JP2008224244A - Washer and autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent contamination in dispensation by performing a wash of a dispensing nozzle by using a detergent without lowering treatment speed. <P>SOLUTION: This nozzle washer is equipped with a wash tank 61 disposed on a movement route of a dispensing nozzle 301. A detergent supply part 63 for supplying a detergent liquid to within the wash tank 61 and a water supply part 65 for supplying wash water to within the wash tank 61 are disposed on a side wall of the wash tank 61. Further, a discharge port 67 for discharging waste liquid is formed in a bottom surface of the wash tank 61 below the supply part 65. First, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to a detergent washing position adjacent to the supply part 63 and detergent-washed by using the detergent liquid supplied from the supply part 63. Then, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to a water wash position adjacent to the supply part 65 by a turning motion of an arm 303 and water-washed by using the wash water supplied from the supply part 65. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device and an automatic analyzer including the cleaning device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample such as blood or body fluid biochemically or immunologically is known. This automatic analyzer includes a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample or a reagent, and performs dispensing by sucking and discharging the sample or the reagent. Dispensing nozzles that have been dispensed are cleaned each time to prevent contamination between samples and reagents. In addition, immunological analysis of specimens is performed using an immune reaction, but since minute amounts of inter-sample contamination (carry over) affect the measurement results, washing the dispensing nozzle with detergent Some of them are known. For example, a reagent container unit in which a reagent storage unit that stores a reagent and a detergent storage unit that stores a detergent corresponding to the reagent is integrated is stored in a reagent disk, and the probe (dispensing nozzle) is washed. A cleaning tank is separately provided, and the probe is once moved onto the reagent disk to suck the detergent, and then moved to the cleaning tank for cleaning (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-207944

  By the way, even in the case of performing biochemical analysis, prevention of carryover is required as in the case of performing immunological analysis. However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 moves the probe to the reagent disk and sucks the reagent from the reagent container unit, the technique moves to a cleaning tank provided at a position away from the reagent disk to perform cleaning. However, there is a problem that the cleaning time becomes long and it is not suitable for an apparatus for biochemical analysis having a time limit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to perform cleaning of a dispensing nozzle using a detergent without reducing the processing speed and prevent contamination during dispensing. An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device and an automatic analyzer that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is a cleaning apparatus used in an automatic analyzer that analyzes a liquid introduced into a container by a nozzle for dispensing a specimen, A first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a first cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle to the nozzle and a nozzle that is disposed in the vicinity of the first cleaning liquid supply unit and cleaned with the first cleaning liquid is cleaned. A second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a second cleaning liquid different from the first cleaning liquid to the nozzle, the nozzle, the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and the second cleaning liquid supply unit Are moved relative to each other to wash the nozzle.

  The cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the cleaning device includes a cleaning unit in which the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit are integrally configured.

  Moreover, the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit move relative to the nozzle.

  Moreover, the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the nozzle moves with respect to the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

  Moreover, the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit are arranged on a movement path of the nozzle.

  In the above invention, the cleaning device according to the present invention includes a liquid reservoir that holds the first cleaning liquid supplied from the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and the first reservoir held in the liquid reservoir. The liquid level of the cleaning liquid is located vertically above the tip of the nozzle.

  The cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first cleaning liquid is a liquid containing a surfactant.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized by including the cleaning device having the above-described configuration.

  According to the present invention, the nozzle can be cleaned by relatively moving the nozzle for dispensing the specimen and the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit that are arranged in the vicinity of each other. Therefore, by moving the nozzle between short distances, the nozzle can be cleaned with different cleaning liquids, and thus the cleaning time can be shortened. According to this, the nozzle cleaning accuracy can be improved without reducing the processing speed. For example, if the first cleaning liquid is used as a detergent liquid and the second cleaning liquid is used as cleaning water, it is possible to surely wash away a specimen that is difficult to be removed only by water cleaning and prevent carryover.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus that automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of samples, and includes a sample supply unit 2 and a measurement unit 3. The measuring unit 3 includes a nozzle cleaning device 60, a reaction tank 31, two reagent storages 32 (32-1, 32-2) configured similarly, a first stirring device 35, and a second stirring device. An apparatus 36, a measurement optical system 37, and a cleaning / drying unit 38 are included. A sample dispensing mechanism 30 is provided between the sample supply unit 2 and the reaction tank 31, and reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 are disposed between the reaction tank 31 and the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. Is provided. Here, the sample dispensing mechanism 30 is configured such that a dispensing nozzle 301 for dispensing a sample is attached to an arm 303 that rotates in the direction of an arrow in a horizontal plane, and each of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 is in a horizontal plane. Dispensing nozzles 331 and 341 for dispensing a reagent are attached to arms 333 and 343 that rotate in the direction of the arrow.

  A plurality of sample racks 21 are arranged in the sample supply unit 2, and a plurality of sample containers 23 each holding a sample are mounted on each sample rack 21. The sample rack 21 is sequentially transported along the path indicated by the arrow by the sample supply unit 2, and the sample held in each sample container 23 by the dispensing nozzle 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 is a cuvette (reaction container) of the reaction tank 31. ) Dispensed into C.

  The nozzle cleaning device 60 causes the dispensing nozzle 301 that has dispensed the sample from the sample rack 21 mounted in the sample supply unit 2 to be washed with the detergent liquid that is the first cleaning liquid and the cleaning water that is the second cleaning liquid. Wash.

  The reaction tank 31 has a heat retaining member 311 and a cuvette wheel 313. The heat retaining member 311 is disposed on the inside and outside in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 313, and a photometric opening 315 is formed at a position corresponding to the measuring optical system 37. This reaction tank 31 is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown), and together with the heat retaining member 311, constitutes a heat retaining tank that keeps the internal temperature at about the body temperature. The cuvette wheel 313 holds a plurality of cuvettes C and rotates integrally with the heat retaining member 311 by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4 described later. Specifically, it rotates by {(1 turn-1 cuvette) / 4} cuvettes counterclockwise in one cycle, and rotates 1 cuvette clockwise in four cycles.

  The reagent containers 32-1 and 32-2 are configured to be capable of intermittent rotation about the rotation axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. The containers B are stored concentrically arranged along the circumferential direction. Each reagent container B stores a predetermined reagent corresponding to the analysis item, and the predetermined reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C by the dispensing nozzle 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the dispensing nozzle 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34. Noted. For example, the reagent container B storing the first reagent is stored in one reagent storage 32-1, and the reagent container B storing the second reagent is stored in the other reagent storage 32-2. . In a normal measurement, only the first reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C, and the second reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C as necessary. Each reagent storage 32 is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown). In addition, a thermostat (not shown) is provided below each reagent storage 32, and together with a lid that covers the inside, constitutes a cool box that keeps the reagent stored in each reagent container B in a constant temperature state. . Thereby, evaporation and denaturation of the reagent can be suppressed. In addition, the dispensing nozzle 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the dispensing nozzle 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 are flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after completion of dispensing.

  Label reading devices 39-1 and 39-2 are installed on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. The label reading devices 39-1 and 39-2 are, for example, barcode readers, and read the barcodes (not shown) attached to the reagent containers B stored in the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2, respectively. Get information. The barcode attached to the reagent container B is obtained by coding the reagent information related to the reagent contained in the reagent container B according to a predetermined standard. Examples of the reagent information include the reagent name, lot number, and valid Information such as the deadline is included as appropriate. Based on the reagent information acquired by the label readers 39-1 and 39-2, the reagent in the reagent container B is recognized and selected.

  The first stirrer 35 and the second stirrer 36 are configured to be rotatable around the center thereof, and stir the sample and the reagent dispensed into the cuvette C by the stirrer bars 351 and 361 for reaction. Let The stirring rods 351 and 361 are flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after the stirring is completed.

  The measurement optical system 37 includes a light source 371 and a photometric sensor 373. The light source 371 emits analysis light (340 to 800 nm) for analyzing the reaction solution in the cuvette C in which the reagent and the sample have reacted. The photometric sensor 373 measures the luminous flux emitted from the light source 371 and transmitted through the reaction liquid in the cuvette C through the opening 315. Based on the measurement result by the photometric sensor 373, the component analysis of the specimen is performed.

  The cleaning / drying unit 38 sucks and discards the reaction solution in the cuvette C, which has been measured by the measuring optical system 37, cleans the interior with the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water tank, and then blows in pressurized air. Dry with. The cuvette C that has been washed and dried here is again dispensed by the dispensing nozzle 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 and used for analysis.

  The automatic analyzer 1 further includes a control unit 4 that controls each part of the sample supply unit 2 and the measurement unit 3 and controls the overall operation of the apparatus. The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer having a built-in memory for holding various data necessary for the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 in addition to the analysis result, and is stored in a suitable place in the apparatus. It is shown outside the device for convenience. The control unit 4 is connected to the analysis unit 41 so that the measurement result by the measurement optical system 37 is output as appropriate. The analysis unit 41 analyzes the component concentration of the sample based on the measurement result by the measurement optical system 37 and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 displays an input unit 43 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting information necessary for analysis such as the number of samples and analysis items, and outputs an analysis result and displays a warning. Are connected to an output unit 45 including an output device such as a display or a printer.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses the reagent (first reagent) in the reagent container B to the plurality of cuvettes C that are sequentially conveyed, and the sample dispensing mechanism 30 The sample in the container 23 is dispensed. Subsequently, after the first stirrer 35 stirs and reacts the reagent in the cuvette C and the specimen, the spectral intensity of the sample in the state in which the measurement optical system 37 has reacted is measured. Further, the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 dispenses the reagent (second reagent) in the reagent container B as necessary. Subsequently, after the second stirrer 36 stirs and reacts the reagent in the cuvette C and the specimen, the spectral intensity of the sample in the state in which the measurement optical system 37 has reacted is measured. Then, the analysis unit 41 analyzes the measurement result and automatically performs component analysis of the sample. In addition, the cleaning / drying unit 38 cleans / drys the cuvette C that has been measured by the measurement optical system 37, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Next, the part which concerns on the washing | cleaning of the dispensing nozzle 301 is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the specimen dispensing mechanism 30 and the nozzle cleaning device 60. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration around the cleaning tank 61, and FIGS. 4-1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating the cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle 301 by the nozzle cleaning device 60. A part of the side surface of the cleaning tank 61 is cut away to show the inside.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing mechanism 30 includes a dispensing mechanism driving unit 304. The dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 rotates the arm 303 to which the dispensing nozzle 301 is attached to hold a predetermined suction position above the sample supply unit 2 on which the sample container 23 is mounted and the cuvette C. The dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to a predetermined discharge position above the reaction tank 31 and above the cleaning tank 61 described later, and the arm 303 is moved up and down to move the dispensing nozzle 301 up and down at each position. The sample dispensing mechanism 30 is connected to a washing water tank 308 that stores washing water by a pipe 309 provided with a dispensing pump 305 and a washing water discharge pump 306. A control valve 307 is attached between the dispensing pump 305 and the cleaning water discharge pump 306. By operating the cleaning water discharge pump 306 with the control valve 307 opened, the cleaning water tank 308 The stored washing water can be discharged from the dispensing nozzle 301.

  On the other hand, the nozzle cleaning device 60 includes a cleaning tank 61 that is a cleaning unit disposed on the movement path of the dispensing nozzle 301 that moves between the specimen supply unit 2 and the reaction tank 31, and includes a detergent supply pump 611. A detergent supply pipe 615 is connected to a detergent liquid tank 613 storing a detergent liquid such as a detergent containing a surfactant, and a water supply pipe 625 provided with a water supply pump 621 is used to wash cleaning water such as pure water. Is connected to a washing water tank 623 that stores waste liquid, and is connected to a waste liquid tank 633 that stores waste liquid by a discharge pipe 635.

  The cleaning tank 61 has a cylindrical shape with an open top, and as shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing nozzle 301 is inserted into the inside from the top opening. In the cleaning tank 61, a detergent supply unit 63 that is a first cleaning liquid supply unit and a water supply unit 65 that is a second cleaning liquid supply unit are integrally configured, and these are disposed in the vicinity. Has been. That is, a detergent supply unit 63 that supplies detergent liquid into the cleaning tank 61 is disposed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 61, and a predetermined amount of detergent liquid supplied from the detergent supply pipe 615 is supplied from the tip to the cleaning tank 61. Dispense toward the bottom. More specifically, a liquid reservoir 69 for retaining the detergent liquid is formed below the detergent position on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 61, and the detergent liquid discharged from the detergent supply unit 63 is supplied to the liquid reservoir 69. It has become. A water supply unit 65 that supplies cleaning water into the cleaning tank 61 is disposed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 61. The water supply unit 65 includes a water spray plate 651 having a plurality of small holes, and the cleaning water supplied from the water supply pipe 625 is sprayed into the cleaning tank 61 from each small hole in a shower shape. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 61 below the water supply unit 65 is formed with a discharge port 67 that communicates the internal space of the cleaning tank 61 into which the dispensing nozzle 301 is inserted and the outside, and a discharge pipe 637 is connected to the discharge tank 67. Has been.

  In the nozzle cleaning device 60 having the above-described configuration, the dispensing nozzle 301 is first lowered into the cleaning tank 61 and moved to the detergent cleaning position near the detergent supply unit 63 as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Detergent cleaning is performed by the detergent liquid supplied from the supply unit 63. Next, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water washing position near the water supply unit 65 by the rotation of the arm 303, and the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 65 is used. Washed with water.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 4 performs the operation of each part of the detergent supply pump 611, the water supply pump 621, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304, the dispensing pump 305, the washing water discharge pump 306, and the control valve 307. By controlling, a dispensing operation and a cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle 301 are performed.

  That is, in the dispensing operation, the control unit 4 first operates the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 to rotate the arm 303 to move the dispensing nozzle 301 to the suction position above the sample supply unit 2. Next, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to lower the arm 303, and the dispensing pump 305 is operated with the control valve 307 closed, thereby causing the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform a suction operation and the sample container. A predetermined amount of the sample is aspirated from 23. When the suction is performed, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to raise the arm 303, and then the arm 303 is rotated to move the dispensing nozzle 301 to the discharge position on the reaction tank 31. The sample is discharged from the dispensing nozzle 301 to the cuvette C by operating the dispensing pump 305 with the control valve 307 closed. When the above dispensing operation is completed, the operation proceeds to the cleaning operation.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the control unit 4 first operates the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 to rotate the arm 303 to move the dispensing nozzle 301 above the detergent cleaning position. . Subsequently, the detergent supply pump 611 is operated to suck a predetermined amount of detergent liquid from the detergent liquid tank 613, and is supplied from the detergent supply unit 63 to the liquid reservoir 69 of the cleaning tank 61. The supply amount of the detergent liquid is set so as to be larger than the sample amount sucked at the time of dispensing, for example.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to lower the arm 303 and move the dispensing nozzle 301 to the detergent cleaning position. At this time, the outer wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent by immersing the tip of the dispensing nozzle 301 in the cleaning liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir 69. Then, the dispensing pump 305 is operated in a state where the control valve 307 is closed, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is caused to perform a suction operation to suck a predetermined amount of detergent liquid from the cleaning tank 61. Thereby, the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent.

  If the detergent liquid is sucked, then the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to rotate the arm 303, and as shown in FIG. 4-3, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water washing position. Thereafter, the dispensing pump 305 is operated to cause the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform a discharging operation to discharge the detergent liquid. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port 67. Subsequently, the water supply pump 621 is operated to suck the cleaning water from the cleaning water tank 623 and to supply the cleaning water from the water supply unit 65 to the cleaning tank 61 and discharge the cleaning water with the control valve 307 opened. The pump 306 is operated to discharge the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 308 from the dispensing nozzle 301. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port 67. Thereby, the outer wall and inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 are each washed with water. If the above washing | cleaning operation | movement is complete | finished, it will transfer to the dispensing operation | movement of the new sample by the dispensing nozzle 301. FIG.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the dispensing nozzle 301 that sucks and discharges the specimen first moves to the detergent cleaning position in the vicinity of the detergent supply unit 63 of the cleaning tank 61, and its outer wall and inner wall are moved by the detergent liquid. Washed with detergent. Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved horizontally in the washing tank 61 by the rotation of the arm 303 and moved to a water washing position in the vicinity of the water supply unit 65 arranged in the vicinity of the detergent supply unit 63, and the outer wall and The inner wall is washed with washing water. Accordingly, by moving the dispensing nozzle 301 within a short distance in the cleaning tank 61, the detergent cleaning and water cleaning of the dispensing nozzle 301 can be performed, and thus the cleaning time can be shortened. According to this, the specimen remaining in the dispensing nozzle 301 can be washed with the detergent liquid without reducing the processing speed, and the specimen that is hard to fall off only with water washing can be surely washed away and carryover can be prevented. .

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment is obtained by arranging a nozzle cleaning device 70 shown in FIG. 5 in place of the nozzle cleaning device 60 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the specimen dispensing mechanism 30 and the nozzle cleaning device 70 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 6-1 and 2 are cleaning operations of the dispensing nozzle 301 by the nozzle cleaning device 70. It is a figure explaining about.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle cleaning device 70 according to the second embodiment includes a cleaning device driving unit 75 that rotates the nozzle cleaning device 70 around the center of the cleaning tank 71 as an axis. As in the first embodiment, the washing tank 71 is disposed on the movement path of the dispensing nozzle 301 that moves between the sample supply unit 2 and the reaction tank 31. The detergent supply pipe 715 is connected to the detergent liquid tank 713, the water supply pipe 725 provided with the water supply pump 721 is connected to the cleaning water tank 723, and the waste water tank 743 is connected to the waste water tank 743 by the discharge pipe 745 provided with the waste water discharge valve 747. It is connected. Further, the cleaning tank 71 includes a detergent storage tank 77 for storing detergent liquid therein, and this detergent storage tank 77 is connected to the detergent waste liquid tank 733 by a discharge pipe 735 provided with a detergent waste liquid discharge valve 737. Yes.

  Moreover, as shown to FIGS. 6-1 or 6-2, the washing tank 71 has a cylindrical shape which the upper part opened, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is inserted in an inside from upper opening. In the washing tank 71, a detergent supply unit 73 and a water supply unit 75 are integrally formed, and these are arranged in the vicinity. That is, a detergent supply unit 73 connected to the detergent supply pipe 715 is disposed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 71, and the detergent liquid is introduced into the detergent storage tank 77 from the tip disposed above the detergent storage tank 77. Supply. Further, a water supply unit 75 connected to the water supply pipe 725 is disposed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 71, and the cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank 71 from the tip portion disposed above the cleaning tank 71. Although not shown, a detergent discharge port that connects the interior space of the detergent storage tank 77 to the outside is formed on the bottom surface of the detergent storage tank 77, and a discharge pipe 735 is connected thereto. On the other hand, on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 71, a water discharge port that communicates the internal space of the cleaning tank 71 with the outside is formed, and a discharge pipe 745 is connected.

  In the nozzle cleaning device 70 having the above-described configuration, the dispensing nozzle 301 is first moved to a detergent cleaning position near the detergent supply unit 73, as shown in FIG. 6A, by the detergent liquid supplied from the detergent supply unit 73. Washed with detergent. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water cleaning position near the water supply unit 75 by the rotation of the nozzle cleaning device 70, and is washed with the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit 75. Is done.

  Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the operation of each unit constituting the nozzle cleaning device 70 and the sample dispensing mechanism 30 to cause the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform the cleaning operation. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the control unit 4 first operates the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 to rotate the arm 303 to move the dispensing nozzle 301 above the detergent cleaning position. Subsequently, the detergent supply pump 711 is operated to supply the detergent liquid from the detergent supply unit 73 to the detergent storage tank 77. The supply amount of the detergent liquid is set in advance, for example, to such an amount that the detergent storage tank 77 is almost full of the detergent liquid. In addition, it is good also as supplying the detergent liquid of the quantity in which the front-end | tip part of the dispensing nozzle 301 which penetrate | invades in a specimen at the time of dispensing is immersed, and based on the penetration | invasion amount of the dispensing nozzle 301 at the time of dispensing, The supply amount may be set. Then, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to lower the arm 303, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the detergent cleaning position so as to be immersed in the detergent liquid. Thereby, the outer wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent.

  Then, the dispensing pump 305 is operated in a state where the control valve 307 is closed, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is caused to perform a suction operation to suck a predetermined amount of detergent liquid from the detergent storage tank 77. For example, the suction amount of the detergent liquid is set to be larger than the sample amount sucked at the time of dispensing. Next, the detergent waste liquid discharge valve 737 is opened, and the detergent liquid in the detergent storage tank 77 is discharged. At this time, the dispensing pump 305 is operated to cause the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform a discharging operation to discharge the detergent liquid. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port. Then, after the detergent liquid is discharged, the detergent waste liquid discharge valve 737 is closed. Thereby, the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to raise the arm 303 once, and then the cleaning device driving unit 75 is operated to rotate the nozzle cleaning device 70 by 180 degrees. Thereby, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved above the water washing position. Subsequently, the water supply pump 721 is operated to supply cleaning water from the water supply unit 75 to the cleaning tank 71. The supply amount of the cleaning water is set in advance, for example, to an amount that the cleaning tank 71 becomes substantially full with the cleaning water. Subsequently, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is driven to lower the arm 303, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water washing position and immersed in the washing water. Thereby, the outer wall of the dispensing nozzle is washed with water.

  Then, the waste water discharge valve 747 is opened, the washing water inside the washing tank 71 is discharged, and the washing water discharge pump 306 is operated with the control valve 307 opened, and the washing water stored in the washing water tank 308 is discharged. Discharge from the dispensing nozzle 301. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port. Thereby, the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is washed with water. If the above washing | cleaning operation | movement is complete | finished, it will transfer to the dispensing operation | movement of the new sample by the dispensing nozzle 301. FIG.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the dispensing nozzle 301 that has been dispensed is first moved to the detergent cleaning position in the vicinity of the detergent supply unit 73 provided in the cleaning tank 71, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are the detergent liquid. The detergent is washed by. Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water cleaning position near the water supply unit 75 provided in the vicinity of the detergent supply unit 73 by the rotation of the nozzle cleaning device 70, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are cleaned with the cleaning water. The Therefore, by moving the dispensing nozzle 301 between the short distances in the cleaning tank 71, it is possible to perform detergent cleaning and water cleaning of the dispensing nozzle 301, so that the cleaning time can be shortened. The same effect can be achieved.

  In Embodiment 2, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved between the detergent cleaning position and the water cleaning position by rotating the nozzle cleaning device 70 about the center of the cleaning tank 71 as an axis center. The dispensing nozzle 301 may be moved between the detergent cleaning position and the water cleaning position by moving the nozzle cleaning device linearly. This nozzle cleaning apparatus includes, for example, a cleaning device driving unit that linearly moves the nozzle cleaning device in place of the cleaning device driving unit 75 that rotates the nozzle cleaning device 70 in the nozzle cleaning device 70 of the second embodiment. Composed.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle 301 by the nozzle cleaning device 70b according to the present modification. In the nozzle cleaning device 70b, the dispensing nozzle 301 is first lowered into the detergent storage tank 77 and moved to a detergent cleaning position near the detergent supply unit 73 as shown in FIG. The detergent is washed with detergent solution supplied from Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is once raised, and is moved above the water cleaning position in the vicinity of the water supply unit 75 by the linear movement of the nozzle cleaning device 70b as shown in FIG. 7-2. The dispensing nozzle 301 is lowered into the washing tank 77 and moved to the water washing position, and is washed with the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 75.

  According to this modification, the dispensing nozzle 301 that has performed dispensing is first moved to a detergent washing position near the detergent supply unit 73 provided in the washing tank 77, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are cleaned with the detergent solution. The Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water washing position near the water supply unit 75 by the linear movement of the nozzle washing device 70b, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are washed with washing water. Accordingly, by moving the dispensing nozzle 301 within a short distance in the cleaning tank 77, the detergent cleaning and water cleaning of the dispensing nozzle 301 can be performed, so that the cleaning time can be shortened.

  Alternatively, the dispensing nozzle 301 may be moved between the detergent cleaning position and the water cleaning position by the rotation of the arm 303. The nozzle cleaning device 70c is configured, for example, by removing the cleaning device driving unit 75 from the nozzle cleaning device 70 of the second embodiment.

  8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle 301 by the nozzle cleaning device 70c according to the present modification. In the nozzle cleaning device 70c, the dispensing nozzle 301 is first lowered into the detergent storage tank 77 and moved to the detergent cleaning position near the detergent supply unit 73 as shown in FIG. The detergent is washed with detergent solution supplied from Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is once lifted and moved horizontally and moved above the water washing position in the vicinity of the water supply unit 75 as shown in FIG. The dispensing nozzle 301 is lowered into the washing tank 71 and moved to the water washing position, and is washed with washing water supplied from the water supply unit 75.

  According to this modification, the dispensing nozzle 301 that has performed dispensing is first moved to the detergent washing position near the detergent supply unit 73 provided in the washing tank 71, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are washed with the detergent by the detergent liquid. The Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to a water washing position near the water supply unit 75 by the rotation of the arm 303, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are washed with washing water. Accordingly, by moving the dispensing nozzle 301 within a short distance inside the cleaning tank 71, the detergent cleaning and water cleaning of the dispensing nozzle 301 can be performed, and thus the cleaning time can be shortened.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. The automatic analyzer of the third embodiment is obtained by arranging the nozzle cleaning device 80 shown in FIGS. 9-1 and 2 in place of the nozzle cleaning device 70 in the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the nozzle cleaning device 80 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a top view of the nozzle cleaning device 80. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the liquid reservoir 87.

  The nozzle cleaning device 80 includes a cleaning member 81 disposed on the movement path of the dispensing nozzle 301 that moves between the sample supply unit 2 and the reaction tank 31. The cleaning member 81 is formed with a liquid reservoir 87 having an upper opening and a water cleaning portion 89 adjacent to each other, and a conveying groove 83 communicating with the mutually opposing side surfaces of the cleaning member 81 is provided with the liquid reservoir 87 and water cleaning. It is formed so as to pass through part 89. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2, the dispensing nozzle 301 moves from the right end to the left side in the conveyance groove 83 as shown in FIG. Move to the other end.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid reservoir 87 holds the detergent liquid discharged from the tip of the detergent supply unit 85 arranged above the liquid reservoir 87. The detergent supply unit 85 is connected to a detergent supply pump and a detergent liquid tank (not shown) by a detergent supply pipe 815 and supplies a predetermined amount of detergent liquid to the liquid reservoir 87. Dispensing nozzle 301 is detergent cleaned at a detergent cleaning position above this liquid reservoir 87.

  On the other hand, a plurality of opposed water supply ports 891 that communicate between the internal space of the water cleaning unit 89 and the outside are formed on the inner surface of the water cleaning unit 89 and facing each other across the conveyance groove 83. . The plurality of water supply ports 891 are arranged toward the center of the water washing unit 89 that is the nozzle stop position. Each water supply port 891 is connected to a water supply pump and a cleaning water tank (not shown) by a water supply pipe 825, respectively, and by washing water into the water cleaning unit 89, water cleaning inside the water cleaning unit 89 is performed. Washing water is supplied to the outer wall portion and the tip portion of the dispensing nozzle 301 moved to the position. In addition, a discharge port 892 that communicates the internal space of the water cleaning unit 89 with the outside is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the water cleaning unit 89, and is connected to a waste liquid tank (not shown) by a discharge pipe 835. The bottom of the water cleaning unit 89 is formed in a funnel shape inclined toward the discharge port 892, and can be sent out to the discharge port 892 and discharged without causing waste liquid to remain in the water cleaning unit 89. .

  In the nozzle cleaning device 80 configured as described above, the dispensing nozzle 301 moves in the conveyance groove 83 of the cleaning member 81 and is first moved to the detergent cleaning position above the liquid reservoir 87 and is cleaned with the detergent liquid. Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to a water washing position in the water washing unit 89 adjacent to the liquid reservoir 87 and washed with washing water.

  Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the operation of each unit constituting the nozzle cleaning device 80 and the sample dispensing mechanism 30 to cause the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform a cleaning operation. That is, the control unit 4 first operates the detergent supply pump to suck a predetermined amount of detergent liquid from the detergent liquid tank, and supplies it from the detergent supply unit 85 to the liquid reservoir 87. Subsequently, the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 is operated to rotate the arm 303, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved along the conveying groove 83 of the cleaning member 81 to move to the detergent cleaning position above the liquid reservoir 87. At this time, the liquid level of the detergent liquid collected in the liquid reservoir 87 is located above the tip of the dispensing nozzle 301, and the tip of the dispensing nozzle 301 is immersed in this detergent liquid. The outer wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent. Then, the dispensing pump 305 is operated in a state where the control valve 307 is closed, and the dispensing nozzle 301 is suctioned to suck a predetermined amount of the detergent liquid in the liquid reservoir 87. Thereby, the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 is cleaned with detergent.

  If the detergent liquid is sucked, then the control unit 4 operates the dispensing mechanism driving unit 304 to rotate the arm 303 and moves the dispensing nozzle 301 to the water washing position inside the water washing unit 89. Then, the dispensing pump 305 is operated to cause the dispensing nozzle 301 to perform a discharging operation to discharge the detergent liquid. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port 892. Subsequently, the water supply pump is operated to suck the cleaning water from the cleaning water tank, and the cleaning water is injected and supplied from the water supply port 891 into the water cleaning unit 89, and the control valve 307 is opened. The discharge pump 306 is operated to discharge the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 308 from the dispensing nozzle 301. The discharged detergent liquid is discharged from the discharge port 892. Thereby, the outer wall and inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 301 are each washed with water. If the above washing | cleaning operation | movement is complete | finished, it will transfer to the dispensing operation | movement of the new sample by the dispensing nozzle 301. FIG.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the dispensing nozzle 301 that has been dispensed is first moved to the detergent cleaning position above the liquid reservoir 87, and the outer and inner walls thereof are cleaned with the detergent solution. Next, the dispensing nozzle 301 is moved to the water washing position inside the water washing unit 89 adjacent to the liquid reservoir 87, and the outer wall and the inner wall thereof are washed with washing water. Therefore, since the detergent cleaning and the water cleaning can be performed by moving the dispensing nozzle 301 along the transport groove 83, the cleaning time can be shortened and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the dispensing nozzle 301 for dispensing the sample is washed has been described. However, the dispensing nozzles 331 and 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 for dispensing the reagent are washed. The same applies to the case. According to this, the reagent remaining in the dispensing nozzles 331 and 341 for dispensing the reagent can be surely washed away, and contamination between reagents can be prevented.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the dispensing nozzle is moved to the detergent washing position and the water washing position by moving either the dispensing nozzle or the nozzle cleaning device. Both of the nozzle cleaning devices may be moved by a predetermined amount, and the dispensing nozzle may be moved to the detergent cleaning position and the water cleaning position.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where two reagent storages are provided in the automatic analyzer 1 has been described, but one reagent storage may be provided.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a specimen dispensing mechanism and a nozzle cleaning device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around a cleaning tank according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a cleaning operation of the dispensing nozzle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a specimen dispensing mechanism and a nozzle cleaning device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a cleaning operation of a dispensing nozzle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a cleaning operation of a dispensing nozzle according to a second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification of the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a dispensing nozzle. It is a figure explaining the modification of the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a dispensing nozzle. It is a figure explaining the other modification of the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a dispensing nozzle. It is a figure explaining the other modification of the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a dispensing nozzle. It is a figure explaining the structure of the nozzle cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of a nozzle cleaning device according to a third embodiment. 10 is an enlarged view of a peripheral portion of a liquid reservoir according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Sample supply part 3 Measuring part 30 Sample dispensing mechanism 301 Dispensing probe 303 Arm 304 Dispensing mechanism drive part 305 Dispensing pump 306 Washing water discharge pump 307 Control valve 308 Washing water tank 309 Piping 60 Nozzle washing apparatus 61 Cleaning tank 63 Detergent supply section 65 Water supply section 67 Discharge port 69 Liquid reservoir 611 Detergent supply pump 613 Detergent liquid tank 615 Detergent supply pipe 621 Water supply pump 623 Washing water tank 625 Water supply pipe 633 Waste liquid tank 635 Discharge pipe 31 Reaction tank 32-1, 32-2 Reagent storage 33, 34 Reagent dispensing mechanism 37 Measurement optical system 4 Control unit 23 Sample container

Claims (8)

A cleaning device used in an automatic analyzer for analyzing a liquid introduced into a container by a nozzle for dispensing a sample,
A first cleaning liquid supply section for supplying a first cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle to the nozzle;
A second cleaning liquid that is disposed in the vicinity of the first cleaning liquid supply unit and supplies a second cleaning liquid different from the first cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle that has been cleaned with the first cleaning liquid to the nozzle. A supply section;
A cleaning apparatus comprising: cleaning the nozzle by relatively moving the nozzle, the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and the second cleaning liquid supply unit.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning unit in which the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit are integrally configured.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit move with respect to the nozzle.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle moves with respect to the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit are disposed on a movement path of the nozzle. A liquid reservoir for holding the first cleaning liquid supplied by the first cleaning liquid supply unit;
2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a liquid level of the first cleaning liquid held in the liquid reservoir is located vertically above a tip of the nozzle.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning liquid is a liquid containing a surfactant.   An automatic analyzer comprising the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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