Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The automatic analyzer reduces water consumption without compromising analytical performance. Therefore, the automatic analyzer includes: a cleaning tank (13) that cleans the exterior of the probe with cleaning water; a pump (20) that supplies cleaning water stored in a water tank (50) to the cleaning tank via a first flow path (60); and a flow path switching mechanism (SV1a, SV1b) that switches between supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank via the first flow path and returning the cleaning water to the water tank via a second flow path connecting the first flow path and the water tank. In a cycle constituting the automatic analyzer, a cleaning period is set where cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning tank via the first flow path and used to clean the probe. In a cycle where probe cleaning is not performed, during the cleaning period, the flow path switching mechanism controls the cleaning water to return to the water tank via the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] Automated analytical devices such as biochemical analyzers and immunoassay analyzers are equipped with cleaning tanks for cleaning reagent probes used for dispensing reagents or sample probes used for dispensing samples. To clean the inside and outside of the probes that come into contact with reagents and samples, cleaning water is sprayed from the probes to rinse away reagents and samples adhering to the inside of the probes (this is called internal cleaning). Additionally, the probes are inserted into the cleaning tank, and cleaning water is sprayed from cleaning water nozzles located in the tank towards the probes, thereby rinsing away reagents and samples adhering to the outside of the probes (this is called external cleaning).

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an automatic analysis device that, in order to prevent over-flushing and water hammer phenomena caused by pressure fluctuations in the flow path of the cleaning fluid, controls the valve opening of a solenoid valve installed in the flow path of the cleaning fluid to suppress excessive pressure fluctuations in the flow path.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-121923 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Reducing water consumption in automated analysis devices is becoming increasingly important in terms of reducing environmental impact and operating costs.

[0009] As detailed later, in automated analytical apparatuses, the cleaning of reagent probes and sample probes is performed on a per-cycle basis, regardless of whether probe dispensing is performed. This is to maintain a constant supply of cleaning water to multiple cleaning tanks, reaction units, and the probe interiors on a per-cycle basis, thereby keeping the fluctuation curve of the piping pressure supplying cleaning water during the cycle constant and stabilizing analytical performance. However, although probe cleaning is not required due to the absence of probe dispensing, the cleaning water supplied for probe cleaning is wasted unnecessarily. In particular, external probe cleaning involves a larger amount of cleaning water usage per cleaning cycle compared to internal cleaning; therefore, reducing the amount of cleaning water used in external cleaning is effective in reducing the water consumption of the automated analytical apparatus. On the other hand, if the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tanks is simply controlled based on whether probe cleaning is required or not, as mentioned above, there is a possibility of reduced analytical performance.

[0010] Patent Document 1 illustrates a flow path structure that allows switching of the flow path between the cleaning unit and the water tank using a three-way valve. By varying the duty cycle during flow path switching in stages, excessive pressure fluctuations in the flow path are suppressed. However, although the flow path structure is similar, it does not address the aforementioned issues, nor does it provide any guidance for solving them.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] An automatic analysis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a dispensing mechanism having a probe for dispensing reagents or samples; a cleaning tank for cleaning the exterior of the probe with cleaning water; a water tank for storing cleaning water; a pump for supplying the cleaning water stored in the water tank to the cleaning tank through a first flow path; a flow path switching mechanism for switching between supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank through the first flow path and returning the cleaning water to the water tank through a second flow path connecting the first flow path and the water tank; and a control unit that controls the flow path switching mechanism to, in a cycle constituting the automatic analysis apparatus, supply cleaning water to the cleaning tank through the first flow path and clean the probe with the cleaning water, and in a cycle where the probe is not cleaned, control the flow path switching mechanism to return the cleaning water to the water tank through the second flow path during the cleaning period.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] Reduce the water consumption of the automatic analysis device without compromising its analytical performance.

[0015] Other issues and novel features will become clear from the description and accompanying drawings in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic analysis device.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the flow path structure of the cleaning water in the past.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a diagram showing the flow path structure of the cleaning water in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3B This is a timing diagram of the cleaning actions in the cleaning tank.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an example of using a two-way valve to form a flow path.

[0021] Figure 5A This is an example of using a three-way valve to form a flow path.

[0022] Figure 5B This is an explanation Figure 5A A diagram showing the operation of the solenoid valve in the flow path.

[0023] Figure 6A This is an example of using a three-way valve to form a flow path.

[0024] Figure 6B This is an explanation Figure 6A A diagram showing the operation of the solenoid valve in the flow path.

[0025] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the flow path structure for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank.

[0026] Figure 7B This is a timing diagram of the cleaning actions in the cleaning tank.

[0027] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing the flow path structure for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank.

[0028] Figure 8B This is a timing diagram of the cleaning actions in the cleaning tank.

[0029] Figure 9A This is a diagram showing the flow path structure for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank.

[0030] Figure 9B This is a timing diagram of the cleaning actions in the cleaning tank. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated analysis apparatus. Biological samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as samples) are collected in sample containers 15. One or more sample containers 15 are mounted on a sample rack 16 and transported by a sample transport mechanism 17. Reagents used in the analysis of the samples are collected in reagent bottles 10, and multiple reagent bottles 10 are arranged circumferentially on a reagent tray 9. The samples and reagents are mixed and react in a reaction container 2. Multiple reaction containers 2 are arranged circumferentially on a reaction tray 1. Samples are dispensed from sample containers 15, transported to the sample dispensing position by the sample transport mechanism 17, into the reaction container 2 via a first or second sample dispensing mechanism 11, 12. Meanwhile, reagents are dispensed from reagent bottles 10 into the reaction container 2 via reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8. The mixture of samples and reagents (reaction solution) dispensed into the reaction container 2 is stirred by stirring mechanisms 5, 6, and the absorbance of the reaction solution is measured by a spectrophotometer 4 using a light source (not shown) passing through the reaction solution in the reaction container 2. As part of the analysis process in the automated analysis device, the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the reagent is calculated based on the absorbance of the mixture (reaction solution) measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The reaction vessel 2, after measurement, is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 3.

[0033] The first (second) sample dispensing mechanism 11 (12) has a sample probe 11a (12a) with its front end facing downwards, and the sample probe 11a (12a) is connected to a sample syringe 19. The first (second) sample dispensing mechanism 11 (12) is configured to rotate horizontally and move vertically, inserting the sample probe 11a (12a) into the sample container 15 to attract the sample, and inserting the sample probe 11a (12a) into the reaction container 2 to discharge the sample, thereby dispensing the sample from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2. A cleaning tank 13 (14) for cleaning the sample probe 11a (12a) is arranged within the operating range of the first (second) sample dispensing mechanism 11 (12).

[0034] The reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 have reagent probes 7a and 8a with their front ends facing downwards, and the reagent probes 7a and 8a are connected to a reagent syringe 18. The reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 are configured to rotate horizontally and move vertically, inserting the reagent probes 7a and 8a into the reagent bottle 10 to attract reagent, and inserting the reagent probes 7a and 8a into the reaction vessel 2 to dispense reagent, thereby dispensing reagent from the reagent bottle 10 into the reaction vessel 2. Cleaning tanks 32 and 33 are provided within the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 for cleaning the reagent probes 7a and 8a with cleaning water.

[0035] The stirring mechanisms 5 and 6 are configured to rotate horizontally and move vertically, and are inserted into the reaction vessel 2 to stir the mixture (reaction solution) of the sample and reagent. Cleaning tanks 30 and 31, which use cleaning water to clean the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, are provided within their operating range.

[0036] Cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning mechanism 3, cleaning tanks 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, and 33 via a cleaning pump 20. Details will be described later.

[0037] The overall operation of these automatic analysis devices is controlled by the control unit 21. Additionally, in Figure 1 In order to avoid complicating the illustration, some of the connections between the various mechanisms constituting the automatic analysis device and the control unit 21 are omitted. In addition, the solenoid valve constituting the flow path switching mechanism described later is also controlled by the control unit 21.

[0038] In automated analytical devices, probes, reaction vessels, and other components are frequently cleaned to prevent contamination. Figure 2This section outlines the flow path structure of conventional cleaning water in the automatic analysis apparatus. Cleaning water for cleaning is stored in a water tank 50 and supplied to each cleaning mechanism via a cleaning pump 20. Examples of cleaning mechanisms include a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the reaction vessel 2, probes 11a and 12a for internal cleaning of the probes, and cleaning tanks 13 and 14 for external cleaning of the probes. These mechanisms are connected to a flow path 60 (first flow path) supplying cleaning water from the cleaning pump 20 via solenoid valves, and are supplied with cleaning water. Furthermore, in the internal cleaning of the probes, to supply cleaning water at a higher pressure than other mechanisms, the cleaning water from the flow path 60 is pressurized by a pressurizing pump 52 and supplied to the probes. Additionally, a return flow path 61 with an adjusting valve 51 is provided between the cleaning pump 20 and the water tank 50 to adjust the pressure of the flow path 60.

[0039] Each mechanism performs its analytical actions according to a predetermined sequence. The cleaning action is also programmed into the sequence of the automatic analyzer. In the cycle that constitutes the sequence, solenoid valves are opened at predetermined time intervals, thereby supplying cleaning water to each mechanism performing the cleaning action.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In the conventional flow path structure shown, to ensure stable analytical performance, the cleaning of reagent probes and sample probes is performed at predetermined intervals for each cycle, regardless of the presence or absence of probes. This is for the following reasons: In automated analytical devices, to improve throughput, it is preferable to shorten the cycle time as much as possible. Therefore, the cleaning periods for reagent probes, sample probes, reaction vessels, etc., are set to overlap within one cycle. On the other hand, in Figure 2 In the flow path structure, since cleaning water is supplied to each mechanism from the branch flow path 60, the necessary amount of cleaning water cannot be supplied at the necessary pressure due to the overlap of cleaning actions on multiple mechanisms, which may result in insufficient cleaning.

[0041] Therefore, the timing of the cleaning actions of each mechanism is designed so that as long as the cleaning actions are performed in the prescribed sequence, there will be no inadequate cleaning. Thus, even if there is no probe dispensing action and cleaning of the probe is not required, the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank cannot be stopped. Suppose that the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 13 is stopped because cleaning of probe 11a is not required. In this case, when solenoid valve 53 is to be opened in the sequential design, it closes, and the state of flow path 60 changes compared to the intended sequential design. If the opening and closing of the solenoid valve differs from the intended state, it may lead to changes in the piping pressure of flow path 60, deviations in the timing of the opening and closing of the solenoid valves controlling the supply of cleaning water from flow path 60 to other mechanisms performing cleaning actions, and as a result, the cleaning of the probe and reaction vessel may become inadequate.

[0042] In contrast, Figure 3A This illustrates the flow path structure in this embodiment. (and) Figure 2 The difference in the flow path structure lies in the fact that, in order to return the cleaning water to the water tank, a second flow path is provided connecting the first flow path and the water tank, and a flow path switching mechanism is provided for switching the destination of the cleaning water supply to the cleaning tank or the water tank. Specifically, a flow path 62 (second flow path) with a solenoid valve SV1b is provided corresponding to the solenoid valve SV1a that controls the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 13, and a flow path 63 (second flow path) with a solenoid valve SV2b is provided corresponding to the solenoid valve SV2a that controls the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 14. Figure 3B The diagram shows the timing of the operation of solenoid valves SV1a, SV1b, SV2a, and SV2b in one cycle of the main flow path. The cycle time is T0. The cleaning action of cleaning tank 13 is set to start after time T1 from the start of the cycle, and the cleaning action of cleaning tank 14 is set to start after time T2 from the start of the cycle. In addition, the cleaning time of each cleaning tank is set to time t1.

[0043] exist Figure 3B The diagram illustrates the solenoid valve operation under the following conditions: In cycle 1, both cleaning tanks 13 and 14 perform external probe cleaning; in cycle 2, only cleaning tank 14 performs external probe cleaning; in cycle 3, only cleaning tank 13 performs external probe cleaning; and in cycle 4, neither cleaning tanks 13 nor 14 performs external probe cleaning (the solenoid valve is open during the pulse waveform interval). According to this timing diagram, when cleaning tank 13 is not performing cleaning, solenoid valve SV1a is closed. On the other hand, solenoid valve SV1b is controlled to open only during the same period of the same action timing as solenoid valve SV1a (cycles 2 and 4). Similarly, when cleaning tank 14 is not performing cleaning, solenoid valve SV2a is closed. On the other hand, solenoid valve SV2b is controlled to open only during the same period of the same action timing as solenoid valve SV2a (cycles 3 and 4). Furthermore, if the port diameters of solenoid valves SV1a and SV1b, or solenoid valves SV2a and SV2b, are equal, then their flow rates are equal if the piping pressures of flow path 60 are equal.

[0044] In this way, when the cleaning action in the cleaning tank is not required, the cleaning water is returned to the water tank 50 through the second flow path, so that the cleaning water is not wasted. Furthermore, the timing of the return of the cleaning water to the water tank 50 is consistent with the timing of supplying the cleaning water to the cleaning tank during the cleaning action. Thus, regardless of whether there is a cleaning action, the variation curve of the piping pressure during the circulation period of the flow path 60 is the same, which can prevent adverse situations such as deviations in analytical data caused by deviations in the amount of cleaning water.

[0045] The following describes a specific structural example of the flow path switching mechanism.

[0046] Figure 4 This is an example of a flow path switching mechanism consisting of a two-way valve. The cleaning water used for cleaning is stored in a water tank 100 and supplied to flow path 102 (first flow path) connected to the cleaning tank 111 via a cleaning pump 101. The supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 111 is controlled by a two-way solenoid valve 120. To adjust the pressure in flow path 102, a return flow path 103 equipped with an adjusting valve 104 is provided between the cleaning pump 101 and the water tank 100. Additionally, a flow path 105 (second flow path), branching from flow path 102 and connected to the water tank 100, is provided and equipped with a two-way solenoid valve 121. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different flow path.) Figure 3A For comparison, if cleaning tank 111 is cleaning tank 13, then solenoid valve SV1a is equivalent to solenoid valve 120, and solenoid valve SV1b is equivalent to solenoid valve 121. Solenoid valves 120 and 121 operate complementaryly in the cycle. That is, during the cleaning of cleaning tank 111 in the cycle, according to the implementation of external cleaning by the probe, either the two-way solenoid valve 120 or the two-way solenoid valve 121 opens, and the other closes.

[0047] Figure 5A This is another example of a flow path switching mechanism. A two-way solenoid valve 122 and a three-way solenoid valve 123 are connected in series in flow path 102. In the three-way solenoid valve 123, the supply port is connected to flow path 102, the first outlet OP1 is connected to the cleaning tank 111, and the second outlet OP2 is connected to flow path 105 leading to the water tank 100. Furthermore, the first outlet OP1 is normally open (NO), and the second outlet OP2 is normally closed (NC).

[0048] Figure 5B express Figure 5A The operation of the solenoid valve in the flow path structure. Outside of the cleaning period in the circulating cleaning tank 111, the two-way solenoid valve 122 is closed; during cleaning, the two-way solenoid valve 122 is open. Furthermore, during cleaning, when external cleaning of the probe is performed, the first outlet OP1 is open (NO) and the second outlet OP2 is closed (NC); when external cleaning of the probe is not performed, the first outlet OP1 is closed and the second outlet OP2 is open. In this flow path switching mechanism, the flow path is switched using a single three-way solenoid valve, thus offering the advantage of easily noticing valve malfunctions.

[0049] Figure 6AThis is another example of a flow path switching mechanism. A three-way solenoid valve 125 is used, in which the supply port is connected to flow path 102, the first outlet OP1 is connected to the cleaning tank 111, and the second outlet OP2 is connected to flow path 105 leading to the water tank 100. Furthermore, both the first outlet OP1 and the second outlet OP2 are normally closed (NC).

[0050] Figure 6B express Figure 6A The operation of the solenoid valve in the flow path structure. Outside of the cleaning period in the circulating cleaning tank 111, both the first outlet OP1 and the second outlet OP2 remain closed (NC). During cleaning, when external cleaning of the probe is performed, the first outlet OP1 is open and the second outlet OP2 is closed (NC); when external cleaning of the probe is not performed, the first outlet OP1 is closed (NC) and the second outlet OP2 is open. In this flow path switching mechanism, only one solenoid valve can be used for switching the flow path, thus simplifying the flow path structure.

[0051] In the presence of multiple cleaning tanks Figure 3A In the flow path structure, a solenoid valve is installed in each second flow path. Even when using... Figure 5A or Figure 6A In the case of a flow path structure with multiple cleaning tanks, as long as... Figure 5A or Figure 6A The flow path structure shown can be arranged side by side with respect to flow path 102 and water tank 100.

[0052] However, by timing the cleaning actions of these multiple cleaning tanks, the second flow path and the solenoid valve installed in the second flow path can be shared, thus simplifying the flow path structure. Below, we will illustrate an example of a flow path structure where the solenoid valve of the second flow path is shared, using the case of four cleaning tanks as an example.

[0053] Figure 7A This is an example of a flow path structure with four cleaning tanks 111-114. The cleaning action in one cycle of the four cleaning tanks 111-114 is as follows: Figure 7B The timing diagram shown is performed as in cycle 1. That is, in one cycle, the cleaning periods of the four cleaning tanks 111 to 114 do not overlap. In this case, a flow path 106 (second flow path) equipped with a solenoid valve SVR1 can be provided for all four cleaning tanks 111 to 114. In this flow path structure, when no cleaning operation is performed in some of the four cleaning tanks 111 to 114, during the cleaning period of that cleaning tank, the solenoid valves SV1 to 4 corresponding to the cleaning tanks that are not being cleaned are closed, while the solenoid valve SVR1 is open. For example, in Figure 7BIn the timing diagram, loop 2 represents an example where cleaning tank 113 does not perform a cleaning action, and loop 3 represents an example where cleaning tank 111 and cleaning tank 113 do not perform a cleaning action.

[0054] Figure 7A This is an example where the timing of the cleaning actions in multiple cleaning tanks does not overlap. However, in cases where the timing of the cleaning actions in some cleaning tanks overlaps, the second flow path can be shared based on the overlap of the timing, thus simplifying the flow path structure.

[0055] Figure 8A This is an example of a flow path structure with four cleaning tanks 111-114. The cleaning action in one cycle of the four cleaning tanks 111-114 is as follows: Figure 8B The timing diagram shown is performed as in loop 1. That is, in one loop, the cleaning periods of cleaning tanks 111 and 114 partially overlap, while the cleaning periods of cleaning tanks 112 and 113 do not overlap with the cleaning periods of other cleaning tanks.

[0056] In this case, by setting a second flow path corresponding to the number of overlapping cleaning tanks during cleaning, the overlapping cleaning tanks during cleaning can allow cleaning water to return to the water tank 100 from different second flow paths. Figure 8A In the flow path structure, a flow path 107 (second flow path) equipped with a solenoid valve SVR2 is provided for the cleaning tank 111, and a flow path 108 (second flow path) equipped with a solenoid valve SVR3 is provided for cleaning tanks 112 to 114. Furthermore, in Figure 8A In the process, cleaning tanks 112 and 113 are connected to flow path 108, but there is no problem with connecting these cleaning tanks, which do not overlap during cleaning, to either flow path 107 or flow path 108.

[0057] In this flow path structure, during a cycle where no cleaning action is performed in a portion of the four cleaning tanks 111-114, the solenoid valves SV1-SV4 corresponding to the cleaning tanks that are not performing cleaning action are closed. On the other hand, during the cleaning period of these cleaning tanks, the corresponding solenoid valve SVR2 or solenoid valve SVR3 is opened. For example, in Figure 8B In the timing diagram, loop 2 represents an example where cleaning tank 114 does not perform a cleaning action, and loop 3 represents an example where cleaning tank 111 and cleaning tank 114 do not perform a cleaning action.

[0058] In the above flow path switching mechanism, the solenoid valve that controls the opening and closing of the valve (ON / OFF) is used for the supply control of cleaning water. However, by using the solenoid valve that can control the degree of valve opening and closing for flow path switching control, the flow path structure can be simplified even when the timing of the cleaning action of the cleaning tank overlaps.

[0059] Figure 9AThis is an example of a flow path structure with four cleaning tanks 111-114. The cleaning action in one cycle of the four cleaning tanks 111-114 is as follows: Figure 9B The timing diagram shown is performed as in loop 1 (with...). Figure 8B (The timing diagram shown is the same).

[0060] exist Figure 9A In the flow path structure, a flow path 109 (second flow path) equipped with a solenoid valve SVP1 is provided for all four cleaning tanks 111-114. The solenoid valve SVP1 is a proportional control valve capable of controlling its opening and closing degree. In this flow path structure, when no cleaning operation is performed in some of the four cleaning tanks 111-114, the solenoid valves SVP1-4 corresponding to the cleaning tanks that are not being cleaned are closed. On the other hand, during the cleaning period of these cleaning tanks, the solenoid valve SVP1 is opened, and its opening and closing degree is controlled according to the overlap of the cleaning periods. For example, in... Figure 9B In the timing diagram, cycle 2 represents an example where cleaning tanks 112 and 114 are not performing cleaning operations. During the cleaning period of cleaning tanks 112 and 114, solenoid valve SVP1 is open to the degree of opening and closing of solenoid valve SV4 or solenoid valve SV2. On the other hand, cycle 3 represents an example where cleaning tanks 111, 112, and 114 are not performing cleaning operations. In this case, during periods when the cleaning operations of cleaning tanks 111 and 114 do not overlap, or during the cleaning period of cleaning tank 112, solenoid valve SVP1 is open to the degree of opening and closing of solenoid valve SV1, solenoid valve SV4, or solenoid valve SV2. Furthermore, during cleaning periods when the cleaning operations of cleaning tanks 111 and 114 overlap, solenoid valve SVP1 is open to the degree of opening and closing of its flow rate being the sum of the flow rates of solenoid valve SV1 and solenoid valve SV4.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, in Figure 3A In the case of the flow path structure, during a cycle where no cleaning action is performed in any of the cleaning tanks, control is achieved by closing solenoid valve SV1b and opening solenoid valve SV2b during the cleaning of cleaning tank 13, and opening solenoid valve SV1b and closing solenoid valve SV2b during the cleaning of cleaning tank 14. This is made possible because the piping pressure curve of flow path 60 (first flow path) does not deviate from the piping pressure curve envisioned in the cycle design. The above embodiments are described for ease of understanding of the invention and are not limited to having all the structures described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the structure of one example of the embodiments with the structure of other examples, or to add the structure of other examples.

[0062] Symbol Explanation

[0063] 1: Reaction tray; 2: Reaction container; 3: Cleaning mechanism; 4: Spectrophotometer; 5, 6: Stirring mechanism; 7, 8: Reagent dispensing mechanism; 7a, 8a: Reagent probe; 9: Reagent tray; 10: Reagent bottle; 11, 12: Sample dispensing mechanism; 11a, 12a: Sample probe; 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, 33: Cleaning tank; 15: Sample container; 16: Sample rack; 17: Sample handling mechanism; 18: Reagent syringe; 19: Sample syringe. 20: Cleaning pump; 21: Control unit; 50, 100: Water tank; 51, 104: Adjusting valve; 52: Pressure pump; 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125: Solenoid valve; 60, 102: Flow path (first flow path); 61, 103: Return flow path; 62, 63, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109: Flow path (second flow path); 111, 112, 113, 114: Cleaning tank.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, have: Dispensing mechanism, which has a probe, dispensing reagent or sample; A cleaning tank, which uses cleaning water to clean the exterior of the probe; Water tank, which stores cleaning water; A pump supplies cleaning water stored in the water tank to the cleaning tank through a first flow path; A flow path switching mechanism that switches between supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank via the first flow path and returning the cleaning water to the water tank via a second flow path connecting the first flow path and the water tank; and The control unit controls the flow path switching mechanism. In the sequence of the automated analysis device, a cleaning period is set in which cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning tank through the first flow path and the probe is cleaned using the cleaning water. In a cycle where the probe is not cleaned, during the cleaning process, the control unit controls the cleaning water to return to the water tank via the second flow path through the flow path switching mechanism. The automatic analysis device has multiple cleaning tanks. A second flow path is shared with each of the multiple cleaning tanks. The flow path switching mechanism includes a solenoid valve located in the second flow path and capable of controlling its opening and closing degree. In the cyclic sequence constituting the automatic analysis device, the cleaning periods of the multiple cleaning tanks, which are shared by the second flow path, overlap. In a cycle in which multiple overlapping cleaning tanks do not clean the probe during the cleaning process, the control unit controls the opening and closing degree of the solenoid valve based on the overlap of the cleaning periods.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow path switching mechanism includes a first two-way solenoid valve disposed between the first flow path and the cleaning tank, and a second two-way solenoid valve disposed on the second flow path. The control unit performs the following control: during the cleaning process, in the cycle of cleaning the probe, the first two-way solenoid valve is set to open and the second two-way solenoid valve is set to close; in the cycle of not cleaning the probe, the first two-way solenoid valve is set to close and the second two-way solenoid valve is set to open.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow path switching mechanism includes: a two-way solenoid valve disposed in the first flow path; and a three-way solenoid valve, whose supply port is connected to the first flow path, its first outlet is connected to the cleaning tank, and its second outlet is connected to the second flow path. The control unit performs the following control: outside the cleaning period, the two-way solenoid valve is set to close; during the cleaning period, the two-way solenoid valve is set to open; and during the cleaning period, in the cycle of cleaning the probe, the first outlet is set to open and the second outlet is set to close; in the cycle of not cleaning the probe, the first outlet is set to close and the second outlet is set to open.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow path switching mechanism includes: a three-way solenoid valve, whose supply port is connected to the first flow path, its first outlet is connected to the cleaning tank, and its second outlet is connected to the second flow path; both the first and second outlets are normally closed. The control unit performs the following control: during the cleaning process, in the cycle of cleaning the probe, the first outlet is set to open and the second outlet is set to close; in the cycle of not cleaning the probe, the first outlet is set to close and the second outlet is set to open.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated analysis device includes a cleaning mechanism that cleans the reaction vessel, which is dispensed with samples or reagents. The cleaning mechanism is supplied with cleaning water stored in the water tank through the first flow path.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic analysis device includes: a pressure pump that pressurizes the cleaning water from the first flow path and supplies it to the probe. The inside of the probe is cleaned with cleaning water pressurized by the pressurized pump.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A return flow path equipped with an adjustment valve is provided between the pump and the water tank to adjust the pressure of the first flow path.

Images