WO2017141627A1 - Automatic analyzing device and method for cleaning dispensing probe - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, when sample probes 11a and 12a and reagent probes 7a and 8a are cleaned in cleaning liquid reservoir tanks 23A and 24A, a control unit 21 controls the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a such that internal cleaning water is discharged from the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a to the cleaning liquid reservoir tanks 23A and 24A. Accordingly, provided are an automatic analyzing device and a dispensing-probe cleaning method which are capable of reducing the amount of cleaning liquid used for cleaning probes, compared to the conventionally used amount.

Description

Automatic analyzer and dispensing probe cleaning method

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative / quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine contained in a sample container, and a method for cleaning a dispensing probe that dispenses these samples and reagents.

As a technique related to cleaning of a sample dispensing probe, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dispensing probe that performs dispensing for sucking a sample contained in a sample container and discharging it to a reaction container, and a dispensing probe. Alternatively, the cleaning section to be cleaned using the second cleaning liquid and the dispensing probe are stopped at the normal suction position where the sample can be sucked or a special suction position below the normal suction position, and the dispensing stopped at the normal suction position. A probe moving mechanism for stopping the probe at a normal cleaning position where the cleaning unit can be cleaned using the first cleaning liquid or a special cleaning position where the probe can be cleaned using the first or second cleaning liquid below the normal cleaning position; An automatic analyzer with the above is disclosed.

JP 2014-55807 A

In automatic analyzers that perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as samples), cross-contamination can be generated by appropriately cleaning the probe used for dispensing the sample to be analyzed. It suppresses to maintain the analysis accuracy.

When a probe is inserted into the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank for cleaning, the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid storage tank after the probe cleaning is likely to be contaminated by the immersion of the sample attached to the sample probe. . Therefore, in order to maintain the cleaning effect of the probe, it is necessary to appropriately replace the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank with an uncontaminated cleaning liquid.

Here, when an alkaline cleaning solution is used as the cleaning solution, the cleaning solution may concentrate and crystallize if left in contact with the atmosphere for a long time. In order to avoid this crystallization, it is desirable to wash with a neutral cleaning solution after using an alkaline cleaning solution. That is, in order to maintain the probe cleaning effect while preventing crystallization, the contaminated alkaline cleaning solution in the cleaning solution storage tank after cleaning the sample probe is once replaced with a neutral cleaning solution, and then cleaned. It is necessary to replace with an alkaline washing liquid.

However, if all the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank and the flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank are replaced when the cleaning liquid is replaced, the cleaning liquid that is not contaminated and does not need to be replaced is also replaced. It will be wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer and a dispensing probe cleaning method capable of reducing the amount of cleaning liquid used for probe cleaning.

In order to solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted.
The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above problems. To give an example, the present invention is an automatic analyzer, a dispensing probe for dispensing a reagent or a sample to be analyzed into a reaction container, The cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe is stored, the cleaning liquid storage tank for cleaning by inserting the dispensing probe into the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid storage tank via the flow path connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank. A cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to perform a cleaning process on the dispensing probe, and the dispensing probe discharges internal washing water from the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe is cleaned in the cleaning liquid storage tank. And a control unit for controlling the probe.

According to the present invention, the amount of cleaning liquid used for cleaning the probe can be reduced. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of embodiments.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the washing | cleaning-liquid supply mechanism which has a single washing | cleaning container. It is a figure which shows typically the washing | cleaning liquid supply mechanism which has a some washing | cleaning container. It is a figure which shows the mode of the sample dispensing process by a 1st sample dispensing mechanism. It is a figure which shows the mode of the sample dispensing process by a 2nd sample dispensing mechanism. It is a figure which shows the mode of the additional washing process of a 1st sample dispensing mechanism, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the state which inserted the sample probe into the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank. It is a figure which shows the insertion position to the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank of the sample probe in an additional washing process. It is a figure which shows the longitudinal cross-sectional view in the other example of a shape of a washing | cleaning liquid storage tank. It is a figure which shows the longitudinal cross-sectional view in the other example of a shape of a washing | cleaning liquid storage tank. It is a figure which shows the structure which equipped the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank with the heater. It is a figure which shows the mode of the additional washing process of a 2nd sample dispensing mechanism, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the state which inserted the sample probe into the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning process in the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank at the time of apparatus startup. It is a flowchart which shows a sample dispensing process and the 1st additional washing process method. It is a flowchart which shows a sample dispensing process and the 2nd additional washing process method. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning process in the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank when predetermined N time passes in a standby state. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning process in the washing | cleaning liquid storage tank at the time of apparatus fall.

Embodiments of the automatic analyzer and the dispensing probe cleaning method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the entire automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer 100 is a device that dispenses and reacts a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel 2 and measures the reacted liquid. A sample transport mechanism 17, a reagent disk 9, Reaction disk 1, first sample dispensing mechanism 11 and second sample dispensing mechanism 12, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, light source 4 a, spectrophotometer 4, and cleaning mechanism 3 and a control unit 21.

The reaction vessel 2 is arranged on the reaction disc 1 in a circumferential shape. The reaction container 2 is a container for storing a mixed liquid in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, and a plurality of reaction containers 2 are arranged on the reaction disk 1. Near the reaction disk 1, a sample transport mechanism 17 is disposed that transports a sample rack 16 on which one or more sample containers 15 containing samples to be analyzed are mounted.

Between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17, a first sample dispensing mechanism 11 and a second sample dispensing mechanism 12 that can be rotated and moved up and down are arranged.

The first sample dispensing mechanism 11 has a sample probe 11a arranged with its tip facing downward, and a sample pump 19 is connected to the sample probe 11a. The first sample dispensing mechanism 11 is configured to be able to discharge wash water (hereinafter referred to as internal wash water) sent from the wash water tank (not shown) by the sample pump 19 from the sample probe 11a. Yes. Further, the first sample dispensing mechanism 11 is configured to be capable of rotating in the horizontal direction and moving up and down. The sample probe 11a is inserted into the sample container 15 and the sample pump 19 is operated to operate the sample. The sample is dispensed from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2 by inserting the sample probe 11a into the reaction container 2 and discharging the sample. In the operating range of the first sample dispensing mechanism 11, a cleaning tank 13 for cleaning the sample probe 11a with a cleaning liquid and a cleaning container 23 for cleaning with a special cleaning liquid are arranged. The position where the sample probe 11a is inserted into the sample container 15 and the sample is sucked is defined as the first sample suction position, and the position where the sample probe 11a is inserted into the reaction container 2 and the sample is discharged is defined as the first sample discharge position. The tank 13 and the cleaning container 23 are disposed between the first sample suction position and the first sample discharge position.

The second sample dispensing mechanism 12 has a sample probe 12a arranged with its tip facing downward, and a sample pump 19 is connected to the sample probe 12a. The second sample dispensing mechanism 12 is configured such that the wash water (internal wash water) sent from the wash water tank (not shown) by the sample pump 19 can be discharged from the sample probe 12a. The second sample dispensing mechanism 12 is configured so as to be able to rotate in the horizontal direction and move up and down. The sample probe 12a is inserted into the sample container 15 and the sample pump 19 is operated to suck the sample. Then, the sample probe 12a is inserted into the reaction vessel 2 and the sample is discharged, thereby dispensing the sample from the sample vessel 15 to the reaction vessel 2. In the operating range of the second sample dispensing mechanism 12, a cleaning tank 14 for cleaning the sample probe 12a with a cleaning liquid and a cleaning container 24 for cleaning with a special cleaning liquid are arranged. If the position where the sample probe 12a is inserted into the sample container 15 and the sample is sucked is the second sample suction position, and the position where the sample probe 12a is inserted into the reaction container 2 and the sample is discharged is the second sample discharge position, the cleaning is performed. The tank 14 and the cleaning container 24 are disposed between the second sample suction position and the second sample discharge position.

The washing tanks 13 and 14 are washing tanks for performing washing of the outside and inside of the sample probes 11a and 12a after the reagent dispensing every time the sample is dispensed. On the other hand, the cleaning containers 23 and 24 have the sample probes 11a and 12a before analyzing the sample when the sample of the sample type registered in advance is requested to measure the analysis item registered in advance. It is a part for the additional washing process performed with respect to. Details thereof will be described later.

The reagent disk 9 is a storage in which a plurality of reagent bottles 10 containing the reagents therein can be placed on the circumference. The reagent disk 9 is kept cold.

Between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, a rotational movement in the horizontal direction and a vertical movement are possible, and reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 for dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction container 2 are configured. And reagent probes 7a and 8a arranged with their tips facing downward. A reagent pump 18 is connected to the reagent probes 7a and 8a. The reagent pump 18 dispenses the reagent, detergent, diluent, pretreatment reagent, and the like sucked from the reagent bottle 10 and the like through the reagent probes 7a and 8a into the reaction container 2.

In the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, a cleaning tank 32 for cleaning the reagent probe 7a with a cleaning liquid is disposed, and in the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8, a cleaning tank 33 for cleaning the reagent probe 8a with a cleaning liquid is disposed.

Around the reaction disk 101, a spectrophotometer 4 for measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source 4a through the reaction solution of the reaction vessel 2 around the stirring mechanism 5, 6, A cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 2 is disposed.

The stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 are configured so as to be able to rotate in the horizontal direction and move up and down, and agitate the mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and the reagent by being inserted into the reaction vessel 2. In the operating range of the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, cleaning tanks 30 and 31 for cleaning the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 with the cleaning liquid are arranged. A cleaning pump 20 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3.

The control unit 21 is configured by a computer or the like, and controls the operation of each mechanism described above in the automatic analyzer and performs calculation processing for obtaining the concentration of a predetermined component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine. In FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity, a part of the connection between each mechanism constituting the automatic analyzer and the control unit 21 is omitted.

The above is the general configuration of the automatic analyzer 100.

The inspection sample analysis processing by the automatic analyzer 100 as described above is generally performed in the following order.

First, the sample in the sample container 15 placed on the sample rack 16 transported near the reaction disk 1 by the sample transport mechanism 17 is sampled by the sample probe 11a of the first sample dispensing mechanism 11 or the second sample dispensing. The sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 2 on the reaction disk 1 by the sample probe 12 a of the mechanism 12. Next, the reagent used for the analysis is dispensed from the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent disk 9 to the reaction container 2 into which the sample has been dispensed by the reagent probes 7a, 8a of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8. Subsequently, the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 2 is stirred by the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6.

Thereafter, the light generated from the light source 4 a is transmitted through the reaction vessel 2 containing the mixed solution, and the luminous intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The light intensity measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is transmitted to the control unit 21 via the A / D converter and the interface. Then, calculation is performed by the control unit 21, the concentration of a predetermined component of the analysis item corresponding to the reagent is obtained, and the result is displayed on a display unit (not shown) or stored in a storage unit (not shown).

Next, the configuration of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cleaning liquid supply mechanism 110 having a single cleaning container. In the present embodiment, a mode in which a cleaning solution is supplied to the cleaning containers 23 and 24 for cleaning the sample probes 11a and 12a will be described. However, the dispensing probes to be cleaned in the cleaning container are the sample probes 11a and 12a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a for dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction container 2 are also objects to be cleaned.

In FIG. 2, a cleaning liquid supply mechanism 110 supplies a cleaning liquid to a cleaning liquid storage tank 23A of a cleaning container 23 that performs additional cleaning processing (described later) on the sample probe 11a of the first sample dispensing mechanism 11. The cleaning liquid supply pump 52, the cleaning liquid supply syringe (cleaning liquid discharge unit) 51, the electromagnetic valve 63, the cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 54, the branch pipe 55, the electromagnetic valve 62, and the electromagnetic valve 61 are schematically configured.

The cleaning container 23 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 23A that holds the supplied first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid, and a lower opening 23B that discharges the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid that have overflowed from the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A.

The cleaning liquid supply pump 52 sends out the second cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 52A containing the second cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 sends the second cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply pump 52 further downstream. The electromagnetic valve 63 controls the flow of the second cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply pump 52 to the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51. The cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 54 detects the remaining amount of the first cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 containing the first cleaning liquid. The branch pipe 55 is a pipe that joins the supply lines of the second cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 and the first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53, and sends the supplied first cleaning liquid or second cleaning liquid to the cleaning container 23. . The electromagnetic valve 62 controls the flow of the first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 to the branch pipe 55. The electromagnetic valve 61 controls the flow of the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid from the branch pipe 55 to the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A.

In the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 110 configured as described above, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 can be automatically supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, and the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 52A can be used. It is also possible to supply two cleaning liquids to the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. Further, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with an old first cleaning liquid from a new clean first cleaning liquid, a replacement from the first cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid, or from the second cleaning liquid to the first cleaning liquid. Replacement is also possible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cleaning liquid supply mechanism having a plurality of cleaning containers. In the figure, members similar to those in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 111 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 23 </ b> A of the cleaning container 23 for performing additional cleaning processing on the sample probe 11 a of the first sample dispensing mechanism 11, and the second sample dispensing mechanism 12. This is a mechanism for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A of the cleaning container 24 for performing an additional cleaning process on the sample probe 12a. The cleaning liquid supply pump 52, the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51, the electromagnetic valve 63, The cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 54, the branch pipe 55A, the electromagnetic valve 62, and the electromagnetic valves 61 and 64 are schematically configured.

The cleaning container 24 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 24A that holds the supplied first cleaning liquid and second cleaning liquid, and a lower opening 24B that discharges the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid that have overflowed from the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A.

The branch pipe 55A is a pipe that joins the supply line of the second cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 and the first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53, and supplies the supplied first cleaning liquid or second cleaning liquid to the cleaning containers 23, 24. Send to. The electromagnetic valve 64 controls the flow of the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid from the branch pipe 55A to the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A. The cleaning liquid supply pump 52, the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51, the electromagnetic valve 63, the cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 54, the electromagnetic valve 62, and the electromagnetic valve 61 have the same configuration as the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 110 described above.

In the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 111 configured as described above, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 can be automatically supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, and is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 52A. It is also possible to supply the second cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, in addition to replacing the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A with the new first cleaning liquid from the old first cleaning liquid. It is also possible to replace the first cleaning liquid with the second cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid with the first cleaning liquid.

In the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111, the first cleaning liquid is an alkaline or acidic special cleaning liquid, and the second cleaning liquid is a neutral cleaning liquid.

As shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to add a new cleaning container. That is, a new cleaning container can be added by connecting a new cleaning container to the branch pipe 55A and attaching a new electromagnetic valve to the flow path connecting the branch pipe 55A and the new cleaning liquid storage tank. Even in this case, the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid is supplied to each cleaning container, and the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid stored in each cleaning container is replaced with a clean first cleaning liquid or second cleaning liquid. It is possible.

Next, the basic operation of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 111 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. Note that the operation of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 2 is basically the same as that of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 111, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The operation of replacing the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A (for example, the first cleaning liquid contaminated by being used in the cleaning process) with the clean first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 will be described.

First, the solenoid valve 62 is opened and the solenoid valves 61, 63, 64 are shut off. Subsequently, the first cleaning liquid is sucked from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 using the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51. As a result, the first cleaning liquid is filled in part of the piping on the branch pipe 55 and the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 side. Subsequently, the solenoid valve 61 is opened, the solenoid valve 62 is shut off, and the cleaning liquid storage syringe 51 pushes out the first cleaning liquid filled in the branch pipe 55 and a part of the piping on the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 side to store the cleaning liquid. Supply to tank 23A.

By the above operation, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is discharged while being pushed out by the supplied first cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is a clean first. Replaced with cleaning solution.

The operation of replacing the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24 </ b> A (for example, the contaminated first cleaning liquid used in the cleaning process) with the clean first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 will be described.

First, the solenoid valve 62 is opened and the solenoid valves 61, 63, 64 are shut off. Subsequently, the first cleaning liquid is sucked from the cleaning liquid storage tank 53 using the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51. As a result, the first cleaning liquid is filled in part of the piping on the branch pipe 55 and the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 side. Subsequently, the electromagnetic valve 64 is opened and the electromagnetic valve 62 is shut off, and the cleaning liquid storage syringe 51 pushes out the first cleaning liquid filled in a part of the branch pipe 55 and the pipe on the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 side to store the cleaning liquid. Supply to tank 24A.

With the above operation, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A is discharged while being pushed out by the supplied first cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A is clean first. Replaced with cleaning solution.

The operation of replacing the cleaning liquid (for example, the first cleaning liquid) stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A with the second cleaning liquid will be described.

First, the electromagnetic valves 61 and 63 are opened, the electromagnetic valves 62 and 64 are shut off, and the second cleaning liquid is sent out by the cleaning liquid supply pump 52.

By the above operation, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is discharged while being pushed out by the supplied second cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A becomes the second cleaning liquid. Replaced.

The operation of replacing the cleaning liquid (for example, the first cleaning liquid) stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A with the second cleaning liquid will be described.

First, the electromagnetic valves 63 and 64 are opened, the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 are shut off, and the second cleaning liquid is sent out by the cleaning liquid supply pump 52.

By the above operation, the first cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A is discharged in a form pushed out by the supplied second cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A becomes the second cleaning liquid. Replaced.

Next, the dispensing operation of the dispensing probe according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of sample dispensing processing by the first sample dispensing mechanism 11. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of sample dispensing processing by the second sample dispensing mechanism 12.

In FIG. 4, the sample probe 11a is immersed in the sample 115a to be dispensed to a depth H1, and the sample is sucked and dispensed. After the sample is dispensed, the sample probe 11a is in a state in which the probe outer wall from the tip to the distance H1 and the probe inner wall in contact with the sample are contaminated by the sample.

In FIG. 5, the sample probe 12a is immersed in the sample 115b to be dispensed to a depth H2, and the sample is sucked and dispensed. In the sample probe 12a after dispensing the sample, the probe outer wall from the tip to the distance of H2 and the probe inner wall in contact with the sample are contaminated by the sample.

Next, the sample probe cleaning process and the additional cleaning process will be described. In the following, the sample probes 11a and 12a will be described as an example, but the same processing is applied to the reagent probes 7a and 8a.

In the cleaning process of the sample probe 11a during the sample analysis, the outer side and the inner side of the sample probe 11a are cleaned by the cleaning tank 13 for each sample. However, when the dispensed sample remains in the sample probe 11a, the sample remaining at the time of dispensing the target sample to be analyzed next contaminates the target sample to be analyzed, and the dispensing target So-called cross-contamination that contaminates the sample in the sample container containing the sample occurs. Therefore, for the purpose of avoiding or reducing such cross-contamination, if there is a measurement request for a pre-registered analysis item for a sample of a pre-registered sample type, before analyzing the sample An additional cleaning process (cleaning to avoid carryover) of the sample probe 11a is performed.

Next, a specific structure of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state of the additional cleaning process in the first sample dispensing mechanism 11, and is a view showing a longitudinal sectional view in a state where the sample probe 11a is inserted into the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A.

In FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is disposed on the downstream side of the flow path part 123a and the flow path part 123a formed so that the inner diameter B is smaller than the outer diameter A of the sample probe 11a. It is comprised from the storage part 123b formed so that a diameter might become larger than 123a. In the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, since the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 flows upward from the lower side in the figure, the lower side in the figure is defined as upstream and the upper side in the figure is defined as downstream. The cleaning liquid reservoir 23A is formed of a resin or metal having resistance to the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid to be used.

In the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, the sample probe 11a is immersed in the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the storage unit 123b to a position deeper than the depth H1 by a predetermined value α1 (that is, depth H1 + α1). An operation of sucking the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid, and then moving to the cleaning tank 13 and discharging and cleaning the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid sucked in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A has been conventionally performed.

Here, after the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the storage unit 123b is sucked by the sample probe 11a, the cleaning liquid remaining on the upper part of the storage unit 123b may be contaminated by immersion of the sample attached to the sample probe 11a. Is expensive. Therefore, in order to prepare for the next additional cleaning process, it is necessary to push out the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid from below and replace the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A with a new cleaning liquid.

Explain the necessity of cleaning liquid replacement. For example, when an alkaline detergent is used as the first washing liquid, if the alkaline washing liquid is left for a long time in the state of being exposed to the atmosphere, the alkaline detergent is concentrated and crystallized at the opening of the reservoir 123b of the washing liquid reservoir 23A. There are things to do. If the sample probe 11a sucks this crystal, the sample probe 11a is clogged. In order to avoid this crystallization, it is desirable to replace the neutral second cleaning solution after the first cleaning solution is used. However, taking FIG. 3 as an example, the first cleaning liquid is stored in the flow path connecting the branch pipe 55, the electromagnetic valve 61, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. When the replacement is performed, all of these flow paths are replaced with the second cleaning liquid. That is, when the flow path is replaced from the first cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid after each use, the remaining cleaning liquid other than the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, which is not contaminated and does not need to be replaced, is replaced. One cleaning liquid is wasted.

The control for solving the above problems will be described below.

First, in the first additional cleaning process (first additional cleaning process method), immediately after the conventional additional cleaning process is performed, the control unit 21 moves the sample probe 11a to the position of the storage unit 123b again. Then, the first sample dispensing mechanism 11 and the sample pump 19 are controlled so that the inner washing water is discharged in a state where the sample probe 11a is infiltrated into the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid. By this control, the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the storage unit 123b is discharged in a form that is pushed out by the discharged internal cleaning water. Therefore, only a part of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with the internal cleaning water. As a result, the contaminated cleaning liquid present in the storage part 123b is replaced with clean inner washing water, and the uncontaminated cleaning liquid present in the flow path part 123a can be left in the flow path as it is.

After only the storage part 123b in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with the internal cleaning water by the above-described control, the control part 21 supplies the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A in the preparation operation for the next additional cleaning process. The cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 are controlled so that the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is filled with the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid. The risk of crystallization of the cleaning liquid can be reduced by replacing the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir 123b with the internal cleaning water once, and it is necessary to replace all the cleaning liquid in the flow path with a clean cleaning liquid. Therefore, the waste of cleaning liquid can be greatly reduced.

In the second additional cleaning process (second additional cleaning process method), in the conventional additional cleaning process, the control unit 21 supplies the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the storage unit 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. After the sample probe 11a is sucked, the sample probe 11a is not moved to the cleaning mechanism 3, but the inner cleaning water is discharged together with the cleaning liquid sucked on the spot, and the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir 123b is discharged. The first sample dispensing mechanism 11 and the sample pump 19 are controlled so that the storage portion 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with the internal cleaning water by discharging in the form of being pushed out by the cleaning water.

Thereafter, in the same manner as the first additional cleaning processing method, after the cleaning liquid in the storage portion 123b in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with the internal cleaning water, the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid is used in the preparation operation for the next additional cleaning process. The cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 are controlled by the controller 21 so that the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is supplied from below and the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is filled with the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid.

Also in such a second additional cleaning treatment method, it is possible to reduce the risk of crystallization by replacing the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir 123b with the internal cleaning water once, It is no longer necessary to replace all cleaning liquids with clean cleaning liquids. For this reason, the wasteful use of the cleaning liquid can be greatly improved. Further, in the second additional cleaning processing method, in the additional cleaning processing, the sample probe 11a only needs to make one reciprocation between the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A and the cleaning tank 13 as in the conventional case, so that the replacement operation is completed in a short time. It becomes possible.

The above-described first and second additional cleaning methods are not performed only during the additional cleaning processing of the sample probe 11a. Next, consider a case where a predetermined N hours have elapsed in the standby state of the apparatus.

As described above, if the first cleaning liquid is stored in the storage portion 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, the cleaning liquid may be crystallized. In order to prevent crystallization, the first cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank may be replaced with the second cleaning liquid. However, if all the first cleaning liquid in the flow path is replaced with the second cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is wasted.

Therefore, every time it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed without performing an additional cleaning operation in the standby state, the control unit 21 discharges the internal cleaning water with the sample probe 11a inserted into the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. Then, the first sample dispensing mechanism 11 and the sample pump 19 are controlled so that the storage portion 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with clean internal cleaning water.

By this control, even if the washing water diffuses to the inner washing water side as time passes, the inner washing water can be continuously present on the air exposure side of the storage portion 123b of the washing liquid storage tank 23A, thereby preventing crystallization. This is possible, and the use amount of the cleaning liquid can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where all of the first cleaning liquid in the flow path is replaced.

Moreover, it is conceivable that the internal washing water in the storage part 123b diffuses at the interface with the flow path part 123a with time, and the concentration of the first cleaning liquid decreases in the vicinity of the interface between the flow path part 123a and the storage part 123b. Since the diffusion phenomenon depends on time, the region in which the concentration of the cleaning liquid decreases decreases as time elapses.

In this case, in the additional cleaning process, the control unit 21 supplies the cleaning liquid so as to change the supply amount when supplying the first cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A according to the elapsed time since the previous inner cleaning water was discharged. The mechanisms 110 and 111 are controlled.

By such control, the region where the concentration of the cleaning liquid is reduced can be discharged from the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, and the concentration of the first cleaning liquid during the additional cleaning process can be made constant. Specifically, when the additional cleaning process is performed after N hours have elapsed after the storage portion 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A is replaced with the internal cleaning water from the first cleaning liquid at an arbitrary time, the first cleaning liquid is supplied. Assuming that the supply amount is V, when the same processing is performed after 2N hours have elapsed, the supply amount is set to 2V. Note that the method of changing the supply amount over time is not stepwise as described above, but may be changed continuously with respect to time.

In the first additional cleaning operation and the second additional cleaning operation described above, the tip of the sample probe 11a only needs to be inserted into the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir 123b, and the replacement rate increases depending on the insertion depth. It doesn't change. However, it is desirable to control the insertion depth at the time of discharge of the sample probe 11a by the relationship of the length of the range that can be washed in the washing tank 13> the depth to be inserted into the storage portion 123b.

This is because if the inner washing water is discharged after the sample probe 11a is inserted into the storage portion 123b, the sample probe 11a may be contaminated by the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid. It is. However, because of such control, the inner washing water is discharged in a state where it is inserted shallower than the insertion depth that can be washed in the washing tank 13, so that even if a slight rise occurs, it is contaminated by the subsequent washing operation. The portion can also be cleaned, and the sample probe 11a can be cleaned effectively while suppressing the consumption of the cleaning solution.

Further, in order to shorten the replacement operation from the internal washing water of the storage portion 123b to the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid, (maximum discharge amount in one stroke of the washing liquid supply syringe 51)> (volume of the flow path sections 123a and 124a) )> (Volume of reservoirs 123b and 124b). As described above, the cleaning liquid is supplied into the flow path portions 123 a and 124 a and the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 by the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51. The supply amount of the cleaning liquid depends on the stroke amount of the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51. Therefore, by configuring as described above, since the maximum discharge amount in one stroke of the syringe exceeds the volume of the flow path parts 123a, 124a and the volume of the storage parts 123b, 124b, all the contaminated cleaning liquid is discharged. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeatedly perform the syringe operation, and the operation time can be shortened.

Further, in the discharge operation of the internal washing water in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A in the first additional cleaning operation and the second additional cleaning operation, the cleaning liquid is discharged from below the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A at the same time as the internal cleaning water is discharged from the sample probe 11a. May be supplied. In this case, the discharged inner washing water and the washing liquid in the storage portion 123b of the washing liquid storage tank 23A collide with each other, and the washing water is discharged from above the washing liquid storage tank 23A while forming a turbulent flow. Can be effectively cleaned.

Further, the discharge speed of the inner washing water can be controlled by the liquid feeding pressure of the sample pump 19, but the liquid feeding pressure of the sample pump 19 is not particularly limited, and the inner washing water is discharged by either low pressure or high pressure. May be. When the pressure of the sample pump 19 is discharged at a high pressure, the cleaning liquid replacement operation can be completed in a short time by performing the discharging operation while adjusting the pressure so that the internal washing water does not bounce from the reservoir 123b. It becomes possible.

Further, in FIG. 6, the center of the flow path portion 123a and the sample probe 11a coincide, but the center of the flow path portion 123a and the sample probe 11a do not have to coincide as shown in FIG. In this case, since the discharged inner wash water is less likely to enter the flow path portion 123a, the replacement efficiency can be further improved.

Further, the shape of the storage portion 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A may be a shape other than that shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the storage part in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A1 is formed of a cylindrical part 123c, or the storage part in the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A2 as shown in FIG. 9 is the cylindrical part 123c. Even if the shape is composed of the tapered portion 123d that smoothly connects the flow passage portion 123a and the flow passage portion 123a, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which a heater 23c is provided in the cleaning liquid storage tank. The heater 23c is disposed around the flow path portion 123a. The heater 23c is ON / OFF controlled by the control unit 21 and is heated to a specified temperature, and heats the cleaning liquid stored in the flow path part 123a of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. It is possible to improve the cleaning effect by heating the cleaning liquid. Further, when all the cleaning liquids in the flow path connecting the branch pipe 55, the electromagnetic valve 61, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A in FIG. 2 are replaced, it takes a long time to heat the replaced cleaning liquid to the temperature of the heater 23c. To do. However, when only the storage portion 123b is replaced as in the present embodiment, since the cleaning liquid that has already reached the temperature of the heater 23c exists in the flow path, heating of the cleaning liquid after the cleaning liquid replacement can be completed in a short time. Is possible.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the state of the additional cleaning process in the second sample dispensing mechanism 12, and is a view showing a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the sample probe 12a is inserted into the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A.

In FIG. 11, the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A is disposed on the downstream side of the flow path part 124a and the flow path part 124a formed so that the inner diameter D is smaller than the outer diameter C of the sample probe 12a. It is comprised from the storage part 124b formed so that a diameter might become larger than 124a. Also in the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A, the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 flows upward from the lower side in the figure, so the lower side in the figure is the upstream and the upper side in the figure is the downstream. The cleaning liquid storage tank 24A is also formed of a resin or metal having resistance to the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid to be used.

Even if the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A shown in FIG. 11 is used, it is possible to perform the same process as the additional cleaning process in the case of using the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A shown in FIG.

However, in the additional cleaning process, the sample probe 12a is immersed to a position deeper than the depth H2 by a predetermined value α2 (that is, depth H2 + α2). Also in this case, it is possible to leave the cleaning liquid in the flow path connecting the branch pipe 55, the electromagnetic valve 64, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 24A in FIG. 2 by replacing only the storage portion 124b with the internal cleaning water in the additional cleaning process. Therefore, it is possible to improve the waste of the cleaning liquid.

Subsequently, the flow of the sample dispensing process and the sample probe cleaning process described so far will be described using the sample probes 11a and 12a as an example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a cleaning process when the apparatus is started up. It goes without saying that the same processing is applied to the reagent probes 7a and 8a.

In FIG. 12, first, when it is determined that an instruction for starting the apparatus has been input (step S120), the control unit 21 controls the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 so that the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A is changed to the first. The second cleaning liquid is replaced with the first cleaning liquid (step S121). Next, the sample probes 11a and 12a are rotated and lowered into the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step S122), and are immersed to a depth H1 + α1 and a depth H2 + α2.

Next, the first cleaning liquid in the storage portions 123b and 124b of the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A is sucked by the sample pump 19 (step S123), and the inner and outer walls of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 21 slightly raises and rotates the sample probes 11a and 12a, and causes the sample pump 19 to discharge the inner washing water from the sample probes 11a and 12a in the washing liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step). S124), the first wash water in the reservoirs 123b and 124b in the wash liquid reservoirs 23A and 24A is replaced with the wash water.

Thereafter, the sample probes 11a and 12a are further raised and rotated, moved to the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S125), and the inside and outside of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned by the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S126). The standby state is set (step S127), and the process ends.

Next, the first additional cleaning process following the sample dispensing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the sample dispensing method and the first additional cleaning method.

In FIG. 13, when the control unit 21 determines that a pre-registered analysis item measurement request has been made for a pre-registered sample type sample, first, the sample is dispensed (aspirated / discharged) (step) S130). Next, the inside and outside of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned in the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S131), and the sample dispensing process ends.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 controls the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 to supply the first cleaning liquid from the upstream side of the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, and the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A are filled with the first cleaning liquid (step). S132), and the pretreatment for the additional cleaning ends.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 rotates and lowers the sample probes 11a and 12a in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step S133) and immerses them to the depths H1 + α1 and H2 + α2. Next, the first cleaning liquid in the storage portions 123b and 124b of the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A is sucked by the sample pump 19 (step S134), and the inner and outer walls of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 21 raises and rotates the sample probes 11a and 12a to move them to the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S135), and discharges the internal washing water of the sample probes 11a and 12a together with the sucked cleaning liquid. (Step S136).

Thereafter, the control unit 21 rotates and lowers the sample probes 11a and 12a to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A again (step S137), and discharges internal cleaning water from the sample probes 11a and 12a (step S138), thereby cleaning liquid storage tanks. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir in 23A and 24A is replaced with internal cleaning water.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 again moves the sample probes 11a and 12a to the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S139), and performs the internal and external cleaning of the sample probes 11a and 12a in the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S1310). The cleaning process ends.

Next, the second additional cleaning process following the sample dispensing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sample dispensing process and a second additional cleaning process method.

In FIG. 14, when the control unit 21 determines that a pre-registered analysis item measurement request has been made for a pre-registered sample type sample, first, the sample is dispensed (aspirated / discharged) (step) S140). Next, the inside and outside of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned in the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S141), and the sample dispensing process ends.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 controls the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 to supply the first cleaning liquid from the upstream side of the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, and the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A are filled with the first cleaning liquid (step). S142) and the pretreatment for the additional cleaning are completed.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 rotates and lowers the sample probes 11a and 12a in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step S143), and immerses them to the depths H1 + α1 and H2 + α2. Next, the first cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A is sucked by the sample pump 19 (step S144), and the inner and outer walls of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned.

When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 21 slightly raises and rotates the sample probes 11a and 12a, and causes the sample pump 19 to discharge the inner washing water from the sample probes 11a and 12a in the washing liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step). S124), the first wash water in the reservoirs 123b and 124b in the wash liquid reservoirs 23A and 24A is replaced with the wash water.

Thereafter, the sample probes 11a and 12a are raised and rotated to move to the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S146), and the inside and outside of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned by the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S147). finish.

The additional cleaning pretreatment in step S132 of FIG. 13 and the additional cleaning preprocessing in step S142 of FIG. 14 may be performed and completed before the additional cleaning processing, and may be performed before the sample dispensing processing. Further, it may be performed in parallel with the sample dispensing process.

Next, the cleaning process of the cleaning liquid storage tank when a predetermined N hours have elapsed in the standby state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the cleaning liquid storage tank when a predetermined N hours have elapsed in the standby state.

In FIG. 15, when the control unit 21 determines that a predetermined N hours have elapsed in the standby state (step S150), first, among the plurality of cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, one of the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A. The cleaning liquid is replaced with the second cleaning liquid from the first cleaning liquid (step S151).

Next, the sample probes 11a and 12a are rotated and lowered to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A (step S152), and the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 change the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A from the second cleaning liquid to the first cleaning liquid. Replace (step S153). Thereafter, the first cleaning liquid is sucked with the sample probes 11a and 12a by the sample pump 19 (step S154), and the sucked cleaning liquid and the inner cleaning water of the sample probes 11a and 12a are discharged (step S155), and the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A. , 24A, the first cleaning liquid in the reservoir is replaced with internal cleaning water.

Thereafter, the sample probes 11a and 12a are moved up and rotated to move to the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S156), and the inside and outside of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned by the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 (step S157). The standby state is set (step S158), and the process ends.

Next, the cleaning process at the time of apparatus shutdown will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a cleaning process when the apparatus is down.

In FIG. 16, when the control unit 21 first determines that an instruction for starting the apparatus has been input, the control unit 21 exits the standby state (step S160) and changes the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A from the first cleaning liquid to the second cleaning liquid. Replacement is performed (step S161). Thereafter, the apparatus is lowered (step S162), and the process is terminated.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.

In the embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the dispensing probe cleaning method of the present invention described above, when the controller 21 cleans the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a in the cleaning liquid reservoirs 23A and 24A, The sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a are controlled so that the internal washing water is discharged from the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a.

By this control, the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid in the storage unit 123b is discharged in a form pushed out by the discharged inner washing water, and the contaminated cleaning liquid is replaced with clean inner washing water. For this reason, the uncontaminated cleaning liquid existing in the flow path portion 123a can be left in the flow path as it is, the risk of crystallization of the cleaning liquid can be reduced, and the cleaning liquid for cleaning the probe The amount of use can be greatly reduced.

The cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A are made of resin or metal having resistance to the cleaning liquid, and the inner diameters of the flow path parts 123a are smaller than the outer diameters of the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a. , 124a and reservoirs 123b, 124b having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the flow passages 123a, 124a on the downstream side of the flow passages 123a, 124a, the discharged inner wash water has a larger diameter. It is difficult to go to the small flow passage portions 123a and 124a and stays in the large- diameter storage portions 123b and 124b, so that the state in which the storage portions 123b and 124b are replaced with the internal washing water can be more reliably maintained.

Furthermore, the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A have the first and second contaminated cleaning liquids held in the storage parts 123b and 124b, because the volume in the storage parts 123b and 124b is smaller than the volume of the flow path parts 123a and 124a. The cleaning liquid can be replaced at a time, and the cleaning liquid can be replaced efficiently.

In addition, the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 are configured such that the discharge amount of the cleaning liquid supply syringe 51 that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A is larger than the volume of the flow path portions 123a and 124a. In one stroke, all the contaminated cleaning liquid remaining in the reservoirs 123b and 124b can be replaced with a new cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid can be replaced efficiently.

Further, the control unit 21 determines the insertion depth of the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a into the cleaning liquid when the inner washing water is discharged from the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a. , 12a, and the reagent probes 7a and 8a are controlled to be shorter than the length of the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 in the cleaning tanks 13 and 14, so that the cleaning liquid can be discharged when the inner washing water is discharged by controlling the sample probes 11a and 12a and reagent probes 7a and 8a. Even if it rises, the raised portion is also washed by subsequent washing, so that the dispensing probe can be reliably washed while suppressing consumption of the washing solution.

The control unit 21 also inserts the sample probes 11a, 12a, and the reagent probes 7a, 8a so that the horizontal positions of the sample probes 11a, 12a and the reagent probes 7a, 8a are shifted from the central axes of the flow path units 123a, 124a. By controlling the reagent probes 7a and 8a, a turbulent flow is formed by the discharged cleaning liquid, and more effective cleaning can be performed. Moreover, it is suppressed that the discharged inner washing water permeates into the flow path portion 123a, and the replacement efficiency of the cleaning liquid into the inner washing water can be further improved.

Further, the cleaning liquid is an alkaline or acidic special cleaning liquid for cleaning the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a, so that the effect of additional cleaning of the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a is sufficiently obtained. Can be secured.

In addition, when the controller 21 supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A and a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 21 supplies the internal cleaning water from the sample probes 11a and 12a and the reagent probes 7a and 8a in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A. By controlling to discharge, in the storage part 123b of the cleaning liquid storage tank 23A, the inner cleaning water is constantly exposed to the atmosphere, and crystallization of the cleaning water can be prevented more reliably.

Further, when supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tanks 23A and 24A, the controller 21 supplies the cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 110 and 111 so as to change the supply amount of the cleaning liquid according to the elapsed time since the inner cleaning water was previously discharged. By controlling this, even if the inner washing water diffuses toward the flow path portion 123a with the passage of time, the first washing liquid whose concentration has decreased due to diffusion can be reliably discharged from the storage portions 123b and 124b. The concentration of the first cleaning liquid during the cleaning process can be made constant.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one having all the configurations described.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reaction disk 2 ... Reaction container 3 ... Cleaning mechanism 4 ... Spectrophotometer 4a ... Light source 5, 6 ... Stirring mechanism 7, 8 ... Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a, 8a ... Reagent probe 9 ... Reagent disk 10 ... Reagent bottle 11 ... First sample dispensing mechanism 11a ... Sample probe 12 ... Second sample dispensing mechanism 12a ... Sample probe 13, 14 ... Cleaning tank 15, 15a, 15b ... Sample container 16 ... Sample rack 17 ... Sample transport mechanism 18 ... Reagent pump DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Sample pump 20 ... Cleaning pump 21 ... Control part 23, 24 ... Cleaning container 23A, 23A1, 23A2, 24A ... Cleaning liquid storage tank 23B, 24B ... Lower opening 23c ... Heater 30, 31, 32, 33 ... Cleaning Tank 51 ... Cleaning liquid supply syringe (cleaning liquid discharge part)
52 ... Cleaning liquid supply pump 52A ... Cleaning liquid storage tank 53 ... Cleaning liquid storage tank 54 ... Cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 55, 55A ... Branch pipes 61, 62, 63, 64 ... Solenoid valve 100 ... Automatic analyzer 101 ... Reaction disks 110, 111 ... Cleaning liquid supply mechanisms 115a, 115b ... samples 123a, 124a ... channels 123b, 124b ... reservoir 123c ... cylindrical part 123d ... tapered part

Claims (12)

1. An automatic analyzer,
   A dispensing probe for dispensing reagents and samples to be analyzed into reaction vessels;
   A cleaning liquid for storing the dispensing probe is stored, and a cleaning liquid storage tank for cleaning by inserting the dispensing probe into the cleaning liquid;
   A cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank via a flow path connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank and performs a cleaning process on the dispensing probe;
   An automatic analyzer comprising: a control unit that controls the dispensing probe so that the inner washing water is discharged from the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe is washed in the washing liquid storage tank. .
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
   The cleaning liquid storage tank is made of resin or metal having resistance to the cleaning liquid,
   It has a flow path part formed with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the dispensing probe, and a storage part formed with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the flow path part on the downstream side of the flow path part. A featured automatic analyzer.
3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir has a volume in the reservoir smaller than a volume of the flow path.
4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3,
   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid supply unit is configured such that a single discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharging unit supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank is larger than a volume of the flow path unit.
5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
   The controller is configured to reduce the insertion depth of the dispensing probe into the cleaning liquid when discharging the internal washing water from the dispensing probe to be shorter than the length of the range to be washed in a normal washing tank. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling.
6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
   When supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank, the control unit controls the cleaning liquid supply unit to change the supply amount of the cleaning liquid according to an elapsed time since the inner cleaning water was previously discharged. An automatic analyzer characterized by that.
7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
   The control unit controls the dispensing probe to discharge internal wash water from the dispensing probe in the cleaning liquid storage tank when a predetermined time has elapsed after the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank. A featured automatic analyzer.
8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
   The control unit controls the dispensing probe so that a horizontal position when the dispensing probe is inserted into the cleaning liquid is shifted from a central axis of the flow path unit. .
9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
   The automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the cleaning liquid is an alkaline or acidic special cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe.
10. Dispensing a sample and a reagent into a plurality of reaction vessels, washing the dispensing probe for dispensing the reagent and the sample into the reaction vessel in an automatic analyzer that measures the reacted liquid A method,
    The automatic analyzer stores the dispensing probe, a cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe, a cleaning liquid storage tank that inserts the dispensing probe into the cleaning liquid for cleaning, and the cleaning liquid storage tank. A cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank via a connected flow path and performs a cleaning process on the dispensing probe; and a control unit that controls the dispensing probe and the cleaning liquid supply unit. ,
    A transfer step of transferring the dispensing probe after discharging the sample or the reagent to the reaction container to the cleaning liquid storage tank;
    A supplying step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank;
    A step of immersing the dispensing probe in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank, and
    In this cleaning step, when the dispensing probe is washed in the washing liquid storage tank, internal washing water is discharged from the dispensing probe.
11. In the washing method of the dispensing probe according to claim 10,
    In the cleaning step, the insertion depth of the dispensing probe into the cleaning liquid when discharging the inner washing water from the dispensing probe is made shorter than the length of the range to be cleaned in the normal cleaning tank. How to wash the dispensing probe.
12. In the washing method of the dispensing probe according to claim 10,
    In the cleaning step, when supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank, the cleaning liquid supply unit is controlled so as to change the supply amount of the cleaning liquid according to the elapsed time since the inner cleaning water was discharged before. A method for cleaning a dispensing probe.

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