JP2020143944A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer which prevents contamination due to microorganisms derived from the outside of a device in a reagent container storeroom.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer includes: a reagent container storeroom for holding reagent containers; a regent disk for storing the reagent containers so as to convey them to desired positions in the reagent container storeroom; and a sterilization unit 901 including an irradiation part 902 for irradiating the reagent disk and a loading system of the reagent containers with an ultraviolet ray, a control part 903 for controlling the irradiation part 902, driving batteries 904, and mechanical switches 905. Contamination in the reagent container storeroom is prevented by using the sterilization unit 901.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.

In an automatic analyzer that generally handles consumables such as analytical reagents, the workflow can be streamlined by reducing the frequency of replacement / replenishment of these consumables. For example, the frequency of replacement / replenishment of analytical reagents can be reduced by increasing the “on-board stability”, which is the reagent stability during storage in the apparatus. One means of achieving this is to provide the analytical reagent storage with a cold insulation function in order to prevent thermal denaturation of the reagent components. In addition to this cold insulation function, it is also important to prevent contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria and molds that have invaded from the outside of the device in order to improve onboard stability. For example, by providing the analytical reagent storage with a bactericidal function and keeping the inside of the analytical reagent storage always clean, contamination by microorganisms can be prevented. These functions help save labor and time for replacement / replenishment of analytical reagents, and are particularly sought after in large-scale facilities with a relatively large number of samples handled per day.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-219452 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-054292

Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe inventions relating to reagent sterilization means for the purpose of improving the on-board stability of reagents used in an automatic analyzer. All of these are intended for sterilization of "common reagents" that are commonly used regardless of the type of analysis item, such as cleaning solution and buffer solution. Specifically, a sterilization unit is installed directly on the common reagent bottle, and sterilization work is carried out regularly to prevent the contamination and propagation of microorganisms in the reagent bottle. On the other hand, technological development regarding sterilization means for sterilization of analytical reagent storage has not yet been made.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer provided with sterilizing means for a reagent container storage in order to prevent contamination by microorganisms derived from the outside of the device.

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, a reagent container storage for holding the reagent container, a reagent disk for accommodating the reagent container and transporting the reagent container to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and loading of the reagent disk and the reagent container. Provided is an automatic analyzer including an irradiation unit that irradiates the system with ultraviolet rays and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit.

According to the present invention, the inside of the reagent container storage can be kept clean by preventing contamination by microorganisms derived from the outside of the device.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the automatic analyzer. Schematic diagram of a perspective view of a reagent container (sealed state). Schematic diagram of a perspective view of a reagent container (open state). External view of reagent disc. External view of the reagent disk with the lid removed. Top view of the reagent disc with the lid removed. Diagram of reagent disc. Schematic of the loading system. The schematic diagram which showed the relationship between the reagent container charging part and the loading system. Enlarged view of the reagent container charging section. The figure which shows one configuration example of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure of the mechanical switch (ON state) of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure of the mechanical switch (OFF state) of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The flowchart of the sterilization procedure when the sterilization unit is used as the maintenance work which concerns on Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a sterilization procedure when the sterilization unit is repeatedly used as maintenance work according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a sterilization procedure when a sterilization unit is used in the preparatory operation before starting analysis and measurement according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the sterilization procedure when the sterilization unit is used in the preparatory operation before the start of analysis measurement which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows one installation configuration example of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 2. FIG. The figure which shows the other installation configuration example of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 2. FIG.

First, the main technical matters examined for reaching the means for solving the above-mentioned problems of the present invention will be described. In designing the sterilizing means for the reagent container storage, it is necessary to pay particular attention to space saving and the possibility of interference with moving parts.

First, space saving will be described. In general, common reagent bottles are often provided with an installation location outside the device so that the operator can easily access them. On the other hand, the analytical reagent container is often provided with an installation location inside the apparatus (referring to the above-mentioned reagent container storage). Further, in the case of an apparatus that automatically loads / unloads an analytical reagent container, the reagent container charging area often has only the minimum necessary area in order to save space. Therefore, assuming that (i) the occupied volume of the reagent container storage is not increased as much as possible by installing the sterilizing means, and (ii) the sterilizing means is periodically loaded / unloaded into the reagent container storage. It should be noted that the occupied volume of the reagent container charging area (hereinafter referred to as the reagent loading section) should not be increased as much as possible.

Next, the possibility of interference with the moving part will be described. As will be described later, in many cases, the automatic analyzer is provided with a reagent drive disk in the reagent container storage, which houses the analytical reagent container and transports it to a desired position in the reagent container storage. In this case, care must be taken so that the sterilizing means and the related parts such as the power supply cable do not spatially interfere with the reagent drive disk which is the moving part.

Hereinafter, various embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be sequentially described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the expressions "sterilizing" or "killing microorganisms" are used not only to mean "killing microorganisms" but also to "detoxify microorganisms". In addition to the meaning of eradicating bacteria and microorganisms, these expressions are also used to mean reducing bacteria and microorganisms. Prior to detailing each embodiment, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer common to each embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire configuration example of an automatic analyzer. The sample transport line 114 in the automatic analyzer 101 transports the sample 104 to the sample dispensing mechanism adjacent to the sample dispensing unit 115.

Sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel transport unit 106 above the reaction vessel disposal hole 102, sample dispensing tip holder 103, reaction solution stirring unit 105, sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel station 107, and part of incubator 108. Is designed to move in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel transport unit 106 moves the reaction vessel from the sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel station 107 to the incubator 108. The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel transport unit 106 also moves the sample dispensing tip to the sample dispensing tip holder 103.

The sample dispensing unit 115 moves to the upper region of the sample dispensing tip holding portion 103 on which the sample dispensing tip is placed, and picks up any one of the sample dispensing tips. After moving to the upper region of the sample and obtaining the sample by suction, the sample dispensing unit 115 further moves to the upper region of the reaction vessel on the incubator 108 and discharges the sample into the reaction vessel. After this, the sample dispensing unit 115 moves to the upper region of the sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel waste hole and drops the sample dispensing tip into the hole for disposal. The incubator 108 has the ability to lock a plurality of reaction vessels, and each of the reaction vessels is moved to a predetermined position on the circumference of the disk 108 by rotational motion.

The reagent discs 111 are designed to hold a plurality of reagent containers 110, and each reagent container 110 is moved to a predetermined position on the circumference of the reagent disc 111 by a rotary motion. The reagent dispensing mechanism 109 moves to the upper region of a predetermined type of reagent on the reagent disk 111, and then this dispensing mechanism sucks a predetermined amount of reagent and sucks a predetermined amount of reagent to the upper region of a predetermined reaction vessel on the incubator. After moving to, the reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel.

A magnetic particle stirring arm 116 (also referred to as a stiller) as a stirring means is set on the reagent disk 111. The arm 116 moves to the upper region of the reagent container containing the magnetic particle solution to be agitated, lowers the magnetic particle agitation element of the arm 116, and rotates the agitation element to agitate the magnetic particle solution. In order to prevent the magnetic particles in the solution from spontaneously precipitating, the magnetic particle stirring arm 116 stirs the magnetic particles immediately before the reagent is dispensed. After stirring, the magnetic particle stirring arm 116 moves to the upper region of the cleaning cell containing the cleaning liquid and then descends to rotate the magnetic particle stirring element and remove the magnetic particles adhering to the stirring element.

The reaction solution suction nozzle 112 sucks the reaction solution formed after the predetermined reaction time has elapsed from the dispensing of the sample and the predetermined reagent from the reaction vessel, and then supplies the reaction solution to the detection unit 113. The detection unit 113 performs qualitative / quantitative analysis of the substance to be measured in the reaction solution. The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel transport unit 106 moves the analyzed reaction solution to the upper region of the sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel disposal hole and puts the sample dispensing tip into the disposal hole for disposal.

Among the automatic analyzers, the sample transfer line 114, the reagent disk 111, the incubator 108, the sample dispensing unit 115, the reagent dispensing mechanism 109, the sample dispensing chip / reaction vessel transport mechanism 106, and the detection unit 113 described above are included. It is called an analysis operation unit. Further, the automatic analyzer includes, in addition to the analysis operation unit, a control unit 117 and an operation unit 118 that control the operation of the entire automatic analyzer. The control unit 117 is composed of, for example, a hardware board and a computer, and is connected to a storage device 119 such as a hard disk. The operation unit 118 is composed of a display device which is a display and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard. The storage device 119 stores, for example, a temperature range corresponding to each unit.

The control unit 117 may be configured as hardware by a dedicated circuit board, or may be configured by software executed by a computer. When configured by hardware, it can be realized by integrating a plurality of arithmetic units for executing processing on a wiring board or in a semiconductor chip or a package. When it is configured by software, it can be realized by mounting a high-speed general-purpose CPU on a computer and executing a program that executes desired arithmetic processing. It is also possible to upgrade existing equipment with the recording medium on which this program is recorded. In addition, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is appropriately transmitted and received.

2 and 3 are schematic perspective views showing an example of a reagent container used in the automatic analyzer of each embodiment. The reagent container 110 is composed of three containers to form one set, for example, a magnetic particle solution and two kinds of reagents to form one set. Each container includes a main body for accommodating reagents, an opening 303 that can access the reagents, and a lid 201 that can seal the opening 303. The outer shape of the entire reagent container 110 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a shoulder portion 202, and three openings 303 are arranged side by side on the upper side of the shoulder portion and project upward. In order to enable the opening / closing operation by the reagent container lid opening / closing device incorporated in the automatic analyzer, a round bar-shaped protrusion 302 is provided at one end of the lid 201, and the reagent container 110 is provided with respect to the lid 201. It protrudes in the lateral direction. An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 203 is attached to the end face of the reagent container 110. The built-in memory of the RFID tag 203 stores a container ID for identifying the reagent container 110, the type of reagent contained in the reagent container 110, the amount of the reagent, the expiration date of the reagent, and other necessary information. ing. The reagent container information reading means is not limited to RFID, and a barcode or other information reading means may be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a reagent container in a closed state. In the initial state, the opening 303 is sealed by the lid 201. In order to securely seal the opening 303, the lid is provided with a sealing member 304 that can be inserted into the opening 303 to seal the opening 303. If the opening 303 is always open, the internal reagent may evaporate or the reagent concentration may change. Further, if the reagent container 110 is accidentally tilted during handling, there is a risk that the reagent in the reagent container 110 may spill. These inconveniences can be alleviated by keeping the opening 303 sealed by the lid 201 and opening the lid 201 when necessary. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a reagent container in an open state. The lid 201 opens from the protrusion 302 by rotating the lid 201 around the hinge 301 as a rotation axis. At this time, the sealing member 304 is completely removed from the opening 303, and the lid 201 is opened at a large angle about the hinge 301.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the reagent disk 111 according to each embodiment. In order to control the reagent container 110 to a constant temperature, the reagent disk 111 includes a lid 401 and a jacket 402 having a heat insulating function. Further, an RFID information reading device 403 is provided as a part of the lid 401. As will be described later, the jacket 402 also includes an RFID information reading device, and the device 403 is referred to as an RFID information reading device A to distinguish it from the RFID information reading device.

FIG. 5A is an external view of the reagent disk 111 showing a state in which the lid 401 is removed, and FIG. 5B is a plan view thereof. The reagent disk 111 includes a reagent drive disk 501 (also referred to as a first turntable partition) for transporting the reagent container 110 to a desired position, a reagent drive disk drive unit 502 for driving the reagent drive disk 501, and the reagent drive disk 501. A fixed disk 503 (also called a second turntable partition) having a reagent stirring position 508, a loading system 504 that allows the reagent container 110 to be mounted in the system during analysis, and a reagent-driven disk 501 to fixed disk 503 or To distinguish between the reagent container moving unit 505 (also referred to as the container shift mechanism) for moving the reagent container 110 to the loading system 504 and the RFID information reading device 506 (reading device 403 on the lid 401 described above). It includes an information readout device B) and a partition plate for partitioning the space between the reagent containers 110. Here, each space partitioned by the partition plate is called a reagent container installation slot.

As is clear from the plan view of FIG. 5B, the reagent dispensing position 509 exists on the operating path of the reagent driving disk 501. The reagent stirring position 508 is adjacent to the reagent dispensing position 509 and exists on the operating path of the reagent dispensing pipette. The area of this reagent disc is also referred to as the processing zone.

5C is a side view of the reagent discs shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. At the reagent stirring position 508, the reagent dispensing pipette 109 can dispense the same type of reagent into another reaction vessel while the magnetic particle stirring arm 116 is stirring the magnetic particle solution inside the reagent vessel. As a result, a sufficient time for stirring the magnetic particles can be secured, and dispensing and stirring can be performed at the same time. Therefore, the analysis can be performed without reducing the throughput. In FIG. 5C, the reagent dispensing position 509 and the reagent stirring position 508 are linearly lined up, and both positions exist at the same position on the operating path of the reagent dispensing pipette. Substantially the same is true even if the working path of the reagent dispensing pipette is on the circumference.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the loading system 504 of FIG. 5A. The loading system forms part of a fixed disc located on the inner circumference of the reagent disc, and the system operates upwards and downwards. For example, if a fixed disc is present on the outer circumference of the reagent disc, the loading system may be configured to allow the loading system to be pulled out vertically or laterally. Further, since a part of the fixed disk is a loading system, and the system is shaped so that up to five reagent containers can be exchanged, two or more reagent containers may be exchanged, or one. Only the reagent container may be replaceable. The loading system 504 includes a reagent setting unit 601 on which the reagent container 110 is placed and a reagent actuator 602 for operating the reagent upward / downward.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the reagent container charging section and the loading system of the automatic analyzer of each embodiment, and shows a state in which the loading system 504 is located at the top. The reagent container charging section has an opening 701 for introducing the reagent container into the apparatus, and a reagent loading section composed of a space between the upper surface 702 and the lower surface 703 in front of the opening connected to the opening 701. When the loading system is located at the bottom, the opening 701 is closed by a shielding member. In this embodiment, a plurality of guide grooves 704 for guiding the reagent container are radially arranged on the lower surface in front of the opening connected to the opening 701. The guide groove 704 is for sliding the lower end portion of the reagent container 110 into the guide groove 704 to guide the lower end portion toward the inside of the opening 701. In this example, five guide grooves are provided along the insertion direction of the reagent container. It is provided. As shown, the five radially arranged guide grooves 704 communicate with the five slots on the similarly radially arranged loading system. That is, the radially arranged slots 801 and the radially arranged guide grooves 704 form a completely continuous and integrated radial groove.

The operator can insert the reagent container into the slot 801 by simply inserting the bottom of the reagent container into the guide groove 704 and sliding the reagent container toward the back of the opening 701 along the guide groove 704 while grasping the reagent container. An indicator lamp 705 indicating a state is provided above each guide groove. A loader switch 706 is provided beside the opening 701. As will be described later, the loader switch 706 is a hard switch for raising / lowering the loading system 504 and is used for reagent discharge / addition.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the reagent loading section. As shown in the figure, in addition to the guide groove 704 on the lower surface of the reagent loading portion, the guide groove 802 is also installed on the upper surface. The guide grooves 802 on the upper surface are also arranged radially like the guide grooves on the lower surface. Since the reagent container 110 is slid with its upper and lower ends fixed in the upper and lower guide grooves 704 and 802 provided in the charging area, it can be inserted into the slot 801 with higher accuracy. Further, the guide groove 802 on the upper surface has a mechanism for opening and closing the lid of the reagent container, and the lid is half-opened in the process of sliding the reagent container to the innermost position (hereinafter, the mechanism is a half opener). , The function is called a half-open function, respectively). As a result, the operator does not have to open the lid by his / her own hand each time when the reagent container is charged.

Hereinafter, an example of the reagent discharge / additional sequence by the operator of the automatic analyzer according to each embodiment will be described.
First, the flow of the continuous reagent loading operation will be described. The operator selects reagent discharge / additional request through the host computer. The host computer analyzes the current operational status of the device, and if it is then determined that the reagent exchange is feasible, the host computer turns on the indicator lamp 705 to indicate that the reagent exchange can be performed. The operator determines that the reagents are replaceable according to the information from both the host computer and the indicator lamp 705.

After accepting the reagent discharge request from the operator, the reagent drive disk 501 rotates to move the reagent container to be discharged to a position adjacent to the loading system 504. The reagent container moving unit 505 then moves the reagent container from the reagent driving disk 501 to the loading system 504. When the loader switch 706 is pressed by the operator in this state, the loading system 504 is operated upward, and the reagent container can be discharged by the operator.

Here, if additional reagents are required, the operator can install the reagent container to be added in the loading system 504. After installing the reagent container, when the loader switch 706 is pressed by the operator, the loading system 504 operates downward. At that time, the loading system 504 is once stopped at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A). Here, the device reads out the RFID information of the additional reagent container and then registers it in the device. When the reagent information is registered, the reagent container is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505.

If the additional reagent container is accidentally inserted upside down, the RFID information will not be read normally and the reagent information will not be registered. At this time, the apparatus notifies the operator via the display that the reagent information registration has failed. In addition, the loading system 504 is operated upwards to make the reagent container that failed to register ready for retrieval. In this state, the operator removes the container from slot 801 once and reinserts the container into the guide in the correct orientation.

In the first embodiment, the reagent container storage for holding the reagent container, the reagent disk for accommodating the reagent container and transporting the reagent container to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and the loading system of the reagent disk and the reagent container are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. This is an example of an automatic analyzer having a configuration including a unit and a control unit that controls an irradiation unit. In particular, in this embodiment, the configuration in which the ultraviolet irradiation portion for sterilization is attached to the reagent container will be described.

FIG. 9 shows a sterilization unit 901 for sterilization in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, all the components including the ultraviolet irradiation unit 902 are incorporated in the reagent container 110, and the shape of the container itself is the same as that of a normal reagent container. With such a structure, it becomes possible to load the device into the apparatus in the same manner as a normal reagent container. That is, it is not necessary to install a charging section dedicated to the container, and space saving can be realized.

Components other than the ultraviolet irradiation unit 902 include a control unit 903 that controls the ultraviolet irradiation of the irradiation unit, a drive battery 904, a mechanical switch 905 that switches the timing of the ultraviolet irradiation, and to alleviate local heat generation due to the ultraviolet irradiation. There is a heat radiation unit 906 and a battery level indicator 907 that displays the remaining battery level. As described above, the reagent container is provided with an irradiation unit, and the reagent container provided with the irradiation unit has at least a control unit, a drive battery for driving the irradiation unit, and a switch for switching the timing of ultraviolet irradiation.

Here, an ultraviolet LED is used for the ultraviolet irradiation unit 902. As described above, it is desirable to keep the temperature inside the reagent disk 111 constant (for example, 2 to 10 ° C.) in order to ensure the onboard stability of the reagent. Therefore, it is important to attach the heat radiating unit 906 to the ultraviolet irradiation unit 902 to alleviate the local heat generation caused by the ultraviolet irradiation from the viewpoint of stable storage of the reagent on the apparatus.

Next, the function of switching the irradiation timing by the mechanical switch 905 will be described. 10A and 10B show the OFF state and the ON state of the switch 905, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10A, the switch 905 is turned off when the lid 201 is completely closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, the lid portion 201 is turned on when it is in the half-open state (it is also turned on when it is fully open). The switch 905 includes a spring 1002 under the convex portion 1001, and when the lid portion 201 is completely closed, the spring 1002 and the convex portion 1001 are pushed in to be electrically insulated from the control unit, and ultraviolet rays are emitted. Not irradiated.

Here, when the lid portion 201 is in the half-open state, the convex portion 1001 is released from being pushed in with the opening of the spring 1002, becomes electrically conductive with the control portion, and is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. This feature is useful in preventing operator exposure to UV light by the sterilization unit 901, as described below. When using the sterilization unit 901, the operator first installs the unit in the guide groove 704 of the reagent loading unit with the lid 201 closed.

Next, when a predetermined process before charging the sterilization unit 901 is performed, for example, when the loader switch 706 is pressed after instructing the device to load the sterilization unit 901 via the user interface (UI), the loading system 504 rises. Further, the operator slides the installed sterilization unit 901 along the guide groove 704 and inserts it into the slot 801. At this time, when the sterilization unit 901 passes through the guide groove 802 on the upper surface, the lid portion 201 is half-opened and the switch 905 is turned on by the above-mentioned half-open function. That is, the ultraviolet irradiation is started only after the sterilization unit 901 is inserted into the slot 801. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operator from being exposed to ultraviolet rays by the unit. The number of mechanical switches 905 does not have to be three, and may be one or two.

The irradiation timing switching mechanism is not limited to the above, and a plurality of types of switches may be used in combination. For example, in addition to the switch 905, a toggle switch, which is also one of the mechanical switches, may be used in combination. A mechanism in which the toggle switch is mounted on the outer surface of the container so that the operator can switch freely, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated only when the two conditions of turning on the toggle switch and turning on the mechanical switch 905 are met. It may be.

In addition to the mechanical switch, a switching mechanism using a sensor such as an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, or an acceleration sensor may be used. A switch using an illuminance sensor turns on the switch when the illuminance falls below a preset threshold value. By setting the sterilization unit 901 below the threshold value only when it is present in the reagent disc, it is possible to prevent the operator from being exposed to ultraviolet rays outside the reagent disc.

A switch using a temperature sensor turns on the switch when the temperature falls below a preset threshold value. Similarly to the illuminance sensor, if the sterilization unit 901 is set to be below the threshold value only when it is present in the reagent disk, it is possible to prevent the operator from being exposed to ultraviolet rays outside the reagent disk. A switch using an acceleration sensor turns on the switch when a constant acceleration is detected. Here, it is assumed that the reagent disc holds the sterilization unit and then irradiates ultraviolet rays while rotating the reagent drive disc 501. That is, the acceleration generated when the reagent drive disk 501 shifts from the stopped state to the rotational operation is detected and the ultraviolet rays are irradiated.

In addition to the above, a switching mechanism using wireless communication may be used. For example, after loading the sterilization unit onto the reagent disk with the power turned off, the switch may be turned on by the remote controller corresponding to the unit. Further, RFID, which is one of the wireless communication technologies and is also used in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, may be used. For example, the RFID tag 203 may incorporate a circuit that switches the unit when reading the tag information. By doing so, the switch is turned on when the tag information of the RFID tag 203 is read by the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) at the time of loading the unit. On the other hand, when the unit is unloaded, the switch is turned off when the tag information is read again by the RFID information reading device 403 (device A).

RFID information reading device 506 (device B) may be used for this switching means. That is, immediately after loading the unit, the reagent drive disk 501 rotates and moves to a position adjacent to the read device 506 (device B). Subsequently, the tag information of the RFID tag 203 is read, and the switch is turned on. After using the unit, it moves to a position adjacent to the device 506 (device B) again, and the tag information is read to turn off the switch. A major advantage of switching using wireless communication is that UV irradiation can be switched in areas that are inaccessible to the operator, such as inside the reagent container storage.

By increasing the number / type of switches in this way and increasing the steps leading to UV irradiation, the risk of UV exposure of the operator can be reduced. In addition to increasing the number of steps to irradiation, the above risk can be reduced by complicating the logic leading to irradiation. The details will be described by taking as an example the case where three mechanical switches 905 are provided as shown in FIG.

One means of complicating the logic is to set a certain rule for the order of switching the three mechanical switches. For example, when the surface of the reagent container 110 to which the RFID tag 203 is attached is referred to as front / front, ultraviolet rays may be irradiated only when the switch is turned on in order from the rear container. When the sterilization unit 901 is actually slid to the innermost position in the correct direction (the direction in which the RFID tag 203 faces the RFID information reading device 403), the switches are turned on in the above order. By providing such a rule, it is possible to reduce the risk of being irradiated with ultraviolet rays when the operator accidentally opens the lid 201.

As described above, in this embodiment, the case where an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as the ultraviolet irradiation unit has been described. Although a mercury lamp can be used as an ultraviolet light source, using an ultraviolet LED has an advantage in terms of space saving. The central wavelength of the synchrotron radiation from the ultraviolet LED is preferably 180 nm to 340 nm, which is known to be useful for sterilization. In particular, it is desirable that the wavelength is around 260 nm, which is a wavelength having high sterilization efficiency, that is, 230 nm to 290 nm.

The amount of ultraviolet light irradiated depends on the current, voltage, and energization time of feeding the LED, and is controlled by the control unit 903. The amount of ultraviolet irradiation light per unit area required for sterilization is determined by the combination of the bacterial species to be sterilized and the irradiation wavelength. Therefore, for each combination of the bacterial species and the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays used, the amount of irradiation light required for sterilization is obtained in advance by actual measurement or calculation. This information is stored as a table in the storage unit 903A of the control unit 903.

From the viewpoint of bactericidal effect, it is desirable that the amount of irradiation light is large. On the other hand, it is necessary to consider the influence of ultraviolet irradiation on the reagent components and various components (reagent container and reagent disk) in the reagent container storage. That is, it is necessary to control the irradiation wavelength and the irradiation light amount so that they are not denatured by ultraviolet irradiation. Since the amount of irradiation light for which denaturation is within the permissible range is determined by the combination of the reagent used and the irradiation wavelength, each combination is obtained by actual measurement or calculation in advance. This information is stored as a table in the storage unit 903A of the control unit 903. Degeneration of reagent components and constituent members can be defined by changes in chemical bonds and molecular weights evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and the like. Further, the change in the mechanical properties of the constituent members can be defined by the change in parameters such as hardness and Young's modulus evaluated in the indentation test using a nanoindenter or the like.

In controlling the amount of irradiation light, in addition to the above-mentioned bactericidal effect and denaturation of reagent components / various components, it is also necessary to have a viewpoint of influence on the temperature environment in the reagent disk. For example, when it is necessary to keep the temperature inside the reagent disk at 2 to 10 ° C, care must be taken so that the temperature around the sterilization unit does not exceed 10 ° C due to the lighting of the LED. In this embodiment, the local temperature rise can be suppressed by mounting the heat radiating unit 906 on the irradiation unit. Here, a heat sink and a fan are used for the heat radiating unit 906.

The number of LEDs used does not have to be limited to one as in this embodiment, and a plurality of LEDs may be used for the purpose of expanding the irradiation range. Further, an optical member such as a lens or a mirror may be used. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit 903, or may be provided in the reagent container storage. Further, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator and changing the mounting position / angle of the LED.

As described above, a mercury lamp can be used in addition to the LED for the ultraviolet irradiation unit. The amount of irradiation light depends on the current, voltage, and energization time that feed the mercury lamp. As in the case of the LED, the amount of irradiation light required for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the bacterial species to be sterilized and the emission wavelength of the lamp. This information is stored as a table in the storage unit 903A of the control unit 903. Further, it is necessary to consider the modification of the reagent components and various constituent members in the reagent container storage as in the case of the LED. That is, the amount of irradiation light within the permissible range of denaturation is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the reagent to be used and the irradiation wavelength.

This information is stored as a table in the storage unit 903A of the control unit 903. Since the mercury lamp includes wavelengths in the visible to infrared region that do not contribute to sterilization, it is desirable to control the irradiation wavelength with an optical filter. The irradiation range can be expanded by increasing the number of lamps or using optical members such as lenses and mirrors. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit 903, or may be provided in the reagent container storage. Further, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator and changing the mounting position / angle of the lamp.

A battery is used to supply power to each component of the sterilization unit 903, including the ultraviolet irradiation unit. From the viewpoint of convenience, it is desirable that the battery can be used repeatedly by charging. In selecting the battery to be used, it is necessary to consider safety, energy density, mass, and the like. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a general rechargeable battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery, a lithium ion battery, and a lithium polymer battery is used. The charging work is regularly performed by the operator outside the device. That is, after using the sterilization unit a certain number of times, the unit is unloaded and the battery is taken out. Next, the removed battery is installed in a dedicated charger to charge the battery. The charger may be configured so that it can be charged simply by installing a sterilization unit without removing the battery. In addition, wireless charging may be adopted as a charging method.

For charging outside the device, a charging port may be provided inside the device, for example, a reagent container storage. For example, a part of the fixed disk 503 may be used as a charging port. At this time, the reagent stirring position 508 may be used as the charging port, or a new charging port may be installed. Further, one of the reagent container installation slots in the reagent drive disk 501 may be used as a dedicated slot for the sterilization unit, and charging may be performed there. Here, the term “dedicated to the sterilization unit” means that the slot is not shared with the analytical reagent container. In addition, wireless charging may be adopted as a charging method. The charging procedure will be described together with the operation method of the sterilization unit (described later).

Next, the method of managing the remaining battery level will be described. The remaining battery level can be visually confirmed by the operator by the battery level indicator 907. Further, the charging port installed in the above-mentioned device may be configured so that the remaining battery level can be confirmed. As a result, every time the sterilization unit is moved or installed in the charging port, the device can automatically check the remaining battery level. Further, the remaining battery level can be stored as one of the tag information of the RFID tag 203. As a result, the remaining battery level can be checked each time the tag information is read by the RFID information reading device 403/506. Here, the remaining battery level read by the charging port / RFID information reading device is displayed on the device GUI and can be confirmed by the operator.

The operation method of the sterilization unit of this embodiment will be described below. Here, consider the case where the operator uses the unit for equipment maintenance work. Further, before the execution of this work, it is assumed that the apparatus is in a so-called standby state in which an analysis operation or the like is not executed. Further, it is assumed that the unit is held in the reagent container installation slot in the reagent drive disc 501 and irradiated with ultraviolet rays while rotating the reagent drive disc. The reagent container installation slot referred to here does not mean a slot dedicated to the sterilization unit described above, but a slot shared with the analytical reagent container. As an example of the ultraviolet irradiation timing switching mechanism, a case where a mechanical switch 905 using the above-mentioned half opener and a switch using wireless communication with the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) are used together will be described as an example.

11 and 12 are flowcharts of work procedures, and the operating subjects thereof are an automatic analyzer controlled by control units 117 and 903, and an operator. FIG. 11 shows a case where the sterilization unit used after performing the work once is unloaded. On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a case where the used sterilization unit is unloaded after the work is repeatedly performed until the remaining battery level is exhausted.

First, the former will be described. When loading the sterilization unit into the device, the operator first orders the sterilization unit to be loaded on the device UI (S1101). Then, the apparatus confirms whether there is an empty slot for installing the unit on the reagent drive disk (S1102). If it is determined that there is no empty slot, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1103). The operator who confirms this selects one suitable reagent container and unloads it (the procedure for discharging the reagent has already been described and is omitted here, S1104). After discharging the reagent, the unit is ordered to be charged again (S1101).

After the device confirms the existence of an empty slot, the operator presses the loader switch 706 (S1105). Then, the loading system 504 operates upward, and the operator can charge the sterilization unit (S1106). In this state, the operator installs the unit in the loading system 504 (S1107) and presses the loader switch 706 again (S1108). The loading system 504 then operates downward (S1109). In the process, the remaining battery level stored in the RFID tag of the sterilization unit is read by the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) (S1110).

Here, if the RFID information is not read normally because the sterilization unit is accidentally inserted in the reverse direction, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1111). Subsequently, the loading system 504 operates upward to eject the sterilization unit (S1112). After confirming the warning message, the operator removes the sterilization unit from slot 801 once and inserts it into the guide again in the correct orientation (S1113).

In reading the RFID tag information (S1110), if the information is read normally, the battery level read next is confirmed (S1114). Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1115). Subsequently, the loading system 504 operates upward to eject the sterilization unit (S1116). After confirming the warning message, the operator discharges the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1117) and then charges the battery (S1118). After charging the battery, the sterilization unit is turned on again (S1101-).

When the remaining battery level is a necessary and sufficient amount, information on the sterilization unit including the remaining battery level is registered in the storage unit of the device (S1119). After registration, the sterilization unit is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1120). Next, the operator orders the execution of the sterilization operation on the UI of the apparatus (S1121). Then, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) (S1122), and the LED is turned on by communication with the device (S1123). After the LED is turned on, the reagent drive disk is rotated based on a predetermined sequence to sterilize the inside of the storage (S1124). That is, the control unit controls to irradiate ultraviolet rays after the sterilization unit has moved to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B).

After the sterilization operation is completed, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the read device 506 (device B) again (S1125). Subsequently, the LED is turned off by communication with the device (S1126). After the LED is turned off, the sterilization unit is moved to a position adjacent to the loading system 504, and further moved to the loading system 504 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1127). After that, the loading system 504 operates upward (S1128), and the sterilization unit by the operator can be taken out (S1129). Finally, the operator takes out the sterilization unit, and this maintenance work is completed.

In this way, after registering the RFID tag information, the control unit moves the sterilization unit to the reagent-driven disk and orders the execution of the sterilization operation. Further, the control unit controls to execute the sterilization operation by turning on the sterilization unit after moving the sterilization unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B. Further, the control unit controls to turn off the irradiation unit after moving the sterilization unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B after executing the sterilization operation.

Next, a case where the maintenance work is repeatedly performed until the remaining battery level is exhausted will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that this maintenance work has been performed in the past and the sterilization unit after use is held as it is in the reagent disk. Further, it is assumed that the LED is initially turned off. First, the operator commands the execution of the sterilization operation on the device UI (S1201). Then, the sterilization unit is moved to a position adjacent to the loading system 504, and further moved to the loading system 504 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1202). After that, the loading system 504 operates upward and stops once at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) (S1203). Further, the remaining battery level is read out by the device (device A) (S1204).

Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1205). The loading system 504 is then actuated upwards to eject the sterilization unit (S1206). After confirming the warning message, the operator discharges the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1207) and then charges the battery (S1208).

When the remaining battery level is the necessary and sufficient amount, the sterilization unit information such as the remaining battery level is updated (S1209). After the update, the loading system 504 operates downwards (S1210) and the sterilization unit is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1211). Subsequently, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) (S1212), and the LED is turned on by communication with the device (S1213). After the LED is turned on, the reagent drive disk is rotated based on a predetermined sequence to sterilize the inside of the storage (S1214).

After the sterilization operation is completed, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the read device 506 (device B) again (S1215), and the LED is turned off by communication with the device (S1216). After the LED is turned off, the sterilization unit is moved to a position adjacent to the loading system 504, and further moved to the loading system 504 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1217). The loading system 504 operates upward and stops once at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) (S1218). Next, the remaining battery level is read out by the device (device A) (S1219).

Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1220). The loading system 504 then operates upward to eject the sterilization unit (S1221). The operator who confirms the warning message discharges the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1222) and charges the battery (S1223).

When the remaining battery level is the necessary and sufficient amount, the sterilization unit information is updated (S1224). After the update, the loading system 504 operates downwards (S1225) and the sterilization unit is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1226). This completes this maintenance work. The last updated sterilization unit information is stored in the storage device 119, and the operator can confirm the loading status of the sterilization unit and the remaining battery level in advance at the time of the next maintenance work.

Further, when the maintenance work is completed, the work date and time may be stored in the storage device 119. By doing so, for example, it is possible to have a function of displaying a message prompting the work execution on the GUI when a certain period of time has passed since the day when the maintenance work was last performed. Further, in addition to the message display, the apparatus may automatically perform the work when there is no measurement request. Regarding the battery, if there is a charging port in the reagent container storage (inside the fixed disk 503 or reagent drive disk 501), if the sterilization unit is moved to the charging port after the work is completed, the battery will be ready for the next work. Can be charged. By instructing the discharge of the sterilization unit on the device UI, the sterilization unit can be discharged at an arbitrary timing even when the remaining battery level is sufficient. The above is the case where the operator uses the sterilization unit for equipment maintenance work.

Next, a case where the work is performed during the preparatory operation before the start of analysis and measurement will be described. Here, an example will be given in which the maintenance work has been carried out in the past and the sterilization unit after use is held as it is in the charging port (if installed) in the reagent disk or in the storage. 13A and 13B show a flowchart of the work procedure, and the operating subject thereof is an automatic analyzer controlled by control units 117 and 903, and an operator.

First, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the operator requests the analysis measurement, the preparatory operation before the start of the analysis measurement starts (S1301). The sterilization unit is moved to a position adjacent to the loading system 504, and is further moved to the loading system 504 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1302). After that, the loading system 504 operates upward and stops once at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) (S1303). Further, the remaining battery level is read out by the device (device A) (S1304). Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1305). The loading system 504 is then actuated upwards to eject the sterilization unit (S1306). After confirming the warning message, the operator discharges the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1307) and then installs the battery-charged sterilization unit (S1310).

If no battery is charged, the operator presses the loader switch 706 (S1308). Along with this, the loading system 504 operates downward (S1309), and thereafter, the sterilization operation is not performed, and the analysis operation is started as soon as the pre-analysis preparation operation is completed. When a newly charged battery is installed, when the loader switch 706 is pressed by the operator (S1311), the loading system operates downward (S1312). In the process, the remaining battery level is read by the read device (device A) (S1313).

Here, if the RFID information is not read normally because the sterilization unit is mistakenly inserted in the reverse direction, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1314). The loading system 504 is then actuated upwards to eject the sterilization unit (S1315). After confirming the warning message, the operator removes the sterilization unit from slot 801 once and inserts it into the guide again in the correct orientation (S1316). In reading the RFID information (S1313), if the information is read normally, then the remaining battery level is checked (S1317). Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1318). After that, the sterilization operation is not performed, and as soon as the pre-analysis preparation operation is completed, the analysis operation is started.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the remaining battery level is a necessary and sufficient amount, the sterilization unit information such as the remaining battery level is updated (S1319). After that, the loading system 504 operates downward (S1320), and the sterilization unit is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1321). Subsequently, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) (S1322), and the LED is turned on by communication with the device (S1323). After the LED is turned on, the reagent drive disk is rotated based on a predetermined sequence to sterilize the inside of the storage (S1324).

After the sterilization operation is completed, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the read device 506 (device B) again (S1325), and the LED is turned off by communication with the device (S1326). After the LED is turned off, the sterilization unit is moved to a position adjacent to the loading system 504, and further moved to the loading system 504 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1327). The loading system 504 operates upward and stops once at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) (S1328). Further, the remaining battery level is read out by the device (device A) (S1329). Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the necessary and sufficient amount, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1330). After that, the sterilization operation is not performed, and as soon as the pre-analysis preparation operation is completed, the analysis operation is started.

When the remaining battery level is the necessary and sufficient amount, the sterilization unit information such as the remaining battery level is updated (S1331). After the update, the loading system 504 operates downward (S1332) and the sterilization unit is moved by the reagent container moving unit 505 to the reagent drive disk 501 (S1333). This completes this maintenance work. The last updated sterilization unit information is stored in the storage device 119, and the operator can confirm the loading status of the sterilization unit and the remaining battery level in advance at the time of the next maintenance work.

Further, when the maintenance work is completed, the work date and time may be stored in the storage device 119. By doing so, for example, it is possible to have a function of displaying a message prompting the work execution on the GUI when a certain period of time has passed since the day when the maintenance work was last performed. Further, in addition to the message display, the apparatus may automatically perform the work when there is no measurement request. Regarding the battery, if there is a charging port in the reagent container storage, that is, in the fixed disk 503 or the reagent driving disk 501, if the sterilization unit is moved to the charging port after the work is completed, the battery will be used by the next work. Can be charged. By instructing the discharge of the sterilization unit on the UI of the device, it is possible to discharge the sterilization unit at an arbitrary timing even when the remaining battery level is sufficient.

The above is the case of performing the preparatory operation before the start of analysis. Not limited to this, it may be carried out at the time of starting the device or shutting down the device. Further, the device may be automatically executed after a certain period of time has elapsed after the device is shut down. The work process is the same as the flowcharts of FIGS. 13A and 13B described above.

Next, the sequence of sterilization operation will be described. This operation is based on the fact that the reagent drive disk 501 holding the sterilization unit is rotated at regular intervals with the LED turned on. It is desirable to irradiate the inside of the storage as uniformly as possible by rotating the reagent drive disk 501 while changing the irradiation angle. Further, as described above, the irradiation range may be expanded by installing an optical member (mirror, lens, etc.) in the reagent container storage. A place where contamination is likely to occur (a place communicating with the outside of the device, etc.) may be investigated in advance, and the place may be intensively irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, a plurality of types of sequences may be prepared so that the operator can freely select them. A place where light is difficult to reach due to its structure, for example, a gap between the bottom surface of the loading system 504 and the bottom surface of the jacket 402 can be sterilized by operating the loading system 504 slightly upward and then irradiating it with ultraviolet rays.

As described in detail above, the configuration of this embodiment saves space in the reagent container storage, avoids interference with the reagent drive disk, and prevents contamination by microorganisms derived from the outside of the device, thereby saving the reagent container storage. An automatic analyzer that can keep the inside clean can be provided.

In the second embodiment, the reagent container storage for holding the reagent container, the reagent disk for accommodating the reagent container and transporting the reagent container to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and the reagent disk and the loading system for the reagent container are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. This is an example of an automatic analyzer having a configuration including a unit and a control unit for controlling an irradiation unit, and an embodiment of a configuration in which an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays is provided in a part of the automatic analyzer. In this embodiment, a case where the irradiation unit is provided in the jacket 402 of the reagent disk or in the loading system 504 is taken as an example.

FIG. 14 shows a case where the sterilization unit 1401 is mounted inside the jacket 402. In this figure, two sterilization units 1401 are mounted, but the number is not limited to this and may be one or three or more. That is, at least one irradiation unit is installed inside the jacket 402 of the reagent disk. On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows a case where the sterilization unit 1501 is mounted in the loading system 504. In this case as well, the number of sterilization units attached is not limited, and may be only one or a plurality. That is, at least one irradiation unit is attached to the loading system.

First, an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays according to this embodiment will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the LED is used as the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Although a mercury lamp can be used as an ultraviolet light source, using an ultraviolet LED has an advantage in terms of space saving. The central wavelength of the synchrotron radiation from the ultraviolet LED is preferably 180 nm to 340 nm, which is known to be useful for sterilization. In particular, it is desirable that the wavelength is around 260 nm, which is a wavelength having high sterilization efficiency, that is, 230 nm to 290 nm.

In Example 1, the amount of irradiation light was controlled by the control unit 903 in the sterilization unit. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is performed by the control unit 117 on the device side shown in FIG. The amount of irradiation light required for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the bacterial species and the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays used, as in Example 1. In the first embodiment, these information are stored as a table in the storage unit 903A of the control unit 903, whereas in this embodiment, they are stored in the storage device 119 on the device side.

The amount of irradiation light for which the modification of the reagent components and the various components in the reagent container storage by ultraviolet rays, for example, the reagent container and the reagent disk is within the permissible range, is also measured or calculated in advance for each combination of the reagent to be used and the irradiation wavelength. Ask. This information is stored in the storage device 119 as a table. Degeneration of reagent components and constituent members can be defined by changes in chemical bonds and molecular weights evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and the like. Further, the change in the mechanical properties of the constituent members can be defined by the change in parameters such as hardness and Young's modulus evaluated in the indentation test using a nanoindenter or the like.

In controlling the amount of irradiation light, in addition to the above-mentioned bactericidal effect and denaturation of reagent components / various components, the viewpoint of influence on the temperature environment in the reagent disk is also required. For example, when it is necessary to keep the temperature inside the reagent disk at 2 to 10 ° C, care must be taken so that the temperature around the sterilization unit does not exceed 10 ° C due to the lighting of the LED. By attaching a heat radiating part such as a heat sink to the irradiating part, it is possible to suppress a local temperature rise.

The number of LEDs used is not limited to one, and a plurality of LEDs may be used for the purpose of expanding the irradiation range. Further, an optical member such as a lens or a mirror may be used. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit, or may be provided at any place in the reagent container storage. Further, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator and changing the mounting position / angle of the LED. Further, a place where contamination is likely to occur (a place communicating with the outside of the device, etc.) may be investigated in advance, and the place may be intensively installed around the place.

It is the same as in Example 1 that a mercury lamp can be used for the ultraviolet irradiation unit in addition to the LED. As in the case of the LED, the amount of irradiation light required for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the bacterial species to be sterilized and the emission wavelength of the lamp. This information is stored in the storage device 119 as a table. Further, it is necessary to consider the modification of the reagent components and various constituent members in the reagent container storage as in the case of the LED. That is, the amount of irradiation light whose denaturation is within the permissible range is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the reagent to be used and the irradiation wavelength. This information is stored as a table in the storage device 119. Since the mercury lamp includes wavelengths in the visible to infrared region that do not contribute to sterilization, it is desirable to control the irradiation wavelength with an optical filter. The irradiation range can be expanded by increasing the number of lamps or using optical members such as lenses and mirrors. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit 9, or may be provided at any place in the reagent container storage. Further, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator and changing the mounting position / angle of the lamp.

Next, the means for supplying power to the sterilization unit of this embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the battery is not used to supply power to the sterilization unit, and the power can be directly supplied from the device. Wired power supply may be used, or wireless charging may be used. Since the battery is not used, it is not necessary to check the remaining battery level before performing sterilization maintenance work.

The various switches described in the first embodiment are not used for switching the irradiation timing, but are performed by the control unit 117. However, it is desirable to provide an interlock mechanism to minimize the risk of operator exposure to UV light. For example, when the sterilization unit is installed in the reagent container storage, the risk of being exposed to ultraviolet rays when the operator opens the lid 401 for equipment maintenance work, etc., can be reduced by providing an interlock mechanism on the lid 401 of the storage. Can be done. Similarly, when the unit is attached to the loading system 504, the risk can be reduced by providing the lid 401 with an interlock mechanism. That is, the loading system may operate downward and the ultraviolet rays may be irradiated only when the jacket 402 is completely shielded.

The operation procedure of the sterilization unit is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, the operator may perform a sterilization operation as one of the device maintenance operations. Further, it may be performed at the time of preparatory operation before the start of analysis measurement, at the time of starting the device, at the time of shutting down the device, and after shutting down the device. Further, the apparatus may automatically perform the work after a certain period of time has passed since the previous work.

Next, the sequence of sterilization operation will be described. When the sterilization unit is installed in the reagent container storage, the operator cannot access the inside of the reagent container storage except when the lid 401 of the storage is opened, so that ultraviolet rays may be constantly irradiated. On the other hand, when the unit is equipped with the loading system 504, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated only when the loading system 504 is located at the lowermost position and the lid 401 is completely closed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail for a better understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one including all the configurations of the description.

101 Automatic Analyzer, 106 Sample Dispensing Chip / Reaction Vessel Transport Unit, 108 Incubator, 109 Reagent Dispensing Mechanism, 110 Reagent Vessel, 111 Reagent Disc, 113 Detection Unit, 114 Sample Transport Line, 117, 903 Control Unit, 203 RFID Tags, 301 hinges, 302 protrusions, 303 openings, 304 sealants, 401 lids, 402 jackets, 403, 506 devices, 501 reagent drive disks, 502 reagent drive disk drive units, 503 fixed disks, 504 loading systems, 505 reagents Container movement unit, 601 reagent installation unit, 602 reagent actuator, 701 opening, 704, 802 guide groove, 705 indicator lamp, 706 loader switch, 801 slot, 901, 1401, 1501 sterilization unit, 902 ultraviolet irradiation unit, 904 drive battery , 905 mechanical switch, 906 heat dissipation part, 907 battery level indicator.

Claims (12)

Reagent container storage that holds reagent containers and
A reagent disk that houses the reagent container and transports it to a desired position in the reagent container storage.
An irradiation unit that irradiates the reagent disk and the loading system of the reagent container with ultraviolet rays,
A control unit that controls the irradiation unit is provided.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.
The reagent container storage or the reagent disk is provided with the irradiation unit.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2.
At least one irradiation portion is installed inside the jacket of the reagent disc.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.
At least one of the irradiation units is installed in the loading system.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.
The reagent container is provided with the irradiation unit.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5.
The reagent container provided with the irradiation unit is
It has the control unit, a drive battery for driving the irradiation unit, and a switch for switching the timing of ultraviolet irradiation.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2.
The control unit switches on and off the irradiation unit at a specific timing.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.
The control unit controls to switch the switch at a specific timing.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.
The reagent disk includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) information reading device A, and comprises an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) information reading device A.
The control unit
The RFID tag information of the reagent container including the irradiation unit is read by the RFID information reading device A, the remaining amount of the drive battery is confirmed, and when the remaining amount is a necessary and sufficient amount, the RFID tag information is registered.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9.
The control unit
After registering the RFID tag information, the reagent container including the irradiation unit is moved to the reagent drive disk of the reagent disk, and an execution of a sterilization operation is ordered.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10.
The reagent-driven disk includes an RFID information reading device B.
The control unit
The reagent container including the irradiation unit is moved to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B, and the irradiation unit is turned on to control the sterilization operation.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this. The automatic analyzer according to claim 11.
After executing the sterilization operation, the control unit moves the reagent container including the irradiation unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B, and controls to turn off the irradiation unit.
An automatic analyzer characterized by this.

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