JP2010243191A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoanalyzer for reconciling the prevention of the damage of an autoanalyzer and the prevention of the injury to an operator in replacement of a reagent with the reduction of the measuring delay of a sample to be inspected. <P>SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer is constituted so that at least a feed means for feeding a container which houses the sample to be inspected and a reagent magazine which houses the reagent are arranged on the stage and includes a whole cover attached which covers the whole of the stage in an openable and closable manner. The feed means is provided in a close proximity to the front part of the whole cover and the reagent magazine is provided to the region going over the feed means and deeper than the front part of the whole cover. This autoanalyzer includes the small window formed to the whole cover and opened in the direction, which crosses the direction going over the feed means from the front part of the whole cover to reach the reagent magazine at an almost right angle, to reach the reagent magazine and the side cover which covers the small window in an openable and closable manner. The control means of the autoanalyzer stops the driving of the feed means when the whole cover is opened but does not stop the driving of the feed means when the side cover is opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for dispensing a test sample and a reagent, stirring them, and measuring a mixed solution.

  The automatic analyzer is a device that dispenses a test sample and a reagent and measures a mixed solution. After dispensing a test sample such as blood or urine and a reagent into a reaction tube and reacting them, the concentration or activity of the test substance or enzyme in the sample is measured by optically measuring the color change caused by the reaction. Measure. Alternatively, the concentration of various ions such as Na ions, K ions, and Cl ions present in the test sample is measured by detecting the potential of the test sample.

  In this automatic analyzer, a stage is set on the upper surface of the casing. On the stage, a disk sampler that transports a sample container containing a test sample, a reagent storage that stores a reagent container containing a reagent, a reaction disk that transports a reaction tube, and a test sample that is sucked from the sample container Arm that rotates and expands and contracts to discharge into the reaction tube, arm that rotates and expands and contracts to suck the reagent from the reagent container and discharges it to the reaction tube, stirring unit that stirs the inside of the reaction tube, and measurement to measure the liquid mixture Each cleaning unit for cleaning the unit, the probe supported by each arm and the reaction tube is arranged.

  Therefore, an entire cover that covers the entire stage is attached to the automatic analyzer so as to be openable and closable (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”). This is to protect these drive units on the stage. Moreover, it is for maintaining the temperature of a test sample or a reagent. This is also for safety to the operator.

  When exchanging the test sample or reagent on the stage, the operator opens the entire cover and opens the stage. Then, the operator reaches to the stage and replaces the sample container and the reagent container.

  Generally, there is a disk sampler in the vicinity of the opening / closing port of the entire cover, and the disk sampler is driven to transport the sample container. Therefore, if the operator thrusts his / her hand while the drive unit is still driven, the operator's hand and the disk sampler may interfere with each other, possibly damaging the automatic analyzer or causing harm to the operator. There is a risk that. In particular, the reagent storage is often located behind the disk sampler from the opening / closing port of the entire cover. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the disc sampler and the operator's hand interfere with each other when the reagent is replaced.

  Therefore, conventionally, a sensor for detecting the opening of the entire cover is attached, and when the cover is opened, the measuring operation of the apparatus is stopped. Specifically, the drive of the disk sampler, reagent storage, reaction disk, and each arm is stopped. By eliminating the moving member, at least safety for the operator can be secured, and damage to the automatic analyzer can be prevented. However, since the apparatus is stopped, it is possible to prevent the automatic analyzer from being damaged and to prevent harm to the operator, while leading to a measurement delay of the test sample.

JP 2008-82930 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the apparatus and prevent harm to the operator when replacing the reagent, It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic analyzer that achieves both reduction in measurement delay.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is a cover that covers the entire stage and can be opened and closed by lifting the front part backward, A transport unit that is provided in the vicinity of the front part and transports a container containing a sample to be tested on the stage; and provided behind the front part of the entire cover across the transport unit; A reagent storage for storing the reagent at the stage, an analysis means for dispensing the test sample and the reagent on the stage and measuring a mixed solution thereof, and formed on the whole cover, the transport means from the front part A small window that opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction reaching the reagent storage and faces the reagent storage, a side cover that covers the small window so as to be openable and closable, and a control means that controls at least the driving of the transport means , With and before Control means while stopping the driving of said conveying means when the entire cover is opened, to maintain the driving of the conveying means irrespective of opening and closing of the side covers, characterized by.

  On the stage, the transfer means and the reagent storage may be provided adjacent to each other, and a barrier may be provided at the boundary between the transfer means and the reagent storage.

  You may make it further provide the save means which saves the said barrier from the said boundary when the said whole cover opens.

  You may make it have the structure where the upper end side of the said barrier is attached to the back surface of the said whole cover as said save means.

  The saving means may have a structure in which the upper end side of the barrier is suspended from the back surface of the entire cover.

  You may make it further provide the connection bar which connects the lower end of the said barrier and the said stage side, and hold | maintains the attitude | position of the said barrier.

  The whole cover has a ceiling wall that covers the stage above and a side wall that bends in the direction of the stage, and the small window includes a region of the ceiling wall and a region of the side wall adjacent to the region. May be formed by cutting out the shape into an L shape.

  The reagent store has a lid that can be opened and closed, and is provided directly below the small window, further comprising an open / close button for opening and closing the lid of the reagent store, and the control means is provided for pressing the open / close button. In response, the lid may be opened and closed.

  A reagent rack on which the container is placed and rotatable in a reagent storage; and a rotation button provided immediately below the small window for rotating the reagent rack; and The reagent rack may be rotated in response to pressing of the rotation button.

  The control means may not respond to pressing of the rotation button while the lid is opened and closed, and may not respond to pressing of the opening and closing button while the reagent rack is rotating.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a second aspect of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is provided with an overall cover that covers the entire stage so as to be openable and closable, and an opening / closing opening of the overall cover. A transporting means for transporting a container containing a sample to be tested; a reagent storage for storing a reagent on the stage; provided above the opening / closing port of the overall cover, beyond the transporting means; and on the stage Analyzing means for dispensing the test sample and the reagent and measuring the mixed solution, a small window formed on the whole cover and allowing the reagent to be taken in and out from the reagent storage, and covering the small window so as to be opened and closed A side cover; and a control unit that stops driving of the transport unit when the entire cover or the side cover is opened.

  The control unit may further include a notification unit, and when the side cover is opened, the control unit may notify the notification unit that the conveyance unit is being driven.

  According to the present invention, since the reagent storage can be accessed from the small window, it is possible to ensure safety without the operator's hand crossing the transport means, and therefore, it is necessary to stop the transport means. Therefore, the measurement delay of the test sample can be reduced.

The structure on the stage of an automatic analyzer is shown. Shows the overall cover of the automatic analyzer The side cover with which an automatic analyzer is provided is shown. The state which looked at the barrier cover with which an automatic analyzer is provided from the side surface side is shown. The detailed structure of the heat insulation lid | cover with which an automatic analyzer is provided is shown. It is a perspective view of the heat insulation lid with which an automatic analyzer is provided. The state which looked at the movable lid with which an automatic analyzer is provided from the back surface is shown. The structure of the closing detection sensor with which an automatic analyzer is provided is shown. It is a flowchart which shows rotation control of the reagent rack of the control part with which an automatic analyzer is provided. It is a flowchart which shows rotation control of the movable lid of the control part with which an automatic analyzer is provided. The modification of an automatic analyzer is shown. The structure of the control part of the automatic analyzer concerning a modification is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the control part of the automatic analyzer concerning a modification.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  An automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that measures chemical components contained in a test sample by dispensing a test sample and a reagent and analyzing the reaction of the mixed solution. The test sample is blood, urine or the like. The reagent is adopted according to the measurement item of the test sample. After these test sample and reagent are transferred to the reaction tube 31 and reacted, light measurement and electrolyte measurement are performed. In light measurement, a change in color tone caused by a reaction is captured to measure the concentration or activity of a component to be measured or an enzyme in a sample. In the electrolyte measurement, the concentration of various ions such as Na ions, K ions, and Cl ions present in the test sample is measured by detecting the potential of the test sample.

  This automatic analyzer 100 has one stage 110 on the upper surface of the housing. Various units for performing dispensing, stirring, measurement, and cleaning are arranged on the stage 110. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a reaction disk 3, a disk sampler 4, a sample dispensing arm 5, a reagent storage 1, a first reagent dispensing arm 6, a second reagent dispensing arm 7, a stirring unit 8, and measurement. The unit 9 and the cleaning unit 10 are arranged on the stage 110. The automatic analyzer 100 has a control unit 101 including a CPU, a ROM, a switch, and the like, and controls driving of each unit.

  The reaction disk 3 is a circular conveyance path that conveys the plurality of reaction tubes 31. The reaction tube 31 is a cell having a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape and having an open top surface. The reaction disk 3 is arranged in a row in the circumferential direction with the reaction tubes 31 and rotates by a predetermined angle every cycle. The angle of each cycle of the reaction disk 3 is, for example, 1 round-1 cell. That is, the reaction disk 3 displaces the placement position of the reaction tube 31 by one cell every cycle.

  The disk sampler 4 is provided so as to face along the edge of one end side of the stage 110. The disk sampler 4 has a sample rack 4a and a handle 4b, and transports a sample container 41 containing a test sample.

  Here, the side on which the disk sampler 4 faces is defined as the front surface of the stage 110. The sample rack 4a is a so-called shelf on which the sample container 41 is set. The sample rack 4a is divided into a plurality of sections in the direction in which the end side faces the end side on the front side and extends. In the sample rack 4a, sample containers 41 are set in the respective sections. A plurality of sample containers 41 are mounted on the card ridge, and the sample rack 4a is set so that the card ridge is inserted into each section in the depth direction.

  The handle 4b transports the sample container 41 to the sample suction position 5a. The handle 4b is disposed on the depth side with respect to one end side on the front side of the stage 110, and is adjacent to the sample rack 4a. The handle 4b has, for example, three motors and can move and rotate in two axial directions. Specifically, the handle 4b is movable in the left-right direction of the stage 110 along each section of the sample rack 4a. Further, the handle 4b is movable in the vertical direction perpendicular to the surface on which the stage 110 expands. Further, the handle 4b is rotatable about one end as an axis on a plane parallel to the plane on which the stage 110 expands.

  Such a disk sampler 4 is positioned in front of the sample container 41 set on the sample rack 4a by moving the handle 4b in the left-right direction, and the sample container 41 is scooped up by moving the handle 4b upward. The sample container 41 is set at the suction position 5a by removing the rack 4a and rotating the handle 4b downward.

  The sample dispensing arm 5 is installed between the reaction disk 3 and the disk sampler 4. The sample dispensing arm 5 sucks the test sample from the sample container 41 transported to the suction position 5 a by the disk sampler 4 and discharges it to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3.

  The sample dispensing arm 5 has an inverted L shape having a support column standing on the stage 110 and a holding part extending in the horizontal direction from the upper part of the support column, and a probe (not shown) hangs downward at the tip of the holding part. I support it down. The column of the sample dispensing arm 5 is held so as to be rotatable about a shaft, and has a double cylinder structure so that it can expand and contract.

  Both ends of the rotation movable region of the sample dispensing arm 5 are located at the suction position 5a and the discharge position 5b, respectively. The discharge position 5b is set at one place on the reaction disk 3. The sample dispensing arm 5 positions and lowers the probe on the sample container 41 at the suction position 5 a and inserts the probe into the sample container 41. The sample dispensing arm 5 lowers the probe by positioning the probe on the reaction tube 31 at the discharge position 5 b after the sample is aspirated, and inserts the probe into the reaction tube 31.

  A cleaning unit 10 is disposed in the middle of the rotationally movable region of the sample dispensing arm 5. The sample dispensing arm 5 positions the probe at the cleaning position 5c of the cleaning unit 10 and cleans the probe to which the test sample is attached.

  The probe is a so-called straw, which sucks the test sample from the sample container 41 at the suction position 5a by applying a negative pressure in the cylinder, and discharges the test sample to the discharge position 5b by applying a positive pressure in the cylinder. The reaction tube 31 is discharged.

  The reagent storage 1 is arranged with most of its height buried in the stage 110 on the left side as viewed from the back of the disk sampler 4 and the front of the stage 110. The reagent storage 1 has a cylindrical shape with an open bottom and an upper surface, and a reagent container 11 is set therein.

  In the reagent storage 1, a plurality of reagent racks 12 are accommodated in two rows in the radial direction and in a row in the circumferential direction. Each reagent rack 12 stores a plurality of reagent containers 11 containing a first reagent or a plurality of reagent containers 11 containing a second reagent. The reagent container 11 containing the first reagent is accommodated in a reagent rack 12 arranged along the circumferential direction at the outermost part of the reagent container 1. The reagent container 11 containing the second reagent is housed in a reagent rack 12 arranged along the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of the reagent container 1.

  The reagent store 1 rotates these reagent racks 12 in the circumferential direction with the center of the cylinder as the central axis 1a. The reagent rack 12 is placed on a disk that rotates about the center of the reagent storage 1 as a central axis 1a, and rotates in response to driving of a drive mechanism including a motor and gears that rotate the axis. By rotating the reagent rack 12, the reagent container 11 of the first reagent corresponding to the measurement item is moved to the suction position 6a, the reagent container 11 of the second reagent corresponding to the measurement item is moved to the suction position 7a, or The reagent container 11 of the first reagent or the second reagent is moved to a replaceable position.

  The reagent storage 1 is a thermostatic chamber for adjusting the temperatures of the first reagent and the second reagent. Therefore, the upper surface of the reagent storage 1 is covered with a heat insulating lid 13. The heat insulating lid 13 is made of foamed polyethylene or the like. The heat insulating lid 13 includes a fixed lid 14 and a movable lid 16.

  The fixed lid 14 has one opening 15 communicating with the inside of the reagent storage 1 by being partially cut out in a fan shape. The position of the opening 15 is closer to the left edge and middle stage of the stage 110. That is, the position of the opening 15 is on a route beyond the movable range of the handle 4 b of the disk sampler 4 from the front of the stage 110, and is adjacent to the disk sampler 4. This opening 15 is a reagent exchangeable position.

  The opening 15 extends in a range of a predetermined angle from the cylindrical center to the peripheral edge of the reagent storage 1. The expansion range of the opening 15 is, for example, equal to or wider than the expansion angle of the reagent rack 12 placed on the inner periphery of the reagent storage 1. In this case, the reagent can be exchanged together with the reagent rack 12.

  The movable lid 16 is positioned so that the back surface thereof is higher than the upper surface of the fixed lid 14, and at least the ceiling wall extending from the central axis 1 a to the outer peripheral edge of the reagent storage 1 and the outer periphery of the fixed lid 14 to the stage 110. It is integrally formed with the side wall bent toward the end. The size of the movable lid 16 is the same as or larger than the expansion range of the opening 15.

  The movable lid 16 is pivotally supported by the central axis 1a of the reagent storage 1 and is slidable in the circumferential direction of the reagent storage 1 along the upper surface of the fixed lid 14 around the central axis 1a. Therefore, the desired first reagent or second reagent can be replaced by sliding the movable lid 16 to expose the opening 15 and rotating the reagent rack 12.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 6 is installed between the reaction disk 3 and the reagent storage 1. The first reagent dispensing arm 6 sucks the first reagent from the sample container 41 arranged in the outermost part in the reagent storage 1 and discharges it to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3. The second reagent dispensing arm 7 is installed between the reaction disk 3 and the reagent storage 1. The second reagent dispensing arm 7 sucks the second reagent from the reagent containers 11 arranged in the inner periphery of the reagent storage 1 and discharges the second reagent to the reaction tube 31 on the reaction disk 3.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 also have an inverted L shape, and support the probe hanging downward. The first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are also rotatable and telescopic.

  Both ends of the rotationally movable areas of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are also the suction positions 6a and 7a on the reagent storage 1 and the discharge positions 6b and 7b on the reaction disk 3, respectively, which are not shown. The first reagent and the second reagent are aspirated and discharged by the pump, respectively. A hole 14a is formed at a position corresponding to the suction positions 6a and 7a of the fixed lid 14, and the probe is inserted into and removed from the hole 14a.

  The discharge position 6b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 is set on the far side in the transport direction of the reaction disk 3 from the discharge position 5b of the sample dispensing arm 5. Further, the discharge position 7 b of the second reagent dispensing arm 7 is set to the back side in the transport direction of the reaction disk 3 relative to the discharge position 6 b of the first reagent dispensing arm 6. Therefore, the sample dispensing arm 5, the first reagent dispensing arm 6, and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are provided on the rear side in this order as viewed from the front.

  A cleaning unit 10 is disposed in the middle of the rotationally movable region of the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7, and the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 are provided with a motor, The probe is positioned at the cleaning positions 6c and 7c of the cleaning unit 10 following the driving of a driving device such as a gear, and the probe to which the first reagent or the second reagent is attached is cleaned.

  The agitation unit 8 is located on the reaction disk 3 and is provided on the back side in the transport direction of the reaction disk 3 from the discharge position 7b of the second reagent dispensing arm 7. This agitating unit 8 agitates a mixed liquid such as the test sample + first reagent and the test sample + first reagent + second reagent in the reaction tube 31 stopped at the stirring position for each cycle. Specifically, the agitation unit 8 has an agitation bar that abuts on the piezoelectric element and is oscillated by an elastic change of the piezoelectric element. The agitation unit 8 is inserted into the reaction tube 31 to oscillate. To stir the mixture.

  The measurement unit 9 is located on the reaction disk 3 and measures the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 31. When the measuring unit 9 is a photometric unit, it has a light source and a light receiving unit arranged with the reaction tube 31 in between. For example, after measuring the absorbance of the mixed solution, the measurement result data is output. When the measurement unit 9 is an electrolyte measurement unit, the concentration of the electrolyte in the mixed solution was measured by measuring between an ion selective electrode that selectively responds to each electrolyte and a reference electrode that generates a constant potential. Then, the measurement result data is output.

  The washing unit 10 is disposed on the reaction disk 3 at the washing positions 5c, 6c, and 7c of the sample dispensing arm 5, the first reagent dispensing arm 6, and the second reagent dispensing arm 7, and the reaction tube 31 and each probe. Wash and dry.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic analyzer 100 has a cover that covers the stage 110 from the viewpoint of safety during operation and prevention of contamination of a sample, a reagent, or a mixed solution.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the entire analyzer 21 that covers the entire stage 110 is attached to the automatic analyzer 100. The entire cover 21 is pivotally supported by a hinge installed on the back of the back wall 111 standing on the back side of the stage 110 with an axis extending in the left-right direction of the stage 110, and the hinge is centered. It can be opened and closed with respect to the housing by rotating in the direction. That is, the front part of the whole cover 21 is the front side, and the whole cover 21 can be opened and closed by lifting the front part of the whole cover 21 to the rear side which is the rear side.

  The entire cover 21 is composed of a ceiling wall and side walls that are bent in three directions, left and right, and front, and when closed, the stage 110 and the stage 110 are closed as a closed space. When performing maintenance on each unit on the stage 110, the entire cover 21 is opened.

  When the whole cover 21 is opened, the disk sampler 4 is provided in the vicinity of the front part of the whole cover 21, and the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 exists beyond the disk sampler 4 on the back side. Therefore, the control unit 101 cuts off the power supply to at least the disk sampler 4 and stops it. In addition to the disk sampler 4, all of the moving bodies such as the sample dispensing arm 5, the first reagent dispensing arm 6 and the second reagent dispensing arm 7 may be stopped.

  A sensor for detecting opening / closing of the whole cover 21 is attached to the whole cover 21. When this sensor detects the opening of the entire cover 21, the control unit 101 stops the disk sampler 4.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an L-shaped small window 23 is formed in the overall cover 21. The small window 23 is formed by cutting out a part on the left side of the entire cover 21.

  The small window 23 is used when exchanging the first reagent or the second reagent. Therefore, in the small window 23, when the entire cover 21 is closed, a part of the ceiling wall corresponding to the upper part of the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and a part of the side wall adjacent to the part are cut out integrally. It is formed by that. In other words, the small window 23 is substantially orthogonal to the route from the opening / closing opening of the overall cover 21 to the reagent storage 1 through the disk sampler 4 and opens in a direction facing the reagent storage 1.

  The opening of the small window 23 has an area where the reagent can be taken in and out. Specifically, the small window 23 opens wider than the reagent container 11 containing the reagent or the reagent rack 12 on which the reagent container 11 is placed. By opening the ceiling wall and a part of the side wall of the whole cover 21 together, that is, by cutting out the L-shape, the small window 23 has a wide opening area.

  The small window 23 is covered with an L-shaped side cover 24 so as to be opened and closed. The whole cover 21 is provided with a hinge at the edge of the small window 23, and the side cover 24 can be opened and closed by being pivotally supported by the axis of the hinge. By opening the side cover 24, the first reagent and the second reagent in the reagent storage 1 can be exchanged from the small window 23.

  The automatic analyzer 100 does not stop the drive of the disk sampler 4, the sample dispensing arm 5, and the reaction disk 3 even if the side cover 24 is opened. This is because there is no moving body such as the disk sampler 4 before reaching the reagent storage 1 in the opening direction of the small window 23.

  However, the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and the disc sampler 4 are adjacent to each other. Further, even if the side cover 24 is opened, the disc sampler 4 is not stopped. Therefore, a barrier cover 25 is erected at the boundary between the area immediately below the small window 23 where the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 exists and the area on the disk sampler 4 side adjacent to the area.

  In the barrier cover 25, when the side cover 24 is opened, it becomes possible to reach the stage 110 from the small window 23 to replace the reagent. It is a barrier that blocks entry.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the barrier cover 25 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the height of the barrier cover 25 reaches the stage 110 from the back surface of the entire cover 21. The width of the barrier cover 25 extending in the left-right direction of the stage 110 is within a range where a hand inserted from the small window 23 can reach.

  The barrier cover 25 is suspended from the back surface of the entire cover 21 at the upper end side. This suspension mode is a mechanism for retracting the barrier cover 25 from the boundary between the reagent storage 1 and the disk sampler 4 when the entire cover 21 is opened.

  Specifically, the barrier cover 25 has a direction along the boundary at a position on the back surface of the entire cover 21 that is just above the boundary between the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and the disk sampler 4 when the entire cover 21 is closed. It is supported so that it may extend. On the rear surface of the entire cover 21, a hinge 22 having an axis along the boundary is installed at a position immediately above the boundary between the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and the disk sampler 4. The barrier cover 25 is pivotally supported by the axis of the hinge 22. By the shaft support, the barrier cover 25 is rotatable with respect to the entire cover 21 with the upper end side as the rotation axis.

  The barrier cover 25 is connected to the stage 110 side via an L-shaped bar 26. The L-shaped bar 26 is a connecting bar bent into an L-shape. The L-shaped bar 26 is rotatably supported by a first shaft 26 a provided on one side of the back wall 111 at one end on the short arm side. The L-shaped bar 26 is pivotally supported on a second shaft 26 b provided on the lower arm side of the barrier cover 25 on the long arm side.

  The first shaft 26 a extends in the left-right direction of the stage 110, and the L-shaped bar 26 rotates in a direction in which the long arm is raised or lowered on a plane along the depth direction of the stage 110. The second shaft 26 b is orthogonal to the long arm of the L-shaped bar 26 and extends along the width direction of the barrier cover 25 that extends in the left-right direction of the stage 110.

  The L-shaped bar 26 is a weight that holds the posture of the barrier cover 25 by fixing the standing angle of the barrier cover 25, so that the barrier cover 25 is positioned relative to the stage 110 regardless of whether the entire cover 21 is closed or opened. The lower end side of the barrier cover 25 is pulled down so as to stand upright.

  Such a barrier cover 25 is erected upright from the stage 110 to the ceiling of the whole cover 21 at the boundary between the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and the disk sampler 4 when the whole cover 21 is closed. 23 prevents the operator's hand from entering the disk sampler 4 side.

  On the other hand, the barrier cover 25 is lifted together with the whole cover 21 when the whole cover 21 is opened, and moves to the back side of the stage 110 in accordance with the rotation of the whole cover 21. Furthermore, since the barrier cover 25 is pivotally supported by the entire cover 21, the lower end of the barrier cover 25 is positioned closest to the front side when the entire cover 21 is closed, and continues upright by its own weight. As it opens, there is no rush. Further, since the L-shaped bar 26 acts as a weight due to the connection structure, the barrier cover 25 is prevented from being pushed up more reliably.

  That is, when the entire cover 21 is closed and only the side cover 24 is opened, the barrier cover 25 is erected on the boundary between the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 and the disk sampler 4 so as to extend from the small window 23 to the area of the disk sampler 4. However, when the entire cover 21 is opened, it does not interfere with the operator's hand extending from the front of the stage 110 to the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1.

  Further, since the L-shaped bar 26 acts as a weight, the barrier cover 25 does not swing while the whole cover 21 is opened and closed, and safety is maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 3, two buttons are arranged on the stage 110 in addition to the opening 15 of the reagent storage 1 in the region immediately below the small window 23. The open / close button 27 is a switch that opens and closes the opening 15 by sliding the movable lid 16. The rack rotation button 28 is a button for rotating the reagent rack 12. When replacing the reagent, the side cover 24 is opened, the heat insulating lid 13 is opened by pressing the open / close button 27 from the small window 23, and the desired reagent container 11 is opened 15 by pressing the rack rotation button 28. To be located.

  The behavior of the reagent storage 1 corresponding to the pressing of the open / close button 27 and the rack rotation button 28 will be described together with the detailed configuration of the heat insulating lid 13 based on FIGS.

  5A and 5B are diagrams showing a detailed configuration of the heat insulating lid 13, wherein FIG. 5A shows a state where the movable lid 16 is closed, and FIG. 5B shows a state where the movable lid 16 is opened and the opening 15 is exposed.

  The movable lid 16 slides in the circumferential direction of the reagent storage 1 following the drive of the motor 17. The motor 17 is arranged at the edge of the reagent storage 1, above the movable lid 16, and at a position away from the opening 15 so as not to obstruct the opening 15.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the motor 17 has a gear 17a attached to the motor shaft. On the other hand, the movable lid 16 has an arc shape whose outer periphery is centered on the central axis 1a of the reagent storage 1, and a rack 16c is formed by gear cutting in the circumferential direction. The gear 17a and the rack 16c are meshed with each other. The movable lid 16 slides in the circumferential direction around the central axis 1a of the reagent storage 1 when the gear 17a is rotated by driving of the motor 17 and the rotating gear 17a and the rack 16c are engaged with each other.

  The open / close button 27 is, for example, a changeover switch interposed in a signal line such as an H bridge that connects the power source and the motor 17. When the open / close button 27 is pressed, a current is supplied to the motor 17 so that the movable lid 16 is separated from the opening 15. When the open / close button 27 is pressed again, the movable lid 16 moves toward the opening 15. A current flows through the motor 17 in reverse.

  FIG. 7 is a view of the movable lid 16 as seen from the back side. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the closing detection sensor 29b. The opening detection sensor 29a is the same as the closing detection sensor 29b, and the details are omitted.

  The slidable range of the movable lid 16 is the distance from the edge along one radial direction of the opening 15 to the other edge. The movable lid 16 has a shape in which a protruding piece 16b that regulates a sliding range is integrally molded with a lid portion 16a that covers the opening 15. The slidable range is regulated by the protruding piece 16b, the opening detection sensor 29a, and the closing detection sensor 29b.

  The lid portion 16a has the same fan shape as the opening 15 or extends in the circumferential direction. The protruding piece 16 b protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the movable lid 16 and is bent in the direction of the stage 110. The protruding piece 16 b is provided on the back side of the motor 17 in the opening direction of the movable lid 16 so as not to interfere with the gear 17 a of the motor 17. Accordingly, the movable lid 16 has a plate extending from the outer peripheral end of the lid portion 16a along the circumference in the opening direction of the movable lid 16, and the protruding piece 16b protrudes from the tip.

  The opening detection sensor 29a and the closing detection sensor 29b are sensors that detect the protruding piece 16b. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening detection sensor 29 a is arranged at a position where the projecting piece 16 b is located when the opening 15 is completely opened by completely separating the lid 16 a of the movable lid 16 from the opening 15. Yes. The closing detection sensor 29b is arranged at a position where the protruding piece 16b is located when the opening 15 is completely closed by completely covering the opening 15 with the lid 16a of the movable lid 16.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the opening detection sensor 29a and the closing detection sensor 29b include a light emitting element 29c such as an LED and a light receiving element 29d that converts light into an electrical signal. The light emitting element 29c and the light receiving element 29d are arranged to face each other across the locus of the protruding piece 16b.

  The opening detection sensor 29a and the closing detection sensor 29b detect the protruding piece 16b by blocking the light emitted from the light emitting element 29c from reaching the light receiving element 29d. When the opening detection sensor 29a or the closing detection sensor 29b detects the protruding piece 16b, the motor 17 stops driving.

  That is, the movable lid 16 slides when the lid portion 16a completely leaves the opening 15 so that the opening 15 is completely exposed and when the lid portion 16a completely covers the opening 15. Stop.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulating lid 13 has a mechanical stopper mechanism as a preparation for the failure of the opening detection sensor 29a and the closing detection sensor 29b. The fixed lid 14 bulges so that two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed lid 14 protrude on the extended line of the locus of the side wall of the movable lid 16 as mechanical stoppers 14b. The mechanical stopper 14b is formed on the rear side in the opening direction with respect to the opening detection sensor 29a and on the rear side in the closing direction with respect to the edge of the opening 15 that is finally covered with the movable lid 16 when being closed.

  The mechanical stopper 14b physically stops the sliding of the movable lid 16 by contacting the side wall of the movable lid 16 when the opening detection sensor 29a or the closing detection sensor 29b cannot detect the protruding piece 16b due to a failure. Then, as long as the opening detection sensor 29a and the closing detection sensor 29b do not detect the protruding piece 16b, electric power may be supplied to the motor 17 for a certain period of time that allows the opening 15 to be opened and closed sufficiently.

  When the opening / closing button 27 is pressed by the mechanism of the heat insulating lid 13, the opening 15 is exposed as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rack rotation button 28 is pressed, the reagent rack 12 rotates in the reagent storage 1 and the desired reagent container 11 can be moved to the opening 15. The rack rotation button 28 is, for example, a switch interposed in a signal line that connects the power source and the drive mechanism of the reagent rack 12. While the rack rotation button 28 is pressed, the switch is turned on and the reagent rack 12 rotates.

  The opening / closing of the movable lid 16 and the movement of the reagent rack 12 in response to pressing of the opening / closing button 27 and the rack rotation button 28 are controlled by the control unit 101 of the automatic analyzer 100 at that timing. The control unit 101 includes a switch for turning on and off the power supply path to the motor 17 of the movable lid 16 and the motor that rotates the reagent rack 12.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the rotation control of the reagent rack 12 by the control unit 101.

  First, when the open / close button 27 is pressed (S01) and power is supplied to the motor 17 that slides the movable lid 16 (S02, Yes), the power source and the motor that rotates the reagent rack 12 are disconnected (see FIG. 2). S03). That is, the control unit 101 disables the rotation of the reagent rack 12 while the movable lid 16 is sliding.

  When the supply of power to the motor 17 is completed (S04, Yes), the disconnection between the power source and the motor that rotates the reagent rack 12 is released (S05). That is, the control unit 101 permits the reagent rack 12 to rotate unless the movable lid 16 slides. When the switch is turned on, when the rack rotation button 28 is pressed, the power source and the motor of the reagent rack 12 are connected to rotate the reagent rack 12.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the opening / closing control of the movable lid 16 by the control unit 101.

  First, when the rack rotation button 28 is pressed (S11) and electric power is supplied to the motor that rotates the reagent rack 12 (S12, Yes), the power source and the motor 17 that slides the movable lid 16 are disconnected. (S13). That is, the control unit 101 disables the sliding of the movable lid 16 while the reagent rack 12 is rotating.

  When the supply of electric power to the motor that rotates the reagent rack 12 is completed (S14, Yes), the interruption between the power source and the motor 17 is released (S15). In other words, the control unit 101 allows the movable lid 16 to slide if the reagent rack 12 is not rotating. By turning on the switch, when the open / close button 27 is pressed, the power source and the motor 17 are connected, and the movable lid 16 slides.

  As described above, the stage 110 on which each unit is provided is covered with the entire cover 21 that can be opened and closed, the disk sampler 4 is provided in the vicinity of the front part of the entire cover 21, and the front of the entire cover 21 is passed over the disk sampler 4. In the automatic analyzer 100 in which the reagent storage 1 is provided behind the unit, the reagent cover 1 is opened by opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction reaching the reagent storage 1 from the front portion of the entire cover 21 beyond the disk sampler 4. A small window 23 is formed on the entire cover 21 and a side cover 24 that covers the small window 23 so as to be openable and closable. When the entire cover 21 is opened, the drive of the disk sampler 4 is stopped. The drive of the disk sampler 4 was not stopped when 24 was opened.

  As a result, when accessing the reagent storage 1 from the small window 23, it is possible to ensure safety without the operator's hand crossing the disk sampler 4, and therefore it is not necessary to stop the disk sampler 4. Measurement delay of the test sample can also be reduced.

  In addition, the disk sampler 4 and the reagent storage 1 are provided adjacent to each other on the stage 110, and a barrier cover 25 serving as a barrier is erected on the boundary between the disk sampler 4 and the reagent storage 1. . As a result, even if the operator inserts his / her hand in a direction other than the direction of the reagent storage 1, it does not interfere with the disk sampler 4, and the safety is further improved.

  Further, when the entire cover 21 is opened, there is further provided a retracting means for retracting the barrier cover 25 from the boundary between the disk sampler 4 and the reagent storage 1. For example, it has a structure in which the upper end side of the barrier cover 25 is attached to the back surface of the entire cover 21 as a saving means. Thereby, even when the whole cover 21 is opened and the reagent in the reagent storage 1 is replaced, the barrier cover 25 does not get in the way, and convenience is improved. Further, as a saving means, the barrier cover 25 has a structure in which the upper end side is pivotally supported on the back surface of the whole cover 21 and suspended. Thereby, even if the whole cover 21 is opened, the lower end of the barrier cover 25 is not pushed up, and the barrier cover 25 is not further obstructed and the convenience is further improved.

  In addition, as a saving means, the barrier cover 25 may be erected from the stage 110 so as to be buried, and when the entire cover 21 is opened, the barrier cover 25 may be buried in the stage 110. Further, the barrier cover 25 may be formed in a bellows or a strip shape, and when the entire cover 21 is opened, the barrier cover 25 may be contracted in the height direction.

  Further, the barrier cover 25 is maintained in its posture by connecting the lower end of the barrier cover 25 and the stage 110 side with the L-shaped bar 26, so that the barrier cover 25 is opened when the whole cover 21 is opened or closed. Does not oscillate, and the danger of hitting the operator's head can be reduced.

  The entire cover 21 has a ceiling wall that covers the stage 110 and a side wall that bends in the direction of the stage 110, and the small window 23 includes a region of the ceiling wall and a region of the side wall adjacent to the region. Was cut into an L shape. Thereby, the opening area of the small window 23 can be taken widely, and workability | operativity can be improved.

  In addition, the reagent storage 1 is provided with an open / close button 27 for opening and closing the heat insulating lid 13 immediately below the small window 23, and the control unit 101 opens and closes the heat insulating lid 13 in response to pressing of the open / close button 27. I made it. As a result, it is not necessary to inadvertently push a hand to open and close the heat insulating lid 13, and the safety is further improved.

  Further, a rack rotation button 28 for rotating the reagent rack 12 is provided immediately below the small window 23, and the control unit 101 rotates the reagent rack 12 in response to pressing of the rack rotation button 28. This also prevents the hands from being carelessly replaced for reagent replacement, and the safety is further improved.

  Further, the control unit 101 does not respond to pressing of the rack rotation button 28 while the heat insulating lid 13 is opened and closed, and does not respond to pressing of the opening and closing button 27 while the reagent rack 12 is rotating. As a result, the heat insulating lid 13 does not close when reaching into the reagent storage 1 for reagent replacement, and the safety is further improved.

  In addition to physically avoiding interference between the operator's hand and the disk sampler 4 with the barrier cover 25, when the side cover 24 is opened, the danger of the disk sampler 4 is notified and the drive of the disk sampler 4 is restricted. You may do it.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the side cover 24 in a manner of notifying the danger of the disk sampler 4 and restricting driving of the disk sampler 4.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the side cover 24 is provided with a magnetic sensor 24a for detecting opening and closing thereof and a magnetic body 24b paired therewith. Specifically, a magnetic body 24b is attached to one side and a magnetic sensor 24a for detecting magnetism is attached to the other side of the back surface of the side cover 24 and the opposing position on the stage 110 when the side cover 24 is closed. It has been. The magnetic sensor 24a detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 24b when the side cover 24 is closed, and detects the disappearance of the magnetism when the side cover 24 is opened.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the control unit 101 in a manner of notifying the danger of the disk sampler 4 and driving limitation of the disk sampler 4. The control unit 101 is connected to the magnetic sensor 24a, the speaker 102, and the motor 103 that drives the handle 4b of the disk sampler 4 through signal lines.

  When the magnetic sensor 24a detects the loss of magnetism, the control unit 101 causes the speaker 102 to output a sound using the notification unit. The sound is a warning sound or sound indicating that the disk sampler 4 exists in the vicinity. Further, when the magnetic sensor 24a detects the disappearance of magnetism, the control unit 101 stops the driving of the motor 103.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 101. As shown in FIG. 13, when the side cover 24 is opened during the drive control for dispensing (S21), the magnetic sensor 24a detects the opening of the side cover 24 (S22) and opens to the control unit 101. Is input (S23). When the signal indicating opening is input, the control unit 101 stops the supply of power to the handle 4b of the disk sampler 4 and stops the handle 4b (S24).

  As described above, instead of the barrier cover 25 or in addition to the standing of the barrier cover 25, a sensor for detecting opening and closing is attached to the side cover 24, and the control unit 101 detects the opening of the side cover 24. Then, the drive of the disk sampler 4 may be stopped. Thereby, even if the operator inadvertently pushes the hand into the small window 23, it does not interfere with the disc sampler 4, and safety is improved.

  In addition to the barrier cover 25 or in addition to the standing of the barrier cover 25, a sensor for detecting opening and closing is attached to the side cover 24, and the control unit 101 detects the opening of the side cover 24. Then, the notification means such as the speaker 102 may be notified of the driving of the disk sampler 4. Thereby, it can prevent that an operator inadvertently plunges into the small window 23, and safety improves.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reagent store | warehouse | chamber 1a Center axis | shaft 11 Reagent container 12 Reagent rack 13 Heat insulation lid 14 Fixed lid 14a Hole 14b Mechanical stopper 15 Opening 16 Movable lid 16a Cover part 16b Projection piece 16c Rack 17 Motor 17a Gear 21 Overall cover 22 Hinge 23 Small window 24 Side cover 24a Magnetic sensor 24b Magnetic body 25 Barrier cover 26 L-shaped bar 26a First shaft 26b Second shaft 27 Open / close button 28 Rack rotation button 29a Open detection sensor 29b Close detection sensor 29c Light emitting element 29d Light receiving element 3 Reaction disk 31 Reaction tube 4 Disc Sampler 4a Sample rack 4b Handle 41 Sample container 5 Sample dispensing arm 5a Aspirate position 5b Discharge position 5c Washing position 6 First reagent dispensing arm 6a Aspirate position 6b Discharge position 6c Washing position 7 Second reagent dispensing arm 7a Argument position 7b discharge position 7c cleaning position 8 stirring unit 9 measurement unit 10 cleaning unit 100 automatic analyzer 101 controller 102 speaker 103 motor 110 stage 111 back wall

Claims (12)

An overall cover that covers the entire stage and can be opened and closed by lifting the front part backward;
A conveying means that is provided in the vicinity of the front portion of the whole cover and conveys a container containing a test sample on the stage;
A reagent storage for storing the reagent on the stage, provided deeper than the front portion of the entire cover over the transport means;
Analyzing means for dispensing the test sample and the reagent on the stage and measuring the mixed solution;
A small window that is formed in the entire cover and opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction from the front part to the reagent storage over the transport means and faces the reagent storage;
A side cover that covers the small window so that it can be opened and closed;
Control means for controlling at least the drive of the conveying means;
With
The control means stops driving the conveying means when the entire cover is opened, while maintaining the driving of the conveying means regardless of opening and closing of the side cover;
Automatic analyzer characterized by On the stage, the transport means and the reagent storage are provided adjacent to each other,
Erecting a barrier at the boundary between the transport means and the reagent storage;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. Further comprising a retracting means for retracting the barrier from the boundary when the entire cover is opened;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. As the evacuation means, the upper end side of the barrier has a structure attached to the back surface of the whole cover,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 3. As the evacuation means, the upper end side of the barrier has a structure that is pivotally supported on the back surface of the overall cover,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 4. A connecting bar that connects the lower end of the barrier and the stage side, and holds the posture of the barrier;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 5. The whole cover has a ceiling wall covering above the stage and a side wall bent in the direction of the stage,
The small window is formed by cutting out a region of the ceiling wall and a region of the side wall adjacent to the region into an L shape,
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The reagent storage has a lid that can be opened and closed,
Provided directly below the small window, further comprising an open / close button for opening and closing the lid of the reagent storage,
The control means opens and closes the lid in response to pressing of the open / close button;
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A reagent rack on which the container is placed and which is rotatable in the reagent storage;
A rotation button provided immediately below the small window for rotating the reagent rack;
Further comprising
The control means rotates the reagent rack in response to pressing of the rotation button;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 8. The control means does not respond to pressing of the rotation button during opening / closing of the lid, and does not respond to pressing of the opening / closing button during rotation of the reagent rack;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 9. An overall cover that covers the entire stage so that it can be opened and closed;
A conveying means that is provided in the vicinity of the opening and closing port of the entire cover, and conveys a container containing a test sample on the stage;
A reagent store that is provided behind the opening / closing port of the overall cover beyond the transport means, and stores the reagent on the stage;
Analyzing means for dispensing the test sample and the reagent on the stage and measuring the mixed solution;
A small window formed in the entire cover and capable of taking in and out the reagent from the reagent storage;
A side cover that covers the small window so that it can be opened and closed;
Control means for stopping driving of the conveying means when the whole cover or the side cover is opened;
Providing
Automatic analyzer characterized by Further comprising a notification means,
The control means, when the side cover is opened, causes the notification means to notify that the conveyance means is being driven,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 11.

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