Automatic analysis device and method for adjusting automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid discharged from a cleaning nozzle (202) that discharges the cleaning liquid onto the outer wall of a sample dispensing probe (111b); a liquid level detector (210) that measures the capacitance of the sample dispensing probe (111b); and a controller (118) that obtains height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid on the basis of capacitance data measured by the liquid level detector (210) at a horizontal position at a cleaning position at which the sample dispensing probe (111b) is cleaned, and obtains a cleaning range of the sample dispensing probe (111b) at the horizontal position on the basis of the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid. Whether or not the amount of cleaning liquid needs to be adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit is determined on the basis of the determined cleaning range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analytical device for qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, as well as a method for adjusting the automated analytical device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses "the method of using the liquid level detection function of the nozzle to determine the ejection state of the cleaning liquid flow in two horizontal positions" (abstract).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 255042 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The automated analysis device performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components contained in biological samples such as blood and urine. As a general procedure, after the sample is dispensed from the sample container to the reaction container using a dispensing probe, reagents are dispensed from the reagent container to the reaction container using a dispensing probe. After stirring, the mixture is allowed to react for a certain period. The concentration of the target component is calculated based on information such as absorbance and luminescence obtained from the reaction solution.

[0008] In such automated analytical devices, in order to perform accurate measurements, the dispensing probes that attract samples and reagents need to be cleaned within an appropriate cleaning range.

[0009] However, the flow of the cleaning fluid changes when the performance of the pump supplying the cleaning fluid to the dispensing probe deteriorates due to years of degradation, or when the flow path from the pump to the cleaning fluid outlet becomes blocked.

[0010] When the cleaning range is small, the probe cannot be thoroughly cleaned, potentially leading to contamination from the dispensing probe into the unit. To address the reduced cleaning range caused by such a decrease in cleaning fluid volume, operators typically perform periodic maintenance by adjusting the cleaning fluid volume. However, they may fail to notice the reduction in cleaning range, or even if they do, they may make manual adjustments, which is time-consuming or introduces errors.

[0011] Here, as a technique for confirming the amount of cleaning fluid, Patent Document 1 is known, for example. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the dispensing probe is used to detect changes in the fluid flow state at two horizontal positions.

[0012] Here, during cleaning where the cleaning fluid is sprayed at an angle from the cleaning nozzle, changes in the fluid flow can be detected. On the other hand, it cannot address mechanical errors in the device, such as the tilt of the cleaning nozzle. For example, due to manufacturing errors and the configuration of the flow path, there exist devices where the cleaning water volume is sufficient, and although probe cleaning is possible, the cleaning fluid tilts sharply. As can be seen from the technology described in Patent Document 1, it may not be able to address the aforementioned mechanical errors such as manufacturing errors, and there is room for more appropriate confirmation and adjustment of the water volume.

[0013] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an automatic analysis device that can ensure the cleaning range without being affected by mechanical errors, and an adjustment method for the automatic analysis device.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] The present invention includes several means for solving the above-mentioned problems. One example includes: a dispensing probe for dispensing liquid; a cleaning nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid onto the outer wall of the dispensing probe; a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of cleaning fluid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle; an electrostatic capacitance measurement unit for measuring the electrostatic capacitance of the dispensing probe; and a control unit that performs the following control: based on the electrostatic capacitance data measured by the electrostatic capacitance measurement unit at a horizontal position for cleaning the dispensing probe, calculates the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid; based on the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid, calculates the cleaning range of the dispensing probe at the horizontal position; and based on the calculated cleaning range, determines whether the flow rate adjustment unit needs to adjust the amount of cleaning fluid.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, the cleaning range can be ensured without being affected by mechanical errors. Other issues, structures, and effects beyond those described above will become clear through the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the sample dispensing mechanism of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the cleaning fluid volume adjustment unit of the sample dispensing probe in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the probe cleaning and the control block for adjusting the probe cleaning fluid volume in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the automatic analysis device in Example 1 for obtaining the height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for confirming and adjusting the cleaning range in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the threshold before smoothing processing in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the threshold values ​​after smoothing processing in the automatic analysis device of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the height position of the sample dispensing probe in the automatic analysis apparatus of Example 1.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the cleaning range confirmation height and process flow in each action of the automatic analysis device in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic analysis apparatus and the adjustment method of the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding structural elements are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these structural elements are sometimes omitted.

[0029] <Example 1>

[0030] use Figures 1 to 9 Example 1 of the automatic analysis device and the adjustment method of the automatic analysis device of the present invention will be described.

[0031] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic analysis device and the detailed structure of each part are described. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the automatic analysis device of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 1 The automatic analysis device 100 shown is used to determine the composition of the reaction liquid that has undergone a chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 102.

[0033] As the main structure, the automatic analysis device 100 includes a reaction plate 101, a cleaning mechanism 103, a spectrophotometer 104, a stirring mechanism 105, a cleaning tank 106, a first reagent dispensing mechanism 107, a second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a, a cleaning tank 108, a reagent plate 109, a first sample dispensing mechanism 111, a second sample dispensing mechanism 111a, a cleaning tank 113, a sample transport mechanism 117, and a controller 118.

[0034] In this structure, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 107, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a, the first sample dispensing mechanism 111, and the second sample dispensing mechanism 111a all have a liquid level detector 210. Figure 3 (etc., details to follow).

[0035] A reaction vessel 102 is arranged in a circumferential shape on the reaction plate 101. The reaction vessel 102 is a container for holding the mixture formed by mixing the sample and the reagent, and multiple of them are arranged on the reaction plate 101. A sample transport mechanism 117 is arranged near the reaction plate 101 to transport the sample rack 116 carrying the sample container 115.

[0036] A first sample dispensing mechanism 111 and a second sample dispensing mechanism 111a, capable of rotation and vertical movement, are disposed between the reaction plate 101 and the sample delivery mechanism 117, each equipped with a sample dispensing probe 111b. The sample dispensing probes 111b are connected to the sample syringe 122. The sample dispensing probes 111b move horizontally and vertically while tracing an arc around the rotation axis, thereby dispensing the sample from the sample container 115 to the reaction container 102.

[0037] The reagent tray 109 is a storage container capable of holding multiple reagent bottles 110, detergent bottles 112, etc., containing reagents on its circumference. The reagent tray 109 is kept cold.

[0038] A first reagent dispensing mechanism 107 and a second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a, which are capable of rotation and vertical movement, are provided between the reaction plate 101 and the reagent plate 109, and each is equipped with a reagent dispensing probe 120.

[0039] The reagent dispensing probe 120 moves vertically and horizontally via the first reagent dispensing mechanism 107 or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a. The reagent dispensing probe 120 is connected to a reagent syringe 121. Through the reagent syringe 121, reagents, detergents, diluents, and pretreatment reagents drawn from the reagent bottle 110, detergent bottle 112, diluent bottle, and pretreatment reagent bottle are dispensed into the reaction vessel 102 via the reagent dispensing probe 120.

[0040] The reaction dish 101 is surrounded by a cleaning mechanism 103 for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 102, a spectrophotometer 104 for measuring the absorbance of light passing through the mixture in the reaction container 102, and a stirring mechanism 105 for mixing the sample dispensed into the reaction container 102 with the reagent.

[0041] In addition, cleaning tanks 108 for reagent dispensing probes 120 are arranged within the operating range of the first reagent dispensing mechanism 107 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a; cleaning tanks 113 for sample dispensing probes 111b are arranged within the operating range of the first sample dispensing mechanism 111 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 111a; and cleaning tanks 106 for the stirring mechanism 105 are arranged within the operating range of the stirring mechanism 105. The sample dispensing probes 111b are cleaned at the cleaning position of the cleaning tank 113 for the sample dispensing probes 111b. The cleaning position in this invention refers to the position where the cleaning action of the dispensing probes in the cleaning tank is actually performed during the analysis operation of the automatic analysis device. In this embodiment, as an example of a cleaning position, the case where both internal and external washing of the dispensing probes are performed will be described. The water volume is checked and adjusted at the horizontal position of the cleaning position.

[0042] Each mechanism is connected to the controller 118, and its operation is controlled by the controller 118. The controller 118, which is a control unit, is composed of a computer or the like, and controls the operation of the aforementioned mechanisms in the automatic analysis device, and performs calculations to determine the concentration of predetermined components in liquid samples such as blood and urine.

[0043] The analysis and processing of the test sample by the above-mentioned automatic analysis device 100 is performed in the following order.

[0044] First, using the sample dispensing probes 111b of the first sample dispensing mechanism 111 and the second sample dispensing mechanism 111a, the sample placed in the sample container 115 on the sample rack 116 near the reaction plate 101, which is transported by the sample conveying mechanism 117, is dispensed into the reaction container 102 on the reaction plate 101.

[0045] Next, the reagents used in the analysis are dispensed from the reagent bottle 110 on the reagent tray 109 into the reaction vessel 102, which has already been dispensed with the sample, via the first reagent dispensing mechanism 107 or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a. Then, the mixture of sample and reagents in the reaction vessel 102 is stirred using the stirring mechanism 105.

[0046] Then, light generated from the light source is passed through a reaction vessel 102 containing the mixture, and the luminosity of the transmitted light is measured using a spectrophotometer 104. The luminosity measured by the spectrophotometer 104 is sent to a controller 118 via an A / D converter and an interface (both omitted for illustration purposes). The controller 118 then performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the liquid sample, such as blood or urine, and displays the results on a display unit (illustration omitted).

[0047] Furthermore, the example described is an automated analytical apparatus that uses a spectrophotometer 104 to determine the concentration of a predetermined component, but it is not limited to a biochemical analytical apparatus. It could also be an immunoassay apparatus that performs analyses of other analytical items, such as an immunoassay apparatus that performs immunoassays. Additionally, biochemical analytical apparatuses are not limited to... Figure 1 The method shown allows for the addition of other analytical instruments, such as those for determining electrolytes.

[0048] Furthermore, the automatic analysis device 100 is not limited to being configured as follows: Figure 1 The single analysis module structure shown can be configured to connect two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analytical items, and a preprocessing module capable of preprocessing, using a conveyor device.

[0049] Next, use Figure 2 The structure of the sample dispensing mechanism is described. Additionally, Figure 2 The structure of the first sample dispensing mechanism 111 is shown, but the second sample dispensing mechanism 111a has the same structure, so its detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, not limited to the sample dispensing mechanism, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 107 or the second reagent dispensing mechanism 107a also have the same structure, so their detailed description is omitted.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the sample dispensing mechanism consists of a sample dispensing arm 111c with a sample dispensing probe 111b at the front end, a horizontal moving mechanism 111d that moves the sample dispensing arm 111c in the horizontal direction, a vertical moving mechanism 111e that moves the sample dispensing arm 111c in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a rotary moving mechanism (not shown) that rotates the sample dispensing arm 111c.

[0051] The sample dispensing mechanism moves the sample dispensing probe 111b to the following positions: the sample suction position from the sample container 115, the ejection position from the sample container 102, and the cleaning position for cleaning the front end of the sample dispensing probe 111b in the cleaning tank 113.

[0052] Furthermore, the sample dispensing mechanism lowers the sample dispensing probe 111b (in the Z direction) in accordance with the height of the sample container 115, the reaction container 102, and the cleaning tank 113 at the suction position, the ejection position, and the cleaning position.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning of the sample dispensing probe 111b is described as an example, but the cleaning of the reagent dispensing probe 120, which uses the same mechanism, can also be applied in the same way. Additionally, it can also be applied to automated analytical apparatuses equipped with a mechanism that dispenses samples and reagents using a single probe.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the cleaning fluid volume adjustment section of the sample dispensing probe 111b. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning fluid volume adjustment unit consists of a cleaning fluid supply pump 208 that supplies cleaning fluid from a pure water equipment (not shown), a solenoid valve 217 that controls the liquid supply to be turned on / off by opening and closing, an adjustment valve 216 that can change the opening and closing state by controlling the current, a cleaning nozzle 202 that sprays cleaning fluid, a waste liquid tank 219 that stores waste liquid discharged from the cleaning tank 113, and a flow path 218 connecting the various components.

[0055] In addition, a liquid level detector 210, for example composed of an electrostatic capacitance sensor, is mounted in the sample dispensing arm 111c of the sample dispensing mechanism and is electrically connected to the controller 118 that performs the smoothing process.

[0056] During the cleaning of the sample dispensing probe 111b, the cleaning fluid supplied by the cleaning fluid supply pump 208 by opening the solenoid valve 217 is sprayed out from the cleaning nozzle 202. The fluid flow from the cleaning nozzle 202 contacts the outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 111b, thereby removing the dirt attached to the outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 111b.

[0057] In this embodiment, an example is shown where a flow rate adjustment unit capable of adjusting the volume of cleaning fluid is used as an adjustment valve 216. The volume of cleaning fluid from one cleaning nozzle 202 is adjusted using one adjustment valve 216, but it is also possible to adjust the volume of fluid from two or more cleaning nozzles using one adjustment valve 216. When adjusting the volume of fluid from multiple cleaning nozzles, it is preferable to make the flow path structure from the cleaning fluid supply pump 208 to the cleaning nozzles identical, or to pre-adjust by providing adjustment valves in each flow path so that the volume of fluid sprayed from each cleaning nozzle is the same.

[0058] Next, use Figure 4 The structure of the cleaning-related mechanisms and their control systems is described. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a control block used for probe cleaning and probe cleaning fluid volume adjustment.

[0059] The automatic analysis device control unit 601 is part of the central processing unit, i.e., the controller 118, which controls the entire device. In this embodiment, the automatic analysis device control unit 601 calculates the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance data measured by the liquid level detector 210 at the horizontal position of the cleaning sample dispensing probe 111b. Based on this height information, it calculates the cleaning range of the sample dispensing probe 111b at the horizontal position and determines whether the cleaning fluid volume needs to be adjusted by the flow adjustment unit based on the calculated cleaning range. Details will be described later. The automatic analysis device control unit 601 preferably performs the following steps: calculating the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid, calculating the cleaning range, and determining whether the cleaning fluid volume needs to be adjusted.

[0060] The automatic analysis device control unit 601 receives inspection instructions and other commands from the user via GUI 602. The dispensing mechanism positions the sample dispensing probe 111b according to the instructions from the dispensing arm control unit 603 to the dispensing arm horizontal movement unit 604 and the dispensing arm vertical movement unit 605.

[0061] The normal height confirmation control unit 606 detects the height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid when the cleaning range of the sample dispensing probe 111b is confirmed to be normal during installation, via the cleaning fluid contact determination unit 607, and stores the obtained height information in the fluid flow detection height table 608. Figure 4 For ease of illustration, two cleaning fluid contact determination units 607 are shown.

[0062] Furthermore, when determining the height of the cleaning fluid surface (when detecting the upper position of the cleaning fluid based on the liquid level detection at the horizontal position during cleaning), the sample dispensing probe 111b is lowered at a lower speed than during the cleaning operation, enabling the height of the cleaning fluid surface to be obtained with high accuracy through liquid level detection.

[0063] During analysis, the sample dispensing probe 111b is moved to the cleaning position according to the instruction from the probe cleaning control unit 609, thereby performing cleaning. If the position of the tip of the sample dispensing probe 111b at this time is set to the cleaning horizontal position height 502, then during the cleaning range confirmation and adjustment operation, according to the instruction from the cleaning range detection and adjustment control unit 610, the position of the tip of the sample dispensing probe 111b is moved to the position of the cleaning liquid upper surface detection height 503 or the margin height 504 stored in the liquid flow detection height table 608, thereby performing cleaning range detection. The switching between analysis and liquid volume adjustment is performed by the normal cleaning mode / cleaning range detection and adjustment mode switching unit 611.

[0064] The opening and closing of the adjusting valve 216 for spraying cleaning fluid is controlled by the solenoid valve control unit 612, spraying cleaning water at any time during probe cleaning or during fluid volume detection and adjustment. The cleaning fluid contact determination unit 607 (processing content such as...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 (As shown) and the cleaning range detection and adjustment control unit 610 determine the detection signal.

[0065] The cleaning range detection and adjustment control unit 610 determines, based on the height information of the upper surface obtained by the cleaning fluid contact determination unit 607, whether control of the adjustment valve 216 is needed (whether the cleaning fluid volume needs to be adjusted using the adjustment valve 216) and the control quantity (opening degree of the adjustment valve 216). The adjustment valve 216 is controlled to open and close by changing the control output from the adjustment valve control unit 613. The control output when controlling the adjustment valve 216 and the information of the fluid flow height measured at this time are managed by the adjustment valve control table 614. By referring to this information during subsequent control of the adjustment valve 216, the cleaning fluid volume can be brought to the target state with fewer operations.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the height of the cleaning fluid surface at the detection height 503 is confirmed as normal for the cleaning range (described later). In the flowchart above, during installation and timing when the cleaning range is normal, the height of the cleaning fluid surface at the probe's horizontal cleaning position is obtained as a reference value for confirming the cleaning range. The sample dispensing probe 111b operates in the state of being at the horizontal position 501 described later during cleaning. Figure 5 The process steps and the following description Figure 6 The main entities responsible for executing each step of the process are Figure 4 The components shown are controller 118.

[0067] First, the cleaning fluid is sprayed out by opening the solenoid valve 217 (S701).

[0068] Next, the liquid level detector 210 is replaced with a microcomputer capable of smoothing (S702). In order to repeat the process multiple times, a number such as k = a is assigned (S703).

[0069] Then, the automatic analysis device control unit 601 starts the liquid level detection voltage measurement standby (S704) by triggering the falling pulse of the sample dispensing probe 111b (=using the falling pulse as a trigger).

[0070] Then, the sample dispensing probe 111b is lowered at a slower speed than usual (S705). By lowering at a slower speed, the liquid level detector 210 is prevented from falsely detecting the contact detection signal with the cleaning fluid, and the resolution of the descent pulse is reduced, thus reducing the detection deviation at the upper position of the cleaning fluid. During descent, a sensor signal is acquired, and it is determined whether the signal value exceeds the liquid detection threshold. The descent pulse that exceeds the threshold is recorded as the detection height (S706).

[0071] Then, it rises to the initial height (S707) to prepare for the next action. This process of steps S703 to S707 is repeated multiple times (S708, S709). In this way, it is preferable to obtain the height information of the upper surface of the clean liquid multiple times, and to determine the cleaning range based on the obtained height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid multiple times.

[0072] Then, after repeating the action multiple times, the solenoid valve 217 is closed (S710). Afterwards, the averaged falling pulse is stored as an adjustment value (S711), and the process of obtaining the height of the cleaning fluid surface ends.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of confirming the cleaning range and adjusting the cleaning fluid volume when the cleaning range is deemed insufficient. The sample dispensing probe 111b operates when it is in the horizontal position 501 during cleaning.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, firstly, when the water level confirmation action begins, the liquid level detector 210 is changed to a microcomputer capable of smoothing processing (S801).

[0075] Next, the sample dispensing probe 111b is lowered to the pre-adjusted detection height 503 of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid (S802). During the movement to the aforementioned upper surface height of the cleaning fluid, by setting a height 504 with a descent margin corresponding to the additional margin, the desired cleaning range can be determined, ensuring a margin in the range up to the adjustment state. (Further details will follow later.) Figure 10 The example shown illustrates how to operate a process that allows for easy adjustment by providing a margin in the cleaning range.

[0076] Next, a number such as k = a is assigned so that the cleaning range can be repeated multiple times (S803). Then, without changing the height, the height is increased by bp in advance in order to trigger the output of the falling pulse that is used to start the liquid level detection voltage (S804).

[0077] Subsequently, the automatic analysis device control unit 601, triggered by the falling pulse of the sample dispensing probe 111b, begins the liquid level detection voltage measurement standby (S805).

[0078] Then, the pulse rate (bp) is lowered (S806) to output a triggering downward pulse to the automatic analysis device control unit 601. After the pulse rate decreases, a sensor signal is acquired for a certain period of time. The sensor signal acquisition time at this time ensures the time from when the solenoid valve 217 is opened to when the water flow stabilizes. Then, the solenoid valve 217 is opened for a certain period of time (S807). After the cleaning fluid has been sprayed out until it has stabilized sufficiently, the solenoid valve 217 is closed (S808).

[0079] Next, the height 503 on the upper surface of the cleaning fluid is detected, and the presence or absence of cleaning fluid is determined by the ON / OFF state of the liquid level detection (S809). Then, to mitigate the risk of false detection, the above processes S804 to S809 are repeated multiple times (S810, S811). Thus, similar to S708 and S709, it is preferable to obtain the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times, and to determine the cleaning range based on the obtained height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times.

[0080] After multiple attempts, the liquid level rises to the initial height (S812). Then, the cleaning range is determined by repeatedly checking if the liquid level detection is "OK" (S813). If the cleaning range is determined to be "OK", the operation is confirmed to be complete. If the cleaning range is determined to be "NG", the water volume adjustment operation is terminated.

[0081] If it is determined that water volume adjustment is required, the sample dispensing probe 111b descends to the detection height 503 of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid, which is obtained as a pre-adjustment value (S814).

[0082] Then, the flow rate is increased by increasing the new voltage adjustment value of the regulating valve 216 by a certain amount compared to the voltage adjustment value used at the current moment (S815).

[0083] The adjustment time is shortened by increasing the count value from the voltage adjustment value used. Furthermore, the amount of adjustment value increased at one time is determined considering the following: when the count value is too small, the flow rate change is small, and flow rate adjustment takes time; when the count value is too large, the opening degree of the proportional solenoid valve also has a limit, making it impossible to adjust the solenoid valve quickly. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the opening degree of the regulating valve 216 in units larger than the set minimum unit.

[0084] Then, a number such as k=a is assigned so that it can be repeated multiple times (S816). Then, without changing the height, the drop pulse that triggers the liquid level detection voltage is increased by bp in advance (S817).

[0085] Subsequently, the automatic analysis device control unit 601, triggered by the falling pulse of the sample dispensing probe 111b, begins the liquid level detection voltage measurement standby (S818).

[0086] Then, the pressure bp is lowered (S819) to output a triggering downward pulse to the automatic analysis device control unit 601. After the pressure drops, a sensor signal is acquired for a certain period of time. The sensor signal acquisition time at this time will ensure the time from when the solenoid valve 217 is opened to when the water flow is stable. Then, the solenoid valve 217 is opened for a certain period of time (S820). After the cleaning fluid is sprayed out until it is sufficiently stable, the solenoid valve 217 is closed (S821).

[0087] Next, the height 503 on the upper surface of the cleaning fluid is detected, and the presence or absence of cleaning fluid is determined by the ON / OFF state of the liquid level detection (S822). Then, to mitigate the risk of false detection, the above processes S817 to S822 are repeated multiple times (S823, S824). Thus, similar to S708, S709, S810, and S811, it is preferable to obtain the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times, and to determine the cleaning range based on the obtained height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times.

[0088] Then, multiple liquid level checks are performed to determine whether the cleaning range falls within the "OK" range (S825). If the cleaning range is determined to be "OK" multiple times, the water volume adjustment operation ends. Conversely, if the cleaning range is determined to be "NG", it is checked whether there is a maximum value in the solenoid valve voltage adjustment value (S826).

[0089] If a maximum value is determined to exist in S826, no adjustment can be made, and the device is stopped (S827). Conversely, if a maximum value is determined not to have been reached, the solenoid valve adjustment count value is increased again (S828), and the process returns to S815 above in order to increase the voltage adjustment value, repeating the water volume adjustment operation from S816 to S822.

[0090] Here, Figure 5 The criterion for determining the number of repetitions in S708 is "n". Figure 6 The "m" in S810 and the "l" in S823 can be set to different numbers depending on the condition of the device when performing surface inspection treatment of the cleaning fluid, such as during maintenance or analysis. For example, in order to shorten analysis interruptions, such as reducing the number of analysis sessions compared to maintenance sessions with ample time, different numbers can be set appropriately.

[0091] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a graph showing the smoothing process and threshold value of the electrostatic capacitance voltage used in the on / off cleaning fluid detection based on liquid level detection in S706, S809, and S822 mentioned above. Figure 7 The original data 400 shows the electrostatic capacitance voltage value when the device comes into contact with the cleaning fluid at low speed from the atmosphere. Figure 8The figure shows smoothed data 401 of the electrostatic capacitance voltage values ​​when the device comes into contact with the cleaning fluid at low speed from the atmosphere. The horizontal axis represents time [ms], and the vertical axis represents electrostatic capacitance voltage [V].

[0092] In addition, "smoothing" in this invention refers to taking the average of a certain range of the obtained original data 400 as a point and calculating the average of the original data 400 within the necessary range.

[0093] The cleaning fluid has the property of sloshing due to gravity and other factors. Figure 7 The original data 400 showing the electrostatic capacitance voltage values ​​illustrates that factors such as cleaning fluid scattering also affect the electrostatic capacitance. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in the original data 400 of the electrostatic capacitance voltage value, if the threshold is set to a low value, the risk of false detection is also high when the electrostatic capacitance voltage value temporarily rises. In order to detect the actual contact height between the probe and the cleaning fluid, the threshold needs to be set significantly higher.

[0094] The threshold mentioned above is determined to smooth the electrostatic capacitance voltage value. In the original data 400, when determining the threshold for detecting liquid contact between the cleaning fluid and the sample dispensing probe 111b, it is necessary to set the original data threshold 403, which is higher than the threshold after smoothing, and to consider reducing the risk of false detection due to liquid level fluctuations.

[0095] Therefore, as Figure 8 The smoothed data 401, which smooths the electrostatic capacitance voltage value, shows that compared to the electrostatic capacitance voltage value in the original data 400, the smoothed electrostatic capacitance voltage value chart further reduces the impact of cleaning fluid fluctuations or scattering. Preferably, the original data is compared with the smoothed chart, and it is determined that smoothing can detect the cleaning fluid with higher accuracy, so smoothing processing is performed.

[0096] Furthermore, after smoothing, the threshold is set to a smoothing processing threshold 404 that is a certain amount higher than the reference electrostatic capacitance voltage value 402. This value becomes lower than the original data threshold 403. This smoothing processing threshold 404 can be set at the rising position of the curve. By setting it to the rising position of the curve, the rate of change of electrostatic capacitance potential during liquid level detection is large relative to the probe descent time under a certain liquid level detection time, thus reducing the deviation in determining the descent pulse that has detected the liquid level.

[0097] In this way, the controller 118 can smooth the data of the electrostatic capacitance at predetermined intervals, acquire waveform data, and detect the liquid contact of the sample dispensing probe 111b based on the acquired waveform data. In addition, in the horizontal position, the liquid contact of the sample dispensing probe 111b can be detected based on the comparison of the change of waveform data within a predetermined time from when the sample dispensing probe 111b is positioned at a predetermined height with a preset threshold.

[0098] Furthermore, during the confirmation and adjustment of the cleaning range, the detection of the cleaning fluid is checked multiple times at the aforementioned height above the surface of the cleaning fluid, with the sample dispensing probe 111b in a standby state. At this time, if cleaning fluid particles are attached to the sample dispensing probe 111b, the initial value of the electrostatic capacitance voltage is pre-increased. Under these conditions, by setting the threshold low, the voltage of the cleaning fluid's electrostatic capacitance exceeds the threshold when the probe contacts the cleaning fluid, thus minimizing false detections.

[0099] Figure 9 This means that in the above Figure 5 A diagram showing the height of the sample dispensing probe 111b at horizontal position 501 during cleaning. Using the height of the cleaning fluid surface obtained here, the height is moved to the cleaning fluid surface height in S802 and S814. Figure 9 In the diagram, (a) represents the horizontal cleaning position height 502 when cleaning the sample dispensing probe 111b. Figure 9 (b) in the figure represents the detection height of the cleaning fluid surface 503 for liquid level detection. Figure 9 (c) in the figure represents a margin height 504 that has decreased from the cleaning fluid upper surface detection height 503 when the liquid level is detected on the upper surface of the cleaning fluid.

[0100] Figure 9 (a) indicates the position of the sample dispensing probe 111b during cleaning, at which point its horizontal position is as described later. Figure 9 As shown in (b) and (c), a descent action is performed to confirm the cleaning range.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), when the automatic analysis device control unit 601 confirms the volume of the cleaning fluid 500, it causes the sample dispensing probe 111b to descend slowly from above the liquid surface to detect the cleaning horizontal position height 502 and obtain height information. Then, using the obtained height information, the probe's height position is moved to the height of the cleaning fluid flow. At this position, liquid level detection is performed to determine whether cleaning water is present.

[0102] During automatic adjustment, the detection height 503 of the cleaning fluid surface is used for detection. During analysis, the liquid level is detected at height 504, which is a margin lower than the detected height of the cleaning fluid surface and has a margin that makes adjustment difficult. Thus, the threshold that can serve as the reference for detecting the contact between the sample dispensing probe 111b and the liquid is set to 2 or higher (cleaning fluid surface detection height 503, margin height 504).

[0103] Furthermore, regarding the direction of the cleaning fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 202, even when it is ejected at an upward angle, the fluid flow follows a parabola due to gravity, so it does not necessarily have to be in the same direction as the upward flow. Figure 9 Same orientation.

[0104] Here, the cleaning fluid has the property of sloshing due to gravity and other factors, and is also prone to splashing (scattering). Therefore, the deviation of the descent distance (detection distance) of the sample dispensing probe 111b sometimes becomes larger. Therefore, in this embodiment, when confirming the height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid (descent detection distance), the cleaning unit lowers the sample dispensing probe 111b at a slower speed than it would during cleaning.

[0105] In this way, by making the descent speed of the sample dispensing probe 111b slower than that during cleaning, the resolution of the descent action is reduced, the resolution during smoothing is also reduced, and the deviation of the detection position is suppressed, thus enabling a further improvement in detection accuracy.

[0106] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0107] The automatic analysis apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above includes: a sample dispensing probe 111b for dispensing a sample or a reagent dispensing probe 120 for dispensing a reagent; a cleaning nozzle 202 for spraying cleaning fluid onto the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe 111b and the reagent dispensing probe 120; a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of cleaning fluid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 202; a liquid level detector 210 for measuring the electrostatic capacitance of the sample dispensing probe 111b and the reagent dispensing probe 120; and a controller 118, which calculates the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance data measured by the liquid level detector 210 at the horizontal position of the cleaning position of the sample dispensing probe 111b and the reagent dispensing probe 120, calculates the cleaning range of the sample dispensing probe 111b and the reagent dispensing probe 120 at the horizontal position based on the calculated cleaning range, and determines whether the amount of cleaning fluid needs to be adjusted by the flow rate adjustment unit.

[0108] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the spray height of the cleaning fluid, i.e., the cleaning range, is appropriate at the horizontal position where the actual cleaning action is performed. This eliminates the influence of factors such as the tilting of the cleaning fluid. Thus, even with the aforementioned manufacturing errors and other mechanical errors, it is possible to determine whether the cleaning range is appropriate, ensuring the cleaning range is unaffected by mechanical errors. Therefore, it is possible to automatically perform adjustments to maintain the appropriate cleaning range.

[0109] In addition, the controller 118 smooths the data of the electrostatic capacitance at predetermined intervals to obtain waveform data. Based on the obtained waveform data, it detects the contact of the liquid with the sample dispensing probe 111b. Therefore, it can reduce the influence of the deviation of the obtained data and thus determine whether the cleaning liquid is in contact with the sample dispensing probe 111b with higher accuracy. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the cleaning range is further improved, and the cleaning range can be made more appropriate.

[0110] Furthermore, in the horizontal position, the controller 118 detects liquid contact with the sample dispensing probe 111b by comparing the change in waveform data within a predetermined time period from when the probe 111b is positioned at a predetermined height with a preset threshold. This results in a lower threshold setting compared to the original data 400, and the threshold can be set at the rising position of the graph. Therefore, the rate of change of the liquid level detection potential relative to the probe descent time increases, and the height detection error decreases. In other words, the detection accuracy of the cleaning range can be further improved.

[0111] In addition, when the controller 118 obtains the height information of the upper surface, it causes the sample dispensing probe 111b to descend at a lower speed than during the cleaning operation, thereby further refining the height information and thus further improving the accuracy of the cleaning range confirmation.

[0112] Furthermore, by setting two or more thresholds, the ease of adjustment can be controlled, thus enabling the confirmation of the cleaning range based on the situation at the time of confirmation, which can avoid affecting the start of analysis, etc.

[0113] In addition, the flow adjustment unit is an adjustment valve 216 that can adjust the amount of cleaning fluid. The controller 118 adjusts the opening degree of the adjustment valve 216 based on the height information of the upper surface, thereby making it easy to perform flow adjustment.

[0114] Furthermore, by increasing the opening degree of the regulating valve 216 in units larger than the set minimum unit, the adjustment time for the cleaning fluid flow rate can be shortened.

[0115] In addition, the controller 118 acquires the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times, and calculates the cleaning range based on the acquired height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid multiple times. This can reduce the detection error of the cleaning range caused by detection and help to achieve more appropriate cleaning.

[0116] Furthermore, by setting the number of times the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid is obtained to be different at different times when the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid is obtained, the cleaning range confirmation action can be performed according to the situation at the time of confirmation.

[0117] <Example 2>

[0118] use Figure 10 The automatic analysis device and the adjustment method of the automatic analysis device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the cleaning range, confirmation height, and process flow in each action.

[0119] Figure 10 This indicates that the height position of the cleaning fluid 500 is confirmed by the sample dispensing probe 111b during each action.

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, during automatic adjustment as part of periodic maintenance (S901), the cleaning fluid is applied to the upper surface ( Figure 9 The cleaning fluid is confirmed by measuring the height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid (503). In contrast, during each analysis, the position corresponding to the amount of decrease relative to the height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid (S902) is determined. Figure 9 The cleaning water is checked for a height of 504 (with a margin). This is the unit where the cleaning range is ensured by operation.

[0121] In the automatic analysis device 100, if the device stops during analysis, a check is performed to stop it; therefore, adjustments are incorporated in advance during automatic adjustments for maintenance whenever possible. However, failure to clean within the specified cleaning range can affect analytical performance; therefore, the cleaning range is also checked during analysis preparation. Furthermore, if an adjustment operation is initiated due to an inappropriate cleaning determination, the cleaning fluid is checked on its surface (S903). These actions are performed to return the cleaning range to its initial state.

[0122] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis device and the adjustment method of the automatic analysis device in Embodiment 1 described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0123] In the automatic analysis device and adjustment method of the automatic analysis device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the same effects as those in the automatic analysis device and adjustment method of Embodiment 1 described above can also be obtained.

[0124] <Other>

[0125] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. The embodiments described above are examples given in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to having all the described structures.

[0126] Alternatively, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. Furthermore, structures from other embodiments can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0127] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0128] 100…Automatic Analysis Device

[0129] 101…Reaction disk

[0130] 102…Reaction Vessel

[0131] 103… Cleaning organization

[0132] 104… Spectrophotometer

[0133] 105…Stirring mechanism

[0134] 106… cleaning tank

[0135] 107…First Reagent Dispensing Mechanism

[0136] 107a…Second Reagent Dispensing Mechanism

[0137] 108… Cleaning tank (for reagent dispensing mechanism)

[0138] 109…Reagent tray

[0139] 110… reagent bottle

[0140] 111…First Sample Dispensing Mechanism

[0141] 111a…Second Sample Dispensing Mechanism

[0142] 111b…Sample dispensing probe (dispensing probe)

[0143] 111c…Sample dispensing arm

[0144] 111d… Horizontal moving mechanism

[0145] 111e…Vertical Moving Mechanism

[0146] 112…Detergent bottle

[0147] 113… Cleaning tank (for sample dispensing mechanism)

[0148] 115… Sample container

[0149] 116…sample holder

[0150] 117…Sample conveying mechanism

[0151] 118… controller

[0152] 120…Reagent dispensing probe (dispensing probe)

[0153] 121…Reagent Syringe

[0154] 122… Sample syringe

[0155] 202… Cleaning nozzle

[0156] 208… Cleaning fluid supply pump

[0157] 210… Liquid level detector (electrostatic capacitance measurement unit)

[0158] 216… Regulating valve (flow regulation unit)

[0159] 217…Solenoid valve

[0160] 218…Flow path

[0161] 219… Waste Liquid Tank

[0162] 400… Raw data of electrostatic capacitance voltage value

[0163] 401…Smoothed data of electrostatic capacitor voltage values

[0164] 402…Reference electrostatic capacitor voltage value

[0165] 403… Raw data threshold

[0166] 404... Threshold during smoothing

[0167] 500… cleaning fluid

[0168] 501…Horizontal position during cleaning

[0169] 502… Cleaning horizontal position height

[0170] 503… Detection height of the upper surface of the cleaning fluid

[0171] 504…Height with margin

[0172] 601…Automatic Analysis Device Control Unit

[0173] 602…GUI

[0174] 603… Injection arm control unit

[0175] 604… Horizontal movement section of the injection arm (X-θ)

[0176] 605… Injection arm vertical movement section (Z)

[0177] 606… Cleaning fluid upper surface normal height confirmation control unit

[0178] 607… Cleaning Fluid Contact Determination Section

[0179] 608…Liquid Flow Detection Height Gauge

[0180] 609…Probe Cleaning Control Department

[0181] 610…Cleaning Range Detection and Adjustment Control Department

[0182] 611… Normal cleaning mode / cleaning range detection and adjustment mode switching unit

[0183] 612…Solenoid Valve Control Section

[0184] 613…Regulating Valve Control Section

[0185] 614… Adjusting valve control table.

Claims

1. An automatic analyzing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a dispensing probe that dispenses a liquid; a cleaning nozzle that sprays a cleaning liquid toward an outer wall of the dispensing probe; a flow rate adjustment section that adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle; an electrostatic capacitance measurement section that measures the electrostatic capacitance of the dispensing probe; and a control section, the control section controls as follows: based on data of the electrostatic capacitance measured by the electrostatic capacitance measurement section at a horizontal position at a cleaning position at which the dispensing probe is cleaned, height information of an upper surface of the cleaning liquid is found; based on the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid, a cleaning range of the dispensing probe at the horizontal position is found; based on the found cleaning range, it is determined whether or not the amount of cleaning liquid needs to be adjusted by the flow rate adjustment section.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the control section smooths the data of the electrostatic capacitance every predetermined period, acquires waveform data, and detects wetting of the dispensing probe based on the acquired waveform data.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein the control section detects wetting of the dispensing probe based on a comparison of a change in the waveform data from a predetermined time at which the dispensing probe is positioned at a predetermined height at the horizontal position and a threshold value set in advance.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the control section lowers the dispensing probe at a lower speed than during a cleaning operation when acquiring the height information of the upper surface.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein two or more threshold values are set.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate adjustment section is an adjustment valve that can adjust the amount of cleaning liquid, the control section adjusts the opening degree of the adjustment valve based on the height information of the upper surface.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 6, wherein the opening degree of the adjustment valve is increased in units larger than a set minimum unit.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the control section acquires the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid multiple times and finds the cleaning range based on the acquired multiple times of the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 8, wherein the number of times the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid is acquired multiple times is set to a number of times that differs depending on the timing at which the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid is found.

10. An adjustment method of an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: a dispensing probe that dispenses a liquid; a cleaning nozzle that sprays a cleaning liquid to an outer wall of the dispensing probe; a flow rate adjustment section that adjusts an amount of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle; and an electrostatic capacitance measurement section that measures an electrostatic capacitance of the dispensing probe, characterized by, The adjustment method has: a step of finding height information of an upper surface of a cleaning liquid based on data of an electrostatic capacitance measured by an electrostatic capacitance measurement section at a horizontal position at a cleaning position at which a dispensing probe is cleaned; a step of finding a cleaning range of the dispensing probe at the horizontal position based on the height information of the upper surface of the cleaning liquid; a step of determining whether or not the amount of cleaning liquid needs to be adjusted by a flow rate adjustment section based on the found cleaning range.

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