Automatic analyzer and water supply tank for automatic analyzer

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a feed tank 53 for temporarily storing a liquid that is supplied from the outside of an automated analysis device 100 and that is to be consumed in respective mechanisms of the device; a supply flow channel 64 which is connected from the feed tank 53 to the respective mechanisms of the automated analysis device 100; a feed pump 54 which delivers the liquid in the feed tank 53; and a circulation flow channel 65 through which the liquid discharged from the feed pump 54 is returned to the feed tank 53. The feed tank 53 has a bottom surface 301 that has a rising slope and in which the liquid from the circulation flow channel 65 forms a flow swirling within the feed tank 53. Accordingly, provided are an automated analysis device and a feed tank for the automated analysis device, which are highly reliable and capable of lessening the occurrence frequency of stain and microbes developing on the interior surface of the feed tank, and thereby capable of reducing the cleaning frequency of the feed tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a water supply tank for an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of internal piping of a device suitable for pipe-supplying purified water to a cleaning tank or a water injection mechanism using nozzles of an automatic analyzer, Patent Document 1 describes that a self-controlled pressure reducing valve is disposed between an electric pressure pump and a branch pipe, and a direct-acting solenoid valve and a fixed resistance pipe having a specific hole diameter and length are provided in the pipe from the branch pipe onward, so that water is instantaneously supplied by opening and closing the solenoid valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An automatic analyzer refers to a device that reacts a biological sample such as blood with an analytical reagent that specifically reacts with a component to be measured in the sample, and detects a complex generated by this reaction by a spectroscopic method such as electrochemiluminescence, and automatically performs all processes from detection of the component to be measured to output of the result.

[0005] In a biochemical automatic analyzer, which is an example of an automatic analyzer, component analysis of biological samples such as serum and urine is performed. In such a biochemical automatic analyzer, generally, a sample and a reagent are each dispensed into a reaction vessel using a dispensing probe and reacted, and changes in color tone and turbidity occurring in the reaction solution are optically measured by a photometric unit such as a spectrophotometer.

[0006] Therefore, contamination of the probe, etc. affects the accuracy of dispensing and, as a result, also affects the reliability of the automatic analyzer. Therefore, after dispensing a sample or the like, the sample or the like adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the probe is washed with a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank.

[0007] In a biochemical automatic analyzer, pure water is used for the water used in these dispensing and cleaning operations. As described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, pure water is produced by a pure water production device that is not separated from the main body, and is provided with a water storage tank (water supply tank) of a sufficient size to stabilize the water flow so that even if the supplied water contains bubbles, it does not enter the inside of the device, and is used as a buffer for temporary storage.

[0008] Here, in a water supply tank where the water flow is stable or stagnant, dirt and bacteria are generated on the inner surface of the water supply tank. When the device is used in a state where dirt and bacteria are accumulated in such a water supply tank, dirt and bacteria are supplied into the device flow path, affecting the device failure and analysis performance.

[0009] Therefore, in conventional products, it is necessary for customers to clean the water supply tank as maintenance. Performing maintenance that has a great impact on the device and analysis performance frequently is a burden on customers, and a reduction in the frequency has been awaited.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a highly reliable automatic analyzer and a water supply tank for an automatic analyzer that can suppress the frequency of generation of dirt and bacteria on the inner surface of the water supply tank and reduce the cleaning frequency of the water supply tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above problems. For example, an automatic analyzer includes a water supply tank that temporarily stores a liquid supplied from outside the device and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer, a supply flow path connected from the water supply tank to each mechanism of the automatic analyzer, a pump that sends the liquid in the water supply tank, and a circulation flow path that returns the liquid discharged from the pump to the water supply tank. The water supply tank is It is composed of a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface with a larger diameter than the bottom surface side. It has an opening perpendicular to the vertical direction from the bottom surface, and a circulation port that serves as a connection part between the water supply tank and the circulation flow path. It also has a cover that covers the circulation port and opens on the circumferential side of the bottom surface part, and changes the flow direction of the circulating water supplied from the circulation port to flow along the bottom surface and the side surface in the vertical-horizontal direction. The bottom surface has a cylindrical shape with the steepest upward slope and the lowest vertical height around the circulation port so that a swirling flow is formed in the water supply tank by the liquid from the circulation flow path. characterized by the following.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of dirt and bacteria on the inner surface of the water supply tank and reduce the cleaning frequency of the water supply tank. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Examples of the automatic analyzer of the present invention and the water supply tank for the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0015] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 of the present invention.

[0016] The automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly divided into three regions: an analysis unit 101 configured to mix and react a sample such as blood with a reagent and measure the absorbance of the reaction solution; a part of a water supply unit 102 configured to supply pure water to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101; and a controller 25.

[0017] The analysis unit 101 is a mechanism that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a plurality of reaction vessels 2 respectively for reaction and measures the reacted liquid, and includes a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transfer mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7, 8, a reagent syringe 19, sample dispensing mechanisms 11, 12, a sample syringe 18, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5, 6, cleaning tanks 13, 14, 30, 31, 32, 33, etc.

[0018] A plurality of reaction vessels 2 for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk 1. Near the reaction disk 1 (reaction tank), a sample transfer mechanism 17 for moving a sample rack 16 on which a sample container 15 containing a sample such as blood is placed is installed.

[0019] Between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transfer mechanism 17, sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12 that can rotate and move up and down are installed, each equipped with a sample probe 11a and 12a. A sample syringe 18 is connected to the sample probes 11a and 12a. The sample probes 11a and 12a move while drawing an arc around the rotation axis and perform sample dispensing from the sample container 15 transported to the sample dispensing position by the sample transfer mechanism 17 to the reaction vessel 2.

[0020] In the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 11, a cleaning tank 13 for cleaning the sample probe 11a with cleaning water and a cleaning container (omitted for illustration purposes) for cleaning with special cleaning water are arranged. Similarly, in the operating range of the sample dispensing mechanism 12, a cleaning tank 14 for cleaning the sample probe 12a with cleaning water and a cleaning container (not shown) for cleaning with special cleaning water are arranged.

[0021] The reagent disk 9 has a structure in which a plurality of reagent bottles 10 can be placed on the circumference. The reagent disk 9 is refrigerated and covered by a cover provided with a suction port (not shown). The reagent bottle 10 is a bottle containing a reagent used for sample analysis.

[0022] Between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 that can rotate and move up and down are installed, each equipped with a reagent probe 7a and 8a. A reagent syringe 19 is connected to the reagent probes 7a and 8a. The reagent probes 7a and 8a move while drawing an arc around the rotation axis, access the reagent disk 9 from the suction port, and perform reagent dispensing from the reagent bottle 10 to the reaction vessel 2.

[0023] In the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7, a cleaning tank 32 for cleaning the reagent probe 7a with cleaning water is arranged, and in the operating range of the reagent dispensing mechanism 8, a cleaning tank 33 for cleaning the reagent probe 8a with cleaning water is arranged.

[0024] Around the reaction disk 1, there are arranged a stirring mechanism 5, 6 for stirring the mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2, a spectrophotometer 4 for measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution by measuring the transmitted light obtained from the light source 4a through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 2, a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 2, and the like.

[0025] The stirring mechanisms 5, 6 are configured to be capable of rotating horizontally and moving up and down, and stir the mixed solution (reaction solution) of the sample and the reagent by inserting into the reaction vessel 2. In the operating range of the stirring mechanisms 5, 6, there are arranged cleaning tanks 30, 31 for cleaning the stirring mechanisms 5, 6 with cleaning water. Further, a cleaning pump is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3.

[0026] The controller 25 is connected to the devices in the automatic analyzer 100 described above, and controls the operations of each device and mechanism in the automatic analyzer 100. This controller 25 is a computer equipped with a CPU, a memory, etc., and performs arithmetic processing for obtaining the concentration of a predetermined component in the specimen from the detection result of the spectrophotometer 4.

[0027] The control of the operations of each device by the controller 25 is executed based on various programs recorded in the storage device. In the storage device, in addition to various programs used for measuring the specimen, various parameters input via the input device, information on the specimen to be measured (such as specimen type information), measurement results, etc. are stored.

[0028] Note that the control process of the operations executed by the controller 25 may be summarized in one program, may be divided into a plurality of programs respectively, or may be a combination thereof. Also, part or all of the program may be realized by dedicated hardware or may be modularized.

[0029] The display unit 25a is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information in the automatic analyzer 100, such as input screens for various parameters and settings, analysis test data for initial inspections or re-inspections, measurement results, and reagent information, to the operator. Note that it can be a touch panel type that also serves as an input unit.

[0030] The water supply unit 102 has a function of supplying pure water to the analysis unit 101, and includes a pure water facility 50, a water supply solenoid valve 51, a water level sensor 52, a water supply tank 53, a water supply pump 54, a fixed orifice 55, etc.

[0031] The pure water facility 50 is a facility that supplies pure water from outside the automatic analyzer 100 to the water supply tank 53 inside the automatic analyzer 100, and is a facility of a facility such as a hospital or a test center where the automatic analyzer 100 is installed.

[0032] The water supply tank 53 temporarily stores the liquid consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0033] The supply of pure water to the water supply tank 53 is not always performed. In order to supply pure water to the water supply tank when necessary, a water supply solenoid valve 51 is provided in the pipe from the pure water facility 50 to the water supply tank 53.

[0034] The water supply tank 53 is provided with a laser type water level sensor 71 to prevent overflow or depletion of the pure water stored in the water supply tank 53. The above-mentioned water supply solenoid valve 51 is controlled to open and close based on the water level information from the laser type water level sensor 71.

[0035] The water supply pump 54 supplies pure water from the water supply tank 53 to each mechanism of the analysis unit 101 through the supply flow path 64. At this time, the controller 25 opens one or more of the solenoid valves 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, 42a provided in front of the location where the pure water is consumed to supply the pure water.

[0036] On the other hand, when pure water is not consumed by the analysis unit 101, pure water is circulated from the circulation channel 65 equipped with the fixed aperture 55 to the water supply tank 53.

[0037] The above is the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0038] Note that the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is not limited to the case of a biochemical analyzer that executes analysis of biochemical analysis items as shown in FIG. 1, and can be an analyzer that executes analysis of other analysis items, such as an immunoassay analyzer that executes analysis of immunoassay analysis items. Also, the biochemical analyzer is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 1, and can be one equipped with other analysis items, for example, an analytical instrument for measuring electrolytes separately.

[0039] Also, the automatic analyzer 100 is not limited to the form of a single analysis module configuration as shown in FIG. 1, and can be configured to connect two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items and pretreatment modules for performing pretreatment with a transport device.

[0040] The analysis process of the test sample by the automatic analyzer 100 as described above is generally executed in the following order.

[0041] First, the sample in the sample container 15 placed on the sample rack 16 transported near the reaction disk 1 by the sample transport mechanism 17 is dispensed into the reaction container 2 on the reaction disk 1 by the sample probes 11a and 12a of the sample dispensing mechanisms 11 and 12. Next, the reagent used for analysis is dispensed from the reagent bottle 10 on the reagent disk 9 to the reaction container 2 into which the sample has been previously dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8. Subsequently, the stirrer mechanisms 5 and 6 stir the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2.

[0042] Thereafter, the light generated from the light source 4a is transmitted through the reaction vessel 2 containing the mixed solution after stirring, and the photometric intensity of the transmitted light is measured by the spectrophotometer 4. The photometric intensity measured by the spectrophotometer 4 is transmitted to the controller 25 via an A / D converter and an interface. Then, the controller 25 performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in a liquid sample such as blood or urine, and the result is displayed on the display unit 25a or the like and stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0043] Next, the locations where pure water is consumed within the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. The main locations where pure water is used within the apparatus are the circulating water for heat insulation of the reaction disk 1, the circulating water for cold insulation of the reagent disk 9, and the washing water for the reagent probes 7a, 8a and the sample probes 11a, 12a.

[0044] In the reaction disk 1, pure water maintained at a constant temperature (for example, 37 degrees) is circulated by a circulation pump 40 in order to react the sample and the reagent at a constant temperature. This pure water is used to keep the reaction vessel 2 at a constant temperature, and the sample and the reagent are reacted under certain conditions.

[0045] As described above, since the reaction vessel 2 is maintained at a temperature by pure water constant the light generated from the light source 4a will pass through not only the reaction vessel 2 but also the pure water flowing through the reaction tank. Here, if there are bubbles on the straight line connecting the light source 4a and the spectrophotometer 4, the light generated from the light source 4a will be diffused by the bubbles, and there is a possibility that the analysis result cannot be judged normally. Therefore, generally, a degassing device (not shown) is provided in the flow path for circulating the reaction tank to prevent the generation of bubbles inside the reaction tank.

[0046] In the reagent disk 9, pure water cooled by a cooler is circulated by a circulation pump 42 to keep the inside of the reagent disk 9 at a low temperature in order to prevent deterioration of the reagent.

[0047] The reagent probes 7a, 8a used for sucking and dispensing the reagent and the sample probes 11a, 12a used for sucking and dispensing the sample are not disposable, and the same probes are used continuously.

[0048] Here, if the reagent or sample that was discharged during the previous dispensing operation remains in the probe, it may cause contamination where the previous reagent or sample mixes with the reagent or sample to be aspirated in the next operation, and the analysis result may not be judged normally. Therefore, when using the same probe, generally, the outer surfaces of the reagent probes 7a and 8a are cleaned in the cleaning tanks 32 and 33, and the outer surfaces of the sample probes 11a and 12a are cleaned in the cleaning tanks 13 and 14 by discharging cleaning water toward the outer surfaces of the probes. The inner surface of the probe is cleaned by discharging cleaning water pressurized by a pump from the probe in the cleaning tanks 13, 14, 31, and 32. A gear pump 41 is often used to pressurize the cleaning water.

[0049] As described above, pure water is used in various mechanisms of the analysis unit 101. Therefore, if air bubbles are mixed into the supplied pure water, it may cause a decrease in analysis performance or equipment failure. Thus, the water supply tank 53 is provided to prevent air bubbles from mixing into the flow path and to realize a stable supply of pure water. A general water supply tank shape will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a conventional water supply pump structure.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a general water supply tank 553 seen from the horizontal direction. The water supply tank 553 includes, in addition to a float-type water level sensor 552, a water replenishing port 561 from the pure water facility 50, a supply port 562 to the water supply pump 54, and a return water inlet 563 from the water supply pump 54. The float-type water level sensor 552, the water replenishing port 561, and the return water inlet 563 are fixed to a cap 564 and installed in the water supply tank 553. The cap 564 and the water supply tank 53 are not fixed, and the structure is such that air is released through a gap.

[0051] When the pure water supplied from the water replenishing port 561 and the return water inlet 563 is discharged from a position higher than the liquid level of the pure water stored in the water supply tank 553, bubbles will be generated when it enters the liquid surface. Therefore, the pure water discharge ports (the outlet 561a on the side of the water replenishing port 561 and the outlet 563a on the side of the return water inlet 563) are set at a height below the float type water level sensor 552.

[0052] The water supply tank 553 has a sufficient size to ensure the stability of the water flow in the tank so that even when bubbles are mixed into the supplied pure water, it will not be supplied from the supply port 562 to the water supply pump 54.

[0053] Also, the supply port 562 to the analysis unit side, and the outlet 561a of the water replenishing port 561 and the outlet 563a of the return water inlet 563 from the pure water facility 50 are installed at positions that are sufficiently separated.

[0054] On the other hand, the water flow in the water supply tank 553 is stabilized. For this reason, water that stays in the water supply tank 553 for a long time is generated, and it is easy for miscellaneous bacteria to multiply, and there is a risk that dirt will accumulate on the inner surface of the water supply tank 553. In addition, there is a risk that the contaminated water will affect the analysis performance by being supplied to the analysis unit 101 via the water supply pump 54.

[0055] As a countermeasure, the customer has to clean the water supply tank 553 frequently, which has become a burden on the customer.

[0056] Next, the structure of the water supply tank 53 of the present embodiment that can suppress the accumulation of dirt on the inner surface of the water supply tank 53 and suppress the occurrence of the above problems compared to the prior art will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and later. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom surface portion of the water supply tank, FIG. 4 is a view of the A - B - C cross section shown in FIG. 5 of the bottom surface portion of the water supply tank, FIG. 5 is a view of the water supply tank seen from above, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply tank, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing details of the internal shapes of the water replenishing port, the supply port, and the return water inlet.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, at least the bottom surface 301 side of the water supply tank 53 has a cylindrical shape.

[0058] In this water supply tank 53, a water replenishing port 201 for supplying liquid from the pure water facility 50 to the water supply tank 53 is provided at the center of the bottom surface 301. Also, a supply port 202 that serves as a connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the supply channel 64, and a return water inlet 203 that serves as a connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the circulation channel 65 are also provided on the bottom surface 301. These water replenishing port 201, supply port 202, and return water inlet 203 open vertically perpendicular to the bottom surface 301.

[0059] Also, half of the bottom surface 301 of the water supply tank 53 has an upward gradient shape so that a swirling flow is formed inside the water supply tank 53 by the circulated pure water returning from the circulation channel 65 to the water supply tank 53. Note that all of the bottom surface 301 may have an upward gradient and is not particularly limited.

[0060] Furthermore, above the return water inlet 203, a cover 205 is provided that covers the return water inlet 203 and changes the direction of the flow of the circulated water supplied from the return water inlet 203 to the vertical horizontal direction. Also, the opening part of the cover 205 opens on the circumferential side of the bottom surface part of the substantially cylindrical water supply tank 53.

[0061] Due to this cover 205, the pure water returning from the circulation channel 65 to the water supply tank 53 collides with the cover 205 and flows in a direction changed to a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface 301 of the water supply tank 53. Then, the flowed pure water creates a spiral-like water flow along the upward gradient bottom surface 301 and the substantially cylindrical side surface. For this reason, it is difficult for water to stagnate at the bottom surface 301 inside the water supply tank 53, and it is difficult for dirt such as miscellaneous bacteria to accumulate.

[0062] At this time, since the flow velocity of the pure water whose direction has been changed to the horizontal direction is inversely proportional to the area of the discharge port in the horizontal direction, it is desirable that the area of the opening part between the cover 205 and the bottom side is small.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 4, the supply port 202 is formed at a position vertically lower than the outlet 201a of the water replenishing port 201 and the return water inlet 203. In Figs. 3 and 4, it is provided in the recess 301a of the bottom surface 301. This prevents air with a small mass from being supplied to the water supply pump 54. Further, as described above, since the water flow in the water supply tank 53 is a slightly upward flow along the bottom surface 301 with an upward gradient, even when bubbles are mixed in the pure water supplied from the water replenishing port 201, the bubbles escape to the upper part of the water supply tank 53.

[0064] Note that there is no particular regulation on the vertical positional relationship between the outlet 201a of the water replenishing port 201 and the return water inlet 203. However, since the return water inlet 203 through which the pure water that has once passed through the supply port 202 located on the lowest surface returns is less likely to contain bubbles, and there is a concern that pure water highly likely to contain bubbles may be discharged from the pure water facility 50 side, as shown in Fig. 4, it is desirable to set the water replenishing port 201 at a higher position in the vertical direction than the return water inlet 203. yo than the return water inlet 203.

[0065] The water level monitoring of the water supply tank 53 can be performed by the float type water level sensor 552. However, by monitoring the water level from the outside of the water supply tank 53, the grounding objects to the pure water can be reduced, and the accumulation points and cleaning points of dirt can be reduced. Therefore, external monitoring is desirable.

[0066] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, a corner portion 74 that protrudes partially from the side surface of the water supply tank 53 is provided, and the laser type water level sensor 71 is provided at the corner portion 74. Further, in this case, it is desirable to provide a planar shape 72 on the surface of the water supply tank 53 on the laser axis 73 of the laser type water level sensor 71 so that the laser type water level sensor 71 can stably monitor the water level from the outside of the water supply tank 53.

[0067] The material of the water supply tank 53 is preferably selected from those having physical properties that transmit the wavelength of the laser light for the water level gauge and do not transmit water. Further, when there are multiple candidates, it is desirable to consider the presence or absence of an antibacterial function.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, an inclined portion 601 that inclines upward in the vertical direction and widens the diameter of the water supply tank 53 can be provided at a corner portion 74 on the side surface of the water supply tank 53. In addition to this inclined portion 601, as shown in FIG. 6, an inclined portion 602 with a gentler inclination angle than the inclined portion 601 can be provided above it, and an inclined portion 603 can also be provided on the surface on the side where the handle 75 is formed.

[0069] By providing such an inclined portion 603 on all surfaces other than the surface where the corner portion 74 is formed, in addition to the bottom surface 301, it can be made into a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the bottom surface 301 side, that is, a shape like a substantially bucket with a wider diameter on the upper surface side in the vertical direction and a narrower diameter on the bottom surface.

[0070] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a handle 75 that an operator of the automatic analyzer 100 uses when removing or attaching the water supply tank 53 is provided on the side surface opposite to the corner portion 74.

[0071] Due to the presence of either one of these corner portions 74 or the handle 75, an effect is obtained that the installation orientation of the substantially cylindrical water supply tank 53 becomes easy to understand.

[0072] It is desirable to provide a liquid leakage prevention structure at at least one of the openings, namely, the return water inlet 203 that is the connection portion between the water supply tank 53 and the circulation flow path 65, the supply port 202 that is the connection portion between the water supply tank 53 and the supply flow path 64, and the makeup water port 201 for supplying liquid from outside the device to the water supply tank 53.

[0073] As described above, for improving the detachability of the water supply tank 53, since the makeup water port 201, the supply port 202, and the return water inlet 203 open vertically in the vertical direction from the bottom surface 301, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, as a liquid leakage prevention structure, a stopper 701 and a spring 703 are provided at each opening.

[0074] Furthermore, in each base part where the water inlet 201, the supply port 202, and the return water inlet 203 of the water supply tank 53 are installed, a tube joint 704 having a push slot 705 therein is fixed. Slits are cut in the stopper 701 and the push slot 705 so that pure water can pass through.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows a state where the water supply tank 53 is inserted into the tube joint 704. As the stopper 701 pushed by the push slot 705 fixed to the tube joint 704 rises, a gap is created between the stopper 701 and the bottom surface 702 of the water supply tank, enabling the supply and discharge of pure water.

[0076] FIG. 8 53 shows a state where the water supply tank is removed from the tube joint 704. The stopper 701 away from the push slot 705 moves downward by the force of the spring 703, filling the gap between the stopper 701 and the bottom surface 702 of the water supply tank and making it impossible to discharge pure water.

[0077] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment described above includes a water supply tank 53 that temporarily stores liquid supplied from outside the apparatus and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100, a supply flow path 64 connected from the water supply tank 53 to each mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100, a water supply pump 54 that feeds the liquid in the water supply tank 53, and a circulation flow path 65 that returns the liquid discharged from the water supply pump 54 to the water supply tank 53. The water supply tank 53 forms a swirling flow inside the water supply tank 53 by the liquid from the circulation flow path 65 and has a bottom surface 301 with an upward slope.

[0079] In this way, by optimizing the tank shape, it is possible to create a water flow in the water stored in the water supply tank 53 and reduce the stagnant areas of the water flow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation and accumulation of dirt and bacteria, and reduce the frequency of maintenance such as cleaning.

[0080] Further, the return water inlet 203 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the circulation channel 65, the supply port 202 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the supply channel 64, and the water replenishing port 201 for supplying liquid from outside the device to the water supply tank 53 are provided on the bottom surface 301, and each opens vertically in the vertical direction from the bottom surface 301. Therefore, even if the pure water contains bubbles, the light bubbles rarely move downward in the vertical direction, and it is possible to substantially prevent the bubbles from being mixed into the side where they are supplied to the analysis unit 101 side. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the water supply pump 54 from idling and causing a failure, and to prevent the decrease in the water supply pressure from causing a decrease in the analysis performance. Also, the detachability of the water supply tank 53 can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, by further providing a cover 205 that covers the return water inlet 203 and changes the flow direction of the circulating water supplied from the return water inlet 203 to the vertical and horizontal directions, it is possible to form a spiral flow upward in the vertical direction from the bottom surface 301 while improving the detachability.

[0082] Also, by having a liquid leakage prevention structure in at least one of the openings of the return water inlet 203 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the circulation channel 65, the supply port 202 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the supply channel 64, and the water replenishing port 201 for supplying liquid from outside the device to the water supply tank 53, there is no need to consider water leakage when removing or attaching the water supply tank 53, and the burden on the user can be further reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, by having the supply port 202 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the supply channel 64 at a position lower in the vertical direction than the return water inlet 203 which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the circulation channel 65, it is possible to form an arrangement structure that further suppresses the bubbles from going toward the water supply pump 54 side or the analysis unit 101 side.

[0084] Also, by having the supply port 202, which is the connection part between the water supply tank 53 and the supply channel 64, at a position vertically lower than the water replenishment port 201 for supplying liquid from outside the apparatus to the water supply tank 53, it is possible to adopt an arrangement structure that further suppresses air bubbles from heading towards the water supply pump 54 side or the analysis unit 101 side.

[0085] Furthermore, by having at least the bottom surface 301 side of the water supply tank 53 be cylindrical, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of locations where water accumulates.

[0086] Also, by having the water supply tank 53 be cylindrical with a diameter larger than that of the bottom surface 301 side not only at the bottom surface 301 but also elsewhere, it is possible to continue a spiral flow upward in the vertical direction and minimize the occurrence of locations where water accumulates.

[0087] Furthermore, by having the water supply tank 53 have a corner portion 74 where a part of the side surface protrudes, the installation direction of the water supply tank 53 becomes clear, and it is possible to adopt a tank shape that is more user - friendly and has higher workability.

[0088] Also, by forming an inclined portion 601 at the corner portion 74, it is possible to create a flow of pure water even at the corner portion 74 where the planar shape 72 is provided, and it is possible to suppress the accumulation of dirt such as various bacteria.

[0089] Furthermore, by further providing a laser - type water level sensor 71 at the corner portion 74, it is possible to reduce the structures installed inside the water supply tank 53 and further lighten the cleaning burden on the user.

[0090] <Other> Note that the present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above - described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

[0091] For example, although the case where the water supply port 201 is provided on the bottom surface of the water supply tank has been exemplified, it can also be applied to the side surface of the water supply tank. Further, although the case where the surface of the recess 301a where the supply port 202 is provided is flat has been exemplified, the surface state does not matter as long as it is installed at a position lower than the outlet 201a on the water supply port 201 side. For example, a mortar-shaped shape in which the diameter becomes smaller toward the center of the water supply port can also be applied.

[0092] In addition, the water supply port, the supply port, and the return water flow inlet can be provided on the side surface of the water supply tank 53 in addition to the bottom surface 301 of the water supply tank 53. In this case, it is particularly desirable to separately provide a mechanism for preventing the mixing of air bubbles with respect to the supply port. Further, the opening method on the side surface may be perpendicular to the side surface, but particularly for the return water flow inlet, it is desirable to be in the tangential direction of the side surface of the water supply tank 53. It is also desirable to be in the tangential direction for other water supply ports and supply lights.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 1…Reaction disk 2…Reaction vessel 3…Washing mechanism 3a, 18a, 19a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 40a, 42a…Solenoid valve 4…Spectrophotometer 4a…Light source 5, 6…Stirring mechanism 7, 8…Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a, 8a…Reagent probe 9…Reagent disk 10…Reagent bottle 11, 12…Sample dispensing mechanism 11a, 12a…Sample probe 13, 14…Washing tank 15…Sample container 16…Sample rack 17…Sample transfer mechanism 18…Sample syringe 19…Reagent syringe 25…Controller 25a…Display unit 30, 31, 32, 33…Washing tank 40, 42…Circulation pump 41…Gear pump 50…Pure water equipment 51…Water supply solenoid valve 53…Water supply tank 54…Water supply pump 55…Fixed throttle 64…Supply flow path 65…Circulation flow path 71…Laser type water level sensor 72…Planar shape 73…Laser axis 74…Corner 75…Handle 100…Automatic analyzer 101…Analysis unit 102…Water supply unit 201…Make-up water port (water supply port) 201a…Outlet 202…Supply port (discharge port) 203…Return water inlet (circulation port) 205…Cover 301…Bottom surface of upward slope 301a…Recess 552…Float type water level sensor 553…Water supply tank 561…Make-up water port 561a…Outlet 562…Supply port 563… return Water inlet 563a…Outlet 564…Cap 601,602,603…Inclined part 701…Stopper 702…Bottom surface of water supply tank 703…Spring 704…Tube joint 705…Push rod

Claims

1. (After amendment) An automatic analyzer, comprising: A water supply tank that temporarily stores a liquid supplied from outside the apparatus and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer; A supply flow path connected from the water supply tank to each mechanism of the automatic analyzer; A pump that feeds the liquid in the water supply tank; A circulation flow path that returns the liquid discharged from the pump to the water supply tank, The water supply tank is composed of a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface having a diameter larger than that of the bottom surface side, has an opening perpendicular to the vertical direction from the bottom surface, and a circulation port that is a connection portion between the water supply tank and the circulation flow path, A cover that covers the circulation port, opens on the circumferential side of the bottom surface portion, and changes the flow direction of the circulating water supplied from the circulation port to flow along the bottom surface and the side surface in the vertical and horizontal directions; The bottom surface has a cylindrical shape with an upward gradient having the lowest vertical height around the circulation port so that a swirling flow is formed in the water supply tank by the liquid from the circulation flow path. An automatic analyzer characterized by the above.

2. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, has a discharge port that is a connection portion between the water supply tank and the supply flow path on the bottom surface, The discharge port opens perpendicular to the vertical direction from the bottom surface. An automatic analyzer characterized by the above.

3. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, has a water inlet for supplying the liquid from outside the apparatus to the water supply tank on the bottom surface, The water inlet opens perpendicular to the vertical direction from the bottom surface. An automatic analyzer characterized by the above.

4. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, At least one of the openings, namely the circulation port, the discharge port which is the connection part between the water supply tank and the supply channel, and the water inlet for supplying the liquid from outside the device to the water supply tank, has a structure for preventing leakage of the liquid. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

5. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The discharge port which is the connection part between the water supply tank and the supply channel is located at a position lower in the vertical direction than the circulation port. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

6. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The discharge port which is the connection part between the water supply tank and the supply channel is located at a position lower in the vertical direction than the water inlet for supplying the liquid from outside the device to the water supply tank. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

7. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The water supply tank has a corner part where a part of the side surface protrudes. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

8. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 7, An inclined surface is formed at the corner part. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

9. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 7, The corner part is further provided with a laser type water level gauge. An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

10. A water supply tank that temporarily stores the liquid supplied from outside the device and consumed by each mechanism of the automatic analyzer, The water supply tank is composed of a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface with a larger diameter than the bottom surface side. It is vertically open from the bottom surface, and is a connection part with a circulation channel that returns the liquid discharged from the water supply tank and a pump that sends the liquid in the water supply tank back to the water supply tank, and a circulation port; It has a cover that covers the circulation port and is open on the circumferential side of the bottom surface part, and changes the flow direction of the circulating water supplied from the circulation port to the vertical horizontal direction so as to flow along the bottom surface and the side surface; The bottom surface has a cylindrical shape with an upward slope where the vertical height around the circulation port is the lowest so that a swirling flow is formed in the water supply tank by the liquid from the circulation channel. A water supply tank for an automatic analyzer, characterized by the above.

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