JP2014199202A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer enabling an operator to make an access to a reagent bottle in a reagent magazine even during a measurement operation and capable of safely and easily performing exchange and confirmation of the reagent and addition of the reagent.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes: a reagent magazine 2; a slider; dispensing means; and an opening part. The reagent magazine is provided with a plurality of storage chambers 3 for storing a reagent bottle 4. The slider is moved to a position capable of dispensing the reagent to the back direction of the reagent magazine in a state that the reagent bottle in the storage chamber is kept arranged. The dispensing means is arranged at the back surface side of the reagent magazine, and the reagent is dispensed from the reagent bottle. The opening part is arranged at the side opposite to the back surface of the reagent magazine, and is configured to be able to exchange the reagent bottle.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  The automatic analyzer is used for analyzing a concentration component of a body fluid such as blood or urine of a patient and performing a medical examination. In order to measure the concentration of various items, it is necessary to add a dedicated reagent solution to the patient sample. The concentration of the specific component is measured from the chemical and electrochemical changes of the reagent (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The method used to know the component concentration uses the property of adding a reagent that causes a chemical reaction specific to the item whose concentration you want to know and absorbing the light of a specific wavelength that is generated by the chemical reaction. To do. This change in light transmittance is detected by a photometric device and converted to a concentration value (quantitative / qualitative) using the principle that the transmittance is proportional to the concentration.

In order to measure the concentration, a reagent solution corresponding to the measurement item is required. For this purpose, a plurality of reagent solutions are filled in a container called a reagent bottle in order to store the reagent solution on the apparatus, and these reagents are loaded on the automatic analyzer. A bottle is installed.
In order to hold these, it is usually necessary to prevent the reagent from being deteriorated by cooling. For this reason, the reagent bottle is placed in a sealed space that is blocked from outside air. Such a structure is called a reagent storage. In addition, in order to add the reagent to the specimen, an appropriate amount of the reagent is sucked from the reagent bottle by the reagent dispensing probe. For this reason, the reagent dispensing probe is configured to be accessible to the target reagent bottle. For example, in order to move the target reagent bottle to a place where the reagent dispensing probe can be moved, the reagent bottle installation table in the reagent storage is movable, or the reagent arm with the reagent dispensing probe is installed in the entire reagent storage. For example, it is possible to move to a position.

  Here, the access refers to the operation of the machine / equipment with respect to the reagent bottle (for example, reagent dispensing by the reagent dispensing probe) and the operation of the user (operator) (for example, replacement of the reagent bottle and confirmation of its contents). May be referred to.

  A plurality of reagent bottles are stored in such a reagent store. However, if a reagent is used, the remaining amount thereof is reduced, and the reagent bottle needs to be replaced. In addition, the reagent bottles in the reagent store are usually sealed so that they can be accessed by the operator of the automatic analyzer due to the addition of new measurement items or changes in reagents. A part is provided, and reagent bottles are exchanged from there. In addition, it is necessary to check the remaining amount of the reagent, check that the reagent bottle is placed, and that the reagent bottle is not covered with a lid (the lid may be closed to prevent evaporation and may be stored at night). . Even in such a case, each reagent bottle is confirmed from the opening of the reagent storage.

  As described above, the reagent storage is appropriately accessed by the operator using the opening, and when the measurement operation starts, the opening is closed and the reagent is aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe. In this case, there is a dedicated opening from which the reagent dispensing probe enters the reagent storage and accesses the target reagent bottle. Alternatively, when the stand-by state or the apparatus is not used, the opening of the reagent storage is closed and serves to keep the reagent cold and stored.

JP-A-2005-99059

  The conventional reagent storage is a sealed box or a circular bowl-like shape, and is configured such that a necessary number of reagent bottles are arranged in the box. In many cases, a lid is provided on the upper surface of the reagent storage, and this lid is opened and closed when the reagent bottle is replaced. Also, a hole through which the reagent dispensing probe is passed for aspirating the reagent is provided on the lid or in a fixed region that does not open and close. Since the cold storage is necessary, the lid of the reagent storage is usually closed, the hole for the reagent dispensing probe is also the minimum size or a dedicated openable lid, and by sealing it, I keep cold. That is, the side of the opening / closing part for exchanging the reagent and the access part of the reagent dispensing probe for aspirating the reagent are mostly on the same side. The reason for this is that the reagent bottle has a mouth of the minimum size necessary for aspirating the reagent solution, and is stored with a cap attached before use. To do. Naturally, the mouth of the reagent bottle is facing upward, and the reagent dispensing probe is lowered into the mouth from above to suck the reagent.

  For example, the reagent store and the reagent store have a circular bowl shape. When each reagent storage is open, the reagent bottle inside is visible. Normally, it is used in a state of being closed with a circular lid from the top of the reagent storage for cold storage.

  The reagent dispensing probe is attached to two reagent arms. Since the reagent is usually used in two pairs, there are often two reagent storages and two reagent dispensing probes. In the case of an automatic analyzer having a mechanism for automatically exchanging reagent bottles, there is an apparatus in which a reagent bottle is exchanged by providing an opening / closing part on the side surface of the reagent container and sliding the reagent bottle from there.

  However, even in such a reagent store, an opening / closing part is provided on the upper surface of the reagent so that an operator can easily see the reagent bottle from the top of the apparatus, and the reagent dispensing probe is also accessed from the upper part of the reagent store, that is, the same. It is accessed from the front side.

  Due to this configuration, the reagent storage is accessed by the operator and the reagent dispensing probe (arm) of the apparatus, and the reagent storage is accessed from the same surface (side). Yes. In such a case, during the measurement operation, while the reagent dispensing probe is accessing the reagent bottle, it is difficult for the operator to open the lid of the reagent container and replace or check the reagent bottle. . The same applies to reagent bottles that are not accessed by the reagent dispensing probe. This is because each reagent bottle is moved to the reagent suction position by the drive unit in the reagent storage, and depending on the configuration of the apparatus, the reagent arm is moved over a wide range on the reagent storage. For this reason, it is dangerous for the operator to access the reagent storage during the measurement operation, and various restrictions are also generated.

  Access to the reagent bottle by the reagent arm of the apparatus is performed at intervals of about 3 to 10 seconds depending on the performance specifications of the apparatus. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to open the lid of the reagent container and check the reagent bottle within such a short time.

  Therefore, in order for the operator to replace the reagent bottle or confirm the contents, it is necessary to interrupt the measurement operation or wait until it stops. In particular, when the remaining amount of the reagent is reduced, the reagent will be lost if it is not replaced quickly. In such a case, the measurement result will be an error of insufficient reagent, and the measurement will be restarted. Usually, since a test measures a plurality of items and identifies a disease from a plurality of results, if even one item is delayed in reporting, the test cannot return the results to the clinic. Even if it is returned, the final diagnosis cannot be performed due to the lack of one item. There is a demand to relax the restriction that reagent bottles cannot be exchanged and the contents cannot be confirmed during the above measurement operation.

  This embodiment solves the above-mentioned problem, and even during the measurement operation, the operator can access the reagent bottle in the reagent storage, and the reagent can be exchanged and confirmed, and the reagent can be added safely and easily. An object is to provide a possible automatic analyzer.

  In order to solve the above problems, the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment includes a reagent storage, a slider, a dispensing unit, and an opening. The reagent storage includes a plurality of storage chambers for storing reagent bottles. The slider moves the reagent bottle in the storage chamber to a position where the reagent can be dispensed in the rear direction of the reagent storage with the reagent bottle arranged. The dispensing means is disposed on the back side of the reagent storage and dispenses the reagent from the reagent bottle. The opening is arranged on the side opposite to the back surface of the reagent storage, and is configured to be able to replace the reagent bottle.

The perspective view of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one Embodiment. The functional block diagram of an automatic analyzer. The conceptual diagram of a reagent storage. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage, showing a reagent bottle placed at a storage position. It is a fragmentary sectional view of a reagent storage, Comprising: The figure which shows the reagent bottle mounted in the dispensing position. The flowchart which shows operation | movement when displaying the state of a reagent bottle. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement when dispensing a reagent. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the reagent storage which concerns on a modification, Comprising: The figure which shows the reagent bottle mounted in the storage position. The figure which is a fragmentary sectional view of a reagent storage, Comprising: The figure which shows the reagent bottle moved to the dispensing position. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage, showing the reagent bottle moved to the replacement position.

  An embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automatic analyzer 100, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100, and FIG.

  An automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that measures components of a reaction solution by reacting a dispensed sample (analyte) with a reagent and analyzing the reaction solution. After a sample such as blood or urine and a reagent are transferred to the reaction vessel 51 (see FIG. 3) and reacted with each other, a change in color tone caused by the reaction is optically measured to measure a component to be measured or an enzyme in the sample. Measure the concentration and activity. Note that the test sample (subject) may be simply referred to as a sample.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic analyzer 100 mainly includes a reagent storage 2, a reaction storage 5, a stirring unit 11, a photometric unit 12, a cleaning unit 13, an analysis unit 14, a data processing unit 15, and a control. Unit 17, storage unit 18, drive unit 20, notification unit 30, and shielding unit 37.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the driving unit 20 includes a probe rotating unit 21, a probe lifting / lowering unit 22, a column driving unit 23, a bottle driving unit 24, a door driving unit 25, and a lock driving unit 26. The drive unit 20 includes a motor, a gear, and the like, and drives each unit of the analysis unit 14 by generating a driving force and transmitting the generated driving force to each unit of the analysis unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a stirring unit 11, a photometric unit 12, and a cleaning unit 13 are provided on the outer periphery of the reaction chamber 5. The reaction container 51 into which the sample and the reagent are dispensed is sequentially transferred to the stirring, measuring, and cleaning positions of the stirring unit 11, the photometry unit 12, and the cleaning unit 13 by rotation of a cassette member (not shown).

  The agitation unit 11 is an agitation unit for agitating the sample and reagent reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 51 stopped at the agitation position for each cycle.

  The photometric unit 12 is a measuring unit that measures the reaction solution from the photometric position. The photometric unit 12 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution, and then outputs the measurement result data to the data processing unit 15. The data processing unit 15 obtains the concentration of the reaction solution from the absorbance based on the calibration curve. Thereby, it becomes possible to measure the components of the reaction solution.

  The cleaning unit 13 aspirates the reaction liquid that has been measured in the reaction container 51 stopped at the cleaning / drying position, and cleans / drys the reaction container 51.

  The analysis unit 14 analyzes the reaction solution of the sample and the reagent and outputs measurement result data (absorbance). The data processing unit 15 obtains the concentration of the reaction solution from the absorbance based on the calibration curve.

  The control unit 17 controls the drive of each unit included in the analysis unit 14 by instructing the drive unit 20. Each unit includes a disk sampler (not shown), a reagent storage 2, a reaction storage 5, and an arm 7. The arm 7 includes each arm of the sample dispensing lobe and the reagent dispensing probe 8.

  Reagent dispensing is performed by a sample dispensing probe and a reagent dispensing probe 8 (two reagent dispensing probes 8 when a pair of reagents are used). Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that the reagent dispensing is performed by one reagent dispensing probe 8.

  The reagent dispensing probe 8 receives the reagent from the reagent bottle 4 that has been moved from the storage position in the storage chamber 3 (position indicated by “P1” in FIG. 3) to the dispensing position (position indicated by “P2” in FIG. 3). The reagent is sucked and discharged into the reaction container 51 transported to a specified discharge position. Here, the dispensing position P2 is a position where the reagent can be dispensed (accessible position), and is a position where the spout of the reagent bottle 4 is advanced to the unit arrangement area A1 side.

  In response to an instruction from the control unit 17, the bottle driving unit 24 moves the reagent bottle 4 between the storage position P1 and the dispensing position P2. Details of the bottle driving means 24 will be described later.

  The sample dispensing probe sucks the sample from the sample container transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the disk sampler, and discharges the sample to the reaction container 51 transported to the specified discharge position.

  A reaction vessel 51 into which a sample and a reagent are dispensed is placed in the reaction chamber 5. FIG. 3 conceptually shows the reaction chamber 5. The reaction vessel 51 is placed in a circular shape on a rotatable circular cassette member (not shown).

  The sample is stored in a sample container (not shown). The sample container is placed, for example, on a rotatable circular disk sampler.

  The reagent is accommodated in the reagent bottle 4. The reagent bottle 4 is placed in the reagent store 2. The reagent bottle 4 stores various first reagents that selectively react to the measurement items of the sample or various second reagents in pairs with the first reagent. A pair of reagent containers may be provided corresponding to the first reagent and the second reagent to be paired.

  In FIG. 1, an area (unit arrangement area) in which each unit of the analysis unit 14 is arranged with the reagent storage 2 in between is indicated by “A1” on the back side in FIG. An area (working area) in which replacement work or the like is performed is indicated by “A2” on the front side of the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reagent store 2 includes a plurality of storage chambers 3 for storing reagent bottles 4. The plurality of storage chambers 3 are arranged in parallel in the row direction and / or the column direction. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of storage chambers 3 arranged in a matrix of 4 rows (stages) and 8 columns. The arrangement of the storage chamber 3 is not limited to this. For example, the number of rows (stages) and columns may be one or more, and the column direction may be a straight line or a curve (for example, an arc shape).

  The reagent storage 2 is provided with various means such as notification according to the operation status of each unit when the user (operator) performs an exchange operation of the reagent bottle 4 or the like. Thereby, the user on the work area A2 side can easily perform the replacement work of the reagent bottle 4 without special consideration of the operation status of each unit. Details of various means will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 7 is supported by a column 71 so as to be rotatable about an axis. In FIG. 3, the reagent dispensing probe 8 when rotated toward the dispensing position is indicated by a solid line, and the arm 7 and the reagent dispensing probe 8 when rotated toward the position of the reaction chamber 5 are indicated by an imaginary line. The probe rotating means 21 receives the instruction from the control unit 17 and rotates the arm 7 about the axis.

  Further, the arm 7 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction. The movement of the arm 7 in the axial direction allows the reagent dispensing probe 8 to face the reagent bottle 4 placed at the dispensing position of the storage chamber 3 at each stage and dispense the reagent from the reagent bottle 4. . FIG. 3 shows a reagent dispensing probe 8 that faces the reagent bottle 4 placed at the dispensing position of the second-stage storage chamber 3. The probe lifting / lowering means 22 moves the arm 7 in the vertical direction in response to an instruction from the control unit 17.

  Further, the column 71 is supported by the guide rail 72 so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the drawing. By moving the column 71 in the left-right direction, the reagent dispensing probe 8 can move between the dispensing position and the position of the reaction chamber 5.

  Further, the column 71 is supported by the guide rail 72 so as to be movable in the front and back direction of the paper surface. By moving the support 71 in the front and back direction, the reagent dispensing probe 8 can face the reagent bottle 4 placed at the dispensing position of the storage chamber 3 in each row, and the reagent can be dispensed from the reagent bottle 4. The column driving means 23 moves the column 71 in the left-right direction and the front-back direction in response to an instruction from the control unit 17. The configuration including the reagent dispensing probe 8, the arm 7, the probe rotating unit 21, the probe lifting / lowering unit 22, the column driving unit 23, the column 71, and the guide rail 72 shows an example of the dispensing unit.

  The main configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment has been described above. In other words, the sample can be dispensed from the sample container and discharged to the reaction container 51 by the sample dispensing probe. Further, the reagent dispensing probe 8 can dispense the reagent from the reagent bottle 4 placed in the storage chamber 3 of the reagent storage 2 and discharge it to the reaction container 51. Further, the reaction liquid in the reaction container 51 is stirred by the stirring unit 11, the photometry unit 12, and the washing unit 13, the absorbance of the reaction liquid is measured, the reaction liquid is sucked from the reaction container 51, and the reaction container 51 Can be washed and dried.

[Details of reagent storage]
In the above-described automatic analyzer 100, as described above, the reagent storage 2 is provided with various means so that the user can easily perform the replacement operation of the reagent bottle 4 and the like.

  Next, details of the reagent storage 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage, showing the reagent bottle 4 placed in the storage position, and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage, and the reagent bottle placed in the dispensing position FIG.

  As described above, the reagent storage 2 is provided with a plurality of storage chambers 3. FIG. 3 shows the upper and lower storage rooms 3. The state of the storage chamber 3 at each stage shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In the first and second stages from the bottom, the door 35 is closed and the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced. Further, the third level is a state in which the reagent dispensing probe 8 attempts to dispense a reagent from the reagent bottle 4 (in-access state). Further, the fourth level (uppermost level) is a state in which the door 35 is open and the reagent bottle 4 is exchanged.

(Communication entrance)
The reagent bottle 4 moves from the storage position P1 in the storage chamber 3 to the dispensing position P2 outside one end (unit arrangement area A1 side) of the storage chamber 3 facing the dispensing position P2 used when dispensing the reagent. When this is done, a communication port 31 through which the reagent bottle 4 passes is provided. Although not shown, sensors are provided for detecting that the reagent bottle 4 is placed at the storage position P1 and the dispensing position P2, respectively.

(Bottle driving means)
Next, the bottle driving means 24 for moving the reagent bottle 4 between the storage position P1 and the dispensing position P2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  4 and 5 are partial cross-sectional views of the reagent storage. In FIG. 4, the reagent bottle 4 placed at the storage position P1 is indicated by a solid line, and the reagent bottle 4 placed on the door 35 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. FIG. 5 shows the reagent bottle 4 placed at the dispensing position P2. One of the areas used when replacing the reagent bottle 4 may be provided on the door 35 as an exchange position, or may be provided in any one of the work areas A2. Further, when the user directly puts and removes the reagent bottle 4 at the storage position P1, the storage position P1 may be set as the replacement position. The replacement position provided on the door 35 is indicated by “P3” in FIG.

  Based on the identification number of the reagent bottle 4 to be dispensed, the control unit 17 instructs the bottle driving means 24 provided in the storage chamber 3 where the reagent bottle 4 is stored to start dispensing. put out. In response to the instruction to start dispensing from the control unit 17, the bottle driving unit 24 moves the reagent bottle 4 from the storage position P1 to the dispensing position P2. Furthermore, the bottle driving means 24 moves the reagent bottle 4 from the dispensing position P2 to the storage position P1 in response to an instruction to end dispensing from the control unit 17.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottle driving unit 24 includes a base 241, a slider 242, a motor 243, a screw 244, and a nut 245. The slider 242 is fitted to the base 241 so as to be movable in the left-right direction in FIGS. Further, the slider 242 has a locking portion 248 that locks the concave portion 4 a provided at the bottom of the reagent bottle 4.

  The motor 243 is provided on the base 241. The left end portion of the screw 244 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 243, and the tip end portion extends rightward. The nut 245 is screwed into the screw 244 and is fixed integrally with the slider 242.

  When the reagent bottle 4 is in the storage position P1 shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the motor 243 rotates forward, the screw 244 sends out the nut 245 to the right side. Accordingly, the slider 242 is guided by the base and moves from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. Thereby, the reagent bottle 4 can be moved from the storage position P1 to the dispensing position P2.

  When the reagent bottle 4 is at the dispensing position P2 shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the motor 243 is reversed, the screw 244 feeds the nut 245 to the left side. Accordingly, the slider 242 is guided by the base 241 and moves from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. Thereby, the reagent bottle 4 can be moved from the dispensing position P2 to the storage position P1.

  An opening 32 is disposed outside the other end of the storage chamber 3 facing the position opposite to the unit arrangement region A1 side. The opening 32 is configured such that the reagent bottle 4 can be exchanged between the storage position P1 and a position on the opposite side (position on the work area A2 side).

  Here, replacement of the reagent bottle 4 containing the reagent A will be described. When the reagent bottle 4 containing the reagent A is being accessed by the reagent dispensing probe 8 (during dispensing of the reagent A), the means for making the reagent bottle 4 unusable and the replacement of the reagent bottle 4 Means are provided for notifying that this is impossible.

(Opening, door)
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 17, the door drive unit 25, and the door 35 are included as an example of a unit that cannot be replaced. The controller 17 outputs an instruction to close the door 35 to the door driving means 25 when the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced. The door driving unit 25 receives the instruction from the control unit 17 and drives the door 35 so as to close the opening 32.

  On the other hand, the control unit 17 outputs an instruction to open the door 35 to the door driving means 25 when the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced. Upon receiving an instruction from the control unit 17, the door driving unit 25 tilts the door 35 outward (to the work area A <b> 2 side) substantially horizontally so as to open the opening 32. The door 35 is configured so that the reagent bottle 4 can be placed thereon by being tilted substantially horizontally. That is, the exchange position P3 is provided on the door 35 in the open state. Each door 35 in the closed state and the open state is shown in FIG.

  The determination criteria of the control unit 17 when determining whether the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced are as follows: 1) The sensor detects that the reagent bottle 4 is placed at the dispensing position, and the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit. 17 may be received, and 2) the control unit 17 may determine that the reagent dispensing probe 8 is being accessed, or only 1) or 2). It may be when a sensor (not shown) detects another state related to dispensing and the control unit 17 receives the detection signal. Furthermore, since the time zone for dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 4 is known based on the analysis plan, the control unit 17 may determine that the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced during that time zone. .

(Lock drive means)
As shown in FIG. 2, when the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced, the lock driving unit 26 receives an instruction from the control unit 17 and drives the lock unit 36 to lock. On the other hand, when the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced, the door driving means 25 receives an instruction from the control unit 17 and drives the lock means 36 to unlock.

(Notification means)
As an example of notification means, notification means 30 for notifying whether or not the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced is provided. Examples of the notification means 30 include an indicator (indicator) that informs by display, a monitor, a buzzer that informs by sound, a bell, a chime, and a speaker that informs by sound. In this embodiment, the door 35 has the function of the notification means 30.

  In FIG. 3, when the reagent bottle 4 is in the storage position P1 and can be replaced, the door 35 is closed as shown by a solid line, but if the door 35 is opened as shown by a dashed line, the door 35 is opened. Therefore, it is possible to notify that the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced, and it is possible to notify that the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced when the door 35 is closed.

  Furthermore, the user may be informed whether the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced by notifying the locking / unlocking state of the locking means 36 with a lamp or the like.

  Further, as the notification means, various information related to the reagent bottle 4 may be notified, including information on whether or not the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced. According to the information, the user can access the reagent bottle 4 (replacement of the reagent bottle 4 and confirmation of the contents) from the work area A2 on the left side in FIG.

  Another example of the informing means 30 for notifying various information regarding the reagent bottle 4 is a lamp provided in the vicinity of the opening 32. This can be multicolored or flashing. In some cases, a plurality of lamps may be used, or a structure in which an easily understandable mark shines may be used. For example, when the sensor detects that the reagent bottle 4 is not placed at the storage position, the notification unit 30 is lit in green in response to an instruction from the control unit 17. When the sensor detects that the reagent bottle 4 is placed at the dispensing position, the control unit 17 receives the detection signal, and the control unit 17 determines that the reagent dispensing probe 8 is being accessed. In response to the instruction from the control unit 17, the notification unit 30 lights in red. By lighting in red, the user is informed that the reagent bottle 4 cannot be exchanged or its contents (remaining amount, identification number) cannot be confirmed.

  When the sensor detects that the reagent bottle 4 is placed in the storage position, it flashes in green. In the case of the reagent bottle 4 with a small amount of remaining reagent, the notification means 30 blinks red in response to an instruction from the control unit 17. By flashing red, the user is notified that the reagent bottle 4 can be accessed from the left surface (work area A2).

  On the other hand, when reagent dispensing is required, the reagent dispensing probe 8 confirms that the reagent bottle 4 is placed with a sensor or the like, and projects the reagent bottle 4 to the right side. In this case, the previous notification means 30 is lit in red. If necessary, the reagent storage door may be locked. Then, the reagent dispensing probe 8 performs an upper limit and right / left driving, moves to the target reagent bottle 4, drops the reagent dispensing probe 8 into the reagent bottle 4, and sucks the reagent.

(Shielding means)
As shown in FIG. 3, by forming a wall-like cold air flow that blocks the communication port 31, a unit arrangement area A1 (an area on the right side of the storage chamber 3 in FIG. 3) and a work area A2 (FIG. 3 is provided with shielding means 37 configured to cut off the alternating current of air between the storage chamber 3 and the left side area).
The air in the unit arrangement area A1 is kept cold. On the other hand, the air on the working area A2 side is normal temperature. The storage chamber 3 is kept cold by a cold airflow. By providing the shielding means 37, the air kept in the unit arrangement area A1 is prevented from escaping from the storage chamber 3 to the work area A2. In particular, when the door 35 is open, it is possible to prevent the cold air from easily escaping to the work area A2. FIG. 3 shows an air curtain as an example of the shielding means 37 and the air flow thereof by arrows. As another example of the shielding means 37, a structure such as a door or a shutter may be used.

  With the above configuration, even when reagent dispensing is required during reagent replacement or confirmation, the reagent dispensing probe 8 simply cannot access the reagent bottle 4, and in this case, one of the items However, a dangerous state such as the reagent dispensing probe 8 hitting the hand does not occur.

  Furthermore, in the case of a conventional reagent storage, the access area is the same, and when the reagent dispensing probe 8 approaches, the reagent dispensing probe 8 is bent or the reagent bottle is touched in order to handle the reagent bottle 4 or the lid of the reagent storage. 4 is dropped and the reagent is spilled, or in the worst case, injury or instrument error occurs, the entire measurement stops, dozens of samples, dozens of reagents and samples are wasted, and the instrument is restored. Over time, there was a risk that the routine of the day would be delayed.

  On the other hand, in the reagent storage 2 of this embodiment, while a certain reagent (for example, reagent A) is being aspirated, access to the reagent bottle 4 containing another reagent (other than reagent A) is possible. . For this reason, during this time, the door 35 is opened, the opening 32 of the storage chamber 3 on which the other reagent bottles 4 are placed is opened, and the reagent bottles 4 are exchanged and confirmed safely through the openings 32. be able to. Furthermore, since the reagent bottle 4 does not move as much as in the prior art, the influence of foaming or the like is reduced.

[Display operation of reagent bottle status]
Next, an operation for displaying the state of the reagent bottle 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation when displaying the state of the bottle. Here, it is assumed that the notification unit 30 uses only a lamp and does not open the door 35 even when the reagent bottle 4 is accessible. Further, as a representative of access, “replacement of reagent bottle 4 and / or confirmation of contents” will be described.

  It is assumed that the reagent bottles 4 are stored in all or part of the plurality of storage chambers 3 of the reagent store 2, and information on all the reagent bottles 4 stored in this way is stored as storage records. 18 is stored. For example, the identification number (lot number or the like) of the reagent bottle 4 is stored in association with the identification number of the storage chamber 3. Moreover, the control part 17 judges whether the reagent bottle 4 is used for dispensing based on the analysis plan set beforehand.

  In the operation of displaying the state of the reagent bottle 4, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 17 sequentially reads out the storage records from the storage unit 18 (step S101). Note that the reading order may be the order of the identification numbers of the storage chamber 3 or the order of the identification numbers of the reagent bottles 4. Here, it is assumed that reading is performed in the order of the identification numbers of the storage chamber 3.

  Next, when the reagent bottle 4 is stored in the storage chamber 3 with the read identification number (when placed in the storage position), the control unit 17 uses the reagent bottle 4 for dispensing. It is determined whether or not (step S102).

  Next, when the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle 4 is used for dispensing (step S102: Yes), the notification unit 30 receives an instruction from the control unit 17 and the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced. This is notified to the user (step S103). For example, the lamp is lit red. The red lighting notifies the user that the reagent bottle 4 cannot be replaced or the contents (remaining amount, identification number) cannot be confirmed. Note that the locking means 36 maintains a locked state.

  Next, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the storage records of all the reagent bottles 4 have been read (step S104). When the entire storage record has not been read (step S104: No), the process returns to the next storage record (step S101).

  When the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle 4 is not used for dispensing in step 102 in which the control unit 17 determines whether the reagent bottle 4 is used for dispensing (step S102: No), a notification is made. In response to the instruction from the control unit 17, the means 30 notifies the user that the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced (step S105). For example, when the lamp blinks in green, it is notified that the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced. At this time, the lock driving unit 26 unlocks the locking unit 36 in response to an instruction from the control unit 17. Next, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the storage records of all the reagent bottles 4 have been read (step S104).

  As described above, the user can safely exchange the reagent bottle 4 and check the contents (remaining amount and identification number) in the work area A2. When replacing the reagent bottle 4, the recess 4 a of the reagent bottle 4 is removed from the locking portion 248 of the slider 242, and the new recess 4 a of the reagent bottle 4 is fitted into the locking portion 248.

[Operation when dispensing reagents]
Next, the operation when dispensing reagents will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when dispensing a reagent. Here, the identification number of the reagent bottle to be dispensed is “A”, and “A” is attached to the reagent bottle.

  When a reagent is dispensed from the reagent bottle A, if a bottle other than the reagent bottle A has moved to the dispensing position P2, the reagent dispensing probe 8 being accessed may collide with the bottle. When dispensing is completed, it is necessary to move the reagent bottle used for the dispensing from the dispensing position P2 to the storage position P1.

  Therefore, the control unit 17 determines whether a bottle other than the reagent bottle A is stored in the storage position P1 (step S201). When the control unit 17 determines that a bottle other than the reagent bottle A is not stored in the storage position P1 (step S201: No), for example, an alarm device (indicator, monitor, buzzer, bell, chime, Using a speaker or the like). (Step S202). Next, the process returns to step S201 for determining the storage of the bottle. Since it is informed that no bottle other than the reagent bottle A is stored in the storage position P1, dispensing can be performed safely. The controller 17 may be configured to stop the access to the reagent dispensing probe 8 based on the determination that no bottle other than the reagent bottle A is stored in the storage position P1.

  When the control unit 17 determines that a bottle other than the reagent bottle A is stored in the storage position P1 (step S201: Yes), the control unit 17 determines whether the reagent bottle A at the storage position P1 is detected (step S201: Yes). Step S203). When the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle A at the storage position P1 is not detected (step S203: No), it notifies that the reagent bottle A is not placed at the storage position P1 (step S204). To that effect, for example, an alarm is used to notify. Next, the control unit 17 returns to step S <b> 101 in which the storage records are sequentially read from the storage unit 18. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When receiving the input of the reagent dispensing end, the reagent dispensing ends, and when the reagent dispensing end input is not received, the control unit 17 returns to the determination (step S203). It may be.

When the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle A at the storage position P1 has been detected (step S203: Yes), the bottle driving unit 24 rotates the motor 243 in response to an instruction from the control unit 17, and the slider 242 Is moved with respect to the base 241 to move the reagent bottle A from the storage position P1 to the dispensing position P2 (step S205).
Next, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the reagent bottle A at the dispensing position P2 has been detected (step S206). When the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle A at the dispensing position P2 is not detected (step S206: No), it notifies that the reagent bottle A is not placed at the dispensing position P2 (step S207). To that effect, for example, an alarm is used to notify.

  When the control unit 17 determines that the reagent bottle A at the dispensing position P2 has been detected (step S206: Yes), it notifies that the reagent bottle A has been placed at the dispensing position P2 (step S208). To that effect, for example, an alarm is used to notify. As described above, the user can visually check the progress status of whether dispensing is performed safely on the monitor or the like while in the work area A2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a cover member 40 that seals the unit arrangement area A1 (the area on the right side of FIG. 3) opposite to the work area A2 from the outside with the reagent storage 2 in between is provided. By sealing, it becomes difficult for the cool air in the unit arrangement area A1 to leak to the outside, and the unit arrangement area A1 is easily kept at a low temperature. Furthermore, since the unit arrangement area A1 is not the work area A2, even if it is sealed, it does not hinder the user's work.

[Modification]
Next, modified examples of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reagent storage according to a modified example, and shows a reagent bottle placed at a storage position.

  In the embodiment, the communication port 31 arranged on the back side of the storage chamber 3 is configured to be able to move the reagent bottle 4 in the storage chamber 3 to the back side by being always opened in the direction of the back side. Moreover, the opening part 32 arrange | positioned at the front side of the storage chamber 3 is comprised so that the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced | exchanged by falling the door 35 substantially horizontally.

  On the other hand, in the modified example, the communication port 31 is configured to be opened when the slider 242 is moved to the back side, and the opening portion 32 is moved to the front side. It is constituted so that it can be opened.

  In the description of the modified example, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and the components having different configurations are mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the slider 242 is formed in a box shape. The box-shaped slider 242 has a back member 37a on the back side (unit arrangement area A1 side) and a front member 37b on the front side (work area A2 side). FIG. 8 shows a rear member 37a that closes the communication port 31 and a front member 37b that closes the opening 32 when the slider 242 is moved to an intermediate position between the position on the back side and the position on the front side.

  The back member 37 a has a function of the shielding member 37 that blocks the alternating current between the air inside and outside the storage chamber 3 by closing the communication port 31. As described above, the back member 37 a replaces the shielding member 37, but may be provided together with the shielding means 37.

  The front member 37 b has a function of a shielding member that blocks the alternating current between the air inside and outside the storage chamber 3 by closing the opening 32. The back member 37a and the front member 37b may be provided by forming the slider 242 in a box shape. Furthermore, the front member 37b may have transparency so that the inside of the storage chamber 3 can be visually recognized from the work area A2.

  Next, the operation when dispensing reagents will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage 2 and shows the reagent bottle 4 moved to the dispensing position P2.

When dispensing the reagent, the bottle driving unit 24 moves the slider 242 in response to an instruction from the control unit 17. Thereby, the reagent bottle 4 is moved to the dispensing position P <b> 2 while being placed on the slider 242. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the spout of the reagent bottle 4 is moved to a position where the reagent can be dispensed. Further, the back member 37a is moved from the position where the communication port 31 is closed to the unit arrangement region A1 side. Thereby, since the communication port 31 is opened, the reagent dispensing probe 8 can access the spout from above through the communication port 31.
When dispensing the reagent, since the front member 37b is recessed from the front side of the reagent storage 2 to the back side, the user visually recognizes that the reagent is being dispensed based on the position of the front member 37b. It becomes possible.

  Next, replacement of the reagent bottle will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reagent storage and shows the reagent bottle moved to the replacement position.

When replacing the reagent bottle 4, the bottle driving means 24 receives an instruction from the control unit 17 and moves the slider 242. Thereby, the reagent bottle 4 is moved to the replacement position P3 while being placed on the slider 242. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, since the opening 32 is opened, the user can take out and take in the reagent bottle 4 on the slider 242 through the opening 32.
Further, when the reagent bottle 4 is replaced, the front member 37b is not recessed toward the back side of the reagent storage 2, so that the user visually recognizes whether the reagent bottle 4 can be replaced based on the position of the front member 37b. Is possible.

  In the embodiment, the shielding means 37, which is an air curtain, is provided on the communication port 31 side, but may be provided on the opening 32 side instead of or in addition to this.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, a barcode reader may be provided in the storage chamber 3, for example, so that the identification information of the reagent bottle 4 placed at the storage position P1 can be read. The control unit 17 determines whether or not the desired reagent bottle 4 is placed in the predetermined storage chamber 3 based on the analysis plan. For example, an alarm (an indicator, a monitor, a buzzer, a bell, a chime, a speaker, etc.) that receives a determination result from the control unit 17 that the desired reagent bottle 4 is not placed and notifies the fact by display, sound, or voice, for example. ) May be provided.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, rewrites, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Automatic analyzer 1 Reagent rack 2 Reagent storage 3 Storage room 31 Communication port 32 Opening part 4 Reagent bottle 4a Recess 5 Reaction container 51 Reaction vessel 7 Arm 71 Support column 72 Guide rail 8 Reagent dispensing probe 11 Stirring unit 12 Photometry unit 13 Washing Unit 14 Analysis unit 17 Control unit 18 Storage unit 20 Drive unit 21 Probe rotation unit 22 Probe lifting unit 23 Column drive unit 24 Bottle drive unit 248 Locking unit 25 Door drive unit 26 Lock drive unit 30 Notification unit 35 Door 36 Lock unit 37 Shielding means 37a Back member (shielding means)
37b Front member (shielding means)
40 Cover member

Claims (9)

In an automatic analyzer that reacts a reagent dispensed from a reagent bottle with a sample to generate a reaction solution and measures the components of the reaction solution,
A reagent store comprising a plurality of storage chambers for storing the reagent bottles;
A slider that moves the reagent bottle in the storage chamber to a position where the reagent can be dispensed in a rearward direction of the reagent storage, with the reagent bottle disposed;
Dispensing means that is disposed on the back side of the reagent store and dispenses a reagent from the reagent bottle;
An opening that is arranged on the opposite side of the back of the reagent store and is configured to allow replacement of the reagent bottle;
The automatic analyzer characterized by having. The plurality of storage chambers are arranged in parallel in a row direction and / or a column direction,
The dispensing means has a reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing probe is disposed so that the reagent is dispensed from the reagent bottle moved to a position where the reagent can be dispensed from each storage chamber. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer moves in the row direction and / or the column direction on the back side of the reagent storage. It further has a control unit that receives the information that the reagent bottle is arranged in the storage chamber and determines for each storage chamber that the reagent bottle can be replaced. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, further comprising notification means for notifying that the reagent bottle can be replaced in response to the determination of the control unit. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cover unit that seals from outside the region including the reagent storage, the dispensing unit, and a reaction position where the components of the reaction solution are measured. The automatic analyzer described. A communication port arranged on the back side of the reagent storage and configured to pass the moved reagent bottle;
It further comprises shielding means configured to block AC exchange between the inside and outside of the storage room by forming a wall-like air flow that blocks the communication port and / or the opening. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The door according to claim 1, further comprising a door member that is provided so that the opening can be opened and closed, and that, when the opening is opened, falls substantially horizontally outward so that the reagent bottle can be placed thereon. 6. The automatic analyzer according to any one of 6. The slider has a box shape including a back member and a front member, and is arranged to be movable between a position on the back side and a position on the opposite side of the back side,
The back member is configured to close the communication port at an intermediate position between the position on the back side and the position opposite to the back surface, and to open the communication port at the position on the back side,
The front member is configured to close the opening at the intermediate position and open the opening at a position opposite to the back surface.
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the automatic analyzer is provided. The bottom of the reagent bottle is provided with a recess,
The said slider has a latching | locking part which can be latched to the said recessed part, and moves the said reagent bottle, locking the said latching part to the said recessed part. The automatic analyzer as described in any one.

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