Gear pump performance prediction system and gear pump performance prediction method for automatic analysis device

Abstract

This gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analysis device makes it possible to accurately predict the service life and replacement time of a gear pump of an automatic analysis device. The gear pump performance prediction system comprises: dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, 11, 12; a gear pump 41 that supplies washing water; a water supply pump 54; a first liquid delivery flow path 115 that delivers water from the water supply pump 54 to the gear pump 41; a second liquid delivery flow path 116 that delivers washing water from the water supply pump 54 to the dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, 11, 12; a pressure sensor 111 that measures the pressure values of the first liquid delivery flow path 115 and the second liquid delivery flow path 116; and a control unit 112 that adjusts the flow rate of the gear pump 41 by comparing an adjustment target pressure for the second liquid delivery flow path 116 and a measured pressure value 303. The state of the gear pump 41 is predicted by a gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 on the basis of a performance evaluation factor for the gear pump 41, and the state of the gear pump 41 predicted by the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 is output to a data output unit 131 that outputs the predicted state of the gear pump 41.

Description

Performance prediction system for the gear pump of an automatic analyzer and method for predicting the performance of a gear pump

[0001] The present invention relates to a performance prediction system for the gear pump of an automatic analyzer and a method for predicting the performance of a gear pump.

[0002] An automatic analyzer capable of automatically adjusting the gear pump pressure is described in Patent Document 1. This Patent Document 1 states that "the transition of the applied current (or voltage) is recorded, and based on the recorded transition, the life and recommended replacement time of the gear pump are predicted, and the recommended replacement time etc. are displayed on the display unit. Further, when the recommended replacement time is reached, the control unit causes the display unit etc. to display a message indicating that the gear pump needs to be replaced to the operator, or notifies the service engineer by communication that the pump needs to be replaced at the next maintenance."

[0003] WO18 / 055931

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes the prediction of the life and replacement time of the gear pump. However, the prediction of the life and replacement time described in Patent Document 1 is predicted from the transition of the current (or voltage), and it has been difficult to accurately predict the life and replacement time in an automatic analyzer in which pressure fluctuations occur due to various factors.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to realize a performance prediction system for a gear pump and a method for predicting the performance of a gear pump that accurately predict the life and replacement time of the gear pump of an automatic analyzer.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer comprising: a dispensing mechanism for dispensing liquid into a container; a gear pump for supplying cleaning water to the dispensing mechanism; a water supply pump for supplying cleaning water to the gear pump; a first liquid delivery channel for delivering liquid from the water supply pump to the gear pump; a second liquid delivery channel for delivering the cleaning water delivered from the water supply pump to the dispensing mechanism; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel; and a control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the gear pump based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor, further comprising: a database for acquiring performance evaluation factors of the gear pump during a predetermined automatic adjustment period; a gear pump performance evaluation unit for predicting the state of the gear pump based on the performance evaluation factors acquired by the database; and a data output unit for outputting the state of the gear pump predicted by the gear pump performance evaluation unit.

[0008] Furthermore, in a method for predicting the performance of a gear pump in an automatic analyzer, the method includes: a dispensing mechanism for dispensing liquid into a container; a gear pump for supplying cleaning water to the dispensing mechanism; a water supply pump for supplying cleaning water to the gear pump; a first liquid delivery channel for delivering liquid from the water supply pump to the gear pump; a second liquid delivery channel for delivering the cleaning water delivered from the water supply pump to the dispensing mechanism; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel; a control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the gear pump based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor; and a gear pump performance evaluation unit for predicting the state of the gear pump based on performance evaluation factors of the gear pump. The method involves acquiring the performance evaluation factors of the gear pump during a predetermined automatic adjustment period into a database, predicting the state of the gear pump based on the performance evaluation factors acquired from the database, and outputting the predicted state of the gear pump to a data output unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, a gear pump performance prediction system and a gear pump performance prediction method can be realized that accurately predict the lifespan and replacement timing of the gear pump of an automated analyzer.

[0010] This makes it possible to avoid situations where the gear pump of an automated analyzer suddenly malfunctions, rendering analysis impossible.

[0011] Furthermore, because the cause of the malfunction can be identified, it can contribute to reducing the maintenance time required by maintenance personnel.

[0012] Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the examples.

[0013] This figure shows a schematic overview of the overall configuration of the automated analyzer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This figure shows the configuration of the internal rinsing channels for the reagent probe and sample probe, and the configuration of the gear pump performance prediction system in the automated analyzer according to Embodiment 1. This is an example of a figure plotting the pressure information of the gear pump, water supply channel, and washing channel over time. This is an example of a figure showing the change in pressure of the gear pump over time. This is an example of a figure plotting the opening and closing degree information of the throttle section of the gear pump over time in Embodiment 2. This figure shows the configuration of the internal rinsing channel for the sample probe and the configuration of the gear pump performance prediction system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is an example of a figure plotting the rotation speed information of the gear pump over time. This is an example of a screen displayed on the data output unit of the present invention. This is an example of an alarm displayed on the operation screen of the automated analyzer according to the present invention.

[0014] An embodiment of the performance prediction system for the gear pump of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Example 1) Example 1 of the present invention will be described using Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automated analyzer 100 to which the present invention is applied.

[0016] The automated analyzer 100 shown in Figure 1 is divided into two parts: an analysis unit 101 that mixes a sample such as blood with a reagent and measures the absorbance of the reaction solution, and a water supply unit 102 that supplies pure water to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101.

[0017] The analysis unit 101 is a device that dispenses samples and reagents into multiple reaction vessels 2, reacts them, and measures the resulting liquid. It comprises a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, reagent syringes 18 and 19, sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12, sample syringes 20 and 21, a washing mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, a stirring mechanism 5 and 6, washing tanks 13, 14, 30, 31, 32 and 33, and a controller (not shown).

[0018] The reaction disk 1 has multiple reaction vessels 2 arranged around its circumference for mixing and reacting samples and reagents. Near the reaction disk 1 is a sample transport mechanism 17 that moves a sample rack 16 on which sample containers 15 containing samples such as blood are placed.

[0019] Between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17, there are rotatable and vertically movable sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12. Sample dispensing mechanism 11 is equipped with a sample probe (dispensing probe) 11a, and sample dispensing mechanism 12 is equipped with a sample probe 12a. Sample syringes 20 and 21 are connected to the sample probes 11a and 12a. The sample probes 11a and 12a move in an arc around their axis of rotation to dispense the sample from the sample container 15, which has been transported to the sample dispensing position by the sample transport mechanism 17, into the reaction vessel 2.

[0020] Within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 11, there is a washing tank 13 for washing the sample probe 11a with washing water and a washing container for washing it with special washing water. Within the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 12, there is a washing tank 14 for washing the sample probe 12a with washing water and a washing container for washing it with special washing water.

[0021] Multiple reagent bottles 10 can be placed circumferentially within the reagent disc 9. The reagent disc 9 is kept cool and covered by a cover with a suction port (not shown). The reagent bottles 10 are bottles containing reagents used for sample analysis.

[0022] Between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9 are rotatable and vertically movable reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, each equipped with reagent probes 7a and 8a. Reagent syringes 18 and 19 are connected to the reagent probes 7a and 8a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a move in an arc around their axis of rotation, accessing the inside of the reagent disk 9 through the suction port and dispensing reagents from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction vessel 2.

[0023] A washing tank 32 for washing the reagent probe 7a with washing water is located within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, and a washing tank 33 for washing the reagent probe 8a with washing water is located within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8.

[0024] Around the reaction disk 1 are stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 for stirring the mixture of sample and reagent (reaction solution) dispensed into the reaction vessel 2, a spectrophotometer 4 for measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source 4a through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 2, and a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 2.

[0025] The stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 are configured to rotate horizontally and move vertically, and are inserted into the reaction vessel 2 to stir the mixture of sample and reagent (reaction solution). Washing tanks 30 and 31 for washing the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 with washing water are located within the operating range of the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A water supply pump 54, which will be described later, is connected to the washing mechanism 3.

[0026] The controller (not shown) consists of a computer and other components, and controls the operation of each instrument and mechanism within the automatic analyzer 100, as well as performing calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample.

[0027] The water supply unit 102 has the function of supplying pure water to the analysis unit 101 and is equipped with a pure water system 50, a water supply solenoid valve 51, a water level sensor 52, a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, and a throttle 55.

[0028] The pure water system 50 is a system that supplies pure water from outside the automatic analyzer 100 to the water supply tank 53 inside the automatic analyzer 100. Furthermore, pure water is not supplied to the water supply tank 53 at all times, but only when necessary. To achieve this, a water supply solenoid valve 51 is provided in the piping from the pure water system 50 to the water supply tank 53.

[0029] The water supply tank 53 is equipped with a water level sensor 52 to prevent overflow or depletion of the pure water stored in the water supply tank 53. The water supply solenoid valve 51 is controlled to open and close based on the water level information from the water level sensor 52.

[0030] The water supply pump 54 supplies pure water from the water supply tank 53 to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101. If the pure water is not consumed in the analysis unit 101, the pump 54 circulates the pure water back to the water supply tank 53 through a second pipe equipped with a throttle 55.

[0031] The above describes the general configuration of the automated analyzer 100.

[0032] The analysis of the test sample by the automated analyzer 100 described above is generally performed in the following order.

[0033] First, the sample in the sample container 15, which is placed on the sample rack 16 that has been transported near the reaction disk 1 by the sample transport mechanism 17, is dispensed into the reaction vessel 2 on the reaction disk 1 by the sample probes 11a and 12a of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12. Next, the reagents to be used for analysis are dispensed from the reagent bottles 10 on the reagent disk 9 into the reaction vessel 2 into which the sample was previously dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8. Subsequently, the mixing mechanisms 5 and 6 are used to stir the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2.

[0034] Subsequently, light generated from the light source 4a passes through the reaction vessel 2 containing the stirred mixture, and the luminous intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The luminous intensity measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is transmitted to the controller via an A / D converter (not shown) and an interface (not shown). The controller then performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and displays the results on a display unit (not shown) or the like, and stores them in a storage unit (not shown).

[0035] Next, we will explain the points in which pure water is consumed within the automated analyzer 100. The main uses of pure water within the automated analyzer 100 are for keeping the reaction disk 1 warm, keeping the reagent disk 9 cool, and washing the reagent probes 7a and 8a, and the sample probes 11a and 12a.

[0036] In reaction disk 1 (reaction vessel), pure water kept at a constant temperature circulates to allow the sample and reagents to react at a constant temperature. This pure water is used to maintain a constant temperature in reaction vessel 2, allowing the sample and reagents to react.

[0037] As described above, since the reaction vessel 2 maintains its temperature with pure water, the light generated from the light source 4a will pass through not only the reaction vessel 2 but also the pure water flowing through the reaction tank.

[0038] If bubbles are present in a straight line connecting the light source 4a and the spectrophotometer 4, the light emitted from the light source 4a may be diffused by the bubbles, potentially leading to inaccurate analysis results.

[0039] Therefore, generally, a degassing device (not shown) is installed in the flow path that circulates through the reaction vessel to prevent the generation of bubbles inside the reaction vessel.

[0040] In reagent disk 9, to prevent the deterioration of the reagents, the inside of reagent disk 9 is kept at a low temperature by circulating pure water cooled by a condenser.

[0041] The reagent probes 7a and 8a and sample probes 11a and 12a used for aspirating and dispensing reagents and samples are not disposable, and therefore the same probes are used continuously. Because the same probe is used, if reagents or samples dispensed in the previous operation remain in the probe, the reagents and samples aspirated in the next operation may become contaminated, potentially leading to inaccurate analysis results.

[0042] Therefore, generally, the outer surface of the probe is cleaned by discharging cleaning water toward the outer surface of the probe in the cleaning tanks 13, 14, 31, 32, 33. Also, the inner surface of the probe is cleaned by discharging the cleaning water pressurized by a pump from the probe in the cleaning tanks 13, 14, 31, 32, 33. A gear pump 41 is often used to pressurize the cleaning water. It has been found that the pressure of this gear pump 41 decreases during long-term use. If the cleaning water becomes low in pressure, there is a risk that the sample or reagent may not be thoroughly cleaned and remain in the probe, increasing the risk of contamination.

[0043] As countermeasures for the current pressure drop, pressure monitoring by the operator, or periodic adjustment of the gear pump 41 by the service engineer and automatic pressure adjustment based on the gear pump pressure confirmation result before starting the analysis of the sample are carried out, and the discharge pressure is maintained by these methods. The periodic adjustment of the automatic analyzer 100 and the period before starting the analysis of the sample are defined as the timing of automatic adjustment (automatic adjustment period). The automatic adjustment is executed by the control unit 112.

[0044] The automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump before starting the analysis is carried out when the discharge pressure from the gear pump 41 is outside the threshold range, and the discharge pressure from the gear pump 41 is readjusted within the range of the target pressure value. The flow path configuration for performing the automatic gear pump pressure adjustment is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the internal cleaning flow path of the reagent probes 7a, 8a, the sample probes 11a, 12a, and the performance prediction system of the gear pump P14 in the automatic analyzer 100.

[0045] In FIG. 2, the flow paths for cleaning the reagent probes 7a, 8a, the sample probes 11a, 12a are composed of a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, a gear pump 41, a cleaning flow path 116 (second liquid supply flow path), a return flow path 114, a throttle portion (flow rate adjustment portion) 110, a pressure sensor 111, a branch pipe 113, solenoid valves 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, reagent probe pressure sensors (probe pressure sensors) 117, 118, sample probe pressure sensors (probe pressure sensors) 119, 120, and a control unit 112.

[0046] In the flow path shown in FIG. 2, the water supply pump 54 is a pump that supplies the cleaning water stored in the water supply tank 53 to the gear pump 41. The water supply pump 54 is connected in series with the gear pump 41 by a water supply flow path (first liquid supply flow path) 115. The gear pump 41 pressurizes the cleaning water supplied from the water supply pump 54 and discharges the cleaning water toward the reagent probes 7a, 8a, the sample probes 11a, 12a. The discharge pressure of the gear pump 41 needs to be about the same as or higher than the target pressure for adjusting the cleaning flow path 116 described later.

[0047] The cleaning flow path 116 is a flow path that sends the cleaning water discharged from the gear pump 41 to the reagent probes 7a, 8a, the sample probes 11a, 12a.

[0048] A pressure sensor 111 for measuring the discharge pressure of the water supply pump 54 when the gear pump 41 stops and the pressure of the cleaning flow path 116 when the gear pump 41 is operating is arranged in the cleaning flow path 116. In addition, the pressure sensor 111 is used together with reagent probe pressure sensors 117, 118 for detecting the discharge pressure of the reagent probes 7a, 8a and sample probe pressure sensors 119, 120 for detecting the discharge pressure of the sample probes 11a, 12a, so that the suction and discharge of the reagent by the reagent probes 7a, 8a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, 8 and the suction and discharge of the sample by the sample probes 11a, 12a of the sample dispensing mechanism 11, 12 can be confirmed whether they are operating normally.

[0049] The above-described cleaning flow path 116 has a branch pipe 113 arranged therein. The branch pipe 113 is provided for branching the flow path of the cleaning water to the reagent probes 7a, 8a, the sample probes 11a, 12a. In addition, a filter 113a for removing foreign substances that may be contained in the cleaning water is provided in the flow path of the branch pipe 113.

[0050] Solenoid valves 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a are respectively provided in the portion of the cleaning flow path 116 branched by the branch pipe 113 to control the flow of the cleaning water. By opening the solenoid valves 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, the cleaning water flows to the reagent probes 7a, 8a or the sample probes 11a, 12a, and cleaning is performed.

[0051] Furthermore, a return passage 114 is arranged in parallel with the gear pump 41 in the cleaning passage 116, connecting the discharge port side and the suction port side of the gear pump 41. This return passage 114 is equipped with a throttle section (flow rate adjustment section) 110 whose opening and closing degree can be adjusted in order to regulate the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the return passage 114. The opening and closing degree of the throttle section 110 is adjusted by a control unit 112, which will be described later.

[0052] The control unit 112 is located within the controller and adjusts the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the return channel 114 by changing the degree of opening and closing of the throttling section 110 according to the pressure value of the cleaning channel 116 measured by the pressure sensor 111.

[0053] To explain the adjustment of the degree of opening and closing in more detail, the control unit 112 compares the adjustment target pressure of the cleaning passage 116 with the pressure value of the cleaning passage 116 measured by the pressure sensor 111. If the pressure of the cleaning passage 116 is higher than the adjustment target pressure, the control unit 110 is adjusted to open. As a result, the amount of cleaning water discharged from the gear pump 41 that flows through the return passage 114 to the intake side of the gear pump 41 increases, while the amount that flows to the branch pipe 113 side decreases, causing pressure to escape, and thus the cleaning passage 116 is adjusted to the low-pressure side.

[0054] Conversely, if the pressure in the cleaning passage 116 is lower than the adjustment target pressure, the throttling section 110 is adjusted to close. As a result, the amount of cleaning water discharged from the gear pump 41 that flows through the return passage 114 to the intake side of the gear pump 41 decreases, while the amount that flows to the branch pipe 113 side increases, preventing pressure from escaping, and thus the cleaning passage 116 is adjusted to the high-pressure side.

[0055] Furthermore, proportional solenoid valves are often used in the throttling section 110. This is because proportional solenoid valves allow for flexible adjustment of the degree of opening and closing of the flow path by the applied current or voltage.

[0056] The information related to the automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41 described above is collected from the control unit 112 to an external database 130. Based on the information collected in the external database 130, the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 predicts the lifespan of the gear pump 41 and outputs the prediction result to the data output unit 131. The data output unit 131 displays the lifespan prediction result of the gear pump 41. The service engineer plans the maintenance of the gear pump 41 based on the lifespan prediction result of the gear pump 41 displayed on the data output unit 131.

[0057] A specific method for predicting the lifespan of the gear pump 41 will be explained using Figures 3 and 4.

[0058] Figure 3 is an example of a plot of pressure information obtained as a result of checking the pressure of the gear pump 41 during automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41 and during preparation for analysis of the automatic analyzer 100, plotted over time. The pressure information of the gear pump 41 is collected in an external database 130.

[0059] In Figure 3, the pressure value 301 (indicated by a black circle) in the cleaning passage 116 is obtained by the pressure sensor 111 when the water supply pump 54 and the gear pump 41 are operating, and the pressure 302 (indicated by an X) in the water supply passage 115 is obtained by the pressure sensor 111 when only the water supply pump 54 is operating and the gear pump 41 is stopped.

[0060] As described above, the water supply pump 54 and the gear pump 41 are arranged in series, so the pressure in the cleaning passage 116 is affected by the pressure in the water supply passage 115. Therefore, the pressure in the water supply passage 115 is subtracted from the pressure in the cleaning passage 116 to obtain the pressure of the gear pump 41 alone (303, indicated by the white circle) and use this as the evaluation value.

[0061] Figure 4 is an example of a graph showing the time-dependent change in only the pressure 303 (evaluated value) of the gear pump 41.

[0062] An approximate curve 401 is calculated for the time change of the pressure 303 (evaluation value) of the gear pump 41 alone. The state of the gear pump 41 is predicted based on the time change of the approximate curve 401. The time when this approximate curve 401 becomes the lower limit pressure value 402 of the automatic analyzer 100 is defined as the lifespan 403 of the gear pump 41. When the performance degradation detection time 404, which is a certain time away from the lifespan 403, is reached, a message prompting maintenance of the gear pump 41 is output to the data output unit 131. The lower limit pressure value 402 and the performance degradation detection time 404 can be arbitrarily set for each automatic analyzer 100. In addition, any appropriate method can be applied to the approximate curve 401.

[0063] Furthermore, since the pressure value of the gear pump 41 can be adjusted by the degree of opening and closing of the throttling section 110, a more accurate lifespan prediction can be made by obtaining the pressure with the degree of opening and closing of the throttling section 110 fixed. In that case, the pressure of the gear pump 41 may be obtained periodically as data for lifespan prediction, rather than as a result of checking the pressure of the gear pump 41 when the gear pump 41 is automatically adjusted and when the automatic analyzer 100 is preparing for analysis.

[0064] Next, the effects of this embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0065] The automated analyzer 100 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above includes reagent probes 7a, 8a for dispensing reagents into a reaction vessel 2 and sample probes 11a, 12a for dispensing samples into the reaction vessel 2, a gear pump 41 for supplying washing water to the reagent probes 7a, 8a and sample probes 11a, 12a, a washing channel 116 for delivering the washing water discharged from the gear pump 41 to the reagent probes 7a, 8a and sample probes 11a, 12a, a pressure sensor 111 for measuring the pressure in the washing channel 116, a return channel 114 arranged in parallel with the gear pump 41 and connecting the discharge port side and the suction port side of the gear pump 41, a throttle unit 110 arranged in the return channel 114 for adjusting the flow rate of washing water flowing through the return channel 114, and a control unit 112 that adjusts the flow rate of washing water flowing through the return channel 114 by changing the degree of opening and closing of the throttle unit 110 according to the measurement result of the pressure sensor 111.

[0066] Furthermore, the gear pump performance prediction system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above includes an external database 130 that collects information related to the automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41. Based on the information collected in the external database 130, the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 creates an approximate curve 401 to predict the lifespan 403 of the gear pump 41.

[0067] Since the collected data is specific to the automatic analyzer 100, there is no need to perform life tests or other tests in advance, and it is possible to understand the condition of the gear pump 41 for each automatic analyzer 100.

[0068] This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary maintenance, such as replacing the gear pump 41 in accordance with the operating time of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0069] Furthermore, since the maintenance schedule for the gear pump 41 can be determined in advance, downtime for the automatic analyzer 100 due to a decrease in the performance of the gear pump 41 can be avoided. In addition, since the timing of visits to the facility where the automatic analyzer 100 is installed can be determined in advance, the burden on service engineers can be reduced.

[0070] According to Example 1, a gear pump 41 performance prediction system and gear pump performance prediction method can be realized to accurately predict the lifespan and replacement timing of the gear pump 41 of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0071] (Example 2) A gear pump performance prediction system according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Components identical to those in the automatic analyzer 100 of Example 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The same applies to Example 3 below.

[0072] The gear pump performance prediction system according to this embodiment 2 predicts the lifespan using the opening and closing degree information of the throttle section 110 during the automatic adjustment period in embodiment 1.

[0073] Figure 5 is an example of plotting over time the opening / closing degree information 501 of the throttle section (flow rate adjustment section) 110 obtained during automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41. The opening / closing degree information 501 is collected in an external database 130.

[0074] The gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 calculates an approximate curve 502 for the time change of the opening / closing degree information 501 of the throttling section 110. The time when this approximate curve 502 becomes the lower limit 503 of the opening / closing degree adjustment range of the throttling section 110 is defined as the lifespan 504 of the gear pump 41. When the performance degradation detection time 505, which is a certain time away from that point, is reached, the unit outputs a message to the data output unit 131 prompting maintenance of the gear pump 41. The lower limit 503 of the opening / closing degree adjustment range and the lifespan 504 of the gear pump 41 can be arbitrarily set for each automatic analyzer 100. Furthermore, any appropriate method can be applied to the approximate curve 502.

[0075] Furthermore, if there is a variation exceeding a certain value in the change over time of the opening / closing degree information 501 of the aperture section 110, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gear pump 41, and a message prompting maintenance is output to the data output unit 131 at any time before the opening / closing degree information 501 of the aperture section 110 reaches the performance degradation detection time 505. This variation in the change over time of the opening / closing degree information 501 is a variation relative to the approximation curve 502, and the magnitude of the variation considered abnormal is determined from the standard deviation of the current value within a certain period.

[0076] The degree of opening and closing of the throttling section 110 is adjusted so that the pressure 301 in the washing passage 116 becomes the adjustment target pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the influence of the pressure 302 in the water supply passage 115, and the standard deviation of the current value is determined according to the pressure 302 in the water supply passage 115.

[0077] In the gear pump performance prediction system and gear pump performance prediction method of the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 described above can be obtained.

[0078] The gear pump performance indicators in Example 1 and Example 2 can be used in combination.

[0079] The constituent elements of Example 2 can be defined as follows.

[0080] Dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, 11, 12 for dispensing liquid into containers; a gear pump 41 for supplying cleaning water to the dispensing mechanisms; a water supply pump 54 for supplying cleaning water to the gear pump 41; a first liquid supply channel 115 for supplying liquid from the water supply pump 54 to the gear pump 41; a second liquid supply channel 116 for supplying the cleaning water supplied from the water supply pump 54 to the dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, 11, 12; and a device arranged in parallel with the second liquid supply channel 116, connecting the discharge port side and the suction port side of the gear pump 41. Automatic analysis comprising: a connected return channel 114; a flow rate adjustment unit 110 positioned in the return channel 114 to adjust the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the return channel 114; a pressure sensor 111 that measures the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel 115 and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel 116; and a control unit 112 that adjusts the degree of opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment unit 110 based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel 116 and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor 111. The performance prediction system for the gear pump 41 of the device includes a database 130 that acquires performance evaluation factors of the gear pump 41 during a predetermined automatic adjustment period, a gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 that predicts the state of the gear pump 41 based on the performance evaluation factors acquired by the database 130, and a data output unit 131 that outputs the state of the gear pump 41 predicted by the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132. The control unit 112 adjusts the opening and closing degree of the flow rate adjustment unit 110 of the gear pump 41 based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second fluid supply passage 116 and the pressure value of the second fluid supply passage 116 measured by the pressure sensor 111. The database 130 acquires information regarding the opening and closing degree of the flow rate adjustment unit 110 during a predetermined automatic adjustment period, and the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 predicts the state of the gear pump 41 based on the information regarding the opening and closing degree and the time change of the evaluation value.

[0081] (Example 3) A gear pump performance prediction system according to Example 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0082] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the internal washing channel for the sample probe and the configuration of the gear pump performance prediction system in the automated analyzer of this embodiment 3.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment 3 has a configuration that eliminates the return flow path 114 and the throttling section 110 from the automatic analyzer 100 of embodiment 1. The control method has been changed so that the pressure value of the gear pump 41 is adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the gear pump 41 according to the pressure value of the cleaning flow path 116.

[0084] To control the rotational speed of the gear pump 41, a gear pump or inverter power supply driven by a DC power supply is used.

[0085] To explain the adjustment of the rotational speed of the gear pump 41 in more detail, the control unit 112 compares the adjustment target pressure of the cleaning passage 116 with the pressure value of the cleaning passage 116 measured by the pressure sensor 111. If the pressure of the cleaning passage 116 is higher than the adjustment target pressure, the control unit adjusts the rotational speed of the gear pump 41 in a direction that decreases it. As a result, the pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the gear pump 41 is adjusted to the lower pressure side.

[0086] Conversely, if the pressure in the cleaning channel 116 is lower than the adjustment target pressure, the rotation speed of the gear pump 41 is increased. This adjusts the pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the gear pump 41 to the high-pressure side.

[0087] Figure 7 is an example of plotting the rotational speed information 701 of the gear pump 41 obtained during automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41 over time.

[0088] The rotational speed information 701 of the gear pump 41 is stored in an external database 130, and the gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 calculates an approximate curve 702 for the time change of the rotational speed information 701 stored in the external database 130. The time when this approximate curve 702 reaches a predetermined threshold 703 is defined as the lifespan 704 of the gear pump 41, and when the performance degradation detection time 705, which is a predetermined time before the lifespan 704, is reached, a message prompting maintenance of the gear pump 41 is output to the data output unit 131.

[0089] Furthermore, if the rotational speed information 701 of the gear pump 41 shows a variation exceeding a certain value over time, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gear pump 41, and a message prompting maintenance is output to the data output unit 131 before the performance degradation detection time 705 is reached. This variation is the variation relative to the approximation curve 702, and the magnitude of the variation considered abnormal is determined from the standard deviation of the rotational speed information 701 of the gear pump 41 over a certain period of time.

[0090] The rotational speed of the gear pump 41 is adjusted so that the pressure in the cleaning passage 116 reaches the target adjustment pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the influence of the pressure in the water supply passage 115, and the standard deviation of the rotational speed information of the gear pump 41 is determined according to the pressure in the water supply passage 115.

[0091] In the gear pump performance prediction system and gear pump performance prediction method of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 described above can be obtained.

[0092] The performance indicators for the gear pumps in Examples 1, 2, and 3 can be used in combination with each other.

[0093] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and includes various modifications. The above embodiments are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. It is also possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0094] Figure 8 is an example of a diagnostic screen for the gear pump status displayed on the data output unit 131, and Figure 9 is an example of an alarm (displayed based on the predicted state of the gear pump 41) displayed on the operation screen of the data output unit 131 of the automatic analyzer 100. The examples shown in Figures 8 and 9 are applicable to Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0095] The information collected in the external database 130 as information related to the automatic pressure adjustment of the gear pump 41 includes the pressure value 302 of the water supply passage 115 and the pressure value 301 of the washing passage 116, information 401 (current value or voltage value) related to the degree of opening and closing of the throttle section 110, the operating time of the gear pump 41, the number of adjustments, and alarm occurrence information.

[0096] It is possible to select several or all of the above information plotted over time and display them on the screen for review. Furthermore, when the gear pump 41 is nearing the end of its lifespan, the automatic analyzer 100 will output an alarm to prompt the user to perform maintenance.

[0097] Therefore, by combining the above information, it is possible to predict the lifespan of the gear pump 41 from various perspectives.

[0098] By combining Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3, the lifespan can be predicted by comprehensively determining the pressure value of the gear pump 41, the degree of opening and closing of the throttle section 110, and the rotational speed of the gear pump 41, making it possible to more accurately predict the lifespan and replacement timing of the gear pump 41.

[0099] The changes in the pressure value of the cleaning channel (second liquid delivery channel) 116, the changes in the degree of opening and closing of the throttle section (flow rate adjustment section) 110, and the rotational speed of the gear pump 41 can be collectively referred to as performance evaluation factors for the gear pump 41. The database 130 acquires and stores these performance evaluation factors for the gear pump 41.

[0100] The gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 then calculates a first prediction of the gear pump 41's state based on the change in the pressure value of the cleaning passage 116 of the gear pump 41. The gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 also calculates a second prediction of the gear pump 41's state based on the change in the degree of opening and closing of the throttle section 110. The gear pump performance evaluation unit 132 also calculates a third prediction of the gear pump 41's state based on the rotational speed of the gear pump 41. The system can be configured to select the prediction that will result in the earliest failure of the gear pump from the first, second, and third predictions and display it on the data output unit 131.

[0101] 1...Reaction disc, 2...Reaction vessel, 3...Washing mechanism, 4...Spectrophotometer, 4a...Light source, 5, 6...Stirring mechanism, 7, 8...Reagent dispensing mechanism, 7a, 8a...Reagent probe (dispensing probe), 9...Reagent disc, 10...Reagent bottle, 11, 12...Sample dispensing mechanism, 11a, 12a...Sample probe (dispensing probe), 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, 33...Washing tank, 15...Sample container, 16...Sample rack, 17...Sample transport mechanism, 18, 19... • Reagent syringes, 20, 21... Sample syringes, 40... Circulation pump, 41... Gear pump, 42... Circulation pump, 3a, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, 42a... Solenoid valve, 50... Pure water equipment, 51... Water supply solenoid valve, 52... Water level sensor, 53... Water supply tank, 54... Water supply pump, 55... Throttle, 100... Automatic analyzer, 101... Analysis unit, 102... Water supply unit, 110... Throttle unit (flow rate adjustment unit), 11 1...Pressure sensor, 112...Control unit, 113...Branch pipe, 113a...Filter, 114...Return channel, 115...Water supply channel (first liquid delivery channel), 116...Washing channel, 117, 118...Reagent probe pressure sensor, 119, 120...Sample probe pressure sensor, 130...Database, 131...Data output unit, 132...Gear pump performance evaluation unit, 301...Pressure value of the washing channel, 302...Pressure value of the water supply channel, 303...Pressure value of the gear pump only, 401 ...Approximate curve of the change in pressure value of the gear pump only over time, 402...Lower limit of the adjustment range for the gear pump pressure value, 501...Opening / closing degree of the throttling section, 502...Approximate curve of the change in the opening / closing degree of the throttling section over time, 503...Lower limit of the adjustment range for the opening / closing degree of the throttling section, 701...Rotation speed of the gear pump, 702...Approximate curve of the change in the rotation speed of the gear pump over time, 703...Lower limit of the adjustment range for the rotation speed of the gear pump, 403, 504, 704...Lifespan of the gear pump, 404, 505, 705...Time to detect performance degradation of the gear pump

Claims

1. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer having: a dispensing mechanism for dispensing liquid into a container; a gear pump for supplying cleaning water to the dispensing mechanism; a water supply pump for supplying cleaning water to the gear pump; a first liquid delivery channel for delivering liquid from the water supply pump to the gear pump; a second liquid delivery channel for delivering the cleaning water delivered from the water supply pump to the dispensing mechanism; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel; and a control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the gear pump based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor, wherein the gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer is characterized by comprising: a database for acquiring performance evaluation factors of the gear pump during a predetermined automatic adjustment period; a gear pump performance evaluation unit for predicting the state of the gear pump based on the performance evaluation factors acquired by the database; and a data output unit for outputting the state of the gear pump predicted by the gear pump performance evaluation unit.

2. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, comprising: a return channel arranged in parallel with the second liquid delivery channel and connecting the discharge port side and the suction port side of the gear pump; a flow rate adjustment unit arranged in the return channel and adjusting the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the return channel; the control unit adjusts the degree of opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment unit of the gear pump based on a comparison of a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor; the database acquires the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor during a predetermined automatic adjustment period; and the gear pump performance evaluation unit predicts the state of the gear pump based on the changes in the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel acquired by the database.

3. The gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel is data measured by the pressure sensor when the gear pump is stopped, and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel is data measured by the pressure sensor when the gear pump is operating.

4. The gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the gear pump performance evaluation unit predicts the state of the gear pump based on the time change of an evaluation value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel from the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel.

5. The gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the database acquires information regarding the degree of opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment unit during the automatic adjustment period, and the gear pump performance evaluation unit predicts the state of the gear pump based on the information regarding the degree of opening and closing and the time change of the evaluation value.

6. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the rotational speed of the gear pump based on the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel, and the gear pump performance evaluation unit predicts the state of the gear pump based on the change in rotational speed.

7. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a data output unit that displays the state of the gear pump predicted by the gear pump performance evaluation unit, and characterized in that an alarm is displayed on the data output unit based on the predicted state of the gear pump.

8. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gear pump performance evaluation unit predicts the state of the gear pump while the opening and closing degree of the flow rate adjustment unit is fixed.

9. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the gear pump and the water supply pump are connected in series with each other.

10. A gear pump performance prediction system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, comprising: a flow rate adjustment unit arranged in a return flow path connecting the discharge port side and the suction port side of the gear pump, which adjusts the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the return flow path; the gear pump performance evaluation unit calculates a first prediction of the state of the gear pump based on a change in the pressure value of the first liquid delivery flow path obtained from the database; the gear pump performance evaluation unit calculates a second prediction of the state of the gear pump based on a change in the degree of opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment unit; the gear pump performance evaluation unit calculates a third prediction of the state of the gear pump based on the rotational speed of the gear pump; and the gear pump performance evaluation unit selects the prediction that will result in the earliest end of service among the first, second, and third predictions.

11. A method for predicting the performance of a gear pump in an automatic analyzer comprising: a dispensing mechanism for dispensing liquid into a container; a gear pump for supplying cleaning water to the dispensing mechanism; a water supply pump for supplying cleaning water to the gear pump; a first liquid delivery channel for delivering liquid from the water supply pump to the gear pump; a second liquid delivery channel for delivering the cleaning water delivered from the water supply pump to the dispensing mechanism; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure value of the first liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel; a control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the gear pump based on a comparison between a preset adjustment target pressure of the second liquid delivery channel and the pressure value of the second liquid delivery channel measured by the pressure sensor; and a gear pump performance evaluation unit for predicting the state of the gear pump based on performance evaluation factors of the gear pump, wherein the performance evaluation factors of the gear pump during a predetermined automatic adjustment period are acquired into a database; and the state of the gear pump is predicted based on the performance evaluation factors acquired from the database. A method for predicting the performance of a gear pump in an automatic analyzer, characterized in that the gear pump performance evaluation unit outputs the predicted state of the gear pump to a data output unit.

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