JP2010002237A - Clogging detecting method of nozzle and autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clogging detecting method of a nozzle for preventing the flooding of washing water caused by the clogging of the discharge nozzle or suction nozzle of a washing device, and to provide an autoanalyzer. <P>SOLUTION: The clogging detecting method of the nozzle of the washing device, adapted to the autoanalyzer 1 which washes a reaction container 5 after the completion of analysis using the washing device, which is equipped with the discharge nozzle 16b for discharging the detergent or washing water in the reaction container 5 and the suction nozzle 16a for sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container 5, to reutilize the reaction container 5, includes a liquid surface detecting step at the time of suction for detecting the height of the liquid surface in the reaction container 5 after sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container 5 by the suction nozzle 16a and a determination step of determining the clogging of the suction nozzle 16a depending upon whether a liquid remains in the reaction container 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a nozzle clogging detection method and an automatic analyzer for a cleaning apparatus that sucks a reaction liquid in a reaction container and cleans the reaction container by discharging and sucking detergent or cleaning water.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic analyzer performs a reaction by stirring a plurality of different liquid samples such as specimens or reagents in a reaction vessel, and analyzes the reaction liquid based on the optical characteristics of the reaction liquid. At this time, the automatic analyzer cleans the reaction container after the analysis by the cleaning device and continues to use it for the analysis of a new sample. The cleaning device includes a discharge nozzle that discharges detergent or cleaning water into the reaction container, and a suction nozzle that sucks the reaction liquid, detergent, or cleaning water in the reaction container. Although there is a technique for confirming whether or not there is (for example, Patent Document 1), it has not been conventionally performed to directly detect nozzle clogging of the cleaning device due to a coagulation component in the reaction solution or fragments of the reaction vessel.

JP-A-10-73601

  By the way, in the conventional automatic analyzer, when the cleaned reaction container is used for analysis of a new specimen, a cleaning failure occurs due to clogging of the suction nozzle or the discharge nozzle, and cleaning water remains in the reaction container after the cleaning is completed. If the sample or reagent is dispensed into the reaction container in which the washing water remains, the liquid may flow out of the reaction container. When liquid flows out of the reaction vessel, the dry bath temperature chamber has an effect on photometry due to cloudiness of the reaction vessel, and even the water bath type thermostat bath has an effect on photometry due to blood components overflowing in the bath. Since there is a concern about biohazards, not only a complicated cleaning operation for processing the overflowing liquid is required, but also there is a problem that analysis efficiency is lowered due to a temporary stop of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle clogging detection method and an automatic analyzer that prevent overflow of washing water due to clogging of washing nozzles and poor washing of the reaction vessel.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention includes a discharge nozzle for discharging detergent or washing water into a reaction container, and a reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container. A method for detecting clogging of a nozzle of a cleaning apparatus in an automatic analyzer that cleans the reaction container after completion of the analysis and reuses the reaction container using a cleaning device having a suction nozzle for sucking After sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container with a nozzle, the liquid level detection step during suction for detecting the liquid level in the reaction container, and whether or not the liquid remains in the reaction container And a determination step of determining clogging of the suction nozzle.

  Further, the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the discharge nozzle detects the liquid level in the reaction container after discharging a certain amount of detergent or washing water into the reaction container by the discharge nozzle. The determination step includes determining whether the discharge nozzle is clogged based on whether or not the liquid level in the reaction vessel detected in the discharge liquid level detection step is a predetermined level.

  In the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention, the liquid level of the liquid in the reaction vessel may be the same as in the above invention, after suctioning with an overflow suction nozzle while discharging a certain amount of detergent or washing water into the reaction vessel with the discharge nozzle. A liquid level detection step at the time of discharge for detecting the height, and the determination step includes the step of detecting the discharge nozzle and the overflow nozzle based on the liquid level height of the liquid in the reaction vessel detected at the liquid level detection step at the time of discharge. It is characterized by determining nozzle clogging.

  In the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention, in the above invention, the determination step may be performed in the reaction container based on the liquid level of the liquid in the reaction container detected in the discharge liquid level detection step. When the liquid level is lower than the nozzle tip of the overflow suction nozzle, it is determined that the discharge nozzle is clogged.

  In the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention, in the above invention, the determination step may be performed in the reaction container based on the liquid level of the liquid in the reaction container detected in the discharge liquid level detection step. When the liquid level is higher than the tip of the overflow suction nozzle, it is determined that the overflow suction nozzle is clogged.

  The nozzle clogging detection method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the discharge liquid level detection step is performed before the suction liquid level detection step.

  In the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention, in the above invention, the liquid level detection step at the time of suction and / or the liquid level detection step at the time of discharge uses a liquid level detection means of a sample dispensing device or a reagent dispensing device. It is characterized by being performed.

  Further, the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention is the above invention, wherein the liquid level detection means has a change in capacitance between a dispensing probe molded from a conductive material and the liquid in the reaction vessel. And detecting the liquid level.

  Further, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a cleaning device comprising a discharge nozzle for discharging detergent or washing water into a reaction container, and a suction nozzle for sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container, or a reaction The reaction after completion of the analysis using a discharge device that discharges the detergent or washing water in the container, and a washing device that includes a suction nozzle and an overflow suction nozzle that sucks the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container. An automatic analyzer for cleaning a container and reusing the reaction container, wherein the clogging of a cleaning nozzle is detected using the nozzle clogging detection method.

  The nozzle clogging detection method of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention has an effect that it is possible to prevent the overflow of cleaning water and the cleaning failure of the reaction container due to clogging of the cleaning nozzle.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the first reagent dispensing device of the automatic analyzer. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a liquid level detection mechanism for detecting the liquid level in the reaction vessel. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning device of the automatic analyzer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a first reagent table 2, a second reagent table 3, a reaction table 4, a first reagent dispensing device 6, a second reagent dispensing device 11, A sample container transfer unit 12, a sample dispensing device 13, a stirring unit 14, a photometry unit 15, a cleaning device 16, a control unit 17, an input unit 18 and a display unit 19 are provided.

  Since the first reagent table 2 and the second reagent table 3 have the same structure, the first reagent table 2 will be described as a representative here.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reagent table 2 conveys a plurality of reagent containers 2 a held by being rotated by driving means in the circumferential direction. At this time, the first reagent table 2 has the reading unit 2b arranged on the outer periphery. The reading unit 2b reads information on an information recording medium such as a barcode label attached to the plurality of reagent containers 2a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction table 4 includes a plurality of reaction containers 5 arranged in the circumferential direction, and is rotated forward or reverse by a driving means different from the driving means of the reagent tables 2 and 3 to move the reaction container 5 Transport. In the vicinity of the outer periphery of the reaction table 4, a photometric unit 15, a cleaning device 16 and a stirring unit 14 are arranged.

  The reaction vessel 5 is a square tube-shaped cuvette, and a transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light included in the analysis light emitted from the photometry unit 15, for example, glass including heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, polystyrene, or the like. Resin is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction container 5 is a reagent container of the first reagent table 2 or the second reagent table 3 by the first reagent dispensing device 6 or the second reagent dispensing device 11 provided in the vicinity of the reaction table 4. Reagents are dispensed from 2a, 3a. Here, in the reaction vessel 5, a metal plate 4a (see FIG. 3) is arranged on the reaction table 4 near the bottom. The metal plate 4 a is grounded to the housing of the automatic analyzer 1 through the reaction table 4.

  Here, since the first reagent dispensing device 6 and the second reagent dispensing device 11 have the same structure, the first reagent dispensing device 6 will be described as a representative.

  The first reagent dispensing device 6 includes a probe driving mechanism 7 and a capacitive liquid level detection mechanism 10, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first reagent dispensing apparatus 6 is provided between the reagent container 2 a and the reaction container 5. The drive arm 6a that moves up and down in the horizontal direction, the dispensing probe 6b supported by the drive arm 6a, the column 6c that supports the drive arm 6a, and the washing that cleans the dispensing probe 6b. It has a tank 6d. The dispensing probe 6b is a probe that dispenses the first reagent and is a constituent element of the liquid level detection mechanism 10, and is formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, for example. The dispensing probe 6b is cleaned internally by discharging the suctioned first reagent to the reaction vessel 5 and then discharging cleaning water supplied from the pipe 6e to the cleaning tank 6d. The cleaning tank 6d is connected to a pipe for ejecting cleaning water into the tank and a pipe for discharging cleaning water that has been ejected into the tank to clean the outer surface of the dispensing probe 6b. Is arranged.

  The probe drive mechanism 7 moves the dispensing probe 6b up and down and rotates it, and has a rotation motor 8 and a lift motor 9 as shown in FIG. In the rotation motor 8, a timing belt 8c is wound between a wheel 8b attached to the rotating shaft 8a and a wheel 6f attached to the support 6c. The elevating motor 9 rotates the screw shaft 9b by the timing belt 9a, and moves the elevating block 9d up and down along the screw shaft 9b. The timing belt 9a is wound around a wheel attached to the rotating shaft and a wheel 9c attached to the lower end of the screw shaft 9b. Here, the elevating block 9d is attached to the lower end of the support 6c to support the support 6c, and constitutes a ball screw together with the screw shaft 9b.

  On the other hand, the liquid level detection mechanism 10 is a means for detecting the liquid in the reaction vessel 5, and includes an oscillation circuit 101, a differentiation circuit 102, and a voltage detection circuit 103 as shown in FIG.

  The oscillation circuit 101 oscillates an AC signal and inputs it to the differentiation circuit 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the differentiating circuit 102 includes resistors 102a and 102b, capacitors 102c and 102d, and an operational amplifier 102e, and is adjusted so that the input sensitivity is increased depending on the frequency of the AC signal oscillated by the oscillation circuit 101. . The + side input end of the differentiating circuit 102 is connected to the dispensing probe 6b via the lead wire 10a. The voltage detection circuit 103 is connected to the output terminal of the differentiating circuit 102 to detect the output voltage Vout of the differentiating circuit 102, and the lower end of the dispensing probe 6b is in the reaction vessel 5 according to this value. Therefore, the liquid level is detected. This output voltage signal detected by the voltage detection circuit 103 is output to the control unit 17 to determine whether or not the liquid remains in the reaction vessel 5.

  In this case, the differentiating circuit 102 adjusted so that the input sensitivity is increased at the frequency of the oscillation circuit 101 by the capacitance value when the dispensing probe 6b is not in contact with the liquid surface is the capacitance value in the contact state. Then the sensitivity decreases. Therefore, the voltage detection circuit 103 detects the liquid level based on the change in the output voltage Vout. The + side input terminal of the differentiation circuit 102, the oscillation circuit 101, and the metal plate 4a are connected through a ground line.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample container transfer unit 12 is a transfer unit that transfers a plurality of racks 12 a along the direction of the arrow, and transfers the racks 12 a while being advanced. The rack 12a holds a plurality of sample containers 12b containing samples. Here, the sample container transfer unit 12 is provided with a cold storage 12c for storing an emergency sample in the center. The sample container 12b dispenses the sample into each reaction container 5 by the sample dispensing device 13 every time the step of the rack 12a transferred by the sample container transfer unit 12 stops.

  The sample dispensing device 13 is configured in the same manner as the first reagent dispensing device 6 and the second reagent dispensing device 11, and sucks the sample from the sample container 12b and discharges the sucked sample to the reaction container 5 for dispensing. I do. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample dispensing device 13 rotates in a horizontal direction and moves up and down in a vertical direction, a dispensing probe 13b supported by the driving arm 13a, and a dispensing probe 13b. A cleaning tank 13d for cleaning the inner and outer surfaces is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stirring unit 14 is disposed in the vicinity of the second reagent dispensing device 11 on the outer periphery of the reaction table 4 and stirs a liquid sample containing the specimen and the reagent dispensed in the reaction container 5. As the stirring unit 14, for example, a stirring device that stirs a liquid sample in a non-contact manner using a surface acoustic wave element or a stirring device that stirs a liquid sample using a stirring rod is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photometric unit 15 is disposed between the stirring unit 14 on the outer periphery of the reaction table 4 and the cleaning device 16, and analyzes the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 5 in which the reagent and the sample have reacted. The analysis light is emitted. The photometry unit 15 outputs an optical signal related to the amount of analysis light that has passed through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 5 to the control unit 17.

  The cleaning device 16 is a portion that cleans the reaction container 5 after the analysis, and is disposed in the vicinity of the sample dispensing device 13 on the outer periphery of the reaction table 4 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning device 16 includes detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B, cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F, a cleaning water suction nozzle 16G, a drying nozzle 16H, and a waste liquid tank 16J connected by piping. A detergent tank 16L, a washing water tank 16M, liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O, a vacuum pump 16P, a holding member 16I, a holding member driving unit 16T, and terminals 16R and 16S are provided. The reaction vessel 5 conveyed along the direction of the arrow by the movement is sequentially washed while moving up and down. The detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B, the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F, the cleaning water suction nozzle 16G, and the drying nozzle 16H are held by the holding member 16I and are moved up and down integrally by a holding member driving unit 16T that drives the holding member 16I. The

  Here, each of the detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B and the wash water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F has a suction nozzle 16a inserted to the bottom in the reaction vessel 5 and a discharge nozzle 16b inserted to the middle in the reaction vessel 5, respectively. is doing. The discharge nozzle 16b of the detergent nozzle pair is connected to the terminal 16R via a pipe 16d, and the terminal 16R is further connected to the liquid feed pump 16N and the detergent tank 16L via the pipe 16d. Further, the discharge nozzle 16b of the cleaning water nozzle pair is connected to a terminal 16S via a pipe 16e, and the terminal 16S is further connected to a liquid feed pump 16O and a cleaning water tank 16M via a pipe 16e.

  On the other hand, the suction nozzle 16a of the detergent nozzle pair and the cleaning water nozzle pair, and the cleaning water suction nozzle 16G and the drying nozzle 16H are connected to the waste liquid tank 16J and the vacuum pump 16P through the pipe 16f.

  When the vacuum pump 16P generates a suction pressure (negative pressure), the detergent nozzle pair 16A sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a and discards it in the waste liquid tank 16J. And the inside of the reaction container 5 is wash | cleaned by discharging the detergent in the detergent tank 16L from the discharge nozzle 16b by the liquid feeding pump 16N. After completion of the cleaning, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction container 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The detergent nozzle pair 16B sucks the detergent discharged by the detergent nozzle pair 16A into the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J, and then the liquid feed pump 16N disposes the detergent tank. The inside of the reaction vessel 5 is cleaned by discharging the detergent in 16L from the discharge nozzle 16b. After completion of the cleaning, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction container 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The cleaning water nozzle pair 16C sucks the detergent discharged from the detergent nozzle pair 16B into the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J, and then cleans it by the liquid feed pump 16O. The inside of the reaction vessel 5 is rinsed and washed by discharging the cleaning water in the water tank 16M from the discharge nozzle 16b. After the rinsing cleaning is completed, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction vessel 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The cleaning water nozzle pair 16D sucks the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning water nozzle pair 16C into the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J. The reaction vessel 5 is rinsed and cleaned by discharging the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 16M from the discharge nozzle 16b. Hereinafter, the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16E and 16F repeat the same operation. Here, the terminals 16R and 16S have a function of branching and supplying the detergent and washing water sucked from the detergent tank 16L and the washing water tank 16M by the liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O to the plurality of discharge nozzles, respectively.

  The cleaning water suction nozzle 16G sucks the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning water nozzle pair 16F into the reaction container 5 and rinsed inside the reaction container 5, and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J. A synthetic resin chip 16h is attached to the lower end of the drying nozzle 16H, and the cleaning water sucked and left by the cleaning water suction nozzle 16G is sucked and discarded into the waste liquid tank 16J.

  For example, a microcomputer or the like is used as the control unit 17 and connected to each unit of the automatic analyzer 1 as shown in FIG. 1 to control the operation of each component unit and based on the optical signal output from the photometry unit 15. Analyze the component concentration of the sample from the absorbance of the reaction solution. Further, the control unit 17 executes an analysis operation while controlling the operation of each component unit based on an analysis command input from the input unit 18 such as a keyboard, and inputs from the input unit 18 in addition to an analysis result and a warning. Various information based on the display command to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 19 such as a display panel. Here, the display unit 19 includes a speaker that emits a warning sound in conjunction with the warning display.

  The automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above operates under the control of the control unit 17, and the sample dispensing device 13 is supplied to the plurality of reaction containers 5 conveyed along the circumferential direction by the rotating reaction table 4. Thus, the samples are sequentially dispensed from the plurality of sample containers 12b held in the rack 12a. Reagents are sequentially dispensed from the reagent containers 2a and 3a by the reagent dispensing devices 6 and 10 into the reaction container 5 into which the specimens are sequentially dispensed.

  In this way, each time the reaction table 4 is stopped, the reaction vessel 5 into which the reagent and the sample have been dispensed is sequentially stirred by the stirring unit 14 so that the reagent and the sample react and the reaction table 4 rotates again. Passes through the photometric unit 15. At this time, the reaction solution in which the reagent in the reaction container 5 has reacted with the sample is measured by the photometry unit 15, and the component concentration and the like are analyzed by the control unit 17 based on the optical signal input from the photometry unit 15. . Then, after the photometry of the reaction liquid is completed, the reaction container 5 is transferred to the cleaning device 16 and cleaned, and then used again for analyzing the specimen.

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 includes the cleaning device 16, and the reaction container 5 after the analysis is washed with a detergent or washing water and used for a new analysis. There is a case where nozzle clogging occurs due to fragments of the reaction vessel. For this reason, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection mechanism 10 provided in the sample dispensing device 13 or the reagent dispensing device 6 or 11 detects the liquid level of the reaction vessel 5, thereby overflowing the liquid from the reaction vessel 5. In this way, poor cleaning of the reaction vessel 5 is prevented. Below, the nozzle clogging detection method of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The method for detecting nozzle clogging in the cleaning apparatus of the present invention can be performed at an arbitrary time, but is preferably performed at start-up from the viewpoint of analysis efficiency. First, the power switch of the automatic analyzer 1 is turned on. The cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I by the holding member driving unit 16T enters the reaction vessel 5, and the liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O enter the detergent tank 16L or the washing water tank 16M from the discharge nozzle 16b into the reaction vessel 5. A predetermined amount of detergent or washing water is discharged (step S101).

  Next, the reaction container 5 into which detergent or washing water has been injected is transported to the dispensing position of the sample dispensing device 13 (or the reagent dispensing device 6 or 11) (step S102), and the liquid level detection mechanism of the dispensing device. 10 confirms the liquid level in the reaction vessel 5 (step S103). When the dispensing probe 6b is lowered into the reaction vessel 5 and the dispensing probe 6b comes into contact with the liquid, the liquid level detection mechanism 10 detects the liquid level due to the change in capacitance due to the liquid level contact. The liquid level height h1 detected by the liquid level detection mechanism 10 is compared with the liquid level height h0 in the reaction vessel 5 when the set discharge amount is discharged (step S104). When h1 is smaller than h0 (No in step S104), it is determined that the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged, and the control unit 17 instructs the display unit 19 to display a warning that the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged (step S105), and the warning sound. To notify the operator. Next, cleaning for removing clogging of the cleaning nozzle is instructed (step S106).

  On the other hand, when h1 is equal to h0 (step S104, Yes), it is determined that the discharge nozzle 16b is not clogged. Thereafter, the number N of times of checking the liquid level is determined. If N is less than 6 (No in step S107), the reaction vessel 5 is transported by rotating the reaction table to check for clogging of the next discharge nozzle 16b. (Step S102), the liquid level of the adjacent reaction vessel 5 is confirmed (Step S103). Since the cleaning device 16 of this embodiment includes six discharge nozzles 16b (one each of the detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B and the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F), it is necessary to detect the presence or absence of nozzle clogging for all the discharge nozzles 16b. N is set to 6, but N is changed according to the number of discharge nozzles of the cleaning device. When it is confirmed that all the discharge nozzles 16b are clogged (Step S107, Yes), the reaction container 5 containing the detergent or the washing water is again conveyed to the position of the washing device 16 (Step S108).

  After the reaction container 5 is transported to the position of the cleaning device 16, the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I is moved into the reaction container 5 by the holding member driving unit 16T, and the suction nozzle 16a is driven by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P. The liquid in the reaction vessel 5 is aspirated (step S109). Thereafter, the reaction container 5 is again transported to the dispensing position of the specimen dispensing apparatus 13 (or reagent dispensing apparatus 6 or 11) (step S110), and the liquid in the reaction container 5 is detected by the liquid level detection mechanism 10 of the dispensing apparatus. The surface height is confirmed (step S111). If the liquid level height h1 is not 0 (No in step S112), it is determined that the liquid remains because the suction nozzle 16a is clogged, and the control unit 17 indicates that the suction nozzle 16a is clogged in the display unit 19. Is displayed (step S113), and a warning sound is emitted to notify the operator. Next, cleaning for removing clogging of the cleaning nozzle is instructed (step S106).

  On the other hand, when no liquid remains in the reaction vessel 5 (step S112, Yes), it is determined that the suction nozzle 16a is not clogged. Thereafter, the number N of times of checking the liquid level is determined. If N is less than 6 (No in step S114), the reaction container is transported by rotating the reaction table to check for clogging of the next suction nozzle 16a. (Step S110), the liquid level of the adjacent reaction vessel 5 is confirmed (Step S111). When the clogging of all the suction nozzles 16a of the detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B and the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F is confirmed (Step S114, Yes), the reaction vessel 5 is transported to the position of the cleaning device 16 again (Step S114). In step S115, the reaction vessel 5 is washed for subsequent analysis (step S116).

  As described above, the nozzle clogging detection method of the cleaning nozzle according to the present invention includes clogging of the discharge nozzle 16b and the suction nozzle 16a of the cleaning device 16 by the liquid level detection mechanism 10 provided in the sample dispensing device 13 and the reagent dispensing devices 6 and 11. By confirming the above, it is possible to prevent the overflow of the cleaning water and the cleaning failure of the reaction vessel 5 due to the clogging of the cleaning nozzle.

  Finally, the operation will be briefly described with reference to operation diagrams showing detection operations of the nozzle clogging detection method of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2. FIG. 6A is a discharge level detection step for detecting discharge nozzle clogging. The detergent nozzle pair 16A is inserted into the empty reaction container 5 ((6-1)), and the detergent is discharged from the discharge nozzle 16b. When the discharge nozzle 16b is not clogged, a predetermined amount of detergent is dispensed ((6-2), h1 = h0), but when the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged, a predetermined amount of detergent is not dispensed ((6 -5), h1 <h0). In order to detect clogging of the discharge nozzle 16b, the reaction vessel 5 is transported to a sample dispensing device (or reagent dispensing device) provided with a liquid level detecting means ((6-3) and (6-6)), and dispensed. The liquid level is detected by the liquid level contact of the probe 6b ((6-4) and (6-7)).

  FIG. 6B is a suction liquid level detection step for detecting suction nozzle clogging. After confirming that the discharge nozzle 16b is not clogged in the discharge level detection step, the detergent nozzle pair 16A is inserted into the reaction vessel 5 in order to suck the detergent discharged by the nozzle ((6-10)). The detergent is sucked by the suction nozzle 16a. When the suction nozzle 16a is not clogged, all the detergent in the reaction vessel 5 is sucked ((6-11), h1 = 0), but when clogged, the detergent remains in the reaction vessel 5 ( (6-14), h1 ≠ 0). In order to detect clogging of the suction nozzle 16a, the reaction container 5 is transported to a sample dispensing device (or reagent dispensing device) having a liquid level detecting means ((6-12) and (6-15)), and dispensed. The liquid level is detected by the liquid level contact of the probe 6b ((6-13) and (6-16)).

  In the above description, the method for detecting clogging of the cleaning nozzle at start-up has been described. However, as a first modification of the first embodiment, when detecting clogging of the cleaning nozzle during analysis, suction is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The liquid level detection step can be performed before the discharge liquid level detection step. The difference between the first embodiment and the first modification is that the liquid level detection step during discharge is steps S101 to S107 in the first embodiment, whereas the liquid level detection step during suction is different from steps S209 to S215 in the first modification. This is only after the steps S109 to S114 in the first embodiment and the steps S201 to S207 in the first modification. In this modification, when the liquid (reaction liquid, detergent, or washing water) in the reaction vessel 5 is sucked by the suction nozzle 16a in step S201, the washing water suction nozzle 16G actually performs liquid suction, so the washing water The nozzle clogging can also be detected for the suction nozzle 16G. In that case, nozzle clogging can also be detected by setting the number of times of liquid level check in step S14 to 7.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the cleaning device nozzle clogging detection method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The first embodiment is a nozzle clogging detection method in the case where the cleaning nozzle has the suction nozzle 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b, whereas in the second embodiment, the cleaning nozzle overflows in addition to the suction nozzle 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b. This is a method of detecting nozzle clogging when the suction nozzle 16c is provided. FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning apparatus 16 ′ using the method of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning device 16 ′ includes detergent nozzle pairs 16A ′ and 16B ′, cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C ′ to 16F ′, a cleaning water suction nozzle 16G, and a drying nozzle 16H connected by piping. , Waste liquid tanks 16J and 16K, detergent tank 16L, washing water tank 16M, liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O, vacuum pumps 16P and 16Q, holding member 16I, holding member drive unit 16T, and terminals 16R and 16S. The reaction vessel 5 conveyed along the direction of the arrow by the rotation of the reaction table 4 is sequentially washed while moving up and down. The detergent nozzle pairs 16A ′ and 16B ′, the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C ′ to 16F ′, the cleaning water suction nozzle 16G, and the drying nozzle 16H are held by the holding member 16I and integrated by a holding member driving unit 16T that drives the holding member 16I. Moved up and down.

  Here, the detergent nozzle pairs 16A ′ and 16B ′ and the wash water nozzle pairs 16C ′ to 16F ′ are the suction nozzle 16a inserted to the vicinity of the bottom in the reaction vessel 5 and the discharge nozzle inserted to the middle in the reaction vessel 5. 16b and an overflow suction nozzle 16c inserted up to the upper part in the reaction vessel 5. The discharge nozzle 16b of the detergent nozzle pair is connected to the terminal 16R via a pipe 16d, and the terminal 16R is further connected to the liquid feed pump 16N and the detergent tank 16L via the pipe 16d. Further, the discharge nozzle 16b of the cleaning water nozzle pair is connected to a terminal 16S via a pipe 16e, and the terminal 16S is further connected to a liquid feed pump 16O and a cleaning water tank 16M via a pipe 16e.

  On the other hand, the suction nozzle 16a of the detergent nozzle pair and the cleaning water nozzle pair, and the cleaning water suction nozzle 16G and the drying nozzle 16H are connected to the waste liquid tank 16J and the vacuum pump 16P through the pipe 16f. The overflow suction nozzle 16c of the detergent nozzle pair and the wash water nozzle pair is connected to the waste liquid tank 16K and the vacuum pump 16Q via the pipe 16g.

  When the vacuum pump 16P generates a suction pressure (negative pressure), the detergent nozzle pair 16A 'sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a and discards it in the waste liquid tank 16J. And the inside of the reaction container 5 is wash | cleaned by discharging the detergent in the detergent tank 16L from the discharge nozzle 16b by the liquid feeding pump 16N. At this time, the overflow suction nozzle 16c is brought into a suction state by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16Q, sucks excess detergent and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16K via the pipe 16g so that the detergent does not overflow from the reaction vessel 5. It plays the role of keeping the amount of detergent in the reaction vessel 5 constant. After the cleaning, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction container 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The detergent nozzle pair 16B ′ sucks the detergent discharged from the detergent nozzle pair 16A ′ into the reaction container 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J, and then by the liquid feed pump 16N. While discharging the detergent in the detergent tank 16L from the discharge nozzle 16b, the inside of the reaction vessel 5 is washed by being sucked by the overflow suction nozzle 16c by the vacuum pump 16Q. After the cleaning, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction container 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The cleaning water nozzle pair 16C ′ sucks the detergent discharged from the detergent nozzle pair 16B ′ into the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J. While the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 16M is discharged from the discharge nozzle 16b, the reaction container 5 is rinsed and cleaned by being sucked by the overflow suction nozzle 16c by the vacuum pump 16Q. After completion of the rinsing, the reaction table 4 is rotated while the holding member driving unit 16T moves up and down the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I, and the reaction vessel 5 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  The wash water nozzle pair 16D ′ sucks the wash water discharged from the wash water nozzle pair 16C ′ into the reaction vessel 5 by the suction nozzle 16a by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P and discards it into the waste liquid tank 16J. While the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 16M is discharged from the discharge nozzle 16b by the pump 16O, the inside of the reaction vessel 5 is rinsed and cleaned by being sucked by the overflow suction nozzle 16c by the vacuum pump 16Q. Thereafter, the cleaning water nozzle pair 16E ', 16F' repeats the same operation. Here, the terminals 16R and 16S have a function of branching and supplying the detergent and washing water sucked from the detergent tank 16L and the washing water tank 16M by the liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O to the plurality of discharge nozzles, respectively. The washing water suction nozzle 16G and the drying nozzle 16H have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

  The nozzle clogging detection method according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The cleaning device 16 ′ using the nozzle clogging detection method of the second embodiment is also desirably performed at start-up from the viewpoint of analysis efficiency. First, the power switch of the automatic analyzer is turned on. The cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I by the holding member driving unit 16T enters the reaction vessel 5, and the liquid feed pumps 16N and 16O enter the detergent tank 16L or the washing water tank 16M from the discharge nozzle 16b into the reaction vessel 5. The detergent or washing water is discharged (step S300), and the liquid overflowing from the reaction vessel is sucked from the overflow suction nozzle 16c by the vacuum pump 16Q (step S301).

  Next, the reaction container 5 into which the detergent or washing water has been injected is transported to the dispensing position of the specimen dispensing device 13 (or reagent dispensing device 6 or 11) (step S302), and the liquid level detection mechanism of the dispensing device. 10 confirms the liquid level in the reaction vessel 5 (step S303). When the dispensing probe 6b is lowered into the reaction vessel 5 and the dispensing probe 6b comes into contact with the liquid, the liquid level detection mechanism 10 detects the liquid level due to the change in capacitance due to the liquid level contact. The liquid level height h1 detected by the liquid level detection mechanism 10 is compared with the liquid level height h0 in the reaction vessel 5 when the set discharge amount is discharged, and the detected liquid level height h1 is the overflow suction. If it is larger than the nozzle tip height h0 of the nozzle 16c (step S304, Yes), it is determined that the overflow suction nozzle 16c is clogged, and the control unit 17 warns the display unit 19 that the overflow suction nozzle 16c is clogged. A display is instructed (step S305), and a warning sound is emitted to notify the operator. Next, cleaning for removing clogging of the cleaning nozzle is instructed (step S306).

  If the liquid level height h1 is equal to or lower than the nozzle tip portion h1 of the overflow suction nozzle 16c (No in step S304), the liquid level height h1 is again compared with the nozzle tip portion height h0 of the overflow suction nozzle 16c. If it is smaller than h0 (No in step S307), it is determined that the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged, and the control unit 17 instructs the display unit 19 to display a warning that the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged (step S308). A warning sound is emitted to notify the operator. Next, cleaning for removing clogging of the cleaning nozzle is instructed (step S306).

  On the other hand, when h1 is equal to h0 (step S307, Yes), it is determined that neither the overflow suction nozzle 16c nor the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged. Thereafter, the number N of times of checking the liquid level is determined. If N is less than 6 (No in step S309), the reaction container is conveyed by rotating the reaction table to check whether the next discharge nozzle 16b is clogged. (Step S302), the liquid level of the adjacent reaction vessel 5 is confirmed (Step S303). Since the cleaning device 16 ′ of the present embodiment includes six discharge nozzles 16b and overflow suction nozzles 16c (one each of the detergent nozzle pairs 16A and 16B and the cleaning water nozzle pairs 16C to 16F), all the discharge nozzles 16b and the overflows are provided. N is set to 6 to detect whether or not the suction nozzle 16c is clogged, but N is changed in accordance with the number of discharge nozzles of the cleaning device. When it is confirmed that all the discharge nozzles 16b and overflow suction nozzles 16c are clogged (Yes in step S309), the reaction vessel 5 is transported again to the position of the cleaning device 16 '(step S310).

  After the reaction container 5 is transported to the position of the cleaning device 16 ′, the cleaning nozzle held by the holding member 16I is caused to enter the reaction container 5 by the holding member driving unit 16T, and the suction nozzle 16a is sucked by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump 16P. To suck the liquid in the reaction vessel 5 (step S311). Thereafter, the reaction container 5 is again transported to the dispensing position of the specimen dispensing apparatus 13 (or reagent dispensing apparatus 6 or 11) (step S312), and the liquid in the reaction container 5 is detected by the liquid level detection mechanism 10 of the dispensing apparatus. The surface height is confirmed (step S313). When the liquid level is detected and the liquid remains in the reaction vessel 5 (No in step S314), it is determined that the suction nozzle 16a is clogged, and the control unit 17 clogs the suction nozzle 16a in the display unit 19. A warning display is instructed (step S315), and a warning sound is emitted to notify the operator. Next, cleaning for removing clogging of the cleaning nozzle is instructed (step S306).

  On the other hand, if no liquid remains in the reaction vessel 5 (step S314, Yes), it is determined that the suction nozzle 16a is not clogged. Thereafter, the number N of times of checking the liquid level is determined. If N is less than 6 (No in step S316), the reaction table is turned by turning the reaction table to check whether the next suction nozzle 16a is clogged. Is conveyed (step S312), and the liquid level of the adjacent reaction vessel 5 is confirmed (step S313). When clogging of all the suction nozzles 16a of the detergent nozzle pairs 16A ′ and 16B ′ and the wash water nozzle pairs 16C ′ to 16F ′ is confirmed (step S316, Yes), the reaction vessel 5 is again positioned at the position of the cleaning device 16 ′. (Step S317), and the reaction vessel 5 is washed for subsequent analysis (step S318).

  Finally, the operation will be briefly described with reference to operation diagrams showing the detection operation of the nozzle clogging detection method according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a discharge liquid level detection step for detecting clogging of the discharge nozzle 16b and the overflow suction nozzle 16c. The detergent nozzle pair 16A 'is inserted into the empty reaction container 5 ((10-1)), the detergent is discharged from the discharge nozzle 16b, and excess detergent is sucked by the overflow suction nozzle 16c. If the discharge nozzle 16b and the overflow suction nozzle 16c are not clogged, a predetermined amount of detergent is dispensed ((10-2), h1 = h0), but if the overflow suction nozzle 16c is clogged, the detergent The detergent is dispensed at a liquid level height of h0 or more ((10-5), h1> h0). On the other hand, when the discharge nozzle 16b is clogged, the detergent is not dispensed to a predetermined liquid level height h0 ((10-8), h1 <h0). In order to detect clogging of the discharge nozzle 16b and the overflow suction nozzle 16c, the reaction container 5 is transported to a sample dispensing device (or reagent dispensing device) provided with a liquid level detection means ((10-3), (10-6). ) And (10-9)), the liquid level height is detected by the liquid level contact of the dispensing probe 6b ((10-4), (10-7) and (10-10)).

  FIG. 11 shows a suction liquid level detection step for detecting suction nozzle clogging. After confirming that the discharge nozzle 16b and the overflow suction nozzle 16c are not clogged in the discharge level detection step, the detergent nozzle pair 16A ′ is inserted into the reaction container 5 in order to suck the detergent discharged by the nozzle ( (11-1)), the detergent is sucked by the suction nozzle 16a. If the suction nozzle 16a is not clogged, all the detergent in the reaction vessel 5 is sucked ((11-2), h1 = 0), but if clogged, the detergent remains in the reaction vessel 5 ( (11-5), h1 ≠ 0). In order to detect clogging of the suction nozzle 16a, the reaction container 5 is transported to a sample dispensing device (or reagent dispensing device) provided with a liquid level detection means ((11-3) and (11-6)), and dispensed. The liquid level is detected by the liquid level contact of the probe 6b (11-4) and 11-7)).

  In the above description, the method for detecting clogging of the cleaning nozzle at start-up has been described. However, as a first modification of the second embodiment, when detecting clogging of the cleaning nozzle during analysis, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The suction liquid level detection step may be performed prior to the discharge liquid level detection step. The difference between the second embodiment and the first modification is that the discharge-time liquid level detection step is steps S300 to S309 in the second embodiment, whereas the first modification is steps S409 to S427 and the suction-time liquid level detection step. This is only after (steps S311 to S316 in the second embodiment, steps S401 to S407 in the first modification). In this modification, when the liquid (reaction liquid, detergent, or washing water) in the reaction vessel 5 is sucked by the suction nozzle 16a in step S401, the washing water suction nozzle 16G actually performs liquid suction, so the washing water The nozzle clogging can also be detected for the suction nozzle 16G. In that case, nozzle clogging can also be detected by setting the number of liquid level height checks in step S407 to 7.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the automatic analyzer of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the reagent dispensing apparatus at the time of discharge of an automatic analyzer. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the liquid level detection mechanism which detects the liquid level of the liquid which exists in the reaction container. It is a schematic block diagram of the washing | cleaning apparatus which uses the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the detection operation of the discharge nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the detection operation | movement of the suction nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the washing | cleaning apparatus which uses the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the detection operation (liquid level detection step at the time of discharge) of the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the detection operation (liquid level detection step at the time of suction) of the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the nozzle clogging detection method which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Discharge reagent table 2a, 3a Reagent container 2b, 3b Reading part
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 2nd reagent table 4 Reaction table 5 Reaction container 6 1st reagent dispensing apparatus 6a, 11a, 13a Drive arm 6b Dispensing probe 6d, 11d, 13d Cleaning tank 7 Probe drive mechanism 8 Rotating motor 9 Lifting motor 10 Liquid surface Detection mechanism 101 Oscillation circuit 102 Differentiation circuit 103 Voltage detection circuit 11 Second reagent dispensing device 12 Sample container transfer unit 13 Sample dispensing device 14 Stirring unit 15 Photometric unit 16, 16 ′ Cleaning devices 16A, 16B, 16A ′, 16B ′ Detergent nozzle pair 16C-16F, 16C'-16F 'Wash water nozzle pair 16G Wash water suction nozzle 16H Drying nozzle 16I Holding member 16N, 16O Liquid feed pump 16R, 16S Terminal 16J, 16K Waste liquid tank 16P, 16Q Vacuum pump 16L Detergent tank 16M Washing water tank 16T Holding member drive unit 16 Suction nozzle 16b discharge nozzle 16c overflow suction nozzles 16d, 16e, 16f pipe 16h tip 17 the control unit 18 input unit 19 display unit

Claims (9)

The reaction container after the analysis is completed using a cleaning device having a discharge nozzle for discharging detergent or cleaning water into the reaction container and a suction nozzle for sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or cleaning water in the reaction container. In the nozzle clogging detection method of the cleaning device in the automatic analyzer that cleans and reuses the reaction container,
After sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container with the suction nozzle, a liquid level detection step during suction for detecting the liquid level in the reaction container;
A determination step of determining clogging of the suction nozzle depending on whether or not liquid remains in the reaction vessel;
A nozzle clogging detection method comprising: After discharging a certain amount of detergent or washing water into the reaction container by the discharge nozzle, including a discharge liquid level detection step of detecting the liquid level in the reaction container,
2. The nozzle clogging according to claim 1, wherein in the determination step, the clogging of the discharge nozzle is determined based on whether or not a liquid level in the reaction container detected by the discharge liquid level detection step is a predetermined level. Detection method. A liquid level detection step at the time of discharge for detecting the liquid level height of the liquid in the reaction container after suction by the overflow suction nozzle while discharging a certain amount of detergent or washing water into the reaction container by the discharge nozzle,
The determination step includes determining whether the discharge nozzle and the overflow nozzle are clogged based on a liquid level of the liquid in the reaction container detected by the discharge liquid level detection step. The nozzle clogging detection method according to 1.   The determination step is based on the liquid level height of the liquid in the reaction container detected by the discharge liquid level detection step, when the liquid level height in the reaction container is lower than the nozzle tip of the overflow suction nozzle. 4. The nozzle clogging detection method according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the discharge nozzle is clogged.   The determination step is based on the liquid level height of the liquid in the reaction container detected in the discharge liquid level detection step, when the liquid level in the reaction container is higher than the nozzle tip of the overflow suction nozzle. 5. The nozzle clogging detection method according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the overflow suction nozzle is clogged.   The nozzle clogging detection method according to claim 2, wherein the discharging liquid level detection step is performed before the discharging liquid level detection step.   The liquid level detection step at the time of aspiration and / or the liquid level detection step at the time of discharge is performed using a liquid level detection means of a sample dispensing device or a reagent dispensing device. Nozzle clogging detection method as described in one.   The liquid level detection means detects a liquid level based on a change in capacitance between a dispensing probe molded from a conductive material and a liquid in a reaction vessel. The nozzle clogging detection method described.   A discharge device that discharges detergent or cleaning water into the reaction container and a cleaning device that includes a suction nozzle that sucks the reaction liquid, detergent or cleaning water in the reaction container, or discharges detergent or cleaning water in the reaction container. The reaction container after the completion of the analysis is washed by using a cleaning device equipped with a discharge nozzle, a suction nozzle for sucking the reaction liquid, detergent or washing water in the reaction container, and an overflow suction nozzle, and the reaction container is re-used. An automatic analyzer to be used, wherein the clogging of the cleaning nozzle is detected by using the nozzle clogging detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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