Automatic analysis device

Abstract

Without interrupting operations, waste liquid in a waste liquid tank is reliably sterilized and then discarded, reducing the burden on users of waste liquid disposal. The automatic analyzer includes: a measuring unit that performs measurements on a specimen; a first waste liquid tank that stores waste liquid discharged from the measuring unit via a first flow path; a second waste liquid tank that stores waste liquid discharged from the measuring unit via a second flow path; a solenoid valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, switching the flow path so that waste liquid is discharged into either the first or second waste liquid tanks; a first injection unit that injects a sterilant into the first waste liquid tank; and a control unit that controls at least the solenoid valve and the first injection unit. When the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank reaches a first predetermined amount, the control unit drives the first injection unit to inject the sterilant into the first waste liquid tank, and drives the solenoid valve to close the first flow path and open the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] Automated analyzers that perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on biological samples such as blood discharge waste liquid during analysis. Because this waste liquid may contain infectious substances, it is often stored in a waste liquid tank and sterilized with a disinfectant before being discarded.

[0003] When the waste liquid tank is replaced after it is full, the automatic analyzer must be stopped during the replacement period to prevent waste liquid from being discharged. If the analysis process is interrupted during the analysis of the sample, the sample may be lost.

[0004] Automatic analyzers are required to have high processing capabilities and rapid output of measurement results. Therefore, in order to output measurement results as quickly as possible, a technique for preventing the automatic analyzer from being stopped as much as possible has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-095133 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, Patent Document 1 does not provide any research on sterilization of waste liquid, and the user needs to manually add a sterilizer to the waste liquid tank each time the waste liquid is discarded. This not only complicates the user's work but also creates the possibility that the sterilizer cannot be added.

[0010] Furthermore, when the waste liquid tank is full, the user needs to collect the waste liquid from the waste liquid tank and discard it before the tank for temporarily draining the waste liquid becomes full again. This may be a burden on the user because it requires urgent measures.

[0011] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology that can reliably sterilize and discard waste liquid in a waste liquid tank without interrupting operation, thereby reducing the burden on users to discard waste liquid.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the automatic analysis device disclosed in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a measuring part, which performs measurement on the specimen; a first waste liquid tank, which stores waste liquid discharged from the measuring part through the first flow path; a second waste liquid tank, which stores waste liquid discharged from the measuring part through the second flow path; an electromagnetic valve, which is arranged between the first flow path and the second flow path, and switches the flow path to discharge the waste liquid to either the first waste liquid tank or the second waste liquid tank; a first injection part, which injects a sterilant into the first waste liquid tank; and a control part, which controls at least the electromagnetic valve and the first injection part, and when the waste liquid reaches a first predetermined amount in the first waste liquid tank, the control part drives the first injection part to inject the sterilant into the first waste liquid tank, drives the electromagnetic valve to close the first flow path, and switches the second flow path to an open state.

[0014] Further features of the present disclosure will become clear from the description and drawings of this specification. In addition, the present disclosure is achieved and realized by the combination of elements and various elements, the detailed description below, and the scope of the attached patent protection technical solutions.

[0015] The description in this specification is merely a typical example and does not limit the technical solutions or application examples for which patent protection is requested in this disclosure in any sense.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the automatic analyzer disclosed herein, waste liquid in the waste liquid tank can be reliably sterilized and discarded without interrupting operation, and the burden on the user in waste liquid disposal can be reduced.

[0018] Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the automatic analyzer and the core device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the waste liquid system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the waste liquid disposal method according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a waste liquid system according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a method for disposing of waste liquid according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a method for disposing of waste liquid according to a third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a time limit.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a waste liquid system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing a waste liquid disposal method according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [First embodiment]

[0029] <Structure of Automatic Analyzer>

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the automatic analyzer 100 and the core device 120 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 1 shows a top view of the main parts of the automatic analyzer 100 and the core device 120, and schematic diagrams of computers 2 to 4. The automatic analyzer 100 includes a conveyor line 103, a buffer 104, an analysis unit 105, and a computer 3. The core device 120 includes a sample rack loading unit 101, a sample rack collecting unit 102, and a computer 4.

[0031] The specimen rack loading unit 101 is a portion where specimen racks 114 are loaded. The specimen racks 114 each hold a plurality of specimen containers 115 containing specimens.

[0032] The conveyor line 103 is arranged along the analysis unit 105 and conveys sample racks 114 from the sample rack loading unit 101 to the analysis unit 105. The conveyor line 103 also conveys sample racks 114 holding samples analyzed in the analysis unit 105 and stores them in the sample rack collecting unit 102.

[0033] The buffer 104 is provided on the conveyor line 103 and temporarily stores any sample racks 114 conveyed by the conveyor line 103. The number of sample racks 114 stored in the buffer 104 may be one or more. The buffer 104 can supply the sample racks 114 back to the analysis unit 105 or the sample rack collection unit 102 at any timing.

[0034] The analysis unit 105 analyzes the sample transported by the transport line 103. Figure 1As shown, the analysis unit 105 includes a reaction container storage portion 106 , a reagent disk 107 , a reaction disk (constant incubator) 108 , a measurement unit 112 , a waste liquid system 113 , a reagent dispensing probe 116 , a sample dispensing probe 117 , and a reaction solution dispensing probe 118 .

[0035] The reaction vessel storage unit 106 is configured to store and transport reaction vessels 110 , and the reaction vessels 110 are set in the reaction vessel holding units 111 of the reaction disk 108 .

[0036] The reagent disk 107 holds reagent containers 109 containing reagents. The reagent is dispensed into the reaction containers 110 held on the reaction disk 108 by a reagent dispensing probe 116 .

[0037] The specimen transported by the conveyor line 103 is dispensed into the reaction container 110 held on the reaction disk 108 through the specimen dispensing probe 117. In this way, the specimen and the reagent are dispensed into the reaction container 110 and mixed, thereby reacting them to obtain a reaction liquid. The reaction liquid obtained as described above can be dispensed into the measuring part 112 through the reaction liquid dispensing probe 118. Although omitted from the figure, the measuring part 112 is equipped with a unit and a container for the reaction liquid dispensing probe 118 to dispense the reaction liquid. It should be noted that, depending on the type of measurement, the specimen on the conveyor line 103 can also be dispensed directly into the measuring part 112 using the reaction liquid dispensing probe 118. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the reaction liquid of the specimen and the reagent is sometimes referred to as the "specimen".

[0038] The measuring unit 112 measures, for example, the optical properties of the specimen. In this case, the measuring unit 112 includes a light source for irradiating light into a cell housing the specimen, and a photodetector for detecting transmitted and scattered light from the cell. Alternatively, the measuring unit 112 may be, for example, an electrolyte measurement cell for measuring the electrolyte concentration in the specimen. In this case, the measuring unit 112 includes an ion-selective electrode and a reference electrode. The specimen is introduced directly or diluted into the ion-selective electrode to measure the ion concentration.

[0039] In addition, a plurality of analysis units 105 may be provided, and the configuration can be such that characteristics of different samples are measured in each analysis unit 105 .

[0040] The waste liquid system 113 holds waste liquid discharged from the automatic analyzer 100, particularly from the analysis unit 105. When there are a plurality of analysis units 105, one waste liquid system 113 is provided for each analysis unit 105. Details of the waste liquid system 113 will be described later.

[0041] The computer 3 is connected to the analysis unit 105 and controls the operation of each component of the analysis unit 105. The computer 4 is connected to the sample rack loading unit 101, the sample rack collecting unit 102, the conveyor line 103 and the buffer 104 and controls their operation. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the computer 3 is arranged outside the housing of the analysis unit 105, and the computer 4 is arranged outside the specimen rack loading unit 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the computers 3 and 4 may be arranged inside the housing of the automatic analyzer 100. In this case, a control board or the like may be used as the computers 3 and 4, for example.

[0042] Computer 2 is connected to computers 3 and 4 to control the entire system. Computer 2 is a computer terminal such as a general-purpose computer, smartphone, tablet computer, or mobile phone, and includes a display unit 21 and an input unit 22. Display unit 21 displays, for example, a GUI screen and data such as the measurement results of analysis unit 105. Input unit 22 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, and a user can input instructions and information to computer 2 by operating input unit 22. Display unit 21 can also serve as a touch panel and input unit 22. Although not shown in the figure, computers 2 to 4 include a storage unit that stores various data such as measurement results.

[0043] <Structure of wastewater system>

[0044] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the waste liquid system 113 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the waste liquid system 113 includes piping 201, solenoid valve 202, waste liquid tanks 203a (first waste liquid tank) and 203b (second waste liquid tank), input standby units 204a and 204b, LEDs 205a and 205b, sensors 206a and 206b, solenoid valves 207a and 207b, input units 208a and 208b, warning water level sensors 209a (first detection unit) and 209b (second detection unit), limit water level sensors 210a and 210b, LEDs 211a and 211b, solenoid valves 212a and 212b, and facility piping 213a and 213b. Computer 3 drives each component of the waste liquid system 113 or receives output signals from each sensor and transmits them to computer 2 as needed.

[0045] Pipe 201 is a pipe for discharging waste liquid discharged from the automatic analyzer 100 into waste liquid tank 203a or 203b. It branches into flow paths 201a and 201b (first flow path and second flow path) with electromagnetic valve 202 as the boundary. By operating electromagnetic valve 202, it is possible to switch between waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b. Waste liquid discharged from the automatic analyzer 100 is discharged through pipe 201, for example, first into waste liquid tank 203a (first waste liquid tank).

[0046] The waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b are configured to be removable from the waste liquid system 113. Figure 2 In the example shown, they are formed in the same shape and size, but the shapes and sizes may be different.

[0047] The input standby portion 204a (disinfectant holding portion) is, for example, cylindrical in shape and contains disinfectant. Examples of the disinfectant include sodium dichloroisocyanurate or its hydrate, sodium trichloroisocyanurate, and other known disinfectants. The disinfectant's form is not particularly limited, and a flat-panel lock system may be employed, for example.

[0048] The sensor 206a detects whether a sterilizing agent is present in the input standby unit 204a. The LED 205a lights up based on an output signal from the sensor 206a, for example, when a sterilizing agent is present.

[0049] When sensor 206a detects that there is no disinfectant in input standby section 204a, computer 3 displays a warning on display unit 21 of computer 2, prompting the user to introduce disinfectant into input standby section 204a. Sensor 206a may also be configured to detect, for example, when the disinfectant is less than a predetermined remaining amount, instead of detecting the presence of disinfectant.

[0050] The movement of the sterilizer from the injection standby unit 204a to the injection unit 208a (first injection unit) is controlled by driving the electromagnetic valve 207a (first injection unit). The injection unit 208a is configured to be able to inject the sterilizer into the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0051] The liquid level detection unit (not shown) of the warning water level sensor 209a is located at the warning water level L1 and detects whether the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a has reached the warning water level L1 (a first predetermined amount). The liquid level detection unit (not shown) of the limit water level sensor 210a is located at the limit water level L2 and detects whether the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a has reached the limit water level L2. In this specification, the warning water level L1 refers to the water level at which the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a should be discarded and is set at a position lower than the limit water level L2. The limit water level L2 represents the maximum amount of waste liquid that can be accommodated in the waste liquid tank 203a, i.e., the capacity of the waste liquid tank 203a, and is set at a position lower than the upper surface of the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0052] When the limit water level sensor 210a detects the liquid level, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, such as the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a reaching the limit water level L2, a sudden and excessive amount of waste liquid being discharged for some reason, or the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a not being discarded, and the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 is stopped. In this way, the operation can be stopped urgently in the event of an abnormality, thereby ensuring safety.

[0053] The electromagnetic valve 212a (first disposal unit) is provided at the bottom of the waste liquid tank 203a and is connected to the facility piping 213a (first disposal unit). By opening the electromagnetic valve 212a, the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a is discarded from the facility piping 213a. As described later, the computer 3 has a timing function that measures the time elapsed from the time the disinfectant is added to the input unit 208a. If a predetermined time (first predetermined time) has passed until the disinfectant dissolves in the waste liquid, the computer 3 opens the electromagnetic valve 212a and discards the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a from the facility piping 213a (first disposal unit). After the disinfectant is added to the waste liquid tank 203a, the electromagnetic valve 202 is driven to switch the waste liquid tank, and the waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid tank 203b (second waste liquid tank).

[0054] The components of waste liquid tank 203b are identical to those of waste liquid tank 203a. Specifically, when the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203b reaches the warning level L3 (the second predetermined amount), a disinfectant is added. Once the predetermined time (the second predetermined time) elapses for the disinfectant to dissolve in the waste liquid, solenoid valve 212b (the second disposal unit) opens, allowing the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203b to be disposed of through facility piping 213b (the second disposal unit).

[0055] When the waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b are formed in the same shape and size, the warning water level L1 and the warning water level L3 are set to the same water level, and the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are also set to the same. The same applies to the limit water level L2 of the waste liquid tank 203a and the limit water level L4 of the waste liquid tank 203b.

[0056] LED 211a lights up when waste liquid tank 203a is used, and LED 211b lights up when waste liquid tank 203b is used. This allows the user to clearly determine which waste liquid tank 203a or 203b the waste liquid is discharged into.

[0057] <Disposal Method of Wastewater>

[0058] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the waste liquid disposal method of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment. This disposal method is actually implemented by computers 2 to 4 controlling the various components of the automatic analyzer 100, but these components are sometimes described as the primary focus of the operation. The following description will first use an example using the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0059] First, the user introduces the disinfectant into the input standby units 204a and 204b in advance.

[0060] In step S1, the user inputs an instruction to start an operation to computer 2 via input unit 22. Upon receiving the instruction to start an operation from input unit 22, computer 2 transmits the instruction to computers 3 and 4. Computer 3 begins receiving inputs of detection signals from sensors 206a and 206b, detection signals from warning water level sensors 209a and 209b, and detection signals from limit water level sensors 210a and 210b.

[0061] In step S2, computer 3 determines whether measurement is being performed by measurement unit 112. This step can determine whether measurement has been performed, for example, by comparing a preset number of samples with the number of samples that have already been measured. If step S2 determines that no measurement has been performed, the process ends. If it determines that a measurement has been performed, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0062] In step S3 , the computer 3 determines whether the warning water level sensor 209 a does not detect the liquid level and the limit water level sensor 210 a detects the liquid level.

[0063] If the answer is "yes" in step S3, since only the upper limit water level sensor 210a is detecting the liquid level, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the warning water level sensor 209a, the limit water level sensor 210a, or another component. Therefore, in step S4, computer 3 transmits the abnormality determination result to computer 2. Computer 2 displays the abnormality warning on display unit 21 and ends the operation.

[0064] If "No" in step S3, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the computer 3 determines whether the warning water level sensor 209a detects the liquid level and the limit water level sensor 210a detects the liquid level.

[0065] If the answer is "Yes" in step S5, since both the warning water level sensor 209a and the limit water level sensor 210a have detected the liquid level, the waste liquid has reached the limit water level L2. Therefore, the process moves to step S6, where computer 3 transmits the overflow determination result to computer 2. Computer 2 displays the overflow warning on display unit 21, and the process ends. As described above, steps S3 and S5 are executed to confirm whether an abnormality exists.

[0066] If "No" in step S5, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the computer 3 determines whether the liquid level is detected only by the warning water level sensor 209a.

[0067] If "YES" is determined in step S7, the waste liquid has reached the warning water level L1. Therefore, in step S8, the computer 3 drives the electromagnetic valve 207a and the injection unit 208a to inject the disinfectant into the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0068] In the case of "No" in step S7, since the waste liquid can still be discharged to the waste liquid tank 203a, the process returns to step S2 and the measurement is continued.

[0069] Following step S8, in step S9, computer 3 drives solenoid valve 202 to close flow path 201a and open flow path 201b. This switches the waste liquid tanks, and waste liquid is discharged into waste liquid tank 203b. The operations after step S9 are identical to those of steps S2 to S8, except that the components on the waste liquid tank 203b side are used.

[0070] Furthermore, in parallel with step S9 , in step S10 , the computer 3 measures the time elapsed after the sterilizer is put into the waste liquid tank 203 a .

[0071] In step S11, computer 3 determines whether the predetermined time (first predetermined time) required for the disinfectant to dissolve in the waste liquid has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (yes), it can be said that the disinfectant has dissolved and the waste liquid has been fully sterilized. Therefore, in step S12, computer 3 opens solenoid valve 212a to dispose of the waste liquid through facility piping 213a. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (no), the process returns to step S10 and continues measuring time.

[0072] <Technical Effects>

[0073] As described above, when the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank (waste liquid tank 203a) reaches the warning level, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment switches to the second waste liquid tank (waste liquid tank 203b) and continues the measurement. It also automatically adds a disinfectant to the first waste liquid tank and discards the waste liquid after sterilization is complete. This allows the sterilized waste liquid to be discarded without stopping operation, thus preventing the loss of samples during the measurement process. Furthermore, since the user does not need to add disinfectant or recover waste liquid, this also reduces the burden on the user.

[0074] [Second embodiment]

[0075] In the first embodiment, the waste liquid system 113 includes solenoid valves 212a and 212b and facility piping 213a and 213b for discarding waste liquid from waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b, and automatically discards waste liquid from each waste liquid tank. However, the solenoid valves 212a and 212b and facility piping 213a and 213b are not necessarily required; the user may also discard waste liquid from waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example in which the user manually discards waste liquid will be described.

[0076] <Structure of wastewater system>

[0077] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the waste liquid system 113 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 In, with Figure 2 The same structures are marked with the same reference numerals. Figure 4 As shown, the waste liquid system 113 of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that it does not include the electromagnetic valves 212a and 212b and the facility pipes 213a and 213b.

[0078] <Disposal Method of Wastewater>

[0079] Figure 5 Flowchart showing the waste liquid disposal method of the second embodiment. In the waste liquid disposal method of this embodiment, the operations of steps S1 to S11 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0080] If the answer is "yes" in step S11, in step S21, computer 3 outputs to computer 2 a message indicating that sterilization of waste liquid tank 203a is complete and the waste liquid can be discarded. To encourage the user to discard the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203a, computer 2 displays a notification on display unit 21 (warning unit). Alternatively, instead of displaying the notification on display unit 21, or in conjunction with the display on display unit 21, computer 2 may prompt the user to discard the waste liquid by emitting sound or light.

[0081] In step S22, the user removes the waste liquid tank 203a to discard the waste liquid, and then sets it again.

[0082] <Technical Effects>

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank (waste liquid tank 203a) reaches the warning water level, the device switches to the second waste liquid tank (waste liquid tank 203b) and continues the measurement, and a disinfectant is automatically added to the first waste liquid tank. Afterwards, after the sterilization is completed, the user is notified to discard the waste liquid, and the user discards the waste liquid. With this structure, the sterilized waste liquid can be discarded without stopping the operation, so the specimen during the measurement process is not lost. In addition, since the user does not need to add a disinfectant, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0084] [Third embodiment]

[0085] In the second embodiment, an example is described in which a notification is issued to the user prompting the user to discard the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank after it has been sterilized and can be discarded. However, there is a possibility that the user may not notice the notification, or even if they do notice the notification, they may not discard the waste liquid immediately. In such a case, if the waste liquid in one waste liquid tank reaches the warning level and is not discarded, while the waste liquid in the other waste liquid tank also reaches the warning level, the operation must be stopped because no further waste liquid can be stored.

[0086] Therefore, in the third embodiment, a method for disposing of waste liquid in the event that waste liquid tank 203a reaches the warning water level and is switched to waste liquid tank 203b, and waste liquid tank 203b also reaches the warning water level, will be described. While the details will be described later, in such a case, a time limit is measured after waste liquid tank 203b reaches the warning water level. If the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203a is not discarded within the time limit, the operation is terminated. If the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203a is discarded before the time limit has elapsed, the time limit is reset and the switch is made from waste liquid tank 203b to waste liquid tank 203a. The time limit is the time the user has to discard the waste liquid in waste liquid tank 203a, and is calculated based on the excess capacity of waste liquid tank 203b.

[0087] <Structure of wastewater system>

[0088] The structure of the waste liquid system of this embodiment is Figure 4 The waste liquid system 113 of the second embodiment shown is the same, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0089] <Disposal Method of Wastewater>

[0090] Figure 6 Flowchart showing the method for disposing of waste liquid according to the third embodiment. Figure 6 In the second embodiment ( Figure 5 ) The same steps are marked with the same figure numbers.

[0091] The method for disposing of waste liquid in this embodiment is Figure 5 In step S22 shown, the user does not discard the waste liquid from the waste liquid tank 203a, but starts from the state switched to the waste liquid tank 203b in step S9 (step S31).

[0092] Steps S2 to S8 are the same as those in the second embodiment, but in this embodiment, for example, step S32 is executed between steps S2 and S3.

[0093] In step S32, the computer 3 calculates the predicted amount of waste liquid to be discharged into the waste liquid tank 203b, the excess capacity of the waste liquid tank 203b, and the time limit for discarding the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0094] The predicted waste liquid volume is a value obtained by adding the current waste liquid volume in the waste liquid tank 203b to the waste liquid volume of one measurement. The current waste liquid volume is calculated based on the specimen measurement constant × the waste liquid volume of one measurement. The waste liquid volume of one measurement is calculated by the supply suction volume design value + the dilution avoidance suction volume + the backlash equivalent, and is pre-stored in the storage unit of the computer 3. The supply suction volume design value refers to the design value of the amount of specimen or reagent that is sucked and supplied to the measuring unit 112. The dilution avoidance suction volume refers to the design value of the specimen volume that is sucked by the dummy in consideration of the dilution during the dispensing of the specimen. The backlash equivalent refers to the value of the error caused by the residue remaining in the dispensing nozzle when the specimen or reagent is dispensed.

[0095] Alternatively, the estimated waste liquid volume may be an average waste liquid volume per unit time.

[0096] The remaining capacity is a value indicating the amount of waste liquid that can be discarded in the waste liquid tank 203b, and can be calculated as: excess capacity = (capacity at the limit water level L4 of the waste liquid tank 203b) - (current waste liquid amount in the waste liquid tank 203b).

[0097] The time limit is calculated as: Time limit = Excess capacity ÷ (Number of sample measurements per unit time × Amount of waste liquid per measurement) × Safety factor. The number of sample measurements per unit time can be calculated based on the results of the previous operation or the previous operation. The safety factor is a value preset by the automated analyzer, for example, 0.8 to 1.2.

[0098] These calculated values ​​are stored in the storage unit of the computer 3. Therefore, when the power of the automatic analyzer 100 is turned off during operation and then restarted, it is not necessary to perform step S32 again.

[0099] In step S7, the warning water level sensor 209b detects the liquid level and determines that the waste liquid tank 203b has reached the warning water level L3. In step S8, after the disinfectant is introduced into the waste liquid tank 203b, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the computer 3 confirms that the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a has not been discarded based on the detection signal from the warning water level sensor 209a and displays a warning notification on the display unit 21 of the computer 2. Furthermore, since the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203b has reached the warning water level L3, the display unit 21 displays a notification urging the user to discard the waste liquid.

[0100] Next, in step S34, the computer 3 starts measuring the time limit calculated in step S32. The time limit measurement may also be started immediately after the sterilizer is added in step S8.

[0101] At this point, since both waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b have reached the warning level, the computer 2 can also temporarily stop the operation of the automatic analyzer 100. This allows the discharge of waste liquid to be temporarily stopped, ensuring time for discarding the waste liquid from the waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b, thereby preventing overflow of the waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b. When the user discards the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a and reinstalls it in the waste liquid system 113, the computer 2 resumes the temporarily stopped operation.

[0102] In step S35, the computer 3 determines whether the time limit has passed. If the time limit has passed (yes), it is set as a timeout. In step S36, the computer 2 displays a warning indicating the end of the operation on the display unit 21, and the operation is ended.

[0103] If the time limit has not passed (No), the process proceeds to step S37. The computer 3 determines whether the warning water level sensor 209a of the waste liquid tank 203a has not detected the liquid level and the limit water level sensor 210a has not detected the liquid level. This allows confirmation of whether the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a has been discarded by the user.

[0104] If neither the warning water level sensor 209a nor the limit water level sensor 210a detects a liquid level (YES), it can be determined that the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a has been discarded by the user. Therefore, in step S38, the measurement of the time limit is reset (suspended). In addition, the calculation result of the time limit stored in the storage unit of the computer 3 is also reset.

[0105] In step S39, the computer 3 drives the electromagnetic valve 202 to open the flow path 201a and close the flow path 201b. This switches the waste liquid tank and discharges the waste liquid into the waste liquid tank 203a.

[0106] In step S34, the time limit may be displayed on the display unit 21 of the computer 2 simultaneously with the start of the time limit measurement. This allows the user to know the time when the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203a should be discarded. Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen 501 displaying a time limit. On the screen 501, for example, the remaining time of the time limit is displayed.

[0107] <Technical Effects>

[0108] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the user has discarded the waste liquid from the first waste liquid tank and the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank has reached the warning water level, a warning is displayed and the time limit is measured. If the user discards the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank within the time limit, the measurement is switched to the first waste liquid tank. If the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank is not discarded within the time limit, the operation is terminated. By adopting such a method, even if the user does not discard the waste liquid, the user can be prompted to discard the waste liquid before both waste liquid tanks overflow. Moreover, if the user does not discard the waste liquid even after being warned, the operation is terminated before both waste liquid tanks overflow, thereby preventing the loss of the specimen.

[0109] [Fourth embodiment]

[0110] In the second and third embodiments, the waste liquid system 113 includes two waste liquid tanks 203a and 203b. When the waste liquid in one waste liquid tank reaches the warning level, the waste liquid tank is switched to the other waste liquid tank and the user is prompted to discard the waste liquid.

[0111] In this embodiment, an example is described in which a waste liquid system includes one waste liquid tank, and when the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank reaches a warning level, the user is prompted to discard the waste liquid based on the predicted waste liquid amount.

[0112] <Structure of wastewater system>

[0113] Figure 8 : is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the waste liquid system 413 of the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 In the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the waste liquid system 113 ( Figure 4 ) The same structures are marked with the same figure marks.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, the waste liquid system 413 according to the fourth embodiment includes piping 201, a solenoid valve 202, a waste liquid tank 203, a charging standby unit 204, an LED 205, a sensor 206, a solenoid valve 207, a charging unit 208, a warning water level sensor 209, a limit water level sensor 210, and an LED 211. Thus, the waste liquid system 413 differs from the waste liquid systems 113 of the second and third embodiments in that it includes only one component for the waste liquid tank. Therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0115] <Disposal Method of Wastewater>

[0116] Figure 9 This is a flow chart showing a waste liquid disposal method according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 6The method of the third embodiment shown is substantially the same, so only the differences from the waste liquid disposal method of the third embodiment will be described below. Figure 9 In the middle, the expression Figure 6 The same steps as shown in the figure are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0117] In step S1, the user inputs an instruction to start the operation to computer 2 via input unit 22. Upon receiving the instruction to start the operation from input unit 22, computer 2 transmits the instruction to computers 3 and 4. Computer 3 begins receiving inputs of detection signals from sensor 206, detection signals from warning water level sensor 209, and detection signals from limit water level sensor 210.

[0118] Next, similarly to the third embodiment, steps S2, S32, and S3 to S8 are executed, and then the process proceeds to step S41. At this time, the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 has reached the warning water level L1.

[0119] In step S41 , the computer 2 displays a notification on the display unit 21 (warning unit) and temporarily stops the operation in order to urge the user to discard the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 .

[0120] In step S42, the computer 3 determines whether the predicted waste liquid volume exceeds the limit water level L2 (the capacity of the waste liquid tank 203) ("Predicted waste liquid volume > limit water level"?). In other words, the computer 3 determines whether the excess capacity of the waste liquid tank 203 (=limit water level L2 - warning water level L1) is less than one measured amount of waste liquid ("Excess capacity = (limit water level L2 - warning water level L1) < one measured amount of waste liquid"?).

[0121] As described in the third embodiment, the estimated waste liquid volume is calculated, for example, by adding the current waste liquid volume in the waste liquid tank 203b to the waste liquid volume of one measured amount. The excess capacity represents the amount of waste liquid that can be discarded in the waste liquid tank 203 and can be calculated as follows: excess capacity = (capacity of the waste liquid tank 203 at the limit water level L2) - (current waste liquid volume in the waste liquid tank 203).

[0122] In the case of "No" in step S42, the waste liquid can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 203, so the computer 2 restarts the operation and returns to step S2 to continue the measurement.

[0123] If the answer is "Yes" in step S42, the process proceeds to step S43. If the predicted waste liquid volume exceeds the limit water level L2 and the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 has not been discarded, the waste liquid will reach the limit water level L2 and overflow during the measurement process, necessitating a halt to the operation. Therefore, in step S43, the computer 3 determines whether the warning water level sensor 209 detects a liquid level to confirm whether the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 has been discarded.

[0124] If the answer is "yes" in step S43, the user is deemed not to have discarded the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203, and the operation is terminated. If the answer is "no" in step S43, the user is deemed to have discarded the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203, and the computer 2 restarts the operation and returns to step S2 to continue the measurement.

[0125] Alternatively, instead of combining this embodiment with the first embodiment and having the user discard the waste liquid, a facility piping 213 and an electromagnetic valve 212 ( Figure 8 In this case, the computer 3 temporarily stops operation after adding the disinfectant to the waste liquid tank 203, and drives the electromagnetic valve 212 after a predetermined time to discard the waste liquid through the facility piping.

[0126] <Technical Effects>

[0127] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 reaches the warning water level L1, the user is prompted to discard the waste liquid. When the predicted waste liquid volume exceeds the limit water level L2 (when the excess capacity is less than one measured amount of waste liquid), the operation is terminated if the warning water level sensor 209 detects the liquid level. In this way, the user is prompted to discard the waste liquid before the predicted waste liquid volume reaches the limit water level L2 (the capacity of the waste liquid tank 203). As a result, the user can discard the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 203 before the operation is stopped, thereby preventing the loss of the specimen. In addition, as in the first to third embodiments, since the injection unit 208 is provided to automatically inject the disinfectant when the waste liquid reaches the warning water level L1, the user does not need to manually inject the disinfectant, which can reduce the workload.

[0128] [Modification]

[0129] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are embodiments described in detail to easily explain the present disclosure and do not necessarily need to have all the structures described. In addition, a portion of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. In addition, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, a portion of the structure of another embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0130] Description of Reference Signs

[0131] 100…Automatic analysis device

[0132] 120…Core device

[0133] 2-4…Computer

[0134] 21…Display unit

[0135] 22…Input

[0136] 101…Specimen rack loading unit

[0137] 102…Specimen rack collection department

[0138] 103…Conveyor line

[0139] 104…Buffer

[0140] 105…Analysis Unit

[0141] 106 ... reaction vessel storage unit

[0142] 107…reagent tray

[0143] 108…Reaction plate

[0144] 109…reagent container

[0145] 110…Reaction vessel

[0146] 111 ... reaction vessel holding portion

[0147] 112…Measurement Department

[0148] 113, 413…waste liquid system

[0149] 114…Specimen rack

[0150] 115…Specimen container

[0151] 116…Reagent dispensing probe

[0152] 117…Specimen dispensing probe

[0153] 118…Reaction solution dispensing probe

[0154] 201…Piping

[0155] 202…Solenoid valve

[0156] 203, 203a, 203b…waste liquid tank

[0157] 204, 204a, 204b...put into standby part

[0158] 205, 205a, 205b…LED

[0159] 206, 206a, 206b…sensors

[0160] 207, 207a, 207b… solenoid valve

[0161] 208, 208a, 208b…Input

[0162] 209, 209a, 209b…Warning water level sensor

[0163] 210, 210a, 210b…limit water level sensor

[0164] 211, 211a, 211b…LED

[0165] 212, 212a, 212b…Solenoid valve

[0166] 213, 213a, 213b…Facility piping

[0167] 501…Screen.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that The automatic analysis device has: a measuring unit that performs measurements on the sample; a first waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid discharged from the measuring section via the first flow path; a second waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid discharged from the measuring section via the second flow path; a solenoid valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, configured to switch the flow path so as to discharge the waste liquid into either the first waste liquid tank or the second waste liquid tank; a first feeding part, which feeds the bactericide into the first waste liquid tank; a second feeding part, which feeds the bactericide into the second waste liquid tank; and a control unit that controls at least the solenoid valve, the first injection unit, and the second injection unit; When the waste liquid reaches a first predetermined amount in the first waste liquid tank, the control unit drives the first injection unit to inject the disinfectant into the first waste liquid tank, drives the solenoid valve to close the first flow path, and switches the second flow path to an open state. After a first predetermined time has passed since the disinfectant was added to the first waste liquid tank, the control unit outputs a notification urging a user to discard the waste liquid from the first waste liquid tank. When the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank reaches a second predetermined amount, the control unit drives the second injection unit to inject the fungicide into the second waste liquid tank. After a second predetermined time has passed since the sterilizer was added to the second waste liquid tank, the control unit outputs a notification prompting a user to discard the waste liquid from the second waste liquid tank. When the user does not discard the waste liquid from the first waste liquid tank and the waste liquid reaches the second predetermined amount in the second waste liquid tank, the control unit outputs a warning to the user and starts measuring a time limit. If the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank still reaches the first predetermined amount after the limit time has elapsed, the control unit stops the measurement in the measurement unit. The time limit is calculated based on the excess capacity of the second waste liquid tank ÷ (number of specimen measurements per unit time × amount of waste liquid per measurement) × safety factor.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic analysis device also has: a sterilizer holding portion that stores the sterilizer; and A sensor detects whether the bactericide is stored in the bactericide holding portion.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic analyzer further includes a first detection unit configured to detect that the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank has reached the first predetermined volume and output a detection signal to the control unit.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic analyzer further includes a second detection unit configured to detect that the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank has reached the second predetermined volume and output a detection signal to the control unit.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic device further includes a display unit, The control unit controls the display unit to display the limited time.

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