

  Further, in the modification, the control circuit 8A controls the display circuit 6, and displays that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated when, for example, the contamination determination function 85 determines that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 8A may notify that the cleaning pool 208 is contaminated by sound or the like using a speaker or the like.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (for example, It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Furthermore, a plurality of components shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A ... Automatic analyzer, 2 ... Analysis mechanism, 3 ... Analysis circuit, 4 ... Drive mechanism, 5 ... Input interface, 6 ... Display circuit, 7 ... Memory circuit, 8, 8A ... Control circuit, 81 ... System control function 82 ... Cleaning liquid amount calculation function, 83 ... Cleaning liquid amount determination function, 84 ... Cleaning liquid amount adjustment function, 85 ... Contamination determination function, 86 ... Output control function, 100 ... Sample container, 101 ... Reagent container, 102 ... Sample rack, 201 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Reaction disk, 202 ... Reagent storage, 204 ... Sample dispensing arm, 205 ... Sample dispensing probe, 207 ... Liquid level detector, 208 ... Washing pool, 210 ... First reagent dispensing arm, 211 ... First reagent dispensing Injection probe, 213 ... Liquid level detector, 214 ... Washing pool, 216 ... Second reagent dispensing arm, 217 ... Second reagent dispensing probe, 219 ... Liquid level detector, 220 ... Cleaning pool, 22 ... 1st stirring unit, 223 ... 2nd stirring unit, 224 ... photometry unit, 225 ... cleaning unit, 226 ... electrolyte measurement unit, 230 ... rack loading unit, 231 ... loading lane, 240 ... rack moving unit, 241 ... transport Arm, 242 ... Conveying rail, 243 ... Sampling lane, 244 ... Buffer lane, 245 ... Reader, 250 ... Rack collection unit, 251 ... First collection lane, 252 ... Second collection lane, 260 ... STAT rack loading lane, 281 ... Tube, 282 ... Syringe, 283 ... Plunger, 284 ... Washing pump, 285 ... Solenoid valve, 286 ... Tube, 287 ... Washing pump, 288 ... Solenoid valve, 289 ... Tank, 293 ... Tube, 294 ... Solenoid valve, 2011 ... Reaction Tube 2012 constant temperature bath 2021 outer circle 022 ... inner circle, 2081 ... discharge port, 2082 ... discharge port, 2083 ... drain port, 2432 ... sample suction position.

Claims (7)

A cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying a cleaning liquid used for cleaning the probe;
A cleaning pool for storing the supplied cleaning liquid;
A liquid level detector for detecting the level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool;
A cleaning liquid amount calculation unit that calculates a cleaning liquid amount of the cleaning liquid based on a result of detection of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid by the liquid level detection unit;
A cleaning liquid amount determination unit that determines whether or not the calculated cleaning liquid amount falls within a predetermined range;
When the calculated cleaning liquid amount is determined not to fall within a predetermined range by the cleaning liquid amount determination unit, the cleaning liquid amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit is adjusted to be within the predetermined range. An automatic analyzer comprising a cleaning liquid amount adjusting unit. The cleaning pool stores a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid in advance,
The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies the cleaning liquid in an amount used for cleaning the probe further to the cleaning pool,
The cleaning liquid amount calculation unit calculates the cleaning liquid amount based on the increased amount of the supplied cleaning liquid.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The cleaning liquid supply unit has an electromagnetic valve whose opening degree and / or opening time is adjusted according to an input electric signal,
The cleaning liquid amount adjusting unit adjusts an opening degree and / or an opening time of the electromagnetic valve;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2. The cleaning pool has an open / close valve for storing the cleaning liquid,
Further comprising a system control unit for closing the on-off valve at the time of regular maintenance or initial setting,
The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning pool after the on-off valve is closed under the control of the system control unit.
The cleaning pool stores the supplied cleaning liquid.
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   A contamination determination unit that determines whether or not the cleaning pool is contaminated by comparing a potential acquired when the liquid level detection unit detects the level of the cleaning liquid with a preset threshold value. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:   The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the contamination determination unit determines a contamination degree of the cleaning pool by setting a plurality of the threshold values. Supply the cleaning solution used for cleaning the probe provided in the automatic analyzer,
The supplied cleaning liquid is stored in a cleaning pool provided in the automatic analyzer,
Detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning pool,
Calculate the amount of the cleaning liquid based on the result of detection of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid,
Determining whether or not the calculated amount of the cleaning liquid falls within a predetermined range;
When it is determined that the calculated amount of the cleaning liquid does not fall within a predetermined range, the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning pool is adjusted to be within the predetermined range.
How to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid.