JP2011021953A - Autoanalyzer and method for washing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoanalyzer capable of shortening the washing time of a reaction container, and a method for washing the same. <P>SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer is equipped with a first reagent dispensing probe 14 for performing dispensation so as to suck a first reagent from a reagent container 6 to discharge the same in the reaction container 3, a first stirrer 18 for stirring the mixed solution of the sample discharged into the reaction container 3 and the first reagent and a photometric part 13 for irradiating the reaction container 3 housing the mixed solution with light to measure the mixed solution. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 discharges first and second washing solutions into the reaction container 3 in a light path surface liquid amount V1 reaching a height below the height H1 of the incident light path surface 3a and emitting light path surface 3b inside the reaction container 3 through which the light emitted from the photometric part 13 passes and the first stirrer 18 produces the fine air bubbles, which come into contact with the whole surfaces of the incident light path surface 3a and the emitting light path surface 3b from the first and second washing solutions discharged into the reaction container 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components contained in a liquid and a cleaning method thereof, and more particularly, to an automatic analyzer having a function of cleaning a reaction vessel and a cleaning method thereof.

  The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items, immunological test items, etc., and changes in color and turbidity caused by the reaction of the mixture of the test sample collected from the sample and the reagent of each test item are measured with a spectrophotometer. Optical data is measured by a photometric unit such as a turbidimeter or an nephelometer, thereby generating analysis data represented by concentrations of various test item components in the test sample, enzyme activities, and the like.

  In this automatic analyzer, an analysis target item selected from a large number of inspection items is analyzed using an analysis unit that operates for each analysis cycle. Then, the test sample is dispensed from the sample container to the reaction container with the sample dispensing probe, and the reagent for each test item is dispensed from the reagent container to the reaction container with the reagent dispensing probe. Next, after stirring the mixture of the test sample and reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel with a stirrer, the photometry unit irradiates the reaction vessel with light, and detects the light transmitted through the mixture in the reaction vessel. taking measurement. Then, after the measurement of the mixed liquid is completed, the reaction container is washed with the washing liquid in the reaction container washing unit, and then repeatedly used for the measurement.

  By the way, if the reaction container is used for a long period of time, residues such as proteins and lipids contained in the test sample and latex contained in the reagent accumulate and the inside of the reaction container is contaminated. Air bubbles are likely to adhere to the part. And there exists a problem that a bubble adheres to the optical path surface inside reaction container through which the light irradiated from the photometry part passes, the bubble interrupts a part of light, and a measurement precision falls.

  To solve this problem, there is known an automatic analyzer that can improve the cleaning effect by keeping the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel for a longer time than the analysis cycle being measured at a time other than measurement ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)

JP 2001-289864 A

  However, since many reaction vessels are used in the automatic analyzer, there is a problem that it takes time to clean all the reaction vessels.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of shortening the cleaning time of a reaction vessel and a cleaning method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, the automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 1 includes photometric means for irradiating light to a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent accommodated in a reaction vessel and measuring the mixed solution. In the automatic analyzer, the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid into the reaction container, and the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container, the light irradiated by the photometry means contacts the optical path inside the reaction container And a bubble generating means for generating minute bubbles to be generated.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning an automatic analyzer according to the present invention, comprising: a photometric means for irradiating a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent contained in a reaction vessel with light and measuring the mixed solution. In the apparatus cleaning method, the cleaning liquid is supplied into the reaction container by the cleaning liquid supply means, and the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container contacts the optical path surface inside the reaction container through which the light irradiated by the photometry means passes. The microbubbles to be generated are generated by the bubble generating means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the cleaning time of the reaction container at times other than measurement by supplying a cleaning liquid into the reaction container and providing a cleaning process for generating microbubbles from the cleaning liquid in the reaction container.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the photometry part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the reaction container washing | cleaning part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the 1st stirring element which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the inside of the reaction container in washing | cleaning which concerns on the Example of this invention.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. This automatic analyzer 100 measures a standard sample of each test item or a test sample collected from a sample and a reagent corresponding to each test item and generates standard data and test data. 24, and an analysis control unit 25 that drives and controls each analysis unit related to the measurement of the analysis unit 24.

  Also, the standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 24 are processed to generate calibration data and analysis data, and the calibration data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 30 are printed out. And an output unit 40 for displaying and outputting, an operation unit 80 for inputting various command signals, and the like, an analysis control unit 25, a data processing unit 30, and a system control unit 90 for controlling the output unit 40 in an integrated manner. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 24. The analysis unit 24 includes a sample container 17 that accommodates each sample such as a standard sample and a test sample, a sample disk 5 that holds the sample container 17, and one reagent that reacts with a component of an inspection item included in each sample. A reagent container 6 for storing a first reagent of a system and a two reagent system, a reagent container 1 having a reagent rack 1a for rotatably holding the reagent container 6, and a first reagent that forms a pair with a first reagent of a two reagent system A reagent container 7 containing two reagents, a reagent container 2 having a reagent rack 2a for rotatably holding the reagent container 7, and a reaction for rotatably holding a plurality of reaction containers 3 arranged on the circumference And a disk 4.

  In addition, a sample dispensing probe 16 for dispensing each sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 and sucking it into the reaction container 3, and rotating and moving the sample dispensing probe 16 up and down. A sample dispensing arm 10 that can be held and a washing tank 16a that cleans the sample dispensing probe 16 each time dispensing of each sample is provided.

  Also, a first reagent dispensing probe 14 for aspirating the first reagent in the reagent container 6 housed in the reagent store 1 and dispensing it into the reaction container 3 from which each sample has been discharged, and the first reagent A first reagent dispensing arm 8 that holds the dispensing probe 14 so that the dispensing probe 14 can be rotated and moved up and down, and a washing tank 14a that cleans the first reagent dispensing probe 14 every time the dispensing of the first reagent is completed. . The first reagent dispensing probe 14 is used as a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid into the reaction container 3 in the cleaning of the reaction container 3 performed at a time other than measurement.

  Also, a first stirrer 18 that stirs the mixed solution of each sample and the first reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 3, and a first stirrer arm 20 that holds the first stirrer 18 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. And a washing tank 18a for washing the first stirring bar 18 every time the stirring of the mixed solution is completed. The first stirrer 18 is used as bubble generating means for stirring the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container 3 to generate microbubbles in the cleaning of the reaction container 3 performed at times other than measurement. The inside of the reaction vessel 3 is cleaned by the bubble generating operation by the bubble generating means.

  Also, a second reagent dispensing probe 15 for aspirating the second reagent in the reagent container 7 stored in the reagent storage 2 and dispensing it into the reaction container 3 from which each sample and first reagent are discharged; A second reagent dispensing arm 9 for holding the second reagent dispensing probe 15 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and a washing tank 15a for washing the second reagent dispensing probe 15 every time the second reagent dispensing is completed. It has. The second reagent dispensing probe 15 is used as a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid into the reaction container 3 in the cleaning of the reaction container 3 performed at a time other than measurement.

  Also, a second stirrer 19 that stirs the mixed solution of each sample, first reagent, and second reagent in the reaction vessel 3, and a second stirrer arm that holds the second stirrer 19 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. 21, a washing tank 19a for washing the second stirrer 19 every time stirring of the mixed liquid, a photometric section 13 for optically measuring the sample by irradiating the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 3, and a photometric section 13 is provided with a reaction vessel cleaning section 12 for cleaning the inside of the reaction vessel 3 whose measurement has been completed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the photometry unit 13. The photometry unit 13 includes a light source unit 131 having a light source such as a halogen lamp that emits light, and a detection unit 132 having a photodiode array or the like that detects light emitted from the light source unit 131.

  The light source unit 131 forms an optical path 133 through which light from the light source passes, and irradiates the reaction container 3 that crosses the formed optical path 133 by rotating.

  In the reaction container 3, the light incident from the incident optical path surface 3 a inside the reaction container 3 through which the light emitted from the light source unit 131 passes passes through the mixed liquid along the optical path 133. And the light which permeate | transmitted the inside of a liquid mixture radiate | emits from the output optical path surface 3b inside reaction container 3. FIG.

  The detection unit 132 is arranged to face the light source unit 131, detects light transmitted through the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 3 for each wavelength of the inspection item, and is represented by, for example, absorbance data based on the detected signal. Generate standard data and test data. Then, the generated standard data and test data are output to the data processing unit 30.

  The analysis control unit 25 shown in FIG. 2 includes a mechanism unit 26 having a mechanism for driving each analysis unit other than the first and second stirrers 18 and 19 of the analysis unit 24, and the first and second of the analysis unit 24. A drive unit 27 that drives the stirrers 18 and 19, and each mechanism of the mechanism unit 26, the drive unit 27, and a control unit 28 that controls the reaction vessel cleaning unit 12 are provided. The mechanism unit 26 includes a mechanism for rotating the sample disk 5, the reagent rack 1a of the reagent storage 1 and the reagent rack 2a of the reagent storage 2, and a mechanism for rotating the reaction disk 4 for each analysis cycle. . Further, a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, the second reagent dispensing arm 9, the first stirring arm 20, and the second stirring arm 21, respectively, and a reaction container washing unit 12 is provided with a mechanism for moving up and down.

  The data processing unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes a calculation unit 31 that processes standard data and test data output from the photometry unit 13 of the analysis unit 24 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each inspection item, A data storage unit 32 for storing the standard data and analysis data generated by the unit 31.

  The calculation unit 31 generates calibration data representing the relationship between the concentration and activity of each test item component and the standard data from the standard data output from the photometry unit 13 and the standard values preset in the standard sample of the standard data. The generated calibration data is output to the output unit 40 and stored in the data storage unit 32.

  The data storage unit 32 includes a memory device such as a hard disk, and stores the calibration data output from the calculation unit 31 for each inspection item. Moreover, the analysis data of each inspection item output from the calculation unit 31 is stored for each test sample. Furthermore, the management analysis data of each inspection item output from the calculation unit 31 is stored for each management sample.

  The output unit 40 includes a printing unit 41 that prints out calibration data and analysis data output from the calculation unit 31 of the data processing unit 30 and a display unit 42 that displays and outputs the calibration data. The printing unit 41 includes a printer or the like, and prints the calibration data and analysis data output from the calculation unit 31 on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 42 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays calibration data and analysis data output from the calculation unit 31. In addition, an analysis parameter setting screen for setting analysis parameters of each inspection item that can be inspected by the automatic analyzer 100, a reagent information setting screen for setting reagent information of a reagent corresponding to each inspection item, and each test sample A test sample information setting screen or the like for setting identification information such as a name and ID for identifying the test sample and an inspection item is displayed.

  The operation unit 80 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel, and performs operations such as setting of analysis parameters for each test item, setting of reagent information, identification information of a test sample, and setting of test items. Do. In addition, an operation for designating a cleaning mode for performing the cleaning of each analysis unit in the analysis unit 24 at a time other than measurement is performed. By this washing mode designation operation, each analysis unit of the analysis unit 24 can be washed more strongly than during measurement.

  The system control unit 90 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and receives a command signal input by an operation from the operation unit 80, analysis parameter information of each test item, reagent information, test sample identification information, and test item information. After storing input information such as information on the cleaning mode in the storage circuit, the analysis control unit 25, the data processing unit 30, and the output unit 40 are integrated to control the entire system based on the input information.

  Next, with reference to FIG.2 and FIG.4, the detail of a structure of the reaction container washing | cleaning 12 in the analysis part 24 and washing | cleaning operation | movement are demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reaction container cleaning unit 12. The reaction container cleaning unit 12 includes a cleaning nozzle unit 50 that discharges and sucks a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 3, a supply operation of the cleaning liquid and the cleaning water for each analysis cycle during the measurement, and the supplied cleaning liquid and the cleaning water. And a cleaning pump unit 60 that performs a discharging operation. When the reaction disk 4 is rotating, it is held at the upper stop position of the cleaning position W. When the reaction disk 4 stops, the reaction disk 4 moves to the lower stop position and moves to the lower stop position. Wash.

  The cleaning nozzle unit 50 corresponds to the drain nozzle 51 corresponding to the first cleaning position W1 of the cleaning position W that enters the reaction vessel 3 when it moves to the lower stop position, and the second to fourth cleaning positions W2 to W4. The first to third cleaning nozzle units 52 to 54 and the drying nozzle 55 corresponding to the fifth cleaning position W5 are configured.

  The drainage nozzle 51 is constituted by a suction nozzle, and sucks the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 3 that has been measured by the photometry unit 13 and stopped at the first cleaning position W1 by a discharge operation performed by the cleaning pump unit 60. Thereafter, the reaction vessel 3 at the first cleaning position W1 is rotationally moved to the second cleaning position W2.

  The first cleaning nozzle unit 52 is composed of a discharge nozzle and a suction nozzle, and is supplied from the cleaning pump unit 60 into the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the second cleaning position W2 after the liquid mixture has been sucked at the first cleaning position W1. For example, a first cleaning liquid such as an alkaline cleaning liquid containing a surfactant is discharged by the supplying operation. Further, the first cleaning liquid discharged into the reaction container 3 is sucked by the discharging operation after the supplying operation. The inside of the reaction vessel 3 is cleaned by a series of cleaning operations for each analysis cycle including the supply operation and the discharge operation. Thereafter, the reaction vessel 3 at the second cleaning position W2 is rotationally moved to the third cleaning position W3.

  The second cleaning nozzle unit 53 includes a suction nozzle and a suction nozzle, and a supply operation performed by the cleaning pump unit 60 in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the third cleaning position W3 after being cleaned at the second cleaning position W2. For example, a second cleaning liquid such as an acidic cleaning liquid containing a surfactant is discharged. Moreover, the 2nd washing | cleaning liquid discharged in the reaction container 3 is attracted | sucked by discharge operation | movement after supply operation | movement. The inside of the reaction vessel 3 is cleaned by a series of cleaning operations for each analysis cycle including the supply operation and the discharge operation. Thereafter, the reaction vessel 3 at the third cleaning position W3 is rotationally moved to the fourth cleaning position W4.

  The third cleaning nozzle unit 54 includes a discharge nozzle and a suction nozzle, and a supply operation performed by the cleaning pump unit 60 in the reaction vessel 3 that has been cleaned at the third cleaning position W3 and then stopped at the fourth cleaning position W4. For example, cleaning water such as pure water is discharged. Further, the washing water discharged into the reaction vessel 3 is sucked by the discharging operation after the supplying operation. By performing a series of cleaning operations for each analysis cycle including the supply operation and the discharge operation, the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 3 is washed out. Thereafter, the reaction vessel 3 at the fourth cleaning position W4 is rotationally moved to the fifth cleaning position W5.

  The drying nozzle 55 is composed of a porous drying tip, and dries the inside of the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the fifth cleaning position W5 after being cleaned at the fourth cleaning position W4 by a discharge operation performed by the cleaning pump unit 60. . Thereafter, the reaction container 3 at the fifth cleaning position W5 is rotationally moved to a position where the sample can be dispensed by the sample dispensing probe 16.

  The cleaning pump unit 60 is controlled by the control unit 28 of the analysis control unit 25, and supplies the first cleaning liquid stored in the first tank 61 to the first cleaning nozzle unit 52 in the cleaning nozzle unit 50. 62, a second supply pump 64 for supplying the second cleaning liquid stored in the second tank 63 to the second cleaning nozzle unit 53, and the cleaning water stored in the third tank 65 for the third cleaning. And a third supply pump 66 that supplies the nozzle unit 54.

  In addition, the first drainage pump 68 that sucks the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the first washing position W1 from the drainage nozzle 51 and discharges it into the first drainage tank 67, and the second to fifth washings. The first cleaning liquid, the second cleaning liquid, and the cleaning water in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the positions W2 to W5 are sucked from the first to third cleaning nozzles 52 to 54 and the drying nozzle 55, and then the second drainage tank 69. And a second drainage pump 70 for discharging the inside.

  Next, with reference to FIG.2 and FIG.5, the detail of a structure of the 1st stirring element 18 in the analysis part 24, stirring operation, and bubble generation | occurrence | production operation | movement are demonstrated.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of the first stirring bar 18. FIG. 5A shows a front view of the first stirrer 18, and FIG. 5B shows a side view of the first stirrer 18. The second stirring bar 19 is configured in the same manner as the first stirring bar 18.

  The first stirrer 18 is held by the first stirrer arm 20 at the upper end, for example, a rectangular plate 181 made of a steel elastic plate, two piezoelectric elements 182 and 183 joined to both surfaces of the plate 181, and the plate 181. The blade 184 is narrower than the plate 181 disposed on the lower side, and the weight 185 is fixed to the lower end of the plate 181.

  The piezoelectric elements 182 and 183 are alternately expanded and contracted in the same direction in response to a drive signal from the drive unit 27 of the analysis control unit 25 to vibrate the plate 181 in the directions of arrows L1 and L2. Note that one piezoelectric element may be bonded to only one surface of the plate 181.

  The blade 184 is formed of one seamless plate including the plate 181, and extends downward from the center of the lower end of the plate 181. Then, the vibration transmitted from the plate 181 causes bending vibration in the L1 and L2 directions.

  The weight 185 is provided to make the mass of the plate 181 larger than the mass of the blade 184 so that the amplitude of the blade 184 is larger than the amplitude of the piezoelectric elements 182 and 183. Thereby, the amplitude of the piezoelectric elements 182 and 183 can be reduced to prevent breakage, and stirring by the blade 184 can be performed efficiently.

  In the drive unit 27, when the blade 184 of the first stirrer 18 is inserted into the reaction vessel 3 containing the mixed solution during the measurement, the driving unit 27 is set in advance to make the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent uniform. An alternating voltage having a frequency is applied to the piezoelectric elements 182 and 183. Then, the blade 184 is bent and vibrated in the L1 and L2 directions to cause the first stirrer 18 to perform a stirring operation. By this stirring operation, the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent in the reaction vessel 3 is stirred.

  Further, in the cleaning of the reaction vessel 3 performed at a time other than the measurement, when the blade 184 is inserted into the reaction vessel 3 containing the first or second cleaning liquid, microbubbles are generated in the first or second cleaning liquid. Is applied to the piezoelectric elements 182 and 183. Then, the blade 184 is bent and vibrated in the L1 and L2 directions to cause the first stirrer 18 to perform a bubble generating operation. By this bubble generation operation, micro bubbles are generated from the first or second cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 3.

  Thus, by using the first stirrer 18 having the blade 184 that bends and vibrates based on a preset frequency, microbubbles can be generated. When the generated microbubbles disappear, the surface in contact with the microbubbles in the reaction vessel 3 can be washed more strongly than when the first or second cleaning liquid is brought into contact with the liquid.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an example of the cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 3 performed at a time other than the measurement by the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the cleaning operation of the automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 7 is a view showing the inside of the reaction vessel 3 being cleaned.

  In FIG. 6, the reagent containers 6 and 7 that store the first cleaning liquid are stored in the reagent containers 1 and 2 of the analysis unit 24. Then, when an operation for designating, for example, the cleaning of the reaction vessel 3 in the cleaning mode is performed from the operation unit 80 while the automatic analyzer 100 is on standby, the automatic analyzer 100 starts a cleaning operation (step S1).

  The system control unit 90 instructs the analysis control unit 25 to clean the reaction container 3 based on the preset cleaning conditions. The control unit 28 of the analysis control unit 25 controls the mechanism unit 26, the drive unit 27, and the reaction container cleaning unit 12, and the reaction disk 4, the first reagent dispensing arm 10, and the reagent rack of the reagent storage 1 in the analysis unit 24. 1a and the reagent rack 2a of the reagent storage 2, the first stirring bar 18, the first stirring arm 20, the second stirring bar 19, the second stirring arm 21, the reaction vessel cleaning unit 12, and the like are operated.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 sucks the first cleaning liquid from the reagent container 6 accommodated in the reagent container 1 and then increases the first cleaning liquid in the reaction container 3 as shown in FIG. A first cleaning solution having an optical path surface liquid amount V1 having a height equal to or less than the height H1 of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b is discharged into the reaction vessel 3 (step S2).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the first stirrer 18 is formed on the entire surface of the incident light path surface 3a and the output light path surface 3b from the first cleaning liquid in the reaction container 3 discharged by the first reagent dispensing probe 14. The microbubble which contacts is generated (step S3).

  Note that the microbubbles of the first cleaning liquid and the liquid first cleaning liquid may be brought into contact with the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b.

  In this way, by providing a cleaning step for generating microbubbles in contact with the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b of the reaction vessel 3 that particularly requires cleaning power, the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b are provided. Can be washed more strongly than when it is brought into contact with the liquid first washing liquid. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 15 sucks the first cleaning liquid from the reagent container 7 housed in the reagent store 2, and then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 in the reaction container 3 in which microbubbles are generated. An amount of the first cleaning liquid having a height equal to or higher than the height H2 of the mixed liquid when the height of one cleaning liquid is the maximum liquid volume is discharged into all the reaction vessels 3 (step S4).

  The reaction container cleaning unit 12 cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 after a predetermined time T1 longer than the analysis cycle time from the discharge of the first cleaning liquid by the same cleaning operation as that during measurement. Thereby, the washing | cleaning of the reaction container 3 including the washing | cleaning process of the microbubbles using the 1st washing | cleaning liquid is complete | finished.

  In this way, by keeping the amount of the first cleaning liquid having a height of H2 or more in the reaction container 3 for a time T, the reaction container cleaning unit 12 performs the cleaning using the first cleaning liquid during the measurement. Also, the inside of the reaction vessel 3 can be washed strongly.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 sucked the second cleaning liquid from the reagent container 6 accommodated in the reagent storage 1 and then the second cleaning liquid having the optical path surface liquid amount V1 was cleaned by the reaction container cleaning unit 12. It discharges in the reaction container 3 (step S5).

  The first stirrer 18 generates microbubbles that come into contact with the entire surface of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b from the second cleaning liquid in the reaction container 3 discharged by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 (step S6). ).

  Alternatively, the second cleaning liquid microbubbles and the liquid second cleaning liquid may be brought into contact with the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b.

  In this way, by providing a cleaning step for generating microbubbles in contact with the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b of the reaction vessel 3 that particularly requires cleaning power, the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b are provided. Can be washed more strongly than when it is brought into contact with the liquid second washing liquid. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 15 sucks the second cleaning liquid from the reagent container 7 accommodated in the reagent storage 2 and then the height of the second cleaning liquid in the reaction container 3 in which microbubbles are generated is the maximum liquid amount. At this time, the second cleaning liquid having an amount equal to or higher than the height H2 of the mixed liquid is discharged into the reaction vessel 3 (step S7).

  The reaction container cleaning unit 12 cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 after a lapse of time T1 from the discharge of the second cleaning liquid by the same cleaning operation as that during measurement. Thus, the cleaning of the reaction vessel 3 including the microbubble cleaning process using the second cleaning liquid is completed.

  Thus, by keeping the amount of the second cleaning liquid in the reaction container 3 for the time T1 in the reaction container 3 for an amount of height H2 or more, the reaction container cleaning unit 12 can use the second cleaning liquid during the measurement. Also, the inside of the reaction vessel 3 can be washed strongly.

  Then, after the cleaning including the microbubble cleaning process using the first and second cleaning liquids is performed on all the reaction vessels 3, the system control unit 90 instructs to stop all the analysis units of the analysis unit 24. Thus, the automatic analyzer 100 ends the cleaning operation (step S8).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the first and first optical path surface liquid amounts V1 that are equal to or less than the height H1 of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b inside the reaction vessel 3 that require detergency. After the cleaning liquid 2 is discharged into the reaction container 3, a cleaning process is provided for generating microbubbles that contact the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b from the first and second cleaning liquids in the reaction container 3. Thus, the entire surfaces of the incident optical path surface 3a and the outgoing optical path surface 3b can be cleaned more strongly than when they are brought into contact with the liquid first and second cleaning liquids. Thereby, the cleaning time of the reaction vessel 3 when it is out of measurement can be shortened.

  In addition, after generating microbubbles in the reaction container 3, each of the amounts of the first and second cleaning liquids in the reaction container 3 that are equal to or higher than the height H2 of the mixed liquid when the height of the first cleaning liquid is the maximum liquid amount. By keeping the first and second cleaning liquids in the reaction container 3 for a time T1, the reaction container 3 can be used rather than the reaction container cleaning unit 12 using the first and second cleaning liquids during the measurement. The entire surface in contact with the liquid mixture inside can be washed strongly.

3 reaction container 3a incident light path surface 3b output light path surface 13 photometry unit 14 first reagent dispensing probe 15 second reagent dispensing probe 18 first stirrer 133 optical path

Claims (7)

In an automatic analyzer equipped with a photometric means for irradiating light to a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent contained in a reaction vessel and measuring the mixed solution,
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel;
An automatic analysis comprising: a bubble generating means for generating microbubbles contacting the optical path surface inside the reaction container through which the light irradiated by the photometric means passes from the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container. apparatus.   2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid supply unit supplies an optical path surface liquid amount of cleaning liquid having a height equal to or less than a height of the optical path surface into the reaction container. 3.   The cleaning liquid supply means supplies a cleaning liquid in an amount that is higher than the height of the mixed liquid when the height of the cleaning liquid in the reaction container is the maximum liquid volume after microbubbles are generated in the reaction container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein:   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the bubble generating means is a stirring means for stirring the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the stirring unit includes a piezoelectric element for stirring the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel and a blade that bends and vibrates due to vibration of the piezoelectric element.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid or an acidic cleaning liquid containing a surfactant. In a cleaning method of an automatic analyzer equipped with a photometric means for irradiating light to a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent contained in a reaction vessel and measuring the mixed solution,
A cleaning liquid is supplied into the reaction vessel by a cleaning liquid supply means,
Washing of an automatic analyzer characterized in that microbubbles that come into contact with the optical path inside the reaction container through which light irradiated by the photometric means passes are generated from the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container. Method.

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