Automatic analysis device and method for cleaning dispensing probe

Abstract

The inner surface of the dispensing probe is efficiently cleaned with the heated cleaning liquid by suppressing heat dissipation of the heated cleaning liquid. An automatic analysis device is provided with: a dispensing probe; a special cleaning tank (27) for supplying the heated cleaning liquid (307); an injection pump (205) that sucks the sample (303) and the heated cleaning liquid (307) into the dispensing probe; and a control unit that controls the operation of the injection pump (205), the control unit sucks the section air (301) into the dispensing probe and sucks the sample (303) by the section air (301) when suctioning the sample (303) into the dispensing probe by controlling the operation of the injection pump (205), and the control unit sucks the heated cleaning liquid (307) into the dispensing probe by the section air (301) and sucks the sample (303) by the heated cleaning liquid (307). Segmented air (306) larger than the amount of the segmented air (301) is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the segmented air (306) sucks the heated cleaning liquid (307).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic analyzing device and a method for cleaning a dispensing probe. Background Art

[0002] Automatic analyzers are widely used in clinical chemical analysis of components such as inorganic ions, proteins, urea, sugars, lipids, enzymes, hormones, drugs, tumor markers, etc. in biological samples such as blood and urine. In automatic analyzers, in addition to devices using disposable needles, a method is also adopted in which a sample dispensing probe and a reagent dispensing probe are cleaned by a cleaning mechanism and reused. At this time, as a cleaning method for the dispensing probe, the following method is known: the inner surface of the dispensing probe is cleaned by passing a cleaning liquid such as pure water through it, and the outer surface is cleaned by spraying a cleaning liquid such as pure water. In addition, at the end of one day of analysis, it is considered to use physical and chemical forces in the process of cleaning with the cleaning liquid to improve the cleaning effect. For example, as an example, cleaning based on physical impact of ultrasound and chemical cleaning based on heated cleaning liquid can be cited. In order to ensure the reliability of the dispensing of the dispensing probe, it is important to clean the inner surface of the dispensing probe.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a "biochemical analyzer including a dispensing nozzle for sampling a reagent or serum and an ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning the dispensing nozzle."

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-169850 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -Problems to be solved by the invention-

[0008] However, when using a heated cleaning liquid to clean a dispensing probe, particularly the inner surface of the dispensing probe, the heated cleaning liquid dissipates heat within the dispensing probe as the dispensing probe draws it in, causing the temperature of the cleaning liquid to drop. Consequently, the desired cleaning effect may not be achieved.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to efficiently clean the inner surface of a dispensing probe using heated cleaning liquid by suppressing heat dissipation of the heated cleaning liquid.

[0010] -Methods for solving the problem-

[0011] The automatic analysis device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a dispensing probe for sucking liquid; a cleaning tank for supplying heated cleaning liquid; a pump for sucking the sucked liquid and the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the pump. The control unit controls the operation of the pump. When the liquid is sucked into the dispensing probe, the first segmented air that segments the system liquid and the liquid filled in the dispensing probe is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the first segmented air sucks the liquid into the dispensing probe. When the heated cleaning liquid is sucked into the dispensing probe, the second segmented air that segments the system liquid and the heated cleaning liquid filled in the dispensing probe and is larger in amount than the first segmented air is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the second segmented air sucks the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

[0012] In addition, the cleaning method of the dispensing probe disclosed in the present invention includes: filling the dispensing probe that attracts the liquid with the system liquid; attracting the first segmented air that segments the system liquid filled in the dispensing probe and the liquid into the dispensing probe; then the first segmented air attracts the liquid into the dispensing probe; spraying the liquid in the dispensing probe; attracting the second segmented air that segments the system liquid filled in the dispensing probe and the heated cleaning liquid, which is larger in amount than the first segmented air, into the dispensing probe; and then the second segmented air attracts the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

[0013] -Effects of the Invention-

[0014] According to the present disclosure, by suppressing the heat dissipation of the heated cleaning liquid, the inner surface of the dispensing probe can be efficiently cleaned using the heated cleaning liquid. Other issues, structures, and effects than those described above will become clear in the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic analyzer.

[0016] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing the structure of the cleaning flow path for the dispensing probe.

[0017] Figure 2B This is the hardware block diagram of the control unit.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning the dispensing probe of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 4A This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0020] Figure 4B This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0021] Figure 4C This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0022] Figure 4D This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0023] Figure 4E This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0024] Figure 4F This figure shows the results of a simulation study on the effect of the segmented air volume on the heat dissipation of heated cleaning fluid.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 2.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 3.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 3.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 3.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 4.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 5.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a method for cleaning a dispensing probe in Example 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It goes without saying that in the following embodiments, the structural elements (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or unless they are obviously essential in principle.

[0033] (Example 1)

[0034] Figure 1This is a structural diagram of an automatic analyzer 10 according to Example 1. The automatic analyzer 10 includes a reagent disk 12 carrying multiple reagent containers 11, a reaction disk 13 carrying multiple units 25 for performing reactions by mixing reagents and samples, a reagent dispensing probe 21 for aspirating and ejecting reagents, a reagent dispensing mechanism 14 for moving the reagent dispensing probe 21, a sample dispensing probe 22 for aspirating and ejecting samples, and a sample dispensing mechanism 15 for moving the sample dispensing probe 22. Hereinafter, the reagent dispensing probe 21 and the sample dispensing probe 22 will be collectively referred to as dispensing probes. Reagents and samples are examples of liquids in the present invention.

[0035] The sample introduced into the automatic analyzer 10 is placed in a sample container 23 and then transported by being loaded on a sample rack 24. A plurality of sample containers 23 are loaded on the sample rack 24. Examples of the sample include blood-derived samples such as serum, blood cells, and whole blood, and urine.

[0036] The sample dispensing mechanism 15 moves the sample dispensing probe 22 to a suction position (sample suction position) for sucking the sample from the sample container 23, a discharge position (sample discharge position) for discharging the sample into the cell 25, and a cleaning position for cleaning the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 in the cleaning tank 26. Furthermore, the sample dispensing mechanism 15 moves the sample dispensing probe 22 to a special cleaning position where the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 is cleaned more vigorously than in the cleaning tank 26 in a special cleaning tank 27 that performs physical and chemical cleaning such as ultrasonic cleaning or heating.

[0037] Furthermore, the sample dispensing mechanism 15 raises and lowers the sample dispensing probe 22 at the sample suction position, sample discharge position, cleaning position, and special cleaning position according to the heights of the sample container 23 , the cell 25 , the cleaning tank 26 , and the special cleaning tank 27 .

[0038] Similarly, the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 moves the reagent dispensing probe 21 to a suction position (reagent suction position) for sucking the reagent from the reagent container 11, a discharge position (reagent discharge position) for discharging the reagent to the unit 25, and a cleaning position for cleaning the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 21 in the cleaning tank 26. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 moves the reagent dispensing probe 21 to a special cleaning position for cleaning the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 more vigorously in the special cleaning tank 27 than in the cleaning tank 26.

[0039] Furthermore, the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 raises and lowers the reagent dispensing probe 21 at the reagent aspirating position, the reagent discharging position, the cleaning position, and the special cleaning position according to the heights of the reagent container 11 , the unit 25 , the cleaning tank 26 , and the special cleaning tank 27 .

[0040] The special cleaning tank 27 supplies heated cleaning fluid for cleaning the dispensing probes. In Example 1, the cleaning tank 26 and the special cleaning tank 27 are provided separately for the two reagent dispensing probes 21 and the sample dispensing probe 22. Alternatively, the cleaning tank 26 and the special cleaning tank 27 may be a single set of cleaning tanks 26 and 27 shared by both the reagent dispensing probes 21 and the sample dispensing probe 22, or they may be provided separately, with one set shared by both reagent dispensing probes 21 and one set shared by the sample dispensing probe 22.

[0041] The dispensing probe is equipped with a liquid level sensor (e.g., one that utilizes changes in capacitance or pressure) to confirm contact with the target solution (sample, reagent) using the sensor signal. This sensor limits the contact range of the dispensing probe's outer surface to a specific height. By limiting the contact range with the target solution, dispensing variations can be expected.

[0042] Furthermore, when cleaning the outer surface of the dispensing probe, the area covering the area in contact with the dispensing target solution is cleaned. This reliably removes the dispensing target solution adhering to the outer surface. However, if the cleaning area is too wide compared to the dispensing target solution, adhesion of the cleaning solution can become a problem. Therefore, it is desirable to control the cleaning area to a range that is no larger than the area in contact with the dispensing target solution.

[0043] The automatic analyzer 10 analyzes the concentration of a given component within a sample, for example, according to the following steps. First, the sample container 23, transported by the sample rack 24, moves to the sample suction position. Next, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the sample suction position by the sample dispensing mechanism 15, sucking the sample from the sample container 23. The sample dispensing probe 22 then maintains the sample within the sample dispensing probe 22, and the sample dispensing mechanism 15 moves the probe to the sample discharge position, dispensing the sample into the cell 25. The sample dispensing probe 22 is then moved by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 to the cleaning position of the cleaning tank 26 for cleaning.

[0044] Next, the unit 25 moves via the reaction disk 13 to the reagent ejection position of the reagent dispensing probe 21. The reagent container 11 moves via the reagent disk 12 to the reagent suction position. Thereafter, the reagent dispensing probe 21 moves via the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 to the reagent suction position of the reagent container 11, and aspirates the reagent from the reagent container 11. The reagent dispensing probe 21 maintains the reagent within the reagent dispensing probe 21, moves via the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 to the reagent ejection position, and ejects the reagent into the unit 25 from which the sample has been ejected. The unit 25 from which the sample and reagent have been ejected rotates via the reaction disk 13, and the stirring mechanism 28 moves to a stirring position capable of stirring the solution within the unit 25. The stirring mechanism 28 stirs the mixture of the sample and reagent within the unit 25, thereby promoting the reaction between the sample and the reagent within the unit 25. By measuring the photometry of the reaction solution of the sample and reagent using the light source 29 and the photometer 30, the concentration of a given component within the sample can be analyzed.

[0045] Figure 2A An example of the configuration of the flow paths for cleaning the sample dispensing probe 22 and the reagent dispensing probe 21 is shown.

[0046] Cleaning liquid is supplied from a liquid tank 201. Pump 202 draws the cleaning liquid from the liquid tank 201 through a tube 206. In front of pump 202 are an external wash solenoid valve 203 for cleaning the outer surface of the dispensing probe (hereinafter sometimes referred to as external wash), an internal wash solenoid valve 204 for cleaning the inner surface of the dispensing probe (hereinafter sometimes referred to as internal wash), and a syringe pump 205 for quantitatively aspirating and ejecting samples, reagents, and cleaning liquid through the dispensing probe. In front of the external wash solenoid valve 203 is a cleaning tank 26. When the external wash solenoid valve 203 is opened, the cleaning liquid drawn by pump 202 is ejected from the dispensing probe through a cleaning nozzle 207 in the cleaning tank 26 onto the outer surface of the dispensing probe. The cleaning liquid ejected from the dispensing probe and onto the outer surface of the dispensing probe is drained into a waste tank 208.

[0047] When the internal cleaning solenoid valve 204 is opened, the cleaning liquid is drawn from the liquid tank 201 by the pump 202 through the injection pump 205 and the tube 206, and supplied to the dispensing probe. In this way, the inner surface of the dispensing probe is cleaned. In the case where the material and diameter of the dispensing probe are different from those of the tube, a joint 209 is sometimes provided to connect them. Figure 2A , the case where the joint 209 is located at one place is shown, but a plurality of joints may be provided to connect a plurality of tubes.

[0048] In general cleaning, pure water or a cleaning solution containing a surfactant that has little interaction with the sample or reagent added to pure water (hereinafter referred to as a system solution) is preferably used to reduce the effects on the sample and reagent.

[0049] The syringe pump 205 can suck the heated cleaning liquid and the segmented air described later, which are supplied from the special cleaning tank 27 into the dispensing probe. The syringe pump 205 is an example of the pump of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2B The control unit 250 controls the operation of the pump 202 , the external wash solenoid valve 203 , the internal wash solenoid valve 204 , and the syringe pump 205 . Furthermore, the control unit 250 controls the operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism 14 and the sample dispensing mechanism 15 .

[0051] The control unit 250 includes a processor 251, a main storage unit 252, an auxiliary storage unit 253, and an interface 254. The processor 251 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC, or the like. The main storage unit 252 may be a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and serves as a work area for the processor 251. The auxiliary storage unit 253 may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof, and stores various programs and data. The interface 254 is a device controller, etc., that controls the operation of peripheral devices connected to the control unit 250 (the pump 202, the external wash solenoid valve 203, the internal wash solenoid valve 204, the syringe pump 205, the reagent dispensing mechanism 14, and the sample dispensing mechanism 15).

[0052] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the syringe pump 205. When the liquid (sample or reagent) is sucked into the dispensing probe, the first segmentation air ( Figure 3 The segmented air 301 is drawn into the dispensing probe, and then the first segmented air draws liquid into the dispensing probe. In addition, the control unit 250 controls the operation of the syringe pump 205, and when the heated cleaning liquid is drawn into the dispensing probe, the second segmented air ( Figure 3 The segmented air 306 is drawn into the dispensing probe, and then the second segmented air draws the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

[0053] Next, use Figure 3The device's operation during aspiration and ejection of the sample, reagent, and cleaning solution will be described. The following describes the cleaning method for the sample dispensing probe 22 as an example. The cleaning method for the reagent dispensing probe 21 is substantially the same as that for the sample dispensing probe 22, so its description will be omitted.

[0054] First, the sample dispensing probe 22 and tube 206 are filled with the aforementioned pure water or a cleaning solution (system fluid) containing a surfactant added to the pure water. The sample dispensing probe 22 is preferably filled with the system fluid 302 up to the tip. At this point, the internal flushing solenoid valve 204 is closed.

[0055] From this state, air (shown as 301) is sucked in by the syringe pump 205. Figure 3 (a)). This air is referred to as segmented air 301. The segmented air 301 is an example of the first segmented air of the present invention.

[0056] After the air 301 is sucked, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the sample suction position by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 and sucks the sample 303 from the sample container 23 ( Figure 3 (b)).

[0057] Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe 22 moves while maintaining the sample 303 held therein, and ejects the sample into the cell 25 ( Figure 3 (c) When the sample 303 is ejected, the entire sample 303 may be ejected, or a portion of the sample 303 may be held within the sample dispensing probe 22 and the ejection may be terminated.

[0058] Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 and cleaned ( Figure 3 (d)). During cleaning of the outer surface, cleaning fluid 305 is used to clean the area covering the area in contact with the dispensing solution (sample). This reliably removes the dispensing solution and its components adhering to the outer surface. However, if the cleaning area is too wide compared to the dispensing solution, adhesion of cleaning fluid 305 may become a problem. Therefore, it is desirable to control the cleaning area to be no larger than the area in contact with the dispensing solution.

[0059] Next, the device operation during cleaning in the special cleaning tank 27, which is used to clean the sample dispensing probe 22 more vigorously than the normal cleaning tank 26, will be described. Here, a cleaning tank that supplies a heated cleaning liquid can be considered as the special cleaning tank 27. The heated cleaning liquid can be the previously described pure water, a cleaning liquid with a surfactant added to pure water, an alkaline or acidic cleaning liquid, or a cleaning liquid with a surfactant added to these.

[0060] As before, the sample dispensing probe 22 and the tube 206 are filled with the system liquid in the liquid tank 201. At this time, the system liquid in the liquid tank 201 is preferably filled to the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22. In addition, the internal washing solenoid valve 204 is closed. From this state, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws in segmented air 306 ( Figure 3 (e)). The segmented air 306 is an example of the second segmented air of the present invention. The amount of the segmented air 306 is greater than the amount of the segmented air 301.

[0061] After the segmented air 306 is sucked in, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. The heated cleaning liquid 307 is supplied from the special cleaning tank 27. The sample dispensing probe 22 is immersed in the heated cleaning liquid in the special cleaning tank 27, and the heated cleaning liquid 307 is sucked in by the syringe pump 205 with the internal cleaning solenoid valve 204 closed. Figure 3 (f)).

[0062] At this point, the outer surface of the sample dispensing probe 22, also immersed in the heated cleaning fluid, is also cleaned. Similar to the cleaning in the cleaning tank 26, the cleaning range covers the area in contact with the dispensing target solution (sample 303). This reliably removes the dispensing target solution and its components adhering to the outer surface. However, if the cleaning range is too wide compared to the dispensing target solution, adhesion of the cleaning fluid can become a problem. Therefore, it is desirable to limit the cleaning range to a range no larger than the area in contact with the dispensing target solution.

[0063] In Example 1, the cleaning range A of the inner surface is shown as being wider than the cleaning range B of the outer surface. The cleaning range A of the inner surface is determined by taking into account the assumed maximum aspiration volume of the sample or reagent and aspirating an amount sufficient to cover it. Alternatively, the cleaning range A of the inner surface may be determined by taking into account the historical record of the aspiration volume of the sample or reagent performed to date and aspirating an amount sufficient to cover it based on the maximum aspiration volume.

[0064] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15, and the heated cleaning liquid 307 is quantitatively ejected by the extrusion of the syringe pump 205, and the cleaning is performed with the cleaning liquid 305 ( Figure 3 (g)). In addition, the heated cleaning liquid 307 may be sprayed into the cleaning tank 26 or the special cleaning tank 27.

[0065] Next, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws in segmented air 308 ( Figure 3(h)). The amount of segmented air 308 is greater than the amount of segmented air 301. Furthermore, the amount of segmented air 308 may be greater or less than the amount of segmented air 301. Furthermore, the amount of segmented air 308 may be greater or less than the amount of segmented air 306.

[0066] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 again by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. As before, the heated cleaning liquid 309 is supplied from the special cleaning tank 27. The sample dispensing probe 22 is immersed in the heated cleaning liquid 309, and the heated cleaning liquid 309 is sucked by the syringe pump 205 with the internal cleaning solenoid valve 204 closed ( Figure 3 (i)). Heated cleaning liquid 309 is generally the same cleaning liquid as heated cleaning liquid 307 previously drawn in, but may also be a different cleaning liquid. Furthermore, in Example 1, the heated cleaning liquid is drawn in and ejected twice, but the drawing in and ejection of the heated cleaning liquid may be performed once or three or more times.

[0067] Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 and cleaned with the cleaning solution 305 in the same manner as before ( Figure 3 (j)). The cleaning in the cleaning tank 26 may be performed once or repeatedly.

[0068] As described above, when the sample dispensing probe 22 is cleaned in the special cleaning tank 27 using the heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309, it is important to maintain the temperature of the heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 as high as possible to improve the cleaning effect, that is, to prevent the temperature from decreasing due to heat dissipation.

[0069] The amount of segmented air 306 and 308 when drawing in the heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 is preferably greater than the amount of segmented air 301 when drawing in the sample 303. This is because the greater the amount of segmented air, the more it can prevent the heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 from coming into contact with the system liquid 302 that fills the dispensing probe. The system liquid 302 supplied from the liquid tank 201 is sometimes difficult to control in temperature. In such a case, the temperature of the system liquid 302 is strongly affected by the temperature of the outside air. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, it is believed that the heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 come into contact with the system liquid 302 and cause heat dissipation. In addition, when the system liquid 302 supplied from the liquid tank 201 moves on the inner surface of the dispensing probe, it is considered that a trace amount of the system liquid adheres to the inner wall surface of the dispensing probe and remains. As a result, it is believed that the cleaning liquid attached to the inner wall surface of the dispensing probe mixes with the heated cleaning liquid, thereby lowering the temperature of the heated cleaning liquid.

[0070] Figures 4A to 4F The results of a simulation study on the effect of segmented air volume on heat dissipation are shown. Figures 4A to 4FThis shows the temperature change on the inner wall surface of the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe draws in the heated cleaning liquid. Figures 4A to 4F The result of monitoring the temperature at different heights of the dispensing probe. Figures 4A to 4F The order is close to the front end of the dispensing probe. That is, Figure 4A This is the result of monitoring at the position closest to the tip of the dispensing probe. Figure 4F This is the result of monitoring at the position farthest from the tip of the dispensing probe.

[0071] In this simulation, evaluation was performed under two conditions: a case where the amount of air in the segment was zero and a case where the entire interior of the dispensing probe was filled with air. Figures 4A to 4F In the figure, the dotted line represents the temperature change when the amount of segmented air is 0, and the solid line represents the temperature change when the inside of the dispensing probe is completely filled with air.

[0072] exist Figures 4A to 4F In the graph, the temperature of the solid line (when the dispensing probe is completely filled with air) is higher than the temperature of the dashed line (when the segmented air volume is 0). This is believed to be because, as described above, adjusting the segmented air volume prevents contact between the heated cleaning fluid and the low-temperature system fluid 302 supplied from the liquid tank 201, thereby reducing the heat dissipation effect.

[0073] like Figures 4A to 4F As shown, by increasing the amount of segmented air 306 and 308 when sucking heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 relative to the amount of segmented air 301 when sucking sample 303, the heat insulation effect can be improved and the temperature of heated cleaning liquids 307 and 309 can be maintained at a high state.

[0074] (Example 2)

[0075] In addition, the amount of segmented air is preferably large enough to meet the cleaning range of the inner surface of the dispensing probe. Figure 5 An example of this case is shown in . The device structure of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1, so their description is omitted. Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (d) and Example 1 Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 (d) are the same as those in (d), so their descriptions are omitted.

[0076] The sample dispensing probe 22 draws in the segmented air 306 so as to satisfy the cleaning range A ( Figure 5 (e)).

[0077] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws in the heated cleaning liquid 307 so as to satisfy the cleaning range A ( Figure 5 (f) The inner surface of the sample dispensing probe 22 is cleaned by the heated cleaning liquid 307 .

[0078] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 ejects the heated cleaning liquid 307 ( Figure 5 (g)). This action allows the segmented air 306 to refill the inner cleaning area A, preventing contact between the system fluid 302 and the inner surface of the sample dispensing probe 22 in cleaning area A. This prevents a drop in the temperature of the inner cleaning area A. Furthermore, in Example 1, the sample dispensing probe 22 was subjected to both internal and external washing. However, to prevent contact with the system fluid 302, it is conceivable that these washings may not be performed.

[0079] Next, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. The sample dispensing probe 22 again draws in the heated cleaning liquid 309 ( Figure 5 (h)) and ejected.

[0080] Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 is rotated and moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 to perform internal and external washing ( Figure 5 (i) and Figure 5 (j)). In this case, the amount of the heated cleaning solutions 307 and 309 remaining on the sample dispensing probe 22 may be reduced by repeatedly performing internal and external cleaning in the cleaning tank 26 a plurality of times.

[0081] (Example 3)

[0082] Furthermore, when the heated cleaning liquid 307 is ejected, a portion of the heated cleaning liquid 307 is allowed to remain in the sample dispensing probe 22, thereby preventing contact with the outside air and reducing the temperature drop caused by heat dissipation. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The device structure of Example 3 is the same as that of Example 1, so their description is omitted. Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) and Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (f) and Example 2 Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5In the third embodiment, the amount of segmented air 306 sucked into the dispensing probe may be the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0083] Until the suction action of the heated cleaning liquid 307 ( Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (f), Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (f)) and Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 In the suction of the heated cleaning liquid 307, it is sufficient to fill the cleaning range A of the inner surface with the heated cleaning liquid 307, and it is also possible to suck the heated cleaning liquid 307 in an amount exceeding the range. Figure 7 (f) shows an example of a case where an amount of heated cleaning liquid exceeding the cleaning range of the inner surface is sucked.

[0084] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 ejects the heated cleaning liquid 307 ( Figure 6 (g), Figure 7 (g)). Figure 5 While the entire heated cleaning liquid 307 is ejected out of the sample dispensing probe 22 in the second embodiment, in the third embodiment, a portion of the heated cleaning liquid 307, 310, remains within the sample dispensing probe 22. Specifically, the control unit 250 controls the syringe pump to eject the remaining heated cleaning liquid while retaining some of the heated cleaning liquid within the dispensing probe. This prevents the inner surface of the sample dispensing probe 22 from contact with the outside air, maintaining the internal temperature of the sample dispensing probe 22.

[0085] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is rotated and moved by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 to the special cleaning tank 27. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 sucks the heated cleaning liquid 309 ( Figure 6 of (h), Figure 7 Here, as before, in the suction of the heated cleaning liquid 309 , the heated cleaning liquid 309 only needs to satisfy the cleaning range A of the inner surface, and an amount of the heated cleaning liquid 307 exceeding the cleaning range A may be sucked. Figure 7 (h) shows this example.

[0086] Then, after washing again, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the washing tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15, and internal washing and external washing are performed ( Figure 6 (i) and (j) Figure 7 (i) and (j)).

[0087] Furthermore, if Figure 8 As shown, by making the amount of the heated cleaning liquid 310 remaining inside the sample dispensing probe 22 satisfy the cleaning range A ( Figure 8 (g)) The heated cleaning liquid 310 is in a state of always being in contact with the cleaning range A of the inner surface, and it is expected that the cleaning efficiency will be further improved.

[0088] (Example 4)

[0089] In Example 4, Figure 9 As shown, by sucking and heating the cleaning liquid in multiple stages, the interior of the sample dispensing probe 22 is preliminarily heated. This can remove the system liquid 302 remaining on the inner wall surface, and more efficient cleaning can be expected.

[0090] Until the sample dispensing probe 22 sucks the segmented air 306 ( Figure 9 (a)~ Figure 9 (e)) and Example 1 Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 The same as (e). After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 moves to the special cleaning tank 27 through the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 attracts the heated cleaning liquid 311 ( Figure 9 (f)).

[0091] Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 moves to the cleaning tank 26 via the sample dispensing mechanism 15, and draws in the segmented air 312 ( Figure 9 (g)). Segmented air 312 is an example of the third segmented air of the present invention. By ensuring that the amount of segmented air 312 is greater than the difference between the inner surface cleaning range A and the heated cleaning liquid 313, the heated cleaning liquid 313 can pass through the inner surface cleaning range A. This removes the system fluid 302 remaining on the inner wall surface of the sample dispensing probe 22 and heats the sample dispensing probe 22 itself.

[0092] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws the heated cleaning liquid 313 so as to satisfy the cleaning range A ( Figure 9 (h)). The inner surface of the sample dispensing probe 22 is preheated by the heated cleaning liquid 313, and the system liquid 302 can also be removed, thereby preventing heat dissipation of the heated cleaning liquid 313 and enabling more efficient cleaning.

[0093] Then, the sample dispensing probe 22 ejects the heated cleaning liquid 313 ( Figure 9 (i)), attracting segmented air 314 ( Figure 9 Then, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws in new heated cleaning fluid 315 ( Figure 9 (k)).

[0094] Then, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the cleaning tank 26 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15, and the heated cleaning liquids 311 and 315 ( Figure 9 (l)), implement internal and external washing ( Figure 9 (m) and (n)).

[0095] (Example 5)

[0096] In Example 5, Figure 10 As shown, the system fluid 302 located at the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 is heated in the special cleaning tank 27, and segmented air and heated cleaning fluid are drawn in. Specifically, the control unit 250 controls the operation of the syringe pump 205 to heat the system fluid within the dispensing probe in the special cleaning tank 27, then draws in the second segmented air (segmented air 312) into the dispensing probe, followed by the heated cleaning fluid 313. This allows for efficient heated cleaning.

[0097] The sample dispensing probe 22 draws in segmented air 301 ( Figure 10 (a)), the sample 303 is sucked and ejected ( Figure 10 (b), (c)), perform internal and external washing ( Figure 10 (d)), which is different from that of Example 2 Figure 5 (a) to (d) are the same.

[0098] After that, the sample dispensing probe 22 does not suck the air, but is filled with the system liquid 302 up to the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 ( Figure 10 (e)).

[0099] Then, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15. Here, the system liquid 302 in the sample dispensing probe 22 is heated by contact with the heated cleaning liquid in the special cleaning tank 27 ( Figure 10 (f)).

[0100] The sample dispensing probe 22 is moved by the sample dispensing mechanism 15 to draw in the segmented air 312 ( Figure 10 (g)). At this time, the amount of segmented air 312 is larger than the amount of segmented air 301 during sample aspiration, and if possible, may be an amount sufficient to satisfy the cleaning range A of the inner surface.

[0101] Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27 by the sample dispensing mechanism 15, and the heated cleaning liquid 313 is sucked in. Figure 10 Afterwards, the sample dispensing probe 22 moves to the cleaning tank 26 via the sample dispensing mechanism 15 and ejects the heated cleaning liquid 313 ( Figure 10 (i)), perform internal and external washing ( Figure 10 (j), (k)).

[0102] exist Figure 10 , an example is shown in which the system liquid 302 is heated in the special cleaning tank 27 without drawing segmented air. However, in Example 5, a method may be employed in which segmented air is drawn, segmented air and the system liquid 302 is ejected from the special cleaning tank 27, and after the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 is filled with the system liquid, the system liquid 302 is heated in the special cleaning tank 27. This prevents dripping from the tip of the sample dispensing probe 22 when the sample dispensing probe 22 is moved to the special cleaning tank 27.

[0103] (Example 6)

[0104] In the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 5, the height of the outer surface cleaning range is described as being smaller than that of the inner surface cleaning range. However, in reality, there are cases where the outer surface cleaning range B is larger than the inner surface cleaning range A. Figure 11 An example of this case is shown.

[0105] In Example 6, the control unit 250 controls the operation of the syringe pump 205 to draw the second segmented air (segmented air 306) to a region higher than the height of the outer surface cleaning range B. Thus, in Example 6, the sample dispensing probe 22 draws a larger amount of segmented air 306 (segmented air 306) than the region satisfying the inner surface cleaning range A, that is, the region satisfying the outer surface cleaning range B. Figure 11 (e)), it can be expected that cleaning can be performed with higher cleaning efficiency. In Example 6, cleaning using heated cleaning liquid is repeatedly performed ( Figure 11 (e), (f), (g) and (h)), perform internal washing and external washing ( Figure 11 (i), (j)).

[0106] (Variation)

[0107] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various variations. The above-described embodiments are described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to embodiments having all of the described structures. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with a structure of another embodiment, and a structure of another embodiment can be added to a structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, other structures can be added, deleted, or substituted for a portion of the structure of each embodiment.

[0108] For example, the control unit 250 may control the operation of the syringe pump 205 to adjust the amount of the second segmentation air (segmentation air 306 ) so that the heated cleaning liquid 307 does not exceed the joint 209 connecting the dispensing probe and the tube 206 .

[0109] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the cleaning method of the sample dispensing probe 22 is described, but the cleaning method of the present invention can also be applied to the reagent dispensing probe 21 .

[0110] The control unit 250 may also control the operation of the syringe pump 205 by referring to the parameter X representing the amount of segmentation air 301 and the parameter Y representing the amount of segmentation air 306 (where Y is greater than X). Furthermore, the control unit 250 may also control the operation of the syringe pump 205 by referring to the parameter X representing the amount of segmentation air 301 and the parameter (X+α) representing the amount of segmentation air 306 (where α is a positive number).

[0111] -Description of Reference Numerals-

[0112] 10 Automatic analysis device

[0113] 11 Reagent Containers

[0114] 12 reagent trays

[0115] 13 reaction disk

[0116] 14 Reagent dispensing mechanism

[0117] 15. Sample dispensing mechanism

[0118] 21 Reagent dispensing probe

[0119] 22 Sample dispensing probe

[0120] 23 sample containers

[0121] 24 sample racks

[0122] 25 units

[0123] 26 cleaning tank

[0124] 27 Special cleaning tank

[0125] 28 stirring mechanism

[0126] 29 Light Source

[0127] 30 Photometer

[0128] 201 Liquid Tank

[0129] 202 Pump

[0130] 203 External wash solenoid valve

[0131] 204 Internal flushing solenoid valve

[0132] 205 Syringe Pump

[0133] 206 tubes

[0134] 207 Cleaning Nozzle

[0135] 208 waste liquid tank

[0136] 209 joint

[0137] 250 Control Department

[0138] 251 processor

[0139] 252 Main storage unit

[0140] 253 Auxiliary Storage Unit

[0141] 254 interface

[0142] 301 Segmented Air

[0143] 302 system fluid

[0144] 303 samples

[0145] 305 cleaning fluid

[0146] 306 Segmented Air

[0147] 307 Heating cleaning fluid

[0148] 308 Segmented Air

[0149] 309 Heating cleaning fluid

[0150] 310 Heated cleaning fluid

[0151] 311 Heated cleaning fluid

[0152] 312 Segmented Air

[0153] 313 Heating cleaning fluid

[0154] 314 Segmented Air

[0155] 315 Heating the cleaning fluid.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that have: Dispensing probe, aspirating liquid; a cleaning tank, supplying heated cleaning fluid; a pump that draws the liquid and the heated cleaning fluid into the dispensing probe; and A control unit controls the operation of the pump, The control unit controls the operation of the pump. When the liquid is sucked into the dispensing probe, the system liquid filled in the dispensing probe and the first segmentation air for segmenting the liquid are sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the first segmentation air sucks the liquid into the dispensing probe. When the heated cleaning liquid is sucked into the dispensing probe, second segmented air, which is larger in amount than the first segmented air and which segments the system liquid and the heated cleaning liquid that fill the dispensing probe, is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the second segmented air sucks the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The amount of the second segmented air sucked into the dispensing probe is an amount equal to or greater than a cleaning range of the inner surface of the dispensing probe.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit controls the operation of the pump. The remaining heated cleaning liquid is ejected while a portion of the heated cleaning liquid in the dispensing probe remains in the dispensing probe.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein An amount of a portion of the heated cleaning liquid remaining in the dispensing probe is an amount equal to or larger than a cleaning range of an inner surface of the dispensing probe.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit controls the operation of the pump. When additional heated cleaning liquid different from the heated cleaning liquid is sucked into the dispensing probe, third segmented air that segments the heated cleaning liquid and the additional heated cleaning liquid in the dispensing probe is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the third segmented air sucks the additional heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5 , wherein: The amount of the additional heated cleaning liquid is an amount that is greater than or equal to the cleaning range of the inner surface of the dispensing probe.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit controls the operation of the pump. After the system fluid in the dispensing probe is heated in the cleaning tank, the second segmented air is drawn into the dispensing probe, and then the second segmented air draws the heated cleaning fluid into the dispensing probe.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein When the cleaning range of the outer surface of the dispensing probe is higher than the cleaning range of the inner surface, the control unit controls the operation of the pump to suck the second segmented air into a region higher than the cleaning range of the outer surface.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit controls the operation of the pump and adjusts the amount of the second segmented air so that the heated cleaning liquid does not exceed a junction between the dispensing probe and a tube that supplies the system liquid to the dispensing probe.

10. The automatic analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein The suction amount of the heated cleaning liquid is determined based on a history of the suction amount of the liquid in the past.

11. A method for cleaning a dispensing probe, characterized in that: have: Fill the dispensing probe that draws in the liquid with the system fluid. The system liquid filled in the dispensing probe and the first segmentation air for segmenting the liquid are sucked into the dispensing probe, Then the first segmented air draws the liquid into the dispensing probe, ejecting the liquid in the dispensing probe, aspirating into the dispensing probe a second segmented air which is larger in volume than the first segmented air and which is obtained by segmenting the system fluid and the heated cleaning fluid filled in the dispensing probe; and The second segmented air then draws the heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

12. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The amount of the second segmented air sucked into the dispensing probe is an amount equal to or greater than a cleaning range of the inner surface of the dispensing probe.

13. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing probe cleaning method further includes ejecting the remaining heated cleaning liquid while a portion of the heated cleaning liquid in the dispensing probe remains in the dispensing probe.

14. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 13, wherein: An amount of a portion of the heated cleaning liquid remaining in the dispensing probe is an amount equal to or larger than a cleaning range of an inner surface of the dispensing probe.

15. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing probe cleaning method further comprises: sucking third segmented air, which segments the heated cleaning liquid and the additional heated cleaning liquid in the dispensing probe, into the dispensing probe; and The third segmented air then draws the additional heated cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe.

16. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 15, wherein: The amount of the additional heated cleaning liquid is an amount that is greater than or equal to the cleaning range of the inner surface of the dispensing probe.

17. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing probe cleaning method further includes heating the system fluid in the dispensing probe in a cleaning tank to which the heated cleaning fluid is supplied after the fluid in the dispensing probe is ejected.

18. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: When the height of the cleaning range of the outer surface of the dispensing probe is higher than the height of the cleaning range of the inner surface, sucking the second segmented air into the dispensing probe means sucking the second segmented air into a region higher than the height of the cleaning range of the outer surface.

19. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing probe cleaning method further includes adjusting the amount of the second segmented air so that the heated cleaning liquid does not exceed a joint portion connecting the dispensing probe and a tube supplying the system liquid to the dispensing probe.

20. The method for cleaning a dispensing probe according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing probe cleaning method further includes determining the suction amount of the heated cleaning liquid based on a history of past suction amounts of the liquid.

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