JP2024172408A - Automated Analysis Equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately wash reaction vessels.SOLUTION: An autoanalyzer according to an embodiment comprises a reaction vessel information storage unit, a washing unit, and a washing control unit. The reaction vessel information storage unit stores reaction vessel information related to a reaction vessel to which a sample and a reagent are supplied and in which measurement of a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent is performed. The washing unit washes the reaction vessel in which the measurement is performed. On the basis of the reaction vessel information stored in the reaction vessel information storage unit, the washing control unit controls the washing unit to perform a washing operation different from a normal washing operation at a timing other than the timing when a measurement operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automated analyzer.

Conventionally, automated analyzers have analyzed test items by dispensing reagents and samples into reaction vessels and optically measuring changes in color and turbidity that occur as a result of the reaction between the mixed liquid of the reagent and the sample. After the measurement, the reaction vessel is washed and used for the next measurement.

Some test items require the analysis of trace amounts of components, and when such items are set, there is a possibility that the analysis data may be deteriorated due to the effects of contamination from a small amount of sample adhering to a washed reaction vessel. Therefore, conventionally, automatic analyzers have determined whether or not a reaction vessel is contaminated based on a threshold value of the analysis data, and have performed a special cleaning operation during the measurement operation period for reaction vessels that are determined to be contaminated.

However, in conventional automated analyzers, even special cleaning operations had to be restricted so as not to affect other test items, making it difficult to properly clean contaminated reaction vessels.

JP 2016-170075 A JP 2001-289864 A JP 2017-20893 A

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve is the proper cleaning of reaction vessels.

The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a reaction vessel information storage unit, a washing unit, and a washing control unit. The reaction vessel information storage unit stores reaction vessel information relating to a reaction vessel to which a sample and a reagent have been supplied and a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent has been measured. The washing unit washes the reaction vessel in which the measurement has been performed. The washing control unit controls the washing unit to perform a washing operation different from the normal washing operation at a timing other than the timing at which the measurement operation is performed, based on the reaction vessel information stored in the reaction vessel information storage unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 1 in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reaction vessel information in an operation example of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the content of a special cleaning operation in an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of reaction vessel information in an operation example of the automatic analyzer according to the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an automatic analyzer according to a modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be given only when necessary.

(First embodiment)
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9. The memory circuit 8 is an example of a reaction vessel information storage unit.

The automated analyzer 1 is a device that measures the concentration of a sample, etc., using, for example, the latex agglutination method. Various carrier particles can be used as the insoluble carrier to be added to the reagent. For example, latex particles, polystyrene, polystyrene latex, silica particles, etc. can be used as the carrier particles.

The analysis mechanism 2 obtains a mixture of the sample and the reagent (i.e., a reaction solution) by adding reagents used for each test item set for the sample to samples such as a standard sample (i.e., a calibrator) and a test sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent, and generates standard data and test data expressed, for example, in terms of absorbance or amount of scattered light. The standard data represents measurement data of the absorbance or amount of scattered light for a standard sample containing a known concentration of the target substance. The test data represents measurement data of the absorbance or amount of scattered light for the test sample.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, and generates calibration data, analytical data, and the like. The calibration data indicates, for example, the relationship between the standard data and a standard calibration curve previously set for a standard sample. The standard calibration curve is, for example, a calibration curve with high measurement accuracy calculated by a reagent manufacturer using a standard sample. The analytical data is data expressed, for example, as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value, obtained by analyzing the test data based on the calibration data.

The analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 and realizes a function corresponding to this operation program to generate calibration data, analysis data, etc. For example, the analysis circuit 3 calculates calibration data based on standard data obtained for a standard sample with a known absorbance or scattered light amount and zero concentration, and multiple standard samples with known absorbance or scattered light amount and known concentrations, standard calibration curves set in advance for these standard samples, and preset photometric timing, etc. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analysis data based on the test data, calibration data for the test item corresponding to this test data, and preset photometric timing, etc. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analysis data, etc. to the control circuit 9.

The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, etc.

The input interface 5 accepts settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to a sample requested to be measured by a user, i.e., an operator, or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad where instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. Note that in this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to those equipped with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9 is also included as an example of the input interface 5.

The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized, for example, by a display circuit and a printed circuit. Display circuits include, for example, CRT displays, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, LED displays, and plasma displays. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing the display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing the print object to the outside.

The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the hospital network NW. Note that the communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with the HIS via a laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW.

The memory circuitry 8 is a non-transient storage device that stores various information, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and an integrated circuit storage device. The memory circuitry 8 stores, for example, a control program that controls the automatic analyzer 1 and various data used to execute the control program. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, the memory circuitry 8 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between portable storage media such as compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and flash memories, or semiconductor memory elements such as random access memories (RAMs). The memory circuitry 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuitry 8 may be realized by multiple storage devices.

More specifically, the memory circuitry 8 stores an operating program executed by the analysis circuitry 3 and an operating program executed by the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores calibration curve information related to the reagents held in the analysis mechanism 2. The calibration curve information includes data related to a standard calibration curve previously set for the reagent for each test item. The calibration curve information is provided by the reagent manufacturer via the communication interface 7, for example, on a reagent lot basis. Note that the calibration curve information may be provided by the reagent manufacturer together with the reagent, and may be input by the user via the input interface 5.

The memory circuit 8 also stores reaction vessel information, which is information about the reaction vessel 2011 (i.e., reaction tube) to which the sample and reagent are supplied and the mixture of the sample and the reagent is measured.

The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes an operating program stored in the memory circuit 8, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operating program. The control circuit 9 may also include a memory area for storing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Figure 1. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in Figure 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a sample disk 203, a first reagent storage 204, and a second reagent storage 205.

The reaction disk 201 transports the reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 is rotated and stopped alternately at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4.

For example, the reaction vessel 2011 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 in FIG. 2 every cycle time, and stops at a different stop position than before the movement. For example, the reaction vessel 2011 rotates in the R1 direction every cycle time due to the rotational drive of the reaction disk 201, and stops at the position of the adjacent reaction vessel 2011 in the R2 direction opposite the R1 direction, relative to the reaction vessel 2011 located at an angle of 90° in the R1 direction from the position before the movement. The reaction vessel 2011 stops at the same stop position every round time, which is longer than one cycle time.

Among the reaction vessel 2011 stopping positions is a cleaning position where the reaction vessel 2011 stops and undergoes one normal cleaning by the cleaning unit 215 described below after each measurement of the mixed liquid. In addition to the cleaning position, the reaction vessel 2011 stopping positions also include a sample discharging position, a first reagent discharging position, a second reagent discharging position, a first stirring position, and a second stirring position described below.

The reaction vessel 2011 is formed, for example, from glass. The reaction vessel 2011 has a rectangular prism shape and has an opening at the top. Of the first to fourth side walls forming the rectangular prism, light irradiated from a light source provided in the photometric unit 214 is incident from the outer surface of the first side wall. Of the first to fourth side walls, the light incident from the outer surface of the first side wall is emitted from the outer surface of the second side wall facing the first side wall.

The thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. The thermostatic unit 202 raises the temperature of the mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium.

The sample disk 203 holds multiple sample containers that contain samples. The sample disk 203 is rotated and stopped every cycle time by the drive mechanism 4.

The first reagent storage 204 keeps a number of reagent containers 2042 in a cool state, each of which contains a first reagent that reacts with a standard sample and a specific component contained in a test sample. The first reagent is, for example, a buffer solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) or the like. A reagent label is affixed to the reagent container 2042. An optical mark representing reagent information is printed on the reagent label. The optical mark may be any pixel code, such as a one-dimensional pixel code or a two-dimensional pixel code. The reagent information is information about the reagent contained in the reagent container 2042, and includes, for example, the reagent name, reagent manufacturer code, reagent item code, bottle type, bottle size, capacity, manufacturing lot number, and validity period.

The first reagent storage 204 also keeps a number of standard sample containers that contain standard samples cool. The standard sample containers may contain standard samples of the same components but with different concentrations. The standard sample containers may be held on the sample disk 203.

A reagent rack 2041 is provided in the first reagent storage 204 so as to be freely rotatable. The reagent rack 2041 holds a plurality of reagent containers 2042 and a plurality of standard sample containers arranged in a circular ring shape. The reagent rack 2041 is rotated and stopped for each cycle time by the drive mechanism 4. In addition, a reader (not shown) is provided in the first reagent storage 204 to read reagent information from the reagent labels affixed to the reagent containers 2042. The read reagent information is stored in the memory circuit 8.

A first reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement trajectories of the openings of the reagent containers 2042 and standard sample containers arranged in a circular ring shape on the reagent rack 2041.

The second reagent storage 205 keeps multiple reagent containers 2052 refrigerated, each containing a second reagent that pairs with a first reagent of a two-reagent system. The second reagent is, for example, a solution containing a predetermined antigen or antibody contained in the sample and an insoluble carrier, such as carrier particles, to which an antigen or antibody that binds or dissociates by a specific antigen-antibody reaction is immobilized. The substance that binds or dissociates by a specific reaction may be an enzyme, a substrate, an aptamer, or a receptor. A reagent rack 2051 is provided in the second reagent storage 205 so as to be freely rotatable.

The reagent rack 2051 holds a number of reagent containers 2052 arranged in a circular ring shape. Note that a standard sample container that contains a standard sample may be kept cold in the second reagent storage 205. The reagent rack 2051 is rotated and stopped every cycle time by the drive mechanism 4. In addition, a reader (not shown) is provided in the second reagent storage 205 to read reagent information from the reagent label affixed to the reagent container 2052. The read reagent information is stored in the memory circuit 8.

A second reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersects with the movement trajectory of the openings of the reagent containers 2052 arranged in a circular ring shape on the reagent rack 2051.

Note that reagents with higher sensitivity than those exemplified above can also be used.

The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 also includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, a first stirring unit 212, a second stirring unit 213, a photometry unit 214, and a cleaning unit 215. The cleaning unit 215 is an example of a cleaning section.

The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational orbit in association with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. The opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 is positioned on this rotational orbit. In addition, a sample discharge position for discharging the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction container 2011 is provided on the rotational orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement orbit of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201.

The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically directly above the opening of the sample container held by the sample disk 203 or at the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the sample in accordance with the operation of a dispensing pump connected to the sample dispensing probe 207. That is, the sample dispensing probe 207 aspirates the sample from the sample container located directly below by the suction operation of the dispensing pump in accordance with the control of the dispensing pump by the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position by the discharge operation of the dispensing pump in accordance with the control of the dispensing pump by the control circuit 9.

The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational orbit in association with the rotation of the first reagent dispensing arm 208. A first reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational orbit. Also, a first reagent dispensing position is set on the rotational orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 for dispensing the first reagent or standard sample aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at the first reagent aspirating position or the first reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 dispenses the first reagent or the standard sample according to the operation of the first reagent pump connected to the first reagent dispensing probe 209. That is, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent or the standard sample from the reagent container 2042 located directly below the first reagent aspirating position by the aspirating operation of the first reagent pump according to the control of the first reagent pump by the control circuit 9. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also discharges the aspirated first reagent or the standard sample into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the first reagent dispensing position by the discharging operation of the first reagent pump according to the control of the first reagent pump by the control circuit 9.

The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational orbit in association with the rotation of the second reagent dispensing arm 210. A second reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational orbit. In addition, a second reagent ejection position is set on the rotational orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 for ejecting the second reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction vessel 2011. The second reagent ejection position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational orbit of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a second reagent suction position or a second reagent discharge position on the rotation orbit. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 dispenses the second reagent in accordance with the operation of the second reagent pump connected to the second reagent dispensing probe 211. That is, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 2052 located directly below the second reagent suction position by the suction operation of the second reagent pump in accordance with the control of the second reagent pump by the control circuit 9. In addition, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the aspirated second reagent into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the second reagent discharge position by the discharge operation of the second reagent pump in accordance with the control of the second reagent pump by the control circuit 9.

The first stirring unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 has a first stirring arm 2121 and a first stirring bar provided at the tip of the first stirring arm 2121. The first stirring unit 212 uses the first stirring bar to stir the standard sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 also uses the first stirring bar to stir the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

The second stirring unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 has a second stirring arm 2131 and a second stirring bar provided at the tip of the second stirring arm 2131. The second stirring unit 213 uses the second stirring bar to stir the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 also uses the second stirring bar to stir the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position.

The photometry unit 214 optically measures the mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2011 at the photometry position. The photometry unit 214 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometry unit 214 irradiates light from the light source under the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light is incident on the first side wall of the reaction vessel 2011 and is emitted from the second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometry unit 214 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 with the photodetector.

Specifically, for example, the photodetector is disposed on the optical axis of the light irradiated from the light source to the reaction vessel 2011. The photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixture of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and generates standard data represented by absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. The photodetector also detects light that has passed through the mixture of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and generates test data represented by absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

The cleaning unit 215 cleans the reaction vessel 2011 that is located at the cleaning position and has been subjected to measurement. More specifically, the cleaning unit 215 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the measurement of the mixed liquid has been completed by the photometric unit 214. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 215 has a plurality of nozzles 2151. The plurality of nozzles 2151 include, for example, a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning nozzle, and a drying nozzle. The waste liquid nozzle sucks in the waste liquid according to the operation of the waste liquid pump connected to the waste liquid nozzle. That is, the waste liquid nozzle sucks in the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the first cleaning position as waste liquid by the suction operation of the waste liquid pump according to the control of the waste liquid pump by the control circuit 9. The cleaning nozzle cleans the reaction vessel 2011 from which the mixed liquid has been sucked in by the waste liquid pump according to the operation of the cleaning pump connected to the cleaning nozzle. That is, the cleaning nozzle discharges the cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the first cleaning position and then stopped at the second cleaning position by the discharge operation of the cleaning pump according to the control of the cleaning pump by the control circuit 9. Also, the cleaning nozzle sucks the discharged cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel 2011 by the suction operation of the cleaning pump according to the control of the cleaning pump by the control circuit 9. The cleaning liquid is, for example, any one of an alkaline cleaning liquid, an acidic cleaning liquid, a reagent, and cleaning water. The second cleaning position and the cleaning nozzle may be provided individually for each type of cleaning liquid. The drying nozzle dries the washed reaction vessel 2011 according to the operation of the drying pump connected to the drying nozzle. That is, the drying nozzle discharges dry air into the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the second cleaning position and then stopped at the third cleaning position by the discharge operation of the drying pump according to the control of the drying pump by the control circuit 9. The specific aspects of the cleaning unit 215 are not limited to the above aspects. For example, the nozzle 2151 may include a nozzle that ejects and sucks an antifouling liquid (i.e., an antifouling agent) into the reaction vessel 2011 in accordance with the operation of a pump. In addition, the cleaning unit 215 may absorb the moisture in the cleaned reaction vessel 2011 using a water absorbing member and then dry it.

The control circuit 9 is a circuit that controls the operation of the entire automatic analyzer 1 in response to electrical signals of input operations input from the input interface 5. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91, a calibration control function 92, a measurement control function 93, a cleaning control function 94, and a reaction vessel information recording function 95. The cleaning control function 94 is an example of a cleaning control unit. The reaction vessel information recording function 95 is an example of a reaction vessel information recording unit.

Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the system control function 91, calibration control function 92, measurement control function 93, cleaning control function 94, and reaction vessel information recording function 95, which are components of the control circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1, are recorded in the memory circuit 8 in the form of programs executable by a computer. The control circuit 9 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the control circuit 9 reads each program from the memory circuit 8 and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program that has been read. In other words, the control circuit 9 in a state in which each program has been read will have each function shown in the control circuit 9 in FIG. 1.

Note that, although FIG. 1 shows a case where each of the processing functions, the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, the measurement control function 93, the cleaning control function 94, and the reaction vessel information recording function 95, is realized by a single control circuit 9, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 9 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize each processing function by executing each program. Furthermore, each processing function possessed by the control circuit 9 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or multiple control circuits.

The system control function 91 is a function that controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on the input information input from the input interface 5.

The calibration control function 92 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate standard data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the calibration control function 92 at a predetermined timing. Examples of the predetermined timing include during initial setup, when the device is started up, during maintenance, and when a user inputs an instruction to start a calibration operation.

When the calibration control function 92 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, standard data is generated in the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, for example, by being driven by the drive mechanism 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the analysis mechanism 2 aspirates the standard sample from the first reagent storage 204 and ejects the aspirated standard sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204 and ejects the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 from which the standard sample was ejected. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent has been added to the standard sample.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205 and dispenses the aspirated second reagent into a mixed liquid in which the standard sample and the first reagent are mixed. The second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution in which the second reagent is added to the mixed liquid. The photometry unit 214 generates standard data by optically measuring the mixed liquid in which the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent are stirred. The photometry unit 214 outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometry unit 214 repeats the measurement of the mixed liquid a preset number of times at a preset cycle and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The analysis mechanism 2 repeats the above operation for standard samples of multiple preset concentrations and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

The measurement control function 93 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate test data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the measurement control function 93 in response to a specific instruction. The specific instruction is, for example, an instruction to start a measurement operation input by a user, and an instruction indicating that a preset time has been reached.

When the measurement control function 93 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, test data is generated in the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, by being driven by the drive mechanism 4, the sample dispensing probe 207 of the analysis mechanism 2 aspirates the test sample from the sample disk 203 and ejects the aspirated test sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204 and ejects the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 into which the test sample was ejected. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent has been added to the test sample.

The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205 and dispenses the aspirated second reagent into a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the test sample and the first reagent. The second stirring unit 213 stirs the solution to which the second reagent has been added to the mixed liquid. The photometry unit 214 generates test data by optically measuring the mixed liquid obtained by stirring the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The photometry unit 214 outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometry unit 214 repeats the measurement of the mixed liquid a preset number of times at a preset cycle, and outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3.

The cleaning control function 94 controls the cleaning unit 215 to perform a cleaning operation (hereinafter referred to as a special cleaning operation) different from the normal cleaning operation at a timing other than the timing when the measurement operation is performed, based on the reaction vessel information stored in the memory circuit 8.

The cleaning control function 94 controls the cleaning unit 215 to perform a special cleaning operation on the reaction vessels 2011 in which measurements have been performed and for which reaction vessel information corresponding to preset conditions has been stored.

The reaction vessel information includes, for example, at least one of information regarding one or more items measured in the reaction vessel 2011, information regarding a reagent used for the measurement in the reaction vessel 2011, and information regarding a cleaning solution (i.e., detergent) used to clean the reaction vessel 2011.

The timing other than the timing at which the measurement operation is performed, i.e., the timing at which the special cleaning operation is performed, is, for example, the timing at which at least one of the following is performed: a startup operation that starts the automatic analyzer 1, a shutdown operation that stops the automatic analyzer 1, and a suspend operation that temporarily stops the measurement operation of the automatic analyzer 1.

The special cleaning operation includes, for example, injecting cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 2011 one or more times based on the reaction vessel information.

The special cleaning operation may also include holding the cleaning solution in the reaction vessel 2011 for a preset time based on the reaction vessel information.

The special cleaning operation may also include injecting at least one of an acidic cleaning solution, an alkaline cleaning solution, a reagent, and an antifouling solution (i.e., an antifouling agent) into the reaction vessel 2011 based on the reaction vessel information.

The special cleaning operation may also include rotating the reaction disk 201 holding the reaction vessel 2011 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction during the measurement operation (direction R1 in FIG. 2) (direction R2 in FIG. 2).

The reaction vessel information recording function 95 generates reaction vessel information according to the progress of the measurement operation under the control of the measurement control function 93, and records the generated reaction vessel information in the memory circuit 8.

The analysis circuit 3 shown in FIG. 1 executes an operating program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 has a calibration data generation function 31 and an analysis data generation function 32 by executing an operating program. Note that, although this embodiment describes a case where the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 are realized by a single processor, this is not limiting. For example, the analysis circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the calibration data generation function 31 and the analysis data generation function 32 may be realized by each processor executing an operating program.

The calibration data generation function 31 is a function that generates calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the calibration data generation function 31. When the calibration data generation function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out data relating to a standard calibration curve and data relating to a photometric timing line that are preset for a reagent of a specified test item from the memory circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data based on the standard data, the standard calibration curve, and the photometric timing line. The analysis circuit 3 stores the generated calibration data in the memory circuit 8.

The analytical data generation function 32 is a function that generates analytical data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the analytical data generation function 32. When the analytical data generation function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out the calibration data stored for a specified test item and data related to the photometric timing line from the memory circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates analytical data based on the test data, the photometric timing line, and the calibration data.

Next, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reaction vessel information in the example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special cleaning operation in the example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 3 is repeated as necessary (the same applies to the other flowcharts).

3, the measurement control function 93 starts the measurement operation by controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 in response to an instruction to start the measurement operation input by the user via the input interface 5 (step S1). For example, in the measurement operation, the measurement control function 93 causes the drive mechanism 4 to drive the sample dispensing probe 207, and causes the sample dispensing probe 207 to aspirate the test sample from the sample disk 203 and to eject the aspirated test sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The measurement control function 93 also causes the drive mechanism 4 to drive the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and causes the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to aspirate the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204 and to eject the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 into which the test sample has been ejected. The measurement control function 93 also causes the drive mechanism 4 to drive the first stirring unit 212, and causes the first stirring unit 212 to stir the mixture of the test sample and the first reagent. The measurement control function 93 also drives the drive mechanism 4 to drive the second reagent dispensing probe 211, causing the second reagent dispensing probe 211 to aspirate the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205 and to eject the aspirated second reagent into the mixture of the test sample and the first reagent. The measurement control function 93 also drives the drive mechanism 4 to drive the second stirring unit 213, causing the second stirring unit 213 to stir the mixture of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The measurement control function 93 also controls the photometry unit 214 to optically measure the stirred mixture of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent, thereby generating test data. The measurement control function 93 also controls the photometry unit 214 to cause the photometry unit 214 to output the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. The measurement control function 93 causes the photometry unit 214 to repeat the measurement of the mixed solution a preset number of times at a preset cycle, and outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. In addition, during the measurement operation, the cleaning control function 94 causes the cleaning unit 215 to perform a normal cleaning operation on the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the cleaning position after measurement by the photometry unit 214 has been performed.

After the measurement operation is started, the reaction vessel information recording function 95 generates reaction vessel information according to the progress of the measurement operation and records the generated reaction vessel information in the memory circuit 8 (step S2). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the reaction vessel information includes information (A, B, C, ...) about the items (item-1, item-2, item-3) measured in the reaction vessel 2011 (reaction vessel-1, reaction vessel-2, reaction vessel-3). The information about the items measured in the reaction vessel 2011 may be, for example, the name, type, identification number, etc. of the item. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the reaction vessel information includes information (A1, B1, C1, ...) about the reagents (reagent 1-1, reagent 1-2, reagent 1-3, reagent 2-1, reagent 2-2, reagent 2-3) used in the measurement in the reaction vessel 2011. The information about the reagents used in the measurement in the reaction vessel 2011 may be the name, type, identification number, etc. of the reagent. Additionally, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the reaction vessel information includes the amount of mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 2011.

After the reaction vessel information is recorded, as shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning control function 94 determines whether a suspend operation, a startup operation, or a shutdown operation is being performed (step S3).

If the suspend operation, startup operation, or shutdown operation is being performed (step S3: Yes), the cleaning control function 94 determines whether or not there is a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 based on the reaction vessel information stored in the memory circuit 8 (step S4). On the other hand, if the suspend operation, startup operation, or shutdown operation is not being performed (step S3: No), the measurement control function 93 continues the measurement operation (step S6).

The determination of the presence or absence of a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S4) is performed, for example, based on whether the reaction vessel information corresponds to a contamination cause previously stored in the memory circuit 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a contamination cause is an item or a combination of multiple items. In the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, reaction vessel-1 corresponds to the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 because it contains "A" indicated as a contamination cause as an item (item-1). Furthermore, reaction vessel-2 corresponds to the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 because it contains a combination of "D" and "E" indicated as contamination causes as items (item-1, item-2). On the other hand, reaction vessel-3 does not correspond to the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 because a corresponding item is not indicated as a contamination cause.

As shown in FIG. 3, if there is a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S4: Yes), the cleaning control function 94 performs a special cleaning operation on the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 via the cleaning unit 215 (step S5). The special cleaning operation is performed, for example, according to the contents of the special cleaning operation stored in advance in the memory circuit 8. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning control function 94 performs two cleaning operations using 200 ml of alkaline cleaning solution with a filling time (i.e., retention time) of the cleaning solution of 5 minutes as a special cleaning operation on reaction vessel-1, which includes contamination factor "A" as reaction vessel information. Also, the cleaning control function 94 performs one cleaning operation using 150 ml of acidic cleaning solution with a filling time of 1 minute as a special cleaning operation on reaction vessel-2, which includes a combination of contamination factors "D" and "E" as reaction vessel information.

If the reaction vessel 2011 corresponds to multiple contamination factors, a combination of special cleaning operations (cleaning liquid, number of times, amount of cleaning liquid, filling time) with a high cleaning effect may be performed from among the contents of the special cleaning operations corresponding to each of the multiple contamination factors. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, if the reaction vessel 2011 includes a combination of contamination factors "D1" and "D2" and "F2", a cleaning operation using 200 ml of acidic cleaning liquid and a filling time of the cleaning liquid of 3 minutes may be performed as the special cleaning operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, if there is no contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S4: No), the cleaning control function 94 performs a normal cleaning operation at the timing when the measurement operation is performed (step S7).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the cleaning control function 94 controls the cleaning unit 215 to perform a special cleaning operation (i.e., a cleaning operation different from a normal cleaning operation) at a timing other than the timing at which the measurement operation is performed, based on the reaction vessel information stored in the memory circuit 8.

This prevents the special cleaning operation from being subject to time constraints due to the measurement operation, allowing the reaction vessel 2011 to be properly cleaned. In addition, since the special cleaning operation does not affect the measurement operation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in throughput.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the cleaning control function 94 controls the cleaning unit 215 to perform a special cleaning operation on the reaction vessels 2011 in which measurements have been performed and for which reaction vessel information corresponding to preset conditions has been stored.

This allows special cleaning operations to be performed simply and appropriately based on reaction vessel information that meets pre-set conditions.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the reaction vessel information includes at least one of information regarding one or more items measured in the reaction vessel 2011, information regarding a reagent used for the measurement in the reaction vessel 2011, and information regarding a cleaning solution used to clean the reaction vessel 2011.

This allows for appropriate special cleaning operations to be performed according to various aspects of the reaction vessel information, thereby more appropriately cleaning the reaction vessel 2011.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the timing other than the timing at which the measurement operation is performed is the timing at which at least one of the startup operation, the shutdown operation, and the suspend operation is performed.

This allows the special cleaning operation to be performed at a suitable timing that is not affected by the measurement operation, allowing the reaction vessel 2011 to be cleaned more appropriately.

In the first embodiment, the special cleaning operation may include injecting detergent into the reaction vessel 2011 one or more times based on the reaction vessel information. The special cleaning operation may also include holding a cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 2011 for a predetermined time based on the reaction vessel information. The special cleaning operation may also include injecting at least one of an acidic cleaning liquid, an alkaline cleaning liquid, a reagent, and an antifouling agent into the reaction vessel 2011 based on the reaction vessel information.

This allows special cleaning operations to be performed in various ways according to the reaction vessel information, allowing the reaction vessel 2011 to be cleaned more appropriately.

In the first embodiment, the special cleaning operation may include rotating the reaction disk 201 in a direction R2 opposite to the rotation direction R1 during the measurement operation. In a normal cleaning operation performed at the timing of the measurement operation, the reaction disk 201 rotates only in the R1 direction. For this reason, for example, the reaction disk 201 may have to be rotated nearly 360° in the R1 direction from when the cleaning unit 215 aspirates the mixed liquid from the reaction vessel 2011 to when the reaction vessel 2011 is cleaned. In contrast, by rotating the reaction disk 201 in the R2 direction in the special cleaning operation, for example, the time required for the transition from aspirating the mixed liquid to cleaning the reaction vessel 2011 can be shortened. Therefore, the special cleaning operation can be performed efficiently in a short time.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment in which a special cleaning operation is performed on a reaction vessel 2011 determined to be contaminated based on the measurement result of the absorbance of water will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned automatic analyzer 1. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of reaction vessel information in the example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

In this modified example, the cleaning control function 94 controls the cleaning unit 215 to perform a special cleaning operation on a reaction vessel 2011 that is determined to be contaminated based on the measurement results of the absorbance of the water contained in the reaction vessel 2011. Also, in the first modified example, the reaction vessel information includes information on the reaction vessel that is determined to be contaminated based on the measurement results of the absorbance of the water.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this modified example, the cleaning control function 94 first causes the photometric unit 214 to measure the absorbance of the water contained in the reaction vessel 2011, and detects a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 based on the measurement result (step S101). For example, the cleaning control function 94 detects a reaction vessel 2011 in which the absorbance of the water is equal to or greater than a threshold value as a contaminated reaction vessel 2011.

After a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 is detected based on the measurement result of the absorbance of water, the reaction vessel information recording function 95 generates reaction vessel information for the detected reaction vessel 2011 and records the generated reaction vessel information in the memory circuit 8 (step S102). As shown in FIG. 7, the reaction vessel information is, for example, information in which the identification information of the reaction vessel 2011 (reaction vessel-1, reaction vessel-2) is associated with the contents of the special cleaning operation (cleaning liquid, number of times, amount of cleaning liquid, filling time). The contents of the special cleaning operation may be determined, for example, based on reaction vessel information previously recorded for the detected reaction vessel 2011 (i.e., the usage history of the reaction vessel 2011).

As shown in FIG. 6, the reaction vessel 2011 detected in step S101 corresponds to the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 in step S4, and a special cleaning operation is performed (step S5).

A reaction vessel 2011 with high water absorbance is likely to be contaminated and has a high priority for special cleaning. According to this modified example, a special cleaning operation is performed on a reaction vessel 2011 that is determined to be contaminated based on the measurement results of water absorbance, so that the reaction vessel 2011 with high priority can be appropriately special cleaned.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment for setting the contents of the special cleaning operation will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment further has a setting function 96 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The setting function 96 is an example of a setting unit. The setting function 96 sets (i.e., records) the contents of the special cleaning operation in the memory circuit 8 for each item or reagent. The setting function 96 sets the contents of the special cleaning operation according to, for example, a user's input operation using the input interface 5. The setting function 96 may automatically set the contents of the special cleaning operation according to the reagent information attached to the reagent label attached to the reagent containers 2042 and 2052. In this case, the reagent information may include information that associates the reagent, the contamination factor, and the contents of the special cleaning operation, such as performing a certain special cleaning operation on a reaction container 2011 in which the reagent and another specific reagent have been used.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, first, the setting function 96 sets the contents of the special cleaning operation for each item or reagent in the memory circuit 8 (step S201). The contents of the special cleaning operation may be contents associated with contamination factors including the item or reagent, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning control function 94 performs the special cleaning operation according to the contents of the special cleaning operation set in step S201 (step S5).

According to the second embodiment, the setting function 96 sets the contents of the special cleaning operation for each item or reagent.

This allows for greater freedom in special cleaning operations, allowing the reaction vessel 2011 to be cleaned more appropriately.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the setting function 96 sets the contents of the special cleaning operation according to at least one of the input operation and the information attached to the reagent containers 2042, 2052.

This allows special cleaning operations to be performed according to the user's wishes or suited to the reagent containers 2042, 2052.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment for notifying a user of reaction container information of a reaction container 2011 for which a special cleaning operation is performed will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a reaction vessel information notification function 97 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The reaction vessel information notification function 97 is an example of a reaction vessel information notification unit. The reaction vessel information notification function 97 notifies the user of the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the special cleaning operation is performed. For example, the reaction vessel information notification function 97 notifies the user of the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the special cleaning operation is performed by displaying the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the special cleaning operation is performed. The reaction vessel information notification function 97 may notify the user of the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the special cleaning operation is performed by outputting the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 in which the special cleaning operation is performed by audio.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the third embodiment, if it is determined in step S4 that a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 is present (step S4: Yes), the reaction vessel information notification function 97 notifies the user of the reaction vessel information of the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (i.e., the reaction vessel 2011 for which the special cleaning operation is to be performed) (step S301). After the reaction vessel information of the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 is notified to the user, the special cleaning operation is performed on the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S5).

According to the third embodiment, the reaction vessel information notification function 97 notifies the user of the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 on which the special cleaning operation is performed.

This allows the user to know in advance which reaction vessel 2011 will undergo the special cleaning operation, improving convenience.

(Modification of the third embodiment)
Next, a modified example of the third embodiment will be described in which the special cleaning operation is performed when the special cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 2011 corresponding to the notified reaction vessel information is selected by the user.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automated analyzer 1 according to a modified example of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, in this modified example, after the reaction vessel information notification function 97 notifies the reaction vessel information of the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S301), the cleaning control function 94 determines whether or not a special cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 2011 corresponding to the notified reaction vessel information has been selected by the user (step S302). For example, the reaction vessel information notification function 97 may display the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel 2011 on which the special cleaning operation is to be performed together with a selection button for selecting the implementation of the special cleaning operation, and the cleaning control function 94 may determine whether or not the selection button has been pressed.

If the special cleaning operation is selected (step S302: Yes), the cleaning control function 94 performs the special cleaning operation (step S5). On the other hand, if the special cleaning operation is not selected (step S302: No), the process ends.

According to this modified example, the special cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 2011 for which the reaction vessel information has been notified is performed after waiting for the user's selection, so that the special cleaning can be performed in accordance with the user's wishes.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment in which the contents of the special cleaning operation are notified to the user before or after the fact will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment further has a special cleaning notification function 98 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The special cleaning notification function 98 is an example of a cleaning notification section. The special cleaning notification function 98 notifies the user of the contents of the special cleaning operation at least either before or after the special cleaning operation is performed. The special cleaning notification function 98 notifies the user of the contents of the special cleaning operation, for example, by displaying the contents of the special cleaning operation. The special cleaning notification function 98 may also notify the user of the contents of the special cleaning operation by outputting the contents of the special cleaning operation as audio.

As shown in FIG. 14, for example, in the fourth embodiment, if it is determined in step S4 that a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 is present (step S4: Yes), the special cleaning notification function 98 notifies the user of the contents of the special cleaning operation (step S401). After the contents of the special cleaning operation are notified to the user, the special cleaning operation is performed on the contaminated reaction vessel 2011 (step S5).

According to the fourth embodiment, the special cleaning notification function 98 notifies the user of the contents of the special cleaning operation at least either before or after the special cleaning operation is performed.

This allows the user to understand the details of the special cleaning operation, improving convenience.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment for notifying a user that a special cleaning operation cannot be performed will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment further has a special cleaning impossible notification function 99 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The special cleaning impossible notification function 99 is an example of a cleaning impossible notification unit. The special cleaning impossible notification function 99 notifies the user that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed when a situation occurs in which the special cleaning operation cannot be performed. The special cleaning impossible notification function 99 notifies the user that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed, for example, by displaying that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed. The special cleaning impossible notification function 99 may notify the user that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed by outputting an audio message that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed.

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, in the fifth embodiment, if it is determined in step S4 that a contaminated reaction vessel 2011 is present (step S4: Yes), the cleaning control function 94 checks the remaining amount of cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning bottle (step S501). For example, the cleaning control function 94 checks the remaining amount of cleaning liquid based on the history of past cleaning operations recorded in the memory circuit 8.

After checking the remaining amount of cleaning liquid, the cleaning control function 94 determines whether or not the special cleaning operation can be performed based on, for example, whether or not the remaining amount of cleaning liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S502). Note that the cleaning control function 94 may also determine whether or not the special cleaning operation can be performed by further considering factors other than the remaining amount of cleaning liquid.

If the special cleaning operation can be performed (step S502: Yes), the cleaning control function 94 performs the special cleaning operation (step S5).

On the other hand, if the special cleaning operation cannot be performed (step S502: No), the special cleaning impossible notification function 99 notifies the user that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed (step S503). At this time, the special cleaning impossible notification function 99 may display a message encouraging the user to replace the cleaning bottle.

According to the fifth embodiment, the special cleaning infeasible notification function 99 notifies the user that the special cleaning operation cannot be performed.

This allows the user to know when a special cleaning operation will be performed, improving convenience.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the reaction vessel can be properly cleaned.

The term "processor" used in the description of the embodiments means, for example, a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. Note that instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 8, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program built into the circuit. Note that each processor in each of the above embodiments is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in the above embodiments may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

1 Automatic analysis device 201 Reaction disk 2011 Reaction vessel 215 Washing unit 8 Memory circuit 94 Washing control function 96 Setting function 97 Reaction vessel information notification function 98 Special washing notification function 99 Special washing impossible notification function

Claims (16)

a reaction vessel information storage unit that stores reaction vessel information regarding a reaction vessel to which a sample and a reagent have been supplied and a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent has been measured;
A washing unit that washes the reaction vessel after the measurement is performed;
a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit to perform a cleaning operation different from a normal cleaning operation at a timing other than a timing at which a measurement operation is performed based on the reaction container information stored in the reaction container information storage unit;
An automatic analyzer comprising: The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit to perform a cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation on the reaction vessels in which the measurement has been performed and in which the reaction vessel information corresponding to the set conditions has been stored. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reaction vessel information includes at least one of information about one or more items measured in the reaction vessel, information about a reagent used in the measurement in the reaction vessel, and information about a detergent used to wash the reaction vessel. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the timing other than the timing at which the measurement operation is performed is a timing at which at least one of a startup operation, a shutdown operation, and a suspend operation is performed. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation includes injecting detergent into the reaction vessel one or more times based on the reaction vessel information. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation includes retaining detergent in the reaction vessel for a set time based on the reaction vessel information. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation includes injecting at least one of an acid detergent, an alkaline detergent, a reagent, and an antifouling agent into the reaction vessel based on the reaction vessel information. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit for setting the content of a cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation for each item or reagent. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the setting unit sets the content of the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation according to at least one of an input operation and information attached to a reagent container. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a reaction vessel information notification unit that notifies a user of the reaction vessel information of the reaction vessel for which a cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation is performed. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning notification unit that notifies a user of the content of the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation at least either before or after the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation is performed. The automated analyzer of claim 1 further comprises a cleaning impossible notification unit that notifies a user that a cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation cannot be performed. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation includes rotating a reaction disk that holds the reaction container in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation during the measurement operation. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit to perform a cleaning operation different from the normal cleaning operation on the reaction vessel determined to be contaminated based on the measurement result of the absorbance of the water contained in the reaction vessel. The automated analyzer according to claim 14, wherein the reaction vessel information includes information about the reaction vessel determined to be contaminated. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a reaction vessel information recording unit that records the reaction vessel information in the reaction vessel information storage unit as the measurement operation progresses.