JP2018169278A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer with a simple configuration and reduced power consumption. An automatic analyzer 100 that mixes and analyzes a sample and a reagent sucked from a suction hole 16 provided in an upper part of a reagent cold storage 8, and is provided in a lower part of the reagent cold storage 8 and analyzes a reagent. A heat absorbing means 101 for cooling the inside of the cold storage 8 and a warming means 103 for heating the suction hole 16 until the temperature of the suction hole 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature by the warm air generated by the cooling are provided. The warming means 103 is a warming duct 103 for flowing warm air from the lower part of the reagent cold storage 8 to the suction hole 16. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer having a reagent cold storage.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, analyzers that perform analysis by mixing various reagents and specimens include a reagent cooler that holds these various reagents. This reagent cooler has a reagent aspirating hole in a part of the lid member so that the retained reagent can be easily aspirated, and this reagent aspirating hole is always open. The inside of the reagent cooler is generally kept at a temperature lower than room temperature. However, since the reagent suction hole described above is always open, the vicinity of this hole is condensed. Thus, a technique for preventing condensation by heating the suction hole is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-040900 A

  By the way, conventionally, the cooling of the reagent cold storage and the heating of the suction hole have been performed by using different devices because their roles are completely different such as cooling and heating. Using separate devices in this way has a problem of high power consumption. In addition, there are problems such as complicated configuration of the automatic analyzer by using different devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of preventing condensation with low power consumption and a simple configuration.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a reagent cold storage for cooling and storing a reagent container containing a reagent to be mixed with a sample to be measured, and a suction hole provided in the reagent cold storage, A reagent probe for sucking out the reagent from the reagent container in the reagent cooler, a measuring device for measuring a measurement sample in which the reagent sucked by the reagent probe and the sample are mixed, and the reagent in the reagent cooler A heat absorbing means for cooling the reagent, a heat radiating means for dissipating the heat absorbed by the heat absorbing means, and the suction hole for guiding the heat dissipated by the heat radiating means to communicate the inside and the outside of the reagent cooler. This was configured as an automatic analyzer equipped with warming means for heating.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the automatic analyzer which enables prevention of dew condensation with low power consumption and a simple structure can be provided.

It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this embodiment. It is AA sectional drawing of the reagent cold storage part in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. It is CC arrow schematic of the reagent cold storage part in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 2, and has shown the flow of the warm air in the state in which the switching means is open. FIG. 3 is a schematic view taken along the line B-B of the reagent cold storage part in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 2, showing a state where warm air is applied to the cylindrical member constituting the suction hole in a state where the switching means is open. . It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. It is AA sectional drawing of the reagent cold storage part in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1, and has shown the modification different from FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the part which performs the heat transfer in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the automatic analyzer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure which shows the modification of the automatic analyzer shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part (common component) in principle, and the repeated description is abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 1
[Overall configuration of automatic analyzer]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an outline of an automatic analyzer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 100 is a device that mixes a sample and a reagent and automatically analyzes the mixed measurement sample. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a transport line 1, a sample probe 4 that sucks a sample, a reaction container supply 6, a reaction container supply mechanism 7, a reaction container table 9, and a reaction measurement. It has an apparatus 10, a reagent cold storage 8, a reagent probe 12, a reagent stirring bar 13, and a reagent disk 14.

  The transport line 1 is a line for transporting a sample container 3 containing a sample that has been subjected to, for example, centrifugation. In the present embodiment, a plurality of sample containers 3 are held together on one sample container transport rack 2 and transported on the transport line 1. The sample is, for example, blood or urine collected from a patient or the like.

  The sample probe 4 has an arm and performs a suction operation and a discharge operation of the sample contained in the sample container 3. A nozzle for sucking and discharging the sample is provided at the tip of the sample probe 4.

The reaction container supply 6 holds a plurality of unused reaction containers 5. The reaction container supply mechanism 7 has a mechanism for supplying the reaction container 5 held by the reaction container supply container 6 to the reaction container table 9. The reaction container table 9 has a mechanism for moving the supplied reaction container 5 to a reagent discharge position at which the reagent is discharged from the reagent probe 12 by rotating itself.
The reaction vessel 5 is placed from the reaction vessel supply 6 to the reaction vessel table 9 by the reaction vessel supply mechanism 7. The reaction container 5 is moved in order of the reagent discharge position, the sample discharge position, and the reaction measurement position of the reaction container table 9 as the reaction container table 9 rotates. Incidentally, the sample discharged by the sample probe 4 and the reagent discharged by the reagent probe 12 are mixed in the reaction vessel 5 and left in the reaction vessel table 9 for a predetermined time, and then the reaction state is measured by the reaction measuring device 10. Is done.

  The reagent cool box 8 is a cool box whose inside is adjusted to a predetermined temperature or less by the heat absorbing means 101, and contains a plurality of reagent containers 11 containing reagents. The temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 is kept at a predetermined temperature, for example, a temperature lower than room temperature (for example, 5 ° C. to 10 ° C.). As a result, the reagent can be kept cold and the deterioration of the reagent can be prevented. The reagent cool box 8 has a cylindrical shape, and the upper part thereof is covered with a reagent cool box lid 15. A suction hole 16 is formed in the reagent cold storage lid 15. Note that a reagent disk 14 is provided in the reagent cool box 8, and a plurality of reagent containers 11 are placed on the reagent disk 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 is provided with an arm 20 so as to straddle the reagent cold storage 8 and the reaction container table 9. A reagent stirring bar 13 is provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction along the arm 20.

  The suction hole 16 for the reagent probe 12 to suck the reagent is constituted by, for example, a cylindrical member having a through hole. The cylindrical member is provided by penetrating the upper portion of the reagent cold storage 8 and the reagent cold storage lid 15 (the inside and the outside of the reagent cold storage 8 are communicated) to form the suction hole 16. The reagent probe 12 can move in the vertical direction along with the horizontal movement along the arm 20, and performs a suction operation and a discharge operation of the reagent contained in the reagent container 11. A nozzle that sucks and discharges the reagent is provided at the tip of the reagent probe 12. The reagent stirring rod 13 can also move in the vertical direction along with the horizontal movement along the arm 20.

  The upper end of the reagent container 11 is open. The reagent stirring bar 13 is moved to a reagent stirring position for stirring the reagent contained in the reagent container 11. Then, the reagent stirring rod 13 is inserted into the reagent container 11 through the suction hole 16 and the upper end of the reagent container 11. The reagent stirring bar 13 is rotated in the inserted state, thereby stirring the reagent contained in the reagent container 11. The reagent stirring rod 13 that has stirred the reagent is pulled out of the reagent container 11.

Thereafter, the reagent probe 12 is moved from the reagent container 11 to a reagent suction position for sucking the reagent. Then, the reagent probe 12 is inserted into the reagent container 11 through the suction hole and the upper end of the reagent container 11. Then, the reagent probe 12 sucks the reagent from the reagent container 11 in the inserted state.
The reagent probe 12 that has aspirated the reagent is pulled out from the reagent container 11. Thereafter, the reagent probe 12 is moved to a reagent discharge position (a predetermined position on the reaction container table 9), and discharges the reagent into the reaction container 5.
After the reagent is discharged, the reaction container table 9 rotates itself to move the reaction container 5 to the sample discharge position where the sample is discharged from the sample probe 4.

  The transport line 1 transports the sample container 3 held on the sample container transport rack 2 to the sample suction position where the sample is sucked from the sample probe 4. The sample container 3 contains a sample to be inspected. Further, the upper end of the sample container 3 is opened. After the sample container 3 is transported to the sample suction position by the transport line 1, the sample probe 4 is inserted into the sample container 3 from the upper end of the sample container 3. Then, the sample probe 4 sucks the sample from the sample container 3 in the inserted state.

After sucking the sample, the sample probe 4 is pulled out from the sample container 3. Thereafter, the sample probe 4 is moved to the sample discharge position on the reaction container table 9. After being moved to the sample discharge position, the sample probe 4 discharges the aspirated sample to the reaction container 5 (containing the reagent).
A stirring mechanism (not shown) stirs the reagent discharged from the reaction container 5 and the sample. The stirred reagent and sample are left for a predetermined time. After being left, the reaction vessel 5 is moved to the reaction measuring device 10. Then, the reaction measurement device 10 measures the reaction state between the reagent and the sample that have entered the moved reaction container 5.
A plurality of reagent containers 11 are installed on the reagent disk 14, and the reagent stirred and sucked by the reagent stirring rod 13 and the reagent probe 12 can be exchanged by rotating the reagent disk 8.

[Configuration of automatic analyzer to prevent condensation]
Next, a detailed configuration of the automatic analyzer 100, that is, a configuration that enables prevention of condensation with a low power consumption and a simple configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view taken along the line CC of the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 2, and shows the flow of warm air when the switching means is open. FIG. 4 is a schematic view taken along the line B-B in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 2 and shows a state where warm air is applied to the cylindrical member constituting the suction hole in a state where the switching means is open. 2 to 4 indicate the warm air flow, and the solid arrow illustrated in FIG. 2 indicates the outside air flow.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the components described above, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a heat absorbing means 101, a heat radiating means 102, a warm air means (warm air duct) 103, a blower means 104, an exhaust duct 105, a switching means 106, A control device 107, a suction hole temperature sensor 111, a cold storage inside temperature sensor 112, a cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the like are provided.

  The temperature sensor is attached to a plurality of locations of the automatic analyzer 100 and measures the temperature at each location. Among these temperature sensors, the suction hole temperature sensor 111 is attached to the outer peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface of the suction hole 16 (cylindrical member constituting the suction hole 16), and measures the temperature (surface temperature) of the suction hole 16. . In addition, the cool box internal temperature sensor 112 is attached to the reagent cool box lid 15 inside the reagent cool box 8 and measures the atmospheric temperature inside the reagent cool box 8. The cold storage outside temperature sensor 113 is attached to the surface of the reagent cold storage lid 15 and measures the surface temperature of the reagent cold storage lid 15.

  The heat absorption means 101 is attached to the bottom of the reagent cold storage 8 and absorbs heat inside the reagent cold storage 8 to lower the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8. As a means for realizing such heat absorption means 101, for example, a Peltier element or the like can be cited as an example. As the capability of the Peltier element (heat absorption means 101) in this embodiment, it is assumed that the endothermic surface is 3 ° C. and the exothermic surface is about 45 ° C. In this case, the reagent cooler temperature is about 6.5 ° C. Assumed.

  The heat dissipating means 102 is provided below the heat absorbing means 101. The heat absorbed by the heat absorbing means 101 is radiated by the heat radiating means 102. The heat dissipating means 102 is preferably made of a member having high thermal conductivity and has a shape that increases the surface area. Further, a blowing unit 104 is provided so as to be connected to the heat dissipation unit 102. The air blowing unit 104 guides the outside air to the heat radiating unit 102 and mixes the heat of the heat radiating unit 102 and the outside air, thereby generating warm air H that is air having a temperature higher than the outside air temperature. The air blowing means 104 only needs to be able to dissipate heat by applying external air to the heat radiating means 102, and the position of the air blowing means 104 may be below or on the side of the heat radiating means 102. In other words, the heat dissipating means 102 may be arranged on the suction side or the discharge side of the air blowing means 104.

  Incidentally, the heat dissipation means 102 (same as the heat absorption means 101) is made of a metal material such as aluminum, iron, copper, etc. as a material having high thermal conductivity. Moreover, it is preferable that the heat dissipation means 102 has a shape with a surface area as large as possible. By increasing the heat dissipation area, the amount of heat dissipation can be increased.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment includes a warm air duct 103, an exhaust duct 105, and a switching unit 106. The exhaust duct 105 is provided on one side of the heat dissipating means 102, and the warm air duct 103 is provided on the other opposite side. Further, a switching means 106 is provided between the heat radiating means 102 and the warm air duct 103. The switching means 106 includes a valve having a size that shields the entire cross section of the warm air duct 103, and the valve is driven by an actuator to close or open the warm air duct 103. An electric motor or solenoid is used as the actuator. That is, warm air H flows through both the exhaust duct 105 and the warm air duct 103 when the switching means 106 is open, but warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105 when the switching means 106 is closed. That is, regardless of whether the warm air duct 103 is opened or closed by the switching means 106, the exhaust duct 105 allows warm air to flow inside and discharges warm air to the outside.

  As shown in the BB cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the warm air duct 103 is externally passed through the outer peripheral portion of the suction hole 16 (cylindrical member constituting the suction hole 16) provided in the reagent cooler 8. Is connected to The cylindrical member constituting the suction hole 16 has a cylindrical shape made of a member having high thermal conductivity, and is attached through the reagent cold storage lid 15 (warm air is passed through the suction hole 16). It is made not to flow into the inside of the reagent cold storage 8). On the other hand, the exhaust duct 105 is connected to the outside of the automatic analyzer 100 without passing through the suction hole 16.

  That is, the warm air duct 103 is provided connected to the side of the heat radiating means 102 and passes through the lower part of the reagent cooler 8, the side of the reagent cooler 8, the suction hole 16, and the upper part of the reagent cooler 8. Connected to the outside. When the warm air duct 103 is opened by the switching means 106, the warm air flows inside, and the warm air is discharged to the outside (see broken line arrows in FIGS. 2 to 4). Further, when the warm air duct 103 is closed by the switching means 106, the warm air does not flow inside and the warm air is not discharged to the outside. (Warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105 and is discharged outside). That is, the warm air flow in the warm air duct 103 is controlled as the switching unit 106 is driven.

  When warm air flows inside the warm air duct 103, the warm air duct 103 warms the suction hole 16. If the temperature of the suction hole 16 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the warm air duct 103 heats the suction hole 16 until the suction hole 16 exceeds the predetermined temperature. When the suction hole 16 is heated by the warm air duct 103, the temperature of the suction hole 16 is maintained at a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. As a result, in the automatic analyzer 100 (reagent cold storage 8), it is possible to prevent the condensation generated in the suction hole 16, and the dew condensation in the reagent cold storage 8 (inside the reagent container 11 without a lid). (Condensation dripping) is prevented.

  The control device 107 is connected to the heat absorbing means 101, the air blowing means 104, the switching means 106, the suction hole temperature sensor 111, the cold storage inside temperature sensor 112, the cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the like through electrical wiring. The control device 107 activates the heat absorbing means 101 and the air blowing means 104 after the automatic analyzer 100 is activated. Thereafter, the switching means 106 is driven by temperature information obtained from the suction hole temperature sensor 111, the cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the cold storage inside temperature sensor 112.

  That is, the control device 107 measures the temperature of the suction hole 16 via the suction hole temperature sensor 111, and controls the flow of warm air based on the acquired temperature information (controls the driving of the switching means 106). Moreover, the control apparatus 107 adjusts the temperature of the suction hole 16 by controlling the flow of warm air. For example, when the temperature of the suction hole 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (dew point threshold), the control device 107 opens the warm air duct 103 and keeps the suction hole 16 in the suction hole 16 until the temperature of the suction hole 16 exceeds the predetermined temperature (dew point threshold). Use warm air. When the temperature of the suction hole 16 is higher than a predetermined temperature (dew point threshold value), the control device 107 closes the warm air duct 103 and does not allow warm air to flow through the suction hole 16.

  Here, the dew point threshold is set to a value that takes a temperature margin from the dew point temperature (the temperature at which condensation occurs when air containing water vapor is cooled). For example, since the dew point temperature is 29 ° C. in an environment of a temperature of 32 ° C. and a humidity of 85%, if the temperature margin is 2 ° C., the dew point threshold is 31 ° C. By controlling the flow of warm air so that the temperature of the suction hole 16 always exceeds the dew point threshold (for example, 31 ° C.), dew condensation in the suction hole 16 can be prevented. The control device 107 calculates the dew point temperature based on the surface temperature of the reagent cold storage lid 15 measured by the cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and automatically sets the dew point threshold value together with a separately set temperature margin. To do.

  The control device 107 measures the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 via the cooler temperature sensor 112 and adjusts the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 based on the acquired temperature information (the heat absorption means 101 is changed). Control). For example, when the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (cold threshold), the control device 107 causes the heat absorption means 101 so that the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 becomes lower than the predetermined temperature (cold threshold). To control. Further, when the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 is lower than a predetermined temperature (cold threshold), the control device 107 controls the heat absorption means 101 so as to maintain the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8.

  Here, the cold insulation threshold is an upper limit value of the recommended temperature when the reagent is stored in the reagent container 11. That is, by storing the reagent below the cold storage threshold, the effect of the reagent is ensured within the expiration date.

  The control device 107 controls the temperature outside the cold storage chamber 113 to measure the temperature outside the reagent cold storage chamber 8 and appropriately controls various devices based on the acquired temperature information. For example, the control device 107 calculates the dew point temperature based on the surface temperature of the reagent cold storage lid 15 and adjusts the temperature of the suction hole 16 to exceed the dew point threshold.

  The control device 107 controls the heat absorption means 101 to adjust the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 and cool the inside of the reagent cool box 8. For example, when the control device 107 activates the heat absorption means 101, the heat absorption means 101 absorbs the heat inside the reagent cold storage 8, so that the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8 decreases.

  The control device 107 controls the air blowing means 104 to generate warm air. For example, when the control device 107 turns on the power supply of the blowing unit 104, the outside air is guided to the heat radiating unit 102, and the outside air is warmed by the heat absorbed by the heat absorbing unit 101, thereby generating warm air.

  The control device 107 controls the flow of warm air by controlling the driving of the switching means 106. For example, when the control device 107 drives and controls the switching unit 106 in the direction to open the warm air duct 103, the warm air flows through the warm air duct 103 and the exhaust duct 105. For example, when the control device 107 drives and controls the switching unit 106 in a direction to close the warm air duct 103, the warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105.

The automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment uses warm air generated by the cooling of the reagent cooler for heating the suction holes. As a result, it is not necessary to separately install a device for cooling the reagent cooler and a device for heating the suction hole in the automatic analyzer 100 as in the prior art. 100 automatic analyzers with reduced power can be provided.
Although the switching means 106 has been described as fully open (open) or fully closed (closed), the flow rate ratio between the warm air duct 103 and the exhaust duct 105 can be changed by adjusting the opening of the valve by a stepping motor or the like. Needless to say.

〔flowchart〕
Next, the heating process of the suction hole 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the automatic analyzer 100.

  In step S201, the automatic analyzer 100 is turned on and the automatic analyzer 100 is activated.

  In step S <b> 202, the heat absorption unit 101 is activated, and the heat absorption unit 101 cools the inside of the reagent cooler 8 by absorbing heat inside the reagent cooler 8. Also, the air blowing means 104 is activated, and the air blowing means 104 blows outside air toward the heat radiating means 102. The heat dissipating means 102 dissipates warm air generated when the outside air is warmed.

  In step S <b> 203, the control device 107 controls the driving of the switching unit 106 to close the warm air duct 103. Thereby, the warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105 and is discharged to the outside.

  In step S204, the control device 107 determines whether or not the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8 obtained via the cold storage internal temperature sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the cold storage threshold. When the control device 107 determines that the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8 is equal to or higher than the cold storage threshold (step S204 → Yes), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S205. When the control device 107 determines that the temperature inside the reagent cooler 8 is lower than the cool threshold (step S204 → No), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S206.

  In step S205, the control device 107 controls the heat absorbing means 101 so that the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 is less than the cold threshold, and until the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 falls below the cold threshold, stand by.

  In step S206, the control device 107 determines whether or not the temperature of the suction hole 16 obtained via the suction hole temperature sensor 111 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold value. When it is determined that the temperature of the suction hole 16 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold (step S206 → Yes), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S207. When the control device 107 determines that the temperature of the suction hole 16 is higher than the dew point threshold (step S206 → No), the control device 107 returns to the process of step S201.

  In step S207, the control device 107 controls the driving of the switching unit 106 to open the warm air duct 103. Thereby, warm air flows through warm air duct 103 and exhaust duct 105, and is discharged outside.

  In step S208, the warm air duct 103 warms the suction hole 16 with warm air flowing inside. Until the temperature of the suction hole 16 exceeds the dew point threshold value, the processes in steps S206 to S208 are repeated.

  As described above, when the temperature of the suction hole 16 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold, the automatic analyzer 100 warms the suction hole 16 by the warm air flowing through the warm air duct 103 until the temperature of the suction hole 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature. . Thus, by controlling the heating according to the temperature of the suction hole 16, the temperature of the suction hole 16 can be kept at a temperature at which no condensation occurs while preventing the suction hole 16 from being overheated.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer 200 according to a modification of the present embodiment.

  Unlike the example shown in FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer 200 according to the modified example does not include the blowing unit 104 below the heat dissipation unit 102. Moreover, the switching means 106 as a switching valve is not provided. In the modification, the air blowing means 108a and the air blowing means 108b are provided, and the two air blowing means 108a and the air blowing means 108b have the roles of the air blowing means 104 and the switching means 106 in the example of FIG. That is, “a switching means capable of changing the flow rate ratio between the warm air duct 103 and the exhaust duct 105 or switching the flow” is embodied.

  The air blowing means 108 a is attached near the end of the warm air duct 103, and the air blowing means 108 b is attached near the end of the exhaust duct 105. The air blowing means 108 a and the air blowing means 108 b are switched on and off by the control device 107 to switch the flow of warm air.

  For example, when the air blowing means 108 a is turned on and the air blowing means 108 b is turned on, warm air flows through the warm air duct 103 and the exhaust duct 105, so the warm air duct 103 heats the suction hole 16. Further, for example, when the air blowing means 108a is turned off and the air blowing means 108b is turned on, warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105, so the warm air duct 103 does not heat the suction hole 16.

  The control device 107 switches the flow of warm air by controlling the air blowing means 108a and the air blowing means 108b. For example, when the control device 107 controls the air blowing means 108 a and the air blowing means 108 b to be turned on, warm air flows through the warm air duct 103 and the exhaust duct 105. Further, for example, when the control device 107 performs control so that the air blowing means 108 a is turned off and the air blowing means 108 b is turned on, the warm air flows only through the exhaust duct 105.

  In other words, the blowing unit 108 a and the blowing unit 108 b included in the automatic analyzer 200 have the same functions as the blowing unit 104 and the switching unit 106 included in the automatic analyzer 100. The automatic analyzer 200 uses the two air blowing means 108a and the air blowing means 108b appropriately to switch the flow of warm air, and heats the suction hole 16 at an appropriate timing according to the temperature of the suction hole 16. Thereby, the dew condensation generated near the suction hole 16 can be prevented.

  Also in the automatic analyzer 200 according to the modification of the present embodiment, the warm air generated by the cooling of the reagent cooler 8 is used for heating the suction holes. As a result, it is not necessary to separately install a device for cooling the reagent cooler and a device for heating the suction hole in the automatic analyzer 200 as in the prior art. An automatic analyzer 200 with reduced power can be provided.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
[Configuration of automatic analyzer]
Next, the configuration of the automatic analyzer 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a DD cross-sectional view showing only main functions of the automatic analyzer 300 shown in FIG. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure same as 1st Embodiment and the same content.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic analyzer 300 includes a heat absorbing means 101, a heat radiating means 102, a blower means 104, a control device 107, a warming means (heat transfer duct) 108, a heat transfer means (heat transfer plate) 109, and a heat transfer. The switching means 110, the heat transfer suction hole 160 (suction hole 16), the suction hole temperature sensor 111, the cold storage inside temperature sensor 112, the cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the like are provided.

  The suction hole temperature sensor 111 is attached outside or inside the surface of the heat transfer suction hole 160 and measures the surface temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160. The cool box internal temperature sensor 112 is attached to the reagent cool box lid 15 inside the reagent cool box 8 and measures the atmospheric temperature inside the reagent cool box 8. The cold storage outside temperature sensor 113 is attached to the surface of the reagent cold storage lid 15 and measures the surface temperature of the reagent cold storage lid 15.

  The heat transfer suction hole 160 (corresponding to the suction hole 16 of the first embodiment) is provided so as to penetrate the reagent cold storage lid 15, and as shown in FIG. 8, the end is extended to the heat transfer duct 108 side. It has become. The heat transfer suction hole 160 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and is heated by the heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 via the heat transfer plate 109 until the dew point threshold is exceeded.

  The heat absorption means 101 is provided in the lower part of the reagent cool box 8 and cools the inside of the reagent cool box 8 by absorbing heat inside the reagent cool box 8. The heat dissipating means 102 is provided under the heat absorbing means 101 and dissipates warm air generated by the heat absorbed by the heat absorbing means 101.

  The heat transfer duct 108 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and is provided on the side of the heat radiating means 102. The heat transfer duct 108 passes through the lower part of the reagent cooler 8 and the side of the reagent cooler 8, and is connected to the outside. Yes. Therefore, the heat transfer duct 108 causes warm air to flow from the lower part to the upper part of the reagent cooler 8 and discharges it to the outside.

  The heat transfer plate 109 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and is fixed to either the heat transfer duct 108 or the heat transfer suction hole 160. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a configuration in which the heat transfer plate 109 is fixed to the heat transfer duct 108 and connected to or disconnected from the heat transfer suction hole 160 will be described as an example. 109 may be fixed to the heat transfer suction hole 160 and connected to or disconnected from the heat transfer duct 108.

  The heat transfer plate 109 is driven and controlled by the heat transfer switching means 110. When the heat transfer plate 109 is driven in the direction of arrow Z1 in FIG. 7, the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are connected via the heat transfer plate 109. When the heat transfer plate 109 is driven in the direction of arrow Z2 in FIG. 7, the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are not connected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the heat transfer plate 109 connects the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160, the heat transfer plate 109 transfers the heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108. This is transmitted to the heat suction hole 160. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the heat transfer plate 109 does not connect the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160, the heat transfer plate 109 transfers the heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108. It is not transmitted to the heat suction hole 160.

  When the heat transfer plate 109 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are connected, the heat transfer plate 109 heats the heat transfer suction hole 160 with heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108. If the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold, the heat transfer plate 109 heats the heat transfer suction hole 160 until the heat transfer suction hole 160 exceeds the dew point threshold. The heat transfer suction hole 160 is heated by the heat transfer plate 109, whereby the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is maintained at a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. Thereby, in the automatic analyzer 300, it is possible to prevent condensation that occurs in the heat transfer suction hole 160.

  The heat transfer switching means 110 is provided on the heat transfer plate 109 and switches between connection and non-connection between the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 by driving and controlling the heat transfer plate 109. The heat transfer switching means 110 is configured by, for example, a rotary actuator. The heat transfer switching means 110 may drive and control the heat transfer plate 109 in the vertical direction, or may drive and control the heat transfer plate 109 in the left and right direction. The driving direction of the heat transfer plate 109 is not particularly limited.

  For example, when the heat transfer switching means 110 drives and controls the heat transfer plate 109 in the direction in which the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are connected, heat is transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction hole 160. It is transmitted. In this case, the heat transfer suction hole 160 is heated by the heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108. On the other hand, when the heat transfer switching means 110 drives and controls the heat transfer plate 109 in a direction in which the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are not connected, heat is transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction hole 160. Is not transmitted.

  The control device 107 is connected to the heat absorption means 101, the air blowing means 104, the heat transfer switching means 110, the suction hole temperature sensor 111, the cold storage inside temperature sensor 112, the cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the like through electrical wiring. After starting the automatic analyzer 300, the control device 107 obtains the heat absorption means 101, the air blowing means 104, and the heat transfer switching means 110 from the suction hole temperature sensor 111, the cooler inside temperature sensor 112, the cooler outside temperature sensor 113, and the like. Control by temperature information.

  The control device 107 controls driving of the heat transfer plate 109 by controlling the heat transfer switching means 110. For example, when the control device 107 controls the heat transfer switching means 110 to connect the heat transfer plate 109 and the heat transfer suction hole 160, the heat transfer suction hole 160 is caused by warm air flowing inside the heat transfer duct 108. Heat is transmitted to.

  According to the automatic analyzer 300 according to the present embodiment, the warm air generated by the cooling of the reagent cooler is used for heating the suction holes. As a result, it is not necessary to separately install a device for cooling the reagent cooler and a device for heating the suction hole in the automatic analyzer 300 as in the prior art. An automatic analyzer 300 with reduced power can be provided.

〔flowchart〕
Next, the heating process of the heat transfer suction hole 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the automatic analyzer 300.

  In step S301, the automatic analyzer 300 is turned on and the automatic analyzer 300 is activated.

  In step S <b> 302, the heat absorption unit 101 is activated, and the heat absorption unit 101 cools the inside of the reagent cooler 8 by absorbing heat inside the reagent cooler 8. Also, the air blowing means 104 is activated, and the air blowing means 104 blows outside air toward the heat radiating means 102. The heat dissipating means 102 dissipates warm air generated when the outside air is warmed.

  In step S <b> 303, the control device 107 controls the heat transfer switching unit 110 to disconnect the heat transfer plate 109 and the heat transfer suction hole 160. Even if warm air flows inside the heat transfer duct 108, heat is not transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction holes 160.

  In step S304, the control device 107 controls the temperature sensor 112 in the cool box, and determines whether or not the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 is equal to or higher than the cool threshold value. When the control device 107 determines that the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8 is equal to or higher than the cold storage threshold (step S304 → Yes), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S305. When the control device 107 determines that the temperature inside the reagent cold storage 8 is lower than the cold storage threshold (step S304 → No), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S306.

  In step S305, the control device 107 controls the heat absorbing means 101 so that the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 is lower than the cold threshold, and until the temperature inside the reagent cool box 8 falls below the cold threshold, stand by.

  In step S306, the control device 107 controls the suction hole temperature sensor 111 to determine whether or not the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold value. When it is determined that the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold (step S306 → Yes), the control device 107 proceeds to the process of step S307. When it is determined that the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is higher than the dew point threshold value (step S306 → No), the control device 107 returns to the process of step S301.

  In step S <b> 307, the control device 107 controls the heat transfer switching unit 110 to connect the heat transfer plate 109 and the heat transfer suction hole 160. As a result, heat is transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction hole 160 via the heat transfer plate 109.

  In step S <b> 308, the heat transfer duct 108 transfers heat generated by warm air flowing inside to the heat transfer plate 109 to heat the heat transfer suction holes 160. Until the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 exceeds the dew point threshold value, the processes in steps S306 to S308 are repeated.

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 300 connects the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 via the heat transfer plate 109 when the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is equal to or lower than the dew point threshold. The heat transfer suction hole 160 is heated by the heat transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 until the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 exceeds a predetermined temperature. In this way, by controlling the heating in accordance with the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160, the temperature of the heat transfer suction hole 160 is kept at a temperature at which condensation does not occur while preventing the heat transfer suction hole 160 from being overheated. Can do.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the automatic analyzer 300 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer 400 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

  Automatic analyzer 400 includes heat absorption means 101, heat dissipation means 102, control device 107, warm air means (heat transfer duct) 108, heat transfer means (heat transfer plate) 109, heat transfer switching means 110, heat transfer suction hole 160, air flow. Means 120, a suction hole temperature sensor 111, a cold storage inside temperature sensor 112, a cold storage outside temperature sensor 113, and the like are provided. That is, the automatic analyzer 400 includes the blowing unit 120 instead of the blowing unit 104 included in the automatic analyzer 300.

  The air blowing means 120 is attached near the end of the heat transfer duct 108. The air blowing unit 120 is switched on and off by the control device 107 to switch the flow of warm air.

  For example, when the air blowing unit 120 is turned on, warm air flows through the heat transfer duct 108. At this time, if the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are connected via the heat transfer plate 109, heat is transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction hole 160. For example, when the blowing unit 120 is turned off, warm air does not flow through the heat transfer duct 108. At this time, even if the heat transfer duct 108 and the heat transfer suction hole 160 are connected via the heat transfer plate 109, heat is not transferred from the heat transfer duct 108 to the heat transfer suction hole 160.

  That is, the automatic analyzer 400 not only controls the heating of the heat transfer suction hole 160 by controlling the driving of the heat transfer plate 109, but also controls the on / off of the air blowing means 120 to control the heat transfer suction hole. It is possible to control the heating to 160.

  Also in the automatic analyzer 400 according to the modification of the second embodiment, the warm air generated by the cooling of the reagent cooler is used for heating the suction holes. This eliminates the need for separately mounting a device for cooling the reagent cooler and a device for heating the suction hole in the automatic analyzer 400 as in the prior art. Thereby, an automatic analyzer with reduced power consumption can be provided with a simple configuration.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment (modification), and can be implemented in various configurations. For example, the heat absorption means and the heat dissipation means may be a heat pump type refrigeration cycle apparatus. The warming means may be a heat transfer means such as a heat pipe that does not involve air flow. That is, as the warming means, the warm air duct 103 (FIGS. 2 and 6) is exemplified in the first embodiment, and the heat transfer duct 108 (FIGS. 7 and 10) is exemplified in the second embodiment. However, the warm air means is a heat pipe. It may be configured (the heat-up means includes a heat transfer means such as a heat pipe). Moreover, Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can also be combined suitably. For example, the automatic analyzer 300 or the automatic analyzer 400 shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 may include the exhaust duct 105 and the switching unit 106 according to the first embodiment. In this case, the heat transfer switching means 110 and the air blowing means 120 in FIGS. 7 and 10 can be eliminated. Also, other appropriate combinations are possible.

8 Reagent cooler 10 Reaction measuring device (measuring device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Reagent probe 16 Suction hole 100,200,300,400 Automatic analyzer 101 Heat absorption means 102 Heat radiation means 103 Warm air means (warm air duct)
105 Exhaust duct 106 Switching means 108 Warm air means (heat transfer duct)
109 Heat transfer plate (heat transfer means)
110 Heat Transfer Switching Unit 111 Suction Hole Temperature Sensor 113 Cold Storage Outside Temperature Sensor 160 Heat Transfer Suction Hole (Suction Hole)

Claims (7)

A reagent cooler that cools and stores a reagent container containing a reagent to be mixed with the sample to be measured; and
A reagent probe for sucking out the reagent from the reagent container in the reagent cold storage through a suction hole provided in the reagent cold storage;
A measuring device for measuring a measurement sample in which the reagent sucked out by the reagent probe and the sample are mixed;
Endothermic means for cooling the reagent in the reagent cold storage;
A heat radiating means for radiating the heat absorbed by the heat absorbing means;
An automatic analyzer comprising: warming means for guiding the heat dissipated by the heat dissipating means and heating the suction hole that communicates the inside and outside of the reagent cooler. The warming means is
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer is a warm air duct that guides warm air based on heat radiation from a heat radiating unit provided in a lower part of the reagent cooler to the suction hole provided in an upper part of the reagent cooler. . An exhaust duct for discharging the warm air from the lower part of the reagent cooler to the outside;
Inside the warm air duct, a valve having a size that shields the entire cross section of the warm air duct is driven by an actuator so that the inside of the warm air duct is closed or opened. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the temperature of the suction hole is controlled by switching. From the lower part of the reagent cooler to the outside, an exhaust duct for discharging the warm air;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising switching means capable of changing a flow rate ratio between the warm air duct and the exhaust duct or switching a flow. The warming means is
A warm air duct for guiding warm air based on heat radiation from a heat radiating means provided in a lower part of the reagent cooler to the upper side of the reagent cooler; and
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, comprising heat transfer means for thermally connecting the warm air duct and the suction hole. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, further comprising a heat transfer switching unit that drives and controls the heat transfer unit to switch thermal connection or non-connection between the warm air duct and the suction hole. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a suction hole temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the suction hole.