JP2013096910A - B/f cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

B/f cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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JP2013096910A
JP2013096910A JP2011241496A JP2011241496A JP2013096910A JP 2013096910 A JP2013096910 A JP 2013096910A JP 2011241496 A JP2011241496 A JP 2011241496A JP 2011241496 A JP2011241496 A JP 2011241496A JP 2013096910 A JP2013096910 A JP 2013096910A
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discharge
suction
liquid
cleaning
capacitance
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Takehiro Aoyanagi
雄大 青柳
Shogo Mizufune
翔悟 水船
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Tosoh Corp
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a B/F cleaning apparatus in which a suction state or a discharge state can be monitored in real time in simple configuration, the B/F cleaning apparatus being configured to suck a reaction liquid in a reaction container and to perform B/F cleaning by discharging/sucking the cleaning liquid.SOLUTION: A B/F cleaning apparatus comprises a reaction container, a conductive platform to place the reaction container thereon, a cleaning nozzle including a conductive discharge part for discharging a liquid to the reaction container and a conductive suction part for sucking a liquid stored in the reaction container, means for detecting an electrostatic capacitance between the cleaning nozzle and the platform, and determination means for determining the state of discharging the liquid through the discharge part and the state of sucking the liquid through the suction part on the basis of an output signal from the detection means. In the B/F cleaning apparatus, the discharge part and the suction part are contacted electrically with each other.

Description

本発明は、反応容器内の反応液を吸引し、洗浄液の吐出/吸引によりB/F(Bound/Free)洗浄を行なうB/F洗浄装置に係る。特に本発明は、吸引状態や吐出状態を判定可能なB/F洗浄装置に係る。   The present invention relates to a B / F cleaning apparatus that sucks a reaction liquid in a reaction vessel and performs B / F (Bound / Free) cleaning by discharging / suctioning the cleaning liquid. In particular, the present invention relates to a B / F cleaning device capable of determining a suction state and a discharge state.

固液反応をともなう不均一反応系の抗原抗体反応を利用して、試料中の成分分析を行なう免疫測定装置において、固液反応後の反応液の除去および固相担体の洗浄を行なうB/F(Bound/Free)洗浄は、測定結果の感度、再現性等の基本的性能に重要な役割を担っている。   In an immunoassay apparatus for analyzing components in a sample using an antigen-antibody reaction in a heterogeneous reaction system with a solid-liquid reaction, a B / F for removing a reaction liquid after a solid-liquid reaction and washing a solid support. (Bound / Free) cleaning plays an important role in basic performance such as sensitivity and reproducibility of measurement results.

B/F洗浄を行なう装置は、通常、液体を吸引する吸引ノズルと洗浄液を吐出する吐出ノズルを備えている。吸引または吐出の際、ノズルに目詰まりが発生したり、吐出する洗浄液に気泡が混入する等の動作不良が生じると、反応容器から液体があふれたり、洗浄不足となるため、測定結果の信頼性が損なわれ、また検査の誤判定を導くおそれが生じる。   An apparatus that performs B / F cleaning usually includes a suction nozzle that sucks liquid and a discharge nozzle that discharges cleaning liquid. When suction or discharge occurs, the nozzle may become clogged, or if a malfunction occurs, such as air bubbles mixed in the discharged cleaning liquid, the liquid overflows from the reaction container, resulting in insufficient cleaning. May be damaged, and may lead to erroneous inspection.

洗浄装置における吐出ノズルや吸引ノズルの目詰まりを検知する方法については、特許文献1に開示されている。特許文献1に開示の洗浄装置は、導電性材料を含む吸引ノズルと、導電性材料を含む、洗浄対象のウェルを載置するための台との間の静電容量を計測する機構を有している。吸引ノズルの詰まりは、吸引前後の液面検知により吸引動作後に判定することができる。一方、吐出ノズルの詰まりは、吐出動作後の吸引ノズルによる液面検知によって判定することができる。すなわち、特許文献1の洗浄装置における目詰まりの検知は、吐出動作時や吸引動作時の異常を実時間でモニタリングするものではなく、吸引動作および吐出動作の結果が、正常動作した場合に得られたはずの状態(液面)と一致するかどうかを動作終了後に確認している。また検知する際、吐出ノズルまたは吸引ノズルの詰まりを検知する位置まで、吸引ノズルを移動させる動作が必要となる。   A method for detecting clogging of a discharge nozzle or a suction nozzle in a cleaning apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a mechanism for measuring the capacitance between a suction nozzle including a conductive material and a table on which a well to be cleaned is placed, including the conductive material. ing. Clogging of the suction nozzle can be determined after the suction operation by detecting the liquid level before and after suction. On the other hand, clogging of the discharge nozzle can be determined by liquid level detection by the suction nozzle after the discharge operation. That is, the detection of clogging in the cleaning device of Patent Document 1 is obtained when the abnormality in the discharge operation or the suction operation is not monitored in real time, and the result of the suction operation and the discharge operation is obtained normally. It is checked after the operation whether it matches the expected state (liquid level). Moreover, when detecting, the operation | movement which moves a suction nozzle to the position which detects clogging of a discharge nozzle or a suction nozzle is needed.

一方、種々の性状の試料を採取したり所定量の液体を移送する分注装置の分野においては、液体の正確な採取は重要な課題であり、特許文献2には、吸引配管中の圧力を検知することで、吸引動作の異常を実時間で直接モニタリングする方法が開示されている。また特許文献3には、静電容量による液面検知結果を圧力モニタによって確認する、液面検知装置を備えた分注装置が開示されている。しかし、圧力モニタの機構を備えるにはスペースやコストの面で課題が残る。   On the other hand, in the field of dispensing devices that collect samples of various properties or transfer a predetermined amount of liquid, accurate collection of the liquid is an important issue. Patent Document 2 discloses the pressure in the suction pipe. A method for directly monitoring an abnormality in suction operation in real time by detection is disclosed. Patent Document 3 discloses a dispensing device equipped with a liquid level detection device for confirming a liquid level detection result based on electrostatic capacity with a pressure monitor. However, a problem remains in terms of space and cost to provide a pressure monitor mechanism.

特開2008−161833号公報JP 2008-161833 A 特開2006−300843号公報JP 2006-300843 A 特開2007−285888号公報JP 2007-285888 A

B/F(Bound/Free)洗浄装置も分注装置も液体を吸引して吐出するという機能では共通している。しかしながら、分注装置では1回の試料測定に対して試料採取(分注)を1回行なえばよいのに対し、B/F洗浄装置では1回の試料測定に対して吸引吐出操作を3回から6回程度必要とする。すなわち、動作頻度が、B/F洗浄装置は分注装置の3倍から6倍となる。一方、吸引量や吐出量の正確性については、分注装置は最高の正確性が要求されるのに対し、B/F洗浄装置は一定量の吸引/吐出を目詰まりなく速やかに行なうことができればよく、正確性の要求は分注装置ほど高くない。以上をまとめると、分注装置は動作頻度が比較的少ないため、動作時間に余裕がある。そのため分注後に吸引量や吐出量の精密な検証が可能である。一方、B/F洗浄装置は動作頻度が高いため、洗浄操作終了後に吸引/吐出の成否を確認するよりも、吸引/吐出の成否を洗浄操作中にリアルタイムにモニタすることが望まれる。   Both the B / F (Bound / Free) cleaning device and the dispensing device are common in the function of sucking and discharging the liquid. However, in the dispensing device, sample collection (dispensing) may be performed once for one sample measurement, whereas in the B / F cleaning device, suction / discharge operation is performed three times for one sample measurement. 6 times are required. That is, the operation frequency of the B / F cleaning device is 3 to 6 times that of the dispensing device. On the other hand, with regard to the accuracy of the suction amount and the discharge amount, the dispensing device is required to have the highest accuracy, while the B / F cleaning device can quickly perform a certain amount of suction / discharge without clogging. As long as it can be done, the accuracy requirements are not as high as with dispensing devices. In summary, the dispensing device has a relatively low operating frequency, and therefore has a sufficient operating time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately verify the suction amount and the discharge amount after dispensing. On the other hand, since the operation frequency of the B / F cleaning device is high, it is desirable to monitor the success / failure of the suction / discharge in real time during the cleaning operation rather than confirming the success / failure of the suction / discharge after the cleaning operation is completed.

そこで本発明は、反応容器内の反応液を吸引し、洗浄液の吐出/吸引によりB/F洗浄を行なうB/F洗浄装置において、簡単な構成で、吸引状態や吐出状態をリアルタイムにモニタ可能な装置を提供することを目的とする。   Therefore, the present invention can monitor the suction state and the discharge state in real time with a simple configuration in a B / F cleaning apparatus that sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel and performs B / F cleaning by discharging / suctioning the cleaning liquid. An object is to provide an apparatus.

上記課題を解決するため、吸引状態および吐出状態を、ともに静電容量を用いて検出することに着目して検討を重ねた結果、本発明に到達した。   In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has been reached as a result of repeated studies focusing on detecting both the suction state and the discharge state using capacitance.

すなわち本発明の第一の態様は、
反応容器と、前記反応容器を載置する架台と、前記反応容器に液体を吐出する吐出部および前記反応容器に収容された液体を吸引する吸引部を設けた洗浄ノズルと、を備えたB/F洗浄装置であって、
洗浄ノズルに設けた前記吐出部および前記吸引部、ならびに前記架台が導電性を有しており、
前記吐出部および前記吸引部が互いに電気的に接触しており、かつ、
洗浄ノズルと前記架台との間の静電容量を検出する手段と、前記手段からの出力信号に基づき前記吐出部による液体の吐出状態および前記吸引部による液体の吸引状態を判定する判定手段とをさらに備えた、前記洗浄装置である。
That is, the first aspect of the present invention is:
B / C provided with a reaction vessel, a gantry on which the reaction vessel is placed, a washing nozzle provided with a discharge unit for discharging liquid to the reaction vessel and a suction unit for sucking liquid stored in the reaction vessel F cleaning device,
The discharge part and the suction part provided in the cleaning nozzle, and the gantry have conductivity,
The discharge part and the suction part are in electrical contact with each other; and
Means for detecting a capacitance between the cleaning nozzle and the gantry, and determination means for determining a liquid discharge state by the discharge portion and a liquid suction state by the suction portion based on an output signal from the means. Further, the cleaning apparatus is further provided.

また本発明の第二の態様は、
前記第一の態様に記載の洗浄装置を用いて吐出状態における静電容量の経時変化を測定し、
前記経時変化を、あらかじめ判定手段に記録した正常な吐出状態における静電容量の経時変化と比較することで、
洗浄ノズルに設けた吐出部による液体の吐出状態を判定する方法である。
The second aspect of the present invention is as follows.
Using the cleaning device according to the first aspect to measure the change with time of capacitance in the discharge state,
By comparing the change with time with the change with time in capacitance in a normal discharge state recorded in the determination means in advance,
This is a method for determining a liquid discharge state by a discharge portion provided in a cleaning nozzle.

また本発明の第三の態様は、
前記第一の態様に記載の洗浄装置を用いて吸引状態における静電容量の経時変化を測定し、
前記経時変化を、あらかじめ判定手段に記録した正常な吸引状態における静電容量の経時変化と比較することで、
洗浄ノズルに設けた吸引部による液体の吸引状態を判定する方法である。
The third aspect of the present invention is as follows.
Using the cleaning device according to the first aspect to measure the change in capacitance with time in the suction state,
By comparing the change over time with the change in capacitance over time in a normal suction state recorded in advance in the determination means,
This is a method for determining the suction state of the liquid by the suction portion provided in the cleaning nozzle.

以下、本発明を詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

本発明の洗浄装置に備える洗浄ノズルのうち、吐出部と吸引部は、静電容量を測定する際、一方の電極を構成することから、導電性を有した材料である必要がある。ただし、その材料については特定の材質に限定されることはなく、一例として、長期間液体に接触しても腐食や変質しにくいステンレス鋼の管体、耐薬品性に優れた導電性プラスチック(例えば、カーボンを練りこんだポリエーテルエーテルケトン)の管体、プラスチック製の管体に金属メッキを施したもの、があげられる。   Among the cleaning nozzles provided in the cleaning device of the present invention, the discharge section and the suction section constitute one electrode when measuring the capacitance, and therefore need to be a conductive material. However, the material is not limited to a specific material. For example, a stainless steel tube body that is resistant to corrosion or deterioration even after being in contact with a liquid for a long period of time, a conductive plastic with excellent chemical resistance (for example, , Polyether ether ketone) in which carbon is kneaded, and plastic pipes that are plated with metal.

本発明の洗浄装置に備える洗浄ノズルのうち、吐出部と吸引部は互いに電気的に接触した状態で固定されている。さらに吐出部と吸引部とが互いに略平行状態で固定されており、かつ固定した吐出部と吸引部を、反応容器を載置する架台に対し鉛直方向に保持すると、静電容量を正確に測定できる点で好ましい。また、当該固定した吐出部と吸引部のうち、吸引部の先端を吐出部の先端よりも架台側に(下側に)突き出た構造とすると、吸引部による反応容器に収容された液体の吸引時に、吐出部の先端が反応容器に収容された液体と接触し汚染されるリスクが低減するため好ましい。   Among the cleaning nozzles provided in the cleaning device of the present invention, the discharge part and the suction part are fixed in a state of being in electrical contact with each other. Furthermore, the discharge part and the suction part are fixed in a substantially parallel state, and when the fixed discharge part and suction part are held in the vertical direction with respect to the frame on which the reaction vessel is placed, the capacitance is accurately measured. It is preferable in that it can be performed. In addition, when the tip of the suction part of the fixed discharge part and suction part protrudes to the gantry side (downward) from the tip of the discharge part, the suction of the liquid contained in the reaction container by the suction part Sometimes, the tip of the discharge part is preferable because it reduces the risk of contact with the liquid contained in the reaction container and contamination.

吸引部と吐出部とを互いに電気的に接触した状態で固定させる方法の一例として、吸引部と吐出部とを導電性の基体を用いて固定させることで基端部を一体化する方法があげられる。前記基体は、吐出部の配管と洗浄液を送液する手段、および吸引部の配管と吸引のための真空手段をそれぞれ接続するための2本の連通管を内部に有した構造とすると好ましい。吸引部と吐出部とを互いに電気的に接触した状態で固定させる方法の別の例として、吸引部の先端を吐出部の先端よりも架台側に(下側に)突き出た状態で吸引部と吐出部とを導電性のクランプ手段を用いて固定させる方法があげられる。前記基材またはクランプ手段は、反応容器を載置する架台に対し鉛直方向に保持し、かつ上下方向に移動可能な駆動手段と接続すればよい。   As an example of a method of fixing the suction part and the discharge part in a state of being in electrical contact with each other, a method of integrating the base end part by fixing the suction part and the discharge part using a conductive substrate is given. It is done. It is preferable that the base body has a structure having two communication pipes for connecting the piping of the discharge section and the means for feeding the cleaning liquid, and the piping of the suction section and the vacuum means for suction, respectively. As another example of the method of fixing the suction part and the discharge part in a state of being in electrical contact with each other, the suction part and the suction part in a state where the tip of the suction part protrudes (lower side) from the tip of the discharge part. There is a method of fixing the discharge part with a conductive clamping means. The base material or the clamping means may be connected to a driving means that is held in the vertical direction with respect to the gantry on which the reaction vessel is placed and is movable in the vertical direction.

本発明の洗浄装置では、洗浄ノズルに設けた吐出部または吸引部を一方の電極とし、B/F洗浄を行なう反応容器を載置する導電性の架台を他方の電極として、吐出部または吸引部と反応容器に収容された液体との接触/非接触に基づく過渡現象を静電容量の変化として検出する。静電容量を検出する手段として、静電容量の変化を検出するためのコルピッツ型発振回路等の、発振器を設けた公知の手段を用いることができる。なお通常は、反応容器を載置する架台を接地した回路で構成される。静電容量を検出する手段に設けた発振器の発振条件は回路基盤に実装されるコイルと洗浄ノズル周辺の浮遊容量に基づき決定すればよい。また、静電容量を検出する手段と、吸引部と吐出部を固定するのに用いた基体またはクランプ手段等との間は同軸ケーブルで接続すると好ましい。前記ケーブルの長さ、ケーブルと洗浄ノズルとの接続や固定方法等の条件は、予備的に作製した回路の有意な出力とノイズを考慮し、適宜決定すればよい。   In the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the discharge part or suction part provided in the cleaning nozzle is used as one electrode, and the conductive base on which the reaction vessel for performing B / F cleaning is placed as the other electrode, the discharge part or suction part. A transient phenomenon based on contact / non-contact between the liquid and the liquid contained in the reaction vessel is detected as a change in capacitance. As a means for detecting the capacitance, a known means provided with an oscillator such as a Colpitts oscillation circuit for detecting a change in capacitance can be used. Usually, it is configured by a circuit in which a gantry on which a reaction vessel is placed is grounded. The oscillation condition of the oscillator provided in the means for detecting the electrostatic capacity may be determined based on the coil mounted on the circuit board and the stray capacitance around the cleaning nozzle. Further, it is preferable that a coaxial cable is connected between the means for detecting the capacitance and the base or clamping means used for fixing the suction part and the discharge part. Conditions such as the length of the cable, connection between the cable and the cleaning nozzle, and a fixing method may be appropriately determined in consideration of significant output and noise of a preliminarily manufactured circuit.

静電容量を検出する手段から出力された静電容量の変化を、電圧計、電流計、マルチテスタ等公知の信号変換回路およびアナログ・ディジタル変換回路等を介して、判定手段に入力し、洗浄ノズルによる液体の吐出または吸引が正常に行なわれているかを判定する。判定手段には、信号波形の各種演算、閾値との比較による判定、判定結果の記録、判定結果のデータベース化等を行なう手段を設けており、通常はコンピュータがその役割を受けもつが、専用の演算回路を構成してもよい。   The change in the capacitance output from the means for detecting the capacitance is input to the judging means via a known signal conversion circuit such as a voltmeter, ammeter, multi-tester, analog / digital conversion circuit, etc., and washed. It is determined whether the liquid is discharged or sucked normally by the nozzle. The determination means is provided with means for performing various calculations of signal waveforms, determination by comparison with threshold values, recording of determination results, creation of a database of determination results, etc. An arithmetic circuit may be configured.

本発明の洗浄装置において、B/F洗浄の際に吐出部から吐出する洗浄液としては、抗体を固定化した固相担体と試料中の抗原との抗原抗体反応により形成された抗原抗体複合体を再解離することなく、かつ固相担体からの抗体の剥離がない条件で、適切な電解質濃度、適切なpH、適切な界面活性剤の種類や濃度等を選択すればよい。   In the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as a cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge section at the time of B / F cleaning, an antigen-antibody complex formed by an antigen-antibody reaction between a solid phase carrier on which an antibody is immobilized and an antigen in a sample is used. An appropriate electrolyte concentration, an appropriate pH, an appropriate type and concentration of a surfactant, and the like may be selected without re-dissociation and without the antibody peeling from the solid phase carrier.

本発明のB/F(Bound/Free)洗浄装置は、反応容器と、前記反応容器を載置する導電性を有した架台と、前記反応容器に液体を吐出する導電性を有した吐出部と前記反応容器に収容された液体を吸引する導電性を有した吸引部を設けた洗浄ノズルと、洗浄ノズルと前記架台との間の静電容量を検出する手段と、前記手段からの出力信号に基づき吐出部による液体の吐出状態と吸引部による液体の吸引状態を判定する判定手段とを備え、かつ吐出部および吸引部が互いに電気的に接触していることを特徴としている。本発明のB/F洗浄装置は、反応容器に収容された液体(例えば、抗原抗体反応後の反応液や洗浄液)が正しく吐出/吸引されているかを、静電容量の経時変化に基づき、洗浄操作中にリアルタイムにモニタ(判定)できるという利点を有している。また本発明のB/F分離装置は、吸引部と吐出部とが互いに電気的に接触しているため、一つの静電容量検出手段で吐出部と吸引部の目詰まりを検知できる。そのため、機械構成が簡単であり、装置の保守面、コスト面でも有利である。   The B / F (Bound / Free) cleaning device of the present invention includes a reaction container, a conductive base on which the reaction container is placed, and a conductive discharge unit that discharges liquid to the reaction container. A cleaning nozzle provided with a conductive suction section for sucking the liquid contained in the reaction vessel; means for detecting a capacitance between the cleaning nozzle and the gantry; and an output signal from the means And determining means for determining a liquid discharge state by the discharge portion and a liquid suction state by the suction portion, and the discharge portion and the suction portion are in electrical contact with each other. The B / F cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is configured to determine whether or not the liquid (for example, the reaction liquid or the cleaning liquid after the antigen-antibody reaction) contained in the reaction container is correctly discharged / sucked based on the change in capacitance with time. It has the advantage that it can be monitored (determined) in real time during operation. In the B / F separation device of the present invention, since the suction part and the discharge part are in electrical contact with each other, the clogging of the discharge part and the suction part can be detected with a single capacitance detection means. Therefore, the machine configuration is simple, and it is advantageous in terms of maintenance and cost of the apparatus.

B/F洗浄における吸引工程では反応容器に収容された液体を全量吸い尽くしたいので、一定の液量を吸引した吸引部は、正常な吸引を達成した前後に、反応容器の液面に対して接した状態から離れた状態に移行する。しかしながら、吸引部が目詰まりを起こしているときは、仮に正常な吸引であれば吸引が終了しているであろう時間が経過した後でも、吸引ノズルは接液状態のままである。このため、静電容量の波形は正常吸引の場合とは明らかに異なったものとなり、異常吸引であると判定できる。また、吸引ノズルを液中に浸漬したうえで、液体を吸引している状態と、ノズル詰まりのために吸引していない状態とに関しても、ノズル管内の溶液の有無によって静電容量が変化するので、本発明の洗浄装置によって直接判定することができる。   In the suction process in the B / F cleaning, since it is desired to suck out all the liquid contained in the reaction vessel, the suction part that sucked a certain amount of liquid is in contact with the liquid level of the reaction vessel before and after achieving normal suction. Transition from a contact state to a distant state. However, when the suction part is clogged, the suction nozzle remains in the liquid contact state even after the time that would have been the end of the suction if normal suction has elapsed. For this reason, the waveform of the capacitance is clearly different from that in the normal suction, and it can be determined that the suction is abnormal. In addition, the capacitance changes depending on the presence or absence of the solution in the nozzle tube, even when the suction nozzle is immersed in the liquid and the liquid is sucked or not sucked due to nozzle clogging. It can be determined directly by the cleaning device of the present invention.

一方B/F洗浄における吐出工程では、汚染を避けるため吐出部を反応容器の液面から離した状態で吐出する。そのため吸引工程では吸引部の接液状態を直接検知するのに対し、吐出工程では吐出中に吐出部先端と反応容器の液面との間に形成される液柱を介した間接的な接液状態を検知することになる。通常B/F洗浄における吐出工程では、液柱が形成される程度の吐出量で吐出するが、吐出部に目詰まりが生じ吐出量が低下すると液柱が形成されず液滴状態となるため、静電容量の経時変化は正常吐出時と比較し明らかに異なる変化を示す。したがって、本発明のB/F洗浄装置により吐出不良を吐出した瞬間に判定することができる。また、吐出部の目詰まりにより吐出量が低下したものの液柱は形成されている場合であっても、本発明のB/F洗浄装置による静電容量の経時変化の検出は再現性がすぐれているため、正常吐出時の静電容量の経時変化をあらかじめ判定手段に記憶させた上で、前記記憶させた経時変化と、判定対象の吐出における静電容量の経時変化とを比較することで、吐出不良を判定することができる。   On the other hand, in the discharge process in the B / F cleaning, the discharge part is discharged in a state separated from the liquid surface of the reaction container in order to avoid contamination. Therefore, in the suction process, the liquid contact state of the suction part is directly detected, whereas in the discharge process, indirect liquid contact via a liquid column formed between the tip of the discharge part and the liquid level of the reaction vessel during discharge. The state will be detected. Normally, in the discharge process in B / F cleaning, the liquid is discharged with a discharge amount that can form a liquid column. However, when the discharge amount is reduced due to clogging in the discharge part, the liquid column is not formed and a liquid droplet is formed. The change with time of the capacitance is clearly different from that during normal ejection. Therefore, it can be determined at the moment when the ejection failure is ejected by the B / F cleaning device of the present invention. Even when the liquid column is formed although the discharge amount is reduced due to clogging of the discharge part, the detection of the change with time of the capacitance by the B / F cleaning device of the present invention is excellent in reproducibility. Therefore, by storing the change over time in the capacitance during normal discharge in the determination unit in advance, by comparing the stored change over time with the change over time in the capacitance during discharge of the determination target, A discharge failure can be determined.

本発明のB/F洗浄装置の一例を示す概略図である。It is the schematic which shows an example of the B / F washing | cleaning apparatus of this invention. 本発明のB/F洗浄装置に備えた洗浄ノズルによる吐出のうち、液柱を形成して吐出する状態を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which forms and discharges a liquid column among the discharge by the cleaning nozzle with which the B / F cleaning apparatus of this invention was equipped. 本発明のB/F洗浄装置に備えた洗浄ノズルによる吐出のうち、液滴を形成して吐出する状態を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which forms and discharges a droplet among discharge by the washing nozzle with which the B / F washing | cleaning apparatus of this invention was equipped. 実施例2の結果を示した図である。(a)は静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化を、(b)は静電容量(検出器出力)の積分値の経時変化を、それぞれ示している。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of Example 2. (A) shows the change with time of the capacitance (detector output), and (b) shows the change with time of the integrated value of the capacitance (detector output). 実施例3の結果を示した図である。(a)は正常吐出時および気泡混入時における静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化を、(b)は気泡混入時における静電容量(検出器出力)と正常吐出時における静電容量(検出器出力)との差分を、それぞれ示している。It is the figure which showed the result of Example 3. (A) shows the change over time of the electrostatic capacity (detector output) during normal ejection and when bubbles are mixed, and (b) shows the electrostatic capacity (detector output) when bubbles are mixed and the electrostatic capacity (normal output) The difference from the detector output) is shown. 実施例4の結果を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the result of Example 4. 本発明のB/F洗浄装置を用いてB/F洗浄を行なった場合の静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of a time-dependent change of the electrostatic capacitance (detector output) at the time of performing B / F washing | cleaning using the B / F washing | cleaning apparatus of this invention.

以下実施例により本発明をさらに詳細に説明するが、本発明はこれら実施例に限定されるものではない。   EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

実施例1 本発明のB/F洗浄装置
以降の実施例で使用した、本発明のB/F(Bound/Free)洗浄装置を図1に示す。図1に示す装置は、
吐出部11と吸引部12を設けた洗浄ノズル10と、
B/F洗浄を行なう液体を収容した反応容器20を載置する接地架台30と、
発振器51と電流測定部52と電源53を設けた静電容量検出手段(検出器)50と、
演算部61と記録部62を設けた判定手段60と、
を備えている。
Example 1 B / F Cleaning Device of the Present Invention A B / F (Bound / Free) cleaning device of the present invention used in the following examples is shown in FIG. The device shown in FIG.
A cleaning nozzle 10 provided with a discharge part 11 and a suction part 12;
A grounding stand 30 on which a reaction vessel 20 containing a liquid for performing B / F cleaning is placed;
A capacitance detecting means (detector) 50 provided with an oscillator 51, a current measuring unit 52, and a power source 53;
A determination unit 60 provided with a calculation unit 61 and a recording unit 62;
It has.

洗浄ノズル10は導電性の基体13を介して、吐出部11と吸引部12とが一体化した構造となっており、吐出部11は、外径φ1.48mm、内径φ1.12mm、長さ16mmのステンレス製配管であり、吸引部12は、外径φ1.48mm、内径φ1.12mm、長さ35mmのステンレス製配管である。また吐出部11にはステッピングモータ駆動のシリンジポンプを設けた洗浄液送液手段(不図示)が、吸引部12には反応容器に収容した液体を吸引可能な真空手段および廃液入れ(不図示)が、それぞれ接続されている。さらに洗浄ノズル10には、架台30に対し鉛直方向に保持した状態で上下および水平方向に移動可能な駆動手段(不図示)も設けており、当該駆動手段はステッピングモータにより制御され、吸引部12先端が反応容器20内の底面に衝突したときの緩衝手段も備えている。   The cleaning nozzle 10 has a structure in which the discharge part 11 and the suction part 12 are integrated via a conductive base 13, and the discharge part 11 has an outer diameter of φ1.48 mm, an inner diameter of φ1.12 mm, and a length of 16 mm. The suction part 12 is a stainless steel pipe having an outer diameter of 1.48 mm, an inner diameter of 1.12 mm, and a length of 35 mm. The discharge unit 11 is provided with a cleaning liquid feeding means (not shown) provided with a syringe pump driven by a stepping motor, and the suction part 12 is provided with a vacuum means capable of sucking the liquid stored in the reaction vessel and a waste liquid container (not shown). , Each connected. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle 10 is also provided with driving means (not shown) that can move in the vertical and horizontal directions while being held in the vertical direction with respect to the gantry 30. The driving means is controlled by a stepping motor, and the suction unit 12 is driven. A buffer means is also provided when the tip collides with the bottom surface in the reaction vessel 20.

静電容量検出手段50と洗浄ノズル10の間を同軸ケーブル40(内部導体径φ0.2mm、保護被覆径φ2.0mm、長さ150mm)で接続し、接地架台30も静電容量検出手段50と接続する(不図示)。静電容量検出手段50に設けた発振器51の発振条件は、基板(不図示)に実装されるコイル・コンデンサ(不図示)と洗浄ノズル10周囲の浮遊容量で決まり、例えば約50MHzの高周波で発振する。   The capacitance detecting means 50 and the cleaning nozzle 10 are connected by a coaxial cable 40 (inner conductor diameter φ0.2 mm, protective covering diameter φ2.0 mm, length 150 mm), and the grounding frame 30 is also connected to the capacitance detecting means 50. Connect (not shown). The oscillation condition of the oscillator 51 provided in the capacitance detecting means 50 is determined by the coil / capacitor (not shown) mounted on the substrate (not shown) and the stray capacitance around the cleaning nozzle 10, and oscillates at a high frequency of about 50 MHz, for example. To do.

静電容量検出手段50に設けた電流測定部52により、静電容量の変化に基づき出力された電圧は、信号変換回路(不図示)およびアナログ・ディジタル変換回路(不図示)を介して判定手段60に供される。通常、判定手段60はコンピュータが受けもつ。判定手段60に設ける記録部62は閾値の記録、判定結果の記録等を行ない、演算部61は信号波形の積分演算、信号波形同士の差分演算、記録部62から読み出した閾値と測定データとの比較演算を行なう。   The voltage output based on the change in capacitance by the current measuring unit 52 provided in the capacitance detection means 50 is determined by a signal conversion circuit (not shown) and an analog / digital conversion circuit (not shown). 60. Usually, the determination means 60 is handled by a computer. The recording unit 62 provided in the determination unit 60 performs recording of threshold values, recording of determination results, and the like. The calculation unit 61 calculates signal waveform integration, difference calculation between signal waveforms, and the threshold value read from the recording unit 62 and measurement data. Perform a comparison operation.

実施例2 吐出動作における静電容量変化
図1に示すB/F洗浄装置を用いて、吐出動作による静電容量の変化を確認した。具体的には、吐出部11先端を反応容器20の底から20mmの高さに保った状態で、洗浄液(0.1M NaClと0.05% ポリオキシエチレンソルビタンモノラウレートを含むトリス塩酸緩衝液(pH8.0))を、吐出速度247μL/s、406μL/sまたは600μL/sでそれぞれ500μL吐出し、静電容量の変化を測定した。なお、吐出速度600μL/sが正常な吐出を想定したものであり、吐出速度247μL/sおよび406μL/sは吐出不良が生じた場合を想定したものである。吐出速度600μL/sおよび406μL/sの場合は液柱を形成する態様で洗浄液が吐出され(図2)、吐出速度247μL/sの場合は液滴状に洗浄液が吐出された(図3)。
Example 2 Change in Capacitance in Discharge Operation Using the B / F cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1, change in capacitance due to the discharge operation was confirmed. Specifically, with the tip of the discharge section 11 kept at a height of 20 mm from the bottom of the reaction vessel 20, a washing solution (Tris-HCl buffer containing 0.1 M NaCl and 0.05% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) (PH 8.0)) was discharged at a discharge speed of 247 μL / s, 406 μL / s or 600 μL / s, respectively, and the change in capacitance was measured. The ejection speed of 600 μL / s is assumed to be normal, and the ejection speeds of 247 μL / s and 406 μL / s are assumed to be when ejection failure occurs. When the discharge speeds were 600 μL / s and 406 μL / s, the cleaning liquid was discharged in the form of forming a liquid column (FIG. 2), and when the discharge speed was 247 μL / s, the cleaning liquid was discharged in droplets (FIG. 3).

検出器から出力された静電容量の経時変化を図4(a)に示す。吐出速度247μL/sの場合は、吐出中も静電容量(検出器出力)の大きな変化は見られず、約0.15秒の一定周期で、液滴に起因すると思われる下向きヒゲ状の小さな波形変化が確認された。一方、吐出速度406μL/sおよび600μL/sの場合は、切り出し刀状の大きな波形が確認された。具体的には、吐出開始直後に静電容量(検出器出力)が急低下した後、1.75V付近からは0.75V付近まで鋭角状に一定の割合で静電容量(検出器出力)が低下し、0.75V付近で液柱の消失により吐出開始前の静電容量(検出器出力)に復帰している。吐出した洗浄液量はいずれも500μLであることから、1.75V付近から0.75V付近までの領域における静電容量(検出器出力)低下の割合は、洗浄液の吐出により反応容器内の液面が上昇することに対応した静電容量変化を示すものと推定され、静電容量(検出器出力)低下の割合は吐出速度と相関する。したがって、静電容量検出器における出力低下の割合から吐出速度を見積もることで、吐出速度の低下を確認することができる。   FIG. 4A shows the change with time of the capacitance output from the detector. When the discharge speed is 247 μL / s, no large change in electrostatic capacity (detector output) is observed even during discharge, and a small downward-like beard-like shape that seems to be caused by droplets at a constant period of about 0.15 seconds. Waveform change was confirmed. On the other hand, in the case of the discharge speeds of 406 μL / s and 600 μL / s, a large cutting blade-like waveform was confirmed. Specifically, after the capacitance (detector output) suddenly decreases immediately after the start of discharge, the capacitance (detector output) increases at a constant rate in a sharp angle from about 1.75 V to about 0.75 V. It decreases and returns to the electrostatic capacity (detector output) before the start of discharge due to the disappearance of the liquid column at around 0.75V. Since the amount of the discharged cleaning liquid is 500 μL, the rate of decrease in the capacitance (detector output) in the region from about 1.75 V to about 0.75 V is determined by the liquid level in the reaction vessel due to the discharge of the cleaning liquid. It is estimated that the capacitance changes corresponding to the increase, and the rate of decrease in the capacitance (detector output) correlates with the discharge speed. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the decrease in the discharge speed by estimating the discharge speed from the ratio of the output decrease in the capacitance detector.

図4(a)の結果を基に、吐出開始前の検出器に出力された静電容量(2.65V)との差分を時間で積分した値を計算して得られたグラフを図4(b)に示す。吐出速度が減少するに従い、吐出時間に対する積分値の絶対値は減少傾向にあることがわかる。すなわち、正常な吐出速度である600μL/sでの、吐出時間に対する検出器に出力された静電容量の積分値のグラフをあらかじめ用意し、当該グラフに基づき、一定の閾値(例えば、吐出開始0.7秒後における出力積分値−0.95Vs)を設定することで、出力積分値の絶対値が一定の閾値を下回る(例えば、吐出速度406μL/s)場合に、吐出不良と判定することができる。なお、吐出速度406μL/sも正常吐出とみなし、液滴状に吐出した場合(例えば、吐出速度247μL/s)のみ吐出不良と判定する場合は、閾値の設定は容易となる。   Based on the result of FIG. 4A, a graph obtained by calculating a value obtained by integrating the difference with the electrostatic capacitance (2.65V) output to the detector before the start of discharge with time is shown in FIG. Shown in b). It can be seen that as the discharge speed decreases, the absolute value of the integrated value with respect to the discharge time tends to decrease. That is, a graph of the integrated value of the capacitance output to the detector with respect to the discharge time at a normal discharge speed of 600 μL / s is prepared in advance, and a certain threshold (for example, discharge start 0) is prepared based on the graph. By setting the output integral value after 0.7 seconds -0.95 Vs), it is determined that the discharge is defective when the absolute value of the output integral value is below a certain threshold (for example, a discharge speed of 406 μL / s). it can. In addition, when the discharge speed of 406 μL / s is also regarded as normal discharge, and it is determined that the discharge is defective only when the liquid is discharged in the form of droplets (for example, discharge speed of 247 μL / s), the threshold value can be easily set.

実施例3 吐出動作の気泡混入の評価
図1に示すB/F洗浄装置を用いて、実施例2と同様、吐出部11先端を反応容器20の底から20mmの高さに保った状態で、洗浄液を吐出速度600μL/sで500μL吐出した。吐出部配管に気泡が混入した場合と混入しない(正常に吐出された)場合における静電容量の変化を測定し、正常に吐出された場合の静電容量(検出器出力)値との差分を逐次演算した。
Example 3 Evaluation of mixing of bubbles in the discharge operation Using the B / F cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in the same manner as in Example 2, while maintaining the tip of the discharge unit 11 at a height of 20 mm from the bottom of the reaction vessel 20, 500 μL of the cleaning liquid was discharged at a discharge speed of 600 μL / s. Measure the change in capacitance when air bubbles are mixed into the discharge section piping and when it is not mixed (normally discharged), and calculate the difference from the capacitance (detector output) value when discharged normally It was calculated sequentially.

正常吐出時の静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化を示すグラフと、気泡混入時の静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化を示すグラフとを重ねたものを図5(a)に示し、気泡混入時と正常吐出時とで静電容量(検出器出力)の差分を逐次演算した結果を図5(b)に示す。なお図5(a)のうち、正常吐出時の静電容量(検出器出力)の経時変化は、2回測定した結果の平均値とした。また図5(b)のうち、吐出開始後の0.1秒間と吐出終了時前の0.1秒間は、静電容量値が大きく変動するため演算範囲から省いた。   FIG. 5A is a graph obtained by superimposing a graph showing the change over time of the capacitance (detector output) during normal ejection and a graph showing the change over time of the capacitance (detector output) when bubbles are mixed. FIG. 5 (b) shows the result of sequential calculation of the difference in capacitance (detector output) between bubble mixing and normal ejection. In FIG. 5A, the change with time in the electrostatic capacity (detector output) during normal ejection is the average of the results of the two measurements. Further, in FIG. 5B, the capacitance value fluctuated greatly for 0.1 second after the start of discharge and 0.1 second before the end of discharge because the capacitance value fluctuated greatly.

図5(a)では吐出開始0.5秒後に気泡混入に由来する静電容量(検出器出力)の変化が確認できるが、正常吐出時における静電容量(検出器出力)との差分に一定の閾値(例えば、0.5V)を設定することで、気泡が混入しているかを判定することができる。   In FIG. 5 (a), the change in electrostatic capacity (detector output) due to bubble mixing can be confirmed 0.5 seconds after the start of discharge, but the difference from the electrostatic capacity (detector output) during normal discharge is constant. By setting a threshold value (for example, 0.5 V), it is possible to determine whether bubbles are mixed.

実施例4 吸い残しの検知
図1に示すB/F洗浄装置のうち、反応容器20に収容した液体を吸引部12により吸引した後の残液量の検知について検討した。
Example 4 Detection of unabsorbed residue In the B / F cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the detection of the amount of remaining liquid after the liquid stored in the reaction container 20 was aspirated by the aspiration unit 12 was examined.

反応容器20として、内径が約5mm、高さ約20mmのポリプロピレン製円筒容器を用意し、当該容器の中に、実施例2で使用した洗浄液0μL、1μL、3μL、5μL、10μL、20μLをそれぞれ加えた。吸引部12を反応容器20の底まで降下させ、静電容量出力を測定した。反応容器20に加えた洗浄液量と静電容量出力との関係を図6に示す。図6から、例えば、静電容量出力の閾値を3.0Vに設定することで、反応容器20に1μL以上の洗浄液が残存している(すなわち吸い残している)ことを検知することができる。   A polypropylene cylindrical container having an inner diameter of about 5 mm and a height of about 20 mm is prepared as the reaction container 20. It was. The suction unit 12 was lowered to the bottom of the reaction vessel 20, and the capacitance output was measured. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the amount of cleaning liquid added to the reaction vessel 20 and the capacitance output. From FIG. 6, for example, it is possible to detect that 1 μL or more of the cleaning liquid remains in the reaction container 20 (that is, has not been sucked) by setting the threshold value of the capacitance output to 3.0 V.

実施例5 B/F洗浄動作の出力波形
図1に示すB/F洗浄装置において、まず反応容器20に洗浄液(実施例2と同じ組成)100μLを加えた後、吸引部12による100μL吸引(操作a)、吐出部11による100μL吐出(操作b)、吸引部12による100μL吸引(操作c)、吐出部11による400μL吐出(操作d)、吸引部12による400μL吸引(操作e)、吐出部11による400μL吐出(操作f)、吸引部12による400μL吸引(操作g)、吐出部11による400μL吐出(操作h)後、洗浄ノズル10を洗浄ポートに搬送した。前記一連の操作を行なったときの静電容量(検出器出力)変化の一例を図7に示す。なお図7のうち、記号は前述した操作の記号に対応する。
Example 5 Output Waveform of B / F Cleaning Operation In the B / F cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1, first, 100 μL of a cleaning liquid (the same composition as in Example 2) is added to the reaction vessel 20, and then 100 μL suction (operation) is performed by the suction unit 12 a), 100 μL discharge by the discharge section 11 (operation b), 100 μL suction by the suction section 12 (operation c), 400 μL discharge by the discharge section 11 (operation d), 400 μL suction by the suction section 12 (operation e), discharge section 11 After 400 μL discharge (operation f) by 400, 400 μL suction (operation g) by the suction unit 12 and 400 μL discharge (operation h) by the discharge unit 11, the cleaning nozzle 10 was transferred to the cleaning port. An example of a change in capacitance (detector output) when the series of operations is performed is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the symbols correspond to the operation symbols described above.

吐出部11により洗浄液を400μL吐出した(操作d、fおよびh)時の波形は、図4および5と同様、吐出後に静電容量(検出器出力)が一定割合で低下する切り出し刀状の形状を示している。図7における操作d、fおよびhの波形から算出したピーク面積の平均は0.924Vsであり、変動係数(CV)も1.1%と極めて良好な再現性を示した。   The waveform when 400 μL of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the discharge unit 11 (operations d, f, and h) is a cut-out sword-like shape in which the capacitance (detector output) decreases at a constant rate after discharge, as in FIGS. Is shown. The average peak area calculated from the waveforms of operations d, f, and h in FIG. 7 was 0.924 Vs, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.1%, showing very good reproducibility.

一方、吸引部12により洗浄液を吸引した(操作a、c、eおよびg)時の波形は、吐出時の波形とは反対側を向いた切り出し刀状の形状を示している。これは、吸引動作の進行に伴い、反応容器20内の液面が低下することに応じた、静電容量の変化を示すものと推定される。図7において、100μL吸引したとき(操作aおよびc)の波形から算出したピーク面積はそれぞれ、0.486Vs,0.697Vsであり、400μL吸引したとき(操作eおよびg)の波形から算出したピーク面積はそれぞれ、1.22Vs,0.987Vsであった。吸引時の出力波形が、吐出時の出力波形と比較し再現性が良好でない理由として、吸引部12による吸引操作では吐出部11にはない洗浄液の浸漬動作があること、および吸引終了時に反応容器20に残留した洗浄液と吸引部12との接触状態のばらつきがあること、に由来するものと思われる。   On the other hand, the waveform when the cleaning liquid is sucked by the suction unit 12 (operations a, c, e, and g) shows a cut-out sword shape that faces away from the waveform during discharge. This is presumed to indicate a change in capacitance according to the decrease in the liquid level in the reaction vessel 20 as the suction operation proceeds. In FIG. 7, the peak areas calculated from the waveform when 100 μL was aspirated (operations a and c) were 0.486 Vs and 0.697 Vs, respectively, and the peaks calculated from the waveform when 400 μL was aspirated (operations e and g) The areas were 1.22 Vs and 0.987 Vs, respectively. The reason why the output waveform at the time of suction is not reproducible compared to the output waveform at the time of discharge is that there is an immersion operation of the cleaning liquid that is not in the discharge unit 11 in the suction operation by the suction unit 12, and the reaction container at the end of the suction This is considered to be derived from the fact that there is a variation in the contact state between the cleaning liquid remaining in 20 and the suction part 12.

図7と同じ条件で合計5回のB/F洗浄操作を行ない、それぞれ波形出力データを取得した。操作aからhでの波形から算出したピーク面積の平均と変動係数(CV)を表1に示す。吐出部11による洗浄液の吐出操作(操作d、fおよびh)時は、いずれもピーク面積のCVが5%以下と良好な再現性が得られた、一方、吸引部12による洗浄液の吸引操作(操作a、c、eおよびg)時は、ピーク面積のCVが10%を超える操作も見られたものの、吸引による液面低下に対応する特徴的な静電容量変化は共通して観察された。よって、B/F洗浄装置に求められる性能、すなわち一定量の吸引/吐出を目詰まりなく速やかに実施できる性能を確認する際は、ピーク面積のCVが10%を超える吸引波形のばらつきがあっても確認作業には影響を与えないことがわかる。

Figure 2013096910
A total of 5 B / F cleaning operations were performed under the same conditions as in FIG. Table 1 shows the average peak area and coefficient of variation (CV) calculated from the waveforms of operations a to h. During the discharge operation of the cleaning liquid by the discharge unit 11 (operations d, f, and h), the CV of the peak area was 5% or less and good reproducibility was obtained, while the suction operation of the cleaning liquid by the suction unit 12 ( During operations a, c, e, and g), a characteristic capacitance change corresponding to a decrease in liquid level due to suction was commonly observed, although an operation in which the CV of the peak area exceeded 10% was also observed. . Therefore, when confirming the performance required for the B / F cleaning device, that is, the ability to perform a certain amount of suction / discharge quickly without clogging, there is a variation in the suction waveform with a peak area CV exceeding 10%. It can also be seen that the confirmation work is not affected.
Figure 2013096910

以上のように、図1に代表される本発明のB/F洗浄装置は、B/F洗浄中の吸引/吐出操作を再現性よくモニタすることができるため、閾値を用いた判定または波形比較による判定により、B/F洗浄動作の異常を早期に発見することができる。   As described above, since the B / F cleaning apparatus of the present invention represented by FIG. 1 can monitor the suction / discharge operation during the B / F cleaning with high reproducibility, determination using a threshold value or waveform comparison By the determination according to B, the abnormality of the B / F cleaning operation can be found at an early stage.

10:洗浄ノズル
11:吐出部
12:吸引部
13:基体
20:反応容器
30:接地架台
40:同軸ケーブル
50:静電容量検出手段
51:発振器
52:電流測定部
53:電源
60:判定手段
61:演算部
62:記録部
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Washing nozzle 11: Discharge part 12: Suction part 13: Base | substrate 20: Reaction container 30: Grounding stand 40: Coaxial cable 50: Capacitance detection means 51: Oscillator 52: Current measurement part 53: Power supply 60: Determination means 61 : Calculation unit 62: Recording unit

Claims (3)

反応容器と、前記反応容器を載置する架台と、前記反応容器に液体を吐出する吐出部および前記反応容器に収容された液体を吸引する吸引部を設けた洗浄ノズルと、を備えたB/F洗浄装置であって、
洗浄ノズルに設けた前記吐出部および前記吸引部、ならびに前記架台が導電性を有しており、
前記吐出部および前記吸引部が互いに電気的に接触しており、かつ、
洗浄ノズルと前記架台との間の静電容量を検出する手段と、前記手段からの出力信号に基づき前記吐出部による液体の吐出状態および前記吸引部による液体の吸引状態を判定する判定手段とをさらに備えた、前記洗浄装置。
B / C provided with a reaction vessel, a gantry on which the reaction vessel is placed, a washing nozzle provided with a discharge unit for discharging liquid to the reaction vessel and a suction unit for sucking liquid stored in the reaction vessel F cleaning device,
The discharge part and the suction part provided in the cleaning nozzle, and the gantry have conductivity,
The discharge part and the suction part are in electrical contact with each other; and
Means for detecting a capacitance between the cleaning nozzle and the gantry, and determination means for determining a liquid discharge state by the discharge portion and a liquid suction state by the suction portion based on an output signal from the means. The cleaning apparatus further comprising:
請求項1に記載の洗浄装置を用いて吐出状態における静電容量の経時変化を測定し、
前記経時変化を、あらかじめ判定手段に記録した正常な吐出状態における静電容量の経時変化と比較することで、
洗浄ノズルに設けた吐出部による液体の吐出状態を判定する方法。
Using the cleaning device according to claim 1 to measure the change in capacitance over time in the discharge state,
By comparing the change with time with the change with time in capacitance in a normal discharge state recorded in the determination means in advance,
A method of determining a liquid discharge state by a discharge unit provided in a cleaning nozzle.
請求項1に記載の洗浄装置を用いて吸引状態における静電容量の経時変化を測定し、
前記経時変化を、あらかじめ判定手段に記録した正常な吸引状態における静電容量の経時変化と比較することで、
洗浄ノズルに設けた吸引部による液体の吸引状態を判定する方法。
Using the cleaning device according to claim 1, to measure the change in capacitance with time in the suction state,
By comparing the change over time with the change in capacitance over time in a normal suction state recorded in advance in the determination means,
A method for determining a liquid suction state by a suction portion provided in a cleaning nozzle.
JP2011241496A 2011-11-02 2011-11-02 B/f cleaning apparatus Pending JP2013096910A (en)

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