JP6517565B2 - Dispensing nozzle cleaning method and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing nozzle cleaning method and an automatic analyzer equipped with a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample or a reagent.

  In the medical field, biotechnology field and the like, an automatic analyzer is used which reacts a sample such as blood, serum, urine with a reagent to detect a specific biological component or chemical substance contained in the sample.

  In such an automatic analyzer, further improvement of analysis accuracy is aimed at achieving highly reliable inspection. For example, when the dispensing nozzle for dispensing the sample or reagent is not sufficiently cleaned in the series of steps involved in the analysis, the adsorptive material remaining on the dispensing nozzle can not be completely removed, such as dispensing the next sample etc. There is a concern that it is sometimes released and mixed in the sample. This is generally called carryover. Carry over affects the measurement results.

  When children and the elderly are patients, only a small amount of sample can be collected. In addition, in order to reduce the burden on patients and reduce the amount of reagents used, it is possible to further miniaturize samples and reagents in the future.

  Therefore, the suppression of carryover and contamination is considered more important in the sample and reagent dispensing steps than ever before. Various cleaning methods for dispensing nozzles have been proposed using a cleaning solution.

  In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the dispensing nozzle into which the reagent has been dispensed is moved to the dispensing nozzle cleaning tank and the residual liquid in the dispensing nozzle is discharged, and then the cleaning solution is sucked and the inner wall surface of the dispensing nozzle Wash. Here, the cleaning liquid to be suctioned is continuously supplied from the supply port and overflows from the tank. The suctioned cleaning liquid is pushed out by the pre-pressure liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle and washed away. The outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle is cleaned by the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning solution discharge nozzle.

  Further, in the dispensing probe cleaning method described in Patent Document 2, in order to clean the inner wall surface of the dispensing probe, the extrusion liquid is discharged from the inside of the dispensing probe into the cleaning tank. At this time, the cleaning solution is allowed to flow upward from below the storage tank of the cleaning tank, to overflow, and to be supplied to the overflow tank. This is to maintain the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid supplied from the storage tank by the extrusion liquid discharged from the dispensing probe. Then, the dispensing probe is inserted into the storage tank, and the outer wall surface of the dispensing probe is cleaned by the cleaning liquid.

WO 2012/105398 A1 JP, 2010-216876, A

  The cleaning efficiency of the inner and outer wall surfaces of the dispensing nozzle depends on the discharge pressure of the cleaning water, and the higher the discharge pressure, the higher the cleaning efficiency. Therefore, it is effective to increase the discharge pressure of the washing water to prevent the above-mentioned carry over.

  However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the pressure of the washing water is increased, the rebound of the washing liquid generated when the washing liquid collides with an obstacle such as the bottom surface of the washing tank along with the discharge pressure increase of the washing water Since the frequency of the cleaning solution adhering to the dispensing nozzle and the peripheral unit increases, the pressure increase is limited.

  Further, in the cleaning method described in Patent Document 2, since the liquid extruded from the dispensing nozzle is discharged toward the cleaning liquid overflowing from the storage tank, it does not directly collide with the bottom surface of the cleaning tank or the like. Even if the discharge pressure of the extrusion liquid is increased, it is considered that the rebound of the extrusion liquid which is the cleaning liquid is suppressed as compared with the device described in Patent Document 1.

  However, the extrusion liquid and the cleaning liquid collide with each other because they overflow and cause the extrusion liquid to discharge in the direction in which the cleaning liquid is sent. Therefore, when the ejection pressure of the extrusion liquid is increased, the extrusion liquid becomes the cleaning liquid. It bounces and the extrusion liquid adheres to the inner surface of the cleaning tank more frequently.

  Therefore, in the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, there is a limit to the increase in the discharge pressure of the cleaning liquid etc. from the dispensing nozzle, and the discharge pressure of the washing water is increased to a degree effective for preventing carryover. It is difficult.

  An object of the present invention is to dispense nozzle cleaning capable of suppressing the rebound from the cleaning tank when discharging the cleaning liquid from the dispensing nozzle and increasing the discharge pressure of the cleaning water to an extent effective for the prevention of carryover. A method and an automated analyzer are to be realized.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

The automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises a reaction disc on which a plurality of reaction vessels are arranged;
A sample dispensing mechanism having a sample dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample to the reaction container, a reagent dispensing mechanism having a reagent dispensing nozzle for dispensing a reagent to the reaction container, and an inside of the reaction container A detection unit for detecting a specific component contained in the reaction liquid, a cleaning solution discharge port, a cleaning tank in which a discharge port under the cleaning solution discharge port is formed, and the discharge port of the liquid in the cleaning tank A drainage control mechanism that regulates discharge, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies a liquid into the cleaning tank, a cleaning liquid supply mechanism that supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid discharge port, and a cleaning liquid that is disposed in the cleaning tank and stores the cleaning liquid. Operation of the cleaning liquid storage tank overflowing the cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank, the reaction disk, the sample dispensing mechanism, the reagent dispensing mechanism, the detection unit, the drainage adjusting mechanism, the liquid supply mechanism, and the operation of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism Control system And a part.

The control unit inserts the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle into the cleaning solution discharge port, supplies the liquid into the cleaning tank by the liquid supply mechanism , and stores the liquid in the cleaning tank. While the liquid is supplied into the washing tank by the liquid supply mechanism, and the liquid contained in the washing tank is discharged from the discharge port by the drainage adjusting mechanism, The preload liquid is discharged from the inside of the injection nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid discharge port by the cleaning liquid supply mechanism, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved to store the cleaning liquid. The solution is inserted into the tank and the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution reservoir is sucked into the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is inserted. The solution is moved and inserted into the cleaning solution discharge port, and while the liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank by the liquid supply mechanism, the drainage control mechanism discharges the liquid contained in the cleaning tank. While discharging from the outlet, the cleaning liquid in the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is discharged toward the discharge port to clean the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle.

Further, the dispensing nozzle cleaning method of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention, by inserting the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, the outlet and the cleaning liquid discharge port of the cleaning tank cleaning liquid discharge port and is formed, the The liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank, the liquid is contained in the cleaning tank, the liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank, and the liquid contained in the cleaning tank is contained in the cleaning tank. While discharging from the discharge port by the drainage adjusting mechanism that controls the discharge of the liquid from the discharge port, the pre-pressure liquid is discharged from the inside of the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, and the cleaning liquid is discharged to the cleaning liquid discharge port Supply and move the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle to store the washing solution and insert the washing solution into the washing tank so that the washing solution overflows, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample The cleaning solution in the cleaning solution storage tank is sucked into the pouring nozzle, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved and inserted into the cleaning solution discharge port, and the liquid in the cleaning tank is supplied by the liquid supply mechanism. While the liquid contained in the cleaning tank is discharged from the discharge port by the drainage control mechanism while supplying the water, and the cleaning liquid in the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is discharged to the discharge port. Directly discharge.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the rebound from the cleaning tank when discharging the cleaning liquid from the dispensing nozzle, and to increase the discharge pressure of the cleaning water to an extent effective for the prevention of carryover. Methods and automated analyzers can be implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a whole block diagram of an example of the automatic analyzer to which this invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a reagent dispensing device and a nozzle cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the 1st, 3rd washing | cleaning step by 1st Example of this invention. It is the figure which represented typically the operation flow at the time of the washing | cleaning step by the washing tank with which the automatic analyzer which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention was equipped. It is a figure which shows an example of the raising / lowering apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the raising / lowering apparatus based on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the washing | cleaning procedure of the dispensing nozzle which concerns on this invention.

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

(First embodiment)
1. Automatic Analyzer FIG. 1 is an entire configuration diagram of an example of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a rack transfer line 117 for transferring the rack 101, an incubator disk (reaction disk) 104 for installing the reaction container 105, and a sample dispensing tip for transferring the sample dispensing tip and the reaction container 105. Reaction vessel transport mechanism 106, sample dispensing tip for holding sample dispensing tips and reaction vessels 105, reaction vessel holding member 107, reaction vessel stirring mechanism 108 for stirring samples in reaction vessel 105, dispensing and discharging samples Sample dispensing apparatus (sample dispensing mechanism) 103, reagent disc 111 provided with reagent container 118, reagent dispensing apparatus (reagent dispensing mechanism) 114 for dispensing and discharging a reagent, incubator disc 104, detection unit (detection unit Reaction container transfer mechanism 115 for transferring the reaction container 105 between the A detection unit 116 for detecting a specific biological component, chemical substance or the like contained in the reaction liquid in the container 105, and a nozzle cleaning device for cleaning the reagent dispensing nozzle 122 (shown in FIG. 2) of the reagent dispensing device 114 A nozzle cleaning mechanism) 119 and a control device (control unit) 120 for controlling the operation of each device are provided.

  The rack transport line 117 transports the rack 101 to the sample dispensing position by the sample dispensing device 103 on the line 117. A plurality of sample containers 102 for holding samples (samples) can be installed in the rack 101. In this example, although the configuration in which the sample is line-conveyed is illustrated in this way, there may be provided a disk-shaped one that is rotated to convey the sample.

  The incubator disk 104 can be provided with a plurality of reaction containers 105 in an annular shape, and is rotationally driven by a drive (not shown), and any reaction container 105 can be moved to each predetermined position including the dispensing position by the sample dispensing device 103. It can be moved.

  The sample dispensing tip / reaction container transport mechanism 106 is movable in the three axial directions of XYZ, and the sample dispensing tip / reaction container holding member 107, the reaction container stirring mechanism 108 and the incubator disc 104 each at predetermined positions, and the sample The sample dispensing tip / reaction container is transported between the dispensing tip / reaction container disposal hole 109 and the sample dispensing tip mounting position 110.

  The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel holding member 107 has a plurality of unused reaction vessels 105 and sample dispensing tips installed. The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel transfer mechanism 106 moves above the sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel holding member 107, descends, grips the unused reaction vessel 105 and ascends, and the incubator disc 104 is moved to a predetermined position. It moves above the position and descends to place the reaction vessel 105 on the incubator disc 104.

  In addition, the sample dispensing tip / reaction container transfer mechanism 106 moves above the sample dispensing tip / reaction container holding member 107, descends, grips the unused sample dispensing tip and ascends, The sample dispensing tip is moved to the upper side of the tip mounting position 110 and lowered to place the sample dispensing tip at the sample dispensing tip mounting position 110.

  The sample dispensing apparatus 103 is configured to move a dispensing nozzle (not shown) by rotating and vertically moving the dispensing nozzle by rotating and dropping the dispensing nozzle above the sample dispensing tip mounting position 110. Insert the sample dispensing tip into the tip of the nozzle by press fitting.

  The dispensing nozzle mounted with the sample dispensing tip moves above the sample container 102 placed on the rack 101 and descends, and sucks a predetermined amount of the sample held in the sample container 102. The dispensing nozzle that has aspirated the sample moves up and down the incubator disk 104, and discharges the sample into the unused reaction container 105 held by the incubator disk 104. When the sample discharge is completed, the dispensing nozzle moves above the sample dispensing tip / reaction container disposal hole 109, and discards the used sample dispensing tip from the sample dispensing tip / reaction container disposal hole 109.

  On the reagent disc 111, a plurality of reagent containers 118 are installed. A reagent disc cover 112 (FIG. 1 is a partially broken left view) is provided on the top of the reagent disc 111, and the inside of the reagent disc 111 is kept warm at a predetermined temperature. The reagent disc cover 112 is provided with an opening 113 at a portion on the incubator disc 104 side.

  The reagent dispensing apparatus 114 is configured to move the dispensing nozzle 122 (shown in FIG. 2) in the horizontal direction, but in this embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 122 is rotated and moved up and down like the sample dispensing apparatus 103. It is configured to be moved by The reagent dispensing apparatus 114 rotationally moves the dispensing nozzle 122 above the opening 113 of the reagent disc cover 112 and lowers it, inserts the tip of the dispensing nozzle 122 into a predetermined reagent container 118, and makes a predetermined amount of reagent Aspirate. At this time, in the reagent disc 111, the reagent to be aspirated by the dispensing nozzle 122 is moved in advance to a position below the opening 113.

  Further, the reagent dispensing apparatus 114 is provided with a liquid level sensor (liquid level detector) 121 (shown in FIG. 2) using capacitance, and the immersion section of the dispensing nozzle 122 for the reagent at the time of reagent aspiration The lowering amount of the dispensing nozzle 122 is controlled such that the amount of immersion can be minimized (for example, the amount of immersion for which the reagent can be aspirated by a required amount).

  After the reagent is aspirated, the dispensing nozzle 122 ascends and rotationally moves to a position above the predetermined position of the incubator disk 104, and discharges the reagent into the reaction container 105. Thereafter, before moving to the next reagent suction step, the nozzle is rotationally moved to the upper side of the washing tank to wash the dispensing nozzle 122.

  The reaction container 105 from which the sample and the reagent have been discharged is moved to a predetermined position by the rotation of the incubator disk 104, and is transported to the reaction container stirring mechanism 108 by the sample dispensing tip / reaction container transport mechanism 106. The reaction container stirring mechanism 108 stirs and mixes the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 105 by applying rotational motion to the reaction container 105. The reaction container 105 after the stirring is returned to a predetermined position of the incubator disk 104 by the sample dispensing tip / reaction container transport mechanism 106.

  The reaction container transfer mechanism 115 can rotate and move up and down like the sample dispensing device 103, and after dispensing and stirring of the sample and the reagent is completed, the reaction container returned to the incubator disk 104 and the predetermined reaction time has elapsed. The reaction container 105 is moved upward and lowered to grip and rise the reaction container 105, and the reaction container 105 is transported to the detection unit 116 by rotational movement.

  In the present embodiment, two detection units 116 and two reaction container transport mechanisms 115 are provided to double the analysis processing efficiency by parallel analysis.

  The process by each device described above and the nozzle cleaning operation described below are performed by the control device 120.

2. Configuration of Reagent Nozzle Cleaning Tank FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the reagent dispensing device 114 and the nozzle cleaning device 119. As shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the reagent dispensing device 114 includes a dispensing nozzle (probe) 122, a moving device 123, a dispensing syringe 200, and a liquid level detector 121. The moving device 123 includes an arm whose one end is connected to a vertical axis, and the dispensing nozzle 122, which is provided at one end of the arm (not shown) by pivoting the arm and suspended at the other end of the arm. The dispensing nozzle 122 is moved up and down by moving the arm up and down by another drive device (not shown).

  The dispensing syringe 200 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 122 and sucks the reagent into the dispensing nozzle 122 or discharges the reagent from the dispensing nozzle 122. Pre-pressure liquid is sucked in a pipe line connecting the dispensing syringe 200 and the dispensing syringe 200 and the dispensing nozzle 122.

  The liquid level detector 121 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 122 and detects the presence of the reagent or the cleaning liquid through the dispensing nozzle 122 by the electrostatic capacity. For example, the dispensing nozzle 122 is a reagent or a cleaning liquid. When touched, the presence of the reagent or the washing solution is detected by the liquid level detector 121. Although not particularly described, the sample dispensing device 103 is basically the same as the reagent dispensing device 114.

  The nozzle cleaning device 119 shown in FIG. 1 includes the cleaning tank 124, the first third discharge port 201, the second cleaning fluid storage tank 202, the first third cleaning fluid supply device (cleaning fluid supply mechanism) 125, and the second cleaning fluid shown in FIG. A second cleaning liquid supply device 126 is provided. In addition, in FIG. 2, the cross section of the nozzle washing | cleaning apparatus 119 is shown. Moreover, in FIG. 2, the 1st 3rd discharge port 201 has shown the state in which the dispensing nozzle 122 was inserted.

  The cleaning tank 124 is disposed on the track of the dispensing nozzle 122 of the reagent dispensing device 114 between the incubator disk 104 and the reagent disk 111. The cleaning tank 124 is a container for performing a first cleaning step, a second cleaning step, and a third cleaning step described later on the dispensing nozzle 122.

  The first and third cleaning liquid discharge ports 201 are provided at the first and third cleaning positions in the cleaning tank 124, and the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 is provided at the second cleaning position. Further, the cleaning tank 124 is provided with a water supply nozzle (liquid supply mechanism) 203. At the bottom of the cleaning tank 124, it is directly below the dispensing nozzle 122, that is, immediately below the first third cleaning fluid discharge port 201, and the cleaning fluid discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 is discharged almost at its center. An outlet 204 is provided. The outlet 204 may be provided at a plurality of places other than the illustrated one.

  The first and third washing positions and the second washing position are arranged on the track of the dispensing nozzle 122 in this arrangement from the incubator disc 104 (reagent dispensing position) to the reagent disc 111 (reagent aspirating position). In FIG. 2, the position where the dispensing nozzle 122 is represented by the broken line is the second cleaning position, and the position where the dispensing nozzle 122 is represented by the solid line on the left side of the second cleaning position is the first third cleaning position.

  In addition, although the 1st 3rd washing position of dispensing nozzle 122 shows the same position, since the 1st washing step and the 3rd washing step are performed in this 1st 3rd washing position, the 1st 3rd washing It is defined as position.

  The first and third cleaning positions are positions where the first and third cleaning liquids discharged from the first and third cleaning liquid discharge ports 201 are applied to the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 in the first and third cleaning positions. In the present embodiment, the first and third cleaning liquid discharge ports 201 are provided at positions where the movement of the dispensing nozzle 122 is not impeded.

  A second cleaning liquid supply device 126 for supplying a second cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 is connected to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202. The second cleaning liquid supply device 126 includes a tank 206 for storing the second cleaning liquid, a liquid feeding syringe 207, a flow path switching valve 208, and a solenoid valve 205. The liquid delivery syringe 207 is connected to the tank 206 via a conduit. The pipe line connecting the tank 206 and the liquid feeding syringe 207 is branched and connected to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202. The flow path switching valve 208 is provided at a branch portion of the pipe, and the solenoid valve 205 is provided at a pipe connecting the flow path switching valve 208 and the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202. The flow path switching valve 208 switches the connection partner of the liquid feeding syringe 207 to either the tank 206 or the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202.

  In a state of being connected to the tank 206 via the flow path switching valve 208, the liquid feeding syringe 207 sucks the second cleaning liquid, and the connection destination of the liquid feeding syringe 207 is switched to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 by the flow path switching valve 208 The second cleaning liquid is supplied to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 by discharging the second cleaning liquid from the liquid feeding syringe 207. The solenoid valve 205, the flow path switching valve 208 and the liquid feeding syringe 207 operate in accordance with a signal from the controller 120.

  Further, a first third cleaning liquid supply device 125 for supplying the first cleaning liquid and the third cleaning liquid is connected to the first third cleaning liquid discharge port 201. The first and third cleaning liquid discharge devices 125 have the same configuration as the second cleaning liquid supply device 126. For this reason, while simplifying and showing in figure, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure.

  The water supply nozzle 203 is connected to a water supply device (liquid supply mechanism) 127. The water supply device 127 comprises a pump 210, a pump control device 211 and a supply water tank 212. The pump 210 is controlled by the pump control device 211 and sends the supply water into the washing tank 124. The pump control device 211 controls the pump 210 according to a command from the control device 120.

3. Cleaning Procedure FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the cleaning procedure of the dispensing nozzle by the control device 120.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the washing process of the dispensing nozzle includes three steps of a first washing step S1, a second washing step S2 and a third washing step S3, and the control device 120 controls the reagent dispensing device 114 and the nozzle cleaning device 119 to perform the first, second and third cleaning steps. The first to third cleaning steps will be described respectively.

(1) First Washing Step In the first washing step, the control device 120 controls the operation of the reagent dispensing device 114 to discharge the reagent into the reaction container 105 on the incubator disk 104 and then to the transfer device 123. A signal is output to move the dispensing nozzle 122 to the first cleaning position (first and third cleaning position), and the dispensing nozzle 122 is inserted into the first and third cleaning liquid discharge port 201. Then, the control device 120 outputs a signal to the dispensing syringe 200 and the first cleaning liquid supply device 125, and causes the dispensing nozzle 122 to discharge the precompression liquid, and the first third cleaning liquid discharge port 201 of the dispensing nozzle 122. Apply the first cleaning solution to the outer wall surface. That is, the inner wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 is cleaned by discharging the preload liquid from inside the dispensing nozzle 122, and the outer cleaning wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 is applied by applying the first cleaning liquid to the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122. Wash.

  Either of the cleaning of the inner wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 and the cleaning of the outer wall surface in the first cleaning step may be earlier or simultaneous. The first cleaning solution applied to the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 at the first cleaning position is received by the cleaning tank 124 and discharged from the cleaning tank 124 to the drainage tank (not shown) through the discharge port 204.

(2) Second cleaning step After the first cleaning step, when the procedure is transferred to the second cleaning step, the control device 120 outputs a signal to the moving device 123 to cause the dispensing nozzle 122 to be at the second cleaning position. It is moved to the cleaning liquid storage tank 202, and the tip of the dispensing nozzle 122 is immersed in the second cleaning liquid. At that time, the height of the tip of the dispensing nozzle 122 at the time of the second cleaning liquid suction operation in the second cleaning step is controlled by the control device 120 to a height at which the second cleaning liquid is sucked by a necessary amount.

  “The height for suctioning the second washing liquid by the required amount” means that if the liquid level of the second washing liquid is not kept constant at the time of suction of the second washing liquid (if not supplied simultaneously with suction), (2) The height position where the volume of the necessary second washing liquid is lower than the liquid level of the second washing liquid, and the second washing liquid level is kept constant at the time of suction of the second washing liquid (supplied simultaneously with suction In the case where it is removed, the height position of the liquid level of the second cleaning liquid (or the height position lowered from the liquid level by the minimum required nozzle immersion amount for the suction operation).

  After moving the dispensing nozzle 122 to the second cleaning position in this way, the control device 120 outputs a signal to the dispensing syringe 200 to aspirate the second cleaning liquid into the dispensing nozzle 122 so that the inside of the dispensing nozzle 122 can be Wash the wall.

  At this time, the control device 120 outputs a signal to the second cleaning liquid supply device 126 in response to the decrease of the second cleaning liquid in the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 accompanying the execution of the second cleaning step, and the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 To the second cleaning solution. That is, the second cleaning liquid reservoir 202 is replenished with the cleaning liquid having a larger amount than the amount of cleaning liquid that the dispensing nozzle 122 sucks.

  This procedure may be performed after the execution of the second cleaning step and before the start of the next second cleaning step. For example, while the second cleaning step is being performed, the second cleaning solution supply device 126 together with the dispensing syringe 200 is By controlling, the second cleaning liquid supply device 126 supplies the cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 simultaneously with suction of the second cleaning liquid by the dispensing nozzle 122, and the liquid level of the second cleaning liquid in the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 You may maintain it.

  Further, in the second cleaning step, the control unit 120 controls the dispensing syringe 200 to make the tip of the dispensing nozzle 122 deeper than the height (described above) for sucking the second cleaning solution by the required amount. The outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 can also be cleaned at the same time as suction of the second cleaning solution by immersing the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution. The amount of immersion in the second cleaning liquid at that time is a value set in advance such that a portion on the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 where adhesion of the cleaning target including the reagent can be assumed is immersed in the second cleaning liquid.

  In addition, the control device 120 immerses the tip of the dispensing nozzle 122 in the second cleaning liquid while maintaining the height of the dispensing nozzle 122 during the suction operation of the second cleaning liquid in the second cleaning step, if necessary. In the state, it is possible to output a signal to the dispensing syringe 200 and repeatedly execute suction and discharge of the second cleaning liquid.

(3) Third Cleaning Step After the second cleaning step, when the procedure is moved to the third cleaning step, the control device 120 outputs a signal to the moving device 123 to place the dispensing nozzle 122 in the third cleaning position (first Move to the first cleaning fluid discharge port 201 of the third cleaning position), output a signal to the dispensing syringe 200 and the third cleaning fluid supply device 125, and discharge the second cleaning fluid from the dispensing nozzle 122 to dispense the dispensing nozzle While washing the inner wall surface 122, the outer washing wall is applied to the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 to wash the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122.

  The discharge operation of the second cleaning liquid and the flow-down operation of the third cleaning liquid in the third cleaning step are the same as the discharge operation of the pre-pressure liquid and the flow-down operation of the first cleaning liquid in the first cleaning step. Either of the cleaning of the inner wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 and the cleaning of the outer wall surface in the third cleaning step may be earlier or simultaneous. The third cleaning solution applied to the outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 122 at the third cleaning position is received by the cleaning tank 124 and discharged from the cleaning tank 124 to the drainage tank (not shown) through the discharge port 204. At this time, the solenoid valve (the drainage adjustment mechanism) 209 disposed in the discharge pipe connected to the discharge port 204 is opened by the command of the control device 120.

  Further, the control device 120 controls the at least one of the dispensing syringe 200 and the moving device 123 to maintain the second cleaning solution sucked in the second cleaning step in the dispensing nozzle 122 for a set time, thereby performing dispensing. The effect of further cleaning the inner wall surface of the nozzle 122 can also be improved. The “set time” referred to here is a minute in the case where the suction operation of the second cleaning liquid, the moving operation to the third cleaning position, and the discharge operation of the second cleaning liquid in the second cleaning step are continuously performed at normal speed. This means an additional time with respect to the residence time of the second cleaning liquid in the injection nozzle 122 and means a preset time.

  Specifically, for example, the movement speed from the second cleaning position to the third cleaning position is delayed, the timing for discharging the second cleaning liquid after reaching the third cleaning position is delayed, and the second cleaning position after suctioning the second cleaning liquid The timing of moving to the third cleaning position can be delayed by at least one of the operations.

  In addition, in at least one of the first to third cleaning steps, by detecting the cleaning liquid using the liquid level detector 121, it can be determined that the discharge state or the storage state of the cleaning liquid is normal. For example, based on a signal input from the liquid level detector 121, the controller 120 confirms that the cleaning liquid is in contact with the dispensing nozzle 122. When it is not confirmed by the control device 120 that all of the first to third cleaning steps are normally executed, a signal notifying a cleaning step that has not been normally executed is a display device, an audio device, a printing device, etc. The output device of the controller 120 can output the In addition, a signal indicating that the first to third cleaning steps are normally performed should be output from the control device 120 to an output device such as a display device, a voice device, or a printing device, if necessary. You can also.

4. Effects of the First Embodiment According to the Present Invention (1) Suppression of Splash of Cleaning Water During Dispensing Nozzle Cleaning FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view of the first and third cleaning steps according to the first embodiment.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, water is supplied into the cleaning tank 124 by the water supply nozzle 203 before the operations of the first cleaning step and the third cleaning step start (the solenoid valve 209 is closed) When the water level reaches a certain height in the cleaning tank 124 as shown in (c) of FIG. 3, the solenoid valve 209 is opened as shown in (d) of FIG. A water flow toward the discharge port 204 is generated, and as shown in (e) of FIG. 3, the precompression liquid is discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 to start the first and third cleaning steps.

During the cleaning step, water supply by the water supply nozzle (liquid supply mechanism) 203 is continued so that the water flow toward the outlet 204 does not stop. In this state, the solenoid valve 209 is controlled to be opened, and the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 is sucked to the discharge port 204 by the water flow.

After the end of the washing step, the solenoid valve 209 is closed but the water supply from the water supply nozzle 203 is continued, and the supplied water is stored in the washing tank 124 to a constant water level until the next washing step.

  In this way, splashing from the bottom of the cleaning tank 124 to the dispensing nozzle and peripheral units due to splashing from the bottom of the cleaning tank 124 during discharge of cleaning water from the dispensing nozzle 122 is prevented, and the frequency of cleaning of the cleaning tank 124 and peripheral units by the user is reduced. Can.

  As described above, the discharge port 204 is located immediately below the dispensing nozzle 122, that is, immediately below the first and third discharge ports 201, and the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 is discharged to substantially the central portion thereof. It is formed in position.

Then, when the solenoid valve 209 is opened, the water stored in the cleaning tank 124 is directed to the discharge port 204 to form a downward flowing water flow, as shown in (d) and (e) of FIG. The water surface has a substantially concave shape.

  When the washing liquid is discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 installed at the first third line washing position, the discharged washing liquid is, as shown in (e) of FIG. Fall down. Furthermore, the water at the central portion of the substantially concave water surface in the cleaning tank 124 is directed substantially downward as in the discharge direction of the cleaning liquid from the dispensing nozzle 122.

  Therefore, the washing liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122 is sufficiently suppressed from splashing and scattering due to falling onto the water surface.

(2) Improvement of Cleaning Efficiency and Carry-over Suppression When the cleaning water pressure is increased to improve the cleaning efficiency, the number of droplets of cleaning water splashing back from the bottom of the cleaning tank 124 increases. However, if it is configured as in the first embodiment of the present invention, its bounce back can be suppressed even under high pressure of the cleaning liquid, and improvement in cleaning efficiency of the dispensing nozzle and suppression of carryover can be realized.

(3) Automatic Cleaning of Cleaning Tank As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has the function of repeating the operation of storing the supplied water in the cleaning tank 124 to any height in the cleaning tank 124 and discharging it. have. Further, the detergent concentration can be changed in the process of repeating the storage and discharge of the supplied water by causing the second cleaning liquid supply device 126 to overflow the cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202. As a result, manual cleaning of the inside of the cleaning tank 124 by the user becomes unnecessary, and the maintainability is improved.

That is, the second cleaning liquid storage tank 124 is disposed in one cleaning tank 124, and the cleaning liquid overflows from the second cleaning liquid storage tank 124 into the cleaning tank 124, and a water flow is generated from the discharge port 204. As a result, the inner surface of the cleaning tank 124 can be cleaned automatically by moving the mixture containing the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 124.

(4) Dispensing nozzle cleaning The supply water is stored in the cleaning tank 124 in the same operation as the automatic cleaning of the cleaning tank in the above (3), and the dispensing nozzle 122 is immersed to perform the first and third cleaning steps. Cleaning in a wider range than the cleaning range is possible.

  Also, similar to the above (3) automatic cleaning of the cleaning tank, the detergent concentration is changed in the process of repeating storage and discharge of the supplied water by causing the cleaning liquid to overflow from the second cleaning liquid storage tank 202 by the second cleaning liquid supply device 126. Can go. This eliminates the need for manual cleaning of the dispensing nozzle by the user, and improves maintainability.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing the cleaning flow by the cleaning tank provided in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the S-shaped drainage pipe 301 is connected to the outlet 204. The S-shaped drainage pipe (drainage adjusting mechanism) 301 extends downward from the connection portion with the discharge port 204, and then has a curved pipe portion, extends upward, and further extends downward through the curved pipe portion ( The S-shaped drainage pipe is connected to the outlet 204 and is curved in the vertical direction).

  The entire configuration of the automatic analyzer and the other parts of the reagent dispenser and the nozzle cleaning device are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore the illustration and detailed description will be omitted. .

  As shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 4, the supplied water discharged by the water supply nozzle 203 is accumulated in the cleaning tank 124 to the height of the bent portion of the S-shaped drain pipe 301. Then, when the water level exceeds the height of the refracted portion as shown in (d) of FIG. 4, a siphon phenomenon occurs and a water flow occurs, and the same water flow as in the first embodiment is generated in the cleaning tank 124. It is possible to obtain an effect of preventing splashing of the washing water which is generated and discharged from the dispensing nozzle 122.

  In the second embodiment, the above (3) automatic cleaning of the cleaning tank and (4) water level adjustment for performing dispensing nozzle cleaning can be performed by raising and lowering the height of the drainage pipe refracting portion 301 by an appropriate lifting device. become.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the elevating device. As shown in FIG. 5, the lifting device (lifting mechanism) 400 includes a grip 401, a belt 402, and a motor 403. The grip 401 connects the lifting device 400 and the S-shaped drainage pipe 301, and the belt 402 connects the grip 401 and the motor 403. The lift device 400 motor 403 is controlled by the control device 120.

  As the belt 402 is rotationally moved by the drive by the motor 403, the grip 401 is raised and lowered, and the S-shaped drainage pipe 301 is moved.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing another example of the lifting apparatus (lifting mechanism) 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in synchronization with the vertical movement mechanism of the dispensing nozzle moving device 123, the plate A 404 attached to the nozzle 122 by lowering the dispensing nozzle 122 pushes and moves the plate B 405 and moves to the pulley 406 The belt 407 supported and supported at one end of the plate B 405 is moved, and the grip 401 (point B) connected to the other end of the belt 407 is raised. Thereby, the S-shaped drainage pipe 301 supported by the grip 401 is moved.

  The plate B 405 is lighter than the grip 401, and returns to the original position by the weight of the grip 401 when the dispensing nozzle 122 is raised.

  Also in the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, according to another example of the second embodiment of the present invention, the example shown in FIG. 6) can reduce the number of actuators of the lifting and lowering device for moving the S-shaped drainage pipe 301, simplifying the device configuration. The cost can be reduced.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the cleaning of the reagent dispensing nozzle, the sample dispensing apparatus 103 also has a configuration similar to that of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114. In addition, a sample dispensing probe cleaning mechanism having a configuration similar to that of the nozzle cleaning device (nozzle cleaning mechanism) 119, the second cleaning fluid supply device (second cleaning fluid supply mechanism) 126, and the water supply device (liquid supply mechanism) 127 It is also possible to arrange the second cleaning liquid supply mechanism for cleaning the probe and the water supply mechanism for cleaning the sample dispensing nozzle, and to clean the sample dispensing nozzle in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

  103: sample dispensing device, 104: incubator disk (reaction disk), 105: reaction container, 111: reagent disk, 114: reagent dispensing device, 116: detection unit, 119: nozzle cleaning device, 120: controller, 121: liquid level detector, 122: reagent dispensing nozzle, 123: moving device, 124: cleaning tank, 125 .. First third cleaning liquid supply device (cleaning liquid supply mechanism) 126 second cleaning liquid supply device 127 water supply device (liquid supply mechanism) 200 dispensing syringe 201 First third cleaning liquid discharge port, 202: second cleaning liquid storage tank, 203: water supply nozzle (liquid supply mechanism), 204: discharge port, 205, 208, 209: solenoid valve, 206・ ・ Tank, 207 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Plate

Claims (6)

A reaction disc on which a plurality of reaction vessels are arranged;
A sample dispensing mechanism having a sample dispensing nozzle and dispensing a sample into the reaction container;
A reagent dispensing mechanism having a reagent dispensing nozzle and dispensing the reagent into the reaction container;
A detection unit for detecting a specific component contained in the reaction liquid in the reaction container;
A cleaning tank in which a cleaning solution discharge port and a discharge port under the cleaning solution discharge port are formed;
A drainage control mechanism for controlling the discharge of the liquid in the cleaning tank from the discharge port;
A liquid supply mechanism for supplying a liquid into the cleaning tank;
A cleaning solution supply mechanism for supplying a cleaning solution to the cleaning solution discharge port;
A cleaning solution storage tank disposed in the cleaning tank to store the cleaning solution and overflowing the cleaning solution into the cleaning tank;
A control unit that controls the operation of the reaction disc, the sample dispensing mechanism, the reagent dispensing mechanism, the detection unit, the drainage control mechanism, the liquid supply mechanism, and the cleaning liquid supply mechanism ;
Equipped with
The control unit inserts the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle into the cleaning liquid discharge port, supplies the liquid into the cleaning tank by the liquid supply mechanism , and the liquid is accommodated in the cleaning tank. In the state , the reagent dispensing nozzle is supplied by the liquid supply mechanism while the liquid is supplied into the washing tank, and the liquid contained in the washing tank is discharged from the discharge port by the drainage adjusting mechanism. Alternatively, the preload liquid is discharged from the inside of the sample dispensing nozzle, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid outlet by the cleaning liquid supply mechanism, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved to the cleaning liquid storage tank. Then, the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution reservoir is sucked into the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved. And the liquid supplied to the cleaning tank by the liquid supply mechanism, and the liquid contained in the cleaning tank is discharged from the outlet by the drainage adjusting mechanism. The automatic analyzer characterized in that the cleaning liquid in the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is discharged toward the discharge port while cleaning the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle while . In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the drainage adjustment mechanism is a solenoid valve disposed in a drainage pipe connected to the discharge port, and the control unit controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the drainage adjustment mechanism is an S-shaped drainage pipe which is connected to the discharge port and is curved in the vertical direction. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 3 ,
An automatic analyzer characterized by further comprising an elevating mechanism for moving the S-shaped drainage pipe in the vertical direction, and the control unit controlling the operation of the elevating mechanism. The reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is inserted into the cleaning solution discharge port of the cleaning tank in which the discharge port and the cleaning solution discharge port are formed , the liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank, and the liquid is in the cleaning tank. The drainage control mechanism controls the discharge of the liquid contained in the washing tank from the discharge port of the washing tank while supplying the liquid in the washing tank while keeping the housed state. While discharging from the discharge port, the pre-pressured liquid is discharged from the inside of the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle, the cleaning solution is supplied to the cleaning solution discharge port, and the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved. The cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning tank and inserted into the cleaning tank which overflows the cleaning solution, and the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution storage tank is sucked into the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle. The drug dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is moved and inserted into the cleaning liquid discharge port, and the liquid supplied to the cleaning tank by the liquid supply mechanism, and the liquid contained in the cleaning tank The dispensing nozzle of the automatic analyzer characterized in that the cleaning liquid in the reagent dispensing nozzle or the sample dispensing nozzle is discharged toward the discharge port while discharging from the discharge port by the drainage adjustment mechanism. How to wash In the dispensing nozzle cleaning method of an automatic analyzer according to claim 5 ,
The method for cleaning a dispensing nozzle of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention, wherein the drainage adjustment mechanism is a solenoid valve disposed in a drainage pipe connected to the discharge port.

Images