Automatic analysis device and method for operating automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a diluent flow path (1033) and an internal standard liquid flow path (1043) that extend from a diluent storage bottle (1032) and an internal standard liquid storage bottle (1042) to a dilution tank (1010); a measurement solution suction nozzle (1052) from the dilution tank (1010) to the analysis unit (1092); a first temperature adjustment unit (1091) that adjusts the temperature of the dilution tank (1010), the measurement solution suction nozzle (1052), and the analysis unit (1092); a second temperature control unit (1036) that performs temperature control independently from the first temperature control unit (1091) and controls the temperature of the diluent flow path (1033) and the internal standard liquid flow path (1043); and heat insulation mechanisms (1037, 1095) provided between the first temperature adjustment unit (1091) and the second temperature adjustment unit (1036). As a result, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device and an operation method for the automatic analysis device that can improve the temperature adjustment state of a measurement system compared to the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device and an operating method of the automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] As an example of a temperature control system for an electrolyte analysis device that can perform accurate measurements without being affected by the external gas temperature, Patent Document 1 describes the following: a sample temperature control block is provided in the flow path from the sample suction nozzle to the electrode block, sensors for measuring the electrode block, the sample temperature control block, and the external gas temperature are mounted at various locations, and the output of the heaters provided on each block is controlled according to the external gas temperature so that the temperatures of the ion selective electrode, the reference electrode, and the internal liquid of the reference electrode reach the same temperature as the sample and the calibration liquid when they arrive at the flow paths of each electrode. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-93252 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] Ion selective electrodes are used in a wide range of fields such as biology, medicine, and environment because they can quickly and quantitatively measure the concentration of target ions. In the medical field in particular, the metabolic reactions of organisms are closely related to ion concentrations. Therefore, by quantifying specific ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) contained in biological samples such as blood and urine, it is possible to diagnose hypertension symptoms, kidney disease, neurological disorders, etc., and therefore has been widely used in recent years.

[0005] In addition, electrolyte concentrations in living organisms are usually maintained within a narrow concentration range, and even a slight concentration change has a significant impact. Therefore, ion-selective electrodes are required to have extremely high measurement accuracy, and various technologies are being developed to minimize measurement errors.

[0006] In addition, in clinical settings, multiple samples need to be analyzed sequentially.

[0007] Electrolyte measurement devices often use a method called ion selective electrode method. The ion selective electrode method measures the electrolyte concentration in a sample by measuring the potential difference between an ion selective electrode and a reference electrode. The ion selective electrode includes an ion sensitive membrane that generates a potential difference in response to ionic components.

[0008] This potential varies according to the electrolyte concentration in the sample. In order to maintain the reference potential, the reference electrode is configured to be in contact with a solution called a reference electrode solution. As the reference electrode solution, for example, a high-concentration KCl aqueous solution is used.

[0009] In addition, as an ion selective electrode or a reference electrode, a flow cell type device can be formed to achieve high throughput. In this flow cell type device, a flow path for providing a sample to be measured is included inside a housing, and a sensitive membrane is provided in contact with the flow path.

[0010] In the field of clinical examination, as methods for quantitatively measuring the concentration of electrolytes contained in biological samples such as blood, especially serum, plasma, and urine, there are known non-dilution methods and dilution methods. The non-dilution method is a method of measuring the biological sample directly as a sample without diluting it. On the other hand, the dilution method is to dilute a specified amount of biological sample with a specified amount of diluent, and measure the diluted sample solution (diluted biological sample) using an ion selective electrode method or the like.

[0011] In the dilution method, since the required amount of sample solution is small, the concentration of coexisting substances such as proteins and lipids in the measurement solution is low, and the influence of contamination caused by coexisting substances is small, high stability can be achieved in the ion selective electrode method.

[0012] In the electrolyte measurement device for biological testing, the current mainstream is a measurement method that combines the ion selective electrode method based on the flow cell method and the dilution method. The sample is diluted using a container called a dilution tank. The diluted biological sample prepared in the dilution tank is sent to the flow cell type ion selective electrode through a pipe to perform the sample measurement.

[0013] Generally speaking, the smaller the temperature difference between the measuring part (electrode) and the temperature of the liquid delivered to the electrode, the more accurately the electrolyte analysis module can perform measurements. Therefore, in order to ensure analysis performance, liquid of a certain temperature is sometimes circulated around the flow path and the analysis module for overall temperature control.

[0014] In order to facilitate replacement of the consumable measuring part (electrode), sometimes the measuring part (electrode) is not entirely covered with a temperature control mechanism, but the periphery of the measuring part (electrode) is made movable and openable, and only a heat insulating material is installed on the cover.

[0015] However, in the case of such a structure, a temperature gradient is generated in a portion close to the cover in the measurement section (electrode), and the temperature control state may become partially unstable.

[0016] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer and an operating method of the automatic analyzer capable of improving the temperature control state of a measurement system compared with the related art. Technical solutions to technical problems

[0017] The present invention includes multiple ways to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, but if one example is given, it includes: a dispensing part, which is used to dispense samples; an analysis module, which analyzes the sample dispensed by the dispensing part; a storage part, which stores liquid used to analyze the sample; a first flow path from the storage part to the dispensing part; a second flow path from the dispensing part to the analysis module; a first temperature control part, which controls the temperature of the dispensing part, the second flow path and the analysis module; a second temperature control part, which independently controls the temperature of the first flow path relative to the first temperature control part; and a heat insulating material, which is arranged between the first temperature control part and the second temperature control part. Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the temperature control state of the measurement system can be improved compared with the prior art. Technical problems, structures and effects other than the above will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an automatic electrolyte analyzer according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an overview of a sample analysis process of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an outline of a sample measurement process in a sample analysis process of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] use Figures 1 to 6 Embodiments of the automatic analyzer and the operating method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention are described below. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept.

[0021] In addition, in the drawings used in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components, and repeated description of these components may be omitted.

[0022] (1-1) Device structure First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 1 The electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 shown is a device for determining the ion concentration contained in a sample, and comprises a dilution tank 1010, a sample dispensing mechanism 1020, a dilution liquid dispensing mechanism 1030, an internal standard liquid dispensing mechanism 1040, a liquid delivery mechanism 1050, a reference electrode liquid delivery mechanism 1060, an analysis unit 1092 for performing ion concentration analysis, a measurement control device 1100, and a waste liquid mechanism 1200 for the dilution tank.

[0024] In the following description, an example in which the present invention is applied to an automatic electrolyte analyzer is shown, but the present invention can be applied to other automatic analyzers.

[0025] The measurement control device 1100 is a part that controls the analysis actions of each device within the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000. It can be composed of input devices such as a display, keyboard, and mouse, and a computer with a storage unit, CPU, memory, etc. It can be composed of one computer or other computers without special limitations.

[0026] The measurement control device 1100 controls the actions of various devices based on various programs recorded in the storage device. In addition, the control processing of the actions performed by the measurement control device 1100 can be summarized into one program, or divided into multiple programs, or a combination of these programs. In addition, part or all of the program can be implemented on dedicated hardware or modularized.

[0027] In the sample dispensing mechanism 1020, the sample 1021 is sucked into the sample dispensing nozzle 1022. Then, the measurement control device 1100 brings the tip of the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 into contact with the inner wall surface of the dilution tank 1010 to discharge all or part of the sucked sample 1021.

[0028] The dilution tank 1010 is a container-shaped member for dispensing a sample.

[0029] In addition, the sample may be not only diluted but also introduced directly into the analysis unit 1092. In this case, the dilution tank 1010 does not exist, and the first temperature control unit 1091 described later also controls the temperature of the sample 1021.

[0030] The analysis unit 1092 is a part that analyzes the sample dispensed in the dilution tank 1010, and includes: a flow cell type chloride ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Cl-ISE") 1071, a flow cell type potassium ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "K-ISE") 1072, a flow cell type sodium ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Na-ISE") 1073, a flow cell type liquid junction 1080 and a flow cell type reference electrode 1090.

[0031] The first temperature control section 1091 is a metal box that controls the temperature by heating the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the analysis section 1092, and includes a cover 1094, a cover 1093, a heat insulating mechanism 1095, etc., which keeps the vicinity of the measurement section such as the analysis section 1092, the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, etc. warm by radiant heat.

[0032] The cover 1094 surrounds the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the analysis unit 1092, and is a member capable of heat exchange with the first temperature regulating unit 1091, and is formed of a material with good heat conductivity such as metal or resin with a metal plate or metal mesh provided inside.

[0033] The cover 1093 is a heat insulating material that covers the cover 1094 to prevent heat transfer in the opening of the first temperature regulating unit 1091 .

[0034] The heat insulating mechanism 1095 is a substantially box-shaped heat insulating material that is combined with the cover 1093 and accommodates the analysis unit 1092 and the dilution tank 1010. The heat insulating mechanism 1095 is provided between the first temperature regulating unit 1091 and the second temperature regulating unit 1036.

[0035] In addition, the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 may be provided with a sample storage container 1023 for storing a sample 1021, a diluent storage bottle 1032 for storing a diluent 1031 as a liquid for analyzing the sample, an internal standard liquid storage bottle 1042 for storing an internal standard liquid 1041 as a liquid for analyzing the sample, a reference electrode liquid 1061, and a reference electrode liquid storage bottle 1062. In addition, a waste liquid storage tank 1059 may be provided in the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000.

[0036] The diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 includes a diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 and a diluent flow path 1033, and supplies the diluent 1031 from the diluent storage bottle 1032 to the dilution tank 1010. The diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 is also connected to a flow path which is omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0037] Similarly, the internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040 includes an internal standard solution dispensing nozzle 1044 and an internal standard solution flow path 1043 , and supplies the internal standard solution 1041 from the internal standard solution storage bottle 1042 to the dilution tank 1010 .

[0038] The second temperature control unit 1036 includes a temperature control mechanism 1035 that serves as a heat source for the second temperature control unit 1036, and a heat insulation mechanism 1037 for heat-insulating the second temperature control unit 1036 from the surroundings. The second temperature control unit 1036 is a metal box that is independently temperature-controlled relative to the first temperature control unit 1091 and uses the heat of the temperature control mechanism 1035 to temperature-control the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043. In this embodiment, a metal box is used, but the second temperature control unit 1036 only needs to transfer the heat of the temperature control mechanism 1035 to the diluent flow path 1033, and may also be a plate-shaped structure that contacts the diluent flow path 1033 and the second temperature control unit 1036. In addition, it is not limited to metal, as long as the thermal conductivity is high.

[0039] The heat insulating mechanism 1037 is disposed between the first temperature regulating section 1091 and the second temperature regulating section 1036 , and together with the heat insulating mechanism 1095 , ensures that the temperature of the first temperature regulating section 1091 and the second temperature regulating section 1036 are adjusted independently.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the insulation mechanisms 1037 and 1095 are basically in close contact, so that the dilution liquid flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 will not be exposed to the atmosphere after passing through the second temperature control section 1036, but will be introduced into the first temperature control section 1091 in a state covered by the insulation mechanisms 1037 and 1095. Therefore, the portions of the dilution liquid flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 that are closer to the downstream side than the second temperature control section 1036 are preferably arranged in the insulation mechanisms 1037 and 1095 or in the space temperature controlled by the first temperature control section 1091.

[0041] The liquid delivery mechanism 1050 includes a measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 constituting a flow path from the dilution tank 1010 to the analysis unit 1092, and a mechanism for driving the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 in the up-down direction. The measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 is connected to the up-down direction driving mechanism. In addition, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 is connected to a flow path (not shown).

[0042] The waste liquid mechanism 1200 for the dilution tank includes a waste liquid collector 1201, a vacuum pump 1202, an electromagnetic valve 1203, a waste liquid flow path 1204, a waste liquid nozzle 1205 forming the front end of the waste liquid flow path 1204, and a vertical direction driving mechanism (not shown) for the waste liquid nozzle 1205. The vacuum pump 1202 is located on the downstream side relative to the waste liquid collector 1201, and introduces the waste liquid sucked from the waste liquid nozzle 1205 into the waste liquid collector 1201 through the electromagnetic valve 1203 in an open state. The waste liquid temporarily accumulated in the waste liquid collector 1201 is transported to the waste liquid storage tank 1059 by a waste liquid transport mechanism (not shown).

[0043] The front end portion of the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 can be arranged at the deepest portion 1012 ( Figure 2 Similarly, the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 can also be arranged near the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 through a dedicated up-and-down direction driving mechanism.

[0044] Figure 2 A state in which only the tip portion of the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 is arranged near the deepest portion 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 is schematically shown. Figure 3 The state in which both the tip portion of the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the tip portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are arranged near the deepest portion 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 is schematically shown. Figure 4 The figure shows a state where only the tip portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is arranged near the deepest portion 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 .

[0045] In the case of this embodiment, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are arranged at positions opposite to each other (positions 180° apart) with respect to the vertical line, which is the rotation axis of the dilution tank 1010. The measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 in this embodiment are moved up and down parallel to the vertical line by their own dedicated up and down direction driving mechanisms.

[0046] In this embodiment, a plurality of flow paths for calibration liquid or the like may be provided as required, similarly to the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 or the heat insulating mechanism 1037 .

[0047] In addition, Figure 1 In the example shown, the temperature of the dilution liquid flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 are controlled by using the second temperature control section 1036, the temperature control mechanism 1035 and the heat insulation mechanism 1037 for heat insulation, but a second temperature control section 1036, the temperature control mechanism 1035 and the heat insulation mechanism 1037 for heat insulation may also be provided in each of the dilution liquid flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043.

[0048] In addition, the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 are configured so that the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 respectively have calibration curves of appropriate external air temperature and temperature control temperature, and the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 respectively control the temperature control temperature based on the external air temperature of the environment in which the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 is installed.

[0049] Furthermore, the first temperature adjustment unit 1091 and the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 are controlled by an on-off control mode selected based on at least one of the liquid delivery timing and the liquid delivery amount.

[0050] (1-2) Measurement action Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an overview of the operation executed in the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 .

[0051] The operations performed in the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 are automatically and continuously performed by the program provided in the measurement control device 1100. In the case of the present embodiment, after the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 is started, after the initialization step 11000 and the calibration step 12000, the measurement step 13000 is repeated by the number of samples, and after the determination step 14000 of determining whether all or part of the samples have been measured, the end step 15000 is performed.

[0052] After the descending step 15000 is executed, it is determined whether there is a next sample in the next sample presence determination step 16000. If it is determined in the next sample presence determination step 16000 that there is a next sample, the process returns to the measuring step 13000.

[0053] If it is determined in the next sample presence determination step 16000 that there is no next sample, the end step 17000 is performed.

[0054] (1-2-1) Initialization process 11000 The initialization process 11000 includes preparations such as starting or cleaning each element mechanism constituting the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000. As a part of the initialization, the measurement control device 1100 sends the reference electrode solution 1061 to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the reference electrode 1090. In addition, the measurement control device 1100 dispenses the internal standard solution 1041 into the dilution tank 1010 and sends it to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073. Through this liquid sending, each ISE is adjusted.

[0055] (1-2-2) Calibration process 12000 The calibration process 12000 is composed of a low-concentration standard solution measurement process, a high-concentration standard solution measurement process, a calibration solution measurement process, a calibration curve preparation process, etc. The measurement order of the low-concentration standard solution, the high-concentration standard solution, and the calibration solution is based on the measurement process 13000 described later. The standard solution or calibration solution of each concentration is measured in the same way as the sample, and the electromotive force of each ISE is recorded.

[0056] In the calibration curve preparation process, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the slope sensitivity based on the electromotive force measurement results of the two standard solutions of high and low concentrations. The measurement control device 1100 obtains the concentration of the internal standard solution based on the slope sensitivity and the electromotive force of the internal standard solution. In addition, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the calculated concentration of the calibration solution based on the electromotive force measurement results of the calibration solution and the slope sensitivity.

[0057] Furthermore, the measurement control device 1100 obtains an offset correction value based on the difference between the actual concentration (displayed value) of the calibration liquid and the calculated concentration of the calibration liquid. The slope sensitivity and the offset correction value are referred to as a "calibration curve."

[0058] (1-2-3) Measurement process 13000 The measurement step 13000 mainly includes a sample measurement step 13100 , an internal standard solution measurement step 13200 (not shown), and a sample concentration calculation step 13300 .

[0059] Figure 6 13100 is a flowchart showing an overview of the sample measurement process 13100. Figure 6 In the example, the sample measurement process 13100 is composed of a dilution tank waste liquid process 13110, a sample dispensing process 13120, a dilution liquid dispensing process 13130, a measurement solution introduction process 13140, a dilution tank cleaning process 13150, a potential measurement process 13160, and a sample concentration calculation process 13300. The following describes the details of each process of the sample measurement process 13100.

[0060] In the dilution tank waste liquid process 13110, the measurement control device 1100 operates the dilution tank waste liquid mechanism 1200 to discharge the liquid inside the dilution tank 1010 (internal standard liquid 1041, diluent 1031, system water (not shown), etc.). Before the start of this process, the solenoid valve 1203 is closed. The solenoid valve 1203 is basically closed in the process other than the dilution tank waste liquid. When the solenoid valve 1203 is opened, the interior of the waste liquid flow path 1204 and the waste liquid collector 1201 are exhausted and decompressed by the action of the vacuum pump 1202. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 1203 is closed, the pressure in the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0061] After the measurement process 13000 is started, the measurement control device 1100 drives the vertical direction driving mechanism to immerse the tip portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 in the dilution tank 1010 (see Figure 4 ). More specifically, the front end of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is arranged at a position about 1 mm in the radial direction (horizontal direction) from the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 and 0.5 mm in the vertical direction from the surface of the dilution tank 1010. In this state, the measurement control device 1100 opens the electromagnetic valve 1203 to provide a reduced pressure environment to the dilution tank 1010 through the waste liquid nozzle 1205.

[0062] The liquid in the dilution tank 1010 is discharged to the waste liquid collector 1201 through the waste liquid nozzle 1205, the waste liquid flow path 1204, and the electromagnetic valve 1203. After about 1 second of discharge, the measurement control device 1100 closes the electromagnetic valve 1203 to cut off the decompression. As a result, the pressure in the waste liquid nozzle 1205 returns to atmospheric pressure. Finally, the measurement control device 1100 drives the up-down direction drive mechanism (not shown) to arrange the front end of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 vertically above the dilution tank 1010 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ). That is, the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 moves outside the dilution tank 1010.

[0063] In the sample dispensing step 13120, the measurement control device 1100 uses the sample dispensing mechanism 1020 to suck the sample 1021 into the sample dispensing nozzle 1022. Thereafter, the measurement control device 1100 brings the tip of the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 into contact with the inner wall surface of the dilution tank 1010 to discharge all or part of the sucked sample 1021.

[0064] In the diluent dispensing step 13130 ​​, the measurement control device 1100 uses the diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 to discharge the diluent 1031 into the sample 1021 from a position above the sample 1021 discharged into the dilution tank 1010 through the diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 .

[0065] The diluent 1031 spirally rotates along the inner surface of the dilution tank 1010 while entraining the sample 1021, and flows into the inner bottom of the dilution tank 1010, where the sample 1021 is diluted by the diluent 1031, and the two are uniformly mixed. In the dilution dispensing step 13130, a diluted sample is obtained in the dilution tank 1010 after the sample 1021 is diluted by the diluent 1031 at a predetermined ratio (hereinafter referred to as "dilution ratio"). In the case of this embodiment, the dilution ratio is 31 times. The diluted sample is a type of sample solution, and is called "sample solution".

[0066] In the measurement solution introduction step 13140, the measurement control device 1100 uses a dedicated vertical direction driving mechanism (not shown) to immerse the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 into the sample solution in the dilution tank 1010 (see Figure 2 In the steps other than the measurement solution introduction step 13140 , the vertical direction driving mechanism basically arranges the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 vertically above the dilution tank 1010 and extends the front end of the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 out of the dilution tank 1010 .

[0067] Next, the measurement control device 1100 operates the liquid supply mechanism 1050 and the reference electrode solution supply mechanism 1060 in conjunction with each other to supply the reference electrode solution 1061 to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the reference electrode 1090 .

[0068] Next, the measurement control device 1100 uses the sample solution in the dilution tank 1010 as the measurement solution, and sequentially delivers the solution to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 through the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073. At the confluence point of the flow path inside the flow cell type liquid junction 1080, the measurement solution contacts the reference electrode solution 1061, forming a free-flow type liquid junction, and becoming a state capable of measuring potential.

[0069] Then, the measurement control device 1100 discharges the liquid between the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 and the liquid feeding mechanism 1050 to the waste liquid tank 1059. After the liquid feeding is completed, the measurement control device 1100 uses the vertical direction driving mechanism for the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 to lift the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 from the dilution tank 1010.

[0070] In the dilution tank cleaning process 13150, the measurement control device 1100 first performs the same operation as the above-mentioned dilution tank waste liquid process 13110 to discard the sample solution remaining in the dilution tank 1010. Next, the measurement control device 1100 controls the dilution liquid dispensing mechanism 1030 or the internal standard liquid dispensing mechanism 1040, and uses a syringe pump (not shown) connected to the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 to dispense system water into the dilution tank 1010 through the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 to clean the dilution tank 1010. Instead of system water, the dilution liquid 1031 and the internal standard liquid 1041 can also be dispensed. In addition, the dilution liquid 1031, the internal standard liquid 1041, and the system water can also be dispensed and mixed to clean the dilution tank 1010.

[0071] In the potential measurement step 13160 , the measurement control device 1100 uses a built-in voltage amplifier, AD converter, microcomputer, etc. to measure and record the electromotive force of the flow cell type Cl-ISE 1071 , K-ISE 1072 , and Na-ISE 1073 based on the reference electrode 1090 .

[0072] Then, the sample concentration calculation step 13300 is executed. In the sample concentration calculation step 13300, the measurement control device 1100 calculates the sample concentration based on the potential measurement step 13160 of the sample measurement step 13100, the difference in electromotive force between the diluted sample and the internal standard solution in each ISE obtained in the potential measurement step 13160 of the internal standard solution measurement step, and the difference in electromotive force between the diluted sample and the internal standard solution in the calibration curve preparation step 12000 ( Figure 5 ) and the dilution ratio (31 times in this embodiment) to obtain the concentration ratio of the sample to the internal standard solution. The measurement control device 1100 multiplies the concentration ratio by the concentration of the internal standard solution obtained in the calibration process 12000 to obtain the concentration of the sample (before offset correction). By applying the offset correction value to the concentration of the sample, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the concentration of the sample (after offset correction).

[0073] Through the above steps, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the concentrations of Cl, K, and Na in the sample, respectively, and reports the results to the user.

[0074] (1-2-4) Determine process 14000 and end process 15000 return Figure 5 After the measurement step 13000, the measurement control device 1100 executes a determination step 14000 of determining whether all or part of the sample has been measured, and executes an end step 15000 when all or part of the sample has been measured.

[0075] The temperature control mechanism 1035 and the insulation mechanism 1037 can be thermally separated by separating the physical space, or they can be in physical contact with the waste liquid nozzle 1205, the dilution liquid dispensing nozzle 1034, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, Cl-ISE1071, K-ISE1072, Na-ISE1073, the flow cell type liquid junction 1080, and the flow cell type reference electrode 1090 by using insulation materials.

[0076] When the end step 15000 is completed and there is no next sample, the end step 17000 of the device is then performed to prepare for power off.

[0077] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 of the present embodiment includes: a dilution tank 1010 for dispensing a sample; an analysis unit 1092 for analyzing the sample dispensed from the dilution tank 1010; a dilution storage bottle 1032 and an internal standard solution storage bottle 1042 for storing a diluent 1031 and an internal standard solution 1041 for analyzing the sample; and a dilution flow path 1033 and an internal standard solution flow path 1041 from the dilution storage bottle 1032 and the internal standard solution storage bottle 1042 to the dilution tank 1010. 3; a measuring solution suction nozzle 1052 extending from the dilution tank 1010 to the analysis section 1092; a first temperature control section 1091 for controlling the temperatures of the dilution tank 1010, the measuring solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis section 1092; a second temperature control section 1036 for controlling the temperatures of the dilution liquid flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 independently of the first temperature control section 1091; and a heat insulating mechanism 1037, 1095 provided between the first temperature control section 1091 and the second temperature control section 1036.

[0079] Thus, compared with the past, the influence of the temperature control of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043, which have a fast response speed to the temperature control by the second temperature control unit 1036, can be reduced to the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis unit 1092, which are temperature-controlled by the first temperature control unit 1091, so that the temperature control state of the measurement unit (electrode) can be made more stable than before. Therefore, compared with the past, the generation of a temperature gradient with the reagent (diluent 1031, internal standard solution 1041) that has passed through the second temperature control unit 1036 for preheating can be more effectively suppressed, and the stability of the analysis performance can be improved.

[0080] In addition, the portions of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 that are downstream of the second temperature control section 1036 are arranged in the insulation mechanism 1037, 1095 or in the space temperature-controlled by the first temperature control section 1091, so that the temperature change of the temperature-controlled reagent (diluent 1031, internal standard solution 1041) can be avoided as much as possible, and a more stable analysis can be achieved.

[0081] In addition, the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 respectively have calibration curves of the temperature control temperature relative to the external air temperature of the environment in which the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 is set, and independently control the temperature control temperature based on the external air temperature, thereby being able to more appropriately control the two areas that are desired to be controlled with different response speeds.

[0082] In addition, at least one of the first temperature control section 1091 and the second temperature control section 1036 is controlled by an on-off control mode selected based on at least one of the liquid delivery timing and the liquid delivery volume. This can prevent the temperature control state of the measuring section (electrode) from being partially unstable and causing a temperature gradient with the reagent passing through the preheating section, thereby further improving the stability of the analysis performance.

[0083] Furthermore, by further providing a cover 1094 that surrounds the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the analysis section 1092 and can exchange heat with the first temperature control section 1091, heat can be transferred to the cover 1094 only by temperature control based on the first temperature control section 1091, and the temperature of the analysis section 1092 can be more effectively controlled by radiation heat.

[0084] Furthermore, since the cover 1094 has a metal portion, it can be configured as a cover having shielding properties against electromagnetic waves, and the inside of the first temperature regulating section 1091, especially the analyzing section 1092, can be protected from electromagnetic waves, thereby achieving more accurate analysis.

[0085] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not limited to necessarily including all the structures described. Description of symbols

[0086] 1000 Electrolyte Automatic Analyzer 1010 dilution tank (dispensing part) 1012 deepest part 1020 Sample dispensing mechanism 1021 Sample 1022 Sample dispensing nozzle (dispensing unit) 1023 Sample Storage Container 1030 diluent dispensing mechanism 1031 diluent 1032 dilution liquid storage bottle (storage part) 1033 diluent flow path (1st flow path) 1034 Dilution Dispensing Nozzle 1035 Temperature Control Mechanism 1036 Thermostatic Control Unit 2 1037 Insulation mechanism (insulation material) 1040 Internal standard liquid dispensing mechanism 1041 Internal Standard Solution 1042 Internal standard solution storage bottle (storage part) 1043 Internal standard liquid flow path (1st flow path) 1044 Internal Standard Dispensing Nozzle 1050 Liquid delivery mechanism 1052 Measurement solution suction nozzle (second flow path) 1059 Waste liquid storage tank 1060 Reference electrode liquid delivery mechanism 1061 Reference Electrode Solution 1062 Reference electrode solution storage bottle 1071Cl-ISE (chloride ion selective electrode) 1072K-ISE (Potassium Ion Selective Electrode) 1073Na-ISE (Sodium Ion Selective Electrode) 1080 Liquid Junction 1090 Reference Electrode 1091 No.1 Temperature Control Department 1092 Analysis Department (Analysis Module) 1093 Hood 1094 cover (storage cover) 1095 Insulation mechanism (insulation material) 1100 Measurement control device 1200 Waste liquid mechanism for dilution tank 1201 Waste liquid collector 1202 Vacuum Pump 1203 Solenoid valve 1204 Waste flow path 1205 Waste nozzle.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that: include: A dispensing part, the dispensing part is used to dispense the sample; an analysis module, the analysis module analyzing the sample injected by the dispensing part; a storage portion for storing a liquid used to analyze the sample; a first flow path from the storage portion to the dispensing portion; a second flow path from the dispensing unit to the analysis module; a first temperature regulating unit for regulating the temperature of the dispensing unit, the second flow path, and the analysis module; a second temperature regulating unit that performs temperature regulation control independently of the first temperature regulating unit to regulate the temperature of the first flow path; and A heat insulating material is provided between the first temperature regulating part and the second temperature regulating part.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the first flow path downstream of the second temperature regulating unit is disposed in a heat insulating material or in a space whose temperature is regulated by the first temperature regulating unit.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first temperature control unit and the second temperature control unit each have a calibration curve of the temperature control temperature with respect to the outside air temperature of the environment in which the automatic analyzer is installed, and each independently controls the temperature control temperature based on the outside air temperature.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that At least one of the first temperature regulating unit and the second temperature regulating unit is controlled by an on-off control pattern selected based on at least one of a liquid feeding timing of the liquid and a liquid feeding amount of the liquid.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further includes a storage cover that surrounds the dispensing unit, the second flow path, and the analysis module and is capable of performing heat exchange with the first temperature regulating unit.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that The storage cover has a metal portion.

7. A method for operating an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: A dispensing part, the dispensing part is used to dispense the sample; an analysis module, the analysis module analyzing the sample injected by the dispensing part; as well as A storage unit is provided for storing liquid used for analyzing the sample. The operating method of the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: A heat insulating material is arranged between the dispensing section, the second flow path from the dispensing section to the analysis module, the analysis module, and the first flow path from the storage section to the dispensing section, and the temperature adjustment control is performed independently of each other.

Images