JP2007303881A - Reagent container carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reagent container carrier capable of raising a reagent container to hold the same by simple control while using the reagent container used heretofore. <P>SOLUTION: The reagent container carrier is constituted so as to feed the reagent container 22, which is provided with a stopper attaching part 221 having the male screw part 221b provided to the outside surface of an upward opened cylindrical body and notched parts 221c continued to the cylindrical body to be notched at least at two places of the male screw part 221b, and equipped with a holding member 952, which has the female screw part 952c threaded with the male screw part 221b, arranged in a non-contact mode with respect to the notched parts 221c while corresponding to the positions of the notched parts 221c. That is, the reagent container 22 can be raised to be held using the conventional reagent container 22 provided with the stopper attaching part 221 having the male screw part 221b and the notched parts 221c. Further, since the control for threading the female screw part 952c with the male screw part 221b of the stopper attaching part 221 may be performed, the reagent container 22 can be raised to be held by a simple control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reagent container transport device that transports a reagent container used in, for example, an automatic analyzer.

  In the automatic analyzer, a sample sample such as blood or urine collected and a reagent according to a test item are respectively dispensed into a reaction container, and the reaction of a reaction solution composed of the sample sample and the reagent is measured. Reagents necessary for analysis are accommodated in, for example, a reagent container attached with an identification label. This reagent container is disposed on a rotary table in the reagent storage of the automatic analyzer. In the automatic analyzer, when an inspection request is made, the reagent container containing the reagent used for the inspection is moved to the sorting position while being identified by an identification label or the like.

  By the way, in recent years, the amount of reagent consumption increases as the analysis speed of the automatic analyzer increases, and it is necessary to frequently replace the reagent container to replenish the reagent. Therefore, conventionally, a replenishment reagent storage for storing a replenishment reagent, and a reagent transport means for transporting a reagent container from the replenishment reagent storage to a reagent disk having a reagent used for analysis, There is an automatic analyzer that eliminates the reagent shortage and reduces the burden on the operator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The apparatus for transporting the reagent container has a hook for suspending the reagent container, and the hook is inserted into a hole provided in the reagent container to lift the reagent container to a height at which the reagent container can be moved in a horizontal plane (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2005-37171 International Publication No. 02/059624 Pamphlet

  However, in the conventional reagent container transport device, when the reagent container is lifted and held, a reagent container having a hole for inserting a hook must be prepared, and the conventional reagent container cannot be used. Further, in the conventional reagent container transport device, complicated control is required to hook the hook into the hole of the reagent container.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a reagent container transport device that can lift and hold a reagent container with simple control while using a reagent container that has been used in the past. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the reagent container transport device according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided with a stopper mounting portion having a male screw portion on the outer surface of a cylindrical body that opens upward. A reagent container transporting device for transporting a reagent container, comprising a holding member having a female screw part screwed into the male screw part from above the stopper mounting part.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reagent container transport device in which a male screw portion provided on an outer surface of a cylindrical body that opens upward and at least two portions of the male screw portion that are continuous in the vertical direction of the cylindrical body are missing. A reagent container transport apparatus for transporting a reagent container provided with a stopper mounting portion having a cut-out notched portion, and arranged in a non-contact manner with respect to the cut-out portion while corresponding to the position of the cut-out portion And a holding member having a female screw portion screwed into the male screw portion.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the reagent container transport device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the holding member comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion when screwed into the male screw portion. It is characterized by that.

  A reagent container transport device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the reagent container transport device according to the third aspect, wherein the holding member is screwed into the male screw portion and comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion. It is comprised in the aspect which has a clearance gap with respect to opening of a stopper attachment part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  A reagent container transport device according to the present invention is a reagent container transport device for transporting a reagent container provided with a plug mounting portion having a male screw portion on an outer side surface of a cylinder body that opens upward, and above the plug mounting portion. A holding member having a female screw portion screwed into the male screw portion is provided. Here, the reagent container which has been used in the past is provided with a stopper mounting portion having a male screw portion. As a result, the reagent container that has been used in the past can be used to lift and hold the reagent container. Further, since the control may be performed by screwing the female screw portion into the male screw portion of the stopper mounting portion, the reagent container can be lifted and held by simple control.

  In addition, the reagent container transport device according to the present invention includes a male screw portion provided on an outer surface of a cylindrical body that opens upward, and a cutout in which at least two portions of the male screw portion are continuously cut in the vertical direction of the cylindrical body. A reagent container transport device for transporting a reagent container provided with a stopper mounting portion having a cut portion, wherein the device is arranged in a non-contact manner in correspondence with the position of the cutout portion. A holding member having a female screw portion that is screwed into the screw portion is provided. Here, the reagent container which has been used in the past is provided with a stopper mounting portion having a male screw portion and a notched portion for convenience of die cutting at the time of molding. As a result, the reagent container that has been used in the past can be used to lift and hold the reagent container. Further, since the control may be performed by screwing the female screw portion into the male screw portion of the stopper mounting portion, the reagent container can be lifted and held by simple control.

  Further, the holding member comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion when screwed into the male screw portion. That is, it is set as the state which tightened the internal thread part with respect to the external thread part. For this reason, the reagent container can be stably held. In the reagent container transport device corresponding to the stopper mounting part having the notch part, the female thread part is inserted into the stopper mounting part in advance at the position of the notch part. The time for combining can be shortened.

  Further, the holding member is configured in such a manner that there is a gap with respect to the opening of the stopper mounting portion when the retaining member is screwed into the male screw portion and comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion. . For this reason, since a holding member does not touch the opening of a stopper attachment part, the penetration | invasion of the foreign material from the opening into a reagent container can be prevented.

  Exemplary embodiments of a reagent container transport device according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an automatic analyzer to which a reagent container transport device according to the present invention is applied. The automatic analyzer here measures the amount of various components contained in the specimen by measuring the optical change of the reaction liquid consisting of the specimen and reagent, for example, a supernatant liquid (serum) in which unnecessary substances in blood are precipitated. It has the analyzer 1 to measure. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 includes a reagent storage unit 2 and a reaction unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reagent storage unit 2 has a circular table 21. The table 21 is rotatably provided around the center 21a and is rotated by driving means (not shown). The table 21 holds a plurality of reagent containers 22 containing reagents in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 22 moves around the center 21 a as the table 21 rotates. The reagent storage unit 2 includes a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the table 21, and cools and stores the reagent in the reagent container 22 by cooling the case to a predetermined temperature. The reagent storage unit 2 includes a first reagent storage unit 2A and a second reagent storage unit 2B for storing the first reagent and the second reagent, respectively. The first reagent storage unit 2A is arranged in a container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 described later, and the second reagent storage unit 2B is arranged outside the container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3. The reagent container 22 is affixed with an identification code label having various information such as the type, amount, and lot number of the stored reagent. On the other hand, the reagent storage unit 2 (1A, 2B) is provided with an identification code reader (not shown) for reading the identification code of the reagent container 22.

  Here, the reagent container 22 will be described. 2 is a plan view of the reagent container, FIG. 3 is a front view of the reagent container, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the reagent container. The reagent container 22 is a synthetic resin container that has a fan-shaped outer shape in a plan view and has the fan shape connected in the vertical direction. The reagent container 22 has a stopper mounting portion 221 on its upper surface. The plug mounting portion 221 is provided with a male screw portion 221b on the outer surface of the cylinder having an opening 221a facing upward. In addition, the stopper mounting portion 221 is provided with a notched portion 221c in which at least two portions of the male screw portion 221b are notched continuously in the vertical direction of the cylindrical body. The notch 221c in the present embodiment is provided in the opposite direction at 180 ° intervals when the plug mounting portion 221 is viewed from above. The opening 221a of the stopper mounting portion 221 is sealed by screwing a stopper (not shown) into the male screw portion 221b when the reagent container 22 is not used. The stopper is removed as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 when stored in the reagent storage unit 2 (and the reagent storage unit 8 described later).

  The reaction unit 3 has a cylindrical container holding unit 31. The container holding part 31 is rotatably provided around the center 31a and is rotated by a driving means (not shown). The container holding part 31 has a plurality of recesses (not shown) along its circumferential direction. Each recess holds a reaction container 32 for mixing the reagent and the specimen. The container holding part 31 has a light-shielding member (not shown) between the recesses adjacent in the circumferential direction, and shields between the adjacent reaction containers 32. Furthermore, the container holding part 31 is provided with openings (not shown) penetrating in the radial direction in the respective concave parts, and exposes the reaction container 32 through the openings. The reaction unit 3 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the container holding unit 31, and the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) using the case as a thermostat. Incubate the reaction solution that reacted with the sample.

  Here, the reaction vessel 32 is a bottomed rectangular tube-like vessel having an open top, and a material that transmits 80% or more of light contained in the analysis light described later (for example, glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, Synthetic resin such as polystyrene). And the reaction container 32 is used as a photometry area | region through which the surrounding wall lower part permeate | transmits analysis light. This photometric region defines the thickness of the reaction liquid in the direction in which light for measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction liquid is transmitted between the peripheral walls.

  The reaction unit 3 is provided with an analysis optical system 33. The analysis optical system 33 includes a light emitting unit 331, a spectroscopic unit 332, and a light receiving unit 333. The light emitting unit 331 emits analysis light (for example, 340 to 800 nm) for analyzing the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32. This analysis light passes through the opening of the container holding unit 31 in the reaction unit 3 and passes through the reaction solution in the photometric region of the reaction vessel 32. The spectroscopic unit 332 splits the analysis light transmitted through the reaction solution toward the light receiving unit 333. The light receiving unit 333 receives the analysis light split by the spectroscopic unit 332.

  Although not shown in the figure, the reaction unit 3 is provided with a stirring mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The stirring mechanism is for uniformly mixing the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 and the specimen. For example, a contact type in which a stirring bar is inserted into the reaction vessel 32 or a non-contact type using ultrasonic waves. Is mentioned. In the case of using a stirring bar, a cleaning unit for cleaning the stirring bar is required outside the reaction unit 3. The cleaning mechanism is for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 32. For example, the reaction liquid in the reaction container 32 is sucked and discharged, and then the cleaning liquid is repeatedly injected into and discharged from the reaction container 32. The inside of the reaction vessel 32 is dried and wiped off.

  Meanwhile, a reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is provided between the reagent storage unit 2 and the reaction unit 3. The reagent dispensing mechanism 5 here is provided between the first reagent dispensing mechanism 5A provided between the first reagent storage unit 2A and the reaction unit 3, and between the second reagent storage unit 2B and the reaction unit 3. And a second reagent dispensing mechanism 5B. This reagent dispensing mechanism 5 has an arm 51 and a probe 52. The arm 51 is provided with a base end portion attached to the upper end of a central shaft 51a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 51 rotates around the central axis 51 a by the rotation of the central axis 51 a driven by the driving means 53. The tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 or a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 by rotation. Further, the arm 51 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 51 a driven by the driving means 53. The probe 52 dispenses a reagent and is attached to the distal end portion of the arm 51 with the distal end directed downward. That is, the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 moves the probe 52 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 51 and moving up and down, sucks the reagent from the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage 2 by the probe 52, and reacts the reagent. It injects into the reaction container 32 of the part 3.

  The predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 is a position of an opening hole provided in the upper surface of the case of the reagent storage unit 2 although not clearly shown in the drawing. The position of the opening 221a of the reagent container 22 coincides with the opening hole of the case of the reagent storage unit 2 in a state where the rotation of the table 21 of the reagent storage unit 2 is stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 is moved to a predetermined position in the reagent storage unit 2, the probe 52 is located at the position of the opening 221 a of the reagent container 22 through the opening hole of the case of the reagent storage unit 2. The reagent can be aspirated from the reagent container 22. In addition, the predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 is a position of an opening provided in the upper surface of the case of the reaction unit 3 although not clearly shown in the drawing. The position of the opening of the reaction vessel 32 coincides with the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3 in a state where the rotation of the container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3, the probe 52 is located at the opening of the reaction vessel 32 through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3. Reagent can be injected into Furthermore, another predetermined position where the probe 52 is moved by the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is a cleaning position. Although not clearly shown in the figure, a cleaning unit that sucks and discharges the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position.

  A sample dispensing mechanism 6 is provided between the reaction unit 3 and a sample transfer means 4 (sample transport unit 44) described later. The sample dispensing mechanism 6 has an arm 61 and a probe 62. The arm 61 is provided with a base end portion attached to the upper end of a central shaft 61a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 61 rotates around the central axis 61 a by the rotation of the central axis 61 a driven by the driving means 63. The arm 61 moves to a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 or a predetermined position of the sample transport unit 44 by rotation. Further, the arm 61 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 61 a driven by the driving means 63. The probe 62 dispenses a specimen and is attached to the distal end portion of the arm 61 with the distal end directed downward. That is, the sample dispensing mechanism 6 moves the probe 62 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 61 and moving up and down, sucks the sample from the sample container 42 in the sample transport unit 44 by the probe 62, and reacts the sample. It injects into the reaction container 32 of the part 3.

  The predetermined position of the sample transport unit 44 is a position of an opening of a predetermined sample container 42 in the rack 41 in a state in which the transport of the rack 41 is stopped in the sample transport unit 44, although not shown in the drawing. Therefore, when the distal end portion of the arm 61 moves to a predetermined position of the sample transfer means 4, the probe 62 is located at the opening position of the predetermined sample container 42, and the sample can be aspirated from the sample container 42 by the probe 62. The predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 is the same as described above, and the opening of the reaction vessel 32 is opened through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3 when the tip of the arm 61 is moved to the predetermined position of the reaction unit 3. There is a probe 62 at the position, and the sample can be injected into the reaction container 32 by the probe 62. Further, another predetermined position where the probe 62 is moved by the sample dispensing mechanism 6 is a cleaning position. Although not shown in the drawing, a cleaning unit that sucks and discharges the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position to clean the probe 62.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer includes a sample transfer means 4 that transfers a sample to the analyzer 1. The sample transfer means 4 transfers the rack 41 holding the sample container 42 to the analyzer 1. The rack 41 holds a plurality of sample containers 42 containing samples. The sample container 42 is a container having an open top such as a test tube. The sample transfer means 4 has a sample placement unit 43 and a sample transport unit 44. The sample mounting unit 43 is for mounting the rack 41, and is arranged on one side of the analyzer 1 in the present embodiment. The sample mounting unit 43 sequentially circulates the racks 41 while mounting the plurality of racks 41. In the process of circulating the rack 41, the sample mounting unit 43 sends the racks 41 one by one to the sample transport unit 44, while receiving the racks 41 from the sample transport unit 44. The sample transport unit 44 is provided at one end of the analyzer 1 and includes, for example, a belt conveyor, and transports the rack 41 placed on the belt to the analyzer 1. The rack 41 is placed on the sample transport unit 44 with a plurality of sample containers 42 arranged in the transport direction. This sample transport unit 44 is provided in two rows, one receives the rack 41 from the sample mounting unit 43 and sends it to the analyzer 1, and the other returns the rack 41 to the sample mounting unit 43.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer includes a reagent replenishing means 7 for replenishing the analyzer 1 with a reagent for replenishment. The reagent replenishing means 7 includes a reagent storage unit 8, a transport unit 9, and a recovery unit 10.

  The reagent storage unit 8 is arranged on one side of the analyzer 1 together with the sample mounting unit 43. The reagent storage unit 8 has the same configuration as the reagent storage unit 2 of the analyzer 1 and has a circular table 81. The table 81 is rotatably provided around the center 81a and is rotated by driving means (not shown). The table 81 holds a plurality of reagent containers 22 containing reagents in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 22 moves around the center 81 a as the table 81 rotates. The reagent storage unit 8 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the table 81, and cools the reagent in the reagent container 22 by cooling the inside of the case to a predetermined temperature. The reagent storage unit 8 is provided with a lid (not shown) that can be opened and closed so that the operator can place the reagent container 22 for replenishment. In addition, the reagent storage unit 8 may be mounted with a reagent container 22 previously opened by the operator, or provided with a mechanism (not shown) for automatically opening the reagent container 22 that has been capped. It may be placed. The reagent storage unit 8 is provided with an identification code reader (not shown) that reads the identification code of the reagent container 22.

  The transport unit 9 transports the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 to the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) of the analyzer 1, and the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B). It is for conveying to the exterior (collection part 10) of the storage part 2, and is the 1st conveyance mechanism 91, the 2nd conveyance mechanism 92, the 3rd conveyance mechanism 93, the 4th conveyance mechanism 94, the 5th conveyance mechanism 95, and the 1st. And a six transport mechanism 96.

  The first transport mechanism 91 is for transporting the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 to the outside of the reagent storage unit 8 (second transport mechanism 92). The first transport mechanism 91 is disposed in the vicinity of the reagent storage unit 8 and includes an arm 911 and a pressing member 912. The arm 911 is disposed above the reagent storage unit 8 and extends in the horizontal direction. The arm 911 moves horizontally so as to approach or separate from the second transport mechanism 92 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Further, the arm 911 moves in the vertical direction by driving of the driving means 913. The pressing member 912 is provided to extend downward from the arm 911. The pressing member 912 is formed so as to engage with the side portion of the reagent container 22. That is, the first transport mechanism 91 moves the pressing member 912 by the horizontal movement and vertical movement of the arm 911, and pushes the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 out of the reagent storage unit 8 by the pressing member 912. Transfer to the second transport mechanism 92. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the case of the reagent storage unit 8 is provided with an opening through which the pressing member 912 is inserted and the reagent container 22 is pushed out. This opening is opened and closed by a shutter driven by driving means (not shown).

  The second transport mechanism 92 is for transporting the reagent container 22 received from the first transport mechanism 91 to the analyzer 1. The second transport mechanism 92 is provided at the other end of the analyzer 1 and is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor. Then, the second transport mechanism 92 transports the reagent container 22 received on the belt from the first transport mechanism 91 in the direction of the analyzer 1 (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1).

  The third transport mechanism 93 is for delivering the reagent container 22 transported by the second transport mechanism 92 to the analyzer 1 side (fourth transport mechanism 94). The third transport mechanism 93 is composed of an extrusion mechanism having a reciprocating drive means 931 such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, or a solenoid. And the 3rd conveyance mechanism 93 pushes out the reagent container 22 in the 2nd conveyance mechanism 92 to the analyzer 1 side (4th conveyance mechanism 94 side) which is the arrow C direction of FIG. Although not clearly shown in the figure, at the position where the third transport mechanism 93 is provided, the reagent container detection means for detecting the reagent container 22 transported by the second transport mechanism 92 and the identification code of the reagent container 22 are read. An identification code reader is provided.

  While the fourth transport mechanism 94 transports the reagent container 22 delivered from the second transport mechanism 92 by the third transport mechanism 93 to a position for delivery to the fifth transport mechanism 95 side or the sixth transport mechanism 96 side. The reagent container 22 received from the fifth transport mechanism 95 or the sixth transport mechanism 96 is transferred to the second transport mechanism 92. The fourth transport mechanism 94 is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor. Then, the fourth transport mechanism 94 delivers the reagent container 22 received on the belt from the second transport mechanism 92 to the fifth transport mechanism 95 side or the sixth transport mechanism 96 side in the direction of arrow D in FIG. Transport to position. On the other hand, the fourth transport mechanism 94 transports the reagent container 22 received from the fifth transport mechanism 95 or the sixth transport mechanism 96 to the second transport mechanism 92.

  The fifth transport mechanism 95 is a reagent container transport device according to the present invention, and transports the reagent container 22 transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94 to the first reagent storage unit 2A, while the first reagent storage unit 2A. The reagent container 22 is transported to the fourth transport mechanism 94. The fifth transport mechanism 95 includes an arm 951 and a holding member 952. The arm 951 is provided with a base end portion attached to the upper end of a central shaft 951a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 951 rotates around the central axis 951 a by the rotation of the central axis 951 a driven by the driving means 953. The tip of the arm 951 moves to a predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 or a predetermined position of the first reagent storage unit 2A by rotation. Further, the arm 951 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 951a by the drive of the drive means 953. The holding member 952 holds the reagent container 22 and is attached to the tip of the arm 951 with the tip facing downward. In other words, the fifth transport mechanism 95 moves the holding member 952 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 951 and moving it up and down, and holds the reagent container 22 in the fourth transport mechanism 94 by the holding member 952 to hold the first reagent. It is conveyed to the table 21 of the storage unit 2A. On the other hand, the fifth transport mechanism 95 moves the holding member 952 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 951 and moving it up and down, and the holding member 952 moves the reagent container 22 in the first reagent storage unit 2A to the fourth transport mechanism 94. Transport to. Although not shown in the figure, the case of the first reagent storage 2A is provided with an opening through which the holding member 952 is inserted and the reagent container 22 is taken in and out. This opening is opened and closed by a shutter driven by driving means (not shown).

  In the fifth transport mechanism 95, the predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 is a position where the reagent container 22 is transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94, and the reagent container 22 is moved by the holding member 952 of the fifth transport mechanism 95. It is a position that can be held. The predetermined position of the first reagent storage unit 2A is that the reagent container 22 can be held by the holding member 952 of the fifth transport mechanism 95 in a state where the rotation of the table 21 of the first reagent storage unit 2A is stopped. Position. Although not clearly shown in the figure, a reagent container detection means for detecting the reagent container 22 transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94 is provided at a predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 in the fifth transport mechanism 95.

  The sixth transport mechanism 96 is a reagent container transport device according to the present invention, and transports the reagent container 22 transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94 to the second reagent storage unit 2B, while the second reagent storage unit 2B. The reagent container 22 is transported to the fourth transport mechanism 94. The sixth transport mechanism 96 has the same configuration as the fifth transport mechanism 95 and includes an arm 961 and a holding member 962. The arm 961 is provided with a base end attached to the upper end of a central shaft 961a erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 961 rotates around the central axis 961 a by the rotation of the central axis 961 a driven by the driving means 963. The tip of the arm 961 moves to a predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 or a predetermined position of the second reagent storage unit 2B by rotation. The arm 961 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 961a driven by the driving means 963. The holding member 962 holds the reagent container 22 and is attached to the tip of the arm 961 with the tip facing downward. That is, the sixth transport mechanism 96 moves the holding member 962 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 961 and moving it up and down, and holds the reagent container 22 in the fourth transport mechanism 94 by the holding member 962 to hold the second reagent. It is conveyed to the table 21 of the storage unit 2B. On the other hand, the sixth transport mechanism 96 moves the holding member 962 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 961 and moving up and down, and the fourth transport mechanism 94 moves the reagent container 22 in the second reagent storage unit 2B by the holding member 962. Transport to. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the case of the second reagent storage unit 2B is provided with an opening through which the holding member 962 is inserted and the reagent container 22 is taken in and out. This opening is opened and closed by a shutter driven by driving means (not shown).

  In the sixth transport mechanism 96, the predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 is a position where the reagent container 22 is transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94, and the reagent container 22 is moved by the holding member 962 of the sixth transport mechanism 96. It is a position that can be held. The predetermined position of the second reagent storage unit 2B is that the reagent container 22 can be held by the holding member 962 of the sixth transport mechanism 96 in a state where the rotation of the table 21 of the second reagent storage unit 2B is stopped. Position. Although not clearly shown in the figure, a reagent container detection means for detecting the reagent container 22 transported by the fourth transport mechanism 94 is provided at a predetermined position of the fourth transport mechanism 94 in the sixth transport mechanism 96.

  Here, the holding members 952 and 962 of the reagent container transport device (the fifth transport mechanism 95 and the sixth transport mechanism 96) will be described. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a holding member of the reagent container transport device according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the holding member. Note that both the holding member 952 and the holding member 962 have the same configuration, so only one (the holding member 952) will be described with reference numerals. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding member 952 has a shaft portion 952a, a holding portion 952b, and a female screw portion 952c. The shaft portion 952a is a rod-like body extending in the vertical direction, and its base end (upper end) is attached to the front end portion of the arm 951, and the front end (lower end) is provided downward. The shaft portion 952a is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis S extending vertically, and is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown). The shaft portion 952a is attached to the arm 951 with a play that can move in the extending direction (vertical direction) of the axis S. The holding portion 952b is provided at the tip of the shaft portion 952a, and is formed to open downward in a manner covering the plug mounting portion 221. The holding portion 952b may be formed in a cylindrical shape covering the stopper mounting portion 221 (not shown), but the holding portion 952b in the present embodiment is a female screw portion 952c as shown in FIG. It is formed only by the site | part which arrange | positions. The female screw portion 952c is provided in the holding portion 952b, and the female screw is formed toward the axis S. The female screw portion 952 c is screwed into the male screw portion 221 b of the stopper mounting portion 221 in the reagent container 22. Further, the female screw portion 952c is provided so as not to contact the cutout portion 221c corresponding to the position (number) of the cutout portions 221c of the plug mounting portion 221.

  The holding operation of the reagent container 22 by the holding member 952 will be described. FIG. 7 is a view showing the holding operation of the reagent container by the holding member. The holding member 952 descends from above the stopper mounting portion 221 when the arm 951 is moved downward at a predetermined position where the reagent container 22 can be held by the downward movement of the central shaft 951a driven by the driving means 953. Will do. The lowered holding member 952 moves without the female screw portion 952c contacting the male screw portion 221b along the cutout portion 221c, as shown in FIG. 7A, which is a front view of the reagent container 22. Then, after the descent of the holding member 952 is stopped at a predetermined height, the holding member 952 is rotated around the axis S (90 ° right rotation). Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, which is a side view of the reagent container 22, the female screw portion 952c moves from the position of the notched portion 221c to the position of the male screw portion 221b, and the female screw portion 952c becomes the male screw portion. It will be screwed into 221b. With this screwing, the holding member 952 is lowered, but the lowering of the holding member 952 can be absorbed by the play of the shaft portion 952a attached to the arm 951 without lowering the arm 951 together. The lowered holding member 952 comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container 22 in which the lower end of the holding portion 952b is the base end of the stopper mounting portion 221. Thereby, the reagent container 22 is held by the holding member 952 (holding state). Here, the reagent container 22 held by the holding member 952 can be lifted and conveyed by moving the arm 951 upward. In the state where the reagent container 22 is held by the holding member 952 (the lower end of the holding part 952b is in contact with the outer surface of the reagent container 22), a gap H is provided above the opening 221a of the stopper mounting part 221. . For this reason, the holding member 952 is prevented from touching the opening 221a of the stopper mounting portion 221, and foreign matter is prevented from entering the reagent container 22 through the opening 221a.

  On the other hand, after transporting the reagent container 22, the holding member 952 is rotated around the axis S (90 ° counterclockwise). Then, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the internal thread part 952c moves to the position of the notch part 221c which is not in contact with the external thread part 221b. Here, if the arm 951 is moved upward by the upward movement of the central shaft 951 a by the drive of the drive means 953, the holding member 952 is detached from the plug mounting portion 221.

  Although not clearly shown in the figure, the reagent container transport device may include a holding state detecting unit that detects that the holding member 952 is in the holding state. The holding state detection means may be, for example, a device that detects that the lower end of the holding portion 952b is in contact with the outer surface of the reagent container 22 that is the base end of the stopper mounting portion 221.

  The collection unit 10 is a box that opens upward for inserting the reagent container 22. The collection unit 10 is disposed on the other side of the analyzer 1 and at a conveyance destination in the conveyance direction (arrow direction B in FIG. 1) of the second conveyance mechanism 92 of the conveyance unit 9.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the automatic analyzer. As shown in FIG. 8, in the analyzer 1 described above, the automatic analyzer is configured such that the reagent storage unit 2, the reaction unit 3, the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 and the sample dispensing mechanism 6 are connected to the analysis control unit 11, respectively. The analysis control unit 11 performs overall control. Various information of the reagent container 22 read by an identification code reader (not shown) provided in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) is stored in a memory (not shown) in the analysis control unit 11. Further, the reagent shortage detecting means 12 connected to the analysis control unit 11 detects a reagent shortage in each reagent container 22 held in the reagent storage unit 2. The reagent shortage can be detected by, for example, comparing various information of the reagent container 22 with the past reagent usage amount and calculating the current reagent remaining amount. In addition, the sample transport unit 4 includes the above-described sample placement unit 43 and sample transport unit 44 connected to the transfer control unit 45, and each is controlled by the transfer control unit 45 in an integrated manner. Further, the reagent replenishing means 7 includes the reagent storage unit 8 and the transport unit 9 (first transport mechanism 91, second transport mechanism 92, third transport mechanism 93, fourth transport mechanism 94, fifth transport mechanism 95, Six transport mechanisms 96) are connected to the replenishment control unit 71, and are controlled by the replenishment control unit 71, respectively. The transfer control unit 45 and the replenishment control unit 71 are connected to the analysis control unit 11. That is, the transfer control unit 45 and the replenishment control unit 71 input and output signals to and from the analysis control unit 11.

  The operation of the above-described automatic analyzer will be described. First, in the analyzer 1, the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 22 stored in the first reagent storage unit 2A is aspirated by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 5A and injected into the predetermined reaction container 32 in the reaction unit 3. Next, the specimen dispensing mechanism 6 sucks the specimen in the predetermined specimen container 42 held in the rack 41 in the specimen transport section 44 and injects it into the reaction container 32. Next, the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 22 stored in the second reagent storage unit 2B is aspirated by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 5B and injected into the reaction container 32. Here, the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 and the specimen are stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism. Note that the probes 52 and 62 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 and the specimen dispensing mechanism 6 and the stirring rod of the stirring mechanism are washed in each washing section after dispensing and stirring.

  The above operation is repeated at a constant cycle. The container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 rotates counterclockwise (1 turn-1 reaction vessel) / 4 minutes in one cycle, and rotates one reaction vessel clockwise in four cycles. Then, when the container holding unit 31 is rotated, when the reaction container 32 with the stirred reaction liquid crosses the analysis light in the analysis optical system 33, the absorbance of the reaction liquid is measured. The absorbance is measured until the reaction container 32 that has finished the measurement is washed and dried (for example, for 18 seconds). The washed and dried reaction vessel 32 is used again for analysis.

  Subsequently, the operation of the reagent replenishing means 7 will be described. In the reagent storage unit 8 of the reagent replenishing means 7, an operator stores in advance a reagent container 22 that contains a reagent that is predicted to run out of reagents. Prediction of the reagent shortage is performed by the analysis control unit 11. An analysis item (actual result) analyzed in the past is stored in a memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. Further, a past usage amount (actual result) of the reagent for each day (am / pm), week, month, season, and year is calculated and stored in a memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. Then, the analysis control unit 11 calculates the necessary amount of the reagent from the estimated number of analysis items according to the remaining amount of the reagent up to the previous day and the reagent usage record for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month), A reagent shortage is predicted from the amount of reagent currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8, and this is notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown). The operator sees this notification and stores in advance the reagent container 22 containing the reagent predicted to be insufficient in the reagent storage unit 8.

  In addition, when the operator inputs the expected number of samples for a predetermined period (for example, one day) by an external input means (not shown), the analysis control unit 11 allows the predetermined period from the input and the remaining amount of reagent until the previous day. A necessary amount of the reagent may be obtained, a reagent shortage may be predicted from the amount of reagent currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8, and this may be notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown).

  Further, when the operator inputs the expected number of items for a predetermined period (for example, one day) by an external input means (not shown), the analysis control unit 11 allows the predetermined period from the input and the remaining amount of reagent until the previous day. A necessary amount of the reagent may be obtained, a reagent shortage may be predicted from the amount of reagent currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8, and this may be notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown).

  When the reagent container 22 is stored in the reagent storage unit 8, the identification code is read by an identification code reader (not shown) provided in the reagent storage unit 8. The read information on the reagent container 22 is stored in a memory (not shown) of the replenishment control unit 71 and a memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. Here, the analysis control unit 11 compares the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 8 with the reagent actually used in the analysis. As a result of comparison, if an analysis item using a reagent other than the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 8 is generated, the reagent may be insufficient, and this is notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown). Also good.

  When the analyzer 1 is operated, the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) becomes empty (including a small amount that cannot be used for analysis). That is, the reagent shortage detection means 12 of the analyzer 1 detects the reagent shortage. In this case, the replenishment control unit 71 rotates the table 21 of the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) to move the corresponding empty reagent container 22 to the position of the opening, releases the opening with the shutter, and empty. The reagent container 22 is taken out of the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) by the fifth transport mechanism 95 or the sixth transport mechanism 96, and the empty reagent container 22 is transported to the fourth transport mechanism 94. Next, the replenishment control unit 71 transports the empty reagent container 22 to the second transport mechanism 92 by the fourth transport mechanism 94. Thereafter, the empty reagent container 22 is transported to the recovery unit 10 by the second transport mechanism 92 (recovery operation).

  On the other hand, when the reagent shortage detecting means 12 of the analyzer 1 detects the shortage of the reagent, the replenishment control unit 71 rotates the table 81 of the reagent storage unit 8 to store the reagent corresponding to the shortage. The reagent container 22 is moved to the position of the opening, the opening is released by a shutter, and the reagent container 22 is pushed out of the reagent storage unit 8 by the first transport mechanism 91 and transported to the second transport mechanism 92. After the reagent container 22 for replenishment is taken out of the reagent storage unit 8, the opening is closed with a shutter. Next, the replenishment controller 71 transports the reagent container 22 for replenishment to the position of the third transport mechanism 93 by the second transport mechanism 92. Next, the replenishment control unit 71 transports the reagent container 22 for replenishment to the fourth transport mechanism 94 by the third transport mechanism 93. Next, the replenishment control unit 71 transports the fourth transport mechanism 94 to a position for delivery to the fifth transport mechanism 95 side or the sixth transport mechanism 96 side corresponding to the reagent storage unit 2 (2A or 2B) to which the reagent is to be replenished. To do. Next, the replenishment control unit 71 transports the reagent container 22 for replenishment to the first reagent storage unit 2A or the second reagent storage unit 2B to be replenished by the fifth transport mechanism 95 or the sixth transport mechanism 96. At this time, the replenishment control unit 71 opens the opening of the reagent storage unit 2 (2A or 2B) via the analysis control unit 11 with a shutter, and after transporting the reagent container 22, opens the opening of the reagent storage unit 2 with the shutter. Block (replenishment operation).

  When the replenished reagent lot is the same as the previous reagent, the reagent is used as it is for analysis. On the other hand, if the lots are different, if necessary, the sample transfer means 4 transfers the standard sample and recreates a relationship line (calibration curve) between the absorbance and the concentration using the standard sample.

  The operation until the reagent container 22 is transported to the second transport mechanism 92 in the recovery operation and the operation until the reagent container 22 is transported to the second transport mechanism 92 during the replenishment operation can be performed simultaneously. . Further, if an empty area in which the reagent container 22 is not arranged is provided in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) in advance and the reagent container 22 for replenishment is transported to the empty area, the replenishment operation is performed before the collection operation. It is possible. Furthermore, the fourth transport mechanism 94 may have a collecting unit and a replenishing unit separately, whereby the collecting operation and the replenishing operation can be performed substantially in parallel. The reagent replenishment is not limited to the case where the reagent shortage detecting means 12 detects the reagent shortage, but may be performed when the operator inputs a reagent replenishment instruction using an external input means (not shown).

  As described above, the reagent container transport device applied to the automatic analyzer described above is used in the reagent replenishing means 7 as the example in the transport unit 9 for transporting the reagent container 22, and the outer surface of the cylindrical body opened upward. A reagent container transport device for transporting a reagent container 22 provided with a plug mounting portion 221 having a male screw portion 221b, and has a female screw portion 952c that is screwed into the male screw portion 221b from above the plug mounting portion 221. The holding member 952 is provided. The reagent container 22 that has been used in the past is provided with a stopper mounting portion 221 having a male screw portion 221b. As a result, it is possible to lift and hold the reagent container 22 using the reagent container 22 that has been used. Further, since the control may be performed by screwing the female screw portion 952c into the male screw portion 221b of the stopper mounting portion 221, the reagent container 22 can be lifted and held by simple control.

  In addition, the reagent container transport device includes a male screw part 221b provided on the outer side surface of the cylindrical body that opens upward, and a cutout part in which at least two parts of the male screw part 221b are cut out continuously in the vertical direction of the cylindrical body. A reagent container transport device that transports a reagent container 22 provided with a stopper mounting portion 221 having 221c, and is arranged in a manner that does not contact the cutout portion 221c while corresponding to the position of the cutout portion 221c. And a holding member 952 having a female screw portion 952c screwed into the male screw portion 221b. The reagent container 22 that has been used in the past is provided with a stopper mounting portion 221 having a male screw portion 221b and a notch portion 221c for the convenience of mold removal at the time of molding. As a result, it is possible to lift and hold the reagent container 22 using the reagent container 22 that has been used. Further, since the control may be performed by screwing the female screw portion 952c into the male screw portion 221b of the stopper mounting portion 221, the reagent container 22 can be lifted and held by simple control.

  The holding member 952 contacts the outer surface of the reagent container 22 serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion 221 when screwed into the male screw portion 221b. That is, the female screw portion 952c is tightened with respect to the male screw portion 221b. For this reason, it becomes possible to hold | maintain the reagent container 22 stably. Note that in the reagent container transport device corresponding to the stopper mounting portion 221 having the notch portion 221c, the female screw portion 221b is inserted into the stopper mounting portion 221 in advance at the position of the notch portion 221c. It is possible to shorten the time for screwing the female screw portion 952c.

  Further, when the holding member 952 is screwed into the male screw portion 221b and comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container 22 serving as the base end of the plug mounting portion 221, a gap is formed with respect to the opening 221a of the plug mounting portion 221. It is comprised in the aspect which has. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the holding member 952 from touching the opening 221a of the stopper mounting portion 221 and to prevent foreign matter from entering the reagent container 22 from the opening 221a.

It is a top view which shows an example of the automatic analyzer which applies the reagent container conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of a reagent container. It is a front view of a reagent container. It is a side view of a reagent container. It is a front view which shows the holding member of the reagent container conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a bottom view which shows a holding member. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance operation | movement of the reagent container by a holding member. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of an automatic analyzer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analyzer 11 Analysis control part 12 Reagent shortage detection means 2 Reagent storage part 2A 1st reagent storage part 2B 2nd reagent storage part 21 Table 21a Center 22 Reagent container 221 Plug attachment part 221a Opening 221b Male screw part 221c Notch part 3 Reaction unit 31 Container holding unit 31a Center 32 Reaction vessel 33 Analysis optical system 331 Light emitting unit 332 Spectroscopic unit 333 Light receiving unit 4 Sample transfer means 41 Rack 42 Sample container 43 Sample mounting unit 44 Sample transport unit 45 Transfer control unit 5 Reagent dispensing Mechanism 5A First reagent dispensing mechanism 5B Second reagent dispensing mechanism 51 Arm 51a Central axis 52 Probe 53 driving means 6 Sample dispensing mechanism 61 Arm 61a Central axis 62 Probe 63 driving means 7 Reagent replenishing means 71 Replenishment control section 8 Reagent Storage unit 81 Table 81a Center 9 Transport unit 91 First transport mechanism 911 912 Pressing member 913 Drive means 92 Second transport mechanism 92 Second transport mechanism 93 Third transport mechanism 931 Drive means 94 Fourth transport mechanism 95 Fifth transport mechanism 951 Arm 951a Central shaft 952 Holding member 952a Shaft section 952b Holding section 952c Female thread portion 953 Driving means 96 Sixth transport mechanism 961 Arm 961a Central shaft 962 Holding member 963 Driving means 10 Recovery portion

Claims (4)

A reagent container transport device for transporting a reagent container provided with a stopper mounting portion having a male screw portion on an outer side surface of a cylindrical body opened upward,
A reagent container transport device comprising a holding member having a female screw portion that is screwed into a male screw portion from above the stopper mounting portion. There is provided a plug mounting portion having a male screw portion provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body that opens upward, and a cutout portion in which at least two portions of the male screw portion are continuously cut in the vertical direction of the cylindrical body. A reagent container transport device for transporting the reagent container,
A reagent comprising a holding member that has a female screw portion that is arranged in a non-contact manner with respect to the cutout portion and that corresponds to the position of the cutout portion and that is screwed into the male screw portion. Container transport device.   3. The reagent container transport device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member abuts on an outer surface of the reagent container serving as a base end of the stopper mounting portion when screwed into the male screw portion.   The holding member is configured to have a gap with respect to the opening of the stopper mounting portion when the holding member is screwed into the male screw portion and comes into contact with the outer surface of the reagent container serving as the base end of the stopper mounting portion. The reagent container transport device according to claim 3.

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