JP2005000817A - Initial liquid introducing method in solution discharge machine and solution discharge machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To introduce initial liquid into a pump and tubes while quickly and surely discharging bubbles, and to quickly replace the initial liquid with a sample sealed-in solution. <P>SOLUTION: In this solution discharge machine, the sample sealed-in solution in a solution storing bottle 204 sucked by the sucking operation of the pump 208 is discharged from a discharge nozzle 210 to a slide glass by discharge operation, by opening/closing operation of check valves 207, 209 for sucking and discharging depending on an inner pressure of the pump 208. By switching a switching lever 202c of a selector valve 202 to a position (a), compressed air from an air pump 201 is supplied to the bottle 204 via a pressurizing tube 203, high pressure liquid in the bottle 204 opens the suction check valve 207 to be entered into the pump, and further opens the discharging check valve 209 to be discharged through the nozzle 210. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and a solution discharge method for efficiently performing initial liquid introduction for cleaning a liquid path and discharging residual bubbles and the like prior to operation in a solution discharge machine that sucks and discharges a sample-sealing solution. Related to the machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When observing a cell sample piece with a microscope in medical diagnosis or the like, a sample encapsulating solution (hereinafter referred to as a sample enclosing solution) is dropped on a slide glass on which the cell sample piece is placed. A cover glass made of thin plate glass is placed thereon, the cell sample piece is sandwiched between the slide glass and the cover glass, and the cell sample piece is encapsulated by coating with an adhesive film of the specimen encapsulation solution. The specimen sealing work is performed.
[0003]
Such a sample enclosing operation has been mechanized, and a solution ejector has been proposed as a device for inhaling and injecting a sample encapsulating solution and dropping it on a slide glass.
[0004]
In a solution discharger, a direct pressurization type pump such as a plunger pump that performs a suction discharge operation by directly passing a sample sealing solution into a cylinder is used as a pump for repeatedly sucking and discharging the sample sealing solution. . The discharge side of the pump is connected to the discharge nozzle via a discharge nozzle connecting pipe, and the suction side of the pump is connected via a suction pipe to a solution storage bottle in which the specimen-sealed solution is stored.
[0005]
Further, a suction check valve and a discharge check valve are attached between the suction side of the pump and the solution storage bottle, and between the discharge side of the pump and the discharge nozzle, respectively. During the suction operation, the discharge check valve is kept closed to reduce the pressure in the cylinder, and the suction check valve is opened in the reduced pressure state in the cylinder so that the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle is discharged. It is sucked into the cylinder through the suction pipe. Then, when the inside of the cylinder is turned into a pressurized state for discharge, the suction check valve is closed, the discharge check valve is opened, and the sample-sealed solution in the cylinder passes through the discharge nozzle connecting pipe. And discharged from the discharge nozzle.
[0006]
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a solution dispenser equipped with such a pump.
[0007]
In FIG. 2, the pump 103 has a bellows pipe 113 that is telescopically disposed in a vertically long outer cylinder 112 fixed to a base plate 111, and a movable discharge pipe 114 and a fixed suction pipe 115 above and below the bellows pipe 113. The bellows pipe 113 communicates with the solution storage bottle 101 in which the sample-sealed solution is stored via the suction pipe 115 and the suction check valve 102, and the discharge pipe 114 and the reverse discharge pipe. The discharge nozzle 110 communicates with the stop valve 109.
[0008]
The bellows pipe 113 has a lower end fixed to the lower end of the outer cylinder 112, and an upper end of the bellows pipe fixed to the lower end of the discharge pipe 114 that can be moved up and down through the upper end of the outer cylinder 112. By doing so, the bellows pipe 113 expands and contracts.
[0009]
When the bellows pipe 113 is pulled upward via a driving lift plate 106 fixed to the upper end of the discharge pipe 114, the pressure in the bellows pipe 113 is reduced, and the ball of the suction check valve 102 is attached to a spring. The specimen-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle 101 flows into the bellows pipe 113 away from the valve seat against the force. Then, the bellows pipe 113 is pulled up to a predetermined position above to fill the bellows pipe 113 with the sample-sealing solution.
[0010]
Thereafter, when the bellows pipe 113 is moved up and down by a small amount via the lifting plate 106, the pressurization and decompression in the bellows pipe 113 are repeated, and when the inside of the bellows pipe 113 is in a pressurized state, a check valve for suction is used. The ball of 102 is pressed against the valve seat and the movement of the solution toward the solution storage bottle 101 is prevented, and the ball of the discharge check valve 109 is separated from the valve seat against the biasing force of the spring, and a predetermined small amount of The sample sealing solution is discharged downward from the nozzle 110 and dropped onto the slide glass.
[0011]
Further, when the inside of the bellows pipe 113 is depressurized due to a very small rise in the bellows pipe 113, the ball of the discharge check valve 109 is pressed against the valve seat, thereby preventing the discharge of the sample-sealed solution to the nozzle 110 and inhalation. The ball of the check valve 102 is separated from the valve seat against the biasing force of the spring, and a predetermined minute amount of the sample-sealed solution is supplied from the solution storage bottle 101.
[0012]
On the other hand, a pulse motor 104 for driving is attached to the base plate 111 with the drive shaft facing upward, and a ball screw 108 constituting a feed mechanism using a ball screw is attached to the drive shaft. A gate-shaped guide frame 105 is fixed to the base plate 111 so as to straddle the driving pulse motor 104, and the elevating plate 106 is attached to a pair of frame members extending in the vertical direction of the guide frame 105 so as to be movable up and down. ing. The elevating plate 106 is provided with a ball nut 107 into which a ball screw 108 is screwed.
[0013]
The lift plate 106 is connected to the discharge pipe 114, and the lift plate 106 is moved up and down by forward and reverse rotation of the driving pulse motor 104, and the bellows pipe 113 is expanded and contracted through the discharge pipe 114. At that time, by controlling the number of driving pulses input to the driving pulse motor 104, the raising and lowering amount of the bellows pipe 113 can be accurately controlled. Can be controlled.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in such a discharger that alternately repeats inhalation and discharge, the discharge cycle of the sample-sealed solution starts from the suction by the decompression of the pump 103, and after the discharge of the sample-sealed solution by the pressurization, by the pressurization stop finish.
[0015]
In order to discharge a predetermined amount of the sample-sealed solution in this one discharge cycle, it is necessary to completely fill the inside of the pump and the pipe line with the sample-filled solution. If the air remains, the staying air becomes bubbles and enters the sample sealing solution, so that a predetermined amount of the sample sealing solution cannot be sucked or discharged.
[0016]
When air bubbles are mixed in the sample encapsulating solution, not only can a predetermined amount of the sample encapsulating solution not be discharged as described above, but also air bubbles enter the sample encapsulating layer formed by dripping on the slide glass and used as a microscope sample. There are cases where it is not possible.
[0017]
Therefore, prior to the suction / discharge operation, the liquid in the solution storage bottle 101 is replaced with a cleaning liquid (initial liquid) made of a solvent having a low viscosity from the sample-sealed solution, and the pump is driven to perform the suction / discharge operation of the cleaning liquid. By repeating the above, the cleaning liquid is injected into the pump and the pipe line, and the pump and the pipe line are cleaned.
[0018]
Then, when the bubbles are completely discharged from the pump and the pipe line by washing in the pump and the pipe line, the washing liquid in the storage bottle 101 is replaced with the sample-filled solution, and the pump is driven again. The cleaning liquid remaining in the pipe line is completely discharged from the discharge nozzle, and the apparatus waits for preparation of a specimen in which the specimen sealing solution is dropped on the slide glass.
[0019]
In addition, when the sample-filled solution becomes old, the sample-filled solution in the pump and the pipe line is completely discharged even during maintenance of the solution dispenser. Is again replaced with the specimen sealing solution so that the inside of the pump and the pipe line are filled with the specimen sealing solution.
[0020]
Such a cleaning operation is performed by reciprocating the pump, and the amount of cleaning liquid sucked and discharged in one discharge cycle is very small. Therefore, it takes a lot of time to completely clean the inside of the pump and the pipe line. Cost.
[0021]
The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and can introduce an initial liquid into a pump and a pipe line so that bubbles can be quickly and reliably discharged. It is an object of the present invention to provide an initial liquid introduction method and a solution discharger in a solution discharger that can perform replacement work quickly.
[0022]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, the pressure reducing action and the pressure increasing action are created in the pump by the opening and closing operations of the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve, and suction is performed from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reducing action. In the solution discharge machine that discharges the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle from the discharge side of the pump through the discharge nozzle onto the slide glass by the pressurizing action, both the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are opened. In this state, the cleaning liquid is pressurized and supplied into the pump from the suction side of the pump, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge nozzle through the pump.
[0023]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, as described in claim 2, a pressure reducing action and a pressure increasing action are created in the pump by opening and closing the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve, and suction is performed from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reducing action. In the solution discharge machine that discharges the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle from the discharge side of the pump through the discharge nozzle onto the slide glass by the pressurizing action, both the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are opened. A first step of pressurizing and supplying a cleaning liquid into the pump from the suction side of the pump as a state, and discharging the cleaning liquid from the discharge nozzle through the pump; This comprises a second step in which both the discharge on-off valve are opened and the specimen-sealed solution is pressurized and supplied from the suction side of the pump into the pump, and the specimen-sealed solution is discharged from the discharge nozzle through the pump. It is an initial liquid introduction method in a solution dispenser according to claim.
[0024]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pressure reducing action and the pressure increasing action are created in the pump by the opening and closing operations of the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve, and the solution is supplied from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reducing action. The sample sealed solution stored in the solution storage bottle is sucked through the suction pipe inserted into the storage bottle, and the sucked sample sealed solution is slid from the discharge side of the pump through the discharge nozzle by the pressurizing action. In the solution discharge machine for discharging onto the glass, the gas pressure in the solution storage bottle is increased, and the pressurized liquid in the solution storage bottle is pumped from the suction pipe into the pump through the suction opening / closing valve, Furthermore, it has pressurizing means for discharging from the pump through the discharge on-off valve from the discharge nozzle, and the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are in the solution storage bottle raised by the pressurization means. of Body in which a solution dispenser, characterized in that is opened to permit the passage.
[0025]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as set forth in the fourth aspect, in the third aspect of the invention described above, the suction on-off valve is opened when the liquid pressure from the solution storage bottle becomes higher than the suction valve pressure. It is formed in the valve structure used as follows.
[0026]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as set forth in the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the discharge on-off valve is opened when the pressure in the pump becomes higher than the discharge valve pressure. It is formed in the valve structure.
[0027]
A sixth invention is the third, fourth, or fifth invention according to the sixth, fifth, or fifth invention, wherein the pressurizing means includes a pressurizing source for pressurizing a gas, and an application from the pressurizing source. A pressurizing pipe for supplying pressurized gas to the sealed solution storage bottle; and a switching means for selectively switching a position where the pressurizing source is connected to the pressurizing pipe and a position where the pressurizing source is opened to the atmosphere. It is a feature.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a solution discharger.
[0030]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 208 denotes a pump that is reciprocally driven and repeatedly performs suction and discharge operations. For example, the bellows type pump 103 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be used.
[0031]
An outlet side of a suction check valve 207 that automatically opens and closes due to a pressure difference between the inlet side and the outlet side is attached to the suction end side of the pump 208, and a suction pipe is connected to the inlet side of the suction check valve 207. 206 is attached.
[0032]
A discharge nozzle connecting pipe 211 is attached to the discharge end side of the pump 208, and a discharge check valve that automatically opens and closes at the tip of the discharge nozzle connecting pipe 211 due to the pressure difference between the inlet side and the outlet side. The inlet side of 209 is attached. A discharge nozzle 210 is attached to the outlet side of the discharge check valve 209. The check valve 207 for suction is elastically pressed against a valve seat 207c formed on the inlet side by a ball 207b forming a valve body by a spring 207a, and the pressure on the inlet side is a spring against the pressure on the outlet side. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure determined by 207a, the ball 207b moves away from the valve seat 207c against the biasing force of the spring 207a and moves to the outlet side, and the valve is opened.
[0033]
The discharge check valve 209 elastically presses a ball 209b forming a valve body by a spring 209a toward a valve seat 209c formed on the inlet side, and the pressure on the inlet side is the spring 209a against the pressure on the outlet side. When the pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the ball 209b moves away from the valve seat 209c against the biasing force of the spring 209a and moves to the outlet side where the discharge nozzle 210 is attached, and the valve is in an open state. .
[0034]
The suction pipe 206 connected to the suction check valve 207 is inserted into the solution storage bottle 204 whose upper opening is plugged by a sealing plug 204a formed of a rubber plug or the like.
[0035]
One end of a pressurizing tube 203 is also inserted into the sealing stopper 204a of the solution storage bottle 204, which supplies gas into the solution storage bottle 204 and also serves as an air vent that communicates with the outside air in the solution storage bottle 204.
[0036]
The other end of the pressurizing pipe 203 is connected to the first port 202a of the switching valve 202 having a three-port structure.
[0037]
The switching valve 202 communicates the third port 202c connected to the discharge side of the air pump 201 and the first port 202a connected to the pressurizing pipe 203 in a state where the switching lever 202d is switched to the position a in the figure. A compressed gas such as air or nitrogen gas from an air pump (compressor with an air reservoir) 201 is supplied into the solution storage bottle 204 through the pressurizing tube 203. In addition, the switching valve 202 communicates the second port 202b opened to the atmosphere and the first port 202a to which the pressurizing pipe 203 is connected in a state where the switching lever 202d is switched to a position b in the drawing indicated by a broken line. The inside of the storage bottle 204 is opened to the atmosphere.
[0038]
In the configuration of the present embodiment described above, in the solution discharge mode in which the specimen-sealed solution can be discharged onto the slide glass, the switching lever 202d of the switching valve 202 is switched to the position b in the figure, and the inside of the solution storage bottle 204 is brought to atmospheric pressure. It is in a state of communication. At that time, the liquid 205 stored in the solution storage bottle 204 is a specimen-sealed solution.
[0039]
In this solution discharge mode, when the pump 208 is driven back and forth, the inside of the solution storage bottle 204 is sealed with the sealing plug 204a, but the pressurizing pipe 203 is in communication with the second port 202b of the switching valve 202, so the pump 208 In the suction step, the check valve 207 for suction is opened by the pressure reducing action in the pump, and the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle 204 is sucked into the pump 208 through the suction pipe 206. When the pump 208 shifts to the pressurization step, the suction check valve 207 is closed, the discharge check valve 209 is opened, and the specimen-sealed solution is discharged from the discharge nozzle 210 onto the slide glass (not shown).
[0040]
Next, when the staying air is expelled from the pump 208 and the pipe line, or when the cleaning liquid that is the initial liquid is introduced in the exchange of the specimen-sealed solution, the solution storage bottle 204 is changed to the solution storage bottle 204 dedicated to the cleaning liquid. Replace the seal plug 204a so that there is no gas leak. Further, the switching lever 202d of the switching valve 202 is switched to the position a in the figure.
[0041]
The pressure in the solution storage bottle 204 is increased by the supply of pressurized gas from the air pump 201, and the high pressure acts on the cleaning liquid and acts on the ball 207 of the suction check valve 207 through the suction pipe 206.
[0042]
Then, the suction check valve 207 is opened, the cleaning liquid in the solution storage bottle 204 flows into the pump 208, and the discharge check valve 209 is also opened by the action of the high-pressure cleaning liquid flowing into the pump 208. Then, the cleaning liquid is continuously discharged from the discharge nozzle 210. With this continuous supply of cleaning liquid, a large amount of cleaning liquid is quickly supplied into the pump and the pipe line without reciprocating the pump 208, and all the cleaning is performed, and the staying air in the pump and the pipe line is discharged. Can be kicked out of.
[0043]
When the first stage of the initial liquid introduction, which is the above-described continuous cleaning process of the cleaning liquid, is completed, the second stage of the initial liquid introduction for replacing the cleaning liquid in the pump and the pipe with the sample-sealed solution is performed next.
[0044]
In the second stage of introduction of the initial liquid, the solution storage bottle 204 is exchanged from the solution storage bottle 204 for the cleaning liquid to the solution storage bottle 204 for the sample-sealed solution, and the switching lever 202d of the switching valve 202 is switched to the position a and the pump ( The pressurized gas in the air reservoir 201 is supplied into the solution storage bottle 204 in which the sample-sealed solution is stored.
[0045]
Then, as in the case of the continuous supply of the cleaning liquid described above, the cleaning liquid in the pump and in the pipe line is discharged from the discharge nozzle 210, and the sample sealing solution is continuously supplied so that the inside of the pump and the pipe line are filled with the sample sealing solution. Replace, fill pump and line all with specimen containment solution.
[0046]
Thus, the initial liquid introduction is completed, and the switching lever 202d of the switching valve 202 is switched to the position b in the figure to enter the solution discharge mode.
[0047]
In addition, it is desirable to prepare a waste liquid container 212 under the discharge nozzle 210 and store unnecessary cleaning liquid and sample-sealed solution discharged from the discharge nozzle 210 during the initial liquid introduction operation.
[0048]
In the above embodiment, the check valve using the ball is illustrated as the check valve. However, other valves may be used, and the switching valve may be electrically switchable. .
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, during the maintenance of the solution ejector, the specimen-sealed solution can be reliably discharged in a short time by continuously pumping the cleaning liquid without driving the pump. In addition, when the solution discharger is completed, the bubbles can be reliably discharged in a short time even when the bubbles existing in the pipe line and the pump are discharged.
[0050]
According to the invention of claim 2, for example, when exchanging an old specimen-sealed solution with a new one, the specimen-sealed solution can be reliably discharged in a short time by continuously pumping the cleaning liquid without driving the pump. By discharging the washing liquid by continuous supply of a new specimen sealing solution, it can be completely replaced with a new specimen sealing solution in a short time.
[0051]
According to the invention of claim 3, by increasing the atmospheric pressure in the solution storage bottle with the pressurizing means, the liquid stored in the solution storage bottle is placed in the conduit, the intake and discharge on-off valves and the pump. Since it can be supplied and discharged from the discharge nozzle without driving the pump, at the time of maintenance of the solution discharge machine or replacement of the sample-sealed solution, first, the cleaning liquid as the liquid is first put into the solution storage bottle and pressurized. In order to clean the pipe line, the discharge nozzle and the pump in a short period of time, and then pressurize the sample storage solution into the solution storage bottle and pressurize it. The sample encapsulation solution can be replaced with an old sample encapsulation solution for a new sample encapsulation solution.
[0052]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the on-off valve for suction is automatically opened when the liquid pressure from the inside of the solution storage bottle becomes high, the configuration can be simplified.
[0053]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the high-pressure liquid from the solution storage bottle is supplied into the pump, the discharge on-off valve is automatically opened, so that the configuration is simple.
[0054]
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, operation | movement which discharges a sample enclosure solution from a discharge nozzle to a slide glass and operation | movement for replacement | exchange of a sample enclosure solution can be performed by switching operation of a switching means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a solution discharger showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a conventional solution dispenser.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Solution storage bottle 102 Suction check valve 103 Bellows pipe-type discharge pump 104 Drive pulse motor 105 Guide frame 106 Lift plate 107 Ball nut 109 Ball screw 109 Discharge check valve 110 Discharge nozzle 111 Base plate 112 Outer cylinder 113 Bellows pipe 114 Discharge pipe 115 Suction pipe 201 Air pump 202 Switching valve 203 Pressurization pipe 204 Solution storage bottle 205 Liquid 206 Suction pipe 207 Suction check valve 208 Pump 209 Discharge check valve 210 Discharge nozzle 211 Discharge nozzle connection Tube 211 Waste liquid container

Claims (6)

The opening / closing operation of the suction opening / closing valve and the discharge opening / closing valve creates a pressure reducing action and a pressure increasing action in the pump, and the pressure reducing action causes the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle sucked from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reducing action. In the solution discharge machine for discharging onto the slide glass from the discharge side of the pump through the discharge nozzle,
The suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are both opened, and the cleaning liquid is pressurized and supplied into the pump from the suction side of the pump, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge nozzle through the pump. Initial liquid introduction method in a solution discharger. The opening / closing operation of the suction opening / closing valve and the discharge opening / closing valve creates a pressure reducing action and a pressure increasing action in the pump, and the pressure reducing action causes the sample-sealed solution in the solution storage bottle sucked from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reducing action. In the solution discharge machine for discharging onto the slide glass from the discharge side of the pump through the discharge nozzle,
A first step in which the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are both opened to supply pressure of the cleaning liquid into the pump from the suction side of the pump, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge nozzle through the pump; After completion of the first step, both the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are opened to supply a sample sealing solution into the pump from the suction side of the pump, and the sample is sealed from the discharge nozzle through the pump. A method for introducing an initial liquid in a solution discharger, comprising: a second step of discharging a solution and initially introducing an encapsulated solution. A pressure reducing action and a pressure increasing action are created in the pump by opening and closing the suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve, and the solution storage via the suction pipe inserted into the solution storage bottle from the suction side of the pump by the pressure reduction action. In a solution discharge machine for inhaling a specimen-enclosed solution stored in a bottle and discharging the inhaled sample-enclosed solution from the discharge side of the pump through a discharge nozzle onto a slide glass by the pressurizing action,
The gas pressure in the solution storage bottle is increased, the pressurized liquid in the solution storage bottle is pumped from the suction pipe into the pump through the suction on-off valve, and the discharge on-off valve from the pump. The suction on-off valve and the discharge on-off valve are allowed to allow the liquid in the solution storage bottle raised by the pressurization means to pass through. A solution dispenser that is in an open state. The solution discharge machine according to claim 3, wherein the suction on-off valve is formed in a valve structure that is opened when a liquid pressure from the solution storage bottle becomes higher than a suction valve pressure. . The solution discharge machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the discharge on-off valve is formed in a valve structure that is opened when a pressure in the pump becomes higher than a discharge valve pressure. The pressurizing means includes a pressurizing source for pressurizing a gas, a pressurizing pipe for supplying the pressurized gas from the pressurizing source to the sealed solution storage bottle, and the pressurizing source with respect to the pressurizing pipe. 6. The solution discharger according to claim 3, further comprising switching means for selectively switching between a connection position and a position open to the atmosphere.

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