JP7063587B2 - Water supply method and water supply device in automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water supply method in an automatic analyzer that analyzes a target substance in a biological sample, and a water supply device using the method.

An automated analyzer that performs qualitative or quantitative analysis of a target substance in a biological sample such as blood or urine is widely used in the field of clinical examination. In analysis using an automatic analyzer, water is often used for diluting samples and reagents, cleaning equipment such as flow paths, and controlling the temperature of a reaction vessel. The means for supplying water to the automated analyzer includes a method in which the operator manually replenishes the water storage tank connected to the automated analyzer, and a water storage tank connected to the automated analyzer from an external purified water production device. The method of automatically supplying water to the water is mainly used.

Patent Document 1 describes a tank for storing water supplied from a water supply means provided outside the automatic analyzer, a water supply adjusting valve for controlling the water supply state from the water supply means to the tank, and the tank. A pump that supplies water to the water use location, a water use adjustment valve that controls the water supply state from the pump to the water use location, and a control that controls the opening / closing operation of the water supply adjustment valve and the water use adjustment valve. Described is an automatic analyzer comprising a unit and a water level sensor provided in the tank to send a signal to the control unit. In Patent Document 2, an automatic analyzer that incorporates a pure water production device inside and controls the start / stop of pure water purification with a float switch provided in a pure water storage tank that stores water sent from the pure water production device. Is described. Patent Document 3 describes a reagent preparation device connected to a pure water supply device and provided with a water storage tank provided with a liquid level sensor. Patent Document 4 describes an automatic analyzer provided with a water storage tank connected to a water generator and provided with a water level detecting means. In these automated analyzers, when the amount of water in the tank is detected by the water level sensor provided in the tank, the pumps and valves are controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied to the tank.

As a water supply control method that does not use a water level sensor or a pump, Patent Document 5 describes a thin tube that opens at a position higher than a communication port with a water bath and a position lower than an air intake to supply water from a water supply tank. A water level adjusting device for a water bath using a water level adjusting device having a drainage pipe provided below the opening of the thin tube is described. In this method, the water level of the water bath is adjusted to a desired height by changing the height of the water level adjusting device with respect to the water bath.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-002589 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-266763 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-033538 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-01097 Publication of Utility Model Application No. 58-187815

According to the present invention, one pure water production device can be shared by a plurality of automatic analyzers, and each automatic analyzer does not run out of water or overflow in the internal water storage tank. It is an object of the present invention to provide a water supply method for an automatic analyzer capable of easily performing water supply control, and a water supply device for an automatic analyzer using the method.

Therefore, the present invention provides the following.
[1] A water supply method in an automated analyzer.
An internal water storage tank provided inside at least one automatic analyzer includes a step of supplying water using atmospheric pressure from an external water storage tank provided outside the automatic analyzer.
One or more of the internal water storage tanks are provided with an overflow drainage channel.
Water supply method.
[2] The external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank are communicated with each other by piping.
The external water storage tank is equipped with a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level.
The pipe is connected to the external water storage tank at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor.
[1] The water supply method described.
[3] The water supply method according to [1] or [2], wherein the overflow drainage channel is provided with a backflow prevention member.
[4] The water supply method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the overflow drainage channel is provided with a water leakage sensor.
[5] The water supply method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the internal water storage tank includes a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level.
[6] The water supply method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein each of the pipes connected to each of the internal water storage tanks is provided with a valve.
[7] The water supply method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the external water storage tank communicates with a water production device that supplies water to the tank.

Further, the present invention provides the following.
[8] A water supply device for an automatic analyzer.
It is provided with an internal water storage tank provided inside at least one automatic analyzer and an external water storage tank provided outside the automatic analyzer.
The external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank are communicated with each other so as to supply water from the external water storage tank to the internal water storage tank using atmospheric pressure.
One or more of the internal water storage tanks are provided with an overflow drainage channel.
Water supply device.
[9] The external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank are communicated with each other by piping.
The external water storage tank is equipped with a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level.
The pipe is connected to the external water storage tank at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor.
[8] The apparatus according to the above.
[10] The device according to [8] or [9], wherein the overflow drainage channel is provided with a backflow prevention member.
[11] The device according to any one of [8] to [10], wherein the overflow drainage channel includes a water leakage sensor.
[12] The apparatus according to any one of [8] to [11], wherein the internal water storage tank includes a water level sensor that detects a lower limit water level.
[13] The apparatus according to any one of [8] to [12], wherein the pipes connected to each of the internal water storage tanks are provided with valves.
[14] The device according to any one of [8] to [13], further comprising a water production device for supplying water to the external water storage tank.
[15] The device according to [14], further comprising a control unit that controls water supply from the water production device to the external water storage tank.

According to the present invention, one pure water production device can be shared by a plurality of automatic analyzers, and for each automatic analyzer without causing a shortage or overflow of water in the internal water storage tank. Water supply control can be easily performed.

Schematic diagram of the configuration of the conventional water production equipment connection type automatic analyzer. The arrow is the water flow. Schematic diagram of the configuration of the water supply method to the automatic analyzer using atmospheric pressure. The arrow is the water flow. The schematic diagram of the 1st Embodiment of the water supply method to the automatic analyzer by this invention. The arrow is the water flow. A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection height of the pipe connecting the external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank and the water supply state. Schematic diagram showing the function of the overflow drainage channel. The arrow is the water flow. Conceptual diagram of the operation of the backflow prevention member. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the water supply method of this invention when a plurality of automatic analyzers are connected to an external water storage tank. The arrow is the water flow.

In the conventional water production device connection type automatic analyzer, it is difficult to share one pure water production device among multiple automatic analyzers due to the convenience of water supply control, and usually each automatic analyzer is used. Is equipped with one pure water production device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a water supply means in a conventional automatic analyzer connected to a water production device. In FIG. 1, the water production apparatus 200 is connected to the water storage tank 10 inside the automatic analyzer 100 by a pipe 50, and the water storage tank 10 supplies water to the analysis unit 102 of the automatic analyzer 100. The water storage tank 10 is provided with a water level sensor 30, and when the water level drops to a predetermined position (boundary water level of insufficient water volume), the water level sensor 30 detects it and needs to supply water to the control unit 101 in the automatic analyzer. A signal is sent to inform you. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 101 transmits a signal instructing the water production apparatus 200 to supply water to the water storage tank 10. The water production apparatus 200 that has received the signal from the control unit 101 supplies water to the water storage tank 10. When one water production apparatus 200 is to be shared by a plurality of automatic analyzers 100 under this configuration, the water production apparatus 200 distinguishes signals from the plurality of automatic analyzers 100 and is an appropriate automatic analyzer. It is necessary to have a function of supplying water to 100. However, it is not realistic from the design aspect or the cost aspect of the water production apparatus 200 to require the function from the water production apparatus 200.

The present inventor has developed the water supply method described in PCT / JP2017 / 021702 as a means for solving the water supply problem in the automatic analyzer as described above. In this method, water is supplied from a water supply source provided outside the automatic analyzer to a water storage tank provided inside one or a plurality of automatic analyzers using atmospheric pressure. As shown in FIG. 2, the external water storage tank 20 connected to the water production apparatus 200 communicates with the internal water storage tank 10 provided inside each automatic analyzer via a pipe 40, and the tank 20 to each tank 10 communicates with each other. Pure water is supplied to. At this time, since atmospheric pressure is used to supply water, the water level of each tank 10 is automatically adjusted to the same water level as the water level of the tank 20. When the water in the tank 10 is consumed and the water level drops, the water level in the tank 20 also drops. When the sensor 30 provided in the tank 20 senses the drop in the water level of the tank 20, a signal is sent to the control unit 300, and the control unit 300 instructs the water production device 200 to supply water to the external tank 20. When water is supplied from the water production apparatus 200 and the water level of the external tank 20 rises, the water level of each tank 10 also rises according to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in this method, as long as sufficient water is supplied to the external tank 20, one pure water production device is used to always supply sufficient water to the internal tanks 10 of the plurality of automatic analyzers. Can be done.

In the above water supply method, the water level of the inner tank 10 is determined by the water level of the outer tank 20 according to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the inside of the tank 10 is open to the outside air of the tank. Under such a configuration, when the water level of the external tank 20 rises excessively with respect to the position of the internal tank for some reason, for example, when the external tank 20 containing water is lifted for cleaning or inspection, a large amount of water is present. Water may flow from the tank 20 into the tank 10 and cause the water in the tank 10 to overflow. Overflow of water from the tank 10 can cause water leakage into or around the automated analyzer, as well as contamination or failure of the appliance.

The problem of overflow in the automatic analyzer due to the change in the water level of the external tank as described above does not occur in the conventional automatic analyzer that supplies water to the internal tank under the control of the control unit. This is the first problem to occur in an automatic analyzer using a water supply method using atmospheric pressure (method disclosed in PCT / JP2017 / 021702) newly developed by the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Therefore, the present invention is to avoid overflow of the internal tank caused by a change in the water level of the external water source in the water supply device for the automatic analyzer having a mechanism for supplying water from the external water source to the automatic analyzer using atmospheric pressure. , It solves problems that did not exist in the past.

In the present invention, the above-mentioned problem of overflow from the internal tank is solved by providing an overflow drainage channel in the internal tank.
That is, the present invention is a water supply method in an automatic analyzer, in which at least one internal water storage tank provided inside at least one automatic analyzer is provided with an external water storage outside the automatic analyzer. Provided is a method comprising the step of supplying water from a tank using atmospheric pressure, wherein any one or more of the internal water storage tanks is provided with an overflow drainage channel.
Further, the present invention is a water supply device for an automatic analyzer, in which at least one internal water storage tank provided inside at least one automatic analyzer and an external water supply device provided outside the automatic analyzer. A water storage tank is provided, and the external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank are communicated with each other so as to supply water from the external water storage tank to the internal water storage tank using atmospheric pressure, and any of the internal water storage tanks. Provided is an apparatus characterized in that one or more are provided with an overflow drainage channel.
The present invention also provides an automated analyzer equipped with the water supply device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a water production device 200 and an external water storage tank 20 are provided outside the automatic analyzer 100. An internal water storage tank 10 is provided inside the automatic analyzer 100. The internal water storage tank 10 supplies water to the automatic analyzer 100. In FIG. 3, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a pipe for supplying water from the internal water storage tank 10 to the device, and the internal water storage tank 10 supplies water to the analysis unit 102 of the automatic analyzer 100 through the pipe. .. The external water storage tank 20 is communicated with the internal water storage tank 10 by a pipe 40. The external water storage tank 20 includes a water level sensor 30 that detects a drop in the water level of the tank 20 inside. Preferably, the water level sensor 30 is set to sense the permissible lower limit water level set for the tank 20. The water level sensor 30 functions to control the water supply to the internal water storage tank 10. That is, when the water level in the tank 20 drops, the water level sensor 30 senses it and sends a signal to the control unit 300, and then the control unit 300 sends a signal to the water production device 200 to supply water to the tank 20. Let's get started.

The pipe 40 connecting the external water storage tank 20 and the internal water storage tank 10 connects the external water storage tank 20 and the internal water storage tank 10 at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30 in the external water storage tank 20. are doing. More specifically, the pipe 40 is connected to the external water storage tank 20 at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30. Further, the pipe 40 and the internal water storage tank 10 are connected at the same position as or lower than the water level sensed by the water level sensor 30.

Atmospheric pressure is used to supply water from the external water storage tank 20 to the internal water storage tank 10. That is, when water is supplied to the external water storage tank 20 and a water level difference occurs between the water in the external water storage tank 20 and the water in the internal water storage tank 10, the external water storage tank 20 to the internal water storage tank 20 via the pipe 40. Water flows into 10. When the water level sensor 30 in the external water storage tank 20 senses that the water level in the tank 20 has dropped to a predetermined position, it sends a signal to the pure water production device control unit 300, and the pure water production device control unit 300 sends water. Instruct the manufacturing apparatus 200 to supply pure water to the external water storage tank 20. Water is supplied from the water production apparatus 200 to the external water storage tank 20 via the pipe 50. The amount of water supplied from the water production apparatus 200 to the external water storage tank 20 may be determined in advance in consideration of the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30, the tank capacity, and the like, or the upper limit of the water level is detected in the external water storage tank 20. It may be controlled by installing another sensor (not shown).

In FIG. 3, one automatic analyzer 100 is connected to one water production device 200 and the external water storage tank 20, but in the present invention, two to one water production device 200. You may connect more than one automatic analyzer 100. Each of the internal water storage tanks 10 provided inside each automatic analyzer 100 is directly (not via another tank 10) or indirect with the external water storage tank 20 by connecting the pipes 40 in series or in parallel. It can be communicated (via another tank 10) (see, for example, FIG. 7).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection height of the pipe 40 connecting the external water storage tank 20 and the internal water storage tank 10 in the present invention and the water supply state from the tank 20 to the tank 10. In FIG. 4, I is the connection position of the pipe 40 to the tank 10, H is the water level at which the water supply to the tank 20 is stopped, and M is the water level at which the pure water supply to the tank 20 is started (the water level sensed by the water level sensor 30). ) And L indicate the lower limit water level of the internal water storage tank 10 (for example, the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30a described later, the position thereof is I> L). In FIG. 4, the upper stage shows the case where the connection position I of the pipe 40 is suitable (I <M), the middle stage shows the boundary (I = M) when the connection position I of the pipe 40 is suitable, and the lower stage shows the boundary (I = M). , The case where the connection position I of the pipe 40 is inappropriate (I> M) is shown.

In each stage of FIG. 4, the external water storage tank 20 (the tank on the left side in the figure) and the internal water storage tank 10 (the tank on the right side in the figure) connected by the pipe 40 are paired and each has eight states (states 1 to 1 to 1). 8) was illustrated. FIG. 4 shows that the water supply from the external water storage tank 20 to the internal water storage tank 10 according to the present invention utilizes the fact that the water levels of both tanks are the same in relation to the atmospheric pressure. As described above, when I ≦ M, it can be seen that the water supply can be controlled without using a means such as a pump.

In the present invention, I ≦ M for the water level (sensed water level sensed by the water level sensor 30) M at which pure water supply to the external water storage tank 20 is started and the connection position I by the pipe 40 between the external water storage tank 20 and the internal water storage tank 10. When, when the amount of water supplied to the external water storage tank 20 is A (L / h) and the amount of water used per automatic analyzer 100 is B (L / h), up to A / B units. , The automatic analyzer 100 can be connected. For example, when A = 15 L / h and B = 3.2 L / h, A / B = 4.6, so that four automatic analyzers 100 can be connected to one external water storage tank 20. It is possible.

In one embodiment, the on-off valve 60 may be provided in the pipe 40 connected to each internal water storage tank 10. By installing the on-off valve 60, it becomes possible to individually shut off the communication of each internal water storage tank 10 to the external water storage tank 20. This is advantageous when cleaning the internal water storage tank 10 without affecting the external water storage tank 20. For example, it is possible to clean the internal water storage tank 10 of the second automated analyzer 100 while the first automated analyzer 100 is executing the analysis. The on-off valve 60 may be operated manually or may be controlled by a control unit 101 in each automated analyzer 100.

In one embodiment, the internal water storage tank 10 in each automated analyzer 100 may include a water level sensor 30a that detects a drop in the water level in the tank 10. For example, when the water level sensor 30a senses a drop in the water level in the tank 10, a signal is sent to the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 sends a signal to the analysis unit 102 to stop the analysis. This configuration can prevent inaccurate analysis in the absence of water.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one internal water storage tank 10 includes an overflow drainage channel 70. When there are two or more automated analyzers 100, any one or more of the internal water storage tanks 10 may be provided with an overflow drainage channel 70. If there is only one internal water storage tank with an overflow drainage channel, the connection position of the overflow drainage channel to the internal water storage tank shall be lower than any of the allowable upper limit water levels of the other internal water storage tanks. Is preferable. Preferably, all internal water storage tanks 10 include an overflow drainage channel 70.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the function of the overflow drainage channel 70. When the external water storage tank 20 is lifted, the water level in the external water storage tank 20 rises with respect to the water level in the internal water storage tank 10, so that the water in the tank 20 flows into the tank 10. At this time, even if the amount of water in the tank 20 decreases, the water level sensor 30 operates to supply water from the water production apparatus 200 to the tank 20, so that the water in the tank 20 continues to flow into the tank 10 and the inflow amount. Will eventually exceed the capacity of the tank 10. However, in the present invention, when the water level in the tank 10 exceeds a certain level, excess water is discharged from the overflow drainage channel 70 to the outside of the automatic analyzer 100, so that the water from the tank 10 into the automatic analyzer 100 is discharged. Overflow does not occur. From the viewpoint of overflow prevention, it is preferable that the amount of water discharged from the overflow drainage channel 70 (capacity / hour) is larger than the amount of water inflow (capacity / hour) from the pipe 40 that supplies water into the tank 10. Preferably, the inner diameter of the overflow drainage channel 70 is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 40 that supplies water into the tank 10.

Preferably, the overflow drainage channel 70 is provided with a backflow prevention member. In the backflow prevention member, drainage or gas remaining in the overflow drainage channel 70, or a pollutant in a drainage path (for example, sewage, wastewater tank, etc.) connected to the overflow drainage channel 70 flows back into the internal water storage tank 10 to tank. 10 Prevents the inside from being contaminated. The check valve member may be any as long as it has a structure that allows the outflow from the tank 10 while preventing the inflow into the tank 10, and preferred examples thereof include a check valve and a ball valve. The types of check valves include a type that prevents backflow by the flexibility of the valve itself, and a type that prevents backflow by applying pressure to the valve in one direction with elastic members, hinges, etc. (swing check valve, Wafer check valves, lift check valves, etc.), types that prevent backflow by closing the flow path by the valve's own weight, etc., but are not limited to these. The installation position of the backflow prevention member 80 in the overflow drainage channel 70 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of preventing contamination of the internal water storage tank 10, it is preferable to install it at a position close to the tank 10. In FIG. 5, the backflow prevention member 80 is provided near the connection port of the overflow drainage channel 70 with the tank 10.

FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the operation of an example of the backflow prevention member 80 provided in the overflow drainage channel 70. Here, a type of valve that closes the flow path by its own weight is shown. The valve 80 is engaged with the wall of the drainage channel 70 by the shaft 81, and opens and closes the drainage channel 70 by turning around the shaft 81. The valve 80 normally closes the drainage channel 70 by its own weight, but opens the flow path by the flow from the tank side. When there is no flow from the tank side, the drainage channel 70 is closed again by the weight of the valve 80. On the other hand, due to the stopper 71 provided on the wall of the drainage channel 70, the valve 80 does not move with respect to the flow from the drainage channel side, and the drainage channel 70 is not opened.

Preferably, the overflow drainage channel 70 includes a leak sensor. The leak sensor detects that water has been discharged into the overflow drainage channel 70. The type of the water leakage sensor is not particularly limited, and a known one can be used. For example, a water leakage sensor of the resistance detection type between electrodes (a sensor that detects water leakage when a liquid comes into contact with two electrodes and a current flows, for example, OMRON F03-16SF) can be used. In one embodiment, the signal from the leak sensor is sent to the control unit 101 of the automatic analyzer 100, which closes the on-off valve 60 provided in the pipe 40 connected to the internal water storage tank 10. In another embodiment, the signal from the leak sensor is sent to the control unit 300, which stops the supply of water from the water production device 200 to the external water storage tank 20. Since these configurations can suppress the excessive inflow of water into the tank 10, it is useful for suppressing the overflow from the tank 10. In FIG. 5, the water leakage sensor 90 is provided inside the automatic analyzer 100, but it may be provided outside the automatic analyzer 100. In FIG. 5, the signal path from the water leakage sensor 90 to the control unit 101 or the control unit 300 is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which a plurality of automatic analyzers 100 are connected to an external water storage tank 20 in the present invention. In FIG. 7, one water production device 200 and one external water storage tank 20 are provided outside the two automated analyzers 100. Inside each of the two automated analyzers 100, an internal water storage tank 10 is provided. Each internal water storage tank 10 supplies water to the automated analyzer 100 in which it is housed. In FIG. 7, each automatic analyzer 100 is provided with a pipe for supplying water from the internal water storage tank 10 inside the automatic analyzer 100, and the internal water storage tank 10 is an automatic analyzer in which the water storage tank 10 is housed through the pipe. Water is supplied to the analysis unit 102 of 100. The external water storage tank 20 is connected to the two internal water storage tanks 10 by a pipe 40 in a state where pure water can be supplied. The external water storage tank 20 includes a water level sensor 30 that detects a drop in the water level in the tank 20. The pipe 40 connects the external water storage tank 20 and the two internal water storage tanks 10 at positions lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30. More specifically, the pipe 40 is connected to the two internal water storage tanks 10 at a position lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30. Further, the connection portion from the external water storage tank 20 to the pipe 40 is located at a position lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor 30. Atmospheric pressure is used to supply water from the external water storage tank 20 to each of the internal water storage tanks 10. That is, when water is newly supplied to the external water storage tank 20 and a water level difference occurs between the water in the external water storage tank 20 and the water in the internal water storage tank 10, the water inside from the external water storage tank 20 via the pipe 40. Water flows into the water storage tank 10. Water is supplied from the water production apparatus 200 to the external water storage tank 20 via the pipe 50.

In FIG. 7, each of the internal water storage tanks 10 is provided with an overflow drainage channel 70, and each overflow drainage channel 70 is provided with a backflow prevention member 80 and a water leakage sensor 90. When the water level in each internal water storage tank 10 reaches a predetermined water level or higher, the water is discharged from the overflow drainage channel 70 to the outside of the automatic analyzer 100. As a result, the overflow of water into the automatic analyzer 100 is prevented, so that it is possible to prevent the automatic analyzer 100 from being contaminated or malfunctioning due to the overflowing water. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to share one pure water production device with a plurality of automatic analyzers by supplying water using atmospheric pressure, and overflow from the internal water storage tank and automatically due to the overflow. Contamination and failure of the analyzer can be prevented by simple means.

In the method of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3 or 7, it is possible to provide a full water error water level in the external water storage tank 20 in order to prevent overflow from the external water storage tank 20. For example, another water level sensor (not shown) can be installed in the external water storage tank 20. The other water level sensor detects that the water level in the tank 20 has reached a preset water level upper limit, and sends a signal to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 sends a signal to the water production apparatus 200 to stop the water supply to the tank 20. Alternatively, in the present invention, the external water storage tank 20 can also be provided with an overflow drainage channel. The overflow drainage channel of the tank 20 may be provided with a backflow prevention member and a water leakage sensor, similarly to the overflow drainage channel 70 of the tank 10 described above.

In the present invention, as a further means for preventing overflow from the internal water storage tank 10, the arrangement of the upper end of each internal water storage tank 10 can be made higher than the arrangement of the upper end of the tank of the external water storage tank 20. As a result, even when the water level of the tank 20 reaches the upper end of the tank, the water level of the internal water storage tank 10 does not reach the upper end of the tank, so that overflow from the tank 10 to the inside of the automatic analyzer 100 can be suppressed.

The mechanism for preventing overflow from the internal water storage tank by installing an overflow drainage channel provided by the present invention is not limited to the method of supplying water from an external water supply source using atmospheric pressure to the automatic analyzer, but other water supply methods. It can also be applied (for example, a water supply method using a pump). For example, the present invention comprises a step of supplying water from the outside of the device to a water storage tank provided inside at least one automatic analyzer, and a step of supplying water from the water storage tank to the device. Can provide a method of supplying water in an automated analyzer, wherein any one or more of the tanks are provided with an overflow drainage channel. Alternatively, the present invention comprises at least one water storage tank, each provided inside at least one automatic analyzer, and a pipe for supplying water from the water storage tank to the device. A water supply device for an automatic analyzer having a water supply port for replenishing water from the outside of the device and one or more of the tanks having an overflow drainage channel, and an automatic analyzer equipped with the water supply device. Can be provided.

As used herein, the term "water level sensor" means a mechanism for detecting a water level. As the water level detection method, any known method such as a method of detecting by the position of a float (float) or a method of detecting by water pressure can be adopted. Further, the water level sensors of the internal water storage tank 10 and the external water storage tank 20 have a function of detecting the water level in each tank and notifying the operator, or detecting the water level in each tank and the pure water production device control unit 300 or. Information is sent to the control unit 101 in the automatic analyzer. More specifically, the information detected by the water level sensor 30 of the external water storage tank 20 is sent to the pure water production apparatus control unit 300, or instead, the operator is notified by an alarm or the like. On the other hand, the information detected by the water level sensor 30a of the internal water storage tank 10 is sent to the control unit 101 in the automatic analyzer, or instead, the operator is notified by an alarm or the like.

In the present specification, the term "water supply device" means a combination of individual devices configured to enable the "water supply method" of the present invention, and all the elements of the combination are integrally sold or provided. It doesn't need to be.

As used herein, the term "communication" means that a device or component is connected by piping so that water can flow.

As used herein, the term "water" refers to water that can be used in automated analyzers, such as "pure water," "purified water," "distilled water," "deionized water," "ion-exchanged water," and "water supply." It is used as a generic term for "water" and the like. In the present specification, "water" is preferably pure water or purified water, but the type of "water" is not necessarily limited to them, and the type of "water" may be appropriately used depending on the purpose of use in analysis by an automatic analyzer. You can choose.

The specifications of the automatic analyzer are not limited as long as the water supply method of the present invention can be applied or the water supply device of the present invention can be configured. For example, a pump for supplying pure water to a probe or the like, a method for disposing of waste liquid, a mechanism thereof, a control unit, an analysis unit, and the like can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

10 Internal water storage tank 20 External water storage tank 30, 30a Water level sensor 40, 50 Piping 60 On-off valve 70 Overflow drainage channel 71 Stopper 80 Backflow prevention member 81 Shaft 90 Water leakage sensor 100 Automatic analyzer 101 Automatic analyzer Internal control unit 102 Automatic analyzer Internal analysis unit 200 Water production equipment 300 Water production equipment control unit

Claims (15)

It is a water supply method in an automatic analyzer.
A step of supplying water using atmospheric pressure from an external water storage tank provided outside the plurality of automatic analyzers to an internal water storage tank provided inside each of the plurality of automatic analyzers is included.
One or more of the internal water storage tanks are provided with an overflow drainage channel.
Water supply method. Each of the external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank is communicated by a pipe.
The external water storage tank is equipped with a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level.
The pipe is connected to the external water storage tank at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor.
The water supply method according to claim 1. The water supply method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overflow drainage channel includes a backflow prevention member. The water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the overflow drainage channel includes a water leakage sensor. The water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein any one or more of the internal water storage tanks includes a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level. The water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the pipes connected to each of the internal water storage tanks is provided with a valve. The water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the external water storage tank communicates with a water production apparatus that supplies water to the tank. A water supply device for an automated analyzer
It is provided with an internal water storage tank provided inside each of the plurality of automatic analyzers and an external water storage tank provided outside the plurality of automatic analyzers.
Each of the external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank is communicated from the external water storage tank so as to supply water to each of the internal water storage tanks by utilizing atmospheric pressure.
One or more of the internal water storage tanks are provided with an overflow drainage channel.
Water supply device. Each of the external water storage tank and the internal water storage tank is communicated by a pipe.
The external water storage tank is equipped with a water level sensor that detects a drop in water level.
The pipe is connected to the external water storage tank at the same position as or lower than the sensed water level of the water level sensor.
The device according to claim 8. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the overflow drainage channel includes a backflow prevention member. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the overflow drainage channel comprises a leak sensor. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein any one or more of the internal water storage tanks includes a water level sensor that detects a lower limit water level. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein each of the pipes connected to each of the internal water storage tanks is provided with an on-off valve. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising a water production device for supplying water to the external water storage tank. The device according to claim 14, further comprising a control unit for controlling the supply of water from the water production device to the external water storage tank.

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