Automated analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic analysis device capable of cleaning a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a test substance or a reagent in a cleaning tank without moving the dispensing nozzle up and down. The device includes a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a test substance or a reagent, and a nozzle cleaning tank for cleaning the dispensing nozzle. The nozzle cleaning tank has a nozzle cleaning tank characterized by a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning tank having a nozzle cleaning

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An automated analyzer is a device that automatically performs quantitative or qualitative analysis by reacting test samples such as blood and urine with reagents. Test samples and reagents are dispensed from the test sample container and reagent container into the analytical reaction vessel through dispensing nozzles. Although the dispensing nozzles are designed for both test samples and reagents, they are repeatedly used with different test samples and reagents. Therefore, each dispensing requires cleaning and drying using a combination of cleaning water and compressed air to maintain cleanliness. However, during the compressed air blowing after cleaning, there is a possibility that residual cleaning water from the dispensing nozzle may be released into the automated analyzer.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an automatic analysis device that, in order to clean and dry the dispensing nozzle without causing the cleaning water to scatter, makes the lower opening of the cleaning water outlet wider than the upper opening through which the dispensing nozzle passes in the cleaning tank that blows the cleaning water and compressed air to the dispensing nozzle.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-134142 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in Patent Document 1, the dispensing nozzle, after being cleaned and dried, needs to be moved up and down in the cleaning tank. To enable this up-and-down movement, the nozzle's direction of movement needs to be switched between horizontal and vertical directions, and the cleaning and drying process takes time.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that can perform cleaning without moving the dispensing nozzle up and down in the cleaning tank.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention relates to an automatic analysis apparatus comprising: a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a detection substance or reagent; and a nozzle cleaning tank for cleaning the dispensing nozzle, characterized in that the nozzle cleaning tank has a spray section for spraying cleaning water onto the dispensing nozzle and an opening for the dispensing nozzle to enter and exit, the opening being arranged along a track in the horizontal plane of the dispensing nozzle on the side of the nozzle cleaning tank.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, an automatic analysis device is provided that can perform cleaning without moving the dispensing nozzle up and down in the cleaning tank. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view showing an example of the structure of an automatic analysis device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view showing an example of a reagent dispensing section.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the reagent dispensing section.

[0017] Figure 4A This is a top view showing an example of a nozzle cleaning tank.

[0018] Figure 4B This is a side view showing an example of a nozzle cleaning tank.

[0019] Figure 5A This is an example of a nozzle cleaning tank. Figure 4A AA view.

[0020] Figure 5B This is another example showing a nozzle cleaning tank. Figure 4A AA view.

[0021] Figure 6A This is a top view showing a modified example of the jet section.

[0022] Figure 6B This shows a modified example of the injection section. Figure 6A EE view. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the automated analysis apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Automated analysis apparatuses are devices that analyze a sample using a reaction solution that reacts the sample with a reagent; examples include automated biochemical analysis apparatuses, automated immunoassay apparatuses, and automated gene analysis apparatuses. They also include quality analysis apparatuses for clinical examinations and coagulation analysis apparatuses for measuring blood clotting time. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to composite systems of quality analysis apparatuses, coagulation analysis apparatuses, etc., and automated biochemical analysis apparatuses, automated immunoassay apparatuses, etc., or to automated analysis systems that utilize these methods.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] use Figure 1An example of the overall structure of the automatic analysis apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The automatic analysis apparatus includes a detector delivery unit 102, a reagent storage unit 104, a detector dispensing unit 105, a reagent dispensing unit 106, a reaction accelerator unit 107, a measuring unit 108, and a control unit 113. Each part will be described below. It should be noted that the vertical direction is defined as the Z-direction, and the horizontal plane is defined as the XY plane.

[0026] The sample delivery unit 102 delivers the sample container 101 containing samples such as blood and urine to the sample aspiration position 110. The reagent storage unit 104 stores the reagent container 103 containing the reagents used in the analysis within a specified temperature range.

[0027] The test substance dispensing unit 105 dispenses the test substance from the test substance container 101, which is conveyed to the test substance suction position 110, into the reaction container disposed in the reaction promotion unit 107. It should be noted that the reaction container for dispensing the test substance and the dispensing pipette used during the dispensing of the test substance are stored in the consumable storage unit 111 and are conveyed to the designated position by the consumable delivery unit 112.

[0028] The reagent dispensing section 106 dispenses reagent from the reagent container 103 stored in the reagent storage tank 104 to the reaction container disposed in the reaction accelerator 107, which contains the detection agent. After dispensing the reagent, the reagent dispensing section 106 is cleaned in the nozzle cleaning tank 114. For details regarding the reagent dispensing section 106, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This will be described later. Additionally, for details regarding the nozzle cleaning tank 114, please refer to [the following text]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This will be described later. It should be noted that when the reagent in reagent container 103 contains magnetic beads or the like, the reagent is stirred by a stirring section 115 with a stirring blade at the front end before dispensing. After stirring the reagent, the stirring section 115 is cleaned in a blade cleaning tank 116.

[0029] The reaction facilitator 107 promotes the reaction between the detector and reagent within the reaction vessel, generating a reaction solution, by maintaining the reaction vessel containing the detector and reagent within a predetermined temperature range. When the reaction facilitator 107 is disc-shaped, rotation about the central axis of the disc moves the reaction vessel to the position where the detector is dispensed from the detector dispensing section 105 and the reagent dispensing section 106. The reaction vessel containing the reaction solution is conveyed from the reaction facilitator 107 to the measuring section 108 via the reaction vessel conveying section 109.

[0030] The measuring unit 108 performs optical or electrical measurements on the reaction liquid in the reaction container conveyed by the reaction container conveying unit 109. For example, it measures the absorbance of the reaction liquid, the amount of light emitted when a voltage is applied to the reaction liquid containing reagents, the number of particles in the reaction liquid, the current value when the reaction liquid contacts the electrode membrane, and the change in voltage value. Photometers such as photomultiplier tubes and photometers are used to measure absorbance and light emission; imaging elements such as CCD cameras are used to measure the number of particles; and ammeters and voltmeters are used to measure changes in current and voltage values.

[0031] The control unit 113 is a device that controls the various parts of the automatic analysis apparatus, such as a computer. Input / output devices are connected to the control unit 113. Data required for analysis is input via input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, or analysis results are output to output devices such as an LCD or touch panel.

[0032] use Figure 2 An example of the reagent dispensing section 106 will be described. The reagent dispensing section 106 includes a drive section 208, a shaft section 207, an arm section 209, and a dispensing nozzle 210.

[0033] The drive unit 208 has a drive source such as a motor, which causes the shaft 207 connected to the drive unit 208 to move up and down along the Z-axis or rotate around the Z-axis. The shaft 207 is a cylindrical rod with an arm 209 connected to one end at the upper end. The arm 209 is a component that connects the shaft 207 and the dispensing nozzle 210, with the shaft 207 connected to one end and the dispensing nozzle 210 connected to the other end.

[0034] The dispensing nozzle 210 is a thin tube for drawing and dispensing reagents. The dispensing nozzle 210 is connected to the shaft 207 via the arm 209, and thus moves up and down together with the shaft 207, which is raised and lowered by the drive 208, and traces an arc track in the XY plane, which is a horizontal plane, as the shaft 207 rotates.

[0035] It should be noted that a liquid level sensor 215 is housed in the arm 209 to detect the liquid level in contact with the tip of the dispensing nozzle 210. Based on the detection signal from the liquid level sensor 215, the stop position of the vertical movement of the dispensing nozzle 210 is determined, or the liquid volume in the reagent container 103 is measured. Furthermore, to suppress displacement of the tip of the dispensing nozzle 210, it is preferable to further shorten the length of the arm 209 to improve rigidity. The shorter arm 209 allows for faster operation by reducing the weight of the reagent dispensing section 106 and also reduces the dedicated space required for operation.

[0036] use Figure 3An example of the configuration of the reagent dispensing section 106 will be described. As described above, the dispensing nozzle 210 of the reagent dispensing section 106 rotates the shaft 207 via the drive unit 208, and the arc track shown in the dashed line is the nozzle track 205.

[0037] The dispensing nozzle 210 draws in and dispenses reagents along the nozzle track 205. Therefore, the reagent dispensing section 106 is configured such that the nozzle track 205 overlaps with the reagent aspiration ports 203a-203c and the reagent dispensing position 201. Furthermore, to shorten the travel distance of the dispensing nozzle 210, it is preferable to position the reagent dispensing section 106 between the reaction promoting section 107 and the reagent storage tank 104. Additionally, the nozzle cleaning tank 114 is configured such that the cleaning position 202 of the dispensing nozzle 210 overlaps with the nozzle track 205. Preferably, the nozzle cleaning tank 114 is also positioned between the reaction promoting section 107 and the reagent storage tank 104 to further shorten the travel distance of the dispensing nozzle 210.

[0038] use Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a nozzle cleaning tank 114 will be described. The nozzle cleaning tank 114 has a first opening 301 and a second opening 302, as well as a first spray section 303 and a second spray section 304.

[0039] The first opening 301 and the second opening 302 are openings for the dispensing nozzle 210 to enter and exit the nozzle cleaning tank 114 when it moves along the nozzle track 205, and are provided on the side of the nozzle cleaning tank 114. The openings for the dispensing nozzle 210 to enter and exit, namely the first opening 301 and the second opening 302, are provided along the track in the horizontal plane of the dispensing nozzle 210, namely the nozzle track 205.

[0040] The first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 spray cleaning water towards the nozzle cleaning position 202 for cleaning the dispensing nozzle 210. The cleaning water used to clean the dispensing nozzle 210 is discharged out of the automatic analysis device via the drain pipe 306. The first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 are preferably arranged opposite each other. By the opposing arrangement of the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304, cleaning water is sprayed simultaneously onto both sides of the cylindrical dispensing nozzle 210, and the entire outer wall surface of the dispensing nozzle 210 is cleaned.

[0041] The first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 can continuously spray cleaning water, or they can spray cleaning water when the dispensing nozzle 210 reaches the nozzle cleaning position 202. When continuously spraying cleaning water, the dispensing nozzle 210 is cleaned even if it does not stop at the nozzle cleaning position 202, thus further shortening the cleaning process. When spraying cleaning water when the dispensing nozzle 210 reaches the nozzle cleaning position 202, although it is necessary to stop the dispensing nozzle 210 at the nozzle cleaning position 202, cleaning water can be saved.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the difference in water pressure between the cleaning water sprayed from the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 is smaller. If the difference in water pressure is significantly large, water droplets are more likely to remain on the side with lower water pressure. Conversely, if the difference in water pressure is smaller, the number of water droplets remaining on the dispensing nozzle 210 after cleaning can be reduced. Therefore, without stopping the dispensing nozzle 210 at the nozzle cleaning position 202 for cleaning, it is preferable to spray the cleaning water from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle track 205. It should be noted that, in order to further reduce the amount of residual water droplets, a water-repellent treatment can also be applied to the outer surface of the dispensing nozzle 210.

[0043] The cleaning water sprayed onto the dispensing nozzle 210 may sometimes splatter from the nozzle cleaning tank 114. Since the splattered cleaning water contains reagents, etc., if the automatic analysis device is contaminated by the splattered water droplets, it will adversely affect the analysis results. Therefore, in order to suppress the splattering of cleaning water, the first top 309 and the second top 310 may be provided to position the first opening 301 and the second opening 302 away from the extension 313 of the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304, and to cover both sides of the nozzle track 205.

[0044] use Figure 4A and Figure 4B The extension 313 will now be described. The extension 313 is a wall surface that extends along the nozzle track 205 to move the first opening 301 away from the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304. By extending the extension 313 along the nozzle track 205, it is possible to allow water to be sprayed from a direction orthogonal to the direction of the cleaning water jet, i.e. Figure 4A The depth width C in the X-axis direction is narrower than the width B of the opening through which the nozzle 210 passes. By making the depth width C narrower than the opening width B, it is possible to suppress water droplets that fly straight away from the nozzle cleaning position 202 along the X-axis direction. The depth width C narrows as the diameter of the nozzle track 205 becomes shorter. The diameter of the nozzle track 205 depends on the configuration of the reaction promoting section 107, the reagent storage tank 104, and the reagent dispensing section 106. Therefore, the configuration of these three components is preferably set such that the diameter of the nozzle track 205 becomes shorter.

[0045] Furthermore, the bottom surface 314 of the extension 313 is preferably an inclined surface that slopes towards the nozzle cleaning tank 114. Because the bottom surface 314 is inclined, water droplets dispersed in the extension 313 flow towards the nozzle cleaning tank 114 and are discharged through the drain pipe 306. It should be noted that... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated extension 313 may be provided not only on the first opening 301 side, but also on the second opening 302 side.

[0046] Furthermore, the width of the extension 313, which is equivalent to the width B of the opening, is preferably narrower than the width of the nozzle cleaning tank 114, i.e., its length in the Y direction. Because the width of the extension 313 is narrower than the width of the nozzle cleaning tank 114, the cleaning water is less likely to scatter outside the nozzle cleaning tank 114.

[0047] use Figure 5A An example of the first top 309 and the second top 310 will be described. The first top 309 and the second top 310 are positioned at a height higher than the height at which the cleaning water 305 is sprayed from the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304. By positioning the first top 309 and the second top 310 at a height higher than the height of the sprayed cleaning water 305 and on both sides of the nozzle track 205, the scattering of the cleaning water 305 sprayed onto the dispensing nozzle 210 is suppressed.

[0048] It should be noted that the distance D from the first top 309 or the second top 310 to the bottom 315 is preferably longer. The longer the distance D, the less likely water droplets splashing from the bottom 315 are to scatter outside the nozzle cleaning tank 114. In addition, the bottom 315 is preferably inclined towards the drain pipe 306. By inclining the bottom 315, the cleaning water after washing will not remain on the bottom 315 but will flow to the drain pipe 306, so the cleaning water remaining on the bottom 315 will not splash up.

[0049] use Figure 5B Another example of the first top 309 and the second top 310 will be described. Figure 5B The lower surfaces of the first top 309 and the second top 310 shown are inclined surfaces, with the side closer to the nozzle track 205 being higher than the side farther from the nozzle track 205. Water droplets adhering to the lower surfaces of the first top 309 and the second top 310 flow along the inclined surfaces toward the inner wall 312 of the nozzle cleaning tank 114, thus preventing contamination of the cleaned dispensing nozzle 210.

[0050] It should be noted that, as Figure 4A As shown, Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe illustrated first top 309 and second top 310 are configured not to cover the nozzle track 205, thus not hindering the horizontal movement of the dispensing nozzle 210. Additionally, an inner wall cleaning section 307 and a nozzle retraction section 308 may also be provided in the nozzle cleaning tank 114. It should be noted that the inner wall cleaning section 307 and the nozzle retraction section 308 are preferably isolated from the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 by a partition wall 311. By being isolated by the partition wall 311, the inner wall cleaning section 307 and the nozzle retraction section 308 avoid splashing water droplets and remain clean.

[0051] The inner wall cleaning section 307 is a container for cleaning the reagent flow from the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 210. In the inner wall cleaning section 307, a predetermined amount of reagent is drawn in by immersing the tip of the dispensing nozzle 210 in the flowing reagent. Then, the reagent drawn in by the dispensing nozzle 210 is discharged into the drain pipe 306, thereby completing the cleaning of the inner wall of the dispensing nozzle 210.

[0052] The nozzle retraction section 308 is a tube that houses the dispensing nozzle 210 during maintenance of the automatic analyzer. By housing the dispensing nozzle 210 in the nozzle retraction section 308, it is possible to prevent users or maintenance personnel from accidentally contacting the dispensing nozzle 210 and damaging it.

[0053] use Figure 6A and Figure 6B A modified example of the first jet section 303 and the second jet section 304 will be described. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The illustrated first spray section 303 and second spray section 304 spray cleaning water in an extended manner toward the nozzle track 205. Specifically, the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 are configured as multiple spray nozzles arranged in the direction of the nozzle track 205, i.e., the horizontal direction, or as spray nozzles with a shape in which the width in the horizontal direction is wider than the width in the vertical direction. By spraying cleaning water in an extended manner in the direction of the nozzle track 205, the dispensing nozzle 210 moving in the horizontal direction can be cleaned more efficiently. It should be noted that, in order to further reduce the water pressure difference between the two sides of the dispensing nozzle 210, it is preferable to spray cleaning water from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle track 205.

[0054] Additionally, the first spray section 303 and the second spray section 304 can also spray cleaning water to a lower position as the dispensing nozzle 210 approaches the first opening 301 or the second opening 302. Specifically, as Figure 6B As shown, the nozzle position is highest at the center, which is furthest from both the first opening 301 and the second opening 302, and decreases as it approaches either the first opening 301 or the second opening 302. If... Figure 6BThe illustrated nozzle configuration ensures that, whether the dispensing nozzle 210 moves from the first opening 301 to the second opening 302 or in the opposite direction, the cleaning water is sprayed to a lower position as the dispensing nozzle 210 approaches the outlet.

[0055] It should be noted that as long as the movement direction of the dispensing nozzle 210 is limited to one direction from the first opening 301 to the second opening 302, the position of the injection port on the first opening 301 side can be made highest, and the position of the injection port can be lowered as it approaches the second opening 302. Furthermore, the manner in which the position of the injection port decreases is not limited to... Figure 6B The example of a straight line can also be a curved line, such as a jet nozzle depicting an upward-convex arc shape.

[0056] As the dispensing nozzle 210 approaches the first opening 301 or the second opening 302, the cleaning water is sprayed to a lower position, thereby cleaning the dispensing nozzle 210 moving in the horizontal direction more efficiently and shortening the drying time of the dispensing nozzle 210.

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications can be made to the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined. Moreover, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0059] 101: Detector container; 102: Detector delivery unit; 103: Reagent container; 104: Reagent storage unit; 105: Detector dispensing unit; 106: Reagent dispensing unit; 107: Reaction accelerator; 108: Measurement unit; 109: Reaction container delivery unit; 110: Detector aspiration position; 111: Consumable storage unit; 112: Consumable delivery unit; 113: Control unit; 114: Nozzle cleaning tank; 115: Stirring unit; 116: Blade cleaning tank; 201: Reagent discharge position; 202: Nozzle cleaning position; 203a~2 03c: Reagent suction port, 205: Nozzle track, 207: Shaft, 208: Drive section, 209: Arm, 210: Dispensing nozzle, 215: Liquid level sensor, 301: First opening, 302: Second opening, 303: First spray section, 304: Second spray section, 305: Cleaning water, 306: Drain pipe, 307: Inner wall cleaning section, 308: Nozzle retraction section, 309: First top, 310: Second top, 311: Partition wall, 312: Inner wall, 313: Extension section, 314: Bottom surface, 315: Bottom.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, comprising: a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample or a reagent; and a nozzle cleaning bath for cleaning the dispensing nozzle, wherein the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: the nozzle cleaning bath has a spray section that sprays cleaning water toward the dispensing nozzle, and an opening through which the dispensing nozzle passes, the opening is provided along a track in a horizontal plane of the dispensing nozzle on a side surface of the nozzle cleaning bath, and has a wall surface, i.e., an extension, that extends along the track so as to move the opening away from the spray section, and a bottom surface of the extension is an inclined surface that is inclined toward the nozzle cleaning bath.

2. An automatic analysis device, comprising: a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample or a reagent; and a nozzle cleaning bath for cleaning the dispensing nozzle, wherein the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: the nozzle cleaning bath has a spray section that sprays cleaning water toward the dispensing nozzle, and an opening through which the dispensing nozzle passes, the opening is provided along a track in a horizontal plane of the dispensing nozzle on a side surface of the nozzle cleaning bath, and has a wall surface, i.e., an extension, that extends along the track so as to move the opening away from the spray section, and a width of the extension is narrower than a width of the nozzle cleaning bath.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the nozzle cleaning bath further has a top portion that is provided at a position higher than a height at which the spray section sprays the cleaning water, and covers both sides of the track, and a lower surface of the top portion is an inclined surface that is higher on a side close to the track than on a side away from the track.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the spray section sprays the cleaning water so as to expand in a direction of the track from a direction orthogonal to the track, and sprays the cleaning water to a lower position as the dispensing nozzle approaches the opening.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the track is in a circular arc shape.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the nozzle cleaning bath has a bottom portion that is inclined toward a drain pipe that drains the cleaning water. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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