Automated analyzer and control method therefor

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to suppress the replacement frequency of a cleaning solution in an automatic analysis device using a plurality of cleaning solutions, and a method for controlling the same. An automatic analysis device according to the present invention comprises: a dispensing probe that sucks and discharges at least one of a reagent and a sample; the liquid conveying mechanism is used for conveying first cleaning liquid and second cleaning liquid which are used for cleaning the dispensing probe respectively; different types of cleaning liquid areas in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid can exist; and a storage unit (referring to Figure 5) that stores the type of cleaning fluid present in the different type of cleaning fluid region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analysis device and a control method thereof, for example, to an automatic analysis device for performing qualitative or quantitative analysis on biological samples such as blood and urine. Background Art

[0002] During sample dispensing, sample components, reagent components, etc. adhering to the side of the probe are removed to maintain dispensing accuracy. By cleaning the probe with a cleaning solution, carryover (transfer) to the next sample can be suppressed.

[0003] As a background art document in this technical field, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 shows a case where a probe is cleaned using a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid that are different from each other. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-514707 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] When using multiple different cleaning solutions for cleaning, it's best to use a common flow path, if possible, to simplify the structure, and replace the cleaning solution as needed. However, frequent replacements increase cleaning solution consumption and operating costs, as the cleaning solution is discarded with each replacement. Furthermore, each replacement takes time, extending the time until the actual analysis begins.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the frequency of replacement of cleaning liquids in an automatic analyzer using a plurality of cleaning liquids and a control method thereof. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0007] An example of the automatic analysis device involved in the present invention includes: a dispensing probe that aspirates and discharges at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid feeding mechanism for respectively feeding a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; a different type of cleaning fluid area, the different type of cleaning fluid area enabling the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to exist; and A storage unit stores the types of cleaning fluids present in the different types of cleaning fluid areas.

[0008] In one example of a control method for an automatic analyzing device according to the present invention, the automatic analyzing device includes: a dispensing probe that aspirates and discharges at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid feeding mechanism for respectively feeding a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; and a different type of cleaning liquid area, wherein the different type of cleaning liquid area enables the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid to exist, The control method of the automatic analyzer includes a step of causing a storage unit of the automatic analyzer to store the types of cleaning fluids present in the different-type cleaning fluid area. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the frequency of replacement of the cleaning liquid can be reduced, thereby, for example, reducing the amount of cleaning liquid consumed and shortening the time until the start of analysis.

[0010] Technical problems, structures, and effects other than those described above will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage part of the probe cleaning mechanism. Figure 3 This is a flowchart explaining the transition of the device status. Figure 4 This is a flowchart for selecting a reset action. Figure 5 This is a flowchart for determining whether the cleaning fluid needs to be replaced and which cleaning fluid to replace it with. Figure 6 This diagram shows the device status during each operation, the operation of the control unit, the operation of the automatic analyzer, the cleaning fluid in the area filled with different types of cleaning fluid, and the flow path parameters of the storage unit, etc., arranged in chronological order. Figure 7 This diagram shows, in chronological order, the device status during each action when an abnormality occurs during the replacement action, the actions of the control unit, the actions on the automatic analyzer, the cleaning fluid in the area filled with different types of cleaning fluid, the flow path parameters of the storage unit, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] [Implementation Method 1] use Figures 1 to 5 The configuration and operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] Figure 1: is a perspective view of the automatic analysis device involved in embodiment 1. Figure 1 The automatic analyzer is a device for dispensing samples and reagents into a plurality of reaction containers 2, causing them to react, and measuring the resulting liquid. The automatic analyzer includes a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, a reagent syringe 18, a sample dispensing mechanism 11, a sample syringe 19, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, a cleaning pump 20, cleaning tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33, and a control unit 21.

[0014] Reaction containers 2 are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk 1. A sample transport mechanism 17 is provided near the reaction disk 1, and moves a rack 16 on which sample containers 15 are placed.

[0015] A sample dispensing mechanism 11 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17. The sample dispensing mechanism 11 includes a sample probe 11a, which is connected to a sample syringe 19. The sample probe 11a moves in a circular arc about its rotation axis, dispensing the sample from the sample container 15 into the reaction container 2.

[0016] In addition, a probe cleaning mechanism 14 for cleaning the sample probe 11a is arranged on the rotation trajectory of the sample probe 11a. The cleaning liquid used is automatically supplied.

[0017] Similarly, a sample dispensing mechanism 12 is provided between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes a sample probe 12a, which is connected to a sample syringe 29. The sample probe 12a moves in a circular arc about the rotation axis, dispensing the sample from the sample container 15 into the reaction container 2.

[0018] In addition, a probe cleaning mechanism 24 for cleaning the sample probe 12a is arranged on the rotation trajectory of the sample probe 12a. The cleaning liquid used is automatically supplied.

[0019] A plurality of reagent bottles 10 can be placed on the circumference of the reagent tray 9. The reagent tray 9 is kept cold.

[0020] Sample dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, which rotate and move vertically, are positioned between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9. These mechanisms include reagent probes 7a and 8a, respectively. Reagent syringes 18 are connected to the probes 7a and 8a. The probes 7a and 8a move in a circular arc about their rotational axis, probing into the reagent disk 9 and dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 into the reaction vessel 2.

[0021] Also arranged around reaction disk 1 are a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, and stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A cleaning pump 20 is connected to cleaning mechanism 3. Cleaning tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are provided within the operating ranges of reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, sample dispensing mechanism 11 and 12, and stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, respectively.

[0022] In the cleaning tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33, each probe and the stirring mechanism are cleaned using a cleaning solution supplied from the cleaning pump 20. The sample container 15 contains a test sample (specimen) such as blood, is placed on a rack 16, and is transported by a sample transport mechanism 17. Each mechanism is connected to a control unit 21.

[0023] The above is a general configuration example of an automatic analyzer.

[0024] In this embodiment, four dispensing probes, namely reagent probes 7a, 8a, sample probe 11a, and sample probe 12a, are provided. However, at least one dispensing probe may be provided. In other words, the automated analyzer only needs to include a dispensing probe that aspirates and discharges at least one of the reagent and the sample.

[0025] use Figure 2 The operation of the probe cleaning mechanism is described. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a structure for supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage portion 118 of each of the probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 .

[0026] The automatic analyzer includes a cleaning liquid supply pump 201, a cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 with a plunger 220, branch pipes 207 and 208, cleaning liquid remaining sensors 205 and 206, solenoid valves 209 to 214, a control unit 21, and a storage unit 22. The probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 have a lower opening for discharging overflowing cleaning liquid. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , a cleaning mechanism that supplies cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage portion 118 of each of the two probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 is schematically shown.

[0027] The first cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump 201 can be automatically supplied to the probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 , and the second cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 202 and 203 can also be supplied to the probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 .

[0028] A portion of the structure providing the cleaning fluid is used for either the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid. Figure 2In the example, either the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid can be transported through branch pipe 208, solenoid valve 209, solenoid valve 210, the two cleaning liquid reservoirs 118, and the flow path connecting them. Thus, the automatic analyzer includes different cleaning liquid areas that allow different types of cleaning liquids, namely the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid, to be present. In this embodiment, the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid cannot be present in the different cleaning liquid areas at the same time.

[0029] Thus, the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 (or a structure in which the cleaning liquid supply pump 201 and electromagnetic valves 209 to 214 are added thereto) functions as a liquid delivery mechanism to deliver the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid for cleaning each dispensing probe.

[0030] The cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid areas can be replaced by the operation of the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204. For example, the cleaning liquid can be replaced from the old second cleaning liquid to the new second cleaning liquid, from the first cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid, or from the second cleaning liquid to the first cleaning liquid.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes, for example, a processor as a calculation unit. The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device or a magnetic disk device. Part or all of the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium.

[0032] The storage unit 22 stores flow path parameters. The flow path parameters indicate the type of cleaning fluid present in the different types of cleaning fluid regions.

[0033] Conventional automatic analyzers lack such parameters, and therefore require replacing the cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid zones at each stage of the device's status to prepare for unstable conditions such as abnormal stops.

[0034] In contrast, the automated analyzer of this embodiment can determine when to add or replace the cleaning fluid through unstable processing by storing flow path parameters and understanding the type of cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid zones. This reduces the frequency of cleaning fluid replacement, thereby, for example, reducing cleaning fluid consumption and / or shortening the time until analysis begins.

[0035] The flow path parameter can take one of two values, for example, "first cleaning liquid" and "second cleaning liquid." Specifically, the storage unit 22 can store whether the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid is present in the different cleaning liquid zones. In this embodiment, the initial value of the flow path parameter is the first cleaning liquid.

[0036] The storage unit 22 may store computer programs in addition to the aforementioned flow path parameters. When the processor of the control unit 21 executes the computer programs, the automatic analyzer may also perform the functions described in this embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, the supply source of the second cleaning liquid can be switched between the cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 203 according to the detection status of the cleaning liquid remaining amount sensors 205 and 206 .

[0038] The first cleaning liquid is, for example, water or a neutral detergent, and the second cleaning liquid is, for example, an alkaline or acidic special cleaning liquid.

[0039] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the structure is described as having two second cleaning liquid storage tanks (cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and cleaning liquid storage tank 203) and a second cleaning liquid switching function, but the cleaning liquid supply operation is also the same in the structure where the second cleaning liquid is one cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and one cleaning liquid storage part 118.

[0040] The automatic analyzer can selectively execute multiple reset operations as reset operations for moving the plunger 220 to the initial position (the upper limit point in this embodiment). The multiple reset operations include a first reset operation and a second reset operation with a smaller liquid delivery volume than the first reset operation.

[0041] For example, in the case of the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 of the present embodiment, the first reset operation is a full reset operation in which the plunger 220 performs a full stroke operation in order to confirm the sensor and / or mechanism.

[0042] The full reset operation, for example, first moves the plunger 220 from any position to the upper limit. This includes the following actions: the plunger 220 moves to the lower limit (maximum suction position) and then to the upper limit (maximum discharge position). This operation allows, for example, confirmation that the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 is operating normally.

[0043] The short reset operation includes, for example, the following steps. First, the plunger 220 moves to the upper limit point. After a sensor or the like detects that the plunger 220 is at the upper limit point, the plunger 220 slightly moves toward the lower limit point (i.e., slightly attracts the plunger 220) until it is detected that the plunger 220 is no longer at the upper limit point. After the plunger 220 is no longer at the upper limit point, the plunger 220 moves again to the upper limit point. This operation confirms that the sensor or the like is functioning properly.

[0044] Here, the amount of cleaning fluid (e.g., the second cleaning fluid) consumed varies greatly depending on the amount of movement of the plunger 220 of the cleaning fluid supply syringe 204. In the case of a full reset, the amount of movement of the plunger 220 is large, while in the case of a short reset, the amount of movement of the plunger 220 is small. Therefore, in the case of a short reset, in which the movement of the plunger 220 is small, the amount of second cleaning fluid consumed is reduced.

[0045] The automatic analyzer preferably performs a full reset at least once after startup and before starting the analysis operation to confirm the full stroke operation of each mechanism.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the transition of the device state from power-on to power-off of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. The device state is stored in the storage unit 22 , for example, and updated by the control unit 21 .

[0047] When the automatic analyzer is powered on, the device state transitions to initialization (step 301) as a preparatory step, followed by standby (step 302). When an instruction to start analysis is given, the device state transitions to analysis preparation (step 303), then to analysis operation (step 304), and the analysis operation begins. After the analysis operation is completed, the device state transitions to standby transition (step 305), and then transitions back to standby.

[0048] When the automatic analyzer completes its operation, the device state transitions to shutdown (step 306) as a termination preparation operation. When the shutdown process is complete, the power is turned off. Here, the device state refers to each state from step 301 to step 306. However, other device states may also be included.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for determining which reset action to select based on the device status and flow path parameters.

[0050] When a reset operation is requested (step 401), the control unit checks the device status (step 402). If the device status is initialization, the automatic analyzer performs a full reset (step 405).

[0051] If the device state is other than the initialization state, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 403). If the flow path parameters indicate the second cleaning solution, the automatic analyzer performs a short reset (step 404). If the flow path parameters indicate the first cleaning solution, a full reset is performed (step 405).

[0052] Thus, the automatic analyzer controls the liquid delivery mechanism based on the flow path parameters (i.e., the type of cleaning solution stored in the storage unit 22). In particular, the automatic analyzer selects and causes the liquid delivery mechanism to perform a full reset or a short reset based on the flow path parameters. Figure 4In the example, when the flow path parameter is for the second cleaning liquid, a short reset is selected, thereby reducing the consumption of the second cleaning liquid. The second cleaning liquid (such as an alkaline or acidic specialty cleaning liquid) may be more expensive than the first cleaning liquid (such as water or a neutral detergent). In this case, reducing the consumption of the second cleaning liquid is particularly preferred.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for determining whether the cleaning fluid needs to be replaced and which cleaning fluid to replace it with based on the device status and flow path parameters.

[0054] When a request is made to determine whether a flow path replacement is required (step 501), the control unit checks the device status (step 502). If the device status is other than the closed state, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 503). If the flow path parameters indicate the second cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid replacement operation is not performed and the process is completed.

[0055] If the flow path parameter indicates the first cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid in the different-type cleaning liquid area is replaced with the second cleaning liquid (step 504). The control unit then updates the flow path parameter stored in the storage unit to the second cleaning liquid (step 505). In step 505, the storage unit 22 stores the fact that the type of cleaning liquid in the different-type cleaning liquid area is the second cleaning liquid as the flow path parameter.

[0056] The control unit checks the device status (step 502). If the device status is off, the cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid area is replaced with the first cleaning fluid (step 506). The control unit then updates the flow path parameters stored in the storage unit to the first cleaning fluid (step 507). In step 507, the storage unit 22 stores the fact that the cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid area is the first cleaning fluid as the flow path parameters.

[0057] Thus, since the automatic analyzer replaces the cleaning liquid during the shutdown operation, the type of cleaning liquid present in the different-type cleaning liquid area can be kept constant at the next startup.

[0058] Therefore, the automatic analyzer (especially the control unit) determines the following two aspects based on the device status and flow path parameters to control the liquid delivery mechanism: Whether the cleaning fluid in the area with different types of cleaning fluids needs to be changed; and Type of cleaning fluid delivered for replacement. According to such an operation, the cleaning operation can be made more efficient, and as a result, the consumption of the cleaning liquid can be reduced.

[0059] In particular, in this embodiment, except when the device state is closed, the second cleaning liquid is always stored in the different types of cleaning liquid area. Therefore, when the flow path parameter is the second cleaning liquid, no replacement action is required, but Figure 5 In the process of , through the determination in step 503, this unnecessary replacement action can be omitted, thereby reducing the consumption of the second cleaning liquid.

[0060] In the above example, the need for replacement and the type of cleaning fluid are determined based on the device state and the flow path parameters, but a modified example can be used in which only one of the two is determined. In this case, the other can be determined based on other criteria.

[0061] [Action Example 1] use Figure 6 The following describes an example of the operation when the cleaning fluid is normally replaced during the period from startup to shutdown of the automatic analyzer.

[0062] Figure 6 This diagram shows the device status, control unit operation, automatic analyzer operation, cleaning fluid in the area filled with different types of cleaning fluid, and flow path parameters in the storage unit, etc., arranged in chronological order. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 .exist Figure 6 In the figure, “F. Reset” means full reset and “S. Reset” means short reset.

[0063] The device is powered on (step 601) and starts initialization. The control unit determines which reset action to select. Figure 4 In the process of , the control unit confirms the device status (step 602). In order to initialize the device status, Figure 4 The processing branches to step 405, and full reset is selected (step 603).

[0064] Next, when the device state changes, the control unit determines whether it is necessary to replace the cleaning fluid. Figure 5 During the process, the control unit confirms the next device state (step 604). Since the next device state is standby, the flow path parameters are continued to be confirmed (step 605). Since the flow path parameters are the first cleaning liquid, Figure 5 The process branches to step 504, where the cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid area is replaced with the second cleaning fluid (step 606). The control unit confirms that the flow path replacement has been completed normally (step 607). The control unit then updates the flow path parameters stored in the storage unit to the second cleaning fluid (step 608). After the replacement, the device state transitions to standby.

[0065] When the start of analysis is instructed, the device status is transferred from standby to analysis preparation, and the transfer is completed. Then, the control unit determines which reset action to select. Figure 4 During the process, the control unit confirms the device status (step 609). The device status is analysis preparation. Since this is a situation other than initialization, the control unit confirms the flow path parameters (step 610). Since the flow path parameters are the second cleaning liquid, Figure 4 The process branches to step 404 and selects a short reset (step 611).

[0066] Next, when the device state is transferred, the control unit determines whether it is necessary to replace the cleaning liquid in the different types of cleaning liquid areas. Figure 5 During the process, the control unit confirms the next device state (step 612). Since the next device state is the analysis operation, the flow path parameters are confirmed (step 613). Since the flow path parameters are the second cleaning liquid, the operation is not performed. Figure 5 Steps 504 and 505 are performed, that is, the cleaning liquid is not replaced and the device state is transferred to the analysis operation.

[0067] When the analysis is completed, the device state is transferred from operation to standby, and the transfer is completed. Then, the control unit determines which reset action to select. Figure 4 During the process, the control unit confirms the device state (step 614). The device state is standby transfer. Since this is a case other than initialization, the control unit confirms the flow path parameters (step 615). Since the flow path parameters are the second cleaning liquid, Figure 4 The process branches to step 404 and selects a short reset (step 616).

[0068] Next, when the device state is transferred, the control unit determines whether it is necessary to replace the cleaning liquid in the different types of cleaning liquid areas. Figure 5 During the process, the control unit confirms the next device state (step 617). Since the next device state is standby, the flow path parameters are continued to be confirmed (step 618). Since the flow path parameters are the second cleaning liquid, the process is not performed. Figure 5 Steps 504 and 505 are performed, that is, the cleaning liquid is not replaced and the device state is transferred to the analysis operation.

[0069] When the analysis is restarted, the same operation as above is performed without performing a full reset or replacing the cleaning fluid.

[0070] In order to disconnect the power supply of the device, when the shutdown instruction is given, the device state is transferred from standby to shutdown, and the transfer is completed. Then, the control unit determines which reset action is selected. Figure 4During the process, the control unit confirms the device status (step 619). The device status is closed. Since this is a situation other than initialization, the control unit confirms the flow path parameters (step 620). Since the flow path parameters are the second cleaning liquid, Figure 4 The process branches to step 404 and selects a short reset (step 621).

[0071] Next, the control unit determines whether it is necessary to perform a replacement operation of the cleaning fluid (the device state is not transferred here, but the operation continues when it is closed). Figure 5 (processing). Figure 5 In the process of , the control unit confirms the next device state (step 622). Here, the next device state is set to be closed. Since the next device state is closed, Figure 5 The process branches to step 506, where the cleaning fluid is replaced with the first cleaning fluid (step 623). The control unit confirms that the flow path replacement is completed normally (step 624). The control unit then updates the flow path parameters stored in the storage unit to the first cleaning fluid (step 625). The device then disconnects power.

[0072] As described above, even when performing analysis multiple times, the number of full resets or replacement operations of the cleaning fluid can be suppressed. In particular, by storing the flow path parameters, when using the same cleaning fluid, replacement operations (e.g. Figure 5 Therefore, for example, the consumption of the cleaning liquid can be reduced and the reset time (the time until the analysis starts) can be shortened.

[0073] [Action Example 2] use Figure 7 An example of operation will be described in which the control unit detects an abnormality after the device is started and issues an alarm, and the flow path cannot be normally replaced.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a diagram that arranges each operation in chronological order when an abnormality is detected in the operation of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 .exist Figure 7 In the figure, “F. Reset” means full reset and “S. Reset” means short reset.

[0075] As in Action Example 1, after the device is started, initialization begins. In this action example, when performing the cleaning fluid replacement action ( Figure 6 During the process of step 606 in step 707 (before completion), the control unit detects some abnormality and issues an alarm (step 701). Therefore, the control unit cannot confirm the normal completion of the flow path replacement (step 702) and does not update the flow path parameters to the second cleaning solution (step 703). Then, the control unit interrupts Figure 5 The device status is transferred to standby.

[0076] Here, "before step 606 is completed" more specifically refers to before the plunger 220 is completed. This is because if the replacement of the cleaning liquid is stopped before the plunger 220 is completed, the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid will not be completely mixed in the flow path.

[0077] When the start of analysis is instructed, the device status is transferred from standby to analysis preparation, and the transfer is completed. Then, the control unit determines which reset action to select. Figure 4 During the process, the control unit confirms the device status (step 704). The device status is analysis preparation. Since this is a situation other than initialization, the control unit confirms the flow path parameters (step 705). Since the flow path parameters are the first cleaning liquid, Figure 4 The processing branches to step 405 and selects full reset (step 706).

[0078] Next, when the device state is transferred, the control unit determines whether it is necessary to replace the cleaning liquid in the different types of cleaning liquid areas. Figure 5 During the process, the control unit confirms the next device state (step 707). Since the next device state is the analysis operation, the flow path parameters are confirmed (step 708). Since the flow path parameters are the first cleaning liquid, the execution Figure 5 Following steps 504 and 505, the cleaning fluid in the different cleaning fluid area is replaced with the second cleaning fluid (step 709). The control unit confirms that the flow path replacement has been completed normally (step 710). The control unit then updates the flow path parameters stored in the storage unit to the second cleaning fluid (step 711). After the replacement, the device state transitions to operation.

[0079] If an alarm is issued after step 607 is executed, the replacement operation of the cleaning fluid is completed and the flow path parameters are updated, so the replacement operation can be considered to have been completed normally.

[0080] As mentioned above, by following Figure 4 、 Figure 5 According to the flowchart, if an abnormality occurs in the device, a full reset is performed at an appropriate time. Alternatively, even if the cleaning fluid replacement operation is interrupted, a full reset is performed again before the analysis starts, and the cleaning fluid is replaced. In addition, since the number of replacement operations is reduced, compared with the previous structure (which performs more replacement operations), the consumption of cleaning fluid is reduced and the reset time (the time until the analysis starts) is shortened.

[0081] In the first embodiment described above, the automatic supply of the cleaning liquid for the sample probe has been described. However, the control method of the reset operation for reducing the consumption of the cleaning liquid is not limited thereto.

[0082] In the first embodiment, only the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid are used as cleaning liquids. However, the automatic analyzer may use three or more cleaning liquids. Description of labels 1 reaction plate 2 reaction vessels 3 Cleaning mechanism 4 Spectrophotometer 4a Light source 5. Mixing mechanism 6. Mixing mechanism 7 Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a Reagent Probe 8 Reagent dispensing mechanism 8a Reagent probe 9 Reagent tray 10 reagent bottles, 11. Sample dispensing mechanism 11a Sample probe 12 Sample dispensing mechanism 12a Sample probe 13 cleaning tank 14 Probe cleaning mechanism 15. Sample container 16 brackets 17 Sample conveying mechanism 18 Reagent syringe 19 Sample syringe 20 Cleaning pump 21 Control Unit 22 Storage 23 cleaning tank 24 Probe cleaning mechanism 29 Sample syringe 30 cleaning tank 31 cleaning tank 32 cleaning tank 33 cleaning tank 118 Cleaning fluid storage 201 cleaning fluid supply pump 202 cleaning fluid storage tank 203 cleaning fluid storage tank 204 Cleaning fluid supply syringe 205 Cleaning fluid level sensor 207 branch pipe 208 branch pipe 209 Solenoid Valve 210 solenoid valve 211 Solenoid Valve 212 solenoid valve 213 Solenoid Valve 214 solenoid valve 220 plunger.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that include: a dispensing probe that aspirates and discharges at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid feeding mechanism for respectively feeding a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; a different type of cleaning fluid area, wherein the different type of cleaning fluid area enables the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to exist; as well as A storage unit stores the types of cleaning fluids present in the different types of cleaning fluid areas.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The liquid feeding mechanism is controlled based on the type of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage unit.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein The liquid delivery mechanism is capable of performing a first reset action and a second reset action in which the amount of liquid delivered is less than that of the first reset action. The automatic analyzer selects and causes the liquid supply mechanism to perform the first reset operation or the second reset operation based on the type of the cleaning solution stored in the storage unit.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The storage unit also stores the device status. The automatic analyzer determines at least one of the following two aspects based on the device status and the type of cleaning liquid stored in the storage unit to control the liquid delivery mechanism: whether the cleaning fluid in the different types of cleaning fluid areas needs to be replaced; and The type of cleaning fluid delivered for replacement.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The automatic analysis device replaces the cleaning liquid when shutting down.

6. A method for controlling an automatic analyzing device, the automatic analyzing device comprising: a dispensing probe that aspirates and discharges at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid feeding mechanism for respectively feeding a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; and a different type of cleaning liquid area, wherein the different type of cleaning liquid area enables the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid to exist, The control method of the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: The method includes a step of storing the types of cleaning fluids present in the different types of cleaning fluid areas in a storage unit of the automatic analyzer.

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