Sample adding and cleaning system for chemiluminescence immunity analyzer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sample adding and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, which comprises a waste liquid container, a first container, a second container, a sample adding and cleaning unit, a degassing unit and an alkali liquor cleaning unit, and the degassing unit comprises a first pump, a heater and a degassing device which are sequentially connected through a pipeline; an inlet of the first pump is connected with the first container; one port of the degassing device is connected with a pressure regulating pipeline, the pressure regulating pipeline is connected with the second container, and the second container is connected with the first container through a return pipeline. According to the utility model, the degassing unit is additionally arranged, so that the oxygen content in purified water can be effectively removed after the purified water is sequentially treated by the heater and the degassing device, and the stability of the filling performance is improved; the pressure regulating pipeline can pressurize the degassing device, and when the internal pressure of the degassing device is relatively low, the pressure regulating pipeline is utilized to pressurize the degassing device, so that efficient degassing is realized; alkali liquor cleaning and purified water cleaning are combined to clean the sample needle, and the cleaning effect of the sample needle is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the liquid circuit module of in vitro diagnostic equipment, and in particular to a sample addition and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] The fluidization system is the core execution module for achieving fully automated testing in in vitro diagnostic equipment. The fluidization system of existing chemiluminescence analyzers mainly includes a sample / reagent needle module, a substrate module, a magnetic bead cleaning module, a sample and reagent needle cleaning module, and a waste liquid treatment module. These modules are used to achieve sample collection / dispensing, reagent collection / dispensing, substrate collection / dispensing, magnetic bead cleaning solution dispensing / discharging, sample and reagent needle cleaning, waste liquid treatment of the cleaning mechanism, overall fluidization system maintenance, and tubing maintenance.

[0003] For chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers, the stability of the sample dispensing system and the thorough cleaning of its inner and outer walls are critical factors affecting sample detection results. Inadequate needle cleaning can lead to cross-contamination. Currently, most existing sample dispensing systems directly use purified water for cleaning the sample needles inside and out. However, oxygen in purified water can be released under certain conditions, causing instability when dispensing small volumes. Furthermore, for two or more sample needles, individual cleaning of each needle is not possible, resulting in cross-contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, which can remove oxygen from purified water, improve the stability of the system, and has a good cleaning effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer described in this utility model includes a waste liquid container, a first container connected to a purified water pipeline, and a second container connected to the first container. It also includes a sample loading and cleaning unit, a degassing unit, and an alkaline cleaning unit.

[0007] The degassing unit includes a first pump, a heater, and a degassing device connected in sequence via pipelines. The inlet of the first pump is connected to the first container. One port of the degassing device is connected to a pressure regulating pipeline, which is connected to the second container. The second container is connected to the first container via a return pipeline. A first valve and a second pump are installed on the pressure regulating pipeline. The sample filling and cleaning unit has a first cleaning pump, the inlet of which is connected to an outlet of the degassing device.

[0008] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention adds a degassing unit, which effectively removes oxygen from purified water after it passes through the heater and degassing device, improving the stability of dosing performance and thus enhancing the stability of the analyzer. The pressure regulating pipeline can pressurize the degassing device; when the internal pressure of the degassing device is low, the pressure regulating pipeline can be used to pressurize it, thereby achieving efficient degassing. Furthermore, this invention adds alkaline cleaning to the traditional water washing process. The combination of alkaline cleaning and purified water cleaning ensures the cleaning effect of the sample needle.

[0009] Preferably, the sample filling and cleaning unit further includes a sample loading unit, a cleaning tank, and a water collector. The sample loading unit includes a sample pump and a sample needle connected by pipelines. The outlet of the first cleaning pump has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is equipped with a first pressure regulating valve and connected to the first container. The second branch is connected to the water collector and the sample pump, respectively. The sample filling and cleaning unit also includes a first waste liquid pump connected to the cleaning tank and a water supply unit for injecting purified water into the cleaning tank. The outlet of the first waste liquid pump is connected to the waste liquid container. The beneficial effect is that the first branch of the present invention has a pressure regulating function, avoiding excessive internal flushing pressure and improving the stability of the system.

[0010] More preferably, the water supply unit includes a second cleaning pump. The inlet of the second cleaning pump is connected to the first container, and its outlet has a third branch and a fourth branch. The third branch is equipped with a second pressure regulating valve connected to the first container. The outlet of the fourth branch is divided into two paths: one connected to the water collector and the other connected to the cleaning tank. The water collector is connected to the first container via a pipeline. In actual installation, if there are two or more sets of sample needles and sample pumps, two or more fourth branches are required, connected in parallel to the outlet of the second cleaning pump, to achieve individual cleaning of each set of sample needles and sample pumps, minimizing cross-contamination and improving the reliability of the analyzer's detection results.

[0011] Preferably, the fourth branch is connected to the water collector and the cleaning tank via a second valve, which is preferably a two-position three-way solenoid valve. Of course, in actual installation, a three-way connector can also be used, and one solenoid valve can be installed on each branch of the fourth branch to achieve individual control.

[0012] Preferably, a fourth valve is provided at the inlet of the sample pump. The fourth valve is a two-position three-way solenoid valve, with its second port connected to the water collector and its third port connected to the first cleaning pump. A first pressure detection module is provided between the fourth valve and the first cleaning pump. The beneficial effect is that this invention can utilize purified water from the water collector for internal cleaning during operation.

[0013] Preferably, the alkaline cleaning unit includes an alkaline container and a second waste pump. The alkaline container is connected to the cleaning tank via a cleaning pipeline, and a third cleaning pump is installed on the cleaning pipeline. The second waste pump is installed on the waste discharge pipeline of the cleaning tank, and the waste discharge pipeline is connected to an external drainage pipeline. The beneficial effect is that this invention adds an alkaline cleaning unit, which can use alkaline solution to soak the inner and outer walls of the sample needle. After soaking, the waste liquid is discharged, and then pure water is used to clean the inner and outer walls of the sample needle.

[0014] Preferably, level sensors are installed inside the alkali container, the first container, the second container, and the waste liquid container, or weight sensors are installed below each of the alkali container, the first container, the second container, and the waste liquid container. In actual installation, the signal output terminals of the level sensors or weight sensors are connected to the signal input terminals of the analyzer's control system to achieve real-time monitoring of the four containers and prevent insufficient liquid volume from affecting detection.

[0015] Preferably, a second pressure detection module is provided at one port of the degassing device, the first valve is a two-position three-way solenoid valve, a filter is provided at the third port of the first valve, and the second pump is a vacuum pump. In this invention, one port of the first valve is connected to air to ensure the normal start-up of the vacuum pump. The filter can filter the air to prevent particulate matter in the air from entering the second container and affecting the water quality of the purified water. When the vacuum pump starts, switching the first valve connects the vacuum pump to the degassing device, which can draw pressure from the degassing device, thereby providing sufficient power for the purified water to enter the degassing device and achieving efficient degassing.

[0016] Preferably, a third pressure detection module is provided between the sample needle and the sample pump, which can be used to monitor the pressure between the sample needle and the sample pump and determine the blockage status based on the pressure.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this invention adds a degassing unit. After being treated by the heater and the degassing device, the purified water can effectively remove the oxygen content, improve the stability of the dosing performance, and thus enhance the stability of the analyzer. The pressure regulating pipeline can pressurize the degassing device. When the internal pressure of the degassing device is low, the pressure regulating pipeline can be used to pressurize the degassing device, thereby achieving efficient degassing. This invention adds alkaline cleaning to the traditional water washing, and the combination of alkaline cleaning and purified water cleaning ensures the cleaning effect of the sample needle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

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

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

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

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer described in this utility model includes a waste liquid container 100, a first container 201 connected to a purified water pipeline, and a second container 202 connected to the first container 201. It also includes a sample loading and cleaning unit, a degassing unit, and an alkaline cleaning unit. The degassing unit includes a first pump P1, a heater 301, and a degassing device 302 connected sequentially via pipelines. The inlet of the first pump P1 is connected to the first container 201; one port of the degassing device 302 is connected to... A pressure regulating pipeline is provided, connected to a second container 202, which is connected to a first container 201. The pressure regulating pipeline is equipped with a first valve D1 and a second pump P2. This pipeline maintains the degassing device under negative pressure, providing sufficient power for the purified water supply and ensuring efficient degassing. The sample filling and cleaning unit has a first cleaning pump P3, whose inlet is connected to an outlet of the degassing device 302. A second pressure detection module (preferably a pressure plate detection plate) is located at one port of the degassing device 302. During operation, the first pump P1 draws purified water from the first container 201 into the degassing device 302 (degassing membrane or gas-liquid separator), and supplies it to the sample filling and cleaning unit via the first cleaning pump P3. This provides deoxygenated purified water to the sample filling and cleaning unit, thereby avoiding fluctuations caused by oxygen in the purified water and improving stability.

[0023] During operation, when the pressure detected by the second pressure detection module is lower than the preset value, the degassing device is pressurized using a pressure regulating pipeline. The second pump P2 is preferably a vacuum pump. To ensure the normal start-up of the second pump P2, the first valve D1 is a two-position three-way solenoid valve, and a filter 303 is installed at its third port connected to the atmosphere. The filter can filter the air, preventing airborne particles from entering the second container 202 and affecting the quality of the purified water. Before starting the second pump P2, the first valve D1 is switched to the state connected to the air to ensure the normal start-up of the second pump P2. After starting, the first valve D1 is switched to the state connected to the degassing device 302, using the second pump P2 to draw pressure into the degassing device, promoting the entry of purified water into the degassing device and improving degassing efficiency.

[0024] In actual installation, other modules of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer (such as the magnetic bead cleaning module) also need purified water. The outlet of the first pump P1 can be connected to the second container 202 to provide purified water for the magnetic bead cleaning module and other components, so as to enable the normal operation of the instrument.

[0025] This invention adds an alkaline cleaning unit to the traditional water washing method. After purifying water washing, the alkaline cleaning unit can be used to soak and repeatedly aspirate the inner and outer walls of the sample needle 403. After alkaline washing, purified water is used for internal and external cleaning to ensure the cleaning effect of the sample needle 403, thereby avoiding cross-contamination caused by inadequate cleaning of the sample needle 403 and improving the reliability of the test results.

[0026] Combination Figure 1 It is known that the sample filling and cleaning unit also includes two sets of sample filling units (or three or more), two cleaning pools 401 (the number of cleaning pools 401 is the same as the number of sample filling units), and a water collector 404. The sample filling unit includes a sample pump P4 (preferably a plunger pump, but also a reciprocating pump or syringe pump, etc.) and a sample needle 403 connected by a pipeline. The outlet of the first cleaning pump P3 has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is equipped with a first pressure regulating valve 402 and is connected to the first container 201. The second branch is connected to the sample pump P4 and the water collector 404 respectively. The second branch is equipped with a fourth valve D4 (selected as a two-position three-way solenoid valve). The other port of the fourth valve D4 is connected to the sample pump P4, and the third port is connected to the water collector 404. In actual operation, the first pressure regulating valve 402 adjusts the pressure, and the first cleaning pump P3 can be used to internally clean the sample pump P4 and sample needle 403; when not cleaning, the fourth valve D4 switches to connect with the water collector 404, so that the purified water in the water collector 404 flows back to the first container 201 through the first branch and the second branch.

[0027] The second branch corresponds one-to-one with the sample dispensing unit, and the two sample dispensing units are then connected in parallel at the outlet of the first cleaning pump P3 to achieve individual internal cleaning of each sample needle 403 and sample pump P4.

[0028] Combination Figure 1 It is understood that the sample filling and cleaning unit also includes a first waste liquid pump P5 connected to the cleaning tank 401 and a water supply unit for injecting purified water into the cleaning tank 401. The outlet of the first waste liquid pump P5 is connected to the waste liquid container 100 to discharge the waste liquid. The water supply unit includes a second cleaning pump P6. The inlet of the second cleaning pump P6 is connected to the first container 201. Its outlet has a third branch 405 and a fourth branch 406. A second pressure regulating valve 407 is installed on the third branch 405 and connected to the first container 201 to achieve pressure regulation. The fourth branch 406 is divided into two paths, one of which is connected to the water collector 404 and the other is connected to the cleaning tank 401. The water collector 404 is connected to the first container 201 through a pipeline. The fourth branch 406 is connected to the water collector 404 and the cleaning tank 401 via the second valve D2 (a two-position three-way solenoid valve). (Alternatively, a solenoid valve can be installed on each branch of the fourth branch 406.) The number of fourth branches 406 and cleaning tanks 401 is the same, thus enabling individual control of each set of sample needles 403 and sample pump P4. During cleaning, the two sets of sample needles 403 and sample pump P4 can be cleaned individually or simultaneously. When cleaning one of them, the second valve D2 corresponding to that sample needle 403 is switched to the state connected to the cleaning tank 401, allowing purified water to enter the cleaning tank 401 and rinse the outer wall of that sample needle 403. Meanwhile, the second valve D2 corresponding to the other sample needle 403 is switched to the state connected to the water collector 404, allowing purified water in the pipeline to enter the water collector 404. This achieves individual cleaning of the two sample needles 403, minimizing cross-contamination and improving the reliability of the analyzer's detection results.

[0029] Combination Figure 1As can be seen, the alkaline cleaning unit includes an alkaline container 501 and two second waste liquid pumps P8 connected to each of the cleaning tanks 401. The alkaline container 501 is connected to each cleaning tank 401 through a cleaning pipeline, on which a third cleaning pump P7 is installed. The second waste liquid pumps P8 are installed on the waste discharge pipeline 502 of the cleaning tank 401, and a waste discharge valve 503 is installed on the waste discharge pipeline, which is connected to an external waste discharge system. When alkaline cleaning of the sample needle 403 is required, the third cleaning pump P7 is powered on, injecting a certain volume of alkaline solution into the cleaning tank 401, immersing the sample needle 403 in the cleaning tank 401, and cleaning its inner and outer walls. After immersion, the waste liquid can be extracted using the second waste liquid pump P8. Of course, during the alkaline cleaning process, the sample pump P4 can be used for reciprocating suction, thereby achieving alkaline cleaning of the sample pump P4 and the sample needle 403, ensuring the cleaning effect. In addition, each cleaning tank 401 has two waste liquid pumps to minimize the overflow of cleaning waste liquid.

[0030] In actual installation, level sensors are installed in the alkali container 501, the first container 201, the second container 202, and the waste liquid container 100, or weight sensors are installed below each of these containers. The signal output of the level sensor (or weight sensor) is connected to the signal input of the analyzer's control system. In actual installation, the first container 201 can be connected to an external purified water system via a purified water pipeline. The purified water pipeline is equipped with a manual valve 203, a filter 204, a regulating valve 205, an electrically controlled valve 206, and a water pump 207. Water is automatically replenished when the liquid level in the first container 201 falls below a minimum threshold, or when the weight of the first container 201 falls below a minimum threshold. The waste liquid container 100 automatically drains when the liquid level exceeds the maximum limit or the weight reaches the maximum limit, or alerts the operator to drain the waste liquid.

[0031] In actual installation, a third pressure detection module is installed between the sample needle 403 and the sample pump P4. This module monitors the pressure between the sample needle 403 and the sample pump P4, and if the pressure exceeds a preset value, it indicates a blockage in the pipeline. A first pressure detection module is installed between the fourth valve D4 and the first cleaning pump P3. The signal output terminals of the first, second, and third pressure detection modules are all connected to the signal input terminals of the control system. The control input terminals of the first valve D1, second valve D2, fourth valve D4, electric valve, first pressure regulating valve 402, second pressure regulating valve 407, first pump P1, sample pump P4, cleaning pump, and waste liquid pump are all connected to the control output terminals of the control system. The control system controls the actions of each valve and pump, thereby achieving automated sample addition and cleaning.

[0032] During sample addition, the fourth valve D4 switches to the state where the water collector 404 and the first container 201 are connected, and the purified water in the water collector 404 flows back into the first container 201; the sample pump P4 is powered on to extract a certain volume of sample and inject it into the reaction cup. After sample addition, the sample is first washed with purified water: sample pump P4 is de-energized, sample needle 403 is moved into cleaning tank 401, and fourth valve D4 is switched to the state where first cleaning pump P3 and sample pump P4 are connected. First pump P1 and first cleaning pump P3 are energized, so that purified water enters the degassing membrane through heater 301. The degassed purified water enters sample pump P4 and sample needle 403 through first cleaning pump P3 to perform internal cleaning of sample pump P4 and sample needle 403. During the internal cleaning process, second cleaning pump P6 and first waste liquid pump P5 are energized, and second valve D2 corresponding to sample needle 403 is switched to the state where second cleaning pump P6 is connected to cleaning tank 401, so that purified water is injected into cleaning tank 401 to perform external cleaning of sample needle 403.

[0033] After water washing, alkaline cleaning is performed. The third cleaning pump P7 corresponding to the sample needle 403 is powered on, and a certain volume of alkaline solution is injected into the cleaning tank 401 to soak the inner and outer walls of the sample needle 403. The sample pump P4 can also be used for reciprocating suction. After each soaking, the second waste liquid pump P8 is powered on to extract the waste liquid. This process is repeated several times to achieve alkaline cleaning of the sample dispensing unit. After alkaline cleaning, the internal and external cleaning operation of the sample needle 403 is repeated to clean off any residual alkaline solution.

[0034] This invention enables individual cleaning of each sample needle 403, with water washing, alkaline washing, and water washing performed during the cleaning process, effectively avoiding cross-contamination and improving the reliability of test results.

[0035] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, comprising a waste liquid container, a first container connected to a purified water pipeline, and a second container connected to the first container, characterized in that: It also includes a sample filling and cleaning unit, a degassing unit, and an alkaline cleaning unit; The degassing unit includes a first pump, a heater, and a degassing device connected in sequence via pipelines. The inlet of the first pump is connected to the first container. One port of the degassing device is connected to a pressure regulating pipeline, which is connected to the second container. The second container is connected to the first container via a return pipeline. A first valve and a second pump are installed on the pressure regulating pipeline. The sample filling and cleaning unit has a first cleaning pump, the inlet of which is connected to an outlet of the degassing device.

2. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample filling and cleaning unit further includes a sample loading unit, a cleaning tank, and a water collector. The sample loading unit includes a sample pump and a sample needle connected by pipelines. The outlet of the first cleaning pump has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is equipped with a first pressure regulating valve and connected to the first container. The second branch is connected to the water collector and the sample pump, respectively. The sample filling and cleaning unit also includes a first waste liquid pump connected to the cleaning tank and a water supply unit for injecting purified water into the cleaning tank. The outlet of the first waste liquid pump is connected to the waste liquid container.

3. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water supply unit includes a second cleaning pump. The inlet of the second cleaning pump is connected to the first container, and its outlet has a third branch and a fourth branch. A second pressure regulating valve is provided on the third branch and connected to the first container. The outlet of the fourth branch is divided into two paths, one of which is connected to the water collector and the other of which is connected to the cleaning tank. The water collector is connected to the first container through a pipeline.

4. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fourth branch is connected to the water collector and the cleaning tank via the second valve.

5. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: A fourth valve is provided at the inlet of the sample pump. The fourth valve is a two-position three-way solenoid valve. Its second port is connected to the water collector, and its third port is connected to the first cleaning pump. A first pressure detection module is provided between the fourth valve and the first cleaning pump.

6. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The alkaline cleaning unit includes an alkaline container and a second waste pump. The alkaline container is connected to the cleaning tank through a cleaning pipeline, and a third cleaning pump is installed on the cleaning pipeline. The second waste pump is installed on the waste discharge pipeline of the cleaning tank, and the waste discharge pipeline is connected to an external drainage pipeline.

7. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that: Liquid level sensors are installed inside the alkali container, the first container, the second container, and the waste liquid container, or weight sensors are installed below the alkali container, the first container, the second container, and the waste liquid container, respectively.

8. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second pressure detection module is installed at one port of the degassing device; the first valve is a two-position three-way solenoid valve; a filter is installed at the third port of the first valve; and the second pump is a vacuum pump.

9. The sample loading and cleaning system for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A third pressure detection module is provided between the sample needle and the sample pump.

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