Sample analysis system

Abstract

The present invention simplifies setting for automatic continuous analysis. This sample analysis system comprises a control device (700). The control device (700) includes: a selection receiving unit (701, 702, 706, 707) that displays buttons respectively corresponding to sample containers (201) inside an automated sampler (200) and liquid supply units (300, 400, 500) provided outside the automated sampler, and allows a user to select an appropriate one of the buttons; and a liquid supply control unit (703) that, upon one of the buttons corresponding to the sample containers being selected, controls the automated sampler so that a sampling needle (206) is inserted into the sample container corresponding to the selected button and controls a flow path switching valve so that the automated sampler and a sample analysis device are connected, and upon one of the buttons corresponding to the liquid supply units being selected, controls the flow path switching valve so that the liquid supply unit corresponding to the selected button is connected to the sample analysis device and controls the automated sampler so that the sampling needle (206) moves to a standby position (209).

Description

Sample Analysis System

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample analysis system including an autosampler and a sample analyzer that analyzes a liquid sample supplied from the autosampler.

[0002] When performing continuous analysis of multiple liquid samples using an analytical device such as a mass spectrometer or a liquid chromatograph, an autosampler is generally used that automatically and sequentially collects liquid samples one by one from a large number of sample containers prepared in advance and introduces them into the analytical device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The autosampler includes, for example, a tray arrangement section in which one or more sample trays are arranged, each of which is equipped with a plurality of sample containers containing samples, a bottle arrangement section in which one or more bottles are arranged, each of which contains a cleaning solution or a calibration sample (hereinafter collectively referred to as "cleaning solution, etc."), a suction nozzle for suctioning liquid from the sample container or the bottle, and a nozzle movement mechanism for moving the suction nozzle horizontally and vertically.

[0003] When performing automatic continuous analysis using such a sample analysis system including an autosampler and an analyzer, the analyst first loads multiple sample containers containing samples to be analyzed onto a sample tray, sets the sample tray in the tray placement section within the autosampler, and sets bottles containing cleaning solutions, etc., in the bottle placement section. The analyst then performs setup operations related to the automatic continuous analysis on a control device (typically a personal computer equipped with dedicated control software) that controls the autosampler and the analyzer.

[0004] The setting operation sets items such as which sample container (or bottle containing a calibration sample) in the autosampler to collect the sample from for each analysis step in the automatic continuous analysis (i.e., the position of the suction nozzle in each analysis step), what analysis conditions to apply to each analysis, when during the automatic continuous analysis to perform the step of cleaning the flow path with cleaning liquid, and from which bottle in the autosampler to collect the cleaning liquid in the cleaning step (i.e., the position of the suction nozzle in the cleaning step).

[0005] After performing the setting operations described above, when the analyst issues an instruction to start automatic continuous analysis using the control device, automatic continuous analysis is carried out by the autosampler and analyzer under the control of the control device.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-190801

[0007] However, since only bottles with a relatively small capacity can be placed inside the autosampler, it was necessary to limit the number of steps included in the continuous automatic analysis (i.e., the number of analysis steps and cleaning steps) so as not to use up the cleaning solution etc. in the bottle during the execution of the automatic continuous analysis.

[0008] Therefore, it is conceivable to arrange one or more large-capacity bottles containing cleaning liquid, etc., outside the autosampler, and to collect the cleaning liquid, etc. from the large-capacity bottles. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned autosampler, analyzer, and control device, the sample analysis system is provided with a flow path switching valve for connecting one or more flow paths through which the cleaning liquid, etc. collected from the one or more large-capacity bottles flows and one of the flow paths through which the liquid collected by the autosampler flows, to a flow path leading to the analyzer.

[0009] While this configuration allows for a greater number of steps in a continuous automated analysis than conventional methods, it also requires the analyst to preset the position of the flow path switching valve for each step, in addition to the position of the aspirating nozzle in the autosampler for each step, which increases the workload of the analyst. For example, for a step of analyzing a liquid sample contained in a sample container in the autosampler, the analyst must set the tip of the aspirating nozzle to be inserted into the target sample container and set the position of the flow path switching valve so that the flow path through which the liquid sample collected by the autosampler flows is connected to the flow path leading to the analyzer. Furthermore, for a step of analyzing a calibration sample contained in the large-volume bottle, the analyst must set the aspirating nozzle to a predetermined standby position (e.g., a position where it is not inserted into any sample container or bottle, or a position where it is inserted into a specific sample container or bottle, such as a cleaning solution bottle), and set the position of the flow path switching valve so that the flow path through which the liquid collected from the large-volume bottle containing the calibration sample flows is connected to the flow path leading to the analyzer. In addition, for the cleaning process, it is necessary to set the suction nozzle to the standby position, and to set the position of the flow path switching valve so that the flow path through which the liquid collected from the large-capacity bottle containing the cleaning liquid flows is connected to the flow path leading to the analysis device.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a sample analysis system that is capable of performing continuous automatic analysis with a greater number of steps than conventional systems, and that allows for simple setting operations for the continuous automatic analysis.

[0011] The sample analysis system of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, comprises a sample analyzer; a plate placement section on which a sample plate is placed, each having a plurality of sample storage sections each containing a liquid sample, an autosampler which is equipped with a nozzle for aspirating liquid from one of the plurality of sample storage sections, a sampling flow path into which the liquid aspirated by the nozzle is fed, and a movement mechanism for moving the nozzle horizontally and vertically; one or more liquid supply sections provided outside the autosampler; a flow path switching valve which selectively connects one of the one or more liquid supply sections and the sampling flow path to a flow path leading to the sample analyzer; and a control device which controls the operation of at least the sample analyzer, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve to execute automatic continuous analysis including a plurality of sample analysis steps and one or more cleaning steps, wherein the control device comprises: a selection receiving section which displays buttons or identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample storage sections and each of the one or more liquid supply sections on a display screen, and which allows a user to select from the buttons or identifiers a supply source of liquid to be supplied to the sample analyzer in each of the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step; and a liquid supply control unit that, for a step among the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning steps, when the button or the identifier corresponding to one of the plurality of sample storage units is selected in the selection receiving unit, controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle is inserted into the sample storage unit corresponding to the button or the identifier, and controls the flow path switching valve so that the sampling flow path is connected to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and, for a step among the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step, when the button or the identifier corresponding to one or more liquid supply units is selected in the selection receiving unit, controls the flow path switching valve so that the liquid supply unit corresponding to the button or the identifier is connected to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle comes to a predetermined standby position.

[0012] The sample analyzing system according to the present invention having the above configuration can perform continuous automatic analysis with a greater number of steps than conventional systems, and can also simplify the setting operations for the continuous automatic analysis.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sample analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a washing condition setting screen in the sample analysis system. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sample and washing solution position selection screen in the sample analysis system. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a batch setting screen in the sample analysis system. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the flow path switching valve and autosampler at the start of each analysis step and washing step in automatic continuous analysis by the sample analysis system. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a drop-down list in the sample analysis system.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a sample analysis system according to this embodiment. This sample analysis system (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the system) is a system for automatically and continuously analyzing multiple liquid samples, and includes a mass spectrometer 100 (corresponding to the sample analyzer in this invention), an autosampler 200, a calibration sample supply unit 300, a first cleaning liquid supply unit 400, a second cleaning liquid supply unit 500, a flow path switching valve 600, and a control device 700.

[0015] The mass spectrometer 100 is an ICP mass spectrometer equipped with an ion source 102 that ionizes a liquid sample by introducing it into inductively coupled plasma (ICP) generated by a plasma torch 101, a mass separation unit 103 that separates the ions generated by the ion source 102 based on their m / z (mass-to-charge ratio), and a detector 104 that detects the ions separated by the mass separation unit 103.

[0016] The autosampler 200 comprises a tray arrangement section 203 (corresponding to the plate arrangement section in this invention) in which multiple sample trays 202 (corresponding to the sample plates in this invention) can be arranged, a bottle arrangement section 205 (corresponding to the liquid container arrangement section in this invention) in which one or more small-capacity bottles 204 (corresponding to the liquid containers in this invention), which are relatively small-capacity bottles containing a specified liquid, a sampling needle 206 (corresponding to the nozzle in this invention) having a suction port at its tip and used to collect liquid (liquid sample or the specified liquid) from multiple sample containers 201 (corresponding to the sample storage section in this invention) mounted on the sample tray 202 or from the small-capacity bottles 204 arranged in the bottle arrangement section 205, a needle moving mechanism 207 (corresponding to the moving mechanism in this invention) including a motor etc. not shown, and a sampling flow path 208 connected to the base end of the sampling needle 206. The sampling needle 206 can be moved horizontally (in the X-axis and Y-axis directions in the figure) and vertically (in the Z-axis direction in the figure) by a needle moving mechanism 207, and can move over the multiple sample containers 201 and multiple small-capacity bottles 204 in the autosampler 200 and insert its tip into each of them. Furthermore, the sampling needle 206 can also be moved to a standby position 209 where its tip is not inserted into any of the multiple sample containers 201 or multiple small-capacity bottles 204. Here, the standby position is defined as a position where the tip of the sampling needle 206 is not inserted into any of the sample containers 201 or small-capacity bottles 204. However, instead, the standby position may be a position where the tip of the sampling needle 206 is inserted into a specific sample container 201 or small-capacity bottle 204.

[0017] Here, the sampling flow path 208 is configured to be connected to the base of the sampling needle 206, but the sampling flow path 208 may also be configured to be connected to an injection port (not shown) provided in the autosampler 200, and after collecting liquid with the sampling needle 206, the tip of the sampling needle 206 is inserted into the injection port and the liquid is ejected, thereby sending the liquid into the sampling flow path 208.

[0018] The calibration sample supply unit 300 includes a calibration sample bottle 301, which is a large-capacity bottle storing a calibration sample, and a calibration sample flow path 302, one end of which is inserted into the calibration sample bottle 301 and through which the calibration sample collected from the bottle 301 flows. Here, "large capacity" means a volume larger than that of the small-capacity bottle 204 (the same applies below). The first cleaning liquid supply unit 400 includes a first cleaning liquid bottle 401, which is a large-capacity bottle storing a first cleaning liquid (e.g., water, a predetermined organic solvent, a mixture of water and a predetermined organic solvent, or a predetermined acid such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid), and a first cleaning liquid flow path 402, one end of which is inserted into the first cleaning liquid bottle 401 and through which the first cleaning liquid collected from the bottle 401 flows. The second cleaning liquid supply unit 500 includes a second cleaning liquid bottle 501, which is a large-capacity bottle that stores a second cleaning liquid that is a different type of cleaning liquid from the first cleaning liquid, and a second cleaning liquid flow path 502, one end of which is inserted into the second cleaning liquid bottle 501 and through which the second cleaning liquid collected from the bottle 501 flows. In this embodiment, the calibration sample supply unit 300, the first cleaning liquid supply unit 400, and the second cleaning liquid supply unit 500 each correspond to the liquid supply unit in the present invention.

[0019] The flow path switching valve 600 is a four-way rotary valve equipped with one outlet port 610 and four inlet ports. Hereinafter, the four inlet ports will be referred to as a first port 621, a second port 622, a third port 623, and a fourth port 624. A mass analysis flow path 105 (corresponding to the "flow path leading to the mass analyzer" in this invention), which is a flow path leading to a plasma torch 101 provided in an ion source 102 of a mass analyzer 100, is connected to the outlet port 610. A liquid delivery pump 900, such as a peristaltic pump, is provided on the mass analysis flow path 105. The sampling flow path 208 of the autosampler 200 is connected to the first port 621, and the other end of the calibration sample flow path 302 is connected to the second port 622. The other end of the first cleaning liquid flow path 402 is connected to the third port 623, and the other end of the second cleaning liquid flow path 502 is connected to the fourth port 624. The flow path switching valve 600 can alternatively switch between a state in which the outlet port 610 and the first port 621 are connected (i.e., a state in which the autosampler 200 is connected to the mass spectrometer 100), a state in which the outlet port 610 and the second port 622 are connected (i.e., a state in which the calibration sample supply unit 300 is connected to the mass spectrometer 100), a state in which the outlet port 610 and the third port 623 are connected (i.e., a state in which the first cleaning liquid supply unit 400 is connected to the mass spectrometer 100), and a state in which the outlet port 610 and the fourth port 624 are connected (i.e., a state in which the second cleaning liquid supply unit 500 is connected to the mass spectrometer 100).

[0020] The control device 700 includes a setting / selection screen generator 701, a display controller 702, an analysis controller 703, a liquid supply source information storage unit 704, and a setting information storage unit 705 (details of each unit will be described later). The functions of the control device 700 are realized by a computer (typically a personal computer) equipped with a CPU, memory, and a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SDD). A predetermined program is pre-installed on the computer, and the functions of the setting / selection screen generator 701, the display controller 702, and the analysis controller 703 in this system are realized in software by the CPU executing this program. The functions of the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 and the setting information storage unit 705 are also realized by the large-capacity storage medium. A display unit 706 for displaying various information and an input unit 707 for the user to input various instructions are connected to the computer. The display unit 706 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, and the input unit 707 is configured, for example, by a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or a touch panel attached to the display unit 706. In this embodiment, the analysis control unit 703 corresponds to the liquid supply control unit of the present invention. Furthermore, the setting / selection screen generation unit 701, the display control unit 702, the display unit 706, and the input unit 707 collectively function as the selection receiving unit of the present invention.

[0021] The liquid supply source information storage unit 704 stores in advance the number of ports of the flow path switching valve 600 included in the system, the identifiers of each port, and information regarding the connection destination of each port (e.g., identifiers indicating the connection destination). The identifiers may be letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these (the same applies below). Furthermore, the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 stores plan view data showing the positions of each sample container 201 and each small-capacity bottle 204 when the sample trays 202 and small-capacity bottles 204 are arranged in the autosampler 200, for each type and number of sample trays 202 arranged in the tray arrangement unit 203.

[0022] When performing automatic continuous analysis of multiple samples using the system according to this embodiment, the user (analyst) places a sample tray 202 carrying multiple sample containers 201 in the tray placement section 203 of the autosampler 200, places a small-capacity bottle 204 containing a predetermined liquid (e.g., a standard sample or a type of cleaning liquid different from the first and second cleaning liquids) in the bottle placement section 205 of the autosampler 200, and then performs setup work for the automatic continuous analysis. The procedure for this setup work is described below. The following description will be given using an example in which four 2 mL x 24 type sample trays 202 (i.e., types capable of holding 24 2 mL sample containers 201) are placed in the tray placement section 203.

[0023] In the setting work, first, the user inputs a predetermined instruction to the control device 700 via the input unit 707. As a result, a predetermined setting screen (not shown) is generated by the setting / selection screen generation unit 701, and the setting screen is displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702. The user operates the input unit 707 to specify on the setting screen the type (here, "2 mL x 24") and number (here, "4") of sample trays 202 to be set in the autosampler 200.

[0024] Next, when the user inputs a predetermined instruction to the control device 700 via the input unit 707, a washing condition setting screen 810 such as that shown in Fig. 2 is generated by the setting / selection screen generating unit 701 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702. This screen 810 allows the user to set the washing time, the rotation speed of the pump that supplies the washing liquid (i.e., the liquid feed pump 900), and the source of the washing liquid for the washing step that is performed at a predetermined timing during automatic continuous analysis (e.g., each time the analysis of each sample is completed). The execution timing of the washing step can be appropriately specified by the user on a predetermined setting screen (not shown).

[0025] The washing condition setting screen 810 is provided with a washing time input field 811, a pump rotation speed input field 812, and a washing solution supply source input field 813, and the user operates the input unit 707 to input desired values ​​into the washing time input field 811 and the pump rotation speed input field 812. When the user then selects the washing solution supply source input field 813, a sample / washing solution position selection screen 820 such as that shown in FIG. 3 is generated by the setting / selection screen generating unit 701 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702.

[0026] The sample / cleaning liquid position selection screen 820 includes a plan view 821 showing the position of each sample tray 202, the position of each sample container 201 on each sample tray 202, and the position of each small-capacity bottle 204 within the autosampler 200. This plan view 821 corresponds to the type and number of sample trays 202 specified by the user above, and is read from the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 and displayed. In this plan view, the figures (circles in the example of FIG. 3 , but not limited to this) indicating the position of each sample container 201 and each small-capacity bottle 204 are each represented as a button. Hereinafter, the button indicating the position of each sample container 201 will be referred to as a sample position button 822, and the button indicating the position of each small-capacity bottle 204 will be referred to as a bottle position button 823. The sample position button 822 is assigned a unique identifier for each sample position ("01" to "96" in the example of Figure 3), and the bottle position button 823 is assigned a unique identifier for the position of each small-capacity bottle 204 ("R0" to "R4" in the example of Figure 3).

[0027] The sample / cleaning solution position selection screen 820 further includes buttons (hereinafter referred to as valve port buttons 824) corresponding to the inlet ports 621-624 of the flow path switching valve 600 other than the one connected to the autosampler 200, i.e., the second port 622, the third port 623, and the fourth port 624. The valve port buttons 824 are provided with identifiers corresponding to the inlet ports 621-624 and their connection destinations. In the example of FIG. 3 , the characters "VA2," "VA3," and "VA4" provided on each valve port button 824 refer to the second port 622, the third port 623, and the fourth port 624, respectively, and the characters "TUNE," "WS1," and "WS2" following these characters refer to the connection destinations of the ports 622, 623, and 624, respectively, to the calibration sample bottle 301, the first cleaning solution bottle 401, and the second cleaning solution bottle 501. These identifiers are registered in advance by a user or the like and stored in the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 .

[0028] The user selects a button corresponding to an appropriate liquid supply source for the washing step from among buttons 822, 823, and 824 displayed on the sample / washing solution position selection screen 820. In the following, it is assumed that the user selected the valve port button 824 corresponding to the fourth port 624 of the flow path switching valve 600 on the sample / washing solution position selection screen 820. As a result, the fourth port 624 (strictly speaking, the second washing solution supply unit 500 connected to this port 624) is determined as the washing solution supply source for the washing step, and this is stored in the setting information storage unit 705 together with the values ​​of the washing time and pump rotation speed input on the washing condition setting screen 810.

[0029] Next, when the user inputs a predetermined instruction to the control device 700 via the input unit 707, a batch setting screen 830 such as that shown in FIG. 4 is generated by the setting / selection screen generator 701 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display controller 702. The batch setting screen 830 includes a batch table 831 that describes the execution order and other details of multiple analysis steps included in automatic continuous analysis. In the batch table 831, one row corresponds to an analysis step for one sample, and each row describes information necessary for executing that analysis, such as the analysis type, the number of analyses, the name of the sample to be analyzed, the location of the sample to be analyzed, and the amount of sample collected. Here, the analysis type refers to whether the analysis is for instrument calibration, analysis of a standard sample for creating a calibration curve, or analysis of an unknown sample. In the batch table 831 of Figure 4, the first line of the column (second column) in which the analysis category is described contains the word "TUNE", which indicates an analysis for apparatus calibration, the second to fourth lines contain the words "CAL1", "CAL2", or "CAL3", which indicate an analysis of a standard sample for creating a calibration curve, and the fifth and sixth lines contain the word "UNK", which indicates an analysis of an unknown sample.

[0030] When the user selects any cell in the column in which the position of the sample to be analyzed is described (hereinafter referred to as the sample position description column 832) in the batch table 831, a sample and cleaning solution position selection screen 820 similar to that shown in Fig. 3 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 706. The user presses an appropriate button from among the sample position button 822, bottle position button 823, and valve port button 824 included in this sample and cleaning solution position selection screen 820 as the sample supply source for the analysis process corresponding to the row in which the cell is located. As a result, the identifier corresponding to the pressed button is entered into the cell in the batch table 831. 4, the first line of the sample position entry column 832 contains the characters "VA2:TUNE," which is an identifier representing the second port 622 of the flow path switching valve 600 connected to the calibration sample supply unit 300, and the second to fourth lines of the same column 832 contain the characters "R1," "R2," and "R3," which are identifiers corresponding to specific small-capacity bottles 204 arranged in the bottle arrangement unit 205 of the autosampler 200. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth lines of the same column 832 contain the characters "01" and "02," which are identifiers corresponding to the first and second sample containers 201 of the multiple sample containers 201 mounted on the first sample tray 202 (the upper left sample tray 202 in FIG. 3) of the four sample trays 202 arranged in the tray arrangement unit 203.

[0031] After the user has entered the necessary information into the batch table 831 as described above, when he or she presses the analysis start button 833 on the batch setting screen 830, the contents of the batch table 831 on the batch setting screen 830 are stored in the setting information storage unit 705 in association with the above-mentioned cleaning conditions, and automatic continuous analysis based on the batch table 831 and the above-mentioned cleaning conditions is started.

[0032] In this automatic continuous analysis, the analysis steps defined in each row of the batch table 831 are executed in order, and the cleaning steps defined in the above-mentioned cleaning conditions are executed at predetermined timing. At the start of each of these steps (analysis step or cleaning step), the operation of the flow path switching valve 600 and the needle moving mechanism 207 of the autosampler 200 is controlled so that the sample or cleaning solution specified for that step in the batch table 831 or the cleaning conditions is supplied to the mass spectrometer 100. The procedure at this time will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0033] First, the analysis control unit 703 determines whether a supply source of a liquid (sample or cleaning solution) to be used in a process to be performed (analysis process or cleaning process) exists within the autosampler 200 based on the batch table 831 stored in the setting information storage unit 705 or the cleaning conditions (Step 1). For example, if the process to be performed is an analysis process, the analysis control unit 703 references the identifier stored in the sample position description column 832 in the row corresponding to the analysis process in the batch table 831. If the process to be performed is a cleaning process, the analysis control unit 703 references the identifier indicating the supply source of the cleaning solution specified in the cleaning conditions. If the identifier corresponds to the position of the sample container 201 or small-capacity bottle 204 within the autosampler 200, the analysis control unit 703 determines that the liquid supply source exists within the autosampler 200 (i.e., Yes in Step 1). The analysis controller 703 then controls the flow path switching valve 600 so that the autosampler 200 is connected to the mass spectrometer 100 (i.e., the outlet port 610 and the first port 621 are connected) (step 2), and further controls the needle moving mechanism 207 so that the tip of the sampling needle 206 is inserted into the sample container 201 or small-capacity bottle 204 corresponding to the identifier (step 3). Note that steps 2 and 3 may be performed in reverse order. On the other hand, if the identifier corresponds to the second port 622, the third port 623, or the fourth port 624 of the flow path switching valve 600, the analysis controller 703 determines that the liquid supply source is outside the autosampler 200 (i.e., No in step 1). The analysis controller 703 then controls the flow path switching valve 600 so that the second port 622, the third port 623, or the fourth port 624 that corresponds to the identifier is connected to the mass spectrometer 100 (i.e., the second port 622, the third port 623, or the fourth port 624 that corresponds to the identifier is connected to the outlet port 610) (step 4), and further controls the needle moving mechanism 207 so that the sampling needle 206 is at the standby position 209 (step 5). Note that steps 4 and 5 may be performed in reverse order.

[0034] After the control of the flow path switching valve 600 and the needle moving mechanism 207 is completed as described above, the liquid supply pump 900 is operated to supply the sample or cleaning liquid to the mass spectrometer 100, thereby performing sample analysis or cleaning of the flow path.

[0035] As described above, according to the system of this embodiment, the calibration sample, first cleaning liquid, and second cleaning liquid, which are liquids used in relatively large quantities, are collected from the calibration sample bottle 301, first cleaning liquid bottle 401, and second cleaning liquid bottle 501, which are large-capacity bottles located outside the autosampler 200. This prevents shortages of cleaning liquid and the like during continuous automatic analysis, and makes it possible to handle continuous automatic analysis with a greater number of steps than conventional systems. Furthermore, in the setting operation for continuous automatic analysis, the user does not need to separately set the position of the sampling needle 206 of the autosampler 200 and the position of the flow path switching valve, thereby reducing the user's workload and preventing input errors by the user.

[0036] While the present invention has been described above using specific examples of embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the sample analyzer of the present invention may be any device capable of analyzing liquid samples, and may be, for example, a mass analyzer other than the ICP mass analyzer described above (e.g., an electrospray ionization mass analyzer or an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass analyzer), a liquid chromatograph, or the like.

[0037] Furthermore, the sample plate of the present invention is not limited to the sample tray 202 capable of mounting a plurality of sample containers 201 as described above, but may be, for example, a microplate provided with a plurality of wells (recesses) for accommodating liquid samples. In this case, the wells correspond to the sample receptacle of the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the selection receiving unit according to the present invention is not limited to one that allows the user to select an appropriate button on the sample / cleaning solution position selection screen 820 as shown in FIG. 3 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , a drop-down list 840 listing identifiers corresponding to the positions of each sample container 201 and each small-capacity bottle 204 in the autosampler 200, and identifiers corresponding to each inlet port 621 to 624 (other than those connected to the autosampler) of the flow path switching valve 600 may be displayed on the screen of the display unit 706, and the user may select an appropriate identifier from the identifiers displayed in the drop-down list 840.

[0039] Furthermore, although the system according to the above embodiment is configured to include three liquid supply units, namely, the calibration sample supply unit 300, the first cleaning liquid supply unit 400, and the second cleaning liquid supply unit 500, the number of liquid supply units in the present invention may be one, two, or four or more. Furthermore, although the above embodiment is configured to have five small-capacity bottles 204 (corresponding to liquid containers) arranged in the bottle arrangement unit 205 (corresponding to the liquid container arrangement unit), the liquid container arrangement unit in the present invention is not limited to this, and may have one, two to three, or five or more liquid containers arranged therein.

[0040] Aspects It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0041] (Item 1) A sample analysis system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sample analyzer; an autosampler comprising: a plate placement section on which a sample plate is placed, the plate having a plurality of sample storage sections each containing a liquid sample; a nozzle for aspirating liquid from one of the plurality of sample storage sections; a sampling flow path into which the liquid aspirated by the nozzle is fed; and a movement mechanism for moving the nozzle horizontally and vertically; one or more liquid supply sections provided outside the autosampler; a flow path switching valve for selectively connecting one of the one or more liquid supply sections and the sampling flow path to a flow path leading to the sample analyzer; and a control device for controlling the operation of at least the sample analyzer, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve to perform automatic continuous analysis including a plurality of sample analysis steps and one or more cleaning steps, wherein the control device a selection receiving unit that displays buttons or identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample storage units and each of the one or more liquid supply units on a display screen, and allows a user to select from the buttons or identifiers a supply source of liquid to be supplied to the sample analyzer in each of the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step; and a liquid supply control unit that, for a step among the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step, for which the button or identifier corresponding to one of the plurality of sample storage units is selected by the selection receiving unit, controls the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the sample storage unit corresponding to the button or identifier, and controls the flow path switching valve to connect the sampling flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analyzer, and, for a step for which the button or identifier corresponding to the one or more liquid supply units is selected by the selection receiving unit, controls the flow path switching valve to connect the liquid supply unit corresponding to the button or identifier to the flow path leading to the sample analyzer, and controls the moving mechanism to move the nozzle to a predetermined standby position.

[0042] The sample analysis system according to paragraph 1 eliminates the need for the user to separately set the position of the autosampler sampling needle and the position of the flow path switching valve, as in the conventional system. This simplifies the setup work for automatic continuous analysis and reduces the occurrence of input errors by the user.

[0043] (Clause 2) The sample analysis system according to clause 2 is the sample analysis system according to clause 1, wherein the autosampler further has a liquid container placement section in which one or more liquid containers are placed, and the nozzle aspirates liquid from any of the plurality of sample storage sections and the one or more liquid containers, the selection receiving section further displays a button or identifier corresponding to each of the one or more liquid containers, and the liquid supply control section further controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle is inserted into the liquid container corresponding to the button or identifier for a process among the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning process in which the button or identifier corresponding to any of the one or more liquid containers is selected in the selection receiving section, and controls the flow path switching valve so that the sampling flow path is connected to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

[0044] According to the sample analysis system of paragraph 2, in addition to the sample storage section and the liquid supply section, the liquid container placed in the autosampler can also be selected in the selection reception section as a source of liquid to be supplied to the sample analysis device.

[0045] (Item 3) The program according to item 3 causes a computer to function as the control device in the sample analysis system according to item 1 or 2.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Mass spectrometer 200... Autosampler 201... Sample container 202... Sample tray 203... Tray placement section 204... Small-capacity bottle 205... Bottle placement section 206... Sampling needle 207... Needle moving mechanism 208... Sampling flow path 209... Standby position 300... Calibration sample supply section 400... First cleaning liquid supply section 500... Second cleaning liquid supply section 600... Flow path switching valve 610... Outlet port 621... First port 622... Second port 623... Third port 624... Fourth port 700... Control device 701... Setting / selection screen generation section 702... Display control section 703... Analysis control section 704... Liquid supply source information storage section 705... Setting information storage section 706... Display section 707... Input section 810... Cleaning condition setting screen 813: Cleaning solution supplier input field 820: Sample and cleaning solution position selection screen 821: Plan view 822: Sample position button 823: Bottle position button 824: Valve port button 830: Batch setting screen 831: Batch table 832: Sample position entry column 840: Drop-down list

Claims

1. A sample analyzer comprising: a plate arrangement section on which a sample plate is arranged, the sample plate having a plurality of sample storage sections each of which accommodates a liquid sample; an autosampler comprising a nozzle for aspirating liquid from one of the plurality of sample storage sections, a sampling flow path into which the liquid aspirated by the nozzle is fed, and a movement mechanism for moving the nozzle horizontally and vertically; one or more liquid supply sections provided outside the autosampler; a flow path switching valve for selectively connecting one of the one or more liquid supply sections and the sampling flow path to a flow path leading to the sample analyzer; and a control device for performing automatic continuous analysis including a plurality of sample analysis steps and one or more cleaning steps by controlling the operation of at least the sample analyzer, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve, wherein the control device comprises: a selection receiving section for displaying buttons or identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample storage sections and each of the one or more liquid supply sections on a display screen, and allowing a user to select from the buttons or identifiers a supply source of liquid to be supplied to the sample analyzer in each of the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step; a liquid supply control unit that, for a process among the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning processes, when the button or the identifier corresponding to one of the plurality of sample storage units is selected in the selection receiving unit, controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle is inserted into the sample storage unit corresponding to the button or the identifier, and controls the flow path switching valve so that the sampling flow path is connected to a flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and that, for a process among the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning processes, when the button or the identifier corresponding to the one or more liquid supply units is selected in the selection receiving unit, controls the flow path switching valve so that the liquid supply unit corresponding to the button or the identifier is connected to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle comes to a predetermined standby position.

2. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the autosampler further has a liquid container positioning section in which one or more liquid containers are positioned, and the nozzle aspirates liquid from any of the multiple sample holding sections and the one or more liquid containers, the selection receiving section further displays a button or identifier corresponding to each of the one or more liquid containers, and the liquid supply control section further controls the moving mechanism so that the nozzle is inserted into the liquid container corresponding to the button or identifier for a process among the multiple sample analysis processes and the cleaning process for which the button or identifier corresponding to any of the one or more liquid containers is selected in the selection receiving section, and controls the flow path switching valve so that the sampling flow path is connected to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

3. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device in the sample analysis system according to claim 1 or 2.

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