Automatic analyzer and control method

Abstract

To reduce power consumption, reduce power, improve stability and reliability, reduce noise, improve comfort in use, and reduce maintenance work and cost.SOLUTION: In an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment, a water-cooling unit is connected with a water tank through piping to form a first circulation channel, is connected to a thermostat bath through piping to form a second circulation channel, and is provided in a common channel between the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel. A circulation driving unit is provided in the common channel, and drives so that constant-temperature water flowing out from the water tank flows and circulates as circulation water in a circulation channel formed of the first circulation channel and / or the second circulation channel. A circulation channel switching unit is provided at a portion in the first circulation channel and / or the second circulation channel excluding the common channel, and switches the circulation channel of the circulation water to at least one of the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel according to an operation mode of the thermostat bath. A control unit controls the operations of the circulation driving unit and the circulation channel switching unit on the basis of information on a state of the thermostat bath.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automated analyzer and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional automatic analyzers, a reaction unit is placed in a thermostatic bath, and the reaction unit is heated by water heated to a predetermined temperature by a resistance wire (also called a heating rod) that serves as a heater contained in the thermostatic bath, and a biochemical reaction is carried out. The temperature of the water contained in the thermostatic bath is kept at about 37°C, for example.

[0003] Furthermore, in conventional automatic analyzers, it is necessary to maintain the water temperature in the thermostatic bath and continue to operate. For this reason, it is necessary to continue heating the water using a resistance wire, which consumes a large amount of power. Furthermore, since the automatic analyzer must continue to operate, the water in the thermostatic bath must be kept flowing to keep the water clean. In this way, the flow of water increases the loss of water temperature in the thermostatic bath, so the resistance wire must consume a large amount of power to maintain the temperature of the water contained in the thermostatic bath.

[0004] Furthermore, in conventional automatic analyzers, reagents need to be stored in a low-temperature environment, for example at 8°C. For this reason, the reagent storage room in which the reagents are stored needs to be cooled, and cooling is usually performed using a Peltier element. The Peltier element generates a large amount of heat during cooling, which needs to be dissipated. In the conventional technology, two high-output fans are attached to the reagent storage room to dissipate heat from the Peltier element. Since the reagent storage room needs to operate 24 hours a day to ensure that the reagents are kept at a low temperature, two high-output fans that operate non-stop consume a lot of power.

[0005] On the other hand, in the conventional technology, two filters are used to filter out dust in the air when the reagent chamber is radiated, but after a period of operation, the filters become clogged with dust in the environment. This reduces the cooling effect of the Peltier element and affects the performance of the reagent chamber. Therefore, the filters must be replaced frequently.

[0006] In addition, in the conventional technology, a fluid medium is added between the reagent container and the reaction unit to adjust the temperatures of both containers and to communicate the refrigerant in the reagent container with the heat medium in the thermostatic chamber. However, while this technology stabilizes the temperature balance between the reagent container and the thermostatic chamber, it does not achieve energy savings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-132723 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve is to reduce power consumption, save energy, improve stability and reliability, reduce noise, improve usability, and reduce maintenance work and costs. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes a thermostatic bath, a cooling unit, a water tank, a water cooling unit, a circulation drive unit, a circulation flow path switching unit, and a control unit. The thermostatic bath maintains a constant temperature of a reaction unit held therein by the stored water. The cooling unit cools a reagent chamber for storing a reagent. The water tank supplies constant temperature water. The water cooling unit is connected to the water tank via a pipe to form a first circulation flow path, and is connected to the thermostatic bath via a pipe to form a second circulation flow path, and is provided in the cooling unit and in a common flow path between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. The circulation drive unit is provided in the common flow path, and drives the constant temperature water flowing out of the water tank to circulate as circulating water through the first circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path, or the circulation flow path consisting of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. The circulation flow path switching unit is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path and / or the second circulation flow path excluding the common flow path, and switches the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path depending on the operation mode of the thermostatic bath. The control unit controls the operation of the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit based on state information of the thermostatic bath so as to control the states of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart showing an initial water injection mode operation as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart showing the operation of the thermostatic chamber constant temperature mode as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart showing the thermostatic bath standby mode operation as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the overall operation as processing of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart showing the operation of the thermostatic chamber constant temperature mode as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the overall operation as processing of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the initial water injection mode operation as part of the processing of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of a constant temperature bath constant temperature mode operation as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic flow chart showing another example of the thermostatic chamber constant temperature mode operation as a process of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the overall operation as processing of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer and a control method according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In this specification and drawings, the components related to the technical idea of ​​the present invention are described and illustrated, and the description of other components is omitted. In addition, in this specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar functions, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. In addition, although illustrated in this specification and drawings for clarity, the length, width, thickness, etc. in the drawings are examples and do not limit the invention.

[0013] (First embodiment) The configuration and operation of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] First, the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the automated analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a processing device 101 and a control unit 110.

[0016] The processing device 101 generates standard data and test data by measuring, for example, a mixture of a standard sample for each test item, a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject, and a reagent used in the analysis of each test item. The processing device 101 includes a plurality of units for dispensing samples, dispensing reagents, etc.

[0017] The control unit 110 controls the entire system. For example, the control unit 110 operates each unit of the processing device 101. The control unit 110 also processes the standard data and test data generated by the processing device 101 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

[0018] For example, the standard data generated by the processing device 101 represents data (calibration curve or standard curve) for determining the amount or concentration of a substance, and the test data generated by the processing device 101 represents data resulting from measuring a test sample. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the control unit 110 represents data representing the measurement results such as the amount or concentration of a substance derived from the test data and the standard data, and the analysis data output from the control unit 110 represents data representing a positive or negative determination result. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving the analysis data representing a positive or negative determination result.

[0019] The processing device 101 includes a constant temperature bath 120, a Peltier element PL as a cooling section, a water tank 130, a water cooling unit 140 as a water cooling section, a circulation pump MP as a circulation drive section, solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 as a circulation flow path switching section, and a reagent storage RGT.

[0020] Here, the thermostatic bath 120 is, for example, a cylindrical water bath, which contains a reaction unit in which a biochemical reaction occurs, and also contains water, and the reaction unit held inside is kept at a constant temperature by the contained water. For example, the reaction unit is a plurality of reaction containers arranged on a circumference, and the thermostatic bath 120 stores constant temperature water that maintains the liquid in the reaction container at a constant temperature. The temperature of the constant temperature water is, for example, 37°C. This is because, in general, an automatic analyzer needs to cause a biochemical reaction to occur at a constant temperature.

[0021] The Peltier element PL as a cooling unit cools the reagent storage RGT that stores the reagent. For example, the Peltier element PL is attached to the reagent storage RGT, absorbs heat from the reagent storage RGT to cool it, and dissipates the absorbed heat.

[0022] The water tank 130 supplies constant temperature water. The constant temperature water is, for example, pure water W. The water tank 130 may be a dedicated tank for supplying constant temperature water, or may be a tank for storing pure water that the automatic analyzer 100 is originally equipped with. The temperature of the constant temperature water is, for example, room temperature, 20°C, etc. The temperature can be appropriately set or changed according to the constant temperature to be maintained by the thermostatic bath 120. At least two pipes for inputting or outputting the constant temperature water are connected through the water tank 130. As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe for outputting the constant temperature water from the water tank 130 is connected to the right side of the water tank 130 in the figure, and a pipe for inputting the constant temperature water to the water tank 130 is connected to the left side of the water tank 130 in the figure.

[0023] The water-cooling unit 140 as a water-cooling part is connected to the water tank 130 via a pipe to form a first circulation flow path (see dashed arrow), and is connected to the thermostatic bath 120 via a pipe to form a second circulation flow path (see solid arrow). The water-cooling unit 140 is provided in the cooling part, and is provided in a common flow path (flow path located on the lower side in FIG. 1) between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. Here, the water-cooling unit 140 being provided in the cooling part means, for example, that the water-cooling unit 140 is adhered to the Peltier element PL as the cooling part, that the water-cooling unit 140 is rigidly connected to the Peltier element PL, or the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, any connection form may be used as long as the water from the water tank 130 flowing inside the water-cooling unit 140 can dissipate heat generated by the Peltier element PL and dissipate heat from the Peltier element PL.

[0024] The circulation pump MP as the circulation driving unit is provided in the common flow path, and drives the constant temperature water flowing out of the water tank 130 to circulate as circulating water through the first circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path, or the circulation flow path consisting of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. That is, the circulation pump MP drives the circulating water to circulate either between the water cooling unit and the thermostatic bath 120, or between the water cooling unit and the water tank 130. For example, the circulation water for heat dissipation that has flowed inside the water cooling unit is caused to flow into either the thermostatic bath 120 or the water tank 130, and is caused to flow out from the other end of either the thermostatic bath 120 or the water tank 130 into which it has flowed, and is sent to the water cooling unit to continue dissipating heat, thereby allowing the circulation to continue. Here, the circulation pump MP is, for example, an electromagnetic pump or a gear pump, but the type of the pump is not limited to these. Also, the circulation pump MP can be set at a different position in the circulation flow path depending on the type, function, performance, etc. of the pump. Also, the circulation pump MP may be a pump with adjustable parameters as long as it can be driven to cause the circulating water to flow through the circulation flow path.

[0025] The circulation flow path switching unit is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path and / or the second circulation flow path excluding the common flow path, and switches the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path according to the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 under the control of the control unit 110 while the control unit 110 is controlling the circulation drive unit. The circulation flow path switching unit is, for example, solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3, and controls the opening and closing of the first and second circulation flow paths to switch the circulation flow paths. The control unit 110 may use sequence control or level switch control to open and close the solenoid valves. Hereinafter, when the solenoid valve is open, the state of the solenoid valve is referred to as "open", and when the solenoid valve is open, the state of the solenoid valve is referred to as "closed".

[0026] The circulation flow path switching unit may be provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path from the water cooling unit to the thermostatic bath 120, excluding the common flow path, and for example, the circulation flow path switching unit is the solenoid valve P1 in Fig. 1. The second circulation flow path can be switched between open and closed by opening and closing the solenoid valve P1. Here, the solenoid valve P1 is an example of a "first valve."

[0027] The circulation flow path switching unit may be provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path from the water tank 130 to the water cooling unit, excluding the common flow path, and for example, the circulation flow path switching unit is the solenoid valve P2 in Fig. 1. Opening and closing the solenoid valve P2 can switch between opening and closing the first circulation flow path, and specifically, it can switch between whether or not to output pure water as circulating water from the water tank 130. Here, the solenoid valve P2 is an example of a "second valve."

[0028] The circulation flow path switching unit may be provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path from the water cooling unit to the water tank 130, excluding the common flow path, and for example, the circulation flow path switching unit is the solenoid valve P3 in Fig. 1. Opening and closing the solenoid valve P3 can switch between opening and closing the first circulation flow path, and can also switch between returning pure water or circulating water to the water tank 130. Here, the solenoid valve P3 is an example of a "third valve."

[0029] The control unit 110 is also communicably connected to a hardware configuration consisting of the thermostatic bath 120, the Peltier element PL, the water tank 130, the water cooling unit 140, the circulation pump MP, and the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3, and controls the states of the first and second circulation paths based on information acquired from the hardware configuration through communication. For example, the control unit 110 may control the states of the first and second circulation paths by controlling the operation of the circulation drive unit based on state information of the thermostatic bath 120. The state information of the thermostatic bath 120 will be described later.

[0030] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart of the initial water injection mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart of the thermostatic bath constant temperature mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart of the thermostatic bath standby mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart of the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] The operation of the automatic analyzer 100 includes an initial water injection mode operation (also simply referred to as the initial water injection mode), a constant temperature bath constant temperature mode operation (also simply referred to as the constant temperature mode), and a constant temperature bath standby mode operation (also simply referred to as the standby mode). That is, the operating modes of the constant temperature bath 120 are divided into the initial water injection mode, the constant temperature mode, and the standby mode.

[0032] Here, in the initial water injection mode, the inside of the thermostatic bath 120 is empty and no thermostatic water is contained in the thermostatic bath 120, so pure water needs to be drained from the water tank 130 and injected into the thermostatic bath 120 through the flow path until a predetermined water level is reached.

[0033] The constant temperature mode is a mode in which the thermostatic bath 120 must be kept at a constant temperature in the automatic analyzer 100, that is, a mode in which the reaction unit must be heated by the circulating water inside the thermostatic bath 120 when the automatic analyzer 100 is in operation. Here, the circulating water must be heated. Regarding the heating of the circulating water, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, with the Peltier element PL attached, the reagent container RGT is cooled while dissipating heat, and when the circulating water flows through the water cooling unit 140, the heat and temperature of the Peltier element PL are released by heat exchange, so that the internal temperature of the reagent container RGT is kept low, and the temperature of the circulating water that has flowed through the water cooling unit 140 increases, and the circulating water circulates through the second circulation flow path by entering the thermostatic bath 120 along the second circulation flow path. Thus, in the constant temperature mode, the amount of circulating water is almost constant, and the water temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 can be heated to a temperature above the lower limit temperature at which the automatic analyzer 100 operates by the heat of the Peltier element PL. In addition, the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP affects the water flow rate in the flow path, so the water flow rate and the heat dissipation are related. For example, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP is large, the water flow rate is fast, so the heat dissipation is large and the heat dissipation is fast, whereas when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP is small, the water flow rate is slow, so the heat dissipation is small and the heat dissipation is slow. This allows the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 of the automatic analyzer 100 to be stably maintained by adjusting the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP in consideration of the heat of the Peltier element PL, the water temperature and water level required for the thermostatic bath 120, etc. Here, the water temperature being stably maintained means, for example, that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is maintained within a predetermined range in which a biochemical reaction is possible, and is not suitable for a biochemical reaction even if it is below the lower limit of the predetermined range or above the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0034] The standby mode is a mode in which, while the automatic analyzer 100 is not in operation, it is not necessary for the reaction unit to be heated by the circulating water inside the thermostatic bath 120, but the reagent storage RGT needs to continue to be cooled by the Peltier element PL to ensure the quality of the reagent. For example, during daytime operating hours, the automatic analyzer 100 is generally in the constant temperature mode, and during nighttime non-operating hours, the automatic analyzer 100 is generally in the standby mode.

[0035] Next, the operation in the initial water injection mode will be described as the processing of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment with reference to Fig. 2. Here, it is assumed that when the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment executes the initial water injection mode, the inside of the thermostatic bath 120 is empty and no constant temperature water is stored in the thermostatic bath 120.

[0036] 2, when the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment starts operating, first, in step S201, an initialization power-on is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S202. Here, the initialization power-on means that when the automatic analyzer 100 is powered on, the thermostatic bath 120, the Peltier element PL as a cooling unit, the water tank 130, the water cooling unit 140 as a water cooling unit, the circulation pump MP as a circulation drive unit, the solenoid valves P1, P2, P3 as a circulation flow path switching unit, and the control unit 110 included in the automatic analyzer 100 are each energized, and the control unit 110 controls each unit so that the automatic analyzer 100 can operate in each mode.

[0037] In step S202, the control unit 110 controls the circulation drive unit to turn on the circulation pump MP as the circulation drive unit, and then the process proceeds to step S203. Here, turning on the circulation pump MP means that there is power to drive the circulating water in the flow path.

[0038] In step S203, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S204. Here, when the states of solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, the flow path for water flowing from the water tank 130 and the flow path for water injection into the thermostatic bath 120 are opened, and water injection from the water tank 130 to the thermostatic bath 120 begins. Specifically, the circulation pump MP drives the thermostatic water to flow out of the water tank 130 as circulating water until a predetermined water level is reached in the thermostatic bath 120, and then flows along the first circulation flow path indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 1 to the water cooling unit 140 via a part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the right of the water cooling unit 140 in Figure 1), and then flows from the water cooling unit 140 via another part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the left of the water cooling unit 140 in Figure 1) to the second circulation flow path, and then flows along the second circulation flow path to the thermostatic bath 120.

[0039] In step S204, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 as the state information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S205. Here, the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 can be acquired, for example, by a detection means independent of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information from the detection means through communication. The information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 can be acquired, for example, by a detection means independent of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment and stored in a storage device, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information by reading the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 from the storage device. Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 may acquire the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 at predetermined time intervals, or may acquire the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 continuously.

[0040] In step S205, the control unit 110 judges whether the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined water level based on the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S204. If the control unit 110 judges that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has not reached the predetermined water level (NO in step S205), the process returns to step S204, and repeats the acquisition of the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 in step S204 until the control unit 110 judges that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached the predetermined water level (YES in step S205). If the control unit 110 judges that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached the predetermined water level (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206. Here, the predetermined water level is the minimum water level required for the analyzer to operate, and can be set in advance according to the size of the thermostatic bath 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analyzer, and the like, and can be appropriately changed according to actual needs. When the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 reaches a predetermined water level, it means that the initial water injection mode is completed and the analyzer can start operating.

[0041] In step S206, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to close the solenoid valve P2 as the circulation flow path switching unit, and then ends the process. When the solenoid valve P2 is closed, if the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "open", "closed", and "closed", respectively, the outflow of pure water from the water tank 130 is stopped, no pure water flows into the water tank 130, and circulating water flows through the flow path of the analyzer as shown by the solid arrow in FIG.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, if the control unit 110 determines that the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined water level during operation in the initial water injection mode (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206, and the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to close the solenoid valve P2 as the circulation flow path switching unit, and then ends the process. That is, when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the initial water injection mode, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit (solenoid valves P1, P2, P3) in steps S201 to S206 to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. Not limited to this, the operation of step S206 is not essential for operation in the initial water injection mode, and the operation of step S206 may be started in the constant temperature mode as necessary. In this embodiment, the operation modes of the thermostatic bath 120 are divided into an initial water injection mode, a constant temperature mode, and a standby mode, but the initial water injection mode and the constant temperature mode may be one mode (for example, the constant temperature mode). In this case, when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the constant temperature mode, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit (solenoid valves P1, P2, P3) to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the constant temperature mode.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an operation in a constant temperature mode as a process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] The automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment can start the constant temperature mode after the initial water injection mode is completed. When the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the constant temperature mode, the circulation pump MP is driven under the control of the control unit 110 so that the circulating water circulates along the second circulation flow path as indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 1. Specifically, in this constant temperature mode, the circulating water passes through the water cooling unit 140 and is heated, then enters the thermostatic bath 120 along the second circulation flow path, and then flows out of the thermostatic bath 120 and returns to the water cooling unit 140 along the second circulation flow path, thereby circulating the circulating water through the second circulation flow path. That is, when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the constant temperature mode, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit (solenoid valves P1, P2, P3) to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to the second circulation flow path.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, when the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment starts the operation in the constant temperature mode, in step S301, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 as the state information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S302. Here, the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be acquired, for example, by a detection means independent of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information from the detection means by communication. The information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be acquired, for example, by a detection means independent of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment and stored in a storage device, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information by reading the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 from the storage device. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 may acquire the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 at predetermined time intervals, or may acquire the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 continuously.

[0046] In step S302, the control unit 110 judges whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within a predetermined range based on the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S301. If the control unit 110 judges that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not within the predetermined range (NO in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303. Here, the predetermined range can be set in advance according to, for example, the size of the thermostatic bath 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analyzer, etc., and can be changed as appropriate according to actual needs. Note that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 being within the predetermined range means that the automatic analyzer 100 can perform a biochemical reaction in the thermostatic bath 120 maintained at a constant temperature.

[0047] In step S303, the control unit 110 judges whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature. If the control unit 110 judges that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not higher than the upper limit temperature (NO in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. Here, the fact that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 does not belong to a predetermined range and does not exceed the upper limit temperature means that it is lower than the lower limit temperature. The upper limit temperature refers to the maximum temperature at which a biochemical reaction is performed in the thermostatic bath 120. If the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 becomes higher than the upper limit temperature, the automatic analyzer 100 cannot operate, and it is necessary to further lower the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 so that it is lower than the upper limit temperature. The lower limit temperature refers to the lowest temperature at which a biochemical reaction is performed in the thermostatic bath 120. If the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 becomes lower than the lower limit temperature, the automatic analyzer 100 cannot operate, and it is necessary to further raise the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 so that it reaches the lower limit temperature. Here, the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be set in advance according to the size of the thermostatic chamber 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analysis device, etc., and can be changed appropriately according to actual needs.

[0048] In step S304, the control unit 110 controls the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP to decrease, and then the process returns to step S301, where information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP decreases, the water flow speed in the flow path decreases, so that the heat dissipation is reduced and the heat dissipation is slowed, and thus the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be increased to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0049] In step S303, when the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0050] In step S305, the control unit 110 controls the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP to be increased, and then the process returns to step S301, where the control unit 110 again acquires information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 and performs the subsequent processes. Here, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP increases, the water flow speed in the flow path increases, so that more heat is dissipated and the heat dissipation is fast, and thus the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be lowered to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0051] On the other hand, in step S302, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within the predetermined range based on the information about the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S301 (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0052] In step S306, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the standby mode. If it is determined that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should not be switched to the standby mode (NO in step S306), the process returns to step S301, and information regarding the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should be switched to the standby mode (YES in step S306), the control unit 110 switches the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode. Here, the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analysis device 100 to the standby mode may be, for example, based on whether or not a signal indicating that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should be switched to the standby mode has been received, or based on whether or not a preset constant temperature mode operation time has been reached or whether or not a preset time has been reached, or the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode may be appropriately changed depending on the actual operation needs of the automatic analysis device 100.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control unit 110 determines in step S302 during operation in the constant temperature mode that the water temperature of the constant temperature bath 120 is within a predetermined range (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S306, and a determination is made as to whether or not to switch the operation mode of the constant temperature bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to a standby mode. This is not essential, and the operation of step S306 is not essential for operation in the constant temperature mode. If necessary, the operation of step S306 may not be performed, and if the control unit 110 determines in step S302 that the water temperature of the constant temperature bath 120 is within a predetermined range (YES in step S302), the process may return to step S301, where information regarding the water temperature of the constant temperature bath 120 is obtained again and subsequent processes are performed.

[0054] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment in the standby mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] The automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment usually starts the standby mode after the constant temperature mode, but this is not limited thereto, and theoretically, it is also possible to start the standby mode directly after the initial water injection without operating in the constant temperature mode. In the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, when the operation mode of the constant temperature bath 120 is the standby mode, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit (solenoid valves P1, P2, P3) to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to the first circulation flow path. For example, when the operation mode of the constant temperature bath 120 is the standby mode, under the control of the control unit 110, the circulation drive unit drives the circulating water to circulate along the first circulation flow path indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 1. Specifically, when the automatic analyzer 100 is not in operation, for example, at night, the circulating water passes through the water cooling unit 140 and is heated, then flows into the water tank 130 along the first circulation flow path, and then flows out of the water tank 130 and returns to the water cooling unit 140 along the first circulation flow path, thereby circulating the circulating water through the first circulation flow path.

[0056] 4, in the standby mode of the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, first in step S401, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "closed," "open," and "open," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S402. Here, when the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "closed," "open," and "open," respectively, the flow path for water discharge from the water tank 130 and the flow path for water return to the water tank 130 are opened, the flow path for water injection into the thermostatic bath 120 is closed, and the circulation drive unit drives the circulating water to circulate along the first circulation flow path indicated by the solid arrow in FIG.

[0057] In step S402, the control unit 110 judges whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode. Here, if the control unit 110 judges not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the constant temperature mode (NO in step S402), the process returns to step S401, and the standby mode is continued. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 judges to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the constant temperature mode (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403. Regarding a method for the control unit 110 to judge whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode, for example, the judgment may be made based on whether or not a signal indicating that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is to be switched to the constant temperature mode is received, or the judgment may be made based on whether or not a preset standby mode operation time has been reached or whether or not a preset time has been reached, or the method for the control unit 110 to judge whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the constant temperature mode can be appropriately changed according to the actual operation needs of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0058] In step S403, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to change the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "open," "closed," and "closed," respectively, and then the automatic analyzer 100 changes the operating mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the constant temperature mode.

[0059] In addition, in this embodiment, during operation in the standby mode, in step S402, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode, and in step S403, the automatic analyzer 100 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 as the circulation flow path switching unit to "open", "closed", and "closed", respectively, and sets the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the constant temperature mode. This is not limited to the above, and the operations of steps S402 and S403 are not essential for operation in the standby mode, and can be adjusted according to actual needs. Regarding the switching between the initial water injection mode, the constant temperature mode, and the standby mode of the automatic analyzer 100 in this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 100 usually operates continuously, that is, the initial water injection mode is started at the time of first use, and the constant temperature mode is switched to after the end of water injection, and then the automatic analyzer 100 continues to operate in the constant temperature mode, or switches to the standby mode as necessary, and waits for a certain period of time before returning to the constant temperature mode operation, but is not limited to this.

[0060] Next, an example of an overall operational flow including operations in the initial water injection mode, constant temperature mode, and standby mode in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] 5, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment starts the initial water injection mode at the time of first use, that is, performs the processes of steps S501 to S506. The processes of steps S501 to S506 are similar to the processes of steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0062] In step S506, the control unit 110 sets the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as circulation flow path switching units to "open," "closed," and "closed," respectively, to set the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode, i.e., performs the processes of steps S507 to S512. The processes of steps S505 to S512 are similar to the processes of steps S301 to S306 in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] In step S512, if the control unit 110 determines that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 should be switched to the standby mode (YES in step S402), the control unit 110 switches the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode, that is, performs the processes of steps S513 to S514. The processes of steps S505 to S512 are similar to the processes of steps S402 to S403 in FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described here.

[0064] Thus, according to the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, instead of providing a heating rod as a heater for heating the circulating water as in the conventional technology, the water cooling unit 140 uses the heat absorbed from the Peltier element PL to heat the circulating water, thereby avoiding energy waste, reducing the power consumption of the entire automatic analyzer 100, and realizing energy saving. In addition, in cooling the reagent chamber, the Peltier element PL does not have a heat dissipation fan as in the conventional technology, so there is no need to consume power to cool the reagent chamber, and energy saving of the automatic analyzer 100 can be further achieved. In addition, since the heat generated by the cooling of the Peltier element PL is used to heat and increase the temperature of the circulating water, dust does not adhere to the filter due to static electricity caused by the heat dissipation fan of the Peltier element PL as in the conventional technology, and the cooling stability in the reagent chamber is improved, and the reliability of the automatic analyzer 100 is improved. In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment does not generate wind noise due to the heat dissipation of the Peltier element PL fan as in the conventional technology, so the noise of the automatic analyzer 100 is reduced, and the comfort of using the automatic analyzer 100 by the user is improved. Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment does not require the user to periodically clean dust off the filter, reducing the workload and reducing maintenance work and costs. By providing the above technical effects, the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment improves the overall performance of the product and increases its competitiveness.

[0065] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment further includes a circulation drive unit and a circulation flow path switching unit, and under the control of the control unit 110, the circulation flow path switching unit switches the flow path through which the circulating water can flow, and the circulating water flows through the corresponding circulation flow path by driving the circulation drive unit. This eliminates the need for the circulation drive unit to have highly accurate adjustable performance, and the circulation drive unit can be simply and efficiently driven to switch the circulation flow path and appropriately flow the circulating water.

[0066] Second embodiment Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference mainly to Figures 6 to 8. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the hardware configuration, and therefore, for convenience of illustration, the hardware configuration is shown and the control unit 110 is omitted from the illustration, and the differences from the first embodiment are described and descriptions of overlapping parts are omitted, which also applies to the following embodiments.

[0067] First, the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a partial configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the processing device 101 of the automatic analysis device 100 according to the second embodiment, in addition to comprising a thermostatic bath 120, a Peltier element PL as a cooling unit, a water tank 130, a water cooling unit 140 as a water cooling unit, a circulation pump MP as a circulation drive unit, and solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 as a circulation flow path switching unit, as in the first embodiment, may further comprise a heat dissipation fin HS as a temperature adjustment unit and a fan F that dissipates heat from the heat dissipation fin HS, a deaeration unit DEG, a water level sensor H as a water level detection unit for the thermostatic bath 120, a temperature sensor S1 as a first temperature detection unit for the thermostatic bath 120, and a temperature sensor S2 as a second temperature detection unit.

[0069] Here, a configuration diagram is shown that includes heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit, a fan F that dissipates heat from the heat dissipation fins HS, a deaeration unit DEG, a water level sensor H as a water level detection unit for the thermostatic bath 120, and a temperature sensor S1 as a first temperature detection unit for the thermostatic bath 120, but it may also include one or more of the heat dissipation fins HS and fan F, the deaeration unit DEG, the water level sensor H, the temperature sensor S1, and the temperature sensor S2 as a second temperature detection unit.

[0070] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins HS are provided, for example, in the second circulation flow path, and adjust the temperature of the circulating water flowing from upstream under the control of the control unit 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins HS are preferably provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path from the thermostatic bath 120 to the water cooling unit 140. More preferably, the heat dissipation fins HS are provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path from the thermostatic bath 120 to the water cooling unit 140, and in a common flow path. Also, the heat dissipation fins HS are located on the circulating water input side of the water cooling unit 140. Here, the heat dissipation fins HS can be made of a metal material (e.g., aluminum or copper) with good heat dissipation performance in order to cool the circulating water.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device 101 includes a fan F that dissipates heat from the heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit. The fan F is provided on the heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit, and lowers the temperature of the heat dissipation fins HS. This fan F is a low-power fan. For example, when the circulating water does not reach a required value even if it flows through the heat dissipation fins HS (for example, the cooling temperature of the Peltier element PL or the reaction temperature of the thermostatic chamber 120 cannot be realized), the low-power fan is started to lower the temperature of the heat dissipation fins HS, the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation fins HS is increased, and the circulating water temperature is lowered to a required value, so that the cooling temperature of the Peltier element PL or the reaction temperature of the thermostatic chamber 120 can be realized. Furthermore, since the low-power fan is started when necessary and is a low-power fan, energy saving can be realized, and it is possible to respond to unexpected situations, thereby improving the reliability, stability, and range of application of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0072] In this embodiment, the degassing unit DEG is provided to remove gas from the circulating water in order to improve the stability of the flow of the circulating water and to prevent the gas from mixing with the circulating water and scattering in the thermostatic bath 120. The degassing unit DEG is preferably provided at a position downstream of the solenoid valve P serving as a circulation flow path switching unit in the circulation flow path, for example, downstream of the solenoid valve P1, thereby reducing the risk of the degassing unit DEG being damaged by the pressure in the piping.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, a water level sensor H as a water level detection unit is provided in the thermostatic bath 120, and detects the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 as status information of the thermostatic bath 120 and outputs it to the control unit 110 so as to control the flow rate at which the circulation drive unit is driven.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor 1 as a first temperature detection unit is provided in the thermostatic bath 120, and detects the water temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 as status information of the thermostatic bath 120 and outputs it to the control unit 110 so as to control the operation of the temperature adjustment unit.

[0075] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor S2 as the second temperature detection unit is provided in a portion of the common flow path immediately adjacent to the input side of the circulating water of the water-cooling unit 140, and detects the temperature of the circulating water input to the water-cooling unit 140 as status information of the water-cooling unit 140 and outputs it to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 can control the operation of the fan F based on the status information of the water-cooling unit 140. For example, the temperature sensor 2 is provided at the water inlet position of the cold water unit near the Peltier element PL, detects the water temperature in the flow path of the cold water unit and feeds it back to the control unit 110, and when the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature in the flow path of the cold water unit is too high to realize the cooling effect of the Peltier element PL, it controls the fan F to be on so as to satisfy the temperature required for the reagent storage, lowers the temperature of the heat dissipation fins HS, and realizes the cooling effect of the Peltier element PL.

[0076] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the standby mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0077] The operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes an initial water injection mode, a constant temperature mode, and a standby mode, similar to the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, at the time of first use, the initial water injection mode is started first, i.e., the processes of steps S701 to S706 are performed, and then the automatic analyzer 100 sets the operation mode of the constant temperature bath 120 to the constant temperature mode, i.e., the processes of steps S707 to S712 are performed, and then the automatic analyzer 100 judges that the operation mode is to be the standby mode, i.e., the processes of steps S713 to S718 are performed.

[0078] When the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment executes the initial water injection mode, it executes the processes of steps S701 to S706 in FIG.

[0079] 7, when the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment starts operating, first, in step S701, an initialization power-on is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S702. Here, the initialization power-on means that when the automatic analyzer 100 is powered on, the thermostatic bath 120, the Peltier element PL as a cooling unit, the water tank 130, the heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit and the fan F for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation fins HS, the water cooling unit 140 as a water cooling unit, the circulation pump MP as a circulation drive unit, the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 as a circulation flow path switching unit, the degassing unit DEG, and the control unit 110 included in the automatic analyzer 100 are energized, and the control unit 110 controls each unit so that the automatic analyzer 100 can operate in each mode.

[0080] In step S702, the control unit 110 controls the circulation drive unit to turn on the circulation pump MP as the circulation drive unit, and then the process proceeds to step S703. Here, turning on the circulation pump MP means that there is power to drive the circulating water in the flow path.

[0081] In step S703, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S704. Here, when the states of solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, the flow path from which water flows out of the water tank 130 and the flow path from which water is poured into the thermostatic bath 120 are opened, and water begins to be poured from the water tank 130 into the thermostatic bath 120. Specifically, the circulation pump MP causes the thermostatic water to flow out of the water tank 130 as circulating water until a predetermined water level is reached in the thermostatic bath 120. The water then flows along the first circulation flow path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 via a part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the right of the water-cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6, where a heat dissipation fin HS is provided) to the water-cooling unit 140, and then flows from the water-cooling unit 140 via another part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the right of the water-cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6) to the second circulation flow path, and then flows along the second circulation flow path via the deaeration unit DEG before flowing to the thermostatic bath 120.

[0082] In step S704, the control unit 110 acquires information about the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 as status information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S705. Here, the information about the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired, for example, by a water level sensor H serving as a water level detection unit for the thermostatic bath 120, and the control unit 110 acquires the information about the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 from the water level sensor H through communication. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 may acquire the information about the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 at predetermined time intervals, or may acquire the information about the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 continuously.

[0083] In step S705, the control unit 110 determines whether the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined water level based on the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S704. If the control unit 110 determines that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has not reached the predetermined water level (NO in step S705), the process returns to step S704, and the acquisition of the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 in step S704 is repeated until the control unit 110 determines that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached the predetermined water level (YES in step S705). If the control unit 110 determines that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 has reached the predetermined water level (YES in step S705), the process proceeds to step S706.

[0084] In step S706, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to close the solenoid valve P2 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit, and then ends the process. When the solenoid valve P2 is closed, if the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "open", "closed", and "closed", respectively, the outflow of pure water from the water tank 130 is stopped, no pure water flows into the water tank 130, and circulating water flows through the flow paths of the analyzer as shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 6. This ends the initial water injection mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment.

[0085] After operating in the initial water injection mode, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment performs processes in the constant temperature mode from step S707 to step S712.

[0086] When the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment starts the operation in the constant temperature mode, in step S707, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 as the state information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S702. Here, the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired, for example, by the first temperature sensor S1, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information from the first temperature sensor S1 by communication. The information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be acquired, for example, by the first temperature sensor S1 independent of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment and stored in a storage device, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information by reading the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 from the storage device. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 may acquire the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 at predetermined time intervals, or may acquire the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 continuously.

[0087] In step S708, the control unit 110 judges whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within a predetermined range based on the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S707. If the control unit 110 judges that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not within the predetermined range (NO in step S708), the process proceeds to step S709. Here, the predetermined range can be set in advance according to, for example, the size of the thermostatic bath 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analyzer, etc., and can be changed as appropriate according to actual needs. Note that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 being within the predetermined range means that the automatic analyzer 100 can perform a biochemical reaction in the thermostatic bath 120 maintained at a constant temperature.

[0088] In step S709, the control unit 110 judges whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature. If the control unit 110 judges that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not higher than the upper limit temperature (NO in step S709), the process proceeds to step S710. Here, the upper limit temperature refers to the highest temperature at which a biochemical reaction takes place in the thermostatic bath 120. If the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 becomes higher than the upper limit temperature, the automatic analyzer 100 cannot operate, and it is necessary to further lower the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 so that it reaches the upper limit temperature. Here, the upper limit temperature can be set in advance according to the size of the thermostatic bath 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analyzer, and the like, and can be appropriately changed according to actual needs.

[0089] In step S710, the control unit 110 controls the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP to be reduced and / or the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS to be turned off, and then the process returns to step S707, where information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP is reduced, the water flow speed in the flow path is slowed down. Also, when the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS is turned off, the heat dissipation is reduced and the heat dissipation is slowed down. This allows the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 to be raised to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0090] On the other hand, in step S709, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in step S709), the process proceeds to step S711.

[0091] In step S711, the control unit 110 controls the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP to be increased and / or the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS to be turned on, and then the process returns to step S707, where information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP is increased, the water flow speed in the flow path increases. Furthermore, when the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS is turned on, the cooling effect of the circulating water by the heat dissipation fins HS is improved, and more heat is dissipated and the heat is dissipated faster. This allows the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 to be lowered to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0092] On the other hand, in step S708, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within the predetermined range based on the information about the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S707 (YES in step S708), the process proceeds to step S712.

[0093] In step S712, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the standby mode. If the control unit 110 determines not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (NO in step S712), the process returns to step S704, and again acquires information about the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (YES in step S712), the process proceeds to step S713. This ends the operation of the thermostatic mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment.

[0094] Here, the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the standby mode may be, for example, whether or not a signal indicating switching the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode has been received, or whether or not a preset constant temperature mode operation time has been reached or whether or not a preset time has been reached. In this way, the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode can be appropriately changed according to the actual operation needs of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0095] The automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment determines whether to switch the operating mode of the thermostatic chamber 120 to a standby mode after operation in the constant temperature mode, and switches the mode to the standby mode according to the result of the determination, i.e., performs the processes of steps S713 to S717.

[0096] In step S713, in the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "closed," "open," and "open," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S714. Here, when the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "closed," "open," and "open," respectively, the flow path for water discharged from the water tank 130 and the flow path for water returning to the water tank 130 are opened, the flow path for water poured into the thermostatic bath 120 is closed, and the circulation drive unit circulates the circulating water along the first circulation flow path indicated by the solid arrow in FIG.

[0097] In step S714, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140, and then the process proceeds to step S715. Here, the information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140 is acquired, for example, by the second temperature sensor S2, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information from the second temperature sensor S2 through communication. The information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140 can be acquired, for example, by the second temperature sensor S2 independent of the automatic analyzer 100 and stored in a storage device, and in this case, the control unit 110 can acquire the information by reading the information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140 from the storage device. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 may acquire, for example, the information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140 at predetermined time intervals, or may acquire the information on the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140 continuously.

[0098] In step S715, the control unit 110 determines whether the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is higher than a predetermined value based on the information about the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 acquired in step S714. If the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is higher than the predetermined value (YES in step S715), the process proceeds to step S716. Here, the predetermined value can be set or changed as appropriate according to actual needs, for example. Also, the fact that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is higher than the predetermined value means that the cooling capacity of the water-cooling unit 140 is insufficient and is insufficient to at least offset the heat absorbed by the Peltier element PL from the reaction unit.

[0099] In step S716, the control unit 110 controls the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS to be turned on, and then the process returns to step S715, where the control unit 110 again determines whether the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is higher than a predetermined value and performs subsequent processes. Here, when the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS is turned on, the cooling effect of the circulating water by the heat dissipation fins HS is improved, and more heat is dissipated and the heat is dissipated faster. This allows the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 to be lowered to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0100] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines in step S715 that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is not higher than the predetermined value (NO in step S715), the process proceeds to step S717. Here, the fact that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is not higher than the predetermined value means that the cooling capacity of the water-cooling unit 140 is sufficient with the current increase in the driving flow rate of the circulation pump MP and / or the operating state (on or off) of the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS, and no additional adjustment is required.

[0101] In step S717, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the standby mode. If the control unit 110 determines not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (NO in step S717), the process returns to step S714, and again acquires information about the water temperature at the inlet of the water cooling unit 140. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (YES in step S717), the process proceeds to step S703. This ends the operation of the standby mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment.

[0102] Here, the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analysis device 100 to the standby mode may be determined, for example, based on whether or not a signal indicating that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should be switched to the standby mode has been received, or based on whether or not a preset constant temperature mode operation time has been reached or whether or not a preset time has been reached, or the method by which the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode can be appropriately changed depending on the actual operation needs of the automatic analysis device 100.

[0103] As described above, an example of the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment has been described, but the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment in the initial water injection mode, constant temperature mode, and standby mode can be modified.

[0104] Next, a modified example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment in the standby mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment can also perform the processes of steps S801 to S808 in the standby mode.

[0106] The processing in steps S801 to S804 is similar to the processing in steps S713 to S717 in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0107] In step S803, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is not higher than the upper limit value (NO in step S803), the process proceeds to step S805. Here, this upper limit value is a value indicating the lower limit of the cooling capacity of the water-cooling unit 140 required for the automatic analyzer 100.

[0108] In step S805, the control unit further determines whether the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is below the lower limit. If the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is below the lower limit (YES in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. Here, this lower limit is a value that indicates the upper limit of the cooling capacity of the water-cooling unit 140 required for the automatic analyzer 100.

[0109] In step 806, the control unit 110 controls the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS to be turned off, and then the process returns to step S802, where information about the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is obtained again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS is turned off, less heat is dissipated and the heat dissipation is slowed down. This allows the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 to be raised to at least reach the lower limit temperature.

[0110] On the other hand, in step S805, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is equal to or higher than the lower limit (NO in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807. Here, the fact that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is equal to or higher than the lower limit means that the water temperature at the inlet of the water-cooling unit 140 is at an appropriate value between the upper and lower limits of the cooling capacity of the water-cooling unit 140 required by the automated analyzer 100, and therefore no additional adjustment is required.

[0111] The processing in steps S807 to S808 is similar to the processing in steps S817 to S803 in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0112] In this manner, under the control of the control unit 110, when the inside of the thermostatic bath 120 is empty, no thermostatic water is contained in the thermostatic bath 120, and the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is operating in the initial water injection mode, the constant temperature water flows out of the water tank 130 as circulating water by the circulation pump MP under the control of the control unit 110. Thereafter, the constant temperature water flows along the first circulation flow path indicated by the dashed arrow through a part of the common flow path (the common flow path on the right side of the water cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6) to the water cooling unit 140, and then flows from the water cooling unit 140 through another part of the common flow path (the common flow path on the left side of the water cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6) to the second circulation flow path. When the constant temperature water flows into the thermostatic bath 120 along the second circulation flow path, the water level sensor H provided in the thermostatic bath 120 detects the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 and transmits it to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 judges whether the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined water level based on this. If the water level has not reached the predetermined water level, the control unit 110 controls the solenoid valve P3 to be kept on so that the constant temperature water is output from the water tank 130, and controls the solenoid valve P3 to be turned off until it is judged that the predetermined water level has been reached in the thermostatic bath 120. By turning off the solenoid valve P3, it is possible to prevent the pressure in the circulation flow path from changing due to the heat dissipation fins, causing the pure water to flow back into the water tank 130. Note that as a method for turning off the solenoid valve P3, sequence control or level switch control may be adopted.

[0113] Also, immediately after the automatic analyzer 100 is started, water is not contained in the thermostatic bath 120 and it is desirable for the thermostatic bath 120 to quickly reach a predetermined water level, so the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP can be increased. In this manner, it is assumed that the input water flow rate of the thermostatic bath 120 exceeds the output water flow rate, the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 gradually rises, and the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined water level has been reached based on the detection result of the water level sensor H in the thermostatic bath 120. In this case, the control unit 110 performs control to reduce the driving flow rate of the circulating pump so that the input water flow rate and the output water flow rate of the thermostatic bath 120 become equal, so that the circulating water in the constant temperature mode, which is the operating state, circulates through the second circulation flow path.

[0114] In addition, when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the constant temperature mode, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment drives the circulation pump MP to circulate the circulating water along the second circulation flow path under the control of the control unit 110. Specifically, in this constant temperature mode, when the circulating water flowing out from the thermostatic bath 120 passes through the heat dissipation fins HS, the heat dissipation fins HS lower the temperature of the circulating water that has been heated by, for example, the heat of a biochemical reaction. Although the heat dissipation fins HS are introduced here, they are not essential, and a natural heat dissipation method is practically preferable. The water with a lowered temperature flows into the water cooling unit 140, so that the heat dissipated by the Peltier element PL can be more fully absorbed, and a better cooling effect of the reagent storage RGT can be easily obtained.

[0115] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, when the operating mode of the thermostatic bath 120 is the standby mode, the circulation pump MP is driven so that the circulating water that has flowed through the water cooling unit 140 does not flow along the second circulation flow path, but instead flows along the first circulation flow path into the water tank 130, and then after the circulating water flows out of the water tank 130, it flows through the heat dissipation fins HS along the first circulation flow path indicated by the dashed arrow, then flows via a part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the right of the water cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6) to the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, and then flows from the water cooling unit 140 via another part of the common flow path (the common flow path to the left of the water cooling unit 140 in FIG. 6) to the circulation pump MP in an open state, and then flows along the first circulation flow path into the water tank 130, thereby causing the circulating water to circulate through the first circulation flow path.

[0116] As described above, when the Peltier element PL is attached, it cools the reagent container RGT and dissipates heat, and when the circulating water flows through the water cooling unit 140, the heat and temperature of the Peltier element PL are released by heat exchange, and the temperature inside the reagent container RGT is kept low. Also, depending on the temperature that the reagent container RGT should maintain, the Peltier element PL must provide corresponding cooling to maintain the reagent container RGT at the required temperature. Furthermore, a balanced state can be achieved by comprehensively considering the temperature that the reagent container RGT should maintain, the cooling capacity that the Peltier element PL can provide, the cooling capacity of the water cooling unit 140, the constant temperature water temperature of the water tank 130, the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation fins HS, the flow rate of the circulation pump MP, and the like, thereby maintaining the reagent container RGT at the required temperature and storing the reagent under appropriate temperature conditions.

[0117] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the circulating water is cooled by the heat dissipation fins HS before being input to the water cooling unit 140, so that the water cooling unit 140 has a stronger cooling function and can ensure a sufficient cooling effect for the reagent storage RGT. Furthermore, the water cooling unit 140 can absorb more heat from the Peltier element PL to heat the circulating water, and can achieve a constant temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 in a shorter period of time.

[0118] In this way, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment can easily detect the state of the thermostatic bath 120 by the water level sensor H and temperature sensor 1 provided in the thermostatic bath 120, and feed back the detected state to the control unit 110. In this case, the control unit 110 can adjust parameters of the circulation pump MP, the solenoid valves P, the heat dissipation fins HS, the water cooling unit 140, the constant temperature water temperature of the water tank 130, and the like, depending on the state of the thermostatic bath 120, such as the water level and water temperature, and can easily, quickly, and accurately complete initial water injection, switching to constant temperature mode, and standby mode, and the like.

[0119] Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor S2 as a second temperature detection unit and a fan F for dissipating heat from the heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit, so that the circulating water flows through the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, and the temperature sensor S2 detects the water temperature on the input side of the cold water unit and outputs it to the control unit 110. In this case, the control unit 110 judges whether this water temperature satisfies the requirement (i.e., cooling of the Peltier element PL and reaction temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be realized). If the requirement is satisfied, the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS is not started, and if the water temperature is too high to satisfy the requirement, the control unit 110 controls to start the fan F of the heat dissipation fins HS to strengthen cooling, and the circulating water continues to flow and circulates until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor S2 reaches the required temperature.

[0120] Furthermore, by including the degassing unit DEG, the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment can remove gas from the circulating water, improve the stability of the flow of the circulating water, and prevent gas from mixing with the circulating water and scattering in the thermostatic bath 120. Furthermore, the degassing unit DEG is preferably provided downstream of the solenoid valve P1, which reduces the risk of the degassing unit DEG being damaged by pressure in the piping.

[0121] In addition, this embodiment can achieve the same technical effects as the first embodiment described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0122] (Third embodiment) Next, the configuration and operation of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0123] First, the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a partial configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to a third embodiment.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 9, the processing device 101 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment includes, as in the first embodiment, a thermostatic bath 120, a Peltier element PL as a cooling section, a water tank 130, a water cooling unit 140 as a water cooling section, a circulation pump MP as a circulation drive section, and solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 as a circulation flow path switching section, and in addition includes a heater HT as a temperature adjustment section.

[0125] The heater HT as a temperature control unit is provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path from the water-cooling unit to the thermostatic bath 120. The heater HT is preferably provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path from the water-cooling unit to the thermostatic bath 120, excluding the common flow path, and upstream of the solenoid valve P1 as a circulation flow path switching unit.

[0126] The heater HT is, for example, a heating rod. By adding the heater HT, the water temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 can meet the measurement temperature requirement in a shorter time, and the startup waiting time of the automatic analyzer 100 can be shortened. In this embodiment, by providing the heater HT as a temperature control unit, during startup, in addition to heating by the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, the water in the circulation flow path is heated by the heating rod, and when the temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 meets the requirement, the heating by the heating rod is stopped and the constant temperature mode is maintained by heating by the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, which is advantageous, so that the startup waiting time can be shortened while realizing energy saving. In addition, when the temperature sensor S1 of the thermostatic bath 120 detects that the water temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 is lower than the required temperature, the heater HT can also temporarily perform auxiliary heating. Therefore, energy saving can be realized, sudden situations can be dealt with, and the reliability, stability, and range of application of the automatic analyzer 100 can be improved.

[0127] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of an initial water injection mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of a constant temperature mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic flow chart showing another example of the constant temperature mode of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0128] The operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is almost the same as that of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the auxiliary operation by the heater HT. The differences will be described in detail below.

[0129] The operation of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment includes an initial water injection mode, a constant temperature mode, and a standby mode, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0130] Next, the initial water injection mode executed by the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 10, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment performs processing of steps S1001 to S1006 when executing the initial water injection mode, and the processing of steps S1001 to S1006 differs from the processing of steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 2 in that step S1002.

[0132] In step S1002, the control unit 110 controls the circulation drive unit to turn on the circulation pump MP as the circulation drive unit, and further turns on the heater HT, and then the process proceeds to step S203. Here, turning on the circulation pump MP means that the flow path has the power to drive the circulating water, and when the heater HT is turned on, the circulating water can be heated during the water injection, and the start-up time can be shortened.

[0133] Next, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment in the constant temperature mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, in step S1101, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 to "open," "closed," and "closed," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0135] In step S1102, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 as state information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S1103. Here, the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0136] In step S1103, the control unit 110 determines whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within a predetermined range based on the information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S1102. If the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within the predetermined range (YES in step S1103), the process returns to step S1102, but if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not within the predetermined range (NO in step S1103), the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0137] In step S1104, the control unit 110 judges whether the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature. If the control unit 110 judges that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in step S1104), the process proceeds to step S1105. Here, the upper limit temperature refers to the highest temperature at which a biochemical reaction takes place in the thermostatic bath 120. If the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 becomes higher than the upper limit temperature, the automatic analyzer 100 cannot operate, and it is necessary to further lower the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 so that it becomes lower than the upper limit temperature. Here, the upper limit temperature can be set in advance according to the size of the thermostatic bath 120, the needs of the subject to be analyzed by the analyzer, and the like, and can also be changed as appropriate according to actual needs.

[0138] In step S1105, the control unit 110 controls the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP to be increased, and then the process returns to step S1102, where information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the driving flow rate of the circulating pump MP increases, the water flow speed in the flow path increases, so that more and faster heat is dissipated, and as a result, the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be lowered to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0139] In step S1104, if the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not higher than the upper limit temperature (NO in step S1104), the process proceeds to step S1106. Here, if the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is not within a predetermined range and is not higher than the upper limit temperature, it is lower than the lower limit temperature.

[0140] In step S1106, the control unit 110 controls the heater HT to be turned on, and then the process returns to step S1102, where information on the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired again and subsequent processes are performed. Here, when the heater HT is turned on, the heat for heating the circulating water increases, and the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 can be raised to reach a predetermined temperature range.

[0141] Although an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment in the constant temperature mode has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation in the constant temperature mode may be performed in another manner. Hereinafter, another example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment in the constant temperature mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] The example in Figure 12 differs from the example in Figure 11 in that when the automatic analyzer 100 operates in constant temperature mode for a long period of time, there is a possibility that the circulating water in the constant temperature bath 120 will decrease due to evaporation, wear, etc. If the level of the circulating water in the constant temperature bath 120 falls below a specified minimum water level required for the analysis operation by the automatic analyzer 100, the automatic analyzer 100 will not be able to continue operating. The automatic analyzer 100 in Figure 12 solves this problem and can automatically replenish the circulating water.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 12, the operations in steps S1201 to S1206 are different from steps S1101 to S1106 in FIG. 11 in that steps S1203, S1205, and S1206.

[0144] Specifically, in step S1205, in addition to increasing the drive flow rate of the circulation drive unit, the heater HT that was turned on during the water injection operation may be turned off simultaneously or alternatively. Also, in step S1206, in addition to decreasing the drive flow rate of the circulation drive unit, the heater HT may be turned on simultaneously or alternatively to perform auxiliary heating.

[0145] In this example, when the control unit 110 determines that the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120 is within the predetermined range (YES in step S1203), the process proceeds to step S1207 instead of returning to step S1202.

[0146] In step S1207, the control unit 110 acquires information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 as the state information of the thermostatic bath 120, and then the process proceeds to step S1208. Here, the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 is acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment, for example.

[0147] In step S1208, the control unit 110 determines whether the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 is below a predetermined lower limit level based on the information on the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 acquired in step S1207. If the control unit 110 determines that the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 is below the predetermined lower limit level (YES in step S1207), the process proceeds to step S1209.

[0148] In step S1209, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 to "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, and then the process returns to step S1207, and the processes in steps S1207 and S1208 are repeated until the control unit 110 determines that the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined lower limit (NO in step S1210). Here, when the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are "open," "open," and "closed," respectively, pure water flows out of the water tank 130 and is poured into the thermostatic bath 120.

[0149] In step S1210, the control unit 110 further determines whether the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has reached a predetermined upper limit water level. If the control unit 110 further determines that the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has not reached the predetermined upper limit water level (NO in step S1210), the process proceeds to step S1209. If the control unit 110 further determines that the water level in the thermostatic bath 120 has reached the predetermined upper limit water level (YES in step S1210), the process proceeds to step S1211.

[0150] In step S1211, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to close the solenoid valve P2 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit, and then the process proceeds to step S1212.

[0151] In step S1212, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the standby mode. If the control unit 110 determines not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (NO in step S1212), the process returns to step S1202 and again acquires information about the water temperature of the thermostatic bath 120. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode (YES in step S1212), the process proceeds to step S1213.

[0152] In step S1213, the control unit 110 controls the circulation flow path switching unit to set the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching unit to "closed," "open," and "open," respectively, and then the process proceeds to step S1214.

[0153] In step S1214, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to switch the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode. If the control unit 110 determines that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should not be switched to the constant temperature mode (NO in step S1214), the process returns to step S1214, and the determination of whether or not to switch to the constant temperature mode while remaining in the standby mode is repeated, and the process returns to step S1201 until it is determined that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 should be switched to the constant temperature mode (YES in step S1214).

[0154] In this way, the automatic analyzer 100 of FIG. 12 can automatically detect and replenish the water level of the thermostatic bath 120 during constant temperature mode operation, reducing user operations and improving the operability of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0155] Next, an example of an overall operational flow including operations in the initial water injection mode, constant temperature mode, and standby mode in the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0156] 13, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment starts the initial water injection mode at the time of first use, that is, performs the processes of steps S1301 to S1306. The processes of steps S1301 to S1306 are similar to the processes of steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0157] In step S1306, the control unit 110 sets the states of the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 serving as the circulation flow path switching units to "open," "closed," and "closed," respectively, to set the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 to the constant temperature mode, i.e., performs the processes of steps S1307 to S1312. The processes of steps S1305 to S1312 differ from the processes of steps S301 to S306 in Fig. 3 in steps S1304 and S1305. In steps S1304 and S1305, in addition to adjusting the drive flow rate of the circulation drive unit, the heater HT may be turned on and off simultaneously or alternatively.

[0158] Furthermore, in step S1312, if the control unit 110 determines that the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 should be switched to the standby mode (YES in step S1312), the control unit 110 switches the operation mode of the thermostatic bath 120 to the standby mode, that is, performs the processes of steps S1313 to S1314. The processes of steps S1313 to S1314 are similar to the processes of steps S402 to S403 in FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described here.

[0159] In this way, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment further includes a heater HT as a temperature control unit. By including the heater HT, during startup, in addition to heating by the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, the water in the circulation flow path is heated by the heating rod, and when the temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 meets the requirement, the heating by the heating rod is stopped and the constant temperature mode is maintained by heating by the water cooling unit 140 and the Peltier element PL, which is advantageous in that it is possible to shorten the startup waiting time while realizing energy saving. In addition, when the temperature sensor 1 of the thermostatic bath 120 detects that the water temperature in the thermostatic bath 120 is lower than the required temperature, the heater HT can also temporarily perform auxiliary heating. Therefore, it is possible to realize energy saving, to respond to unexpected situations, and to improve the reliability, stability, and range of application of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0160] In addition, this embodiment can achieve the same technical effects as the first embodiment described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0161] (Modification) The embodiment shows a case where a temperature sensor S2 as a second temperature detection unit and a heater HT as a temperature adjustment unit are combined, and the heat dissipation fins HS as a temperature adjustment unit are equipped with a fan F, but this is not limited to the above, and one or two of these components may be provided.

[0162] In the embodiment, the flow rate in the circulation flow path is adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the circulation pump MP, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be achieved by adjusting the opening degree of each solenoid valve P.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the solenoid valves P1, P2, and P3 are provided as the circulation flow path switching unit, but the solenoid valve P3 may not be provided.

[0164] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to achieve reduced power consumption, energy saving, improved stability and reliability, reduced noise, improved user comfort, and reduced maintenance work and costs.

[0165] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 100 automatic analyzer 110 Control section 120 Constant temperature bath 130 Water Tank 140 Water cooling unit (water cooling section) PL Peltier element (cooling part) MP Circulation Pump (Circulation Drive Unit) P1, P2, P3 solenoid valves (circulation flow path switching section)

Claims

1. a thermostatic bath for controlling the temperature of a reaction unit held therein by the contained water; a cooling unit that cools a reagent storage chamber in which the reagent is stored; a water tank for supplying constant temperature water; a water cooling unit that is connected to the water tank via a pipe to form a first circulation flow path and is connected to the thermostatic bath via a pipe to form a second circulation flow path, the water cooling unit being provided in the cooling unit and provided in a common flow path between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; a circulation driver provided in the common flow path and configured to drive the constant temperature water flowing out of the water tank to circulate as circulating water through the first circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path, or a circulation flow path consisting of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; a circulation flow path switching unit that is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path and / or the second circulation flow path excluding the common flow path and that switches the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path depending on an operation mode of the thermostatic bath; a control unit that controls operations of the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit based on state information of the thermostatic chamber so as to control states of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. The apparatus further includes a temperature adjusting unit that is provided in the second circulation flow path and adjusts the temperature of the circulating water flowing from the upstream under the control of the control unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. a water level detection unit provided in the thermostatic chamber, detecting a water level in the thermostatic chamber as state information of the thermostatic chamber and outputting the state information to the control unit; a first temperature detection unit provided in the thermostatic chamber, detecting a water temperature in the thermostatic chamber as state information of the thermostatic chamber and outputting the state information to the control unit; Further equipped The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

4. The temperature adjustment unit is provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path that extends from the thermostatic bath to the water cooling unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

5. The temperature adjustment unit is provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path that extends from the water cooling unit to the thermostatic chamber. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

6. The circulation flow path switching unit is a first valve provided in a portion of the second circulation flow path extending from the water cooling unit to the thermostatic chamber, excluding the common flow path; a second valve provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path extending from the water tank to the water cooling unit, excluding the common flow path; Includes The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

7. The circulation flow path switching unit is The water tank further includes a third valve provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path from the water cooling unit to the water tank, excluding the common flow path. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.

8. The control unit controls the circulation flow path switching unit to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath is a constant temperature mode, and to switch the circulation flow path of the circulating water to the first circulation flow path when the operation mode of the thermostatic bath is a standby mode. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

9. The temperature control unit further includes a fan that is provided in the temperature control unit and that cools the temperature control unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

10. a second temperature detection unit provided in a portion of the common flow path immediately adjacent to an input side of the circulating water of the water cooling unit, for detecting a temperature of the circulating water input to the water cooling unit as status information of the water cooling unit and outputting the temperature to the control unit; The control unit controls the operation of the fan based on state information of the water cooling unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 9.

11. a thermostatic bath for controlling the temperature of a reaction unit held therein by the contained water; a cooling unit that cools a reagent storage chamber in which the reagent is stored; a water tank for supplying constant temperature water; a water cooling unit that is connected to the water tank via a pipe to form a first circulation flow path and is connected to the thermostatic bath via a pipe to form a second circulation flow path, the water cooling unit being provided in the cooling unit and provided in a common flow path between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; a circulation driver provided in the common flow path and configured to drive the constant temperature water flowing out of the water tank to circulate as circulating water through the first circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path, or a circulation flow path consisting of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; a circulation flow path switching unit that is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path and / or the second circulation flow path excluding the common flow path and that switches the circulation flow path of the circulating water to at least one of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path depending on an operation mode of the thermostatic bath; a control unit that controls operations of the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit based on state information of the thermostatic chamber so as to control states of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; A method for controlling an automatic analyzer comprising: an initial water supply step in which the control unit controls the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit so that the constant temperature water flows out of the water tank as circulating water until a predetermined water level is reached in the constant temperature bath, and then flows along the first circulation flow path to the water cooling unit via a part of the common flow path, and then flows from the water cooling unit to the second circulation flow path via another part of the common flow path, and then flows along the second circulation flow path to the constant temperature bath; a constant temperature mode control step of controlling the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit when the thermostatic bath is in a constant temperature mode so that the circulating water circulates along the second circulation flow path; a standby mode control step in which the control unit controls the circulation drive unit and the circulation flow path switching unit so that the circulating water circulates along the first circulation flow path when the thermostatic bath is in a standby mode; A method for controlling an automatic analyzer comprising the steps of:

Images