Particle analyzer

Abstract

To provide a particle analyzer which restricts an influence of air bubbles and contaminants on measurement accuracy, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and measurement stability.SOLUTION: A particle measuring unit comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode to be used for electric signal measurement; a first sample passage area where a sample is supplied; a second sample passage area where a sample is discharged; a partition wall which is provided between the first sample passage area and the second sample passage area, and has an open hole; and a sheath liquid channel which is connected to the first sample passage area or the second sample passage area to conduct supply or discard of sheath liquid. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a liquid discard channel of the sheath liquid channel connected to the first sample passage area and the second sample passage area, and are positioned above the partition wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a particle analyzer that analyzes particles contained in a specimen (sample) that is diluted with a diluent (sheath liquid). [Background technology]

[0002] Blood tests are among the tests performed at hospitals and clinics. Blood tests are generally classified into five types: biochemistry / immunology tests, coagulation tests, transfusion tests, hematology tests, and bacteriology tests. Hematology tests are further classified into complete blood counts, morphology tests, and cell surface marker tests. The measurement items in a complete blood count include the cell count and cell volume of red blood cells, platelets, and other blood cells. Since the measurement results are used to diagnose patients, these tests require high measurement accuracy.

[0003] In these tests, the size and number of particles to be measured are measured. One method for measuring the size and number of particles is to flow the particles into a flow path separated by a partition and electrically measure the change in impedance. The partition is an insulator with a through hole to allow the particles to pass through.

[0004] In this method, air bubbles and remaining particles generated in the electrolyte may cause contamination of the measurement flow path and electrodes, which may affect the change in impedance during measurement and reduce the measurement accuracy. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that prevents erroneous measurements by generating a swirling flow behind a partition and flowing the sample to the outside while suppressing the return of the sample.

[0005] However, in an apparatus using a swirling flow as in Patent Document 1, air bubbles and contaminants adhering to the flow path and electrodes may become mixed into the sample, causing erroneous measurements and reducing measurement accuracy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-21892 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a particle analyzer that can suppress the effects of air bubbles and contaminants on measurement accuracy and improve measurement accuracy and measurement stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the particle analyzer according to the present invention comprises a particle measurement unit that measures a sample, and a control unit that controls the particle measurement unit. The particle measurement unit comprises a first electrode and a second electrode used for measuring an electric signal, a first sample passing region to which the sample is supplied, a second sample passing region to which the sample is discharged, a partition wall having a through hole provided between the first sample passing region and the second sample passing region, and a sheath liquid flow path connected to the first sample passing region or the second sample passing region and for supplying or discharging sheath liquid. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in a waste liquid flow path of a sheath liquid flow path connected to the first sample passing region and the second sample passing region, and are located above the partition wall. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a particle analyzer that can suppress the effects of air bubbles and contaminants on measurement accuracy and improve measurement accuracy and measurement stability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a particle analysis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the details of the structure of a particle measuring unit 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the partition wall 13 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the particle measuring unit 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same or corresponding numbers. Note that the accompanying drawings show embodiments and implementation examples according to the principles of the present disclosure, but these are for understanding the present disclosure and are not to be used to interpret the present disclosure in a limiting manner. The description in this specification is merely a typical example and does not limit the scope or application of the present disclosure in any sense.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the description is given in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure, but it should be understood that other implementations and forms are possible, and that changes in configuration and structure and replacement of various elements are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be interpreted as being limited thereto. Some components shown in the drawings are drawn to different scales than the actual ones.

[0013] A particle analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. This particle analyzer 100 measures blood containing blood cells such as red blood cells and platelets, or a particle-containing liquid, as a measurement object, and measures the particle concentration, particle volume, and distribution of particles in the measurement object. The sample is prepared by diluting the measurement object with sheath liquid.

[0014] The particle analyzer 100 is broadly composed of a control unit 1, a sampling mechanism 2, a liquid delivery mechanism 3, a particle measurement unit 4, a voltage measurement circuit 5, and a calculation unit 6. The particle analyzer 100 is configured such that the control unit 1 drives the sampling mechanism 2 and the liquid delivery mechanism 3 to deliver a specimen (sample) and sheath liquid to the particle measurement unit 4, and the particle measurement unit 4 executes a measurement operation. The sampling mechanism 2 and the liquid delivery mechanism 3 are connected via a sample input unit 10. The sample is dispensed into the sample input unit 10 by the sampling mechanism 2, and is drawn into the particle measurement unit 4 by the liquid delivery mechanism 3.

[0015] The control unit 1 controls the solenoid valves SV1-10, the first syringe 7, and the second syringe 8 to drive the liquid delivery mechanism 3, and controls switching of the liquid delivery flow path and liquid delivery / waste. By sucking sheath liquid from the sheath liquid tank 9, the liquid delivery mechanism 3 and the particle measurement unit 4, except for the sample insertion unit 10 and the waste liquid tank 11, can be filled with sheath liquid.

[0016] The liquid delivery mechanism 3 is a part for delivering the sample and sheath liquid, and is configured to include a first syringe 7, a second syringe 8, a sheath liquid tank 9, a sample input section 10, a waste liquid tank 11, and solenoid valves SV1-10, as well as a flow path 12 connecting these. The liquid delivery mechanism 3 and the particle measurement section 4 are also connected by the flow path 12 to supply and discharge the sample and sheath liquid.

[0017] The first syringe 7 receives sheath liquid from a sheath liquid tank 9 and injects the sheath liquid into the particle measuring unit 4. Solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are provided in a flow path 12 between the first syringe 7 and the sheath liquid tank 9 to control the amount of sheath liquid injected. In addition, solenoid valves SV5 and SV6 are provided between the first syringe 7 and the particle measuring unit 4 to control the amount of sheath liquid injected into the particle measuring unit 4.

[0018] The second syringe 8 receives a supply of a sample from a sample input unit 10 and injects the sample into the particle measurement unit 4. Solenoid valves SV3 and SV2 are provided in a flow path 12 between the second syringe 8 and a sheath liquid tank 9. In addition, a solenoid valve SV4 is provided between the sample input unit 10 and the second syringe 8 to control the amount of sample injected.

[0019] The particle measuring unit 4 includes a first container 16 and a second container 17, as well as a partition wall 13, a first electrode 14, and a second electrode 15. A sample drawn into the particle measuring unit 4 is passed through the particle measuring unit 4 by the liquid delivery mechanism 3, and the change in impedance at that time is measured as a change in an electrical signal based on a change in voltage between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15, thereby measuring particles.

[0020] The partition 13 is provided at the boundary between the first container 16 and the second container 17, and has a through hole (aperture) approximately in the center. When the sample passes through the through hole of the partition 13, the voltage measurement circuit 5 acquires a signal accompanying a change in impedance via the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15, and amplifies the signal. Thereafter, the calculation unit 6 calculates output items according to the amplified output signal. The sample and sheath liquid after passing through the particle measurement unit 4 are discharged into the waste liquid tank 11. Solenoid valves SV7 to SV9 are connected to the flow path 12 between the waste liquid tank 11 and the particle measurement unit 4.

[0021] A more detailed configuration of the particle measuring unit 4 will be described with reference to the cross-sectional perspective view of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of an area EC including the partition wall 13 in Fig. 2.

[0022] 2, the particle measuring unit 4 is composed of a first container 16 and a second container 17, and the two containers are separated by a partition wall 13. The partition wall 13 may be composed of an insulator such as artificial sapphire or artificial ruby. Further, a through hole having a diameter of, for example, about 30 to 100 μm is formed approximately near the center of the partition wall 13.

[0023] The first container 16 and the second container 17 each have a first sample passing region 18 and a second sample passing region 19, and the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19 are separated by a partition wall 13 and connected via a through hole. As shown in FIG. 3, packings 20 are arranged on both sides of the partition wall 13, and the partition wall 13 is sandwiched between the first container 16 and the second container 17 by the packings 20 to maintain watertightness. The electrodes 14 and 15 are fixed to the first container 16 and the second container 17 by electrode fixing nipples 36A and 36B. The electrodes 14 and 15 can be replaced by removing the electrode fixing nipples 36A and 36B.

[0024] 3, the first container 16 has a convex shape at the connection portion with the second sample passing region 19. On the other hand, the second container 17 has a concave shape at the connection portion with the first sample passing region 18. By fitting the convex portion of the first container with the concave portion of the second container, the first sample passing region 18, the second sample passing region 19, and the partition wall 13 can be fixed coaxially aligned.

[0025] 3, the first container 16 is connected to a sample discharge nozzle 21, and the second container 17 is connected to a waste liquid collection nipple 22. The sample discharge nozzle 21 is a nozzle that discharges the sample from the second syringe 8 via the flow path 12, and the waste liquid collection nipple 22 is a nozzle that discharges (collects) the waste liquid toward a waste liquid tank. The first container 16, the second container 17, and the waste liquid collection nipple 22 may be made of a transparent plastic, such as an acrylic resin or PEI, taking into consideration the visibility of the internal flow paths, electrical insulation, and processability.

[0026] Furthermore, a sealing part 24 made of Teflon (registered trademark) is sandwiched between the sample discharge nozzle 21 and the first container 16. Furthermore, a Y-shaped nipple 25 is connected to the injection port of the sample discharge nozzle 21. The sample is supplied to the sample discharge nozzle 21 via the Y-shaped nipple 25. The waste liquid recovery nipple 22 maintains its watertightness by sandwiching a packing 26 (see FIG. 2) between it and the second container 17.

[0027] The external structure of the particle measuring unit 4 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a front view of the particle measuring unit 4, and Figure 5 is a side view showing the Y-shaped nipple 25 side. As shown in Figure 5, the sample discharge nozzle 21 is fixed by a fixing screw 23. The sample discharge nozzle 21 and the first container 16 are pressed together by the fixing screw 23 to maintain watertightness. As the fixing screw 23, for example, a screw such as a cam lock fastener that can be easily attached and detached by turning a handle and is easy to maintain can be used.

[0028] The tips of the sample discharge nozzle 21 and the waste liquid collection nipple 22 are both disposed near the partition 13, for example, at a distance of about 1 mm from the partition 13. Therefore, the sample passes through the partition 13 without diffusing into the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19, and can be discharged from the second container 17.

[0029] The first container 16 and the second container 17 have a sheath liquid flow path 27. The sheath liquid flow path 27 serves to supply sheath liquid to the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19, and to discharge the sheath liquid from the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19.

[0030] The sheath liquid flow path 27 is divided into four flow paths: a first sheath liquid supply flow path 28, a second sheath liquid supply flow path 29, a first waste liquid flow path 30, and a second waste liquid flow path 31. The first sheath liquid supply flow path 28 and the first waste liquid flow path 30 are connected to the first sample passing region 18, and the second sheath liquid supply flow path 29 and the second waste liquid flow path 31 are connected to the second sample passing region 19.

[0031] The first sheath fluid supply flow path 28 and the second sheath fluid supply flow path 29 are disposed obliquely (for example, at an angle of about 45 degrees) so as to face a direction obliquely intersecting the plane of the partition wall 13. With this arrangement, the first sheath fluid supply flow path 28 and the second sheath fluid supply flow path 29 can efficiently remove contaminants and air bubbles adhering to the partition wall 13. On the other hand, the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31 are flow paths that extend horizontally to the plane of the partition wall 13 and in the vertical direction of the particle measuring unit 4 .

[0032] The first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 are disposed in the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31, respectively, and are located above the partition wall 13. As an example, the two electrodes 14 and 15 have a cylindrical shape. Both electrodes 14 and 15 may be made of platinum, which suppresses changes in noise level due to corrosion. It is preferable that all of the flow paths 28 to 31 have a cylindrical shape in consideration of workability and adhesion of contaminants.

[0033] The structures of the first waste liquid flow path 30, the second waste liquid flow path 31, and the first and second electrodes 14 and 15 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The cross-sectional view of Figure 6 shows a B-B' cross-sectional view of Figure 4, and shows the structures of the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the first electrode 14. The cross-sectional view of Figure 7 shows a C-C' cross-sectional view of Figure 4, and shows the structures of the second waste liquid flow path 31 and the second electrode 15.

[0034] 6, the first waste liquid flow path 30 is composed of a first flow path 32 and a second flow path 33. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the second waste liquid flow path 31 is composed of a third flow path 34 and a fourth flow path 35.

[0035] The first flow path 32 extends vertically from above the first sample passing region 18, and the third flow path 34 is disposed to extend vertically from above the second sample passing region 19. Therefore, bubbles generated in the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19 rise vertically upward due to buoyancy and are discharged to the first flow path 32 and the third flow path 34. The liquid delivery direction and the direction of buoyancy are the same, so bubbles are less likely to accumulate inside the first sample passing region 18, the second sample passing region 19, the first flow path 32, and the third flow path 34, and the bubbles can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0036] Moreover, the first flow path 32 is connected to the second flow path 33, and the third flow path 34 is connected to the fourth flow path 35. The second flow path 33 is configured to extend horizontally from the side of the first flow path 32, and the fourth flow path 35 is configured to extend horizontally from the side of the second flow path. In order to improve the maintainability and cleaning efficiency of the electrodes 14 and 15, it is preferable that the second flow path 33 and the fourth flow path 35 intersect the first flow path 32 and the third flow path 34 at approximately right angles. This allows the electrodes 14 and 15 to be fixed in the axial direction of the first flow path 32 and the third flow path 34. Furthermore, since the flow paths can be connected to the bases of the electrodes 14 and 15, a fluid with a high flow rate passes over the entire surface of the electrodes, making it possible to efficiently clean the electrodes 14 and 15.

[0037] The first electrode 14 is fixed to the side surface (horizontally extending wall surface) of the second flow path 33, and is disposed at a distance from the wall surface of the first flow path 32. The second electrode 15 is fixed to the side surface (horizontally extending wall surface) of the fourth flow path 35, and is disposed at a distance from the wall surface of the third flow path 34. As a result, the electrodes 14 and 15 are subjected to a faster flow than the vicinity of the wall surface of the flow path, and therefore the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 can be washed with high washing efficiency. In particular, since the flow velocity in the flow path is fastest at the center, washing efficiency is highest when the electrodes 14 and 15 are disposed on the axis of the first flow path 32 and the third flow path 34.

[0038] The first flow path 32 and the third flow path 34 preferably have a diameter twice or less than the diameter of the electrodes 14 and 15. When compared at the same flow rate, the flow rate decreases as the diameter of the flow paths 32 and 34 increases. When considering the flow in the flow path using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, the flow rate on the central axis, where the flow rate is the fastest, decreases to 1 / 4 when the diameter is doubled. In addition, in the case of a flow path shape with an angle, for example, a rectangular flow path, contaminants and air bubbles are likely to adhere. For this reason, it is preferable that the shape of the flow path is cylindrical from the viewpoint of cleaning efficiency. In addition, since the amount of sheath liquid used for cleaning can be reduced by improving the cleaning efficiency, it is possible to reduce the frequency of replacing the sheath liquid tank 9.

[0039] Next, there will be described a procedure for measuring particles in the particle analyzer of this embodiment, and a procedure for control performed by the control unit 1. The liquid delivery operation is performed by the first syringe 7, the second syringe 8, and the solenoid valves SV1 to SV10 of the liquid delivery mechanism 3.

[0040] In particle measurement, first, a sample preparation operation is performed before the measurement is performed. In the preparation operation, the control unit 1 samples the prepared sample using the sampling mechanism 2 and dispenses it into the sample input unit 10. The sample dispensed into the sample input unit 10 is sent into the particle measurement unit 4 by the liquid delivery mechanism 3. More specifically, first, the solenoid valves SV1, SV2, and SV4 are opened and the first syringe 7 is moved in the suction direction, so that the sample is drawn into the flow path connected to the Y-shaped nipple 25 and the first syringe 7. At this time, the sample is made to pass through the Y-shaped nipple 25 in an amount approximately three times the flow path volume of the Y-shaped nipple 25. This makes the particle concentration in the flow path in the Y-shaped nipple 25 constant.

[0041] Next, solenoid valve SV4 is closed and solenoid valve SV8 is opened to move first syringe 7 in the discharge direction. This causes the sample to be discharged up to the tip of sample discharge nozzle 21. Thereafter, solenoid valves SV1, SV2, and SV8 are closed, while solenoid valves SV5 and SV9 are opened to move first syringe 7 in the discharge direction. This causes the sample that has been discharged from sample discharge nozzle 21 to first sample passing region 18 to be discharged from first container 16. Thereafter, all solenoid valves SV1 to SV10 are closed, completing preparations for measurement.

[0042] Next, the measurement operation is performed. Specifically, the solenoid valve SV8 is opened to move the second syringe 8 in the discharge direction, thereby discharging the sample into the first sample passing region 18. The sample then passes through the partition 13 and is delivered to the second sample passing region 19.

[0043] Furthermore, when discharging the sample, the solenoid valve SV5 is opened and the first syringe 7 is moved in the discharge direction to send the sheath liquid to the first sample passing region 18. This causes the sample and sheath liquid to pass through the partition 13 simultaneously. The sample passes through the partition 13 while being surrounded by sheath liquid around the liquid sending axis. As a result, the sample is concentrated on the central axis of the partition 13, and it is possible to suppress waveform disturbances that are detrimental to counting and occur when particles of the object to be measured pass through the partition 13 simultaneously or pass near the partition 13.

[0044] The sample and sheath liquid that have passed through the partition 13 and been sent to the second sample passing region 19 are discharged into the waste liquid tank 11 through the waste liquid recovery nipple 22. As described above, the two electrodes 14, 15 are disposed in the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31, respectively, and their tips do not reach the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19. Therefore, the sample and sheath liquid do not pass near the electrodes 14, 15, and therefore it is possible to suppress the progression of contamination caused by sample components adhering to the electrodes 14, 15.

[0045] During measurement, a constant current or voltage is applied between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 from the voltage measurement circuit 5. The two electrodes 14, 15 are energized through the flow path of the partition 13 in the particle measurement unit 4. The partition 13 is an insulator and has a large electrical resistance. Since the particles in the sample have a different electrical conductivity from the sheath liquid, the electrical resistance of the partition 13 changes when the particles pass through it, and this change appears as a pulse-like change in the output signal of the voltage measurement circuit 5 connected to the electrodes 14 and 15. By analyzing the number and shape of the pulses, the number and size of the particles that have passed through the through-hole are calculated by the calculation unit 6 and output as the measurement result.

[0046] When a current or voltage is applied to the electrodes 14 and 15, the sheath liquid is electrolyzed, which may generate bubbles. Like the particles to be measured, bubbles have a different electrical conductivity from the sheath liquid. Therefore, when bubbles pass through the partition 13, the resistance of the partition 13 changes, which is output as a pulse change in the output signal of the voltage measurement circuit. Since it may be difficult to distinguish the pulse due to the particles to be measured from the pulse due to the bubbles, it is desirable to prevent the bubbles from passing through the partition 13.

[0047] In the particle measuring unit 4 of this embodiment, the tips of the two electrodes 14, 15 are disposed farther away than the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19, and are therefore disposed above the partition wall 13. This makes it possible to prevent air bubbles generated at the electrodes 14, 15 from flowing toward the partition wall 13, and makes it possible to perform stable measurement without pulses due to air bubbles appearing in the output voltage of the voltage measuring circuit 5. In addition, since the sheath liquid is sent from the first sheath liquid supply flow path 28 to the first sample passing region 18, it is possible to pass through the partition wall 13 without passing near the electrodes 14 and 15. This prevents air bubbles from passing through the partition wall 13 due to the flow of the sheath liquid.

[0048] If there are any measurement obstructions in the liquid delivery mechanism 3 or particle measurement unit 4, the output voltage will experience pulses and changes in noise level due to things other than particles in the sample, reducing the measurement accuracy. In particular, the presence of measurement obstructions near the two electrodes 14, 15 and the partition wall 13 can have a significant effect on the measurement accuracy. Specifically, measurement obstructions refer to particles, contaminants, and air bubbles in the sample to be measured that remain on or adhere to the electrodes and flow path.

[0049] Therefore, in the particle analyzer 100 of this embodiment, after a particle measurement operation, a cleaning operation is performed on the flow path 12 and the electrodes 14, 15 in preparation for the next measurement. The particle measurement unit 4 of the particle analyzer 100 of this embodiment performs a cleaning operation described below, and can improve the counting accuracy of particles in the measurement object.

[0050] The procedure of the cleaning operation by the liquid delivery mechanism 3 of this embodiment will be described below. First, the solenoid valves SV1, SV2, and SV9 are opened, and the first syringe 7 is driven in the discharge direction. This causes the particles to be measured remaining in the Y-shaped nipple 25 to be discharged into the waste liquid tank 11 via the first sample passing region 18 and the first waste liquid flow path 30. Thereafter, the solenoid valves SV2 and SV9 are closed, while the solenoid valve SV3 is opened to move the first syringe 7 in the suction direction, thereby suctioning the sheath liquid from the sheath liquid tank 9.

[0051] Next, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are closed, while the solenoid valves SV5 and SV9 are opened to move the first syringe 7 in the discharge direction. This causes the sheath liquid to be sent from the first sheath liquid supply flow path 28 to the first sample passing region 18 and discharged toward the waste liquid tank 11 via the first waste liquid flow path 30. Thereafter, the solenoid valves SV5 and SV9 are closed, while the solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are opened to move the first syringe 7 in the suction direction, thereby suctioning the sheath liquid from the sheath liquid tank 9.

[0052] Next, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are closed, while the solenoid valves SV6 and SV7 are opened to move the first syringe 7 in the discharge direction. This causes the sheath liquid to be sent from the second sheath liquid supply flow path 29 to the second sample passing region 19, and then discharged into the waste liquid tank 11 via the second waste liquid flow path 31. Thereafter, the solenoid valves SV6 and SV7 are closed, while the solenoid valves SV1 and SV3 are opened to move the first syringe 7 in the suction direction, thereby suctioning the sheath liquid from the sheath liquid tank 9.

[0053] Finally, SV1 and SV3 are closed, SV6 and SV8 are opened, and the first syringe 7 is moved in the discharge direction. This causes the measurement target particles remaining in the waste liquid recovery nipple 22 to be discharged into the waste liquid tank 11.

[0054] In the above cleaning operation, the sheath liquid always flows through the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31 toward the waste liquid tank 11, so that contaminants and air bubbles adhering to the electrodes 14, 15 arranged in the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31 are discharged to the outside from the first waste liquid flow path 30 and the second waste liquid flow path 31, and it is possible to suppress the movement of the contaminants and air bubbles to the vicinity of the partition 13. The first sheath liquid supply flow path 28 and the second sheath liquid supply flow path 29 can supply the sheath liquid toward the first sample passing region 18 and the second sample passing region 19 near the partition 13 without passing through the electrodes 14, 15, so that the cleanliness of the partition 13 can be maintained.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to an embodiment having all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to delete a part of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1...Control unit 2. Sampling mechanism 3... Liquid delivery mechanism 4...Particle measurement section 5. Voltage measurement circuit 6...Arithmetic section 7…First syringe 8…Second syringe 9…Sheath liquid tank 10…Sample input section 11...Waste tank 12...Flow path 13...Bulkhead 14...First electrode 15...Second electrode 16…First container 17…Second container 18...First sample passage area 19...Second sample passage area 20…Packing 21...Sample discharge nozzle 22...Waste liquid collection nipple 23…Fixing screw 24…Sealing parts 25...Y-shaped nipple 26…Packing 27…Sheath fluid flow path 28...first sheath liquid supply channel 29...Second sheath liquid supply channel 30...First waste liquid flow path 31...Second waste liquid flow path 32…First flow path 33…Second flow path 34…Third flow path 35…4th flow path 36A, 36B...Nipples for fixing electrodes 100…Particle analyzer

Claims

1. A particle measuring unit that measures the sample; A control unit that controls the particle measurement unit; Equipped with The particle measuring unit includes: a first electrode and a second electrode used for measuring an electrical signal; a first sample passage area into which the sample is supplied; a second sample passage area through which the sample is discharged; a partition wall provided between the first sample passing region and the second sample passing region and having a through hole; a sheath liquid flow path connected to the first sample passing region or the second sample passing region and configured to supply or drain sheath liquid; Equipped with The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in a waste liquid flow path of the sheath liquid flow path connected to the first sample passing region and the second sample passing region, and are located above the partition wall. A particle analysis device characterized by:

2. a supply flow path of the sheath liquid flow path is configured to extend obliquely from below the first sample passing region or the second sample passing region; The waste liquid flow path of the sheath liquid flow path is configured to extend in a vertical direction above the first sample passing region or the second sample passing region.

2. The particle analysis device of claim 1.

3. The particle analyzer of claim 2 , wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on an axis of the waste flow path.

4. The particle analyzer of claim 3 , wherein the waste flow path has a diameter that is less than or equal to twice the diameter of the first electrode and the second electrode.

5. 2. The particle analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the waste liquid flow path of the sheath liquid flow path by nipples.

6. 2. The particle analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are detachable from the waste liquid flow path of the sheath liquid flow path.

7. The sheath liquid flow path includes: a first sheath liquid supply flow path connected to the first sample passing region; a first waste flow path connected to the first sample passing region; a second sheath liquid supply flow path connected to the second sample passing region; a second waste flow path connected to the second sample passing region; Including, the first waste liquid flow path and the second waste liquid flow path are connected to a waste liquid tank that stores waste liquid; 2. The particle analyzer of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in the first waste liquid flow path and the second waste liquid flow path, respectively.

8. the first waste liquid flow path includes a first flow path and a second flow path intersecting the first flow path, the second waste liquid flow path includes a third flow path and a fourth flow path intersecting the third flow path; 8. The particle analysis device according to claim 7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to side surfaces of the second flow path and the fourth flow path, respectively, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged spaced apart from flow path wall surfaces of the first flow path and the third flow path.

9. a liquid supply mechanism for supplying a sheath liquid to the first sample passing region and the second sample passing region, 9. The particle analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the control unit has a flow path configuration that controls the particle measurement unit and the liquid delivery mechanism to simultaneously deliver the sample and sheath liquid to the first sample passing region.

10. The control unit is When cleaning the electrodes, supplying sheath liquid from the first sheath liquid supply flow path by the liquid sending mechanism and discharging sheath liquid from the first waste liquid flow path; supplying sheath liquid from the second sheath liquid supply flow path and discharging the sheath liquid from the second waste liquid flow path; and During measurement, The sample and the sheath liquid are simultaneously passed through the partition by the liquid delivery mechanism; 10. The particle analyzer of claim 9, configured to perform the step of draining a waste collection nipple connected to the second sample passage region.

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