JP2009264908A

JP2009264908A - Autoanalyzer

Info

Publication number: JP2009264908A
Application number: JP2008114412A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Naoki Mukoyama; 直樹向山
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2008-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-24
Publication date: 2009-11-12

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lamp house cooling method which enables the shortening of the cooling time in an overheated lamp house at the time of replacement of the light source lamp of the lamp house. <P>SOLUTION: A three-way valve 26 is installed in a cooling liquid used for keeping a reagent housing 14 cool and the cooling liquid bypass piping 22e passing through the lamp house 194 from the three-way valve 26 is connected to perform the cooling of the atmosphere of the lamp house 194 using water as a medium. When the light source lamp 194c is replaced, a control part 31 gives instructions to the control part 33 of the autoanalyzer to change over the three-way valve 26 and controls the flow channel of the cooling liquid circulated only to the reagent housing 14 so as to pass the same through the lamp house 194 to internally cool the lamp house 194. A cooler is installed on the piping passed through the reagent housing 14 from the lamp house 194, and the cooling liquid heated in the lamp house 194 is cooled to a set temperature to prevent the cooling liquid the temperature of which is higher than the set temperature, from flowing in the reagent housing 14 to raise the temperature in the reagent housing 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、血液や体液等の検体の成分を分析する自動分析装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components of a specimen such as blood or body fluid.

従来、血液や体液等の試料を自動的に分析する装置として、試薬が分注された反応容器に試料を加え、反応容器内の試薬と試料の間で生じた反応を光学的に検出する分析装置が知られている。このような分析装置では、光源と受光系とを備える測光機構を設け、光源が試料を収容した反応容器に光を照射後、受光系が受光した反応容器内の液体の通過光量をもとに試料の分析を行っている。 Conventionally, as a device for automatically analyzing samples such as blood and body fluids, analysis is performed by optically detecting the reaction between the reagent in the reaction container and the sample by adding the sample to the reaction container in which the reagent has been dispensed The device is known. In such an analyzer, a photometric mechanism including a light source and a light receiving system is provided, and after the light source irradiates light to the reaction container containing the sample, the light receiving system receives the light passing through the liquid in the reaction container. Analyzing the sample.

ところで、分析装置の光源には、ハロゲンランプ（以下、光源ランプとする）が多く利用されている。また、温度を一定に保つため、光源ランプはある程度の熱容量を持ったランプハウス内に設置され、ファンを用いて調節することでランプハウス内およびランプを一定の温度にしている。光源ランプを交換する際、光源ランプの電源を切った直後はランプハウス内および光源ランプ自体が非常に熱くなっており触れることができないため、電源を切った後に放冷してから光源ランプの交換を行っている。 By the way, a halogen lamp (hereinafter referred to as a light source lamp) is often used as a light source of the analyzer. In order to keep the temperature constant, the light source lamp is installed in a lamp house having a certain heat capacity, and the temperature in the lamp house and the lamp is kept constant by adjusting using a fan. When replacing the light source lamp, immediately after turning off the light source lamp, the lamp house and the light source lamp itself are very hot and cannot be touched. It is carried out.

このため、光源ランプの電源を切った後もファンの電源は落とさずにランプハウス内の冷却を行って、光源ランプ交換の時間を短縮する方法が提案されている（特許文献１参照）。また、恒温槽を設置してこの恒温液をランプハウスの温度調節に用いる方法も提案されている（特許文献２参照）。 Therefore, a method has been proposed in which the lamp house is cooled without turning off the power of the fan even after the light source lamp is turned off, thereby shortening the time for replacing the light source lamp (see Patent Document 1). There has also been proposed a method in which a thermostatic bath is installed and this thermostatic liquid is used for adjusting the temperature of the lamp house (see Patent Document 2).

特開２００３−１３９６８５号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-139585 実公平１−８９９２号公報No. 1-8992

しかしながら、特許文献１に開示された分析装置を含め従来のファンで冷却を行うランプハウスでは、空気の熱伝導率が低いため短時間でランプハウスを冷却しようとすると、ファンのパワーを高める必要があり、電力コストが上昇する。さらに、ランプハウス自体が、ある程度大きな熱容量を持った素材に覆われているため、熱伝導率の低い空気を利用した冷却での時間短縮は困難である。また、特許文献２に開示されたランプハウスの温度調節は、新たに恒温槽を光源の周囲に設置しなければならず、光源装置が大型化してしまう。それに加えて、冷却方法はファンを用いての冷却のため冷却効率は低い。 However, in the conventional lamp house including the analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1 that is cooled by a fan, it is necessary to increase the fan power if the lamp house is cooled in a short time because the thermal conductivity of air is low. Yes, the power cost increases. Furthermore, since the lamp house itself is covered with a material having a certain large heat capacity, it is difficult to shorten the time for cooling using air with low thermal conductivity. In addition, the temperature adjustment of the lamp house disclosed in Patent Document 2 requires that a new thermostatic chamber be installed around the light source, which increases the size of the light source device. In addition, the cooling efficiency is low because the cooling method uses a fan.

本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、ランプハウスの冷却を効率的に行うことができる自動分析装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer that can efficiently cool a lamp house.

上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明の自動分析装置は、内部の中空領域を冷却液が環流する保冷容器によって該保冷容器内部に収納される試薬を保冷する試薬庫と、検体および前記試薬を含む液体試料を収容した反応容器に光を照射する発光部の光源ランプを収納し光源ランプ雰囲気の温度変化を抑制するランプハウスとを備え、前記光源ランプが発した光を前記反応容器内に収容された液体試料に照射して該液体試料を分析する分析装置において、前記試薬庫内を保冷する前記冷却液を冷却する冷却器および該冷却器と前記試薬庫との間を接続して前記冷却液を流通させる配管を有した冷却手段と、前記試薬庫から前記冷却器側に前記冷却液を流通させる配管上に第１三方弁を設けて、バイパス配管を形成し、該バイパス配管が前記ランプハウスを経由する冷却液バイパス手段と、前記光源ランプを交換する場合、装置制御部が前記第１三方弁を切り替えて前記冷却液を前記バイパス配管側に流して前記ランプハウス内の前記光源ランプ雰囲気を急冷する冷却液切替制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a reagent storage that keeps the reagent stored in the inside of the cold storage container by the cold storage container in which the cooling liquid circulates in the hollow area inside. A light source lamp of a light emitting unit that irradiates light in a reaction container containing a liquid sample containing a specimen and the reagent, and a lamp house that suppresses a temperature change of the light source lamp atmosphere, and emits light emitted by the light source lamp In an analyzer that irradiates a liquid sample stored in the reaction container and analyzes the liquid sample, a cooler that cools the cooling liquid that keeps the inside of the reagent storage cool, and a space between the cooler and the reagent storage A cooling means having a pipe for flowing the cooling liquid by connecting the first three-way valve on the pipe for flowing the cooling liquid from the reagent storage to the cooler side, forming a bypass pipe, The viper When the pipe replaces the coolant bypass means that passes through the lamp house and the light source lamp, the apparatus control unit switches the first three-way valve to flow the coolant to the bypass pipe side, and in the lamp house And a coolant switching control means for rapidly cooling the light source lamp atmosphere.

また、本発明にかかる自動分析装置は、上記の発明において、前記バイパス配管は、前記ランプハウス内の前記光源ランプを直接覆う反射鏡の外周に配置されていることを特徴とする。 Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the bypass pipe is arranged on an outer periphery of a reflecting mirror that directly covers the light source lamp in the lamp house.

また、本発明にかかる自動分析装置は、上記の発明において、反応槽の内部空間を恒温化する恒温液を調節する温度調節器と、前記温度調節器と前記反応槽との間を接続して前記恒温液を流通させる恒温液配管を有し、該恒温液配管上であって前記反応槽から前記温度調節器側に前記恒温液を流通させる配管の一部が前記ランプハウスを経由し、前記反応槽と前記ランプハウスとの間および前記ランプハウスと前記温度調節器との間にそれぞれ第２上流側三方弁および第２下流側三方弁を設け、該第２上流側三方弁と該第２下流側三方弁との間を直接接続するバイパス配管を設けた配管系と、前記光源ランプが点灯中である場合、前記第２上流側三方弁および前記第２下流側三方弁を制御して前記ランプハウス側および前記バイパス配管側への流量分配調整を行って前記ランプハウスの温度調節を行う恒温液切替制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。 Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above invention, wherein a temperature controller for adjusting a thermostatic liquid for isothermalizing the internal space of the reaction tank, and a connection between the temperature controller and the reaction tank. A constant-temperature liquid pipe for circulating the constant-temperature liquid, a part of the pipe for circulating the constant-temperature liquid from the reaction tank to the temperature controller side on the constant-temperature liquid pipe via the lamp house, A second upstream three-way valve and a second downstream three-way valve are provided between the reaction vessel and the lamp house and between the lamp house and the temperature controller, respectively, the second upstream three-way valve and the second When a pipe system provided with a bypass pipe that directly connects between the downstream three-way valve and the light source lamp is lit, the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve are controlled to To the lamp house side and the bypass piping side Characterized in that it comprises a thermostatic liquid switching control means for performing flow distribution adjusting adjust the temperature of the lamp house.

また、本発明にかかる自動分析装置は、上記の発明において、前記恒温液配管は、前記反射鏡外周に配置されていることを特徴とする。 Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the constant temperature liquid pipe is arranged on an outer periphery of the reflecting mirror.

また、本発明にかかる自動分析装置は、上記の発明において、内部の中空領域を冷却液が環流する保冷容器によって該保冷容器内部に収納される試薬を保冷する試薬庫と、検体および前記試薬を含む液体試料を収容した反応容器を保持して内部空間を体温近傍に恒温化する反応槽と、前記液体試料を収容した前記反応容器に光を照射する発光部の光源ランプを収納し光源ランプ雰囲気の温度変化を抑制するランプハウスとを備え、前記光源ランプが発した光を前記反応容器内に収容された液体試料に照射して該液体試料を分析する分析装置において、前記試薬庫内を保冷する前記冷却液を冷却する冷却器および該冷却器と前記試薬庫との間を接続して前記冷却液を流通させる冷却液配管を有し、前記試薬庫から前記冷却器側への前記冷却配管上に第１上流側三方弁と第１下流側三方弁とを設けた冷却手段と、前記反応槽の内部空間を恒温化する恒温液を調節する温度調節器および該温度調節器と前記反応槽との間を接続して前記恒温液を流通させる恒温液配管を有し、該恒温液配管が前記反応槽の下流側で前記ランプハウスを経由し、該ランプハウスの上流側および下流側にそれぞれ第２上流側三方弁および第２下流側三方弁を設けて前記ランプハウスを経由する共通バイパス配管を形成し、該第２上流側三方弁と前記反応槽との間に第３上流側三方弁を設けるとともに前記第２下流側三方弁と前記温度調節器との間に第３下流側三方弁を設け、該第３上流側三方弁と該第３下流側三方弁との間を直接接続した恒温液バイパス配管を設け、前記反応槽および前記ランプハウスの温度調節を行う温度調節手段と、前記第１上流側三方弁と前記第３上流側三方弁との間および前記第１下流側三方弁と前記第３下流側三方弁との間をそれぞれ接続する連結配管と、前記光源ランプが点灯中である場合、前記連結配管の流通を止め、前記第２上流側三方弁および前記第２下流側三方弁を制御して前記共通バイパス配管側および前記恒温液バイパス配管側への流量分配調整を行って前記ランプハウスの温度調節を行い、前記光源ランプが交換される場合、前記第２上流側三方弁および前記第２下流側三方弁を制御して前記恒温液の全てを前記恒温液バイパス配管側に流通させるとともに、前記第１上流側三方弁、前記第１下流側三方弁、前記第３上流側三方弁、前記第３下流側三方弁を制御して前記冷却液を前記連結配管および前記共通バイパス配管に流通させて前記ランプハウス内の光源ランプ雰囲気を急冷させる切替制御手段と、を備えたことを特徴とする。 Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above-mentioned invention, wherein the reagent storage for keeping the reagent stored in the inside of the cold storage container by the cold storage container in which the cooling liquid circulates in the hollow area inside, the sample and the reagent are provided. A reaction vessel that holds a reaction vessel containing a liquid sample and keeps the internal space at a constant temperature, and a light source lamp of a light emitting unit that emits light to the reaction vessel containing the liquid sample. And a lamp house that suppresses the temperature change of the light source lamp. In an analyzer that analyzes the liquid sample by irradiating the light sample emitted from the light source lamp to the liquid container, the inside of the reagent chamber is kept cold. A cooling unit that cools the cooling liquid, and a cooling pipe that connects the cooling unit and the reagent storage to distribute the cooling liquid, and the cooling piping from the reagent storage to the cooling side A cooling means provided with a first upstream three-way valve and a first downstream three-way valve, a temperature regulator for regulating a thermostatic liquid for isothermalizing the internal space of the reaction tank, the temperature regulator and the reaction tank, A constant temperature liquid pipe through which the constant temperature liquid is circulated, and the constant temperature liquid pipe passes through the lamp house on the downstream side of the reaction tank, and is respectively connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the lamp house. 2 upstream three-way valve and second downstream three-way valve are provided to form a common bypass pipe passing through the lamp house, and a third upstream three-way valve is provided between the second upstream three-way valve and the reaction tank. And providing a third downstream three-way valve between the second downstream three-way valve and the temperature controller, and directly connecting the third upstream three-way valve and the third downstream three-way valve. Provide liquid bypass piping, temperature of the reaction vessel and the lamp house A temperature control means for performing a node and a connection for connecting between the first upstream three-way valve and the third upstream three-way valve and between the first downstream three-way valve and the third downstream three-way valve When the pipe and the light source lamp are on, the flow of the connecting pipe is stopped, and the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve are controlled to control the common bypass pipe side and the constant temperature liquid bypass. When the temperature of the lamp house is adjusted by adjusting the flow distribution to the piping side and the light source lamp is replaced, the constant temperature liquid is controlled by controlling the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve. And the first upstream three-way valve, the first downstream three-way valve, the third upstream three-way valve, the third downstream three-way valve, and the like. Coolant is supplied to the connecting pipe and the joint. And a switching control means for rapidly cooling the light source lamp atmosphere in the lamp house by flowing through the bypass pipe.

本発明にかかる自動分析装置は、試薬庫の保冷に用いている冷却液を用いてランプハウスを冷却するため、水冷によってランプハウス内を冷却することが可能となり、ファンを用いてランプハウス内を冷却する方法に比して効率的にランプハウス内を冷却することができ、結果的にランプ交換時に要する時間を短縮することができる。 Since the automatic analyzer according to the present invention cools the lamp house using the cooling liquid used for keeping the reagent store cold, the inside of the lamp house can be cooled by water cooling. The inside of the lamp house can be efficiently cooled as compared with the cooling method, and as a result, the time required for lamp replacement can be shortened.

以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明を実施するための最良の形態である光源装置および自動分析装置について説明する。なお、各実施の形態により本発明が限定されるものではない。また、図面の記載において、同一部分または相当する部分には同一の符号を付している。 Hereinafter, a light source device and an automatic analyzer that are the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by each embodiment. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

（実施の形態１）
図１は、本実施の形態にかかる分析装置１の構成を示す模式図である。図１に示すように、分析装置１は、検体および試薬を反応容器２１にそれぞれ分注し、分注した反応容器２１内で生じる反応を光学的に測定する測定機構２と、測定機構２を含む分析装置１全体の制御を行うとともに測定機構２における測定結果の分析を行う制御機構３とを備える。分析装置１は、これらの二つの機構が連携することによって複数の検体の生化学的、免疫学的あるいは遺伝学的な分析を自動的に行う。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 includes a measurement mechanism 2 that dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a reaction vessel 21 and optically measures a reaction that occurs in the dispensed reaction vessel 21, and a measurement mechanism 2. And a control mechanism 3 that controls the entire analyzer 1 and that analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2. The analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical, immunological or genetic analysis of a plurality of specimens by cooperation of these two mechanisms.

測定機構２は、大別して検体移送部１１、検体分注機構１２、反応槽１３、試薬庫１４、読取部１６、試薬分注機構１７、攪拌部１８、測光部１９および洗浄部２０を備える。また、制御機構３は、制御部３１、入力部３５、分析部３６、記憶部３７および出力部３８を備える。測定機構２および制御機構３が備えるこれらの各部は、制御部３１に電気的に接続されている。 The measurement mechanism 2 roughly includes a sample transfer unit 11, a sample dispensing mechanism 12, a reaction tank 13, a reagent storage 14, a reading unit 16, a reagent dispensing mechanism 17, a stirring unit 18, a photometric unit 19, and a washing unit 20. The control mechanism 3 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 35, an analysis unit 36, a storage unit 37, and an output unit 38. These units included in the measurement mechanism 2 and the control mechanism 3 are electrically connected to the control unit 31.

検体移送部１１は、血液や尿等、液体である検体を収容した複数の検体容器１１ａを保持し、図中の矢印方向に順次移送する複数の検体ラック１１ｂを備える。検体移送部１１上の所定位置に移送された検体容器１１ａ内の検体は、検体分注機構１２によって、反応槽１３上に配列して搬送される反応容器２１に分注される。 The sample transfer unit 11 includes a plurality of sample racks 11b that hold a plurality of sample containers 11a containing liquid samples such as blood and urine, and sequentially transfer them in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample in the sample container 11 a transferred to a predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 11 is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 12 into the reaction container 21 that is arranged and transported on the reaction tank 13.

検体分注機構１２は、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行うアーム１２ａを備える。このアーム１２ａの先端部には、検体の吸引および吐出を行うプローブが取り付けられている。検体分注機構１２は、図示しない吸排シリンジまたは圧電素子を用いた吸排機構を備える。検体分注機構１２は、上述した検体移送部１１上の所定位置に移送された検体容器１１ａの中からプローブによって検体を吸引し、アーム１２ａを図中時計回りに旋回させ、反応容器２１に検体を吐出して分注を行う。 The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes an arm 12a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. A probe for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 12a. The sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes a suction / discharge mechanism using a suction / discharge syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The sample dispensing mechanism 12 sucks the sample with the probe from the sample container 11a transferred to the predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 11 described above, rotates the arm 12a clockwise in FIG. Dispense and dispense.

反応槽１３は、反応容器２１への検体や試薬の分注、反応容器２１の攪拌、洗浄または測光を行うために反応容器２１を所定の位置まで移送する。この反応槽１３は、制御部３１の制御のもと、図示しない駆動機構が駆動することによって、反応槽１３の中心を通る鉛直線を回転軸として回動自在である。反応槽１３の上方と下方には、図示しない開閉自在な蓋と恒温槽とがそれぞれ設けられている。反応槽１３内の温度は、サーミスタ１３ａから得られる温度情報によって温度管理を行う。 The reaction tank 13 transfers the reaction container 21 to a predetermined position in order to dispense a sample or reagent into the reaction container 21, to stir, wash or measure the reaction container 21. The reaction tank 13 is rotatable about a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction tank 13 as a rotation axis when driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. An openable / closable lid and a thermostat (not shown) are provided above and below the reaction tank 13, respectively. The temperature in the reaction tank 13 is controlled by temperature information obtained from the thermistor 13a.

試薬庫１４は、反応容器２１内に分注される試薬が収容された試薬容器１５を複数収納できる。試薬庫１４には、複数の収納室が等間隔で配置されており、各収納室には試薬容器１５が着脱自在に収納される。試薬庫１４は、制御部３１の制御のもと、図示しない駆動機構が駆動することによって、試薬庫１４の中心を通る鉛直線を回転軸として時計回りまたは反時計回りに回動自在であり、所望の試薬容器１５を試薬分注機構１７による試薬吸引位置まで移送する。試薬庫１４の上方には、開閉自在な蓋（図示せず）が設けられている。また、試薬庫１４の下方には、保冷槽が設けられている。このため、試薬庫１４内に試薬容器１５が収納され、蓋が閉じられたときに、試薬容器１５内に収容された試薬を一定の温度状態に保ち、試薬容器１５内に収容された試薬の蒸発や変性を抑制することができる。試薬庫１４内の温度は、サーミスタ１４ａから得られる温度情報によって温度管理を行う。 The reagent storage 14 can store a plurality of reagent containers 15 in which reagents to be dispensed in the reaction container 21 are stored. In the reagent store 14, a plurality of storage chambers are arranged at equal intervals, and a reagent container 15 is detachably stored in each storage chamber. The reagent storage 14 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the reagent storage 14 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. The desired reagent container 15 is transferred to the reagent suction position by the reagent dispensing mechanism 17. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reagent storage 14. In addition, a cold storage tank is provided below the reagent storage 14. For this reason, when the reagent container 15 is stored in the reagent container 14 and the lid is closed, the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is kept at a constant temperature state, and the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is stored. Evaporation and denaturation can be suppressed. The temperature in the reagent storage 14 is controlled by temperature information obtained from the thermistor 14a.

試薬容器１５の側面部には、試薬容器１５に収容された試薬に関する試薬情報が記録された記録媒体が付されている。記録媒体は、符号化された各種の情報を表示しており、光学的に読み取られる。 A recording medium on which reagent information related to the reagent stored in the reagent container 15 is recorded is attached to the side surface of the reagent container 15. The recording medium displays various encoded information and is optically read.

試薬庫１４の外周部には、この記録媒体を光学的に読み取る読取部１６、冷却器１４ｂが設けられている。読取部１６は、記録媒体に対して赤外光または可視光を発し、記録媒体からの反射光を処理することによって、記録媒体の情報を読み取る。また、読取部１６は、記録媒体を撮像処理し、撮像処理によって得られた画像情報を解読して、記録媒体の情報を取得してもよい。冷却器１４ｂは、試薬庫の保冷に用いる冷却液の冷却を行う。 A reading unit 16 for optically reading the recording medium and a cooler 14b are provided on the outer periphery of the reagent storage 14. The reading unit 16 reads information on the recording medium by emitting infrared light or visible light to the recording medium and processing reflected light from the recording medium. Further, the reading unit 16 may acquire the information of the recording medium by performing an imaging process on the recording medium and decoding the image information obtained by the imaging process. The cooler 14b cools the coolant used for keeping the reagent store cold.

試薬分注機構１７は、検体分注機構１２と同様に、検体の吸引および吐出を行うプローブが先端部に取り付けられたアーム１７ａを備える。アーム１７ａは、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行う。試薬分注機構１７は、試薬庫１４上の所定位置に移動された試薬容器１５内の試薬をプローブによって吸引し、アーム１７ａを図中時計回りに旋回させ、反応槽１３上の所定位置に搬送された反応容器２１に分注する。攪拌部１８は、反応容器２１に分注された検体と試薬との攪拌を行い、反応を促進させる。 Similar to the sample dispensing mechanism 12, the reagent dispensing mechanism 17 includes an arm 17a to which a probe for aspirating and discharging a sample is attached to the tip. The arm 17a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The reagent dispensing mechanism 17 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 15 moved to a predetermined position on the reagent storage 14 with a probe, rotates the arm 17a clockwise in the drawing, and conveys the reagent 17 to a predetermined position on the reaction tank 13. Dispensed into the reaction vessel 21 prepared. The agitation unit 18 agitates the sample dispensed into the reaction container 21 and the reagent to promote the reaction.

測光部１９は、発光部１９１と、受光部１９２とを備え、所定の測光位置に搬送された反応容器２１内の試料を透過した光を受光して強度測定を行う。この測光部１９による測定結果は、制御部３１に出力され、分析部３６において分析される。 The photometric unit 19 includes a light emitting unit 191 and a light receiving unit 192. The photometric unit 19 receives the light transmitted through the sample in the reaction vessel 21 conveyed to a predetermined photometric position and measures the intensity. The measurement result by the photometry unit 19 is output to the control unit 31 and analyzed by the analysis unit 36.

発光部１９１は、ファン１９３とランプハウス１９４とで構成されている。ランプハウス１９４は、断熱材で覆われた外側ボックス１９４ａと、内壁がアルミニウム等の反射鏡から成るある程度の熱容量を持つ内側ボックス１９４ｂとを備え、光源ランプ１９４ｃを保持している。また、ファン１９３の出力の強弱をファン制御部３４が調節することでランプハウス１９４内の雰囲気を一定に保っている。 The light emitting unit 191 includes a fan 193 and a lamp house 194. The lamp house 194 includes an outer box 194a covered with a heat insulating material and an inner box 194b whose inner wall is made of a reflecting mirror such as aluminum and has a certain heat capacity, and holds the light source lamp 194c. Further, the fan control unit 34 adjusts the strength of the output of the fan 193 so that the atmosphere in the lamp house 194 is kept constant.

洗浄部２０は、図示しないノズルによって、測光部１９による測定が終了した反応容器２１内の混合液を吸引して排出するとともに、洗剤や洗浄水等の洗浄液を注入および吸引することで洗浄を行う。この洗浄した反応容器２１は再利用されるが、検査内容によっては１回の測定終了後に反応容器２１を廃棄してもよい。 The cleaning unit 20 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 21 that has been measured by the photometry unit 19 by using a nozzle (not shown) and injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. . Although the cleaned reaction container 21 is reused, the reaction container 21 may be discarded after completion of one measurement depending on the contents of inspection.

つぎに、制御機構３について説明する。制御部３１は、ＣＰＵ等を用いて構成され、分析装置１の各部の処理および動作を制御する。制御部３１は、これらの各構成部位に入出力される情報について所定の入出力制御を行い、かつ、この情報に対して所定の情報処理を行う。また、制御部３１は、温度制御部３２、装置制御部３３、ファン制御部３４を有する。温度制御部３２は、反応槽１３、試薬庫１４、測光部１９のランプハウス１９４内の温度情報の入出力制御を行う。装置制御部３３は、ランプハウス１９４内を冷却する場合、三方弁２６の弁の開閉制御を行う。ファン制御部３４は、光源ランプ点灯中、ランプハウス１９４内を冷却し温度を一定に保つ場合にファン１９３の出力制御を行う。 Next, the control mechanism 3 will be described. The control unit 31 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The control unit 31 includes a temperature control unit 32, a device control unit 33, and a fan control unit 34. The temperature control unit 32 performs input / output control of temperature information in the lamp chamber 194 of the reaction tank 13, the reagent storage 14, and the photometry unit 19. The device control unit 33 controls the opening and closing of the three-way valve 26 when the inside of the lamp house 194 is cooled. The fan control unit 34 controls the output of the fan 193 when the lamp house 194 is cooled and the temperature is kept constant while the light source lamp is on.

入力部３５は、キーボード、マウス等を用いて構成され、検体の分析に必要な諸情報や分析動作の指示情報等を外部から取得する。分析部３６は、測光部１９から取得した測定結果に基づいて吸光度等を演算し、検体の成分分析等を行う。記憶部３７は、情報を磁気的に記憶するハードディスクと、分析装置１が処理を実行する際にその処理にかかわる各種プログラムをハードディスクからロードして電気的に記憶するメモリとを用いて構成され、検体の分析結果等を含む諸情報を記憶する。記憶部３７は、ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ、ＤＶＤ−ＲＯＭ、ＰＣカード等の記憶媒体に記憶された情報を読み取ることができる補助記憶装置を備えてもよい。出力部３８は、プリンタ、通信機構等を用いて構成され、検体の分析結果を含む諸情報を出力する。 The input unit 35 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The analysis unit 36 calculates the absorbance and the like based on the measurement result acquired from the photometry unit 19 and performs component analysis of the specimen. The storage unit 37 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information, and a memory that electrically loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk when the analyzer 1 executes the process, Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 37 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. The output unit 38 is configured using a printer, a communication mechanism, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample.

以上のように構成された分析装置１では、列をなして順次搬送される複数の反応容器２１に対して、検体分注機構１２が検体容器１１ａ中の検体を分注し、試薬分注機構１７が試薬容器１５中の試薬を分注した後、測光部１９が検体と試薬とを反応させた状態の試料の分光強度測定を行い、この測定結果を分析部３６が分析することで、検体の成分分析等が自動的に行われる。また、洗浄部２０が測光部１９による測定が終了した後に搬送される反応容器２１を搬送させながら洗浄することで、一連の分析動作が連続して繰り返し行われる。 In the analyzer 1 configured as described above, the sample dispensing mechanism 12 dispenses the sample in the sample container 11a to the plurality of reaction containers 21 that are sequentially conveyed in a row, and the reagent dispensing mechanism. After 17 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 15, the photometric unit 19 measures the spectral intensity of the sample in a state in which the sample and the reagent are reacted, and the analysis unit 36 analyzes the measurement result, whereby the sample The component analysis is automatically performed. In addition, a series of analysis operations are continuously and repeatedly performed by cleaning the reaction container 21 being transported after the cleaning unit 20 completes the measurement by the photometry unit 19.

つぎに、本発明の自動分析装置にかかる実施の形態１について、図２を参照して詳細に説明する。図２は、試薬庫およびランプハウスを主とした温度制御に関するブロック図である。 Next, Embodiment 1 according to the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram relating to temperature control mainly including a reagent store and a lamp house.

図２に示すように、通常分析時、ランプハウス１９４の内側ボックス１９４ｂの温度は、サーミスタ１９４ｈの温度情報を温度制御部３２から受け取った制御部３１によって制御されており、その制御と連動してファン制御部３４がファン１９３の出力を調節し、風量を加減しながら内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度を一定に保っている。 As shown in FIG. 2, at the time of normal analysis, the temperature of the inner box 194b of the lamp house 194 is controlled by the control unit 31 that receives the temperature information of the thermistor 194h from the temperature control unit 32. The fan control unit 34 adjusts the output of the fan 193 to keep the temperature in the inner box 194b constant while adjusting the air volume.

また、試薬庫１４は庫内の保冷に冷却液配管２２内を図示しないポンプによって送られる冷却液を庫内に流通させて保冷している。冷却液配管２２上には三方弁２６ａ、２６ｂが設けられており、その三方弁２６ａ、２６ｂから冷却液配管２２ｃおよび冷却液バイパス配管２２ｅがそれぞれ接続されている。冷却液の流通経路は、冷却液配管２２ａから試薬庫１４内を通過し冷却液配管２２ｂを通った後、三方弁２６ａによって冷却液配管２２ｃ側に送られる。その後、三方弁２６ｂによって冷却液配管２２ｄに送られて冷却器１４ｂに入り、冷却液が設定温度まで冷却され冷却液配管２２ａを再度流通する。通常分析時においては、上述した流通経路によって冷却液が試薬庫１４内の冷却を行う。 In addition, the reagent storage 14 keeps the inside of the storage medium cooled by circulating a cooling liquid sent by a pump (not shown) in the cooling liquid piping 22 for the internal cooling. Three-way valves 26a and 26b are provided on the coolant pipe 22, and a coolant pipe 22c and a coolant bypass pipe 22e are connected to the three-way valves 26a and 26b, respectively. The coolant flow path passes through the reagent reservoir 14 from the coolant pipe 22a, passes through the coolant pipe 22b, and is then sent to the coolant pipe 22c side by the three-way valve 26a. Thereafter, the coolant is sent to the coolant pipe 22d by the three-way valve 26b and enters the cooler 14b, where the coolant is cooled to the set temperature and flows again through the coolant pipe 22a. At the time of normal analysis, the cooling liquid cools the inside of the reagent storage 14 through the above-described flow path.

ここで、制御部３１がランプ交換の指示を受けた場合、制御部３１は装置制御部３３に三方弁２６ａ、２６ｂの切り替えを指示し、冷却液の流通経路を変更する。切り替え後の流通経路は、２２ａから試薬庫１４内を通過し冷却液配管２２ｂを通り、三方弁２６ａで冷却液バイパス配管２２ｅ側に流路を切り替えられてランプハウス１９４の内側ボックス１９４ｂ外周を流通する経路となる。内側ボックス１９４ｂを通過した冷却液は三方弁２６ｂによって冷却液配管２２ｄに送られ、冷却器１４ｂに入り設定の温度に冷却された後、冷却液配管２２ａを再度流通する。 Here, when the control unit 31 receives an instruction to replace the lamp, the control unit 31 instructs the apparatus control unit 33 to switch the three-way valves 26a and 26b, and changes the flow path of the coolant. The flow path after switching passes through the reagent storage 14 from 22a, passes through the coolant pipe 22b, is switched to the coolant bypass pipe 22e side by the three-way valve 26a, and flows through the outer periphery of the inner box 194b of the lamp house 194. It becomes the route to do. The coolant that has passed through the inner box 194b is sent to the coolant pipe 22d by the three-way valve 26b, enters the cooler 14b, is cooled to a set temperature, and then flows again through the coolant pipe 22a.

ここで、サーミスタ１９４ｈで測定された内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度が光源ランプ１９４ｃの交換が可能な温度になった場合、温度制御部３２は制御部３１にランプ交換可能温度到達の旨を出力し、制御部３１は出力部３８にランプ交換可能の表示をするよう報知する。 Here, when the temperature in the inner box 194b measured by the thermistor 194h reaches a temperature at which the light source lamp 194c can be replaced, the temperature control unit 32 outputs to the control unit 31 that the lamp replaceable temperature has been reached, The control unit 31 notifies the output unit 38 to display that lamp replacement is possible.

ランプハウス１９４は、図３−１に示す模式的な断面図で示すような構造をとる。すなわち、ランプハウス１９４は、断熱材で覆われ熱を発散しにくくしている外側ボックス１９４ａと、外側ボックス１９４ａの内側に光源ランプ１９４ｃを覆う面が反射鏡で形成され、光エネルギーが熱エネルギーに変化するのを抑えている内側ボックス１９４ｂとの二重構造からなり、光源ランプ雰囲気の熱を保っている。光源ランプ１９４ｃから出射された光はレンズ１９４ｄに集められ、外部へと放出される。また、サーミスタ１９４ｈが測定した温度情報をもとに温度制御部３２が温度制御を行い、制御部３１は、温度制御部３２の情報をもとにファン制御部３４に指示を出しファン１９３の出力の強弱を調節することで光源ランプ雰囲気を一定に制御し、出射される光量を一定に保っている。 The lamp house 194 has a structure as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. That is, the lamp house 194 includes an outer box 194a that is covered with a heat insulating material to make it difficult to dissipate heat, and a surface that covers the light source lamp 194c on the inner side of the outer box 194a is formed by a reflecting mirror. It has a double structure with the inner box 194b that suppresses changes, and maintains the heat of the light source lamp atmosphere. Light emitted from the light source lamp 194c is collected by the lens 194d and emitted to the outside. Further, the temperature control unit 32 controls the temperature based on the temperature information measured by the thermistor 194 h, and the control unit 31 issues an instruction to the fan control unit 34 based on the information of the temperature control unit 32 to output the fan 193. By adjusting the intensity of the light source, the atmosphere of the light source lamp is controlled to be constant, and the emitted light quantity is kept constant.

また、図３−２はランプハウス１９４の光出射の後方からみた斜視図である。外側ボックス１９４ａの中に内側ボックス１９４ｂが収容され、光源ランプ１９４ｃのリード線１９４ｆが外部に接続される。 FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the lamp house 194 as viewed from the rear of the light emission. The inner box 194b is accommodated in the outer box 194a, and the lead wire 194f of the light source lamp 194c is connected to the outside.

ここで、冷却液バイパス配管２２ｅは、図３−３に示すように、ランプハウス１９４の内側ボックス１９４ｂの外周に設置される。冷却液バイパス配管２２ｅは、コイル状に内側ボックス１９４ｂ外周を回るように設置される。なお、冷却の時間を短縮するためには、接地面積を大きくするほど、一層効率の良い冷却が可能となる。 Here, the coolant bypass pipe 22e is installed on the outer periphery of the inner box 194b of the lamp house 194, as shown in FIG. The coolant bypass pipe 22e is installed so as to go around the outer periphery of the inner box 194b in a coil shape. In order to shorten the cooling time, the larger the ground contact area, the more efficient cooling becomes possible.

次に、図４に示したフローチャートを参照して、ランプ交換処理手順について説明する。まず、制御部３１は、ランプ交換指示があったか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１０２）。制御部３１にランプ交換指示があった場合（ステップＳ１０２：Ｙｅｓ）、制御部３１はランプの電源を切り（ステップＳ１０４）、装置制御部３３に三方弁２６の切り替えを指示する（ステップＳ１０６）。三方弁２６を切り替え、冷却液がランプハウス１９４側を通過するようになり、ランプハウス１９４内が冷却されて設定温度以下になった場合（ステップＳ１０８：Ｙｅｓ）、制御部３１は出力部３８に交換可能の旨を表示するよう報知する（ステップＳ１１０）。 Next, the lamp replacement processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there has been a lamp replacement instruction (step S102). When the lamp replacement instruction is issued to the control unit 31 (step S102: Yes), the control unit 31 turns off the lamp (step S104), and instructs the apparatus control unit 33 to switch the three-way valve 26 (step S106). When the three-way valve 26 is switched and the coolant passes through the lamp house 194 side, and the inside of the lamp house 194 is cooled to be equal to or lower than the set temperature (step S108: Yes), the control unit 31 outputs to the output unit 38. A notification that the exchange is possible is displayed (step S110).

ステップＳ１０８において、設定温度より高温であった場合（ステップＳ１０８：Ｎｏ）、温度の確認を繰り返して設定温度以下になるまでステップＳ１０８を繰り返す。 In step S108, when the temperature is higher than the set temperature (step S108: No), the temperature check is repeated and step S108 is repeated until the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature.

光源ランプ１９４ｃの交換が終了し、制御部３１に終了指示が出た場合（ステップＳ１１２：Ｙｅｓ）、制御部３１は装置制御部３３に三方弁２６の切り替え指示を出す（ステップＳ１１４）。三方弁２６切り替え処理後、制御部３１は、出力部３８にランプ電源オン可能の旨を報知し、表示させる（ステップＳ１１６）。この上述した一連の流れで光源ランプ１９４ｃの交換を実施する。 When the replacement of the light source lamp 194c is completed and an end instruction is issued to the control unit 31 (step S112: Yes), the control unit 31 instructs the apparatus control unit 33 to switch the three-way valve 26 (step S114). After the three-way valve 26 switching process, the control unit 31 informs the output unit 38 that the lamp power can be turned on and displays it (step S116). The light source lamp 194c is replaced in the above-described series of flows.

ここで、従来の分析装置においては、光源ランプ１９４ｃを交換する場合、光源ランプ１９４ｃおよびファン１９３の電源を切断し放冷することによってランプハウス１９４内を冷却する方法、若しくはファン１９３の電源は切断せずにファン１９３の送風によってランプハウス１９４内を冷却する方法を用いている。この場合、ランプハウス１９４周辺を冷却する媒体は空気であり、空気の熱伝導率は低いため、ランプハウス１９４周辺を冷却するには効率が良くない。また、ファン１９３の出力を上げても熱伝導の媒体が空気であると大きな冷却効果が期待できないうえ、電力コストも上昇してしまう。さらに、ランプハウス１９４に恒温槽を設置してランプ点灯中の恒温化を行う方法も提案されているが、ランプ交換までは実施されていない。 Here, in the conventional analyzer, when the light source lamp 194c is replaced, the light source lamp 194c and the fan 193 are turned off and allowed to cool to cool the lamp house 194, or the fan 193 is turned off. Instead, a method of cooling the inside of the lamp house 194 by blowing air from the fan 193 is used. In this case, the medium that cools the periphery of the lamp house 194 is air, and the thermal conductivity of the air is low. Therefore, it is not efficient to cool the periphery of the lamp house 194. Further, if the heat conduction medium is air even if the output of the fan 193 is increased, a large cooling effect cannot be expected, and the power cost also increases. Furthermore, although a method has been proposed in which a constant temperature bath is installed in the lamp house 194 and the temperature is kept constant while the lamp is lit, lamp replacement has not been carried out.

これに対して、実施の形態１にかかる分析装置１においては、ランプハウス１９４内の内側ボックス１９４ｂに直接配管を配置し、空気に比して熱伝導率の高い水によって冷却し、しかも常に循環させているため、冷却効率が高く、短時間でランプ交換を行うことができる。 On the other hand, in the analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, the piping is arranged directly in the inner box 194b in the lamp house 194, cooled by water having a higher thermal conductivity than air, and always circulated. Therefore, the cooling efficiency is high and the lamp can be replaced in a short time.

（実施の形態２）
つぎに、実施の形態２について説明する。上述した実施の形態１では、光源ランプ１９４ｃが点灯している場合、ファン１９３を用いてランプハウス内の冷却を行っていたが、本実施の形態２では、ランプハウス１９４内の冷却を、反応槽１３を保温している恒温液が行うようにしている。 (Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, when the light source lamp 194c is lit, the fan 193 is used to cool the lamp house. However, in the second embodiment, the lamp house 194 is cooled by the reaction. The bath 13 is kept warm.

図５は、この発明の実施の形態２である自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を示す模式的なブロック図である。図５に示すように、反応槽１３には恒温液配管２３が延長して設置されており、通常の分析時、温度調節器１３ｂで設定温度に調節された恒温液は恒温液配管２３ａを通り反応槽を循環した後、恒温液配管２３ｂを通過して内側ボックス１９４ｂを経由し、その後恒温液配管２３ｃを通過して温度調節器１３ｂへ戻る。恒温液は図示しないポンプによって図中の矢印方向に流れており、内側ボックス１９４ｂによって熱を吸収した恒温液は温度調節器１３ｂに送られ、設定温度に調節された恒温液が反応槽内を再び循環する。また、試薬庫１４は実施の形態１と同様にランプ交換処理時以外はランプハウス１９４内を循環せずに冷却液は冷却液配管２２ｃを通り試薬庫１４の保冷を行う。 FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a constant temperature liquid pipe 23 is extended in the reaction tank 13, and the constant temperature liquid adjusted to the set temperature by the temperature controller 13b during normal analysis passes through the constant temperature liquid pipe 23a. After circulating through the reaction tank, it passes through the constant temperature liquid pipe 23b, passes through the inner box 194b, and then passes through the constant temperature liquid pipe 23c to return to the temperature controller 13b. The constant temperature liquid flows in the direction of the arrow in the figure by a pump (not shown), and the constant temperature liquid that has absorbed heat by the inner box 194b is sent to the temperature controller 13b, and the constant temperature liquid adjusted to the set temperature again passes through the reaction vessel. Circulate. Similarly to the first embodiment, the reagent store 14 does not circulate in the lamp house 194 except during the lamp replacement process, and the coolant passes through the coolant pipe 22c to keep the reagent store 14 cool.

ここで、恒温液配管２３には反応槽１３とランプハウス１９４との間に三方弁２６ｃ、ランプハウス１９４と温度調節器１３ｂとの間に三方弁２６ｄが設置され、三方弁２６ｃと三方弁２６ｄとが恒温液バイパス配管２３ｄで接続されている。温度制御部３２は、内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度情報をサーミスタ１９４ｈから取得し、制御部３１に出力する。制御部３１は、この温度情報が内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の設定温度よりも低い場合、装置制御部３３に三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切替処理を指示する。切替処理後、恒温液は恒温液バイパス配管２３ｄを流れてランプハウス１９４を経由しない循環となり、内側ボックス１９４ｂ内は冷却されなくなる。この切替処理を繰り返し行うことによって内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度を調節する。また、図６に示すように、ランプハウス１９４の内側ボックス１９４ｂの外周に配置することで効率的に冷却することが出来る。 Here, in the constant temperature liquid pipe 23, a three-way valve 26c is installed between the reaction tank 13 and the lamp house 194, and a three-way valve 26d is installed between the lamp house 194 and the temperature controller 13b, and the three-way valve 26c and the three-way valve 26d. Are connected by a constant temperature liquid bypass pipe 23d. The temperature control unit 32 acquires temperature information in the inner box 194 b from the thermistor 194 h and outputs it to the control unit 31. When the temperature information is lower than the set temperature in the inner box 194b, the control unit 31 instructs the device control unit 33 to switch the three-way valves 26c and 26d. After the switching process, the constant temperature liquid flows through the constant temperature liquid bypass pipe 23d and circulates without passing through the lamp house 194, and the inside box 194b is not cooled. The temperature in the inner box 194b is adjusted by repeating this switching process. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, it can cool efficiently by arrange | positioning on the outer periphery of the inner side box 194b of the lamp house 194. FIG.

ランプ交換の指示があった場合、実施の形態１と同様、図４のフローチャートの処理が行われ、ステップＳ１０６、Ｓ１１４において装置制御部３３は三方弁２６ａ、２６ｂと同時に反応槽１３側の三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切替を行う。ここで、ステップＳ１０６で内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度調節のために恒温液が恒温液配管２３ｂを循環していない場合、三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切替は行わない。また、反応槽１３の恒温液の流路をランプハウス１９４経由にし、恒温液および冷却液の両方を用いてランプハウス１９４の冷却を行っても良い。 When there is an instruction to replace the lamp, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed as in the first embodiment. In steps S106 and S114, the apparatus control unit 33 simultaneously performs the three-way valve 26a and 26b and the three-way valve on the reaction tank 13 side. Switching between 26c and 26d is performed. Here, when the constant temperature liquid does not circulate through the constant temperature liquid piping 23b in order to adjust the temperature in the inner box 194b in step S106, the three-way valves 26c and 26d are not switched. Alternatively, the constant temperature liquid passage in the reaction tank 13 may be provided via the lamp house 194 to cool the lamp house 194 using both the constant temperature liquid and the cooling liquid.

（実施の形態３）
つぎに、この発明の実施の形態３について説明する。上述した実施の形態２では、冷却液配管２２、恒温液配管２３が独立して設けられていたが、この実施の形態３では冷却液配管２２と恒温液配管２３とがひとつの水路として繋がった構成としている。 (Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment described above, the coolant pipe 22 and the constant temperature liquid pipe 23 are provided independently, but in this third embodiment, the coolant pipe 22 and the constant temperature liquid pipe 23 are connected as one water channel. It is configured.

図７は、この発明の実施の形態３である自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を示す模式的なブロック図である。図７に示すように、図５中におけるランプハウス１９４を経由する恒温液配管２３ｂ上の三方弁２６ｃとランプハウス１９４との間に三方弁２６ｅ、ランプハウス１９４と三方弁２６ｄとの間に三方弁２６ｆが設置され、三方弁２６ｅと三方弁２６ｆとの間にランプハウス１９４を経由する共通バイパス配管２４が接続されている。また、試薬庫１４側では冷却液バイパス配管２２ｅが三方弁２６ｅと接続され、三方弁２６ｂと三方弁２６ｆを接続する冷却液バイパス配管２２ｆが設置されている。 FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a three-way valve 26e between the three-way valve 26c and the lamp house 194 on the constant temperature liquid pipe 23b passing through the lamp house 194 in FIG. 5, and a three-way between the lamp house 194 and the three-way valve 26d. A valve 26f is installed, and a common bypass pipe 24 passing through the lamp house 194 is connected between the three-way valve 26e and the three-way valve 26f. On the reagent storage 14 side, a coolant bypass pipe 22e is connected to the three-way valve 26e, and a coolant bypass pipe 22f that connects the three-way valve 26b and the three-way valve 26f is installed.

通常の分析において、冷却液は冷却液配管２２ｃを流通して試薬庫１４の保冷のみを行っている。また、恒温液は共通バイパス配管２４を流通して内側ボックス１９４ｂの温度を一定に保っており、内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度が設定温度よりも下がった場合は、制御部３１の指示によって装置制御部３３が三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄを切り替えて恒温液バイパス配管２３ｄに恒温液を流し、ランプハウス１９４内に恒温液が流れないように制御する。実施の形態２と同様、装置制御部３３が三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切替を適宜行うことで内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度を一定に調節する。 In a normal analysis, the coolant flows through the coolant pipe 22c and only keeps the reagent storage 14 cold. Further, the constant temperature liquid flows through the common bypass pipe 24 to keep the temperature of the inner box 194b constant. When the temperature in the inner box 194b falls below the set temperature, the device control unit 31 is instructed by the control unit 31. 33 switches the three-way valves 26c and 26d to flow the constant temperature liquid into the constant temperature liquid bypass pipe 23d, and controls so that the constant temperature liquid does not flow into the lamp house 194. As in the second embodiment, the apparatus control unit 33 adjusts the temperature in the inner box 194b to be constant by appropriately switching the three-way valves 26c and 26d.

制御部３１がランプ交換の指示を受けた場合、交換処理は図４のフローチャートと同様の処理を行う。弁切替処理（ステップＳ１０６）において、制御部３１は装置制御部３３に先ず三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切り替えを指示し、恒温液がランプハウス１９４内に流れないように制御する。このとき、温度制御によって恒温液が恒温液バイパス配管２３ｄを流通している場合は、三方弁２６ｃ、２６ｄの切り替えは行わない。その後、装置制御部３３は三方弁２６ｅおよび２６ｆ、三方弁２６ａおよび２６ｂを切り替えて冷却液をランプハウス１９４内に流通させ、ランプハウス１９４内の冷却を行う。 When the control unit 31 receives a lamp replacement instruction, the replacement process is the same as the flowchart of FIG. In the valve switching process (step S106), the control unit 31 first instructs the device control unit 33 to switch the three-way valves 26c and 26d so as to prevent the constant temperature liquid from flowing into the lamp house 194. At this time, when the constant temperature liquid is circulating through the constant temperature liquid bypass pipe 23d by temperature control, the three-way valves 26c and 26d are not switched. Thereafter, the device control unit 33 switches the three-way valves 26e and 26f and the three-way valves 26a and 26b to flow the coolant through the lamp house 194, thereby cooling the lamp house 194.

温度制御部３２から内側ボックス１９４ｂ内の温度が設定温度以下になったことを受けた制御部３１は、出力部３８に交換可能を表示する旨を報知する。その後、制御部３１に交換終了指示が出ると、装置制御部３３は弁切替処理（ステップＳ１１４）を行う。 The control unit 31 that has received from the temperature control unit 32 that the temperature in the inner box 194b has become equal to or lower than the set temperature informs the output unit 38 that a replacement is displayed. Thereafter, when a replacement end instruction is issued to the control unit 31, the device control unit 33 performs a valve switching process (step S114).

装置制御部３３は先ず、三方弁２６ａ、２６ｂを切り替えて冷却液が冷却液配管２２ｃを流通する経路に制御し、その後三方弁２６ｅ、２６ｆおよび２６ｃ、２６ｄを切り替えて恒温液が内側ボックス１９４ｂ内を流通するように制御する。三方弁切替処理終了後、制御部３１は、出力部３８にランプ電源オン可能の旨を表示させる。 The device control unit 33 first switches the three-way valves 26a and 26b to control the path through which the coolant flows through the coolant pipe 22c, and then switches the three-way valves 26e, 26f and 26c and 26d so that the constant temperature liquid is in the inner box 194b. Control to distribute. After the three-way valve switching process is completed, the control unit 31 displays on the output unit 38 that the lamp power can be turned on.

ここで、内側ボックス１９４ｂと共通バイパス配管２４の配置例は、図３−３と同様、コイル状に配置することで内側ボックス１９４ｂとの接地面積が大きくなるため効率的な冷却が可能となる。 Here, in the arrangement example of the inner box 194b and the common bypass pipe 24, the ground contact area with the inner box 194b is increased by arranging the inner box 194b and the common bypass pipe 24 in a coil shape, thereby enabling efficient cooling.

なお、実施の形態１〜３の自動分析装置は、試薬庫１４が１つの場合について説明したが、本発明の自動分析装置は、試薬庫が複数設けられ、２以上の試薬を使用するものであってもよい。また、本発明の自動分析装置は、図１に示す構造を１ユニットとして２以上のユニットを有する構造であってもよい。また、内部に収容された収納物などの保冷のために冷却液を循環させた場合を例に説明したが、もちろん保冷する場合に限らず、内部に収納された収納物を所定温度に保持する場合にも適用できる。 In addition, although the automatic analyzer of Embodiment 1-3 demonstrated the case where the reagent storage 14 was one, the automatic analyzer of this invention is provided with two or more reagent storages, and uses two or more reagents. There may be. Further, the automatic analyzer of the present invention may have a structure having two or more units with the structure shown in FIG. 1 as one unit. Moreover, although the case where the cooling liquid was circulated for the cold storage of the stored items and the like stored inside was described as an example, the stored items stored in the interior are held at a predetermined temperature, not limited to the case of naturally cooling. It can also be applied to cases.

この発明の実施の形態１にかかる分析装置の要部構成を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part structure of the analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. この発明の実施の形態１にかかる自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を模式的に示したブロック図である。It is the block diagram which showed typically the temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. ランプハウスの断面を模式的に示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which showed the cross section of the lamp house typically. ランプハウスの光出射の後方からみた斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the back of the light emission of a lamp house. ランプハウス、試薬庫および冷却液配管の設置関係を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the installation relationship of a lamp house, a reagent storage, and cooling fluid piping. この発明の実施の形態１にかかる自動分析装置のランプ交換処理手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the lamp replacement processing procedure of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. この発明の実施の形態２にかかる自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を模式的に示したブロック図である。It is the block diagram which showed typically the temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. この発明の実施の形態２にかかる自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を模式的に示したブロック図である。It is the block diagram which showed typically the temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. この発明の実施の形態３にかかる自動分析装置のランプハウスを中心とした温度制御系を模式的に示したブロック図である。It is the block diagram which showed typically the temperature control system centering on the lamp house of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

１分析装置
２測定機構
３制御機構
１１検体移送部
１１ａ検体容器
１１ｂ検体ラック
１２検体分注機構
１２ａ，１７ａアーム
１３反応槽
１４試薬庫
１５試薬容器
１６読取部
１７試薬分注機構
１８攪拌部
１９測光部
１９１発光部
１９２受光部
１９３ファン
１９４ランプハウス
１９４ａ外側ボックス
１９４ｂ内側ボックス
１９４ｃ光源ランプ
１９４ｄレンズ
１９４ｈサーミスタ
２０洗浄部
２１反応容器
２２冷却液配管
２２ｅ，２２ｆ冷却液バイパス配管
２３恒温液配管
２３ｄ恒温液バイパス配管
２４共通バイパス配管
２６三方弁
３１制御部
３２温度制御部
３３装置制御部
３４ファン制御部
３５入力部
３６分析部
３７記憶部
３８出力部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analyzer 2 Measurement mechanism 3 Control mechanism 11 Specimen transfer part 11a Specimen container 11b Specimen rack 12 Specimen dispensing mechanism 12a, 17a Arm 13 Reactor 14 Reagent tank 15 Reagent container 16 Reading part 17 Reagent dispensing mechanism 18 Stirrer 19 Photometry 191 Light-emitting part 192 Light-receiving part 193 Fan 194 Lamp house 194a Outer box 194b Inner box 194c Light source lamp 194d Lens 194h Thermistor 20 Cleaning part 21 Reaction vessel 22 Cooling liquid piping 22e, 22f Cooling liquid bypass piping 23 Constant temperature liquid piping 23d Piping 24 Common bypass piping 26 Three-way valve 31 Control unit 32 Temperature control unit 33 Device control unit 34 Fan control unit 35 Input unit 36 Analysis unit 37 Storage unit 38 Output unit

Claims

A reagent container that cools the reagent stored in the inside of the cold storage container by the cold storage container in which the cooling liquid circulates in the hollow area inside, and a light emitting unit that irradiates light to the reaction container containing the sample and the liquid sample containing the reagent An analyzer for storing a light source lamp and suppressing a temperature change in a light source lamp atmosphere, and analyzing the liquid sample by irradiating the liquid sample stored in the reaction vessel with light emitted from the light source lamp In
A cooling means for cooling the cooling liquid for keeping the inside of the reagent storage, and a cooling means having a pipe for connecting the cooling device and the reagent storage to distribute the cooling liquid;
A first three-way valve is provided on a pipe through which the coolant flows from the reagent reservoir to the cooler side to form a bypass pipe, and the bypass pipe passes through the lamp house; a coolant bypass means;
When exchanging the light source lamp, a device control unit switches the first three-way valve to flow the coolant to the bypass pipe side to cool the light source lamp atmosphere in the lamp house rapidly, and a coolant switching control means,
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising.

The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the bypass pipe is disposed on an outer periphery of a reflecting mirror that directly covers the light source lamp in the lamp house.

A temperature controller that adjusts the thermostatic liquid for isothermalizing the internal space of the reaction vessel;
There is a thermostatic liquid pipe that connects the temperature controller and the reaction tank to flow the thermostatic liquid, and the thermostatic liquid is on the thermostatic liquid pipe from the reaction tank to the temperature controller side. A part of the piping to be circulated passes through the lamp house, and between the reaction vessel and the lamp house and between the lamp house and the temperature controller, respectively, a second upstream three-way valve and a second downstream three-way valve A piping system provided with a bypass pipe for providing a valve and directly connecting the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve;
When the light source lamp is turned on, the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve are controlled to adjust the flow distribution to the lamp house side and the bypass pipe side, thereby controlling the lamp house. Constant temperature liquid switching control means for adjusting the temperature;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the constant temperature liquid pipe is disposed on an outer periphery of the reflecting mirror.

The internal space is maintained by holding a reagent container that keeps the reagent stored inside the cold storage container by the cold storage container in which the cooling liquid circulates in the hollow area inside, and a reaction container containing the sample and the liquid sample containing the reagent. A light source lamp for storing a light source lamp of a light emitting unit for irradiating light to the reaction vessel containing the liquid sample and suppressing a temperature change of the light source lamp atmosphere; In an analyzer for analyzing the liquid sample by irradiating the emitted light to the liquid sample accommodated in the reaction vessel,
A cooler that cools the coolant that keeps the inside of the reagent cabinet, and a coolant pipe that connects the cooler and the reagent cabinet to flow the coolant, and from the reagent cabinet to the cooler. Cooling means provided with a first upstream three-way valve and a first downstream three-way valve on the cooling pipe to the side;
A thermostat for regulating a thermostatic liquid for isothermalizing the internal space of the reaction tank; and a thermostatic liquid pipe for connecting the temperature regulator and the reaction tank to circulate the thermostatic liquid. The pipe passes through the lamp house on the downstream side of the reaction tank, and a second upstream three-way valve and a second downstream three-way valve are provided on the upstream side and downstream side of the lamp house, respectively, and pass through the lamp house. A bypass pipe is formed, a third upstream three-way valve is provided between the second upstream three-way valve and the reaction tank, and a third downstream side is provided between the second downstream three-way valve and the temperature controller. A temperature adjusting means for providing a three-way valve, providing a constant temperature liquid bypass pipe directly connected between the third upstream side three-way valve and the third downstream side three-way valve, and adjusting the temperature of the reaction vessel and the lamp house; ,
A connecting pipe that connects between the first upstream three-way valve and the third upstream three-way valve and between the first downstream three-way valve and the third downstream three-way valve;
When the light source lamp is lit, the connection pipe is stopped and the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve are controlled to the common bypass pipe side and the constant temperature liquid bypass pipe side. When the temperature of the lamp house is adjusted by replacing the light source lamp and the light source lamp is replaced, the second upstream three-way valve and the second downstream three-way valve are controlled to remove all of the constant temperature liquid. The coolant is circulated to the constant temperature liquid bypass pipe side, and the first upstream three-way valve, the first downstream three-way valve, the third upstream three-way valve, and the third downstream three-way valve are controlled to control the coolant. Switching control means for rapidly cooling the light source lamp atmosphere in the lamp house by flowing through the connection pipe and the common bypass pipe;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising: