JP2011021993A - Autoanalyzer and probe cleaning mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for maintaining effective time of cleaning for a probe by means of a cleaning mechanism while shortening overall necessary time including moving time of the probe and the cleaning time, as to an autoanalyzer equipped with the probe and the cleaning mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The movement means of this autoanalyzer is structured so to allow a probe to be moved between a specimen container or a reagent container and a reaction tube, and to move the cleaning mechanism together with the probe while the probe is moved at least toward the specimen container or the reagent container, with at least a sucking portion of the probe being cleaned by the cleaning mechanism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components contained in a test sample, particularly chemical components contained in blood, urine and the like, and a probe cleaning mechanism used therefor.

  Conventionally, an automatic analyzer is used in a laboratory of a medical institution. This automatic analyzer dispenses a test sample (specimen sample) such as blood or urine with a reagent in a reaction tube and reacts them, and then optically measures changes in color caused by the reaction. Measure the concentration and activity of the analyte or enzyme.

  In general, this automatic analyzer reacts a sampler (sample disk) in which a plurality of sample containers containing test samples are arranged, a reagent store in which a plurality of reagent bottles (reagent containers) are arranged, and a test sample and a reagent. Has a reaction tube. In addition, the automatic analyzer sucks (sorts) the target reagent from the reagent bottle, sucks the sample to be tested from the sample container, and discharges the probe to the reaction tube. And an arm that moves between the two.

  Conventionally, in an automatic analyzer, a probe cleaning mechanism arranged between a sample container or a reagent container and a reaction tube and configured to collect cleaning water, or discharging cleaning water while discharging it, A probe cleaning mechanism configured to retain a certain amount of cleaning water is provided. In such a probe cleaning mechanism, a probe is accommodated in the mechanism, and the outer wall (outer peripheral surface) of the probe is cleaned by ejecting cleaning water to the accommodated probe (for example, Patent Document 1). .

  When the sampling probe described in FIG. 1 of the document horizontally moves to a predetermined position in the cleaning tank and stops, cleaning water is fed into the sampling probe from a cleaning pump (not shown), and the inside of the sampling probe is cleaned. . At the same time, the cleaning water is continuously sprayed from the cleaning water pipe provided so as to penetrate the inner wall of the cleaning pool, and the outer wall of the sampling probe is cleaned. The cleaning water used for cleaning the inside and outside of this sampling probe is drained through a drain provided at the bottom of the cleaning pool.

JP 2001-133466 A

  In recent years, the inspection efficiency of an automatic analyzer has been improved, and a series of operation speeds in the inspection of the automatic analyzer has also been improved. Therefore, it is desirable that the cleaning process of the probe that reciprocates between the reagent storage and the sampler is also performed quickly. In recent years, the inspection performance of automatic analyzers has been improved, and even a very small amount of sample can be inspected. By reducing the amount of the test sample, the amount of reagent to be used can be reduced, and by reducing the total amount of the test sample collected from the patient or the like, the burden on the patient or the like can be reduced. In addition, the time required for dispensing and discharging operations by the probe can be shortened by reducing the amount of the test sample.

  When the sampling probe is cleaned by the probe cleaning mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the sampling probe is temporarily stopped after moving to the position of the cleaning mechanism. Further, once stopped, the sampling probe descends to the position of the cleaning tank, and after being stored in the cleaning tank, cleaning water is ejected and cleaned. Further, when the cleaning is completed, the sampling probe rises and moves again toward the reagent storage or the sampler. That is, the sampling probe of Patent Document 1 reaches the probe cleaning mechanism for cleaning, and stops when cleaning is started. The sampling probe continues to stop at the position of the cleaning mechanism until it is cleaned by the probe cleaning mechanism.

  However, while a series of inspection processes by the automatic analyzer is speeding up, if the time required for cleaning by the probe cleaning mechanism is the same as before, the result is contrary to speeding up of the inspection process. That is, the probe cleaning time is required to be shortened in accordance with the speed of steps such as rotation of the sampler, reagent storage, reaction disk, stirring of the test sample in the reaction tube, and photometry.

  Here, the time required for reciprocating the probe including the probe cleaning time can be shortened by reducing the probe cleaning time as the series of inspection processes by the automatic analyzer is accelerated. Such a method causes the following problems.

  When the probe is cleaned by the probe cleaning mechanism, the test sample, the reagent, etc. adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the test sample, the reagent, etc. flow out of the cleaning mechanism by the cleaning water or the like. However, if the cleaning time is shortened as described above, the outer wall portion of the probe may not be cleaned, and cleaning water, a test sample, a reagent, and the like may remain. Even if the amount of washing water, test sample, reagent, etc. remaining on the outer wall of the probe is extremely small, since the test sample has become very small in recent years, there is a risk of hindering the analysis results in subsequent tests. there were. Therefore, even if the cleaning time is shortened, it is necessary to secure the time (effective cleaning time) necessary for maintaining the quality and efficiency of the probe cleaning.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to maintain an effective cleaning time by a probe cleaning mechanism in an automatic analyzer equipped with a probe and a probe cleaning mechanism. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of shortening the overall required time including the probe moving time and the cleaning time.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a sample container that contains a test sample, a reagent container that contains a reagent, and a reaction that contains a mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent. An automatic analyzer for measuring the mixed solution, wherein the test sample is aspirated from the sample container, or the reagent is aspirated from the reagent container, and the aspirated test A cleaning mechanism that has a probe that discharges a sample or a reagent to the reaction tube, and a storage area in which at least a suction part of the probe is stored, and that can clean the suction part in the probe stored in the storage area The probe can be moved between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and the probe is moved at least while the probe is moved toward the sample container or the reagent container. In a state where Kutomo the suction portion is cleaned to the cleaning mechanism, to the cleaning mechanism and a moving means for moving together with the probe, an automatic analyzer according to claim.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 8 contains a sample container for storing a test sample, a reagent container for storing a reagent, and a mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent. The probe is cleaned in an automatic analyzer having a reaction tube and a probe that moves between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction and sucks and discharges the test sample or the reagent. A probe cleaning mechanism, comprising a storage region in which at least a suction part of the probe is stored, and the suction part with the probe being moved toward at least the sample container or the reagent container The probe cleaning mechanism is characterized in that it moves in conjunction with the probe while accommodating the at least one suction portion and cleans at least the suction portion.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 9 contains a sample container for storing a test sample, a reagent container for storing a reagent, and a liquid mixture of the test sample and the reagent. An automatic analyzer having a reaction tube and measuring the mixed solution, wherein the test sample is sucked from the sample container or the reagent is sucked from the reagent container and the sucked target Cleaning that has a probe that discharges a test sample or a reagent to the reaction tube, and a storage area in which at least a suction part of the probe is stored, and that can clean the suction part in the probe stored in the storage area The probe is movable between a mechanism, the sample container or the reagent container, and the reaction tube, and at least the suction of the probe is moved while moving the probe toward at least the reaction tube. Part remains is washed in said washing mechanism, further comprising a moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism with the probe, the automatic analyzer according to claim. It is.

  According to the first, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, the probe for sucking and discharging the test sample or the reagent is at least in the cleaning mechanism while returning from the reaction tube or toward the reaction tube. It is configured to be moved together with the cleaning mechanism while being cleaned. According to such a configuration, in order to perform the cleaning of the probe, the probe is not moved to the cleaning mechanism to which the probe is fixed, but is cleaned while moving, so that the effective probe cleaning time is maintained, It is possible to reduce the overall time required, including probe travel time and cleaning time.

1 is a schematic overall perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic top view which shows the positional relationship between the rotation locus | trajectory of each probe concerning this Embodiment, a washing | cleaning mechanism, and a washing | cleaning mechanism guide. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the outline of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the outline of an example of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure etc. of the automatic analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for showing operation | movement until a probe moves toward the reaction tube in a reaction disk from the time of attracting the test sample etc. in the automatic analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for showing operation | movement until it moves toward a sample container etc. again after discharge from the time of a probe reaching | attaining a reaction tube in the automatic analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention. In the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is the schematic for showing the state which a probe is accommodated in a washing | cleaning mechanism, and moves while being washed. In the automatic analyzer concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is the schematic for showing the state which a probe is accommodated in a washing | cleaning mechanism, and moves while being washed. In the automatic analyzer concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention, it is the schematic for showing the state which a probe is accommodated in the washing | cleaning mechanism, and moves while being washed.

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

[First Embodiment]
(overall structure)
An outline of the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes a first reagent container 110 that stores a reagent rack 111 and a second reagent container that is arranged in parallel with the first reagent container 110 and stores a reagent rack 121. 120, and can supply a reagent used for analyzing the test sample. In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 is arranged around the first reagent storage 110 and can be provided with a plurality of reaction tubes 131, and is disposed in the vicinity of the first reagent storage 110, and about five sample containers 140b are arranged in parallel. And a rack sampler 140 for placing a plurality of sample containers 140b in a state of being arranged in a linear direction. Furthermore, it has the disk sampler 141 which mounts the some sample container 141a in the state arranged in the circumferential direction. The rack sampler 140 and the disk sampler 141 can transport the test sample to each part of the automatic analyzer 100.

  Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes dispensing arms 112 and 122 for transporting the reagent to the reaction tube 131 and a sampling arm 142 for transporting the test sample to the reaction tube 131, so that the test sample and the reagent are transferred between different containers. Dispensing and dispensing are possible with Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a stirring unit 150, a photometric unit 160, and a reaction tube cleaning unit 170 installed around the reaction disk 130, and performs measurement of a test sample and the like. Further, in the automatic analyzer 100, a cleaning mechanism 200 for cleaning each of the probes is disposed on the rotation trajectory of each of the probes provided on the dispensing arms 112 and 122 and the sampling arm 142. Details of the cleaning mechanism 200 and the cleaning mechanism guide 201 in the present embodiment will be described later.

<Reagent rack and first reagent storage>
As shown in FIG. 1, a reagent rack 111 in which a plurality of reagent bottles 180 can be arranged in a ring shape is provided inside the first reagent storage 110. The reagent bottle 180 installed in the reagent rack 111 contains a first reagent that selectively reacts with components of each item included in the standard sample and the test sample. The reagent rack 111 is rotatable in a state in which the reagent bottle 180 is accommodated by a reagent rack driving unit 311 controlled by the control unit 300 described later.

<Second reagent storage>
The second reagent storage 120 is arranged in the vicinity of the first reagent storage 110 as shown in FIG. 1 and has the same configuration as the first reagent storage 110. That is, the second reagent storage 120 includes a reagent rack 121 that accommodates the reagent bottle 180 and is configured to be rotatable. The reagent rack 121 is provided with a reagent bottle 180 containing a second reagent that selectively reacts with the components of each item included in the standard sample and the test sample. In addition, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is not limited to one having a plurality of reagent containers, and may be configured not to include the second reagent container 120, for example.

<Reaction disk>
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the reaction disk 130 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the first reagent storage 110. On this reaction disk 130, reaction tubes 131 that contain test samples and reagents for analysis / measurement by the automatic analyzer 100 are arranged in an annular shape according to the shape of the reaction disk 130. . The reaction tube 131 has an open top, and is installed on the reaction disk 130 so that the first and second reagents and the test sample can be dispensed from the opening. . Further, the reaction disk 130 rotates while accommodating the reaction tube 131.

<Dispensing arm>
A dispensing arm 112 is provided around the reaction disk 130. The dispensing arm 112 includes a rotating shaft 112a standing substantially vertically in the vicinity of the reaction disk 130, and an arm connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 112a so as to be rotatable substantially orthogonal to the rotating shaft 112a. And a dispensing probe 112c connected to the other end of the arm 112b with respect to the rotation shaft 112a. The dispensing arm 112 is configured such that the dispensing probe 112c connected to the arm portion 112b and the tip of the arm portion 112b rotates about the rotation shaft 112a. The pivoting range of the dispensing probe 112c is a range in which reciprocation between at least the inlet of the reagent bottle 180 accommodated in the first reagent storage 110 and the reaction tube 131 is possible. The dispensing probe 112c is connected to the arm portion 112b so as to move up and down (up and down). The dispensing probe 112c is equipped with a pump and sucks the reagent from the inlet of the reagent bottle 180 accommodated in the first reagent storage 110 and discharges it to the reaction tube 131 in which the sample to be examined is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a dispensing arm 122 is provided between the reaction disk 130 and the second reagent storage 120. The dispensing arm 122 has the same configuration as the dispensing arm 112, and includes a rotating shaft 122a, an arm portion 122b, and a dispensing probe 122c. In addition, the dispensing probe 122c rotates around the rotation shaft 122a via the arm portion 122b. The pivoting range of the dispensing probe 122c is at least between the inlet 181 of the reagent bottle 180 accommodated in the second reagent storage 120 and the reaction tube 131. The dispensing probe 122c is connected to the arm portion 122b so as to be movable up and down, and includes a pump. The dispensing probe 122c sucks the reagent from the inlet 181 of the reagent bottle 180 accommodated in the second reagent storage 120 and Discharge and dispense into the reaction tube 131 containing the sample. When the automatic analyzer is configured to have only a single reagent storage, the dispensing arm 122 corresponding to the second reagent storage 120 is not provided.

<Sampler>
As shown in FIG. 1, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment, the test sample is stored in the sample container 140 b of the rack sampler 140 and the sample container 141 a of the disk sampler 141. The sample containers 140b and 141a contain standard samples and test samples for each item.

<Sampling arm>
As shown in FIG. 1, a sampling arm 142 is installed between the reaction disk 130 and the rack sampler 140. The sampling arm 142 has the same configuration as the dispensing arms 112 and 122, and includes a rotation shaft 142a, an arm portion 142b, and a sampling probe 142c. Further, the sampling probe 142c rotates about the rotation shaft 142a through the arm portion 142b. The rotation range of the sampling probe 142 c is between the sample container 140 b accommodated in the rack sampler 140 and the reaction tube 131 and between the sample container 141 a accommodated in the disk sampler 141 and the reaction tube 131. The sampling probe 142 c sucks the test sample from the sample container 140 b accommodated in the rack sampler 140 and discharges it to the reaction tube 131.

<Agitator unit>
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the stirring unit 150 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 130 and downstream from the position of the sampling arm 142 in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 130. Each reaction tube 131 into which the test sample in the rack sampler 140 is dispensed and the reagent in the first reagent container 110 and the second reagent container 120 is dispensed is moved by the rotational movement of the reaction disk 130. Move to the position of the stirring unit 150. The agitation unit 150 agitates the mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent contained in the reaction tube 131 that has been conveyed. As described above, the test sample and the reagent are stirred in the reaction tube 131, whereby a reaction between a specific component in the test sample and the reagent occurs, and the absorbance of the test sample changes.

<Metering unit>
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the photometric unit 160 is arranged in the vicinity of the reaction disk 130 and downstream from the position of the stirring unit 150 in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 130 (traveling direction side). The reaction tube 131 having the mixed liquid of the sample to be tested and the reagent is moved by the reaction disk 130 from the stirring position of the stirring unit 150 to the position of the photometric unit 160 arranged on the downstream side (see FIG. 1). The photometric unit 160 is built in the transported reaction tube 131 and measures the absorbance of the mixed liquid of the sample to be stirred and the reagent. Thus, by measuring the absorbance of the test sample with the photometric unit 160, the concentration of a specific component in the test sample can be obtained.

<Reaction tube cleaning unit>
Further, the mixture of the test sample and the reagent whose absorbance has been measured by the photometric unit 160 and whose analysis has been completed is discarded from the reaction tube 131 by the reaction tube cleaning unit 170. Further, the reaction tube 131 in a state where the mixed solution is discarded is cleaned by the reaction tube cleaning unit 170.

(Structure of cleaning mechanism and cleaning mechanism guide)
Next, the configuration of the cleaning mechanism 200 and the cleaning mechanism guide 201 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the positional relationship between the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c and the cleaning mechanism 200 and the cleaning mechanism guide 201 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an outline of the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an outline of an example of the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning mechanism 200 and the cleaning mechanism guide 201 in FIGS. 2 and 3 are for cleaning the sampling probe 142c. However, the cleaning mechanism (not shown) and the cleaning for cleaning the dispensing probes 112c and 122c are used. A mechanism guide is also provided. That is, the cleaning mechanism guide 201 shown in FIG. 2 is provided only on the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c between the disk sampler 141 and the reaction disk 130. However, the cleaning mechanism guide in this embodiment is the same as that of other probes. It is assumed that it is also provided on the rotation trajectory. Further, the cleaning mechanism and the cleaning mechanism guide for cleaning the dispensing probes 112c and 122c have the same configuration as the cleaning mechanism 200 and the cleaning mechanism guide 201 in FIGS.

  First, the configuration of the cleaning mechanism 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning mechanism 200 is formed so as to be surrounded by the walls 202 and 202. The wall portions 202 and 202 are erected in a direction away from the top surface of the automatic analyzer 100 on which the reaction disk 130 and the disk sampler 141 are installed, and are disposed to face each other. The cleaning mechanism 200 has an area (hereinafter referred to as “accommodating area”) surrounded by the walls 202 and 202. In this accommodation area, at least a portion (aspiration portion) for aspirating the test sample in the sampling probe 142c can be accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a notch as shown in FIG. 4 that allows the sampling probe 142c to pass through a position corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c in the walls 202 and 202 of the cleaning mechanism 200. It is also possible to provide a configuration. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the width and height are cut so that at least the sampling probe 142c can pass through the side surface adjacent to the opening of the cleaning mechanism 200 at a position corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c. A notch is provided. Furthermore, the height of the storage area of the cleaning mechanism 200 is adjusted to the height when the sampling probe 142c is rotating. The height of the accommodation area is adjusted by increasing the height of the cleaning mechanism 200 wall 202 or by increasing the height of the moving base 204. According to such a configuration, when the sampling probe 142c is moved in and out of the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200, the sampling probe 142c does not need to be moved up and down, and the cleaning mechanism 200 can be removed from the notch of the cleaning mechanism 200 only by rotating. It will be stored and discharged in the storage area. As a result, the time required for one cycle of the reciprocating operation / cleaning operation of the sampling probe 142c can be further shortened, and a longer cleaning time can be secured.

  The cleaning mechanism 200 is provided with discharge ports 206 and 206 that pass through the walls 202 and 202 and face each other. Also, pipes 208 that are cylindrical and open at both ends are provided at positions corresponding to the respective discharge ports 206 on the surface opposite to the surface where the wall portions 202 face each other (hereinafter referred to as “outer surface”). .

  In the automatic analyzer 100, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the pipe 208 from a cleaning liquid supply means (not shown). The cleaning liquid is discharged from the pipe 208 through the discharge port 206 to the accommodation area inside the wall 202, that is, the probe cleaning area.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the accommodation region surrounded by the wall portion 202 has an approximately upper opening, and the sampling probe 142 c can be inserted (accommodated) through the opening. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment, the cleaning mechanism guide formed so as to follow the rotation locus corresponding to the rotation locus of the sampling probe 142c and sandwich the rotation locus. 201. The cleaning mechanism guide 201 is formed in a rail shape, and is provided so that the interval is slightly wider than the width of the moving base 204 in the cleaning mechanism 200 as shown in FIG.

  The moving base 204 in the cleaning mechanism 200 is provided in the lower part of the storage area (probe cleaning area) of the cleaning mechanism 200 and holds the cleaning mechanism 200 movably. The moving base 204 is driven by a driving unit (see reference numeral 315 in FIG. 5) and is guided and moved by the cleaning mechanism guide 201, so that the cleaning mechanism 200 can move along the rotation locus of the sampling probe 142c. Is possible. For example, the moving base 204 rotates the sampling probe 142c around the rotation axis 142a of the sampling arm 142 or the other rotation axis at a position corresponding to the rotation axis 142a as in the sampling arm 142. It can be configured to rotate on the movement trajectory. When the sampling probe 142c moves (descends) in the direction toward the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200 on the rotation trajectory, the movement base 204 accommodates at least the suction portion of the sampling probe 142c in the accommodation area. Provided to be high.

  The suction part refers to a part where the sampling probe 142c is immersed in the test sample when the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample from the sample container 140b. In the case of a cleaning mechanism (not shown) for the dispensing probes 112c and 122c, the dispensing probes 112c and 122c are portions that are immersed in the reagent.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the sampling arm 142 is disposed between the rack sampler 140 and the reaction disk 130, and the sampling probe 142 c is rotated between the sample container 140 b and the reaction tube 131 by the sampling arm 142. The Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning mechanism 200 is guided by the cleaning mechanism guide 201 formed on the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c and moved on the same trajectory as the sampling probe 142c.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the sampling probe 142c is rotated and thereafter the sampling probe 142c enters between the wall portions 202 of the cleaning mechanism 200, that is, the storage area (probe cleaning area), a cleaning liquid storage section (not shown) Then, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the pipe 208 by a pump or the like, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 206. Since the cleaning mechanism 200 in this embodiment is configured to move without being fixed, a cleaning liquid supply pipe (not shown) for supplying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the pipe 208 of the cleaning mechanism 200 is provided in the cleaning mechanism 200. It is configured to have a length or elasticity that can accommodate movement.

  With the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port 206, the reagent, test sample, mixed liquid, and the like attached to the outer peripheral surface of the sampling probe 142c in the cleaning area are washed away. The cleaning liquid flowing down from the sampling probe 142c flows out of the cleaning area from the waste liquid port 212 of the bottom 211 of the cleaning mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. Further, the waste liquid port 212 of the bottom portion 211 communicates with the moving base portion 204 as shown in FIG. That is, the waste liquid that has flowed out of the cleaning region flows through the inside of the moving base 204 to the automatic analyzer 100 main body as shown in FIG. Note that a description of the structure of the automatic analyzer 100 side for waste liquid treatment is omitted.

(control)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the functional configuration of each unit of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration and the like of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a data processing unit 320, an operation unit 330, a display unit 340, a printing unit 350, and a storage unit 360, in addition to the analysis unit 310 including each unit illustrated in FIG. 1 described above. Is provided. Each of these units is controlled by the control unit 300.

  The controller 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. A control program is stored in the storage unit 360 in advance, and the CPU functions as the control unit 300 when the control program is appropriately expanded on the RAM.

  The analysis unit 310 includes a reagent rack drive unit 311 that drives the reagent rack 111 of the first reagent store 110 and a reagent rack 121 of the second reagent store 120, and arms that drive the dispensing arms 112 and 122 and the sampling arm 142, respectively. A driving unit 312, a reaction disk driving unit 313 that drives the reaction disk 130, and a sampler driving unit 314 that drives the rack sampler 140 are provided. When the operator of the automatic analyzer 100 performs an operation for operating the automatic analyzer 100 via the operation unit 330, the control unit 300 performs each driving unit of the analysis unit 310 based on the above-described control program based on the operation. Is controlled so as to be driven by a predetermined amount. Each unit of the analysis unit 310 is controlled to operate in synchronization with each operation, and is driven to be interlocked.

  Further, the control unit 300 in the present embodiment drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 to move the moving base 204 in the cleaning mechanism 200 while guiding the cleaning mechanism guide 201. As a result, the cleaning mechanism 200 is moved along the rotation trajectory of each probe. The movement of the cleaning mechanism 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams from the time when the test sample or the like is sucked in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention to the time when each probe moves toward the reaction tube 131 in the reaction disk 130. It is the schematic for showing operation | movement. FIGS. 7A to 7C show that each probe once again reaches the reaction tube 131 in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an operation until the reagent bottle 180 moves toward the reagent bottle 180 and the like. FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic views showing a state in which each probe is housed in the cleaning mechanism 200 and moves while being cleaned in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. . In FIGS. 6A to 6C, FIGS. 7A to 7C, and FIGS. 8A to 8C, the cleaning mechanism guide 201 is shown to be linear. Actually, the shape follows the movement locus of the probe. In addition, the control unit 300, the dispensing arms 112 and 122, the sampling arm 142 and the arm driving unit 312 in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment, the moving base unit 204 and the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 according to the present invention. This corresponds to an example of “moving means”.

<Suction to transfer to reaction tube (outward movement)>
As shown in FIG. 6 (A), after the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample from the sample container 141a, the movement to the reaction tube 131 in the reaction disk 130 is started as shown in FIG. 6 (B). As shown in (C), the cleaning mechanism 200 is moved in synchronization with the movement of the sampling probe 142c.

  That is, the control unit 300 first drives the sampler driving unit 314 to rotate and move the disk sampler 141 to appropriately move the sample container 141a to the suction position of the sampling probe 142c. In conjunction with this, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 of the analysis unit 310 to rotate the sampling arm 142 and move the sampling probe 142c to the suction position, and the sampling probe 142c is moved to the sample container. 141a is moved inside. Thereafter, the control unit 300 further drives the arm driving unit 312 to suck the test sample in the sample container 141a by the sampling probe 142c (see FIG. 6A).

  When the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to discharge the sampling probe 142c from the sample container 141a (see FIG. 6B). Further, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to rotate the sampling arm 142 and move the sampling probe 142 c to the reaction disk 130. At this time, the control unit 300 drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 in synchronization with the movement, and also moves the cleaning mechanism 200 to the reaction disk 130 via the moving base unit 204. Note that the cleaning mechanism 200 and the sampling probe 142c are not necessarily synchronized as described above, and the cleaning mechanism 200 can be moved before and after the sampling probe 142c is moved. However, it is preferable that the cleaning mechanism 200 reaches the discharged reaction tube 131 before the test sample is discharged as described below. As the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315, for example, a stepping motor or the like can be used.

<Reach tube arrival to sample container (return trip)>
As shown in FIG. 7A, after the sampling probe 142c moves to the reaction tube 131 in the reaction disk 130, it is accommodated in the reaction tube 131 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7C, the sampling probe 142c is discharged from the reaction tube 131 and moved to the sample container 141a again. At this time, the cleaning mechanism 200 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge position of the reaction tube 131 from which the discharge has been performed.

  That is, when the sampling probe 142c is moved to the discharge position of the reaction disk 130 by the arm driving unit 312 (see FIG. 7A), the control unit 300 rotates the reaction disk 130 by the reaction disk driving unit 313, and appropriately The reaction tube 131 is moved to the discharge position. Further, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to move (lower) the sampling probe 142c of the sampling arm 142 toward the inside of the reaction tube 131, and further, the test sample held by the sampling probe 142c is transferred to the reaction tube. The ink is discharged to 131 (see FIG. 7B). When the discharge is completed, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to discharge the sampling probe 142c from the reaction tube 131 (see FIG. 7C). At this time, the cleaning mechanism 200 is in a stopped state around the reaction tube 131.

<Probe storage-cleaning start-probe discharge (return trip)>
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the sampling probe 142c is discharged from the reaction tube 131 in the reaction disk 130, the sampling probe 142c is accommodated in the waiting cleaning mechanism 200 and cleaning of the sampling probe 142c is started. Here, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the cleaning mechanism 200 is synchronously moved to the sample container 141a while the sampling probe 142c is accommodated while the sampling probe 142c is being cleaned. The After that, as shown in FIG. 8C, the sampling probe 142c is cleaned until it reaches the sample container 141a, and when it reaches the sample container 141a, the cleaning of the sampling probe 142c is completed and discharged from the cleaning mechanism 200.

  That is, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to complete the discharge to the reaction tube 131 as shown in FIG. 8A, and the sampling probe 142 c discharged from the reaction tube 131 is removed from the cleaning mechanism 200. The sampling probe 142c is accommodated in the accommodating area of the cleaning mechanism 200 by moving (lowering) toward the accommodating area. Further, when the cleaning probe 200 is accommodated in the cleaning mechanism 200, the control unit 300 drives a cleaning water discharge pump (not shown) to supply cleaning water from the cleaning water storage unit to the cleaning mechanism 200. In this manner, the cleaning water is discharged to the accommodation area through the pipe 208 and the discharge port 206 in the cleaning mechanism 200. The test sample, reagent, mixed liquid, and the like attached to the sampling probe 142c in the storage area flow down by the cleaning water, and the sampling probe 142c is cleaned.

  Further, the control unit 300 drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 and the arm driving unit 312 of the analysis unit 310 in conjunction with each other to move the cleaning mechanism 200 and the sampling probe 142c on the same locus. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the sampling probe 142c is moved to the sample container 141a while the sampling probe 142c is cleaned in the cleaning mechanism 200.

  The automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to lower the sampling probe 142c toward the cleaning mechanism 200 when the sampling probe 142c is stored in the storage region of the cleaning mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. Not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mechanism 200 has a notch on the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142 c, and the height of the accommodation region of the cleaning mechanism 200 is set so that the sampling probe 142 c extends from the sample container 141 a to the reaction tube. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that matches the height when moving to 131. In other words, according to this configuration, the sampling probe 142 c passes through the notch provided at the position corresponding to the rotational trajectory of the probe in the wall 202 of the cleaning mechanism 200, and enters and exits the accommodation region of the cleaning mechanism 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the sampling probe 142c up and down. As a result, the time required for one cycle of the reciprocating operation / cleaning operation of the sampling probe 142c can be further shortened, and a longer cleaning time can be secured.

(Action / Effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be described.

  Probes (112c, 122c, 142c) for aspirating and discharging test samples or reagents in the cleaning mechanism 200 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment are at least sample containers (140b, 141a) and reagents from the reaction tube 131. In the middle of the return path movement returning from the bottle 180, the cleaning mechanism 200 is configured to be moved together with the cleaning mechanism 200 while being cleaned. According to such a configuration, in order to perform the cleaning of the probe, the probe does not stay in the cleaning mechanism 200 fixed to the automatic analyzer 100 but is cleaned while moving, so that effective probe cleaning is performed. While maintaining time, it is possible to reduce the overall time required, including probe travel time and cleaning time.

  In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment has a feasibility and cost of the configuration even when compared with a configuration in which a cleaning mechanism fixed along the entire trajectory (reciprocating path) of the probe is provided. In terms of efficiency. That is, if a cleaning mechanism fixed over the entire rotation trajectory is provided, a large number of cleaning water ejection mechanisms and cleaning water discharge mechanisms are required and the configuration becomes complicated. The analyzer 100 can use the configuration of a conventional cleaning mechanism.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(overall structure)
In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment, compared to the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the configuration of the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 and a part of probe drive control by the controller 300 are included. Is different. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. These differences will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic views showing a state in which each probe is accommodated in the cleaning mechanism 200 and moved while being cleaned in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. . In FIGS. 9A to 9C, the cleaning mechanism guide 201 is shown to be linear, but actually has a shape that follows the movement trajectory of the probe.

  Configuration of data processing unit 320, operation unit 330, display unit 340, printing unit 350, storage unit 360, first reagent storage 110, second reagent storage 120, reaction disk 130, rack sampler 140, disk sampler in the second embodiment The overall configuration of 141, the configuration of the dispensing arms 112 and 122, the sampling arm 142, the configuration of the stirring unit 150 for measurement, the photometric unit 160, and the reaction tube cleaning unit 170 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be given. Omit.

  Moreover, since the structure of the wall part 202 which comprises an accommodation area | region is the same as that of 1st Embodiment among the washing | cleaning mechanisms 200 concerning 2nd Embodiment, description is omitted. However, in the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 is different from that of the first embodiment. Probe drive control by the movement base unit 204 and the control unit 300 will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment is configured to be extendable and contracted, and is driven to expand and contract by the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315. . The moving base 204 of the second embodiment is configured such that when it is most extended, the suction portion such as the sampling probe 142c is at least high enough to be accommodated in the accommodating area of the cleaning mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. 9B. Is done. Further, when the moving base 204 of the second embodiment is shortened the most, the sampling probe 142c is discharged from at least the accommodation region of the cleaning mechanism 200 and released as shown in FIGS. 6 (C) and 7 (C). It is comprised so that it may become a state. Further, the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 according to the second embodiment also performs driving related to the expansion and contraction of the moving base unit 204.

  A process of cleaning the probe in the automatic analyzer 100 having the moving base 204 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 9. In the cleaning mechanism 200 in the second embodiment, the reagent and the test sample are sucked from the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a and discharged to the reaction tube 131, and the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the like are discharged from the reaction tube 131. The steps until the sampling probe 142c is discharged are the same as the steps from FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIGS. 7A to 7C described in the first embodiment. Omit.

  In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to discharge the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c from the reaction tube 131. As shown in FIG. 9A, 300 drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 to extend the moving base 204, raises the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200, and sucks at least the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c. The portion is accommodated in the accommodation area. The movement base 204 is extended at the same time as the probe discharge timing or before and after the discharge timing.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 300 maintains the extended state of the moving base unit 204 and interlocks the arm driving unit 312 and the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 with the accommodation area raised. Further, a cleaning water discharge pump (not shown) is driven to supply cleaning water from the cleaning water storage unit to the cleaning mechanism 200. As described above, also in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 200 and the probe move synchronously while the probe is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 200 when each probe moves backward after the ejection is completed. To do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the cleaning mechanism 200 approaches a predetermined distance from the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a, the control unit 300 drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 to move the moving base 204. Shorten while moving. In this way, the cleaning is completed before the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c reach the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a, and are discharged from the storage area of the cleaning mechanism 200. At this time, the height of the moving base 204 is shortened to a height as shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C.

  Also in the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the second embodiment described above, the probe is cleaned while moving without being temporarily retained in the cleaning mechanism 200 fixed to the automatic analyzer 100 in order to clean the probe. While maintaining an effective probe cleaning time, it is possible to reduce the overall time required for the probe including the probe moving time and the cleaning time. Furthermore, when the probe is accommodated in the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200, the vertical movement of the probe can be omitted, so that the overall required time can be shortened compared to the first embodiment. It is.

[Third Embodiment]
Next explained is an automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment of the invention.

(overall structure)
In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment, the configuration of the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 and the probe by the controller 300 are compared with the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first and second embodiments described above. Part of the drive control is different. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first and second embodiments. These differences will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic views showing a state in which each probe is housed in the cleaning mechanism 200 and moves while being cleaned in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. . In FIGS. 10A to 10C, the cleaning mechanism guide 201 is shown as being linear, but actually has a shape that follows the movement locus of the probe.

  Configuration of data processing unit 320, operation unit 330, display unit 340, printing unit 350, storage unit 360, first reagent storage 110, second reagent storage 120, reaction disk 130, rack sampler 140, disk sampler in the third embodiment The overall configuration of 141, the configuration of the dispensing arms 112 and 122, the sampling arm 142, the configuration of the stirring unit 150 for measurement, the photometry unit 160, and the reaction tube cleaning unit 170 are the same as in the first and second embodiments. Because there is, explanation is omitted.

  Moreover, since the structure of the wall part 202 which comprises an accommodation area | region is the same as that of 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment among the washing | cleaning mechanisms 200 concerning 3rd Embodiment, description is omitted. However, in the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment, the configuration of the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 is different from that of the first embodiment. Probe drive control by the movement base unit 204 and the control unit 300 will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the moving base 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment is also configured to be extendable and contractable, as in the second embodiment, and the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315. It is driven by and expanded and contracted. In addition, the control unit 300 of the third embodiment brings both the moving base 204 and the sampling probe 142c relatively close to each other, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the suction portion such as the sampling probe 142c is at least of the cleaning mechanism 200. Control is performed so that the height is accommodated in the accommodation area. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the control unit 300 of the third embodiment relatively separates both the moving base 204 and the sampling probe 142c, and the control unit 300 is shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C. As described above, the sampling probe 142c is discharged from at least the storage area of the cleaning mechanism 200 and is controlled to be released. Further, the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 according to the third embodiment also performs driving related to the expansion and contraction of the moving base unit 204 as in the second embodiment.

  A process of cleaning the probe in the automatic analyzer 100 having the moving base 204 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 10. In the cleaning mechanism 200 in the third embodiment, the reagent and the test sample are sucked from the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a and discharged to the reaction tube 131, and the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the like are discharged from the reaction tube 131. The steps until the sampling probe 142c is discharged are the same as the steps from FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIGS. 7A to 7C described in the first embodiment. Omit.

  In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment, when the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 to discharge the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c from the reaction tube 131, the control unit 300 then As shown in FIG. 10A, the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 is driven to extend the moving base 204, and the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200 is lifted. Further, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 in conjunction with this, completes the discharge to the reaction tube 131 as shown in FIG. 10A, and the sampling probe 142c and the like discharged from the reaction tube 131. Is moved (lowered) to the storage area side of the raised cleaning mechanism 200, and at least a suction portion such as the sampling probe 142c is stored in the storage area. It is assumed that the movement amount of both the vertical movements is set in advance. The timing of extension of the moving base 204 and the lowering of the probe are performed at the same time or before or after the discharge timing from the reaction tube 131.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 and the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 in conjunction with each other while maintaining the extended state of the moving base unit 204 and the lowered state of the probe. Further, a cleaning water discharge pump (not shown) is driven to supply cleaning water to the cleaning mechanism 200 from the cleaning water storage unit. As described above, also in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 200 and the probe move synchronously while the probe is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 200 when each probe moves backward after discharge. To do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the cleaning mechanism 200 approaches a predetermined distance from the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a, the control unit 300 drives the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 to move the moving base unit 204. Shorten while moving. Further, the control unit 300 drives the arm driving unit 312 in conjunction with this, and discharges the dispensing probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c from the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. Let In addition, the cleaning is completed until the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a are reached.

  Also in the cleaning mechanism 200 according to the third embodiment described above, the probe is cleaned while moving without being temporarily retained in the cleaning mechanism 200 fixed to the automatic analyzer 100 in order to perform cleaning of the probe. While maintaining an effective probe cleaning time, it is possible to reduce the overall time required for the probe including the probe moving time and the cleaning time. Furthermore, since the width of the vertical movement of the cleaning mechanism 200 can be reduced as compared with the second embodiment, the space for accommodating the shortened moving base 204 to be secured in the automatic analyzer can be reduced. It becomes possible. In addition, when the probe is accommodated in the accommodation area of the cleaning mechanism 200, since the moving base 204 and the vertical movement of the probe are interlocked, the overall required time can be further shortened.

(Modification)
The cleaning mechanism 200 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above is driven by a cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 (for example, a stepping motor) or the like and guided by a cleaning mechanism guide 201. In this configuration, the sampling probe 142c moves on the rotation trajectory. However, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the following configuration is also possible. That is, a power transmission mechanism such as a gear is provided between the arm drive unit 312 that rotates the sampling arm 142 and the moving base unit 204 of the cleaning mechanism 200. As described above, the power transmission mechanism is provided, and the arm driving unit 312 rotates the sampling probe 142c, so that the moving base 204 moves through the power transmission mechanism, and the sampling probe 142c and the cleaning mechanism 200 rotate in synchronization. It can be configured to move.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the automatic analyzer 100 in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above, the probe moving time and the cleaning are maintained while the effective probe cleaning time is maintained. It is possible to shorten the overall required time including time. Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism driving unit 315 can be omitted.

  In the cleaning mechanism 200 of the automatic analyzer 100 in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above, each probe is moved from the reaction tube 131 of the reaction disk 130 to the reagent bottle 180, the sample container 140b, Each probe is cleaned during the backward movement until reaching 141a. However, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and moves from the reagent bottle 180 and the sample containers 140b and 141a to the reaction tube 131. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which each probe is washed during the forward movement. In such a configuration, as in the automatic analyzer 100 of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above, it is possible to maintain an effective cleaning time and shorten the overall required time. Is possible. Furthermore, since the probe is cleaned even in the forward movement, the automatic analyzer 100 is discharged by discharging the test sample or the like adhering to the outer surface of the probe when the test sample or reagent is discharged to the reaction tube 131. It is possible to avoid a situation where an error occurs in the measurement. In particular, even if the amount of the test sample is reduced, it is possible to avoid the possibility of disturbing the analysis result.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Automatic analyzer 110 1st reagent storage 111 Reagent rack 112 Dispensing arm 112a Rotating shaft 112b Arm part 112c Dispensing probe 120 2nd reagent storage 121 Reagent rack 122 Dispensing arm 122a Rotating shaft 122b Arm part 122c Dispensing probe DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Reaction disk 131 Reaction tube 140 Rack sampler 140a Rack tray 140b, 141a Sample container 141 Disk sampler 142 Sampling arm 142a Rotating shaft 142b Arm part 142c Sampling probe 150 Stirring unit 160 Photometric unit 170 Reaction tube cleaning unit 180 Reagent bottle 200 Cleaning mechanism 201 Cleaning Mechanism Guide 202 Wall 204 Moving Base 206 Discharge Port 208 Pipe 211 Bottom 212 Waste Liquid Port 300 Control Unit 310 Analysis Unit 311 Reagent rack drive unit 312 Arm drive unit 313 Reaction disk drive unit 314 Sampler drive unit 315 Cleaning mechanism drive unit 320 Data processing unit 330 Operation unit 340 Display unit 350 Printing unit 360 Storage unit

Claims (9)

An automatic analyzer having a sample container for storing a test sample, a reagent container for storing a reagent, and a reaction tube for storing a mixed liquid of the test sample and the reagent, and measuring the mixed liquid There,
A probe for aspirating the test sample from the sample container or aspirating the reagent from the reagent container and discharging the aspirated test sample or reagent to the reaction tube;
A cleaning mechanism having a storage area for storing at least a suction portion of the probe, and capable of cleaning the suction portion of the probe stored in the storage area;
The probe is movable between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and at least the suction part of the probe is moved while the probe is moved toward at least the sample container or the reagent container. A moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism together with the probe in a state where the cleaning mechanism is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism,
Automatic analyzer characterized by The moving means moves either one or both of the probe and the cleaning mechanism, thereby bringing the probe and the cleaning mechanism relatively close to each other, and storing the suction portion in the storage area;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The moving means includes probe moving means for moving the probe, and cleaning mechanism moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism,
The probe moving means reciprocates the probe between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and when the probe reaches the position of the sample container or the reagent container, When the probe is accommodated in the sample container or the reagent container and the probe reaches the position of the reaction tube, the suction portion is accommodated in the reaction tube, and the probe is moved from the reaction tube to the sample container or When the movement toward the reagent container is started, further, at least the suction part is accommodated in the accommodating region of the cleaning mechanism,
The cleaning mechanism moving means arranges the cleaning mechanism on the reaction tube side until the probe completes the discharge, and the probe starts moving from the reaction tube toward the sample container or the reagent container. Further, when the discharged probe is accommodated in the cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism is moved corresponding to the probe,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The moving means includes probe moving means for moving the probe, and cleaning mechanism moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism,
The probe moving means reciprocates the probe between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and when the probe reaches the position of the sample container or the reagent container, When the probe reaches the position of the reaction tube, the suction part is accommodated inside the reaction tube.
The cleaning mechanism moving means arranges the cleaning mechanism on the reaction tube side until the probe completes the ejection, and starts moving the probe from the reaction tube toward the sample container or the reagent container. Further, the storage area of the cleaning mechanism is moved in the direction of the probe after discharge, the suction portion is stored in the storage area, and the cleaning mechanism is moved corresponding to the probe,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The moving means includes probe moving means for moving the probe, and cleaning mechanism moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism,
The probe moving means reciprocates the probe between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and when the probe reaches the position of the sample container or the reagent container, When the probe reaches the position of the reaction tube, the suction part is accommodated inside the reaction tube.
The cleaning mechanism moving means arranges the cleaning mechanism on the reaction tube side until the probe completes the discharge,
When the probe starts to move from the reaction tube toward the sample container or the reagent container, the probe moving means and the cleaning mechanism moving means further bring the probe and the storage area of the cleaning mechanism close to each other. Thereby accommodating at least the suction portion in the accommodation area and moving the cleaning mechanism corresponding to the probe;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The cleaning mechanism discharges a cleaning liquid to the outer surface of the suction portion of the probe when the probe moves toward the sample container or the reagent container by the probe moving means, and cleans the outer surface. Removing the cleaning liquid adhering to
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The probe moving means has a rotating arm provided with a rotating shaft at one end and the probe at the other end, and by rotating the rotating arm around the rotating shaft, Bringing the probe close to or away from the sample container or the reagent container;
The cleaning mechanism that is moved by the cleaning mechanism moving means is guided by a rail that is disposed on a rotation trajectory of the probe by the probe moving means,
The cleaning mechanism has a wall portion that surrounds the accommodation area and forms an opening upward.
The probe is withdrawn into and out of the receiving area through the opening in the cleaning mechanism;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: A sample container containing a test sample, a reagent container containing a reagent, a reaction tube containing a mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent, and between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction A probe cleaning mechanism for cleaning the probe in an automatic analyzer having a probe that moves and sucks and discharges the test sample or the reagent,
An accommodation area for accommodating at least a suction portion of the probe;
While the probe is moved toward at least the sample container or the reagent container, the probe moves while interlocking with the probe while containing the suction part, and at least the suction part is washed.
A probe cleaning mechanism. An automatic analyzer having a sample container for storing a test sample, a reagent container for storing a reagent, and a reaction tube for storing a mixed liquid of the test sample and the reagent, and measuring the mixed liquid There,
A probe for aspirating the test sample from the sample container or aspirating the reagent from the reagent container and discharging the aspirated test sample or reagent to the reaction tube;
A cleaning mechanism having a storage area for storing at least a suction portion of the probe, and capable of cleaning the suction portion of the probe stored in the storage area;
The probe can be moved between the sample container or the reagent container and the reaction tube, and at least the suction portion of the probe is moved to the cleaning mechanism while the probe is moved at least toward the reaction tube. And moving means for moving the cleaning mechanism together with the probe while being cleaned.
Automatic analyzer characterized by