Automatic analysis device

Abstract

An automatic analysis device 100 equipped with a water supply tank 53 for temporarily storing water which is consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analysis device 100 and is supplied from outside the device, an optical sensor 52 which has a light source 302 and a light-receiving unit 301 for receiving light emitted by the light source 302 and detects the amount of water inside the water supply tank 53, and a controller 24 for controlling the operation of each mechanism inside the automatic analysis device 100, wherein the water supply tank 53 is positioned between the light source 302 and the light-receiving unit 301, and the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 according to the output voltage outputted by the light-receiving unit 301 when temporarily reducing the water in the water supply tank 53, or determines whether or not the interior of the water supply tank 53 is unclean. As a result, the provided automatic analysis device is capable of reducing maintenance frequency by encouraging water supply tank cleaning and sensor exchange at the optimal timing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an automatic analyzer and a water storage volume control method that can prevent overflow due to a malfunction of an on-off valve that controls the water supply to the tank, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which first and second on-off valves that control the opening and closing of a supply pipe that supplies water from a water generating device to a water storage tank are arranged in series, and the water level in the water storage tank is detected based on detection signals from an upper limit water level detection means that detects when the water level in the water storage tank is above the upper limit water level position of the water level fluctuation range under normal conditions, and a lower limit water level detection means that detects when the water level in the water storage tank is above the lower limit water level position of the water level fluctuation range, and if the water level in the water storage tank does not fall below the lower limit water level position even after a predetermined scheduled time for the water level to fall has elapsed since the water level in the water storage tank reached the upper limit water level position, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in one of the first and second on-off valves, and the other of the first and second on-off valves is closed, and the supply of water to the water storage tank is stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-10097 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Automated analyzers, such as automated biochemical analyzers, perform component analysis of biological samples such as serum, urine, etc. In such automated biochemical analyzers, a dispensing probe is generally used to dispense samples and reagents into reaction vessels, respectively, for reaction, and the changes in color and turbidity that occur in the reaction solution are optically measured by a photometric unit such as a spectrophotometer.

[0005] Therefore, dirt on the probe affects the accuracy of dispensing, and as a result, affects the reliability of the automatic analyzer. Therefore, after dispensing the sample, the sample adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the probe are washed with a cleaning solution in a washing tank.

[0006] In an automatic biochemical analyzer, water is used for dispensing and cleaning. Since the water is produced in a manufacturing device separate from the main unit, the device is equipped with a water storage tank (water supply tank) large enough to stabilize the water flow so that air bubbles do not enter the device even if they are contained in the water supplied.

[0007] Patent document 1 describes a water level detection mechanism for detecting the level of water stored inside a water tank, and the water level detection mechanism has a float switch that can move vertically as a water level detector.

[0008] In water tanks with a stable water flow, dirt and bacteria are likely to form on the inside of the tank. If the device is used with dirt and bacteria accumulated in the water tank, dirty water will be supplied to the device, which may affect its analytical performance. For this reason, conventional products require customers to clean the water tank about once a month.

[0009] However, maintenance and regular cleaning, which affect analytical performance, are a burden for customers. Also, increasing the number of objects that come into contact with water increases the number of places where dirt can accumulate and the number of places that need to be cleaned, so it is desirable to be able to monitor the water level from outside the water tank.

[0010] Optical sensors are commonly used to monitor the water level from outside a water tank. When light from a light source is received by a light-receiving section, the sensor outputs a voltage according to the amount of light received. This voltage value is used to detect whether the water level is above or below the optical axis.

[0011] However, there is a possibility of false detection of the water level if the light intensity decreases due to deterioration of the light source, or if dirt adheres to the optical axis. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to perform maintenance of the water supply system at a more appropriate time by detecting the decrease in the light intensity of the light source and dirt inside the water supply tank in addition to detecting the water level.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an automatic analyzer that can reduce the frequency of maintenance by encouraging sensor replacement and water tank cleaning at optimal times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above problems, and one example is an automatic analyzer comprising a water supply tank for temporarily storing water supplied from outside the device and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer, an optical sensor having a light source and a light receiving unit for receiving light irradiated from the light source and detecting the amount of water in the water supply tank, and a control unit for controlling the operation of each mechanism within the automatic analyzer, wherein the water supply tank is disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit, and the control unit determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor or the presence or absence of dirt in the water supply tank based on the output voltage output from the light receiving unit when the water in the water supply tank is temporarily reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the frequency of maintenance can be reduced by encouraging sensor replacement and water tank cleaning at optimal timing. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a water supply unit of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a top view of the water supply tank of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of sensors in the water supply tank of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, viewed from the horizontal direction. [Diagram 5] Conceptual diagram of interference between optical sensors. [Figure 6] 4 shows the relationship between the input voltage to the light source and the output voltage at the light receiving unit of the automatic analyzer in the embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of determining whether or not there is a decrease in the amount of light and dirt in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] An embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated description of these components may be omitted.

[0017] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an automatic analyzer 100, and Figure 2 shows a flow path configuration for supplying water from a water supply facility 50 to an analysis unit 101.

[0018] The automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly divided into three areas: an analysis section 101, which is a component for mixing and reacting a sample such as blood with a reagent and measuring the absorbance of the reaction liquid; a part of a water supply section 102, which is a mechanism for supplying water to each mechanism of the analysis section 101; and a controller 24.

[0019] The analysis unit 101 is composed of various mechanisms that dispense samples and reagents into multiple reaction containers 2, cause them to react, and measure the reacted liquid, and is equipped with a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, a reagent syringe 19, sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, a sample syringe 18, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, cleaning tanks 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, and 33, etc.

[0020] A plurality of reaction vessels 2 for mixing and reacting samples with reagents are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk 1. A sample transport mechanism 17 for transporting a sample rack 16 carrying sample vessels 15 containing samples such as blood is installed near the reaction disk 1.

[0021] Between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17, sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12 that can rotate and move up and down are installed, and each mechanism is equipped with a sample probe 11a and 12a. A sample syringe 18 is connected to the sample probes 11a and 12a. The sample probes 11a and 12a move in an arc around the rotation axis, and dispense the sample from the sample container 15 that has been transported to the sample dispensing position by the sample transport mechanism 17 to the reaction container 2.

[0022] A washing tank 13 for washing the sample probe 11a with washing water and a washing container (not shown for convenience of illustration) for washing with special washing water are arranged within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 11. Similarly, a washing tank 14 for washing the sample probe 12a with washing water and a washing container (not shown) for washing with special washing water are arranged within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 12.

[0023] The reagent disk 9 has a structure in which a plurality of reagent bottles 10 can be placed circumferentially. The reagent disk 9 is kept cool and is covered by a cover provided with a suction port (not shown). The reagent bottles 10 are bottles that contain reagents used in analyzing samples.

[0024] Reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 that can rotate and move up and down are installed between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, and each mechanism is equipped with a reagent probe 7a or 8a. A reagent syringe 19 is connected to the reagent probe 7a or 8a. The reagent probe 7a or 8a moves in an arc around the rotation axis, accessing the inside of the reagent disk 9 from the suction port and dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 into the reaction vessel 2.

[0025] Within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, a washing tank 32 for washing the reagent probe 7a with washing water is disposed, and within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8, a washing tank 33 for washing the reagent probe 8a with washing water is disposed.

[0026] Around the reaction disk 1, there are arranged stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 that stir the mixture (reaction solution) of sample and reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2, a spectrophotometer 4 that measures the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source 4a through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 2, and a cleaning mechanism 3 that cleans the used reaction vessel 2.

[0027] The stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 are configured to be capable of horizontal rotation and vertical movement, and stir the mixture of sample and reagent (reaction liquid) by being inserted into the reaction vessel 2. Washing tanks 30 and 31 for washing the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 with washing water are disposed within the operating range of the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A washing pump is also connected to the washing mechanism 3.

[0028] The controller 24 is connected to the devices within the above-described automatic analyzer 100, and controls the operation of each device and mechanism within the automatic analyzer 100. The controller 24 is a computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc., and performs arithmetic processing to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample from the detection result of the spectrophotometer 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the controller 24 judges whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt inside the water supply tank 53, based on the output voltage output from the light receiving unit 301 when the water in the water supply tank 53 is temporarily reduced. The details will be described later.

[0030] The operation of each device is controlled by the controller 24 based on various programs recorded in the storage device. In addition to the various programs used for measuring a sample, the storage device stores various parameters input via the input device, information on the sample to be measured (such as information on the sample type), measurement results, and the like.

[0031] The control processes of the operations executed by the controller 24 may be integrated into one program, or may be divided into multiple programs, or may be a combination of these. In addition, some or all of the programs may be realized by dedicated hardware, or may be modularized.

[0032] The display unit 24a is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays to the operator various information in the automatic analyzer 100, such as an input screen for various parameters and settings, analysis test data for the initial test or retest, measurement results, reagent information, etc. It may be a touch panel type that also serves as an input unit.

[0033] The water supply section 102 has a function of supplying water to the analysis section 101, and includes a pure water facility 50, a water supply electromagnetic valve 51, an optical sensor 52, a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, and the like.

[0034] The pure water equipment 50 is equipment that supplies water from outside the automatic analyzer 100 to a water supply tank 53 inside the automatic analyzer 100, and is basically equipment of a facility such as a hospital or testing center where the automatic analyzer 100 is installed.

[0035] The water supply tank 53 is a tank that temporarily stores water supplied from a pure water facility 50 outside the device to be consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analysis device 100, and is equipped with an optical sensor 52 to prevent the water stored in the water supply tank 53 from overflowing or running out.

[0036] Water is not constantly supplied to the water supply tank 53, and in order to supply water to the water supply tank 53 when necessary, a water supply solenoid valve 51 is provided on the piping from the water supply equipment 50 to the water supply tank 53. The water supply solenoid valve 51 is controlled to open and close by a command signal from the controller 24 based on water level information from an optical sensor 52.

[0037] The water supply pump 54 supplies water from the water supply tank 53 to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101 via the supply flow path 64. At this time, the controller 24 opens one or more of the solenoid valves 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, and 42a provided before the point where the water is consumed, to supply the water.

[0038] On the other hand, when water is not consumed in the analysis section 101 , water is circulated from the circulation flow path 65 to the water supply tank 53 .

[0039] The flow path for supplying water from the water supply equipment 50 to the analysis section 101 is composed of a water supply solenoid valve 51, an optical sensor 52, a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, as well as a branch pipe 20, a pressure sensor 21, a relief valve 22, and a waste pipe 23.

[0040] The branch pipe 20 is provided to branch into a flow path 64 that supplies water to the analysis section 101, a return flow path 65 to the water supply tank 53, and a flow path 63 that discharges water to the outside of the device. In addition, a filter 20a is provided inside the branch pipe 20 to remove dirt that may be mixed in the flow paths.

[0041] The pressure sensor 21 detects pressure changes caused by changes in the flow path state, such as bending of the piping or leakage from a solenoid valve, and is capable of detecting abnormalities in the piping and its component parts.

[0042] The controller 24 controls the ON / OFF of the water supply pump 54 and the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 51 and the relief valve 22 based on signals from the optical sensor 52 and the pressure sensor 21 .

[0043] In the water supply section 102, when the relief valve 22 is opened, water is discharged to the waste pipe 23.

[0044] The automatic analyzer 100 has the above configuration.

[0045] The configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is not limited to a biochemical analyzer that performs analysis of biochemical analysis items as shown in Fig. 1, but may be an analyzer that performs analysis of other analysis items, such as an immunoanalyzer that performs analysis of immune analysis items. The biochemical analyzer is also not limited to the form shown in Fig. 1, but may be one that is separately equipped with an analyzer that measures other analysis items, such as electrolytes.

[0046] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 is not limited to a configuration having a single analysis module as shown in FIG. 1, but can be configured to have two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items and two or more pretreatment modules that perform pretreatment connected by a conveying device.

[0047] The analysis process of the test sample by the above-mentioned automatic analyzer 100 is generally performed in the following order.

[0048] First, the sample in the sample container 15 placed on the sample rack 16 transported by the sample transport mechanism 17 to the vicinity of the reaction disk 1 is dispensed by the sample probes 11a, 12a of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11, 12 into the reaction container 2 on the reaction disk 1. Next, the reagent to be used for analysis is dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8 from the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent disk 9 into the reaction container 2 into which the sample was previously dispensed. Next, the mixing mechanisms 5, 6 mix the mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2.

[0049] Thereafter, light generated from the light source 4a is transmitted through the reaction vessel 2 containing the stirred mixed liquid, and the luminous intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The luminous intensity measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is sent to the controller 24 via an A / D converter and an interface. The controller 24 then performs a calculation to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and displays the result on the display unit 24a or the like, as well as storing it in a memory unit (not shown).

[0050] Next, we will explain where water is consumed within the automatic analyzer 100. The main uses within the device are as circulating water for keeping the reaction disk 1 warm, circulating water for keeping the reagent disk 9 cool, and washing water for the reagent probes 7a and 8a and the sample probes 11a and 12a.

[0051] In the reaction disk 1, water kept at a constant temperature (e.g., 37 degrees) is circulated by a circulation pump 40 in order to react the sample and reagent at a constant temperature. This water is used to keep the reaction vessel 2 at a constant temperature, and the sample and reagent are reacted under constant conditions.

[0052] As described above, the temperature of the reaction vessel 2 is maintained by water, so the light generated from the light source 4a passes not only through the reaction vessel 2 but also through the water flowing through the reaction tank. If air bubbles are present on the straight line connecting the light source 4a and the spectrophotometer 4, the light generated from the light source 4a may be diffused by the air bubbles, and the analysis results may not be determined correctly. For this reason, a degassing device (not shown) is generally provided in the flow path circulating the reaction tank to prevent air bubbles from being generated inside the reaction tank and to prevent dirt from being supplied into the device flow path when the tank is cleaned.

[0053] In the reagent disk 9, water cooled by a cooling device is circulated by a circulation pump 42 to prevent deterioration of the reagent, thereby keeping the inside of the reagent disk 9 at a low temperature.

[0054] The reagent probes 7a, 8a used for aspirating and dispensing the reagent and the sample probes 11a, 12a used for aspirating and dispensing the sample are not disposable, but the same probes are used continuously.

[0055] Here, if the reagent or sample discharged in the previous dispensing operation remains in the probe, the previous reagent or sample may be mixed with the reagent or sample to be aspirated in the next operation, causing contamination, and the analysis result may not be determined correctly. For this reason, when the same probe is used, the outer surfaces of the reagent probes 7a and 8a are generally washed in the washing tanks 32 and 33, and the outer surfaces of the sample probes 11a and 12a are washed in the washing tanks 13 and 14, where washing water is discharged toward the outer surfaces of the probes. The inner surfaces of the probes are washed by discharging washing water pressurized by a pump from the probes in the washing tanks 13, 14, 31, and 32. A gear pump 41 is often used to pressurize the washing water.

[0056] As described above, water is used in various mechanisms of the analysis unit 101. Therefore, if foreign matter such as air bubbles or dirt gets mixed into the supplied water, it can cause a decrease in analytical performance and equipment failure.

[0057] Therefore, the water supply tank 53 is large enough to stabilize the water flow in the water supply tank 53 so that even if air bubbles are mixed in the water to be supplied, the water is not supplied to the water supply pump 54. On the other hand, if the water flow in the water supply tank 53 stabilizes, water may remain in the water supply tank 53 for a long time, which may lead to the proliferation of bacteria and the accumulation of dirt on the inner surface of the water supply tank 53. If such dirty water is supplied to the analysis unit 101 via the water supply pump 54, there is a concern that it may affect the analysis performance.

[0058] As a countermeasure, customers regularly clean the water supply tank 53, but this places a burden on the customers.

[0059] Here, as a water level sensor for monitoring the water level in the water supply tank 53, a float type sensor or a capacitance type sensor that monitors the water level from inside the water supply tank 53, or an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor that monitors the water level from outside are used. However, since increasing the number of objects that come into contact with water increases the number of places where dirt can accumulate and also increases the number of places that need to be cleaned, it is desirable to be able to monitor the water level from outside the water supply tank 53.

[0060] The optical sensor 52 for this purpose will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 onwards. Figure 3 is a top view of the water supply tank 53 in this embodiment.

[0061] The optical sensor 52 has a light source 302 and a light receiving unit 301 that receives light emitted from the light source 302, and is disposed so that an optical axis 303 connecting the light source 302 and the light receiving unit 301 blocks a part of the water supply tank 53. The optical sensor 52 receives the light emitted from the light source 302 at the light receiving unit 301, and outputs a voltage detection value according to the amount of received light to the controller 24. The controller 24 detects the water level based on the voltage measurement value output from the light receiving unit 301 of the optical sensor 52 as described above.

[0062] Specifically, when the water level is lower than the optical axis 303, only the water supply tank 53 exists on the optical axis 303. At this time, the water supply tank 53 is made of a material that transmits the wavelength of the light source 302, and has a flat surface 304 on the water supply tank surface on the optical axis 303, so that the light receiving unit 301 receives the light emitted from the light source 302. As a result, the light receiving unit 301 outputs a voltage.

[0063] On the other hand, when the water level is higher than the optical axis 303, water exists on the optical axis 303 in addition to the water supply tank 53. Since water absorbs the wavelength of light from the light source 302, the light receiving unit 301 cannot receive the light from the light source. As a result, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 301 becomes almost zero.

[0064] By comparing the output voltage of the light receiving unit 301 with a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to determine whether the water level is higher or lower than the optical axis 303.

[0065] The shape of the water supply tank 53 is not limited to a shape having a flat portion 304 as shown in FIG. 3, and any shape or material of the water supply tank having a material or structure that allows light from the light source 302 to pass through is applicable.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a view of the water supply tank 53 of this embodiment as viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0067] 4, in this embodiment, four optical sensors 52 are arranged vertically. However, the number of sensors can be changed arbitrarily according to the number of water levels to be monitored, and can be set to a minimum of one or more.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the four optical sensors 52 monitor water levels A, B, C, and D, respectively. At water level A, an optical sensor 52 consisting of a light receiving unit 301a and a light source 302a is provided, and an optical axis 303a exists.

[0069] Similarly, an optical sensor 52 consisting of a light receiving unit 301b and a light source 302b is provided at water level B, an optical sensor 52 consisting of a light receiving unit 301c and a light source 302c is provided at water level C, and an optical sensor 52 consisting of a light receiving unit 301d and a light source 302d is provided at water level D, and optical axes 303b, 303c, and 303d exist, respectively.

[0070] In this embodiment, among the plurality of optical sensors 52, adjacent optical sensors 52 that are installed close to each other have their light sources 302 and light receiving sections 301 arranged in a staggered manner.

[0071] This is because the light emitted from the light sources 302a, 302b, and 302c travels with a spread, as shown in Fig. 5. As the light emitted from the light sources 302a, 302b, and 302c travels with a spread, when the optical sensor 52 is installed close to the light source 302 and the light receiving unit 301 are arranged in the same direction (see the upper side of Fig. 5), there is a risk that the light irradiated from one light source 302 may be received by the light receiving unit 301 of an adjacent sensor, so it is preferable to avoid unnecessary detection of the light from the light source 302 of an adjacent sensor by arranging the light source 302 and the light receiving unit 301 alternately as shown in the lower side of Fig. 5.

[0072] In addition, when the distance between adjacent optical sensors 52 is sufficiently greater than the spread of light from the light source 302, the light source 302 and the light receiving section 301 do not need to be arranged alternately, but can be arranged in the same direction.

[0073] Here, a disadvantage of the optical sensor 52 is that if the amount of light from the light source 302 decreases due to deterioration of the light source 302 or if dirt adheres to the optical axis 303 on the inner surface of the water supply tank 53, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 301 will decrease, which may result in an erroneous determination of the water level.

[0074] In response to this, the controller 24 can determine whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt inside the water supply tank 53 by using the input voltage to the light source 302 and the output voltage value at the light receiving unit 301 at that time, and can recommend sensor replacement and cleaning of the water supply tank 53 at the optimal timing. This makes it possible to provide an automatic analyzer with even higher analytical performance and reliability. It also makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance that previously had to be performed periodically.

[0075] The process flow for detecting a decrease in the light intensity of the light source 302 and dirt on the optical axis 303 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 shows the change in output voltage at the light receiving unit 301 when the input voltage to the light source 302 is changed, and Fig. 7 shows a flowchart for checking the decrease in the light intensity of the light source 302 and the presence or absence of dirt on the optical axis 303 in this embodiment.

[0076] First, a preferred control of the controller 24 during the check will be described.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, the voltage input to the light source 302 is a predetermined voltage V S When the input voltage is smaller than 100 V, the light source 302 emits an amount of light proportional to the input voltage, and the detection value of the light receiving unit 301 and the output voltage value proportional to the detection value also increase proportionally. S When a voltage of this magnitude or greater is input, a constant amount of light is emitted, so the detection value of the light receiving unit 301 and the output voltage value proportional to it also remain constant at V max It saturates at

[0078] This is because when the optical sensor 52 is used for detecting the water level, the light source 302 is supplied with a rated voltage V NWhen the water level falls below the optical axis 303 upon input of a signal, the output from the light receiving unit 301 is generally designed to overshoot the maximum value of the displayable range of the light receiving unit 301, and it is assumed that the optical sensor 52 of this embodiment will also be designed in this manner.

[0079] Therefore, during normal water level detection, the controller 24 sets the input voltage to the light source 302 to a certain predetermined voltage V S A voltage equal to or greater than a certain value, for example, a voltage V N shall be applied.

[0080] In contrast, the voltage applied to the light source 302 during the check process for detecting a decrease in the light amount of the light source 302 and dirt on the optical axis 303 is the voltage V N A smaller value, for example the voltage V of the area where the amount of light emitted is proportional to the input voltage L or voltage V L Larger voltage V H This can reliably prevent problems such as the output value remaining at the maximum value even when the light intensity of the light source 302 decreases or when dirt adheres to the optical axis 303, making it impossible to perform detection.

[0081] The applied voltage during the check is a small voltage value V L Even with a large voltage value V H Before starting the check or after the check is completed, the applied voltage V N The output voltage of the light receiving unit 301 at max It is advisable to check whether

[0082] Next, the flow of the check will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0083] This check can be started when the device is started up, or when the device is in standby mode between analyses and 24 hours or more have passed since the last check. If the device is in operation when 24 hours or more have passed since the last check, the check is performed at the next standby time. However, the check interval can be changed according to the device specifications and the usage environment. In addition to being performed automatically, the check can also be performed based on instructions from a service person or operator.

[0084] Here, when the number of times that the light amount reduction of the light sources 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d and the presence or absence of dirt on the optical axis 303 are checked is n, the output voltage values ​​of the light receiving units 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d at the water levels A, B, C, and D are respectively expressed as V An ,V Bn ,V Cn ,V Dn Let us express it as follows.

[0085] In addition, when installing or replacing a sensor, the sensor output is similarly obtained during sensor calibration (performance check). AC ,V BC ,V CC ,V DC Let us express it as follows.

[0086] Furthermore, although the judgments of the four optical sensors 52 are performed simultaneously, the judgments of the optical sensors 52 can be performed individually at different times. When performed simultaneously, the check time can be shortened, and when performed one by one, it is possible to further reduce the influence of ambient light by turning off the light sources other than those corresponding to the light receiving units to be checked.

[0087] During the check, first, the control of the water supply is stopped to cut off the water supply to the water supply tank 53 during the check. Specifically, when the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether the water supply tank 53 is dirty, the controller 24 keeps the water supply solenoid valve 51 provided between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply equipment 50 closed to cut off the water supply to the water supply tank 53.

[0088] When determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt inside the water supply tank 53, the controller 24 may be able to keep open the water supply solenoid valve 51 provided between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply equipment 50 in order to continue supplying water to the water supply tank 53, or may be able to select whether to keep open as appropriate. In this case, the relief valve 22 must also be kept open.

[0089] Next, in order to lower the water level in the water supply tank 53, the controller 24 opens the relief valve 22 and simultaneously operates the water supply pump 54 to drain the water (step S6010). In this embodiment, the water is drained at a rate of 2 L / min, but the rate is not limited to this value.

[0090] Next, the controller 24 determines whether water is present or not by using the optical sensor 52 for detecting the water level D that is located at the lowest position (step S6020).

[0091] If it is determined in step S6020 that there is no water, the process proceeds to step S6030. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is water, the controller 24 simultaneously monitors the pressure in the flow path from the water supply tank 53 using the pressure sensor 21, and determines whether or not there is a pressure abnormality (step S6021). This is to detect the case where the amount of water is reduced more than necessary due to an abnormality in the optical sensor 52, causing a large number of air bubbles to flow into the flow path.

[0092] When it is determined in step S6021 that a pressure abnormality has been detected, the controller 24 outputs a sensor failure alarm to the display unit 24a, automatically contacts a service person (step S6022), and stops operation of the device (step S6023).

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6021 that no pressure abnormality has been detected, the controller 24 returns the process to step S6010 and waits for the water level to drop.

[0094] When it is determined in step S6020 that there is no water, if the liquid level is directly below the optical axis 303, in order to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source 302d from being reflected by the liquid surface and entering the light receiving unit 301d, the controller 24 stops the water supply pump 54 after 10 seconds, closes the relief valve 22, and stops drainage (step S6030). This number of seconds is a value calculated based on the drainage speed, the volume of the water supply tank 53, and how far the light from the light source 302d spreads, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0095] Next, the controller 24 measures the output voltage of each of the light receiving parts 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d. Below, the case of water level A will be shown as an example, but the same applies to water levels B, C, and D.

[0096] When measuring the voltage, first the input voltage to the light source 302a is gradually decreased.

[0097] First, the controller 24 determines whether the output voltage value from the light receiving unit 301d is V ACmax 80% of V An80 The input voltage to the light source 302a is reduced so that V An80 and the input voltage V AnH is recorded in the storage unit (step S6040).

[0098] Next, the controller 24 detects that the output voltage value from the light receiving unit 301d is V ACmax 20% of V An20 The input voltage to the light source 302a is reduced so that V An20 And the input voltage V to the light source 302a at that time AnL is recorded in the storage unit (step S6050).

[0099] Thereafter, the controller 24 reads out the output voltages at the time of steps S6040 and S6050 and the sensor calibration from the storage unit, and calculates the ratio M of the difference in the output voltages at the multiple light receiving units 301a to the multiple input voltages to the light source 302a. An (=(V An80 -V An20 ) / (V AnH -V AnL) is calculated and stored in the storage unit (step S6060).

[0100] Next, the controller 24 calculates the ratio M of the difference calculated in step S6060. An and the ratio of the difference obtained in the same manner as above during sensor calibration M AC Compared to M An / M AC Calculate (step S6070).

[0101] In this embodiment, the ratio M An / M AC Depending on the value of , a decrease in the amount of light from the light source 302a or the presence or absence of dirt on the optical axis 303a is judged, and the behavior of the device is determined.

[0102] First, the controller 24 An / M AC It is determined whether M is greater than 0.8 (step S6080). An / M AC If it is determined that is greater than 0.8, the controller 24 determines that there is no decrease in the amount of light of the light source 302a and no dirt has occurred on the optical axis 303a, and advances the process to step S6081.

[0103] In contrast, M An / M AC If it is determined that M is equal to or smaller than 0.8, the process proceeds to step S6090, and the controller 24 An / M AC It is then determined whether or not is greater than 0.7 (step S6090).

[0104] M An / M AC If it is determined that is greater than 0.7, it is determined that there is a possibility that the light intensity of the light source 302a has decreased or that dirt has occurred on the optical axis 303a, and the process proceeds to step S6091, and the controller 24, while maintaining operation of the device, causes the display unit 24a to display an alarm urging the user to clean the water supply tank 53 (step S6091), and the process proceeds to step S6081.

[0105] In contrast, M An / M AC If it is determined that M is equal to or smaller than 0.7, the process proceeds to step S6100, and the controller 24 An / M AC It is then determined whether or not is greater than 0.6 (step S6100).

[0106] M An / M AC is determined to be greater than 0.6, it is determined that there is a possibility that the light intensity of the light source 302a has decreased or that dirt has occurred on the optical axis 303a, and the process proceeds to step S6091. While maintaining operation of the device, the controller 24 causes the display unit 24a to display an alarm urging the user to clean the water supply tank 53, and automatically notifies a service person (step S6101), and the process proceeds to step S6081.

[0107] In contrast, M An / M AC If it is determined that the sensor life is over, the light source 302a is determined to be over, and the process proceeds to step S6110, where the controller 24 causes the display unit 24a to display an alarm indicating that the sensor life is over, and automatically notifies the service person (step S6110). Furthermore, the operation of the device is stopped (step S6120).

[0108] In this way, it is desirable for the controller 24 to determine whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53 by using the ratio of the difference between the multiple output voltages at the light receiving unit 301 and the multiple input voltages to the light source 302.

[0109] In addition, when determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, the controller 24 can output a water supply tank 53 cleaning alarm if the output voltage is smaller than a first threshold value, output a water supply tank 53 cleaning alarm and a contact signal to a service person if the output voltage is smaller than a second threshold value, and output a sensor failure alarm and stop operation of the automatic analysis device 100 if the output voltage is smaller than a third threshold value.

[0110] In this embodiment, the M An / M AC The thresholds are 0.8 (first threshold), 0.7 (second threshold), and 0.6 (third threshold) as examples, but these can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the device and sensor. In addition, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the sensor from the relationship between the acquired data and the elapsed time, and if data is acquired that deviates significantly from the prediction, it is possible to isolate the cause, such as the occurrence of sudden contamination or the intrusion of foreign matter, and optimize the content of the alarm.

[0111] Furthermore, the number of thresholds is not limited to three, but can be more or less than three, and can be determined based on the number of behaviors that the device wishes to perform.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 7, if the determination in step S6080 is YES, or if steps S6091 and S6101 are executed, the controller 24 determines that there is no problem with continuing the operation of the apparatus, and first reduces the input voltage to the light source 302a to the rated value V N (step S6081).

[0113] Thereafter, the controller 24 opens the water supply electromagnetic valve 51 and continues to supply water until the water level reaches water level B (step S6082).

[0114] Finally, the controller 24 transitions to the device standby state (step S6083) and ends the determination.

[0115] Here, the controller 24 drains water for a certain period of time after the detection value of the optical sensor 52 indicates that there is no water, specifically, as a method of lowering the water level in the water supply tank 53 in step S6030, the drainage is stopped 10 seconds after the water level falls below D. However, in cases where a flow meter is provided, etc., the controller 24 can be configured to temporarily reduce the water in the water supply tank 53 by draining a certain amount of water after the detection value of the optical sensor 52 indicates that there is no water.

[0116] Furthermore, if a sensor is provided to detect when the water supply tank 53 is empty, the water supply may be continued until the water supply tank 53 is empty.

[0117] Furthermore, when multiple sensors are provided as in this embodiment, the water supply and discharge speed can be determined from the time difference between when the water presence / absence determination for water level A changes and when the determination for water level B changes, making it possible to stop the supply and discharge at any water level that is not monitored by optical sensor 52.

[0118] In addition, the method of raising the water level is not particularly limited, as in the case of temporarily reducing the water in the water supply tank 53, and the controller 24 can be configured to supply water for a certain period of time, supply a certain amount of water, or supply water until the water level reaches a predetermined level after determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53.

[0119] Another indicator that determines the behavior of the device is the ratio of differences M An / M AC However, this is not limited to this value, and M An / M An-1 Or V An80 / V AnH , V An80 / V AnH It is also possible to use values ​​such as:

[0120] Furthermore, although an example has been given of a form in which the input voltage to the light source 302 is temporarily reduced during voltage measurement, if the output voltage of the light receiving unit 301 at rated voltage is smaller than the maximum value of the displayable range, that is, if the output voltage changes at rated voltage due to a decrease in the amount of light or the occurrence of dirt, it is also possible to perform evaluation using the output voltage at rated voltage.

[0121] Furthermore, while pressure sensor 21 is used to monitor the pressure in the flow path as a method for detecting an abnormality when discharging water, a flow rate sensor, for example, can also be used for detection. In this case, it is placed in the flow path from water supply tank 53 to waste liquid pipe 23. If the water level is lowered too much and a large number of air bubbles flow into the flow path, it is possible to detect that the water level has been lowered more than necessary by the change in the flow rate measured by this flow rate sensor.

[0122] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0123] The automatic analyzer 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment is equipped with a water supply tank 53 that temporarily stores water supplied from outside the device and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100, an optical sensor 52 having a light source 302 and a light receiving unit 301 that receives light irradiated from the light source 302 and detects the amount of water in the water supply tank 53, and a controller 24 that controls the operation of each mechanism within the automatic analyzer 100, with the water supply tank 53 disposed between the light source 302 and the light receiving unit 301, and the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or the presence or absence of dirt in the water supply tank 53 based on the output voltage output from the light receiving unit 301 when the water in the water supply tank 53 is temporarily reduced.

[0124] With this configuration, it becomes possible to detect the presence or absence of a decrease in the light intensity of the light source 302 or dirt on the optical axis 303, i.e., dirt in the water supply tank 53 or dirt in the water, and to recommend replacement of the optical sensor 52 at the optimal timing or cleaning of the water supply tank 53. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance by the operator and provide an apparatus with high reliability and analytical performance.

[0125] In addition, the controller 24 temporarily reduces the water in the water supply tank 53 by draining water for a certain period of time after the detection value of the optical sensor 52 indicates that there is no water, or by draining a certain amount of water after the detection value of the optical sensor 52 indicates that there is no water, thereby further reducing the possibility of the liquid level being directly below the optical axis 303 and reliably preventing the light irradiated from the light source 302d from reflecting off the liquid surface and entering the light receiving unit 301d, thereby further reducing the possibility of erroneous judgment.

[0126] Furthermore, the controller 24 can determine whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53 by using the input voltage to the light source 302 and the output voltage value at the light receiving unit 301 at that time, and in particular, by using the ratio of the difference between the multiple input voltages to the light source 302 and the multiple output voltages at the light receiving unit 301, determine whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, thereby achieving highly accurate determination.

[0127] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of optical sensors 52, the accuracy of detecting the water level and the accuracy of checking whether the water supply tank 53 is dirty can be improved.

[0128] Furthermore, the controller 24 can increase the efficiency of determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt inside the tank by simultaneously executing determinations on a plurality of optical sensors 52.

[0129] In addition, by having the controller 24 individually perform judgments on the multiple optical sensors 52 at different times, it is possible to reliably avoid the influence of light from other optical sensors 52, thereby further improving the detection accuracy.

[0130] Furthermore, among the multiple optical sensors 52, adjacent optical sensors 52 have their light sources 302 and light receiving units 301 arranged alternately, thereby reducing the influence of light from other optical sensors 52 and further improving detection accuracy.

[0131] In addition, when the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, if the output voltage is smaller than a first threshold value, it outputs a water supply tank 53 cleaning alarm and a contact signal to a service person if the output voltage is smaller than a second threshold value, and if the output voltage is smaller than a third threshold value, it outputs a sensor failure alarm and stops operation of the automatic analysis device 100, thereby allowing the controller 24 to take measures according to various situations within the water supply tank 53, avoiding unnecessary maintenance and further reducing the burden.

[0132] Furthermore, after the controller 24 has completed determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, it can reliably supply water by supplying water for a certain period of time, supplying a certain amount of water, or supplying water until the water level reaches a specified level.

[0133] In addition, when the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, it can reduce water consumption by keeping the water supply solenoid valve 51, which is provided between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply equipment 50, closed to cut off the supply of water to the water supply tank 53.

[0134] Furthermore, when the controller 24 determines whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor 52 or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank 53, the controller 24 keeps the water supply solenoid valve 51 installed between the water supply tank 53 and the water supply equipment 50 open in order to continue supplying water to the water supply tank 53. This allows the water remaining in the water supply tank 53 to be replaced with new water, thereby suppressing deterioration of the water in the water supply tank 53.

[0135] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easily understandable manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the described configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Reaction disk 2. Reaction vessel 3. Cleaning mechanism 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, 42a...Solenoid valves 4...Spectrophotometer 4a…Light source 5,6...Mixing mechanism 7, 8…Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a, 8a...Reagent probe (dispensing probe) 9…Reagent disk 10…Reagent bottle 11, 12...Sample dispensing mechanism 11a, 12a...Sample probe (dispensing probe) 13,14…Cleaning tank 15...Sample container 16...Sample rack 17...Sample transport mechanism 18...Sample syringe 19...Reagent syringe 20...Branch pipe 20a…Filter 21...Pressure sensor 22...Relief valve 23...Waste pipe 24…Controller 24a...Display section 30, 31, 32, 33...Cleaning tank 40…Circulation pump 41…Gear pump 42…Circulation pump 50…Water supply equipment 51...Water supply solenoid valve 52...Optical sensor 53…Water tank 54…Water supply pump 63...Flow path 64…Supply channel 65...Circulation flow path 100…Automatic analyzer 101…Analysis Department 102...Water supply section 301,301a,301b,301c,301d...Light receiving part 302,302a,302b,302c,302d...Light source Optical axes of 303, 303a, 303b, 303c, 303d… 304…Flat portion

Claims

1. An automated analyzer, comprising: a water supply tank for temporarily storing water supplied from outside the device and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer; an optical sensor having a light source and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light source and detects the amount of water in the water supply tank; A control unit that controls the operation of each mechanism in the automatic analyzer, The water tank is disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit, The control unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the optical sensor or whether or not there is dirt in the water supply tank based on an output voltage output from the light receiving unit when the water in the water supply tank is temporarily reduced. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

2. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit temporarily reduces the amount of water in the water supply tank by draining water for a certain period of time after the detection value of the optical sensor indicates that there is no water. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

3. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit temporarily reduces the amount of water in the water supply tank by draining a certain amount of water after the detection value of the optical sensor becomes zero. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

4. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the optical sensor or whether or not there is dirt in the water supply tank by using the input voltage to the light source and the value of the output voltage at the light receiving unit at that time. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, The control unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the optical sensor or whether or not there is dirt in the water supply tank by using a ratio of a difference between a plurality of output voltages at the light receiving unit and a plurality of input voltages to the light source. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

6. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The optical sensor includes a plurality of optical sensors. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, The control unit executes determinations of the plurality of optical sensors simultaneously. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, The control unit individually executes the determinations of the plurality of optical sensors at different timings. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, Among the plurality of optical sensors, the light sources and the light receiving sections of adjacent optical sensors are arranged in a staggered manner. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

10. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, When determining whether there is an abnormality in the optical sensor or whether there is dirt in the water supply tank, the control unit outputs a tank cleaning alarm if the output voltage is smaller than a first threshold value, outputs a tank cleaning alarm and a contact signal to a service person if the output voltage is smaller than a second threshold value, and outputs a sensor failure alarm and stops operation of the automatic analyzer if the output voltage is smaller than a third threshold value. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

11. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, After completing the determination of the abnormality of the optical sensor or the presence or absence of dirt in the water supply tank, the control unit supplies water for a certain period of time, supplies a certain amount of water, or supplies water until the water level reaches a predetermined water level. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

12. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit keeps a water supply solenoid valve provided between the water supply tank and the water supply equipment closed to cut off the supply of water to the water supply tank when determining whether the optical sensor is abnormal or whether the water supply tank is dirty. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

13. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit keeps open a water supply solenoid valve provided between the water supply tank and the water supply equipment in order to continue supplying the water to the water supply tank when determining whether the optical sensor is abnormal or whether the water supply tank is dirty. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

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