Temperature control system for automatic analyzers

Abstract

A temperature adjustment system for an automatic analyzer is provided which, even when there are gaps between devices with regard to device heat insulation, can accurately control the temperature of a liquid containing a measurement target to a target temperature with a measurement unit without performing adjustment for each device.　This temperature adjustment system 1 for an automatic analyzer comprises: a temperature adjustment unit 50 for adjusting a liquid that is necessary for measurement to a desired temperature; a measurement unit 60 for acquiring measurement information about the liquid containing the measurement target; a connection flow path 40 which connects the temperature adjustment unit and the measurement unit; temperature detection units 30, 46 which detect the temperatures of the liquids in the temperature adjustment unit and the measurement unit; and a control unit 10 which, on the basis of the temperature of the liquid in the measurement unit and the temperature of the liquid in the temperature adjustment unit, performs liquid temperature control for controlling the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit while taking into account the change in temperature accompanying the flow of the liquid from the temperature adjustment unit to the measurement unit through the connection flow path, such that the temperature of the liquid in the measurement unit becomes a target temperature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control system for an automatic analyzer that can obtain measurement information on various test items by reacting a sample (specimen) such as blood or urine with various reagents and measuring the reaction process. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of automated analyzers, such as blood coagulation analyzers and analyzers using immunoassays, are known that can obtain measurement information for various test items by reacting biological samples such as blood or urine with various reagents and measuring the reaction process and reaction results. For example, some analyzers dispense a specimen, which is the sample to be measured, from a specimen container into a reaction container, and then dispense and mix a reagent appropriate for the test item into the dispensed specimen to perform various measurements and analyses (see Patent Document 1, etc.). For example, an automated analyzer for clinical testing dispenses a fixed amount of sample and reagent to react with each other, measures the luminescence intensity and absorbance of the reaction solution after a fixed time, and determines test values ​​such as the concentration and activity value of the substance to be measured based on the measurement results (photometric results).

[0003] In such automatic analyzers, it is known that when samples (specimens) and reagents (including calibration solutions) move through the flow path to the measurement unit, their temperatures change due to the ambient air temperature, causing variations in the temperature of the measurement object in the measurement unit and affecting the measurement value. Therefore, in order to suppress these adverse effects and obtain accurate measurement values, methods for controlling the temperature of the measurement object and the flow path have been studied.

[0004] As an example of such a temperature control method, Patent Document 2 discloses an electrolyte analyzer in which a liquid measurement object such as a sample or a reagent (including a calibration solution) is heated in a temperature adjustment block (temperature control block) and then sent to an electrode block, which is a measurement unit having various electrodes and heaters, for measurement. In this electrolyte decomposition device, the output of the heaters installed in the electrode block and temperature control block is controlled according to the outside air temperature, and the temperature of each block is adjusted to an appropriate temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-135497 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-93252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when controlling the temperature of the electrode block and temperature control block according to the outside air temperature as in Patent Document 2, if there is a difference between machines in the insulation of the flow path from the temperature control block to the electrode block, which is the measurement unit, the outside air temperature will affect the difference between machines, so it is difficult to accurately control the temperature of the measurement unit unless the output control value for temperature adjustment is adjusted for each machine.In particular, if the temperature control block and the electrode block are separated by a distance such that the temperature of the measurement object heated or cooled in the temperature control block drops (cools) or rises on the way to the electrode block, which is the measurement unit, it becomes even more difficult to set the measurement object to a desired temperature in the electrode flow path based on the outside air temperature.

[0007] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a temperature control system for an automatic analyzer that can accurately control the temperature of a liquid containing an object to be measured so that it reaches a target temperature in the measurement unit when the temperature adjustment unit and measurement unit are separated in the analyzer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a temperature control system for an automatic analyzer that obtains measurement information regarding a predetermined analysis item by processing and measuring a sample, the system comprising: a temperature control unit for adjusting a liquid required for measurement to a desired temperature; a measurement unit for obtaining measurement information regarding a predetermined analysis item of a liquid containing a measurement object, the liquid temperature of which has been adjusted by the temperature control unit and to which the measurement object has been added; a connection flow path connecting the temperature control unit and the measurement unit; a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperatures of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit and the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit; and a liquid temperature control control unit that receives the detected temperature from the temperature detection unit and, based on the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit and the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit, calculates a temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid required for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object from the temperature control unit through the connection flow path to the measurement unit, and controls the temperature of the temperature control unit based on the target temperature and the temperature change so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit becomes a target temperature.

[0009] According to the automated analyzer having the above configuration, rather than controlling the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit in response to the outside air temperature, the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit and the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit are actually measured, and based on these temperatures, the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit is controlled so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit reaches a target temperature. Therefore, even if there are differences in the insulation properties of the apparatus between machines, the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object can be accurately controlled to the target temperature in the measurement unit without having to make adjustments for each machine.

[0010] Furthermore, in such liquid temperature control, the above configuration controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit taking into consideration temperature changes that occur as the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object flow from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit. Therefore, even if the temperature adjustment unit and the measurement unit are spatially separated by a distance that causes the temperatures of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit to change on the way to the measurement unit, it is possible to accurately set the liquid containing the measurement object to a desired temperature in the measurement unit.

[0011] In the above configuration, the term "liquid necessary for measurement" refers to various liquids used in measurement, such as reagents, excluding specimens. The term "liquid containing a specimen" refers to a liquid supplied to the measurement unit in a state necessary for measuring a specimen for a predetermined analysis item, such as a mixture (reactant) of a sample (specimen) and a reagent (calibration solution). The term "subject to measurement" refers to a substance to be measured by the measurement unit, and refers to the specimen itself or a substance contained in the specimen. In the above configuration, the "temperature detection unit" detects the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature control unit or the liquid containing the specimen in the measurement unit, individually, simultaneously or at different times, and may be provided separately for the temperature control unit and the measurement unit. In the above configuration, the liquid necessary for measurement (not including the specimen) and the liquid containing the specimen (including the specimen) are mixed (or the liquid necessary for measurement and the specimen added to this liquid are mixed) and flow to the measurement unit. However, this is not limited to this configuration. The object whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature control unit is basically the liquid necessary for measurement (not including the specimen), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the temperature regulation (temperature control) in the temperature control unit includes not only heating, but also cooling and keeping the temperature constant.

[0012] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control configured as described above, it is preferable that the control unit controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit by regarding the temperature difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit and the temperature at a past time or during a period including the time when the liquid necessary for measurement contained in the liquid containing the measurement object whose temperature was measured as the temperature change accompanying the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object. In this way, with respect to the temperatures of the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit and the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit at the same time, the value of the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit can essentially be the past value of the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit (previous-stage adjustment temperature). In other words, the value of the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit can be brought closer to the past value for bringing the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit to an appropriate target temperature.

[0013] This makes it possible to accurately detect temperature changes associated with the flow (movement) of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit, and to accurately determine the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit becomes the target temperature. Here, the "set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit" is set to be the target temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit plus the temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit. In other words, it is set to correct the difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured flowing through the measurement unit and the temperature change that occurs when the liquid necessary for measurement flowing through the temperature adjustment unit subsequently moves to the measurement unit.

[0014] In the above configuration, in the liquid temperature control, when the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit fluctuates in a predetermined cycle, the control unit preferably controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit by considering the difference between the average value of the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit over one cycle, which fluctuates over the predetermined cycle, and the average value of the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit, which fluctuates over a predetermined past period that may or may not include the one cycle, as the temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object over the predetermined cycle. Note that when the predetermined past period for calculating the average value of the temperature of the liquid in the temperature adjustment unit includes the predetermined cycle period over which the average value of the temperature of the liquid in the measurement unit was calculated, the predetermined past period may be a period consecutive to the predetermined cycle.

[0015] In this way, the calculation period for calculating the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit includes a period earlier than the calculation period for calculating the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit. This makes it possible to include or approach the past temperatures of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit at the time of measurement and the liquid required for measurement in the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit when they pass through the temperature control unit.

[0016] That is, the temperature value of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit can be made closer to the past temperature value of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect temperature changes that accompany the flow of the liquid required for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit, and to accurately determine the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit becomes the target temperature.

[0017] In other words, it is possible to correct the difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured flowing through the measurement unit and the temperature that the liquid containing the object to be measured flowing through the temperature adjustment unit can subsequently attain in the measurement unit at the same time for the liquid necessary for measurement in the temperature adjustment unit and the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit. Here, the "set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit" refers to the target temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit plus the temperature change that accompanies the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit.

[0018] Furthermore, correction can be made taking into consideration temperature changes due to mixing of the liquid required for measurement with the liquid containing the object to be measured. Note that the "predetermined period in the past, which may or may not include the one cycle" used to calculate the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit is preferably, for example, a period going back two to four cycles, including the one cycle (e.g., consecutive to this one cycle). However, a period of one or more cycles in the past, excluding the one cycle, may also be used as the period used to calculate the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit.

[0019] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the control unit updates the temperature change accompanying the flow of the liquid required for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object at predetermined time intervals, and based on the update result, determines the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit becomes the target temperature. In this way, the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit becomes the target temperature is successively updated, and it becomes possible to precisely control the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object to the target temperature in the measurement unit.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above configuration, it is preferable that, after the pump that supplies the liquid required for measurement to the measurement unit via the temperature adjustment unit is stopped, the control unit performs machine temperature control, which controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature inside the automated analyzer (internal temperature). Even when the pump is stopped and no liquid containing the measurement target is supplied to the measurement unit, making it impossible for the measurement unit to detect the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target (liquid temperature control cannot be continued), performing machine temperature control instead of liquid temperature control is beneficial because it allows the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit to reach the target temperature as quickly as possible after the pump is restarted, compared to when temperature control is completely stopped. Furthermore, by combining liquid temperature control and machine temperature control during operation of the device, it is possible to improve the measurement (analysis) efficiency of the entire device and reduce the operating costs of the device.

[0021] In the above configuration, during liquid temperature control, the control unit preferably updates the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit at predetermined time intervals so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit reaches the target temperature, and after the pump is stopped, sets the set temperature immediately before the pump is stopped as the initial set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit during machine temperature control. This allows the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit to reach the target temperature as quickly as possible when liquid temperature control is started again after machine temperature control. Note that during machine temperature control, it is preferable to correct the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit based on the amount of change in the temperature inside the device since the initial set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit was obtained.

[0022] Furthermore, in the above configuration, after the pump is driven and before the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit during liquid temperature control, it is preferable that a dummy liquid is introduced into the measurement unit by the pump through the temperature adjustment unit in place of the liquid containing the object to be measured in order to shorten the time until the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit stabilizes at the target temperature.

[0023] For example, immediately after the pump is driven, air-cooled liquid containing the measurement object is sent to the measurement unit, and the liquid temperature control detects this low temperature as the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit, thereby raising the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit. This causes the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit to rise sharply, lengthening the time it takes for the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit to stabilize at the target temperature. However, as in this configuration, if a dummy liquid is introduced into the measurement unit via the temperature adjustment unit by driving the pump instead of the liquid containing the measurement object before measuring the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit during liquid temperature control, the time it takes for the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit to stabilize at the target temperature can be shortened, improving measurement (analysis) efficiency.

[0024] In the above configuration, the "dummy liquid" is a liquid that has the effect of shortening the time it takes for the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section to stabilize at the target temperature (recovering the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section to the target temperature), and for example, the liquid required for the measurement may be used as the dummy liquid.

[0025] In the above configuration, it is also preferable that the introduction period of the dummy liquid is correlated with the temperature inside the automatic analyzer and the time from when the pump is stopped to when it is restarted (the duration of the pump being stopped). By correlating in this way, it is possible to appropriately set the amount of dummy liquid used to shorten the time it takes for the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit to stabilize at the target temperature, thereby avoiding the wasteful use of dummy liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, in an analyzer in which the temperature adjustment unit and the measurement unit are separated, it is possible to precisely control the temperature of a liquid containing a measurement object in the measurement unit to a target temperature. Furthermore, even if there is a difference in the thermal insulation properties between the devices, it is possible to provide a temperature control system for an automatic analyzer that can precisely control the temperature of a liquid containing a measurement object in the measurement unit to a target temperature without adjusting each device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature control system of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Graphs showing the accuracy of liquid temperature control when the temperature inside the device is changed, where (a) is a graph showing the case where the temperature inside the device is gradually decreased, and (b) is a graph showing the case where the temperature inside the device is gradually increased. [Figure 3] This is a graph showing various variations in the moving average width of the temperature detection value of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit, taking delay time into account (the period for calculating the moving average value of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the temperature control unit).(a) shows the case where the moving average width is 1 cycle (a period equivalent to one specified cycle of temperature fluctuations of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit) (the case where the moving average width is equal to the period of temperature fluctuations of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit), (b) shows the case where the moving average width is 2 cycles (the period going back two cycles, including this specified cycle, of temperature fluctuations of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit; the same applies below), (c) shows the case where the moving average width is 3 cycles, (d) shows the case where the moving average width is 4 cycles, (e) shows the case where the moving average width is 5 cycles, and (f) shows the case where the moving average width is 5 cycles. [Figure 4] This is a graph showing the measurement results of the temperature inside the device when no dummy liquid is used, the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit, and the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit, and is a graph showing the case where liquid temperature control is performed simultaneously with pump operation and machine temperature control is performed simultaneously with pump stoppage. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature control cycle of a temperature control system using a dummy liquid. [Figure 6]This is a table of experimental data showing the number of times (number of cycles) that dummy liquid is required to restore the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section to the target temperature, relative to the number of idle cycles, which is the time from when the pump stops to when the pump starts again (duration of the pump being stopped), when the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section fluctuates at a predetermined cycle, with one cycle being the fluctuation cycle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table in which the experimental results of FIG. 6 are rewritten as data showing the maximum allowable number of idle cycles relative to the required number of dummy liquids for each temperature inside the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an analyzer for obtaining measurement information for a predetermined test item will be described, for example, an automatic analyzer that includes a reaction unit that holds reaction vessels into which samples such as blood or urine collected from a human being are dispensed, and a reagent supply unit that supplies reagent from a reagent vessel to the reaction vessel, and that supplies the reagent from the reagent supply unit to the reaction vessel, mixes the reagent and the sample to cause a reaction, and measures the resulting reaction mixture. Such an automatic analyzer includes a temperature control system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 as one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the following embodiment, the temperature control (temperature control) function of the temperature control unit (described later) will be described as heating, but this does not limit the scope of the present invention, and includes temperature control by cooling.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , the temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a heating unit 50 as a temperature control unit for heating a liquid required for measurement to a desired temperature using a heater 24, and an introduction nozzle 99 for injecting a measurement target into the liquid required for measurement heated by the heating unit 50 to produce a "liquid containing the measurement target." A measurement unit 60, which obtains measurement information related to a predetermined analysis item from the liquid containing the measurement target, is maintained at a constant temperature by a heater 45. The heating unit 50 and the measurement unit 60 are connected by a connection flow path (sample introduction mechanism) 40 (details will be described later). The temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a first temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 30 for detecting the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50, a second temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 46 for detecting the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit 60, and a third temperature sensor 42 for detecting the internal temperature of the automated analyzer. The temperature control system 1 also includes a control unit 10 that controls the operation of the heater 24 of the heating unit 50 in response to temperature detection values ​​from the temperature sensors 30, 42, and 46. The operation of the heater 45 of the measuring unit 60 is controlled by another temperature sensor in the measuring unit 60.

[0030] In this embodiment, the heating unit 50 is configured as a temperature adjustment unit (temperature control block) including a coiled tube 35 through which the liquid required for the measurement passes, and the liquid required for the measurement in the coiled tube 35 is heated by heating the coiled tube 35 with a heater 24. In addition, the coiled tube 35 of the heating unit 50 is connected to liquid supply units 20 and 22 via individual supply flow paths 26 and 27 to supply the liquid required for various measurements.

[0031] The measurement unit 60 has an electrode 48 to which a liquid containing a measurement object is supplied, and an electrode flow path 47 through which the liquid containing the measurement object supplied from the connection flow path 40 flows. The measurement unit 60 is constructed by protecting the periphery of a metal box with a heat insulating material.

[0032] Furthermore, a connection trough 34 with a four-way valve 33 is interposed between the heating unit 50 and the introduction nozzle 99. In this case, an air intake pipe (not shown) communicating with the outside air, as well as communication pipes 31 and 32 communicating with the corresponding liquid supply units 20 and 22 via a serpentine 35, are connected to the four-way valve 33. The introduction nozzle 99 is joined to the connection trough 34 except when it is moved to the installation location of the measurement object to suck in the measurement object, and a flow path is formed between the connection trough 34 and the connection flow path 40. After the introduction nozzle 99 has sucked in the measurement object and is joined to the connection trough 34, the "liquid necessary for measurement" moves inside the introduction nozzle 99 and is mixed with the measurement object to become a "liquid containing the measurement object."

[0033] In addition, a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) 49 is inserted downstream of the electrode flow path 47 extending from the measurement section 60 to drive the liquid required for measurement from the liquid supply sections 20, 22 to the measurement section 60 via the heating section 50, and a tank 70 is provided at the downstream end thereof to collect liquid containing the measured object as waste liquid.

[0034] In the temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment having such a configuration, the heating unit 50 and the measurement unit 60 are spatially separated. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement target drops (cools) while flowing from the heating unit 50 to the measurement unit 60. The arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow path (movement direction) of the liquid containing the measurement target.

[0035] The control unit 10 of the temperature adjustment system 1 according to this embodiment controls the temperature of the heating unit 50 based on the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 measured by the temperature sensors 30, 46 and the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50. That is, liquid temperature control is performed by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 50 (controlling the drive of the heater 24 in the example of FIG. 1) so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 becomes the target temperature.

[0036] Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the heater 24 of the heating unit 50 so as to correct the temperature change (temperature drop in FIG. 1 ) that occurs while the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the measurement target move from the heating unit 50 to the measurement unit 60 through the connection flow path 40. For example, the control unit 10 controls the heater 24 of the heating unit 50 so that the set temperature of the heating unit 50 becomes the sum of A and B (A+B) shown below, so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit 60 becomes the target temperature. A: Target temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 B: Temperature fluctuations due to the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the heating unit 50 through the connecting flow path 40 to the measurement unit 60 (decrease or increase: for example, this temperature fluctuation is calculated from the difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 at the time of measurement and the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the object to be measured when it previously passed through the temperature adjustment unit. A decrease due to movement is positive, and an increase is negative).

[0037] In order to perform the above control, the control unit 10 updates the temperature decrease that accompanies the flow of the liquid required for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured every predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and determines (updates) the set temperature of the heating unit 50 based on the update result. The temperature fluctuation B in the above calculation formula can be calculated, for example, as follows: The temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50, which is compared with the temperature C of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60, which is measured every 2 seconds, is calculated using the temperature D (past temperature) of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50 at the time previously equivalent to the time it takes for the liquid required for measurement to travel from the heating unit 50 to the measurement unit 60. That is, the difference (CD) between the temperature C (current value) of the measuring unit 60 and the temperature D (past value) of the heating unit 50 is set as the temperature fluctuation B (decrease or increase). This makes it possible to suppress and stabilize the temperature fluctuations that accompany the liquid temperature control. Note that the measured temperature used for control is preferably a moving average of multiple measured values ​​obtained every two seconds.

[0038] In the present invention, rather than simply controlling the temperature of heating unit 50 based on the outside air temperature as disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 2, the temperature of heating unit 50 is controlled based on the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in measurement unit 60 and the past temperature of the liquid required for measurement in heating unit 50 upstream of that. This makes it possible to precisely and accurately control the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in measurement unit 60 to the target temperature. Experimental data demonstrating the highly accurate liquid temperature control of this invention are shown in Figure 2 (a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time (minutes) and actual temperature (°C)).

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram (graph) showing the temperatures of each part during liquid temperature control according to an embodiment of the present invention when the temperature inside the device (internal device temperature (machine temperature) inside the temperature control system 1) is varied. In FIG. 2, the machine temperature is set to room temperature P. FIG. 2(a) is a graph showing temperature control when the internal device temperature (constant temperature bath temperature; equivalent to room temperature P) is lowered from 32°C to 17°C by approximately 4°C every 10 minutes, and FIG. 2(b) is a graph showing temperature control when the internal device temperature (room temperature P) is raised from 15°C to 30°C by approximately 4°C every 10 minutes. In the figure, room temperature P, installation liquid temperature Q, electrode reaction section liquid temperature R, and coiled tube set temperature T are each shown by a solid line, and the temperature S of the outer surface of the coiled tube 35 is shown by a dashed line.

[0040] In this graph, the installation liquid temperature Q is the temperature of the liquid required for measurement before heating by the coil 35, the temperature R of the electrode reaction section liquid is the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section 60, the temperature S of the outer surface of the coil 35 is the temperature of the outer surface of the coil 35 corresponding to the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating section 50, and the coil setting temperature T is the setting temperature of the heating section 50 that is the control target of the control section 10.

[0041] 2 shows that according to the present invention, even if the temperature inside the device (room temperature P) fluctuates due to, for example, fluctuations in the outside air temperature or heat dissipation from devices and elements inside the device after the device has been operated, the temperature R of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 can be accurately controlled at the target temperature. Specifically, if the pump 49 is driven (ON) when 30 minutes have elapsed, the analysis (assay start) is started when 35 minutes have elapsed, and the target temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 is set to 33°C, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the set temperature T of the heating unit 50 is increased based on the above-mentioned calculation formula (A+B) as the room temperature P decreases, and the temperature R of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 is maintained at around 33°C (with a fluctuation range of 32.9°C to 33.6°C).

[0042] 2(b), by lowering the set temperature T of the heating unit 50 based on the above-mentioned calculation formula as the room temperature P rises, the temperature R of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 is maintained at around 33°C (with a three-way swing of 3.0°C to 33.4°C). Although not shown, similar results were obtained when using other bases with different machine stand differences.

[0043] 2, in this liquid temperature control, the temperature R of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measuring unit 60 fluctuates in a predetermined cycle (36 seconds in this case). Therefore, the control unit 10 controls the temperature of the heating unit 50 by regarding the difference between the average value (moving average every 36 seconds) of the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measuring unit 60, which fluctuates over one predetermined cycle (36 seconds) of this fluctuation, and the average value (moving average) of the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50, which fluctuates over this one cycle and a predetermined consecutive past period leading up to this cycle, as a temperature drop associated with the flow of the liquid required for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured over the predetermined one cycle (flow from the heating unit 50 to the measuring unit 60).

[0044] As described above, in the present invention, a calculation period for calculating the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50 is set to a period earlier than the calculation period for calculating the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60. In other words, the temperature value of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50 at a certain point in time becomes the past value of the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the future measurement unit 60. In the present invention, this past value (the temperature value of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50) is controlled in advance taking into account future temperature changes, thereby appropriately controlling the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the future measurement unit 60 when it is subsequently moved to the measurement unit 60.

[0045] In this way, the temperature drop caused by the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the heating unit 50 through the connecting flow path 40 to the measuring unit 60 is accurately detected, and the set temperature of the heating unit 50 is controlled so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measuring unit 60 becomes the target temperature. In other words, it is possible to accurately determine the target temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measuring unit 60 plus the temperature drop caused by the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the heating unit 50 through the connecting flow path 40 to the measuring unit 60.

[0046] In other words, there is a time lag between the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section 60 and the temperature of the liquid required for measurement that flows through the heating section 50, which affects the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section 60, so by correcting this lag, highly accurate liquid temperature control is possible.

[0047] Furthermore, in this case, the period "spanning one predetermined cycle and a predetermined period in the past consecutive to this cycle" used to calculate the average value (moving average) of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50 is preferably, for example, a period going back two to four cycles, including the predetermined cycle. Experimental data demonstrating this is shown in FIG. 3. Each of (a) to (f) of FIG. 3 is a diagram (graph) corresponding to FIG. 2 when the room temperature P is constant, and is a graph in which the width of the moving average value of the temperature (detected temperature value) of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50 (the period for calculating the moving average value of the temperature fluctuations of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50) is varied, taking into account the delay time from when the heating unit 50 reaches the set temperature until the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 reaches the target temperature.

[0048] Specifically, (a) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 1 cycle (a period equivalent to one predetermined cycle of temperature fluctuations in the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60; 36 seconds) (the case where the moving average value width is equal to the cycle of temperature fluctuations in the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60), (b) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 2 cycles (a period going back two cycles, including one predetermined cycle of temperature fluctuations in the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60; the same applies below), (c) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 3 cycles, (d) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 4 cycles, (e) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 5 cycles, and (f) of Figure 3 shows the case where the moving average value width is 6 cycles.

[0049] As can be seen from these figures, in Figure 3(a), (e), and (f), where the moving average value width is 1 cycle, 5 cycles, and 6 cycles, there is large fluctuation in the temperature R of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60, but in Figure 3(b), (c), and (d), where the moving average value width is 2 to 4 cycles, there is almost no fluctuation in the temperature R of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60, and it is always maintained at approximately 33°C. In other words, it is preferable that the moving average value width is neither too small nor too large.

[0050] Furthermore, after pump 49 is stopped, control unit 10 desirably performs machine temperature control (control based on the internal temperature when pump 49 is stopped is referred to as "machine temperature control"), which controls the temperature of heating unit 50 to a predetermined constant temperature based on the temperature inside the automatic analyzer (internal temperature). After pump 49 is stopped, liquid temperature control cannot be continued because no liquid containing the measurement object is supplied to measuring unit 60. Therefore, after pump 49 is stopped, instead of liquid temperature control, machine temperature control is performed, which controls the temperature of heating unit 50 based on a predetermined temperature or a predetermined calculation formula in accordance with the internal temperature.

[0051] This is advantageous compared to completely stopping temperature regulation control, because it allows the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit 60 to reach the target temperature as quickly as possible after restarting the operation of the pump 49. Furthermore, by combining liquid temperature control and machine temperature control while the device is in operation, the measurement (analysis) efficiency of the entire device can be improved and the operating costs of the device can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, when the outside air temperature is low, immediately after powering on or restarting the pump 49 after it has been stopped for a relatively long time in a low outside air temperature environment, a liquid containing the object to be measured that has been cooled by air and is at a low temperature is sent to the measurement unit 60. When a low temperature is detected as the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60, the liquid temperature control controls the heater unit 50 to set the set temperature higher. As a result, immediately after the pump starts to operate, the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 rises sharply, and it takes a long time for the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 to stabilize at the target temperature. Figure 4 shows experimental data illustrating such a situation.

[0053] 4 is a graph showing the results of measuring the temperature inside the device (temperature inside the chamber; machine temperature) P, the moving average value R1 of the electrode reaction unit liquid temperature R (temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60) over a moving average width of 36 seconds, and the coil set temperature (set temperature of the heating unit 50) T. This graph shows the case where liquid temperature control is performed simultaneously with the start of the pump 49, and machine temperature control is performed simultaneously with the stop of the pump 49 (the case where the pump is started and stopped repeatedly every 30 minutes).

[0054] At the top of the figure, measurement data (e.g., measurements taken every 2 seconds) of the electrode reaction liquid temperature R (the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60) is shown. Based on this electrode reaction liquid temperature R, a moving average R1 of the electrode reaction liquid temperature R is calculated. The temperature unit of the electrode reaction liquid temperature R shown at the top of the figure is the vertical axis on the right side of the graph, and the reference units of the temperatures T, R1, A, and P are all on the left vertical axis. To clearly show the temperature changes of the moving average R1 of the electrode reaction liquid temperature and the coil set temperature T, the moving average R1 of the electrode reaction liquid temperature is shown by a dashed line near the center of the vertical direction of Figure 4, and the coil set temperature T is shown by a solid line, both based on the temperature on the common left vertical axis.

[0055] 4, the lower the temperature inside the device (temperature inside the chamber) P and the lower the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured that is sent to the measuring unit 60 immediately after the pump 49 is driven, the higher the set temperature T of the heating unit 50 will be controlled to be immediately after the pump 49 is driven, as shown in part A indicated by the arrow in the figure. Therefore, the temperature R of the liquid containing the object to be measured that subsequently reaches the measuring unit 60 will rise sharply, and as a result, it will take a long time for the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measuring unit 60 to stabilize at the target temperature.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, during liquid temperature control, pump 49 is driven immediately before measurement of the liquid containing the measurement target in measurement unit 60, and dummy liquid is introduced from heating unit 50 into measurement unit 60 in place of the liquid containing the measurement target, and then liquid temperature control is started. This shortens the time until the liquid containing the measurement target in measurement unit 60 stabilizes at the target temperature, thereby improving measurement (analysis) efficiency.

[0057] Here, the "dummy liquid" refers to a liquid heated by the heating unit that does not contain the object to be measured, and is preferably a liquid necessary for measurement. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any liquid that can shorten the time it takes for the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 to stabilize at the target temperature, that is, any liquid that can restore the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 to the target temperature, can be used as the "dummy liquid."

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the introduction period of the dummy liquid can be determined in association with the temperature inside the automatic analyzer and the time from when the pump 49 is stopped to when the pump 49 is restarted (the duration of the stoppage of the pump 49). By such association, it is possible to appropriately set the amount of dummy liquid to be used in order to shorten the time until the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 stabilizes at the target temperature, and to avoid situations such as the wasteful use of dummy liquid. Experimental data regarding the introduction period of the dummy liquid are shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0059] Figure 6 is a diagram (table) showing experimental data indicating the time from when the pump 49 stops until the pump 49 starts operating again (the number of idle cycles, which is the duration of the stoppage of the pump 49) and the time (required number of cycles) required to flow dummy liquid in the measurement section 60 to restore the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured to the target temperature when the measurement is resumed, for each temperature inside the device (internal temperature).

[0060] The number of cycles used as a unit in Figure 6 and Figures 7 and 5 described below is defined as a predetermined fluctuation period in which the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 fluctuates, and the example in Figure 6 shows a case where 36 seconds is used as "one cycle." Here, the actual duration of stoppage of pump 49 when introducing dummy liquid is preferably determined by subtracting the required number of times (number of cycles) of dummy liquid from the number of free cycles, since dummy liquid is introduced into measurement section 60 by driving pump 49 immediately before restarting driving of pump 49. 6 and 7 show the results of an experiment in which the temperature of the heating unit 50 was controlled by machine temperature control using a dummy liquid.

[0061] 6, for example, when the number of idle cycles, which is the duration of stoppage of pump 49, is five (five cycles), if the temperature inside the device is 24.0°C or higher, introducing dummy liquid for one (one cycle) period will allow the liquid containing the measurement object in measurement unit 60 to return to the target temperature. In contrast, if the temperature inside the device falls below 24.0°C, introducing dummy liquid for two (two cycles) periods will be necessary to return the liquid containing the measurement object in measurement unit 60 to the target temperature.

[0062] Alternatively, looking at this table from another perspective, when the temperature inside the device is 20.5 to 22.5°C, if the number of idle cycles is 5 to 7, the period for introducing dummy liquid required to restore the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 to the target temperature will be only two times (two cycles). Alternatively, when the temperature inside the device is 30.0 to 31.5°C, if the number of idle cycles is 16 to 51, the period for introducing dummy liquid required to restore the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 to the target temperature will be only two times (two cycles).

[0063] On the other hand, Figure 7 is a diagram (table) in which the experimental results of Figure 6 have been rewritten as data showing the maximum allowable number of empty cycles relative to the required number of dummy liquids for each internal temperature of the device. Looking at Figure 7, it can be seen that when the internal temperature of the device is 20.5 to 22.5°C, as mentioned above, if the number of empty cycles is 5 to 7, then only two dummy liquid introduction periods (two cycles) are required to restore the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 to the target temperature. When the internal temperature of the device is 20.5°C and the required number of dummy liquids is 2, the maximum allowable number of empty cycles is 7.

[0064] Similarly, when the temperature inside the device is 30.0 to 31.5°C, as mentioned above, if the number of empty cycles is 16 to 51, the period of introducing dummy liquid required to restore the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement section 60 to the target temperature is only two times (two cycles), so if the required number of times of dummy liquid is 2, the maximum allowable number of empty cycles is 51.

[0065] Unlike the cases of FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 5 shows an example of a temperature control cycle of the temperature control system 1, which performs temperature control by combining machine temperature control using a dummy liquid and liquid temperature control. When the device is turned on, there is no measurement type data, so it is desirable to obtain the initial set temperature value of the heating unit 50 based only on the internal temperature of the device (internal temperature) at the time of power-on. Here, this initial set temperature value may be calculated, for example, as -a x internal temperature + b. It is preferable to determine appropriate values ​​for a and b in advance during device design by obtaining temperature data for the heating unit 50 that will result in the desired temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 with the pump 49 driven, according to the internal temperature of the device. For example, when experimental data is obtained that the temperature of the heating unit 50 at which the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit 60 becomes 33.0°C is 36.8°C when the temperature inside the device is 16.1°C, and 33.2°C when the temperature inside the device is 29.6°C, the values ​​of a and b are as follows: a = -(36.8 - 33.2) ÷ (16.1 - 29.6) = 0.267 b = 36.8 + a × 16.8 = 36.8 + 0.267 × 16.1 = 41.1 When using data obtained by changing the temperature inside the device three or more times, a and b are determined by calculating a regression equation from each data value, but if the regression equation used is anything other than a linear regression equation, it is replaced with an appropriate function.

[0066] As described above, after the pump 49 is stopped, the automatic analyzer can perform temperature control, which controls the temperature of the heater 50 to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature inside the analyzer. In this temperature control, after the initial set temperature of the heater 50 is obtained from the internal temperature of the analyzer when the analyzer is powered on, the set temperature of the heater 50 can be corrected based on the amount of change in the internal temperature (internal temperature) since the initial value was obtained. For example, assuming that the internal temperature rises to a certain extent upon powering on, the set temperature during internal control can be set to (the heater set temperature at the time the initial value was obtained - a × (current internal temperature - internal temperature at the time the initial value was obtained)). Furthermore, as described above, during liquid temperature control, the control unit 10 updates the set temperature of the heater 50 at predetermined intervals so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement target in the measurement unit 60 reaches the target temperature. However, after the pump 49 is stopped, it is desirable to set the set temperature immediately before the pump 49 is stopped as the initial set temperature of the heater 50 during the temperature control.

[0067] When the pump 49 is driven from a pump stopped state in which such machine temperature control is performed, as shown in Fig. 5, after a period in which a dummy liquid is introduced into the measurement unit 60 (a period from when the pump is started until the influence of air cooling decreases), the control is switched from air temperature control (machine temperature control) to liquid temperature control, and measurement of the liquid containing the measurement object begins in the measurement unit 60. In this embodiment, in the period in which the dummy liquid is introduced into the measurement unit 60, the dummy liquid is introduced into the measurement unit 60 through the heating unit 50, while in the liquid temperature control period, a liquid containing the measurement object is introduced into the measurement unit 60 instead of the dummy liquid.

[0068] Thereafter, when pump 49 is stopped, the control switches back to machine temperature control. When pump 49 is then driven again, the control switches from machine temperature control to liquid temperature control, as before, via the section where dummy liquid is introduced into measurement unit 60, and measurement of the liquid containing the measurement object begins in measurement unit 60. Thereafter, when pump 49 is stopped, the control switches back to machine temperature control. Note that by continuing to introduce dummy liquid into the measurement unit for a certain period of time even after switching to liquid temperature control, it is possible to further improve the accuracy with which the liquid containing the measurement object in measurement unit 60 reaches the target temperature.

[0069] As described above, according to the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment, rather than controlling the temperature of the heating unit 50 in response to the outside air temperature, liquid temperature control is performed in which the temperature of the heating unit 50 is controlled so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 reaches a target temperature based on the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit 60 and the temperature of the liquid required for measurement in the heating unit 50. Therefore, even if there are differences in the insulation properties of the apparatus between machines, the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured can be accurately controlled to the target temperature in the measurement unit 60 without having to make adjustments for each machine.

[0070] Furthermore, in this liquid temperature control, the present embodiment takes into account the temperature drop that occurs when the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured flow from the heating section 50 through the connecting flow path 40 to the measuring section 60. Therefore, even if the heating section 50 and the measuring section 60 are spatially separated by such a distance that the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured that has been heated in the heating section 50 drops (cools) before reaching the measuring section 60 (corresponding to the case of this embodiment), the liquid containing the object to be measured can be accurately set to the desired temperature in the measuring section 60.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the present invention, the configurations of the heating unit, measurement unit, etc. are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the flow of the temperature control cycle (switching timing) of the temperature control system 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the selection conditions for the measurement unit introduction section for the dummy liquid in Figure 5 can be set in various ways.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit fluctuates over a predetermined period, the control unit considers the difference between the average value (moving average) of the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit that fluctuates over one predetermined period of this fluctuation and the average value (moving average) of the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the heating unit that fluctuates over that one period and a predetermined period in the past immediately following that period as a temperature decrease associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured over that one predetermined period. However, the calculation period for the moving average in the heating unit may be a predetermined period in the past that may or may not include the one period. In liquid temperature control, the control unit may control the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit by considering the difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit and the temperature of the liquid necessary for measurement in the heating unit (temperature adjustment unit) at a previous time point as a temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the moving average and dummy cycle of the temperatures of the adjustment unit 50 and the measurement unit are exemplified by an example in which one unit is "one predetermined period (one cycle)," but the present invention is not limited to this, and the units of the moving average period, dummy cycle, etc. can be freely determined. Furthermore, some or all of the above-described embodiments may be combined, or part of the configuration may be omitted from one of the above-described embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Temperature control system 10 Control Unit 40 Connecting Channel 50 Heating section (temperature adjustment section) 60 Measuring part 30,46 Temperature sensor (temperature detection part) 49 Pump 99 Inlet nozzle

Claims

1. A temperature control system for an automatic analyzer that processes and measures samples to obtain measurement information regarding predetermined analysis items, a temperature adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature of the liquid required for the measurement to a desired temperature; a measurement unit for obtaining measurement information relating to a predetermined analysis item of a liquid containing a measurement target, the measurement target being added to the liquid necessary for the measurement whose liquid temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit; a connecting flow path connecting the temperature adjusting unit and the measuring unit; a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the liquid required for the measurement of the temperature adjustment unit and the liquid containing the measurement object of the measurement unit; a control unit that receives the detected temperature from the temperature detection unit, and calculates a temperature change that accompanies the flow of the liquid necessary for the measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured from the temperature adjustment unit through the connecting flow path to the measurement unit based on the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit and the temperature of the liquid necessary for the measurement in the temperature adjustment unit, and performs liquid temperature control that controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit based on the target temperature and the temperature change so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit becomes a target temperature; A temperature control system for an automatic analyzer, comprising:

2. In the liquid temperature control, the control unit controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit by regarding a temperature difference between the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit and the temperature at a past time when the liquid necessary for the measurement passed through the temperature adjustment unit or a temperature during a period including this time as the temperature change caused by the flow of the liquid necessary for the measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object.

2. The temperature control system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1.

3. In the liquid temperature control, when the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit fluctuates at a predetermined cycle, the control unit controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit by regarding the difference between the average value of the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit, which fluctuates over the predetermined period, for one period, and the average value of the temperature of the liquid necessary for the measurement in the temperature adjustment unit, which fluctuates over a predetermined past period that may or may not include the period of one period, as the temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for the measurement and the liquid containing the measurement object over the predetermined period.

3. The temperature control system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The temperature control system of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit updates the temperature change associated with the flow of the liquid necessary for the measurement and the liquid containing the object to be measured at predetermined time intervals, and based on the update result, determines the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the liquid containing the object to be measured in the measurement unit becomes a target temperature.

5. 5. The temperature control system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein, after a pump that supplies the liquid required for the measurement to the measurement unit via the temperature adjustment unit is stopped, the control unit performs machine temperature control to control the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit to a predetermined temperature based on the internal temperature of the automatic analyzer.

6. The temperature control system of an automatic analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, during the liquid temperature control, the control unit updates the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit at predetermined time intervals so that the temperature of the liquid containing the measurement object in the measurement unit becomes a target temperature, and after the pump is stopped, the set temperature immediately before the pump is stopped is set as the initial value of the set temperature of the temperature adjustment unit during the machine temperature control.

7. 7. The temperature control system of an automatic analyzer according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that after the pump is driven and before the measurement unit measures the liquid containing the object to be measured, a dummy liquid is flowed from the temperature adjustment unit to the measurement unit for a predetermined period of time instead of the liquid containing the object to be measured, and then the liquid temperature control is performed.

8. The temperature control system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that the predetermined period of adjustment using the dummy liquid is related to the temperature inside the automatic analyzer and the time from when the pump stops to when the pump starts operating again.

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