Stirring probe and stirrer

Abstract

To improve a stirring efficiency while suppressing formation of bubbles.SOLUTION: A stirring probe relating to an embodiment for stirring a mixed liquid, comprises: a cylindrical peripheral wall for regulating a flowing path inside; an end wall provided at one end of the peripheral wall in an axial direction; a first suction discharge port formed on the end wall to communicate with the flowing path; and a second suction discharge port formed on the peripheral wall to communicate with the flowing path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate to stirring probes and stirring devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A biochemical analyzer as an automatic analyzer has a stirring probe that stirs the mixture in a reaction vessel. Known methods for stirring the mixture include a method of vibrating a stirrer with a motor or a piezoelectric element, and a method of aspirating and discharging the mixture. When a mixture is stirred by vibrating the stir bar, air bubbles are generated in the mixture during stirring. When measuring absorbance using colorimetry, the air bubbles scatter the light, which can make it difficult to obtain accurate measurement values. As a result, it is possible that accurate analysis results for the mixture will not be obtained. In addition, when the mixed liquid is stirred by aspirating and discharging, the stirring probe has one aspirating and discharging port, and aspirating and discharging are performed through the aspirating and discharging port. With the above configuration, the aspirating location and the discharging location are the same, and the aspirating direction and the discharging direction are almost on the same line, so the generation of bubbles during stirring can be suppressed compared to stirring by vibration of the stirrer, but the stirring efficiency is low and it takes a long time to stir. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-233827 [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-132521 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve stirring efficiency while suppressing the generation of bubbles. The problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The stirring probe of one embodiment is a stirring probe for stirring a mixed liquid, and includes a cylindrical peripheral wall defining a flow passage therein, an end wall provided at one axial end of the peripheral wall, a first suction and discharge port formed in the end wall and communicating with the flow passage, and a second suction and discharge port formed in the peripheral wall and communicating with the flow passage.

[0006] and a control unit that executes the following operations: a first suction operation in which the stirring pump sucks in a predetermined amount of the mixed liquid from the first suction and discharge port and the second suction and discharge port into the stirring probe; a first lowering operation in which the first lifting mechanism lowers the stirring probe until the end wall abuts against a bottom surface of the reaction vessel to close the first suction and discharge port; and a first discharge operation in which the stirring pump discharges the mixed liquid in the stirring probe from the second suction and discharge port into the reaction vessel with the first suction and discharge port closed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the analysis unit of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the stirring unit of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the stirring probe of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a stirring operation, illustrating a stirring probe and a reaction vessel. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation following FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the stirring operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the stirring unit of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the stirring probe and the adjustment member of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation, illustrating a stirring probe, an adjustment member, and a reaction vessel. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation subsequent to FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation, illustrating the stirring probe, the cleaning tank, and the adjustment member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation for removing remaining liquid in the cleaning operation, and shows a stirring probe, a cleaning tank, and an adjustment member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation following FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation following FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any suitable modification that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention is naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the drawings and explanations clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown in a schematic manner compared to the actual embodiment, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 comprises an analysis unit 10 which measures test samples and calibrators, an analysis control unit 170 which controls the analysis unit 10, an analysis data processing unit 130 which processes analysis signals output from the analysis unit 10 to calculate analysis data, an output unit 140 which outputs the analysis data from the analysis data processing unit 130, an operation unit 150 which inputs analysis conditions and various command signals, and a system control unit 160 which controls all of these units mentioned above. The analysis data processing unit 130 has a calculation unit 131 that creates a calibration table and calculates analysis data based on the calibration signal and analysis signal output from the analysis unit 10, and a memory unit 132 that stores the calibration table created by the calculation unit 131 and the calculated analysis data.

[0010] The calculation unit 131 creates a calibration table for each item from the calibration signal for each item output from the analysis unit 10, outputs it to the output unit 140, and stores it in the memory unit 132. Furthermore, the calculation unit 131 reads out a calibration table corresponding to the item of the analysis signal for each item output from the analysis unit 10 from the memory unit 132, and then calculates analysis data using this calibration table, outputs it to the output unit 140, and stores it in the memory unit 132. The storage unit 132 includes a hard disk or the like, and stores the calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the calculation unit 131 for each test sample.

[0011] Output unit 140 has printing unit 141 which prints out the calibration table, analysis data, etc. output from analysis data processing unit 130, display unit 142 which displays the calibration table and analysis data, and online unit 143 for outputting the analysis data, etc. to an external information system, etc. Printing unit 141 has a printer or the like, and prints out the calibration table, analysis data, etc. on printer paper based on a preset format. Display unit 142 has a monitor such as a CRT or liquid crystal panel, and displays the calibration table, analysis data, etc. output from analysis data processing unit 130, and displays a screen for setting analysis conditions according to instructions from system control unit 160.

[0012] The operation unit 150 has pointing devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, a touch panel, etc. An operator uses the operation unit 150 to perform various operations such as setting analysis conditions, inputting specimen information such as a specimen ID and a specimen name, selecting measurement items for each test sample of a specimen, performing calibration operations for each item, and performing test sample analysis operations. The system control unit 160 has a CPU and a memory circuit, and stores information such as command signals from the operation unit 150, analysis conditions, specimen information, and measurement items for each test sample, and then controls each device constituting the analysis unit 10 based on this information. Furthermore, the system control unit 160 controls the entire system, such as creating a calibration table and controlling the calculation and output of analysis data.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the analysis unit 10 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. 2, the analysis section 10 includes a sample disk 12. The sample disk 12 holds sample containers 14 that contain standard samples (calibrators) for each test item, test samples, and the like. The analysis unit 10 further includes a plurality of reagent containers 16, a reagent storage 18 for storing each of the plurality of reagent containers 16, a plurality of reagent containers 20, and a reagent storage 22 for storing each of the plurality of reagent containers 20. The reagent containers 16, 20 contain a first reagent that selectively reacts with an item of the test sample or a calibrator for that item, a second reagent that pairs with the first reagent, and the like. The reagent storage 18 has a reagent rack 18a, which is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 16 for each test item. The reagent storage 22 has a reagent rack 22a, which is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 20.

[0014] The analysis section 10 further includes a plurality of reaction container units 24 and a reaction disk 25. The plurality of reaction container units 24 are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction and each have a reaction container 24a. In one example, each of the reaction container units 24 stores three reaction containers 24a, but the number of reaction containers 24a stored is not limited to three. The reaction disk 25 rotatably holds the reaction container units 24 (reaction containers 24a). In one example, the reaction containers 24a are made of glass.

[0015] The analysis unit 10 further includes a sample dispensing probe 26, a sample dispensing arm 27, a sample dispensing pump 26a, a sample detector 26b, and a washing tank 26c. The sample dispensing probe 26 dispenses samples. Specifically, the sample dispensing probe 26 aspirates the sample in the sample container 14 held on the sample disk 12 for each test item, and discharges an amount of sample set as an analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container 24a. The sample dispensing arm 27 supports the sample dispensing probe 26 so that it can rotate and move up and down.

[0016] The sample dispensing pump 26a causes the sample dispensing probe 26 to aspirate and discharge the sample. The sample detector 26b determines that the sample in the sample container 14 has been detected when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 26 comes into contact with the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 14. Specifically, the sample detector 26b is electrically connected to the sample dispensing probe 26, and detects the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 14 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 26 comes into contact with the sample in the sample container 14. When the liquid level in the sample container 14 is detected, the sample dispensing pump 26a causes the sample dispensing probe 26 to aspirate and discharge the sample. The washing tank 26c washes the sample dispensing probe 26 every time dispensing of the sample is completed.

[0017] The analysis unit 10 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 28, a reagent dispensing arm 29, a reagent dispensing pump 28a, a reagent detector 28b, and a washing tank 28c. The reagent dispensing probe 28 dispenses reagent from the reagent container 16. Specifically, the reagent dispensing probe 28 aspirates the reagent from the reagent container 16 for each test item, and dispenses an amount of reagent set as an analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container 24a into which the sample has been dispensed. The reagent dispensing arm 29 supports the reagent dispensing probe 28 so as to be rotatable and movable up and down.

[0018] The reagent dispensing pump 28a causes the reagent dispensing probe 28 to aspirate and discharge the reagent. The reagent detector 28b determines that a sample in the reagent container 16 has been detected when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 28 comes into contact with the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 16. Specifically, the reagent detector 28b is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing probe 28, and detects the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 16 due to a change in capacitance when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 28 comes into contact with the reagent in the reagent container 16. When the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 16 is detected, the reagent dispensing pump 28a causes the reagent dispensing probe 28 to aspirate and discharge the reagent. The washing tank 28c washes the reagent dispensing probe 28 every time a reagent is dispensed.

[0019] The analysis unit 10 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 32, a reagent dispensing arm 33, a reagent dispensing pump 32a, a reagent detector 32b, and a washing tank 32c. The reagent dispensing probe 32 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 16. Here, the functions of the reagent dispensing probe 32, the reagent dispensing arm 33, the reagent dispensing pump 32a, the reagent detector 32b, and the washing tank 32c are the same as those of the reagent dispensing probe 28, the reagent dispensing arm 29, the reagent dispensing pump 28a, the reagent detector 28b, and the washing tank 28c, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The analysis section 10 further includes an agitation unit 36. The agitation unit 36 ​​includes an agitation probe 38, a first lifting mechanism (agitation arm) 39, an agitation pump 38a, and a washing tank 38b. In one example, the agitation unit 36 ​​includes two of each of the agitation probes 38, the agitation arms 40, the agitation pumps 38a, and the washing tanks 38b. The stirring probe 38 stirs the mixture of the sample and the reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 24a. Specifically, the mixtures mentioned above are a mixture of the test sample and the first reagent, a mixture of the calibrator and the first reagent, a mixture of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent, and a mixture of the calibrator, the first reagent, and the second reagent. In one example, the stirring probe 38 is made of metal.

[0021] The first lifting mechanism 39 supports the stirring probe 38 so that it can rotate and move up and down. In other words, the first lifting mechanism 39 can raise and lower the stirring probe 38 relative to the reaction vessel 24a. The stirring pump 38a causes the stirring probe 38 to aspirate and discharge the mixed liquid. The stirring pump 38a is, for example, a syringe pump in which the aspirated and discharged amounts per unit time and the timing of aspirating and discharging can be set. The washing tank 38b washes the stirring probe 38 every time stirring is completed.

[0022] The analysis section 10 further includes a measurement section 46 and a cleaning unit 48. The measurement section 46 irradiates light onto the reaction vessel 24a containing the mixed liquid stirred by the stirring probe 38 (or the stirring probe 42), measures the change in absorbance of the mixed liquid, and outputs an analysis signal of the test sample or calibrator obtained from the measurement, or a calibration signal, to the analysis data processing section 130. The cleaning unit 48 sucks up the mixed liquid after the measurement, and cleans and dries the inside of the reaction container 24a.

[0023] The analysis control unit 170 can control the operation of the analysis unit 10 described above. For example, the analysis control unit 170 can rotate the sample disk 12 and the reagent storages 18 and 22 for each cycle. The analysis control unit 170 can rotate and stop the reaction disk 25, and can control the stop position. The analysis control unit 170 can control the sample dispensing probe 26, the sample dispensing arm 27, the sample dispensing pump 26a, the reagent dispensing probes 28 and 32, the reagent dispensing arms 29 and 33, the reagent dispensing pumps 28a and 32a, and the like, to dispense into the reaction vessel 24a stopped at the stop position for each cycle. The analysis control unit 170 can control the stirring unit 36 ​​to stir the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 24a for each cycle. The analysis control unit 170 can set the amount of suction and discharge by the stirring pump 38a according to the viscosity of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 24a. The analysis control unit 170 can set the timing of suction and discharge by the stirring pump 38a.

[0024] Next, the stirring unit 36 ​​will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the stirring unit 36 ​​of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. 3, the mixing unit 36 ​​further includes a pressure sensor 50 and an air blowing mechanism 51 composed of a compressor 52 and a pressurized tank 54. The pressure sensor 50 is connected to the mixing probe 38 and the mixing pump 38a, and detects the pressure of the mixed liquid sucked in and discharged by the mixing probe 38. The compressor 52 and the pressurized tank 54 are provided so as to be able to blow air to the mixing probe 38 and the cleaning tank 38b. The cleaning tank 38b has a first inlet 56 for introducing the cleaning agent, a second inlet 58 for introducing the pure water, and an outlet 60 for discharging the cleaning agent and the pure water after cleaning. After the cleaning agent and the pure water after cleaning are discharged from the agitation unit 36 ​​and the cleaning tank 38b, the remaining liquids such as the cleaning agent and the pure water are removed by blowing air from the compressor 52 and the pressurized tank 54.

[0025] Next, the stirring probe 38 will be described in detail. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the stirring probe 38 of the automated analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing part A in Fig. 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the stirring probe 38 has a peripheral wall SW extending along an axis (central axis) a, an end wall EW provided at one end of the peripheral wall SW along the axis a, a first suction and discharge port H1 formed in the end wall EW, and a second suction and discharge port H2 formed in the peripheral wall SW.

[0026] The peripheral wall SW is formed in a cylindrical shape, and defines a flow passage 62 for the mixed liquid therein. The end wall EW has a horizontal surface 38S perpendicular to the axis A on the side opposite the peripheral wall SW. The first suction and discharge port H1 is a hole formed penetrating the end wall EW in the direction along the axis a, and communicates with the flow passage 62. In one example, the end wall EW is provided with one first suction and discharge port H1. The size of the first suction and discharge port H1 is larger than the size of the second suction and discharge port H2. The second suction / discharge port H2 is a hole formed through the peripheral wall SW at an angle θ with respect to the axis a. A plurality of second suction / discharge ports H2 are provided in the peripheral wall SW. The plurality of second suction / discharge ports H2 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction and the axial direction. In the example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the plurality of second suction / discharge ports H2 are provided at 90 degree intervals in the circumferential direction and at a predetermined interval in the axial direction.

[0027] The number, size, shape, and orientation of the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2 can be changed according to the characteristics and amount of the mixed liquid, and are not limited to the above-mentioned number, size, shape, and orientation. For example, a plurality of first suction and discharge ports H1 may be provided in the end wall EW, and one second suction and discharge port H2 may be provided in the peripheral wall SW. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second suction and discharge port H2 is inclined toward the end wall EW with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis a, and the angle θ is an acute angle, but it may be 90 degrees or more. The shape of the peripheral wall SW is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a square tube shape.

[0028] In the stirring device that is composed of the reaction vessel 24a, the stirring unit 36, the analysis control unit 170, etc., the mixture is stirred by controlling the stirring unit 36 ​​with the analysis control unit 170. The stirring procedure and operation will be described in detail below. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation, and shows the stirring probe 38 and the reaction vessel 24a. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation following Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the stirring operation. In Figs. 6 and 7, the flow direction of the mixed liquid is indicated by an arrow.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, when mixing is started, first, the analysis control unit 170 acquires the amount of the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 24a based on the parameters at the time of dispensing (S1). Next, the analysis control unit 170 controls the first lifting mechanism 39 to move the mixing probe 38 to a predetermined position (S2). The above-mentioned predetermined position is a position where the first suction and discharge port H1 is not blocked. Specifically, it is a position where the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is separated from the bottom surface 24aS of the reaction vessel 24a (see FIG. 6). The distance from the bottom surface 24aS to the horizontal surface 38S is determined by the amount of the mixed liquid acquired in step S1.

[0030] Next, the analysis control unit 170 controls the mixing pump 38a to perform a first suction operation in which a predetermined amount of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 24a is sucked into the mixing probe 38 from the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2 (S3). At this time, the analysis control unit 170 detects the pressure P of the mixed liquid with the pressure sensor 50, and judges whether the pressure P is equal to or higher than a predetermined first pressure P1 (S4). If the pressure P is not equal to or higher than the first pressure P1, it judges that a blockage has occurred at the first suction and discharge port H1 or the second suction and discharge port H2, and notifies the outside (for example, a user such as an operator) that a blockage has occurred via a notification unit such as the display unit 142 or the online unit 143 (S10), and ends the mixing.

[0031] If the pressure P is equal to or greater than the first pressure (S4), the analysis control unit 170 performs a lowering operation in which the stirring probe 38 is lowered by the first lifting mechanism 39 to close the first suction and discharge port H1 (S5). Specifically, the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is brought into contact with the bottom surface 24aS of the reaction vessel 24a to close the first suction and discharge port H1 (see FIG. 7). Next, the analysis control unit 170 controls the stirring pump 38a to perform a first discharge operation in which the mixed liquid in the stirring probe 38 is discharged from the second suction and discharge port H2 into the reaction vessel 24a (S6). At this time, the analysis control unit 170 detects the pressure P with the pressure sensor 50 and determines whether the pressure P is equal to or less than the predetermined second pressure P2 (S7). If the pressure P is not equal to or less than the second pressure P2, step S10 is executed to end the stirring.

[0032] If the pressure P is equal to or lower than the second pressure P2 (S7), the analysis control unit 170 judges whether the number of times N that the mixed liquid has been aspirated and discharged (the number of times that steps S3 and S6 have been performed) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number N1 (S8), and if the number N is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number N1, it is determined that the mixed liquid has not been stirred sufficiently, and steps S2 to S7 are performed again. The predetermined number N1 is determined according to the amount of the mixed liquid, and is, for example, about 1 to 3 times. If the number N is equal to or greater than a predetermined number N1 (S8), it is determined that the mixed liquid has been sufficiently stirred, and the analysis control unit 170 controls the first lifting mechanism 39 to move the stirring probe 38 outside the reaction vessel 24a (S9), thereby ending the stirring.

[0033] The predetermined position in step S2 is a position where the height of the liquid level LS when a predetermined amount of mixed liquid is aspirated in step S3 is slightly above the second suction / discharge port H2, which is at the highest position. In other words, even when a predetermined amount of mixed liquid is aspirated in step 3, the second suction / discharge port H2 is located below the liquid level LS. By positioning the stirring probe 38 in the position described above, the stirring efficiency can be improved, air can be prevented from being sucked in from the second suction / discharge port H2 during the first suction operation, and the generation of air bubbles can be suppressed.

[0034] The effects of the first embodiment will be described. According to the automated analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, the stirring probe 38 includes a first suction and discharge port H1 and a second suction and discharge port H2. The stirring device is equipped with a control unit (analysis control unit 170) that executes a first suction operation in which the stirring pump sucks the mixed liquid from the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2, a first lowering operation in which the first lifting mechanism lowers the stirring probe 38 to block the first suction and discharge port H1, and a first discharge operation in which the mixed liquid is discharged from the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2 with the first suction and discharge port H1 blocked. As a result, the location where the mixed liquid is sucked in and the location where the mixed liquid is discharged are different. In the example shown in the first embodiment, the mixed liquid can be sucked in from near the bottom surface 24aS of the reaction vessel 24a and discharged from above the reaction vessel 24a, and it is possible to obtain a stirring probe and a stirring device that can improve the stirring efficiency while suppressing the generation of bubbles.

[0035] The size of the first suction / discharge port H1 is larger than the size of the second suction / discharge port H2, so that the amount of the mixed liquid sucked from the vicinity of the bottom surface 24aS of the reaction vessel 24a can be increased, thereby improving the stirring efficiency. The stirring device includes a pressure sensor 50 and notification units such as a display unit 142 and an online unit 143. Therefore, when the first suction operation or the first discharge operation is being performed, the user is notified that a blockage has occurred at the first suction / discharge port H1 and the second suction / discharge port H2, and damage to the stirring probe 38 can be suppressed.

[0036] The second suction / discharge ports H2 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The second suction / discharge ports H2 are provided in plurality at intervals in the axial direction. At least one second suction / discharge port H2 is inclined toward the end wall EW with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This makes it possible to improve the stirring efficiency as compared to when there is one second suction / discharge port H2 or when the second suction / discharge ports H2 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0037] Moreover, the mixing pump 38a is a pump capable of setting the amount of suction and discharge per unit time, such as a syringe pump. In this case, the control unit controls the setting of the amount of suction and discharge by the mixing pump 38a according to the viscosity of the mixed liquid. Specifically, when the mixed liquid contains a high concentration of a highly viscous substance, the amount of suction and discharge is reduced. In other words, when the viscosity of the mixed liquid is high, the speed at which the mixed liquid is suctioned and discharged is reduced. That is, the control unit controls the speed of suction and discharge by the mixing pump 38a according to the viscosity of the mixed liquid. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of bubbles due to suction and discharge during the mixing operation.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the stirring probe 38 is described as being made of metal, but the material of the stirring probe 38 may be any material that does not damage the reaction vessel 24a when the stirring probe 38 is brought into contact with the bottom surface 24aS of the reaction vessel 24a during the first lowering operation, and that has sufficient rigidity so as not to deform when brought into contact, and may be, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0039] Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified, and the description will focus on parts that differ from the first embodiment. Second embodiment FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the stirring unit 36 ​​of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the stirring unit 36 ​​further includes an adjustment member 64 and a second lifting mechanism 65.

[0040] The adjustment member 64 can close the second suction and discharge port H2 of the stirring probe 38. The adjustment member 64 is preferably made of a material having elasticity such that it can adhere closely to the stirring probe 38, for example, a synthetic resin. The second lifting mechanism 65 supports the adjustment member 64 so that it can rotate and move up and down. In other words, the second lifting mechanism 65 can raise and lower the adjustment member 64 relative to the stirring probe 38. The compressor 52 and the pressurized tank 54 can blow air to the adjustment member 64. The adjustment member 64 has remaining liquids such as cleaning agent and pure water removed by the air blown from the compressor 52 and the pressurized tank 54.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 of the automated analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment. 10, the peripheral wall SW of the stirring probe 38 has a large diameter portion SWa and a small diameter portion SWb. The large diameter portion SWa is provided with a first suction / discharge port H1 and a second suction / discharge port H2, and has a larger outer diameter and inner diameter than the small diameter portion SWb. The small diameter portion SWb is formed by extending from the end of the large diameter portion SWa on the opposite side to the end wall EW. The adjustment member 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis a, and has an inner circumferential surface 64S facing the peripheral wall SW. The inner diameter of the adjustment member 64 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion SWa of the peripheral wall SW. The analysis control unit 170 can drive the second lifting mechanism 65 and control the position of the adjustment member 64 .

[0042] Next, an example of the stirring operation using the adjustment member 64 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 11, and 12. Note that a description of the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation, and shows the stirring probe 38, the adjustment member 64, and the reaction vessel 24a. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stirring operation subsequent to Fig. 11.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8, 11, and 12, the analysis control unit 170 moves the stirring probe 38 to a predetermined position (S2), and then lowers the adjustment member 64 to a predetermined position based on the amount of the mixed liquid acquired in step S1 and the amount of the mixed liquid to be aspirated in step S3, and blocks a portion of the second suction and discharge ports H2 (see Figure 11). The above-mentioned portion of the second suction and discharge ports H2 refers to, for example, several, for example, one or two, second suction and discharge ports H2. Note that this does not include the case where the adjustment member 64 blocks all of the second suction and discharge ports H2. Therefore, there are second suction and discharge ports H2 that are not blocked. In one example, the above-mentioned predetermined position is a position where all second suction and discharge ports H2 located above the liquid level LM of the mixed liquid when the first suction operation is performed can be blocked. In other words, the second suction and discharge ports H2 of the part include the second suction and discharge ports H2 located above the liquid level LS of the mixed liquid when the first suction operation is performed.

[0044] After moving the adjustment member 64, the analysis control unit 170 stores the position of the adjustment member 64 relative to the stirring probe 38 in the memory unit 132, and then performs step S3. After performing the first lowering operation to close the first suction and discharge port H1 (S5), the analysis control unit 170 lowers the adjustment member 64 based on the position of the adjustment member 64 relative to the stirring probe 38 stored in the memory unit 132 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the adjustment member 64 is lowered so that the positional relationship between the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 becomes the same as that stored in the memory unit 132. The analysis control unit 170 then performs step S6.

[0045] Next, the cleaning operation of the stirring probe 38 and the adjusting member 64 will be described. First, the cleaning operation using the cleaning agent and pure water will be described with reference to Figs. 13, 14, 18, and 19. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation, and shows the stirring probe 38, the cleaning tank 38b, and the adjustment member 64. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following Fig. 13. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation following Fig. 18. In Figs. 13 and 14, the cleaning tank 38b contains the cleaning liquid or pure water.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, when the cleaning operation is started, the analysis control unit 170 puts the cleaning agent from the first inlet 56 (S21), and controls the first lifting mechanism 39 to move the stirring probe 38 to a predetermined position where the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is separated from the bottom surface 38bS of the cleaning tank 38b (S22). Next, the analysis control unit 170 moves the adjustment member 64 to a position where the lower end of the adjustment member 64 is separated from the large diameter part SWa (S23) (see FIG. 13). At this time, the cleaning agent is between the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64. In this state, the analysis control unit 170 controls the stirring pump 38a to perform a second suction operation to suck a predetermined amount of the cleaning agent in the cleaning tank 38b into the stirring probe 38 from the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2 (S24).

[0047] Next, the analysis control unit 170 performs a second lowering operation to lower the stirring probe 38 by the first lifting mechanism 39 and close the first suction and discharge port H1 (S25). Specifically, the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is brought into contact with the bottom surface 38bS of the cleaning tank 38b to close the first suction and discharge port H1 (see FIG. 14). Next, the analysis control unit 170 controls the stirring pump 38a to perform a second discharge operation to discharge the cleaning agent in the stirring probe 38 from the second suction and discharge port H2 into the cleaning tank 38b (S26).

[0048] After performing the second discharge operation, the analysis control unit 170 determines whether the number of times the cleaning agent was aspirated and discharged (the number of times steps S24 and S26 were performed) Na is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Na1 (S27), and if the number Na is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na1, it determines that the cleaning with the cleaning agent is insufficient and performs steps S22 to S26 again. If the number Na is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Na1 (S27), it is determined that cleaning with the cleaning agent is sufficient, and the analysis control unit 170 discharges the cleaning agent from the discharge port 60 (S28).

[0049] Next, the analysis control unit 170 puts in pure water from the second inlet 58 (S29), and controls the first lifting mechanism 39 to move the stirring probe 38 to a predetermined position where the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is separated from the bottom surface 38bS of the cleaning tank 38b (S30). Next, the analysis control unit 170 moves the adjustment member 64 to a position where the lower end of the adjustment member 64 is separated from the large diameter part SWa (S31) (see FIG. 14). At this time, pure water is present between the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64. In this state, the analysis control unit 170 controls the stirring pump 38a to perform a second suction operation to suck a predetermined amount of pure water in the cleaning tank 38b into the stirring probe 38 from the first suction and discharge port H1 and the second suction and discharge port H2 (S32).

[0050] Next, the analysis control unit 170 performs a second lowering operation to lower the stirring probe 38 by the first lifting mechanism 39 and close the first suction and discharge port H1 (S33), and brings the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW into contact with the bottom surface 38bS of the cleaning tank 38b (see FIG. 14). Next, the analysis control unit 170 controls the stirring pump 38a to perform a second discharge operation to discharge the pure water in the stirring probe 38 from the second suction and discharge port H2 into the cleaning tank 38b (S34).

[0051] After performing the second discharge operation, the analysis control unit 170 determines whether the number of times Nb that pure water was aspirated and discharged (the number of times steps S32 and S34 were performed) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Nb1 (S35), and if the number Nb is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number Nb1, it determines that cleaning with pure water is insufficient and performs steps S30 to S34 again. If the number of times Nb is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times Nb1 (S35), it is determined that the cleaning with pure water is sufficient, and the analysis control unit 170 drains the pure water from the drain outlet 60 (S36). This completes the cleaning operation with the cleaning agent and pure water.

[0052] Next, the operation of removing liquid (cleaning agent, pure water, mixed liquid, etc.) from the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 20. FIG. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of removing remaining liquid in the cleaning operation, and shows the stirring probe 38, the cleaning tank 38b, and the adjustment member 64. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cleaning operation following Fig. 16. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cleaning operation following Fig. 19.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 20, after discharging the pure water, the analysis control unit 170 controls the first lift mechanism 39 to move the stirring probe 38 to a predetermined position where the horizontal surface 38S of the end wall EW is separated from the bottom surface 38bS of the cleaning tank 38b (S37). Next, the analysis control unit 170 moves the adjustment member 64 to a position where the lower end of the adjustment member 64 is separated from the large diameter part SWa (S38). Next, the analysis control unit 170 blows air into the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 from above the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 by the blowing mechanism 51 (S39) (see FIG. 15). This removes the liquid adhering to the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the stirring probe 38 (circumferential wall SW) and the liquid adhering to the inner circumferential surface 64S of the adjustment member 64.

[0054] Next, the analysis control unit 170 causes the blower mechanism 51 to blow air from above the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 toward the outer circumferential surfaces of the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64 (S40) (see FIG. 16). This removes the liquid adhering to the outer circumferential surfaces of the stirring probe 38 and the adjustment member 64. Next, the analysis control unit 170 performs a second lowering operation to lower the stirring probe 38 using the first lifting mechanism 39 and close the first suction / discharge port H1 (S41), and then blows air into the stirring probe 38 from above the stirring probe 38 using the blowing mechanism 51 (S42) (see FIG. 17). This removes any liquid remaining in the stirring probe 38 that has not been completely removed by the two blows of air described above (steps S39 and S40).

[0055] The above-described cleaning operation is also applicable to the first embodiment configured without the adjustment member 64, and in the first embodiment, the cleaning operation may be performed without steps S23, S31, and S38. Furthermore, in step S39, air does not have to be blown into the inside of the adjustment member 64. In step S40, air does not have to be blown to the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment member 64.

[0056] The effects of the second embodiment will be described below. According to the automatic analyzer 100 of the second embodiment, the stirring device includes an adjustment member 64 capable of closing the second suction and discharge port H2 with the inner circumferential surface 46S, and a second lifting mechanism 65 capable of raising and lowering the adjustment member 64 relative to the stirring probe 38. The stirring probe 38 has a plurality of second suction and discharge ports H2 spaced apart in the axial direction. The control unit adjusts (optimizes) the number of second suction and discharge ports H2 used during suction and discharge by closing some of the second suction and discharge ports H2 according to the amount of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 24a. Therefore, even when the amount of the mixed liquid is small, it is possible to prevent air from being sucked in during suction by closing some of the second suction and discharge ports H2, and suppress the generation of air bubbles.

[0057] The stirring device is equipped with a cleaning tank 38b. The control unit executes a second suction operation, a second lowering operation, and a second discharge operation. This allows efficient cleaning with pure water or a cleaning agent, and shortens the cleaning time. The stirring device includes a blower mechanism 51. With the first suction / discharge port H1 closed, the control unit causes the blower mechanism to blow air from the other end of the peripheral wall SW opposite the end wall EW, thereby removing the liquid remaining in the second suction / discharge port H2. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from remaining in the stirring probe 38.

[0058] The surface of the stirring probe 38 (such as the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the peripheral wall SW) may be subjected to any surface treatment, and may be, for example, hydrophobic. If the outer circumferential surface of the stirring probe 38 is hydrophobic, it is possible to prevent the liquid remaining in the stirring probe 38 from being brought into the reaction vessel 24a used in the next test (carry-over).

[0059] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10...analysis section, 24...reaction vessel unit, 24a...reaction vessel, 24aS...bottom surface, 36...agitation unit, 38...agitation probe, 38a...agitation pump, 38b...cleaning tank, 38bS...bottom surface, 39...first lifting mechanism, 40...agitation arm, 42...agitation probe, 46S...inner surface, 48...cleaning unit, 50...pressure sensor, 51...blowing mechanism, 62...flow passage, 64...adjusting member, 64S...inner surface, 65...second lifting mechanism, 100...automatic analyzer, 170...analysis control section, a...axis, EW...end wall, H1...first suction and discharge port, H2...second suction and discharge port, P...pressure, P1...first pressure, P2...second pressure, SW...periphery.

Claims

1. A stirring probe for stirring a mixture, comprising: A cylindrical peripheral wall defining a flow passage therein; an end wall provided at one axial end of the peripheral wall; a first suction / discharge port formed in the end wall and communicating with the flow passage; a second suction / discharge port formed in the peripheral wall and communicating with the flow passage; Stirring probe.

2. The size of the first suction / discharge port is larger than the size of the second suction / discharge port. The stirring probe of claim 1 .

3. The second suction / discharge port has a plurality of second suction / discharge ports provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall. The stirring probe of claim 1 .

4. The second suction / discharge port has a plurality of second suction / discharge ports provided at intervals in the axial direction of the peripheral wall. The stirring probe of claim 1 or 3.

5. At least one of the second suction / discharge ports is inclined toward the end wall with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the peripheral wall. The stirring probe of claim 4.

6. A reaction vessel for containing the mixture; a stirring probe for stirring the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel, the stirring probe having a cylindrical peripheral wall defining a flow passage therein, an end wall provided at one end in an axial direction of the peripheral wall, a first suction and discharge port formed in the end wall and communicating with the flow passage, and a second suction and discharge port formed in the peripheral wall and communicating with the flow passage; A first lifting mechanism that drives the stirring probe to rise and fall relative to the reaction vessel; A stirring pump that draws in and discharges the mixed liquid through the stirring probe; a control unit that executes a first suction operation in which the stirring pump sucks a predetermined amount of the mixed liquid into the stirring probe from the first suction and discharge port and the second suction and discharge port, a first lowering operation in which the first lifting mechanism lowers the stirring probe until the end wall abuts against a bottom surface of the reaction vessel to close the first suction and discharge port, and a first discharge operation in which the stirring pump discharges the mixed liquid in the stirring probe from the second suction and discharge port into the reaction vessel with the first suction and discharge port closed. Mixing device.

7. a cylindrical adjustment member having an inner circumferential surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall, the inner circumferential surface being capable of closing the second suction / discharge port; A second lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the adjustment member relative to the stirring probe, The stirring probe has a plurality of the second suction and discharge ports provided at intervals in the axial direction of the peripheral wall, The control unit is Obtaining the amount of the mixture in the reaction vessel; when performing the first suction operation and the first discharge operation, the adjustment member is moved by the second lifting mechanism in accordance with an amount of the mixed liquid in the reaction container, and a part of the second suction and discharge ports is closed. The stirring device according to claim 6.

8. the part of the second suction / discharge ports includes the second suction / discharge ports located above a liquid level of the mixed liquid when the first suction operation is performed. The stirring device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit controls the suction and discharge speeds of the stirring pump according to the viscosity of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel. The stirring device according to claim 6.

10. A cleaning tank containing a cleaning agent or pure water is provided, The control unit is a second suction operation in which the agitation pump sucks a predetermined amount of the cleaning agent or the pure water into the agitation probe through the first suction and discharge port and the second suction and discharge port; a second lowering operation in which the stirring probe is lowered by the first lifting mechanism until the stirring probe abuts against a bottom surface of the cleaning tank, thereby closing the first suction and discharge port; a second discharge operation of discharging the cleaning agent or the pure water in the stirring probe from the second suction and discharge port into the cleaning tank by the stirring pump while the first suction and discharge port is closed; The stirring device according to claim 6.

11. A blowing mechanism is provided to blow air to the stirring probe, the control unit causes the air blowing mechanism to blow air from the other end of the peripheral wall opposite to the end wall while the first suction / discharge port is closed, thereby removing liquid remaining in the second suction / discharge port. The stirring device according to claim 6.

12. a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the flow passage; A notification unit capable of notifying information to the outside, The control unit is when the mixed liquid is sucked into the stirring probe, it is determined whether or not a pressure in the flow passage is equal to or greater than a first pressure, and if the pressure in the flow passage is not equal to or greater than the first pressure, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the first suction / discharge port or the second suction / discharge port; determining whether or not a pressure in the flow passage is equal to or lower than a second pressure when the mixed liquid is discharged from the stirring probe, and determining that a blockage has occurred at the second suction and discharge port if the pressure in the flow passage is not equal to or lower than the second pressure; When it is determined that a blockage has occurred at the first suction / discharge port or the second suction / discharge port, the notification unit notifies an outside device that a blockage has occurred. The stirring device according to claim 6.

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