Sample analyzer and ultrasonic cleaning device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a sample analyzer and an ultrasonic cleaning device, and belongs to the technical field of in-vitro diagnostic medical treatment, and the sample analyzer comprises a separate injection mechanism and the ultrasonic cleaning device. The ultrasonic cleaning device comprises an ultrasonic generator, a cleaning pool and an ultrasonic reflecting part; the ultrasonic generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a vibration part which are connected with each other; the cleaning pool comprises a liquid storage cavity used for storing cleaning liquid, the ultrasonic reflecting part and the vibration part are arranged separately, the vibration end, away from the ultrasonic transducer, of the vibration part is inserted into the liquid storage cavity, and the end face of the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflecting face of the ultrasonic reflecting part are oppositely arranged in a spaced mode. A cleaning channel communicated with the opening is formed between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflecting part, so that the pipetting needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning. The liquid path supporting mechanism is used for providing cleaning liquid for the liquid storage cavity. According to the sample analyzer and the ultrasonic cleaning device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the pipetting needle can be uniformly cleaned.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on Chinese patent application with application number 202410585960.2 and application date May 11, 2024, and Chinese patent application with application number 202310804245.9 and application date June 30, 2023, and claims the priority of the above two Chinese patent applications. The entire contents of the above two Chinese patent applications are hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic medical technology, and in particular to a sample analyzer and an ultrasonic cleaning device. Background Art

[0004] The sample analyzer is equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning tank and an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic transmitter adds ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency and power to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, and the microbubbles in the cleaning liquid vibrate under the action of the sound field. When the sound pressure reaches a certain value, the bubbles grow rapidly and then collapse rapidly. When the cavitation bubbles collapse, tiny jets and shock waves are generated, and physical and chemical effects such as high temperature, high pressure, luminescence, and discharge are generated around them. The impact effect generated by the ultrasonic cavitation process can be used to peel contaminants off the surface of the cleaned workpiece, and the contaminants are destroyed and dispersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank. In the related art, the surface cleaning of the pipette needle is not uniform enough. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application are intended to provide a sample analyzer and an ultrasonic cleaning device so that the surface of the pipette needle can be cleaned evenly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present application provides a sample analyzer, including:

[0007] The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle for sucking or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent;

[0008] An ultrasonic cleaning device comprises an ultrasonic generator, a cleaning tank and an ultrasonic reflector, wherein the ultrasonic generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a vibrating part connected to each other; the cleaning tank comprises a liquid storage chamber for storing cleaning liquid, wherein the liquid storage chamber is provided with an opening; the ultrasonic reflector and the vibrating part are arranged separately, wherein a vibrating end of the vibrating part away from the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the liquid storage chamber, wherein an end face of the vibrating end is opposite to and spaced from an ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector along a first direction, so that the ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector reflects the ultrasonic wave generated by the vibrating end along the first direction, and a cleaning channel connected to the opening is formed between the vibrating end and the ultrasonic reflector along a second direction, so that the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel along the second direction through the opening for cleaning, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction;

[0009] A liquid circuit supporting mechanism is used to provide the cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present application, since the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening along the second direction for cleaning, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibrating end can better act on the side of the end face of the pipette needle facing the vibrating end, so that the side of the end face of the pipette needle facing the vibrating end can be better cleaned. The ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibrating end along the first direction is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave reflecting part through the cleaning liquid, and the ultrasonic wave reflecting part reflects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflecting part can better act on the side of the end face of the pipette needle away from the vibrating end, so that the surface of the side of the pipette needle facing the end face and the surface of the side away from the end face can be cleaned more evenly.

[0011] The present application provides an ultrasonic cleaning device, comprising:

[0012] An ultrasonic generator, comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a vibration part connected to each other;

[0013] A cleaning tank, the cleaning tank comprising a liquid storage cavity for storing cleaning liquid, the liquid storage cavity being provided with an opening, an ultrasonic reflector being provided in the liquid storage cavity, the ultrasonic reflector being provided separately from the ultrasonic generator, the vibration end of the vibrating portion away from the ultrasonic transducer being inserted into the liquid storage cavity, the end face of the vibration end being opposite to the ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector and being provided at intervals, a cleaning channel connected to the opening being formed between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflector, so that the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning.

[0014] The present application embodiment provides a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0015] The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle for sucking or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent;

[0016] An ultrasonic cleaning device comprises an ultrasonic generator and a cleaning pool, wherein the ultrasonic generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a vibrating part connected to each other; the cleaning pool comprises a pool wall, wherein the pool wall forms a liquid storage cavity for storing a cleaning liquid, and the liquid storage cavity is provided with an opening; a vibrating end of the vibrating part away from the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the liquid storage cavity, an ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element forms a part of the inner surface of the pool wall, an end surface of the vibrating end is opposite to and spaced from the ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element, and a cleaning channel connected to the opening is formed between the vibrating end and the ultrasonic reflecting element, so that the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning;

[0017] A liquid circuit supporting mechanism is used to provide the cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present application, since the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibrating end can better act on the side of the end face of the pipette needle facing the vibrating end, so that the side of the end face of the pipette needle facing the vibrating end can be better cleaned. At least part of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibrating end is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave reflecting member through the cleaning liquid, and the ultrasonic wave reflecting member reflects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflecting member can better act on the side of the end face of the pipette needle away from the vibrating end, so that the surface of the side of the pipette needle facing the end face and the surface of the side away from the end face can be cleaned more evenly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic cleaning device and a pipette needle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] Sample unit 11; sample dispensing mechanism 12; reagent unit 13; reagent dispensing mechanism 14; mixing mechanism 15; reaction component 16; optical measuring component 17; ultrasonic cleaning device 200; ultrasonic generator 21; ultrasonic transducer 211; convex ring 2111; vibration part 212; end surface 212a of the vibration end; cut surface 212b; arc surface 212c; cleaning pool 22; liquid storage chamber 221; first liquid discharge port 221a; first bottom wall 2215; Second bottom wall 2214; first overflow chamber 222; second overflow chamber 223; second liquid discharge port 222a, 223a; first side wall 2211; second side wall 2212; third side wall 2213; overflow port 221c; first sealing ring 231; second sealing ring 232; flange 233; screw 24; ultrasonic reflector 35; ultrasonic reflective surface 351; first mounting port 33; second mounting port 34; cleaning channel 31; pipette needle 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] The various specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction, for example, different embodiments and technical solutions can be formed by combining different specific technical features. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, various possible combinations of the specific technical features in the present invention will not be described separately.

[0028] In the following description, the terms "first\second\..." are only used to distinguish different objects, and do not mean that the objects have the same or related points. It should be understood that the directions "above", "below", "outside" and "inside" are all directions in normal use, and the directions "left" and "right" refer to the left and right directions shown in the specific corresponding schematic diagrams, which may be the left and right directions in normal use or not.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0030] An embodiment of the present application provides a sample analyzer.

[0031] The specific type of the sample analyzer is not limited, for example, it can be an immunoassay analyzer, a biochemistry analyzer, a coagulation analyzer, a blood rheology analyzer, etc.

[0032] Before describing the present invention in detail, the structure of a sample analyzer is first described as an example.

[0033] See also Figure 1 The sample analyzer may include a sample unit 11, a sample dispensing mechanism 12, a reagent unit 13, a reagent dispensing mechanism 14, a mixing mechanism 15, a reaction component 16, and a light measuring component 17.

[0034] The sample unit 11 is used to carry samples. The sample unit 11 may be a sample tray, which includes a plurality of sample positions such as sample tubes, and the sample tray can be dispatched to corresponding positions, for example, positions for the sample dispensing mechanism 12 to absorb samples, by rotating its tray structure.

[0035] The sample dispensing mechanism 12 is used to absorb the sample and discharge it into the reaction cup to be loaded with the sample. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 is equipped with a sample needle, which moves to absorb the sample carried by the sample unit 11, moves to the reaction cup to be loaded with the sample, and discharges the sample into the reaction cup.

[0036] The reagent unit 13 is used to carry the reagent. In one embodiment, the reagent unit 13 may be a reagent disk, which is a disk-shaped structure with multiple positions for carrying reagent containers. The reagent unit 13 can rotate and drive the reagent container it carries to rotate, and is used to rotate the reagent container to a specific position, such as a position where the reagent is sucked by the reagent dispensing mechanism 14. The number of the reagent units 13 may be one or more.

[0037] The reagent dispensing mechanism 14 is used to absorb the reagent and discharge it into the reaction cup to be added with the reagent. The reagent dispensing mechanism 14 is equipped with a reagent needle, which moves to absorb the reagent carried by the reagent unit 13, moves to the reaction cup to be added with the reagent, and discharges the reagent into the reaction cup.

[0038] The mixing mechanism 15 is used to mix the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. Exemplarily, the mixing mechanism 15 is configured with a stirring rod, and the stirring rod is used to mix and stir the reaction liquid in the reaction cup.

[0039] The number of the mixing mechanism 15 can be one or more.

[0040] The reaction component 16 has at least one placement position, and the placement position is used to place the reaction cup and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. For example, the reaction component 16 can be a reaction disk, which is arranged in a disc-shaped structure and has one or more placement positions for placing the reaction cup. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cup in its placement position to rotate, so as to arrange the reaction cup in the reaction disk and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cup.

[0041] The light measuring component 17 is used to perform light measurement on the reaction solution after incubation to obtain the reaction data of the sample. For example, the light measuring component 17 detects the luminous intensity of the reaction solution to be measured, and calculates the concentration of the component to be measured in the sample through the calibration curve. In one embodiment, the light measuring component 17 is separately arranged outside the reaction component 16.

[0042] It should be noted that the optical measurement analysis may be immunoassay, biochemical analysis, coagulation analysis, blood rheology analysis, and the like.

[0043] The specific type of the sample is not limited, and can be body fluids such as serum, blood, plasma, spinal fluid, urine, gastric juice, intestinal fluid, bile, saliva, tears, or solutions from organisms such as cell extracts, or solutions used in medical treatment such as dialysate, infusion, nutrients, and medicines.

[0044] For example, to avoid cross contamination of samples / reagents, the sample needle / reagent needle should be cleaned after sampling and adding. The next sampling and adding action can only be performed after cleaning is completed.

[0045] The sample analyzer of the embodiment of the present application includes a dispensing mechanism, a liquid path supporting mechanism, and an ultrasonic cleaning device 200 .

[0046] The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle 4 for aspirating or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent.

[0047] The ultrasonic cleaning device 200 includes an ultrasonic generator 21 , a cleaning tank 22 and an ultrasonic reflector 35 .

[0048] See also Figures 2 to 5 The ultrasonic generator 21 includes an ultrasonic transducer 211 and a vibration part 212 connected to each other. The vibration part 212 can also be understood as a horn, which can amplify the particle displacement or velocity of the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 211 and concentrate the ultrasonic energy on the end surface 212a of the vibration part 212 away from the vibration end of the ultrasonic transducer 211.

[0049] See also Figures 1 to 5 The cleaning pool 22 includes a liquid storage chamber 221 for storing cleaning liquid, and the liquid storage chamber 221 is provided with an opening. The pipette needle 4 passes through the opening and enters the liquid storage chamber 221 for cleaning. The liquid path support mechanism is used to provide cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber 221.

[0050] See also Figures 2 to 4 The vibration end of the vibration part 212 away from the ultrasonic transducer 211 is inserted into the liquid storage cavity 221. The end surface 212a of the vibration end is used to emit ultrasonic waves into the liquid storage cavity 221.

[0051] In the related art, the ultrasonic emitting surface, i.e., the end face of the vibration end, is located on one side of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle. When the pipette needle passes through the opening and enters the liquid storage cavity for cleaning, the side of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle and toward the end face of the vibration end can be impacted by the ultrasonic wave and thus be better cleaned. However, the side of the end face of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle and away from the vibration end is blocked by the pipette needle itself, so that the effect of the ultrasonic wave is weak, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibration end can hardly reach the side of the end face of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle and away from the vibration end. Therefore, the side of the end face of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle and toward the vibration end that enters the liquid storage cavity for cleaning through the opening can be better cleaned by the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibration end. The side of the end face of the pipette needle along the radial direction of the pipette needle and away from the vibration end that enters the liquid storage cavity for cleaning through the opening is difficult to reach by the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face of the vibration end, resulting in poor cleaning effect, and the surface cleaning of the pipette needle along both sides of the radial direction of the pipette needle is uneven.

[0052] In the present application, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 An ultrasonic reflector 35 is provided in the liquid storage chamber 221, and the ultrasonic reflector 35 and the vibration part 212 are separately provided, that is, the ultrasonic reflector 35 and the vibration part 212 are not in contact, and the ultrasonic reflector 35 will not emit ultrasonic waves to the cleaning liquid. The end face 212a of the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflective surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflector 35 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along a first direction, so that the ultrasonic reflective surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflector 35 reflects the ultrasonic wave generated by the vibration end along the first direction, and a cleaning channel 31 connected to the opening is formed along a second direction between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflector 35, so that the pipette needle 4 can be inserted into the cleaning channel 31 through the opening along the second direction for cleaning. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Exemplarily, with Figure 4 For example, the first direction is roughly Figure 4 The left and right directions of the paper, the second direction is roughly Figure 4 The up and down direction of the paper.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present application, since the pipette needle 4 is inserted into the cleaning channel 31 through the opening along the second direction for cleaning, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face 212a of the vibration end can better act on the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 facing the vibration end, so that the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 facing the vibration end can be better cleaned. The ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face 212a of the vibration end along the first direction is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 through the cleaning liquid, and the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 reflects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 can better act on the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 away from the vibration end, so that the surface of the pipette needle 4 on the side facing the end face and the surface on the side away from the end face can be cleaned more evenly.

[0054] In addition, the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 35, so that the reflected ultrasonic wave cleans the surface of the side of the end face 212a of the moving needle 4 away from the vibration end. At this time, the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 35 can also play the role of an ultrasonic transmitter. For example, in some comparative examples, two ultrasonic transmitters are arranged at a relative interval, and the pipette needle is placed between the vibrating end faces of the two ultrasonic transmitters for cleaning, which consumes a lot of energy, has a complex structure, and is costly. In the embodiment of the present application, an ultrasonic generator 21 and an ultrasonic wave reflecting member 35 are used in combination, so that a relatively comprehensive cleaning of the circumferential surface of the pipette needle can be achieved with relatively low energy consumption, which has a simple structure, low energy consumption, and low cost, and is more conducive to productization.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, the vibration part 212 directly transmits the ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid, and there is no need to ultrasonically vibrate the wall of the cleaning tank 22. Therefore, it is possible to improve the stress conditions of the wall of the cleaning tank 22 and reduce the requirements for the fatigue strength and structural strength of the wall. In addition, the input-output conversion efficiency of the ultrasonic wave is higher.

[0056] When the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 22 needs to be discharged, in some embodiments, the cleaning liquid can be pumped away through the opening by a pump and a suction pipeline.

[0057] In other embodiments, the liquid storage chamber 221 is provided with a first liquid discharge port 221a, and when the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221 needs to be discharged, the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221 can be discharged from the first liquid discharge port 221a. Exemplarily, the first liquid discharge port 221a is provided at the lowest position of the bottom wall of the liquid storage chamber 221, so as to facilitate the emptying of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221.

[0058] Ultrasonic waves are longitudinal waves, and the end face 212a of the vibrating end of the vibrating part 212 is the ultrasonic emitting surface. The energy density of the ultrasonic energy field at the end face 212a of the vibrating end is higher, and the sound field is more concentrated. Therefore, when the pipette needle 4 is in the cleaning channel 31 between the end face 212a of the vibrating end and the ultrasonic reflecting surface 351, it has a better cleaning effect.

[0059] The method in which the liquid path support mechanism provides the cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber 221 is not limited.

[0060] For example, in some embodiments, the liquid circuit support mechanism includes a water tank, which is connected to the pipette needle 4 through a water supply pipeline, and the water supply pipeline is connected to a water pump and a syringe, an electromagnetic valve is connected between the syringe and the water pump, and the syringe is connected to a drive motor, which drives the piston movement of the syringe so that the pipette needle 4 absorbs and discharges liquid under the action of the power provided by the syringe.

[0061] Specifically, when the target liquid needs to be sucked, the solenoid valve is closed, and the piston of the syringe moves to realize the action of sucking and discharging the target liquid of the pipette needle 4. When the pipette needle 4 needs to be cleaned, the solenoid valve is opened, and the water pump pumps water into the water supply pipeline, so that water is continuously discharged from the pipette needle 4, and the cleaning liquid is discharged into the liquid storage chamber 221 through the pipette needle 4. This process can also perform preliminary cleaning on the inner wall of the pipette needle 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pipette needle 4 is reused, that is, the pipette needle 4 is used for both aspirating and discharging the target liquid and injecting the cleaning liquid into the liquid storage chamber 221 , so that the structure of the sample analyzer can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the liquid path support mechanism may not inject liquid into the liquid storage chamber 221 through the pipette needle 4, for example, the liquid may be injected into the liquid storage chamber 221 through components such as pipelines and nozzles.

[0064] Exemplarily, the cleaning tank 22 includes a tank wall, which forms a liquid storage cavity 221 .

[0065] Exemplarily, the pool wall is provided with a first mounting opening 33, and the first mounting opening 33 penetrates the pool wall of the liquid storage chamber 221, and the ultrasonic reflector 35 is mounted at the first mounting opening 33, so that the side of the ultrasonic reflector 35 facing away from the liquid storage chamber 221 is in contact with the air. Specifically, one side of the ultrasonic reflector 35 faces the inside of the liquid storage chamber 221 and contacts with the cleaning liquid, and the other side of the ultrasonic reflector 35 faces the outside of the liquid storage chamber 221 and contacts with the air. The interface between the ultrasonic reflector 35 and the cleaning liquid, and the interface between the ultrasonic reflector 35 and the air, have obvious acoustic impedance differences, and both have good ultrasonic reflection effects, so that the ultrasonic reflector 35 can reflect more ultrasonic waves back to the cleaning liquid, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the pipette needle 4.

[0066] The ultrasonic reflector 35 may be a solid structure or a hollow structure.

[0067] Exemplarily, the ultrasonic reflector 35 has a hollow cavity therein, and the hollow cavity contains gas. In other words, the hollow cavity forms an air interlayer. The air interlayer can enhance the ultrasonic reflection effect of the ultrasonic reflector 35. In this way, whether the ultrasonic reflector 35 is completely disposed inside the liquid storage cavity 221 or installed in the first installation port 33, it can achieve a good ultrasonic reflection effect.

[0068] Exemplarily, the acoustic impedance of the material of the ultrasonic reflector 35 is greater than or equal to twice the acoustic impedance of the cleaning liquid. Thus, when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid and the ultrasonic reflective surface 351, a good ultrasonic reflection effect can be achieved at the interface.

[0069] The material of the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 35 may be, for example, metal.

[0070] Exemplarily, the material of the pool wall of the cleaning pool 22 is plastic, and the material of the ultrasonic reflector 35 is metal. The plastic material is not easy to generate noise during ultrasonic vibration, which can effectively reduce the noise of the cleaning pool 22 during cleaning. In addition, the metal ultrasonic reflector 35 can have a good ultrasonic reflection effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, both noise can be reduced and ultrasonic cleaning effect can be taken into account.

[0071] Exemplarily, the pool wall is provided with a second mounting opening 34, and the vibration end of the vibration part 212 away from the ultrasonic transducer 211 is inserted into the liquid storage cavity 221 through the second mounting opening 34, and a sealing member is provided at the position where the second mounting opening 34 is located. The sealing member is used to seal the gap between the second mounting opening 34 and the ultrasonic transducer 211, thereby reducing the probability of leakage of the cleaning liquid from the second mounting opening 34. In this embodiment, the vibration part 212 will not be inserted into the liquid storage cavity 221 from the opening, so that the vibration part 212 can be completely or mostly immersed in the cleaning liquid, thereby improving the fogging phenomenon at the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the related art.

[0072] The shape of the end surface 212a of the vibration end is not limited. The end surface 212a of the vibration end can be a flat surface or a concave surface.

[0073] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the end face 212a of the vibration end is a plane. For example, the shape of the end face 212a of the vibration end includes one of a rectangle, an ellipse, and an oval. For example, in an embodiment in which the shape of the end face 212a of the vibration end of the vibration part 212 is rectangular, the long side of the rectangle can be arranged approximately along the vertical direction, and the short side of the rectangle can be arranged approximately along the horizontal direction. For another example, in an embodiment in which the shape of the end face 212a of the vibration end is elliptical, the major axis of the ellipse can be arranged approximately along the vertical direction, and the minor axis of the ellipse can be arranged approximately along the horizontal direction. For another example, in an embodiment in which the shape of the end face 212a of the vibration end is oval, the major axis of the ellipse can be arranged approximately along the vertical direction, and the minor axis of the ellipse can be arranged approximately along the horizontal direction.

[0074] It should be noted that a waist circle refers to a closed figure formed by dividing a circle into two semicircular arcs through the center of the circle and translating them in opposite directions, and connecting the end points of the two semicircular arcs with two equal-length parallel lines.

[0075] In other embodiments, the end surface 212a of the vibration end is a concave surface. In this embodiment, the end surface has the function of focusing the ultrasonic wave, so that the ultrasonic wave can be more concentratedly propagated toward the cleaning channel 31, so that the sound field energy of the cleaning channel 31 is concentrated, and the cleaning effect is improved.

[0076] The specific shape of the concave surface is not limited.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, the concave surface is a spherical segment, or a V-shaped surface, or a U-shaped surface, or a C-shaped surface. The spherical segment is the remaining part after a spherical surface is cut by a plane, and the spherical segment is a part of the spherical surface.

[0078] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic wave reflecting surface 351 of the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 35 is a plane. The ultrasonic wave reflecting surface 351 is a plane.

[0079] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic reflecting surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflecting member 35 is recessed toward the side away from the vibration portion. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic reflecting surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflecting member 35 has the function of focusing the ultrasonic wave, so that the ultrasonic wave can be more concentratedly propagated toward the cleaning channel 31, so that the sound field energy of the cleaning channel 31 is concentrated, and the cleaning effect is improved.

[0080] In one embodiment, the specific shape of the concave surface is not limited.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic reflecting surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflecting member 35 is a spherical segment, or a V-shaped surface, or a U-shaped surface, or a C-shaped surface. The spherical segment is the remaining part of a spherical surface after being cut by a plane, and the spherical segment is a part of the spherical surface.

[0082] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4, the minimum width w between the end surface 212a of the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflection surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflection member 35 is greater than or equal to 4 mm (millimeter), that is, w≥4 mm. In other words, along the direction of the end surface toward the ultrasonic reflection surface 351, the minimum width of the cleaning channel 31 is 4 mm. In this way, the pipette needle 4 can be smoothly inserted into the cleaning channel 31, and it is not easy to hit the needle, which reduces the positioning accuracy requirement of the pipette needle 4.

[0083] In some embodiments, w is 4 mm to 10 mm. This width can facilitate the smooth insertion of the pipette needle 4 into the cleaning channel 31 without being too large, which is conducive to the compact structure of the cleaning pool 22 and the reduction of the amount of cleaning liquid.

[0084] For example, see Figure 4 , the distance h between the upper edge of the end surface 212a of the vibration end and the bottom wall of the pool below the cleaning channel 31 is not less than 20mm, that is, h≥20mm. In this way, at least 20mm of the length of the pipette needle 4 passes through the ultrasonic cleaning at the cleaning channel 31. For details, please refer to Figure 2 The tip of the pipette needle 4 first extends into the cleaning channel 31. As the pipette needle 4 gradually moves downward, the total length of the pipette needle 4 passing through the cleaning channel 31 is not less than 20 mm. In this way, at least the cleaning requirements of the tip of the pipette needle 4 and the area near the tip can be met.

[0085] It is understandable that the tip of the pipette needle 4 and the area near the tip have the greatest need for cleaning, and the end of the pipette needle 4 close to the moving part generally does not need to contact the sample, reagent, etc., so the cleaning demand is not great or does not need to be cleaned.

[0086] Exemplarily, the distance h between the upper edge of the end face 212a of the vibration end and the bottom wall of the pool below the end face 212a of the vibration end is 20mm to 100mm. For example, 20mm, 26mm, 30mm, 34mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, etc. When the pipette needle absorbs the whole blood sample, it needs to descend to a deeper part of the sample tube to absorb the sample. The contamination height of the outer surface of the needle is relatively high. The distance between the upper edge of the end face 212a of the vibration end and the bottom wall of the pool below the end face 212a of the vibration end is not less than 20mm, so as to clean the contamination caused by the pipette needle absorbing the whole blood sample. Preferably, it is not less than 40mm, and more preferably, it is not less than 60mm. In this field, the length of the pipette needle is usually not too long. The upper edge of the end face 212a of the vibrating end and the bottom wall of the pool below the end face 212a of the vibrating end are 100 mm, which can better clean the outer surface of the needle without wasting the cleaning liquid due to the cleaning pool being too deep.

[0087] Exemplarily, the distance h between the upper edge of the end surface 212a of the vibration end and the bottom wall of the pool below the end surface 212a of the vibration end is not less than 60 mm. That is, 60 mm ≤ h ≤ 100 mm, for example, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, etc. If the distance is too large, far exceeding the length of various types of pipette needles 4, on the one hand, the size is too large, which is not conducive to compactness, and on the other hand, it is more wasteful of cleaning fluid.

[0088] In some embodiments, the distance between the upper edge of the end surface 212a of the vibrating end and the bottom wall of the pool below the end surface 212a of the vibrating end is not greater than 100 mm, that is, 60 mm ≤ h ≤ 100 mm, for example, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, etc.

[0089] For example, see Figures 2 to 4 The bottom wall of the pool wall includes a first bottom wall 2215 and a second bottom wall 2214, the first bottom wall 2215 is higher than the second bottom wall 2214, and the second bottom wall 2214 is located below the cleaning channel 31. For example, the bottom wall of the pool is a stepped structure. The depth of the liquid storage chamber 221 above the first bottom wall 2215 is less than the depth of the part above the second bottom wall 2214. During ultrasonic cleaning, the pipetting needle 4 is cleaned in the area above the second bottom wall 2214. Therefore, the depth of the area above the second bottom wall 2214 can meet the cleaning depth requirement of the pipetting needle 4, and the raised design of the first bottom wall 2215 can reduce the volume of the liquid storage chamber 221 and reduce the amount of cleaning solution while meeting the cleaning requirements of the pipetting needle 4.

[0090] In some other embodiments, the bottom wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 may not be partially elevated, but the bottom wall may be kept flat.

[0091] The vibration part 212 may be arranged horizontally or inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0092] In some embodiments, the vibration part 212 may be arranged horizontally, in other embodiments, the vibration end may be arranged tilted upward, and in still other embodiments, the vibration end may also be arranged tilted downward.

[0093] Exemplarily, any part of the vibration part 212 does not exceed the liquid level when the liquid storage chamber 221 overflows. The liquid level when overflowing is the designed maximum liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221, that is, the theoretical maximum value of the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221 is the liquid level when overflowing. It should be noted that in actual use, the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber 221 can be at the liquid level when overflowing, or it can be lower than the liquid level when overflowing.

[0094] In this embodiment, the vibration part 212 can be substantially or mostly submerged in the cleaning liquid, which can further improve or avoid the fogging phenomenon on the liquid surface.

[0095] For example, see Figures 2 to 4 The cleaning pool 22 also includes a first overflow chamber 222 , which is used to receive the cleaning liquid overflowing from the liquid storage chamber 221 .

[0096] When the liquid path support mechanism continues to inject liquid into the liquid storage chamber 221 and the overflow liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221 is reached, the excess cleaning liquid overflows into the first overflow chamber 222 and does not spread to the outside of the cleaning pool 22 .

[0097] For example, see Figures 2 to 4 The first overflow chamber 222 is provided with second liquid discharge ports 222a and 223a, and the second liquid discharge ports 222a and 223a are used to discharge the cleaning liquid in the first overflow chamber 222.

[0098] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the second drain ports 222a, 223a may be in a normally open state, that is, as long as the cleaning liquid enters the first overflow chamber 222, it can be discharged from the second drain ports 222a, 223a at any time. In other embodiments, a control valve is provided at the second drain ports 222a, 223a, or a control valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the second drain ports 222a, 223a, and when the liquid level in the first overflow chamber 222 reaches a certain height, the control valve can be opened to discharge the cleaning liquid in the first overflow chamber 222 in a centralized manner.

[0099] For example, see Figure 2 to Figure 4 The cleaning pool 22 includes a second overflow chamber 223, and the second overflow chamber 223 is used to receive the cleaning liquid leaking from the second mounting port 34. It should be noted that after the vibration part 212 passes through the second mounting port 34, the vibration part 212 and the second mounting port 34 need to be sealed. In normal product design, the cleaning liquid will not leak from the connection between the second mounting port 34 and the vibration part 212. However, the second mounting port 34 may leak. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the second overflow chamber 223 can receive the cleaning liquid leaking from the second mounting port 34 to prevent the leaked liquid from spreading to other parts outside the cleaning pool 22.

[0100] For example, see Figure 2 to Figure 4 The second overflow chamber 223 is provided with second liquid discharge ports 222a, 223a, and the second liquid discharge ports 222a, 223a are used to discharge the cleaning liquid in the second overflow chamber 223.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first overflow chamber 222 and the second overflow chamber 223 can be isolated from each other, that is, the first overflow chamber 222 and the second overflow chamber 223 are not interconnected, the cleaning liquid in the first overflow chamber 222 will not flow to the second overflow chamber 223, and the cleaning liquid in the second overflow chamber 223 will not flow to the first overflow chamber 222.

[0102] In some other embodiments, the first overflow chamber 222 and the second overflow chamber 223 are connected to each other, so that the cleaning liquid can be discharged from both chambers through the same second liquid discharge port 222a, 223a.

[0103] For example, see Figures 2 to 4 The pool wall includes a first side wall 2211, a second side wall 2212 and two third side walls 2213. The first side wall 2211 and the second side wall 2212 are located on opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber 221, that is, the first side wall 2211 and the second side wall 2212 are opposite, and the two third side walls 2213 are opposite. The two third side walls 2213 are respectively connected to the first side wall 2211 and the second side wall 2212. In other words, the liquid storage chamber 221 is roughly a cuboid or a cube.

[0104] The second installation opening 34 penetrates the first side wall 2211 , and the first installation opening 33 penetrates the second side wall 2212 . The vibration portion 212 passes through the first side wall 2211 and extends toward the second side wall 2212 .

[0105] In some embodiments, at least one of the third side walls 2213 is provided with an overflow port 221c at the top thereof, and the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221 overflows into the first overflow chamber 222 through the overflow port 221c. In other words, the height of the overflow port 221c determines the overflow liquid level.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the overflow port 221c is arranged on the third side wall 2213, when the cleaning liquid overflows from the overflow port 221c, the cleaning liquid will not flow downward from the outer surface of the first side wall 2211, nor will it flow downward from the outer surface of the second side wall 2212. Therefore, it will not flow onto the ultrasonic transducer 211, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from causing problems such as circuit short circuit of the ultrasonic transducer 211 and corrosion of electronic components.

[0107] In some embodiments, the height of at least one third side wall 2213 is lower than the height of the remaining side walls of the liquid storage chamber 221, so that the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221 can overflow to the first overflow chamber 222 through the top edge of the third side wall 2213. Specifically, the height of the third side wall 2213 is lower than the height of the first side wall 2211 and also lower than the height of the second side wall 2212. In this embodiment, the top edge of the third side wall 2213 can be kept neat. In addition, when the cleaning liquid overflows, the cleaning liquid will not flow downward from the outer surface of the first side wall 2211, nor will it flow downward from the outer surface of the second side wall 2212. Therefore, it will not flow onto the ultrasonic transducer 211, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from causing problems such as short circuit of the ultrasonic transducer 211 and corrosion of electronic components.

[0108] In some embodiments, the dimension of the end surface 212a of the vibration end in the vertical direction is greater than the dimension in the horizontal direction. Thus, under the same power of the ultrasonic transducer 211, the energy density of the end surface 212a of the vibration end of the vibration part 212 is greater, and the sound field has a relatively long length in the vertical direction of the end surface 212a of the vibration end, so when the pipette needle 4 moves up and down in the cleaning channel 31, it has a better cleaning effect.

[0109] For example, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The circumferential outer surface of the vibration part 212 includes a pair of cut surfaces 212b and a pair of arc surfaces 212c, and the cut surfaces 212b and the arc surfaces 212c both extend axially to the end surface 212a of the vibration end. The pair of cut surfaces 212b are provided on the surfaces of the vibration part 212 on opposite sides along the first direction and are arranged symmetrically, and the pair of arc surfaces 212c are provided on the surfaces of the vibration part 212 on opposite sides along the second direction and are arranged symmetrically.

[0110] The cut surface 212b can be understood as: a cut surface 212b formed after a part of the surface of a cylinder is cut off.

[0111] In this embodiment, the pair of arcs can be concentric circles, and the distance between the pair of cut surfaces 212b is less than the diameter of the concentric circles. The cross-sectional shape of the vibrating portion 212 is oval or similar to an oval. Under the same power of the ultrasonic generator 21, the end surface 212a has a larger power density, and the length between the pair of arcs is longer, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the pipette needle 4.

[0112] Exemplarily, the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the circumferential surface of the vibration part 212 does not exceed 50 mm. The circumscribed circle of the circumferential surface of the vibration part 212 can be understood as: the circumscribed circle corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the vibration part 212 in the cross section perpendicular to the extension direction thereof.

[0113] It should be noted that, from the end close to the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the end surface 212a of the vibration end, the vibration part 212 may be set in equal diameter or non-equal diameter. For example, in some embodiments, from the end close to the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the end surface 212a of the vibration end, the diameters of the circumscribed circles of the circumferential surface of the vibration part 212 are the same, that is, equal diameter. In other embodiments, from the end close to the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the end surface 212a of the vibration end, the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the circumferential surface of the vibration part 212 continuously decreases, or decreases in a jumpy manner, etc., that is, non-equal diameter.

[0114] For example, the entire vibration part 212 is symmetrical about the central axis of the vibration part 212. The central axis of the vibration part 212 refers to: a line connecting the centers of the cross sections at any part of the vibration part 212. In this way, the shear force on any two opposite sides of the vibration part 212 during the vibration process can be relatively uniform, thereby improving the stress conditions of the vibration part 212 and increasing its service life.

[0115] Exemplarily, the sample analyzer includes a detection device and a controller. The detection device is used to: detect the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221 when cleaning liquid has been stored in the liquid storage chamber 221 and the liquid path support mechanism stops providing cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber 221; the controller is used to determine whether the liquid storage chamber 221 is leaking based on the liquid level information.

[0116] In this embodiment, during the process of the detection device detecting the liquid level, the liquid path support mechanism will not inject liquid into the liquid storage chamber 221, so that the detection device can more accurately obtain the current liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221, which is convenient for the controller to determine whether the liquid storage chamber 221 is leaking. For example, when the controller determines that there is a liquid leak in the liquid storage chamber 221, a warning message can be issued to remind the user to check the sample analyzer, so that the reliability of the sample analyzer can be improved.

[0117] In some specific embodiments, for example, a certain volume of cleaning liquid is first quantitatively injected into the liquid storage chamber 221 through the liquid circuit support mechanism, for example, 30 ml (milliliters) or 40 ml of cleaning liquid is injected each time, and the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is actively controlled by the liquid circuit support mechanism. After the injection, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is determined, and the determined liquid level information can be pre-stored in the controller, that is, the default injection level. After that, the detection device detects the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221, and determines whether there is a leakage based on the difference between the default injection level and the liquid level detected by the detection device. For example, when there is no difference, or the difference is less than the set value, it is determined that there is no leakage; when the difference value reaches or exceeds the set value, it is determined that there is a leakage.

[0118] In other embodiments, the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 221 may be detected twice by a detection device, and the controller determines whether there is leakage based on the difference between the two detected liquid levels.

[0119] The specific structure of the detection device is not limited.

[0120] For example, in some embodiments, the detection device includes a detection circuit, and the pipette needle 4 is connected to the detection circuit as a variable impedance. The moving part is also used to drive the pipette needle 4 to be inserted into the cleaning liquid at least twice in succession. The detection circuit is used to detect the impedance change of the pipette needle 4 and output an electrical signal representing the liquid level. The controller is used to determine whether the liquid storage chamber 221 is leaking based on the electrical signal.

[0121] In this embodiment, the pipette needle 4 is connected to the detection circuit as a generalized impedance. For example, taking the pipette needle 4 as a capacitor in the detection circuit, the detection circuit can calculate the current capacitance of the pipette needle 4 through the working voltage. When the pipette needle 4 contacts the liquid surface, its capacitance will change greatly. At this time, the working voltage will also change. In this way, the controller can determine whether the pipette needle 4 contacts the liquid surface based on the change in the working voltage. At this time, the height of the tip of the sample needle is the same as the height of the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber 221. In this way, the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber 221 can be determined.

[0122] In other embodiments, the detection device may include a sensor, which is disposed on the cleaning tank 22 to detect the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber 221 .

[0123] The ultrasonic transducer 211 is spaced apart from the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 , that is, any part of the ultrasonic transducer 211 is not in direct contact with the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 , and the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 211 is not directly transmitted to the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 .

[0124] Exemplarily, the sample analyzer includes a connection structure, and the connection structure is connected to the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221, for example, it can be connected by a screw 24. The connection structure fixes the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 through a seal. The connection structure plays a role of connecting and applying force to the seal. The connection structure does not directly contact the ultrasonic transducer 211. The connection structure applies force to the seal, and the seal transmits the force to the ultrasonic transducer 211, thereby fixing the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221.

[0125] The material of the sealing member is not limited. For example, a material with resilience such as rubber or silicone can be used.

[0126] The shape of the connection structure is not limited, and the shape of the sealing member is not limited.

[0127] Exemplarily, the hole wall of the second installation opening 34 is formed with an annular step surface, and the step surface faces the outside of the liquid storage cavity 221. Figure 5 A convex ring 2111 is formed on the circumferential surface of the ultrasonic transducer 211 , that is, the convex ring 2111 protrudes from the circumferential surface of the ultrasonic transducer 211 .

[0128] See also Figure 4 The sealing member includes a first sealing ring 231 and a second sealing ring 232. The first sealing ring 231 and the second sealing ring 232 are sleeved on the ultrasonic transducer 211 and are located on two opposite axial sides of the convex ring 2111. During assembly, the first sealing ring 231 is sleeved on the ultrasonic transducer 211 from one end of the vibration part 212, and the second sealing ring 232 is sleeved on the ultrasonic transducer 211 from one end of the ultrasonic transducer 211 away from the vibration part 212.

[0129] The connection structure includes a flange 233 , which is sleeved on the circumference of the ultrasonic transducer 211 and spaced apart from the ultrasonic transducer 211 , that is, the two are not in direct contact.

[0130] The first sealing ring 231 is sandwiched between the step surface and the surface of the first side of the convex ring 2111, and the second sealing ring 232 is sandwiched between the surface of the second side of the convex ring 2111 and the flange 233. The flange 233 is connected to the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221, and applies a squeezing force toward the liquid storage chamber 221 to the second sealing ring 232, the convex ring 2111 and the first sealing ring 231. In this way, the convex ring 2111 is clamped by the first sealing ring 231 and the second sealing ring 232, so as to realize the installation and fixation of the ultrasonic transducer 211, and the ultrasonic transducer 211 is neither in contact with the side wall of the liquid storage chamber 221 nor in contact with the flange 233.

[0131] Exemplarily, during the ultrasonic cleaning process, the moving component is used to drive the pipette needle 4 to intermittently move up and down at least twice and / or reciprocately move up and down at least twice in the cleaning channel 31 of the cleaning liquid to achieve ultrasonic cleaning of the pipette needle 4. In this way, the cleaning effect can be improved.

[0132] Among them, the pipette needle 4 moves up and down intermittently in the cleaning channel 31 of the cleaning liquid, which means that after the pipette needle 4 is inserted into the cleaning liquid, it stays for a short time, moves downward a short distance, stays for a short time again, and continues to move downward for a distance. When it is inserted to a predetermined depth, it moves upward a short distance, stays for a short time, and then continues to move upward. In other words, each time it moves a short distance, stays for a short time, and then continues to move, until the cleaning is completed, the pipette needle 4 is moved upward out of the liquid storage cavity 221.

[0133] It can be understood that the intermittent up and down movement can be performed only once or multiple times.

[0134] Reciprocating up and down movement at least twice means that the downward movement and the upward movement are alternately performed for at least two rounds. There are two situations. The first one is that the pipette needle 4 moves continuously without stopping in the middle, and the continuous upward movement and the continuous downward movement are alternately performed. The second one is that the pipette needle 4 can also move intermittently, stopping during the downward movement and stopping during the upward movement, and the upward movement and the downward movement are alternately performed.

[0135] The embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic cleaning device 200 , including an ultrasonic generator 21 and a cleaning tank 22 .

[0136] The ultrasonic generator 21 includes an ultrasonic transducer 211 and a vibration portion 212 which are connected to each other.

[0137] The cleaning pool 22 includes a liquid storage chamber 221 for storing cleaning liquid. The liquid storage chamber 221 is provided with an opening. An ultrasonic reflector 35 is provided in the liquid storage chamber 221. The ultrasonic reflector 35 and the ultrasonic generator 21 are separately provided. The vibration end of the vibration part 212 away from the ultrasonic transducer 211 is inserted into the liquid storage chamber 221. The end face 212a of the vibration end is opposite to the ultrasonic reflective surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflector 35 and is spaced apart. A cleaning channel 31 connected to the opening is formed between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflector 35, so that the pipette needle 4 can be inserted into the cleaning channel 31 through the opening for cleaning.

[0138] The structure and principle of the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the structure and principle of the ultrasonic cleaning device 200 in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] The embodiment of the present application also provides a sample analyzer, including a dispensing mechanism, a liquid path support mechanism and an ultrasonic cleaning device 200. Of course, the sample analyzer of this embodiment can also include the sample unit 11, the sample dispensing mechanism 12, the reagent unit 13, the reagent dispensing mechanism 14, the mixing mechanism 15, the reaction component 16 and the optical detection component 17 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0140] The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle for sucking or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent. The dispensing mechanism may be the dispensing mechanism of any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0141] The ultrasonic cleaning device 200 includes an ultrasonic generator 21 and a cleaning tank 22 . The ultrasonic generator 21 includes an ultrasonic transducer 211 and a vibration part 212 which are connected to each other.

[0142] The cleaning pool 22 includes a pool wall, which forms a liquid storage chamber 221 for storing cleaning liquid. The liquid storage chamber 221 is provided with an opening; the vibration end of the vibrating portion away from the ultrasonic transducer 211 is inserted into the liquid storage chamber 221, and the ultrasonic reflection surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflection member 35 forms a part of the inner surface of the pool wall. In other words, the ultrasonic reflection surface 351 is in direct contact with the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 221.

[0143] The end face of the vibration end is opposite to the ultrasonic reflecting surface 351 of the ultrasonic reflecting element 35 and is spaced apart, that is, the ultrasonic reflecting element 35 and the vibration part 212 are not in contact, and a cleaning channel connected to the opening is formed between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflecting element 35, so that the pipette needle can be inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning.

[0144] The liquid path supporting mechanism is used to provide cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber 221 .

[0145] In the embodiment of the present application, since the pipette needle 4 is inserted into the cleaning channel 31 through the opening for cleaning, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face 212a of the vibration end can better act on the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 facing the vibration end, so that the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 facing the vibration end can be better cleaned. At least part of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the end face 212a of the vibration end is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 through the cleaning liquid, and the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 reflects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector 35 can better act on the side of the end face 212a of the pipette needle 4 away from the vibration end, so that the surface of the pipette needle 4 on the side facing the end face and the surface on the side away from the end face can be cleaned more evenly.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present application, the vibration part 212 directly transmits the ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid, and there is no need to ultrasonically vibrate the wall of the cleaning tank 22. Therefore, it is possible to improve the stress conditions of the wall of the cleaning tank 22 and reduce the requirements for the fatigue strength and structural strength of the wall. In addition, the input-output conversion efficiency of the ultrasonic wave is higher.

[0147] It should be noted that, for structures not described in the sample analyzer of this embodiment, reference may be made to the structures of the sample analyzer of any of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0148] In the description of the present application, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In the present application, the schematic representation of the above terms is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0149] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that: include: The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle for sucking or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent; An ultrasonic cleaning device comprises an ultrasonic generator, a cleaning tank and an ultrasonic reflector, wherein the ultrasonic generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a vibrating part connected to each other; the cleaning tank comprises a liquid storage chamber for storing cleaning liquid, wherein the liquid storage chamber is provided with an opening; the ultrasonic reflector and the vibrating part are arranged separately, wherein a vibrating end of the vibrating part away from the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the liquid storage chamber, wherein an end face of the vibrating end is opposite to and spaced from an ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector along a first direction, so that the ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector reflects the ultrasonic wave generated by the vibrating end along the first direction, and a cleaning channel connected to the opening is formed between the vibrating end and the ultrasonic reflector along a second direction, so that the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel along the second direction through the opening for cleaning, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; A liquid circuit supporting mechanism is used to provide the cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber.

2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning pool includes a pool wall, the pool wall forms the liquid storage cavity, the pool wall is provided with a first installation port, the first installation port penetrates the pool wall of the liquid storage cavity, and the ultrasonic reflector is installed at the first installation port so that the ultrasonic reflector is in contact with the air on the side away from the liquid storage cavity.

3. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic wave reflecting member has a hollow cavity, and the hollow cavity contains gas.

4. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acoustic impedance value of the material of the ultrasonic reflector is greater than or equal to twice the acoustic impedance value of the cleaning liquid.

5. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The material of the pool wall of the cleaning pool is plastic, and the material of the ultrasonic reflector is metal.

6. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning pool includes a pool wall, the pool wall forms the liquid storage cavity, the pool wall is provided with a second installation port, the vibration end of the vibration part away from the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the liquid storage cavity through the second installation port, and a sealing member is provided at the position of the second installation port.

7. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end surface of the vibration end is a plane; or, the end surface of the vibration end is a concave surface.

8. The sample analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The concave surface is a V-shaped surface, or a U-shaped surface, or a C-shaped surface.

9. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element is a plane; or the ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element is a concave surface.

10. The sample analyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The concave surface is a V-shaped surface, or a U-shaped surface, or a C-shaped surface.

11. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The minimum width between the end surface of the vibration end and the ultrasonic wave reflecting surface of the ultrasonic wave reflecting member is greater than or equal to 4 mm.

12. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning pool also includes a first overflow cavity, which is used to hold the cleaning liquid overflowing from the liquid storage cavity, and the first overflow cavity is provided with a second liquid discharge port.

13. The sample analyzer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The cleaning pool includes a pool wall, the pool wall forms the liquid storage cavity, the pool wall includes a first side wall, a second side wall and two third side walls, the first side wall and the second side wall are located on opposite sides of the liquid storage cavity, the vibrating part passes through the first side wall and extends toward the second side wall, the ultrasonic reflector is installed on the second side wall, and the two third side walls are respectively connected to the first side wall and the second side wall; at least one of the third side walls is provided with an overflow port at the top end, so that the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity can overflow to the first overflow cavity through the overflow port; And / or, the height of at least one of the third side walls is lower than the heights of the remaining side walls of the liquid storage chamber, so that the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage chamber can overflow into the first overflow chamber through the top end of the third side wall.

14. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning pool includes a pool wall, the pool wall forms the liquid storage cavity, the bottom wall of the pool wall includes a first bottom wall and a second bottom wall, the first bottom wall is higher than the second bottom wall, and the second bottom wall is located below the cleaning channel.

15. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample analyzer further comprises a detection device and a controller. The detection device is used to detect the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber when cleaning liquid is stored in the liquid storage chamber and the liquid path support mechanism stops supplying cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber.

16. The sample analyzer according to claim 15, characterized in that: The detection device includes a detection circuit, the pipette needle is connected to the detection circuit as a variable impedance, the pipette needle is used to be inserted into the cleaning liquid at least twice in succession, and the detection circuit is used to detect the impedance change of the pipette needle and output an electrical signal representing the liquid level.

17. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the ultrasonic cleaning process, the pipette needle moves up and down intermittently at least twice and / or reciprocates up and down at least twice in the cleaning solution to achieve ultrasonic cleaning of the pipette needle.

18. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the upper edge of the end surface of the vibration end and the bottom wall of the pool below the cleaning channel is not less than 20 mm.

19. An ultrasonic cleaning device, characterized in that: include: An ultrasonic generator, comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a vibration part connected to each other; A cleaning tank, the cleaning tank comprising a liquid storage cavity for storing cleaning liquid, the liquid storage cavity being provided with an opening, an ultrasonic reflector being provided in the liquid storage cavity, the ultrasonic reflector being provided separately from the ultrasonic generator, the vibration end of the vibrating portion away from the ultrasonic transducer being inserted into the liquid storage cavity, the end face of the vibration end being opposite to the ultrasonic reflective surface of the ultrasonic reflector and being arranged at intervals, a cleaning channel connected to the opening being formed between the vibration end and the ultrasonic reflector, so that a pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning.

20. A sample analyzer, characterized in that: include: The dispensing mechanism includes a pipette needle for sucking or discharging a target liquid, wherein the target liquid includes at least one of a sample or a reagent; An ultrasonic cleaning device comprises an ultrasonic generator and a cleaning pool, wherein the ultrasonic generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a vibrating part connected to each other; the cleaning pool comprises a pool wall, wherein the pool wall forms a liquid storage cavity for storing a cleaning liquid, and the liquid storage cavity is provided with an opening; a vibrating end of the vibrating part away from the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the liquid storage cavity, an ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element forms a part of the inner surface of the pool wall, an end surface of the vibrating end is opposite to and spaced from the ultrasonic reflecting surface of the ultrasonic reflecting element, and a cleaning channel connected to the opening is formed between the vibrating end and the ultrasonic reflecting element, so that the pipette needle is inserted into the cleaning channel through the opening for cleaning; A liquid circuit supporting mechanism is used to provide the cleaning liquid to the liquid storage chamber.

21. The sample analyzer according to claim 20, characterized in that: The pool wall is provided with a first installation opening, which penetrates the pool wall of the liquid storage cavity. The ultrasonic reflector is installed at the first installation opening so that the side of the ultrasonic reflector away from the liquid storage cavity is in contact with the air.

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