Automatic analyzer

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer capable of detecting, at low cost, whether or not a plurality of fluid control valves included in the automatic analyzer operate normally.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes: a plurality of fluid control valves installed in a flow path; a pressure sensor 112 for measuring the pressure in the flow path; a liquid surface detection element 103c for detecting a liquid surface position of liquid ejected by ejection nozzles 120 and 124; and a control unit 100. One or more of the fluid control valves are first fluid control valves 108 and 110 connected with the pressure sensor 112 by the flow path. One or more of the fluid control valves are second fluid control valves 115, 118, and 123 connected with the ejection nozzles 120 and 124 by the flow path. The control unit 100 detects whether the first fluid control valves 108 and 110 operate normally based on pressure values measured by the pressure sensor 112, and detects whether the second fluid control valves 115, 118, and 123 operate normally based on the liquid surface position detected by the liquid surface detection element 103c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a fluid control valve.

Background Art

[0002] Automatic analyzers such as biochemical analyzers and immunoassay analyzers include a dispensing unit that aspirates a specified amount of a sample and a reagent and discharges them into a reaction vessel, and a detection unit that analyzes the reacted solution.

[0003] The dispensing unit and the detection unit are provided with flow paths for aspirating or discharging a sample or a reagent. The inside of the flow path is filled with a liquid (cleaning liquid) for cleaning and a reagent (system reagent) mounted on the automatic analyzer. The cleaning liquid and the system reagent are fed into the flow path from a dedicated tank or bottle by a dedicated pump.

[0004] The automatic analyzer is equipped with a fluid control valve that switches between opening and blocking the flow path in order to control the start and stop of the feeding of the cleaning liquid and the system reagent. By using the fluid control valve, it is possible to perform control such that feeding is performed only to a specific flow path and not to other flow paths.

[0005] In order to ensure the reliability of the automatic analyzer, it is important to confirm that the components are operating normally. Also for the fluid control valve, by confirming that the operation is being performed normally, the reliability of the operation and analysis results of the automatic analyzer can be enhanced.

[0006] Examples of devices for confirming that the operation of the fluid control valve is being performed normally are described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a pressure sensor between a solenoid valve and a check valve, and compares the output of the pressure sensor with a threshold value to output an alarm signal. The fluid control valve described in Patent Document 2 includes a vibration sensor that detects vibrations caused by a water hammer phenomenon, and is judged to be normal when vibrations equal to or greater than a threshold value are detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In the conventional technologies such as the devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, only a specific flow path control valve installed in a flow path to which a specific sensor such as a pressure sensor or a vibration sensor is connected can be monitored, and only some of the many fluid control valves existing in the automatic analyzer are monitored. For this reason, when trying to monitor many of the fluid control valves existing in the automatic analyzer, it is necessary to increase the number of sensors, and there is a problem that the cost for monitoring increases.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can detect at low cost whether a plurality of fluid control valves provided in the automatic analyzer operate normally.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a flow path for feeding a liquid, a plurality of fluid control valves installed in the flow path for switching between opening and blocking the flow path, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the flow path, a liquid level detection element for detecting the position of the liquid level of the liquid, and a control unit. One or more of the fluid control valves are first fluid control valves connected to the pressure sensor and the flow path. One or more of the fluid control valves are second fluid control valves connected to a discharge nozzle and the flow path. The liquid level detection element detects the position of the liquid level of the liquid discharged from the discharge nozzle. The control unit detects whether the first fluid control valve has operated normally based on the value of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and detects whether the second fluid control valve has operated normally based on the position of the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection element.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can detect at low cost whether a plurality of fluid control valves provided in the automatic analyzer are operating normally.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] By using a detection element pre - installed in the automatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer can detect whether a plurality of fluid control valves provided therein operate normally. The pre - installed detection element is, for example, a pressure sensor that measures the pressure in the flow path or a liquid level detection element that detects the position of the liquid level. In the present invention, by using the pre - installed detection element according to the fluid control valve for which it is desired to determine whether the operation is normal, it is possible to detect whether the fluid control valve operates normally. Further, in the present invention, since it is not necessary to additionally attach a detection element to examine the operation of the fluid control valve, it is possible to detect whether the fluid control valve operates normally at low cost.

[0014] Hereinafter, the automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, as an example, a configuration will be described in which the automatic analyzer includes a dispensing unit that aspirates a specified amount of a sample and a reagent and discharges them into a reaction vessel, and a detection unit that analyzes a mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and the reagent. Further, in the following embodiments, it is assumed that the fluid control valve is constituted by an electromagnetic valve.

Embodiment

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes a dispensing unit 101, a detection unit 103, a control unit 100, a flow path for feeding a liquid, and a plurality of electromagnetic valves (fluid control valves) installed in this flow path. The control unit 100 controls the entire automatic analyzer. The fluid control valve switches between opening and blocking the flow path.

[0016] The dispensing unit 101 includes a dispensing nozzle 101a and a dispensing arm 101b, and uses the dispensing nozzle 101a to aspirate a specified amount of sample and reagent. The sample and reagent aspirated by the dispensing unit 101 are discharged into the reaction vessel 102 and mixed. Hereinafter, this mixed solution of sample and reagent is referred to as a reaction solution. After the temperature of the reaction vessel 102 containing the reaction solution is adjusted for a certain period of time, it is conveyed to the detection unit 103.

[0017] The detection unit 103 includes a reaction solution aspiration nozzle 103a, a detection element 103b, and a liquid level detection element 103c, and uses the reaction solution aspiration nozzle 103a to aspirate the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 102. The aspirated reaction solution is sent into the detection element 103b. The detection unit 103 analyzes the reaction solution with the detection element 103b and detects, for example, the absorbance or the luminescence amount as the analysis result of the reaction solution.

[0018] The detection element 103b detects the characteristics of the reaction solution and quantifies a predetermined component amount (for example, the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the reaction solution) in the reaction solution. Specific configuration examples of the detection element 103b include a combination of a light source and a photometer, and a combination of an electrode and a light detection element. The detection element 103b including a light source and a photometer detects the absorbance as the characteristic of the reaction solution. The detection element 103b including an electrode and a light detection element detects the luminescence amount as the characteristic of the reaction solution.

[0019] The liquid level detection element 103c can detect the position of the liquid level of the liquid, and detects that the reaction solution aspiration nozzle 103a is immersed in the liquid such as the reaction solution and detached from the liquid.

[0020] The automatic analyzer includes a tank 104 containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning. The cleaning liquid contained in the tank 104 is pure water or a solution containing a surfactant, etc., and is used for cleaning to prevent the liquid remaining in the dispensing unit 101 and the detection unit 103 from being carried over to the next analysis. The flow path from the tank 104 is connected to the branch block 107. The cleaning liquid contained in the tank 104 is sent to the branch block 107 using the pump 106.

[0021] Downstream of the branch block 107, there are a plurality of flow paths branching from the branch block 107. A plurality of solenoid valves 108, 110, 113, 115 for switching the opening and blocking of the flow paths are installed in these plurality of flow paths. The solenoid valves 108, 110, 113, 115 control the start and stop of the liquid supply of the cleaning liquid to their respective flow paths.

[0022] The flow path branching from the branch block 107 to the solenoid valve 108 is connected to the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109. In the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109, the cleaning liquid sent from the tank 104 is discharged to clean the dispensing nozzle 101a. This cleaning liquid is discharged from the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109 to the outer wall of the dispensing nozzle 101a to wash away the sample or reagent components, preventing the sample or reagent components from being carried over to the next analysis. The solenoid valve 108 switches the opening and blocking of the flow path connecting the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109 and the branch block 107, and controls the start and stop of the liquid supply of the cleaning liquid to this flow path.

[0023] The flow path branching from the branch block 107 to the solenoid valve 110 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 101a. A dispensing syringe 111 and a pressure sensor 112 are connected between the solenoid valve 110 and the dispensing nozzle 101a in this flow path. The dispensing syringe 111 has the role of sucking and discharging a specified amount of sample and reagent. The pressure sensor 112 measures the pressure in the flow path and has the role of checking that there is no blockage in the flow path and that there is no abnormality in the suction and discharge of the sample and reagent. Examples of abnormalities in the suction and discharge of the sample and reagent include the sample having high viscosity, blockage of the flow path by fibrin in the sample, and suction of bubbles on the liquid surface.

[0024] By filling the flow path connected to the dispensing nozzle 101a with the cleaning liquid, the responsiveness to the suction and discharge operation of the dispensing syringe 111 can be enhanced. Also, by discharging the cleaning liquid from the tip of the dispensing nozzle 101a, the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 101a can be cleaned.

[0025] The flow path branching from the branch block 107 to the solenoid valve 113 is connected to the detection element 103b. A detection syringe 114 is connected to this flow path that connects the solenoid valve 113 and the detection element 103b. The detection syringe 114 is installed between the solenoid valve 113 and the detection element 103b and has the role of sucking the reaction solution and the reagent (detection reagent) used for analyzing the reaction solution and sending it to the detection element 103b of the detection unit 103. By filling the flow path connected to the detection element 103b with the cleaning liquid, the responsiveness to the operation of the detection syringe 114 can be enhanced.

[0026] The flow path branching from the branch block 107 to the solenoid valve 115 is connected to the branch block 116.

[0027] The automatic analyzer includes a detection reagent bottle 117 that contains the detection reagent. The flow path from the detection reagent bottle 117 is connected to the branch block 116.

[0028] A solenoid valve 118 is installed in the flow path that connects the detection reagent bottle 117 and the branch block 116. The solenoid valve 118 switches between opening and blocking the flow path that connects the detection reagent bottle 117 and the branch block 116, and controls the start and stop of the liquid feeding to this flow path.

[0029] A pump 119 is installed on the downstream side of the branch block 116. A discharge nozzle 120 is installed on the downstream side of the pump 119. The discharge nozzle 120 is connected to the solenoid valve 115 and the solenoid valve 118 by flow paths.

[0030] By controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves 115 and 118, the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 or the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 is fed to the pump 119. Using the pump 119, the discharge nozzle 120 can discharge the cleaning liquid or the detection reagent into the reagent cup 121. The reagent cup 121 is a container such that the liquid level detection element 103c can detect the position of the liquid level of the liquid. The cleaning liquid is used for cleaning the reagent cup 121 and the detection element 103b. The detection reagent is used for conditioning the surface of the detection element 103b and cleaning the detection element 103b.

[0031] The detection syringe 114 sucks the reaction solution from the reaction vessel 102 with the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a and feeds the sucked reaction solution to the detection element 103b. Further, the detection syringe 114 sucks the cleaning liquid or the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 by the discharge nozzle 120 from the reagent cup 121 with the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a and feeds the sucked detection reagent to the detection element 103b.

[0032] The automatic analyzer includes a tank 105 that stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning. The cleaning liquid contained in the tank 105 is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid contained in the tank 104. The flow path from the tank 105 is connected to the discharge nozzle 124. A pump 122 and a solenoid valve 123 are installed in the flow path connecting the tank 105 and the discharge nozzle 124. That is, the solenoid valve 123 is connected to the discharge nozzle 124 through the flow path. The cleaning liquid contained in the tank 105 is fed to the discharge nozzle 124 via the solenoid valve 123 using the pump 122.

[0033] The discharge nozzle 124 discharges the cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 125. By discharging the cleaning liquid from the discharge nozzle 124 to the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a inserted in the cleaning tank 125, the reaction solution adhering to the outer wall of the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a can be washed away.

[0034] As described above, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment includes solenoid valves 110, 108, 118, 115, 123, and 113 as fluid control valves that switch between opening and blocking the flow path. Solenoid valves 110, 108, 118, 115, and 113 are connected to pressure sensor 112 through a flow path. Solenoid valves 118 and 115 are connected to discharge nozzle 120 through a flow path. Solenoid valve 123 is connected to discharge nozzle 124 through a flow path.

[0035] Hereinafter, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, a configuration for detecting whether or not these solenoid valves operate normally will be described. Note that the processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 described below are executed by control unit 100 unless otherwise specified.

[0036] <Solenoid valve 110> First, a configuration for detecting that solenoid valve 110 operates normally in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment will be described.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting that solenoid valve 110 operates normally. As shown in FIG. 1, solenoid valve 110 is installed in the flow path connecting branch block 107 and dispensing nozzle 101a. A pressure sensor 112 is installed in the flow path connecting solenoid valve 110 and dispensing nozzle 101a, between solenoid valve 110 and dispensing nozzle 101a. That is, pressure sensor 112 is installed in the flow path where solenoid valve 110 is installed. Therefore, control unit 100 can detect whether or not solenoid valve 110 operates normally based on the pressure value measured by pressure sensor 112.

[0038] In S201, acquisition of the pressure value measured by pressure sensor 112 is started.

[0039] In S202, solenoid valve 110 is opened. When solenoid valve 110 is opened, the supply of the cleaning liquid to the flow path is started.

[0040] In S203, after opening the solenoid valve 110 for a predetermined fixed time, close the solenoid valve 110.

[0041] In S204, end the acquisition of the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112.

[0042] In S205, determine whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally from the acquired pressure value. If the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally, end the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 2.

[0043] S206 and S207 are the processing when the solenoid valve 110 has not operated normally. In S206, stop the operation of the automatic analysis device. In S207, output an alert notifying that the solenoid valve 110 has not operated normally.

[0044] An example of a specific determination criterion when the control unit 100 determines whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally in S205 will be described below.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the pressure value acquired in the processing from S201 to S204 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, time t31 is the time when the solenoid valve 110 is opened, and time t32 is the time when the solenoid valve 110 is closed.

[0046] Immediately after the time t31 when the solenoid valve 110 is opened, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 rises. At this time, pressure pulsation occurs due to the water hammer caused by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 110. Immediately after the time t32 when the solenoid valve 110 is closed, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 drops. At this time, pressure pulsation occurs due to the water hammer caused by the closing operation of the solenoid valve 110.

[0047] The water hammer immediately after the time t32 does not occur unless both the operation of opening and closing the solenoid valve 110 are successful. Therefore, when the amplitude of the pressure change due to the water hammer immediately after the time t32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined fixed value, it can be determined that the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally.

[0048] In addition, when the pressure between time t31 and time t32 is higher than the pressure before time t31 and the pressure after time t32, it can also be determined that the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally. Also, it is possible to determine whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally based only on the pressure value when the solenoid valve 110 is closed, or to determine whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally based only on the pressure value after the solenoid valve 110 is closed.

[0049] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 acquires the pressure values from before opening the solenoid valve 110 to after closing it. When it is possible to determine whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally based only on the pressure value (change in pressure value) when the solenoid valve 110 is closed (S203), the procedures of S201 and S202 can be interchanged. That is, the control unit 100 can start acquiring the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 after opening the solenoid valve 110 and before closing the solenoid valve 110 (between S202 and S203).

[0050] Also, when it is possible to determine whether the solenoid valve 110 has operated normally based only on the pressure value after the solenoid valve 110 is closed, S201 can be made the procedure after S203. That is, the control unit 100 can start acquiring the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 after closing the solenoid valve 110.

[0051] As described above, by changing the timing of starting to acquire the pressure value and shortening the time for acquiring the pressure value, the time required for processing the pressure data can be shortened.

[0052] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, when the solenoid valve 110 has not operated normally, the control unit 100 executes a process of stopping the operation of the automatic analysis device (S206). The content of the process in S206 is preferably determined in consideration of the risk when the solenoid valve 110 fails.

[0053] For example, when it is considered that a failure of the solenoid valve 110 may cause a serious impact on the automatic analyzer, such as water leakage from the dispensing nozzle 101a, in S206, it is desirable to move the dispensing nozzle 101a to the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109, reduce the risk of water leakage, and then stop the operation of the automatic analyzer. At this time, it is desirable to stop the operation of the pump 106 at the earliest possible timing. Further, when it is considered that although no serious impact such as water leakage occurs, the dispensing operation related to the analysis cannot be performed normally, in S206, it is also possible to cancel the subsequent dispensing operation and continue only the analysis of the specimens dispensed previously.

[0054] <Solenoid valve 108> Next, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, a configuration for detecting that the solenoid valve 108 has operated normally will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid valve 108 is installed in the flow path connecting the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109 and the branch block 107.

[0055] The flow path in which the solenoid valve 108 is installed is a flow path in which the flow rate when the solenoid valve 108 is opened is larger than a predetermined value. Specifically, the flow path in which the solenoid valve 108 is installed (the flow path connecting the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank 109 and the branch block 107) has a larger flow rate when the solenoid valves 108, 115, and 113 installed in the respective flow paths are opened, as compared with the flow path in which the solenoid valve 115 is installed (the flow path connecting the branch block 107 and the branch block 116) and the flow path in which the solenoid valve 113 is installed (the flow path connecting the branch block 107 and the syringe 114 for detection).

[0056] The flow path where the solenoid valve 108 is installed is a flow path with a large flow rate to such an extent that it affects the flow rate of the flow path where the pressure sensor 112 is installed (the flow path connecting the branch block 107 and the dispensing nozzle 101a and where the solenoid valve 110 is installed). When the solenoid valve 108 is opened, the change in pressure is large, and it is easy for the pressure sensor 112 to measure the change in pressure caused by the opening of the solenoid valve 108. Therefore, the control unit 100 can detect whether the solenoid valve 108 is operating normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 by opening and closing the solenoid valve 108 with the solenoid valve 110 open.

[0057] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 108 is operating normally.

[0058] In S401, acquisition of the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 is started.

[0059] In S402, the solenoid valve 110 is opened.

[0060] In S403, the solenoid valve 108 is opened. When the solenoid valve 108 is opened, the flow rate of the flow path where the pressure sensor 112 is installed (the flow path where the solenoid valve 110 is installed) changes significantly.

[0061] In S404, after the solenoid valve 108 is opened for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 108 is closed.

[0062] In S405, after the solenoid valve 110 is opened for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 110 is closed.

[0063] In S406, acquisition of the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 is terminated.

[0064] In S407, it is determined from the acquired pressure value whether the solenoid valve 108 is operating normally. If the solenoid valve 108 is operating normally, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0065] S408 and S409 are processes when the solenoid valve 108 does not operate properly. In S408, the subsequent analysis operations of the automatic analyzer are stopped. In S409, an alert is output to notify that the solenoid valve 108 is not operating properly.

[0066] In S407, examples of specific judgment criteria when the control unit 100 determines whether the solenoid valve 108 has operated properly will be described below.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the pressure values obtained in the processes of S401 to S406 in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, time t51 is the time when the solenoid valve 110 opens, time t52 is the time when the solenoid valve 108 opens, time t53 is the time when the solenoid valve 108 closes, and time t54 is the time when the solenoid valve 110 closes.

[0068] Immediately after the time t51 when the solenoid valve 110 opens, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 increases. Then, immediately after the time t52 when the solenoid valve 108 opens, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 decreases, and pressure pulsation occurs due to the water hammer caused by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 108. Then, immediately after the time t53 when the solenoid valve 108 closes, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 increases, and pressure pulsation occurs due to the water hammer caused by the closing operation of the solenoid valve 108. Then, immediately after the time t54 when the solenoid valve 110 closes, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 decreases.

[0069] The water hammer immediately after the time t53 does not occur unless both the operation of opening and closing the solenoid valve 108 are successful. Therefore, when the amplitude of the pressure change due to the water hammer immediately after the time t53 is equal to or greater than a predetermined constant value, it can be determined that the solenoid valve 108 has operated properly.

[0070] In addition, when the pressure between the time t52 and the time t53 is lower than the pressure between the time t51 and the time t52 and the pressure between the time t53 and the time t54, it can be determined that both the operation of opening and closing the solenoid valve 108 are successful and the solenoid valve 108 has operated properly.

[0071] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 100 acquires the pressure value from before opening the solenoid valve 110 until after closing it. When it is possible to determine whether the solenoid valve 108 has operated normally based only on the pressure value (change in the pressure value) when the solenoid valve 108 is closed (S404), S401 can be made into the procedure after S403. That is, the control unit 100 can start acquiring the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 after opening the solenoid valve 108 and before closing the solenoid valve 108 (between S403 and S404).

[0072] Also, when it is possible to determine whether the solenoid valve 108 has operated normally based only on the pressure value after the solenoid valve 108 is closed, S401 can be made into the procedure after S404. That is, the control unit 100 can start acquiring the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 after closing the solenoid valve 108.

[0073] As described above, by changing the timing of starting to acquire the pressure value and shortening the time for acquiring the pressure value, the time required for processing the pressure data can be shortened.

[0074] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when the solenoid valve 108 does not operate normally, the control unit 100 executes a process of stopping the subsequent dispensing operation of the automatic analyzer (S408). The content of the process in S408 is desirably determined in consideration of the risk when the solenoid valve 108 fails. For example, when it is considered that a serious impact is caused to the automatic analyzer due to water leakage or the like due to the failure of the solenoid valve 108, it is desirable to quickly stop the operation of the automatic analyzer in S408.

[0075] <Solenoid valve 118> Next, in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, a configuration for detecting that the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid valve 118 is installed in the flow path connecting the detection reagent bottle 117 and the branch block 116. A pump 119 is installed in the flow path on the downstream side of the branch block 116, and a discharge nozzle 120 is connected.

[0076] The solenoid valve 118 cannot detect whether it has operated normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 like the solenoid valve 110 or the solenoid valve 108. Whether the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally can be detected by opening and closing the solenoid valve 118, discharging the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 into the reagent cup 121 from the discharge nozzle 120, and detecting based on the volume of the discharged detection reagent. Since the dimensions of the reagent cup 121 are known, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 can be obtained by detecting the position of the liquid level of the detection reagent with the liquid level detection element 103c. That is, whether the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally can be detected by opening and closing the solenoid valve 118 and detecting the position of the liquid level of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121.

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally.

[0078] In S601, check whether the reagent cup 121 is empty. Whether the reagent cup 121 is empty can be checked, for example, using the liquid level detection element 103c. If the liquid level detection element 103c detects the liquid level in the reagent cup 121, it can be determined that the reagent cup 121 is not empty, and the process of S602 is executed. If the liquid level detection element 103c does not detect the liquid level in the reagent cup 121, it can be determined that the reagent cup 121 is empty, and the process of S603 is executed.

[0079] In S602, empty the reagent cup 121. For example, the detection syringe 114 can empty the reagent cup 121 by sucking the liquid in the reagent cup 121 with the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a.

[0080] The processes of S601 and S602 are executed because if the reagent cup 121 is empty, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 in the subsequent steps can be accurately measured.

[0081] In S603, the solenoid valve 118 is opened. When the solenoid valve 118 is opened, the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 120 into the reagent cup 121.

[0082] In S604, after the solenoid valve 118 is opened for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 118 is closed. By the processes of S603 and S604, the detection reagent is discharged into the reagent cup 121 by a predetermined fixed volume.

[0083] In S605, the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121. By this process, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 is measured.

[0084] In S606, it is determined whether the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally from the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121. If the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 is terminated.

[0085] S607 and S608 are processes when the solenoid valve 118 has not operated normally. In S607, the subsequent analysis operation of the automatic analyzer is stopped. In S608, an alert notifying that the solenoid valve 118 has not operated normally is output.

[0086] Examples of specific determination criteria when the control unit 100 determines whether the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally in S606 will be described below.

[0087] When the solenoid valve 118 has not operated normally and the solenoid valve 118 has not opened, the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121 is lower than the position when the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally. Therefore, when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S605 is lower than a predetermined position (and when the liquid level detection element 103c does not detect the liquid level in the reagent cup 121 in the process of S605), the determination criterion of determining that the solenoid valve 118 has not operated normally can be used.

[0088] Also, when the solenoid valve 118 does not operate normally and fails to close, the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121 is higher than the position when the solenoid valve 118 operates normally. Therefore, when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S605 is higher than a predetermined position, it is possible to use the judgment criterion that it is determined that the solenoid valve 118 has not operated normally.

[0089] Moreover, by combining these two judgment criteria, it is possible to use the judgment criterion that when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S605 is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the solenoid valve 118 has operated normally.

[0090] The processes of S601 and S602 are processes implemented to correctly measure the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 by opening the solenoid valve 118 in S603. Even if the reagent cup 121 is not emptied in the process of S602, if the volume of the liquid existing in the reagent cup 121 before the process of S603 is known, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 in the subsequent steps can be correctly measured.

[0091] Therefore, it is also possible to replace the processes of S601 and S602 with the process of detecting the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121 by the liquid level detection element 103c. By obtaining the difference in the position of the liquid level before and after opening and closing the solenoid valve 118, it is possible to correctly measure the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121. When the processes of S601 and S602 are replaced with the process of detecting the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121, the free volume of the reagent cup 121 may be insufficient. For this reason, when the detected position of the liquid level is above a predetermined position, it is also possible to add a process of reducing the amount of the liquid in the reagent cup 121.

[0092] <Solenoid valve 115> Next, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, a configuration for detecting that the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid valve 115 is installed in a flow path connecting the branch block 107 and the branch block 116. A pump 119 is installed in the flow path on the downstream side of the branch block 116, and a discharge nozzle 120 is connected thereto.

[0093] The flow path in which the solenoid valve 115 is installed is a flow path in which the flow rates when the solenoid valves 115 and 108 installed in the respective flow paths are opened are smaller compared to the flow path in which the solenoid valve 108 is installed. For this reason, like the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 108 has operated normally (FIG. 4), it is not possible to detect whether the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112. However, whether the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally can be detected in the same manner as the solenoid valve 118 by opening and closing the solenoid valve 115, discharging the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 from the discharge nozzle 120 into the reagent cup 121, and detecting the position (volume) of the liquid level of the discharged cleaning liquid with the liquid level detection element 103c.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally. In FIG. 7, as an example, a flowchart of a procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally is shown in a case where the liquid level detection element 103c can detect the liquid level of the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 but has difficulty detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the tank 104.

[0095] If the liquid level detection element 103c is composed of an element that detects the liquid level by a change in capacitance, it may be difficult to detect the liquid level depending on the liquid in the reagent cup 121. Specifically, the ease of detecting the liquid level may vary depending on differences in physical property values such as the relative permittivity and conductivity of the liquid. The flowchart in FIG. 7 shows a procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally using the liquid level detection element 103c that has difficulty detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the tank 104.

[0096] In S701, it is checked whether the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120 is filled with the detection reagent. If this flow path is not filled with the detection reagent, the processes of S702 and S703 are performed. If this flow path is filled with the detection reagent, the process of S704 is performed.

[0097] Based on the operation history of the automatic analyzer, the control unit 100 determines whether the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120 is filled with the detection reagent. For example, after opening the solenoid valve 118 and discharging the detection reagent from the discharge nozzle 120, if nothing is being discharged from the discharge nozzle 120, it is determined that the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120 is filled with the detection reagent.

[0098] In S702, the solenoid valve 118 is opened. When the solenoid valve 118 is opened, the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 120.

[0099] In S703, after opening the solenoid valve 118 for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 118 is closed. By the processes of S702 and S703, the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120 becomes a state filled with the detection reagent.

[0100] In S704, it is checked whether the reagent cup 121 is empty. If the reagent cup 121 is not empty, the process of S705 is performed. If the reagent cup 121 is empty, the process of S706 is performed. The process of S704 can be performed in the same manner as the process of S601 in FIG. 6.

[0101] In S705, the reagent cup 121 is emptied. The process of S705 can be performed in the same manner as the process of S602 in FIG. 6.

[0102] The reason for performing the processes of S704 and S705 is that if the reagent cup 121 is empty, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 in the subsequent steps can be accurately measured.

[0103] At S706, the solenoid valve 115 is opened. When the solenoid valve 115 is opened, the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 120 into the reagent cup 121.

[0104] At S707, after the solenoid valve 115 is opened for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 115 is closed. By the processes of S706 and S707, a predetermined fixed volume of the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 is discharged into the reagent cup 121. Since the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120 is filled with the detection reagent by the processes of S701 to S703, in the reagent cup 121, the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 and the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 are mixed.

[0105] At S708, the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121. The liquid level detection element 103c has difficulty detecting the liquid level with respect to the cleaning liquid in the tank 104. However, in the process of S708, since the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level of the mixed liquid of the cleaning liquid and the detection reagent, the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121 can be detected.

[0106] At S709, it is determined whether the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally based on the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121. If the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 7 is terminated.

[0107] S710 and S711 are the processes when the solenoid valve 115 has not operated normally. At S710, the subsequent analysis operation of the automatic analyzer is stopped. At S711, an alert is output to notify that the solenoid valve 115 is not operating normally.

[0108] When determining whether the solenoid valve 115 operates normally in S709, the same criteria as the process of S606 in FIG. 6 can be applied. That is, when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S708 is lower than a predetermined position, the control unit 100 can determine that the solenoid valve 115 has not operated normally. Or, when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S708 is higher than a predetermined position, the control unit 100 can determine that the solenoid valve 115 has not operated normally. Or, when the position of the liquid level detected in the process of S708 is within a predetermined range, the control unit 100 can determine that the solenoid valve 115 has operated normally.

[0109] However, in the process of S708, since the position of the liquid level of the mixed liquid of the cleaning liquid and the detection reagent is detected, the predetermined position and the predetermined range of the liquid level used in the above determination criteria need to be determined in consideration of the volume of the detection reagent filling the flow path from the branch block 116 to the discharge nozzle 120. This volume of the detection reagent can be obtained in advance from the specifications of the automatic analyzer such as the volume of this flow path.

[0110] Also, similar to the description in the explanation of FIG. 6, even if the reagent cup 121 is not emptied in the process of S705, if the volume of the liquid existing in the reagent cup 121 before the process of S706 is known, the volume of the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 discharged into the reagent cup 121 in the subsequent process can be correctly measured. That is, similar to the explanation of the processes of S601 and S602 in FIG. 6, the processes of S704 and S705 can also be replaced with the process of detecting the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121 by the liquid level detection element 103c.

[0111] <Solenoid valve 123> Next, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, a configuration for detecting that the solenoid valve 123 has operated normally will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid valve 123 is installed in the flow path connecting the tank 105 storing the cleaning liquid and the discharge nozzle 124.

[0112] Since the flow path where the solenoid valve 123 is installed is not connected to the flow path where the pressure sensor 112 is installed, it is impossible to detect whether the solenoid valve 123 is operating normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112. However, similar to the solenoid valves 118 and 115, whether the solenoid valve 123 is operating normally can be detected by opening and closing the solenoid valve 123 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 into the reagent cup 121 through the discharge nozzle 124 and detecting the position (volume) of the liquid level of the discharged cleaning liquid with the liquid level detection element 103c.

[0113] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 123 is operating normally. In Figure 8, as an example, similar to Figure 7, the liquid level detection element 103c is an element that detects the liquid level by the change in capacitance, and it is possible to detect the liquid level of the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117, but it is difficult to detect the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the tank 105. A flowchart of the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 123 is operating normally is shown.

[0114] In S801, check whether the reagent cup 121 is empty. If the reagent cup 121 is not empty, perform the process of S802. If the reagent cup 121 is empty, perform the process of S803. The process of S801 can be carried out in the same way as the process of S601 in Figure 6.

[0115] In S802, empty the reagent cup 121. The process of S802 can be carried out in the same way as the process of S602 in Figure 6.

[0116] The reason for performing the processes of S801 and S802 is that if the reagent cup 121 is empty, the volume of the detection reagent discharged into the reagent cup 121 in the subsequent steps can be accurately measured.

[0117] In S803, open the solenoid valve 118. When the solenoid valve 118 opens, the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 120 into the reagent cup 121.

[0118] At S804, after opening the solenoid valve 118 for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 118 is closed. By the processes of S803 and S804, the reagent cup 121 is in a state where it contains a predetermined fixed volume of detection reagent.

[0119] At S805, the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121.

[0120] At S806, the solenoid valve 123 is opened. When the solenoid valve 123 opens, the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 is discharged from the discharge nozzle 124 into the reagent cup 121.

[0121] At S807, after opening the solenoid valve 123 for a predetermined fixed time, the solenoid valve 123 is closed. By the processes of S806 and S807, a predetermined fixed volume of the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 is discharged into the reagent cup 121. By the processes from S803 to S804 and from S806 to S807, in the reagent cup 121, the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 and the detection reagent in the detection reagent bottle 117 are mixed.

[0122] At S808, the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level in the reagent cup 121 again. The liquid level detection element 103c has difficulty detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the tank 105. However, in the process of S808, since the liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level of the mixed liquid of the cleaning liquid and the detection reagent, it can detect the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121.

[0123] At S809, it is determined whether the solenoid valve 123 has operated normally based on the position of the liquid level of the liquid in the reagent cup 121. If the solenoid valve 123 has operated normally, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 is terminated.

[0124] S810 and S811 are the processes when the solenoid valve 123 has not operated normally. At S810, the subsequent analysis operation of the automatic analyzer is stopped. At S811, an alert is output to notify that the solenoid valve 123 has not operated normally.

[0125] When the control unit 100 determines whether or not the solenoid valve 123 has operated normally in S809, as a criterion for determination, when the difference in the positions of the liquid levels detected in the processes of S805 and S808 is within a predetermined range, it can be determined that the solenoid valve 123 has operated normally. Or, when the difference in the positions of these liquid levels is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a criterion for determination that the solenoid valve 123 has not operated normally can be used. Or, when the difference in the positions of these liquid levels is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a criterion for determination that the solenoid valve 123 has not operated normally can be used.

[0126] In the process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the volume of the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 discharged into the reagent cup 121 can be obtained from the difference in the positions of the liquid levels detected in the processes of S805 and S808. Therefore, when there is sufficient free capacity in the reagent cup 121 and the cleaning liquid in the tank 105 is discharged into the reagent cup 121 in S806 without the liquid (mixed liquid) overflowing from the reagent cup 121, the processes of S801 and S802 can be omitted.

[0127] <Solenoid valve 113> Next, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, a configuration for detecting that the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the solenoid valve 113 is installed in a flow path connecting the branch block 107 and the detection unit 103. A detection syringe 114 is installed between the solenoid valve 113 and the detection unit 103.

[0128] The flow path where the solenoid valve 113 is installed has a smaller flow rate when the solenoid valves 113 and 108 installed in their respective flow paths are opened, compared to the flow path where the solenoid valve 108 is installed. Therefore, like the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 108 has operated normally (Figure 4), it is not possible to detect whether the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112. However, since the flow path where the solenoid valve 113 is installed is connected to the detection unit 103, it is possible to detect whether the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally based on the detection result of the reaction solution in the detection unit 103.

[0129] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for detecting that the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally.

[0130] In S901, open the solenoid valve 113. Thereby, the cleaning liquid in the tank 104 is fed to clean the inside of the flow path.

[0131] In S902, after opening the solenoid valve 113 for a predetermined fixed time, close the solenoid valve 113. After the solenoid valve 113 is closed, the detection syringe 114 sucks the reaction solution from the reaction vessel 102 with the reaction solution suction nozzle 103a and feeds the sucked reaction solution to the detection unit 103.

[0132] In S903, detect the reaction solution with the detection unit 103. The detection unit 103 can detect this reaction solution when the reaction solution is fed from the detection syringe 114.

[0133] In S904, determine whether the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally based on the detection result of the reaction solution in the detection unit 103. When the detection unit 103 can detect the reaction solution fed from the detection syringe 114 and can analyze this reaction solution, it can be determined that the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally. If the solenoid valve 113 has operated normally, end the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0134] S905 and S906 are the processes when the solenoid valve 113 fails to operate properly. In S905, the subsequent dispensing operation of the automatic analyzer is stopped. In S906, an alert is output to notify that the solenoid valve 113 is not operating properly.

[0135] Examples of specific judgment criteria when the control unit 100 determines whether the solenoid valve 113 has operated properly in S904 will be described below. When the solenoid valve 113 is opened and closed in S901 and S902 and the solenoid valve 113 fails to operate properly and does not close as specified, the detection syringe 114 cannot suck the reaction solution from the reaction vessel 102 and send the reaction solution to the detection unit 103. In this case, the detection unit 103 cannot detect the reaction solution sent from the detection syringe 114 or cannot sufficiently analyze this reaction solution. Also, when the solenoid valve 113 is opened and closed in S901 and S902 and the solenoid valve 113 fails to operate properly and does not open as specified, the process of sending the cleaning solution in the tank 104 to clean the inside of the flow path (performed in S901 and S902) becomes insufficient. In this case, the analysis of the reaction solution by the detection unit 103 cannot be sufficiently performed.

[0136] Therefore, in S904, based on the result of the detection unit 103 detecting the reaction solution in S903, the control unit 100 determines whether the solenoid valve 113 has operated properly. For example, a judgment criterion can be used that when the measured value (e.g., absorbance or luminescence amount) obtained by the detection unit 103 measuring the reaction solution in S903 is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the solenoid valve 113 has operated properly. Or, a judgment criterion can be used that when this measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the solenoid valve 113 has not operated properly. Or, a judgment criterion can be used that when this measured value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the solenoid valve 113 has not operated properly.

[0137] As described above, in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, different procedures are used for solenoid valves 110, 108, 118, 115, 123, and 113 to determine whether these solenoid valves operate normally. The information to be used for determining whether the operation of the solenoid valve is normal is different for each solenoid valve. Hereinafter, an example of a method for determining which information should be used to determine whether the operation is normal for a solenoid valve whose operation is to be determined will be described.

[0138] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining which information should be used to determine whether a solenoid valve has operated normally. The procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed by a designer who designs the automatic analyzer. The designer uses the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 to determine which information should be used to determine whether the operation is normal for a solenoid valve whose operation is to be determined. Hereinafter, a solenoid valve whose operation is to be determined will be referred to as a "target solenoid valve".

[0139] In S1001, it is checked whether a detection unit 103 is connected downstream of the target solenoid valve. If the detection unit 103 is connected downstream of the target solenoid valve, the procedure of S1002 is executed. If not connected, the procedure of S1003 is executed.

[0140] In S1002, it is determined that it is determined whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally based on the detection result of the reaction solution by the detection unit 103. In this embodiment, only the solenoid valve 113 is a solenoid valve to which the detection unit 103 is connected downstream. That is, when the target solenoid valve is the solenoid valve 113, the designer determines to make a determination based on the detection result of the reaction solution by the detection unit 103 (FIG. 9).

[0141] In many cases, the solenoid valve to which the detection unit 103 is connected downstream can determine whether its operation is normal based on the detection result of the reaction solution by the detection unit 103. Also, since the process of detecting with the detection unit 103 after opening and closing the target solenoid valve (the process corresponding to S901 to S903 in FIG. 9) is often included in the normal analysis operation, the solenoid valve to which the detection unit 103 is connected downstream can determine whether it has operated normally within the normal analysis operation.

[0142] In S1003, check whether the pressure sensor 112 is installed in the flow path where the target solenoid valve is installed. If the pressure sensor 112 is installed upstream or downstream of the target solenoid valve in the flow path where the target solenoid valve is installed, execute the procedure of S1004. If it is not installed, execute the procedure of S1005.

[0143] In S1004, it is determined that based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112, it is determined whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally. In this embodiment, only the solenoid valve 110 is the solenoid valve in which the pressure sensor 112 is installed in the flow path where the solenoid valve 110 is installed. That is, when the target solenoid valve is the solenoid valve 110, the designer determines to make a judgment based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 (FIG. 2).

[0144] In S1005, check whether there is a flow path connecting the target solenoid valve and the pressure sensor 112. If there is a flow path connecting the target solenoid valve and the pressure sensor 112, execute the procedure of S1006. If there is no flow path to connect, execute the procedure of S1007. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves 108, 115, and 118 are the solenoid valves connected to the flow path connecting to the pressure sensor 112.

[0145] In S1006, when the target solenoid valve is opened, it is checked whether liquid with a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined specified amount flows into the target solenoid valve. When the target solenoid valve is opened and liquid with a flow rate equal to or greater than this specified amount flows into the target solenoid valve, it is determined that the flow path in which the target solenoid valve is installed is a flow path with a large flow rate when the target solenoid valve is opened, and the procedure of S1004 is executed. In S1004, as described above, it is determined to judge whether the target solenoid valve operates normally based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112. In this embodiment, only the solenoid valve 108 is a solenoid valve through which liquid with a flow rate equal to or greater than the specified amount flows when the solenoid valve 108 is opened. That is, when the target solenoid valve is the solenoid valve 108, the designer determines to judge based on the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112 (Fig. 4).

[0146] In S1003, for the target solenoid valve (solenoid valve 110) where the pressure sensor 112 is installed in the installed flow path, and in S1006, for the target solenoid valve (solenoid valve 108) through which liquid with a flow rate equal to or greater than the specified amount flows when opened, it is often possible to judge whether they operate normally from the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 112. The judgment using the measured value of the pressure sensor 112 can be carried out in a short time of 1 second or less. Therefore, considering time efficiency, it is desirable to judge whether a solenoid valve that can be judged to operate normally using the measured value of the pressure sensor 112 operates normally using the measured value of the pressure sensor 112.

[0147] In S1007, it is checked whether a container (reagent cup 121) capable of detecting the liquid level is arranged downstream of the target solenoid valve and the discharge nozzles 120 and 124 are installed. When a container capable of detecting the liquid level is arranged downstream of the target solenoid valve, the procedure of S1008 is executed.

[0148] In S1008, it is determined whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally based on the detection result of the liquid level detection element 103c. The liquid level detection element 103c detects the position of the liquid level of the liquid discharged from the discharge nozzles 120 and 124 into the reagent cup 121. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves 115, 118, and 123 are the solenoid valves where the discharge nozzles 120 and 124 are installed downstream and the reagent cup 121 is arranged. That is, when the target solenoid valve is the solenoid valve 115, the solenoid valve 118, and the solenoid valve 123, the designer decides to make a judgment based on the detection result of the liquid level detection element 103c (the position of the liquid level of the liquid discharged into the reagent cup 121) (Figs. 7, 6, 8).

[0149] In many cases, the solenoid valve where the discharge nozzles 120 and 124 are installed downstream and the reagent cup 121 is arranged can determine whether it has operated normally from the detection result of the liquid level detection element 103c.

[0150] The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 shows an example of a method for determining which information to use to judge whether the solenoid valve has operated normally. The information used to judge whether the solenoid valve has operated normally is not limited to that determined by the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. For example, when the automatic analyzer is equipped with other detection elements such as a vibration sensor or a camera, such detection elements can also be utilized. Also, when it is considered that there are adverse effects such as throughput loss when trying to make a judgment with a certain detection element, it is desirable to utilize another detection element. Furthermore, a configuration in which different detection elements are used to detect an abnormal state of not opening and an abnormal state of not closing for a certain solenoid valve is also effective.

[0151] As in the example shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10, the procedure for judging whether the solenoid valve has operated normally varies depending on the solenoid valve. It is desirable to determine at what timing to perform each procedure in consideration of both the time required for the judging procedure and the risk when the solenoid valve fails. Hereinafter, an example of a method for determining the timing for performing the procedure for judging whether the solenoid valve has operated normally will be described.

[0152] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining the timing for performing a procedure for determining whether a solenoid valve has operated normally. The procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed by a designer who designs an automatic analyzer. The designer uses the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 to determine at what timing the target solenoid valve should be determined whether it has operated normally.

[0153] In S1101, it is checked whether a mechanism operation for determining whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally is included in the analysis procedure of the automatic analyzer. If this mechanism operation is included in the analysis procedure of the automatic analyzer, the procedure of S1102 is executed. If it is not included, the procedure of S1103 is executed.

[0154] The above-mentioned mechanism operation refers to an operation in which a part of the components of the automatic analyzer, such as the rotation of a motor or the opening and closing of a solenoid valve, moves spatially. For example, the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve, the liquid level detection operation, and the reaction liquid detection operation in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 9 are included. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves 110 and 113 are solenoid valves in which the mechanism operation for determining whether they have operated normally is included in the analysis procedure of the automatic analyzer.

[0155] In S1102, during the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer, it is determined whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally in each analysis operation. The procedure of S1102 is a procedure that does not require additional steps for normal analysis operations. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processes from S201 to S204 in FIG. 2 and the processes from S901 to S903 in FIG. 9 are operations included in normal analysis operations, so no additional mechanism operation is required to determine whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally. Therefore, in these procedures, it is possible to determine whether the target solenoid valve has operated normally without spending time other than normal analysis operations.

[0156] In S1103, it is examined whether a serious risk occurs in the automatic analyzer due to the failure of the target solenoid valve. Examples of serious risks can include risks related to safety, such as water leakage due to the failure of the solenoid valve. If a serious risk occurs, the procedure of S1104 is executed. If no serious risk occurs, the procedure of S1105 is executed.

[0157] In S1104, since a serious risk occurs in the automatic analyzer due to the failure of the target solenoid valve, it is determined whether the target solenoid valve operates normally regularly during the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer. To determine regularly means not to determine in each mechanism operation, but to determine at predetermined time intervals. In this embodiment, there is no solenoid valve that causes a serious risk due to a failure.

[0158] In S1105, since no serious risk occurs in the automatic analyzer due to the failure of the target solenoid valve, it is determined whether the target solenoid valve operates normally at the start or end of the analysis by the automatic analyzer. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves that do not cause a serious risk due to a failure are solenoid valve 108, solenoid valve 115, solenoid valve 118, and solenoid valve 123.

[0159] According to the branching procedure of S1103, it is possible to examine whether the solenoid valve with a high risk of failure due to a failure operates normally at a high frequency (S1104), and to examine whether the solenoid valve with a low risk of failure due to a failure operates normally at a low frequency (S1105). Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment can effectively detect whether the solenoid valve operates normally without reducing the analysis throughput, and can improve the reliability.

[0160] As described above, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment can detect whether each of the plurality of solenoid valves it is equipped with operates normally at low cost without attaching additional detection elements. Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment can improve the reliability.

Embodiment

[0161] An automatic analyzer according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In the following description, for the automatic analyzer according to Example 2, the description of the configuration common to the automatic analyzer according to Example 1 will be omitted.

[0162] In Example 1, the configuration for detecting whether or not a plurality of electromagnetic valves provided in the automatic analyzer operate normally was described. When detecting whether or not the operation of the electromagnetic valve is normal, it is also possible to detect whether or not the pressure of the pump is normal at the same time.

[0163] Hereinafter, as an example, a procedure for detecting that the electromagnetic valve 123 operates normally and detecting that the pressure of the pump 122 is normal will be described for the automatic analyzer according to this example. The procedure for detecting that the electromagnetic valve 123 operates normally was described in Example 1 with reference to FIG. 8.

[0164] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting that the electromagnetic valve 123 operates normally and that the pressure of the pump 122 is normal in the automatic analyzer according to this example. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed by the control unit 100 unless otherwise specified.

[0165] In FIG. 12, the processing from S1201 to S1208 is the same as the processing from S801 to S808 in FIG. 8. The processing of determining whether or not the electromagnetic valve 123 operates normally in S1209 is the same as the processing in S809 of FIG. 8. The processing of S1211 and S1212 is the same as the processing of S810 and S811 in FIG. 8.

[0166] In S1210, when the electromagnetic valve 123 operates normally, it is determined whether or not the pressure of the pump 122 is normal. If the pressure of the pump 122 is normal, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 12 is terminated. If the pressure of the pump 122 is not normal, the processing of S1211 and S1212 is executed in the same manner as when the electromagnetic valve 123 does not operate normally in S1209.

[0167] An example of the criterion for the control unit 100 to determine whether the pressure of the pump 122 is normal in S1210 is shown below. When the pressure of the pump 122 is normal, the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged in the process from S1206 to S1207 in FIG. 12 falls within a predetermined range. When the pressure of the pump 122 drops, the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged decreases, and when the pressure of the pump 122 rises, the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged increases. From this, when the difference in the liquid level positions detected in the processes of S1205 and S1208 is within a predetermined range, the criterion that it is determined that the pressure of the pump 122 is normal can be used.

[0168] However, when it can be determined that the pump 122 is normal if the pressure is equal to or higher than a certain level, the criterion that it is determined that the pressure of the pump 122 is normal when the difference in the liquid level positions is equal to or greater than a predetermined value can be used. Or, when it can be determined that the pump 122 is normal if the pressure is equal to or lower than a certain level, the criterion that it is determined that the pressure of the pump 122 is normal when the difference in the liquid level positions is equal to or less than a predetermined value can be used.

[0169] The automatic analyzer according to this embodiment can detect whether the solenoid valve operates normally and whether the pressure of the pump is normal at low cost without attaching additional detection elements, and can improve the reliability.

[0170] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments including all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, a part of the configuration of each embodiment can be deleted, or another configuration can be added or replaced.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0171] 100 … Control unit, 101 … Dispensing unit, 101a … Dispensing nozzle, 101b … Dispensing arm, 102 … Reaction vessel, 103 … Detection unit, 103a … Reaction liquid suction nozzle, 103b … Detection element, 103c … Liquid level detection element, 104 … Tank, 105 … Tank, 106 … Pump, 107 … Branch block, 108 … Solenoid valve, 109 … Dispensing nozzle cleaning tank, 110 … Solenoid valve, 111 … Syringe for dispensing, 112 … Pressure sensor, 113 … Solenoid valve, 114 … Syringe for detection, 115 … Solenoid valve, 116 … Branch block, 117 … Reagent bottle for detection, 118 … Solenoid valve, 119 … Pump, 120 … Discharge nozzle, 121 … Reagent cup, 122 … Pump, 123 … Solenoid valve, 124 … Discharge nozzle, 125 … Cleaning tank, t31 … Time when solenoid valve 110 is opened, t32 … Time when solenoid valve 110 is closed, t51 … Time when solenoid valve 110 is opened, t52 … Time when solenoid valve 108 is opened, t53 … Time when solenoid valve 108 is closed, t54 … Time when solenoid valve 110 is closed.

Claims

1. A flow path for delivering a liquid, a plurality of fluid control valves installed in the flow path for switching between opening and blocking the flow path, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the flow path, a liquid level detection element for detecting the position of the liquid level of the liquid, a control unit, comprising: One or more of the fluid control valves are first fluid control valves connected to the pressure sensor and the flow path, One or more of the fluid control valves are second fluid control valves connected to the discharge nozzle and the flow path, The liquid level detection element detects the position of the liquid level of the liquid discharged from the discharge nozzle, The control unit: For the first fluid control valve, it detects whether it has operated normally based on the value of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, For the second fluid control valve, it detects whether it has operated normally based on the position of the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection element. An automatic analyzer characterized by the above.

2. Comprising two or more of the first fluid control valves, The control unit opens and closes one of the first fluid control valves while keeping one of the first fluid control valves open to obtain the value of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and based on the obtained value of the pressure, it detects whether the other one of the first fluid control valves has operated normally. The automatic analyzer according to Claim 1.

3. The flow path in which the other one of the first fluid control valves is installed has a flow rate greater than a predetermined value when the other one of the first fluid control valves is opened. The automatic analyzer according to Claim 2.

4. The control unit detects whether the other one of the first fluid control valves has operated normally based on the amplitude of the change in the pressure after opening and closing the other one of the first fluid control valves. The automatic analyzer according to Claim 2.

5. Comprising two or more of the second fluid control valves, The liquid level detection element detects the position of the liquid level after one of the second fluid control valves is opened and closed, and then detects the position of the liquid level after another one of the second fluid control valves is opened and closed. The control unit detects whether the other one of the second fluid control valves has operated normally based on the difference in the positions of the liquid levels detected by the liquid level detection element. The automatic analyzer according to Claim 1.

6. Of the second fluid control valves, the liquid discharged by opening and closing one of the fluid control valves and the liquid discharged by opening and closing the other one of the second fluid control valves are different liquids from each other. The liquid level detection element detects the position of the liquid level of the mixed liquid of these different liquids from each other after the other one of the fluid control valves is opened and closed. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5.

7. It includes a detection unit that analyzes a reaction solution that is a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent. One or more of the fluid control valves are third fluid control valves connected to the detection unit through the flow path. A syringe is connected to the flow path connecting the detection unit and the third fluid control valve. The syringe sucks the reaction solution and feeds it to the detection unit. The control unit detects whether the third fluid control valve operates normally based on the detection result of the reaction solution by the detection unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.

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