Automated analyzer and analysis method using the automated analyzer

Abstract

To provide an automatic analysis device that reduces a frequency of adjusting an amount of washing liquid for a reaction container.SOLUTION: The present invention is an automatic analysis device comprising an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying washing liquid to a discharge nozzle, a liquid volume detector that detects a liquid volume of the washing liquid, and a control unit that controls the electromagnetic valve. The control unit has a memory unit that stores control sequences for causing the solenoid valve to operate in different ways, and a determination unit that determines which of the different control sequences should be applied during analysis, where all or some of the control sequences stored in the memory unit are executed, and the liquid volume of the washing liquid corresponding to each control sequence is detected by the liquid volume detector. The determination unit obtains, based on the detection result, the control sequence in which the liquid volume is within a predetermined range, and determines that the control sequence in which the difference between the liquid volume of the obtained control sequence and a reference value is the smallest is the one to be applied during analysis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An automatic analyzer that automatically adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid used to wash a reaction vessel is known. For example, Patent Document 1 states that "the valve adjustment function 84 adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid discharged from the first nozzle 251, the fourth nozzle 254, the fifth nozzle 255, and the sixth nozzle 256 in accordance with the determination result regarding the state of the cleaning mechanism 230 determined by the determination function 82. When the valve adjustment function 84 is executed, the control circuit 8A calculates, for example, an increase or decrease in the amount of cleaning liquid discharged from the first nozzle based on the absorbance change rate calculated by the execution of the determination function 82. The control circuit 8A controls the drive mechanism 4 based on the calculated increase or decrease in the amount of cleaning liquid, and adjusts the open time of the three-way solenoid valve 271 so that, for example, the amount of cleaning liquid discharged from the first nozzle 251 is appropriate" (paragraph 0084). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-48820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the adjustment process is terminated if the adjusted amount of cleaning solution satisfies a predetermined range condition. Therefore, even if the solution amount is adjusted to near the upper or lower limit of the range condition, the adjustment is completed as long as the solution amount is within the range condition. This results in the need for readjustment shortly after the adjustment, which increases the operator's effort and costs. Another problem arises: the analysis must be frequently stopped to adjust the amount of cleaning solution.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that reduces the frequency of adjusting the amount of washing liquid for reaction vessels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer comprising: an ejection nozzle that ejects a cleaning liquid into a reaction vessel; an electromagnetic valve provided in a path that supplies the cleaning liquid to the ejection nozzle; a liquid volume detector that detects the volume of the cleaning liquid; and a control unit that controls the electromagnetic valve. The control unit has a memory unit that stores control sequences that cause the electromagnetic valve to operate in different ways; and a judgment unit that determines which of the different control sequences should be applied during analysis. All or some of the control sequences stored in the memory unit are executed, and the liquid volume of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence is detected by the liquid volume detector. Based on the detection result, the judgment unit determines the control sequence among the control sequences whose liquid volume is within a predetermined range, and determines that the control sequence in which the difference between the liquid volume of the determined control sequence and a reference value is the smallest is the one to be applied during analysis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that reduces the frequency of adjusting the amount of washing liquid in the reaction vessel. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing both a configuration for washing a reaction vessel and a configuration for adjusting the amount of washing liquid. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]A data table showing that all control sequences have been executed and data has been updated. [Figure 5] 6 is a graph showing the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level as a result of executing all control sequences. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Data table showing that some control sequences have been executed and data has been updated. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level as a result of executing a part of the control sequence. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for predicting the date and time when the selected control sequence will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A data table that stores data on the slope of the relational equation for each past liquid volume adjustment. [Figure 11] An example of the screen that appears when an operator sets the start schedule for adjusting the cleaning solution volume. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for predicting the date and time when all control sequences will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a screen displayed when notifying the operator that adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which a diagnosing unit diagnoses an abnormality in a solenoid valve caused by a factor other than aging deterioration in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] An example of the analysis results details screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic biochemical analyzer according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer includes a mechanism drive unit 103, an operation unit 108 operated by an operator, and a control unit 102 that controls the mechanism drive unit 103.

[0010] Here, the mechanism driving unit 103 includes a driving circuit 110, a specimen container 111 for holding a measurement target, a specimen dispensing mechanism 113 for dispensing the specimen from the specimen container 111 into a reaction container 112 (reaction cell), a reagent dispensing mechanism 114 for dispensing a reagent into the reaction container 112, a stirring mechanism 115 for stirring the mixture in the reaction container 112, a photometer 116 for measuring the absorbance of the mixture in the reaction container 112, a cleaning mechanism 117 for cleaning the reaction container 112 after measurement has been completed, a reaction disk 130 for transporting the reaction container 112 to the operating position of each mechanism, and a reaction tank 118 for maintaining a constant temperature of the reaction system to stabilize the reaction. The operation unit 108 is a terminal equipped with an input unit 119 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output unit 120 such as a display and a printer.

[0011] The control unit 102 has a CPU 104, a memory 121 that stores programs executed by the CPU 104, a storage unit 105 that stores a control sequence 124 that defines a procedure for controlling the mechanism driving unit 103, an I / O 106 that is an input / output for controlling the mechanism driving unit 103, an ADC 107 that converts analog signals to digital and captures measurement data, and an I / F 109 that is an interface for communicating with an operation unit 108. The programs stored in the memory are conceptually divided into a determination unit 122 and a prediction unit 123 for each function.

[0012] The memory unit 105 stores a plurality of control sequences 124 that cause the solenoid valve 205 for discharging the cleaning liquid to perform different operations, specifically, a plurality of control sequences 124 that vary in the open time of the solenoid valve 205. The determination unit 122 determines which of the different control sequences 124 should be applied during analysis. The prediction unit 123 predicts the time when the control sequence 124 currently being applied (selected) will no longer satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0013] In the automated analyzer, the drive circuit 110 of the mechanism drive unit 103 is controlled by signals from the I / O 106 of the control unit 102 to drive mechanisms such as the sample dispensing mechanism 113, the reagent dispensing mechanism 114, and the stirring mechanism 115, thereby mixing the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 112. Furthermore, in the automated analyzer, the photometer 116 of the mechanism drive unit 103 measures the absorbance of the mixed solution at wavelengths corresponding to each analysis item, and the measurement data is acquired by the ADC 107, thereby analyzing the sample. For example, the control unit 102 calculates the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample based on the measured absorbance and outputs the calculation result to the output unit 120. Instead of measuring absorbance, sample analysis may be performed using scattered light detection or other measurement principles. After use, the reaction vessel 112 can be reused by aspirating the mixed solution and then cleaning the interior using a cleaning mechanism 117 located near the reaction disk 130.

[0014] 2 is a diagram showing both a configuration for cleaning a reaction vessel and a configuration for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid. As shown in FIG. 2, cleaning mechanism 117 includes a discharge nozzle 207 that discharges cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle 208 that discards the cleaning liquid. A flow path 203 is connected to discharge nozzle 207 as a supply path for the cleaning liquid, and an electromagnetic valve 205 and a pump 204 are provided upstream of flow path 203. Electromagnetic valve 205 and pump 204 are controlled by control circuit 206, and cleaning liquid is sent to discharge nozzle 207 through flow path 203. Note that control circuit 206 is controlled by CPU 104 of control unit 102.

[0015] The cleaning mechanism 117 supplies a cleaning liquid from a discharge nozzle 207 to the reaction vessels 112 arranged on the reaction disk 130 to clean the inside of the reaction vessels 112. After cleaning, the cleaning liquid inside the reaction vessels 112 is sucked by a suction nozzle 208 and discharged from the reaction vessels 112.

[0016] The height detector 202 detects the height of the cleaning liquid supplied to the reaction vessel 112 by the discharge nozzle 207. In this embodiment, a liquid level detector that is provided on the probe 201 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114 and detects contact of the liquid level with the probe 201 is used as the height detector 202, so there is no need to provide a new height detector. In addition, a drive circuit 110 is connected to the probe 201, and the drive circuit 110 moves the probe 201 horizontally and up and down in response to a signal from the CPU via the I / O 106. Therefore, the control unit 102 can calculate the liquid level of the cleaning liquid by positioning the probe 201 in the reaction vessel 112 and detecting the amount of movement of the probe 201 when the height detector 202 detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 112.

[0017] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the height detector 202 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114 is used, but this is not limiting as long as a mechanism capable of detecting the liquid level is provided. For example, the height detector 202 of the specimen dispensing mechanism 113 may also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a liquid level detector is used as the height detector 202, but it is also possible to detect the liquid level by other methods, for example, image processing.

[0018] Because the reaction vessel 112 is used repeatedly, it must be thoroughly cleaned. For example, sufficient cleaning can be achieved by discharging a volume of cleaning liquid sufficient to reach a predetermined height in the reaction vessel 112. However, if the height of the cleaning liquid is too low, the cleaning will be insufficient and the measurement results will be adversely affected. Furthermore, because the amount of cleaning liquid discharged changes with the aging of various mechanisms, it is necessary to periodically adjust the various mechanisms so that the liquid level of the cleaning liquid reaches a predetermined height. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cleaning liquid volume adjustment process (maintenance process) is performed when the automated analyzer is in a standby state, i.e., not performing an analysis. For example, the maintenance process is initiated when an operator issues an instruction to perform the maintenance process using the input unit 119 of the automated analyzer. Below, an example of a method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid by changing the open time of the solenoid valve 205 will be described. [Example]

[0019] In this embodiment, upon receiving an instruction from the input unit 119, the control unit 102 executes all of a plurality of control sequences 124 for the cleaning operation stored in the memory unit 105. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the first embodiment.

[0020] First, the control unit 102 selects an arbitrary (unexecuted) control sequence 124 stored in the memory unit 105 (step S301), and the selected control sequence 124 is executed up to the following step S307. The CPU 104 commands the I / O 106 to move the discharge nozzle 207 of the cleaning mechanism 117 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. The drive circuit 110 receives input from the I / O 106 and moves the discharge nozzle 207 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. After the discharge nozzle 207 moves to the cleaning liquid discharge position, the CPU 104 controls the pump 204 and the solenoid valve 205 via the control circuit 206 to start discharging the cleaning liquid into the empty reaction vessel 112 (step S302). After the discharge of the cleaning liquid stops, the CPU 104 commands the I / O 106 to move the discharge nozzle 207 from the cleaning liquid discharge position to the normal standby position. Upon receiving an input from the I / O 106, the drive circuit 110 raises the discharge nozzle 207 to the normal standby position.

[0021] Next, the CPU 104 commands the I / O 106 to rotate the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 into which the cleaning liquid has been discharged moves to the dispensing position of the probe 201 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114. Upon receiving the input from the I / O 106, the drive circuit 110 rotates the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the dispensing position of the probe 201 (step S303).

[0022] Next, CPU 104 commands I / O 106 to lower probe 201 until height detector 202 detects the liquid level. Drive circuit 110 receives the input from I / O 106 and lowers probe 201. Control unit 102 derives the liquid level of the cleaning liquid based on the amount of movement of probe 201 until height detector 202 detects the liquid level (step S304).

[0023] Next, the control unit 102 stores the derived liquid level in a data table shown in FIG. 4 in the storage unit 105 (step S305). This data table stores, for each control sequence 124, the open time of the solenoid valve 205 defined in the control sequence 124, the liquid level obtained as a result of executing the control sequence 124, the date and time when the control sequence 124 was executed, and a selection flag indicating that the control sequence 124 is to be applied to the cleaning operation during analysis. The control unit 102 updates the data in the data table, which contains the liquid level and measurement date and time data corresponding to the executed control sequence 124, to the derived liquid level and measurement date and time. Note that in this embodiment, an example is given in which the data of the control sequences 124 in the data table shown in FIG. 4 stored in the storage unit 105 is sorted in ascending order of the open time of the solenoid valve 205, but the sort order of the data of the control sequences 124 is not limited to this. For example, the data of the control sequences 124 may be sorted in descending order of the open time of the solenoid valve 205.

[0024] Next, the CPU 104 commands the I / O 106 to rotate the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the suction position of the suction nozzle 208 of the cleaning mechanism 117. Upon receiving the input from the I / O 106, the drive circuit 110 rotates the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the suction position of the suction nozzle 208 (step S306).

[0025] Next, the control unit 102 moves the suction nozzle 208 of the cleaning mechanism 117 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. After the discharge nozzle 207 has moved to the cleaning liquid discharge position, the control unit 102 controls the pump 204 via the control circuit 206 to start suctioning the cleaning liquid (step S307). After suction of the cleaning liquid has stopped, the CPU 104 commands the I / O 106 to move the suction nozzle 208 from the cleaning liquid suction position to the normal standby position. The drive circuit 110 receives an input from the I / O 106 and raises the suction nozzle 208 to the normal standby position.

[0026] In this way, when the execution of the initially selected control sequence 124 is completed, the process returns to step S301, and the SPU 104 selects another (unexecuted) control sequence 124. Thereafter, the same processes as those in steps S302 to S307 described above are executed for the newly selected control sequence 124. Note that the control sequences 124 may be executed sequentially by pipeline processing. In this pipeline processing, for example, while the nth control sequence 124 is executing step S303, the (n+1)th control sequence 124 simultaneously executes step S302.

[0027] Then, when all the control sequences 124 stored in the data table have been executed, the determination unit 122 of the control unit 102 determines whether the derived level of the cleaning liquid satisfies a predetermined tolerance range condition. In this embodiment, the storage unit 105 stores upper and lower limit values ​​as tolerance range conditions for the level of the liquid, and further stores a reference value for the level of the liquid to determine whether the likelihood is relatively high within the tolerance range conditions. The upper and lower limit values ​​of the tolerance range condition may be set by an operator via the input unit 119. In this embodiment, the reference value is the median between the upper and lower limit values ​​of the level of the liquid, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the diameter of the solenoid valve 205 is prone to loosening due to aging, the reference value may be set to a value closer to the lower limit of the tolerance range condition than the median value. Alternatively, a reference range narrower than the tolerance range condition may be set instead of the reference value.

[0028] The determination unit 122 determines whether the updated liquid level data in the data table satisfies the tolerance range condition (step S308). If no liquid level data satisfies the tolerance range condition, the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the amount of cleaning liquid cannot be adjusted. In this case, the solenoid valve 205 needs to be replaced, and the notification to the operator includes a message urging the operator to replace the solenoid valve 205. On the other hand, if liquid level data that satisfies the tolerance range condition is present in step S308, the determination unit 122 extracts from the data table a control sequence 124 that achieves a liquid level relatively close to the reference value of the liquid level stored in the storage unit 105. In this way, the determination unit 122 determines the control sequence 124 with a relatively high likelihood among the multiple control sequences 124 that satisfy the tolerance range condition as the control sequence to be applied during analysis, and sets the selection flag of the determined control sequence 124 to on (step S309). If there is only one liquid level data that satisfies the allowable range condition, the selection flag of the control sequence 124 corresponding to that data is set to ON. Thereafter, the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed.

[0029] The control unit 102 applies the control sequence 124 whose selection flag is set to ON as the control sequence 124 for the cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 112 during operation (analysis), and executes the discharge of the cleaning liquid. Therefore, the automatic analyzer of this embodiment can guarantee the discharge of a specified amount of liquid when cleaning the reaction vessel 112, and can reduce the frequency of adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid.

[0030] Next, a method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid in this embodiment will be described with a specific example using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a data table showing that all control sequences 124 have been executed and the data has been updated, and Figure 5 is a graph showing the opening time of solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level as a result of executing all control sequences 124.

[0031] First, the control unit 102 of the automated analyzer starts a maintenance process based on a trigger set by the operator via the input unit 119 to reselect a control sequence 124 to be used when cleaning an empty reaction vessel 112 after measurement. The triggers set for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid include a manual execution mode, an automatic execution mode based on an adjustment interval or timing preselected by the operator, and an automatic execution mode based on a timing predicted in Example 3 described below. The memory unit 105 stores six control sequences 124, as shown in FIG. 4. The control unit 102 executes all of these control sequences 124 in the order of steps S302 to S307 shown in FIG. 3. The graph in FIG. 5 shows the resulting liquid level for each control sequence 124.

[0032] 4 and 5, in control sequence No. 1, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 0.5 seconds, and the cleaning liquid was discharged, resulting in a liquid level height of 8.9 mm. Similarly, in control sequence No. 2, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 0.6 seconds, resulting in a liquid level height of 9.3 mm. In control sequence No. 3, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 0.7 seconds, resulting in a liquid level height of 9.7 mm. In control sequence No. 4, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 0.8 seconds, resulting in a liquid level height of 10.1 mm. In control sequence No. 5, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 0.9 seconds, resulting in a liquid level height of 10.4 mm. In control sequence No. 6, the solenoid valve 205 was opened for 1.0 second, resulting in a liquid level height of 10.7 mm.

[0033] Here, the determination unit 122 determines whether there is liquid level height data that satisfies the allowable range condition, as in step S308 in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the allowable range condition is 9.5 to 10.5 mm, and there are three execution results of the control sequence 124 that satisfy this allowable range condition (control sequences No. 3 to 5), so the process proceeds to step S309 in Fig. 3.

[0034] In step S309, the determination unit 122 extracts, from the three control sequences 124 that satisfy the tolerance condition, the control sequence 124 that achieved a liquid level relatively close to the aforementioned reference value. The reference value is 10.0, the median value between the lower limit of 9.5 mm and the upper limit of 10.5 mm. Furthermore, since the execution result of control sequence No. 3 is a liquid level height of 9.7 mm, the execution result of control sequence No. 4 is a liquid level height of 10.1 mm, and the execution result of control sequence No. 3 is a liquid level height of 10.4 mm, the execution result of control sequence No. 4 that achieved a liquid level height of 10.1 mm is the control sequence that achieved a liquid level relatively close to the reference value of 10.0 mm. Therefore, the determination unit 122 determines control sequence No. 4 as the control sequence 124 to be applied during analysis, and sets the selection flag corresponding to control sequence No. 4 on (1 in this embodiment) and the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences in the data table of FIG. 4 to off (0 in this embodiment).

[0035] In this embodiment, since the volume of the reaction vessel 112 is known, the liquid level is used as an adjustment index to adjust the liquid volume. However, the liquid volume may be derived from the liquid level, and the liquid volume itself may be used as an adjustment index. In this case, if the bottom area and shape of the reaction vessel 112 are known, the liquid volume can be calculated from the measured liquid level. [Example]

[0036] In the first embodiment, all control sequences 124 held by the control unit 102 are executed, and then the control sequence 124 closest to the reference value (having a relatively high likelihood) is extracted. In the second embodiment, a more efficient adjustment method is exemplified, in which the number of control sequences 124 to be executed is smaller than in the first embodiment. In the following, explanations of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the second embodiment. In addition to the data of the first embodiment, the data table held by the storage unit 105 of this embodiment holds execution flag data for each control sequence, as shown in FIG. 7. The execution flag is used to distinguish between executed control sequences 124 and unexecuted control sequences 124 when adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid. This allows the determination unit 122 to more efficiently select the next control sequence 124 to be executed from among the unexecuted control sequences 124 whose execution flags are off. Note that the execution flag is set to off (0 in this embodiment) every time adjustment is started, and then the adjustment is started.

[0038] First, the control unit 102 sets all execution flags and selection flags in the data table to OFF. Next, the two control sequences 124 with the smallest control sequence numbers are executed (step S501). Note that, since the control flow of steps S302 to S307 shown in FIG. 3 is defined for each control sequence 124, the two control sequences 124 are executed according to this definition.

[0039] Next, the determination unit 122 calculates a relational expression between the open time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level based on the execution results of the two control sequences 124 (step S502). Furthermore, the determination unit 122 uses the relational expression calculated in step S502 to extract, from the control sequences 124 whose execution flags are off, a control sequence 124 having an open time of the solenoid valve 205 that is thought to achieve a liquid level relatively close to the reference value of the liquid level held in the storage unit 105 (step S503). The control unit 102 executes the control sequence 124 extracted in step S503 (step S504), and not only stores the execution result in the data table, but also sets the execution flag of the control sequence 124 to on.

[0040] Next, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S504 satisfies the allowable range condition stored in the storage unit 105 (step S505). If it is determined in step S505 that the allowable range condition is not satisfied, the determination unit 122 determines whether the data table contains a control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off (step S506). If the data table does not contain a control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off in step S506, the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the amount of cleaning liquid cannot be adjusted.

[0041] On the other hand, if the data table contains a control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off, the control unit 102 executes one of the unexecuted control sequences 124 (step S507). Note that in this embodiment, an example is given in which a control sequence with a relatively small control sequence number is executed among the unexecuted control sequences, but the control sequence 124 to be executed is not limited to this. The control unit 102 not only stores the execution result of step S507 in the data table, but also sets the execution flag of the control sequence 124 to on.

[0042] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S505 that the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 satisfies the allowable range conditions stored in the storage unit 105, the determination unit 122 determines whether or not the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is the same as the reference value stored in the storage unit 105 (step S508). The determination here may be made based on whether or not the values ​​are the same within a certain range. For example, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is a value within ±1% of the reference value, the liquid level height may be determined to be the same as the reference value.

[0043] If it is determined that the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is the same as the reference value of the liquid level height stored in memory unit 105, control unit 102 sets the selection flag of the data corresponding to control sequence 124 executed in step S504 to ON in the data table (step S509). Thereafter, control unit 102 notifies the operator via output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed.

[0044] On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is not identical to the reference value of the liquid level height held in the storage unit 105, the determination unit 122 checks whether there is a control sequence that is closer to the reference value than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. To do this, the determination unit 122 uses the relational expression calculated in step S502 to determine whether the open time of the solenoid valve 205 should be made longer or shorter than the open time of the solenoid valve 205 defined in the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 (step S510). The specific determination method of the determination unit 122 in step S510 is to lengthen the open time of the solenoid valve 205 if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value, and to shorten the open time of the solenoid valve 205 if it is higher than the reference value.

[0045] Next, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequence 124 to be executed next based on the release time of the control sequence 124 executed immediately before and based on the determination result in step S510. Then, the control unit 102 executes the control sequence 124 narrowed down by the determination unit 122 (step S511). The control unit 102 not only stores the execution result of step S511 in the data table, but also sets the execution flag of the control sequence 124 to on.

[0046] The determination unit 122 determines whether or not the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S511 satisfies the allowable range condition stored in the storage unit 105 (step S512). If it is determined in step S512 that the allowable range condition is not satisfied, the determination unit 122 sets to ON the selection flag of the data corresponding to the control sequence 124 executed second to last in the data table (step S513).

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S512 that the tolerance range condition is satisfied, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (step S514).

[0048] If the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124, the judgment unit 122 sets the selection flag corresponding to the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 to on (1 in this embodiment) and sets the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment) (step S513).

[0049] On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124, the judgment unit 122 sets the selection flag corresponding to the last executed control sequence 124 to on (1 in this embodiment) and sets the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment) (step S515).

[0050] Next, a method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid in this embodiment will be described with a specific example using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a data table showing that some (resulting in Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5) of the control sequences 124 have been executed and data has been updated, and Figure 8 is a graph showing the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level as a result of executing some of the control sequences 124.

[0051] Based on a trigger set by the operator via the input unit 119, the control unit 102 of the automatic analyzer starts a maintenance process to reselect a control sequence 124 to be used when cleaning an empty reaction vessel 112 after measurement.

[0052] First, in step S501 in Fig. 6 described above, the control unit 102 executes control sequence No. 1 and control sequence No. 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the result of executing control sequence No. 1 is 10 mm, and the result of executing control sequence No. 2 is 13 mm.

[0053] 6, the determination unit 122 calculates, from the execution result of step S501, a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level obtained by executing the control sequence 124. In control sequence No. 1, the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is 0.5 seconds and the liquid level is 10 mm, and in control sequence No. 2, the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is 0.6 seconds and the liquid level is 13 mm, so the relational expression is "liquid level = 30 × solenoid valve opening time - 5".

[0054] Next, the determination unit 122 executes step S503 in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 8, the reference value is 20 mm, and when the determination unit 122 calculates the solenoid valve opening time corresponding to this reference value using the above-mentioned relational expression, the result is approximately 0.83 seconds. The control sequence 124 defined as having a solenoid valve opening time relatively close to 0.83 seconds is control sequence No. 4, which defines a solenoid valve opening time of 0.8 seconds. Therefore, in step S504 in Fig. 6, control sequence No. 4 is executed, and the liquid level height obtained as a result of its execution is 19 mm.

[0055] Next, in step S504 in Fig. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 in Fig. 6 satisfies the allowable range condition. As shown in Fig. 8, the allowable range condition is 15 mm to 25 mm, and since the liquid level height of 19 mm satisfies the allowable range condition, the process proceeds to step S508 in Fig. 6.

[0056] In step S508 in Fig. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 in Fig. 6 is the same as the reference value. As shown in Fig. 8, the reference value is 20 mm, and the liquid level height of 19 mm is not the same as the reference value, so the determination unit 122 proceeds to step S510 in Fig. 6.

[0057] In step S510 of FIG. 6 , the determination unit 122 determines whether the control sequence 124 to be executed next is a control sequence 124 having a longer or shorter solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 of FIG. 6 . Here, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is higher than the reference value, the determination unit 122 extracts a control sequence 124 having a shorter solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value, the determination unit 122 extracts a control sequence 124 having a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. The liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value of 20 mm. Therefore, the determination unit 122 extracts the control sequence 124 having a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 as the control sequence 124 to be executed next, and proceeds to step S511 of FIG. 6 .

[0058] 6, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequences to those that have a solenoid valve opening time relatively close to that of the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 and that satisfy the determination result in step S510, i.e., those that have a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. Here, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequence 124 to be executed next to control sequence No. 5. Thereafter, the control unit 102 executes control sequence No. 5, and the process proceeds to step S512 in FIG. 6.

[0059] In step S512 of Fig. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S511 satisfies the allowable range condition. As shown in Fig. 8, the allowable range condition is 15 mm to 25 mm. The liquid level of 22 mm obtained by executing control sequence No. 5 in step S511 satisfies the allowable range condition, so the process proceeds to step S514 of Fig. 6.

[0060] In step S514 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124. Here, the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 4) is 19 mm, and the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 5) is 22 mm. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the reference value is 20 mm, so the control sequence 124 executed second-to-last (control sequence No. 4) is relatively closer to the reference value. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S515 of FIG. 6.

[0061] In step S515 of FIG. 6, the judgment unit 122 judges that the control sequence 124 executed second to last (control sequence No. 4) is the control sequence 124 to be applied during analysis, and in the data table of FIG. 7, sets the selection flag corresponding to control sequence No. 4 to on (1 in this embodiment) and sets the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment).

[0062] In this embodiment, an example has been given in which two control sequences 124 with relatively small control sequence numbers in the data table are used as the two control sequences 124 to be executed first, but this is not limiting. For example, by referring to past data stored in the data table and executing the control sequences 124 corresponding to the liquid level heights closest to the upper limit and the lower limit, a highly accurate relational equation can be obtained. Also, the control sequence 124 with the shortest opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the control sequence 124 with the longest opening time of the solenoid valve 205 may be executed first. Alternatively, the execution results of three or more control sequences 124 may be used to calculate the relational equation. Furthermore, the operator may be able to use the input unit 119 to select the two control sequences 124 to be executed first. [Example]

[0063] In the third embodiment, a method is exemplified in which the prediction unit 123 of the control unit 102 predicts the date and time when the control sequence 124 currently being applied (selected) will no longer satisfy the allowable range condition for the liquid level stored in the memory unit 105. This allows the operator to know more accurately the date and time when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid should be readjusted depending on the usage environment of the automatic analyzer.

[0064] 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in Example 3 in which the prediction unit 123 predicts the date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions. In this Example, an example will be described in which the prediction unit 123 makes a prediction immediately before the maintenance process in Example 1 or Example 2 described above is completed and a notification to the operator that the process of adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid is completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the prediction is not limited to this, and the prediction may be made independently of the process of adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid.

[0065] The prediction unit 123 calculates a relational expression between the open time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, and stores information such as the slope of the relational expression in a data table in the storage unit 105 (step S601). FIG. 10 shows a data table that stores data related to the slope of the relational expression for each past cleaning liquid volume adjustment. As shown in FIG. 10, this data table stores, for each cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relational expression, the difference between the calculated slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning liquid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the previous adjustment date and time to the current adjustment date and time, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time. For the first cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the data for the difference between the calculated slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment, the number of days elapsed from the previous adjustment date and time to the current adjustment date and time, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time are left blank.

[0066] Next, the prediction unit 123 determines whether data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists in the data table shown in FIG. 10 (step S602). If data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments does not exist, the prediction unit 123 ends the process of predicting the date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range condition for the liquid level height. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists, the prediction unit 123 acquires all data for "slope change from the previous adjustment" stored in the data table shown in FIG. 10, calculates the average value, and calculates whether the sign of the average value is positive or negative (step S603). Note that the data used to calculate the average value does not have to be all data, and may be the most recent three pieces of data, for example.

[0067] Next, the prediction unit 123 uses the calculation result of step S603 to predict whether the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit or lower limit of the allowable range condition over time (step S604). Specifically, if the calculation result of step S603 is positive, this indicates that the slope of the relationship between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height increases over time, so the prediction unit 123 predicts that the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit. On the other hand, if the calculation result of step S603 is negative, this indicates that the slope of the relationship between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height decreases over time, so the prediction unit 123 predicts that the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the lower limit.

[0068] Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relational expression (limit relational expression) when the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 is the same as the boundary value (upper limit value or lower limit value) predicted in step S604 (step S605). In this embodiment, the relational expression between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height approximates a proportional relational expression, so the prediction unit 123 can calculate the slope of the limit relational expression by subtracting the solenoid valve opening time corresponding to the currently selected control sequence 124 from the boundary value predicted in step S604.

[0069] Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the period required for the slope of the relational expression stored in the data table in step S601 to reach the slope of the limit relational expression calculated in step S605 (S606). Specifically, the prediction unit 123 first acquires all data of the "change in slope per day" stored in the data table shown in FIG. 10 and calculates the average value thereof. Note that the data used to calculate the average value may not be all data, but may be the most recent three pieces of data, for example. Next, the prediction unit 123 subtracts the slope of the relational expression stored in step S601 from the slope of the limit relational expression calculated in step S605. Finally, the prediction unit 123 divides the difference obtained as a result of the subtraction by the average value, thereby calculating the period required for the slope of the relational expression stored in the data table in step S601 to reach the slope of the limit relational expression calculated in step S605.

[0070] Next, the prediction unit 123 adds the period obtained in step S606 to the current date and time, and saves the calculation result in the data table as the predicted date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range condition for the liquid level height (step S607).

[0071] Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed, the control unit 102 displays the predicted date and time of step S607 on the output unit 120 as a candidate for the next adjustment date and time, as shown in (1) of Figure 13.

[0072] 11 (1) on the input unit 119, which is displayed when the operator sets the start schedule for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid, so that the operator can select the predicted date and time for step S607. For example, if the operator selects "Manual" in FIG. 11 and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is immediately adjusted. On the other hand, if the operator selects "Auto" in FIG. 11 and then selects "Recommendation" and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is automatically adjusted at the predicted date and time for step S607. If the operator selects "Auto" in FIG. 11 and then selects "Regular interval" and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is automatically adjusted at the interval specified by the operator. Note that if the predicted date and time for step S607 is reached before the interval specified by the operator is reached, the control unit 102 may notify this via the output unit 120.

[0073] In this embodiment, the predicted date and time of step S607 is displayed directly on the input unit 119, but the predicted date and time displayed on the input unit 119 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 102 may display a date and time 30 days before the predicted date and time of step S607, allowing ample time, on the input unit 119. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 102 may display a message on the input unit 119 urging the operator to readjust the amount of cleaning liquid, starting 30 days before the predicted date and time of step S607.

[0074] The amount of cleaning liquid may be adjusted according to a schedule set by an operator via input unit 119, but this does not necessarily have to be set by an operator. For example, the automatic analyzer may adjust the amount of cleaning liquid at a predetermined timing, such as before each analysis. [Example]

[0075] In the fourth embodiment, a method is exemplified in which the prediction unit 123 of the control unit 102 predicts the date and time when all the control sequences 124 stored in the memory unit 105 of the automatic analyzer will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level. This allows the operator to know more accurately the date and time when the solenoid valve 205 should be replaced depending on the usage environment of the automatic analyzer.

[0076] 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure in Example 4 in which the prediction unit 123 predicts the date and time when all control sequences 124 held by the automatic analysis control device will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions. In this Example, as in Example 3, an example will be described in which the prediction unit 123 makes a prediction immediately before a notification to the operator that the adjustment process for the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the prediction is not limited to this, and the prediction may be made independently of the adjustment process for the amount of cleaning liquid, or may be performed in conjunction with Example 3.

[0077] The prediction unit 123 calculates a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level height based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, and stores information such as the slope of the relational expression in a data table in the memory unit 105 (step S901).

[0078] The data table of this embodiment also stores, for each cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relational expression, the difference between the slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning liquid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the date and time of the previous adjustment to the date and time of the current adjustment, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time, as in the case of the third embodiment. However, the predicted date and time in this embodiment is the date and time when all of the control sequences 124 stored in the storage unit 105 are predicted to no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions.

[0079] Next, the prediction unit 123 determines whether data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists in the data table (step S902). If data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments does not exist, the prediction unit 123 ends the process of predicting the date and time when all control sequences 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level height. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists, the prediction unit 123 acquires all data for "slope change from the previous adjustment" stored in the data table, calculates the average value, and calculates whether the sign of the average value is positive or negative (step S903).

[0080] Next, the prediction unit 123 uses the calculation result of step S903 to predict whether the liquid level achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit or lower limit of the allowable range condition over time (step S904).

[0081] In step S904, if it is predicted that the liquid level height achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the lower limit value over time, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relationship between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height (lower limit relationship) when a control sequence 124 held by the automatic analyzer in which the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is defined to be relatively long achieves the lower limit liquid level (step S905).

[0082] On the other hand, if it is predicted in step S904 that the liquid level height achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit value over time, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relational equation (upper limit relational equation) between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height when a control sequence 124 held by the automatic analyzer in which the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is defined to be relatively short achieves the upper limit liquid level height (step S906).

[0083] Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the period required for the slope of the relational expression stored in the data table in step S901 to reach the slope of the lower-limit relational expression or the upper-limit relational expression calculated in step S905 or step S906 (step S907). Specifically, the prediction unit 123 first acquires all data on the "per-day slope change amount" stored in the data table and calculates the average value. Next, the prediction unit 123 subtracts the slope of the relational expression stored in step S901 from the slope of the lower-limit relational expression or the upper-limit relational expression calculated in step S905 or step S906. Finally, the prediction unit 123 divides the difference obtained as a result of the subtraction by the average value, thereby calculating the period required for the slope of the relational expression stored in the data table in step S901 to reach the slope of the lower-limit relational expression or the upper-limit relational expression calculated in step S905 or step S906.

[0084] Next, the prediction unit 123 adds the period obtained in step S907 to the current date and time, and saves the calculation result in the data table as the predicted date and time when all control sequences 124 held by the automatic analysis control device will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level height (step S908).

[0085] Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed, the control unit 102 displays the predicted date and time of step S908 on the output unit 120 as the date and time when the solenoid valve 205 should be replaced, as shown in (2) of Figure 13. [Example]

[0086] In the fifth embodiment, a method is exemplified in which the diagnostic unit of the control unit 102 diagnoses whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the solenoid valve 205 due to a factor other than aging. Possible factors other than aging include clogging with dust, etc. This allows the operator to detect an abnormality in the solenoid valve 205 before the solenoid valve 205 breaks down and becomes unusable.

[0087] 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the diagnosing unit diagnoses an abnormality in the solenoid valve 205 due to a factor other than aging in the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the diagnosing unit performs the diagnosis immediately before a notification to the operator that the adjustment process for the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the diagnosis is not limited to this, and the diagnosis may be performed independently of the adjustment process for the amount of cleaning liquid, or may be performed in conjunction with the third or fourth embodiment.

[0088] The diagnostic unit calculates a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level height based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, and stores information such as the slope of the relational expression and the amount of change in the slope in a data table in the memory unit 105 (step S1101).

[0089] The data table in this embodiment stores, for each cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relational expression, the difference between this slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning liquid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the date and time of the previous adjustment to the date and time of the current adjustment, the amount of change in slope per day, and the abnormality diagnosis result.

[0090] Next, the diagnostic unit determines whether data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments exists in the data table (step S1102). If data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments does not exist, the diagnostic unit terminates the abnormality diagnosis process. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments exists, the diagnostic unit acquires all data for "slope change per day" stored in the data table and calculates the average value (step S1103). Note that the data used to calculate the average value does not have to be all data, and may be the most recent three data, for example.

[0091] Next, the diagnosis unit calculates the degree of deviation as a ratio between the "amount of change in slope per day" stored in the data table in step S1101 and the average value of the "amount of change in slope per day" calculated in step S1103 (step S1104). Note that the method of calculating the degree of deviation is not limited to this, and for example, the degree of deviation may be calculated as an absolute value by subtracting the average value calculated in step S1103 from the "amount of change in slope per day" stored in step S1101.

[0092] Next, the diagnosing unit diagnoses whether the degree of deviation calculated in step S1104 is within the tolerance range conditions stored in the storage unit 105 (step S1105). In this embodiment, the storage unit 105 stores the tolerance range conditions in the form of percentages in order to perform the diagnosis in step S1105, and the diagnosing unit performs the diagnosis using these. However, the tolerance range conditions stored in the storage unit 105 may also be stored in the form of real numbers.

[0093] In step S1105, if the degree of deviation is within the allowable range condition, the diagnosis unit sets the data of the abnormality diagnosis result corresponding to the cleaning liquid volume adjustment in the data table held by the storage unit 105 to "no abnormality" and saves it (step S1106). On the other hand, in step S1105, if the degree of deviation is not within the allowable range condition, the diagnosis unit sets the data of the abnormality diagnosis result corresponding to the cleaning liquid volume adjustment in the data table held by the storage unit 105 to "abnormality present" and saves it (step S1107).

[0094] Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed, the control unit 102 also displays the abnormality diagnosis result of step S1106 or step S1107 on the output unit 120, as shown in (3) of Figure 13. [Example]

[0095] In Example 6, when the control unit 102 uses a different control sequence 124 for analysis depending on the usage status of the automatic analyzer, the control sequence 124 used and the analysis results are linked and stored in the storage unit 105. After the analysis is completed, the automatic analyzer of this example displays the type of control sequence 124 applied during the analysis together with the analysis results on the output unit 120. This allows the automatic analyzer of this example to ensure traceability even when different control sequences 124 are used depending on the situation.

[0096] FIG. 15 is a detailed screen of the analysis results output by the control unit 102 to the output unit 120. The memory unit 105 stores the control sequence 124 used during the analysis for each analysis operation, and the control unit 102 outputs the correspondence to the output unit 120 as shown in (1) of FIG. 15. The following describes a case where the memory unit 105 stores the data table shown in FIG. 7. First, if control sequence No. 4 of FIG. 7 is used as the control sequence for the washing operation when washing the reaction vessel 112 used in the analysis, control sequence No. 4 corresponds to the item "Washing" (washing operation) in (1) "Sequence Details" of FIG. 15. Here, the control sequences stored in the data table of FIG. 7 each have a different open time for the solenoid valve 205. Therefore, this correspondence makes it clear how long the solenoid valve was open when the washing solution was discharged into the reaction vessel 112 during the analysis. Similarly, for example, in "Sample Dispense" (sample dispensing operation) and "Reagent Dispense" (reagent dispensing operation), a control sequence in which the movement amount of the probe 201 is defined may be linked to the analysis result, or a control sequence in which the discharge amount or suction amount is defined may be linked to the analysis result. Also, in "Reaction" (reaction operation), for example, a control sequence in which the movement amount of the reaction vessel 112 is defined may be linked to the analysis result.

[0097] While the above-described embodiments have been described with reference to an automatic biochemical analyzer, the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to an automatic immunoanalyzer, an automatic coagulation analyzer, or the like. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments use a height detector that detects the height of the liquid surface as the liquid volume detector, the volume of the cleaning liquid may be detected by other methods. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments adjust the liquid volume by changing the opening time of the solenoid valve, the liquid volume may be adjusted by other methods, such as by changing the opening degree of the solenoid valve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 102...control unit, 103...mechanism driving unit, 104...CPU, 105...storage unit, 106...I / O, 107...ADC, 108...operation unit, 109...I / F, 110...drive circuit, 111...specimen container, 112...reaction container, 113...specimen dispensing mechanism, 114...reagent dispensing mechanism, 115...stirring mechanism, 116...photometer, 117...cleaning mechanism, 118...reaction tank, 119...input unit, 120...output unit, 121...memory, 122...determination unit, 123...prediction unit, 124...control sequence, 130...reaction disk, 201...probe, 202...height detector, 203...flow path, 204...pump, 205...solenoid valve, 206...control circuit, 207...discharge nozzle, 208...suction nozzle

Claims

1. a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel; an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle; a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid; a control unit that controls the solenoid valve, The control unit a storage unit that stores control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations; a determination unit that determines which of the different control sequences should be applied during analysis; all or part of the control sequences stored in the memory unit are executed, and the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence is detected by the level detector; The determination unit Based on the detection result, a control sequence in which the liquid level height falls within a predetermined range is determined; The automatic analyzer determines the control sequence that minimizes the difference between the liquid level height and the reference value of the liquid level height among the obtained control sequences as the control sequence to be applied during analysis.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The determination unit determines the control sequence that minimizes the difference between the liquid level height of the obtained control sequence and the liquid level height obtained during the previous adjustment of the cleaning liquid level as the control sequence to be applied during analysis.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range, The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs the time predicted by the prediction unit as a candidate for the next adjustment time.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range, The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs a notification urging adjustment of the liquid level from a certain period before the time predicted by the prediction unit.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range, The automatic analysis device further includes an output unit that outputs a display prompting the user to select one of multiple options for the adjustment schedule, including immediate execution, automatic execution at the time predicted by the prediction unit, and automatic execution at specified intervals.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts a time when the liquid level heights of all the control sequences stored in the storage unit will no longer be within the predetermined range, The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs the time predicted by the prediction unit as the time to replace the solenoid valve.

7. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, At least two of the control sequences stored in the storage unit are executed, and a slope of a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve and the liquid level height is calculated; the storage unit stores the past tilts together with date and time information; The prediction unit calculates a change in slope based on the past slopes stored in the memory unit, and predicts the time when the change in slope will no longer be within the specified range based on the calculated change in slope.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a diagnosis unit that diagnoses an abnormality in the solenoid valve, The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs an abnormality diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis unit.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, At least two of the control sequences stored in the storage unit are executed, and a slope of a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve and the liquid level height is calculated; the storage unit stores the past tilts together with date and time information; the diagnosis unit calculates a change in the tilt based on the past tilts stored in the storage unit; The automatic analyzer diagnoses that an abnormality has occurred in the solenoid valve when the average value of the change in slope within a predetermined period of time exceeds a certain value.

10. a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel; an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle; a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid; a control unit that controls the solenoid valve, the control unit executes all or part of control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations, and the level detector detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence; an analysis method using an automatic analyzer, comprising a step in which the control unit determines, based on the detection result, a control sequence among the control sequences in which the liquid level height is within a predetermined range, and determines that the control sequence in which the difference between the liquid level height of the determined control sequence and a reference value for the liquid level height is the smallest is the control sequence to be applied during analysis.

11. a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel; an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle; a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid; a control unit that controls the solenoid valve, the control unit executes all or part of control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations, and the level detector detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence; An analysis method using an automatic analyzer, comprising a step in which the control unit determines, among a plurality of control sequences whose detection results satisfy a predetermined liquid level height range condition, the control sequence with a relatively high likelihood to be applied during analysis.

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