JP2009074872A - Cleaning mechanism, autoanalyzer and cleaning method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To certainly dry the inside of a container, which is cleaned with a cleaning liquid, in a short time. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning liquid is discharged in a reaction container 70 at a cleaning position by a cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 353a and the cleaning liquid in the reaction container 70 is sucked by a cleaning liquid suction nozzle 353b to clean the inside of the reaction container 70. The reaction container 70 circulates along a reaction table 29 to be fed to a suction drying position. At the suction drying position, the vibrator 753 of a surface elastic wave element 75 is driven while sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction container 70 by a suction drying nozzle 354a to perform suction drying and the heating and drying of the inside of the reaction container 70 is performed by produced ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated by accompanying the production of ultrasonic vibration. The reaction container 70 subjected to suction drying and heating drying at the suction drying position circulates along the reaction table 29 over the 3/4 periphery of the reaction table 29 to be fed to a first reagent dispensing position to be used in the next analysis of a specimen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning mechanism and a cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container, and an automatic analyzer including a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of a container.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a reagent and a sample into a reaction container and optically measuring a reaction that has occurred in the reaction container. This automatic analyzer is equipped with a washing mechanism for washing the reaction vessel used for the analysis, and the reaction vessel whose measurement has been completed is washed each time and used repeatedly. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism discharges the reaction liquid in the reaction container, cleans the inside with the cleaning liquid, and then performs drying in the reaction container by suction drying or natural drying for sucking the remaining cleaning liquid. In addition, in this automatic analyzer, as an agitation means for agitating a sample and a reagent dispensed in a reaction container, an apparatus equipped with an agitation mechanism for generating non-contact agitation by generating sound waves is known ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-90791 A

  However, there are cases where the inside of the reaction container cannot be sufficiently dried by suction drying or natural drying performed by a conventional reaction container cleaning mechanism. For this reason, there has been a problem that the analysis accuracy for the next sample analysis is lowered by the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction container.

  In addition, since a process by suction drying or natural drying is required, the time required for cleaning becomes longer, and the reaction container cannot be used for sample analysis until the cleaning is completed. There was a problem of being bad.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning mechanism, an automatic analyzer, and a cleaning method capable of reliably drying the inside of a container cleaned with a cleaning liquid in a short time. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a cleaning mechanism according to the present invention is a cleaning mechanism that cleans the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed, and includes a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid into the container. A cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container; a suction drying means for sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the container and sucking and drying the inside of the container; Heating means provided on the outside of the container for heating the container.

  The cleaning mechanism according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the heating means performs heating simultaneously with suction drying by the suction drying means.

  The cleaning mechanism according to the present invention is a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of a container into which liquid is dispensed, and is supplied into the container by a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and the cleaning liquid supply means. A cleaning liquid discharging unit that discharges the cleaned cleaning liquid to the outside of the container, and a heating unit that is provided outside the container and heats the container.

  In the cleaning mechanism according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the heating means heats simultaneously with the discharge of the cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid discharge means.

  In the cleaning mechanism according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the heating means generates ultrasonic vibrations to heat the container.

  In the cleaning mechanism according to the present invention, in the above invention, the heating unit is disposed outside the container to transmit power, and is disposed on the outer surface of the container to transmit power from the power transmission unit. And ultrasonic vibration generating means for converting the received electric power and generating ultrasonic vibrations.

  Further, the cleaning mechanism according to the present invention includes, in the above invention, a temperature monitoring unit that monitors a temperature around the container at the time of heating by the heating unit and determines whether or not a predetermined upper limit temperature is exceeded, When it is determined by the temperature monitoring means that the predetermined upper limit temperature has been exceeded, heating by the heating means is stopped.

  An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized by including the cleaning mechanism according to the present invention.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent in the container, a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample in the container, and a reagent dispensed in the container. A measurement mechanism for reacting a sample with a sample and measuring a reaction state, a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and a cleaning liquid for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container Washing means for cleaning the inside of the container, including a discharging means, a suction drying means for sucking and drying the cleaning liquid remaining in the container, and a heating means for heating the container provided outside the container A mechanism, a reagent dispensing position by the reagent dispensing mechanism, a sample dispensing position by the sample dispensing mechanism, a measurement position by the measuring mechanism, a cleaning liquid supply position by the cleaning liquid supply means, and the washing A container transport mechanism for transporting the cleaning liquid to a position on a transport path including a cleaning liquid discharge position by the discharge means and a suction drying position by the suction drying means, and the heating means is suction-dried by the suction drying means Is a predetermined path on the transport path from the suction drying position to the position where the reagent is transported by the container transport mechanism to any one of the reagent dispensing position and the specimen dispensing position. Heating is performed at the heating position.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent in the container, a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample in the container, and a reagent dispensed in the container. A measurement mechanism for reacting a sample with a sample and measuring a reaction state, a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and a cleaning liquid for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of the container, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of the container, a reagent dispensing position by the reagent dispensing mechanism, and the sample dispensing Container transport to transport to each position on the transport path including the sample dispensing position by the mechanism, the measurement position by the measurement mechanism, the cleaning liquid supply position by the cleaning liquid supply means, and the cleaning liquid discharge position by the cleaning liquid discharge means And the heating means dispenses the container, from which the cleaning liquid has been discharged by the cleaning liquid discharge means, from the cleaning liquid discharge position to the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position. Heating is performed at a predetermined heating position on the transport path until the container is transported to any one of the positions by the container transport mechanism.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the heating position is the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position where the first dispensing is performed, and the heating means includes the reagent Heating is performed immediately before the reagent or sample is dispensed into the container at the dispensing position or the sample dispensing position.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the heating means generates ultrasonic vibrations to heat the container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the heating unit is disposed outside the container to transmit power, and is disposed on the outer surface of the container to transmit power from the power transmission unit. And ultrasonic vibration generation means for generating ultrasonic vibration by receiving the received electric power and converting the received electric power.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes, in the above invention, power transmission means for transmitting power to the ultrasonic vibration generating means disposed on the outer surface of the container, and A stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid inside the container at a predetermined stirring position on the transport path is provided.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the cleaning mechanism monitors the temperature around the container during heating by the heating means, and determines whether or not a predetermined upper limit temperature has been exceeded. A monitoring unit is provided, and heating by the heating unit is stopped when the temperature monitoring unit determines that the predetermined upper limit temperature is exceeded.

  The cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed, and includes a cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and the cleaning liquid supplied in the container with the cleaning liquid. A cleaning liquid discharging step for discharging the container to the outside of the container, and a drying step for suctioning and drying the inside of the container by sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the container and simultaneously heating the container from the outside of the container, To do.

  The cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed, and includes a cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and the cleaning liquid supplied in the container with the cleaning liquid. A cleaning liquid discharging step for discharging to the outside of the container, a suction drying step for sucking and drying the cleaning liquid remaining in the container, and a heating step for heating the container from the outside of the container. Features.

  Further, in the cleaning method according to the present invention, in the above invention, the heating step is performed after the inside of the container is sucked and dried and before the liquid is newly dispensed in the container. Features.

  The cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed, and includes a cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and the cleaning liquid supplied in the container with the cleaning liquid. And a cleaning liquid discharge drying step of heating the container from the outside of the container at the same time as discharging to the outside of the container.

  The cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed, and includes a cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, and the cleaning liquid supplied in the container with the cleaning liquid. A cleaning liquid discharging step for discharging to the outside of the container and a heating step for heating the container from the outside of the container are included.

  Further, in the cleaning method according to the present invention, in the above invention, the heating step is performed after the cleaning liquid in the container is discharged to the outside of the container and before the liquid is newly dispensed in the container. Heating is performed.

  According to the present invention, since the inside of the container cleaned with the cleaning liquid can be surely dried, the next sample analysis can be performed without lowering the analysis accuracy. In the past, drying by suction drying was followed by drying by natural drying. However, heat drying eliminates the need for natural drying, shortens the time required for cleaning, and improves container use efficiency. Can be made.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1. This automatic analyzer 1 is an apparatus that automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens, dispenses a specimen to be analyzed and a reagent into reaction containers (containers) 70, respectively, and dispenses the reaction containers. The reaction situation occurring in 70 is measured optically. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample container transfer mechanism 21, a sample dispensing mechanism 23, two reagent tables 25 (25-1, 25-2), and a reagent dispensing mechanism 27 (27-1, 27-2). A reaction table 29, an analysis optical system 31, a stirring mechanism 33, and a cleaning mechanism 35.

  The sample container transfer mechanism 21 stores a plurality of sample racks 51 on which a plurality of sample containers 50 storing samples such as blood and urine are mounted. The sample container transport mechanism 21 sequentially transports the sample rack 51 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 under the control of the control unit 4 described later, and transports the sample container 50 to a predetermined position on the sample container transport mechanism 21. Then, the sample in the sample container 50 transported to the predetermined position is dispensed into the reaction container 70 which is transported while being arranged on the reaction table 29 by the sample dispensing mechanism 23.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 23 includes an arm 231 that can freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate about a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis, and performs suction and discharge of the sample on this arm 231. A probe 233 is attached. Under the control of the control unit 4, the sample dispensing mechanism 23 sucks the sample from the sample container 50 that has been transported to a predetermined position on the sample container transfer mechanism 21 with the probe 233. Then, the arm 231 is rotated, and the sample is discharged into the reaction container 70 conveyed to the sample dispensing position on the reaction table 29 to perform dispensing. The probe 231 of the sample dispensing mechanism 23 is washed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) disposed on the movement path of the probe 233 after the dispensing is completed.

  Each of the reagent tables 25 (25-1, 25-2) has the same configuration, and under the control of the control unit 4, the reagent table 25 (25-1, 25-2) can be intermittently rotated around the rotation axis by a drive mechanism (not shown). The desired reagent container 60 is transported to a predetermined position. Each reagent container 60 stores a predetermined reagent corresponding to the analysis item. For example, one reagent table 25-1 stores the reagent container 60 storing the first reagent and the other reagent table 25. -2 stores a reagent container 60 containing a second reagent. In a normal measurement, only the first reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 70, and the second reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 70 as necessary. Each reagent table 25 is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown). In addition, a constant temperature bath (not shown) is provided below each reagent table 25, and together with a lid that covers the inside, constitutes a cool box that keeps the reagents contained in each reagent container 60 in a constant temperature state. Thereby, evaporation and denaturation of the reagent can be suppressed.

  As with the sample dispensing mechanism 23, the reagent dispensing mechanism 27 (27-1, 27-2) can freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate around a vertical line passing through its base end. The arm 271 is provided, and the probe 273 for aspirating and discharging the reagent is attached to the arm 271, respectively. One reagent dispensing mechanism 27-1 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 60 transported to a predetermined position on the reagent table 25-1 by the probe 273 under the control of the control unit 4. Then, the arm 271 is rotated, and the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 70 conveyed to the first reagent dispensing position on the reaction table 29 to perform dispensing. Similarly, the other reagent dispensing mechanism 27-2 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 60 conveyed to a predetermined position on the reagent table 25-2 by the probe 273 under the control of the control unit 4. . Then, the arm 271 is rotated, and the second reagent is discharged into the reaction container 70 conveyed to the second reagent dispensing position on the reaction table 29 to perform dispensing. The probe 273 of each reagent dispensing mechanism 27 is flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) disposed on the movement path of each probe 273 after dispensing is completed.

  A plurality of reaction containers 70 into which samples and reagents are dispensed are placed on the reaction table 29, and a photometric opening 291 is formed at a position corresponding to the analysis optical system 31. In FIG. 1, the outer side surface of the reaction vessel 70 placed inside is cut out from a part of the side surface of the reaction table 29 in the vicinity of the stirring position. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reaction vessel 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the reaction vessel 70 is a rectangular tube-like vessel having a holding portion 71 that holds a liquid, and a surface acoustic wave element 75 is integrally attached to an outer surface 73. The reaction vessel 70 is formed of an optically transparent material. As a material for forming the reaction vessel 70, a material that transmits 80% or more of the light included in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the analysis optical system 31, for example, glass including heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, and polystyrene. A synthetic resin such as is used. A portion surrounded by a dotted line on the lower side adjacent to the portion to which the surface acoustic wave element 75 is attached on the outer side surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70 serves as a photometric window 77 that transmits the analysis light from the analysis optical system 31. Used. The reaction vessel 70 is placed on the reaction table 29 with the surface acoustic wave element 75 facing outward.

  The reaction table 29 is configured to be rotatable about the center of the reaction table 29 as a rotation axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4, and in one cycle (one turn-1 reaction vessel) / 4. Rotate one minute and rotate one reaction vessel in four cycles. By this rotation, the reaction table 29 causes the reaction container 70 to be placed in the specimen dispensing position, reagent dispensing position, stirring position near the stirring mechanism 33, measurement position, waste liquid discharge position or cleaning position below the cleaning mechanism 35, suction drying position, and the like. It functions as a container transport mechanism. The reaction table 29 is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown). In addition, a thermostat (not shown) is provided below the reaction table 29, and constitutes a heat retaining tank that keeps the internal temperature at a temperature about the body temperature together with the lid.

  The analysis optical system 31 corresponds to a measurement mechanism, and under the control of the control unit 4, the reaction vessel 70 conveyed to the measurement position is irradiated with analysis light and transmitted through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 70. Spectral intensity is measured by receiving light. For example, a light source 311 that irradiates white light, a spectroscopic optical system 313 that splits white light that has passed through the reaction vessel 70, and a light receiving element 315 that receives light separated by the spectroscopic optical system 313 for each component. A measurement result by the analysis optical system 31 is output to the control unit 4 and analyzed by an analysis unit 41 described later.

  The agitation mechanism 33 agitates the sample and the reagent dispensed in the reaction container 70 conveyed to the agitation position to promote the reaction. The stirring mechanism 33 includes a power transmission body 331 and an arrangement determining member 333 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table 29 in the vicinity of the stirring position, and a surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70. Is done. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where the power transmission body 331 is in contact with the surface acoustic wave element 75 of the reaction vessel 70. The reaction vessel 70 in the stirring position is configured such that the surface acoustic wave element 75 on the outer surface 73 is exposed to the outside of the reaction table 29, and the power transmission body 331 is disposed outside the reaction vessel 70 on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table 29. It is arranged to face the side surface 73. The power transmission body 331 is a power transmission means for transmitting power supplied from a high-frequency AC power source of about several MHz to several hundred MHz to the surface acoustic wave element 75, and is a brush that contacts the electrical terminal 755 of the surface acoustic wave element 75. A contact 332 having a shape, a drive circuit (not shown), a controller, and the like. The power transmission body 331 is supported by the arrangement determining member 333, and transmits power from the contact 332 to the electrical terminal 755 when the reaction table 29 stops rotating under the control of the control unit 4.

  The arrangement determining member 333 moves the power transmission body 331 during power transmission to transmit power from the power transmission body 331 to the electric terminal 755 under the control of the control unit 4, and the reaction table 29 of the power transmission body 331 and the electric terminal 755 For adjusting the relative arrangement in the circumferential direction and the radial direction, for example, a biaxial stage is used. Specifically, the arrangement determining member 333 is connected to the power transmission body 331 during non-power transmission when the reaction table 29 rotates under the control of the control unit 4 and power is not transmitted from the power transmission body 331 to the electrical terminal 755. The electrical terminal 755 is supported so as to be kept at a certain distance. And the arrangement | positioning determination member 333 moves the power transmission body 331 at the time of the power transmission which transmits the electric power from the power transmission body 331 to the electrical terminal 755 when the reaction table 29 stops, and the contact 332 and the electrical terminal 755 oppose. The position of the power transmission body 331 along the circumferential direction of the reaction table 29 is adjusted, and the power transmission body 331 and the electrical terminal 755 are brought into contact with each other by bringing the power transmission body 331 close to the electrical terminal 755 and bringing the contact 332 and the electrical terminal 755 into contact with each other. To determine the relative arrangement. The relative arrangement of the power transmission body 331 and the electrical terminal 755 is, for example, by providing a reflection sensor on the power transmission body 331 side and using reflection from a reflector provided at a specific location of the reaction vessel 70 or the surface acoustic wave element 75. To detect.

  FIG. 5 is a side view showing the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70 together with the surface acoustic wave element 75. As shown in FIG. 5, the surface acoustic wave element 75 is configured by providing a vibrator 753 including a comb electrode (IDT) on the surface of a substrate 751. The vibrator 753 converts electric power transmitted from the power transmission body 331 via the electric terminal 755 into surface acoustic waves (ultrasonic waves), and comb-shaped electrodes are arranged on the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70. . In other words, the surface acoustic wave element 75 is arranged outside the reaction vessel 70 so that when the reaction vessel 70 is placed on the automatic analyzer 1, a plurality of comb electrodes constituting the vibrator 753 are arranged in the vertical direction. Attached to the side surface 73. The vibrator 753 is connected to the electrical terminal 755 by a conductor circuit 757. The surface acoustic wave element 75 is attached to the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70 through an acoustic matching layer (not shown) such as an epoxy resin with the vibrator 753, the electric terminal 755, and the conductor circuit 757 facing outward. Since the surface acoustic wave element 75 uses a comb-shaped electrode (IDT) as the vibrator 753, the structure can be simple and the structure can be made small. Note that the vibrator 753 may use lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or the like instead of the comb electrode (IDT).

  The cleaning mechanism 35 includes a cleaning / drying mechanism 351 including a waste liquid discharge unit 352, a cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 353, and a suction drying unit 354, and a heating / drying mechanism 355.

  The waste liquid discharger 352 includes a waste liquid suction nozzle and is connected to a tank or a suction pump that stores the waste liquid. This waste liquid suction nozzle is provided above the waste liquid discharge position, and under the control of the control unit 4, the drive mechanism moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction container 70 at the waste liquid discharge position, and the reaction in the reaction container 70 is performed. Aspirate the liquid (waste liquid) and discharge it.

  The cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 353 is a combination of a cleaning liquid discharge nozzle for supplying a cleaning liquid into the reaction container 70 and a cleaning liquid suction nozzle for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle. A nozzle is provided. The cleaning liquid discharge nozzle is connected to a tank or a pump storing a cleaning liquid such as pure water. Further, the cleaning liquid suction nozzle is connected to a tank or a pump for storing cleaning waste liquid. In the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 353 includes three sets of cleaning nozzles, which are provided above the first, second, and third cleaning positions, respectively. Each cleaning position is a position corresponding to a cleaning liquid supply position and a cleaning liquid discharge position. Under the control of the control unit 4, each cleaning nozzle moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction container 70 at the cleaning position by its drive mechanism, and discharges and supplies the cleaning liquid into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle. At the same time, the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 70 is sucked and discharged by the cleaning liquid suction nozzle.

  The suction drying unit 354 includes a suction drying nozzle, and is connected to a tank or a suction pump that stores waste liquid. This suction drying nozzle is provided above the suction drying position, and under the control of the control unit 4, the drive mechanism moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction container 70 at the suction drying position. Aspirate remaining cleaning solution.

  The heating and drying mechanism 355 includes a power transmission body 358 and an arrangement determining member 359 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table 29 in the vicinity of the suction drying position, a drying control unit 356 that controls these units, and an outer surface of the reaction vessel 70. And a surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to 73. The reaction container 70 in the suction drying position is configured such that the surface acoustic wave element 75 on the outer surface 73 is exposed to the outside of the reaction table 29, and the power transmission body 358 of the reaction container 70 conveyed to the suction drying position. Opposing to the outer surface 73. The power transmission body 358 and the arrangement determining member 359 are configured in the same manner as the power transmission body 331 and the arrangement determination member 333 constituting the stirring mechanism 33 described with reference to FIG. 4, and are controlled by the drying control unit 356. When the reaction table 29 stops, the arrangement determining member 359 adjusts the relative position between the power transmission body 358 and the electrical terminal 755 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 of the reaction container 70 conveyed to the suction drying position, and the power transmission body 358. Transmits power to the electrical terminal 755. Then, the vibrator 753 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 converts the electric power transmitted by the power transmission body 358 into ultrasonic waves, and generates ultrasonic vibrations.

  The drying control unit 356 controls power transmission by the power transmission body 358 to drive the vibrator 753 of the surface acoustic wave element 75, and the characteristics (frequency, intensity, etc.) of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the vibrator 753, modulation (frequency Modulation and amplitude modulation). At this time, a reflection phenomenon occurs in which part of the applied power is reflected by the vibrator 753. For example, poor contact between the power transmission body 358 and the electric terminal 755 or the surface acoustic wave element 75 is peeled off from the reaction vessel 70. When an abnormality such as a case occurs, the amount of change in the reflected wave is remarkably increased. The drying control unit 356 detects this reflected wave and detects an abnormality. In addition, the drying control unit 356 includes a temperature monitoring unit 357 that monitors the temperature around the reaction vessel 70 during power transmission from the power transmission body 358 to the electrical terminal 755. The temperature monitoring unit 357 was actually transmitted to the reaction vessel 70 based on the reflected wave detected by the drying control unit 356, the elapsed time since the start of power transmission, and each value of the amount of power transmitted by the power transmission body 358. The amount of electric power is calculated, and the ambient temperature of the reaction vessel 70 is estimated. And when exceeding predetermined upper limit temperature, it outputs to the control part 4 as abnormal temperature.

  As described above, the heating and drying mechanism 355 uses the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator 753 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 and the heat generated by the generation of the ultrasonic vibration to dry the reaction container 70. Facilitate.

  The cleaning mechanism 35 cleans and dries the reaction container 70 that is sequentially transported to the waste liquid discharge position, the cleaning position, and the suction drying position after the measurement by the analysis optical system 31 is completed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conveyance path on the reaction table 29 of the reaction container 70 to be cleaned / dried by the cleaning mechanism 35. As shown in FIG. 6, the reaction container 70 cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 35 is first transported to the waste liquid discharge position P11. At the waste liquid discharge position P11, the waste liquid suction nozzle of the waste liquid discharge unit 352 sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 70. The reaction vessel 70 is rotated to the adjacent first cleaning position P12 by the rotation of the reaction table 29, and is sequentially transferred to the second cleaning position P13 and the third cleaning position P14 in the same manner. At each cleaning position P12 to P14, the cleaning nozzle of the cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 353 discharges and sucks the cleaning liquid into the reaction container 70 at the corresponding cleaning position. Then, the reaction container 70 is transported to the suction drying position P15. At the suction drying position P15, the suction drying nozzle of the suction drying unit 354 is attached to the reaction container 70 and the power transmission body 358 and the arrangement determining member 359 near the suction drying position P15 while sucking and drying the inside of the reaction container 70. A heating and drying mechanism 355 including the surface acoustic wave element 75 heats and drys the inside of the reaction vessel 70. The reaction vessel 70 washed by the washing mechanism 35 in this way makes 3/4 rounds by the rotation of the reaction table 29 for three cycles, is conveyed to the first reagent dispensing position P16, and moves to the analysis step.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 controls each part of the apparatus and performs overall control of the operation of the entire apparatus by instructing operation timing and transferring data to each part. Part 4 is provided. The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer or the like having a built-in memory for holding various data necessary for the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 in addition to the analysis result, and is shown outside the device for convenience in FIG. It can be put in place. The control unit 4 is connected to the analysis unit 41 so that the measurement result by the analysis optical system 31 is output as appropriate. The analysis unit 41 analyzes the component concentration of the specimen based on the measurement result by the analysis optical system 31 and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 displays an input unit 43 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting information necessary for analysis such as the number of samples and analysis items, and outputs an analysis result and displays a warning. Are connected to an output unit 45 including an output device such as a display or a printer.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 having the above-described configuration, the reagent dispensing mechanism 27 dispenses the reagent (first reagent) in the reagent container 60 to the plurality of reaction containers 70 that are sequentially transported, and the sample dispensing mechanism 23 is The sample in the sample container 50 is dispensed. Further, the reagent dispensing mechanism 27 dispenses the reagent (second reagent) in the reagent container 60 as necessary. Subsequently, the stirring mechanism 33 stirs and reacts the reagent in the reaction container 70 and the sample. Specifically, in the stirring mechanism 33, when the reaction table 29 is stopped, the power transmission body 331 transmits power to the electrical terminal 755 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 via the contact. As a result, the vibrator 753 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 is driven to induce ultrasonic waves. This induced ultrasonic wave propagates into the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70 and further propagates into the liquid sample. As a result, the reagent and the sample dispensed in the reaction container 70 are agitated. Subsequently, the analysis optical system 31 measures the spectral intensity of the reacted sample, the analysis unit 41 analyzes the measurement result, and automatically performs component analysis of the specimen. In addition, the cleaning mechanism 35 cleans and dries the reaction vessel 70 that has been measured by the analysis optical system 31, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Next, a procedure for cleaning the reaction container 70 by the cleaning mechanism 35 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation flow of each part of the cleaning mechanism 35. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 35.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the waste liquid discharge unit 352, lowers the waste liquid suction nozzle into the reaction container 70 at the waste liquid discharge position P11, and controls the suction (step S11). . Accordingly, the waste liquid suction nozzle sucks the reaction liquid held in the reaction container 70 at the waste liquid discharge position P11. The reaction container 70 from which the reaction liquid has been sucked at the waste liquid discharge position P11 circulates on the reaction table 29 and is sequentially conveyed to the first cleaning position P12, the second cleaning position P13, and the third cleaning position P14. The interior is cleaned by the control of step S13 at the cleaning position.

  That is, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 353, lowers the cleaning nozzle into the reaction container 70 at the cleaning position, and controls the discharge and suction of the cleaning liquid (step S13). For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 353a constituting the cleaning nozzle 353c at the third cleaning position P14, and as shown in FIG. The cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 70 is sucked by the cleaning liquid suction nozzle 353b. The reaction container 70 cleaned at each cleaning position circulates on the reaction table 29 and is transported to the suction drying position P15. When the reaction table 29 is stopped, the inside is dried under the control of step S15.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the suction drying unit 354, lowers the suction drying nozzle into the reaction container 70 at the suction drying position, and starts the suction control (step). S15).

  Then, under the control of the control unit 4, the drying control unit 356 controls the operation of the heating and drying mechanism 355, starts temperature monitoring by the temperature monitoring unit 357 (step S 17), and vibrates the surface acoustic wave element 75. The driving of the child 753 is started (step S19). The ultrasonic wave induced by driving the vibrator 753 propagates into the outer surface 73 of the reaction vessel 70 to generate ultrasonic vibration. The cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 70 can be evaporated by heat generated by the generation of the ultrasonic vibration, and drying in the reaction vessel 70 is promoted. In addition, suction drying by a suction drying nozzle is promoted by the generation of ultrasonic vibration. That is, the reaction vessel 70 itself vibrates due to the generated ultrasonic vibration. Due to this vibration, the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 70 is repelled, so that the residual liquid can be easily sucked and efficient suction can be realized. At this time, as will be described later, since an air flow is generated in the reaction vessel 70 by the suction force of the suction drying nozzle 354a, the residual liquid can be sucked more efficiently.

  In addition, when the ambient temperature of the reaction vessel 70 monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 357 exceeds the upper limit temperature (step S21: Yes), the drying control unit 356 stops the power transmission by the power transmission body 358 and vibrates. The driving of the child 753 is stopped (step S23). If the driving of the vibrator 753 is stopped here, the process proceeds to step S29. In addition, the value of upper limit temperature can set an appropriate value. Further, the drying control unit 356 controls the operating state of the vibrator 753 by controlling the power transmission amount of the power transmission body 358 based on the ambient temperature of the reaction vessel 70 monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 357, and the upper limit temperature. You may make it adjust the emitted-heat amount so that it may not exceed. More specifically, the drying control unit 356 changes the conversion efficiency of ultrasonic waves by modulating the frequency, and adjusts the amount of heat generated by adjusting the distribution of acoustic energy and thermal energy.

  Then, the drying control unit 356 determines that the heat drying is finished when a predetermined heat drying time has elapsed (step S25: Yes), and stops driving the vibrator 753 (step S27). As the heating time, a time during which the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 70 can be sufficiently evaporated and dried is set in advance. And the control part 4 stops the suction control of a suction-drying nozzle (step S29).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8C, the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 70 is sucked by the suction drying nozzle 354a to suck and dry the inside of the reaction vessel 70. At the same time, the vibrator 753 of the surface acoustic wave element 75 is moved. The reaction vessel 70 is heated and dried by the driven ultrasonic vibration generated as a result and the heat generated by the generation of the ultrasonic vibration. In addition, the suction drying nozzle 354a has a prismatic member disposed at the tip, and an air flow is created in the reaction vessel 70 by the suction force of the suction drying nozzle 354a so that the cleaning liquid remaining on the inner wall is easily sucked. It is configured.

  Here, the part concerning the drying in the reaction container in the suction drying position will be described in comparison with the conventional case. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the conventional cleaning mechanism. The conventional cleaning mechanism includes a waste liquid suction nozzle that sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction container at the waste liquid discharge position, and three sets of cleaning nozzles that suck and discharge the cleaning liquid into the reaction container at the first to third cleaning positions. And two sets of suction drying nozzles that suck and dry the inside of the reaction container at the first suction drying position and the second suction drying position, and first, as in the cleaning mechanism of the present embodiment, the waste liquid is discharged first. At the position, the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 70b is sucked by the waste liquid suction nozzle.

  Subsequently, the reaction vessel circulates on the reaction table and is sequentially conveyed to the first cleaning position, the second cleaning position, and the third cleaning position, and is cleaned by the cleaning nozzle at each cleaning position. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction vessel 70b by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 81a constituting the cleaning nozzle 81c at the third cleaning position, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the cleaning liquid is discharged. The cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 70b is sucked by the suction nozzle 81b.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9C, the reaction vessel 70 b circulates on the reaction table and is transported to the first suction drying position, and the inside of the reaction vessel 70 b is sucked and dried by the suction drying nozzle 83. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), the reaction vessel 70 b circulates on the reaction table and is conveyed to the second suction drying position, and the inside of the reaction vessel 70 b is sucked and dried by the suction drying nozzle 85. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (e), the reaction container 70b makes one round on the reaction table for natural drying, and then is transported to the first reagent dispensing position after three-fourth rounds. Move on. At the first reagent dispensing position, as shown in FIG. 9 (f), the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 70b by the probe 87 of the reagent dispensing mechanism.

  As described above, conventionally, in order to sufficiently dry the inside of the reaction vessel 70b, it is sequentially transported to the first and second suction / drying positions around the reaction table and sucked and dried at two locations. Make one round on the reaction table for drying. For this reason, the time required for drying the reaction vessel 70b becomes longer, and as a result, the time until the cleaning is completed becomes longer. On the other hand, if the reaction container 70b is not sufficiently dried, the residual liquid affects the analysis accuracy. Particularly in recent years, the amount of specimen used for one analysis has been reduced, and a reduction in the residual liquid in the reaction vessel 70b has been demanded. For this reason, when the drying in the reaction vessel 70b is insufficient by two suction dryings and one natural drying, the number of times of natural drying (from the suction drying position to the transfer to the first reagent dispensing position) It was necessary to take measures such as increasing the number of laps). However, if the number of times of natural drying is increased, the reaction container 70b is circulated on the reaction table in an empty state, which not only increases the time required for cleaning, but also this reaction until the cleaning is completed. The container 70b cannot be used for sample analysis, and the use efficiency of the reaction container 70b is reduced. Further, if the number of times of natural drying is increased, the number of reaction containers 70b that circulate in an empty state on the reaction table increases, and accordingly, the number of reaction containers 70b on the reaction table must be increased accordingly. The device becomes large.

  On the other hand, in the cleaning mechanism 35 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8C, at the one suction drying position, the inside of the reaction vessel 70 is suction-dried and simultaneously heated and dried. Then, the reaction container 70 (FIG. 8 (d)) that has been subjected to the suction drying and the heat drying at the suction drying position is transported to the first reagent dispensing position after making a 3/4 turn on the reaction table 29. Used for sample analysis. At the first reagent dispensing position, as shown in FIG. 8E, the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the probe 273 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 27-1.

  Thus, according to this Embodiment, drying can be accelerated | stimulated by the heat drying in a suction drying position, and the inside of the reaction container 70 can be dried reliably in a short time. As a result, the suction drying that has been conventionally performed at two locations may be performed at one location. According to this, not only can the time required for cleaning be shortened, but also the cleaning mechanism 35 can have only one suction drying nozzle, so that the apparatus cost can be reduced. Further, there is no need to circulate the reaction vessel 70 on the reaction table 29 for natural drying, and the reaction vessel 70 can be used immediately in the next analysis step. For this reason, the use efficiency of the reaction vessel 70 can be improved, and downsizing of the apparatus can be realized. Specifically, if the reaction table 29 rotates by one reaction container in four cycles as in the present embodiment, the three reaction containers 70 can be reduced by performing suction drying once, By adopting a configuration in which natural drying is not performed, a total of seven reaction vessels 70 can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the suction drying and the heat drying are simultaneously performed at the suction drying position has been described. However, the heat drying in the reaction container is performed 3/4 times on the reaction table 29 from the suction drying position. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the first reagent is dispensed at any stop position on the conveyance path until it is conveyed to the first reagent dispensing position. Specifically, the reaction container is located at any one of the position where the reaction container has made a 1/4 turn from the third washing position, the position of the 1/4 turn, and the position of the 3/4 turn (first reagent dispensing position). The inside may be heated and dried.

  For example, the heating position may be the first reagent dispensing position, and the inside of the reaction vessel may be heated and dried immediately before dispensing the first reagent. In this case, within the time when the reaction container is stopped at the first reagent dispensing position due to the stop of the reaction table, first, heat drying is performed, and then the first reagent is dispensed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport path on the reaction table 29 of the reaction container 70 to be cleaned / dried by the cleaning mechanism according to the present modification. Moreover, FIG. 11 is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning this modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to above-described embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the reaction container 70 cleaned by the cleaning mechanism according to this modification is first transported to the waste liquid discharge position P21, and the reaction liquid in the reaction container 70 is sucked by the waste liquid suction nozzle. The reaction container 70 is sequentially transferred to the first cleaning position P22, the second cleaning position P23, and the third cleaning position P24 by the rotation of the reaction table 29, and the inside of the reaction container 70 at the corresponding cleaning position is moved by the cleaning nozzle. Washed with cleaning solution. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 353a constituting the cleaning nozzle 353c at the third cleaning position, and as shown in FIG. The cleaning liquid in the reaction container 70 is sucked by the suction nozzle 353b.

  Subsequently, the reaction vessel 70 is conveyed to the suction drying position P25 as shown in FIG. 10, and the inside of the reaction vessel 70 is sucked and dried by the suction drying nozzle 354a as shown in FIG. 11C. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the reaction container 70 is transported to the first reagent dispensing position P <b> 26 after making a 3/4 turn on the reaction table 29. In this modification, a power transmission body 358b, an arrangement determining member 359b, and the like are arranged in the vicinity of the first reagent dispensing position P26, and heated together with the surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to the reaction container 70 at the first reagent dispensing position P26. The drying mechanism 355b is configured. Then, the vibrator of the surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to the reaction vessel 70 is driven by power transmission by the power transmission body 358b, and the reaction vessel 70 is heated by the generated ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated by the generation of the ultrasonic vibration. It is heated and dried (FIG. 11 (d)). Thus, the reaction container 70 (FIG. 11 (e)) heated and dried at the first reagent dispensing position P26 is used for the next sample analysis. That is, at the first reagent dispensing position P26, the first reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 70 by the probe 273 of the reagent dispensing mechanism (FIG. 11 (f)). According to this modification, suction drying may be performed at one place as in the above-described embodiment, the time required for cleaning can be shortened, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Further, it is not necessary to circulate the reaction vessel 70 on the reaction table 29 for natural drying, and the reaction vessel 70 can be used immediately in the next analysis step, so that the use efficiency of the reaction vessel 70 is improved. And miniaturization of the apparatus can be realized.

  Further, the inside of the reaction vessel may be heated and dried at the time of cleaning by the cleaning nozzle. Specifically, a power transmission body, an arrangement determining member, and the like are arranged in the vicinity of the third cleaning position, and the surface acoustic wave element is simultaneously attached to the reaction container while sucking the cleaning liquid in the reaction container at the third cleaning position. The inside may be heated and dried.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism according to the present modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to above-described embodiment. The reaction container 70 cleaned by the cleaning mechanism according to this modification is discharged after the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 353a constituting the cleaning nozzle 353c at the third cleaning position (FIG. 12A). ), The cleaning liquid in the reaction container 70 is sucked by the cleaning liquid suction nozzle 353b, and at the same time, the vibrator of the surface acoustic wave element 75 is driven to react by the generated ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated by the generation of the ultrasonic vibration. The inside of the container 70 is heated and dried (FIG. 12B). Then, the heat-dried reaction container 70 (FIG. 12C) is transported to the first reagent dispensing position after making a 3/4 turn on the reaction table and used for the next sample analysis. At the first reagent dispensing position, the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the probe 273 of the reagent dispensing mechanism (FIG. 12 (d)).

  In this modification, unlike the embodiment described above, suction drying by the suction drying nozzle is not performed. For this reason, in this modification, the inside of the reaction vessel 70 is sufficiently dried by controlling the power transmission by the power transmission body so that the calorific value is higher than that in the above-described embodiment and driving the vibrator. According to this modification, it is not necessary to perform suction drying, the time required for cleaning can be further shortened, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Further, it is not necessary to circulate the reaction vessel 70 on the reaction table for natural drying, and the reaction vessel 70 can be used immediately in the next analysis step, so that the use efficiency of the reaction vessel 70 can be improved. And downsizing of the apparatus can be realized.

  In addition, the heat drying in the case where the suction drying nozzle is not provided as described above is not limited to the case where the cleaning liquid is sucked at the same time, and the heat drying in the reaction container is performed from the third cleaning position to the reaction table. A configuration may be employed in which the first reagent is dispensed at any stop position on the transport path until it is transported to the first reagent dispensing position after 3/4 rounds. For example, the heating position may be the first reagent dispensing position, and the inside of the reaction vessel may be heated and dried immediately before dispensing the first reagent.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism according to the present modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to above-described embodiment. The reaction container 70 to be cleaned by the cleaning mechanism according to this modification is discharged after the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction container 70 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle 353a constituting the cleaning nozzle 353c at the third cleaning position (FIG. 13A). ), The cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 70 is sucked by the cleaning liquid suction nozzle 353b (FIG. 13B). The reaction container 70 is transported to the first reagent dispensing position after making a 3/4 turn on the reaction table. In this modification, a power transmission body and an arrangement determining member are arranged in the vicinity of the first reagent dispensing position, and a heating and drying mechanism is configured with the surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to the reaction container 70 at the first reagent dispensing position. . The vibrator of the surface acoustic wave element 75 attached to the reaction vessel 70 is driven by the transmission of electric power by the power transmission body, and the inside of the reaction vessel 70 is heated by the generated ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated by the generation of this ultrasonic vibration. It is dried (FIG. 13 (c)). The reaction container 70 (FIG. 13 (d)) thus heated and dried at the first reagent dispensing position is used for the next sample analysis. That is, the first reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 70 by the probe 273 of the reagent dispensing mechanism at the first reagent dispensing position (FIG. 13 (e)).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the inside of the reaction container is dried by the generation of ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated by the generation has been described. However, a heating element that generates heat by power feeding is disposed outside the reaction container, and this heat generation is performed. It is good also as a structure which heat-drys the inside of reaction container with a body. The location of the heating element in this case is not particularly limited, and heating may be performed from the side surface side or from the bottom surface side.

  Further, the surface acoustic wave element has been described as being attached to the outer side surface of the reaction vessel, but may be attached to other side surfaces such as the bottom surface and the side surface on the inner peripheral side of the reaction table. In addition, a configuration for driving a vibrator of the surface acoustic wave element by bringing a power transmitting body provided on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table and an electric terminal of the surface acoustic wave element attached to the reaction container into contact with each other by a brush-like contactor is described. However, any method may be used as long as power is supplied to the vibrator by electrical contact from the outside, and the coupling method is not limited. For example, electric power may be supplied to the vibrator using an electrical coupling using a changeover switch, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, or the like.

  In addition, although the surface acoustic wave device including the vibrator is attached to the reaction vessel, a configuration in which the surface acoustic wave device is disposed outside the reaction vessel is also possible. For example, an ultrasonic vibrator may be disposed at a position below the reaction container conveyed to the suction drying position, and an ultrasonic beam may be generated from the ultrasonic vibrator to promote drying in the reaction container. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where three sets of cleaning nozzles that discharge and suck the cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 70 are described as an example, but one set, two sets, or four or more sets of cleaning nozzles are provided. You may be the structure provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reaction container 70 after washing is transferred to the first reagent dispensing position and moved to the analysis step, and the first reagent is dispensed first. This is also applicable to the case where the reaction container is transferred to the sample dispensing position and moves to the analysis step, where the sample is first dispensed. In this case, the heating position may be the specimen dispensing position. That is, a power transmission body, an arrangement determining member, etc. are arranged in the vicinity of the sample dispensing position, and within the time when the reaction container is stopped at the sample dispensing position due to the stop of the reaction table, first, heat drying is performed, and then the sample You may comprise so that dispensing may be performed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where two reagent tables are provided in the automatic analyzer 1 has been described. However, the number of reagent tables may be one. In this case, the heating position may be any one of the reagent dispensing position and the sample dispensing position where dispensing is performed first.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of an internal structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reaction container mounted on the reaction table. It is a figure which shows the state which the power transmission body contact | abutted to the surface acoustic wave element of the reaction container. It is a side view which shows the outer surface of a reaction container with a surface acoustic wave element. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route on the reaction table of the reaction container of washing | cleaning and drying object. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of each part of a washing | cleaning mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a washing | cleaning mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the conventional washing | cleaning mechanism. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route on the reaction table of the reaction container of washing | cleaning / drying object concerning one modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning one modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning another modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining the washing | cleaning operation | movement of the washing | cleaning mechanism concerning another modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 21 Specimen container transfer mechanism 23 Specimen dispensing mechanism 25 Reagent table 27 Reagent dispensing mechanism 29 Reaction table 31 Analytical optical system 33 Stirring mechanism 331 Power transmission body 333 Arrangement determining member 35 Cleaning mechanism 351 Washing and drying mechanism 352 Waste liquid discharge part 353 Cleaning liquid suction / discharge unit 354 Suction drying unit 355 Heating / drying mechanism 356 Drying control unit 357 Temperature monitoring unit 358 Power transmission body 359 Arrangement determining member 4 Control unit 41 Analyzing unit 43 Input unit 45 Output unit 50 Sample container 51 Sample rack 60 Reagent container 70 Reaction vessel 75 Surface acoustic wave element 753 Vibrator 755 Electrical terminal

Claims (21)

A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container;
Suction drying means for sucking and drying the inside of the container by sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the container;
Heating means provided on the outside of the container for heating the container;
A cleaning mechanism comprising:   The cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit performs heating simultaneously with suction drying by the suction drying unit. A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container;
Heating means provided on the outside of the container for heating the container;
A cleaning mechanism comprising:   The cleaning mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the heating unit performs heating simultaneously with discharge of the cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid discharge unit.   The cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit generates ultrasonic vibrations to heat the container.   The heating means is disposed outside the container and transmits power, and receives power transmitted from the power transmission means disposed on the outer surface of the container, and converts the received power to 6. The cleaning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning mechanism comprises ultrasonic vibration generating means for generating sonic vibration.   The temperature around the container at the time of heating by the heating means is monitored and provided with temperature monitoring means for determining whether or not a predetermined upper limit temperature has been exceeded, and the temperature monitoring means has determined that the predetermined upper limit temperature has been exceeded. In the case, the cleaning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein heating by the heating means is stopped.   An automatic analyzer comprising the cleaning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent in the container;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the container;
A measurement mechanism for reacting a reagent dispensed in the container with a specimen and measuring a reaction state;
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means to the outside of the container, and suctioning the cleaning liquid remaining in the container A suction mechanism for sucking and drying the inside, and a heating mechanism provided on the outside of the container for heating the container, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of the container;
The container includes a reagent dispensing position by the reagent dispensing mechanism, a sample dispensing position by the sample dispensing mechanism, a measurement position by the measurement mechanism, a cleaning liquid supply position by the cleaning liquid supply means, and a cleaning liquid discharge position by the cleaning liquid discharge means And a container transport mechanism for transporting to each position on a transport path including a suction drying position by the suction drying means,
With
In the heating means, the container sucked and dried by the suction drying means is placed at one of the positions where the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position is dispensed from the suction drying position. An automatic analyzer characterized in that heating is performed at a predetermined heating position on a transport path until transported by the container transport mechanism. A reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent in the container;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the container;
A measurement mechanism for reacting a reagent dispensed in the container with a specimen and measuring a reaction state;
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container, cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container by the cleaning liquid supply means, and heating for heating the container provided outside the container A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside of the container,
The container includes a reagent dispensing position by the reagent dispensing mechanism, a sample dispensing position by the sample dispensing mechanism, a measurement position by the measurement mechanism, a cleaning liquid supply position by the cleaning liquid supply means, and a cleaning liquid discharge position by the cleaning liquid discharge means A container transport mechanism for transporting to each position on the transport path including:
With
The heating means is configured such that the container from which the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharging means is dispensed at either the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position from the cleaning liquid discharging position. An automatic analyzer characterized in that heating is performed at a predetermined heating position on the transport path until the container is transported by the container transport mechanism. The heating position is the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position where the first dispensing is performed,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heating unit performs heating immediately before the reagent or sample is dispensed into the container at the reagent dispensing position or the sample dispensing position. .   The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the heating unit heats the container by generating ultrasonic vibration.   The heating means is disposed outside the container and transmits power, and receives power transmitted from the power transmission means disposed on the outer surface of the container, and converts the received power to The automatic analyzer according to claim 12, comprising ultrasonic vibration generating means for generating a sound wave vibration.   A power transmission unit configured to transmit electric power to the ultrasonic vibration generation unit disposed on the outer surface of the container, and the liquid inside the container is stirred at a predetermined stirring position on the transport path of the container by the container transport mechanism; The automatic analyzer according to claim 13, further comprising a stirring mechanism. The cleaning mechanism is
The temperature around the container at the time of heating by the heating means is monitored, the temperature monitoring means for determining whether or not a predetermined upper limit temperature is exceeded, and it is determined by the temperature monitoring means that the predetermined upper limit temperature has been exceeded. In this case, the heating by the heating means is stopped, and the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 9 to 14. A cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
A cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharge step for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container to the outside of the container;
A drying step of sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the container and sucking and drying the inside of the container, and simultaneously heating the container from the outside of the container;
A cleaning method comprising: A cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
A cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharge step for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container to the outside of the container;
A suction drying step of sucking and drying the inside of the container by sucking the cleaning liquid remaining in the container;
A heating step of heating the container from the outside of the container;
A cleaning method comprising:   The cleaning method according to claim 17, wherein, in the heating step, after the inside of the container is sucked and dried, heating is performed until a new liquid is dispensed into the container. A cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
A cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharge drying step of heating the container from the outside of the container while discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container to the outside;
A cleaning method comprising: A cleaning method for cleaning the inside of a container into which a liquid is dispensed,
A cleaning liquid supply step for supplying a cleaning liquid into the container;
A cleaning liquid discharge step for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the container to the outside of the container;
A heating step of heating the container from the outside of the container;
A cleaning method comprising:   21. The cleaning according to claim 20, wherein, in the heating step, heating is performed after the cleaning liquid in the container is discharged to the outside of the container and before a new liquid is dispensed into the container. Method.

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