JP3538256B2 - Nozzle cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a nozzle cleaning apparatus, and more particularly to a cleaning station for cleaning the inside and outside of a nozzle by supplying a cleaning liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a dispensing apparatus, a sample (and a reagent) is sucked and discharged by a nozzle. As such nozzles, cleaning type nozzles are known in addition to disposable type nozzles. As is well known, a cleaning nozzle is
This is a non-replacement type nozzle that is cleaned when the suction and discharge of the sample and the reagent are completed.

In a dispensing apparatus having such a washing type nozzle, it is necessary to effectively clean the nozzle in order to surely prevent contamination between samples. For this reason, the dispensing apparatus will be described later. Is provided with a washing station.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional dispensing apparatus. The nozzle 10 is freely conveyed by the nozzle driving unit 12 in the vertical and horizontal directions. A syringe 16 is connected to the nozzle 10 via a switching valve 14, and the pressure in the piping is increased or decreased by the syringe 16 for aspirating and discharging a sample or the like. Further, a cleaning liquid container 20 in which a cleaning liquid 22 is stored is connected to the switching valve 14 via a peristaltic pump (hereinafter, simply referred to as a pump) 18.

[0005] Below the nozzle 10, a sample rack 2 is provided.
4. An assay rack 26 and a reagent rack 28 are arranged. That is, the reagent rack 2 is
Sample 8 is aspirated from 8 and assay rack 2
After a predetermined amount is ejected to the nozzle 6 and the nozzle is washed, the reagent is sucked from the reagent rack 28 by the nozzle 10 and ejected to the assay rack 26 by a predetermined amount, whereby the reagent is mixed with the sample. Thereafter, the nozzle 10 is cleaned.

[0006] In order to wash the nozzle 10 after sample dispensing and reagent dispensing, a washing station 30 is provided in the dispensing apparatus. This washing station 3
0 is shown in FIG. 5, and its VI-VI cross section is shown in FIG. This cleaning station is for cleaning four nozzle groups arranged at the same time.

In the cleaning container 32, the cleaning container 32
The cleaning space 34 is surrounded by the four side peripheral walls, and the upper edge of the side peripheral wall forms an opening 32 </ b> A of the cleaning container 32. A nozzle is inserted from the opening 32A to perform nozzle cleaning. The cleaning container 32 is set with two nozzle positions, one of which is a disposal position (see 10A in FIG. 6) and the other is an outer surface cleaning position (see 10B in FIG. 6). In the former discard position, the nozzle tip is inserted into the washing space 34 of the washing container 32, and in the latter outer surface washing position, the nozzle tip is inserted into the non-penetrating washing well 36.

Next, the nozzle cleaning step will be described with reference to FIG. After dispensing the sample or the reagent, the nozzle 10 is moved by the nozzle driving unit 12 shown in FIG.
Transported to Then, first, the nozzle 10 is lowered to position the nozzle 10 at the disposal position (see 10A in FIG. 6). In that state, syringe 1
The cleaning liquid is supplied into the nozzle 10 by driving the nozzle 6 and the nozzle 1
The residual liquid in 0 is discharged. Further, the switching valve 14 is switched to the pump side, and the pump 18 is driven to flow the cleaning liquid 22 into the nozzle 10 to clean the inside of the nozzle 10.
These drainage liquids are discharged to the outside through the waste holes 38 formed inside the cleaning container 12.

After the cleaning of the inside of the nozzle 10 is completed,
The nozzle 10 is raised and then lowered to the disposal position to insert the nozzle tip into the cleaning well 36 (FIG. 6).
10B). In this case, the nozzle is positioned so as not to contact the inner wall including the bottom surface of the cleaning well 36. Then, the cleaning liquid 22 is poured into the nozzle 10 again. Then, the cleaning liquid flowing out from the nozzle tip opening flows through the gap between the outer surface of the nozzle and the inner surface of the cleaning well 36 and flows out from the upper opening of the cleaning well 36 to the periphery thereof. That is, the outer surface of the nozzle tip is cleaned.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, there is a possibility that the waste liquid and the cleaning liquid may be scattered from the opening 32A at the upper part of the cleaning container 32. That is, in order to enhance the cleaning effect, the cleaning water pressure is required to some extent, but there is a possibility that the residual liquid or the cleaning liquid ejected from the nozzle tip opening hits the cleaning container 32 and scatters to the outside. Of course, the height can be prevented to some extent by increasing the height of the side peripheral wall of the cleaning container 32. In that case, however, the up / down stroke of the nozzle must be lengthened for cleaning. When the liquid scatters from the washing station 30 to the outside, a problem of contamination and a problem of dispensing accuracy occur. In particular,
If ejection is performed when bubbles are contained in the nozzle, the problem is likely to occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent scattering of a liquid discharged from a nozzle in a washing station of a dispensing apparatus.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a nozzle for sucking and discharging a liquid, a nozzle transfer mechanism for transferring the nozzle, and supplying a cleaning liquid to the nozzle. A cleaning liquid supply mechanism, and a cleaning station into which a nozzle tip is inserted during nozzle cleaning, wherein the cleaning station is surrounded by an upright side peripheral wall and forms an upper edge of the side peripheral wall. A cleaning container in which the nozzle tip is inserted from an opening, and a cover for closing the opening of the cleaning container, wherein a nozzle insertion hole for inserting the nozzle tip into a position where the nozzle tip descends is formed. possess a cover, the, the wash
To discharge the residual liquid from inside the nozzle to the cleaning container for disposal
The disposal position of the nozzle and the tip of the nozzle
In the cleaning well protruding upward from the bottom of the
A jet is formed by discharging the cleaning liquid from the tip
With this, the outer surface of the nozzle tip is cleaned.
The outer surface cleaning position is set, and the cleaning cover is set.
To the discard position and the outer surface cleaning position.
Nozzle for disposal as the nozzle insertion hole at the corresponding position
An insertion hole and an outer surface cleaning insertion hole are formed.
Is inserted into the disposal nozzle insertion hole and remains from inside the nozzle.
The liquid is discharged, and then the nozzle is used for cleaning the outer surface.
Inserted into the chisel insertion hole and inserted into the washing well
The cleaning is performed on the outer surface of the tip of the chirping .

Preferably, a plurality of nozzles are used as the nozzle.
A nozzle group consisting of a nozzle is provided, and
The through hole and the outer surface cleaning nozzle insertion hole
It is provided for each of the constituent nozzles.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the cleaning cover is formed of a transparent member, and the present invention is further characterized in that the cleaning cover is configured to be detachable.

[0015]

According to the above construction, the nozzle for sucking / discharging the liquid is carried by the nozzle carrying mechanism, and when the nozzle is washed after dispensing the sample or the reagent, the nozzle carrying mechanism carries the nozzle to the washing station. The washing station includes a washing container, and a nozzle tip is inserted into a washing space inside the washing container, and in this state, the remaining liquid in the nozzle is discharged and washing water is supplied to the nozzle. In that case,
A cleaning cover is provided at the upper opening of the cleaning container, and the opening is closed, so that the liquid is prevented from scattering from inside the cleaning container to the outside. That is, since the cleaning cover has an insertion hole formed only at the portion for receiving the nozzle tip, that is, since the nozzle cleaning space is entirely surrounded except for the nozzle insertion hole, the liquid is not scattered. Absent. As a result, it is possible to avoid the problems of contamination and a decrease in dispensing accuracy.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing container comprises:
A disposal position and an outer cleaning position are set.
In the discard position, the residual liquid is discharged from the inside of the nozzle. In the outer surface cleaning position, the nozzle tip is inserted into the cleaning well, and the cleaning liquid is discharged in this state, thereby cleaning the outer surface of the nozzle tip.

When a plurality of such positions are provided in the cleaning solution, a nozzle insertion hole is formed in the cleaning cover in accordance with each position. If the cleaning cover is made of a transparent material, the nozzle can be visually checked for cleaning,
In addition, cleaning and maintenance of the cleaning station itself can be performed by making the cleaning cover detachable.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a cleaning station 30 which is a main part of a nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the present invention. The nozzle cleaning device of this embodiment is provided in the dispensing device, and includes the nozzle driving unit 12, the switching valve 14, the syringe 16, the pump 18, the cleaning container 20 in the configuration shown in FIG.
And a washing station 30 and the like. The same components as those in the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 1, the washing station 30 comprises:
It is composed of a cleaning container 32 and a cover 50. Cover 50
Is formed of a transparent acrylic plate or the like in the present embodiment, and a plurality of insertion holes 52 are formed at predetermined positions thereof. The insertion holes 52 allow the distal end of the nozzle 10 to be inserted. In this embodiment, four insertion holes for the disposal position and four insertion holes for the outer surface cleaning position correspond to the four nozzle groups. Is formed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover 50, and projections 54 for positioning and fixing the cleaning container 32 are formed on both lower surfaces of the cover 50.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning station 30. FIG. 3 is a diagram in comparison with the conventional example of FIG.

A washing space 34 is formed in the upper part of the washing container 32 as in the conventional example, and a waste liquid hole 38 is formed in communication with the washing space 34. In the cleaning container 32,
A cleaning well 36 is provided for cleaning the outer surface of the nozzle tip.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper opening of the cleaning container 32 is covered by a cover 50. Therefore, when the nozzle is positioned at the discard position (see 10A in FIG. 3) and the residual liquid in the nozzle is discharged or the cleaning liquid is supplied to the nozzle, the discharged liquid may jump in the cleaning space 34. , The cover 50 can be prevented from going outside.

In the case where the nozzle is positioned at the outer surface cleaning position (see 10B in FIG. 3) and the cleaning liquid is supplied into the nozzle to clean the outer surface of the tip of the nozzle,
Even if the cleaning liquid scatters upward, it can be prevented by the cover 50, and the cleaning liquid does not scatter outside.

As shown in FIG. 3, since a gap is formed between the upper opening of the cleaning well 36 and the cover 50, the cleaning liquid overflowing from the upper opening of the cleaning well 36 passes through the gap and passes through the cleaning space. 34. Sand
As shown in the figure, the washing well 36 is located at the bottom of the washing space.
Projecting upwards, in other words, of the cleaning well 36
The upper opening is higher than the bottom of the washing space.

The insertion hole 52 is set in accordance with the diameter of the nozzle, specifically, the diameter of the nozzle at the position where the insertion hole 52 is inserted, and is set so as not to contact the nozzle and to make the gap as small as possible. Have been. For example, 6m in diameter
m.

In the present embodiment, eight insertion holes are formed in the cover 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 corresponding to the four nozzle groups. Adjust according to.

In this embodiment, the projections 54 are provided on the cover 50 as shown in FIG.
A mechanism that opens and closes with respect to 2 may be provided. Also,
It is also preferable to provide a cover detection switch or the like at a plurality of positions of the cleaning container 32 in order to confirm that the cover 50 is securely set in the cleaning liquid 32.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the opening of the cleaning container is covered with the cleaning cover, it is possible to prevent the remaining liquid and the cleaning liquid from scattering to the outside, thereby causing contamination, reduction in dispensing accuracy, and the like. Therefore, the reliability of dispensing can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a cleaning station according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a cleaning station according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a general dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an external view of a conventional cleaning station.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a conventional cleaning station.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 nozzles, 14 switching valves, 16 syringes, 2
2 cleaning solutions, 30 cleaning stations, 32 cleaning containers, 34 cleaning spaces, 36 cleaning wells, 50 covers,
52 Insertion hole.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-59673 (JP, A) JP-A-1-209372 (JP, A) Fully open 58-163870 (JP, U) Fully open 57-2 41162 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 57-16869 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Utility Model Showa 53-57893 (JP, U) Special Publication No. 6-508216 (JP, A) Special Special Publication No. 5-502726 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/00-35/10 G01N 1/00-1/44 JICST file (JOIS)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A nozzle for sucking and discharging a liquid, a nozzle transport mechanism for transporting the nozzle, a cleaning liquid supply mechanism for supplying a cleaning liquid to the nozzle, and a cleaning in which a nozzle tip is inserted at the time of nozzle cleaning. A washing container in which an inner washing space is surrounded by an upright side peripheral wall, and the nozzle tip is inserted through an opening forming an upper edge of the side peripheral wall; a cover for closing the opening of the container, said possess a cleaning cover nozzle insertion hole is formed to the nozzle tip is inserted the nozzle tip in a position lowered to the the cleaning vessel from the nozzle Discharge and discard residual liquid
And the tip of the nozzle
Inserted into a washing well protruding upward from the bottom of the purification space
The cleaning liquid is discharged from the nozzle tip opening in a state, and a jet is formed
Cleaning the outer surface of the nozzle tip
An external cleaning position to be performed is set, and the cleaning cover includes the discard position and the external cleaning.
At the position corresponding to the cleaning position as the nozzle insertion hole
A disposal nozzle insertion hole and an outer surface cleaning insertion hole are formed, and the nozzle is first inserted into the disposal nozzle insertion hole.
The remaining liquid is discharged from the nozzle, and then the nozzle is
A cleaning well inserted into the outer surface cleaning nozzle insertion hole;
To clean the outer surface of the nozzle tip.
Nozzle cleaning device, characterized in that that. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a nozzle group including a plurality of nozzles is provided as said nozzle.
The disposal nozzle insertion hole and the outer surface cleaning nozzle insertion
A hole is provided for each nozzle constituting the nozzle group
A nozzle cleaning device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning cover is formed of a transparent member. 4. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning cover is configured to be detachable.