Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To provide an autoanalyzer that can prevent deterioration of analysis data due to a cleaning liquid.SOLUTION: An autoanalyzer comprises: a supply unit 53 that supplies first and second liquids; and a stirring unit 54 that is formed of an inflow part 521 into which the first and second liquids supplied by the supply unit 53 flows, an internal space 5221 in which the first and second liquids flowing in from the inflow part 521 circulate, and an outflow part 523 from which the first and second liquids circulating in the internal space 5221 flows out according to the inflow into the inflow part 521.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes components contained in a sample collected from a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] Automated analyzers are used for a variety of tests, including biochemical tests, immunological tests, and blood coagulation tests, and optically measure changes in color and turbidity that occur due to reactions between a sample and analytical reagents for each test item. Based on the measurement results, the automated analyzer can obtain analytical data expressed as the concentration of each test item component contained in the sample, enzyme activity, etc.

[0003] In an automated analyzer, a probe dispenses samples and reagents into a reaction vessel, and light is irradiated onto the reaction solution consisting of the sample and reagents in the reaction vessel to perform a measurement. After the measurement, the probe used for dispensing and the reaction vessel are washed before reuse. A cleaning solution containing a cleaning component with strong cleaning power is used to clean the probe and reaction vessel units that come into contact with the sample and reagent. In a method for cleaning a reaction vessel using this cleaning solution, for example, a high-concentration solution containing a high concentration of cleaning component is diluted with a diluent, and the diluted cleaning solution is used to perform the cleaning.

[0004] However, the high-concentration solution and the dilute solution are flowed through different channels and then merged, and the cleaning solution used for cleaning is the solution that is diluted with the high-concentration solution in the merged channel. As a result, the concentration of cleaning components in each cleaning is not constant, and there are problems such as a decrease in the cleaning power of the reaction vessel due to a cleaning solution with a low concentration of cleaning components, and a small amount of cleaning components remaining in the reaction vessel from a cleaning solution with a high concentration of cleaning components adversely affecting the reaction of the reaction solution and deteriorating the analytical data obtained by measuring the reaction solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-174112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can prevent deterioration of analytical data due to cleaning liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the automated analyzer of the embodiment includes a stirring unit that is composed of a supply unit that supplies first and second liquids, an inlet unit into which the first and second liquids supplied by the supply unit flow, an internal space through which the first and second liquids that flow in from the inlet unit flow, and an outlet unit that discharges the first and second liquids that have flowed through the internal space in response to their flow into the inlet unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an analysis unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a stirring unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the stirring unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning tank according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the embodiment, the device is provided with a supply section that supplies the first and second liquids, an inlet section into which the first and second liquids supplied by the supply section flow, an internal space through which the first and second liquids that flow in from the inlet section flow, and an outlet section through which the first and second liquids that flow in the internal space in response to flow into the inlet section flow out.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, which performs biochemical tests, immunological tests, and blood coagulation tests.

[0012] The automated analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 10 that analyzes each sample by dispensing samples such as standard samples and test samples corresponding to each test item and reagents corresponding to each test item, and measuring a reaction solution consisting of the sample and reagent. The automated analyzer 100 also includes a drive unit 31 that drives multiple units that dispense each sample and reagent in the analysis unit 10.

[0013] The automatic analyzer 100 also includes an analysis control unit 32 that controls the drive unit 31 to operate each unit in the analysis unit 10. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a calculation unit 33 that creates a calibration curve for each test item from standard data generated by measuring a standard sample and a reaction solution of a reagent for that test item in the analysis unit 10, and generates analytical data for that test item from test data generated by measuring a test sample and a reaction solution of a reagent for that test item. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a data storage unit 34 that stores the calibration curve and analytical data obtained by the calculation unit 33.

[0014] The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a display unit 35 that displays the calibration curves and analysis data obtained by the calculation unit 33. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes an input unit 36 ​​that performs input for setting identification information and test item information for each sample. The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a system control unit 37 that controls the analysis control unit 32, calculation unit 33, data storage unit 34, and display unit 35.

[0015] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis unit 10. This analysis unit 10 includes sample containers 11 that contain samples such as standard samples and test samples, and a sample rack 12 that holds the sample containers 11. The analysis unit 10 also includes first reagent containers 13 that contain first reagents, such as one-reagent and two-reagent systems, which are reagents that react with components of test items in the samples, and a first reagent rack 14 that movably holds multiple first reagent containers 13. The analysis unit 10 also includes second reagent containers 15 that contain second reagents that form pairs with the first reagents of the two-reagent system, and a second reagent rack 16 that movably holds multiple second reagent containers 15.

[0016] The analytical unit 10 also includes a plurality of reaction vessels 17 arranged at equal intervals on a circumference, and a reaction disk 18 that rotatably holds the reaction vessels 17. The analytical unit 10 also includes a sample dispensing probe 19 that aspirates the sample in the sample vessel 11 and dispenses it into the reaction vessel 17, and a sample dispensing arm 20 that supports the sample dispensing probe 19 so that it can move up and down and rotate.

[0017] The analysis unit 10 also includes a first reagent dispensing probe 21 that aspirates the first reagent in the first reagent container 13 and dispenses it into the reaction container 17, and a first reagent dispensing arm 22 that supports the first reagent dispensing probe 21 so that it can move up and down and rotate. The analysis unit 10 also includes a second reagent dispensing probe 23 that aspirates the second reagent in the second reagent container 15 and dispenses it into the reaction container 17, and a second reagent dispensing arm 24 that supports the second reagent dispensing probe 23 so that it can move up and down and rotate.

[0018] The analysis section 10 also includes a stirring unit 25 that stirs the reaction liquid of the sample and the first reagent, or the reaction liquid of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 17, and a measurement section 26 that optically measures the stirred reaction liquid. The analysis section 10 also includes a washing section 27 that washes the reaction vessel 17 with a washing liquid. The analysis section 10 also includes a washing section 28 that washes the sample dispensing probe 19 with a washing liquid. The analysis section 10 also includes a washing section 29 that washes the first reagent dispensing probe 21 with a washing liquid, and a washing section 30 that washes the second reagent dispensing probe 23 with a washing liquid.

[0019] The measurement unit 26 generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance by measuring the reaction solution of the standard sample and the reagent, and generates test data represented by absorbance by measuring the reaction solution of the test sample and the reagent.

[0020] Returning to FIG. 1, the drive unit 31 has a transport mechanism and a mechanism for driving this transport mechanism, and transports the sample rack 12 of the analysis unit 10. The drive unit 31 also has mechanisms for driving the first and second reagent racks 14 and 16, respectively, and rotates and moves the first and second reagent containers 13 and 15. The drive unit 31 also has a mechanism for driving the reaction disk 18, and rotates and moves the reaction containers 17.

[0021] In addition, the drive unit 31 has a mechanism for driving the sample dispensing arm 20, which rotates and moves the sample dispensing probe 19 between above the sample container 11 and above the reaction container 17, and moves it up and down between above the sample container 11 and the sample container 11 and above the reaction container 17 and inside the reaction container 17.

[0022] The drive unit 31 also has a mechanism for driving the first reagent dispensing arm 22, which rotates and moves the first reagent dispensing probe 21 between above the first reagent container 13 and above the reaction vessel 17, and moves vertically between above the first reagent container 13 and the first reagent container 13. The drive unit 31 also has a mechanism for driving the second reagent dispensing arm 24, which rotates and moves the second reagent dispensing probe 23 between above the second reagent container 15 and above the reaction vessel 17, and moves vertically between above the second reagent container 15 and the second reagent container 15.

[0023] Further, the driving unit 31 has a mechanism for driving the cleaning units 27 to 30, and supplies and discharges the cleaning liquid.

[0024] The analysis control unit 32 has a CPU and a memory circuit, and operates each unit of the analysis unit 10 via the drive unit 31 based on input from the input unit 36. When an input to start calibration for each test item is received from the input unit 36, the analysis control unit 32 performs the following operations to carry out calibration for each test item: transporting the sample rack 12, moving the first reagent container 13, the second reagent container 15, and the reaction container 17, dispensing the standard sample for each test item, dispensing the first reagent and the second reagent for each test item, stirring the reaction liquid, measuring the reaction liquid, washing the reaction container 17, the sample dispensing probe 19, the first reagent dispensing probe 21, and the second reagent dispensing probe 23, etc.

[0025] In addition, when an input to start testing of each test sample is made from the input unit 36, the analysis control unit 32 performs the following operations: transporting the sample rack 12, moving the first reagent container 13, the second reagent container 15, and the reaction container 17, dispensing each test sample, dispensing the first and second reagents for each test item, stirring the reaction liquid, measuring the reaction liquid, cleaning the reaction container 17, the sample dispensing probe 19, the first reagent dispensing probe 21, and the second reagent dispensing probe 23, etc., and performs the testing of each test sample.

[0026] The calculation unit 33 includes a CPU and a memory circuit, and creates a calibration curve for each test item based on the standard data generated by the measurement unit 26 of the analysis section 10 through calibration of each test item and the standard value indicating the concentration of the component of that test item set for the standard sample. The calculation unit 33 also generates analytical data expressed as activity values ​​or concentration values ​​from the test data for each test item generated by the measurement unit 26 through testing of the test sample, using the calibration curve for that test item.

[0027] The data storage unit 34 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores identification information and standard values ​​set for the standard samples of each test item, standard data and test data for each test item generated by the analysis unit 10, calibration curves created by the calculation unit 33, analysis data generated by the calculation unit 33, etc.

[0028] The display unit 35 is equipped with a monitor such as a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 35 displays a standard sample setting screen for setting identification information and standard values ​​of standard samples for each test item, a test sample setting screen for setting identification information and test items for each test sample, etc. The display unit 35 also displays the standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 10, the calibration curves and analysis data generated by the calculation unit 33, etc.

[0029] The input unit 36 ​​is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch panel. The input unit 36 ​​performs input to set identification information, standard values, etc. of the standard sample for each test item. The input unit 36 ​​also performs input to start calibration for each test item. The input unit 36 ​​also performs input to set identification information and test items of the test sample. The input unit 36 ​​also performs input to start testing of the test sample.

[0030] The system control unit 37 includes a CPU and a memory circuit, and stores command signals and input information input from the input unit 36 ​​in the memory circuit. Based on the input information, the system control unit 37 controls the entire system by integrating the analysis control unit 32, calculation unit 33, data memory unit 34, and display unit 35.

[0031] An example of the configuration and cleaning operation of the cleaning units 27 to 30 in the analysis unit 10 will be described below.

[0032] First, the configuration of the cleaning unit 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The cleaning unit 27 cleans the reaction vessel 17 using first to third cleaning liquids. For example, pure water is used as the first cleaning liquid. For the second cleaning liquid, the first cleaning liquid is used as a diluted liquid (first liquid), and the second liquid is, for example, a high-concentration alkaline liquid containing a cleaning component with a stronger cleaning power than the first cleaning liquid, and a cleaning liquid consisting of the first and second liquids obtained by diluting the second liquid with the first liquid is used. For the third cleaning liquid, the third liquid is, for example, a high-concentration acidic liquid containing a cleaning component with a stronger cleaning power than the first cleaning liquid, and a cleaning liquid consisting of the first and third liquids obtained by diluting the third liquid with the first liquid is used.

[0033] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning unit 27. This cleaning unit 27 includes first to fourth cleaning units 40, 50, 60, and 70 that use the first liquid stored in a first container 82 to clean the reaction container 17 that stops at first to fourth cleaning positions W1 to W4 every cycle time.

[0034] The first cleaning unit 40 dispenses a first cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17 stopped at the first cleaning position W1. The second cleaning unit 50 dispenses a second cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17 stopped at the second cleaning position W2. The third cleaning unit 60 dispenses a third cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17 stopped at the third cleaning position W3. The fourth cleaning unit 70 dispenses a first cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17 stopped at the fourth cleaning position W4.

[0035] The cleaning section 27 also has a discharge section 80 that discharges the reaction liquid in the reaction container 17 that stops at the first cleaning position W1, the first cleaning liquid in the reaction container 17 that is ejected at the first cleaning position W1 and then stops at the second cleaning position W2, the second cleaning liquid in the reaction container 17 that is ejected at the second cleaning position W2 and then stops at the third cleaning position W3, the third cleaning liquid in the reaction container 17 that is ejected at the third cleaning position W3 and then stops at the fourth cleaning position W4, and the first cleaning liquid in the reaction container 17 that is ejected at the fourth cleaning position W4 and then stops at the fifth cleaning position W5.

[0036] The cleaning section 27 also includes a holder 81 that holds the first to fourth cleaning sections 40, 50, 60, 70 and some units of the discharge section 80 so that they can move up and down.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the first cleaning section 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first cleaning unit 40. This first cleaning unit 40 includes a first supply unit 41 that supplies a first cleaning liquid, and a first discharge nozzle 42 that discharges the first cleaning liquid supplied by the first supply unit 41.

[0039] The first supply unit 41 includes a first supply pump 401 and a first valve 402 having first to third terminals. The first supply unit 41 also includes a tube 411 forming a first flow path connecting the first supply pump 401 and the first terminal of the first valve 402, a tube 412 forming a first flow path connecting the second terminal of the first valve 402 and the first container 82, and a tube 413 forming a first flow path connecting the third terminal of the first valve 402 and the first discharge nozzle 42.

[0040] The first supply pump 401 is configured with, for example, a syringe and a plunger. When driven by the drive unit 31, the plunger of the first supply pump 401 slides in the direction of arrow L1 to perform a suction operation, and slides in the direction of arrow L2 to perform a discharge operation.

[0041] First valve 402 is, for example, a three-way electromagnetic valve, which opens the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal when driven by drive unit 31. When the drive of first valve 402 is stopped, first valve 402 opens the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0042] The first discharge nozzle 42 has a discharge port at its lower end, and is positioned so that it can enter the reaction vessel 17 at the first cleaning position W1 by driving the holder 81 up and down by the drive unit 31. The first discharge nozzle 42 stops at an upper stop position above the reaction vessel 17 while the reaction vessel 17 is rotating, and when the rotation of the reaction vessel 17 stops, the first discharge nozzle 42 descends to a lower stop position where its lower end approaches the bottom surface inside the reaction vessel 17 at the first cleaning position W1.

[0043] Next, the cleaning operation of the first cleaning section 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] The first liquid is filled inside first supply pump 401, first valve 402, tubes 411 to 413, and first discharge nozzle 42. When first valve 402 opens the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal, first supply pump 401 performs a suction operation to suck the first liquid from first container 82. When the suction operation of first supply pump 401 ends, first valve 402 closes the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and opens the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal.

[0045] When measurement by measurement unit 26 is completed and reaction vessel 17 stops at first cleaning position W1, first discharge nozzle 42 descends and stops at the lower stop position. After the reaction liquid in reaction vessel 17 is discharged by the discharge operation of discharge unit 80, first supply pump 401 performs a discharge operation to supply a first liquid, as a first cleaning liquid, to first discharge nozzle 42 in an amount greater than the amount of reaction liquid contained in reaction vessel 17. First discharge nozzle 42 discharges the first cleaning liquid into reaction vessel 17 in accordance with the discharge operation of first supply pump 401.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the second cleaning section 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second cleaning unit 50. The second cleaning unit 50 includes a second supply unit 51 that supplies a second cleaning liquid, and a second discharge nozzle 52 that discharges the second cleaning liquid supplied by the second supply unit 51.

[0048] The second supply unit 51 includes a supply unit 53 that supplies the first and second liquids, and an agitation unit 54 that prepares a second cleaning liquid by agitating the first and second liquids supplied from the supply unit 53. The second supply unit 51 also includes a tube 55 that has one end connected to the agitation unit 54 and the other end connected to the second discharge nozzle 52.

[0049] The supply unit 53 includes first and second supply pumps 501, 502, and first and second valves 503, 504 having first to third terminals. The supply unit 53 also includes a three-way branch pipe 505 having first to third terminals, and a second container 506 that stores the second liquid. The supply unit 53 also includes a tube 511 that forms a first flow path that communicates between the first supply pump 501 and the first terminal of the first valve 503, and a tube 512 that forms a first flow path that communicates between the second terminal of the first valve 503 and the first container 82.

[0050] Supply unit 53 also includes tube 513 forming a first flow path communicating between the third terminal of first valve 503 and the first terminal of three-way branch pipe 505, and tube 514 forming a second flow path communicating between second supply pump 502 and the first terminal of second valve 504. Supply unit 53 also includes tube 515 forming a second flow path communicating between the second terminal of second valve 504 and second container 506, and tube 516 forming a second flow path communicating between the third terminal of second valve 504 and the second terminal of three-way branch pipe 505. Supply unit 53 also includes tube 517 forming a confluent flow path having a uniform diameter from one end to the other end, communicating between the third terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 and stirring unit 54.

[0051] Each of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 is composed of, for example, a syringe and a plunger. When driven by the drive unit 31, the plunger of the first supply pump 501 slides in the direction of arrow L1 to perform a suction operation of sucking in the second liquid from the first container 82, and then slides in the direction of arrow L2 to perform a discharge operation of discharging a first amount of the first liquid. When driven by the drive unit 31, the plunger of the second supply pump 502 slides in the direction of arrow L1 to perform a suction operation of sucking in the second liquid from the second container 506, and then slides in the direction of arrow L2 to perform a discharge operation of discharging a second amount of the second liquid that is smaller than the first amount.

[0052] Each of the first and second valves 503, 504 is, for example, a three-way solenoid valve, which opens the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal when driven by the drive unit 31. Furthermore, each of the first and second valves 503, 504 opens the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal when the drive unit 31 is stopped.

[0053] The supply unit 53 intermittently supplies the first and second liquids to the stirring unit 54 for each cycle time. When the reaction vessel 17 stops at the second cleaning position W2, the supply unit 53 supplies the first and second liquids to the stirring unit 54 once by one suction and discharge operation of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502.

[0054] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the stirring unit 54. Figure 6(a) is a plan view of the stirring unit 54, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 6(a). In the following, the stirring unit 54 will be described with the X axis taken in one horizontal direction, the Y axis taken in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X axis, and the Z axis taken in a direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes, but the stirring unit 54 may be arranged in any orientation.

[0055] The stirring section 54 is composed of an inlet section 521 into which the first and second liquids supplied from the supply section 53 flow, a main body 522 having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having an internal space 5221 through which the first and second liquids flowing in from the inlet section 521 flow, and an outlet section 523 through which the first and second liquids flowing in the internal space 5221 of the main body 522 flow out.

[0056] Inlet section 521 is disposed near the center of the lower part of the side surface of main body 522, with one end connected to tube 517 of supply section 53 and the other end joined to main body 522. Inlet section 521 has a flow path formed with a central axis of straight line 5224 parallel to the X-axis, such that the cross-sectional area on the other end side is smaller than that on the one end side. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path on the other end side of inlet section 521 is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the joining flow path of tube 517.

[0057] The main body 522 is formed with an internal space 5221, an inlet 5222, and an outlet 5223. The internal space 5221 is formed so that the area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to a straight line 5224 is larger than the cross section of the joining flow path of the tube 517. The internal space 5221 has, for example, a cube shape with curved faces at right angles. The internal space 5221 is sealed except for the inlet 5222 and the outlet 5223, and has a volume that exceeds a third amount obtained by adding together a first amount of the first liquid and a second amount of the second liquid discharged from the first and second supply pumps 501, 502, for example, is more than twice the third amount.

[0058] Inlet 5222 is formed on the side surface of main body 522, penetrating the outside and the inside, and is closed by inlet portion 521. Outlet 5223 is formed on the top surface of main body 522 at a position away from inlet 5222, penetrating the outside and the inside, and is closed by outlet portion 523.

[0059] Outlet portion 523 is disposed on the upper surface of main body 522 at a position away from inlet portion 521 in the X-axis direction and at a center position in the Y-axis direction. Outlet portion 523 is disposed at a position where the central axis of the flow path is parallel to the Z-axis and an extension line of the central axis of the flow path is perpendicular to an extension line of straight line 5224. One end of outlet portion 523 is connected to tube 55, and the other end is joined to main body 522. The flow path of outlet portion 523 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the other end side is smaller than that of the one end side.

[0060] The stirring is not limited to the stirring unit 54, but may be performed using a stirring unit 54a shown in FIG.

[0061] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the agitation unit 54a. In the following, the agitation unit 54a will be described with the X axis taken in one horizontal direction, the Y axis taken in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X axis, and the Z axis taken in a direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes, but the agitation unit 54a may be arranged in any orientation.

[0062] The agitation section 54a differs from the agitation section 54 shown in FIG. 6 in that the inlet and outlet portions are disposed at different positions relative to the main body.

[0063] The stirring section 54a is composed of an inlet section 521a into which the first and second liquids flow, a rectangular parallelepiped main body 522a having an internal space 5221a through which the first and second liquids flow in from the inlet section 521a, and an outlet section 523a through which the first and second liquids flow in the internal space 5221a of the main body 522a flow out.

[0064] Inlet portion 521a is disposed near the center of the lower portion of the side surface of main body 522a, and the other end is joined to main body 522a. Inlet portion 521a has a flow path formed with a central axis of straight line 5224a parallel to the X-axis, such that the cross-sectional area on the other end side is smaller than that on the one end side. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path on the other end side of inlet portion 521a is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the merging flow path of tube 517.

[0065] Main body 522a is formed with internal space 5221a, and an inlet closed by inflow section 521a and an outlet closed by outflow section 523a, both not shown. Internal space 5221a has the same shape and volume as internal space 5221 shown in Fig. 6, and is formed so that the area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to line 5224a parallel to the X-axis is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the joining flow path of tube 517.

[0066] Outlet 523a is disposed near the center of the upper part of the side surface of main body 522a opposite to the side surface on which inlet 521a is disposed, and has a flow path formed with a central axis parallel to line 5224a such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the other end is smaller than that of the one end. In addition, the other end of outlet 523a is joined to main body 522a.

[0067] Inlet portion 521a may be disposed in the center of a side surface of main body 522a, and outlet portion 523a may be disposed in the center of a side surface of main body 522a opposite to said side surface. Alternatively, inlet portion 521a may be disposed near an end portion in one direction of the Y axis near a lower portion of a side surface of main body 522a, and outlet portion 523a may be disposed near an end portion in the other direction of the Y axis near an upper portion of the side surface of main body 522a opposite to said side surface.

[0068] Next, the cleaning operation of the second cleaning section 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] The first supply pump 501, the first valve 503, the first terminal of the three-way branch pipe 505, and the first flow paths of the tubes 511 to 513 of the supply unit 53 are filled with the first liquid by the suction and discharge operations of the first supply pump 501. The second supply pump 502, the second valve 504, the second terminal of the three-way branch pipe 505, and the second flow paths of the tubes 514 to 516 are filled with the second liquid by the suction and discharge operations of the second supply pump 502. The first and second valves 503 and 504 open the flow path between the first and third terminals and close the flow path between the first and second terminals. The junction flow path of the tube 517, the stirring unit 54, the tube 55, and the second discharge nozzle 52 are filled with the first and second liquids by the suction and discharge operations of the first and second supply pumps 501 and 502.

[0070] When the first and second valves 503, 504 close the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal and open the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first supply pump 501 performs a suction operation to suck a first amount of the first liquid from the first container 82, and the second supply pump 502 performs a suction operation to suck a second amount of the second liquid from the second container 506. When the suction operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 are completed, the first and second valves 503, 504 close the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and open the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal.

[0071] When the reaction vessel 17 into which the first cleaning liquid has been discharged stops at the first cleaning position W1 and then stops at the second cleaning position W2 adjacent to the first cleaning position W1 after n (n is a positive integer) cycle times, the second discharge nozzle 52 descends and stops at the lower stop position. After the first cleaning liquid has been discharged from the reaction vessel 17 by the discharge operation of the discharge unit 80, the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 almost simultaneously perform discharge operations to supply third amounts of the first and second liquids.

[0072] Since the discharge rate of the second supply pump 502 is smaller than that of the first supply pump 501, the discharge rate of the second supply pump 502 may be set to execute while the first supply pump 501 is performing the discharge operation.

[0073] The discharge operation of first supply pump 501 causes the first liquid in tubes 511 and 513 to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow toward three-way branch pipe 505. The discharge operation of second supply pump 502 causes the second liquid in tubes 514 and 516 to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow toward three-way branch pipe 505. The discharge operations of first and second supply pumps 501 and 502 cause the first liquid flowing in from the first terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 and the second liquid flowing in from the second terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 to join at the third terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 and flow through tube 517 in the direction indicated by the arrow toward stirring unit 54.

[0074] In this way, by joining the first liquid and the second liquid in three-way branch pipe 505 and flowing them through tube 517, the first liquid and the second liquid can be agitated within tube 517.

[0075] The first and second liquids flowing into the inlet 521 of the stirring unit 54 by the discharge operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 flow out radially from the outlet at the other end of the flow path of the inlet 521 into the internal space 5221, as shown by the arrows in Figure 6(b), at a speed faster than the speed at which they flow through the tube 517. The first and second liquids in the internal space 5221 are stirred by the first and second liquids flowing in from the inlet 521, and flow together with the first and second liquids flowing in from the inlet 521 in the direction of the outlet 523.

[0076] In response to the outflow of the first and second liquids into the internal space 5221, a third amount of the first and second liquids out of the first and second liquids in the internal space 5221 flows out from the outflow portion 523 and flows as a second cleaning liquid through the tube 55 in the direction of the second discharge nozzle 52. The second discharge nozzle 52 discharges the third amount of the second cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17 in response to the discharge operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502.

[0077] In this way, by causing the first and second liquids to flow out from the outlet at the other end of the flow path of inlet section 521, which has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of tube 517, into internal space 5221, whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis of the flow path of inlet section 521 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of tube 517, the first and second liquids flow through the flow path of inlet section 521 at a speed faster than the speed at which they flow within tube 517, and flow radially out into internal space 5221.

[0078] As a result, the first and second liquids in internal space 5221 are agitated by the first and second liquids flowing out from inlet portion 521, and flow together with the first and second liquids flowing in from inlet portion 521 through internal space 5221, and then flow out from outlet portion 523. For this reason, the first and second liquids can be agitated more strongly than by agitating them within tube 517. Therefore, a second cleaning liquid can be prepared in which the concentration of cleaning components in the second liquid is constant.

[0079] Then, by ejecting the second cleaning liquid prepared by vigorously stirring the first and second liquids in the stirring section 54 from the second ejection nozzle 52, it is possible to prevent a cleaning liquid with a low concentration of cleaning components from having insufficient cleaning power for the reaction vessel 17, and to prevent deterioration of analysis data due to cleaning components of a cleaning liquid with a high concentration of cleaning components remaining in the reaction vessel 17.

[0080] By using the stirring unit 54a shown in FIG. 7, the first and second liquids flow through the flow path of the inlet 521a at a speed faster than the speed through the tube 517 and flow into the internal space 5221a centered on the direction of the straight line 5224a. As a result, the first and second liquids in the internal space 5221a are rotated and stirred in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 7 on the curved surface of the internal space 5221a intersecting with the extension of the straight line 5224a by the first and second liquids flowing out of the inlet 521a in the direction of the straight line 5224a. The first and second liquids flow together with the first and second liquids flowing in from the inlet 521a through the internal space 5221 and flow out of the outlet 523a. This allows the first and second liquids to be stirred more powerfully than by stirring in the tube 517. This allows the preparation of a second cleaning liquid having a constant concentration of cleaning components in the second liquid.

[0081] Next, the configuration of the third cleaning section 60 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third cleaning section 60. Among the units constituting the third cleaning section 60 described below, the same units as those constituting the second cleaning section 50 shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0083] The third cleaning unit 60 includes a third supply unit 61 that supplies a third cleaning liquid, and a third discharge nozzle 62 that discharges the third cleaning liquid supplied by the third supply unit 61.

[0084] The third supply unit 61 includes a supply unit 63 that supplies the first and third liquids, and an agitation unit 54 that prepares a third cleaning liquid by agitating the first and third liquids supplied from the supply unit 63. The third supply unit 61 also includes a tube 55 that has one end connected to the agitation unit 54 and the other end connected to the third discharge nozzle 62.

[0085] 5 in that second container 506 is replaced with a third container 606 that stores a third liquid. Here, one end of tube 515 is connected to the second terminal of second valve 504, and the other end is connected to third container 606.

[0086] The third discharge nozzle 62 has a discharge port at its lower end and is held by a holder 81. The third discharge nozzle 62 is positioned so that it can enter the reaction vessel 17 at the third cleaning position W3 by driving the holder 81 up and down by the drive unit 31. The third discharge nozzle 62 stops at an upper stop position above the reaction vessel 17 while the reaction vessel 17 is rotating, and when the rotation of the reaction vessel 17 stops, the third discharge nozzle 62 descends to a lower stop position where its lower end approaches the bottom surface inside the reaction vessel 17 at the third cleaning position W3 adjacent to the second cleaning position W2.

[0087] Next, the cleaning operation of the third cleaning section 60 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0088] The first supply pump 501, the first valve 503, the first terminal of the three-way branch pipe 505, and the tubes 511 to 513 of the supply unit 63 in the third supply unit 61 are filled with the first liquid. The second supply pump 502, the second valve 504, the second terminal of the three-way branch pipe 505, and the tubes 514 to 516 are filled with the third liquid. The tube 517, the stirring unit 54, the tube 55, and the third discharge nozzle 62 are filled with the first and third liquids. The first and second valves 503 and 504 open the flow path between the first and third terminals and close the flow path between the first and second terminals. The tube 517, the stirring unit 54, the tube 55, and the third discharge nozzle 62 are filled with the first and third liquids.

[0089] When the first and second valves 503, 504 close the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal and open the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first supply pump 501 performs a suction operation to suck a first amount of the first liquid from the first container 82, and the second supply pump 502 performs a suction operation to suck a second amount of the third liquid from the third container 606. When the suction operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 are completed, the first and second valves 503, 504 close the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and open the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal.

[0090] When the reaction vessel 17 into which the second cleaning liquid has been discharged stops at the second cleaning position W2 and then stops at the third cleaning position W3 adjacent to the second cleaning position W2 after n cycle times, the third discharge nozzle 62 descends and stops at the lower stop position. After the second cleaning liquid has been discharged from the reaction vessel 17 by the discharge operation of the discharge unit 80, the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 almost simultaneously perform a discharge operation to supply third amounts of the first and third liquids to the third discharge nozzle 62.

[0091] The discharge operation of first supply pump 501 causes the first liquid in tubes 511 and 513 to flow in the direction of three-way branch pipe 505, and the discharge operation of second supply pump 502 causes the third liquid in tubes 514 and 516 to flow in the direction of three-way branch pipe 505. Then, the discharge operations of first and second supply pumps 501 and 502 cause the first liquid flowing in from the first terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 and the third liquid flowing in from the second terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 to join at the third terminal of three-way branch pipe 505 and flow through tube 517 in the direction of stirring unit 54.

[0092] In this way, by joining the first liquid and the third liquid in three-way branch pipe 505 and flowing them through tube 517, the first liquid and the third liquid can be agitated within tube 517.

[0093] The first and third liquids flowed into the inlet 521 of the stirring unit 54 by the discharge operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502 flow out radially from the outlet at the other end of the flow path of the inlet 521 into the internal space 5221, centered on the direction of the straight line 5224, at a speed faster than the speed at which they flow through the tube 517. The first and third liquids flowed out into the internal space 5221 flow in the direction of the outlet 523.

[0094] In response to the outflow of the first and third liquids into the internal space 5221, a third amount of the first and third liquids among the first and third liquids filled in the internal space 5221 flows out from the outflow portion 523 and flows as a third cleaning liquid through the tube 55 in the direction of the third discharge nozzle 62. In response to the discharge operations of the first and second supply pumps 501, 502, the third discharge nozzle 62 discharges the third amount of the third cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 17.

[0095] In this way, by causing the first and third liquids to flow out from the outlet at the other end of the flow path of inlet section 521, which has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of tube 517, into internal space 5221, whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis of the flow path of inlet section 521 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of tube 517, the first and third liquids flow through the flow path of inlet section 521 at a speed faster than the speed at which they flow within tube 517 and flow radially out into internal space 5221.

[0096] As a result, the first and third liquids in internal space 5221 are agitated by the first and third liquids flowing out from inlet portion 521, and flow together with the first and third liquids flowing in from inlet portion 521 through internal space 5221, and then flow out from outlet portion 523. For this reason, the first and third liquids can be agitated more strongly than in tube 517. Therefore, a third cleaning liquid can be prepared in which the cleaning component concentration of the third liquid is constant.

[0097] Then, by ejecting the third cleaning liquid prepared by vigorously stirring the first and third liquids in the stirring section 54 from the third ejection nozzle 62, it is possible to prevent a cleaning liquid with a low concentration of cleaning components from having insufficient cleaning power for the reaction vessel 17, and to prevent deterioration of analysis data due to cleaning components of a cleaning liquid with a high concentration of cleaning components remaining in the reaction vessel 17.

[0098] Next, the configuration of the fourth cleaning section 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth cleaning unit 70. This fourth cleaning unit 70 differs from the first cleaning unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 in that the first discharge nozzle 42 of the first cleaning unit 40 is replaced with a fourth discharge nozzle 72. The fourth cleaning unit 70 includes a first supply unit 41 and a fourth discharge nozzle 72 that discharges the first cleaning liquid supplied by the first supply unit 41. Here, one end of a tube 413 of the first supply unit 41 is connected to the third terminal of the first valve 402, and the other end is connected to the fourth discharge nozzle 72.

[0100] The fourth discharge nozzle 72 has a discharge port at its lower end, and is positioned so that it can enter the reaction vessel 17 at the fourth cleaning position W4 by driving the holder 81 up and down by the drive unit 31. The fourth discharge nozzle 72 is also connected to a tube 413 of the first supply unit 41. The fourth discharge nozzle 72 stops at an upper stop position above the reaction vessel 17 while the reaction vessel 17 is rotating, and when the rotation of the reaction vessel 17 stops, the fourth discharge nozzle 72 descends to a lower stop position where its lower end approaches the bottom surface inside the reaction vessel 17 at the fourth cleaning position W4.

[0101] 3 and 9, the cleaning operation of the fourth cleaning unit 70 will be described. The fourth cleaning unit 70 performs the cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 17 at the fourth cleaning position W4 at the same timing as the first cleaning unit 40.

[0102] The first supply pump 401, first valve 402, tubes 411 to 413, and fourth discharge nozzle 72 of first supply unit 41 are filled with the first cleaning liquid. When first valve 402 opens the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and closes the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal, first supply pump 401 performs a suction operation to suck the first liquid from first container 82. When the suction operation of first supply pump 401 ends, first valve 402 closes the flow path between the first terminal and the second terminal and opens the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal.

[0103] When the reaction vessel 17 into which the third cleaning liquid has been discharged stops at the third cleaning position W3 and then stops at the fourth cleaning position W4 adjacent to the third cleaning position W3 after n cycle times, the fourth discharge nozzle 72 descends and stops at the lower stop position. After the third cleaning liquid is discharged from the reaction vessel 17 by the discharge operation of the discharge unit 80, the first supply pump 401 performs a discharge operation to supply the first liquid as the first cleaning liquid to the fourth discharge nozzle 72. The fourth discharge nozzle 72 discharges the first cleaning liquid supplied by the discharge operation of the first supply pump 401 into the reaction vessel 17.

[0104] Next, the configuration and cleaning operation of the discharge unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0105] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the discharge unit 80. This discharge unit 80 includes first to fifth suction nozzles 801 to 805, and a discharge pump 806 connected to the first to fifth suction nozzles 801 to 805 by tubes, respectively.

[0106] The first to fifth suction nozzles 801 to 805 have suction ports at their lower ends and are held by a holder 81. The first to fifth suction nozzles 801 to 805 are arranged so that they can enter the reaction vessels 17 at the first to fifth washing positions W1 to W5 by driving the holder 81 up and down by a drive unit 31.

[0107] The first to fifth suction nozzles 801 to 805 stop at upper stop positions above the reaction vessel 17 while the reaction vessel 17 is rotating, and when the rotation of the reaction vessel 17 stops, they descend to lower stop positions where their lower ends approach the bottom surfaces of the reaction vessels 17 at the first to fifth cleaning positions W1 to W5. Then, the first to fourth suction nozzles 801 to 804, through the discharge operation of the discharge pump 806, suck in and discharge the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 17 at the first cleaning position W1, the first cleaning solution in the reaction vessel 17 at the second cleaning position W2, the second cleaning solution in the reaction vessel 17 at the third cleaning position W3, and the third cleaning solution in the reaction vessel 17 at the fourth cleaning position W4.

[0108] In addition, the fifth suction nozzle 805 suctions and discharges the first cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 17 that stops at the fifth cleaning position W5 adjacent to the fourth cleaning position W4 n cycle times after the reaction vessel 17 into which the first cleaning liquid has been ejected stops at the fourth cleaning position W4.

[0109] Next, the configuration and cleaning operation of cleaning unit 28 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 11. Cleaning units 29 and 30 are configured in the same way as cleaning unit 28, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning unit 28. Among the units constituting the cleaning unit 28 described below, the same units as those constituting the first supply unit 41 shown in Fig. 4 and the second supply unit 51 shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0111] The cleaning section 28 includes a first supply section 41, a second supply section 51, and a cleaning tank 90 in which the sample dispensing probe 19 is cleaned using the first and second cleaning solutions supplied from the first and second supply sections 41, 51.

[0112] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing the configuration of the cleaning tank 90. ​​Fig. 12A is a side view of the cleaning tank 90, and Fig. 12B is a plan view of the cleaning tank 90. ​​The cleaning tank 90 is composed of two discharge pipes 91 that discharge the first cleaning liquid supplied by the first supply unit 41, a storage tank 92 that stores the second cleaning liquid supplied by the second supply unit 51, and a cleaning tank main body 93 that holds the discharge nozzles 91 and the storage tank 92.

[0113] The two discharge nozzles 91 are arranged horizontally opposite each other across the trajectory Ob of the sample dispensing probe 19 that moves horizontally between above the sample container 11 held in the sample rack 12 and above the reaction container 17 held in the reaction disk 18.

[0114] Although not shown, the cleaning tank 90 has a three-way branch pipe and two tubes, and a first terminal of the three-way branch pipe is connected to the tube 55 of the first supply unit 41. Furthermore, a second terminal of the three-way branch pipe of the cleaning tank 90 is connected to one of the discharge nozzles 91 by one tube, and a third terminal of the three-way branch pipe is connected to the other of the discharge nozzles 91 by the other tube.

[0115] The storage tank 92 is disposed below the orbit Ob and is provided with an inlet 921 into which the second cleaning liquid supplied by the second supply unit 51 flows, and a storage chamber 922 that stores the second cleaning liquid that flows out from the inlet 921.

[0116] The washing tank main body 93 is provided with a drain pipe 931 for discharging the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid used for washing the sample dispensing probe 19 .

[0117] Each discharge pipe 91 discharges the first cleaning liquid supplied by the first supply unit 41 toward the portion of the sample dispensing probe 19 that has come into contact with the sample, the portion being stopped at the cleaning position WS between the two discharge pipes 752. This cleans the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe 19 that has come into contact with the sample.

[0118] In cleaning using the second cleaning liquid, the sample dispensing probe 19 moves along the trajectory Ob to above the reservoir tank 92 before aspirating a sample from the sample container 11 or after dispensing a sample into the reaction container 17. The sample dispensing probe 19 then descends to a height where the outer wall portion that comes into contact with the sample comes into contact with the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir chamber 922, and aspirates the second cleaning liquid. The sample dispensing probe 19 then rises to the cleaning position WS and dispenses the second cleaning liquid aspirated from the reservoir tank 92. After the sample dispensing probe 19 dispenses the second cleaning liquid, each dispense nozzle 91 dispenses the first cleaning liquid toward the outer wall portion of the sample dispensing probe 19 at the cleaning position WS that came into contact with the second cleaning liquid in the reservoir tank 92. This washes off the second cleaning liquid adhering to the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe 19, completing cleaning of the sample dispensing probe 19 with the second cleaning liquid.

[0119] In washing unit 29, the first reagent dispensing probe 21 is washed in the same manner as the sample dispensing probe 19 in washing unit 28, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in washing unit 30, the second reagent dispensing probe 23 is washed in the same manner as the sample dispensing probe 19 in washing unit 28, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] The cleaning section 28 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be provided with a third supply section 61 and a cleaning tank in which a storage tank for storing the third cleaning liquid supplied by the third supply section 61 is additionally arranged in the cleaning tank 90, and the sample dispensing probe 19 may be cleaned using each of the first to third cleaning liquids.

[0121] In this way, by providing the stirring unit 54, it is possible to prepare a second cleaning liquid with a constant concentration of cleaning components by vigorously stirring the first and second liquids. Then, by supplying the second cleaning liquid prepared in the stirring unit 54 to the storage tank 92, it is possible to prevent a cleaning liquid with a low concentration of cleaning components from having insufficient cleaning power for the sample dispensing probe 19, and to prevent deterioration of analysis data due to a cleaning liquid with a high concentration of cleaning components remaining on the sample dispensing probe 19.

[0122] According to the embodiment described above, a stirring section 54 consisting of an inlet section 521, a main body 522 having an internal space 5221, and an outlet section 523 is provided between the supply section 53 and the second discharge nozzle 52, and the first and second liquids are caused to flow out from the outlet at the other end of the flow path of the inlet section 521, which has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of the tube 517, into the internal space 5221, whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis of the flow path of the inlet section 521 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging flow path of the tube 517, so that the first and second liquids flow through the flow path of the inlet section 521 at a speed faster than the speed at which they flow within the tube 517 and flow out radially into the internal space 5221.

[0123] As a result, the first and second liquids in internal space 5221 are agitated by the first and second liquids flowing out from inlet portion 521, and flow together with the first and second liquids flowing in from inlet portion 521 through internal space 5221, and then flow out from outlet portion 523. For this reason, the first and second liquids can be agitated more strongly than by agitating them within tube 517. Therefore, a second cleaning liquid can be prepared in which the concentration of cleaning components in the second liquid is constant.

[0124] Then, by ejecting the second cleaning liquid prepared by vigorously stirring the first and second liquids in the stirring section 54 from the second ejection nozzle 52, it is possible to prevent a cleaning liquid with a low concentration of cleaning components from having insufficient cleaning power for the reaction vessel 17, and to prevent deterioration of analysis data due to cleaning components of a cleaning liquid with a high concentration of cleaning components remaining in the reaction vessel 17.

[0125] Although several 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 embodied 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 17 Reaction vessel 51 2nd supply section 52 Second discharge nozzle 53 Supply section 54 Mixing section 521 Inlet 522 Main Unit 523 Outlet 5221 Interior space

Claims

1. A supply unit that supplies a diluted solution and a concentrated solution containing a cleaning component with a higher concentration than the diluted solution; an agitation unit configured with an inflow section into which the diluted solution and the high-concentration solution supplied by the supply section flow, an internal space for adjusting a cleaning solution in which the diluted solution and the high-concentration solution flowing from the inflow section are stirred to make the cleaning component concentration of the high-concentration solution constant, and an outflow section for flowing and stirring the cleaning solution in the internal space in response to the flow into the inflow section and for discharging the adjusted cleaning solution; Preparation, the supply unit intermittently supplies the diluted solution and the high-concentration solution to the stirring unit, the internal space has a volume larger than the amount of the dilute solution and the high-concentration solution that the supply unit supplies at one time, the supply unit includes a first supply pump that discharges the dilution liquid, a second supply pump that discharges the high-concentration liquid, a first flow path through which the dilution liquid flows by a discharge operation of the first supply pump, a second flow path through which the high-concentration liquid flows by a discharge operation of the second supply pump, a three-way branch pipe that merges the dilution liquid that has flowed through the first flow path and the high-concentration liquid that has flowed through the second flow path, and a confluence flow path that agitates and flows the dilution liquid and the high-concentration liquid that have merged in the three-way branch pipe, and supplies the dilution liquid and the high-concentration liquid that have flowed through the confluence flow path to the agitation unit, the second supply pump performs a discharge operation of the high concentration liquid during a discharge operation of the dilution liquid by the first supply pump; Automatic analyzer.

2. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the cross section of the internal space of the inlet portion perpendicular to the central axis of the flow paths through which the diluted solution and the highly concentrated solution flow is larger than the cross section of the confluence flow path.

3. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​an outlet of a flow path through which the diluted solution and the high-concentration solution flow in the inflow portion and which flows into the internal space is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the confluence flow path.

4. a reaction vessel for containing a sample and a reagent; a nozzle that discharges the amount of the diluted solution and the high concentration solution flowing out from the outflow part into the reaction vessel after the sample and the reagent have been discharged in response to one supply from the supply part; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. a probe for aspirating and discharging a sample or a reagent; a storage tank configured to store the diluted solution and the highly concentrated solution flowing out of the outlet in response to a single supply from the supply unit, 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the probe aspirates the diluted liquid and the high-concentration liquid stored in the storage tank before aspirating or discharging the sample or reagent.

6. 6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the high concentration liquid supplied by the supply unit is less than the amount of the dilute liquid.

7. 7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the diluting liquid is a liquid that dilutes the high-concentration liquid.

8. 8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the high-concentration liquid is an alkaline or acidic liquid.

Images