Haplotype analysis device

Abstract

The present application provides a unit type analysis device which can easily change the structure of a unit for measurement. A unit type analysis device (1) includes: a system controller (80); a plurality of analysis units (60) each having a main power switch (70) which switches on / off of power supply to the analysis unit, and a soft switch (66) which is provided separately from the main power switch (70) and switches on / off of communication with the system controller; and a soft switch operation mode setting section (65) which sets validity / invalidity of operation of the soft switch possessed by the analysis unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a unit-type analytical device such as a liquid chromatograph. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid chromatography (LC) is widely used for the identification or quantification of components contained in liquid samples. In LC, a liquid sample is introduced into a column following the flow of a mobile phase supplied at a specified flow rate, and the components in the sample are separated and determined within the column.

[0003] Liquid chromatographs (LCs) can be either integrated or modular, consisting of multiple units (also called modules). An integrated LC consists of a delivery unit, a sample injection unit, a column, and a detector; a system controller that sends control signals to operate the delivery unit; and a power supply that supplies power to the delivery unit and the system controller.

[0004] A unit-type liquid chromatograph includes: a delivery unit, comprising a pump that draws and supplies the mobile phase stored in the mobile phase container to the column; an ejector that injects the liquid sample into the mobile phase; a column oven for heating the column; and a detector unit for detecting components in the mobile phase effluent from the column. Many liquid chromatographs also include an autosampler, which automatically and sequentially injects multiple samples into the ejector by placing them in the autosampler.

[0005] Each component is individually modularized and connected to a system controller. The system controller connects to a workstation (control computer) equipped with dedicated software and sends control signals to each unit (the system controller itself is also mostly modularized, but here it refers to units other than the system controller) according to instructions from the workstation. Each unit is equipped with a main power switch and a soft switch. The soft switch is used to switch each unit to a power-saving mode or to restore it from a power-saving mode to a normal operating mode, and is usually located on the front surface of the unit. On the other hand, the main power switch is used to switch the power supply to the unit on / off. It is a switch that is only operated when the unit is installed, and therefore, to prevent accidental operation, it is located on the back or lower surface of the unit, or in a place that is difficult for the hand to reach.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a unit-type liquid chromatograph where each unit is switched to a power-saving mode or returns to its normal operating mode without operating the soft switches. When each unit is connected to a system controller, the soft switch operation of each unit is disabled in order to unify the control of the soft switches under the system controller. In this liquid chromatograph, a predetermined control signal is sent from the system controller to the unit switched to the power-saving mode. In the target unit, when the control signal is received, the body performing the measurement operation (such as the pump in the liquid delivery unit) is switched to the power-saving mode. Subsequently, when the predetermined control signal is received again from the system controller, the body returns to its normal operating mode from the power-saving mode. That is, in this system, the so-called power-saving mode refers to an operating mode that suppresses the power consumed by the body while maintaining communication with the system controller (also called a sleep state or a shutdown state).

[0007] In a unit-type liquid chromatograph, the system controller identifies the type or number of units assembled into the liquid chromatograph at a given time (i.e., when the main power switch is turned on and communication is established with the system controller). When the analyst sets the measurement conditions in the control computer, these conditions are sent to the system controller. The system controller verifies whether the structure of the unit corresponding to the received measurement conditions matches the structure of the units assembled into the liquid chromatograph (with communication established with the system controller). If they match, the measurement is performed. Conversely, if they do not match, this intention is sent to the control computer, prompting the analyst to confirm the unit structure or measurement conditions.

[0008] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0009] [Patent Literature]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 183597 Summary of the Invention

[0011] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In liquid chromatography (LC), various types of detectors, such as absorbance detectors, fluorescence detectors, differential refractive index detectors, and conductivity detectors, are used depending on the characteristics of the analyte sample. These detectors are modular, and the detector unit used for the measurement is assembled into the LC. As mentioned above, when performing measurements using an existing LC, it is necessary to assemble a detector unit corresponding to the measurement conditions and establish communication with the system controller. In existing LCs, when changing detectors, it is necessary to replace the detector unit used in the previous measurement with the detector unit used in the next measurement, or to wire the two detector units in the system controller, turn off the main power switch of the detector unit used in the previous measurement to disconnect communication with the system controller, and then turn on the main power switch of the detector unit used in the next measurement to establish communication with the system controller. In the former case, the wiring between the system controller and the detector unit must be connected, which is time-consuming. On the other hand, in the latter case, it is not necessary to change the wiring between the system controller and the detector unit. However, in the latter case, the main power switch must be operated from a difficult-to-access location, such as the back or bottom surface of the unit, making the operation cumbersome. This description uses the detector as an example, but the situation is similar for other units. In existing liquid chromatographs, changing the structure of a unit requires time-consuming or cumbersome work. Furthermore, depending on the setup environment, analysts may not be able to access the back of the system where the main power switch is located. Consequently, in liquid chromatographs, proper wiring between units is required, and if an analyst accidentally enters the back of the chromatograph, there is a risk of wiring becoming detached. In such cases, if an analyst without proper setup training makes incorrect wiring, it may result in problems such as the inability to perform the intended analysis.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a unit-type analysis device in which the structure of the unit used for measurement can be easily changed.

[0014] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0015] The unit-type analysis apparatus of the present invention, which addresses the aforementioned problem, includes:

[0016] System controller;

[0017] Multiple analysis units, each having a main power switch for switching the power supply to the analysis unit on / off, and a soft switch separate from the main power switch for switching the communication with the system controller on / off; and

[0018] The soft-switch operation mode setting unit sets the validity / invalidity of the soft-switch operation of the analysis unit.

[0019] [The effects of the invention]

[0020] The analysis apparatus of the present invention includes: a system controller, a plurality of analysis units connected to the system controller, and a soft-switch operation mode setting unit. When performing measurements using the analysis apparatus, the analyst confirms whether communication has been established between the analysis unit used for measurement and the system controller. If communication has not been established, the soft-switch operation mode setting unit enables the operation of a soft switch on the analysis unit, and operates the soft switch to establish communication with the system controller. Similarly, for analysis units not used for measurement, the soft-switch operation mode setting unit enables the operation of a soft switch on the analysis unit, and operates the soft switch to disconnect communication with the system controller.

[0021] In the analysis apparatus of the present invention, communication with the system controller is established simply by operating the soft-switch operation mode setting unit and the soft switch (or by operating the soft switch of an unused analysis unit to disconnect communication with the system controller). This allows for easy modification of the unit structure without changing the wiring between the analysis unit and the system controller, or by operating the main power supply of the analysis unit in a difficult-to-operate location. Furthermore, by enabling the soft switch input operation when a skilled operator performs measurements using different combinations of analysis units, and disabling it when a less skilled operator performs measurements using only a predetermined combination of analysis units, misoperation of the soft switch by a less skilled operator can be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of a liquid chromatograph, which is an embodiment of the analytical apparatus of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the units of the liquid chromatograph in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the main components of the analytical unit of the liquid chromatograph in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the front and back surfaces of the analytical unit of the liquid chromatograph in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an example of the power saving mode settings screen in this embodiment.

[0027] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0028] 1: Liquid Chromatography

[0029] 10: Liquid delivery unit

[0030] 111, 112: Containers

[0031] 121, 122: Liquid delivery pump

[0032] 13: Mixer

[0033] 20: Automatic Sampler

[0034] 21: Temperature Control Section

[0035] 30: Column oven

[0036] 31: Tubing

[0037] 32: Temperature Control Section

[0038] 40: Absorbance detector

[0039] 50: Differential Refractive Index Detector

[0040] 60: Analysis Unit

[0041] 61: Ontology

[0042] 62: Unit Control Section

[0043] 63: First Power Supply

[0044] 64: Second power supply

[0045] 65: Soft switch operation mode setting unit

[0046] 66: Soft switch

[0047] 67: Monitor

[0048] 68: Control Panel

[0049] 69: Indicator

[0050] 70: Main power switch

[0051] 80: System Controller

[0052] 90: Control / Processing Unit

[0053] 91: Storage Department

[0054] 92: Measurement Condition Setting Section

[0055] 93: Measurement and Control Department

[0056] 94: Device Structure Acquisition Section

[0057] 95: Power Saving Mode Setting Department

[0058] 96: Input Section

[0059] 97: Display Section

[0060] 100: Flow path

[0061] 110: Communication Cable Detailed Implementation

[0062] Hereinafter, a liquid chromatograph, which is an embodiment of the analytical apparatus of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the main components of the liquid chromatograph 1 in this embodiment. The liquid chromatograph 1 includes: a liquid delivery unit 10, an automatic sampler 20, a column oven 30, and an absorbance detector (in... Figure 1 Recorded as "SPD (absorbance detector)" 40, differential refractive index detector (in Figure 1 The system is described as "RID (refractive index detector)" 50, system controller 80, and control / processing unit 90.

[0064] The delivery unit 10 includes: a container 111 containing a mobile phase solution, a container 112, a delivery pump 121 and a delivery pump 122 for delivering the solution in the containers 111 and 112, and a mixer 13 for mixing the two solutions. The mobile phase prepared by the delivery unit 10 is introduced into the column 31 in the column oven 30 via an automatic sampler 20.

[0065] The automatic sampler 20 includes multiple sample container holding sections, each holding a sample container containing a liquid sample or a standard sample to be analyzed. In the automatic sampler 20, based on set measurement conditions, liquid samples are collected from the sample containers in a predetermined sequence, and the liquid sample or standard sample is injected into the mobile phase supplied from the liquid delivery unit 10. To prevent the liquid sample from evaporating or deteriorating, the interior of the automatic sampler 20 is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a temperature adjustment unit 21 (typically a cooling device).

[0066] The column oven 30 includes a column 31 and a temperature adjustment unit 32 that adjusts the temperature of the column 31 based on the set measurement conditions. During the passage of the liquid sample through the column 31, the components in the liquid sample are separated. The sample components flowing out of the column 31 are introduced to an absorbance detector 40 or a differential refractive index detector 50.

[0067] The absorbance detector 40 includes: a flow cell for introducing sample components flowing out of the column 31; a light source for irradiating the flow cell with light within a specified wavelength range; a spectrometer for separating the light transmitted through the flow cell for each wavelength; a photodiode array detector for detecting the wavelength-separated light; and a temperature adjustment unit for maintaining the detector's internal temperature at a specified temperature. In measurements using the absorbance detector 40, the sample components can be detected and quantified based on the amount of light absorbed at different wavelengths for each sample component.

[0068] The differential refractive index detector 50 includes: a flow cell, comprising a sample cell for introducing sample components flowing out of the column 31 and a reference cell for introducing a reference sample; a light source for illuminating the flow cell with slit light of a specific wavelength; a photodetector for detecting the light transmitted through the flow cell; and a temperature adjustment unit for maintaining the internal temperature of the detector at a predetermined temperature. In the differential refractive index detector 50, when light from the light source passes through the boundary between the sample cell and the reference cell, the light path changes due to refraction based on the refractive index difference between the reference solution and the sample solution. When the sample components flow from the column 31 into the sample cell, the position of the slit image formed on the light-receiving element of the photodetector changes. In measurements using the differential refractive index detector 50, the sample components can be detected and quantified based on the displacement.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid delivery unit 10, the automatic sampler 20, the column oven 30, the absorbance detector 40, and the differential refractive index detector 50 are each housed in a separate frame and are unitized. Hereinafter, without making a specific distinction between the liquid delivery unit 10, the automatic sampler 20, the column oven 30, the absorbance detector 40, and the differential refractive index detector 50, they will also be referred to as "analysis units 60". Furthermore, the system controller 80 is also unitized. The liquid delivery unit 10 is connected to the automatic sampler 20, the automatic sampler 20 to the column oven 30, the column oven 30 to the absorbance detector 40, and the column oven 30 to the differential refractive index detector 50 via liquid delivery flow paths 100. The control / processing unit 90 is connected to the system controller 80, and the system controller 80 is connected to each analysis unit 60 via communication cables 110.

[0070] In addition to the storage unit 91, the control / processing unit 90 also includes a measurement condition setting unit 92, a measurement control unit 93, a device structure acquisition unit 94, and a power-saving mode setting unit 95 as functional blocks. The storage unit 91 stores information such as the measurement conditions used when measuring various sample components, or the information required for setting power-saving modes. Furthermore, the storage unit 91 also stores data acquired when measuring liquid samples, or their analytical results. The control / processing unit 90 is essentially a personal computer (workstation), and these functional blocks are realized by executing a pre-installed liquid chromatograph control program on the computer. The control / processing unit 90 is connected to an input unit 96, including a keyboard or mouse, and a display unit 97.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of each analytical unit 60. Each analytical unit 60 includes: a body 61, a unit control unit 62, a first power supply 63, a second power supply 64, and a soft-switch operation mode setting unit 65. The body 61 is the part that corresponds to the operating body of the analytical unit 60. For example, in the case of the liquid delivery unit 10, the liquid delivery pump 121, the liquid delivery pump 122, or the mixer 13 for delivering the mobile phase are included in the body 61. In the case of the automatic sampler 20, the temperature adjustment unit 21 of the automatic sampler 20, or the drive unit of the sampling needle for collecting samples, are included in the body 61. In the case of the column oven 30, the temperature adjustment unit 32 for adjusting the temperature of the column 31 is included in the body 61. In the case of the absorbance detector 40 and the differential refractive index detector 50, the light source, the spectrophotometer, and the temperature adjustment unit are included in the body 61.

[0072] Power is supplied to the main body 61 from the first power source 63. In this embodiment, the first power source 63 outputs 24V, and the second power source 64 outputs 5V. The magnitude of these outputs can be appropriately determined based on the physical form of the main body 61 and the unit control unit 62. The physical form of the unit control unit 62 is a processor or the like, and the second power source 64 can simply use a power source with a smaller output than the first power source 63.

[0073] The unit control unit 62 includes a processor and a memory. The processor controls the operation of the main body 61 based on commands input from an external source. The processor also switches between ON and OFF states of power supply to the main body 61 from the first power supply 63. Furthermore, the unit control unit 62 communicates with the system controller 80. Power is supplied to the unit control unit 62 from the second power supply 64. The operating mode in which power is supplied to the main body 61 is ON is called the normal mode, and the operating mode in which power is supplied to the main body 61 is OFF is called the power-saving mode (shutdown mode or hibernation mode).

[0074] The activation or deactivation of the soft switch operation mode setting unit 65 is determined by... Figure 4The operation panel 68 is configured (changed). When the configuration is valid, the soft switch 66 can be operated even during communication with the system controller 80. When the configuration is invalid, the soft switch 66 cannot be operated during communication with the system controller 80.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, each analysis unit 60 has a soft switch 66, a display 67, an operation panel 68, and an indicator 69 on its front surface. Additionally, each analysis unit 60 has a main power switch 70 on its back. The main power switch 70 switches the overall power supply of the analysis unit 60 on / off. When the main power switch 70 is switched off, power supply from the first power source 63 to the main body 61 and power supply from the second power source 64 to the unit control unit 62 is stopped. As a result, all operations of the analysis unit 60 (operations of the main body 61 and the unit control unit 62) cease, and communication with the system controller 80 is also interrupted. A "soft switch" is a switch that switches the on / off state of a specific function within the analysis unit by switching the power supply from a specific source.

[0076] The soft switch 66 has the function of switching the communication with the system controller 80 on / off by pressing its button, and the function of displaying the status of the analysis unit 60 by displaying the button status as described below.

[0077] The display (lit) status of the soft switch 66 indicates that the input operation (pressing the button) to the soft switch 66 is valid. The absence (unlit) status of the soft switch 66 indicates that the input operation (pressing the button) to the soft switch 66 is invalid, and the communication between the analysis unit 60 and the system controller 80 is either ON or the main power switch 70 is OFF, stopping power supply to the analysis unit 60. Furthermore, the soft switch 66 can be illuminated in either white or red. A white illumination of the soft switch 66 indicates that communication with the system controller 80 is ON. A red illumination of the soft switch 66 indicates that communication with the system controller 80 is OFF. Alternatively, a button for the soft switch 66 can also be provided on the system controller 80. When the system controller 80 is not communicating with the control / processing unit 90, the input operation to the soft switch 66 is indicated by lighting up the soft switch 66. When communicating with the control / processing unit 90, the input operation to the soft switch 66 is indicated by turning off the soft switch 66.

[0078] Indicator 69 has the function of displaying the operating mode of the analysis unit 60. Indicator 69 has three illumination states: green, red, and gray. A green indicator 69 indicates that the analysis unit 60 is in normal operating mode. A red indicator 69 indicates that the analysis unit 60 is in sleep mode. A gray indicator 69 indicates that the analysis unit 60 is in power-off mode.

[0079] Next, the procedure for analyzing liquid samples using the liquid chromatograph 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this example, for the liquid sample placed in the autosampler 20, the absorbance detector 40 is used for measurement first, followed by the differential refractive index detector 50. Furthermore, it is assumed that at the initial time point, communication with the system controller 80 is ON for all analytical units 60, and they operate in normal mode. Additionally, it is assumed that the system controller 80 communicates with the control / processing unit 90. In all analytical units 60, the soft switch 66 is off, and the indicator 69 is illuminated in green.

[0080] When the analyst instructs to begin setting the measurement conditions for the liquid sample via the prescribed operation of the input unit 96, the measurement condition setting unit 92 reads the measurement conditions stored in the storage unit 91 and displays them on the screen of the display unit 97. The analyst confirms the displayed measurement conditions and changes them as needed. When the measurement conditions are determined, the measurement condition setting unit 92 creates a method document recording the measurement conditions and saves it in the storage unit 91. In the example described, the measurement conditions for the first measurement using the absorbance detector 40 and the measurement conditions for the second measurement using the differential refractive index detector 50 are set separately, and the corresponding method documents 1 and 2 are saved in the storage unit 91.

[0081] When the analyst instructs the start of the first measurement through the prescribed operation, the measurement control unit 93 reads the method file 1 stored in the storage unit 91 and determines the structure of the analysis unit 60 (liquid delivery unit 10, automatic sampler 20, column oven 30, and absorbance detector 40) required to perform the first measurement.

[0082] When the structure of the analytical unit 60 required for the measurement is determined by the measurement control unit 93, the device structure acquisition unit 94 sends a control signal to the system controller 80 to confirm the connection status of each analytical unit 60. The system controller 80 sends a prescribed command to each analytical unit 60. When each analytical unit 60 receives the command, it sends a command indicating the operating status of the analytical unit 60 back to the system controller 80. The system controller 80 determines the analytical unit 60 that has sent the command back and sends information about the determined operating status (normal mode or power-saving mode) of the analytical unit 60 to the control / processing unit 90. The control / processing unit 90 confirms the status of each analytical unit 60 (ON / OFF communication with the system controller 80 and operating mode) based on the information sent from the system controller 80, and determines the analytical unit 60 assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1.

[0083] When the device structure acquisition unit 94 determines the analytical unit 60 assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1 at this time point, the measurement control unit 93 confirms whether the liquid chromatograph 1 is in a state capable of performing the first measurement (first measurement state). Specifically, it confirms that the communication between the liquid delivery unit 10, the automatic sampler 20, the column oven 30, and the absorbance detector 40 and the system controller 80 is ON, and they are operating in normal mode, and that the analytical unit 60 other than these (in this embodiment, the differential refractive index detector 50) is not assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1 (communication with the system controller 80 is OFF).

[0084] As described above, at the initial time point, communication between the system controller 80 and all analytical units 60 is ON, operating in normal mode, and therefore not in the first measurement state. Specifically, communication between the differential refractive index detector 50 and the system controller 80 is ON. When the state of the liquid chromatograph 1 differs from the first measurement state, the measurement control unit 93 displays the state of each analytical unit 60 at this time point on the display unit 97, emphasizing the part that differs from the first measurement state (here, the differential refractive index detector 50's communication with the system controller 80 is ON, assembled into the liquid chromatograph 1), prompting the analyst to confirm. This emphasis can be achieved, for example, by using a display of a different color or a flashing display.

[0085] The analyst checks the screen displaying a different status from the first measurement state of the liquid chromatograph 1 and changes the setting of the soft switch operation mode setting unit 65 to enable the input operation from the differential refractive index detector 50 to the soft switch 66. When the setting is changed, the soft switch 66 is illuminated in white. When the analyst presses the soft switch 66 in the stated state, communication with the system controller 80 is switched off, and the illumination color of the soft switch 66 of the differential refractive index detector 50 changes from white to red. This achieves the first measurement state. Alternatively, pressing the soft switch 66 can also disable the setting of the soft switch operation mode setting unit 65.

[0086] When the analyst instructs the start of the first determination again, the device structure acquisition unit 94 re-acquires the state of the analytical unit 60 assembled in the liquid chromatograph 1. Then, when the determination control unit 93 confirms that its state is consistent with the state of the first determination, it performs a determination on the liquid sample according to the determination conditions described in the method document 1. The procedure for the determination itself is the same as before, so detailed description is omitted.

[0087] After completing the first measurement, the measurement control unit 93 saves the data obtained from the first measurement to the storage unit 91 and displays the measurement completion on the screen of the display unit 97. After confirming this, the analyst then instructs the start of the second measurement.

[0088] When the instruction to start the second measurement is given, the measurement control unit 93 reads the method file 2 stored in the storage unit 91 and determines the structure of the analysis unit 60 (liquid delivery unit 10, automatic sampler 20, column oven 30, and differential refractive index detector 50) required to perform the second measurement.

[0089] When the determination control unit 93 determines the structure of the analytical unit 60 required to perform the measurement, the device structure acquisition unit 94 acquires the status of the analytical unit 60 assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1. Then, the determination control unit 93 confirms whether the liquid chromatograph 1 is in a state capable of performing the second measurement (second measurement state). Specifically, it confirms that the communication between the liquid delivery unit 10, the autosampler 20, the column oven 30, and the differential refractive index detector 50 and the system controller 80 is ON, and that these analytical units are operating in normal mode, and that other analytical units 60 (here, the absorbance detector 40) are not assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1 (communication with the system controller 80 is OFF).

[0090] At this point in time, the liquid chromatograph 1 is in the first measurement state. Therefore, the measurement control unit 93 determines that the state of the liquid chromatograph 1 is inconsistent with the second measurement state. Then, the state of each analytical unit 60 at this point in time is displayed on the screen of the display unit 97, and the parts that are different from the second measurement state are highlighted (here, the communication between the absorbance detector 40 and the system controller 80 is ON and it is assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1, while the communication between the differential refractive index detector 50 and the system controller 80 is OFF and it is not assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1), prompting the analyst to confirm.

[0091] The analyst checks the screen displaying the different status of the liquid chromatograph 1 compared to the second measurement state, and changes the setting of the soft switch operation mode setting unit 65 to enable the input operation from the absorbance detector 40 to the soft switch 66. When the setting is changed, the soft switch 66 is illuminated in white. When the analyst presses the soft switch 66 in the aforementioned state, communication with the system controller 80 is switched off, and the illumination color of the soft switch 66 of the absorbance detector 40 changes from white to red. Then, the analyst presses the soft switch 66 of the differential refractive index detector 50. When the first measurement state is achieved, if the setting of the soft switch operation mode setting unit 65 was changed to disable the input operation from the differential refractive index detector 50 to the soft switch 66, the setting is restored to active, and then the soft switch 66 is pressed. This switches communication with the system controller 80 to ON, and the illumination color of the soft switch 66 of the differential refractive index detector 50 changes from red to white. Thus, the second measurement state is achieved.

[0092] When the analyst instructs the start of the second measurement again, the device structure acquisition unit 94 re-acquires the state of the analytical unit 60 assembled in the liquid chromatograph 1. Then, when the measurement control unit 93 confirms that its state is consistent with the state of the second measurement, it performs a measurement on the liquid sample according to the measurement conditions described in the method document 2. The data obtained through the measurement is stored in the storage unit 91. Thus, both the first and second measurements are completed.

[0093] In existing liquid chromatographs, changing the detector requires replacing both the detector unit used in the previous assay and the unit used in the next assay, or wiring the two detector units in the system controller, turning off the main power switch of the detector unit used in the previous assay to disconnect communication with the system controller, and then turning on the main power switch of the detector unit used in the next assay to establish communication with the system controller. In the former case, the wiring between the system controller and the detector unit must be reconnected, which is time-consuming. In the latter case, the main power switch must be operated from hard-to-reach locations such as the back or bottom surface of the unit, which is cumbersome.

[0094] In contrast, in the liquid chromatograph 1 of this embodiment, the structure of the liquid chromatograph 1 can be easily changed by simply pressing the soft switch 66 to switch the communication with the system controller 80 on / off.

[0095] After completing the first and second measurements, if there is no immediate plan to perform any measurements, the analysis unit 60 can be switched to power-saving mode using the following procedure.

[0096] The analyst first switches the communication between the analysis unit 60, which is operating in power-saving mode, and the system controller 80 to ON. Since the second measurement state is in progress at this time, the analyst presses the soft switch 66 of the absorbance detector 40 to switch the communication with the system controller 80 to ON. Then, when the analyst instructs to start setting the power-saving mode via a predetermined operation through the input unit 96, the device structure acquisition unit 94 identifies the analysis unit 60 assembled to the liquid chromatograph 1 (with communication with the system controller 80 ON). Subsequently, the power-saving mode setting unit 95 displays the specific settings of the power-saving mode on the display unit 97 for the analysis unit 60 identified by the device structure acquisition unit 94.

[0097] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed by the power-saving mode setting unit 95. The screen displays the name of the analysis unit 60 and a column indicating the action to switch to power-saving mode. Specifically, it displays, for example, the actions to select the following: stopping the delivery of the mobile phase by the delivery pumps 121 and 122 in the delivery unit 10; internal temperature adjustment by the temperature adjustment unit 21 in the automatic sampler 20; temperature adjustment of the column 31 by the temperature adjustment unit 32 in the column oven 30; extinguishing the light source and adjusting the temperature within the detector unit in the absorbance detector 40; and extinguishing the light source and adjusting the temperature within the detector unit in the differential refractive index detector 50.

[0098] exist Figure 5 In the example, for the liquid delivery unit 10 and the column oven 30, the selection bar corresponding to the name of the analytical unit is checked. This means that in the liquid delivery unit 10 and the column oven 30, the system is switched to a power-off state that disconnects the power supply to the main body 61. On the other hand, for the absorbance detector 40 and the differential refractive index detector 50, the selection bar corresponding to the name of the analytical unit is not checked, but rather the selection bar corresponding to a part of the structure of the main body 61 (light source, temperature adjustment unit) is checked. This means that the system is switched to a sleep state that stops only the part of the main body 61 from receiving power.

[0099] When the analyst selects any option, the power-saving mode setting unit 95 displays the action with the longest pre-processing (cooling) time required to transition to power-saving mode among the selected actions in the cooling time column. Cooling, for example in the case of the liquid delivery unit 10, is a process that gradually reduces the flow rate of the mobile phase delivered by the liquid delivery pumps 121 and 122 until it reaches zero. Similarly, in the cases of the automatic sampler 20, column oven 30, absorbance detector 40, and differential refractive index detector 50, it is a process that gradually reduces the output to the temperature adjustment units 21 and 32 until it reaches zero. In other words, it is a process that transitions to a state where no problem occurs even if the power supply from the first power source 63 to the units transitioning to power-saving mode is stopped.

[0100] After the power-saving mode is set, when the analyst performs an operation such as pressing the decision button, the power-saving mode setting unit 95 sends a command to the system controller 80 to stop the selected action in each analysis unit 60. In each analysis unit 60, based on the received command, the action of the target in the power-saving mode is stopped. Additionally, the soft switch 66 is turned off. Thus, the operation of each analysis unit 60 becomes controllable only through the system controller 80, and operation of the soft switch 66 becomes ineffective.

[0101] Additionally, in the example described, the liquid delivery unit 10 and the column oven 30 are switched to the off state, and the indicator 69 changes from green to gray. On the other hand, the absorbance detector 40 and the differential refractive index detector 50 are switched to the sleep state, and the indicator 69 changes from green to red. Since the automatic sampler 20 continues to operate in normal mode, the indicator 69 remains green.

[0102] When the analyst instructs the operation of each analytical unit 60 to return from power-saving mode to normal mode through a prescribed operation, the power-saving mode setting unit 95 sends a command from the system controller 80 to each analytical unit 60 to return to normal mode. Upon receiving the command, each analytical unit 60 ends the power-saving mode and begins startup processing. Startup processing refers to the process of transferring each analytical unit 60 to a state capable of measurement (normal mode) (e.g., automatic purification or preheating). Automatic purification refers to the process of equilibrating the column 31 by allowing the mobile phase to circulate through the flow path within the liquid chromatograph 1.

[0103] In each analysis unit 60, upon receiving a start instruction for startup processing, the unit control unit 62 switches the power supply from the first power supply 63 to the main body 61 to ON (when power supply to the main body 61 is stopped). In each analysis unit 60, upon completion of startup processing, it returns to normal mode, activating the soft switch 66 and illuminating it in white.

[0104] Furthermore, in the liquid chromatograph 1 of the described embodiment, it is not necessary to change the combination of the analytical units 60 when only a type determination is performed. In this case, it is conceivable to disable the operation of the soft switch 66 by means of a pre-defined operation via the operation panel 68 of each analytical unit 60. By disabling the operation of the soft switch 66 as described above, it is possible to prevent unskilled personnel from mistakenly operating the soft switch 66 during the determination.

[0105] The described embodiment is an example and can be appropriately modified according to the principles of the present invention.

[0106] In the described embodiment, an absorbance detector 40 and a differential refractive index detector 50 are used as detector units, but other units (e.g., fluorescence detectors, conductivity detectors) may also be used. Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the system controller 80 wires multiple detector units and switches between the detector units assembled in the liquid chromatograph 1. However, multiple other types of units may also be wired, and the same structure may be used when switching between units assembled in the liquid chromatograph 1.

[0107] The embodiment described is a liquid chromatograph, but similarly, the same structure can be used in various analytical devices capable of performing different measurements of multiple units.

[0108] In the described embodiment, the activation / deactivation of the soft switch 66 is indicated by its on / off state, and the ON / OFF state of communication with the system controller 80 is indicated by the color of the illuminated state. However, a separate display unit for these states can also be provided, distinct from the soft switch 66. Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the activation / deactivation of the soft switch 66 is switched for each analysis unit 60 via operation on the operation panel 68. However, the activation / deactivation of the soft switches 66 for all analysis units 60 can also be switched simultaneously from the control / processing unit 90 via the system controller 80.

[0109] [form]

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following forms.

[0111] (First item)

[0112] One aspect of the analytical apparatus of the present invention includes:

[0113] System controller;

[0114] Multiple analysis units, each having a main power switch for switching the power supply to the analysis unit on / off, and a soft switch separate from the main power switch for switching the communication with the system controller on / off; and

[0115] The soft-switch operation mode setting unit sets the validity / invalidity of the soft-switch operation of the analysis unit.

[0116] The analysis apparatus of the first item includes: a system controller, multiple analysis units connected to the system controller, and a soft-switch operation mode setting unit. When performing measurements using the analysis apparatus, the analyst confirms whether communication has been established between the analysis unit used for measurement and the system controller. If communication has not been established, the soft-switch operation mode setting unit enables the operation of the soft switches of the analysis units, and operates the soft switches to establish communication with the system controller. Similarly, for analysis units not used for measurement, the soft-switch operation mode setting unit also enables the operation of the soft switches of the analysis units, and operates the soft switches to disconnect communication with the system controller.

[0117] In the analysis apparatus described in the first aspect, communication with the system controller is established simply by operating the soft-switch operation mode setting unit and the soft switch (or by operating the soft switch of an unused analysis unit to disconnect communication with the system controller). This allows for easy modification of the unit structure without altering the wiring between the analysis unit and the system controller, or by operating the main power supply of the analysis unit in a difficult-to-operate location. Furthermore, by enabling the soft switch input operation when a skilled user performs measurements using different combinations of analysis units, and disabling it when a less skilled user performs measurements using only a predetermined combination of analysis units, misoperation of the soft switch by less skilled users can be avoided.

[0118] (Second item)

[0119] According to the analytical apparatus described in the first item

[0120] It also includes a communication status display unit.

[0121] The communication status display unit is disposed in each of the plurality of analysis units and displays the ON / OFF status of the communication between the analysis unit and the system controller.

[0122] In the analysis device of the second item, the communication status between each analysis unit and the system controller can be easily confirmed.

[0123] (Third item)

[0124] According to the analytical apparatus described in the first or second item, wherein,

[0125] Each of the multiple analysis units also includes a soft-switch status display unit.

[0126] The soft-switch status display unit shows the valid / invalid status of the soft-switch operation of the analysis unit.

[0127] In the third analysis device, the validity / invalidity of the soft switch operation can be easily confirmed by checking the soft switch status display unit.

[0128] (Item 4)

[0129] The analysis apparatus according to any one of the first to third claims, wherein some or all of the plurality of analysis units are capable of operating in normal mode and power-saving mode.

[0130] The system controller includes a power-saving mode setting unit.

[0131] The power-saving mode setting unit accepts a first predetermined input from an external source, sends a first control signal to at least one of the partial or all analysis units to cause the analysis unit to operate in power-saving mode, accepts a second predetermined input from an external source, and sends a second control signal to at least one of the partial or all analysis units to cause the analysis unit to operate in normal mode.

[0132] (Item 5)

[0133] According to the analytical apparatus described in the fourth item, wherein,

[0134] The analysis unit, in part or in part, also includes an action mode display unit.

[0135] The operation mode display unit shows whether the analysis unit is in power-saving mode or normal mode.

[0136] In the fourth analysis device, the analysis unit operates in power-saving mode under the control of the system controller, which suppresses power consumption during analysis standby. Furthermore, in the fifth analysis device, the operation mode display unit allows for easy confirmation of whether the analysis unit is operating in power-saving mode or normal mode.

[0137] (Item 6)

[0138] The analytical apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein,

[0139] The analytical apparatus is a liquid chromatograph that includes at least one of the following as the analytical unit: a liquid delivery unit, an automatic sampler, a column oven, and a detection unit.

[0140] As described in item 6, the structures of the analytical apparatus described in items 1 through 5 are suitable for use in liquid chromatography.

Claims

1. A unit-type analysis device, characterized in that, include: Multiple analysis units; as well as The system controller is configured to send commands and receive responses from the plurality of analysis units, thereby communicating with the plurality of analysis units; The plurality of analysis units each have: The main power switch switches the power supply to the analysis unit on / off. A soft switch, which is set separately from the main power switch, switches the connection / disconnection of communication with the system controller; as well as The unit control unit is configured to: receive commands sent from the system controller and respond to the commands when communication with the system controller is enabled by the soft switch; and not respond to commands sent from the system controller when communication with the system controller is disabled by the soft switch.

2. The unit-type analysis device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a communication status display unit. The communication status display unit is disposed in each of the plurality of analysis units, and displays the connection / disconnection status of the communication between the analysis unit and the system controller.

3. The unit-type analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the multiple analysis units also includes a soft-switch status display unit. The soft-switch status display unit shows the valid / invalid status of the soft-switch operation of the analysis unit.

4. The unit-type analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Some or all of the multiple analysis units can operate in both normal and power-saving modes. The unit-type analysis device also includes a power-saving mode setting unit. The power-saving mode setting unit accepts a first predetermined input from an external source, sends a first control signal to at least one of the partial or all analysis units to cause the analysis unit to operate in power-saving mode, accepts a second predetermined input from an external source, and sends a second control signal to at least one of the partial or all analysis units to cause the analysis unit to operate in normal mode.

5. The unit-type analysis device according to claim 4, wherein, The analysis unit, in part or in part, also includes an action mode display unit. The operation mode display unit shows whether the analysis unit is in power-saving mode or normal mode.

6. The unit-type analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It is a liquid chromatograph that includes at least one of the following as the analytical unit: a liquid delivery unit, an automatic sampler, a column oven, and a detection unit.

7. A unit-type analysis device, characterized in that, include: Multiple analysis units; as well as The system controller is configured to send commands and receive responses from the plurality of analysis units, thereby communicating with the plurality of analysis units; The plurality of analysis units each have: The main power switch switches the power supply to the analysis unit on / off. A soft switch, which is set separately from the main power switch, switches the connection / disconnection of communication with the system controller; as well as The unit control unit is configured to: receive and respond to commands sent from the system controller when communication with the system controller is enabled by the soft switch; and not respond to commands sent from the system controller when communication with the system controller is disabled by the soft switch. The unit-type analysis device also includes: The computer simultaneously sets the activation and deactivation of soft switches for each of the multiple analysis units.

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