A washing station for reaction cups for immunonephelometric test items

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of biochemical instruments, and relates to a cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetry test projects, which comprises a megasonic cleaning unit and a flushing unit. The megasonic cleaning unit comprises one or more ultrasonic generators, a transducer and a reflection baffle. The ultrasonic generators are electrically connected to the transducer. The reflection baffle is arranged at the side of the transducer. A reaction cup channel is formed between the reflection baffle and the transducer. The transducer and the reflection baffle are both located on a water bath. The reaction cup is connected to a reaction cup holder. The flushing unit comprises a liquid suction needle. Two liquid injection needles are arranged at the two sides of the liquid suction needle. After the above structure is adopted, the liquid with suspended latex particles is sucked dry and injected into cleaning liquid and purified water by the cooperation of the megasonic cleaning unit and the flushing unit. Thus, the latex particles adhered to the surface of the cup wall of the reaction cup are cleaned, and the adhesion of the latex particles on the surface of the reaction cup is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biochemical analyzer technology, specifically, it relates to a cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing. Background Technology

[0002] The reaction vessels used in instruments such as fully automated biochemical analyzers and specific protein analyzers are generally referred to as cuvettes or reaction vessels in fully automated biochemical analyzers and reaction vessels in fully automated specific protein analyzers; this article will refer to them collectively as reaction vessels. The surface finish of the inner wall of the reaction vessel is between Ra 0.05 and Ra 0.1, and under a microscopic state, the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel is actually uneven. Immunoturbidimetric assays contain latex particles in the reagents, with latex particle diameters generally between 80nm and 300nm. These latex particles easily adhere to the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel during the testing process. Traditional cleaning methods for analyzers, such as diluting the reaction vessel with cleaning solution and water, rinsing, and surface washing, as well as conventional ultrasonic cleaning, are often insufficient for thorough cleaning.

[0003] Furthermore, after the analytical instrument performs immunoturbidimetric tests, the inner surface of the reaction cup (colorimetric cup) will appear as a white haze after a period of time, affecting the light transmittance of the reaction cup and leading to inaccurate results.

[0004] For reaction cups with a white, hazy appearance on the inner wall: plastic reaction cups need to be replaced, while quartz or glass reaction cups require manual maintenance; this results in high user costs, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the analysis results are not reliable. Therefore, improvements are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing, which offers excellent cleaning performance, saves costs, and ensures accurate analytical results from the analytical instrument.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] As one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing is provided, comprising: a megasonic cleaning unit and a rinsing unit, wherein the megasonic cleaning unit is used to peel off latex particles adhering to the wall of the reaction cup; and the rinsing unit rinses off the peeled latex particles.

[0008] The mega-sonic cleaning unit includes one or more ultrasonic generators, transducers, and reflective baffles. The ultrasonic generators are electrically connected to the transducers. The reflective baffles are located on the side of the transducers, forming a reaction cup channel between the reflective baffles and the transducers. Both the transducers and the reflective baffles are located on a water bath, with the transducers and reflective baffles located on opposite sides of the reaction cup channel. The reaction cups are connected to a reaction cup holder.

[0009] The rinsing unit includes a suction needle, and injection needles are provided on both sides of the suction needle. The outlet of the injection needle is higher than the outlet of the suction needle. The outlet of the injection needle is at a preset angle to the center line of the suction needle. The rinsing unit operates in two phases: a downward movement and an upward movement. During the downward movement, the suction needle dries the liquid in the reaction cup. During the upward movement, liquid is injected into the reaction cup while simultaneously suctioning away the liquid.

[0010] Optionally, the ultrasonic generator may be a front ultrasonic generator, a middle ultrasonic generator, a rear ultrasonic generator, and an end ultrasonic generator arranged sequentially from top to bottom at intervals.

[0011] Optionally, the reaction cup holder is provided with a limiting groove, and the spring of the reaction cup cooperates with the limiting groove.

[0012] Optionally, the reaction cup holder is provided with a reaction cup support.

[0013] Optionally, the transducer's vibration frequency is 0.8MHz to 1.65MHz.

[0014] Alternatively, the reflective baffle may be made of stainless steel.

[0015] Optionally, the megason cleaning unit further includes a base, on which the ultrasonic generator is connected; a reaction cup channel is formed on the base, and the transducer and reflective baffle are respectively connected to the base; the base is connected to a water bath via a connector, and the transducer and reflective baffle are located inside the water bath.

[0016] Alternatively, the two injection needles are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the aspiration needle.

[0017] Optionally, the aspiration needle and the injection needle are integrated by a filler, and the integrated aspiration needle and injection needle are connected to an outer tube, on which a fixing plate is connected.

[0018] Optionally, the system also includes a lifting unit, which comprises a base and a lifting seat. The base is connected to the water bath. The lifting seat is slidably connected to the base and can move up and down on the base. A lifting motor is connected to the base, and the output end of the lifting motor is connected to the lifting seat. The rinsing unit is connected to the lifting seat and is connected to the lifting seat via a fixing plate.

[0019] The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric assays of the present invention has the following advantages: it employs a megasonic cleaning unit and a rinsing unit in combination to absorb the liquid containing suspended latex particles and inject cleaning solution and purified water; thereby cleaning the latex particles adhering to the surface of the reaction cup wall, preventing latex particles from adhering to the surface of the reaction cup; extending the service life of semi-permanent reaction cups (made of plastic) or extending the maintenance cycle of permanent reaction cups (made of glass or quartz), saving users' instrument usage costs, and ensuring the accuracy of instrument analysis results. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning station for the reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning station for the reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 An exploded view of the cleaning station for the reaction cups used in the immunoturbidimetric testing of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the megaacoustic cleaning unit of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the megaacoustic cleaning unit of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the rinsing unit of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the rinsing unit of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting unit of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] This embodiment addresses the technical problem that latex particles (with diameters typically between 80nm and 300nm) are present in the reagents of immunoturbidimetric assays and tend to adhere to the inner wall of the reaction vessel during testing. Traditional analyzer cleaning methods, such as diluting the reaction vessel with cleaning solution and water, rinsing, and surface washing, along with conventional ultrasonic cleaning, are insufficient to completely remove these particles.

[0031] One embodiment of this application provides a cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing, such as... Figures 1-7 As shown, it includes: a megasonic cleaning unit 1, used to peel off latex particles with a diameter of 80nm-300nm that are attached to the wall of the reaction vessel;

[0032] Rinsing unit 2 rinses the detached latex particles;

[0033] The mega-sonic cleaning unit 1 includes one or more ultrasonic generators 11, transducers 12, and reflective baffles 13. To ensure complete removal of latex particles, four groups of ultrasonic generators 11 are used, arranged sequentially from top to bottom: a front ultrasonic generator 111, a middle ultrasonic generator 112, a rear ultrasonic generator 113, and a final ultrasonic generator 114. The ultrasonic generators 11 are electrically connected to the transducers 12. The ultrasonic generators 11 provide electrical energy and generate high-frequency sinusoidal current signals. The transducers 12 convert the electrical energy into mechanical vibration energy and generate ultrasonic waves. It should be noted that the connection between the ultrasonic generators 11 and the transducers 12... The structure and working process are all existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. The reflective baffle 13 is located on the side of the transducer 12, and a reaction cup channel 14 is formed between the reflective baffle 13 and the transducer 12. The reaction cup channel 14 is used for placing the reaction cup 4 during cleaning. During cleaning, the transducer 12 and the reflective baffle 13 are both located on the water bath 3, and the transducer 12 and the reflective baffle 13 are respectively located on both sides of the reaction cup channel 14. The reaction cup 4 is connected to the reaction cup holder 5. The reaction cup holder 5 is provided with a limiting groove 51, and the spring piece of the reaction cup 4 cooperates with the limiting groove 51 to make the reaction cup 4 difficult to move after installation. The reaction cup holder 5 is provided with a reaction cup support 52 for supporting the reaction cup 4.

[0034] Furthermore, the transducer 12 has a vibration frequency of 0.8MHz to 1.65MHz. The transducer 12 emits high-energy ultrasonic waves with a wavelength of no more than 1μm and a frequency of more than 0.8MHz. Under the impetus of these high-energy ultrasonic waves, the liquid molecules on the wall of the reaction cup 4 are accelerated and continuously impact the surface of the reaction cup 4 with high-speed fluid waves. This forces the latex particles attached to the surface of the reaction cup 4 to be removed and enter the cleaning liquid, thereby peeling the latex particles with a diameter of 80nm-300nm from the wall of the reaction cup 4.

[0035] The reflector baffle 13 is made of stainless steel and serves to reflect ultrasonic waves onto the wall of the reaction cup 4 opposite the transducer 12, reducing the problem of inconsistent latex particle peeling on both sides of the reaction cup 4 due to power loss. The reflector baffle can be in various forms, such as a straight plate or a bent plate, depending on the structure of the reaction cup 4. The reflector baffle 13 is used to enhance the reflection effect of ultrasonic waves and optimize the accuracy of measurement or detection.

[0036] As further explained, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the megasonic cleaning unit 1 also includes a base 15, and the ultrasonic generator 11 is connected to the base 15; a reaction cup channel 14 is formed on the base 15, and the transducer 12 and the reflector 13 are respectively connected to the base 15, and the transducer 12 and the reflector 13 are respectively located on both sides of the reaction cup channel 14; the base 15 is connected to the water bath 3 through a connector 16, so that the transducer 12 and the reflector 13 are located in the water bath 3, which facilitates the installation of the megasonic cleaning unit 1.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figures 6-7 As shown, the rinsing unit 2 includes a suction needle 21, which is a single needle. Two injection needles 22 are respectively provided on both sides of the suction needle 21, symmetrically arranged around the center line of the suction needle 21. The suction needle 21 is used to aspirate the cleaned liquid from the reaction cup 4, and the injection needles 22 are used to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup 4. The outlet of the injection needle 22 is higher than the outlet of the suction needle 21. The outlet of the injection needle 22 forms a preset angle with the center line of the suction needle 21, which is 45 degrees. During the injection process, the injection needle 22 flushes the wall of the reaction cup 4, allowing the latex particles detached from the wall of the reaction cup 4 by the megasonic cleaning unit 1 to move away from the wall of the reaction cup 4, preventing the latex particles from re-adhering to the wall of the reaction cup 4. The suction working principle of the injection needle 22 and the suction needle 21 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] It should be noted that, in order to achieve better cleaning results, multiple sets of rinsing units 2 are configured. In this example, there are seven sets of rinsing units 2. Each reaction cup 4 is cleaned sequentially by rotating the reaction cup holder 5 via a rotating disk. Finally, a cleaning brush is also provided to further clean the reaction cup 4. The megasonic cleaning unit 1 in each set of rinsing units 2 works continuously to peel off the latex particles on the cup wall of the reaction cup 4.

[0039] As further explained, such as Figures 6-7As shown, the aspiration needle 21 and the injection needle 22 are integrated by the filler 23. The integrated aspiration needle 21 and injection needle 22 are connected to the outer tube 24, making it easier to install the aspiration needle 21 and injection needle 22. A fixing plate 25 is connected to the outer tube 24 for easy fixing. The two ends of the aspiration needle 21 and the injection needle 22 extend to the outside of the outer tube 24, that is, the outer tube 24 plays a relatively fixing role.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, it also includes a lifting unit 6, which includes a base 61 and a lifting seat 62. The base 61 is connected to the water bath 3; the lifting seat 62 is slidably connected to the base 61 via a slider and a slide rail, and can move up and down on the base 61; a lifting motor 63 is connected to the base 61, and the output end of the lifting motor 63 is connected to the lifting seat 62, driving the lifting seat 62 to move up and down on the base 61; the rinsing unit 2 is connected to the lifting seat 62, and the rinsing unit 2 moves up and down in the reaction cup channel 14, as shown. Figure 5 As shown; the rinsing unit 2 is connected to the lifting seat 62 via the fixing plate 25; the rinsing unit 2 operates in two stages: downward movement and upward movement. During the downward movement, the suction needle 21 sucks up the liquid in the reaction cup 4, and during the upward movement, liquid is injected into the reaction cup 4 while simultaneously sucking up the liquid. In this way, the liquid with suspended latex particles can be sucked up and cleaning solution or purified water can be injected; thereby cleaning the latex particles attached to the surface of the reaction cup wall and preventing the latex particles from adhering to the surface of the reaction cup.

[0041] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric assays, characterized in that, It includes: a megasonic cleaning unit and a rinsing unit, wherein the megasonic cleaning unit is used to peel off latex particles adhering to the wall of the reaction vessel; and the rinsing unit rinses off the peeled latex particles. The mega-sonic cleaning unit includes one or more ultrasonic generators, transducers, and reflective baffles. The ultrasonic generators are electrically connected to the transducers. The reflective baffles are located on the side of the transducers, forming a reaction cup channel between the reflective baffles and the transducers. Both the transducers and the reflective baffles are located on a water bath, with the transducers and reflective baffles located on opposite sides of the reaction cup channel. The reaction cups are connected to a reaction cup holder. The rinsing unit includes a suction needle, and injection needles are provided on both sides of the suction needle. The outlet of the injection needle is higher than the outlet of the suction needle. The outlet of the injection needle forms a preset angle with the center line of the suction needle. The rinsing unit operates in two phases: a downward movement and an upward movement. During the downward movement, the suction needle dries the liquid in the reaction cup. During the upward movement, liquid is injected into the reaction cup while simultaneously suctioning away the liquid. The aspiration needle and the injection needle are integrated by a packing material. The integrated aspiration needle and injection needle are connected to the outer tube, and a fixing plate is connected to the outer tube. It also includes a lifting unit, which includes a base and a lifting seat. The base is connected to the water bath. The lifting seat is slidably connected to the base and can move up and down on the base. A lifting motor is connected to the base, and the output end of the lifting motor is connected to the lifting seat. The rinsing unit is connected to the lifting seat and is connected to the lifting seat through a fixing plate.

2. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generator consists of a front ultrasonic generator, a middle ultrasonic generator, a rear ultrasonic generator, and an end ultrasonic generator arranged sequentially from top to bottom at intervals.

3. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction cup holder is provided with a limiting groove, and the spring piece of the reaction cup cooperates with the limiting groove.

4. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The reaction cup rack is equipped with a reaction cup support.

5. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transducer has a vibration frequency of 0.8MHz to 1.65MHz.

6. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective baffle is made of stainless steel.

7. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The megasonic cleaning unit also includes a base, on which the ultrasonic generator is connected; a reaction cup channel is formed on the base, and the transducer and reflective baffle are respectively connected to the base; the base is connected to a water bath via a connector, and the transducer and reflective baffle are located inside the water bath.

8. The cleaning station for reaction cups used in immunoturbidimetric testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two injection needles are symmetrically arranged around the center line of the aspiration needle.

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