Automated analyzer

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic analysis device. The automatic analysis device comprises a vacuum bin, a vacuum tank, a vacuum pump and a cylindrical suction nozzle, wherein the vacuum bin is used for receiving cleaning liquid used in a cleaning mechanism; the vacuum tank is connected to the vacuum bin; the vacuum pump is used for vacuumizing the vacuum tank; the suction nozzle extends in the vertical direction inside the vacuum chamber, the downward lower end surface of the suction nozzle is blocked by an end wall, and the suction nozzle is provided with a discharge port which is transversely opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an automatic analysis device with a vacuum chamber. Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analysis device that uses liquid samples such as blood or urine as specimens, a structure is sometimes used that vacuum-suctions waste liquid (such as cleaning liquid) through a vacuum chamber and recovers the waste liquid with the vacuum chamber. When the waste liquid flows violently into the vacuum chamber, the waste liquid splashes inside the vacuum chamber, and the splashed waste liquid can be sucked into the vacuum tank. When a certain amount of waste liquid accumulates in the vacuum tank, it is necessary to stop the vacuum suction and discharge the waste liquid from the vacuum tank, but it takes time to become a vacuum state again. Therefore, in order to improve the operating efficiency of the automatic analysis device, it is hoped to reduce the frequency of stopping the vacuum suction as much as possible. In order to suppress the waste liquid from flowing into the vacuum tank, a structure is disclosed that suppresses the waste liquid from flowing into the vacuum tank by partitioning the inside of the vacuum chamber, and a structure that provides a throttling device on the nozzle that introduces the waste liquid into the vacuum tank to reduce the flow rate of the waste liquid ejected into the inside of the vacuum chamber (Patent Document 1). Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-501127 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] In automated analyzers, cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of probes used to dispense reagents and samples is crucial for ensuring reliable measurement results. During cleaning, cleaning fluid adhering to the probe is removed from the nozzle by vacuum suction, temporarily accumulated in a vacuum chamber, and then discharged.

[0005] In recent years, the requirements for the processing capacity of automatic analyzers have become increasingly higher. The cleaning area and number of cleaning times of the probes have increased, and the hourly usage of cleaning liquid and even the amount of waste liquid have also tended to increase. Therefore, a large amount of waste liquid is violently introduced into the interior of the vacuum chamber, and the waste liquid is more likely to splash inside the vacuum chamber. In order to suppress the splashing waste liquid from flowing into the vacuum tank, measures such as enlarging the vacuum chamber are sometimes taken. However, in order to be installed in the limited space within the inspection room, the automatic analyzer is required to be miniaturized. From the perspective of promoting the miniaturization of the automatic analyzer, the enlargement of the vacuum chamber is undesirable. Therefore, a means is needed to suppress the flow of waste liquid from the vacuum chamber into the vacuum tank, which increases as the processing capacity is improved, without hindering the miniaturization of the automatic analyzer.

[0006] If a structure that partitions the interior of the vacuum chamber with partitions, as in Patent Document 1, is adopted, the waste liquid storage capacity within the vacuum chamber is reduced, making it inadequate to cope with the increase in waste liquid volume. To ensure sufficient waste liquid storage capacity, the vacuum chamber as a whole would have to be larger, which would violate the requirement for miniaturization of automated analyzers. Furthermore, even the structure described in this document, which incorporates a throttling device in the nozzle, cannot adequately cope with the increase in waste liquid volume.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of simultaneously suppressing the inflow of waste liquid from a vacuum chamber into a vacuum tank as the amount of waste liquid increases and suppressing the enlargement of the vacuum chamber. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the automatic analysis device of the present invention includes: a vacuum chamber, which receives the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning mechanism; a vacuum tank, which is connected to the vacuum chamber; a vacuum pump, which evacuates the vacuum tank; and a cylindrical suction nozzle, which discharges the used cleaning liquid sucked from the cleaning mechanism into the interior of the vacuum chamber, the suction nozzle extends in the up and down direction inside the vacuum chamber, the lower end face of the suction nozzle facing downward is blocked by the end wall, and the suction nozzle has a discharge port with a laterally opening. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously achieve suppression of the inflow of waste liquid from the vacuum chamber into the vacuum tank as the amount of waste liquid increases, and suppression of an increase in the size of the vacuum chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is an overall configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the cleaning operation of the reagent probe after reagent dispensing. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the suction operation of the cleaning liquid attached to the reagent probe. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the suction mechanism that performs the liquid suction operation of the cleaning liquid. Figure 5 This is a table summarizing the outline of the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) suction control operation of the control device. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber. Figure 7 It is a top view showing the appearance of the vacuum chamber. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along line AA. Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line BB. Figure 10 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line BB. Figure 11 This is a plan view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber provided in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber provided in an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber of a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings.

[0012] (Implementation Method 1) -Automatic Analyzer- Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automatic analyzer shown in this figure is a device for analyzing components in a sample, such as a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and includes a device body 100, which serves as a mechanism for performing analysis operations, and a control device 122 for controlling the device body 100. The device body 100 includes a sample delivery port 101, a conveyor line 102, sample dispensing mechanisms 103 and 104, a reaction disk 105, reagent dispensing mechanisms 107 to 110, a stirring mechanism 113, a photometry mechanism 114, sample probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116, reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 to 120, and a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 121. The sample probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116, the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 to 120, and the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 121 are devices for cleaning probes (sample probe, reagent probe) and the reaction vessel 106, respectively, with cleaning fluid.

[0013] The reaction disk 105 is circumferentially loaded with a plurality of reaction containers 106 for performing chemical reactions. The reagent disk 112 is circumferentially loaded with reagent bottles 111 storing reagents. The photometric mechanism 114 includes a light source 123 and a detector 124. The sample probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116 are located within the operating ranges of the sample dispensing mechanisms 103 and 104. The reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120 are located within the operating ranges of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 107-110.

[0014] The control device 122 includes: an input unit 125 such as a voice input device such as a microphone, a keyboard, etc., for the operator to input measurement items or measurement conditions; a control circuit 126 for controlling the operation of the automatic analysis device based on the input of the input unit 125; a calculation unit 127 which is a computer for calculating the metering data obtained by the metering mechanism 114; and an output unit 128 such as a monitor for outputting a graphical user interface (GUI) for indicating the operation content and analysis results.

[0015] exist Figure 1 The automated analyzer shown in the figure primarily performs analysis operations as follows. First, the operator places a holder 130 capable of holding a specimen container 129 (such as a blood collection tube) in an upright position at the specimen loading port 101. The specimen container 129 contains the specimen to be analyzed. Furthermore, when the operator inputs measurement details via the input unit 125, an action command is transmitted from the control device 122 to the device main body 100. The device main body 100 then executes the following analysis operations in accordance with the action command from the control device 122.

[0016] First, the rack 130 stored in the specimen delivery port 101 is automatically transferred to the conveyor-shaped conveyor line 102. The rack 130 transferred to the conveyor line 102 is placed on the belt of the conveyor line 102 and is transferred to a predetermined specimen suction position.

[0017] When the rack 130 is transported to the specimen suction position, the specimen dispensing mechanism 103 (or specimen dispensing mechanism 104) is controlled according to an operation command from the control device 122, and the specimen dispensing mechanism 103 moves its specimen probe (not shown) from the specimen probe cleaning mechanism 115 to the specimen suction position. The specimen dispensing mechanism 103 lowers the specimen probe at the specimen suction position, and stops the specimen probe when a liquid level detection sensor (not shown) detects contact with the specimen in the specimen container 129. The specimen dispensing mechanism 103 aspirates the amount of specimen required for analysis into the specimen probe and vertically raises the specimen probe while holding the specimen. The specimen dispensing mechanism 103 moves the specimen probe from the specimen suction position to a position above a predetermined reaction container 106, lowers the specimen probe to near the bottom of the reaction container 106, and discharges the specimen into the reaction container 106. After dispensing the sample into the reaction container 106 , the sample dispensing mechanism 103 vertically raises the sample probe and further moves it toward the sample probe washing mechanism 115 (or the sample probe washing mechanism 116 ), thereby completing the sample dispensing operation.

[0018] Thereafter, the reaction disk 105 rotates to move the reaction container 106 into which the sample has been dispensed to the reagent dispensing position.

[0019] Reagent dispensing mechanism 107 or 109 (or reagent dispensing mechanism 108 or 110) draws the reagent to be used from reagent bottle 111 according to the analysis item and discharges the reagent into reaction vessel 106 containing the specimen. Aside from liquid level detection, the reagent dispensing operation of reagent dispensing mechanism 107-110 is essentially the same as that of specimen dispensing mechanism 103 or 104. After dispensing the reagent into reaction vessel 106, reagent dispensing mechanism 107 or 109 moves the reagent probe toward reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 or 119, concluding the reagent dispensing operation.

[0020] In this embodiment, for example, the sample dispensing mechanism 103, the reagent dispensing mechanisms 107 and 109, the sample probe cleaning mechanism 115, and the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 and 119 are considered as the first system. Furthermore, the sample dispensing mechanism 104, the reagent dispensing mechanisms 108 and 110, the sample probe cleaning mechanism 116, and the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 118 and 120 are considered as the second system. Furthermore, the control device 122 controls the apparatus main body 100 so that the sample dispensing and reagent dispensing operations are performed cyclically, staggered (e.g., alternately), between the first and second systems, thereby ensuring high processing capacity of the automatic analyzer.

[0021] When the specimen and the reagent are dispensed into the reaction container 106 , the reaction disk 105 rotates to move the reaction container 106 containing the reaction solution of the specimen and the reagent to the position of the stirring mechanism 113 .

[0022] The stirring mechanism 113 promotes chemical reactions by stirring the reaction solution placed in the reaction container 106 , thereby changing optical properties such as absorbance of the reaction solution.

[0023] After stirring the reaction liquid, the reaction disk 105 rotates to cause the reaction container 106 containing the reaction liquid to pass through the photometric mechanism 114. As the reaction container 106 passes through the photometric mechanism 114, light from the light source 123 passes through the reaction liquid and is detected by the detector 124, thereby measuring the optical properties of the reaction liquid. The data detected by the detector 124 is transmitted to the control device 122, and the calculation unit 127 calculates the concentration of the analytical item included in the specimen. The calculation result of the calculation unit 127 is output to the output unit 128.

[0024] The probes of the sample dispensing mechanisms 103 and 104 and the reagent dispensing mechanisms 107-110 and the reaction container 106 used in the above-mentioned analysis operations are cleaned each time by the sample probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116, the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120, and the reaction container cleaning mechanism 121. This maintains the accuracy of sample and reagent dispensing, and allows the probes and reaction container 106 to be reused for multiple analysis operations.

[0025] However, in order to suppress the dilution of the reagent and the specimen, it is necessary to fully remove the cleaning liquid adhering to the probe and the reaction container 106 during cleaning. Therefore, the automatic analyzer of this embodiment includes, in addition to the cleaning mechanism (reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117, etc.) for cleaning the probe and the reaction container 106 with the cleaning liquid, a suction mechanism 300 ( Figure 4 ).

[0026] -Increase factor of cleaning fluid- The control device 122 controls the apparatus body 100 so that the cleaning operation performed by the cleaning mechanism and the suction removal of the cleaning fluid by the suction mechanism 300 are performed in parallel. For example, during the cleaning of the probe and reaction vessel 106 used in the first system, the cleaning fluid of the probe and reaction vessel 106 used in the second system can be removed. Furthermore, for example, to improve processing capacity, the control device 122 can also control the apparatus body 100 so that both the cleaning of the probe and the removal of the cleaning fluid are performed at the same location. For example, before the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 completes the cleaning of the reagent probe, the suction mechanism 300 can draw cleaning fluid from the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117. In such cases, the temporal overlap of the supply and removal of cleaning fluid by the same cleaning mechanism can further accelerate processing speed. However, in such cases, the amount of cleaning fluid drawn in per hour by the suction mechanism 300 increases.

[0027] Furthermore, in an automated analyzer employing the following structure, the reagent adheres to the reagent probe as it passes through the incision, a tiny incision being made in the lid of the reagent bottle 111 to ensure reagent stability. Therefore, the entire portion of the reagent probe that penetrates the lid and is inserted into the bottle is cleaned, resulting in a greater amount of cleaning fluid than when the lid of the reagent bottle is opened and the analyzer is installed in the automated analyzer.

[0028] Furthermore, in automated analyzers, increasing the number of probes and shortening cycle times are being promoted to improve throughput. This also contributes to increasing the amount of cleaning fluid that should be removed by vacuum aspiration.

[0029] -Probe cleaning action of the cleaning mechanism- Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the cleaning operation of the reagent probe after the reagent is dispensed. Figure 21 shows the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 and the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117. The reagent dispensing mechanisms 108-110 and the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 118-120 also have the same structure and operation. Each of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 107-110 includes a reagent probe 202. The reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120 each include a cleaning port 204, a waste liquid pipe 205, and a cleaning tank 203 with a vacuum suction port 207.

[0030] After reagent dispensing is completed, the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 moves the reagent probe 202 to a position above the cleaning tank 203 and lowers the reagent probe 202 toward the cleaning port 204. Simultaneously with or before the reagent probe 202 is inserted into the cleaning port 204, the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 begins discharging external cleaning water W1 (cleaning liquid) from the external cleaning water outlet of the cleaning liquid supply system (not shown) into the cleaning tank 203. The external cleaning water W1 flows down the cleaning port 204 of the cleaning tank 203. As the reagent probe 202 descends along the cleaning port 204, the entire outer wall surface of the reagent probe 202 is cleaned by the external cleaning water W1 flowing along the cleaning port 204. The external cleaning water W1 (waste liquid) that has cleaned the outer wall surface of the reagent probe 202 flows through the cleaning port 204 into the waste liquid pipe 205 and is ultimately discharged from the cleaning tank 203 via the waste liquid pipe 205. In addition, a portion of the external washing water W1 overflowing from the washing port 204 during the washing of the reagent probe 202 directly flows into the waste liquid pipe 205 and is discharged from the washing tank 203 .

[0031] Furthermore, the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 begins discharging internal cleaning water W2 (cleaning liquid) from the reagent probe 202 simultaneously with or immediately after the reagent probe 202 is introduced into the cleaning port 204, thereby cleaning the inner wall surface of the reagent probe 202. The internal cleaning water W2 (waste liquid) after cleaning the inner wall surface of the reagent probe 202 flows through the cleaning port 204 into the waste liquid pipe 205 and is discharged from the cleaning tank 203.

[0032] In addition, a ball valve 206 is provided at the connection portion between the cleaning port 204 and the waste liquid pipe 205. The ball valve 206 is normally open, but when the cleaning port 204 is depressurized, the ball is sucked into the cleaning port 204, thereby blocking the connection portion between the cleaning port 204 and the waste liquid pipe 205. Figure 2 In the structural example, there are two vacuum suction ports 207 connected to the cleaning port 204.

[0033] -Cleaning fluid suction action of the cleaning mechanism- Figure 3This diagram illustrates the suctioning operation of the cleaning liquid adhering to the reagent probe 202. After cleaning the reagent probe 202 and before the reagent probe 202 ascends, the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 and the cleaning liquid suction mechanism stop supplying external cleaning water W1, continue supplying internal cleaning water W2, and simultaneously initiate vacuum suction of the cleaning port 204 through the vacuum suction port 207. By depressurizing the interior of the cleaning port 204 and closing the ball valve 206, the connection between the cleaning port 204 and the waste liquid pipe 205 is severed, maintaining the vacuum level within the cleaning port 204. By vacuuming the cleaning port 204 while the reagent probe 202 is inserted into the cleaning port 204, in addition to the external cleaning water W1 adhering to the outer wall of the reagent probe 202, the internal cleaning water W2 discharged from the reagent probe 202 is also drawn into the vacuum suction port 207, resulting in a large amount of waste liquid being drawn into the vacuum suction port 207. The cleaning liquid suction mechanism stops vacuum suction when the reagent probe 202 ascends and the tip of the reagent probe 202 is removed from the cleaning port 204. The ball valve 206 opens as the vacuum suction stops. In addition, the reagent probe cleaning mechanism 117 stops the supply of the internal cleaning water W2 while the reagent probe 202 is ascending inside the cleaning port 204.

[0034] -Cleaning fluid suction mechanism- Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the suction mechanism 300 for performing the liquid suction operation of the cleaning liquid. Figure 4 The suction mechanism 300 shown includes a vacuum chamber 301 , suction nozzles 302 , 303 , a vacuum nozzle 304 , a vacuum tank 309 , and a vacuum pump 310 . Figure 4 While the suction mechanism 300 is shown for drawing cleaning liquid from the respective cleaning tanks 203 of the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120, the suction mechanism for drawing cleaning liquid from the specimen probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116 and the suction mechanism for drawing cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 121 also have the same structure. The suction mechanisms for drawing cleaning liquid from the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120, the specimen probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116, and the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 121 may be independent, but, for example, multiple suction mechanisms may share a vacuum tank 309 and a vacuum pump 310. Furthermore, multiple suction mechanisms may share one or more vacuum chambers 301, for example, by drawing cleaning liquid for cleaning the specimen probes and cleaning liquid for cleaning the reagent probes into the same vacuum chamber 301.

[0035] The vacuum chamber 301 is a container for receiving and temporarily storing the cleaning liquid used in the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117-120, that is, the waste liquid vacuum-sucked from each cleaning tank 203. The vacuum chamber 301 is provided with the aforementioned multiple suction nozzles 302, 303 and a single vacuum nozzle 304.

[0036] The suction nozzles 302 and 303 are cylindrical members for discharging the used cleaning liquid sucked from the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 to 120, i.e., waste liquid, into the interior of the vacuum chamber 301. The suction nozzles 302 and 303 are fixed to and penetrate the top wall of the vacuum chamber 301. The vacuum suction ports 207 ( Figure 3 ) is connected to the suction nozzle 302 via the first waste liquid suction system L1. The waste liquid suction system L1 is provided with a solenoid valve SV1 for opening and closing its flow path. The vacuum suction port 207 ( Figure 3 ) is connected to the suction nozzle 303 via the second waste liquid suction system L2. The waste liquid suction system L2 is provided with an electromagnetic valve SV2 for opening and closing its flow path.

[0037] In addition, a waste liquid nozzle 305 ( Figure 6 The waste liquid pipe 205 is connected to the waste liquid nozzle 305 via the pipe L3. The pipe L3 is provided with an electromagnetic valve SV3 for opening and closing the flow path.

[0038] The vacuum tank 309 is connected to the vacuum nozzle 304 via a pipe L4, thereby connecting the vacuum tank 309 to the vacuum chamber 301. A vacuum pump 310 is connected to the vacuum tank 309, which evacuates the vacuum tank 309. A solenoid valve SV4, such as a three-way valve (or multiple on-off valves), is provided in the pipe L4. When the solenoid valve SV4 is closed, the flow path of the pipe L4 connected to the vacuum tank 309 is closed. When the vacuum pump 310 is driven, the internal pressure of the vacuum tank 309 is maintained at a negative pressure compared to atmospheric pressure. Simultaneously, the flow path of the pipe L4 connected to the vacuum chamber 301 is open to the atmosphere. When the solenoid valve SV4 is opened, the pipe L4 becomes a closed flow path, connecting the vacuum chamber 301 to the negative pressure of the vacuum tank 309. Furthermore, to prevent waste liquid from the vacuum chamber 301 from flowing into the vacuum chamber 309, a buffer tank is sometimes provided in the pipe L4 between the vacuum chamber 301 and the solenoid valve SV4.

[0039] -Control action of cleaning fluid suction- Figure 5This table summarizes the control operation of the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) suction by the control device. As described above, in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, multiple suction nozzles 302 and 303 are arranged in the same vacuum chamber 301, and solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 are respectively provided in the waste liquid suction systems L1 and L2 of these suction nozzles 302 and 303. These solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 are controlled by the control device 122 together with other solenoid valves SV3 and SV4 provided in the suction mechanism 300. The control device 122 controls the solenoid valves so that the timing of the cleaning liquid being discharged from each suction nozzle 302 and 303 into the vacuum chamber 301 is staggered with the timing of the cleaning liquid being discharged from the other suction nozzle into the vacuum chamber 301. In this embodiment, since two suction nozzles 302 and 303 are provided in the same vacuum chamber 301, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 are controlled so that the timing of the waste liquid being discharged from the suction nozzle 302 is staggered with the timing of the waste liquid being discharged from the suction nozzle 303.

[0040] exist Figure 5 The table specifies the switch states of the solenoid valves SV1-SV4 in each scenario. The table is stored in the memory of the control device 122, for example. The control device 122 controls the device body 100 based on the measurement content input by the operator in the input unit 125, and Figure 5 The table controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valves SV1-SV4 corresponding to the scenes.

[0041] When waste liquid is being drawn into the first system, the control device 122 opens the solenoid valve SV1 of the first waste liquid aspiration system L1 while the solenoid valves SV2 and SV3 are closed and the solenoid valve SV4 is open. This connects the cleaning tanks 203 of the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 and 118 of the first system to the vacuum tank 309 via the vacuum chamber 301. The interior of the vacuum chamber 301 becomes negatively pressurized, and waste liquid is drawn from the cleaning tanks 203 of the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 117 and 118 into the vacuum chamber 301.

[0042] When waste liquid is being drawn into the second system, the control device 122 opens the solenoid valve SV2 of the second waste liquid aspiration system L2 while the solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are closed and the solenoid valve SV4 is open. This connects the cleaning tanks 203 of the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 118 and 120 of the second system to the vacuum tank 309 via the vacuum chamber 301. The interior of the vacuum chamber 301 becomes negatively pressurized, and waste liquid is drawn from the cleaning tanks 203 of the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 118 and 120 into the vacuum chamber 301.

[0043] To discharge waste liquid accumulated in vacuum chamber 301, control device 122 opens solenoid valve SV3 of pipe L3 connected to waste liquid pipe 205 while solenoid valves SV1, SV2, and SV4 are closed. This causes the interior of vacuum chamber 301 to reach atmospheric pressure, and waste liquid is discharged from vacuum chamber 301 into waste liquid pipe 205.

[0044] In this embodiment, according to Figure 5 The table controls the opening and closing of solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 so that the scenes of waste liquid suction into the first system and the scenes of waste liquid suction into the second system do not overlap in time. Furthermore, since solenoid valve SV4 is closed when waste liquid is discharged from vacuum chamber 301, the scenes of waste liquid discharge do not overlap in time with the scenes of waste liquid suction into the first system and the scenes of waste liquid suction into the second system.

[0045] -Vacuum Chamber- Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the vacuum chamber 301, Figure 7 It is a top view. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view at line AA in the figure is as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view at line BB in the figure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 and Figure 6 Wait for matching, Figure 10 Another structural example is shown. Figure 6-Figure 7 The shape of the vacuum chamber 301 shown is not necessarily limited, but in this embodiment, the vacuum chamber 301 is a cylindrical container whose center line extends in the vertical direction.

[0046] The top wall 301a (upper wall) of the vacuum chamber 301 is a circular flat plate, and the suction nozzles 302, 303 and the vacuum nozzle 304 are installed on the top wall 301a. The bottom wall 301b (lower wall) of the vacuum chamber 301 is formed by a plate into a conical shape (funnel-shaped) protruding downward, and the bottom surface of the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 301 is a conical surface inclined downward toward the center. The waste liquid nozzle 305 is arranged at the lower end of the bottom wall 301b (the top position of the cone). The waste liquid nozzle 305 is connected to the waste liquid pipe 205 via the piping L3. The waste liquid flowing in through the suction nozzles 302 and 303 is temporarily stored in the vacuum chamber 301 and is discharged when the solenoid valve SV3 ( Figure 4 ) is discharged from the waste liquid nozzle 305. Since the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber has a funnel shape, the waste liquid is suppressed from remaining inside the vacuum chamber 301.

[0047] The vacuum nozzle 304 is mounted on the top wall 301a of the vacuum chamber 301 via a small space (small chamber) 306. The small space 306 is a cylindrical member having a diameter larger than that of the vacuum nozzle 304 and passes through the top wall 301a of the vacuum chamber 301. The amount of protrusion of the small space 306 from the top wall 301a into the internal space of the vacuum chamber 301 is suppressed (at least smaller than the protrusion of the suction nozzles 302 and 303), and the distance from the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber 301 is ensured as much as possible. The lower end surface of the small space 306 is surrounded by an end wall 306a ( Figure 8 ) is covered, so that the waste liquid splashing inside the vacuum chamber 301 is difficult to be sucked into the small space 306.

[0048] -Suction nozzle- The suction nozzles 302 and 303 extend through the top wall 301a of the vacuum chamber 301, with their front ends protruding into the interior space of the vacuum chamber 301. In this embodiment, the suction nozzles 302 and 303 extend vertically within the vacuum chamber 301, with the lower ends (front ends) of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 located slightly above the center of the interior space of the vacuum chamber 301 in the vertical direction. While not necessarily limited to this, from the perspective of reducing the volume occupied by the interior space of the vacuum chamber 301, the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are preferably straight tubes, that is, they extend in a straight line.

[0049] The suction nozzles 302 and 303 have their lower end faces (the part corresponding to the front end opening in the case of ordinary straight tubes) blocked by the end wall EW, and are replaced by discharge ports 307 that open horizontally (towards the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical side wall of the vacuum chamber 301). As a result, inside the vacuum chamber 301, waste liquid is not discharged downward from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 but is discharged horizontally ( Figure 7 thick arrows in the figure).

[0050] In this embodiment, the discharge port 307 is a cutout provided on the outer peripheral wall OW of the suction nozzles 302 and 303. By blocking the lower end faces of the straight-cylindrical suction nozzles 302 and 303 with the end wall EW, a horizontal discharge port 307 is formed instead. The distance between the inner wall surface of the vacuum chamber 301 and the suction nozzles 302 and 303, the height of the discharge port 307 inside the vacuum chamber 301, and the opening direction of the discharge port 307 are set so that the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 does not directly interfere with the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber 301, that is, the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 does not first hit the bottom wall 301b. The discharge port 307 is designed to at least face the waste liquid discharge (ejection) direction ( Figure 7The projection of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 in the direction of the thick arrow in the figure will not fall into the bottom wall 301b. Of course, each suction nozzle 302 and 303 is arranged so as not to overlap in the discharge direction of the cleaning liquid of the other suction nozzle. Specifically, the suction nozzle 302 is arranged so as not to interfere with the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzle 303, and the suction nozzle 303 is arranged so as not to interfere with the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzle 302. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a structure in which the discharge ports 307 of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 open in different directions in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber 301 is shown as an example.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the discharge port 307 is formed by cutting the lower end of the outer peripheral wall OW of the suction nozzles 302 and 303, and is located at the lower end of the outer peripheral wall OW of the suction nozzles 302 and 303, and a portion of the opening edge portion is defined by the end wall EW. In addition, as described above, since the lower ends of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are located slightly above the center of the internal space of the vacuum chamber 301 in the up-down direction, in the present embodiment, the discharge port 307 is located in the upper half of the interior of the vacuum chamber 301. In the present embodiment, the discharge port 307 is arranged at a position higher than the designed maximum liquid level of the waste liquid in the vacuum chamber 301. The end wall EW is inclined downward toward the discharge port 307. However, as Figure 10 As shown, the discharge port 307 is sometimes configured to be inside the vacuum chamber 301 and located in the lower half of the vacuum chamber 301 .

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, in a cross section taken along a plane passing through the centerline C of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 and the center O of the discharge port 307, the angle θ (<180°) formed between the outer peripheral wall OW (vertical wall surface) of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 and the end wall EW is an obtuse angle. Furthermore, the opening of the discharge port 307 is substantially parallel to the centerline C.

[0053] In addition, the plane passing through the center line C of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 and the center O of the discharge port 307 (equivalent to Figure 7 The BB line in the vacuum chamber 301 intersects obliquely with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. That is, the BB line is configured so as not to be a normal line to the outer peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. In addition, preferably, as Figure 7As shown, when viewed from above, the opening direction of the discharge port 307 of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 (the thick arrow in the figure) is designed to be perpendicular to the straight line l1 connecting the center line C of the suction nozzle 302 and the outer peripheral wall 301c of the vacuum chamber 301 at the shortest distance (passing through the intersection of the outer peripheral wall 301c of the vacuum bottle 301 with the straight line l3 and parallel to the tangent line l2). In other words, the plane passing through the center line C of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 and the center O of the discharge port 307 is perpendicular to the straight line l1. This structure is designed to prevent waste liquid violently discharged from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 from colliding head-on with the inner peripheral wall of the vacuum chamber 301 and splashing.

[0054] In addition, the angle φ formed by the plane passing through the center line C and the center O and the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 is preferably less than 45 degrees. The angle φ is equivalent to the angle formed by the tangent line l3 at the intersection of the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 and the BB line (<90°). Figure 7 In the figure, the angle φ is shown as being slightly larger than 45°, but it is more preferable to make the suction nozzles 302 and 303 close to the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 301 in the shortest distance direction (the direction of the straight line l 1 in the case of the suction nozzle 302) and to make the angle φ smaller than Figure 7 structure. In the case of manufacturing the vacuum chamber 301 by assembling the top wall 301a equipped with the suction nozzles 302, 303, etc. to the cylindrical outer peripheral wall 301c, a corresponding distance is required between the outer edge of the top wall 301a and the suction nozzles 302, 303 for the convenience of manufacturing. However, in the absence of such restrictions (for example, in the case of applying additive manufacturing), the suction nozzles 302, 303 can be configured to contact the inner wall surface of the vacuum chamber 301. In this case, the waste liquid is discharged from the suction nozzles 302, 303 along the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301, and immediately adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 just after being discharged from the suction nozzles 302, 303.

[0055] With the above structure, the waste liquid violently discharged from the discharge port 307 of the suction nozzle 302 or 303 collides with the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 301c of the vacuum chamber 301. Figure 7 As described in the above, since the waste liquid collides with the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 at an angle, the waste liquid colliding with the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 is as follows. Figure 6 As shown by the middle arrow, it moves downward while circling along the inner circumference of the vacuum chamber 301 (ie, moves in a spiral shape).

[0056] -Comparative Example- Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber according to a comparative example. Figure 13In the example of FIG. 5 , the suction nozzle X2 is composed of a straight pipe extending in the vertical direction, and the discharge port X7 opens downward at the lower end (front end) of the suction nozzle X2 .

[0057] A large amount of waste liquid is sucked into the interior of the vacuum chamber X1. In addition, in order to quickly suck in and remove the cleaning liquid adhering to the reagent probe, etc., it is necessary to increase the air volume associated with the cleaning liquid suction. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the vacuum chamber X1 is violently discharged from the suction nozzle X2, directly colliding with the side or bottom wall X1b of the vacuum chamber X1, and splashing in all directions inside the vacuum chamber X1, as shown by the dotted arrows. When the splashed cleaning liquid adheres to the periphery of the vacuum nozzle X4, the cleaning liquid is sucked into the vacuum nozzle X4 and flows into the vacuum tank. If the cleaning liquid accumulates in the vacuum tank, the performance of the vacuum tank will decline, and the cleaning liquid suction capacity will decrease, making it impossible to guarantee the analytical performance of the automatic analyzer.

[0058] Generally, in an automatic analyzer, if the liquid level detection sensor installed in the vacuum tank detects that the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the vacuum tank has reached a constant level, the analysis operation stops. Therefore, it is important to suppress the splashing of the cleaning liquid inside the vacuum chamber. Figure 13 In a comparative example, for example, by enlarging the vacuum chamber X1 in the longitudinal direction to ensure a clear distance between the vacuum nozzle X4 and the bottom wall X1b, waste liquid can be prevented from flowing into the vacuum tank. However, this would increase the size of the vacuum chamber X1, making it difficult to meet the demand for miniaturized automated analyzers. Alternatively, the interior of the vacuum chamber X1 could be divided into multiple chambers to prevent waste liquid from splashing into the chamber connected to the vacuum nozzle X4. However, the resulting waste liquid storage space created by partitioning the interior of the vacuum chamber X1 is narrow, making it difficult to meet the increased processing speed of automated analyzers.

[0059] -Effect- (1) According to this embodiment, the suction nozzles 302 and 303 extend vertically within the vacuum chamber 301, and the lower end surfaces of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 facing downward are blocked by the end wall EW. Furthermore, a discharge port 307 opening laterally is formed in the suction nozzles 302 and 303. By discharging waste liquid laterally from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 within the vacuum chamber 301, it is possible to prevent the waste liquid from violently colliding with the bottom of the vacuum chamber 301 (the upper surface of the bottom wall 301b), and to prevent the waste liquid splashing at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 301 from being sucked into the vacuum tank 309 via the vacuum nozzle 304. Furthermore, by blocking the lower end of a vertically extending cylindrical member and providing a transverse hole as the discharge port 307 to form the suction nozzles 302 and 303, the volume occupied by the suction nozzles 302 and 303 within the interior of the vacuum chamber 301 can be reduced compared to, for example, a structure in which a bent cylindrical member is used to discharge waste liquid laterally within the vacuum chamber 301. This allows the vacuum chamber 301 to maintain its capacity for storing waste liquid while suppressing an increase in size. In particular, in this embodiment, since the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are formed from straight tubes, the volume occupied by the suction nozzles 302 and 303 can be minimized.

[0060] As described above, this embodiment can simultaneously suppress the inflow of waste liquid from the vacuum chamber 301 into the vacuum tank 309 as the amount of waste liquid increases, and suppress the increase in size of the vacuum chamber 301. This contributes to improving the processing capacity and analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer.

[0061] (2) Since the discharge port 307 is a cutout provided in the outer peripheral wall OW of the suction nozzles 302 and 303, the suction nozzles 302 and 303 can be manufactured by, for example, simply machining a pipe. However, the shape and manufacturing method of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are not particularly limited.

[0062] (3) Furthermore, the configuration is such that the discharge port 307, which serves as a cutout, is disposed at the lower end of the outer peripheral wall OW of the suction nozzles 302 and 303, a portion of the discharge port 307 is defined by the end wall EW, and the end wall EW is inclined downward toward the discharge port 307. Since the angle θ formed by the end wall EW and the outer peripheral wall OW is an obtuse angle, waste liquid inside the suction nozzles 302 and 303 is guided by the end wall EW and discharged from the suction nozzles 302 and 303, thereby preventing waste liquid from remaining inside the suction nozzles 302 and 303.

[0063] (4) The direction of the discharge port 307 of each of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 is set so that the plane passing through the center line C and the center O of the discharge port 307 intersects obliquely with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. As a result, the waste liquid that collides with the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 is guided by the inner peripheral wall and moves downward while spirally circling the inner peripheral wall of the vacuum chamber 301. Figure 13 Compared with the case where the waste liquid is discharged downward from the suction nozzle X2 as shown, the distance the waste liquid moves before contacting the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber 301 becomes longer, and the flow rate of the waste liquid when the waste liquid contacts the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber 301 becomes slower. In addition, the waste liquid reaches the bottom wall 301b of the vacuum chamber 301 in a manner having a horizontal velocity component (in oblique contact with the bottom wall 301b). As a result, the splashing of the waste liquid can be more reasonably suppressed. Preferably, if the angle φ formed by the plane passing through the center line C and the center O of the discharge port 307 and the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber is less than 45 degrees, the waste liquid can flow more smoothly along the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301, which is effective.

[0064] (5) In addition, in the present embodiment, the directions of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are set so that the plane passing through the center line C and the center O of the discharge port 307 is orthogonal to the straight line l1 connecting the center line C and the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 at the shortest distance. As a result, the waste liquid can be discharged in the direction of the tangent line l2 passing through the intersection of the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301 and the straight line l1 and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. This structure can also play a beneficial role in making the waste liquid flow more smoothly along the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. In this case, when the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are close to the inner peripheral wall of the vacuum chamber 301 (for example, Figure 7 When the suction nozzle 302 is brought close to the inner peripheral wall of the vacuum chamber 301 along the straight line l1, the angle φ is close to 0°, which is ideal.

[0065] However, the positional relationship of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 relative to the inner circumference of the vacuum chamber 301 and the direction of waste liquid discharge can be appropriately adjusted based on the waste liquid discharge speed and volume. For example, if the waste liquid discharge speed is slow, the position of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 and the direction of the discharge port 307 can be appropriately set so that the waste liquid strikes the inner circumference of the vacuum chamber 301 from the discharge port 307 at a short distance.

[0066] (6) Since the suction nozzles 302 and 303 are arranged so that their waste liquid discharge directions do not overlap, when multiple suction nozzles 302 and 303 are installed in the same vacuum chamber 301, it is possible to suppress the waste liquid from colliding with and splashing against other suction nozzles. In particular, in this embodiment, since the discharge ports 307 of the suction nozzles 302 and 303 open in different directions in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber 301, it is possible to more effectively suppress the waste liquid from colliding with and splashing against other suction nozzles.

[0067] (7) In addition, Figure 9 As shown, when the discharge port 307 is located at the upper half of the interior of the vacuum chamber 301 , the waste liquid can reach the bottom wall 301 b at a lower speed because the number of times the waste liquid circulates in the vacuum chamber 301 increases.

[0068] (8) In addition, in the case of an automated analyzer with a long cycle time and less waste, e.g. Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1A , the suction nozzles 302 and 303 may be further extended downward, with the discharge port 307 located in the lower half of the interior of the vacuum chamber 301. This prevents the waste liquid from being discharged at a high position and colliding with the inner circumferential surface of the vacuum chamber 301 at a low position, thereby keeping the location where the waste liquid collides with the inner circumferential surface of the vacuum chamber 301 away from the vacuum nozzle 304.

[0069] (9) In addition, the control device 122 controls the electromagnetic valves SV1, SV2, etc., so that the timing of the waste liquid discharged by the suction nozzles 302 and 303 inside the vacuum chamber 301 is staggered, which can prevent the waste liquid discharged by the suction nozzles 302 and 303 from interfering with each other and splashing. Figure 7 As shown, if the waste liquids from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 circulate in opposite directions, assuming that the waste liquids are discharged simultaneously from the suction nozzles 302 and 303, the waste liquids may collide with each other and splash on the inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber 301. However, in this embodiment, since the timing of the waste liquid discharge from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 is controlled to be staggered, interference and splashing of the waste liquids discharged from the suction nozzles 302 and 303 can be suppressed regardless of the discharge direction of the waste liquids from the suction nozzles 302 and 303.

[0070] (Implementation Method 2) Figure 11 This is a plan view of a vacuum chamber included in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This corresponds to the first embodiment. Figure 7 In the picture. Figure 11 In the embodiment 1, the same or corresponding elements are marked with Figure 7 The same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0071] This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the discharge ports 307 of the plurality of suction nozzles 1101-1104 open in the same direction in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber 301. Different systems are connected to the suction nozzles 1101-1104. For example, the first and second systems of Embodiment 1 are connected to the suction nozzles 1101 and 1102, the system of the specimen probe cleaning mechanisms 115 and 116 is connected to the suction nozzle 1103, and the system of the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 121 is connected to the suction nozzle 1104. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which four suction nozzles 1101-1104 are provided in the same vacuum chamber 301, but the number of suction nozzles may be varied.

[0072] exist Figure 11 In the example, the directions of the discharge ports 307 of the suction nozzles 1101-11014 are set so that the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 1101-1104 circulates in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. The circling directions of the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 1101-1104 can be unified in opposite directions (counterclockwise when viewed from above). The rest of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0073] According to this embodiment, even when waste liquid is discharged simultaneously from multiple suction nozzles 1101-1104, the waste liquids discharged from the multiple nozzles will not collide with each other, thereby suppressing splashing caused by interference between the waste liquids. In addition, by increasing the number of systems connected to a single vacuum chamber 301, it is expected that the number of components will be reduced, thereby further miniaturizing the automatic analyzer.

[0074] For example, when the number of systems connected to the same vacuum chamber 301 increases, if the waste liquid discharge timings of the suction nozzles 1101-1104 do not overlap in time, a waste liquid suction waiting time may be generated, reducing the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer. In this case, although it is necessary to allow waste liquid to be discharged from multiple suction nozzles at the same time, the waste liquid may splash due to interference between the waste liquids. In contrast, according to this embodiment, even if waste liquid is discharged from multiple suction nozzles at the same time, the splashing of waste liquid caused by interference between the waste liquids can be suppressed.

[0075] (Implementation 3) Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vacuum chamber provided in an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This corresponds to the first embodiment. Figure 6 In the picture. Figure 12 In the embodiment 1, the same or corresponding elements are marked with Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0076] This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the discharge ports 307 of the multiple suction nozzles 1201 and 1202 are located at different heights within the vacuum chamber 301. The waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 1201 and 1202 circulates in the same direction. Furthermore, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that a guide 1203 is provided on the inner circumference of the vacuum chamber 301 to guide the circulation of the cleaning liquid. The guide 1203 is, for example, a protrusion that forms part of a spiral track.

[0077] When the gap between the suction nozzles 1201 and 1202 is insufficient and they are close to each other, depending on the discharge direction of the waste liquid, for example, the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzle 1202 may interfere with the suction nozzle 1201 and splash. Figure 12 As shown, by positioning the discharge port 307 of the suction nozzle 1202, which is located on the rear side in the waste liquid's circling direction, lower than the discharge port 307 of the suction nozzle 1201, which is located on the front side in the waste liquid's circling direction, it is possible to prevent the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzle 1202 from interfering with the suction nozzle 1201 and splashing. The height difference between the discharge ports 307 of the suction nozzles 1201 and 1202 is, for example, smaller than the distance that the waste liquid discharged from the suction nozzles 1201 and 1202 falls during one cycle around the vacuum chamber 301.

[0078] Furthermore, by providing the guide 1203 for guiding the circumferential flow of the waste liquid from the upper portion to the lower portion of the vacuum chamber 301 , the splash prevention effect can be further improved by dividing the flow of the waste liquid.

[0079] In other respects, this embodiment is the same as Embodiment 1.

[0080] (Variation) While the above embodiment describes the vacuum chamber 301 for sucking waste liquid from the reagent probe washing mechanisms 117-120, as described above, the present invention is also applicable to vacuum chambers for sucking waste liquid from the specimen probe washing mechanisms 115 and 116 and the reaction vessel washing mechanism 121. Furthermore, Embodiments 1-3 may be combined as appropriate.

[0081] In addition, the structure of the vacuum chamber 301 described above can be appropriately modified without departing from the technical concept of the invention. For example, Figure 9 , the end wall EW of the suction nozzle 302 is bent at an angle θ relative to the outer peripheral wall OW, but the corner portion of the angle θ may be R-shaped. In addition, although a structure in which multiple suction nozzles are connected to one vacuum chamber 301 is shown in each embodiment, only one suction nozzle may be connected to one vacuum chamber 301. Description of labels

[0082] 106 reaction container, 115, 116 specimen probe cleaning mechanism (cleaning mechanism), 117-120 reagent probe cleaning mechanism (cleaning mechanism), 121 reaction container cleaning mechanism (cleaning mechanism), 122 control device, 202 reagent probe (probe), 301 vacuum chamber, 302, 303 suction nozzles, 307 discharge port, 309 vacuum tank, 310 vacuum pump, 1101-1104 suction nozzles, 1201, 1202 suction nozzles, 1203 guide, C center line, EW end wall, l 1 straight line, L1, L2 waste liquid suction system, O center, OW outer wall, SV1-SV4 solenoid valves, θ, angle.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that include: a vacuum chamber for receiving a cleaning fluid used in the cleaning mechanism; a vacuum tank connected to the vacuum chamber; a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum tank; as well as A cylindrical suction nozzle discharges the used cleaning liquid sucked from the cleaning mechanism into the interior of the vacuum chamber. The suction nozzle extends in the vertical direction inside the vacuum chamber, a lower end surface of the suction nozzle facing downward is blocked by an end wall, and the suction nozzle has a discharge port that opens laterally.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The discharge port is a cutout provided in the outer peripheral wall of the suction nozzle.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein The discharge port is located at the lower end of the outer peripheral wall of the suction nozzle and is partially defined by the end wall. The end wall slopes downwardly toward the discharge opening.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein The angle formed by the end wall and the outer peripheral wall of the suction nozzle is an obtuse angle.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein A plane passing through a center line of the suction nozzle and a center of the discharge port obliquely intersects with an inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein The angle formed by the plane and the inner circumferential surface of the vacuum chamber is less than 45 degrees.

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein The plane is perpendicular to a straight line connecting a center line of the suction nozzle and an inner peripheral surface of the vacuum chamber at a shortest distance.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of suction nozzles are arranged in the vacuum chamber, Each suction nozzle is arranged so as not to overlap with another suction nozzle in the discharge direction of the cleaning liquid.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein The discharge ports of the plurality of suction nozzles are opened in different directions in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein The discharge ports of the plurality of suction nozzles open in the same direction in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein The discharge ports of the plurality of suction nozzles are located at different heights inside the vacuum chamber.

12. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein Inside the vacuum chamber, the discharge port is located at the upper half of the interior of the vacuum chamber.

13. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein Inside the vacuum chamber, the discharge port is located at the lower half of the interior of the vacuum chamber.

14. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The cleaning mechanism is a device for cleaning the probe or the reaction container with a cleaning liquid.

15. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The suction nozzle is a straight tube.

16. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum chamber is cylindrical. A guide member for guiding the circulation of the cleaning liquid is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the vacuum chamber.

17. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of suction nozzles are arranged in the vacuum chamber, The invention comprises: a plurality of solenoid valves, the plurality of solenoid valves being provided in the waste liquid suction system of each of the plurality of suction nozzles; and a control device, the control device controlling the solenoid valve, The control device controls the plurality of solenoid valves so that a timing at which each suction nozzle discharges the cleaning liquid is shifted from a timing at which the other suction nozzles discharge the cleaning liquid.

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