Sample analysis system

Abstract

The invention aims to simplify setting of automatic continuous analysis. A control device (700) included in a sample analysis system is provided with: selection receiving units (701, 702, 706, 707) for displaying buttons corresponding to each sample container (201) inside an autosampler (200) and each liquid supply unit (300, 400, 500) provided outside the autosampler, and allowing a user to select an appropriate button; meanwhile, a liquid supply control unit (703) is provided which, when a button corresponding to the sample container is selected, controls the autoinjector so as to insert the injection needle (206) into the sample container corresponding to the button, and which, at the same time, controls the flow path switching valve so as to connect the autoinjector and the sample analysis device. When the button corresponding to the liquid supply part is selected, the control unit controls the flow path switching valve to connect the liquid supply part corresponding to the button to the sample analyzer, and controls the autosampler to make the sample injection needle (206) reach the standby position (209) at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample analysis system comprising an autosampler and a sample analysis apparatus for analyzing liquid samples supplied from the autosampler. Background Technology

[0002] When performing continuous analysis of multiple liquid samples using analytical devices such as mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography, an autosampler is typically used to automatically and sequentially extract liquid samples one by one from multiple pre-prepared sample containers and introduce them into the analytical device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The autosampler includes, for example, a sample tray placement section for holding one or more sample trays containing multiple sample containers; a bottle placement section for holding one or more bottles containing cleaning solutions or calibration samples (hereinafter collectively referred to as "cleaning solutions, etc."); a suction nozzle for drawing liquid from the sample containers or bottles; and a nozzle moving mechanism for moving the suction nozzle in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0003] When performing automated continuous analysis using a sample analysis system that includes such an autosampler and analytical apparatus, the person in charge of analysis first loads multiple sample containers containing the analyte sample onto a sample tray and places the sample tray in the sample tray placement section within the autosampler, while simultaneously placing bottles containing cleaning fluid, etc., in the bottle placement section. The person in charge of analysis then performs setup operations related to the automated continuous analysis on a control device (typically a personal computer equipped with dedicated control software) used to control the autosampler and analytical apparatus.

[0004] In the setup operation, the following settings are set for each analytical step in the automated continuous analysis: from which sample container (or bottle containing calibration sample) in the autosampler to take the sample (i.e., the position of the suction nozzle in each analytical step), what analytical conditions to apply to each analysis, at which time point in the automated continuous analysis to perform the flow path cleaning step with cleaning fluid, and from which bottle in the autosampler to take the cleaning fluid in the cleaning step (i.e., the position of the suction nozzle in the cleaning step), etc.

[0005] After the above settings are performed, when the person in charge of analysis instructs the start of automatic continuous analysis on the control device, the automatic continuous analysis performed by the autosampler and the analysis device is executed under the control of the control device.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-190801 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical problems to be solved

[0010] However, since the autosampler can only hold relatively small bottles, it is necessary to limit the number of steps (i.e. the number of analysis steps and cleaning steps) in continuous automated analysis in order to prevent the cleaning solution in the bottle from being used up during the execution of automated continuous analysis.

[0011] Therefore, a structure could be considered in which one or more large-volume bottles containing cleaning fluid, etc., are placed outside the autosampler, and the cleaning fluid, etc., is taken from these large-volume bottles. In this case, in addition to the autosampler, analytical device, and control device described above, the sample analysis system is equipped with a flow path switching valve, which is used to select any one of the flow paths flowing through the cleaning fluid, etc., taken from the one or more large-volume bottles, and the flow path flowing through the liquid taken from the autosampler, to connect to the flow path leading to the analytical device.

[0012] While this structure allows for a greater number of steps in continuous automated analysis than before, it also increases the workload for the analyst by requiring them to pre-set the positions of flow path switching valves in each step, in addition to positioning the suction nozzles within the autosampler. For example, in analyzing a liquid sample contained in any sample container within the autosampler, the tip of the suction nozzle needs to be positioned to insert into the target sample container, and the flow path switching valve needs to be positioned to connect the flow path carrying the liquid sample extracted from the autosampler to the flow path leading to the analytical apparatus. Furthermore, in analyzing a calibration sample contained in a large-volume bottle, the suction nozzle needs to be positioned to a predetermined standby position (e.g., not inserted into any sample container or bottle, or inserted into a specific sample container or bottle such as a cleaning solution bottle), and the flow path switching valve needs to be positioned to connect the flow path carrying the liquid extracted from the large-volume bottle containing the calibration sample to the flow path leading to the analytical apparatus. In addition, for the cleaning process, it is necessary to set the suction nozzle to reach the standby position, and at the same time, it is also necessary to set the position of the flow path switching valve so that the flow path through which the liquid taken from the large-capacity bottle containing the cleaning solution flows is connected to the flow path leading to the analysis device.

[0013] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a sample analysis system that can perform a greater number of continuous automatic analyses than in the past, and that can easily perform setting operations related to the continuous automatic analyses.

[0014] Technical means to solve the problem

[0015] The sample analysis system of the present invention, which was completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises:

[0016] Sample analysis device

[0017] An autosampler includes: a plate placement section for placing a sample plate having multiple sample containers; a nozzle for drawing liquid from any one of the multiple sample containers; a sample injection path for delivering the liquid drawn through the nozzle; and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle in a horizontal and vertical direction; wherein the multiple sample containers respectively contain liquid samples,

[0018] One or more liquid supply units are disposed outside the autosampler.

[0019] A flow path switching valve selectively connects one or more of the liquid supply units and the sample injection path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

[0020] The control device performs automated continuous analysis, including multiple sample analysis steps and one or more cleaning steps, by controlling at least the actions of the sample analysis device, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve.

[0021] The control device has:

[0022] The selection receiving section displays buttons or identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample receiving sections and each of the one or more liquid supply sections on the display screen, allowing the user to select the liquid supply source supplied to the sample analysis device in each of the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step from the buttons or identifiers.

[0023] In the multiple sample analysis steps and the cleaning steps, the liquid supply control unit controls the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the sample container corresponding to the button or identifier via the selection receiving unit when the button or identifier is selected through the selection receiving unit, and simultaneously controls the flow path switching valve to connect the sample injection flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device. For the steps where the button or identifier corresponding to one or more liquid supply units is selected through the selection receiving unit, the flow path switching valve controls the liquid supply unit corresponding to the button or identifier to connect to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and simultaneously controls the moving mechanism to move the nozzle to a predetermined standby position.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] According to the sample analysis system of the present invention having the above-described structure, it is capable of performing more continuous automatic analysis than conventional processes, and the setting operations related to the continuous automatic analysis can be performed simply. Attached Figure Description

[0026] [ Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a sample analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [ Figure 2 The image shows an example of the cleaning condition setting screen in the sample analysis system.

[0028] [ Figure 3 The image shows an example of the sample / cleaning solution location selection screen in the sample analysis system.

[0029] [ Figure 4 The image shows an example of a batch setting screen in the sample analysis system.

[0030] [ Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control steps of the flow path switching valve and the autosampler at the beginning of each analysis step and cleaning step in the automatic continuous analysis of the sample analysis system.

[0031] [ Figure 6 The image shows an example of a drop-down list in the sample analysis system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, the configuration for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the sample analysis system according to this embodiment. The sample analysis system (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the system) is a system for automatically and continuously analyzing multiple liquid samples, and includes a mass spectrometer 100 (equivalent to the sample analysis device in this invention), an autosampler 200, a calibration sample supply unit 300, a first cleaning solution supply unit 400, a second cleaning solution supply unit 500, a flow path switching valve 600, and a control device 700.

[0033] The mass spectrometry analysis device 100 is an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry analysis device, which includes: an ion source 102 for ionizing a liquid sample by introducing it into an inductively coupled plasma generated by a plasma torch 101; a mass separation unit 103 for separating ions generated in the ion source 102 according to m / z (mass-to-charge ratio); and a detector 104 for detecting the ions separated by the mass separation unit 103.

[0034] The autosampler 200 includes: a tray placement section 203 (equivalent to a plate placement section in the present invention) for holding multiple sample trays 202 (equivalent to sample plates in the present invention); a bottle placement section 205 (equivalent to a liquid container placement section in the present invention) for holding one or more small-capacity bottles 204 (equivalent to liquid containers in the present invention) containing a specified liquid; an injection needle 206 (equivalent to a nozzle in the present invention) with a suction port at the front end for taking liquid (liquid sample or the specified liquid) from multiple sample containers 201 (equivalent to sample receiving section in the present invention) mounted on the sample trays 202 or from small-capacity bottles 204 placed in the bottle placement section 205; a needle movement mechanism 207 (equivalent to a movement mechanism in the present invention) including a motor (not shown); and an injection flow path 208 connected to the base of the injection needle 206. The injection needle 206 can move horizontally (X-axis and Y-axis directions in the figure) and vertically (Z-axis direction in the figure) via the needle moving mechanism 207, allowing it to move above multiple sample containers 201 and multiple volumetric flasks 204 within the autosampler 200 and insert its tip into them respectively. Furthermore, the injection needle 206 can also move to a standby position 209 where its tip is not inserted into any of the multiple sample containers 201 and multiple volumetric flasks 204. While the standby position is defined here as the position where the tip of the injection needle 206 is not inserted into any sample container 201 or volumetric flask 204, alternatively, the standby position can be defined as the position where the tip of the injection needle 206 is inserted into a specific sample container 201 or volumetric flask 204.

[0035] Alternatively, the sample flow path 208 is connected to the base of the injection needle 206. However, the sample flow path 208 can also be connected to the injection port (not shown) located in the autosampler 200. After liquid is taken through the injection needle 206, the tip of the injection needle 206 is inserted into the injection port and the liquid is discharged, thereby sending the liquid into the sample flow path 208.

[0036] The calibration sample supply unit 300 includes: a calibration sample bottle 301, a large-capacity bottle storing calibration samples; and a calibration sample flow path 302, one end of which is inserted into the calibration sample bottle 301 for flow of calibration samples taken from the bottle 301. Here, "large-capacity" means larger than the volume of the small-capacity bottle 204 mentioned above (the same applies below). The first cleaning solution supply unit 400 includes: a first cleaning solution bottle 401, a large-capacity bottle storing a first cleaning solution (e.g., water, a specified organic solvent, a mixture of water and a specified organic solvent, or a specified acid such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid); and a first cleaning solution flow path 402, one end of which is inserted into the first cleaning solution bottle 401 for flow of the first cleaning solution taken from the bottle 401. The second cleaning solution supply unit 500 includes: a second cleaning solution bottle 501, a large-capacity bottle storing a second cleaning solution of a different type than the first cleaning solution; and a second cleaning solution flow path 502, one end of which is inserted into the second cleaning solution bottle 501 for flow of the second cleaning solution taken from the bottle 501. In this embodiment, the calibration sample supply unit 300, the first cleaning fluid supply unit 400, and the second cleaning fluid supply unit 500 are respectively equivalent to the liquid supply unit in this invention.

[0037] The flow path switching valve 600 is a four-way rotary valve having one outlet port 610 and four inlet ports. Hereinafter, the four inlet ports will be referred to as the first port 621, the second port 622, the third port 623, and the fourth port 624. The outlet port 610 is connected to a mass spectrometry analysis flow path 105 (equivalent to the "flow path to the mass spectrometry analysis device" in this invention), which leads to a plasma torch 101 disposed in the ion source 102 of the mass spectrometry analysis device 100. Furthermore, a pump 900, for example a peristaltic pump, is disposed on the mass spectrometry analysis flow path 105. The first port 621 is connected to the sample injection flow path 208 of the autosampler 200, and the second port 622 is connected to the other end of the calibration sample flow path 302. The third port 623 is connected to the other end of the first cleaning solution flow path 402, and the fourth port 624 is connected to the other end of the second cleaning solution flow path 502. The flow path switching valve 600 can selectively switch between the following states: the state where the outlet port 610 is connected to the first port 621 (i.e., the state where the mass spectrometer 100 is connected to the autosampler 200); the state where the outlet port 610 is connected to the second port 622 (i.e., the state where the mass spectrometer 100 is connected to the calibration sample supply unit 300); the state where the outlet port 610 is connected to the third port 623 (i.e., the state where the mass spectrometer 100 is connected to the first cleaning solution supply unit 400); and the state where the outlet port 610 is connected to the fourth port 624 (i.e., the state where the mass spectrometer 100 is connected to the second cleaning solution supply unit 500).

[0038] The control device 700 includes a setting / selection screen generation unit 701, a display control unit 702, an analysis control unit 703, a liquid supply source information storage unit 704, and a setting information storage unit 705 (details of each unit will be described later). The functions of the control device 700 are implemented by a computer (typically a personal computer) equipped with a CPU, memory, and a large-capacity storage medium such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid state hard drive). The computer has a pre-installed program, which is executed by the CPU to implement the functions of the setting / selection screen generation unit 701, the display control unit 702, and the analysis control unit 703 in software. Furthermore, the functions of the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 and the setting information storage unit 705 are implemented by the large-capacity storage medium. The computer is connected to a display unit 706 for displaying various information and an input unit 707 for the user to input various commands. The display unit 706 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the input unit 707 may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touchscreen attached to the display unit 706. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analysis control unit 703 corresponds to the liquid supply control unit in this invention. Additionally, the setting / selection screen generation unit 701, the display control unit 702, the display unit 706, and the input unit 707 together function as the selection acceptance unit in this invention.

[0039] The liquid supply source information storage unit 704 pre-registers the number of ports of the flow path switching valve 600 included in this system, the identifier of each port, and information related to the connection object of each port (such as an identifier indicating the connection object). Furthermore, the identifier can be any of the following: text, numbers, symbols, or combinations thereof. In addition, the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 also stores plan view data indicating the positions of each sample container 201 and each small volumetric bottle 204 in the autosampler 200 when the sample trays 202 and small volumetric bottles 204 are arranged in the autosampler 200, according to the type and number of sample trays 202 arranged on the tray placement unit 203.

[0040] When performing automated continuous analysis of multiple samples using the system described in this embodiment, the user (analysis supervisor) places a sample tray 202 containing multiple sample containers 201 on the tray placement section 203 of the autosampler 200, and simultaneously places a small volumetric flask 204 containing a specified liquid (e.g., a standard sample or a cleaning solution of a different type than the first and second cleaning solutions described above) on the flask placement section 205 of the autosampler 200, and then performs a setup operation related to the automated continuous analysis. The steps of this setup operation will be described below. Furthermore, the following description will use the case where four 2mL×24 type sample trays (i.e., the type capable of holding 24 sample containers 201 with a capacity of 2mL) are arranged on the tray placement section 203 as an example.

[0041] In the above-described setup process, the user first inputs a specified command to the control device 700 via the input unit 707. As a result, the setup / selection screen generation unit 701 generates a specified setup screen (not shown in the illustration), which is then displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702. The user operates the input unit 707 to specify the type (here, "2mL × 24") and quantity (here, "4") of the sample trays 202 installed on the autosampler 200 on the setup screen.

[0042] Next, when the user inputs a specified command to the control device 700 through the input unit 707, such as... Figure 2 The cleaning condition setting screen 810 shown is generated by the setting / selection screen generation unit 701 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702. This screen 810 allows the user to set the cleaning time of the cleaning process performed at predetermined time points during the automatic continuous analysis process (e.g., after each sample analysis is completed), the rotational speed of the pump supplying the cleaning solution (i.e., the infusion pump 900), and the source of the cleaning solution supply. Furthermore, the user can appropriately specify the execution time of the cleaning process on the predetermined setting screen (not shown).

[0043] The cleaning condition setting screen 810 includes a cleaning time input field 811, a pump speed input field 812, and a cleaning fluid supply source input field 813. The user operation input unit 707 inputs the desired values ​​in the cleaning time input field 811 and the pump speed input field 812. Then, when the user selects the cleaning fluid supply source input field 813, as shown... Figure 3 The sample / cleaning fluid position selection screen 820 shown is generated by the setting / selection screen generation unit 701 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702.

[0044] The sample / washing solution position selection screen 820 includes a plan view 821 showing the positions of each sample tray 202 within the autosampler 200, the positions of each sample container 201 on each sample tray 202, and the positions of each volumetric flask 204. This plan view 821 is read from the liquid supply source information storage unit 704 and displayed as a plan view corresponding to the type and number of sample trays 202 specified by the user in the aforementioned steps. This plan view includes graphics showing the positions of each sample container 201 and each volumetric flask 204. Figure 3 In the example, the buttons are circular, but not limited to this. The buttons representing the positions of each sample container 201 will be referred to as sample position buttons 822, and the buttons representing the positions of small volumetric bottles 204 will be referred to as bottle position buttons 823. Each sample position button 822 has an identifier inherent to its sample position (…). Figure 3In the example, these are "01" to "96"); the bottle position button 823 has a unique identifier for the position of each small-capacity bottle 204. Figure 3 In the example, these are "R0" to "R4".

[0045] The sample / washing solution position selection screen 820 also includes buttons (hereinafter referred to as valve port buttons 824) corresponding to the second port 622, the third port 623, and the fourth port 624, excluding the port connected to the autosampler 200, among the inlet ports 621-624 of the flow path switching valve 600. The valve port buttons 824 are equipped with identifiers corresponding to each inlet port 621-624 and its connected object. Figure 3 In the example, the labels “VA2,” “VA3,” and “VA4” on each valve port button 824 represent the second port 622, the third port 623, and the fourth port 624, respectively. The subsequent labels “TUNE,” “WS1,” and “WS2” indicate that the connections of ports 622, 623, and 624 are to the calibration sample bottle 301, the first cleaning solution bottle 401, and the second cleaning solution bottle 501, respectively. These identifiers are pre-registered by the user and stored in the liquid supply source information storage unit 704.

[0046] The user selects the appropriate button from buttons 822, 823, and 824 displayed on the sample / cleaning fluid position selection screen 820, corresponding to the option that serves as the liquid supply source in the cleaning process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user selects the valve port button 824 corresponding to the fourth port 624 of the flow path switching valve 600 on the sample / cleaning fluid position selection screen 820. Thus, the fourth port 624 (strictly speaking, the second cleaning fluid supply unit 500 connected to this port 624) is determined as the cleaning fluid supply source in the cleaning process, and is stored in the setting information storage unit 705 along with the cleaning time and pump speed values ​​entered in the cleaning condition setting screen 810.

[0047] Next, the user inputs a specified command into the control device 700 via the input unit 707, thereby generating a setting / selection screen by the setting / selection screen generation unit 701. Figure 4 The batch setting screen 830 shown is displayed on the screen of the display unit 706 under the control of the display control unit 702. The batch setting screen 830 includes a batch table 831, which records the execution order of multiple analysis steps included in the automatic continuous analysis. In the batch table 831, each row corresponds to the analysis step of one sample, and each row records the information required to perform the analysis, such as the analysis type, the number of analyses, the sample name of the analyte, the sample location of the analyte, and the sample quantity. Here, the analysis type refers to the distinction between analyses used for device calibration, analyses of standard samples used to create calibration curves, or analyses of unknown samples. Figure 4In batch 831, the first row of the column describing the analysis distinction (column 2) contains the word "TUNE" indicating device calibration analysis. The second to fourth rows contain the words "CAL1", "CAL2" or "CAL3" indicating analysis of standard samples used to prepare calibration curves. The fifth and sixth rows contain the word "UNK" indicating analysis of unknown samples.

[0048] In the aforementioned batch table 831, when the user selects any cell in the column that records the sample location as the object of analysis (hereinafter referred to as the sample location recording column 832), the display unit 706 will display a similar cell. Figure 3 The same sample / cleaning solution location selection screen 820 is shown. On this sample / cleaning solution location selection screen 820, the user presses the appropriate button from among the sample location button 822, bottle location button 823, and valve port button 824 to activate the sample supply source for the analysis step corresponding to the row containing the cell. Consequently, the identifier corresponding to the pressed button is entered into the cell on the batch table 831. For example, in... Figure 4 In batch sheet 831, the first row of sample location record column 832 contains the identifier "VA2:TUNE" indicating the second port 622 of the flow path switching valve 600 connected to the calibration sample supply unit 300. The second to fourth rows of the same column 832 contain the identifiers "R1", "R2", and "R3" corresponding to specific small-volume vials 204 placed on the vial placement section 205 of the autosampler 200. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth rows of the same column 832 contain the identifiers corresponding to the first sample tray 202 of the four sample trays 202 placed on the tray placement section 203. Figure 3 The text of the identifiers “01” and “02” corresponding to the first and second sample containers 201 among the multiple sample containers 201 mounted on the sample tray 202 in the upper left corner.

[0049] As described above, after the user enters the necessary information in the batch table 831, they press the analysis start button 833 on the batch setting screen 830. The contents recorded in the batch table 831 on the batch setting screen 830 are stored in the setting information storage unit 705 in association with the cleaning conditions. At the same time, automatic continuous analysis based on the batch table 831 and the cleaning conditions begins.

[0050] In this automated continuous analysis, the analytical procedures specified in each line of batch 831 are executed sequentially, and the cleaning procedures specified in the aforementioned cleaning conditions are executed at predetermined time points. At the start of each of these procedures (analytical or cleaning), the flow path switching valve 600 and the needle movement mechanism 207 of the autosampler 200 are controlled to supply the sample or cleaning solution specified in batch 831 or the cleaning conditions to the mass spectrometer 100. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the steps at this point.

[0051] First, the analysis control unit 703 determines, based on the batch table 831 stored in the setting information storage unit 705 or the cleaning conditions, whether the supply source of the liquid (sample or cleaning solution) used in the upcoming process (analysis process or cleaning process) exists within the autosampler 200 (step 1). For example, if the upcoming process is an analysis process, the analysis control unit 703 refers to the identifier recorded in the sample position recording column 832 in the row corresponding to the analysis process in the batch table 831; if the upcoming process is a cleaning process, it refers to the identifier indicating the supply source of the cleaning solution specified by the cleaning conditions. Then, if the identifier corresponds to the position of the sample container 201 or the small volumetric flask 204 within the autosampler 200, it is determined that the liquid supply source exists within the autosampler 200 (i.e., yes in step 1). Then, the analysis control unit 703 controls the flow path switching valve 600 to connect the mass spectrometer 100 to the autosampler 200 (i.e., the outlet port 610 is connected to the first port 621) (step 2), and further controls the needle movement mechanism 207 to insert the tip of the injection needle 206 into the sample container 201 or small volumetric flask 204 corresponding to the identifier (step 3). Alternatively, steps 2 and 3 can be performed in reverse order. On the other hand, if the identifier corresponds to the second port 622, third port 623, or fourth port 624 of the flow path switching valve 600, the analysis control unit 703 determines that the liquid supply source exists outside the autosampler 200 (i.e., no in step 1). Then, the analysis control unit 703 controls the flow path switching valve 600 to connect the port corresponding to the identifier in the second port 622, the third port 623, or the fourth port 624 to the mass spectrometry analyzer 100 (i.e., the port corresponding to the identifier in the second port 622, the third port 623, or the fourth port 624 is connected to the outlet port 610) (step 4), and further controls the needle moving mechanism 207 to bring the injection needle 206 to the aforementioned standby position 209 (step 5). Alternatively, steps 4 and 5 can be performed in reverse order.

[0052] After the flow path switching valve 600 and the needle moving mechanism 207 are controlled, the infusion pump 900 is started to supply the mass spectrometer 100 with the sample or cleaning solution to perform sample analysis or flow path cleaning.

[0053] As described above, according to the system of this embodiment, by taking relatively large quantities of liquid—namely, calibration sample, first cleaning solution, and second cleaning solution—from large-capacity bottles located outside the autosampler 200, namely the calibration sample, first cleaning solution, and second cleaning solution, it is possible to avoid insufficient cleaning solution during continuous automatic analysis, thereby enabling continuous automatic analysis with a greater number of steps than before. Furthermore, in the setup operation of this continuous automatic analysis, the user does not need to separately set the position of the injection needle 206 of the autosampler 200 and the position of the flow path switching valve, thus reducing the user's workload and preventing user input errors.

[0054] While specific examples of embodiments for implementing the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. For example, the sample analysis device in the present invention can be any device capable of analyzing liquid samples. For instance, a mass spectrometry device other than the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device described above (e.g., electrospray ionization mass spectrometry or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry, etc.) or a liquid chromatograph can be used.

[0055] Furthermore, the sample plate in this invention is not limited to the sample tray 202 that can hold multiple sample containers 201 as described above. For example, it can also be a microporous plate with multiple holes (recesses) for containing liquid samples. In this case, the holes correspond to the sample receiving portions in this invention.

[0056] Furthermore, the selection acceptance unit involved in this invention is not limited to, for example... Figure 3 The user can select the appropriate button on the sample / cleaning fluid location selection screen 820, or the selection can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 706. Figure 6 The drop-down list 840 shown lists identifiers corresponding to the positions of each sample container 201 and each volumetric flask 204 within the autosampler 200, as well as identifiers corresponding to each inlet port 621-624 of the flow path switching valve 600 (except for the port connected to the autosampler), allowing the user to select an appropriate identifier from the identifiers displayed on the drop-down list 840.

[0057] Furthermore, the system described in the above embodiments employs a structure comprising three liquid supply units: a calibration sample supply unit 300, a first cleaning fluid supply unit 400, and a second cleaning fluid supply unit 500. However, the number of liquid supply units in this invention can be one, two, or four or more. Additionally, the above embodiments employ a structure in which five small volumetric bottles 204 (equivalent to liquid containers) are placed in the bottle placement unit 205 (equivalent to the liquid container placement unit). However, the liquid container placement unit in this invention is not limited to this; it can also be a structure that holds one, two to three, or five or more liquid containers.

[0058] [Way]

[0059] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0060] (Item 1) The sample analysis system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0061] Sample analysis device

[0062] An autosampler includes: a plate placement section for placing a sample plate having multiple sample containers; a nozzle for drawing liquid from any one of the multiple sample containers; a sample injection path for delivering the liquid drawn through the nozzle; and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle in a horizontal and vertical direction; wherein the multiple sample containers respectively contain liquid samples,

[0063] One or more liquid supply units are disposed outside the autosampler.

[0064] A flow path switching valve selectively connects one or more of the liquid supply units and the sample injection path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

[0065] The control device performs automated continuous analysis, including multiple sample analysis steps and one or more cleaning steps, by controlling at least the actions of the sample analysis device, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve.

[0066] The control device has:

[0067] The selection receiving section displays buttons or identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample receiving sections and each of the one or more liquid supply sections on the display screen, allowing the user to select the liquid supply source supplied to the sample analysis device in each of the plurality of sample analysis steps and the cleaning step from the buttons or identifiers.

[0068] In the multiple sample analysis steps and the cleaning steps, the liquid supply control unit controls the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the sample container corresponding to the button or identifier via the selection receiving unit when the button or identifier is selected through the selection receiving unit, and simultaneously controls the flow path switching valve to connect the sample injection flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device. For the steps where the button or identifier corresponding to one or more liquid supply units is selected through the selection receiving unit, the flow path switching valve controls the liquid supply unit corresponding to the button or identifier to connect to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and simultaneously controls the moving mechanism to move the nozzle to a predetermined standby position.

[0069] According to the sample analysis system described in Section 1, users no longer need to separately set the position of the autosampler needle and the flow path switching valve as before. Therefore, the setup process related to automated continuous analysis can be simplified, while reducing the occurrence of user input errors.

[0070] (Item 2) The sample analysis system mentioned in Item 2 is the same as the sample analysis system mentioned in Item 1.

[0071] The autosampler also includes a liquid container placement section for placing one or more liquid containers, and the nozzle draws liquid from any of the plurality of sample containers and the one or more liquid containers.

[0072] The selection reception area also displays a button or identifier corresponding to each of the one or more liquid containers.

[0073] In the multiple sample analysis steps and the cleaning steps, the liquid supply control unit also controls the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the liquid container corresponding to the button or the identifier by selecting the button or the identifier corresponding to any one of the one or more liquid containers through the selection receiving unit, and at the same time controls the flow path switching valve to connect the sample injection flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

[0074] According to the sample analysis system involved in item 2, in addition to the sample container and the liquid supply unit, the liquid container placed in the autosampler can also be selected by the selection receiving unit as the liquid supply source to be supplied to the sample analysis device.

[0075] (Item 3) The procedure involved in item 3 is...

[0076] A program that enables a computer to function as a control device in the sample analysis system described in item 1 or item 2.

[0077] Symbol Explanation

[0078] 100…mass spectrometry analysis device

[0079] 200…Automatic Sampler

[0080] 201…sample container

[0081] 202… Sample tray

[0082] 203…Tray Placement Section

[0083] 204… small volume bottle

[0084] 205…Bottle Placement Section

[0085] 206…Injection needle

[0086] 207…Needle moving mechanism

[0087] 208…sample injection path

[0088] 209…standby position

[0089] 300… Calibration Sample Supply Department

[0090] 400…First Cleaning Fluid Supply Department

[0091] 500…Second Cleaning Fluid Supply Department

[0092] 600… Flow path switching valve

[0093] 610…Exit Port

[0094] 621…First Port

[0095] 622…Second Port

[0096] 623…Third Port

[0097] 624… Fourth Port

[0098] 700… control device

[0099] 701…Settings / Selection Screen Generation Department

[0100] 702…Display Control Unit

[0101] 703…Analysis and Control Department

[0102] 704…Liquid Supply Source Information Storage Department

[0103] 705…Set Information Storage Department

[0104] 706… Display Department

[0105] 707…Input Section

[0106] 810… Cleaning Condition Setting Screen

[0107] 813… Cleaning fluid supply source input field

[0108] 820…Sample / Cleaning Fluid Position Selection Screen

[0109] 821… Floor Plan

[0110] 822…Sample Position Button

[0111] 823…Bottle position button

[0112] 824… Valve Port Button

[0113] 830…batch settings screen

[0114] 831…Batch Form

[0115] 832… Sample location record column

[0116] 840…dropdown list

Claims

1. A sample analysis system, characterized by, Possessing: a sample analysis device; an autosampler provided with: a plate placement portion for placing a sample plate provided with a plurality of sample accommodation portions; a nozzle for aspirating a liquid from any one of the plurality of sample accommodation portions; a sample introduction flow path through which a liquid aspirated by the nozzle is sent; and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; the plurality of sample accommodation portions each accommodating a liquid sample; one or a plurality of liquid supply portions provided outside the autosampler; a flow path switching valve for selectively connecting any one of the one or a plurality of liquid supply portions and the sample introduction flow path to a flow path leading to the sample analysis device; and a control device for executing automatic continuous analysis including a plurality of sample analysis processes and one or more cleaning processes by controlling at least the operation of the sample analysis device, the autosampler, and the flow path switching valve; the control device having: a selection acceptance portion for displaying on a display screen a button or an identifier corresponding to each of the plurality of sample accommodation portions and each of the one or a plurality of liquid supply portions and allowing a user to select, from the button or the identifier, a supply source of a liquid to be supplied to the sample analysis device in each of the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning process; and a liquid supply control portion for, in the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning process, controlling the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the sample accommodation portion corresponding to the button or the identifier for the process in which the button or the identifier corresponding to any one of the plurality of sample accommodation portions is selected by the selection acceptance portion, and simultaneously controlling the flow path switching valve to connect the sample introduction flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and for the process in which the button or the identifier corresponding to the one or a plurality of liquid supply portions is selected by the selection acceptance portion, controlling the flow path switching valve to connect the liquid supply portion corresponding to the button or the identifier to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device, and simultaneously controlling the moving mechanism to bring the nozzle to a predetermined standby position.

2. The sample analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the autosampler further has a liquid container placement portion for placing one or a plurality of liquid containers, the nozzle aspirates a liquid from any one of the plurality of sample accommodation portions and the one or a plurality of liquid containers, the selection acceptance portion further displays a button or an identifier corresponding to each of the one or a plurality of liquid containers, the liquid supply control portion further controls, in the plurality of sample analysis processes and the cleaning process, the moving mechanism to insert the nozzle into the liquid container corresponding to the button or the identifier for the process in which the button or the identifier corresponding to any one of the one or a plurality of liquid containers is selected by the selection acceptance portion, and simultaneously controls the flow path switching valve to connect the sample introduction flow path to the flow path leading to the sample analysis device.

3. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device in the sample analysis system according to claim 1 or 2. ​ ​

Images