Method for improving cleaning efficiency of sampling needle of biochemical analyzer

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in biochemical analyzers. The method enhances cleaning efficiency by expanding the flushing envelope of the sampling needle. The cleaning system includes a cleaning pump, a cleaning container, a waste liquid container, and a cleaning station. The invention features inlet and outlet slots on a pair of side walls of the cleaning station body. During cleaning, the sampling needle can directly enter the cleaning station body through these slots and exit through the opposite slot after cleaning, simplifying the cleaning process and improving efficiency. Furthermore, the two cleaning holes are staggered vertically, expanding the coverage area of ​​the flushing envelope based on the "cylindrical flow" principle. This overcomes the problems of high flow rate and low efficiency caused by counter-flushing in existing cleaning methods, saving over 40% of the washing liquid consumption and reducing cleaning time by over 50%, thus meeting the high-speed detection requirements of high-throughput biochemical analyzers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sampling needle cleaning for biochemical analyzers, and in particular to a method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles for biochemical analyzers. Background Technology

[0002] During automated or semi-automated operation, biochemical analysis equipment often involves frequent sampling and reagent aspiration. After sampling, the inner and outer walls of the sampling needle usually need to be cleaned to avoid cross-contamination from samples or reagents. The cleaning system is an essential component of biochemical analysis equipment. Most existing cleaning systems use top-opening cleaning tanks with a bidirectional flushing inlet at the top. The external cleaning of the sampling needle is achieved by injecting cleaning solution into the inlet. However, this entire cleaning process is completed within the cleaning tank, resulting in low cleaning efficiency and high solution consumption, which cannot meet the high-speed detection requirements of high-throughput fully automated biochemical analysis equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in biochemical analyzers.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention discloses a method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer. This method improves the cleaning efficiency by expanding the flushing envelope of the sampling needle. The cleaning system includes a cleaning pump, a cleaning container, a waste liquid container, and a cleaning station. The cleaning station includes a station body with a cleaning tank. One pair of side walls of the station body have inlet / outlet slots for the sampling needle to pass through, with the bottom of the inlet / outlet slots higher than the bottom wall of the cleaning tank. A first cleaning hole is formed on the third side wall of the station body, and a second cleaning hole is formed on the fourth side wall. The first and second cleaning holes are arranged opposite each other, with their outlets staggered vertically, and both outlets are higher than the bottom of the inlet / outlet slots. A drain hole communicating with the cleaning tank is provided at the bottom or lower part of the station body. The cleaning container is connected to the first cleaning port and the second cleaning port via a cleaning pipeline, and the cleaning pump is installed on the cleaning pipeline; the waste liquid container is connected to the drain port via a waste liquid pipeline; The method includes the following steps: moving the sampling needle horizontally into the washing station body; starting the cleaning pump and injecting cleaning fluid into the first and second cleaning holes, with the cleaning fluid from the first and second cleaning holes cleaning the sampling needle; the cleaning waste liquid in the washing station body entering the waste liquid container under the action of gravity or a waste liquid pump; and when the preset cleaning time is reached, the cleaning pump stops working, and the sampling needle is removed from the inlet / outlet tank, completing the cleaning of the sampling needle.

[0005] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention opens inlet and outlet slots on a pair of side walls of the washing station body. During the washing process, the sampling needle can directly enter the washing station body from the inlet and outlet slots and leave from the opposite inlet and outlet slot after washing, simplifying the washing action and improving the washing efficiency. The outlets of the two washing holes of this invention are staggered vertically. Based on the principle of "cylindrical flow", the coverage range of the washing liquid rinsing envelope is expanded during the washing process. This overcomes the problem of large flow and low efficiency caused by the counter-flushing in existing washing methods. The washing liquid consumption can be reduced by more than 40%, and the washing time can be shortened by more than 50%, thereby meeting the high-speed detection requirements of high-throughput biochemical analyzers.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameters of the first cleaning hole and the second cleaning hole are both greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the sampling needle, ensuring the coverage of the rinsing envelope.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the first cleaning hole is located above the outlet of the second cleaning hole, and the height of the inlet of the first cleaning hole is higher than the height of the inlet of the second cleaning hole; wherein, the height from the intersection F1 of the central axis of the first cleaning hole and the third side wall to the top of the washing station body is H1, and the height from the intersection F2 of the central axis of the second cleaning hole and the fourth side wall to the top of the washing station body is H2, where H2 ≥ H1 + the outer diameter of the sampling needle. The beneficial effect is that the present invention, through reasonable design of the two cleaning holes, reduces the interference of the upper cleaning hole on the lower cleaning hole while ensuring the maximum flushing envelope as much as possible.

[0008] The first and second cleaning holes are horizontally positioned or inclined downwards from the outside in. The angle between the central axis of the first cleaning hole and the horizontal plane is θ1, and the angle between the central axis of the second cleaning hole and the horizontal plane is θ2. Both θ1 and θ2 are greater than or equal to 0° and less than 60°. The angle δ between the projections of the central axes of the first and second cleaning holes onto the horizontal plane satisfies the following relationship: 0°≤δ≤45°. More preferably, the first and second cleaning holes are inclined holes.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third and fourth sidewalls are arranged opposite to each other, and the middle portions of both the third and fourth sidewalls protrude in opposite directions. The cleaning tank is wide at both ends and narrow in the middle. The first cleaning hole is located in the middle of the third sidewall, and the second cleaning hole is located in the middle of the fourth sidewall. This ensures that the washing liquid from the two cleaning holes provides a large-envelope cleaning of the sampling needle, while also maintaining the capacity of the washing station itself.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one fixing block with mounting holes is provided on the outer side of the washing station body, and the present invention is fixed on the analytical instrument by the fixing block, which is convenient for installation.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the cleaning tank extends downward at an angle from the lower part of the inner side of the washing station body to the drain hole, that is, the bottom wall of the cleaning tank is high at both ends and low in the middle, which facilitates the flow of cleaning liquid and avoids cleaning liquid residue as much as possible.

[0012] This invention features inlet and outlet slots on a pair of side walls of the washing station body. During the washing process, the sampling needle can directly enter the washing station body through the inlet and outlet slots and exit through the opposite inlet and outlet slot after washing, simplifying the washing action and improving washing efficiency. The outlets of the two washing holes of this invention are staggered vertically. Based on the principle of "cylindrical flow" during the washing process, the coverage range of the washing liquid rinsing envelope is expanded, overcoming the problem of large flow and low efficiency caused by the counter-flushing in existing washing methods. The washing liquid consumption can be reduced by more than 40%, and the washing time can be shortened by more than 50%, thereby meeting the high-speed detection requirements of high-throughput biochemical analyzers. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the tilt angles of the first and second cleaning holes in Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top view of implementation method one.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The main view.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling needle cleaning system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes are given. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention proposes a method to improve the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in biochemical analyzers. This method improves the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles by expanding the flushing envelope of the sampling needles. The cleaning system used includes a cleaning pump P1, a cleaning container 7, a waste liquid container 8, and a cleaning station M. The cleaning station M includes a cleaning station body with a cleaning tank 1. One pair of side walls of the cleaning station body are provided with inlet / outlet grooves 3 through which the sampling needle 2 passes. The bottom of the inlet / outlet groove 3 is higher than the bottom wall of the cleaning tank 1. A first cleaning hole 4 is provided on the third side wall of the cleaning station body, and a second cleaning hole 5 is provided on the fourth side wall of the cleaning station body. The first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 are arranged opposite each other. The outlet heights of the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 are staggered. The outlets of the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 are both higher than the bottom of the inlet / outlet groove 3. A drain hole 6 communicating with the cleaning tank 1 is provided at the bottom or lower part of the cleaning station body. The present invention provides inlet and outlet slots 3 on a pair of side walls of the washing station body. During the washing process, the sampling needle 2 can directly enter the washing station body through the inlet and outlet slots 3 and leave through the inlet and outlet slots 3 on the opposite side after washing, which simplifies the washing action and improves the washing efficiency. The outlets of the two washing holes are staggered vertically. Based on the principle of "cylindrical flow", the coverage of the washing liquid rinsing envelope is expanded during the washing process, reducing the large flow of washing liquid and improving the washing efficiency.

[0023] In actual processing, the diameter D of both the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter d of the sampling needle 2 (i.e., D≥d), to maximize the coverage of the rinsing envelope; combined with Figure 1 It can be seen that the outlet of the first cleaning hole 4 is located above the outlet of the second cleaning hole 5, and the height of the inlet of the first cleaning hole 4 is higher than the height of the inlet of the second cleaning hole 5. Specifically, the height from the intersection F1 of the central axis of the first cleaning hole 4 and the third side wall to the top of the washing station body is H1, and the height from the intersection F2 of the central axis of the second cleaning hole 5 and the fourth side wall to the top of the washing station body is H2, where H2 ≥ H1 + d. This invention, through a reasonable design of the opening position, diameter, and outlet height of the two cleaning holes, minimizes the interference of the upper cleaning hole on the lower cleaning hole while ensuring the maximum flushing envelope as much as possible.

[0024] In actual processing, both the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 are inclined holes, with the two cleaning holes inclined downwards from the outside in. The angle between the central axis of the first cleaning hole 4 and the horizontal plane is θ1, and the angle between the central axis of the second cleaning hole 5 and the horizontal plane is θ2, with both θ1 and θ2 being less than 60° to ensure the rinsing envelope. Of course, in actual processing, the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 can also be horizontally opened, satisfying H2≥H1+d to avoid mutual interference. This invention is based on the principle of "cylinder flow", expanding the coverage range of the rinsing envelope of the cleaning fluid, overcoming the problems of large flow and low efficiency caused by counter-flushing in existing cleaning methods, saving more than 40% of the washing fluid consumption, and shortening the cleaning time by more than 50%, thereby meeting the high-speed detection requirements of high-throughput biochemical analyzers.

[0025] In actual processing, the angle δ between the projections of the central axis of the first cleaning hole 4 and the central axis of the second cleaning hole 5 onto the horizontal plane satisfies the following relationship: 0°≤δ≤45°. That is, the projections of the first cleaning hole 4 and the second cleaning hole 5 onto the horizontal plane can be straight holes or oblique holes to reduce interference between the two holes. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 .

[0026] In actual processing, the bottom wall of the cleaning tank 1 extends downward from the lower part of the inner side of the washing station body to the drain hole 6. That is, the bottom wall of the cleaning tank 1 is high at both ends and low in the middle, which facilitates the flow of cleaning liquid.

[0027] The method of the present invention includes the following: the sampling needle 2 is inserted into the washing station body through one of the inlet and outlet slots 3, the washing pump P1 is started, the washing liquid is pumped to the first washing hole 4 and the second washing hole 5, and the washing liquid flows out from the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid to form a large washing envelope to wash the outer wall of the sampling needle 2. When the set cleaning time is reached, the cleaning pump P1 stops working and the sampling needle 2 is directly removed from the cleaning station body; during the cleaning process, the waste liquid generated during cleaning can be sent to the waste liquid container 8 by gravity or waste liquid pump P2.

[0028] The present invention provides an inlet / outlet slot 3 on a pair of side walls of the washing station body. During the washing process, the sampling needle 2 can directly enter the washing station body through the inlet / outlet slot 3 and leave through the inlet / outlet slot 3 on the opposite side after washing. There is no need to perform lifting and lowering actions during the washing process, thereby simplifying the washing steps and improving the washing efficiency.

[0029] In other embodiments of the present invention, the third and fourth side walls of the washing station body can also be constructed as follows during actual processing: Figure 5The structure shown has the middle portions of the third and fourth sidewalls protruding in opposite directions, making the cleaning tank 1 wider at both ends and narrower in the middle. The first cleaning hole 4 is located in the middle of the third sidewall, and the second cleaning hole 5 is located in the protruding part of the fourth sidewall. This structure not only cleans the large envelope of the sampling needle 2 but also ensures the waste liquid capacity of the washing station body, preventing overflow due to insufficient capacity. Figure 5 .

[0030] In other embodiments of the present invention, combined with Figure 5 It can be seen that the outer surface of the washing station body is equipped with fixing blocks 9 with mounting holes, which are used to fix the instrument to the analyzer, making installation convenient. The fixing blocks 9 can be arranged on opposite sides, one above the other, or there can be only one, which can be flexibly determined according to the installation position.

[0031] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer, characterized in that: The method improves the cleaning efficiency of the sampling needle by expanding the flushing envelope. The cleaning system includes a cleaning pump, a cleaning container, a waste liquid container, and a cleaning station. The cleaning station includes a station body with a cleaning tank. One pair of side walls of the station body have inlet / outlet slots for the sampling needle to pass through, with the bottom of the inlet / outlet slots higher than the bottom wall of the cleaning tank. A first cleaning hole is formed on the third side wall of the station body, and a second cleaning hole is formed on the fourth side wall. The first and second cleaning holes are arranged opposite each other, with their outlets staggered vertically, and both outlets are higher than the bottom of the inlet / outlet slots. A drain hole communicating with the cleaning tank is provided at the bottom or lower part of the station body. The cleaning container is connected to the first cleaning port and the second cleaning port via a cleaning pipeline, and the cleaning pump is installed on the cleaning pipeline; the waste liquid container is connected to the drain port via a waste liquid pipeline; The diameters of the first and second cleaning holes are both greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the sampling needle; the outlet of the first cleaning hole is located above the outlet of the second cleaning hole, and the height of the inlet of the first cleaning hole is higher than the height of the inlet of the second cleaning hole; the height from the intersection of the central axis of the first cleaning hole and the third side wall F1 to the top of the washing station body is H1, and the height from the intersection of the central axis of the second cleaning hole and the fourth side wall F2 to the top of the washing station body is H2, where H2 ≥ H1 + the outer diameter of the sampling needle; The first cleaning hole and the second cleaning hole are set inclined downward from the outside to the inside. The angle δ between the projections of the central axis of the first cleaning hole and the central axis of the second cleaning hole on the horizontal plane satisfies the following relationship: 0°<δ≤45°. The method includes the following steps: moving the sampling needle horizontally into the washing station body; starting the cleaning pump and injecting cleaning fluid into the first and second cleaning holes, with the cleaning fluid from the first and second cleaning holes cleaning the sampling needle; the cleaning waste liquid in the washing station body entering the waste liquid container under the action of gravity or a waste liquid pump; and when the preset cleaning time is reached, the cleaning pump stops working, and the sampling needle is removed from the inlet / outlet tank, completing the cleaning of the sampling needle.

2. The method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the central axis of the first cleaning hole and the horizontal plane is θ1, and the angle between the central axis of the second cleaning hole and the horizontal plane is θ2. Both θ1 and θ2 are greater than 0° and both θ1 and θ2 are less than 60°.

3. The method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle portions of the third and fourth sidewalls both protrude in opposite directions.

4. The method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the washing station body is provided with at least one fixing block with mounting holes.

5. The method for improving the cleaning efficiency of sampling needles in a biochemical analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the cleaning tank extends downwards from the lower inner side of the self-washing station body to the drain hole.

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