Detection cup cleaning device and method for biochemical analysis equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a cleaning device and method for a detection cup of biochemical analysis equipment, and the device comprises a cleaning fluid channel group which is configured to extend into the detection cup in a lifting manner, comprising an injection channel for injecting cleaning liquid into the detection cup and a suction channel for discharging cleaning waste liquid from the detection cup in a suction manner; the vibration device comprises a vibration source and a slender vibration transmission piece; wherein the slender vibration transmission piece is configured to extend into liquid in the detection cup in a lifting manner; the vibration source is tightly and fixedly connected with the slender vibration transmission piece and is used for transmitting vibration energy generated by the vibration source to the liquid in the detection cup through the slender vibration transmission piece and then transmitting the vibration energy to the inner wall of the detection cup through the liquid in the detection cup, so that cleaning of residual reagents and attachments in the detection cup is enhanced. The physical cleaning mode does not increase extra residues, is more beneficial to cleaning of the detection cup, and reduces cross contamination of instruments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical testing and detection technology, specifically to a device and method for cleaning test cups in a biochemical analysis apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Automated biochemical analyzers used in medical testing are primarily used to analyze liquid samples such as serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine to obtain important diagnostic indicators of the cause and progression of a patient's disease. With advancements in medical technology and rising diagnostic standards, the number of biochemical tests has gradually increased. Large medical institutions or specialized testing centers often handle large quantities of samples with numerous tests, and these samples need to be tested as quickly as possible to provide timely diagnostic information for medical treatment. Failure to complete biochemical testing quickly can delay clinical diagnosis and timely treatment. Each fully automated biochemical analyzer uses only one set of test cups for mixing and testing different reagents and samples. Due to the variety of tests and the complexity of the reagents used, and the fact that various reagents and samples spend the longest time in the test cups during the biochemical analysis, resulting in more complex compositions, contamination residues in the test cups are often difficult to clean. This is especially true after testing whole blood samples, reagents containing latex particles, and some highly adhesive reagents and sample components, where these components often adhere and deposit on the cup walls. Currently, cleaning the test cups of fully automated biochemical analyzers mainly relies on water and detergent. When cleaning is difficult, operators are required to manually clean the test cups with cotton swabs or replace them with new ones. Cleaning test cups in the original way has at least the following disadvantages: poor cleaning effect, low instrument detection efficiency, difficulty in ensuring detection quality (especially after detecting reagents or samples adhering to the test cup wall), high consumption of test cups, and heavy burden of instrument maintenance.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device and method for cleaning test cups of biochemical analysis equipment, which addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a testing cup cleaning device for a biochemical analysis apparatus, the testing cup cleaning device comprising:

[0006] A cleaning fluid channel assembly is configured to extend vertically into a test cup. The cleaning fluid channel assembly includes an injection channel and a suction channel. The injection channel is used to inject cleaning liquid into the test cup, and the suction channel is used to remove cleaning waste liquid from the test cup by suction. When the cleaning fluid channel assembly extends into the test cup, the outlet of the injection channel is higher than the liquid level inside the test cup, and the inlet of the suction channel is located at the bottom of the test cup.

[0007] And vibration devices, including vibration sources and slender vibration transmission components;

[0008] The elongated vibration transmitter is configured to extend vertically into the liquid inside the test cup; the vibration source is tightly fixedly connected to the elongated vibration transmitter, which is used to transmit the oscillation energy generated by the vibration source to the liquid inside the test cup through the elongated vibration transmitter, and then to the inner wall of the test cup through the liquid inside the test cup, so as to enhance the cleaning of residual reagents and adhering substances inside the test cup.

[0009] This physical cleaning method does not add any extra residue, which is more conducive to the cleanliness of the test cup and reduces cross-contamination of the instrument.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid channel is disposed inside the elongated vibration transmitter.

[0011] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmitter has a combined function: it can be used to inject and / or remove liquid from the detection cup, and it can also transmit vibration.

[0012] In other embodiments, the cleaning fluid channel assembly includes at least one detection cup cleaning needle assembly, each of the detection cup cleaning needle assemblies including an injection needle and a suction needle, the injection channel being disposed inside the injection needle and the suction channel being disposed inside the suction needle; and the elongated vibration transmission member is a vibration transmission rod independent of the detection cup cleaning needle assembly.

[0013] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmitter has only a single function, namely, transmitting vibration.

[0014] The test cup cleaning device of this embodiment can be implemented by mounting a vibration device on an existing test cup cleaning needle assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the water injection needle and / or the water absorption needle are fixedly connected or flexibly connected to the slender vibration transmission element, preferably flexibly connected.

[0016] Furthermore, the slender vibration transmitter and the detection cup cleaning needle assembly are arranged alternately or independently in a continuous manner.

[0017] Based on the independent workstation of the reaction plate, the slender vibration transmission component and the detection cup cleaning needle assembly are located at different corner positions on the circumferential path of the biochemical analyzer reaction plate, that is, occupying different "stations" on the circumference of the biochemical analyzer reaction plate.

[0018] The cross-continuous arrangement means that each slender vibration transmission component is equipped with a set of detection cup cleaning needles on both sides.

[0019] Independent continuous arrangement refers to the continuous arrangement of multiple slender vibration transmission components, with detection cup cleaning needle groups set on both sides respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, the water-absorbing needle is arranged parallel to the water-injecting needle, and the water-absorbing port of the water-absorbing needle is lower than the water-injecting port of the water-injecting needle;

[0021] When the slender vibration transmitter is placed in the liquid inside the detection cup, the suction port of the suction needle is located at the bottom of the detection cup.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vibration source is a piezoelectric vibrator, a vibration motor, or an ultrasonic vibrator, preferably an ultrasonic vibrator.

[0023] In some embodiments, there is one or more elongated vibration transmitters that share the same vibration source.

[0024] In some embodiments, the slender vibration transmission element is an inverted cone shape, a square column shape with a smaller top and a larger bottom and unequal thickness, or an inverted trapezoid shape.

[0025] In some embodiments, the slender vibration transmission element is made of stainless steel and has a length of 2 cm or more.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the elongated vibration transmitter is placed in the liquid inside the detection cup, the distance between each surface of the elongated vibration transmitter and the inner wall of the corresponding side of the detection cup is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the biochemical analysis equipment is a fully automated biochemical analyzer, a fully automated blood coagulation analyzer, a fully automated immunoassay analyzer, a fully automated blood analyzer, a fully automated urine analyzer, a fully automated fecal analyzer, a fully automated semen analyzer, a fully automated electrolyte analyzer, a fully automated food / beverage analyzer, a fully automated pesticide residue analyzer, or a fully automated water quality analyzer.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for cleaning test cups, implemented using a test cup cleaning device of any of the above-described biochemical analysis equipment, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] The slender vibration transmission component and / or the cleaning fluid channel assembly of the test cup cleaning device are placed into the test cup to be cleaned;

[0030] The residual liquid in the test cup is drawn out through the suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0031] Cleaning liquid is injected into the detection cup through the injection channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0032] The vibration source is activated, causing the slender vibration transmitter to vibrate in the cleaning liquid;

[0033] The vibration source will be stopped after a predetermined time.

[0034] Waste liquid in the test cup is drawn out through the suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0035] Remove the elongated vibration transmitter and / or the cleaning fluid channel from the detection cup;

[0036] Repeat the above steps at least once for each test cup, and each test cup cleaned by the test cup cleaning method can be reused for biochemical testing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vibration time of the vibration source is a fixed preset value.

[0038] In other embodiments, prior to performing the step of activating the vibration source, status information related to the cleanliness of the detection cup is acquired, and the vibration time of the vibration source is determined based on the status information.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a biochemical analysis device, the biochemical analysis device including any of the above-described detection cup cleaning devices. The control method includes the following steps:

[0040] Monitor the triggering conditions related to the test cup to be cleaned;

[0041] When a preset trigger condition is detected, the reaction disk carrying the test cup in the biochemical analysis device is controlled to rotate, so as to transport the test cup that is determined to need cleaning to the cleaning station of the test cup cleaning device.

[0042] At the cleaning station, the biochemical analysis equipment is automatically controlled to perform the test cup cleaning method according to claim 12 to clean the test cup.

[0043] In some embodiments of the triggering condition, the triggering condition is that the biochemical analysis device is powered on, and the test cups determined to need cleaning are all the test cups on the reaction plate.

[0044] In some other embodiments of the triggering condition, the triggering condition is that the self-test result of the test cup is lower than the preset cleanliness standard. In this case, the test cup that is determined to need to be cleaned is the test cup whose self-test result is lower than the preset cleanliness standard.

[0045] Beneficial effects:

[0046] 1. The combination of oscillation and existing water rinsing methods greatly improves the cleaning effect of the test cup, reduces cross-contamination caused by residual liquid and adhering substances from incomplete cleaning of the test cup, and thus improves the detection accuracy of the biochemical analyzer.

[0047] 2. By installing a vibration device on the test cup cleaning device, the original cleaning device adds a physical cleaning effect of vibration to the test cup cleaning process. This more efficiently and promptly removes protein, reagent residues, and scale from the test cup wall, essentially eliminating the need for manual physical cleaning of the test cups required by previous instruments. This reduces the operator's workload in maintaining the instrument and test cups, greatly extends the service life of the test cups, and reduces wear and tear.

[0048] 3. Because physical treatment measures are added to the cleaning of the test cups, the use of cleaning agents can be reduced accordingly, which is beneficial to environmental protection and reduces the pressure on environmental pollution;

[0049] 4. When the present invention uses an ultrasonic transducer as the vibration source, the unique acoustic cavitation effect and acoustic flow effect of ultrasonic waves can achieve a better cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, and the advantages of the present invention in the above and / or other aspects will become clearer.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a fully automated biochemical analyzer according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a top view of the detection cup cleaning device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The front view of the test cup cleaning device shown.

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The side view of the test cup cleaning device shown.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a front view of the detection cup cleaning device provided in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 6This is a front view of the detection cup cleaning device provided in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a front view of the detection cup cleaning device provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a top view of the detection cup cleaning device provided in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The front view of the test cup cleaning device shown.

[0060] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The side view of the test cup cleaning device shown.

[0061] The accompanying figure labels are explained as follows:

[0062] 1. Biochemical analyzer reaction plate; 2. Detection cup; 3. Rotation direction; 4. First reagent loading device; 5. First aspiration needle assembly; 6. First aspiration needle cleaning tank; 7. Second aspiration needle assembly; 8. Second aspiration needle cleaning tank; 9. First stirring needle; 10. First stirring needle cleaning tank; 11. Second stirring needle; 12. Second stirring needle cleaning tank; 13. Third aspiration needle assembly; 14. Third aspiration needle cleaning tank; 15. Second reagent loading device; 16. Sample loading device; 17. Optical detection unit; 18. Detection cup cleaning device; 19. Vibration device; 191. Vibration source; 192. Slender vibration transmission component; 20. Vibration transmission rod; 21. Detection cup cleaning needle assembly; 211. Water injection needle; 212. Water aspiration needle; 22. Lifting and moving mounting arm; 23. Upper plate; 24. Lower plate; 251. First fixing device; 252. Second fixing device. Detailed Implementation

[0063] A first aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device 18 for a biochemical analysis apparatus, the cleaning device 18 comprising: a cleaning fluid channel assembly configured to extend vertically into a testing cup 2; the cleaning fluid channel assembly including an injection channel and an aspiration channel, the injection channel for injecting cleaning liquid into the testing cup 2, and the aspiration channel for removing cleaning waste liquid from the testing cup 2 by suction; and a vibration device 19 including a vibration source 191 and an elongated vibration transmitter 192; wherein the elongated vibration transmitter 192 is configured to extend vertically into the liquid in the testing cup 2; the vibration source 191 is tightly fixedly connected to the elongated vibration transmitter 192 for transmitting the oscillation energy generated by the vibration source to the liquid in the testing cup 2 through the elongated vibration transmitter 192, and then to the inner wall of the testing cup 2 through the liquid in the testing cup 2, thereby enhancing the cleaning of residual reagents and adhering substances in the testing cup 2.

[0064] This physical cleaning method does not add any extra residue, which is more conducive to the cleanliness of the detection cup 2 and reduces cross-contamination of the instrument.

[0065] The cleaning liquid can be deionized water.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid channel assembly is disposed inside the elongated vibration transmitter 192, that is, the elongated vibration transmitter 192 also serves as a detection cup cleaning needle assembly.

[0067] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmitter 192 has a combined function; it can both carry liquids and transmit vibrations. This simplifies the structure of the device.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21 of the biochemical analysis device includes a water injection needle 211 and a water absorption needle 212, with an injection channel disposed inside the water injection needle 211 and an absorption channel disposed inside the water absorption needle 212; and the elongated vibration transmission member 192 is a vibration rod 20 independent of the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21.

[0069] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmitter 192 has only a single function, namely, transmitting vibration.

[0070] The test cup cleaning device of this embodiment can be implemented by mounting a vibration device 19 on an existing test cup cleaning needle assembly. Specifically, the vibration source 191 of the vibration device 19 is installed on the existing test cup cleaning needle assembly 21, and the end of the slender vibration transmission member 192 of the vibration device 19 is vertical. When the existing test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 descends, it drives the vibration device 19 to descend until the end of the slender vibration transmission member 192 extends into the test cup to transmit ultrasonic waves into the test cup to perform cleaning.

[0071] Furthermore, the water injection needle 211 and / or the water absorption needle 212 are fixedly or flexibly connected to the vibration rod 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the elongated vibration transmitter 192 and the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21 are arranged alternately or independently in a continuous manner.

[0073] Furthermore, the water-absorbing needle 212 is arranged parallel to the water-injecting needle 211, and the water-absorbing port of the water-absorbing needle 212 is lower than the water-injecting port of the water-injecting needle 211;

[0074] When the slender vibration transmitter 192 is placed in the liquid inside the detection cup 2, the suction port of the water-absorbing needle 212 is located at the bottom of the detection cup 2.

[0075] In some embodiments, the vibration source 191 is a piezoelectric vibrator, a vibration motor, or an ultrasonic vibrator.

[0076] In some embodiments, there is one or more elongated vibration transmitters 192 that share the same vibration source 191.

[0077] In some embodiments, the elongated vibration transmitter 192 is an inverted cone, an inverted prism, or an inverted trapezoid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the elongated vibration transmitter 192 is made of stainless steel and has a length of 2 cm or more.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the elongated vibration transmitter 192 is placed in the liquid inside the detection cup 2, the distance between each surface of the elongated vibration transmitter 192 and the inner wall of the corresponding side of the detection cup 2 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0080] In some embodiments, the biochemical analysis equipment is a fully automated biochemical analyzer, a fully automated blood coagulation analyzer, a fully automated immunoassay analyzer, a fully automated blood analyzer, a fully automated urine analyzer, a fully automated fecal analyzer, a fully automated semen analyzer, a fully automated food / beverage analyzer, a fully automated electrolyte analyzer, or a fully automated water quality analyzer.

[0081] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for cleaning test cups, implemented using a test cup cleaning device 18 of any of the above-described biochemical analysis equipment, the method comprising the following steps:

[0082] The slender vibration transmission element 192 of the test cup cleaning device 18 and / or the cleaning fluid channel assembly are placed into the test cup 2 to be cleaned;

[0083] The residual liquid in the test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0084] Cleaning liquid is injected into the detection cup 2 through the injection channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0085] The vibration source 191 is activated, causing the elongated vibration transmitter 192 to vibrate in the cleaning liquid;

[0086] After a predetermined time, the vibration source 191 is stopped;

[0087] Waste liquid in the test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel group;

[0088] Remove the elongated vibration transmitter 192 and / or the cleaning fluid channel assembly from the detection cup 2;

[0089] Repeat the above steps at least once for each test cup, and each test cup 2 after being cleaned by the test cup cleaning method can be reused for biochemical detection.

[0090] In some embodiments, the vibration time of the vibration source 191 is a fixed preset value.

[0091] In other embodiments, prior to performing the step of activating the vibration source 191, status information related to the cleanliness of the detection cup 2 is acquired, and the vibration time of the vibration source 191 is determined based on the status information.

[0092] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a biochemical analysis device, the biochemical analysis device including any of the above-described detection cup cleaning devices. The control method includes the following steps:

[0093] Monitor the triggering conditions related to the test cup 2 to be cleaned;

[0094] When a preset trigger condition is detected, the reaction disk 1 carrying the test cup 2 in the biochemical analysis device is controlled to rotate, so as to transport the test cup 2 that is determined to need to be cleaned to the cleaning station of the test cup cleaning device 18.

[0095] At the cleaning station, the biochemical analysis equipment is automatically controlled to perform the test cup cleaning method according to claim 12 to clean the test cup 2.

[0096] In some embodiments of the triggering condition, the triggering condition is that the biochemical analysis equipment is turned on, and the test cups 2 that are determined to need cleaning are all the test cups 2 on the reaction plate 1.

[0097] In some other embodiments of the triggering condition, the triggering condition is that the self-test result of the detection cup 2 is lower than the preset cleanliness standard. In this case, the detection cup 2 that is determined to need to be cleaned is the detection cup 2 whose self-test result is lower than the preset cleanliness standard.

[0098] Example 1

[0099] In this embodiment, the biochemical analysis equipment is a fully automated biochemical analyzer.

[0100] Figure 1 A top view of an existing fully automated biochemical analyzer is shown. See also Figure 1 The fully automated biochemical analyzer includes a biochemical reaction plate 1, which is the main site for various biochemical reactions. Detection cups 2 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the biochemical reaction plate 1; these cups are the containers for the actual mixing of samples and reagents, the reaction, and the final detection. Figure 1 Mark 3 indicates the rotation direction of the biochemical analyzer reaction plate 1. The biochemical analyzer reaction plate 1 rotates periodically, moving different test cups 2 to different positions.

[0101] To ensure accurate testing, the fully automated biochemical analyzer is equipped with multiple reagent and sample processing devices. The first reagent loading device 4 is responsible for adding the first reagent to the test cup. Similarly, the second reagent loading device 15 performs the same function and may be used for different types of reagents or as a backup. The sample loading device 16 is used to precisely add the sample to be tested into the test cup.

[0102] The aspiration and mixing of reagents and samples are crucial steps in biochemical reactions. To this end, the instrument is equipped with three independent aspiration needle assemblies: the first aspiration needle assembly 5, the second aspiration needle assembly 7, and the third aspiration needle assembly 13. These aspiration needle assemblies can aspirate reagents or samples from their respective loading devices and accurately transfer them to the test cup. To prevent cross-contamination and ensure measurement accuracy, each aspiration needle assembly is equipped with a cleaning tank: the first aspiration needle cleaning tank 6, the second aspiration needle cleaning tank 8, and the third aspiration needle cleaning tank 14. These cleaning tanks clean the aspiration needles before and after each aspiration operation.

[0103] Mixing is crucial during the reaction. The fully automated biochemical analyzer is equipped with two stirring devices: a first stirring needle 9 and a second stirring needle 11. These are responsible for stirring the sample and reagents in the test cup to ensure thorough mixing, which is essential for the reaction. Similarly, to keep the stirring needles clean and prevent cross-contamination, they are each equipped with a cleaning tank: a first stirring needle cleaning tank 10 and a second stirring needle cleaning tank 12.

[0104] Once the reaction is complete, the results need to be read. The optical detection unit of the fully automated biochemical analyzer performs this task. It measures the reaction products in the test cup using photometry or other optical principles to obtain the final detection result.

[0105] Finally, in order to enable the reuse of test cups and maintain the cleanliness of the instrument, the fully automated biochemical analyzer also has a test cup cleaning device 18, which cleans the used test cups after each testing cycle.

[0106] Existing testing cup cleaning devices typically employ a multi-step rinsing and suction cleaning method, but there is a problem that residual contaminants are difficult to completely remove.

[0107] Therefore, this embodiment provides an improved detection cup cleaning device 18 for a fully automated biochemical analyzer, comprising: a cleaning fluid channel assembly configured to extend vertically into the detection cup 2; the cleaning fluid channel assembly includes an injection channel and an aspiration channel, the injection channel being used to inject cleaning liquid into the detection cup 2, and the aspiration channel being used to remove cleaning waste liquid from the detection cup 2 by suction; and an oscillation device 19, including a vibration source 191 and an elongated vibration transmitter 192; wherein the elongated vibration transmitter 192 is configured to extend vertically into the liquid inside the detection cup 2; the vibration source 191 is fixedly connected to the elongated vibration transmitter 192, and is used to transmit the oscillation energy generated therefrom to the liquid inside the detection cup 2 through the elongated vibration transmitter 192, and then to the inner wall of the detection cup 2 through the liquid in the detection cup 2, so as to enhance the cleaning of residual reagents and adhering substances inside the detection cup 2.

[0108] This physical cleaning method does not add any extra residue, which is more conducive to the cleanliness of the detection cup 2 and reduces cross-contamination of the instrument.

[0109] In this embodiment, the vibration source 191 is a vibration motor or a piezoelectric vibrator.

[0110] In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid channel assembly is disposed inside the slender vibration transmitter 192, that is, the slender vibration transmitter 192 also serves as the detection cup cleaning needle assembly.

[0111] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmitter 192 has a combined function: it can be used for both injecting / removing cleaning agents and transmitting vibrations.

[0112] For specific implementation, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3A vibration source 191 can be directly installed on the existing test cup cleaning needle assembly 21. When the improved test cup cleaning device 18 extends into the test cup 2 to perform the cleaning operation, the vibration source 191 drives the entire test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 to vibrate, and transmits this vibration to the liquid inside the test cup 2 through the test cup cleaning needle assembly 21. The liquid impacts the inner wall of the test cup 2, thereby achieving enhanced cleaning of the test cup 2. In the existing test cup cleaning needle assembly 21, the water injection needle 211 and the water absorption needle 212 both constitute slender vibration transmission elements 192 for transmitting vibration.

[0113] The vibration source 191 is fixedly mounted on the existing detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21. Various methods can be used, with threaded connection or bonding using high-strength structural adhesives (such as epoxy resin or anaerobic adhesive) being the most common. Threaded connections offer advantages such as reliable connection and easy assembly / disassembly, making component maintenance or replacement more convenient. Bonding, on the other hand, ensures uniform stress distribution at the connection and provides good sealing, making it particularly suitable for connecting components of different materials, such as connecting a metal vibration rod to a ceramic piezoelectric vibrator.

[0114] See Figure 2 The test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 is connected to the lifting and moving mounting arm 22, which drives the test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 to move up and down.

[0115] See Figure 3 The test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 also includes an upper plate 23 and a lower plate 24, which are respectively fixedly connected to the lifting and moving mounting arm 22. The water injection needles 211 and water absorption needles 212 in the test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 are fixed at their upper parts to the upper plate 23 and at their middle parts to the lower plate 24. A vibration source 191 is mounted on the upper plate 23, transmitting vibration to all the water injection needles 211 and water absorption needles 212 through the upper plate 23.

[0116] The lifting and moving mounting arm 22 drives the upper piece 23 and the lower piece 24 to rise and fall. The rising and falling upper piece 23 and the lower piece 24 drive the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21 and the vibration source 191 to rise and fall synchronously, so that the cleaning fluid channel assembly can be raised and lowered into the detection cup 2 and the slender vibration transmission component 192 can be raised and lowered into the liquid inside the detection cup 2.

[0117] This embodiment also provides a method for cleaning the test cups of a fully automated biochemical analyzer, implemented using the test cup cleaning device 18 of the fully automated biochemical analyzer of this embodiment. The test cup cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0118] The water injection needle 211 and water absorption needle 212 of the test cup cleaning device 18 are lowered and inserted into the test cup 2 to be cleaned;

[0119] The residual liquid in the test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel of the suction needle 212;

[0120] Cleaning liquid is injected into the test cup 2 through the injection channel of the water injection needle 211;

[0121] Start the vibration source 191 to make the water injection needle 211 and the water suction needle 212 vibrate in the cleaning liquid;

[0122] After the predetermined time has elapsed, vibration source 191 will be stopped.

[0123] Waste liquid in test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel of the suction needle 212;

[0124] Remove the water injection needle 211 and the water absorption needle 212 from the test cup 2;

[0125] Each test cup 2, after being cleaned using the test cup cleaning method, can be reused for biochemical testing.

[0126] In this embodiment, the vibration time of the vibration source 191 is a fixed preset value. The standard for setting this preset value is to ensure that the cleanliness of the detection cup meets the specified standard.

[0127] See Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a fully automated biochemical analyzer having the above-described detection cup cleaning device includes the following steps:

[0128] Monitor the triggering conditions related to the test cup 2 to be cleaned;

[0129] When a preset trigger condition is detected, the reaction disk 1 carrying the test cup 2 in the biochemical analysis device is controlled to rotate, so as to transport the test cup 2 that is determined to need to be cleaned to the cleaning station of the test cup cleaning device 18.

[0130] At the cleaning station, the automated control biochemical analysis equipment executes the test cup cleaning method of claim 12 to clean the test cup 2.

[0131] Specifically, the triggering condition is that the biochemical analysis equipment is turned on, and the test cups 2 that need to be cleaned are all the test cups 2 on the reaction plate 1;

[0132] Alternatively, the trigger condition is that the self-test result of test cup 2 is lower than the preset cleanliness standard. In this case, the test cup 2 that is determined to need to be cleaned is the test cup 2 whose self-test result is lower than the preset cleanliness standard.

[0133] The following is combined with Figure 1 The workflow of a fully automated biochemical analyzer equipped with the aforementioned test cup cleaning device is described.

[0134] The reaction plate 1 of the fully automated biochemical analyzer advances one or more test cup positions with each rotation according to the fixed working rhythm of the fully automated biochemical analyzer. Each time the fully automated biochemical analyzer stops, the first aspiration needle assembly 5, the second aspiration needle assembly 7, and the third aspiration needle assembly 13 respectively aspirate the sample and reagent into the corresponding test cup 2. The first stirring needle 9 and the second stirring needle 11 also stir the liquid in the test cup 2 located at the corresponding position. Meanwhile, the test cup cleaning device 18 descends, and each test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 on the test cup cleaning device 18 extends downward into the corresponding test cup 2 to perform cleaning. The specific cleaning method is as follows: the water injection needle 211 and water absorption needle 212 of the test cup cleaning device 18 are lowered and inserted into the test cup 2 to be cleaned; residual liquid in the test cup 2 is aspirated through the suction channel of the water absorption needle 212; cleaning liquid is injected into the test cup 2 through the injection channel of the water injection needle 211; the vibration source 191 is activated, so that the water injection needle 211 and water absorption needle 212 vibrate in the cleaning liquid; after a predetermined time, the vibration source 191 is stopped; waste liquid in the test cup 2 is aspirated through the suction channel of the water absorption needle 212; the water injection needle 211, water absorption needle 212, each suction needle and each stirring needle are removed from the corresponding test cup 2 and moved to the corresponding cleaning pool for cleaning, and then reagents or samples are aspirated. Then, the reaction disk 1 moves forward again in a predetermined manner, rotating one revolution and advancing one or more cup positions, and then pauses. The test cup cleaning device 18 descends again into the corresponding test cups 2. At this time, the test cups 2 that the test cup cleaning needle group 21 has inserted into have changed positions due to the rotation and advancement of the reaction disk. Therefore, each test cup cleaning needle group 21 is inserted into a different test cup 2. After several cycles, the test cups 2 are cleaned by each test cup cleaning needle group 21. Each time the test cup 2 is cleaned, the vibration source 191 is activated to enhance the cleaning. Correspondingly, each aspiration needle and each stirring needle add reagents or samples or perform stirring into the corresponding test cups 2 each time the reaction disk rotates and advances. This cycle is repeated until the detection task of the fully automated biochemical analyzer is completed.

[0135] Example 2

[0136] The difference between the testing cup cleaning device in this embodiment and that in embodiment 1 is that it is provided with a slender vibration transmission element 192 specifically for transmitting vibration. The slender vibration transmission element 192 is a single straight rod extending vertically downward; the vibration source 191 is a vibration motor.

[0137] See Figure 5 In this embodiment, the detection cup cleaning device 18 is a multi-stage cleaning device, including eight detection cup cleaning needle groups 21. See also Figure 4Each test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 includes a water injection needle 211 and a water suction needle 212. The injection channel is located inside the water injection needle 211, and the suction channel is located inside the water suction needle 212. Furthermore, the test cup cleaning device of this embodiment has an elongated vibration transmitter 192, which is a dedicated solid vibration rod 20 with only the single function of transmitting vibration. The vibration source 191 is directly fixedly connected to the solid vibration rod 20. The solid vibration rod 20 is flexibly connected to the test cup cleaning needle assembly 21, meaning that the vibrating solid vibration rod 20 does not drive the test cup cleaning needle assembly 21 to vibrate. This flexible connection can be achieved using an elastic element (such as rubber). The elongated vibration transmitter 192 is located between two test cup cleaning needle assemblies 21.

[0138] When the cleaning needle assembly 21 of the detection cup is inserted into the detection cup 2 to perform cleaning, the slender vibration transmission component 192 is also inserted into the detection cup 2. During cleaning, the oscillation device 19 also oscillates to assist in cleaning the detection cup 2.

[0139] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmission element 192 is an inverted cone, an inverted prism, or an inverted trapezoid.

[0140] In this embodiment, the slender vibration transmission component 192 is made of stainless steel and has a length of 2cm or more.

[0141] When the slender vibration transmission component 192 is made of stainless steel, the vibration source 191 can be fixedly connected to the solid vibration rod 20 by laser welding. This connection method has extremely high connection strength, good integrity, the highest vibration transmission efficiency, and almost no energy loss.

[0142] In this embodiment, when the slender vibration transmitter 192 is placed in the liquid inside the detection cup 2, the distance between each surface of the slender vibration transmitter 192 and the inner wall of the corresponding side of the detection cup 2 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0143] This embodiment also provides a method for cleaning test cups, implemented using the test cup cleaning device 18 of the fully automated biochemical analyzer of this embodiment. The method for cleaning test cups includes the following steps:

[0144] When the fully automated biochemical analyzer stops, the water injection needle 211 and water absorption needle 212 of the test cup cleaning device 18, as well as the dedicated solid vibrating rod 20, are lowered and inserted into the corresponding test cup 2 to be cleaned.

[0145] The residual liquid in the test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel of the suction needle 212;

[0146] Cleaning liquid is injected into the test cup 2 through the injection channel of the water injection needle 211;

[0147] Start the vibration source 191 to make the dedicated solid vibrating rod 20 vibrate in the cleaning liquid;

[0148] After the predetermined time has elapsed, vibration source 191 will be stopped.

[0149] Waste liquid in test cup 2 is drawn out through the suction channel of the suction needle 212;

[0150] Remove the water injection needle 211, the water absorption needle 212, and the dedicated solid vibration rod 20 from the test cup 2;

[0151] Each test cup 2, after being cleaned using the test cup cleaning method, can be reused for biochemical testing.

[0152] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that, before performing step four, this embodiment obtains state information related to the cleanliness of the detection cup 2, and determines the vibration time of the vibration source 191 based on the state information.

[0153] Example 3

[0154] See Figure 6 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that there are two dedicated slender vibration transmitters 192, and the slender vibration transmitters 192 are arranged in a cross pattern with the detection cup cleaning needle group 21.

[0155] Each solid vibrating rod 20 is fixedly connected to its respective vibration source 191. The fixed connection between the solid vibrating rod 20 and the vibration source 191 can be a threaded connection or an adhesive connection.

[0156] When the testing cup cleaning device performs cleaning, the solid vibrating rod 20 also extends into the testing cup 2, and the oscillation device 19 also oscillates to assist in cleaning the testing cup 2.

[0157] Example 4

[0158] See Figure 7 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that the two dedicated slender vibration transmitters 192 share the same vibration source 191, and the slender vibration transmitters 192 and the cleaning needle assembly 21 are arranged in a cross pattern.

[0159] Example 5

[0160] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that two dedicated slender vibration transmission components 192 are arranged adjacently and share the same vibration source 191. (Not shown in the figure.)

[0161] Example 6

[0162] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that in this embodiment, the dedicated slender vibration transmitter 192 is directly rigidly connected to the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21. When the dedicated slender vibration transmitter 192 is made of stainless steel, the rigid connection method can be welding.

[0163] Example 7

[0164] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the vibration source 191 is installed close to the water-absorbing needle 212 of the detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21.

[0165] Example 8

[0166] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that the vibration source 191 is an ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer is fixed on the upper side of the existing detection cup cleaning needle assembly (for example, fixed to the upper plate 23). The slender vibration transmission component 192 is a single straight rod that is set at the center of the front end of the ultrasonic transducer and extends vertically downward.

[0167] The test cup cleaning device in this embodiment uses a combination of ultrasonic cleaning and water / reagent cleaning during the cleaning process.

[0168] Example 9

[0169] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 8 is that the end of the slender vibration transmission member 192 is forked to form two or more forks; at least one detection cup cleaning needle group 21 is disposed between two adjacent forks.

[0170] The test cup cleaning device in this embodiment uses a combination of ultrasonic cleaning and water / reagent cleaning during the cleaning process.

[0171] Example 10

[0172] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 8 is that the slender vibration transmitter 192 is curved, including a vertical section and a transverse section connected to the upper end of the vertical section; the ultrasonic transducer, serving as the vibration source 191, is horizontally fixed to the upper side of the existing detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21 (e.g., fixed to the upper plate 23), and the other end of the transverse section is fixedly connected to the center of the front end of the ultrasonic transducer. The slender vibration transmitter 192 can be a single straight rod or a forked end, such as... Figure 8 As shown. When the slender vibration transmitter 192 is bifurcated at the end, a detection cup cleaning needle assembly 21 is set between the two bifurcations.

[0173] Figure 9 251 and 252 are the first and second fixing devices for fixing the ultrasonic transducer to the upper plate 23, respectively. The first and second fixing devices can be existing fixing devices, and their specific construction is not the main improvement point of this application, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0174] The test cup cleaning device, test cup cleaning method, and control method of the fully automated biochemical analyzer provided in any of the above embodiments are also applicable to other biochemical analysis equipment such as fully automated blood coagulation analyzers, fully automated immunoassay analyzers, fully automated electrolyte analyzers, fully automated fecal analyzers, fully automated urine analyzers, fully automated blood analyzers, fully automated semen analyzers, fully automated food / beverage analyzers, fully automated pesticide residue analyzers, or fully automated water quality analyzers.

[0175] This invention provides a concept and method for cleaning detection cups in biochemical analysis equipment. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technologies.

Claims

1. A detection cup cleaning device (18) of a biochemical analysis apparatus, characterized in that, The device comprises: a cleaning fluid channel group configured to be liftable into the detection cup (2); the cleaning fluid channel group comprises an injection channel for injecting a cleaning liquid into the detection cup (2) and a suction channel for suctioning the cleaning waste liquid from the detection cup (2); and a shaking device (19) comprising a vibration source (191) and an elongated vibration transmission member (192); wherein the elongated vibration transmission member (192) is configured to be liftable into the liquid in the detection cup (2); the vibration source (191) is fixedly connected with the elongated vibration transmission member (192) to transmit the shaking energy generated by the vibration source to the liquid in the detection cup (2) through the elongated vibration transmission member (192), and then to the inner wall of the detection cup (2) through the liquid in the detection cup (2), so as to enhance the cleaning of the residual reagent and the attached matter in the detection cup (2).

2. The detection cup cleaning device (18) of the biochemical analysis equipment according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning fluid channel group is arranged inside the elongated vibration transmission member (192).

3. A detection cup washing device (18) of a biochemical analysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the detection cup cleaning needle group (21) of the biochemical analysis equipment comprises a water injection needle (211) and a water suction needle (212), the injection channel is arranged inside the water injection needle (211), and the suction channel is arranged inside the water suction needle (212); and the elongated vibration transmission member (192) is a vibration rod (20) independent of the detection cup cleaning needle group (21).

4. A detection cup washing device (18) of a biochemical analysis apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, the water injection needle (211) and / or the water suction needle (212) are fixedly connected or flexibly connected with the vibration rod (20).

5. A detection cup washing device (18) of a biochemical analysis apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, the elongated vibration transmission member (192) is arranged in cross or independent continuity with the detection cup cleaning needle group (21).

6. The detection cup cleaning device (18) of the biochemical analysis equipment according to claim 1, wherein the vibration source (191) is a piezoelectric vibrator, a vibration motor or an ultrasonic vibrator.

7. The detection cup cleaning device (18) of the biochemical analysis equipment according to claim 1, wherein the elongated vibration transmission member (192) is provided with more than one and shares the same vibration source (191).

8. The detection cup cleaning device (18) of the biochemical analysis equipment according to claim 1, wherein the elongated vibration transmission member (192) is a reverse taper type, a non-equal-thickness square column type with a small upper part and a large lower part or an inverted ladder type.

9. The detection cup cleaning device (18) of the biochemical analysis equipment according to claim 1, wherein the biochemical analysis equipment is a full-automatic biochemical analyzer, a full-automatic blood coagulation analyzer, a full-automatic immune analyzer, a full-automatic electrolyte analyzer, a full-automatic blood analyzer, a full-automatic urine analyzer, a full-automatic semen analyzer, a full-automatic food / beverage analyzer, a full-automatic pesticide residue analyzer or a full-automatic water quality analyzer.

10. A method for cleaning a test cup using a test cup cleaning device (18) of a biochemical analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: inserting an elongated vibration transmission member (192) and / or a cleaning fluid channel assembly of the detection cup cleaning device (18) into a detection cup (2) to be cleaned; sucking residual liquid in the detection cup (2) through a suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel assembly; injecting cleaning liquid into the detection cup (2) through an injection channel in the cleaning fluid channel assembly; starting the vibration source (191) so that the elongated vibration transmission member (192) generates vibration in the cleaning liquid; stopping the vibration source (191) after a predetermined time; sucking waste liquid in the detection cup (2) through the suction channel in the cleaning fluid channel assembly; removing the elongated vibration transmission member (192) and / or the cleaning fluid channel assembly out of the detection cup (2); repeating the above steps at least once for each detection cup, and repeating the cleaned detection cup (2) for biochemical detection.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Before the step of starting the vibration source (191), obtaining state information related to the cleanliness of the detection cup (2), and determining the vibration time of the vibration source (191) according to the state information.

12. A control method of a biochemical analysis apparatus, characterized by, The biochemical analysis device comprises the detection cup cleaning device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The control method comprises the following steps: monitoring a triggering condition related to a detection cup (2) to be cleaned; when a preset triggering condition is detected, controlling a reaction disc (1) carrying the detection cup (2) in the biochemical analysis device to rotate to transport the detection cup (2) determined to be cleaned to a cleaning station of the detection cup cleaning device (18); at the cleaning station, automatically controlling the biochemical analysis device to perform the detection cup cleaning method according to claim 10 or 11 to clean the detection cup (2).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: The triggering condition is that the biochemical analysis device is powered on, and the detection cup (2) determined to be cleaned is all the detection cups (2) on the reaction disc (1). Alternatively, the triggering condition is that the self-checking result of the detection cup (2) is lower than a preset cleanliness standard, and the detection cup (2) determined to be cleaned is the detection cup (2) whose self-checking result is lower than the preset cleanliness standard.

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