Automatic analysis device and light source stabilization method for automatic analysis device

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic analysis device capable of avoiding light quantity drift along with temperature change caused by the start of energization of a light source and shortening stabilization waiting time. An automatic analyzer (50) is provided with: a light source (39) that irradiates a reaction vessel (2) containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample; a temperature control means (27) for controlling the temperature of the light source (39) by means of a temperature control medium; a reaction tank (5) for controlling the temperature of the reaction vessel (2) by means of a temperature control medium; circulation pumps (30, 35) for delivering the temperature control medium; an analysis unit (42) that analyzes the sample; and an operation control unit (43). When transitioning from a non-measurement state of the sample to a measurable state via a measurement preparation state, the operation control unit (43) increases the current or voltage applied to the light source (39) in the measurement preparation state, increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium to before the increase, and then transitions to the measurable state. And measuring the sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for measuring the concentration or activity value of a target component in a sample containing multiple components such as blood and urine, and in particular to an automatic analyzer having an optical unit and a function of mixing a sample and a reagent and measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution using a light source, and a method for stabilizing the light source of the automatic analyzer. Background Art

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that analyzes biological samples such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The automatic analyzer has the following functions: using a dispensing mechanism with nozzles for samples and reagents, the sample and reagent are dispensed from their respective storage containers into a reaction container, after stirring the sample and reagent mixture, the color change of the reaction solution is measured using an optical mechanism, and based on the measured data, the target substance in the sample is quantified and the result is output.

[0003] The optical machine for measuring the color change is composed of a light source part that emits light transmitted through the reaction solution and a photometer part that receives the transmitted light. The light source part uses a halogen lamp or LED, etc. The photometer part is composed of a diffraction grating for splitting the transmitted light into each wavelength and a light receiving part that receives each wavelength after diffraction. In order to detect a specific wavelength, the light receiving part is equipped with detectors such as photodiodes at specified intervals.

[0004] In addition, the light source generally controls the ambient temperature in order to stabilize the light quantity. In the automatic analyzer, there is a structure in which the medium (liquid or gas) for controlling the temperature of the reaction container is shared with the temperature control medium of the light source.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for controlling the temperature of a light source using a temperature control medium (liquid, gas) in an automatic analyzer.

[0006] When the light source is powered on and starts to light up, the temperature changes due to the heat generated by the light source itself. Therefore, the light intensity is unstable for a certain period after lighting up. If measurement is started immediately, it will have an adverse effect on the measurement accuracy.

[0007] Therefore, in the current device, it is necessary to wait for a certain time until the measurement starts after lighting starts. On the other hand, since the light source of the automatic analyzer is required to have a longer life, a method is provided to suppress consumption when it is not needed, such as using a function to turn off the light source when not measuring. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-264908 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] As described above, when the function of turning off the light source is used when not measuring, even when a method of suppressing consumption when not necessary is used, the above-mentioned waiting time needs to be ensured, and the processing capacity is greatly reduced when the non-measurement state and the measurement state are frequently switched back and forth. In particular, the timing of setting the sample on the automatic analyzer becomes irregular due to the operation, so the non-measurement and measurement are frequently repeated.

[0010] In automatic analyzers, extending the life of the light source is important from the perspective of maintenance frequency and running cost. Generally, halogen lamps are used in automatic analyzers, but in recent years, there has been a trend to adopt LED light sources from the perspective of extending the life.

[0011] In addition to the life of the light source body, there is also a method to reduce the replacement frequency by turning off the light source when not measuring and reducing unnecessary lighting.

[0012] However, the amount of light from a light source, especially an LED, varies sensitively with respect to the temperature environment. In order to suppress such variations, a temperature control medium is required to keep the temperature around the light source constant. Therefore, there are technologies that use a temperature control medium (e.g., water) and a medium for controlling the temperature of the reaction container together with the temperature control medium of the light source.

[0013] However, even if the light source is temperature-controlled at a constant temperature, when the light source itself switches from off to on, the temperature of the LED light source changes due to the heat generated by the light source itself. Therefore, after the LED light source is powered on, there is a tendency for the light quantity to drift.

[0014] When the light source is turned off when not measuring, the automatic analyzer must wait for a certain amount of light to stabilize (e.g., 30 minutes) after the light source is turned on before starting the measurement in order to avoid the influence of light drift. This waiting time is a great hindrance when you want to output the measurement results quickly, such as when handling emergency specimens.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device and a light source stabilization method for the automatic analysis device, which can avoid the light intensity drift caused by temperature changes when the light source is powered on in the automatic analysis device having a light source unit that is temperature-controlled to a constant temperature, and shorten the stabilization waiting time. Technical solutions to technical problems

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0017] The automatic analysis device includes: a light source, which irradiates a reaction container containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample; a temperature control mechanism, which uses a temperature control medium to control the temperature of the light source; a reaction tank, which uses the temperature control medium to control the temperature of the reaction container; a circulation pump, which delivers the temperature control medium; an analysis unit, which analyzes the sample; and an action control unit, which, when the sample is transferred from a non-measurement state to a measurable state via a measurement preparation state, increases the current or voltage applied to the light source in the measurement preparation state, and increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the increased state, and then transfers the flow rate to the measurable state to measure the sample.

[0018] In addition, a method for stabilizing a light source of an automatic analyzer is provided, the automatic analyzer comprising: a light source for irradiating a reaction container containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample; a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the light source using a temperature control medium; a reaction tank for controlling the temperature of the reaction container using the temperature control medium; an analysis unit for analyzing the sample; and an action control unit for increasing the current or voltage applied to the light source and increasing the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time in the measurement preparation state when the sample is transferred from a non-measurement state to a measurable state via a measurement preparation state, before returning the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the increased state and then transferring to the measurable state to measure the sample. Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, an automatic analyzer and a light source stabilization method for the automatic analyzer are provided, which can avoid the light intensity drift caused by temperature changes when the light source is powered on in the automatic analyzer having a light source unit that is temperature-controlled to a constant temperature, and shorten the stabilization waiting time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic analysis device. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a top view of an automatic analysis device. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a light source unit. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the circulation flow path structure of the temperature control medium. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of control of device state transition and light amount variation when the embodiment of the present invention is not applied. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the circulation flow path of Example 1. Figure 7This is a diagram showing control accompanying state transition from a non-measurement state to a measurement-capable state using the circulation flow path structure of Example 1. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the circulation flow path of Example 2. Fig. 9 It means using Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of control in which the light amount stabilization time of a flow path is shortened. Fig.10 It means using Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of control for shortening the light amount stabilization time of a flow path. Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the circulation flow path 38 of Example 3. Fig.12 It means using Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of control for shortening the light quantity stabilization time in the first flow path of the temperature control medium for light source and the second flow path of the temperature control medium for light source. Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of a circulation flow path structure of a temperature control medium as a modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example

[0022] (Example 1) First, use Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the overall outline of the automatic analysis device 50 of the application example 1 is described.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 500 . Figure 1 is an overview of each mechanism of the automatic analysis device 50, Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the automatic analyzer 50 as viewed from above is shown.

[0024] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, reaction containers 2 for storing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent are arranged in a circular shape on a reaction disk 1. A plurality of reagent containers 4 can be arranged in a circular shape in a reagent disk (or reagent storage) 3. The surroundings of the reaction containers 2 are immersed in a reaction tank 5 filled with a heat conductive medium such as water whose temperature is controlled to 37 degrees. By constantly circulating warm water in the reaction tank 5, the temperature of the reaction containers 2 is maintained at a constant temperature of 37 degrees.

[0025] A sample conveying mechanism 8 is provided near the reaction disk 1, and the sample conveying mechanism 8 moves a support 7 on which a sample container 6 is placed. A sample dispensing mechanism 9 that can rotate and move up and down is provided between the reaction disk 2 and the sample conveying mechanism 8. The sample dispensing mechanism 9 has a sample nozzle 10. Reagent dispensing mechanisms 11 and 13 that can rotate and move up and down are provided between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 3. The reagent dispensing mechanism 11 includes a reagent nozzle 12, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 13 includes a reagent nozzle 14.

[0026] A cleaning mechanism 15, a spectrophotometer 16, and stirring mechanisms 17 and 18 are arranged around the reaction disk 1. A sample nozzle cleaning tank 19, a reagent nozzle cleaning tank 20 and 21, and a stirring mechanism cleaning tank 22 and 23 are provided in the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 9, the reagent dispensing mechanism 11 and 13, and the stirring mechanism 17 and 18, respectively. Each mechanism is controlled by the motion control unit 43 of the control computer 24. In addition, the control computer 24 includes an analysis unit 42 for analyzing the sample.

[0027] A light source unit 25 for causing transmitted light to enter the spectrophotometer 16 is disposed at a diagonal position across the reaction chamber 5 of the spectrophotometer 16. A halogen lamp is generally used for the light source unit 25, but in recent years, a technique using an LED is tending to be adopted in consideration of a longer life.

[0028] The light source unit 25 is composed of a light emitting unit 26 and a temperature control holder (temperature control mechanism) 27 . Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the light source unit 25 is shown. Figure 3 The upper surface, right side surface, and schematic cross section of the light source unit 25 are shown.

[0029] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the light emitting unit 26 is constituted by arranging a light emitting diode (LED element) on a base member 45, and the light emitting diode (LED element) is a light source 39 for irradiating light for measuring a sample to the reaction container 2. In addition, the light emitting unit 26 includes a temperature sensor 46 for measuring the temperature of the light source 39. In the present embodiment 1, a structure is shown in which light from two LED elements having different wavelengths is combined by using a reflector, but the light emitting principle of the light source 39 and various structural and arrangement conditions are not considered.

[0030] The light source unit 25 is formed by inserting the light emitting unit 26 into the internal space of the temperature regulating holder 27. In addition, a temperature regulating medium flow path 44 is provided outside the internal space of the temperature regulating holder 27. The temperature regulating medium (liquid or gas) flows in the flow path and has the function of regulating the temperature of the space inside the temperature regulating holder 27. Figure 3The temperature control medium flows into the temperature control holder 27 through the flow path connected to the in of the reaction vessel 2, and is then discharged from the out flow path. The temperature control medium circulates in the automatic analyzer 50 in a manner shared by the reaction tank 5 and the light source unit 25 for controlling the temperature of the reaction container 2.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an example different from the present invention, and is a schematic diagram of a circulation flow path structure of a temperature control medium. Figure 4 An example of conveying water is shown, but examples using a similar structure may be used for other media.

[0032] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, water is delivered from the water supply pump 28 to the circulation flow path 38 via the electromagnetic valve SV29. The delivered water is delivered by the circulation pump 30 and heated by the heater 31. Then, the temperature control medium is delivered to the reaction tank 5 via the branch pipe 32 and the temperature control medium flow path 41 for the reaction tank. In addition, the temperature control medium is delivered to the temperature control holder 27 via the branch pipe 32 and the temperature control medium flow path 40 for the light source. Then, it returns to the circulation pump 30 via each unit and via the return flow path.

[0033] In addition, a degassing mechanism 33 and a cooling mechanism 34 are arranged in the flow path of the reaction tank 5 on the return side of the circulation pump 30. The cooling mechanism 34 may also serve as Figure 4 The cooling mechanism of the reagent cold storage (not shown) is used. By circulating water in the circulation flow path 38, the circulation flow rate, the temperature of the heater 31, and the output of the cooling mechanism 34 are controlled so that the temperature in the reaction tank 5 reaches a certain temperature, for example, 37°C. The diameter and length of the flow path connecting each mechanism are used in consideration of the overall structure of the automatic analyzer 50, the temperature control efficiency of the heater 31 and the cooling mechanism 34, and other appropriate conditions.

[0034] Figure 5 The diagram shows the non-measurement state of the sample, the measurement preparation state of the sample, the device state transition of the sample to the measurable state, the current on / off action of the light source 39 at this time, and the accompanying stability state of the light amount of the light source 39 when the embodiment of the present invention is not applied.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the sample is transferred from the non-measurement state to the measurement preparation state, the power of the light source 39 is turned on. After that, the automatic analyzer 50 performs the actions required for the measurement preparation in the measurement preparation state. At this time, the light quantity of the light source 39 is affected by the temperature environment change caused by the start of power on the light source 39, and becomes unstable. The light quantity is expressed as a photocurrent value nA based on the current value detected by the photodiode in the spectrophotometer 16.

[0036] If the light source 39 is transferred to the measurable state in an unstable state, the measured value will be adversely affected, so it is necessary to provide an additional waiting time of X seconds for the light source to be stabilized even after the measurement preparation operation is completed.

[0037] Therefore, it is necessary to set extra time in the waiting time for light source stabilization and the measurement preparation time, which will cause the time until the transition to the measurable state to be longer. For example, in the case of using LED light source 39, the temperature effect caused by this phenomenon is particularly significant, and the transition time to the stable state is longer, so the measurement preparation action that usually ends in 5 minutes needs to be set with an additional waiting time of 15 minutes.

[0038] The present invention provides a system that significantly reduces the above-mentioned additional waiting time or completely eliminates the above-mentioned additional waiting time.

[0039] Figure 6 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the circulation flow path 38 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the circulation flow path 38, the circulation pump is configured as an output variable circulation pump 35. The output variable circulation pump 35 can change the flow rate by current or voltage control.

[0040] The current and voltage control of the variable output circulation pump 35 is performed by the operation control unit 43 of the control computer 24 .

[0041] Figure 7 Show use Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing control accompanying state transition from a non-measurement state to a measurement possible state in the circulation flow path structure of Example 1. FIG.

[0042] Figure 7 The device state transitions to the non-measurement state, the measurement preparation state, and the measurement possible state, the current on / off operation of the light source 39 at this time, and the accompanying stability state of the light amount of the light source 39 are shown.

[0043] exist Figure 7 In order to shift from the non-measurement state to the measurable state, the power of the light source 39 is turned on. At this time, together with the operation required for the measurable state, the output of the variable output circulation pump 35 is made higher than usual. As a result, the water in the circulation flow path 38 can be circulated faster than usual. For example, the water can be transported from 2.5 L / min in the normal state to 5.0 L / min.

[0044] Thus, the heat exchange with the light source unit 25 is accelerated in the temperature control holder 27, so that the light quantity unstable time is shortened. The high output state is maintained for Y seconds. Y seconds is set to be enough time for the unstable state of the light source to reach the stable state.

[0045] The determination of Y seconds can also directly monitor the drift of the light quantity, confirm the transition to a stable state, and use this as a trigger to end the high output state. Specifically, when monitoring the drift of the light quantity, obtain the change per unit second (for example, 60 seconds) of the light quantity of the light source 39 or the change per unit time of the absorbance of the sample detected by the spectrophotometer 16. Set a threshold value for the change in the light quantity or the change in the absorbance (drift amount). When the measurement is in the preparation state and the output variable circulation pump 35 is in the high output state, check whether the change converges within the light quantity change threshold or the absorbance change threshold. If it does not converge, continue the high output state. When it becomes within the light quantity change threshold or the absorbance change threshold, return the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the value before the increase, and end the high output state.

[0046] In addition, as the determination of Y seconds, the temperature monitoring of the light source 39 may be used as a trigger. In the case of using the temperature monitoring as a trigger, the temperature sensor 46 configured as a measuring device capable of measuring the temperature of the light source 39 of the light source unit 25 can monitor the temperature of the light source 39 of the light source unit 25 inside the temperature control holder 27.

[0047] In the measurement preparation state, after the variable output circulation pump 35 enters the high output state, the high output state is continued until the temperature of the light source 39 of the light source unit 25 reaches the specified temperature threshold. When the specified temperature threshold is reached, this is used as a trigger to return the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the level before the increase, and the high output state is ended. Then, after maintaining the measurement preparation state for only Z seconds, it can be transferred to the measurable state.

[0048] If the variable output circulation pump 35 is measured in a high output state, the fluctuation of the circulating water in the reaction tank 5 or the inclusion of bubbles increases, and there is a risk of absorbance disturbance. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 50 is in a measurement preparation state, and after the variable output circulation pump 35 returns from the high output state to the normal state, it waits for the circulation flow rate to stabilize for only Z seconds before it becomes a measurement-ready state. Z seconds is the time for the circulating water volume to stabilize, and it varies depending on the total circulating water volume and the flow path structure in the automatic analyzer 50, so the time is set according to the structure of the automatic analyzer 50.

[0049] In the first embodiment of the present invention, even if Y and Z seconds are added together, the difference between Figure 5 The assay preparation state in the example of the invention shown is shorter.

[0050] As described above, in Example 1 of the present invention, when the sample is transferred from a non-measurable state to a measurable state via a measurement preparation state, the action control unit 43 increases the current or voltage applied to the light source 39 in the measurement preparation state, and increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time. After returning the flow rate of the temperature control medium, it waits for a certain period of time Z seconds, transfers to the measurable state, and performs measurement of the sample.

[0051] Therefore, according to Example 1 of the present invention, an automatic analysis device and a light source stabilization method for the automatic analysis device are provided, which can avoid the light quantity drift caused by temperature changes when the light source is powered on in the automatic analysis device having a light source unit that is temperature-controlled to a certain temperature, thereby shortening the stabilization waiting time.

[0052] In addition, as an example of the delivery change of the variable output circulation pump 35, the delivery amount is usually 2.5L / min to 5.0L / min, but the delivery can be appropriately changed by the device used. Considering the heat exchange efficiency of the LED light source 39, for example, it can be considered to be initial flow rate × 1.4 to initial flow rate × 4.0. As the upper limit of the delivery, it can also be set to full circulation water volume × 2.5 without depending on the initial flow rate.

[0053] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described.

[0054] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circulation flow path 38 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structures shown are the same, so illustration and detailed description are omitted.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the output variable circulation pump 35 is not used as in the first embodiment, but the Figure 4 30 is an example of a circulation flow path 38 when the circulation pump 30 is shown. In the second embodiment, a proportional electromagnetic valve 36 is arranged in the light source temperature control medium flow path 40 between the branch pipe 32 and the temperature control holder 27. The proportional electromagnetic valve 36 is a mechanism that can make the opening amount of the electromagnetic valve variable by controlling the current or voltage. The control of the opening amount of the proportional electromagnetic valve 36 is performed by the motion control unit 43 of the computer 24.

[0056] When changing the opening amount of the proportional solenoid valve 36, in order to avoid the flow change becoming smaller due to pressure loss, it is preferred that the resistance of the flow path returning from the temperature control unit (heater 31, temperature control retainer 27, cooling mechanism 34) to the circulation pump 30 is smaller than the flow path from the circulation pump 30 to the temperature control unit.

[0057] Fig. 9 It means use Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of control to shorten the light quantity stabilization time of a flow path. Fig. 9 In order to transfer from the non-measurable state to the measurable state, the power supply of the light source 39 is turned on. At this time, along with the action required for the measurable state, the opening amount of the proportional electromagnetic valve 36 is changed from the standard opening to the large opening with a larger opening amount. For example, the difference between the standard opening and the large opening is 1.5 times.

[0058] As a result, the flow resistance of the flow path on the temperature regulating holder 27 side is relatively small compared to the reaction tank 5 side, so the flow rate on the temperature regulating holder 27 side becomes larger. After Y seconds in the measurement preparation state, it returns to the standard open state and maintains it for Z seconds before it can be transferred to the measurement ready state. Figure 6 Similarly to the first embodiment shown, since the heat exchange between the temperature control holder 27 and the light emitting unit 26 is accelerated, the light quantity unstable time is shortened.

[0059] like Fig.10 As shown, the proportional electromagnetic valve 36 may be controlled to be in a largely open state in advance in a non-measurement state, and then to be in a standard open state after Y seconds have passed since the state was shifted to the measurement preparation state.

[0060] In addition, Figure 8 In the embodiment, a proportional solenoid valve 36 is arranged in the light source temperature control medium flow path 40 on the temperature control holder 27 side. Fig.13 As shown, a proportional electromagnetic valve 36 may be arranged in the reaction tank temperature control medium flow path 41 on the reaction tank 5 side. In this case, in the measurement preparation state, compared with the measurement state, the following control needs to be performed, that is, by closing the proportional electromagnetic valve 36 to narrow the flow path, thereby relatively increasing the flow path resistance compared with the temperature control holder 27 side, and increasing the flow rate on the temperature control holder 27 side.

[0061] In Example 2, the same effects as those in Example 1 can also be obtained.

[0062] In addition, an example in which the first and second embodiments are combined, that is, the proportional electromagnetic valve 36 is arranged on the temperature control holder 27 side or the reaction tank 5 side, and the output variable circulation pump 35 is arranged instead of the circulation pump 30 is also an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] (Example 3) Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described.

[0064] Fig.11 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circulation flow path 38 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structures shown are the same, so illustration and detailed description are omitted.

[0065] In the third embodiment, a flow path structure having the same effect as that of the first embodiment is shown in a structure without using a proportional electromagnetic valve. In the third embodiment, the light source temperature control medium flow path 40 connected from the branch pipe 32 to the temperature control holder 27 is provided with two flow paths (a first light source temperature control medium flow path 40A and a second light source temperature control medium flow path 40B). A solenoid valve 37 is arranged in the first light source temperature control medium flow path 40A. The solenoid valve 37 is controlled by the motion control unit 43 of the computer 24.

[0066] Fig.12 It means using Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of control for shortening the light amount stabilization time in the first light source temperature control medium flow path 40A and the second light source temperature control medium flow path 40B.

[0067] exist Fig.12 In order to shift from the non-measurement state to the measurable state, the power of the light source 39 is turned on in the measurement preparation state. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 37 is opened together with the operation required for the measurable state. As a result, the flow rate of the flow path of the temperature regulating holder 27 is relatively increased compared to the reaction tank 5 side, so the flow rate in the temperature regulating holder 27 becomes larger.

[0068] After Y seconds in the measurement preparation state, the electromagnetic valve 37 is restored to the closed state and maintained for Z seconds before transitioning to the measurement ready state. Figure 6 Similarly to the first embodiment shown, since the heat exchange between the temperature control holder 27 and the light emitting unit 25 is accelerated, the light quantity unstable time is shortened.

[0069] In Example 3, the same effects as those in Example 1 can also be obtained.

[0070] As described above, in a device in which the light source 39 is turned off in a non-measurement state in order to extend the life of the light source 39, in a system in which the light intensity is unstable for a long time due to the heat generated when the light source 39 is switched from off to on, the present invention can achieve the effect of accelerating the heat exchange between the light source unit 25 and the temperature control holder 27 in the measurement preparation state.

[0071] As a result, the unstable time of the light source 39 can be shortened, and thus the time required for the measurement preparation state can be limited to the minimum mechanism preparation operation.

[0072] Therefore, the time from the non-measurement state to the measurement ready state can be shortened. In an automatic analyzer, since sudden measurement requests such as samples that need to be processed as quickly as possible are generated, shortening the time from the non-measurement state to the measurement ready state as much as possible is a great advantage for users.

[0073] In the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 3, the measurable state also includes a blank measurement of the reaction container before actually measuring the absorbance of the mixed solution.

[0074] The present invention has the function of switching the control of the current value flowing through the light source 39 in each state during the process of transitioning from a non-measurement state to a measurement preparation state and then to a measurable state. By making the current value flow through zero or a current value lower than that in the measurable state in the non-measurement state, the replacement cycle of the light source 39 mounted on the automatic analysis device 50 can be extended.

[0075] In the automatic analyzer 50, the current flowing through the light source 39 changes with the transition from the non-measurement state to the measurement preparation state. However, in the case of an example different from the present invention, since the heat generation of the light source 39 changes and the light quantity changes, an extra waiting time is required to wait for the light quantity to stabilize in the measurement preparation state. In the present invention, in response to the phenomenon that the light quantity increases and decreases over time, the flow rate of the temperature control medium of the light source is temporarily increased in the measurement preparation state compared to the measurement state, thereby accelerating the heat exchange between the light source 39 and the temperature control medium.

[0076] The present invention can shorten the light quantity stabilization time of the light source 39 compared to the transition from the normal non-measurement state to the measurement state. The increased flow rate is returned to the normal flow rate before the transition to the measurement state.

[0077] With respect to the light quantity drift caused by the heat generated by switching the current value of the light source 39 from the non-measurement state in the measurement preparation state, by increasing the flow rate of the temperature control medium in the measurement preparation state, the heat exchange between the light source 39 and the temperature control medium can be accelerated, thereby reducing the temperature drift of the light source per unit time, and as a result, the light quantity drift caused by the temperature drift can be suppressed within a specified range. Thus, the present invention can shorten the light quantity stabilization time, so when starting measurement from the non-measurement state, there is no need to extend the processing time of the measurement preparation state, and the measurement state can be entered with minimal preparation actions. Description of symbols

[0078] 1 Reaction plate 2 Reaction vessel 3 Reagent disk 4 Reagent containers 5 Reaction tank 6 Sample container 7 Bracket 8 Sample conveying mechanism 9 Reagent dispensing mechanism 10 Sample nozzle 11.13 Reagent dispensing mechanism 12, 14 reagent nozzles 15. Cleaning mechanism 16 Spectrophotometer 17, 18 stirring mechanism 19 Sample nozzle cleaning tank 20, 21 Reagent nozzle cleaning tank 22, 23 Stirring mechanism cleaning tank 24 Control Computer 25 Light source unit 26 light emitting units 27 Temperature regulating device (temperature regulating mechanism) 28 Feedwater Pump 29 Solenoid valve 30 Circulation pump 31 Heater 32 branch pipe 33 Degassing mechanism 34 Cooling mechanism 35 Output Variable Circulation Pump 36 Proportional solenoid valve 37 Solenoid valve 38 Circulation Path 39 Light Source 40 Temperature control medium flow path for light source 40A light source temperature control medium first flow path 40B Light source temperature control medium second flow path 41 Temperature control medium flow path for reaction tank 42 Analysis Department 43 Motion Control Unit 44 Temperature control medium flow path 45 Base 46 Temperature Sensor 50 Automatic analysis device.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that: include: a light source for irradiating a reaction container containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample; A temperature control mechanism, which uses a temperature control medium to control the temperature of the light source; A reaction tank, which uses the temperature control medium to control the temperature of the reaction container; A circulating pump, which delivers the temperature control medium; an analysis unit for analyzing the sample; as well as Motion Control Department, When the sample is transferred from the non-measurement state to the measurement ready state via the measurement preparation state, The action control unit increases the current or voltage applied to the light source in the measurement preparation state, and increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the increased state, and then transfers it to a measurable state to measure the sample.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The circulation pump is an output variable circulation pump. In the measurement preparation state, the action control unit changes the flow rate of the output variable circulation pump to increase the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium, and then transfers to the measurable state.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The method comprises a temperature control medium flow path for a light source that transports the temperature control medium to the temperature control mechanism, and a temperature control medium flow path for a reaction tank that transports the temperature control medium to the reaction tank. A proportional solenoid valve is arranged in the temperature control medium flow path for the light source, and the action control unit controls the opening amount of the proportional solenoid valve. In the measurement preparation state, the flow rate of the temperature control medium transported to the temperature control mechanism is increased for a certain period of time, and after the flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned, the method is transferred to the measurable state.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The method comprises a temperature control medium flow path for a light source that transports the temperature control medium to the temperature control mechanism, and a temperature control medium flow path for a reaction tank that transports the temperature control medium to the reaction tank. A proportional solenoid valve is arranged in the temperature control medium flow path for the reaction tank. The action control unit controls the opening amount of the proportional solenoid valve. In the measurement preparation state, the flow rate of the temperature control medium transported to the temperature control mechanism is increased for a certain period of time. After the flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned, the method is transferred to the measurable state.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that It includes a first flow path for the temperature control medium for the light source and a second flow path for the temperature control medium for the light source, which transport the temperature control medium to the temperature control mechanism, and a flow path for the temperature control medium for the reaction tank, which transports the temperature control medium to the reaction tank. An electromagnetic valve is arranged in the first flow path for the temperature control medium for the light source, and the action control unit controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve. In the measurement preparation state, the flow rate of the temperature control medium transported to the temperature control mechanism is increased for a certain period of time, and after the flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned, it is transferred to the measurable state.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The operation control unit increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a predetermined period of time, returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium, waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse, and then shifts to a measurable state.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The action control unit increases the current or voltage applied to the light source in the measurement preparation state, increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, and returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the level before the increase when the change in the amount of light of the light source per unit time is within a light amount change threshold.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The invention comprises a spectrophotometer, wherein the action control unit increases the current or voltage applied to the light source in the measurement preparation state, and increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time, and returns the flow rate of the temperature control medium to the state before the increase when the change in absorbance per unit time detected by the spectrophotometer is within a set threshold value of the absorbance change.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that A temperature sensor is provided for measuring the temperature of the light source. The action control unit increases the current or voltage applied to the light source in the measurement preparation state, and increases the flow rate of the temperature control medium for a certain period of time. When the temperature of the light source reaches a temperature threshold, the flow rate of the temperature control medium returns to the level before the increase.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein: The light source is a light emitting diode.

11. A method for stabilizing a light source of an automatic analysis device, The automatic analysis device comprises: a light source for irradiating a reaction container containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent with light for measuring the sample; A temperature control mechanism, which uses a temperature control medium to control the temperature of the light source; a reaction tank, which uses the temperature control medium to control the temperature of the reaction container; an analysis unit, which analyzes the sample; and an action control unit. The light source stabilization method of the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: When the sample is transferred from the non-measurement state to the measurement ready state via the measurement preparation state, In the measurement preparation state, the current or voltage applied to the light source is increased, and the flow rate of the temperature control medium is increased for a certain period of time. The flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned to the state before the increase, and then the state is transferred to the measurable state to measure the sample.

12. The light source stabilization method of an automatic analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The flow rate of the temperature control medium is increased for a certain period of time, the flow rate of the temperature control medium is reduced, and then a certain period of time is waited before transitioning to the measurable state.

13. The light source stabilization method of an automatic analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the measurement preparation state, the current or voltage applied to the light source is increased, and the flow rate of the temperature control medium is increased for a certain period of time. When the change in the light amount of the light source per unit time is within a light amount change threshold, the flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned to the level before the increase.

14. The method for stabilizing a light source of an automatic analyzer according to claim 11, wherein: In the measurement preparation state, the current or voltage applied to the light source is increased, and the flow rate of the temperature regulating medium is increased for a certain period of time. When the change in the absorbance of the sample per unit time is within a set threshold value for the absorbance change, the flow rate of the temperature regulating medium is returned to the level before the increase.

15. The light source stabilization method of an automatic analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the measurement preparation state, the current or voltage applied to the light source is increased, and the flow rate of the temperature control medium is increased for a certain period of time, and when the temperature of the light source reaches a temperature threshold, the flow rate of the temperature control medium is returned to the level before the increase.

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