WO2007132632A1

WO2007132632A1 - Cleaning equipment and automatic analyzer

Info

Publication number: WO2007132632A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/058513
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ko Kato
Original assignee: Olympus Corporation
Priority date: 2006-05-17
Filing date: 2007-04-19
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: JPWO2007132632A1

Abstract

Easy-to-maintain cleaning equipment in which abnormality in liquid level position of reaction liquid contained in a reaction container can be detected exactly when B/F cleaning of reaction liquid that has produced heterogeneous reaction is performed. An automatic analyzer is also provided. The cleaning equipment comprises a plurality of air nozzles provided in association with a plurality of pairs of nozzles each consisting of a nozzle for sucking at least part of the reaction liquid and an ejection nozzle for ejecting a predetermined B/F cleaning liquid and ejecting air from above the pointed ends of the pair of suction nozzle and the ejection nozzle, a plurality of air supply means connected with any of the plurality of air nozzles, respectively, and supplying air to the air nozzles, a plurality of pressure sensors connected with the plurality of air supply means, respectively, and detecting the pressure of air in the vicinity of the proximal end of the air nozzle, and a control means for controlling the ejection operation of B/F cleaning liquid of each ejection nozzle individually depending on the pressure of air detected by each of the plurality of pressure sensors and a variation in the pressure.

Description

Specification

Cleaning device and automatic analyzer

Technical field

The present invention relates to a cleaning device that performs BZF cleaning of a reaction solution that has caused a heterogeneous reaction, and an automatic analyzer that includes the cleaning device and analyzes a sample such as blood or body fluid. Background art

[0002] When analyzing a sample such as blood or body fluid by heterogeneous reaction, for example, immunological analysis, between an antigen (or antibody) attached to a solid phase and an antibody (or antigen) as a labeling substance. After causing the antigen-antibody reaction in step B, a predetermined B / F washing solution is added to perform a B / F washing treatment for separating and washing the antigens and antibodies released in the reaction solution from the solid phase.

[0003] Conventionally, in the B / F cleaning process described above, as a technique for detecting a situation in which the reaction liquid stored in the reaction vessel is overflowing from the reaction container, a nozzle for discharging the B / F cleaning liquid or the inside of the reaction container A stir bar that stirs the liquid is formed of a conductive member, and a detection unit made of a conductive member is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end of the nozzle. A technique is known in which an abnormality in the liquid level position is detected by a liquid level detection signal, and discharge of the cleaning liquid from the nozzle is stopped based on the detection result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-13978

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the above-described conventional technology, if the nozzle, the stirring rod, or the detection unit, which is a conductive member force, is corroded by the B / F cleaning liquid, the liquid level position of the reaction liquid is abnormal. There was a risk that it could not be detected accurately. In addition, in order to prevent corrosion of the conductive members, it is necessary to remove them from the apparatus and periodically clean them. However, since the conductive members are connected to various electrical components, they can be easily removed. However, there was also a problem that it took time and effort for maintenance management.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and the reaction solution B / F It is an object to provide a cleaning device and an automatic analyzer that can accurately detect abnormality of the liquid level in the reaction container of the reaction solution and perform maintenance management easily. And

Means for solving the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is configured to perform at least B / F cleaning of a reaction solution in which a heterogeneous reaction has occurred. This is a cleaning device equipped with a plurality of nozzle pairs consisting of a suction nozzle that sucks a part and a discharge nozzle force that discharges a predetermined B / F cleaning liquid, and is provided corresponding to each nozzle pair. A plurality of air nozzles that discharge air from above the leading ends of the suction nozzle and discharge nozzle, and a plurality of air that is connected to one of the plurality of air nozzles and supplies air to the connected air nozzles A supply means; a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting air pressure in the vicinity of a base end portion of an air nozzle connected to each of the plurality of air supply means; and the plurality of pressure sensors. There is characterized in that and a control means for individually controlling the discharge operation of the B / F cleaning liquid the discharge nozzles in response to changes in pressure and the pressure of the air has been detected, respectively.

[0008] Further, the cleaning device according to the present invention is based on the above invention, and the control means includes the air pressure in the vicinity of the base end portion of the plurality of air nozzles and a change in the pressure. Is characterized in that the discharge operation of the B / F cleaning liquid of the discharge nozzle corresponding to the air nozzle that takes a value that deviates from the predetermined range is stopped.

[0009] An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by causing a heterogeneous reaction in the sample to be analyzed, and includes the cleaning device according to any one of the above inventions. It is characterized by that.

The invention's effect

[0010] According to the present invention, each of a plurality of nozzle pairs including a suction nozzle that sucks at least a part of a reaction solution that has caused a heterogeneous reaction and a discharge nozzle that discharges a predetermined B / F cleaning solution. Correspondingly provided, a plurality of air nozzles for discharging air from above the respective tips of the suction nozzles and discharge nozzles forming a corresponding pair of nozzles, and the plurality of air nozzles are connected to the misalignment. Multiple air supply to connected air nozzles Air supply means, a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting air pressure in the vicinity of the proximal end of the air nozzle connected to each of the plurality of air supply means, and air detected by the plurality of pressure sensors, respectively. And a control means for individually controlling the discharge operation of the B / F cleaning liquid of each discharge nozzle in accordance with the change in the pressure, when performing BZF cleaning of the reaction liquid that has caused a heterogeneous reaction. In addition, it is possible to accurately detect abnormalities in the position of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel, and maintenance management becomes easy.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an operation during B / F cleaning of the cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the air pressure detected in the case shown in FIG. 3 and the time variation of its pressure derivative.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation in which an abnormality occurs in the operation during B / F cleaning of the cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the change in air pressure detected in the case shown in FIG. 5 and its pressure derivative over time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the tip of the air nozzle to the pressure sensor and the air pressure in the pipe detected by the pressure sensor.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the time change of the air pressure and the pressure derivative detected when the tip of the air nozzle is blocked by the liquid level in the reaction vessel at the start of the air discharge. It is.

Explanation of symbols

[0012] 1 Automatic analyzer

2a Air nozzle

2b Nozzle suction c Discharge nozzle

Nozzle drive unit Pressure sensor

Signal processor

, 10 syringes

a, 10a Cylinder b, 10b Screw, 1 1 Piston drive part Buffer tank, 13 Pump

2 Injection valve

4 Liquid container

1 Sample container

2 racks

1 Carrier reagent container

1 Liquid reagent container

1 Reaction vessel

1, 82, 83, 84 Piping 01 Measuring mechanism

02 Sample transfer section

03 Carrier reagent container holding part 04 Liquid reagent container holding part 05 Reaction container holding part 06 Sample dispensing part

7 Carrier reagent dispensing part 8 Liquid reagent dispensing part 9 Reaction container transfer part 10 Washing part 111 Stirrer

112 Metering unit

119 Reaction container storage

129 Reaction vessel disposal section

201 Control analysis mechanism

202 Analysis calculation unit

203 Input section

204 Output section

205 pL [Thought p [5

206 Control unit

CR1, CR2, CR3 Information code reader

G Nozzle group

L1, L2 liquid

L B / F cleaning solution

BF

W1, W3, W5 Pressure waveform

W2, W4, W6 Pressure differential waveform

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] <Overview of immunoassay processing>

First, an outline of an immune analysis process performed by the automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, immunoassay is performed using a heterogeneous reaction. As an example, a case where the concentration of a predetermined antigen in a specimen is measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) will be described below. In this immunoassay process, a first immune reaction (antigen-antibody reaction) is performed by mixing a solid phase sensitized with an antibody that specifically binds to a predetermined antigen in the sample and the sample. In the following explanation, a reaction vessel is applied as a solid phase. That is, it is assumed that a predetermined antibody is adsorbed in advance near the bottom of the inner wall of the reaction vessel. [0015] After the first immune reaction described above, the reaction solution is subjected to B / F washing with a predetermined B / F washing solution and released without specifically binding to the antibody. And the antibody is separated and removed from the solid phase. Then, a second immune reaction is performed by adding an excess of the labeling enzyme. Even after this second immune reaction, the reaction solution is washed with BZF, and the released labeling substance, etc. is separated and removed from the solid phase by extra power IJ. Thereafter, a coloring substrate that exhibits the activity of the enzyme as a labeling substance is added to the reaction solution to cause a coloring reaction with the labeling substance in the reaction solution, and the amount of color development is optically measured. Finally, the concentration of the antigen to be analyzed in the sample is determined by performing a comparison operation between the data obtained by this measurement and the standard sample force data (calibration curve) with a known antigen concentration.

[0016] It is of course possible to measure the concentration of a predetermined antibody in a specimen in the same manner as described above. In this case, an antigen that specifically binds to the antibody may be adsorbed on a solid phase in advance. It is also possible to analyze a sample by applying an immunoassay using a heterogeneous reaction other than the enzyme immunoassay described above. Such immunoassays include fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) using fluorescent substances as labeling substances, radioimmunoassay (RIA) using radioisotopes as labeling substances, and chemical enzymes using chemiluminescent substrates as labeling substances. Examples include immunoassay (CLIA) and spin reagent immunoassay (SIA) using spin reagent as a labeling substance.

[0017] <Configuration of automatic analyzer>

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in the figure dispenses a sample such as a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel, and optically measures the reaction occurring in the reaction vessel, and the measurement mechanism 101 And control and analysis mechanism 201 that analyzes the measurement results in measurement mechanism 101, and these two mechanisms work together to automatically and continuously perform immunological analysis of the components of multiple samples. It is a device that performs automatically. In the following description, it is assumed that the automatic analyzer 1 performs an immunological measurement using a heterogeneous reaction.

First, the measurement mechanism 101 of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. The measurement mechanism 101 includes a sample transfer unit 102 that stores and sequentially transfers a plurality of racks 22 on which sample containers 21 that store samples are mounted, and a carrier reagent container that stores a carrier reagent applied to an antigen-antibody reaction with the sample. A carrier reagent container holding unit 103 for holding the vessel 31, a liquid reagent container holding unit 104 for holding the liquid reagent vessel 41 for storing various liquid reagents, and a reaction vessel 51 for holding the reaction between the sample and the reagent. A container holding unit 105.

[0019] The carrier reagent container holding unit 103 is a wheel that holds the carrier reagent container 31, and a drive unit that is attached to the center of the bottom surface of the wheel and rotates the wheel with a vertical line passing through the center as a rotation axis. Have Similarly to the carrier reagent container holding unit 103, the liquid reagent container holding unit 104 and the reaction container holding unit 105 have a wheel and driving means for rotating the wheel.

[0020] A constant temperature is maintained in each container holding portion. For example, the liquid reagent container holding unit 104 is set to a temperature lower than room temperature in order to suppress the deterioration and denaturation of the reagent, and the reaction container holding unit 105 is set to a temperature similar to the human body temperature. .

In addition, the measurement mechanism 101 includes a sample dispensing unit 106 that dispenses a sample accommodated in the sample container 21 on the sample transfer unit 102 into a reaction container 51 that is held by a reaction container holding unit 105, and a carrier test. The carrier reagent dispensing unit 107 for dispensing the carrier reagent contained in the carrier reagent container 31 on the drug container holding unit 103 into the reaction vessel 51 and the liquid reagent container 41 on the liquid reagent container holding unit 104 The liquid reagent dispensing unit 108 for dispensing the liquid reagent into the reaction vessel 51 and the reaction vessel 51 for installing and removing the reaction vessel 51 from the reaction vessel holding unit 105 A reaction vessel transfer unit 109 for transferring the reaction vessel.

[0022] The sample container 21 is affixed with an information code recording medium in which identification information for identifying a sample contained in the container 21 is encoded and recorded in an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code (see FIG. Not shown). Similarly, each of the carrier reagent container 31 and the liquid reagent container 41 is shelled with an information code recording medium in which identification information for identifying the reagent contained therein is encoded and recorded in an information code (not shown). ) Therefore, the measurement mechanism 101 includes an information code reading unit CR1 that reads an information code affixed to the specimen container 21, an information code reading part CR2 that reads an information code affixed to the carrier reagent container 31, and a liquid reagent container 41. An information code reading unit CR3 for reading the information code attached to the is provided.

[0023] The sample dispensing unit 106, the carrier reagent dispensing unit 107, and the liquid reagent dispensing unit 108 are a thin tube probe that sucks and discharges a sample, and a vertical direction for moving the probe. Each arm is equipped with an arm that moves up and down and rotates horizontally, and an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe. Each probe is cleaned by a separate cleaning unit (not shown) after a single dispensing operation. In order to prevent contamination and carry-over, it is more preferable to use a disposable method in which a detachable tip is attached to the tip of the probe and the tip is replaced for each dispensing operation.

[0024] On the operation line of the reaction vessel transfer unit 109, a reaction vessel storage unit 119 for holding an unused reaction vessel 51 and a reaction vessel disposal unit 129 for discarding the used reaction vessel 51 are provided. . The reaction container transfer unit 109 may have any configuration as long as it can transfer the liquid without spilling even when the reaction container 51 contains the liquid.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a washing unit 110 that performs B / F washing of the carrier reagent, a stirring unit 111 that has a stirring bar that stirs the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 51, and the reaction fluid power in the reaction vessel 51. And a photometric unit 112 having a photomultiplier tube capable of detecting weak light emitted. When measuring the fluorescence generated from the reaction solution, a light source for irradiating excitation light may be provided as the photometric unit 112.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the cleaning unit 110 which is the cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment. The cleaning unit 110 shown in the figure includes a set of an air nozzle 2a that discharges air, a suction nozzle 2b that sucks liquid inside the reaction vessel 51, and a discharge nozzle 2c that discharges B / F cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 51. A plurality of nozzle groups G are provided. The plurality of nodule groups G are provided above a part of the reaction vessels 51 held by the reaction vessel holding portion 105 and adjacent to each other along the circumference of the reaction vessel holding portion 105 in the same manner as the reaction vessel 51. Be

[0027] Further, the cleaning unit 110 detects the pressure of the air applied to the vicinity of the nose driving unit 3 that drives each nozzle group G and the base end of each air nozzle 2a, and the electric power corresponding to the detection result. A plurality of pressure sensors 4 that generate signals (analog signals) and a signal processing unit 5 that amplifies electric signals sent from the plurality of pressure sensors 4 and performs A / D conversion are provided.

[0028] Each air nozzle 2a is connected to a different syringe 6 (air supply via a separate pipe 81). Means). The tip of each air nozzle 2a is located above the tips of the suction nozzle 2b and discharge nozzle 2c that make up the same nozzle group G, and the nozzle group G is lowered during the B / F cleaning to lower the reaction container. When inserted into 51, the reaction vessel 51 is positioned slightly below the upper end opening surface.

[0029] The syringe 6 has a cylinder 6a and a piston 6b. When the piston 6b is moved by the piston drive unit 7, air suction and discharge operations are performed, and this operation generates a single flow of air. This flow is transmitted to the air nozzle 2a communicated via the pipe 81. Each air supply means can also be realized by using a gas cylinder and a supply valve for adjusting the amount of air supplied from the gas cylinder.

[0030] By the way, if the discharge pressure of the syringe 6 is increased within a range where the air discharged from each air nozzle 2a does not shake the liquid level of the liquid stored in the reaction vessel 51, the pressure sensor 4 At the same time as improving the sensitivity, the influence of vibration of the pipe 81 can be reduced. As a result, the air pressure can be stably detected, which is more preferable.

[0031] The suction nozzle 2b is connected to a buffer tank 8 via a pipe 82, and the buffer tank 8 is connected to a pump 9 realized by a vacuum pump. The liquid inside the reaction vessel 51 sucked by the pump 9 is discarded from the buffer tank 8 to the outside. The tip of the suction nozzle 2b extends below the tip of the other two nozzles. When the nozzle group G is lowered with respect to the reaction vessel 51, the tip of the suction nozzle 2b reacts. The liquid level in container 51 is first reached.

[0032] The discharge nozzle 2c is connected to the syringe 10 via a pipe 83. The syringe 10 includes a cylinder 10a and a piston 10b, and a B / F cleaning liquid L is introduced into the pipe 83 and the cylinder 10a. Syringe 10 contains B / F cleaning liquid L via pipe 84.

BF BF

Connected to the liquid container 14. This pipe 84 has BZF cleaning liquid

An injection valve 12 that controls the flow of L and a Bonn that sucks B / F cleaning liquid L from the liquid container 14

BF BF

Step 13 is intervening sequentially. B / F cleaning liquid L is introduced into piping 83 and cylinder 10a.

BF

When injecting, open the injection valve 12 and suck the BZF cleaning liquid L with the pump 13.

BF

2c, syringe 10, and pipes 83 and 84 are filled with B / F cleaning liquid L, then injection valve 12 is

BF

Close and end the operation of the pump 13. [0033] The nozzle driving unit 3 drives three nozzles (air nozzle 2a, suction nozzle 2b, and discharge nozzle 2c) constituting each nozzle group G in a lump. For this reason, the relative positional relationship of the three nozzles in each nozzle group G does not change even when driven. The nozzle drive unit 3 can also drive each nozzle group G individually.

[0034] In the cleaning unit 110 having the configuration and operation described above, the operation of the nozzle drive unit 3, the signal processing unit 5, the piston drive units 7 and 11, the pumps 9 and 13, and the injection valve 12 will be described later. It is controlled by the control unit 206 of the control analysis mechanism 201.

[0035] In the measurement mechanism 101 having the above-described configuration, the angle at which the reaction container holding unit 105 rotates by one rotation is determined in advance, and the sample Sp and various reagents are dispensed simultaneously by the rotation. All the components are arranged so that the configuration can be performed frequently. In this sense, FIG. 1 is merely a schematic illustration of the components of the measurement mechanism 101. That is, the mutual positional relationship between the components of the measurement mechanism 101 is a design matter that should be determined according to conditions such as the rotation mode of the wheel of the reaction container holding unit 105.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the control analysis mechanism 201 of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. The control analysis mechanism 201 includes an analysis operation unit 202 that performs an operation for analyzing the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 101, an input unit 203 that receives input of information necessary for analysis of the sample and an operation instruction signal of the automatic analyzer 1, and an analysis An output unit 204 that outputs information including the results, a storage unit 205 that stores information including the analysis results, and a control unit 206 that controls the automatic analyzer 1 are provided.

[0037] The input unit 203 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or the like. The output unit 204 is realized by a display (CRT, liquid crystal, plasma, organic EL, etc.), a printer, a speaker, and the like.

[0038] The storage unit 205 includes a hard disk that magnetically stores various information, a memory that loads a program related to the process from the hard disk and electrically records it when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Is provided. The storage unit 205 further includes an auxiliary storage device that can read information recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, an M0 disk, a PC card, and an xD picture card. Good The control unit 206 reads out the program stored in the storage unit 205 from the memory, thereby performing analysis calculation using the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 101, control of various operations of the automatic analyzer 1, and the like.

[0040] When the control analysis mechanism 201 having the above configuration receives the measurement result from the photometry unit 112, the analysis calculation unit 202 emits light of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 51 based on the measurement result sent from the photometry unit 112. The amount of the reaction solution is calculated, and in addition to the calculation result, the calibration parameters obtained from the standard sample and the analysis parameters included in the analysis information are used to quantitatively determine the components of the reaction solution. The analysis result obtained in this manner is output from the output unit 204 and is stored and stored in the storage unit 205.

[0041] <Liquid surface position abnormality detection processing during BZF cleaning>

Next, the liquid level position abnormality detection process during BZF cleaning will be described. In the following, the explanation will be made by paying attention to the behavior of one nodule group G, but it goes without saying that the same abnormality detection processing is performed in each nodule group G.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the operation of the cleaning unit 110 during B / F cleaning. As shown in the figure, the nozzle drive unit 3 moves the nozzle group G up and down with respect to the reaction vessel 51 under the control of the control unit 206, and after the immune reaction accommodated in the reaction vessel 51. Aspirate the liquid and discharge the B / F cleaning liquid a predetermined number of times.

[0043] More specifically, first, the Noznole group G is lowered toward the reaction vessel 51 that contains the liquid L1 that is the reaction solution after the immune reaction (state 1-1). The air nozzle 2a sucks air from the tip of the nozzle group G by the suction operation of the piston 6b by driving the piston drive unit 7 before or during the movement of the nozzle group G. The air nozzle 2a that has sucked in air stops after the descent of the nozzle group G to the reaction vessel 51 is completed and stops, and then the piston driving unit 7 drives the piston 6b to start discharging air.

[0044] Subsequently, the liquid L1 in the reaction vessel 51 is sucked by the suction nozzle 2b (state 1-2).

After performing this suction for a predetermined time, a predetermined amount of BZF cleaning liquid L is discharged from the discharge nozzle 2c.

BF

(State 1-3). As is clear from FIG. 3, the BZF cleaning liquid L discharged from the discharge nozzle 2c is discharged to prevent contamination and carryover.

BF

The liquid level of liquid L2, which is a mixture of liquid L1 and B / F cleaning liquid L, is discharged when It must be below the bottom edge of Noznore 2c. Finally, the nozzle group G is raised by the nozzle drive unit 3 (state 14), and the series of operations ends. Thereafter, a series of operations in states 11 to 14 are repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0045] Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing the time change of the pressure of the air inside the pipe 81 and the differential value (pressure differential) of the pressure in the vicinity of the base end portion of the air nozzle 2a. The pressure waveform W1 and pressure differential waveform W2 shown in the figure are the positive pressure of the air nozzle 2a. The tip force of the air nozzle 2a is the pressure of the air applied to the inside of the upper pipe 81 for a predetermined distance h (> 0). This is equivalent to that detected by the sensor 4 and output from the output unit 204 as a result of calculating the detected air pressure by the analysis calculation unit 202.

[0046] In Fig. 4, the discharge of the BZF cleaning liquid L from the discharge nozzle 2c is started from time to time.

0 BF

Shows the case. That is, the pressure waveform W1 indicates that the discharge nozzle 2c

BF

Before and during discharge, different constant values are shown. Therefore, the pressure differential waveform W2 asymptotically returns to the value before rising after rising sharply immediately after time t.

0

It becomes constant again. When the pressure and the pressure differential change as indicated by the pressure waveform W1 and the pressure differential waveform W2, respectively, the control unit 206 determines that the operation of the cleaning unit 110 is normal.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a liquid level abnormality that occurs due to a malfunction in the suction operation of the suction nozzle 2b when the cleaning unit 110 performs B / F cleaning in the same procedure as described above. In the same figure, after the nozzle group G is lowered in the state 2-1, the suction of the liquid L1 with the suction nozzle 2b [when the liquid L1 is not sufficiently sucked due to some trouble (State 2-2). As a result, when the discharge nozzle 2c discharges the B / F cleaning liquid L, the liquid

BF

The liquid volume of body L2 is higher than normal (the shaded area in the figure), and the liquid level of liquid L2 reaches the tip of Air Nozzle 2a in the process of discharging the same amount of BZF cleaning liquid L as normal Ma

BF

The tip of the air nozzle 2a is blocked by the liquid L2 (state 2-3).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the time change of the air pressure and pressure differential detected by the pressure sensor 4 when an abnormality occurs in the suction operation of the suction nozzle 2b as described above (FIG. 6). And the downward direction is positive). In the figure, the pressure waveform W3 is large at times t and t.

0 1 The pressure differential waveform W4 also changes with the change of the pressure waveform W3. Two big rises. Of these, changes in each waveform at time ijt are normal and

0

Similarly, the B / F cleaning liquid L starts to be discharged from the discharge nozzle 2c. this

BF

On the other hand, the change in each waveform at time t is that the liquid level of liquid L2 is at the tip of air nose 2a.

1

It shows that the tip of the air nose 2a has been closed (see state 2_3 in Fig. 5).

[0049] When an abnormality in the liquid level position in the reaction vessel 51 is detected by such behavior of pressure and pressure differential, the control unit 206 sends out a control signal for stopping the driving of the piston drive unit 11, and the discharge nozzle Stop the discharge operation of B / F cleaning liquid L from 2c. This

BF

It is possible to prevent the liquid L2 from overflowing from the reaction container 51.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the tip of the air nozzle 2 a to the pressure sensor 4 and the air pressure in the pipe 81 detected by the pressure sensor 4. As shown in the figure, the air pressure P depends on the position where the pressure sensor 4 is installed, and is proportional to the distance X from the tip of the air nozzle 2a. Therefore, if the proportionality constant is k (> 0), the straight line C showing the relationship between the pressure P and the distance X from the tip of the air nozzle 2a in FIG. 7 is expressed as P = kx

[0051] On the other hand, the air pressure when the tip of the air nozzle 2a is closed takes a constant value P regardless of the value of X (that is, regardless of the position of the pressure sensor 4). Gatsutsu

0

Thus, the amount of change ΔP detected by the pressure sensor 4 before and after the liquid L2 rises to the tip of the air nozzle 2a and closes the tip of the air nozzle 2a changes according to the position of the pressure sensor 4. In FIG. 7, the value P −P (= P−kh) of Δ の when the pressure sensor 4 is arranged at the position of x = h (see FIG. 2) is illustrated.

0 1 0

[0052] As is clear from FIG. 7, when the pressure sensor 4 is close to the tip of the air nozzle 2a and the value of X is relatively small, only a small air pressure can be detected even if the syringe 6 is operated, and Δ Δ Since the value becomes large, an error is likely to occur in the measurement. On the other hand, when the pressure sensor 4 is far away from the tip of the airnozzle 2a and the value of X is relatively large, the detected pressure is large, but the value of ΔP is small and accuracy is required. Therefore, in order to accurately detect an abnormality in the liquid level position of the reaction vessel 51 based on the air pressure and pressure differential, the installation position of the pressure sensor 4 is optimal in consideration of the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 4. Is preferable. [0053] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the time change of the air pressure and its pressure derivative when an abnormality in the liquid level position is detected in a mode different from Fig. 6 (the downward direction is positive in the figure). To do). In the pressure waveform W5 shown in Fig. 8, air is discharged from the air nozzle 2a at time t.

0

The amount of change when the pressure at the time of starting is larger than the case shown in pressure waveform W1 or pressure waveform W3 is Δ Δ '. The pressure differential waveform W6 also changes with time t

0 indicates a more rapid rise than the pressure differential waveforms W2 and W4. This corresponds to the case where the liquid L 2 has already risen until it reaches the tip of the air nose 2a. In this case, immediately after the start of air discharge, the discharge operation of the discharge nozzle 2c is stopped under the control of the control unit 206.

[0054] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it comprises a suction nozzle that sucks at least a part of a reaction liquid that has caused a heterogeneous reaction, and a discharge nozzle that discharges a predetermined B / F cleaning liquid. Any one of the plurality of air nozzles provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzle pairs and discharging air from above the suction nozzles and the nozzles of the discharge nozzles forming the corresponding nozzle pairs, and any of the plurality of air nozzles And a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of air in the vicinity of the proximal end of the air nozzle connected to each of the plurality of syringes. And the discharge operation of the B / F cleaning liquid of each discharge nozzle according to the air pressure detected by each of the plurality of pressure sensors and the change in the pressure. Control means for controlling the reaction liquid, and when performing B / F cleaning of the reaction liquid that has caused a heterogeneous reaction, the liquid level position of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel is accurately corrected. It becomes possible to detect and maintenance management becomes easy.

[0055] Further, according to the present embodiment, since the syringe for supplying air is provided for each air nozzle, compared with the case where the air supply to all the air nozzles is performed collectively with one syringe. Better detection sensitivity can be obtained.

[0056] Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described in detail so far, the present invention should not be limited only by the embodiment. For example, instead of using a reaction vessel as a solid phase, a particulate carrier (bead) such as glass or plastic having a diameter of 5 to 1 Omm may be used. In this case, the carrier analyzer that contains the carrier is stored in the automatic analyzer. What is necessary is just to further provide the carrier transfer part which transfers a support | carrier to a reaction container from a container part and a carrier accommodating part.

[0057] Further, as the solid phase, magnetic particles having a diameter of about 1 / im at most (0.2 to 0.8 / im, more preferably about 0.4 to 0.6 zm) can be used. In this case, the magnetic particles are collected in one place in the reaction container by applying a magnetic field from the outside of the reaction container when performing the BZF cleaning.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention can also be applied to the case of detecting the level of a cleaning liquid or a reaction liquid of an automatic analyzer that performs biochemical analysis or genetic analysis using a heterogeneous reaction. it can.

[0059] As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments and the like not described herein, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea specified by the claims. It is possible to make design changes.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the present invention is useful for an automatic analyzer that automatically and continuously analyzes a component of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent, and in particular, immunology of the component of the sample. This is suitable for performing statistical analysis.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In order to perform B / F cleaning of a reaction liquid that has caused a heterogeneous reaction, a nozzle pair consisting of a suction nozzle that sucks at least a part of the reaction liquid and a discharge nozzle that discharges a predetermined BZF cleaning liquid is provided. A plurality of cleaning devices,

A plurality of air nozzles that are provided corresponding to each nozzle pair and discharge air from above the respective tip portions of the suction nozzle and discharge nozzle that form the corresponding nozzle pair;

A plurality of air supply means connected to the gaps of the plurality of air nozzles and supplying air to the connected air nozzles;

A plurality of pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of air in the vicinity of the base end of the air nozzle connected to each of the plurality of air supply means;

And a control means for individually controlling the discharge operation of the B / F cleaning liquid of each discharge nozzle in accordance with the pressure of the air detected by each of the plurality of pressure sensors and the change in the pressure. .

[2] The control means includes

Among the plurality of air nozzles, the discharge pressure of the B / F cleaning liquid of the discharge nozzle corresponding to the air pressure where the air pressure near the base end of the air nozzle and the change in the pressure deviates from a predetermined range is taken. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is stopped.

[3] An automatic analyzer for analyzing a sample by causing a heterogeneous reaction in the sample to be analyzed.

An automatic analyzer comprising the cleaning device according to claim 1.