Analysis device and method for pre-washing flow path of analysis device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the frequency of replacement of components, reduce the amount of measured liquid, and ensure analysis performance. A measurement control device (1100) of an automatic electrolyte analyzer (1000) controls the operation of a variable mechanism (1053) that varies the relative position between a sample cup (1010) and a liquid sample suction nozzle (1052), arranges the liquid sample suction nozzle (1052) in the liquid of a liquid sample (1011) housed in the sample cup (1010) and in the air, and controls the operation of an injection pump (1051) as a liquid delivery mechanism. The flow path (1054) is pre-washed by introducing a liquid sample (1011) blocked by one or more gases into the flow path (1054).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analysis device and a method for pre-cleaning a flow path of the analysis device. Background Art

[0002] As an example of a method for pre-cleaning a sample transport pipeline using a portion of the next sample in order to prevent the influence of the previous sample, Patent Document 1 records "a method for pre-cleaning a pipeline in an analysis device, etc., the analysis device comprising: a unit in which an air transport pipe is branched and connected in the pipeline for transporting the sample, and air is transported from the air transport pipe into at least one part of the sample flow as bubbles during the transport of the sample; a unit that controls the flow rate of the sample and the amount of air supplied to appropriate values; and a unit that introduces a portion of the supply side sample into the air transport pipeline side after the final bubbles are supplied and the sample is supplied."

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-069331 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Ion selective electrodes can quickly quantify the concentration of the ions being measured, and therefore are used in a wide range of fields such as biology, medicine, and the environment. In particular, in the medical field, since the metabolic reactions of organisms are closely related to ion concentrations, quantification of specific ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) contained in biological samples such as blood and urine can be used to diagnose hypertension symptoms, kidney disease, and neurological disorders, and therefore have been widely used in recent years.

[0008] 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 have been developed to minimize measurement errors.

[0009] In addition, in clinical settings, there is a need to analyze multiple samples continuously.

[0010] Most electrolyte analysis devices use a method called ion selective electrode method. The ion selective electrode method measures the electrolyte concentration in the sample by measuring the potential difference between the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode. The ion selective electrode has an ion sensitive membrane that generates a potential difference in response to ion components, and the sensitive membrane is sensitive to the ion components on its surface.

[0011] This potential varies according to the electrolyte concentration in the specimen. In order to maintain the reference potential, the reference electrode is configured to be in contact with a solution called the reference electrode solution. As the reference electrode solution, for example, a high-concentration aqueous KCl solution is used.

[0012] In addition, as the ion-selective electrode and the reference electrode, in order to achieve high throughput, a flow cell type device can also be formed. In this flow cell type device, a flow path for supplying a specimen to be measured is provided inside the housing, and an induction film is provided in contact with the flow path. Since the induction film is sensitive to the ion components on its surface, when a specimen other than the measurement object remains on the surface of the induction film, it may not be possible to measure the specimen to be measured with high precision.

[0013] In such a flow cell type electrolyte analysis device, reagents such as specimens and standard solutions pass through the flow path. When analyzing by transporting a specimen or the like to the flow path, before transporting the specimen to the flow path, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and remove the specimen remaining attached to the flow path after the previous measurement. Therefore, usually before measuring the specimen, a part of the specimen is transported to the flow path, and the inside of the flow path is "pre-washed" with this specimen.

[0014] In Patent Document 1, an air delivery pipe is branched and connected to the pipe for transporting the specimen, and air is intermittently introduced from the air delivery pipe into the pipe through which the specimen flows using a pinch valve, thereby performing pre-washing of the pipe. However, in Patent Document 1, the branched flow path is configured to be worn each time the pinch valve opens and closes, and the replacement frequency of the flow path components becomes high. Especially when the number of analysis processes is large, the replacement frequency of the flow path components becomes significantly high.

[0015] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an analysis device and a method for pre-washing a flow path of an analysis device that can reduce the replacement frequency of components, reduce the measurement liquid volume, and ensure analysis performance.

[0016] Means for Solving the Problem

[0017] The analysis device of the present disclosure includes: a cup that houses a liquid specimen to be measured; a nozzle that sucks the liquid specimen from the cup; a flow path through which the liquid specimen sucked by the nozzle passes; a measurement unit that is provided on the flow path and measures the liquid specimen; a liquid feeding mechanism that transports the liquid specimen in the flow path; a variable mechanism that makes the relative position of the cup and the nozzle variable; and a control device that controls the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism. The control device controls the operation of the variable mechanism, disposes the nozzle in the liquid and in the air of the liquid specimen housed in the cup, and controls the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce a liquid specimen intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, thereby performing pre-washing of the flow path.

[0018] In addition, the pre-washing method for the flow path of the analysis device of the present disclosure has the following steps: accommodating a liquid sample to be measured in a cup; controlling the operation of a variable mechanism that can vary the relative position between the cup and a nozzle that sucks the liquid sample from the cup, and arranging the nozzle in the liquid and in the air of the liquid sample accommodated in the cup; controlling the operation of a liquid feeding mechanism to introduce a liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, thereby pre-washing the flow path, wherein the liquid feeding mechanism transports the liquid sample in the flow path through which the liquid sample sucked by the nozzle passes; and after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, controlling the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample for measurement to the measurement unit on the flow path for measuring the liquid sample.

[0019] Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the frequency of component replacement, and to reduce the amount of measurement liquid and ensure the analysis performance.

[0021] Based on the description of this specification and the drawings, other problems and new features become clear. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the electrolyte automatic analysis device 1000.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the arrangement position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the arrangement position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the arrangement positions of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 and the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the outline of the measurement operation performed in the electrolyte automatic analysis device 1000.

[0027] Figure 6 It is showing Figure 5 The detailed flowchart of the measurement process S13000.

[0028] Figure 7 It is showing Figure 6 The timing chart of the position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the operation of the injection pump 1051 in the liquid sample introduction process S13140.

[0029] Figure 8It is a schematic diagram showing a part where there is a high possibility that the pre-washing effect using the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas affects the analysis performance.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing that the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas is pressed in with the arbitrary liquid or gas, whereby the liquid sample 1011 is maintained at the parts of the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, and liquid junction 1080 in the flow path 1054.

[0031] Figure 10 It shows Figure 6 A flowchart showing the details of the liquid sample introduction process S13140. Detailed implementation mode

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The examples are for illustrating the present disclosure and are appropriately omitted and simplified for clarity. The present disclosure can also be implemented in various other ways. Unless otherwise specified, each component can be single or multiple.

[0033] For easy understanding of the invention, the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the respective components shown in the drawings sometimes do not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. Therefore, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0034] When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, sometimes different subscripts are attached to the same reference numerals for explanation. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish these multiple components, sometimes the subscripts are omitted for explanation.

[0035] In an embodiment, the processing performed for executing a program is sometimes described. Here, a computer executes a program through a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), and uses storage resources (e.g., a memory), interface devices (e.g., communication ports), etc. to perform processing determined by the program. Therefore, the entity performing the processing for executing the program can also be set as the processor. Similarly, the entity performing the processing for executing the program can also be a controller, a device, a system, a computer, or a node having a processor. The entity performing the processing for executing the program only needs to be an arithmetic unit, and can also include a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit is, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), etc.

[0036] The program can also be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source can be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor and a storage resource for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server can distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in an embodiment, two or more programs can be implemented as one program, or one program can be implemented as two or more programs.

[0037] (Device Structure of the Electrolyte Automatic Analyzer 1000)

[0038] First, use Figure 1 to describe the overall structure of the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000.

[0039] Figure 1 The electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 shown is a device for measuring the ion concentration contained in a specimen, and includes a sample cup 1010, a specimen dispensing mechanism 1020, a diluent dispensing mechanism 1030, an internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040, a liquid specimen introduction mechanism 1050, a reference electrode liquid feeding mechanism 1060, a measurement control device 1100, a waste liquid mechanism for the sample cup 1200, and a measurement unit 1300.

[0040] In addition, in the following description, an example of applying the present invention to an electrolyte automatic analysis device is shown, but the present invention can be applied to other analysis devices and electrolyte analysis devices.

[0041] (Measurement control device 1100)

[0042] The measurement control device 1100 controls the operations of various parts (sample dispensing mechanism 1020, diluent dispensing mechanism 1030, internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040, liquid sample introduction mechanism 1050, reference electrode liquid feeding mechanism 1060, and waste liquid mechanism 1200 for sample cups) within the electrolyte automatic analysis device 1000. In addition, the measurement control device 1100 receives the measurement results from the measurement unit 1300 and performs analysis and other processing of the measurement results.

[0043] The measurement control device 1100 includes a processor 1100a, a main storage unit 1100b, an auxiliary storage unit 1100c, a communication I / F 1100d, and an input / output unit 1100e. The processor 1100a is a CPU, GPU, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC, etc. The main storage unit 1100b is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as the working area of the processor 1100a. The auxiliary storage unit 1100c is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 1100c stores control programs for controlling the operations of various parts within the electrolyte automatic analysis device 1000, analysis programs for analyzing and processing the measurement results, etc. The communication I / F 1100d is an interface such as USB, and is communicably connected to the measurement unit 1300, etc., and receives measurement results from the measurement unit 1300, for example. The input / output unit 1100e is a display, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. I / F is an abbreviation for interface.

[0044] The measurement control device 1100 is composed of a single computer having a processor 1100a, a main storage unit 1100b, an auxiliary storage unit 1100c, a communication I / F 1100d, and an input / output unit 1100e, but it can also be composed of multiple computers.

[0045] Based on various programs recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 1100c, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operations of each device. In addition, the control processing of the operations performed by the measurement control device 1100 can be aggregated into one program, can be separately divided into multiple programs, or can be a combination of them. In addition, part or all of the program can be implemented by dedicated hardware or can be modularized.

[0046] (Specimen Dispensing Mechanism 1020)

[0047] The specimen dispensing mechanism 1020 has a specimen dispensing nozzle 1022 and a specimen storage container 1023 that stores the specimen 1021. In the specimen dispensing mechanism 1020, the specimen 1021 stored in the specimen storage container 1023 is sucked into the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022. Thereafter, the front end portion of the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022 is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the sample cup 1010, and all or a part of the sucked specimen 1021 is discharged into the sample cup 1010.

[0048] (Sample Cup 1010)

[0049] The sample cup 1010 is a container-shaped component for dispensing the specimen 1021. The specimen 1021, the diluent 1031, and the internal standard solution 1041 are stored in the sample cup 1010. The specimen 1021 is diluted by the diluent 1031 at a predetermined ratio within the sample cup 1010 and is introduced as a liquid sample 1011 into the subsequent measurement unit 1300.

[0050] In addition, not only can the specimen 1021 be diluted, but also the specimen 1021 can be introduced into the flow path 1054 without dilution.

[0051] (Measurement Unit 1300)

[0052] The measurement unit 1300 has one or more ion-selective electrodes and a reference electrode, and measures the specific ion concentration of the liquid sample 1011. The measurement unit 1300 has a flow-through type chloride ion-selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Cl-ISE") 1071, a flow-through type potassium ion-selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "K-ISE") 1072, a flow-through type sodium ion-selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Na-ISE") 1073, a flow-through type liquid junction 1080, and a flow-through type reference electrode 1090 disposed in the middle of the flow path 1054. The specific ion concentration of the liquid sample 1011 aliquoted from the sample cup 1010 is measured by the measurement unit 1300 having the above structure (Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, liquid junction 1080, and reference electrode 1090).

[0053] (Diluent Dispensing Mechanism 1030)

[0054] The diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 includes a diluent storage bottle 1032 for storing a diluent 1031, a diluent flow path 1033, a diluent dispensing nozzle 1034, and a diluent pump 1035. By driving the diluent pump 1035, the diluent 1031 is sucked from the diluent storage bottle 1032 and passes through the diluent flow path 1033. Then, the diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 supplies the diluent 1031 to the sample cup 1010. In addition, different from the method of diluting the specimen 1021, when the method of directly introducing the specimen 1021 into the flow path 1054 is adopted, it is not necessarily required to have the diluent dispensing mechanism 1030.

[0055] (Internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040)

[0056] Similarly, the internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040 includes an internal standard solution storage bottle 1042 for storing an internal standard solution 1041 which is a liquid for analyzing the specimen 1021, an internal standard solution flow path 1043, an internal standard solution dispensing nozzle 1044, and an internal standard solution pump 1045. By driving the internal standard solution pump 1045, the internal standard solution 1041 is sucked from the internal standard solution storage bottle 1042 and passes through the internal standard solution flow path 1043. Then, the internal standard solution dispensing nozzle 1044 supplies the internal standard solution to the sample cup 1010.

[0057] (Liquid sample introduction mechanism 1050)

[0058] The liquid sample introduction mechanism 1050 includes: an injection pump 1051 as a liquid feeding mechanism, a liquid sample suction nozzle 1052, a liquid sample suction nozzle / sample cup relative position variable mechanism 1053 (hereinafter appropriately abbreviated as the variable mechanism 1053), a flow path 1054 connected to the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052, and a waste liquid accumulation part 1059. By driving the injection pump 1051, the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 sucks a liquid sample 1011 from the sample cup 1010. The liquid sample 1011 sucked by the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 passes through the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, and liquid junction 1080 on the flow path 1054 and is then discarded into the waste liquid accumulation part 1059.

[0059] In addition, the liquid sample introduction mechanism 1050 can not only introduce the liquid sample 1011 into the flow path 1054, but also introduce gas into the flow path 1054. The detailed content of the introduction methods of the liquid sample 1011 and gas will be described later.

[0060] The front end portion of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 can be moved in the vertical direction by a variable mechanism 1053, and can be disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011 accommodated in the sample cup 1010 and in the air. The variable mechanism 1053 can be a mechanism including a stepping motor or a mechanism including a solenoid.

[0061] (Reference electrode liquid feeding mechanism 1060)

[0062] The reference electrode liquid feeding mechanism 1060 includes a reference electrode liquid storage bottle 1062 that stores the reference electrode liquid 1061 and a reference electrode liquid pump 1063. By driving the reference electrode liquid pump 1063, the reference electrode liquid 1061 in the reference electrode liquid storage bottle 1062 is sucked and discarded into the waste liquid accumulation section 1059 through the liquid junction 1080.

[0063] (Sample cup waste liquid mechanism 1200)

[0064] The sample cup waste liquid mechanism 1200 includes a waste liquid collector 1201, a vacuum pump 1202, a solenoid valve 1203, a waste liquid flow path 1204, a waste liquid nozzle 1205 that forms the front end portion 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 with respect to the waste liquid collector 1201, and the waste liquid sucked from the waste liquid nozzle 1205 through the open solenoid valve 1203 is introduced into the waste liquid collector 1201. The waste liquid temporarily stored in the waste liquid collector 1201 is transferred to the waste liquid accumulation section 1059 by a waste liquid transfer mechanism (not shown).

[0065] (Arrangement positions of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205)

[0066] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement positions of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 and the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052. Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4 , the arrangement positions of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 will be described.

[0067] Figure 2 shows the arrangement position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 when sucking the liquid sample 1011. As Figure 2As shown, when sucking the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010, the variable mechanism 1053 moves the position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 so that the front end portion of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is located in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011. In a state where the front end portion of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is located in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011, by driving the syringe pump 1051, the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 is sucked and the liquid sample 1011 is introduced into the flow path 1054.

[0068] Figure 3 The arrangement position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 when sucking gas is shown. As Figure 3 shown, when sucking gas, the variable mechanism 1053 moves the position of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 so that the front end portion of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is located in the air above the sample cup 1010. In a state where the front end portion of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is located in the air, gas is sucked by driving the syringe pump 1051, and the gas is introduced into the flow path 1054. In the syringe pump, it is difficult to generate a pulsating flow, so even when the suction amount of the liquid sample or gas is small, it is easy to accurately control the introduction amount into the flow path 1054.

[0069] Figure 4 The arrangement position of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 when sucking waste liquid is shown. As Figure 4 shown, when sucking waste liquid, a variable mechanism (not shown) moves the position of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 so that the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is located in the liquid of the waste liquid (liquid sample 1011). In a state where the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is located in the liquid of the waste liquid (liquid sample 1011), by driving the vacuum pump 1202, the waste liquid (liquid sample 1011) in the sample cup 1010 is sucked, and the waste liquid is introduced into the waste liquid flow path 1204 and discharged to the waste liquid collector 1201 via the electromagnetic valve 1203.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are arranged at positions (positions separated by 180°) opposite to each other across the central axis C of the sample cup 1010 (refer to Figure 4 ). And the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are moved in the vertical direction parallel to the central axis C by their respective dedicated vertical drive mechanisms.

[0071] In the present embodiment, a plurality of flow paths for calibration liquids or the like may be provided as needed.

[0072] (Measurement operation)

[0073] Figure 5This is a flowchart showing the outline of the measurement operations performed in the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000. Refer to Figure 5 to describe the measurement operations performed in the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000. The measurement operations performed in the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 are automatically and continuously executed by the program provided in the measurement control device 1100.

[0074] In the case of this embodiment, after the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 is started, the measurement control device 1100 executes the initialization process S11000 and the calibration process S12000.

[0075] After that, the measurement control device 1100 repeatedly performs the measurement process S13000 according to the number of specimens, and executes the determination process S14000 to determine whether all specimens have been measured.

[0076] When the measurement control device 1100 determines that all specimens have been measured (S14000: No), it executes the pre-stop process S15000.

[0077] After the measurement control device 1100 executes the pre-stop process S15000, it executes the determination process S16000 for whether there is a next specimen to determine whether there is a next specimen. In the determination process S16000 for whether there is a next specimen, if it is determined that there is a next specimen (S16000: Yes), the measurement process S13000 is executed.

[0078] When the measurement control device 1100 determines that there is no next specimen in the determination process S16000 for whether there is a next specimen (S16000: No), it performs the stop process S17000.

[0079] Hereinafter, each of the above processes will be described in detail.

[0080] (Initialization process S11000)

[0081] The initialization process S11000 includes preparations such as starting and cleaning each element mechanism constituting the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000. As part of the initialization, the measurement control device 1100 transports 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 sample cup 1010, and transports it to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073. Through this liquid transfer, the adjustment of each ISE is performed.

[0082] (Calibration process S12000)

[0083] The calibration process S12000 includes a low-concentration standard solution measurement process, a high-concentration standard solution measurement process, a calibration solution measurement process, a calibration curve generation process, etc. The measurement order of the low-concentration standard solution, the high-concentration standard solution, and the calibration solution follows the measurement process S13000 described below. Measure the standard solutions and calibration solutions of each concentration in the same way as the specimen, and record the electromotive force of each ISE.

[0084] In the calibration curve generation process, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the slope sensitivity based on the electromotive force measurement results of the standard solutions of the two concentrations of high and low. 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 result of the calibration solution and the slope sensitivity.

[0085] Moreover, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the offset correction value based on the difference between the true concentration (display value) of the calibration solution and the calculated concentration of the calibration solution. The slope sensitivity and the offset correction value are collectively referred to as the "calibration curve".

[0086] (Measurement process S13000)

[0087] The measurement process S13000 mainly has a specimen measurement process S13100 (refer to Figure 6 ) and a specimen concentration calculation process S13200 (refer to Figure 5 ). The detailed content of the measurement process S13000 will be described later.

[0088] The judgment process S14000, the pre-stop processing process S15000, the determination process S16000 of whether there is a next specimen, and the stop process S17000 are general processes in the analysis device, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0089] (Detailed content of the measurement process S13000)

[0090] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing the detailed content of the measurement process S13000 of Figure 5 . As described above, the measurement process S13000 mainly has a specimen measurement process S13100 and a specimen concentration calculation process S13200. Next, refer to Figure 6 to explain the detailed content of the measurement process S13000.

[0091] (Specimen measurement process S13100)

[0092] The specimen measurement process S13100 includes a sample cup waste liquid process S13110, a specimen dispensing process S13120, a diluent dispensing process S13130, a liquid sample introduction process S13140, a sample cup cleaning process S13150, and a potential measurement process S13160. After the specimen measurement process S13100, a specimen concentration calculation process S13200 is executed. Hereinafter, each process of the specimen measurement process S13100 and the specimen concentration calculation process S13200 will be described in detail.

[0093] The measurement control device 1100 executes the sample cup waste liquid process S13110. In the sample cup waste liquid process S13110, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the sample cup waste liquid mechanism 1200 to discharge the liquid (internal standard solution 1041, diluent 1031, system water (not shown), etc.) in the sample cup 1010. In addition, before the start of this process, the solenoid valve 1203 is closed. The solenoid valve 1203 is basically closed in processes other than the waste liquid in the sample cup 1010. When the solenoid valve 1203 is opened, due to the action of the vacuum pump 1202, the inside of the waste liquid flow path 1204 and the waste liquid collector 1201 is evacuated to reduce the pressure. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 1203 is closed, the pressure in the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0094] After the measurement process S13000 starts, the measurement control device 1100 drives the up-and-down drive mechanism (not shown) to immerse the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 into the waste liquid in the sample cup 1010 (see Figure 4 ). The measurement control device 1100 opens the solenoid valve 1203 in this state to provide a reduced pressure environment to the sample cup 1010 through the waste liquid nozzle 1205.

[0095] The waste liquid in the sample cup 1010 is discharged to the waste liquid collector 1201 via the waste liquid nozzle 1205, the waste liquid flow path 1204, and the solenoid valve 1203. After discharging the waste liquid for a predetermined time, the measurement control device 1100 closes the solenoid valve 1203 to cut off the reduced pressure. As a result, the pressure in the waste liquid nozzle 1205 returns to atmospheric pressure. Then, the measurement control device 1100 drives the up-and-down drive mechanism (not shown) to position the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 vertically above the sample cup 1010. That is, the front end portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 moves outside the sample cup 1010.

[0096] (Specimen dispensing process S13120)

[0097] Next, the measurement control device 1100 executes the specimen dispensing process S13120. In the specimen dispensing process S13120, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the specimen dispensing mechanism 1020 to suck the specimen 1021 in the specimen storage container 1023 into the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022. After that, the measurement control device 1100 positions the front end portion of the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022 near the inner wall of the sample cup 1010 and discharges all the sucked specimen 1021 into the sample cup 1010.

[0098] (Diluent dispensing process S13130)

[0099] Next, the measurement control device 1100 executes the diluent dispensing process S13130. In the diluent dispensing process S13130, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 to spray the diluent 1031 into the sample cup 1010 through the diluent dispensing nozzle 1034. The specimen 1021 ejected in the above-mentioned specimen dispensing process S13120 is accommodated in the sample cup 1010, and the diluent 1031 is sprayed toward the specimen 1021 from a position above the specimen 1021.

[0100] The diluent 1031 is drawn into the specimen 1021 along the inner surface of the sample cup 1010 and flows into the inner bottom of the sample cup 1010. The specimen 1021 is diluted by the diluent 1031, and the two are uniformly mixed. In this diluent dispensing process S13130, the diluted specimen obtained by diluting the specimen 1021 with the diluent 1031 at a predetermined ratio (hereinafter referred to as "dilution ratio") is called the liquid specimen 1011, and the liquid specimen 1011 is accommodated in the sample cup 1010. The diluted specimen is a type of liquid specimen 1011. When the specimen 1021 is not diluted, the specimen 1021 that enters the sample cup 1010 becomes the liquid specimen 1011, and this specimen 1021 (liquid specimen 1011) is used.

[0101] (Liquid specimen introduction process S13140)

[0102] Next, the measurement control device 1100 executes the liquid specimen introduction process S13140. In the liquid specimen introduction process S13140, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the variable mechanism 1053 to immerse the liquid specimen suction nozzle 1052 into the liquid of the liquid specimen 1011 in the sample cup 1010 (see Figure 2 ). Then, the injection pump 1051 is driven to introduce the liquid specimen 1011 into the flow path 1054. In processes other than the liquid specimen introduction process S13140, the liquid specimen suction nozzle 1052 is arranged vertically above the sample cup 1010, and the front end portion of the liquid specimen suction nozzle 1052 is located outside the sample cup 1010.

[0103] In addition, the measurement control device 1100 causes the syringe pump 1051 to work in conjunction with the reference electrode solution feeding mechanism 1060 to feed the reference electrode solution 1061 to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the reference electrode 1090 .

[0104] Next, the measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 to transport the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 as a measuring liquid to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 through the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 in sequence. At the confluence point of the flow path inside the flow cell type liquid junction 1080, the liquid sample 1011 contacts the reference electrode solution 1061 to form a free-flow type liquid junction, which is in a state where the potential can be measured.

[0105] After that, the measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 to discharge the liquid between the liquid junction 1080 and the syringe pump 1051 to the waste liquid reservoir 1059. After the liquid delivery is completed, the measurement control device 1100 controls the variable mechanism 1053 to lift the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 from the sample cup 1010. In addition, the details of the control of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the syringe pump 1051 in the liquid sample introduction step S13140 will be described later.

[0106] (Sample cup cleaning process S13150)

[0107] The measurement control device 1100 executes the sample cup cleaning step S13150. In the sample cup cleaning step S13150, the measurement control device 1100 performs the same operation as the sample cup waste liquid step S13110 described above, and discards the liquid sample 1011 remaining in the sample cup 1010. Next, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 and the internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040, and uses a syringe pump (not shown) connected to the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 to dispense system water into the sample cup 1010 through the sample dispensing nozzle 1022, thereby cleaning the sample cup 1010. The diluent 1031 or the internal standard solution 1041 may be dispensed instead of the system water. In addition, the diluent 1031, the internal standard solution 1041, and the system water may be dispensed and mixed to clean the sample cup 1010.

[0108] (Potential measurement step S13160)

[0109] The measurement control device 1100 executes the potential measurement process S13160. In the potential measurement process S13160, the measurement control device 1100 uses the reference electrode 1090 as the reference potential, and measures and records the electromotive forces of the flow-through cell type Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 using the built-in voltage amplifier, AD converter, microcomputer, etc.

[0110] (Specimen concentration calculation process S13200)

[0111] After that, the measurement control device 1100 executes the specimen concentration calculation process S13200. In the specimen concentration calculation process S13200, the measurement control device 1100 is based on the difference between the electromotive forces of the respective ISEs of the liquid specimen 1011 obtained in the above potential measurement process S13160 and the electromotive force for the internal standard solution, and the slope sensitivity and dilution ratio obtained in the calibration process S12000 ( Figure 5 ) which is the calibration curve generation process, to obtain the concentration ratio of the specimen 1021 to the internal standard solution. Similar to the measurement process S13000 of the liquid specimen 1011, the electromotive force for the internal standard solution is measured for the internal standard solution. The measurement control device 1100 multiplies this concentration ratio by the concentration of the internal standard solution obtained in the calibration process S12000 to obtain the concentration of the specimen 1021 (before offset correction). By adding the offset correction value to the concentration of the specimen 1021, the measurement control device 1100 obtains the concentration of the specimen 1021 (after offset correction).

[0112] Through the above steps, the measurement control device 1100 respectively obtains the concentrations of Cl, K, and Na in the specimen 1021, and displays the results on a display or the like to notify the user.

[0113] (Pre-washing of the liquid specimen for the flow path 1054)

[0114] Figure 7 is a timing chart showing Figure 6 the position of the liquid specimen suction nozzle 1052 and the operation of the injection pump 1051 in the liquid specimen introduction process S13140. Here, the control of the liquid specimen suction nozzle 1052 and the injection pump 1051 in the liquid specimen introduction process S13140 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, when introducing the liquid specimen 1011 into the flow path 1054, the liquid specimen 1011 is intercepted by one or more gases, and the liquid specimen 1011 intercepted by the one or more gases is introduced into the flow path 1054, thereby performing pre-washing of the flow path 1054.

[0115] (Step 1: Introduction of the liquid specimen 1011 for pre-washing)

[0116] In step 1, the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is selectively arranged in the liquid or in the air of the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010, and the liquid sample 1011 or gas is selectively introduced into the flow path 1054. The front end of the liquid sample 1011 is truncated by one or more gases, thereby pre-washing the flow path 1054.

[0117] First, in step 1 ( Figure 7 (i) bubble suction), with the liquid sample 1011 placed in the sample cup 1010, the variable mechanism 1053, under the control of the measurement control device 1100, moves the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 away from the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 and arranges it in the air. With the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 arranged in the air, the syringe pump 1051, under the control of the measurement control device 1100, sucks bubbles into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. At this time, the measurement control device 1100 can accurately suck a required amount of bubbles at a required suction speed by controlling the suction time and suction speed of the syringe pump 1051.

[0118] Next, in step 1 ( Figure 7 (ii) stop), the variable mechanism 1053, under the control of the measurement control device 1100, immerses the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 into the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 (arranged in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011). In addition, the measurement control device 1100 stops the operation of the syringe pump 1051 for a predetermined time (for example, the first time).

[0119] After stopping the operation of the syringe pump 1051 for a predetermined time, in step 1 ( Figure 7 (iii) sample suction), the syringe pump 1051, under the control of the measurement control device 1100, sucks the liquid sample 1011 into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. At this time, the measurement control device 1100 can suck a required amount of the liquid sample 1011 at a required suction speed by controlling the suction time and suction speed of the syringe pump 1051.

[0120] Then, in step 1 ( Figure 7 (iv) stop), the variable mechanism 1053, under the control of the measurement control device 1100, moves the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 away from the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 and arranges it in the air. In addition, the measurement control device 1100 stops the operation of the syringe pump 1051 for a predetermined time (for example, the second time).

[0121] By performing the above (i) bubble aspiration, (ii) stop, (iii) sample aspiration, and (iv) stop, the front end of the liquid sample 1011 can be cut off by gas. In addition, by repeatedly performing the above (i) bubble aspiration, (ii) stop, (iii) sample aspiration, and (iv) stop multiple times, the front end of the liquid sample 1011 can be cut off by multiple gases.

[0122] At the end of Step 1 ( Figure 7 in (v) bubble aspiration), similar to the above (i) bubble aspiration, bubbles are aspirated into the liquid sample aspiration nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054.

[0123] In this embodiment, (v) bubble aspiration is performed, but it may not be performed. In addition, in this embodiment, between (i) bubble aspiration and (iii) sample aspiration, (ii) stop and (iv) stop are performed, but both (ii) stop and (iv) stop may not be performed, or either (ii) stop or (iv) stop may not be performed. In addition, in (ii) stop and (iv) stop, the predetermined times (the first time and the second time) for which the injection pump 1051 stops may be the same or different.

[0124] (Step 2: Standby)

[0125] Next, the measurement control device 1100 stops the operation of the injection pump 1051, causing the front end of the liquid sample 1011 cut off by one or more gases to stop in the liquid sample aspiration nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. For example, the measurement control device 1100 stops the operation of the injection pump 1051 for a certain time (e.g., the third time) until the position instability of the gas caused by the pressure loss in the flow path 1054 is suppressed. The stop time of the injection pump 1051 is determined based on the pressure loss considering the flow path length, flow path inner diameter, atmospheric pressure, etc. of the liquid sample aspiration nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. The third time is longer than the first time and the second time.

[0126] (Step 3: Introduction of the measurement liquid sample 1011)

[0127] After the injection pump 1051 is stopped for a certain period of time, the variable mechanism 1053 immerses the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 into the liquid sample 1011 (disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011) in the sample cup 1010 according to the control of the measurement control device 1100. Then, with the front end of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011, the injection pump 1051 sucks the liquid sample 1011 into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054 according to the control of the measurement control device 1100. At this time, the measurement control device 1100 can accurately suck the required amount of the liquid sample 1011 at the required suction speed by controlling the suction time and suction speed of the injection pump 1051.

[0128] When the measurement unit 1300 measures the liquid sample 1011, the variable mechanism 1053 disposes the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the air to separate the liquid sample 1011 accommodated in the sample cup 1010 from the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052. During the measurement by the measurement unit 1300, since the liquid sample 1011 is separated from the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052, it is possible to suppress the influence of static electricity and the like from reaching the measurement unit 1300.

[0129] (Liquid sample 1011 liquid feeding control)

[0130] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a part where there is a high possibility that the pre-washing effect of the liquid sample 1011 cut off by gas affects the analysis performance. The parts that affect the analysis performance are mainly the range 1110 from the front end 1101 of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 through the connection part 1102 between the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054 and the position 1103 where the Cl-ISE 1071 is provided in the flow path 1054 to the position 1104 corresponding to the Na-ISE 1073 in the flow path 1054.

[0131] For the stability of the analysis performance, it is important to introduce the front end of the liquid sample 1011 cut off by one or more gases into this range 1110, thereby pre-washing this range 1110 of the flow path 1054.

[0132] In addition, when the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas and attracted into the flow path 1054 is attracted at a low speed, the interface between the liquid phase of the liquid sample 1011 and the gas phase of the gas is stable, and the pre-washing effect is improved. However, when attracting at a low speed, the throughput of analysis decreases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the liquid feeding speed of the liquid sample 1011 is changed to a low speed at a predetermined timing. For example, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the injection pump 1051 so that the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas is fed at a low first liquid feeding speed at least before reaching the position 1104. Then, the measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of the injection pump 1051 so that after the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas passes through the position 1104, it is fed at a second liquid feeding speed faster than the first liquid feeding speed from the position 1104. The second liquid feeding speed is, for example, 1.5 times or more of the first liquid feeding speed.

[0133] By controlling the liquid feeding speed as described above, the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054 up to the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 of the measurement unit 1300 can be carefully co-washed with the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas at a low speed. Moreover, by controlling the liquid feeding speed as described above, the liquid sample 1011 that has passed through the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 can be discarded at a high speed, and the subsequent measurement liquid (liquid sample 1011) of the liquid sample 1011 interrupted by gas can be introduced into the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073. As a result, a decrease in throughput can be prevented.

[0134] In addition, when the amount of the liquid sample 1011 is small and there is not enough liquid to fill the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054, in the state where the liquid sample 1011 is introduced into a part of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054, the liquid sample of the next measurement object, the liquid sample 1011, any liquid different from the liquid sample of the next measurement object (referred to as the pressing liquid), any gas (referred to as the pressing gas), or a combination thereof can be selectively introduced into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. In addition, the pressing fluid includes the pressing liquid and the pressing gas. Alternatively, a liquid obtained by mixing a part of the liquid sample 1011 remaining in the sample cup 1010 with the liquid sample of the next measurement object can be selectively introduced into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. Alternatively, a part of the liquid sample 1011 remaining in the sample cup 1010 and any liquid (pressing liquid) different from the liquid sample of the next measurement object can be selectively introduced into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. Thus, by pressing the liquid sample 1011 with this arbitrary liquid or gas, the liquid sample 1011 can be held at the positions in the flow path 1054 up to the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, and the liquid junction 1080 for analysis. In addition, in order to correctly perform the potential measurement step S13160, the positions in the flow path 1054 from position 1103 via position 1104 to the liquid junction 1080 are filled with the liquid sample 1011, and a gas-free state is achieved. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the liquid sample 1011 blocked by gas is pressed with this arbitrary liquid or gas, and thus the liquid sample 1011 is held at the positions in the flow path 1054 up to the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, and the liquid junction 1080. When the amount of the liquid sample 1011 is small and there is not enough liquid to fill the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054, in Figure 7 Step 3: In the introduction of the liquid sample 1011 for measurement, by pressing the liquid sample 1011 blocked by the gas 2001 with an arbitrary liquid (pressing liquid) 2002 or gas, the liquid sample 1011 can be held at the positions in the flow path 1054 up to the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, and the liquid junction 1080.

[0135] (Details of the liquid sample introduction step S13140)

[0136] Figure 10 is to represent Figure 6Flowchart showing details of the liquid sample introduction process S13140. Each step is executed by the processor 1100a running the program provided in the measurement control device 1100. Figure 10 In step 1, the measurement control device 1100 performs processes S13140a to S13140h. In step 2, it performs process S13140i. In step 3, it performs processes S13140j to S13140l.

[0137] First, with the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 positioned in the air, the measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 (S13140a). As a result, air bubbles are drawn into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. The measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 for a pre-determined time. When the drive source of the syringe pump 1051 is a stepper motor, the syringe pump 1051 is driven by a pre-determined number of steps.

[0138] Next, the measurement control device 1100 controls the variable mechanism 1053 to lower the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and position the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 (S13140b).

[0139] In this state, with the syringe pump 1051 stopped, the measurement control device 1100 counts a pre-determined time (first time) (S13140c). Alternatively, the order of lowering the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 (S13140b) and counting the pre-determined time (S13140c) can be reversed.

[0140] After counting the pre-determined time, with the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 positioned in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011, the measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 (S13140d). As a result, the liquid sample 1011 is aspirated into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054. The measurement control device 1100 drives the syringe pump 1051 for a pre-determined time.

[0141] Next, the measurement control device 1100 controls the variable mechanism 1053 to raise the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and position the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the air (S13140e).

[0142] In this state, with the syringe pump 1051 stopped, the measurement control device 1100 counts a pre-determined time (second time) (S13140f). Alternatively, the order of raising the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 (S13140e) and counting the pre-determined time (S13140f) can be reversed.

[0143] Then, the measurement control device 1100 determines whether the suction of the bubbles and the liquid sample 1011 (S13140a to S13140f) has been performed a predetermined number of times (S13140g). When the suction of the bubbles and the liquid sample 1011 (S13140a to S13140f) has been performed a predetermined number of times (S13140g: Yes), the process of S13140h is executed. When the suction of the bubbles and the liquid sample 1011 (S13140a to S13140f) has not been performed a predetermined number of times (S13140g: No), the suction of the bubbles and the liquid sample 1011 (S13140a to S13140f) is repeatedly executed until a predetermined number of times is performed.

[0144] Then, the measurement control device 1100 drives the injection pump 1051 (S13140h). Thereby, the bubbles are sucked into the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054.

[0145] Next, the measurement control device 1100 counts a certain period of time (the third time) (S13140i) in a state where the injection pump 1051 is stopped.

[0146] After counting a certain period of time, the measurement control device 1100 controls the variable mechanism 1053 to lower the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and dispose the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010 (S13140j).

[0147] Then, the measurement control device 1100 drives the injection pump 1051 (S13140k) in a state where the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample 1011 in the sample cup 1010. Thereby, the measurement liquid sample 1011 is supplied to the measurement unit 1300.

[0148] Finally, the measurement control device 1100 controls the variable mechanism 1053 to raise the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 and dispose the tip of the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the air (S13140l). In the present embodiment, when the measurement unit 1300 measures the liquid sample 1011, the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 is disposed in the air, so that the liquid sample 1011 accommodated in the sample cup 1010 is separated from the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052.

[0149] (Effect of the present embodiment)

[0150] In the present embodiment, by truncating the front end of the liquid sample 1011 with one or more gases, the liquid sample aspirating nozzle 1052 and the flow path 1054 can be pre-washed with the liquid sample 1011. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the liquid sample 1011 to be measured from being contaminated by the liquid sample to be measured remaining from the previous time, and the analysis performance can be ensured. In addition, since the liquid sample 1011 used during pre-washing is truncated by the gas, it is possible to reduce the amount of the liquid sample 1011 required for cleaning the flow path 1054.

[0151] In addition, in the present embodiment, as a unit for sucking bubbles into the flow path 1054, by using the syringe pump 1051, even when the amount of the liquid sample 1011 is small, the quantitativeness during the liquid feeding of the liquid sample 1011 can be ensured, and even when the amount of bubbles is small, the quantitativeness of the liquid feeding amount of the bubbles can be ensured. Moreover, since the bubbles are sucked into the flow path 1054, there is no need to worry about the wear of the flow path components caused by the opening and closing operations of the pinch valve as in Patent Document 1, so the replacement frequency of component replacement can be reduced. In addition, in the present embodiment, there is no need for a pinch valve and an air delivery tube as in Patent Document 1, and by using an existing structure, the above effects can be obtained only through control.

[0152] In addition, in the present embodiment, by switching the liquid feeding speed of the liquid sample 1011 from the first liquid feeding speed to the high-speed second liquid feeding speed, careful pre-washing of the flow path 1054 can be achieved, and a reduction in analysis throughput can be prevented.

[0153] In addition, in the present embodiment, during the measurement in the measurement unit 1300, the liquid sample 1011 is separated from the liquid sample aspirating nozzle 1052. Therefore, during the measurement in the measurement unit 1300, even when the sample cup cleaning step S13150 in the sample cup 1010 is executed, it is possible to suppress the influence of static electricity or the like from reaching the measurement unit 1300, and a reduction in analysis throughput can be prevented.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment, by performing (ii) stop and (iv) stop between (i) bubble suction and (iii) sample suction, it is possible to standby until the bubbles are stabilized in the flow path 1054. Thereby, the liquid sample 1011 truncated by one or more gases can be stably introduced into the flow path 1054.

[0155] Similarly, after the liquid sample 1011 truncated by one or more gases is introduced into the flow path 1054, by standing by for a certain period of time in step 2, it is possible to standby until the bubbles are stabilized in the flow path 1054.

[0156] In addition, in the present embodiment, by using the injection pump 1051 as the liquid feeding mechanism, even when the liquid sample 1011 is in a small amount, the liquid sample 1011 intercepted by one or more gases can be accurately and quickly introduced into the flow path 1054.

[0157] (Modification example)

[0158] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modification examples. For example, the above-described embodiments are embodiments described in detail for easily understanding the present invention and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and in addition, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, with respect to a part of the structure of each embodiment, addition, deletion, and replacement of other structures can be performed.

[0159] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the variable mechanism 1053 moves the liquid sample suction nozzle 1052 in the vertical direction, but the variable mechanism 1053 may also move the sample cup 1010 in the vertical direction.

[0160] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the electrolyte automatic analyzer 1000 is illustrated as an example of the analyzer of the present invention, but the analyzer of the present invention is not limited to the electrolyte automatic analyzer. For example, the analyzer of the present invention may also be a blood gas analyzer.

[0161] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the liquid feeding speed of the liquid sample 1011 is changed to a low speed at a predetermined timing is described, but the first liquid feeding speed and the second liquid feeding speed of the liquid sample 1011 may be set to the same speed. For example, when emphasizing the analysis throughput, the first liquid feeding speed and the second liquid feeding speed can be set to the same high speed to increase the throughput.

[0162] Description of reference numerals

[0163] 1000... Electrolyte automatic analyzer

[0164] 1010... Sample cup

[0165] 1020... Specimen dispensing mechanism

[0166] 1021... Specimen

[0167] 1022... Specimen dispensing nozzle

[0168] 1023... Specimen storage container

[0169] 1030... Diluent dispensing mechanism

[0170] 1031... Diluent

[0171] 1032… Diluent storage bottle

[0172] 1033··· Diluent flow path

[0173] 1034… Diluent dispensing nozzle

[0174] 1035··· Diluent pump

[0175] 1040… Internal standard solution dispensing mechanism

[0176] 1041… Internal standard solution

[0177] 1042… Internal standard solution storage bottle

[0178] 1043… Internal standard solution flow path

[0179] 1044… Internal standard solution dispensing nozzle

[0180] 1045… Internal standard solution pump

[0181] 1050… Liquid sample introduction mechanism

[0182] 1051… Syringe pump

[0183] 1052… Liquid sample suction nozzle

[0184] 1053… Liquid sample suction nozzle / sample cup relative position variable mechanism

[0185] 1054… Flow path

[0186] 1059… Waste liquid accumulation part

[0187] 1060… Reference electrode liquid feeding mechanism

[0188] 1061… Reference electrode liquid

[0189] 1062… Reference electrode liquid storage bottle

[0190] 1063… Reference electrode liquid pump

[0191] 1071… Cl-ISE (Chloride ion selective electrode)

[0192] 1072… K-ISE (Potassium ion selective electrode)

[0193] 1073… Na-ISE (Sodium ion selective electrode)

[0194] 1080… Liquid junction

[0195] 1090… Reference electrode

[0196] 1100… Measurement control device

[0197] 1100a… Processor

[0198] 1100b… Main storage unit

[0199] 1100c… Auxiliary storage unit

[0200] 1100d… Communication I / F

[0201] 1100e… Input / output unit

[0202] 1200… Waste liquid mechanism for sample cup

[0203] 1201… Waste liquid collector

[0204] 1202… Vacuum pump

[0205] 1203… Solenoid valve

[0206] 1204… Waste liquid flow path

[0207] 1205… Waste liquid nozzle

[0208] 1300… Measuring unit.

Claims

1. An analysis device, characterized in that, Comprising: a cup for containing a liquid sample to be measured; a nozzle for sucking the liquid sample from the cup; a flow path through which the liquid sample sucked by the nozzle passes; a measuring unit provided on the flow path for measuring the liquid sample; a liquid feeding mechanism for conveying the liquid sample in the flow path; a variable mechanism for varying the relative position between the cup and the nozzle; and a control device for controlling the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism, wherein the control device controls the operation of the variable mechanism to dispose the nozzle in the liquid and in the air of the liquid sample contained in the cup, and controls the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, thereby pre-washing the flow path.

2. The analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device introduces the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path by repeatedly performing the following operations one or more times: (1) controlling the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce gas into the flow path in a state where the nozzle is disposed in the air; (2) after introducing the gas into the flow path, stopping the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism for a predetermined time; then, (3) controlling the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample into the flow path in a state where the nozzle is disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample.

3. The analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to convey the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases to a position corresponding to the measuring unit in the flow path at a first liquid feeding speed, and controls the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to convey the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases from the position corresponding to the measuring unit in the flow path at a second liquid feeding speed faster than the first liquid feeding speed.

4. The analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, the control device stops the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism for a certain time.

5. The analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases into the flow path, the control device controls the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism in a state where the nozzle is disposed in the liquid of the liquid sample to introduce the liquid sample for measurement into the flow path, after introducing the liquid sample for measurement into the flow path, the control device controls the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce a pressing fluid different from the liquid sample into the flow path and move the pressing fluid in the flow path, thereby moving the liquid sample for measurement previously introduced into the flow path to the measuring unit.

6. The analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that when measuring the liquid sample by the measuring unit, the control device controls the operation of the variable mechanism to dispose the nozzle in the air and separate the liquid sample contained in the cup from the nozzle.

7. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid feeding mechanism is an injection pump.

8. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures specific electrolytes contained in the liquid sample.

9. A pre-washing method for a flow path of an analysis device, characterized in that, The pre-washing method includes the following steps: accommodate the liquid sample to be measured in a cup; control the operation of a variable mechanism that can vary the relative position of the cup and a nozzle that sucks the liquid sample from the cup, and arrange the nozzle in the liquid and in the air of the liquid sample accommodated in the cup; control the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, thereby pre-washing the flow path, wherein the liquid feeding mechanism transports the liquid sample in the flow path through which the liquid sample sucked by the nozzle passes; and after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, control the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample for measurement to the measuring unit on the flow path for measuring the liquid sample.

10. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the step of introducing the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path includes the following steps: introduce the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path by performing the following actions one or more times repeatedly: (1) control the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce gas into the flow path while the nozzle is arranged in the air; (2) after introducing the gas into the flow path, stop the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism for a predetermined time; then, (3) control the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism to introduce the liquid sample into the flow path while the nozzle is arranged in the liquid of the liquid sample.

11. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the pre-washing method further includes the following steps: transport the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases to a position corresponding to the measuring unit in the flow path at a first liquid feeding speed; transport the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases from the position corresponding to the measuring unit in the flow path at a second liquid feeding speed faster than the first liquid feeding speed.

12. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the pre-washing method further includes the following steps: after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by one or more gases into the flow path, stop the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism for a certain time.

13. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, wherein the pre-washing method further includes the following steps: after introducing the liquid sample intercepted by the one or more gases into the flow path, control the operation of the liquid feeding mechanism while the nozzle is arranged in the liquid of the liquid sample to introduce the liquid sample for measurement into the flow path; and After introducing the liquid sample for measurement into the flow path, control the operations of the variable mechanism and the liquid feeding mechanism, introduce a pressing fluid different from the liquid sample into the flow path, and move the pressing fluid within the flow path, thereby moving the liquid sample for measurement previously introduced into the flow path to the measurement unit.

14. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The pre-washing method further includes the following step: when measuring the liquid sample in the measurement unit, dispose the nozzle in the air to separate the liquid sample contained in the cup from the nozzle.

15. The pre-washing method of the flow path of the analysis device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The analysis device is an electrolyte analysis device.

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