Sample analyzer, and its cleaning system and reagent needle cleaning method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of sample analyzer and its cleaning system and reagent needle cleaning method, the reagent needle cleaning method, for sample analyzer, sample analyzer includes control module, drive module, reagent needle, first cleaning liquid supply unit and outer wall cleaning pool, outer wall cleaning pool includes cleaning inner pool;Reagent needle cleaning method includes the following steps: control module controls the first cleaning liquid supply unit and supplies liquid in cleaning inner pool, makes cleaning liquid from the gushing of cleaning inner pool;Control module controls drive module and drives reagent needle to be translated to the place of the cleaning inner pool, and pass through the cleaning liquid gushing of the cleaning inner pool, realize the cleaning of the outer wall of reagent needle.The reagent needle cleaning method in the present application since reagent needle is translated to the place of cleaning inner pool, and pass through the cleaning liquid gushing of cleaning inner pool, reagent needle is contacted with the outer wall of reagent needle while moving, i.e. can realize the cleaning of the outer wall of reagent needle, so that the cleaning of reagent needle is very efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical instruments, and more specifically, to a sample analyzer, its cleaning system, and a reagent needle cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] Sample analyzers in related technologies, such as coagulation analyzers, usually require reagent needles to draw or discharge samples or reagents. In order to enable the reagent needles to be reused without affecting the test results, a cleaning pool is usually required to clean the reagent needles.

[0003] When cleaning reagent needles, the needle is typically moved to a position above the cleaning tank before being lowered into the tank for cleaning. After cleaning, the needle is then removed from the tank, completing the cleaning process. The reagent needle cleaning process is relatively complex and time-consuming, resulting in low efficiency for the sample analyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved sample analyzer and its cleaning system and reagent needle cleaning method.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: providing a reagent needle cleaning method for a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer including a control module, a drive module, a reagent needle, a first cleaning solution supply unit, and an outer wall cleaning tank, the outer wall cleaning tank including an inner cleaning tank; the reagent needle cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0006] The control module controls the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the inner cleaning tank;

[0007] The control module controls the drive module to drive the reagent needle to move horizontally to the inner cleaning tank and pass through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank, thereby cleaning the outer wall of the reagent needle.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the step of controlling the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank: the height of the cleaning fluid gushing out is greater than the sum of the distance from the tip of the reagent needle to the upper end face of the inner cleaning tank and the liquid absorption depth of the reagent needle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first cleaning fluid supply unit includes a cleaning fluid container, a first liquid pump, and a first control valve, and the step of controlling the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the cleaning tank includes:

[0010] The control module controls the first liquid pump to turn on, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the cleaning fluid container;

[0011] The control module controls the first control valve to open, so that the cleaning fluid flowing out of the cleaning fluid container flows into the inner cleaning tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sample analyzer includes a second cleaning solution supply unit; the reagent needle cleaning method further includes the following steps:

[0013] The control module controls the second cleaning fluid supply unit to inject cleaning fluid into the reagent needle, thereby cleaning the inner wall of the reagent needle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid supply unit includes a cleaning fluid container, a first pump, and a second control valve. The step of controlling the second cleaning fluid supply unit to inject cleaning fluid into the reagent needle includes:

[0015] The control module controls the first liquid pump to turn on, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the cleaning fluid container;

[0016] The control module controls the second control valve to open, so that the cleaning fluid flowing out of the cleaning fluid container flows into the reagent needle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sample analyzer includes an inner wall cleaning solution reservoir and a syringe; the reagent needle cleaning method further includes the following steps:

[0018] The control module controls the drive module to move the reagent needle to the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank;

[0019] The control module controls the syringe to draw the inner wall cleaning fluid from the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank into the reagent needle;

[0020] The control module controls the drive module to drive the reagent needle to be removed from the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank;

[0021] The control module controls the syringe to dispense the cleaning fluid that aspirates from the inner wall of the reagent needle.

[0022] A cleaning system is also provided, including a control module, a drive module, a reagent needle, a first cleaning solution supply unit, and an outer wall cleaning tank, wherein the outer wall cleaning tank includes an inner cleaning tank; the control module is used for:

[0023] Control the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the inner cleaning tank;

[0024] The drive module controls the reagent needle to move horizontally to the inner cleaning tank and pass through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank, thereby cleaning the outer wall of the reagent needle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sample analyzer includes a test platform, the outer wall cleaning tank is mounted on the test platform, and the height of the upper end face of the inner cleaning tank is approximately equal to the height of the upper surface of the test platform.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the cleaning inner tank is flush with the upper surface of the test platform; or, the height of the upper surface of the cleaning inner tank is slightly higher or slightly lower than the height of the upper surface of the test platform.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes a liquid level detection module that is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0028] A sample analyzer is also provided, the sample analyzer including the cleaning system described in any of the above claims.

[0029] Implementing the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The reagent needle cleaning method of the present invention achieves cleaning of the outer wall of the reagent needle by moving the reagent needle to the inner cleaning tank and passing through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank while the reagent needle is moving, and the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank comes into contact with the outer wall of the reagent needle. This makes the cleaning of the reagent needle very efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of cleaning reagent needles in a sample analyzer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid circuit system structure of the sample analyzer in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the cleaning tank shown.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a reagent needle cleaning method in some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this invention, specific embodiments are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0036] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0038] The sample analyzer (not shown) in some embodiments of the present invention can be used for the detection of sample reagents, such as... Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the sample analyzer may include a cleaning system for cleaning reagent needles. This cleaning system may include, in some embodiments, a reagent needle 10, a test platform 20, a liquid path system 30, a drive module 40, a control module 50, and a liquid level detection module 60. The reagent needle 10 is movably mounted above the test platform 20 for absorbing or discharging sample reagents. The upper end of the test platform 20 is flat. The test platform 20 is installed inside the sample analyzer and, in some embodiments, can be used to connect the reagent needle 10 and the liquid path system 30, allowing the liquid path system 30 to smoothly clean the reagent needle 10. The liquid path system 30 is mounted on the test platform 20 and can be used to clean the reagent needle 10, enabling the reagent needle 10 to be reused without contaminating the current sampling operation due to residual sample or reagents from the previous operation.

[0039] The drive module 40 is connected to the reagent needle 10 and, under the control of the control module 50, drives the reagent needle 10 to move to the required working or cleaning position, enabling the reagent needle 10 to perform operations such as reagent or sample transfer and cleaning at different positions inside the sample analyzer. The control module 50 is electrically connected to both the reagent needle 10 and the drive module 40 to control the movement of the reagent needle 10. In some embodiments, the control module 50 may also be electrically connected to the liquid circuit system 30 to ensure that the liquid circuit system 30 cooperates with the drive module 40, allowing the sample analyzer to successfully clean the reagent needle 10 that needs cleaning. In some embodiments, the drive module 40 may be a robotic arm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the liquid level detection module 60 is connected to the reagent needle 10 and electrically connected to the control module 50. The liquid level detection module 60 can detect the depth to which the tip of the reagent needle 10 penetrates the cleaning solution (i.e., the aspiration depth), and can transmit the detected aspiration depth data to the control module 50, which then controls the drive module 40 to operate. In some embodiments, the feedback from the data acquired by the liquid level detection module 60 ensures that the reagent needle 10 does not come into excessive contact with the cleaning solution, provided it can be thoroughly cleaned. Simultaneously, the liquid level detection module 60 can also detect the depth to which the tip of the reagent needle 10 penetrates the sample or reagent during operation. In some embodiments, the aspiration depth of the reagent needle 10 can be preset. This preset value allows the reagent needle 10 to contact the reagent or sample as little as possible during normal operation, thereby improving aspiration efficiency and facilitating cleaning after use.

[0041] See also Figure 2In some embodiments, the liquid system 30 may include a cleaning tank 31, a first cleaning fluid supply unit 32, a second cleaning fluid supply unit 33, and a waste liquid recovery unit 34. In some embodiments, the cleaning tank 31 may be installed in the test platform 20, and it can be used to clean the reagent needle 10. The first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 is connected to the cleaning tank 31 and is used to inject clean cleaning fluid into the cleaning tank 31, which can be used to clean the outer wall of the reagent needle 10. The second cleaning fluid supply unit 33 is connected to the reagent needle 10 and can be used to inject clean cleaning fluid into the interior of the reagent needle 10, thereby cleaning the inner wall surface of the reagent needle 10. The waste liquid recovery unit 34 is connected to the waste liquid outlet of the cleaning tank 31, and it can be used to recover used cleaning fluid waste liquid.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cleaning tank 31 may include an outer wall cleaning tank 311, an inner wall cleaning solution storage tank (not shown), and an overflow path 312. The outer wall cleaning tank 311 is located below the reagent needle 10 to be cleaned and can be used to clean the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10. The inner wall cleaning solution storage tank is spaced apart from the outer wall cleaning tank 311, and its height is approximately the same as that of the outer wall cleaning tank 311. It can be used to clean the inner wall surface of the reagent needle 10. In some embodiments, since the reagent needle 10 mainly contacts the reagent or sample through its inner wall surface during operation, the amount of reagent remaining on its inner wall surface is greater than that remaining on its outer wall. Therefore, a chemically strong inner wall cleaning solution is needed to clean the inner wall of the reagent needle 10. The cleaning solution in the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank is the inner wall cleaning solution, which can be used to clean the inner wall surface of the reagent needle 10.

[0043] The overflow passage 312 is connected to the outer wall cleaning tank 311 and / or the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank, and is in communication with the outside of the sample analyzer. It can be used to divert excess cleaning fluid from the cleaning tank 31 to the outside of the sample analyzer, preventing overflow of cleaning fluid inside the sample analyzer and avoiding deterioration of the internal working environment. Specifically, the outer wall cleaning tank 311 and the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank are provided with overflow ports, and liquid overflowing from these ports can be diverted to the outside of the sample analyzer through the overflow passage 312.

[0044] See also Figure 3In some embodiments, the outer wall cleaning tank 311 may include an inlet 3111, an inner cleaning tank 3112, a waste liquid tank 3113, and a drain 3114. The inlet 3111 is connected to the first cleaning liquid supply unit 32 and is located at the bottom of the inner cleaning tank 3112. Clean cleaning liquid can flow into the inner cleaning tank 3112 through the inlet 3111 for the reagent needle 10 to clean its outer surface. When the reagent needle 10 moves laterally to the position of the inner cleaning tank 3112 under the drive of the drive module 40, the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10 can move laterally relative to the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid, thereby cleaning the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10. Specifically, the lower end of the reagent needle 10 is higher than the upper end of the wall of the inner cleaning tank 3112, and the height of the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank 3112 above the upper end of the tank wall is higher than the translation space required for the reagent needle 10 to translate. Furthermore, the height of the liquid surface above the upper end is greater than the height of the reagent needle 10 when it draws up the reagent.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the reagent needle 10 draws up the reagent, the liquid level detection module 60 ensures that the length of the reagent needle 10 extending into the reagent liquid surface is less than the height of the overflow of the cleaning liquid from the inner cleaning tank 3112. Therefore, the reagent needle can clean the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10 during the relative movement with the cleaning liquid as it moves to the position of the inner cleaning tank 3112. By using the method of cleaning the outer wall surface as described in this embodiment, the reagent needle 10 does not need to extend into the cleaning tank, avoiding vertical movement of the reagent needle 10 during cleaning. It only needs to move laterally to clean both the inside and outside, reducing the complexity of cleaning the reagent needle 10 and improving the cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, the inner cleaning tank 3112 also includes an outlet 3110, which is located on the upper end face of the inner cleaning tank 3112. The cleaning liquid entering the cleaning tank 3112 flows out from the outlet 3110, and the size of the outlet 3110 is the same as that of the cleaning tank 3112. Understandably, the outlet 3110 can also be configured as a funnel or crater shape to allow the cleaning fluid to flow out at a higher height, thereby facilitating the cleaning of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0046] A waste liquid tank 3113 is arranged around the outside of the inner cleaning tank 3112. It can be a cylindrical container. When cleaning fluid is continuously added to the inner cleaning tank 3112, the used cleaning fluid will overflow the upper end of the wall of the inner cleaning tank 3112 and flow into the waste liquid tank 3113. In some embodiments, the waste liquid tank 3113 is connected to the drain port 3114 and the used cleaning fluid can be discharged through the waste liquid recovery unit 34. The drain port 3114 is located at the bottom of the waste liquid tank 3113 and can be used to discharge the used cleaning fluid in the waste liquid tank 3113.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 may include a cleaning fluid container 301, a first filter 302, a first pump 303, a first control valve 321, and conduits that are connected in series. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid container 301 can be used to store cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid container 301 is in communication with the inlet 3111 of the cleaning tank 31 and can be used to contain the cleaning fluid and replenish the cleaning tank 31 with cleaning fluid for cleaning the reagent needle 10. The first filter 302 is disposed between the cleaning fluid container 301 and the first pump 303. It can be used to filter the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid container 301 to prevent impurities in the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid container 301 from damaging the first pump 303.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 may be configured to allow the height of the cleaning fluid flowing from the cleaning inner tank 3112 to exceed the upper surface of the test platform 20. Specifically, by controlling the pressure and flow rate of the supplied fluid through the first liquid pump 303, the cleaning fluid can be sprayed from the cleaning inner tank 3112 to a certain height, allowing the liquid surface to exceed the upper surface of the test platform 20. When the reagent needle 10 is translating near the upper surface of the test platform 20, the outer wall of the reagent needle 10 near the needle tip can be cleaned by the cleaning fluid sprayed from the cleaning inner tank 3112, achieving continuous cleaning of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the reagent needle 10 and thus improving the working efficiency of the entire sample analyzer. Preferably, the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 is configured to allow the height of the cleaning fluid flowing from the cleaning inner tank 3112 to exceed the sum of the distance from the needle tip of the reagent needle 10 to the upper end face of the cleaning inner tank 3112 and the liquid absorption depth of the reagent needle 10.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first liquid pump 303 can absorb the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid container 301 and introduce the absorbed cleaning liquid into the inner cleaning tank 3112 of the cleaning tank 31 through the first control valve 321. Under the action of the first liquid pump 303, the inner cleaning tank 3112 is continuously replenished with cleaning liquid, and the liquid level of the gushing cleaning liquid at the upper end of the inner cleaning tank 3112 is higher than the lower end of the reagent needle 10. In some embodiments, the liquid level detection module 60 can ensure that the length of the reagent needle 10 in contact with the reagent is less than the height of the liquid level at the upper end of the inner cleaning tank 3112 above the top of the inner cleaning tank 3112, thereby ensuring that the part of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10 in contact with the reagent can be fully cleaned.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first control valve 321 is disposed between the first liquid pump 303 and the inlet 3111 of the outer wall cleaning tank 311, and can be used to control the flow of cleaning fluid in the outer wall cleaning tank 311. When the outer wall cleaning tank 311 needs to perform continuous cleaning operations, the first control valve 321 is turned on to continuously replenish the outer wall cleaning tank 311 with cleaning fluid, thereby achieving the cleaning of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second cleaning fluid supply unit 33 may include a cleaning fluid container 301, a first filter 302, a first pump 303, a second control valve 331, a syringe 332, and conduits that are connected in series. The syringe 332 is in communication with the reagent needle 10. The second cleaning fluid supply unit 33 and the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 may share the cleaning fluid container 301, the first filter 302, and the first pump 303.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second control valve 331 is disposed between the syringe 332 and the cleaning fluid container 301, and can be used to control the flow of the cleaning fluid. Its opening and closing can be controlled by the control module 50. When the reagent needle 10 needs to be cleaned, the second control valve 331 is opened, and the cleaning fluid is introduced into the interior of the reagent needle through the syringe 332. When the reagent needle 10 is drawing reagents or is driven by the drive module 40, the second control valve 331 is closed to prevent the cleaning fluid from affecting the normal operation of the reagent needle 10.

[0053] In some embodiments, syringe 332 is disposed between the cleaning solution container 301 and the reagent needle 10. The liquid outlet of syringe 332 is connected to the interior of reagent needle 10, and the liquid inlet of syringe 332 is connected to the cleaning solution container 301. Syringe 332 can be used to introduce cleaning solution into reagent needle 10 to clean the interior of reagent needle. Specifically, syringe 332 discharges cleaning solution downward from the interior of reagent needle 10, thereby completing the cleaning of the interior of reagent needle 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, the waste liquid recovery unit 34 includes a waste liquid container 341, a second liquid pump 342, a second filter 343, and conduits that are connected in series. The waste liquid container 341 is in communication with the cleaning tank 31 and can be used to collect used cleaning liquid waste from the cleaning tank 31. Specifically, the waste liquid container 341 is in communication with the drain port 3114 to collect used cleaning liquid waste discharged from the drain port 3114. The second liquid pump 342 can be used to introduce used cleaning liquid, i.e., waste liquid, into the waste liquid container 341. The second filter 343 is disposed between the drain port 3114 and the second liquid pump 342 and can be used to filter the cleaning liquid waste flowing out of the drain port 3114 to prevent impurities contained therein from damaging the second liquid pump 342.

[0055] The drive module 40 can be used to drive the movement of the reagent needle 10. Specifically, it can include movement in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The horizontal movement of the reagent needle 10 allows it to move to the position of the cleaning tank 31, and the vertical movement allows it to extend into the cleaning tank 31 to clean its outer surface. Specifically, after moving horizontally to the outer wall cleaning tank 311, the reagent needle 10 moves downwards into the inner cleaning tank 3112, where the cleaning solution cleans the exterior of the reagent needle 10. Since the cleaning solution in the inner cleaning tank 3112 is continuously introduced by the first liquid pump 303, the cleaning solution in the inner cleaning tank 3112 can flow relative to the outer surface of the reagent needle 10, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning the reagent needle 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control module 50 can select a suitable method for cleaning the reagent needle 10 based on the different usage scenarios. Specifically, when the reagent needle 10 does not need to extend significantly below the reagent liquid surface, the control module 50, in cooperation with the liquid level detection module 60, can control the reagent needle 10 to minimize contact with the reagent while ensuring normal operation. In this usage scenario, the control module 50 can control the drive module 40 to move only horizontally to clean the reagent needle. Cleaning the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10 in this way can increase the cleaning speed and save cleaning time, thereby improving the working efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0057] In some embodiments, the end of the reagent needle 10 that contacts the reagent is the lower end of the reagent needle 10, which is closer to the top of the inner cleaning tank 3112. When the reagent needle 10 moves to directly above the inner cleaning tank 3112 under the drive of the drive module 40, the liquid level of the cleaning fluid flowing upward from the inner cleaning tank 3112 is higher than the sum of the distance from the tip of the reagent needle 10 to the upper surface of the inner cleaning tank 3112 and the liquid absorption depth of the reagent needle 10. The liquid absorption section of the reagent needle 10 (i.e., the part that extends into the reagent or sample during operation) passes through the cleaning fluid flowing upward from the inner cleaning tank 3112 in the lateral direction. During the movement of the reagent needle 10, the outer wall surface of the liquid absorption section of the reagent needle 10 is cleaned.

[0058] Driven by the drive module 40, the reagent needle 10 continues to move to the position of the inner wall cleaning solution storage pool, and draws a certain amount of inner wall cleaning solution through the syringe 332 and returns to the top of the outer wall cleaning pool 311. The inner wall cleaning solution in the reagent needle 10 can be discharged into the outer wall cleaning pool 311 through the syringe 332, thereby completing the cleaning of the reagent needle 10. The inner wall cleaning solution and the cleaning solution are discharged into the waste liquid container 341 through the waste liquid pool 3113 and the drain port 3114, thereby completing the cleaning of the outside and inside of the reagent needle 10. After cleaning is completed, the drive module 40 drives the reagent needle 10 to continue moving and repeat the above steps. It can be understood that for the cleaning of the inner wall of the reagent needle 10, if the operation requirement of cleaning the inner wall with inner wall cleaning solution is not required, cleaning can be performed only with the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution container 301 in the syringe 332. When the reagent needle 10 draws a reagent or sample that is difficult to clean and requires cleaning with inner wall cleaning solution, the reagent needle 10 can continue to move to the position of the inner wall cleaning solution storage pool for cleaning. The control module 50 can select different cleaning methods according to different situations.

[0059] In some embodiments, the liquid levels of both the inner wall cleaning fluid in the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank and the cleaning fluid in the outer wall cleaning tank 311 are set higher than the lower end of the reagent needle 10 when it is translated. This liquid level ensures that the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10 can be cleaned, and also ensures that the reagent needle 10 can draw the inner wall cleaning fluid from the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank through the syringe 332, thereby achieving cleaning of the inner wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0060] When the reagent needle 10 needs to extend significantly below the reagent liquid surface, the control module 50 can control the drive module to move the reagent needle 10 horizontally and vertically, inserting it into the cleaning tank 31 for cleaning. Because the reagent needle 10 can cooperate with the liquid level detection module 60, its outer wall surface can contact the sample or reagent with minimal contact during operation. Therefore, even if the reagent needle 10 needs to move vertically to extend into the outer wall cleaning tank 311 for cleaning, its vertical stroke is shorter than if it were fully immersed in the cleaning tank, allowing for efficient cleaning. In some embodiments, the reagent needle 10 can also be fully immersed in the cleaning tank 31 for cleaning.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the reagent needle cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0062] S1: The control module 50 controls the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank 3112, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the inner cleaning tank 3112.

[0063] In step S1, the control module 50 controls the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank 3112, which may specifically include the following steps:

[0064] S11: Control module 50 controls the first control valve 321 to open and controls the second control valve 331 to close.

[0065] S12: The control module 50 controls the first liquid pump 303 to start, and introduces the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid container 301 into the cleaning inner tank 3112 through the first control valve 321.

[0066] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 supplies cleaning fluid by means of a first liquid pump 303, which supplies the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid container 301 to the inner cleaning tank 3112 through a first control valve 321, causing the cleaning fluid in the inner cleaning tank 3112 to surge upwards to a certain height. This height is set to be the sum of the distance from the tip of the reagent needle 10 to the upper surface of the inner cleaning tank 3112 and the liquid absorption depth of the reagent needle 10.

[0067] S2: The control module 50 controls the drive module 40 to drive the reagent needle 10 to move to the inner cleaning tank 3112 and pass through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank 3112; thus achieving the cleaning of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0068] Specifically, the liquid-absorbing portion of the outer wall of the reagent needle 10 moves relative to the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank 3112, thereby cleaning the outer wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0069] S3: Control module 50 controls drive module 40 to drive reagent needle 10 to move to inner wall cleaning solution storage tank; syringe 332 draws inner wall cleaning solution from inner wall cleaning solution storage tank.

[0070] Specifically, the liquid levels of both the inner wall cleaning solution in the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank and the cleaning solution in the outer wall cleaning tank 311 are set higher than the lower end of the reagent needle 10 when it is being moved horizontally. This liquid level ensures that the outer wall surface of the reagent needle 10 can be cleaned, and also ensures that the reagent needle 10 can draw the inner wall cleaning solution from the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank through the syringe 332, thereby achieving the cleaning of the inner wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0071] S4: Control module 50 controls drive module 40 to drive reagent needle 10 to move to the outer wall cleaning pool; syringe 332 discharges inner wall cleaning fluid from reagent needle 10 to achieve cleaning of the inner wall of reagent needle 10.

[0072] For cleaning the inner wall of the reagent needle 10, some embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0073] S40: The control module 50 controls the syringe 332 to draw the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid container 301 and inject the cleaning fluid into the reagent needle 10, and then discharge it from the inside of the reagent needle 10.

[0074] In step S40, the control module 50 controls the syringe 332 to draw the cleaning fluid from the first cleaning fluid supply unit 32 and discharge the cleaning fluid from the inside of the reagent needle 10. Specifically, this may include the following steps:

[0075] S401: Control module 50 controls the second control valve 331 to open and the first control valve 321 to close;

[0076] S402: Control module 50 controls syringe 332 to draw cleaning fluid from cleaning fluid container 301;

[0077] S403: Control module 50 controls the second control valve 331 to close;

[0078] S404: Control module 50 controls syringe 332 to discharge cleaning fluid from the end of reagent needle 10 away from reagent needle 10, thus discharging the cleaning fluid from inside reagent needle 10.

[0079] Understandably, using the method described in S40 above to clean the inner wall of the reagent needle 10 is typically used when the reagent needle 10 has not drawn up a large amount of reagent or sample and only requires simple cleaning. If it is necessary to clean the inner wall of the reagent needle 10 that has drawn up a large amount of reagent or sample, the method described in S4 above should be preferred, using an inner wall cleaning solution to clean the inner wall of the reagent needle 10.

[0080] Understandably, the above-mentioned technical features can be used in any combination without restriction.

[0081] The above embodiments merely illustrate specific implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features without departing from the concept of the present invention, and can also make several modifications and improvements, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made with respect to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reagent needle cleaning method for a sample analyzer, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes a control module, a drive module, reagent needles, a first cleaning solution supply unit, and an outer wall cleaning tank, wherein the outer wall cleaning tank includes an inner cleaning tank; the reagent needle cleaning method includes the following steps: The control module controls the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the inner cleaning tank; in the step of controlling the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank: the height of the flowing cleaning fluid is greater than the sum of the distance from the tip of the reagent needle to the upper end face of the inner cleaning tank and the liquid absorption depth of the reagent needle, wherein the liquid absorption depth refers to the depth to which the tip of the reagent needle extends into the cleaning fluid. The control module controls the drive module to drive the reagent needle to move horizontally to the inner cleaning tank and pass through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank, thereby cleaning the outer wall of the reagent needle.

2. The reagent needle cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cleaning fluid supply unit includes a cleaning fluid container, a first liquid pump, and a first control valve. The step of controlling the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the cleaning tank includes: The control module controls the first liquid pump to turn on, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the cleaning fluid container; The control module controls the first control valve to open, so that the cleaning fluid flowing out of the cleaning fluid container flows into the inner cleaning tank.

3. The reagent needle cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes a second cleaning solution supply unit; the reagent needle cleaning method further includes the following steps: The control module controls the second cleaning fluid supply unit to inject cleaning fluid into the reagent needle, thereby cleaning the inner wall of the reagent needle.

4. The reagent needle cleaning method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cleaning solution supply unit includes a cleaning solution container, a first liquid pump, and a second control valve. The step of controlling the second cleaning solution supply unit to inject cleaning solution into the reagent needle includes: The control module controls the first liquid pump to turn on, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the cleaning fluid container; The control module controls the second control valve to open, so that the cleaning fluid flowing out of the cleaning fluid container flows into the reagent needle.

5. The reagent needle cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes an inner wall cleaning solution reservoir and a syringe; the reagent needle cleaning method further includes the following steps: The control module controls the drive module to move the reagent needle to the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank; The control module controls the syringe to draw the inner wall cleaning fluid from the inner wall cleaning fluid storage tank into the reagent needle; The control module controls the drive module to drive the reagent needle to be removed from the inner wall cleaning solution storage tank; The control module controls the syringe to dispense the cleaning fluid that aspirates from the inner wall of the reagent needle.

6. A cleaning system, characterized in that, The system includes a control module, a drive module, a reagent needle, a first cleaning solution supply unit, and an outer wall cleaning tank, wherein the outer wall cleaning tank includes an inner cleaning tank; the control module is used for: Control the first cleaning fluid supply unit to supply fluid to the inner cleaning tank, so that the cleaning fluid flows out from the inner cleaning tank; The drive module is controlled to drive the reagent needle to translate to the inner cleaning tank and pass through the cleaning liquid flowing out of the inner cleaning tank, thereby cleaning the outer wall of the reagent needle; The cleaning system also includes a liquid level detection module that is communicatively connected to the control module. The liquid level detection module is used to detect the depth to which the tip of the reagent needle is inserted into the cleaning liquid.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning system includes a test platform, the outer wall cleaning tank is installed on the test platform, and the height of the upper end face of the inner cleaning tank is approximately equal to the height of the upper surface of the test platform.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the cleaning inner tank is flush with the upper surface of the test platform; or, the height of the upper surface of the cleaning inner tank is slightly higher or slightly lower than the height of the upper surface of the test platform.

9. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes the cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-8.

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