JP7140545B2 - Reagent storage and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagent storage and automated analyzers.

In automatic analyzers for clinical tests, a certain amount of biological samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as samples) and reagents are mixed and reacted, and the mixture is irradiated with light to obtain transmitted light or scattered light. By measuring the amount of light, the concentration of the substance to be measured, the activity value, the time required for change, etc. are obtained.

Reagents are stored in reagent containers and kept cool in a reagent storage provided in the automatic analyzer. The reagent kept cold in the reagent storage is sucked from the reagent container by the reagent pipetting probe at the timing based on the measurement and discharged into the reaction container.

By the way, in order to efficiently maintain the temperature in the reagent storage low, air is circulated in the reagent storage. Therefore, the reagent contained in the reagent container may evaporate in the reagent storage. Therefore, in the conventional automatic analyzer, for example, the evaporation of the reagent in the reagent storage is suppressed by providing the reagent container with a reagent evaporation suppression mechanism such as an automatic open/close cap and simple piercing.

However, by providing the reagent evaporation suppression mechanism in the reagent container, there is a problem that the structure of the automatic analyzer for driving the reagent evaporation suppression mechanism becomes complicated.

JP 2012-194072 A

The problem to be solved by the invention is to suppress the evaporation of the reagent in the reagent storage with a simple structure.

According to an embodiment, the reagent vault comprises placement means, housing, lid, separation means, cooling means, and air blowing means. The placing means places a plurality of reagent containers. The housing is formed so as to be able to store the placing means and a plurality of reagent containers placed on the placing means. A lid covers the opening of the housing. Separating means separates a space formed by the housing and the lid into a first space in which the openings of the plurality of reagent containers exist and a second space in which the bodies of the plurality of reagent containers exist. do. A cooling means produces a cooling effect within the second space. The air blowing means generates convection of the air cooled by the cooling means in the second space.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the reagent storage shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a top view of the AA cross section in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a top view of the BB cross section in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing convection in the reagent storage shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another configuration of the reagent storage according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing convection generated near the bottom of the reagent storage shown in FIG.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a storage circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample, with reagents used for each inspection item set for this sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures a mixture of a sample and a reagent, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance or scattered light intensity, and test data.

The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 to generate calibration data, analysis data, and the like. The analysis circuit 3 reads an operation program from the storage circuit 8 and generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. according to the read operation program. For example, based on the standard data, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data indicating the relationship between the standard data and standard values preset for the standard sample. Further, the analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data expressed as a concentration value, an enzyme activity value, and a change time based on test data and calibration data of test items corresponding to the test data. . The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, and the like to the control circuit 9 .

The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9 . The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by gears, stepping motors, belt conveyors, lead screws, and the like, for example.

The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings such as analysis parameters for each inspection item related to a sample for which measurement is requested from an operator or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is implemented by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad through which instructions are input by touching an operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9 , converts an operation instruction input by an operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9 . It should be noted that the input interface 5 in this specification is not limited to having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs this electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also an input interface. 5 examples.

The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs signals supplied from the control circuit 9 . The output interface 6 is implemented by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, and the like. Display circuits include, for example, CRT displays, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, LED displays, and plasma displays. Note that the display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing an object to be displayed into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. Printed circuits include, for example, printers and the like. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit for outputting data representing a print target to the outside. Audio devices include, for example, speakers and the like. An output circuit for outputting an audio signal to the outside is also included in the audio device.

The communication interface 7 connects with, for example, an intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via a laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW.

The memory circuit 8 includes a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Note that the memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single memory device. For example, the memory circuit 8 may be realized by a plurality of memory devices.

The storage circuit 8 stores an operation program to be executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program for realizing functions of the control circuit 9 . The storage circuit 8 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The storage circuit 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test sample. The storage circuit 8 stores an examination order input by an operator or an examination order received by the communication interface 7 via the intra-hospital network NW.

The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1 . The control circuit 9 executes the operation program stored in the storage circuit 8 to implement functions corresponding to the operation program. Note that the control circuit 9 may have a storage area for storing at least part of the data stored in the storage circuit 8 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a reaction disk 201 , a constant temperature section 202 , a rack sampler 203 and a reagent storage 204 .

The reaction disk 201 conveys the reaction container 2011 along a predetermined route. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4 . The reaction vessel 2011 is made of glass, for example.

The constant temperature unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature, and immerses the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium to raise the temperature of the liquid mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011 .

The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples requested for measurement. The example shown in FIG. 2 shows a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel.

The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area for transporting the sample rack 2031 from the loading position where the sample rack 2031 is loaded to the collection position where the sample rack 2031 whose measurement has been completed is collected. In the transport area, a plurality of longitudinally aligned sample racks 2031 are moved in the direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4 .

Further, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a pull-in area for pulling the sample rack 2031 from the transport area in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample aspiration position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation track of the sample pipetting probe 207 and the movement track of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031 intersect. In the pull-in area, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in the direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4 .

Further, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area for returning the sample rack 2031 holding the sample container into which the sample has been sucked to the transport area. In the return area, the sample rack 2031 is moved by the drive mechanism 4 in direction D3.

The reagent storage 204 cools and insulates a plurality of reagent containers 100 containing reagents that react with predetermined components contained in standard samples and test samples. A rotary table is rotatably provided in the reagent storage 204 . The rotary table holds and holds a plurality of reagent containers 100 in an annular shape. In this embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 2, the reagent storage 204 is covered with a detachable reagent cover. The reagent container 100 is, for example, a columnar glass container. More specifically, the reagent container 100 is a cylindrical glass container or a polygonal cylindrical glass container that can be accommodated in a predetermined cylinder.

2 also includes a sample pipetting arm 206, a sample pipetting probe 207, a reagent pipetting arm 208, a reagent pipetting probe 209, a stirring unit 210, a photometric unit 211, and a cleaning unit 212. .

A sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203 . The sample dispensing arm 206 is vertically movable and horizontally rotatable by the drive mechanism 4 . A sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

The sample-dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation track as the sample-dispensing arm 206 rotates. The opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is positioned on this rotation track. A sample discharge position for discharging the sample aspirated by the sample pipetting probe 207 into the reaction container 2011 is provided on the rotation track of the sample pipetting probe 207 . The sample discharge position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the sample pipetting probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201 .

The sample pipetting probe 207 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 to move vertically above the opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 or at the sample discharging position. Also, the sample pipetting probe 207 aspirates the sample from the sample container positioned directly below under the control of the control circuit 9 . Also, the sample pipetting probe 207 discharges the sucked sample into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the sample discharging position under the control of the control circuit 9 .

A reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the reagent storage 204 . The reagent dispensing arm 208 is vertically movable and horizontally rotatable by the drive mechanism 4 . A reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

The reagent-dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation track as the reagent-dispensing arm 208 rotates. A reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational track. The reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the reagent container 100 that is annularly placed on the rotary table. Further, a reagent ejection position for ejecting the reagent aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction container 2011 is set on the rotation orbit of the reagent dispensing probe 209 . The reagent ejection position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotation trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201 .

The reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves vertically at the reagent aspirating position or the reagent discharging position on the rotation track. Also, the reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the reagent from the reagent container stopped at the reagent aspirating position under the control of the control circuit 9 . That is, the reagent dispensing probe 209 is an example of a suction unit. Also, the reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 2011 located directly below the reagent discharge position under the control of the control circuit 9 .

The stirring unit 210 is provided near the outer circumference of the reaction disk 201 . The stirring unit 210 has a stirrer, and stirs the sample and reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the stirring position on the reaction disk 201 with the stirrer.

The photometry unit 211 optically measures a predetermined component in the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent discharged into the reaction container 2011 . The photometry unit 211 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometry unit 211 emits light from the light source under the control of the control circuit 9 . The irradiated light enters from the first side wall of the reaction vessel 2011 and exits from the second side wall facing the first side wall. The photometry unit 211 detects light emitted from the reaction container 2011 with a photodetector.

Specifically, for example, the photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixed solution of the standard sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2011, and based on the intensity of the detected light, standard data represented by absorbance or the like is obtained. Generate. Also, the photodetector detects light passing through the mixture of the test sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2011, and generates test data represented by absorbance or the like based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometry unit 211 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3 . The photodetector may detect scattered light scattered by the liquid mixture in the reaction container 2011 and generate standard data and test data represented by scattered light intensity.

The cleaning unit 212 cleans the inside of the reaction container 2011 after the measurement of the mixed liquid by the photometry unit 211 has been completed.

The control circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 8 to implement functions corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91 by executing an operation program. In this embodiment, the case where the system control function 91 is implemented by a single processor will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a control circuit, and the system control function 91 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

The system control function 91 is a function that controls all the parts in the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5 .

Next, the reagent storage 204 in which the reagent container 100 is kept cool will be described in detail. 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing configuration examples of the reagent storage 204 according to this embodiment. 3 shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the reagent storage 204, FIG. 4 shows an example of a top view on the AA cross section in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a top view on the BB cross section in FIG. represents The reagent storage 204 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 has a reagent cover 2041 , a housing 2042 , a table rotation mechanism 2043 , a convection separation plate 2044 , a fan 2045 and a cooling element 2046 .

The reagent cover 2041 is a lid that covers the opening of the housing 2042 . The reagent cover 2041 is provided with a reagent suction port (not shown). The reagent suction port is a hole that penetrates the reagent cover 2041 and is provided at a position where the rotation track of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement track of the opening of the reagent container 100 intersect.

The housing 2042 has an opening at its upper end, and is formed so as to accommodate the rotary table 20431 of the table rotating mechanism 2043 and the convection separation plate 2044 therein. The housing 2042 has an opening covered with a reagent cover 2041 . The housing 2042 has an inner surface made of a material such as aluminum having excellent thermal conductivity. In addition, the housing 2042 has a heat insulating portion made of a heat insulating material and formed so as to cover the inner surface portion.

The table rotation mechanism 2043 conveys the reagent container 100 to the reagent suction position under the control of the control circuit 9 . The table rotating mechanism 2043 includes, for example, a rotating table 20431, a crown portion 20432, a supporting portion 20433, and a rotating shaft 20434.

The rotary table 20431 is a table on which the reagent container 100 is placed. In other words, the rotary table 20431 is an example of the placing means. In the rotary table 20431, the position where the reagent container 100 is placed is set in advance. FIGS. 2 to 5 show an example in which a plurality of reagent containers 100 are placed in a double ring shape. Note that the reagent container 100 is not limited to being placed in a double annular shape, and may be placed in a single or triple annular shape.

The placement positions of the reagent containers 100 are set so that the reagent containers 100 adjacent to each other on the circumference are placed while maintaining a preset interval. By setting the placement positions regularly, the temperature distribution in the reagent storage 204 is less likely to be uneven.

The annular mounting position provided on the inner side is such that the reagent container 100 mounted on this mounting position faces the inner wall of the housing 2042 from between the reagent containers 100 arranged on the outer circumference. is set to As a result, the cold air passing between the reagent containers 100 arranged on the outer circumference directly collides with the reagent containers 100 arranged on the inner circumference.

The shape of the reagent container 100 directly placed on the rotary table 20431 is set in advance. For example, in FIG. 5, the cylindrical reagent container 100 is set to be placed directly on the rotary table 20431 . The shape of the reagent container 100 that can be placed directly on the rotary table 20431 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal prism shape.

Even if the shape of the reagent container 100 that can be placed directly on the rotary table 20431 is set in advance, it does not mean that only the container with that shape can be placed. An adapter (auxiliary device) corresponding to the mounting shape of the rotary table 20431 may be attached to the container, and the container with the adapter attached may be placed on the rotary table 20431 . By preparing such an adapter, containers of various shapes can be handled as long as the adapter can be attached. The function of the adapter is not limited to supplementing the shape of the reagent container 100 . If the height of the reagent container 100 is low and the opening of the reagent container 100 does not come out from the protruding hole 20441 formed in the convection separation plate 2044 if the reagent container 100 is placed directly on the placement position, the reagent container It may be used as a complement to the height of 100.

The rotary table 20431 is formed with grooves and holes for adjusting the amount of cool air passing between the reagent containers 100 placed thereon. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary table 20431 has a plurality of adjustment grooves 204311 and a plurality of adjustment holes 204312 formed therein. The adjustment groove 204311 is a groove for forming a gap with the inner wall of the housing 2042 . The adjustment groove 204311 is formed, for example, by cutting the table end radially outward from the outer mounting position provided on the rotary table 20431 in a substantially semicircular shape in the thickness direction. A gap is formed between the adjustment groove 204311 and the inner wall of the housing 2042 to allow air to pass therethrough. The shape of the adjustment groove 204311 is not limited to a substantially semicircular shape, and can be arbitrarily set as long as the shape does not bias or disturb the passing air. Also, the width and number of the adjustment grooves 204311 can be arbitrarily set according to the temperature distribution in the reagent storage 204 . In addition, the position where the adjustment groove 204311 is provided is not limited to the radially outer edge of the table from the outer mounting position of the reagent container 100, and can be set arbitrarily as long as it does not bias or disturb the passing air. It is possible.

The adjustment hole 204312 is a hole for connecting the bottom side and the top side of the reagent storage 204 . For example, the adjustment hole 204312 is formed by penetrating a substantially circular region radially outward from the inner mounting position provided on the rotary table 20431 . Note that the shape of the adjustment hole 204312 is not limited to a substantially circular shape, and can be arbitrarily set as long as it is a shape that does not cause unevenness and turbulence of the passed cool air. Also, the diameter and number of the adjustment holes 204312 can be arbitrarily set according to the temperature distribution in the reagent storage 204 . In addition, the position where the adjustment hole 204312 is provided is not limited to the area radially outward from the inner mounting position of the reagent container 100, and can be set arbitrarily as long as it does not bias or disturb the passing air. be.

The crown portion 20432 extends upward from the inner circumference of the rotary table 20431 . The height of the crown portion 20432 is set according to the height of the reagent container 100 placed on the rotary table 20431 . Passing holes 204321 are formed in the crown portion 20432 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. At this time, the positions where the passage holes 204321 are formed are based on the positions of the reagent containers 100 arranged on the adjacent circumference. Specifically, in FIG. 5, it passes circumferentially inward of the reagent containers 100 arranged on the inner circumference and circumferentially inward of the midpoint of the adjacent reagent containers 100 on the inner circumference. A hole 204321 is provided. The shape of the passage hole 204321 is desirably long in the height direction of the reagent storage 204 . Note that the size of the hole can be arbitrarily set according to the temperature distribution in the reagent storage 204 .

The support portion 20433 is, for example, a plate-like member formed at the upper end of the crown portion 20432 . The support portion 20433 detachably supports the convection separating plate 2044 .

The rotation shaft 20434 is fixed substantially at the center of the support portion 20433 . The rotating shaft 20434 is connected to a motor (not shown) and transmits the power of the motor to the supporting portion 20433 . When the motor is driven according to the control of the control circuit 9, the support portion 20433, the crown portion 20432, the rotary table 20431, and the convection separating plate 2044 are repeatedly rotated and stopped by the power of the motor transmitted by the rotary shaft 20434. As a result, one of the plurality of reagent containers 100 placed on the rotary table 20431 is stopped at the position directly below the reagent suction port, that is, the reagent suction position.

The convection separation plate 2044 is a member for separating the space formed by the reagent cover 2041 and the housing 2042, and is an example of separation means, for example. A space in the reagent storage 204 formed by the reagent cover 2041 and the housing 2042 is separated into, for example, a first space above the convection separation plate 2044 and a second space below the convection separation plate 2044 . The height of the second space is set based on the height of the reagent container 100 as a reference. For example, the second space is set to include the body of the reagent container 100 that contains the reagent. As a result, a portion of the reagent container 100 that requires cooling exists in the second space.

The convection separating plate 2044 is fixed to the supporting portion 20433 of the table rotation mechanism 2043, for example. The convection separation plate 2044 is formed with a plurality of projecting holes 20441 for projecting the openings of the reagent containers 100 placed on the rotary table 20431 toward the upper surface of the reagent storage 204 . The position where the projecting hole 20441 is formed corresponds to the placement position of the reagent container 100 set on the rotary table 20431 . The shape of the protruding hole 20441 corresponds to the shape of the directly mountable reagent container 100 set on the rotary table 20431 .

For example, when the cylindrical reagent containers 100 are set to be placed in a double annular shape on the rotary table 20431 , the convection separating plate 2044 is a circle with a slightly larger diameter than the set reagent container 100 . A shaped protruding hole 20441 is provided in a double ring. On the other hand, for example, when the polygonal column-shaped reagent container 100 is set to be placed in a single annular shape on the rotary table 20431 , the convection separation plate 2044 is a slightly larger polygon than the set reagent container 100 . A shaped protruding hole 20441 is provided in a single annular shape.

The fan 2045 is an example of air blowing means that is driven under the control of the control circuit 9 and blows air in a preset direction. Specifically, for example, the fan 2045 is provided so as to surround the rotating shaft 20434 . Further, the fan 2045 is provided so as to send the air in the space surrounded by the crown portion 20432 and the support portion 20433 toward the bottom surface of the reagent storage 204 . As a result, convection is generated in the second space below the convection separating plate 2044 . Note that FIG. 3 shows an example in which the fan 2045 has its own power source, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rotating shaft of the fan 2045 may be shared with the rotating shaft 20434 of the table rotation mechanism 2043, and the fan 2045 may be driven by the power of the motor connected to the rotating shaft 20434.

The cooling element 2046 is a semiconductor element that is driven under the control of the control circuit 9 to generate a cooling effect, and is an example of cooling means. A plurality of cooling elements 2046 are provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the reagent container 100 where cool air stays.

Next, convection generated in the reagent storage 204 configured as described above will be described.
The operator opens the reagent cover 2041 and inserts the reagent container 100 into the projecting hole 20441 formed in the convection separation plate 2044 to place the reagent container 100 on the rotary table 20431 . For a reagent container different from the preset reference shape and a reagent container lower than the reference height, an adapter is attached and inserted into the projecting hole 20441 .

When the reagent container 100 is inserted into the projection hole 20441 of the convection separation plate 2044 and placed on the turntable 20431, the portion above the shoulder portion of the reagent container 100 moves from the projection hole 20441 to the upper surface side of the reagent storage 204, for example. stands out. In the present embodiment, the shoulder portion of the reagent container 100 refers to, for example, the portion where the main body of the reagent container 100 has a smaller diameter toward the opening. Also, when the reagent container 100 is inserted into the projecting hole 20441, the space in the reagent storage 204 is separated into a first space above the convection separation plate 2044 and a second space below the convection separation plate 2044. . After placing all the reagent containers 100 , the operator closes the reagent cover 2041 .

When the reagent cover 2041 is closed and the test starts, the fan 2045 rotates at a predetermined timing. There is no limitation on the timing of rotating the fan 2045 while the reagent cover 2041 is closed. For example, the fan 2045 may always rotate. In addition, when the temperature of the first space rises to about the room temperature by opening the reagent cover 2041 and the temperature of the second space tends to rise, the control circuit 9 reduces the power of the cooling element 2046. It may be controlled to boost and increase the rotational speed of the fan 2045 .

When the fan 2045 rotates, the air in the space surrounded by the crown portion 20432 and the support portion 20433 is sucked by the fan 2045 and the sucked air is sent toward the bottom of the reagent storage 204 . A negative pressure is created in the space where the air is sucked. That is, the space surrounded by crown portion 20432 and support portion 20433 serves as a negative pressure chamber.

The air sent toward the bottom surface is cooled by the cooling element 2046, and the cool air remaining on the bottom surface is removed through the gap formed between the adjustment groove 204311 of the rotary table 20431 and the housing 2042 and the adjustment hole 204312. , to the mounting surface side of the rotary table 20431 . The cold air pushed out to the mounting surface side is attracted to the central space having a negative pressure. As a result, the advancing direction of the extruded cold air is switched from the first spatial direction to the rotating shaft 20434 direction by approximately 90 degrees. The cold air whose traveling direction has been switched passes through the reagent containers 100 placed on the rotary table 20431 and reaches the central space having a negative pressure. Thereby, cold air is circulated in the second space.

Of the cold air pushed out to the mounting surface side, a portion of the cold air whose advancing direction is maintained collides with the convection separating plate 2044 . Since the protruding hole 20441 formed in the convection separation plate 2044 is filled with the main body of the reagent container 100, the gap between the protruding hole 20441 and the reagent container 100 is small, and the first space can pass through this gap. less cold air reaches Therefore, most of the cool air that collides with the convection separating plate 2044 is drawn into the central space, which has a negative pressure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of convection in the reagent storage 204. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, cold air is circulated in the second space and hardly reaches the first space.

As described above, in this embodiment, the convection separation plate 2044 is provided in the reagent storage 204, and the first space where the opening of the reagent container 100 exists and the second space where the reagent container body to be cooled among the reagent containers 100 exists. 2 spaces. Air convection is generated in the second space, and the convection in the second space is prevented from propagating in the first space. This makes it possible to keep the temperature distribution in the reagent storage 204 constant while suppressing evaporation of the reagent from the opening.

Also, when the reagent cover 2041 is opened to replace the reagent container 100, high-temperature external air flows into the reagent storage 204 and the temperature of the first space rises to the same level as the external air temperature. The temperature rise in the second space separated by is suppressed to some extent.

Further, when the temperature of the first space, which rises when the reagent cover 2041 is opened, is lowered by closing the reagent cover 2041, dew condensation inevitably occurs in the first space. The occurrence of dew condensation indicates that the relative humidity in the first space is high, that is, the environment is such that the reagent is difficult to evaporate.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a negative pressure chamber in which air is sucked by the fan 2045 to create a negative pressure inside is generated in the second space. The convection generated by the fan 2045 circulates through the cooling element 2046, the body portions of the plurality of reagent containers 100 placed on the rotary table 20431, and the negative pressure chamber. Thereby, the air in the second space is efficiently cooled. For example, even if the reagent cover 2041 is opened when replacing the reagent container 100, the temperature can be restored immediately after the reagent cover 2041 is closed.

Also, in this embodiment, a negative pressure chamber is formed in the second space at a position that draws in cold air that passes through the rotary table 20431 and advances toward the first space. This makes it possible to further reduce the cold air reaching the first space.

Further, in this embodiment, in the rotary table 20431, mechanisms such as the adjustment groove 204311 and the adjustment hole 204312 for allowing cold air to pass are provided radially outward from the placement position of the reagent container 100. FIG. That is, in the rotary table 20431, a cooling air passing mechanism is provided on the upstream side of the mounting position of the reagent container 100 in the traveling direction of the cooling air. As a result, when the cool air that has passed through the rotary table 20431 flows in the direction of the rotating shaft 20434, it efficiently collides with the reagent container 100, making it possible to cool the reagent container 100 efficiently.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the shape and height of the reagent container 100 to be placed on the turntable 20431 do not match the reference shape and height, the reagent container 100 is mounted on the turntable 20431 by attaching an adapter. I'm trying Therefore, even if the reagent container 100 has different shapes and heights, no special mechanism is required.

Note that the structure of the reagent storage 204 according to this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG. The reagent storage 204 may have a second fan 2047 located closer to the bottom than the fan 2045, for example. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the reagent storage 204 according to this embodiment.

The second fan 2047 is a fan for horizontal circulation, and is realized by, for example, a sirocco fan. The second fan 2047 is driven under the control of the control circuit 9 to horizontally circulate the air near the bottom of the reagent storage 204 . FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of convection generated near the bottom surface in the reagent storage 204 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, convection generated by the second fan 2047 passes directly above the cooling element 2046 . As a result, the air cooled by the cooling element 2046 spreads over the entire bottom surface of the reagent storage 204, and the bottom surface of the reagent storage 204 is cooled to a constant temperature.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the reagent container 100 is directly placed on the rotary table 20431 has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this. The reagent container 100 may be mounted on a reagent rack capable of mounting a plurality of reagent containers 100 and placed on the rotary table 20431 . As a result, the reagent containers 100 are collectively placed on the turntable 20431 by setting the reagent rack on the turntable 20431 . Further, the reagent containers 100 are collectively taken out from the turntable 20431 by removing the reagent rack from the turntable 20431 .

According to at least one embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 can suppress evaporation of reagents in the reagent storage 204 with a simple structure. Moreover, even when the reagent containers are stored at high density, evaporation of the reagent in the reagent storage 204 can be suppressed. Therefore, reagent waste due to evaporation in the sample measurement processing process can be constantly reduced. In addition, it is possible to avoid abnormal test results caused by deterioration of the reagent due to evaporation.

The word "processor" used in the description of the embodiments is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (eg, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory circuit. It should be noted that instead of storing the program in the memory circuit, the program may be directly installed in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Note that each processor in each of the above embodiments is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. good too. Furthermore, a plurality of components in each of the above embodiments may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
Regarding the above embodiment, the following appendices are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention.
(Appendix 1)
a mounting means for mounting a plurality of reagent containers;
a housing formed so as to be able to store the placement means and a plurality of reagent containers placed on the placement means;
a lid that covers the opening of the housing;
separating means for separating a space formed by the housing and the lid into a first space in which the openings of the plurality of reagent containers exist and a second space in which the bodies of the plurality of reagent containers exist; , cooling means for generating a cooling effect in the second space;
and a blowing means for generating convection of the air cooled by the cooling means in the second space.
(Appendix 2)
The second space is provided with a negative pressure chamber in which air is sucked by the air blowing means to create a negative pressure therein. may be circulated through the body portion of the reagent container and the negative pressure chamber.
(Appendix 3)
The negative pressure chamber may be formed at a position to draw in convection generated by the air blowing means, passing through the mounting means and proceeding toward the first space.
(Appendix 4)
The mounting means may have an air passage mechanism on the upstream side in the direction of movement of the convection from the mounting positions of the plurality of reagent containers.
(Appendix 5)
The mounting means may be capable of mounting an auxiliary instrument attachable to the reagent container.
(Appendix 6)
a reagent storage capable of storing a plurality of reagent containers;
a suction unit for sucking a reagent contained in at least one of the plurality of reagent containers;
The reagent storage is
a mounting means for mounting the plurality of reagent containers;
separating means for separating the space in the reagent storage into a first space in which the openings of the plurality of reagent containers exist and a second space in which the main bodies of the plurality of reagent containers exist;
cooling means for generating a cooling effect within the second space;
and an air blower for generating convection of the air cooled by the cooling means in the second space.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Automatic analyzer 2... Analysis mechanism 201... Reaction disk 2011... Reaction vessel 202... Constant temperature part 203... Rack sampler 2031... Sample rack 204... Reagent storage 2041... Reagent cover 2042... Case 2043... Table rotation mechanism 20431... Rotary table 204311...Adjustment groove 204312...Adjustment hole 20432...Crown part 204321...Passing hole 20433...Support part 20434...Rotating shaft 2044...Convection separation plate 20441...Protrusion hole 2045...Fan 2046...Cooling element 2047...Second fan 206...Sample dispensing Arm 207 Sample dispensing probe 208 Reagent dispensing arm 209 Reagent dispensing probe 210 Stirring unit 211 Photometric unit 212 Cleaning unit 3 Analysis circuit 4 Drive mechanism 5 Input interface 6 Output interface 7 Communication Interface 8 Storage circuit 9 Control circuit 91 System control function 100 Reagent container

Claims (8)

a mounting means for mounting a plurality of reagent containers;
a housing formed so as to be able to store the placement means and a plurality of reagent containers placed on the placement means;
a lid that covers the opening of the housing;
A space formed by the housing and the lid is separated into a first space in which the openings of the plurality of reagent containers exist and a second space in which the bodies of the plurality of reagent containers exist , and separating means having a plurality of insertion holes for inserting a plurality of reagent containers and placing them on the placing means;
cooling means for generating a cooling effect within the second space;
a blowing means for generating convection of the air cooled by the cooling means in the second space ;
The placement means is an auxiliary device attachable to the reagent container for compensating for the height of the reagent container so that the opening of the reagent container protrudes through the insertion hole into the first space above the separating means. can be placed in the reagent storage. The second space is provided with a negative pressure chamber in which air is sucked by the air blowing means so that the inside becomes negative pressure,
2. The reagent vault according to claim 1, wherein the convection generated by said blowing means circulates through said cooling means, body portions of a plurality of reagent containers mounted on said mounting means, and said negative pressure chamber. 3. The reagent vault according to claim 2, wherein said negative pressure chamber is formed at a position that draws in convection generated by said air blowing means and passing through said mounting means and proceeding toward said first space. 4. The reagent storage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said mounting means has an air passage mechanism on the upstream side in the advancing direction of said convection from said mounting positions of said plurality of reagent containers. a reagent storage capable of storing a plurality of reagent containers;
a suction unit that sucks a reagent contained in at least one of the plurality of reagent containers ;
an auxiliary tool attachable to a reagent container installed in the reagent storage;
and
The reagent storage is
a mounting means for mounting the plurality of reagent containers;
The space in the reagent storage is divided into a first space in which the openings of the plurality of reagent containers exist and a second space in which the main bodies of the plurality of reagent containers exist, and the plurality of reagent containers are inserted. a separating means having a plurality of insertion holes for placing on the placing means;
cooling means for generating a cooling effect within the second space;
In the second space, an air blowing means for generating convection of the air cooled by the cooling means ,
The auxiliary instrument compensates for the height of the attached reagent container so that the opening of the attached reagent container protrudes through the insertion hole into the first space above the separating means.
Automatic analyzer. The reagent storage includes, in the second space, a negative pressure chamber in which air is sucked by the air blowing means to create a negative pressure therein,
The convection generated by the air blowing means circulates through the cooling means, main body portions of the plurality of reagent containers mounted on the mounting means, and the negative pressure chamber.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 5. 7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein said negative pressure chamber is formed at a position to draw in convection generated by said air blowing means and passing through said mounting means and proceeding toward said first space. 8. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said mounting means has an air passage mechanism on the upstream side in the advancing direction of said convection from said mounting positions of said plurality of reagent containers.

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