JP5618498B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by reacting a sample (also referred to as a specimen) such as blood or urine with a reagent and measuring the optical characteristics of the sample.

  The automatic analyzer, for example, dispenses the sample and the reagent in the reagent container held in the reagent container to a reaction tube arranged inside the thermostat, and irradiates the reaction solution in the reaction tube with light, It is an apparatus that receives transmitted light from a reaction solution in a reaction tube by a measurement unit, measures the component concentration of a sample in the reaction tube, and reports the measurement result.

  An example of this type of automatic analyzer is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The automatic analyzer of Patent Document 1 includes a gripping device that grips a reagent container, a gripping and conveying unit that moves and lifts the gripping device, a container support that supports a plurality of reagent containers, a reagent storage, and a disposal position. A transfer unit having a guide for guiding the transfer of the container support; The gripping conveyance unit and the transfer unit convey the reagent container between the reagent storage and the disposal position, take out the reagent container from the reagent storage, and store the reagent container in the reagent storage. In this conventional example, the gripping device has a structure for gripping the mouth part (dispensing port) of the reagent container in order to grip the reagent container. As a result, the reagent container can be gripped by the same gripping operation even if the reagent containers have different sizes.

JP 2008-20361 A

  By the way, empty reagent containers (reagent containers that require replacement) in which the reagent in the reagent containers has disappeared beyond a certain value, or reagent containers whose reagents in the reagent containers have expired (hereinafter referred to as reagent containers that require replacement) are used. The reagent container is replaced with a new reagent container, and this reagent container is often replaced manually by an operator, for example.

  Therefore, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the reagent container is replaced by a mechanical operation as follows. When there is a reagent container that needs to be replaced in the reagent store, the gripping and transporting unit moves to the reagent store and goes to pick up the reagent container that needs to be replaced. Move to and discard. Next, it is necessary to go to the place where this gripping and transporting portion moves and a new reagent container is set, and to store the new reagent container in the reagent storage. Thus, since it is necessary to carry out the work of moving a new reagent container to the reagent store after performing the work of moving the reagent container that requires replacement from the reagent store to the disposal position, the time for replacing the reagent container becomes longer. Therefore, the analysis work efficiency cannot be improved.

  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 improving the efficiency of reagent container replacement work.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, a reaction solution is prepared by reacting a sample , a reagent dispensed from a reagent container having the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion opposite to the first side surface portion. An automatic analyzer for analyzing the specimen by measuring the characteristics of
A reagent store for storing a plurality of the reagent containers;
A rack storage for arranging a plurality of the reagent containers;
A reagent container replacement part that is provided adjacent to the reagent storage and the rack storage area and temporarily arranges the reagent container;
A first pinching member and a second pinching member which are provided in directions that are opposed to each other but are not parallel to each other so as to hold the reagent container in contact with the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion of the reagent container, respectively. A first transport unit that transports the reagent container between the reagent storage and the reagent container replacement unit,
A second transport section for transporting the reagent container between the reagent container replacement section and the rack storage;
With
The reagent container replacement part is
The new reagent container transported from the rack storage by the second transport unit is temporarily placed, and the reagent container transported from the reagent store by the first transport unit is temporarily retracted and placed. Has a reagent container storage area,
The reagent container replacement unit is characterized in that the first transport unit is disposed at a position along a transport direction in which the reagent container is transported. Thereby, the efficiency of the replacement | exchange operation | movement of a reagent container can be aimed at.

The invention of claim 2 is the automatic analyzer, wherein the reagent container storage area of the reagent container replacement unit is
A first reagent container storage for temporarily placing the new reagent container carried from the rack storage by the second transport unit;
It is characterized by comprising a second reagent container storage place for temporarily retracting the reagent container that needs to be exchanged carried from the reagent storage by the first transport unit. By this. Reagent containers that require replacement and new reagent containers can be temporarily placed in separate storage locations, reducing the time required to replace the reagent container that requires replacement and the new reagent container, and bringing the new reagent container to the reagent store quickly It is possible to improve the analysis work efficiency.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, the reagent container replacement unit is configured such that the first transport unit transports the reagent container, and the second transport unit transports the reagent container. It is arrange | positioned in the position which crosses. Thereby, the 1st conveyance part and the 2nd conveyance part can exchange a reagent container efficiently to a reagent container exchange part.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, the first reagent container storage and the second reagent container storage are arranged adjacent to each other in the reagent container replacement unit. Thereby, the 1st conveyance part and the 2nd conveyance part can shorten a conveyance distance to a reagent container exchange part, and can exchange a reagent container efficiently.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, the first transport unit carries the new reagent container placed in the first reagent container storage area into the reagent storage and is placed in the second reagent container storage place. The reagent container requiring replacement is placed in the first reagent container storage area, and the second transport unit returns the reagent container required for replacement placed in the first reagent container storage area to the rack storage area. To do. As a result, a reagent container that needs to be replaced with a new reagent container can be efficiently replaced.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, the reagent container is a reagent container carrier between the first reagent container storage and the rack storage and between the second reagent container storage and the rack storage. It is transported by the second transport unit in a mounted state. Thereby, the 2nd conveyance part can convey a reagent container easily using a reagent carrier.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer, a state display unit is provided for displaying whether the reagent container placed in the rack storage area is the reagent container requiring the replacement or the new reagent container. And Thus, the operator can visually recognize the state of the reagent container during the work.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the automatic analyzer, wherein the rack storage is disposed on a front surface side of the automatic analyzer, and the state display unit is disposed along the rack storage. . Accordingly, the operator can easily place a new reagent container in the rack storage area, or can easily remove a reagent container that requires replacement from the rack storage area, thereby improving the workability of exchanging the medicine container.

The invention according to claim 9 is the automatic analyzer, wherein the transport direction of the second transport unit is a back surface of the rack storage area and along the front surface portion, and the transport direction of the first transport unit is It is characterized by being along the corner of the automatic analyzer. Thereby, since the transfer operation of the second transfer unit can be performed on the front side of the rack storage place, the transfer operation of the first transfer unit is not disturbed by the operation of other parts of the automatic analyzer. Since it can be performed at the corner, it does not interfere with the operation of other parts of the automatic analyzer.

The invention according to claim 10 is the automatic analyzer, wherein an identification information label having identification information of the reagent in the reagent container is disposed on the reagent container and the reagent container carrier,
The rack storage is provided with identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information from the identification information label. Thereby, the reagent in the reagent container can be reliably identified.

  According to the present invention, the efficiency of reagent container replacement work can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows embodiment of the automatic analyzer of this invention. It is a top view which shows the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st reagent container storage of a reagent container exchange part, the 2nd reagent container storage, a part of rack storage, a reagent storage, etc. FIG. It is a top view of the 1st reagent container storage and the 2nd reagent container storage. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a shape of a reagent container, and a reagent container carrier. It is a figure which shows a part of status display part shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of a 2nd conveyance part. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of a 1st conveyance part. It is a perspective view which shows a reagent container gripping mechanism part. FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the reagent container gripping mechanism of FIG. 9 viewed from the H1 direction. It is the bottom view which looked at the reagent container holding | grip mechanism part of FIG. 9 from the H2 direction. FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the reagent container gripping mechanism portion of FIG. 9 as viewed obliquely from below. It is a perspective view which shows the main components of the reagent container holding | grip mechanism part of FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a reagent container holding | grip mechanism part. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the reagent container extrusion part of a reagent container gripping mechanism part. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a 1st conveyance part, and operation | movement of a 2nd conveyance part. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the cover of the automatic analyzer is open, and in FIG. 2, illustration of this cover is omitted.

  The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 contains blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as a sample or specimen) and a reagent in a reagent container held in a reagent container, for example, in a reaction tank disposed in a constant temperature bath. Dispensing, irradiating the reaction solution in this reaction tank with light, and receiving the transmitted light from the reaction solution in the reaction tank at the measurement unit, and measuring the component concentration of the sample in the reaction tank It is a device that reports the results. The automatic analyzer 1 optically or electrically measures the concentration or activity value of a component contained in a sample using a chemical reaction between the sample and a test reagent.

  The automatic analyzer 1 uses the reagent in the reagent container at the time of measurement, dispenses the reagent from the reagent container to the reaction tank, reduces the amount of the remaining reagent in the reagent container, and the number of times the reagent can be used for measurement. When a predetermined number of times or less is reached, the reagent container can be replaced with a new reagent container filled with a reagent as a reagent container that requires replacement.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a main body 2, a cover 3 attached to the main body 2 so as to be manually opened and closed, a computer 5, and a display device 6 such as a liquid crystal display device. The upper surface of the main body 2 is a work table 4. The cover 3 can close the entire work table 4 by the cover 3 during the analysis work. When the cover 3 closes the work table 4, the elements of each part of the main body 2 can operate. However, when the cover 3 is opened, the operations of the elements of each part are stopped for safety.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the work table 4, there is one reagent storage 10, a reaction tank 11, a stirrer (stirrer) 12, a measurement unit 13, a barcode reader (BCR) 14, a cleaning unit 15, The rack storage 16, the sampling probe 17, the first reagent probe 18, the second reagent probe 19, the second transport unit 20, the first transport unit (automatic reagent loading) 21, the status display unit 24, and the reagent container replacement unit 40 are included.

  An operator can perform necessary work on the work table 4 while standing on the front face 2 </ b> F side of the main body 2. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the state display unit 24 is disposed along the left-right direction Y on the front surface 2 </ b> F of the main body 2 corresponding to the rack storage 16. The state display unit 24 is disposed on the front surface part 2F that is easy for the operator to see. Thereby, the operator can confirm visually the content which the status display part 24 displays during work.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode reader (BCR) 14, the rack storage 16, the second transport unit 20, and the reagent container replacement unit 40 are arranged in the front half area 4 </ b> F of the work table 4. On the other hand, the reagent store 10, the reaction tank 11, the stirrer (stirrer) 12, the measuring unit 13, the cleaning unit 15, the sampling probe 17, the first reagent probe 18, and the second reagent probe 19 are the rear half of the work table 4. Arranged in the region 4R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reagent store 10 can be indexed by rotating in the 10D direction, and the reagent store 10 has a rotating cover 10C for covering the upper part. The rotating cover 10C of the reagent storage 10 can be automatically opened and closed. By rotating the rotation cover 10 </ b> C, necessary portions of the reagent storage 10 can be opened and other portions can be closed. The reagent store 10 is a circular container that houses a reagent container (reagent bottle). In the reagent storage 10, a plurality of fan-shaped reagent racks 10R are accommodated. A plurality of reagent containers 30 are stored in the reagent rack 10R, and a plurality of different types of reagent containers 31 are stored in another reagent rack 10R. The capacity of the reagent container 30 is larger than the capacity of the reagent container 31. The reagent containers 30 and 31 are preferably trapezoidal plastic containers so that as many as possible can be installed in the reagent rack 10R of the reagent storage 10.

  The reaction tank 11 shown in FIG. 2 is a container that causes a chemical reaction between a reagent and a sample (specimen). In the vicinity of the reaction tank 11, a stirrer 12, a measurement unit 13, and a cleaning unit 15 are arranged. The stirrer 12 stirs and mixes the reagent and sample in the reaction tank 11. The cleaning unit 14 cleans the reaction cell in the reaction tank 11. The measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction tank 11 with light, receives the transmitted light from the reaction tank 11, measures the component concentration of the sample in the reaction tank 11, and displays the measurement result in the computer 5 of FIG. 1. To report to.

  The bar code reader 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example of identification information acquisition means for reading a bar code set in advance on the reagent containers 30 and 31 and the reagent container carrier, and identifies the reagents in the reagent containers 30 and 31. Information such as the type of reagent is read and reported to the computer 5. Further, another bar code reader 14R is arranged near the reaction tank 11, and this bar code reader 14R is set in advance in the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) stored in the reagent storage 10. It is an example of identification information acquisition means for reading a barcode that has been read, and reads, for example, the type of reagent, which is identification information of the reagent in the reagent containers 30 and 31, and reports it to the computer 5.

  The sampling probe 17 shown in FIG. 2 is rotatable in the K direction, and sucks a sample from the sample rack 200 and supplies it to the reaction tank 11. The first reagent probe 19 and the second reagent probe 18 can respectively rotate in the V direction, and the first reagent probe 19 is provided in the reagent container 30 (or the reagent container 31) on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 10. The reagent is sucked from the mouth and supplied into the reaction tank 11. The second reagent probe 18 sucks the reagent from the mouth of the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) on the inner peripheral side or outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 10 and supplies it to the reaction tank 11.

  The rack storage 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is disposed in the horizontal direction along the left-right direction Y on the front surface 2F side of the main body 2. The rack place 16 is arranged on the front surface portion 2F in this way because the operator places, for example, a reagent container carrier of a new reagent container on the rack place 16 or removes a reagent container carrier of a reagent container that needs to be replaced. This is because the work to be performed can be facilitated. The left-right direction Y in FIG. 2 is orthogonal to the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first reagent container storage 22 and the second reagent container storage 23, a part of the rack storage 16, the reagent storage 10, and the like of the reagent container replacement unit 40. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first reagent container storage place 22 and the second reagent container storage place 23.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reagent container replacement unit 40 includes a first reagent container storage 22 and a second reagent container storage 23.

  The second transport unit 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be positioned by moving in the transport direction T (an example of the second transport direction) along the guide rail 33 corresponding to the arrangement position of the rack storage place 16. . The second transport unit 20 can be moved and exchanged with the reagent container 30 (or the reagent container 31) between the rack unit 16 and the reagent container exchange unit 40. The transport direction T is parallel to the left-right direction Y.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first transport unit 21 is on standby at the left side position P3 of the rear half region 4R of the work table 4, but the reagent container gripping mechanism unit 60 of the first transport unit 21 is The reagent container replacement part 40 in the front half region 4F can be extended to a range that can be covered. The first transport unit 21 can be moved and exchanged with the reagent container between the reagent storage 10 and the reagent container exchanging unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent container storage place 22 and the second reagent container storage place 23 of the reagent container replacement unit 40 are respectively arranged at positions P1 and P2 on the left side of the front half region 4F. These positions P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 are arranged on one end side of the rack storage place 16. The position P1 is closer to the reagent storage 10 in the rear half region 4R than the position P2, and the position P2 is closer to the front face 2F of the main body 2 than the position P1. Moreover, the reagent container replacement unit 40 is disposed at a position close to each of the reagent storage 10 and the rack storage place 16. The reagent container replacement unit 40 is arranged in a region where the first transport direction W of the first transport unit 21 and the second transport direction T of the second transport unit 20 intersect.

  In the reagent container replacement unit 40 shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent container storage place 22 and the second reagent container storage place 23 are disposed adjacent to each other, and the first reagent container storage place 22 receives the reagent container in the second transport unit 20. It is a delivery place for delivery. The first reagent container storage 22 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a place for temporarily placing a new reagent container transported from the rack storage 16.

  The second reagent container storage 23 is a temporary evacuation place for the reagent container provided in order to increase the replacement speed of the reagent container requiring replacement and the new reagent container. That is, the second reagent container storage place 23 is a place for temporarily placing a reagent container that needs to be exchanged that is carried from the reagent storage 10.

  The reagent container that needs to be replaced is, for example, an empty reagent container in which the reagent in the reagent container has lost a certain value or more. A new reagent container is a reagent container that is newly prepared and filled with a reagent in advance. As described above, the reagent container exchanging unit 40 is provided with a total of two reagent container temporary storage areas, the first reagent container storage area 22 and the second reagent container storage area 23, and the first reagent container storage area 22 and the second reagent container storage area. By placing the storage areas 23 next to each other at positions close to each other, it is possible to shorten the time until a new reagent container is transported to the reagent storage 10.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the example of the shape of the reagent containers 30 and 31 and the reagent container carrier 44 will be described.

  5A shows a state in which the reagent containers 30 and 31 are detachably mounted on the reagent container carrier 44, and FIG. 5B shows two types of plastic reagent containers 30 having different contents. , 31 example shapes. The reagent containers 30 and 31 are trapezoidal containers or fan-shaped containers each having a mouth portion 45 of the same size. The first reagent probe 19 and the second reagent probe 18 shown in FIG. The internal reagent can be aspirated through 45.

  The capacity of the large reagent container 30 shown in FIG. 5B is 90 mL, for example, and the capacity of the small reagent container 31 is 55 mL, for example. The reagent containers 30 and 31 are substantially trapezoidal containers as viewed from above. The first side surface portion 30F, the second side surface portion 30F, and the end surface portions 30R and 30P are provided. The width G1 of the end face 30R on the side of the mouth 45 is larger than the width G2 of the end face 30P on the opposite side, and the first side face 30F and the second side face 30F are inclined with respect to each other so as to be tapered toward the end face 30P. doing. Similarly, the reagent container 31 has a first side surface portion 31F, a second side surface portion 31F, and end surface portions 31R and 31P. The width G3 of the end surface portion 31R on the side of the mouth portion 45 is larger than the width G4 of the end surface portion 30P on the opposite side, and the side surface portions 31F and 31F are inclined with respect to each other so as to be tapered toward the end surface portion 31P.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, an identification barcode 46 is affixed to the reagent containers 30 and 31, and the same identification barcode 47 is also affixed to the reagent container carrier 44. These bar codes 46 and 47 can be read by the bar code reader 14 shown in FIG. 2 to obtain identification information such as the type of reagent in the reagent containers 30 and 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack storage 16 has a plurality of rack grooves 16M. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the reagent container carrier 44 and the sample rack can be detachably arranged in the rack groove portions 16M manually by an operator. Further, the reagent container carrier 44 containing the reagent container that needs to be replaced can be returned to the rack groove portion 16M and arranged. As a result, the operator can easily replace a reagent container requiring replacement or a new reagent container.

  FIG. 6 shows a part of the status display unit 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The status display unit 24 includes a plurality of lighting display units 50. The status display unit 24 is arranged corresponding to the rack storage place 16, and each lighting display unit 50 is arranged along the left-right direction Y corresponding to the rack groove 16M.

  Each lighting display unit 50 includes a first lamp 50A and a second lamp 50B. In the lighting example of the lighting display unit 50 in FIG. 6, only the first lamp 50A is lit, indicating that the reagent container placed in the rack groove 16M is a new reagent container 30, and only the second lamp 50B is lit. This indicates that the reagent container placed in the rack groove 16M is a new reagent container 31, and both the first lamp 50A and the second lamp 50B are lit, so that the reagent container placed in the rack groove 16M is turned on. Indicates that the reagent container needs to be replaced. This lighting example is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. Thereby, the lighting display unit 50 of the status display unit 24 is lit, so that the operator can surely recognize visually what kind of reagent container is arranged during the operation, that is, the state of the reagent container.

  Next, a structural example of the second transport unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The second transport unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be moved and positioned along the guide rail 33 in the transport direction T. The second transport unit 20 moves between the rack storage 16 and the reagent container replacement unit 40 (the first reagent container storage 22 or the second reagent container storage 23), so that the reagent containers can be removed and carried. .

  The second transport unit 20 includes a base 47, motors 48, 49, 50, an arm base 51, and an arm 52. The base 47 can be moved and positioned along the guide rail 33 by the operation of the motor 48. The arm base 51 has a motor 49, and the operation of the motor 49 allows the arm 52 to rotate in the C direction about the vertical axis 53 with respect to the arm base 51. The arm 52 has a grip 55 at the tip, and the grip 55 grips the protrusion 58 of the reagent container carrier 44 shown in FIG. As a result, the second transport unit 20 holds the reagent container carrier 44 and puts the reagent container carrier 44 into the rack groove 16M of the rack storage 16 and the reagent container replacement unit 40 (first reagent container storage 22 or second reagent container storage 23). Can be transported between.

  The motor base 51 and the arm 52 of FIG. 7 can be moved in the Z direction by driving the motor 50 of the base 47. As a result, the gripper 55 grips the protrusion 58 of the reagent container carrier 44 disposed in the rack groove 16M of the rack storage 16 and lifts it in the Z direction, and moves in the left-right direction Y and the front-rear direction X. As a result, the grip 55 of the second transport unit 20 can carry the reagent container carrier 44 of the new reagent container 30 (31) between the first reagent container storage 22 and the rack groove 16M of the rack storage 16, for example. The reagent container carrier 44 of the new reagent container 30 (31) can be temporarily placed from the rack place 16 to the first reagent container place 22.

  In addition, the gripping portion 55 of the second transport unit 20 can return the reagent container carrier 44 of the reagent container 30 (31) that is placed in the first reagent container storage place 22 and needs to be replaced to the rack groove 16M of the rack storage place 16, for example. it can. Each motor 48, 49, 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the computer 5.

  Next, a structural example of the first transport unit 21 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  2 and FIG. 3 is an example of a second transport unit, and stands by in a contracted state to the left side position P3 of the rear half region 4R of the work table 4. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 2, the first transport unit 21 can expand and contract in the transport direction W (an example of the first transport direction) toward the reagent container replacement unit 40 in the front half region 4F. The reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 is connected between the reagent container 10 and the first reagent container storage place 22 or the second reagent container storage place 23 of the reagent container replacement part 40. Just move it. That is, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 grips only the reagent container, but does not grip the reagent container carrier 44, so that the reagent container carrier 44 is held in the first reagent container storage 22 or the second reagent container storage 23. To leave.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the first transport unit 21 is not used, the first transport unit 21 contracts in the W2 direction and is in a contracted state at the left side position P3 of the rear half region 4R of the work table 4. However, when the first transport unit 21 is used, from the left side position P3 of the rear half region 4R of the work table 4 to the first reagent container storage 22 or the second reagent container storage 23 of the reagent storage 10 and the reagent container replacement unit 40. The linear movement is possible in the transport direction W.

  8 includes a base 61, a reagent container gripping mechanism 60, a slide mechanism 62, a vertical movement mechanism 63, and a rotation mechanism 64.

  The base 61 has an arm 61A and a motor 61M. The slide mechanism 62 is expanded and contracted by operating the motor 61M. The slide mechanism 62 is attached to the arm 61A and includes a motor 62M, a plurality of belts 62B, and slide members 62S and 62T. By operating the motor 61M to drive the two belts 62B, the slide members 62S and 62T can extend in the W1 direction or contract in the W2 direction with respect to the arm 61A.

  The shaft portion 63 </ b> C of the vertical movement mechanism portion 63 in FIG. 8 holds the rotation mechanism portion 64. The vertical movement mechanism 63 moves the motor 62M up and down in the Z direction. The rotation mechanism 64 holds the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 and has a motor 64M. The rotation mechanism unit 64 can rotate in the R direction around the rotation center axis CL by operating the motor 64M.

  By adopting such a structure of the first transport section 21, when the reagent container gripping mechanism section 60 of the first transport section 21 is not used, the left position of the rear half area 4R of the work table 4 contracts in the W2 direction. It is possible to stand by in a contracted state at P3. However, when the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 is used, from the left side position P3 of the rear half region 4R of the work table 4, the handoff position 22 of the reagent storage 10 and the reagent container replacement unit 40 or the second reagent. It can move linearly along the W1 direction to the area covering the container storage 23. The operation of each motor is controlled by the control unit 100.

  The detailed structure of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 8 is shown in FIGS. Next, the structure and operation example of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the reagent container gripping mechanism 60. 10 is a rear perspective view of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of FIG. 9 as viewed from the H1 direction. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 in FIG. 9 as viewed from the H2 direction. FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of FIG. 9 as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing main components of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reagent container gripping mechanism unit 60. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reagent container pushing section 120 of the reagent container gripping mechanism section 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 includes a base 70, a rotation center axis CL, two first pinching members (also referred to as paddles) 71, and a second pinching member (also referred to as paddles) 72. , Motor 73, pulleys 74 and 75, belt 76, pinching member operation section 80, reagent container pushing section 120 (see FIG. 10), and driving section 180. In FIG. 10, the base 70 shown in FIG. 9 is removed, and the sandwiching member operation unit 80 and the reagent container pushing unit 120 are exposed.

  The rotation center axis CL in FIG. 9 is provided so as to protrude from the base 70 in the Z direction. The pinching member operation unit 80 is disposed inside the base 70. The drive unit 180 includes a motor 73, pulleys 74 and 75, and a belt 76. A pulley 74 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 73. A belt 76 is applied to the small-diameter pulley 74 and the large-diameter pulley 75, and the rotational driving force of the output shaft of the motor 73 is transmitted to the shaft 77 via the small-diameter pulley 74, the large-diameter pulley 75, and the belt 76. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the motor 73 is fixed to the holding plate 78. A holding plate 79 on the side opposite to the holding plate 78 is disposed in parallel along the Z direction at intervals. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the holding plates 78 and 79 and the holding plates 81, 82, and 82 </ b> D form a base portion 70, and form a casing for covering the pinching member operation portion 80 and the reagent container pushing portion 120. doing.

  With reference to FIGS. 10-13, the structure of the clamping member operation part 80 is demonstrated.

  The pinching member operation unit 80 is a mechanism portion housed in a storage space surrounded by the holding plates 78 and 79 of the base 70 and the holding plates 81, 82 and 82 </ b> D, and the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72. By moving along the M direction, the reagent container 30 and the reagent container 31 shown in FIG.

  The shaft 77 shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 is arranged parallel to the N direction with respect to the holding plates 81 and 82 of the base 70 and is rotatable. A first cam 91 and a second cam 92 are fixed to the shaft 77 at an interval, and the major axis of the first cam 91 and the major axis of the second cam 92 are in the same direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the two guide shaft portions 93 and 94 are arranged in parallel along the M direction and are fixed to the holding plates 78 and 79 of the base portion 70. The N direction, the M direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. Two springs 93S are coaxially disposed on the guide shaft portion 93, and two springs 94S are coaxially disposed on the guide shaft portion 94.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the first pinching member 71 has a first slider 95, and the second pinching member 72 has a second slider 96. Guide shaft portions 93 and 94 are passed through the through holes of the first slider 95 and the second slider 96, respectively. The first slider 95 and the second slider 96 are arranged along the guide shaft portions 93 and 94 in the M direction. It can slide.

  A first pinching member 71 is fixed to the lower portion of the first slider 95, and a second pinching member 72 is fixed to the lower portion of the second slider 96. The first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 protrude from the first slider 95 and the second slider 96 in the Z1 direction (downward). Springs 93 </ b> S and 94 </ b> S are interposed between the first slider 95 and the holding plate 78. Similarly, springs 93 </ b> S and 94 </ b> S are interposed between the second slider 96 and the holding plate 79.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first slider 95 has two cam receiving blocks 98, and the second slider 96 has two cam receiving blocks 99. A roller 102 is rotatably supported by each cam receiving block 98, 99. The two rollers 102 on the first cam 91 side are pressed against and contacted with the cam copy surface of the first cam 91 by the force of the springs 93S and 93S. The two rollers 102 on the second cam 92 side are pressed against and contacted with the cam copy surface of the second cam 92 by the force of the springs 94S and 94S. Both the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 have a substantially elliptical cam copy surface.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first cam 91 is larger than the second cam 92. As shown in FIG. 11, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are fixed to the first slider 95 and the second slider 96 in a state where they are opened by an angle θ. That is, the first interval E1 between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 is larger than the second interval E2 between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72. The first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 are not parallel to the N direction but opened at an angle θ in this way, corresponding to the shape of the reagent container 30 (31) shown in FIG. This is because the side portions 30F and 30F on both sides of the reagent container 30 and the side portions 31F and 31F on both sides of the reagent container 31 are in close contact with each other and can be securely sandwiched.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the reagent containers 30 and 31 are securely attached to the inner surface of the first sandwiching member 71 and the inner surface of the second sandwiching member 72 so that the reagent containers 30 and 31 do not slide down. In order to hold, the anti-slip member SB is preferably applied by anti-slip surface treatment, or the sheet-like anti-slip member SB is attached. For example, as the non-slip member, silicon rubber having high chemical resistance can be adopted, but it is not particularly limited. Accordingly, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 can reliably hold the reagent container, and can prevent the reagent container from falling without losing the force to hold the reagent container even during a power failure.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the operation of the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 described above to grip the reagent containers 30 and 31 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the reagent containers 30 and 31 are sandwiched and grasped by the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the initial state is a state in which the long shaft portions SS of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 are oriented in the Z direction. FIG. 14A shows the relative positions of the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 in this initial state.

  FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C show how the large reagent container 30 is sandwiched and separated. FIG. 14B shows a state where the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are gripping the large reagent container 30, and FIG. 14C shows the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member. The member 72 shows a separated state before sandwiching the large reagent container 30. As shown in FIGS. 14B to 14C, when the long shaft portion SS of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 rotates 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal, the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 is pushed apart from each other in the M2 direction against the force of the springs 93S and 94S, so that the reagent container 30 can be reliably inserted between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 14 (C) to 14 (B), when the long shaft portion SS of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 rotates 90 degrees backward from the horizontal, the first pinching member 71 and the first pinching member 71 Since the two sandwiching members 72 approach each other in the M1 direction by the force of the springs 93S and 94S, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 can grasp the reagent container 30. Further, when the reagent container 30 is separated from the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72, as shown in FIGS. 14B to 14C, the length of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 is increased. Since the shaft portion SS is rotated 90 degrees horizontally from the vertical, the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 are pushed apart from each other in the M2 direction against the force of the springs 93S and 94S, so that the first pinching member The reagent container 30 can be reliably separated from the member 71 and the second pinching member 72.

  Similarly, FIG. 14D and FIG. 14E show how the small reagent container 31 is sandwiched or separated. FIG. 14D shows a state where the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are gripping the small reagent container 31, and FIG. 14E shows the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member. A separated state before the small reagent container 31 is sandwiched from the member 72 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 14D to 14E, when the long shaft portion SS of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 rotates 45 degrees obliquely from the vertical, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are rotated. Are pushed apart from each other in the M2 direction against the force of the springs 93S and 94S, so that the reagent container 31 can be reliably inserted between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 14 (E) to 14 (D), when the long shaft portion SS of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 reversely rotates 45 degrees vertically from the oblique direction, the first pinching member 71 and Since the second pinching member 72 approaches each other in the M1 direction by the force of the springs 93S and 94S, the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 can reliably hold the reagent container 31.

  14D to 14E, when the reagent container 31 is separated from the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72, the length of the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 is increased. The shaft portion SS is rotated 45 degrees obliquely from the vertical, and the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 are pushed apart from each other in the M2 direction against the force of the springs 93S and 94S, and thus the first pinching member The reagent container 31 can be reliably separated from 71 and the second pinching member 72.

  Thereby, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 can be exchanged by securely holding and holding the reagent container 30 (31), and the burden on the operator who handles the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced.

  Here, an example of operation when a reagent container requiring replacement is taken out from the reagent container 10 of FIG.

  In this case, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 of FIG. 9 are on standby above the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31). The motor 73 of the drive unit 180 in FIG. 13 is activated, and the distance between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 is expanded against the force of the four springs 93S and 94S. When the distance between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 is sufficient to sandwich and hold the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31), the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 13 moves in the Z1 direction. The first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 face the two side surface portions 30F and 30F (31F and 31F) of the reagent container 30 (31).

  When the motor 73 in FIG. 13 is rotated in the reverse direction, the distance between the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 is narrowed by the force of the springs 93S and 94S, and the side portions 30F and 30F on both sides of the reagent container 30 (of the reagent container 31). The side surfaces 31F and 31F) on both sides can be sandwiched. When the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 in FIG. 13 is moved up in the Z2 direction, the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) can be taken out from the reagent container 10 in FIG. 13 can store a new reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) in the reagent container 10 in the same manner.

  In this way, the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 of the reagent container gripping mechanism section 60 are securely sandwiched between the large reagent container 30 and the small reagent container 31, By separating, the reagent container can be smoothly transported and replaced.

  The reagent container gripping mechanism 60 is different from each other by arranging two cams having a plurality of different cam widths and changing the interval between the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 according to these cam widths. A plurality of reagent containers of a size can be held. The first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 do not pinch the mouth portion of the reagent container, but hit the side wall portion of the reagent container. Therefore, even if the reagent is attached to the mouth of the reagent container, the reagent does not adhere to the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72, and the reagent passes through the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72. It is possible to prevent the reaction from adhering to other reagent containers. As a result, the reagent container can be exchanged safely, an accurate analysis operation can be performed, and the reagent container can be reliably held.

  By rotating the first cam 91 and the second cam 92 by an arbitrary angle from the initial position, the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 can be widened by an arbitrary interval. The first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 have a structure in which the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is mechanically pinched by using the force of a plurality of springs 93S and 94S. However, the state in which the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is sandwiched and held can be maintained as it is by the mechanical force of the spring. Thereby, even if it is a case where a power failure occurs, the phenomenon that a reagent container falls from between the 1st pinching member 71 and the 2nd pinching member 72 can be prevented reliably.

  The first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are preferably thin plate members. Accordingly, a plurality of reagent containers 30 (reagent containers 31) are densely arranged in the reagent storage 10 with very small gaps. In addition, the first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 are slightly opened from the initial position by the rotation of the first cam cam 91 and the second cam 92. Therefore, by using these gaps, the first and second pinching members 71 and 72 are inserted into these gaps so that the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) at an arbitrary position can be pinched. it can. That is, the reagent container 30 and the reagent container 31 having different contents can be reliably exchanged even in the reagent storage 10 where the reagent containers are densely packed.

  FIG. 15 shows the reagent container pushing section 120 of the reagent container gripping mechanism section 60. 15A shows a state in which the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is held by the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72, and in FIG. 15B, the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is shown. The first pinching member 71 and the second pinching member 72 are separated from each other, and the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is forcibly pushed out in the Z1 direction by the force of the spring 123.

  The reagent container pusher 120 shown in FIG. 15 is also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and is disposed between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72. The reagent container extruding portion 120 includes a support member 121, an extrusion pin 122, and a spring 123. The support member 121 is fixed horizontally with respect to the base 70. The push pin 122 is held so as to be movable in the Z direction orthogonal to the support member 121. The push pin 122 passes through the hole 125 of the support member 121 and has a retaining member 126. The spring 123 is arranged coaxially with the push pin 122 between the lower surface of the support member 121 and the tip end portion 124 of the push pin 122.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, when the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 are holding the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31), the tip end portion 124 of the push pin 122 is moved to the reagent container 30 ( The upper surface 30T (31T) of the reagent container 31) is pressed against the force of the spring 123, and the push pin 122 is raised in the Z2 direction. Then, when the interval between the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 is increased and the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is released, the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) is forced in the Z1 direction by the force of the spring 123. Extruded.

  Thereby, since the upper surface 30T (31T) of the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) employs a structure that is pushed down in the Z1 direction by the push-out pin 122, the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) has the first pinching member. 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 can be reliably separated, and the phenomenon that the reagent container 30 (reagent container 31) sticks to the first sandwiching member 71 and the second sandwiching member 72 and cannot be taken out reliably is prevented. Can do.

  Next, an example of the automatic analysis operation of the automatic analyzer 1 described above will be described with reference mainly to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a sample container (also referred to as a specimen container) 200 is placed in the rack storage place 16. The second transport unit 20 picks up the sample container 200 and reads the barcode with the barcode reader 14. Then, the second transport unit 20 places the sample container 200 on the front surface of the work table 4. The sampling probe 17 sucks the sample (specimen) from the sample container 200 and carries it into the reaction vessel 11.

  The first reagent probe 19 in FIG. 2 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 30 (or the reagent container 31) in the reagent storage 10 and supplies it to the reaction tank 11. The stirrer 12 mixes the sample in the reaction tank 11 and the first reagent. Next, the second reagent probe 18 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) in the reagent storage 10 and supplies it to the reaction tank 11. The stirrer 12 mixes the sample in the reaction tank 11, the first reagent, and the second reagent.

  And the measurement part 13 of FIG. 2 irradiates light to the reaction tank 11, receives the transmitted light from the reaction tank 11, measures the component density | concentration of the sample in the reaction tank 11, and shows a measurement result in FIG. To the computer 5. Thereafter, the cleaning unit 14 cleans the reaction cell in the reaction tank 11. In this way, the automatic analyzer 1 can perform automatic analysis of the sample.

  Next, in the automatic analyzer 1, the reagent in the reagent container is used at the time of measurement, and the amount of the reagent in the reagent container decreases, so that the number of times that can be used for the measurement is less than a predetermined number of times that has been determined in advance. In some cases, the reagent container needs to be replaced with a new reagent container filled with the reagent as a reagent container requiring replacement.

  Therefore, a procedure for exchanging such a reagent container (old reagent container) that needs to be replaced with a new reagent container will be described with reference mainly to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 16 shows the operation of the first transport unit 21 in FIG. 2 in steps S2 to S5, and shows the operation of the second transport unit 20 in FIG. 2 in steps S11 to S14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first transport unit 21 is on standby at the left side position P <b> 3 of the rear half area 4 </ b> R of the work table 4.

  In step S1 of FIG. 16, the computer 5 shown in FIG. 1 detects that the remaining amount of reagent in the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) in the reagent container 10 of FIG. For example, a warning message “Please set a new reagent container in the reagent storage 10 instead of a reagent container that requires replacement” is displayed on the display device 6 of FIG. To do. The remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container 30 (or the reagent container 31) can be obtained by the number of times the reagent has been aspirated from the reagent container.

  On the other hand, in step S10 in FIG. 16, the operator sets the reagent container carrier 44 in which the new reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) shown in FIG. 5 is placed in the rack storage 16 in FIG.

  In step S2 of FIG. 16, the rotation cover 10C of the reagent store 10 is automatically opened. The first transport unit 21 shown in FIG. 2 takes the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) that requires replacement to the reagent storage 10, and the reagent container gripping mechanism unit 60 of the first transport unit 21 shown in FIG. The reagent container 30 (or the reagent container 31) that needs to be sandwiched and held.

  In step S3, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 shown in FIG. 8 is linearly moved in the W1 direction by the slide mechanism 62, moved up and down by the up and down moving mechanism 63, and then moved by the rotating mechanism 64. By rotating, the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) requiring replacement is placed in the second reagent container storage 23 of the reagent container replacement unit 40 of FIG. In this way, the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) requiring replacement can be carried from the reagent storage 10 to the second reagent container storage place 23.

  On the other hand, in step S11 of FIG. 16, the second transport unit 20 carries the reagent container carrier 44 containing the new reagent container of the rack storage 16 of FIG. 2 to the barcode reader 14, and the barcodes 46 and 47 of FIG. Read one or both. In step S12, the barcode reader 14 reads the barcode to confirm that it is a new reagent container.

  When the timing of reagent container replacement is approaching. In step S13, the second transport unit 20 places a new reagent container 30 (or reagent container 3) on the first reagent container storage 22 in FIG.

  In step S4 of FIG. 16, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 shown in FIG. 8 grabs only the new reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) placed in the first reagent container storage 22. It is taken from the reagent container carrier 44 and carried into the reagent container 10.

  In step S <b> 5, the reagent container gripping mechanism 60 of the first transport unit 21 goes to the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) in the second reagent container storage 23 that needs to be replaced, and the first reagent container storage 22. In the reagent container carrier 44. In step S14 of FIG. 16, the second transport unit 20 moves the reagent container 30 (or reagent container 31) placed in the first reagent container storage place 22 and needs to be replaced together with the reagent container carrier 44 to the rack storage place 16. Carry to the rack groove 16M.

  In the embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention, the work time for exchanging a reagent container that requires replacement and a new reagent container can be shortened, and the new reagent container can be quickly brought into the reagent container, thereby improving the analysis work efficiency. The efficiency of the reagent container replacement operation can be improved.

The automatic analyzer 1 of the present invention described above is an automatic analyzer that analyzes the sample by reacting the sample with the reagent dispensed from the reagent container and measuring the characteristics of the reaction solution,
A reagent store for storing a plurality of reagent containers; a rack place for placing a plurality of reagent containers; a reagent container replacing unit for temporarily placing a reagent container provided adjacent to the reagent store and the rack place; and a reagent store A first transport unit 21 that transports a reagent container between the reagent container replacement unit and the reagent container replacement unit, and a second transport unit 20 that transports the reagent container between the reagent container replacement unit and the rack storage area. The reagent container temporarily places a new reagent container carried from the rack place by the second transport unit, and temporarily evacuates the reagent container that needs to be exchanged carried from the reagent store by the first transport unit. The reagent container replacement part is characterized in that the first transport part is arranged at a position along the transport direction in which the reagent container is transported. Thereby, the efficiency of the replacement | exchange operation | movement of a reagent container can be aimed at.

  In the automatic analyzer 1, the reagent container storage area of the reagent container replacement section includes a first reagent container storage area 22 for temporarily placing a new reagent container carried from the rack storage area by the second transport section, and a reagent container by the first transport section. This is a second reagent container storage place 23 in which a reagent container that needs to be replaced is temporarily retracted and placed. By this. Reagent containers that require replacement and new reagent containers can be temporarily placed in separate storage locations, reducing the time required to replace the reagent container that requires replacement and the new reagent container, and bringing the new reagent container to the reagent store quickly It is possible to improve the analysis work efficiency.

  In the automatic analyzer 1, the reagent container replacement unit is disposed at a position where the transport direction in which the first transport unit transports the reagent container and the transport direction in which the second transport unit transports the reagent container intersect. . Thereby, the 1st conveyance part and the 2nd conveyance part can exchange a reagent container efficiently to a reagent container exchange part.

  In the reagent container replacement part, the first reagent container storage area and the second reagent container storage area are arranged adjacent to each other. Thereby, the 1st conveyance part and the 2nd conveyance part can shorten a conveyance distance to a reagent container exchange part, and can exchange a reagent container efficiently.

  The first transport unit carries a new reagent container placed in the first reagent container storage area into the reagent storage, places a reagent container placed in the second reagent container storage area that needs to be replaced in the first reagent container storage area, The transport unit is characterized in that the reagent container that is placed in the first reagent container place and needs to be replaced is returned to the rack place. Thereby, the reagent container which needs replacement | exchange with a new reagent container can be replaced | exchanged efficiently by this.

  The reagent container is transported by the second transport unit while being mounted on the reagent container carrier between the first reagent container storage area and the rack storage area and between the second reagent container storage area and the rack storage area. To do. Thereby, the 2nd conveyance part can convey a reagent container easily using a reagent carrier.

  The reagent container placed in the rack storage area is provided with a status display unit for displaying whether the reagent container needs to be replaced or a new reagent container. Thus, the operator can visually recognize the state of the reagent container during the work.

  The rack storage is arranged on the front side of the automatic analyzer, and the state display unit is arranged along the rack storage. Accordingly, the operator can easily place a new reagent container in the rack storage area, or can easily remove a reagent container that requires replacement from the rack storage area, thereby improving the workability of exchanging the medicine container.

  The transport direction of the second transport unit is along the front surface, and the transport direction of the first transport unit is along the corner of the automatic analyzer. Thereby, since the transport operation of the second transport unit can be performed on the front surface side, it does not interfere with the operation of the other parts of the automatic analyzer, and the transport operation of the first transport unit can be performed at the corner. Thus, the operation of other parts of the automatic analyzer is not disturbed.

  An identification information label having identification information of the reagent in the reagent container is arranged on the reagent container and the reagent container carrier, and an identification information acquisition means for obtaining the identification information from the identification information label is arranged on the rack place. It is characterized by being. Thereby, the reagent in the reagent container can be reliably identified.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, one reagent store 10 is arranged, but two or more reagent stores may be arranged.

  FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The reagent container gripping mechanism 60A shown in FIG. 17 has two linear guides 130 and 131. The linear guide 130 includes two sliding blocks 132, and the linear guide 131 includes two sliding blocks 133. The two sliding blocks 132 are slidable in the M direction along the linear guide 130, and the two sliding blocks 133 are slidable in the M direction along the linear guide 131. A first pinching member 71 and a second pinching member 72 are attached to the sliding blocks 132 and 133. A tension spring is attached between the sliding blocks 132 and 132 of the linear guide 130, and another tension spring is attached between the sliding blocks 133 and 133 of the linear guide 131. A large cam is disposed between the sliding blocks 132 and 132, and a small cam is disposed on the sliding blocks 133 and 133. In addition to the linear guide, a spline rail can be used.

  In addition, although one reagent store is provided, a plurality of reagent stores may be provided. In the rack storage area, a barcode reader is arranged as identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of a new reagent container placed, and barcodes are arranged in the reagent container and the reagent container carrier. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another type of identification information label such as an IC chip may be arranged on the reagent container or the reagent container carrier so that the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information from the identification information label. .

  Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. For example, you may delete some components from all the components shown by embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, you may combine the component covering different embodiment suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Main body part 3 Cover 4 Work table 10 Reagent storage 10R Reagent rack 11 Reaction tank 13 Measuring part 14 Bar code reader (an example of identification information acquisition means)
16 Rack Place 17 Sampling Probe 18 Second Reagent Probe 19 First Reagent Probe 20 Second Transport Unit 21 First Transport Unit 22 First Reagent Container Place 23 Second Reagent Container Place 24 Status Display Units 30, 31 Reagent Containers 30F, 31F Side surface part 40 of reagent container Reagent container replacement part 44 Reagent container carrier 45 Mouth part 55 Holding part 60 of second transport part Reagent container gripping mechanism part 61 of first transport part Base 62 Slide mechanism part 63 Vertical movement mechanism part 64 Rotation mechanism Portion 70 Base 71 First pinching member 72 Second pinching member 73 Motor 74, 75 Pulley 76 Belt 76
80 Pinching member operation part 91 1st cam 92 2nd cam 120 Reagent container extrusion part 180 Drive part SB Antiskid member W Movement direction (an example of 1st conveyance direction)
T direction of movement (example of second transport direction)

Claims (10)

The specimen is analyzed by reacting a specimen, a reagent dispensed from a reagent container having the second side face opposite to the first side face and the first side face and measuring the characteristics of the reaction solution. An automatic analyzer,
A reagent store for storing a plurality of the reagent containers;
A rack storage for arranging a plurality of the reagent containers;
A reagent container replacement part that is provided adjacent to the reagent storage and the rack storage area and temporarily arranges the reagent container;
A first pinching member and a second pinching member which are provided in directions that are opposed to each other but are not parallel to each other so as to hold the reagent container in contact with the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion of the reagent container, respectively. A first transport unit that transports the reagent container between the reagent storage and the reagent container replacement unit,
A second transport section for transporting the reagent container between the reagent container replacement section and the rack storage;
With
The reagent container replacement part is
The new reagent container transported from the rack storage by the second transport unit is temporarily placed, and the reagent container transported from the reagent store by the first transport unit is temporarily retracted and placed. Has a reagent container storage area,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reagent container replacement unit is disposed at a position along a transport direction in which the first transport unit transports the reagent container. The reagent container storage area of the reagent container replacement unit is:
A first reagent container storage for temporarily placing the new reagent container carried from the rack storage by the second transport unit;
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer is a second reagent container storage place in which the reagent container that needs to be exchanged carried from the reagent storage by the first transport unit is temporarily retracted.   The reagent container replacement unit is disposed at a position where the transport direction in which the first transport unit transports the reagent container and the transport direction in which the second transport unit transports the reagent container intersect. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that:   4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein in the reagent container replacement unit, the first reagent container storage and the second reagent container storage are arranged side by side adjacent to each other.   The first transport unit carries the new reagent container placed in the first reagent container storage area into the reagent storage, and moves the reagent container that needs to be replaced placed in the second reagent container storage area to the first reagent container. 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the second transport unit returns the reagent container that is placed in the first reagent container place and needs to be replaced to the rack place. Automatic analyzer according to one of the items.   Between the first reagent container place and the rack place, and between the second reagent container place and the rack place, the reagent container is transported by the second transport unit while being mounted on a reagent container carrier. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein:   The state display part which displays whether the said reagent container put in the said rack storage place is the said reagent container which needs the said replacement | exchange, or a new said reagent container, The one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The automatic analyzer according to one item.   8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the rack storage is disposed on a front surface side of the automatic analyzer, and the state display unit is disposed along the rack storage. The transport direction of the second transport unit is the rear surface of the rack storage area and along the front surface portion, and the transport direction of the first transport unit is along the corner of the automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein In the reagent container and the reagent container carrier, an identification information label having identification information of the reagent in the reagent container is arranged,
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information from the identification information label is arranged in the rack storage area.

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