Electrolyte analyzer, and method for determining abnormalities in an electrolyte analyzer.

Abstract

To provide an electrolyte analyzer capable of detecting an installation error of an ion selection electrode, and installation abnormality detection method thereof.SOLUTION: The electrolyte analyzer includes: an electrode with a hole through which a sample is delivered; a flow path connected to the hole of the electrode for delivery of the sample to the electrode and / or ejecting the sample from the electrode; and a control unit. The electrolyte analyzer for measuring the ion concentration of the sample delivered to the electrode includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates ultrasound or light so that it passes through the flow path; and a detection unit that detects ultrasound or light that passes through the flow path. The control unit determines if the electrode is installed correctly based on the data detected by the detector after the electrode is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyte analyzer for analyzing electrolyte components in a sample and a method for determining an abnormality thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An electrolyte analyzer is a device that analyzes electrolyte components such as sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. contained in samples (biological samples) such as blood and urine. Many electrolyte analyzers are configured to measure the potential difference between an ion-selective electrode (ISE: Ion Selective Electrode) that generates a potential corresponding to the concentration of a specific ion and a reference electrode that generates a reference potential. Based on the detected potential difference, the concentration of the electrolyte component in the sample is measured. In currently manufactured and sold electrolyte analyzers, in order to measure a plurality of electrolyte components from the same sample, it is common for each electrode that detects each electrolyte component to be integrally connected (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In an electrolyte analyzer, when connecting electrodes to each other, it is necessary to prevent displacement of holes as much as possible. However, in conventional electrolyte analyzers, it is difficult to completely eliminate the displacement of holes between a plurality of electrodes. Therefore, there is a need for an electrolyte analyzer that can easily detect displacement of holes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an electrolyte analyzer capable of determining an abnormal attachment of an ion-selective electrode and an abnormality determination method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is characterized by comprising: an electrode having a hole through which a sample is delivered; a flow path connected to the hole of the electrode for delivering a sample to the electrode and / or discharging a sample from the electrode; an irradiation unit for irradiating ultrasonic waves or light passing through the flow path; a detection unit for detecting ultrasonic waves or light passing through the flow path; and a determination unit for determining an abnormality in the installation of the electrode according to the detection output of the detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrolyte analyzer capable of determining abnormalities in the installation of ion-selective electrodes, and a method for determining such abnormalities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of an ion-selective electrode ISE provided in the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of this embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of an ion-selective electrode ISE provided in the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of this embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a perspective view showing an example of the coupling structure of the ion-selective electrode ISE provided in the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of this embodiment. [Figure 1D] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the abnormality detection mechanism of the electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the abnormality detection mechanism of the electrolyte analyzer in the first modified embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the abnormality detection mechanism of an electrolyte analyzer in a second modified embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for determining installation abnormalities in the electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen (screen example 1) that notifies that the electrodes have been installed correctly. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen (screen example 2) that notifies of an electrode mounting abnormality and blockage of the electrode flow path. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen (screen example 3) that notifies of an electrode mounting abnormality and the direction of electrode misalignment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen (screen example 4) that detects an abnormality in electrode mounting and notifies the user of electrode misalignment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen (screen example 5) that detects an electrode mounting abnormality and notifies the user to replace the electrode. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a method for detecting abnormalities based on the intensity of emitted light when light is irradiated (Screen Example 6). [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an abnormal decrease in the area of ​​the emitted light image when light is irradiated. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a method for determining the direction of electrode displacement based on the shape of the emitted light image when light is irradiated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same number. The attached drawings show embodiments and implementation examples in accordance with the principles of this disclosure, but they are for the purpose of understanding this disclosure and are not to be used in any way to restrict the interpretation of this disclosure. The descriptions in this specification are merely typical examples and do not limit the claims or applications of this disclosure in any way.

[0010] While this embodiment is described in sufficient detail for those skilled in the art to implement the disclosure, it is important to understand that other implementations and forms are possible, and that the configuration and structure can be modified and various elements replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be construed as limiting to this.

[0011] Hereinafter, the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1D. First, with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, a configuration example of an ion-selective electrode ISE used in the electrolyte analyzer will be described. FIGS. 1A and 1B show a structural example of a single ion-selective electrode ISE for measuring one type of ion concentration, and FIG. 1C shows an example of the structure of a state (ion-selective electrode group ISEG) in which a plurality (the illustrated example is three) of single ion-selective electrodes ISE are connected. FIG. 1D shows the overall configuration of the electrolyte analyzer 1000 of the present embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the ion-selective electrode ISE of the present embodiment includes an electrode body 8 and has a hole 1 that penetrates the electrode body 8 and serves as a measurement flow path. A response membrane (not shown) serving as a detection unit is provided in the hole 1. The silver wire 4 is connected to a voltmeter not shown in FIG. 1. Further, on the surface of the electrode body 8, there may be concavo-convex portions such as connection convex portions 2, connection convex portions 3, connection concave portions 5, connection concave portions 6, etc. for meshing the electrodes with each other during connection in order to connect a plurality of ion-selective electrodes ISE to each other. These concavo-convex portions are one means for electrode connection and are not limited thereto. As the ion-selective electrode ISE, for example, a flow cell type ion-selective electrode can be used. The number of ion-selective electrodes ISE connected in one device can be changed according to the number of ion species to be measured. Further, the ion-selective electrode ISE can be applied to all ion species. The ion-selective electrode ISE generates a potential corresponding to the ion concentration in a sample (specimen).

[0013] As shown in Figure 1C, when multiple ion-selective electrodes ISE having the same hole 1 are connected, an ion-selective electrode group ISEG is formed as a group of multiple connected ion-selective electrodes ISE. The multiple holes 1 connected within the ion-selective electrode group ISEG form a single measurement channel 7. A sample is delivered from one end of this measurement channel 7 and discharged from the other end, thereby performing component analysis at each ion-selective electrode ISE. The analytical instrument may also be equipped with a function to detect abnormalities such as bubbles in the channel, liquid vibrations, and electrical noise in the measurement system.

[0014] In such ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), it is possible for the previously analyzed component to remain in the ISE (carryover). For example, when measuring a low-concentration sample after a high-concentration sample, if some of the high-concentration sample remains in the measurement channel 7, the low-concentration sample will be detected at a higher concentration than its actual concentration when measured next, potentially leading to a decrease in measurement accuracy.

[0015] One way to reduce the effects of carryover is to ensure that the electrodes are properly mounted and that there is no misalignment between the flow paths of each electrode during measurement. This is because misalignment at the connection points of the electrodes can cause sample solution to remain in the gaps between the flow paths of the electrodes, potentially leading to carryover.

[0016] When connecting multiple ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), it is possible to design the structure, such as the uneven surface in the electrode structure shown in Figure 1, to minimize misalignment of the holes 1. However, considering dimensional tolerances during manufacturing and ease of removal, it is difficult to completely eliminate hole misalignment when the electrodes are attached. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to detect electrode mounting abnormalities at the same time as connecting the ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). From this perspective, this embodiment proposes a structure that can easily detect electrode mounting abnormalities.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1D, the electrolyte analyzer 1000 comprises an electrolyte analysis unit 200, a voltmeter 202, an amplifier 203, and a control unit 204. The electrolyte analysis unit 200 is equipped with an ion-selective electrode group ISEG and a reference electrode RE, and also includes a mounting abnormality detection unit 201 for detecting an abnormality in the electrode mounting of the ion-selective electrode group ISEG.

[0018] The electrolyte analysis unit 200 includes an ion-selective electrode group ISEG, a reference electrode RE, and a mounting abnormality detection unit 201, as well as various nozzles, a tank for containing reference electrode solution / internal standard solution / diluent / sample solution / waste liquid, etc., a pump, a valve mechanism, etc. (not shown in the figure).

[0019] The potential difference (electromotive force) between the reference electrode RE and each ion-selective electrode ISE changes depending on the concentration of the target ion in the sample introduced into the channel 7 of the ion-selective electrode ISE. The voltmeter 202 outputs a detection signal corresponding to this electromotive force, and this detection signal is amplified by an amplifier and then output to the control unit 204.

[0020] The control unit 204 (determination unit) controls the entire electrolyte analyzer 1000 and performs various calculation and determination processes. Specifically, the control unit 204 controls the drive of each component of the electrolyte analysis unit 1, makes determinations and processes information based on the detection results of the mounting abnormality detection unit 201, and controls the display on the display unit (not shown).

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, the details of the configuration of the mounting abnormality detection unit 201 will be explained. As an example, the mounting abnormality detection unit 201 in Figure 2 includes a flow path forming unit 205, an irradiation unit 206, a detection unit 207, and transparent plates 208 and 209.

[0022] The channel forming section 205 is a housing that constitutes a channel connected to the channel 7 of the ion selective electrode group ISEG, and as an example, it includes a channel 210 bent in the shape of a keyhole (crank shape) inside. The channel forming section 205 has a first channel forming section on one side of the ion selective electrode group ISEG and a second channel forming section on the other side, sandwiching the ion selective electrode group ISEG between the first and second channel forming sections, and the entrance and exit of the channel 7 are arranged to coincide with the channel 210. The irradiation section 206 irradiates the bent portion of the channel 210 with ultrasonic waves or light through a transparent glass or acrylic plate 208 to determine the mounting state of the electrodes. The ultrasonic waves or light irradiated from the irradiation section 206 are arranged to pass through the channel 210 and be emitted from the opposite bent portion through a transparent plate 209. If the irradiation section 206 is a light-emitting device, it may be a laser light source that emits laser light, an LED, a halogen lamp, etc. Furthermore, if the irradiation unit 206 emits ultrasonic waves, the irradiation unit 206 may be an ultrasonic generator.

[0023] The detection unit 207 is irradiated with ultrasound or light via a transparent plate 209 installed on the opposite side of the irradiation unit 206, across the key-shaped channel 210 of the channel forming unit 205, and detects the amount of ultrasound or light. Ultrasound and light can be transmitted through both air and liquid. In the case of light, detection signals such as the intensity, wavelength, image area, and shape of the emitted light are obtained in the detection unit 207. Ultrasound can detect the boundaries of a medium due to its propagation speed, which depends on the medium. The irradiation unit 206 may irradiate either ultrasound or light, or both. Ultrasound has a wider directivity than light, and light is superior in detecting hole displacement, but detection by ultrasound is possible even when the channel hole is filled with a liquid that does not transmit the wavelength of the irradiated light.

[0024] The detection signal from the detection unit 207 is transmitted to the control unit 204, and the control unit 204 analyzes it, thereby detecting any mounting abnormalities in the ion-selective electrode group ISEG. In this example, the irradiation unit 206 is installed on one end of the flow path 210 at both ends of the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, and the detection unit 207 is installed on the other end.

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, another example of the configuration of the mounting abnormality detection unit 201 will be explained. The same reference numerals are used in Figure 3 for the same components as in Figure 2, so redundant explanations will be omitted. In the example in Figure 2, the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207 are arranged opposite each other with the flow path forming unit 205 in between, and the detection unit 207 detects the light that passes through the flow path forming unit 205 (transmissive type). In contrast, the example in Figure 3 employs a method in which ultrasonic waves or light irradiated from the irradiation unit 206 from one side of the flow path forming unit 205 are reflected on the other side and detected by the detection unit 207' which is located on the same side as the irradiation unit 206 (reflective type).

[0026] The example in Figure 3 allows the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207' to be located on the same side, thus reducing the installation space compared to the example in Figure 2. In actual electrolyte measuring devices, some have a structure in which a liquid delivery mechanism for delivering the sample is located on one side of the ion-selective electrode group ISEG. In such a structure, it is desirable to install the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207' together on one side of the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, and to secure space on the other side of the flow path for other mechanisms. The example configuration in Figure 3 is suitable for such a structure.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 3, the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207' are installed on only one side of the flow path forming unit 205. A reflector 211 is formed on the other side of the flow path forming unit 205. As a result, the ultrasonic waves or light emitted from the irradiation unit 206 and passing through the flow path 210 are reflected by the reflector 211 and pass through the flow path 210 again to reach the detection unit 207'. Note that the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207' may be separate elements, but to make the installation space more compact, they may be a photoelectric sensor or ultrasonic sensor in which the light source (or ultrasonic source) and detection sensor are integrated.

[0028] If the irradiation unit 206 employs a structure that uses light to reflect the reflected light back to the same position as the light source, the aforementioned integrated photoelectric sensor may have difficulty with accurate detection because the positions of the light source and the detection unit are slightly different. As an improved configuration, we can propose the example configuration shown in Figure 4.

[0029] In Figure 4, the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207'' are composed of separate elements and are positioned at different locations. Here, the irradiation unit 206 is a light source (such as a laser light source), and a half-mirror 213 is installed between the irradiation unit 206 and the transparent plate 208 to transmit the irradiated light and reflect the optical path of the reflected light in the direction of the detection unit 207''. With this structure, the irradiation unit 206 and the detection unit 207'' can be installed on only one side of the flow path, and the reflected light can be accurately received.

[0030] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 5, the procedure for determining abnormalities in the electrode mounting state by the mounting abnormality detection unit 201 will be explained. In this example, it is assumed that the structure in Figure 2 is adopted and that the irradiation signal from the irradiation unit 206 is light. First, in step S501, before attaching the ion-selective electrode group ISEG to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 206 and received by the detection unit 207, and the detected light amount is recorded as a reference value. Based on this reference value, thresholds Th1 and Th2 are set. Here, threshold Th1 is a threshold for determining whether there is a significant misalignment of the pores of adjacent ion-selective electrodes ISE, and threshold Th2 is a threshold for determining whether the pores of adjacent ion-selective electrodes ISE are blocked, and Th2< <Th1である。

[0031] In the following step S502, the ion-selective electrode group ISEG is attached to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, and light is shone from the irradiation unit 206 onto the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, and the detection unit 207 measures the amount of detected light. Then, the control unit 204 determines whether the signal amount of the detection signal is less than the threshold Th1 according to the detected light measured by the detection unit 207. If yes, the process proceeds to step S504; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, it is determined that the ion-selective electrode group ISEG is properly attached and no misalignment has occurred, and a display to that effect (see, for example, Figure 6) is shown on a display device (not shown).

[0032] On the other hand, in step S504, it is determined whether the number of times the ion-selective electrode group ISEG has been attached to the electrolyte analysis unit 200 is less than N. If the answer is Yes, the process proceeds to step S505; if the answer is No (N times or more), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0033] The value of N can be set to, for example, 3 to 5. As will be described later, in response to the error display, the operator reassembles the ion-selective electrode group ISEG and reattaches it to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, but step S504 sets an upper limit on the number of times this can be done. That is, if the detection unit 207 detects a detection signal above a predetermined value even after repeating the attachment of the ion-selective electrode group ISEG N or more times, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the problem is not due to a defect in the attachment work, but rather a structural problem with the ion-selective electrode group ISEG itself, and therefore step S504 is provided. The number of times the ion-selective electrode group ISEG has been attached may be detected / counted by, for example, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, etc. attached to the attachment abnormality detection unit 201, or by the detection voltage of a voltmeter 202 connected to the ion-selective electrode ISEG.

[0034] In step S505, it is determined whether the detection signal from the detection unit 207 is equal to or greater than the threshold Th2. If yes, proceed to step S507. If no, proceed to step S506.

[0035] In step S506, Alarm 1 is issued. Alarm 1 indicates that the detection signal is less than Th2 and the channel 7 is blocked or partially blocked. As shown in the example screen in Figure 7, a display device (not shown) may display a message indicating that the electrode channel is blocked and prompting the user to check the installation status. The user can resume the installation work, keeping in mind that there is a misalignment between the multiple ion-selective electrodes ISE and that the channel 7 is blocked. Once the installation work is completed again, step S502 is executed again to measure the emitted light again, and the above procedure is repeated.

[0036] In step S507, it is determined whether the direction of the misalignment between multiple ion-selective electrode groups ISE within the ion-selective electrode group ISEG can be determined. If it can be determined (Yes), the process proceeds to step S508; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S509.

[0037] If the process reaches step S507, it means that the holes 1 of the ion-selective electrodes ISE in the ion-selective electrode group ISEG are not misaligned to the point of blocking, but a misalignment exceeding a predetermined amount has occurred, indicating that the mounting is not in a normal state. Step S507 analyzes the light reception state of the detection unit 207 to determine whether it is possible to detect the direction of the misalignment of the ion-selective electrodes ISE, and if so, calculates the direction of the misalignment. The specific method for determining whether or not the determination is possible will be described later.

[0038] If it is determined in step S507 that the direction of misalignment of the ion-selective electrode ISE within the ion-selective electrode ISEG can be determined (Yes), the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, a screen as shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display device to notify the user that there is misalignment in the mounting of the ion-selective electrode ISE, and the direction of the misalignment is indicated by an arrow 50. Following the arrow indication, the user can reassemble the ion-selective electrode group ISEG while being aware of the direction of misalignment of the ion-selective electrode ISE, and then reassemble it into the electrolyte analysis unit 200.

[0039] If, in step S507, it is determined that the direction of misalignment of the ion-selective electrode ISE within the ion-selective electrode ISEG cannot be determined (No), the process proceeds to step S509, and a screen as shown in Figure 9 is displayed on the display device. The example screen in Figure 9 notifies the user that there is misalignment in the mounting of the ion-selective electrode ISE, but does not display the direction of the misalignment. The user is notified that there is misalignment in the connected ion-selective electrode ISE and can then perform the mounting work again by looking at the ion-selective electrode group to eliminate the misalignment.

[0040] In both step S508 and step S509, after reattaching the electrodes, the process returns to step S502, and the emitted light is measured again. At this time, a determination is made again as to whether the detection signal is outside the predetermined range. If the result of the re-determination is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the electrodes in step S503 have been properly attached, and a notification can be made as shown in the example screen 1 of Figure 6.

[0041] If the detection unit 207 still cannot obtain the predetermined signal after reinstallation, the above procedure is repeated, and when the number of times the electrodes have been installed reaches N, the process moves to step S510. In step S510, for example, the screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed, prompting the user to replace the electrodes with new ones because the electrode misalignment cannot be corrected.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 11, a specific determination method for the mounting abnormality detection unit 201 will be described. Here, as an example, the irradiation unit 206 irradiates light emitted from an LED, halogen lamp, laser light source, etc., and the detection unit 207 determines the amount and direction of the misalignment of the ion selective electrode ISE by determining the light reception state using a CCD image sensor, photodiode, or photodiode array. Laser light sources are preferred due to their high directivity, but even when using LEDs or halogen lamps, sufficient directivity can be obtained by using a focusing optical system such as a lens.

[0043] Even when using a single photodiode as the detection unit, the presence or absence of misalignment between ion-selective electrodes ISE can be determined by the magnitude of the light intensity. Furthermore, by using a photodiode array or a CCD image sensor as the detection unit, it becomes possible to detect not only the presence or absence of misalignment between ion-selective electrodes ISE, but also the direction of that misalignment.

[0044] After assembling the ion-selective electrodes ISE to form the ion-selective electrode group ISECG, if there is a misalignment between the ion-selective electrodes ISE, light irradiated from the irradiation unit 206 will strike a portion of the ion-selective electrode group ISECG. Since the light striking the ion-selective electrode group ISECG is reflected, absorbed, or scattered, the intensity of the light reaching the detection unit 207 (received light intensity) will be lower compared to when the ion-selective electrodes ISE are properly installed without misalignment. Therefore, as explained in the flowchart of Figure 5, the signal intensity of the detection signal before attaching the ion-selective electrode group ISECG to the electrolyte analysis unit 200 can be used as a reference value, and the thresholds Th1 and Th2 described above can be set based on this reference value. If a large light intensity is detected by the detection unit 207 and a detection signal of threshold Th1 or higher is obtained, it can be determined that the ion-selective electrodes ISE are properly installed (see Figure 11). On the other hand, if only a detection signal below threshold Th1 is obtained, it is determined that the installation of the ion-selective electrodes ISE is abnormal (misaligned or blocked). Furthermore, if only detection signals below the threshold Th2 are obtained, it is possible to determine that the ion-selective electrode ISE is significantly misaligned and that the channel 7 is blocked or nearly blocked.

[0045] Referring to Figure 12, a method for detecting the amount and direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE according to the position and area of ​​the light irradiation region on the detection surface of the detection unit 207 will be explained.

[0046] If a detector capable of detecting the area of ​​the light irradiation region (e.g., a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc.) is used in the detection unit 207, the amount and direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE can be detected based on the position and size of the irradiation region. In the case of a method that detects the amount and direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE based on the area and size of the irradiation region, the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 206 does not need to be highly directional, and may be a low-coherent light source such as an LED or halogen lamp, in addition to a laser.

[0047] If it is difficult for the detection unit 207 to directly detect the area of ​​the irradiated region, it is also possible to capture an image of the irradiated region on a screen or the like (not shown) using a CCD image sensor, and calculate the amount and direction of displacement according to the position and area of ​​the irradiated region.

[0048] This will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 12. First, light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 206 with the ion-selective electrode group ISEG before it is attached to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, and the area of ​​the reference irradiation region Amm² is determined. 2 This will be determined and used as the reference value mentioned above.

[0049] After attaching the ion-selective electrode group ISEG to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, light is irradiated again from the irradiation unit 206 to calculate the area of ​​the irradiation region on the detection surface of the detection unit 207. At this time, if there is no misalignment of the ion-selective electrodes ISE included in the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, the area of ​​the irradiation region is A mm 2 It remains as it is.

[0050] However, if there is a misalignment between the ion-selective electrodes ISE in the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, a misalignment will also occur in the light irradiation area, and a portion of the irradiation area 102 will be outside the detection surface, resulting in an irradiation area of ​​Bmm on the detection surface. 2 It decreases to this extent. If this area ratio (B / A) falls below a predetermined first threshold, it can be determined that an installation abnormality has occurred.

[0051] If the displacement between the ion-selective electrodes ISE increases further, and becomes large enough to block the flow path 7, the area of ​​the irradiation region 103 will decrease further, for example, to an area of ​​bmm². 2 This value is close to 0. When this area ratio b / A falls below a predetermined second threshold, it can be determined that the flow path 7 is blocked. Note that in the case of calculating the amount of displacement due to the irradiation area, it is sufficient if the area can be calculated, so the area can be calculated even if the light intensity in the irradiation area is weak or saturated. Furthermore, although the above describes the method for calculating the amount of displacement due to the irradiation area, it is also possible to calculate the direction of the displacement by determining the position of the irradiation area.

[0052] Referring to Figure 13, another method for calculating the direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE is described. The method shown in Figure 13 detects the direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE by analyzing the shape of the irradiation area.

[0053] First, light is shone from the irradiation unit 206 onto the ion-selective electrode group ISEG before it is attached to the electrolyte analysis unit 200 to determine the shape of the reference irradiation area. The shape of the reference irradiation area is, for example, a perfect circle 150 as shown in Figure 13.

[0054] After attaching the ion-selective electrode group ISEG to the electrolyte analysis unit 200, light is irradiated again from the irradiation unit 206 to analyze the shape of the irradiation area on the detection surface of the detection unit 207. If a misalignment occurs between the ion-selective electrodes ISE in the ion-selective electrode group ISEG, the shape of the irradiation area will also change, and by analyzing the amount of this change, the direction of the misalignment can be determined. For example, the shape of the irradiation area changes from a normal circular shape 150 to an elliptical shape 151.

[0055] The intersection points 152 and 153 of the circular shape 150 and the elliptical shape 151 are detected, the midpoint 155 of the line segment 154 connecting these two intersection points is identified, and a perpendicular line 156 passing through this midpoint is identified. The direction of this perpendicular line 156 approximately coincides with the direction of displacement of the ion-selective electrode ISE. This perpendicular line 156 points toward the arc 157 which does not change even with the elliptical shape 151 relative to the circular shape 150 before installation, and it can be determined that the ion-selective electrode ISE is displaced in the direction of this perpendicular line 156.

[0056] If a single ion-selective electrode group ISEG contains three or more ion-selective electrodes ISE, the direction of displacement of the multiple ion-selective electrodes ISE may not be unidirectional but in multiple directions. In this case, three or more intersection points will occur, as shown in Figure 13. Even if there are only two intersection points, the position of arc 157 will deviate from the position of the perfect circle 150. In such cases, it is possible to estimate the direction of displacement based, for example, on the relationship between the original position of arc 157 and the position of arc 157 after the movement.

[0057] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1…Hole, 2, 3…Connecting protrusions, 4…Silver wire, 5, 6…Connecting recesses, 7…Flow channel, 8…Electrode body, 102, 103…Irradiation area, 200…Electrolyte analysis unit, 201…Mounting abnormality detection unit, 202…Voltmeter, 203…Amplifier, 204…Control unit, 205…Flow channel forming unit, 206…Irradiation unit, 207, 207', 207''…Detection unit, 208, 209…Transparent plate, 210…Measurement flow channel, 211…Reflector, 213…Half mirror, 1000…Electrolyte analyzer, ISE…Ion selective electrode, ISEG…Ion selective electrode group RE…Reference electrode

Claims

1. An electrode group comprising multiple electrodes having holes through which a sample is delivered, A channel connected to the hole in the electrode for supplying the sample to the electrode and / or for discharging the sample from the electrode, An irradiation unit that irradiates ultrasonic waves or light passing through the aforementioned flow path, A detection unit for detecting ultrasonic waves or light that have passed through the aforementioned flow path, A determination unit determines an abnormality in the mounting of the electrode group according to the detection output of the detection unit. An electrolyte analyzer characterized by having the following features.

2. The electrolyte analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is located at one end of the flow path and the detection unit is located at the other end of the flow path.

3. The electrolyte analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit and the detection unit are arranged on the same side of one end of the flow path, and the other end of the flow path has a reflector that reflects ultrasonic waves or light that have passed through the flow path.

4. The irradiation unit irradiates light, The electrolyte analyzer according to claim 3, wherein a half-mirror is provided between the irradiation unit and the detection unit, which are located on the same side of one end of the flow path, and one end of the flow path.

5. The electrolyte analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines an abnormality in the mounting of the electrode group based on the intensity of ultrasonic waves or light detected by the detection unit.

6. The electrolyte analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines an abnormality in the mounting of the electrode group based on the irradiation area of ​​ultrasonic waves or light detected by the detection unit.

7. The electrolyte analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines the direction of displacement of the plurality of electrodes based on the shape of the ultrasonic or light irradiation position detected by the detection unit.

8. The electrolyte analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the irradiation unit has a laser light source and the detection unit has an image sensor.

9. The electrolyte analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the number of times the electrodes have been attached has exceeded a predetermined threshold based on notification of an abnormal attachment of the electrode group, and prompts the user to replace the electrode group via the display unit.

10. The steps include connecting a channel for supplying or discharging the sample to or from the electrodes to a hole formed in a plurality of electrodes that form an electrode group, through which the sample is supplied, The steps include irradiating the channel with ultrasound or light and detecting the ultrasound or light that has passed through the channel, A step of determining an abnormality in the mounting of the electrode group according to the results of the detection of the ultrasonic or light: A method for determining abnormalities in an electrolyte analyzer, characterized by comprising the following features.

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