JP5616675B2 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, and more particularly to a mechanism for cleaning a container cleaning nozzle.

  In the sample processing apparatus, for example, reagent processing is performed on a sample using an antigen-antibody reaction. The sample is blood, for example. In that case, a large number of reagents are used step by step. After each reagent treatment step, a step of washing the container or sample is performed. Specifically, containers (wells, cells, vials, etc.) containing samples after the reagent treatment are washed with a washing liquid. It is also called a washing operation (B / F separation).

  In cleaning the container, a cleaning device different from the reagent dispensing device is generally used. The cleaning device has a nozzle unit (nozzle row) composed of, for example, a discharge nozzle and a suction nozzle. In a state where the tip of the nozzle unit is inserted into the container, the cleaning liquid is poured into the container from the discharge nozzle, The cleaning liquid inside is sucked by the suction nozzle. Such a process is performed for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times.

  After the above container cleaning, the cleaning nozzle unit itself needs to be cleaned. Usually, such nozzle cleaning is performed at the cleaning station. That is, in a state where the nozzle unit is inserted into the well, the cleaning liquid is poured into the discharge nozzle and the suction nozzle, and the nozzle inner surface and the nozzle outer surface are cleaned.

  In Patent Document 1, a high-temperature heating mechanism is provided in a dispensing probe and a pipe leading to the dispensing probe, and the cleaning liquid is heated and boiled there, and the cleaning liquid and the like are ejected from the tip of the dispensing probe by the high pressure generated by the expanded steam. Is disclosed. What is to be cleaned is a dispensing probe, not a suction nozzle. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for cleaning the main part of a suction path (path along which a suction pump is interposed) from the suction nozzle to the waste liquid tank.

Japanese Patent No. 3704425

  It is sometimes difficult to sufficiently clean the nozzle (particularly the inner surface of the suction nozzle) using a cleaning liquid (or buffer liquid). When the flow rate is increased, the amount of waste liquid increases, and when the cleaning time is lengthened, there arises a problem that the operation efficiency of the apparatus is lowered. Although it is possible to use a special cleaning solution, in that case, it is necessary to perform sufficient rinsing with distilled water after cleaning. There is a demand for cleaning the cleaning nozzle itself more effectively in a shorter time.

  An object of the present invention is to effectively clean a suction nozzle used in container cleaning in a short time.

  An apparatus according to the present invention includes a nozzle unit including a suction nozzle that sucks the cleaning liquid in the reagent processing container in the cleaning process of the reagent processing container, and a steam supply that sends cleaning steam to the suction nozzle in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit. Means.

  According to the above configuration, after the container is cleaned using the nozzle unit, the nozzle unit is cleaned. At this time, steam is sent from the container to the suction nozzle that sucks the waste liquid, and the thermal action, high pressure It is possible to effectively remove the dirt adhering to the inner surface of the suction nozzle (or pipe) by the action in a short time. In particular, the effect of removing proteins and lipids can be enhanced. When steam is applied to the deposits, the steam penetrates them and they are lifted off the wall surface and easily peeled off. In this state, it is desirable to supply the cleaning liquid, and the steam supply process and the cleaning liquid supply process function organically to enhance the cleaning effect. The steam is preferably generated from distilled water, and such a configuration eliminates the special rinsing required when using chemicals. Since the bactericidal action can be expected if steam is used, the propagation of germs after using the device can be suppressed. The steam supply means may be composed of a steam generation source and a tank that stores the steam and adjusts the pressure. If steam is used, there is an advantage that the amount of cleaning liquid used for cleaning the nozzle can be reduced as a result. A mechanism for lowering the temperature of the nozzle and the pipe after the supply of steam may be provided. In general, a cooling action can be expected in supplying the cleaning liquid after supplying the steam.

  The apparatus according to the present invention includes a discharge nozzle that discharges and sucks a cleaning liquid into the reagent processing container in the cleaning process of the reagent processing container, and a nozzle unit that includes the suction nozzle, and is used for cleaning the suction nozzle in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit. Steam supply means for sending steam, and cleaning liquid supply means for sending cleaning liquid to the suction nozzle after sending the cleaning steam in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit.

  In the above configuration, it is desirable that the vapor supply and the cleaning liquid supply be performed with respect to the suction nozzle, but the vapor supply may be further performed with respect to the discharge nozzle.

  Preferably, a cleaning station for receiving the nozzle unit is used in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit, and the cleaning station discharges the steam emitted from the tip opening of the suction nozzle, and the tip opening of the suction nozzle. And a waste liquid discharge structure for discharging the cleaning liquid discharged from the tank. In this configuration, when the cleaning well into which the nozzle unit is inserted is used, the steam emitted from the tip of the suction nozzle reaches the outer surface of the suction nozzle (in some cases, the discharge nozzle). I can expect. It is desirable to adopt a structure that allows steam to escape. In that case, since the steam itself may be contaminated, it is desirable to pass the steam through some kind of filter or the like.

  Preferably, a tube pump unit is provided between the vapor supply means and the suction nozzle, and the tube pump unit has a contact that presses the elastic tube, and the tube is moved by moving the contact. A movable unit that moves the pressing position of the liquid and moves the liquid unit back and forth, and a mechanism that moves the movable unit back and forth with respect to the tube. The rotary unit is moved forward to contact the rotary unit with the tube. And a slide mechanism that moves the rotating unit backward to separate the rotating unit from the tube. According to this configuration, even when a tube pump is used, the portion that seals the inside of the tube can be removed to ensure free movement of steam. At the same time, the tube pump can be cleaned with steam.

  Desirably, a syringe pump for supplying a cleaning liquid is connected to the suction nozzle, and the steam supply means supplies steam to the inside of the syringe pump, whereby steam is supplied to the suction nozzle via the inside of the syringe pump. Is sent. According to this configuration, steam cleaning can be performed up to the inside of the syringe pump.

  According to the present invention, a suction nozzle used for container cleaning can be effectively cleaned in a short time.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows suitable embodiment of the washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the tube pump unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific structural example of the washing | cleaning station shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the cleaning station shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the washing | cleaning apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration thereof. The nozzle unit 10 is used when the container 14 is cleaned. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle unit 10 includes a discharge nozzle N1 and a suction nozzle N2. The nozzle unit 10 is transported in a three-dimensional direction by the transport mechanism 12. The container 14 is a tank for storing a sample and performing reagent treatment on the sample. A cleaning process is performed after each reagent treatment, and the nozzle unit 10 is used at that time. Incidentally, after the cleaning process using the nozzle unit 10, the nozzle unit 10 itself is cleaned. This will be described in detail later.

  In FIG. 1, P11 represents a reagent processing position, and P12 represents a cleaning position. There, the nozzle unit 10 is cleaned. Reference numeral 16 represents a cleaning tank used at that time. The control unit 13 performs operation control of each component including the transport mechanism 12.

  The syringe pump P1 is connected to the discharge nozzle N1 via a solenoid valve V1 and piping. The electromagnetic valve V1 connects the cleaning liquid tank T1 and the syringe pump P1, or connects the syringe pump P1 to the discharge nozzle N1. An electromagnetic valve V3 and an electromagnetic valve V4 are provided between the cleaning liquid tank T1 and the electromagnetic valve V1. The path between the solenoid valve V3 and the solenoid valve V4 is branched, and the branch path is connected to the solenoid valve V2. The electromagnetic valve V2 is provided in a path between the waste liquid tank T2 and the suction nozzle N2. The waste liquid tank T2 is a tank for storing the waste liquid sucked after the nozzle cleaning.

  A tube pump unit 18 is provided between the electromagnetic valve V2 and the suction nozzle N2. The detailed structure will be described later with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a steam supply source 20 is connected to the electromagnetic valve V3. The steam supply source 20 includes, for example, a steam generator and a tank for accumulating the steam generated thereby and adjusting the pressure. In this embodiment, high-pressure steam is generated by heating distilled water. As will be described later, such steam is fed into the suction nozzle N2 via the solenoid valve V3, the solenoid valve V2, and the tube pump unit 18. Moreover, the vapor | steam from the vapor | steam supply source 20 is sent to the discharge nozzle N1 via the solenoid valve V3, the solenoid valve V4, and the solenoid valve V1 as needed.

  Next, the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described. A series of processes is roughly divided into a container cleaning process and a nozzle cleaning process.

  In the container cleaning step, first, the nozzle unit 10 is positioned above the target container 14, and the tip (lower end) of the nozzle unit 10 is inserted into the container 14. In this state, the syringe pump P1 and the cleaning liquid tank T1 communicate with each other by the action of the electromagnetic valves V3, V4, and V1, and the cleaning liquid is taken into the inside by the operation of the syringe pump P1 (S1). Thereafter, the syringe pump P1 and the discharge nozzle N1 are connected by the action of the electromagnetic valve V1, and the cleaning liquid is sent from the syringe pump P1 to the discharge nozzle N1 (S2). That is, the cleaning liquid is fed into the container 14 from the tip of the discharge nozzle N1. Next, the suction nozzle N2 and the waste liquid tank T2 are connected by the action of the electromagnetic valve V2, and the cleaning liquid in the container 14 is sucked from the discharge nozzle N2 by the action of the tube pump unit 18 (S3), and the syringe pump is used as waste liquid. It is sent to the waste liquid tank T2 via the unit 18 and the electromagnetic valve V2 (S4). The steps of discharging and sucking the cleaning liquid as described above are repeatedly executed as necessary. Such a process completes the cleaning of the container 14.

  Next, a nozzle cleaning process is performed. That is, the nozzle unit 10 is pulled out from the container 14, and the nozzle unit 10 is inserted into the cleaning tank 16 (S5). This state will be described later with reference to FIG. In a state where the lower end of the nozzle unit 10 is inserted into the cleaning tank 16, the steam supply source 20 is connected to the suction nozzle N2 by the action of the electromagnetic valves V3 and V2 (S6). In this state, the electromagnetic valve V4 is closed. Steam is sent from the steam supply source 20 to the suction nozzle N2 via the solenoid valve V3, the solenoid valve V2, and the tube pump unit 18. Thereby, the cleaning action by the steam is exerted on the inner surface of the suction nozzle N2. That is, vapor permeates the protein, lipid, etc. adhering to the inner surface of the nozzle N2, and they are lifted from the inner surface and are easily peeled off. Of course, some may be removed. Further, such steam reaches the outer surface of the suction nozzle N2 by the action of the well in the cleaning tank 16, and the cleaning action by the steam is exhibited also on such an outer surface. After such steam supply, the cleaning liquid tank T1 is connected to the suction nozzle N2 by the action of the electromagnetic valve V3, and the cleaning liquid is sent to the suction nozzle N2 by the action of the tube pump unit 18 (S10). Then, proteins and the like floating from the inner surface are peeled off and the inner surface is effectively cleaned. Also, a cleaning action is expected for the outer surface of the nozzle. Of course, cleaning with steam and cleaning with a cleaning liquid can be applied to the discharge nozzle N1 (S7). In this way, the nozzle unit, in particular the suction nozzle N2, is cleaned. Then, the next container is washed again using the nozzle unit 10 (S11).

  In the above configuration, since the steam is fed from the electromagnetic valve V3, the steam flows from the electromagnetic valve V2 over the entire path of the suction nozzle N2, and a cleaning effect on such a path portion can be expected. As will be described later, the tube pump unit 18 performs an operation of separating the contact from the tube during the steam supply period, and a steam supply path is secured by such a retreating motion.

  FIG. 2 shows the operation of the tube pump unit 18. (A) shows the forward movement state, that is, the contact state of the rotor 28, and (B) shows the retracted state, that is, the reverse movement state of the rotor 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the tube pump unit 18 includes a rotor 28 and a stator 22, and a tube 26 is disposed on a curved concave surface 22 </ b> A of the stator 22. Reference numeral 24 denotes a motion space of the rotor 28, and the rotor 28 performs a rotational motion around the rotation axis in the motion space. The rotor 28 has three rollers 34, 36, and 38 connected to the central shaft body 32, and each roller 34, 36, and 38 is rotatable. In the state shown to (A), only the roller 34 is contact | abutting to the tube 26, ie, the tube 26 is pressed in the part. When the rotor 28 is rotated, the rollers 34, 36, and 38 rotate as a whole and the rollers themselves rotate as necessary, that is, the contact position sequentially moves. As a result, the action of squeezing the tube is exhibited, and liquid feeding is performed. However, in the case of flowing steam, since the steam does not flow in the contact state as described above, a problem occurs, so in this embodiment, the actuator 30 is provided, and the actuator 30 moves the rotor 28 backward. Yes. As shown in (B), in the backward movement state, the rotor 28 is completely separated from the tube 26, and in this state, the entire inner space of the tube 26 is communicated, that is, there is no pressing portion. In the present embodiment, the state shown in (B) is formed when steam is passed through the tube pump unit 18. In other stages, the state shown in (A) is formed.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of the cleaning tank 16. As FIG. 3 shows, the washing tank 16 has a cylindrical form, and the inside is hollow. Specifically, two wells 42 and 44 are formed therein, and the discharge nozzle N1 and the suction nozzle N2 are inserted into the two wells 42 and 44, respectively. The partition wall 46 between the two wells 42 and 44 is high, and it is devised so that contamination between the two wells does not occur as much as possible. Reference numeral 52 represents a path for taking out the cleaning liquid, and reference numeral 54 represents a path for releasing the vapor. A filter or the like may be provided on such a route. When the steam is ejected from the suction nozzle N2 in the insertion state as shown in FIG. 3, the steam is directed upward in the well 44, and the steam is brought into contact with the contaminated portion on the outer surface of the suction nozzle N2. Is possible. Further, if the cleaning liquid is allowed to flow out from the tip of the suction nozzle N2, the cleaning liquid flows around the outer surface of the cleaning nozzle N2 by the action of the well 44, and the outer surface can be effectively cleaned. Such cleaning liquid is taken out from the path 52 to the inside. Similarly, the cleaning liquid is also supplied to the discharge nozzle N1, and the inner and outer surfaces thereof are cleaned. Prior to that, steam may be supplied to the discharge nozzle N1 as necessary. Incidentally, in FIG. 4, reference numerals 48 and 50 denote openings formed by the partition wall portion lower than the partition wall 46.

  FIG. 5 shows another configuration example of the cleaning apparatus. FIG. 5 shows only the main configuration, and the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5, a syringe pump P2 is provided on a pipe connected to the suction nozzle N2. The syringe pump P2 includes a syringe 56 and a piston 58, and the syringe 56 is connected to the vapor supply source 20 via an electromagnetic valve V4. Incidentally, T1 represents a cleaning liquid tank, and T2 represents a waste liquid tank.

  In such a configuration, when supplying steam to the piping, the piston 58 is pulled by a certain amount, the steam path is communicated with the inside of the syringe 56, and steam is introduced from the steam supply source 20 into the syringe 56. Then, the steam is sent into the suction nozzle N2 through the electromagnetic valves V3 and V2. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank T1 is sent to the suction nozzle N2 via the electromagnetic valves V3 and V2. Incidentally, the waste liquid tank T2 stores the cleaning liquid sucked in the container cleaning process, that is, the waste liquid. The syringe pump P2 functions when supplying the cleaning liquid.

  10 nozzle unit, 14 container, 16 cleaning tank, 18 tube pump unit, 20 steam supply source, N1 discharge nozzle, N2 suction nozzle, T1 cleaning liquid tank, T2 waste liquid tank, P1 syringe pump.

Claims (3)

A nozzle unit comprising a suction nozzle for sucking the cleaning liquid in the reagent processing container in the cleaning process of the reagent processing container;
A cleaning liquid supply syringe pump connected to the suction nozzle;
A steam supply means for supplying cleaning steam to the inside of the syringe pump in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit , and thereby sending the cleaning steam to the suction nozzle via the inside of the syringe pump ; ,
A cleaning apparatus comprising: A nozzle unit including a discharge nozzle and a suction nozzle for discharging and sucking a cleaning liquid into the reagent processing container in the cleaning process of the reagent processing container;
A cleaning liquid supply syringe pump connected to the suction nozzle;
A steam supply means for supplying cleaning steam to the inside of the syringe pump in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit , and thereby sending the cleaning steam to the suction nozzle via the inside of the syringe pump ; ,
A cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the suction nozzle after the cleaning vapor is supplied in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit;
A cleaning apparatus comprising: The apparatus of claim 2.
A cleaning station for receiving the nozzle unit is used in the cleaning process of the nozzle unit,
The washing station is
A steam discharge structure for discharging the steam emitted from the tip opening of the suction nozzle;
A waste liquid discharging structure for discharging the cleaning liquid discharged from the tip opening of the suction nozzle;
A cleaning apparatus comprising:

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