JP6712129B2 - Container storage rack and analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container storage rack and an analyzer.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an analyzer (biochemical analyzer) is known in which a sample (for example, blood or urine) is reacted with a reagent to measure various components such as sugar, cholesterol, protein, and enzyme. When performing such a measurement, a reagent corresponding to the content of the measurement is required. That is, the analyzer stores a reagent container that individually stores a plurality of types of reagents in a reagent container (reagent station) of the analyzer. The analyzer performs a dispensing operation in which a predetermined reagent is selected from a plurality of types of reagents, a reagent container containing the selected reagent is moved to a dispenser, and an appropriate amount is sucked up. By the way, the amount of the reagent used at one time may differ depending on the type of inspection or measurement, or the usable period after opening (after the start of use) may differ. That is, the consumption rate differs for each reagent. Therefore, the size (accommodation amount) of the reagent container may differ depending on the type of reagent. Therefore, there is an idea that a plurality of types of reagent containers having different sizes are mixedly housed in a single rack. In this case, since a small reagent container is held in a large storage space, it is necessary to support the reagent container so that it will not be displaced or tilted on the rack. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a reagent container adapter capable of supporting a plurality of types of reagent containers, that is, reagent containers having different sizes in a reagent container (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 4754994

However, in the reagent container adapter described above, a dedicated partition member is used for each size of the reagent container in order to adapt the size of the accommodation chamber of the reagent container adapter to the size of different reagent containers. This partition member is configured to be supported by a guide rail formed on the side wall of the storage chamber. Therefore, in order to stably fix the partition member so that the reagent container is not displaced or tilted, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the side wall on which the guide rail is formed. In other words, the space required to form one accommodation chamber was large. As a result, there is a problem that the number of storage chambers that can be formed on a limited rack space is reduced, and the storage capacity (the number of storages) of reagent containers is reduced.

Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a container storage rack having a simple shape capable of suppressing a decrease in container storage capacity even when containers of different sizes can be stored.

The container storage rack of the embodiment is a container storage rack that can store a plurality of containers in an arrayed state, and connects a partition wall portion interposed between the containers that are adjacently stored and the adjacent partition wall portion. A rack having a plurality of storage portions defined by a first connection wall portion formed so as to form a second connection wall portion formed to face the first connection wall portion, and a bottom wall portion. The main body and a second container having a size that fits in the accommodating portion are contacted with the first connecting wall portion by a second container having a shorter length in the opposing direction of the first connecting wall portion and the second connecting wall portion. And a support adjusting member that positions so as to be in contact with each other. The support adjusting member is fixed to the bottom wall portion.

According to the embodiment, as an example, the support adjustment member for fixing the second container, which is smaller than the first container, to the accommodation portion is fixed to the bottom wall portion that hardly affects the accommodation capacity of the container. It is possible to suppress a decrease in storage capacity. Further, by fixing the support adjusting member at the bottom wall portion, the posture of the support adjusting member in the accommodating portion can be easily stabilized, and the second container can be firmly positioned and supported in the accommodating portion.

FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of a biochemical analysis device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart exemplifying a flow of measurement processing performed by the sample processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a large container as a first container and medium-sized containers and small containers as a second container that can be used in the biochemical analysis apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the outer container storage rack arranged on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage in the biochemical analysis device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the inner container storage rack arranged on the inner peripheral side of the reagent storage in the biochemical analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a large container is stored in the outer container storage rack as a first container and a small container is stored in the inner container storage rack on the inner peripheral side as a second container in the biochemical analysis device according to the embodiment. It is a top view shown. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a large container is housed in the outer container housing rack in the biochemical analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 8: is a perspective view which shows an example of the support adjustment member applied to the container storage rack of the biochemical analyzer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the container storage rack showing a state in which the support adjustment member is attached to the outer container storage rack of the biochemical analysis device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the container storage rack showing a state in which the support adjustment member is attached to the outer container storage rack of the biochemical analysis device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a support adjusting member is attached to the outer container storage rack to accommodate a large container, a medium container, and a small container having different sizes. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support adjusting member is mounted on the outer container storage rack and the medium-sized container is housed in the biochemical analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a support adjusting member is mounted on an outer container storage rack and a small container is stored in the biochemical analysis device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed. The configurations and controls of the embodiments and the actions and effects brought about by the configurations and controls described below are examples. The present invention can be realized by other than the configurations and controls disclosed in the following embodiments, and various effects obtained by the basic configurations and controls can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 1, the biochemical analyzer 1 (analyzer) includes a sample processing device 2 and an information processing device 3. The sample processing apparatus 2 obtains a reaction liquid by reacting a sample such as serum, plasma, or urine with a reagent, and measures the absorbance of the reaction liquid. The information processing device 3 obtains the amount of the component of the sample such as cholesterol based on the absorbance measured by the sample processing device 2. That is, the biochemical analyzer 1 analyzes the sample by the colorimetric analysis method. Such a biochemical analyzer 1 is used, for example, for testing various test items such as cholesterol level on a sample. The biochemical analyzer 1 is an example of an analyzer.

The information processing device 3 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an operation unit (all not shown), and the like. The control unit has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The information processing device 3 is communicatively connected to the sample processing device 2. The information processing device 3 may be configured by a personal computer, for example.

The sample processing apparatus 2 includes a housing 10, a sample container 11, a reagent container 12, a reaction tank 13, a sample dispensing unit 14, reagent dispensing units 15 and 16, stirring units 17 and 18, a measuring unit 19, and a cleaning unit 20. , And a control unit 21 and the like.

The sample storage 11 has a rotating body 31 that is substantially circular in a plan view. The rotating body 31 is supported by the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center axis Ax1 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. The rotating body 31 is rotated around the rotation center axis Ax1 by a drive mechanism (not shown). The rotating body 31 can hold a plurality of sample containers 32. The plurality of sample containers 32 are arranged around the rotation center axis Ax1 and set on the rotating body 31, and rotate integrally with the rotating body 31. Note that FIG. 1 shows a part of the plurality of sample containers 32.

The sample container 32 contains a sample. Further, a barcode (not shown) including identification information of the sample container 32 is attached to the sample container 32, and this barcode is provided in a position facing the sample container 32 in the sample storage 11. It is read by a bar code reader (not shown).

The reagent storage 12 has two rotation support portions 33A and 33B that rotate around the rotation center axis Ax2 (rotation center). The rotation support portions 33A and 33B are separately rotatable. The drive mechanism (not shown) that rotationally drives the rotation support portions 33A and 33B includes, for example, a rotation source such as a motor, a rotation transmission mechanism such as a gear, a belt, and a pulley. The drive source of the drive mechanism may be shared by the two rotation support portions 33A and 33B, or may be provided corresponding to each of the rotation support portions 33A and 33B.

The rotation support portion 33A supports a plurality of reagent containers 34 (for example, a small container 34a shown in FIG. 3) annularly arranged around the rotation center axis Ax2. The rotation support portion 33B supports a plurality of reagent containers 34 (for example, a large container 34c shown in FIG. 3) arranged annularly around the rotation center axis Ax2.

A barcode for identifying the reagent contained in the reagent container 34 is provided on the radially outer surface of the reagent container 34 (see FIG. 3 ). The bar code is read by the bar code reader 22 positioned radially outward of the rotation center axis Ax2 with respect to the rotation support portions 33A and 33B. The barcode reader 22 is an example of a reader.

The reaction tank 13 has a rotating body 35 that is substantially circular in a plan view. The rotating body 35 is supported by the housing 10 so as to be rotatable around a rotation center axis Ax3 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. The rotating body 35 is rotated about the rotation center axis Ax3 by a drive mechanism (not shown). The rotating body 35 is provided with a plurality of light transmissive reaction vessels 36. The plurality of reaction vessels 36 are arranged around the rotation center axis Ax3 and rotate integrally with the rotating body 35. Note that FIG. 1 shows a part of the plurality of reaction vessels 36. The reaction container 36 can be configured by, for example, a cuvette. A sample and a reagent are dispensed into the reaction container 36. The sample and the reagent react in the reaction container 36 to form a reaction liquid. The inside of the reaction tank 13 is maintained at a temperature suitable for proceeding the reaction between the sample and the reagent.

The sample dispensing unit 14 has a pipette 37 and a drive mechanism 38. The pipette 37 is rotated by the drive mechanism 38 between the position above the sample storage 11 and the position above the reaction tank 13 about the rotation center axis Ax4 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. The pipette 37 is moved by the drive mechanism 38 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. Further, the pipette 37 is connected with a suction/discharge mechanism for performing a suction operation and a discharge operation of the sample. The sample dispensing unit 14 sucks the sample in the sample container 32 with the pipette 37 inserted into the sample container 32, inserts the pipette 37 into the reaction container 36, and then inserts the pipette 37 into the reaction container 36 from the pipette 37. The sample can be discharged (dispensed).

The reagent dispensing units 15 and 16 have pipettes 39 and 40 and drive mechanisms 41 and 42, respectively. The pipettes 39 and 40 are rotated by drive mechanisms 41 and 42, respectively, between the upper position of the reagent storage 12 and the upper position of the reaction tank 13, and the rotation center axes Ax5 and Ax6 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. It is rotated around. The pipettes 39 and 40 are moved in the vertical direction of the housing 10 by the drive mechanisms 41 and 42. The pipettes 39 and 40 are connected to a suction/discharging mechanism that performs a reagent suction operation and a reagent discharge operation. The reagent dispensing sections 15 and 16 respectively suck the reagents in the reagent container 34 with the pipettes 39 and 40 inserted into the reagent container 34 and then insert the pipettes 39 and 40 into the reaction container 36, respectively. The reagent can be discharged (dispensed) from the pipettes 39 and 40 into the reaction container 36.

The measuring unit 19 includes a light source unit 45 and a light receiving unit (not shown). The light source unit 45 is located outside the reaction tank 13 and emits halogen light or the like to the reaction vessel 36. Irradiate with light. The light receiving unit receives the light that has passed through the reaction container 36 and measures the intensity of the received light. The measuring unit 19 obtains the absorbance of the reaction liquid in the reaction container 36 based on the intensity of light measured by the light receiving unit. Further, the light source unit 45 is configured to be able to switch the wavelength of the emitted light. Therefore, the measurement unit 19 can measure the absorbance of a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths.

The stirring units 17 and 18 have stirring members (not shown) that can be inserted into the reaction container 36. The stirring units 17 and 18 stir the samples and reagents dispensed into the reaction container 36 by rotating a stirring member inserted into the reaction container 36.

The cleaning unit 20 removes (discards) the reaction liquid in the reaction container 36 and cleans the reaction container 36.

The control unit 21 has, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control unit 21 executes various calculations and controls each unit of the sample processing apparatus 2.

The sample processing apparatus 2 having the above configuration performs a measurement process. During the measurement process, the sample storage 11, the reagent storage 12, and the reaction tank 13 are processed by the sample dispensing unit 14, the reagent dispensing units 15, 16, the stirring units 17, 18, the measuring unit 19, and the cleaning unit 20. It is rotated to the receiving position.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the measurement process, the sample dispensing unit 14 dispenses a predetermined sample in the sample storage 11 into a predetermined reaction container 36 of the reaction tank 13 (S1). Next, the reagent dispensing unit 15 dispenses the first reagent in the reagent storage 12 according to the inspection item into the predetermined reaction container 36 (S2). Next, the stirring unit 17 stirs the inside of the predetermined reaction container 36 (S3). Next, after a lapse of a predetermined time from stirring, the measurement unit 19 measures the absorbance of the first reaction liquid obtained by the reaction between the sample in the predetermined reaction container 36 and the first reagent (S4). .. The measured absorbance is transmitted to the information processing device 3.

Next, the reagent dispensing unit 16 dispenses the second reagent in the reagent storage 12 according to the inspection item into the predetermined reaction container 36 (S5). Next, the stirring unit 18 stirs the inside of the predetermined reaction container 36 (S6). Next, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the stirring, the measurement unit 19 was obtained by the reaction between the first reaction liquid (the sample and the first reagent) in the predetermined reaction container 36 and the second reagent. The absorbance of the second reaction solution is measured (S7). The measured absorbance is transmitted to the information processing device 3. Next, the cleaning unit 20 removes the second reaction liquid in the predetermined reaction container 36 and cleans the reaction container 36 (S8). When two absorbances are obtained by such a measurement process, the information processing device 3 obtains the amount of the component of the sample (for example, cholesterol value) based on the two absorbances. The processing in steps S1 to S8 is repeatedly performed for each sample and each test item. Further, the pipettes 37, 39, 40 are cleaned by a cleaning unit (not shown) at a predetermined timing.

As described above, the reagents used in the biochemical analyzer 1 may differ depending on the type of measurement (contents of analysis). In addition, the amount used at one time may differ depending on the type of measurement (contents of analysis). Further, the usable period after the reagent container 34 is opened (after the start of use) may be different. Therefore, the reagent may be stored in the reagent container 34 having a different size for each type so that an appropriate amount can be used within an appropriate period.

FIG. 3 shows reagent containers 34 having different sizes. FIG. 3 shows three types of small containers 34a (for example, 20 ml bottles), medium-sized containers 34b (for example, 40 ml bottles), and large containers 34c (for example, 70 ml bottles) as an example. The size of the reagent container 34 is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate, and a larger container size may be used. The small container 34a, the medium container 34b, and the large container 34c as the reagent container 34 have the same basic configuration. The reagent container 34 includes a container body 50a formed of resin, metal, glass or the like, a container lid 50c for sealing the container opening 50b, and a container label 50d attached to the container body 50a. In FIG. 3, the large container 34c is illustrated with the container lid 50c removed and the container opening 50b exposed. Further, the large container 34c is illustrated in a state where the container label 50d is not attached.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reagent containers 34 are, for example, arranged in the cylindrical reagent container 12 along the circumferential direction. In the case of FIG. 1, the large container 34c is accommodated and arranged in the container accommodating rack set on the rotation support portion 33B on the radially outer side. Further, the small container 34a is accommodated and arranged in the container accommodating rack set on the rotation support portion 33A on the radially inner side. By arranging the reagent containers 34 in the circumferential direction in this manner, the desired reagent containers 34 accommodated in the reagent storage 12 that is rotationally driven about the rotation center axis Ax2 are stored in the reagent dispensing unit 15 or the reagent dispensing unit 16. Can be quickly moved to position. Further, many reagent containers 34 can be efficiently and densely housed in the limited space of the sample processing apparatus 2.

In this manner, the reagent containers 34 densely accommodated (arranged) in the circumferential direction have the width of the outer peripheral side surface 52a which becomes the radially outer direction (outer peripheral side) when arranged in the circumferential direction as shown in the large container 34c. It is wider than the width of the inner peripheral side surface 52b on the side, and is, for example, a substantially isosceles triangle in a top view. The container port 50b is formed, for example, on the outer peripheral side surface 52a side. The small container 34a and the medium container 34b may have a shape in which the inner peripheral side surface 52b side (tapered side) of the large container 34c is cut off. That is, the shapes and sizes of the small-sized container 34a and the medium-sized container 34b on the outer peripheral side surface 52a side are the same as those of the large-sized container 34c. Therefore, the position of the container opening 50b (container lid 50c) when the small container 34a and the medium container 34b are arranged in the circumferential direction is the same as the position of the container opening 50b when the large container 34c is arranged in the circumferential direction. As a result, even when the small container 34a, the medium container 34b, and the large container 34c are housed in the container housing rack 54 (outer container housing rack 56) as shown in FIG. 4, the small container 34a, the medium container 34b, and the large container 34c It is possible to position the container port 50b on the same circumference. In other words, the dispensing work by the reagent dispensing units 15 and 16 can be easily performed on the reagent containers 34 of any size with the same operation.

In FIG. 4, as an example of the container storage rack 54 that is set (loaded or placed) in the cylindrical reagent storage 12, an outer container storage rack 56 that is set in the rotation support portion 33B (outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 12). Is shown in perspective view. The container housing rack 54 that is set to have an annular shape as a whole is divided into a plurality of pieces in the circumferential direction. That is, the outer container storage rack 56 has, for example, a substantially fan shape, as shown in FIG. In this way, by dividing the container storage rack 54 into the plurality of outer container storage racks 56, it becomes easy to handle each of the outer container storage racks 56. For example, the reagent containers 34 having similar consumption rates can be collected in the same outer container storage rack 56, or the outer container storage rack 56 can be distinguished for each start time of use of the reagent. The container storage rack 54 (outer container storage rack 56) can be formed of, for example, a resin material (for example, hard plastic) or metal (for example, stainless steel or aluminum).

The outer container accommodating rack 56 shown in FIG. 4 includes a rack body 57 that can accommodate a plurality of reagent containers 34 in the circumferentially arranged state, and a support adjustment member 70 used when accommodating the small containers 34a and the medium-sized containers 34b. (See FIG. 8). Details of the support adjusting member 70 will be described later. The rack body 57 has a shape in which a plurality of accommodating portions 58 that are suitable for accommodating the large container 34c are arranged in the circumferential direction. The accommodating portion 58 is a concave-shaped individual accommodating region defined by the partition wall portion 56a, the first connecting wall portion 56b, the second connecting wall portion 56c, and the bottom wall portion 56d. The partition wall portion 56a is a wall that is interposed between the large containers 34c that are accommodated adjacent to each other. The first connection wall portion 56b is a wall formed so as to connect the adjacent partition wall portions 56a on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 12, for example. Similarly, the second connection wall portion 56c is a wall formed to connect the adjacent partition wall portions 56a on the inner peripheral side of the reagent storage 12, for example. The bottom wall portion 56d is a wall that forms a bottom surface that supports two adjacent partition wall portions 56a, the first connection wall portion 56b, and the second connection wall portion 56c. The large container 34c having a size suitable for the accommodation portion 58 may be referred to as a first container. Further, a reagent container 34 having a length shorter than the first container in the opposing direction (radial direction) of the first connecting wall portion 56b and the second connecting wall portion 56c, for example, a medium-sized container 34b or a small container 34a is referred to as a second container. There are cases.

Although not shown in the drawings, the partition wall portion 56a, the first connection wall portion 56b, and the second connection wall portion 56c that define (form) each of the storage portions 58 are, for example, a plurality of pieces extending upward from the bottom wall portion 56d. Ribs are formed. The plurality of ribs can support the container body 50a of the large container 34c to be accommodated with a small contact area (for example, in a substantially line contact state). By supporting the large container 34c in the line contact state in this manner, the resistance when the large container 34c is taken in and out of the housing portion 58 is reduced as compared with the case where the container body 50a is supported in the surface contact. Easy to put in and take out (easy to handle). In addition, by supporting the container label 50d in line contact, the container label 50d attached to the large container 34c is less rubbed, and damage to the container label 50d can be suppressed.

A plurality of rack legs 56e are formed on the bottom wall 56d. The rack leg portion 56e keeps the outer container storage rack 56 in a stable posture when the reagent container 34 such as the large container 34c is put into and taken out of the outer container storage rack 56 and is set at a predetermined position of the rotation support portion 33B. Be able to become independent. Further, a handle portion 56f is formed on the rack body 57 so as to project upward. The handle portion 56f is formed with an opening through which fingers can be inserted, for example, when the outer container storage rack 56 is taken in and out of the reagent storage 12 or when the reagent container 34 such as the large container 34c is stored and is transported to another place. It can be used for etc. Although not shown, openings may be formed in the walls of the rack body 57, such as the partition wall 56a, the first connection wall 56b, the second connection wall 56c, and the bottom wall 56d. .. By forming the opening on the wall surface, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction and material cost reduction while maintaining the rigidity of the rack body 57. Further, a part of the reagent container 34 accommodated in the outer container storage rack 56 can be exposed from the outer container storage rack 56 via the opening (ventilation hole). By exposing a part of the reagent container 34, the efficiency of heating or cooling can be improved as compared with the case where there is no opening. Therefore, the temperature of the reagent container 34 (temperature control) can be easily adjusted through this opening. The outer container storage rack 56 configured as described above can store a large container 34c mainly containing a reagent that consumes a large amount.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an inner container housing rack 60 as an example of the container housing rack 54 arranged inside the reagent container 12 on the radially inner side (inner peripheral side) of the outer container housing rack 56. The inner container storage rack 60 is also divided into a plurality of pieces in the circumferential direction, and has, for example, a substantially fan shape, and when set in a state of being arranged in the circumferential direction, it becomes an annular container storage rack 54 and an outer container storage rack 56. The same effect as can be obtained.

The rack body 61 of the inner container housing rack 60 shown in FIG. 5 can house, for example, the small containers 34a in a state of being arranged in the circumferential direction. Similar to the rack body 57 of the outer container housing rack 56, the rack body 61 has, for example, a shape in which a plurality of housing portions 62 suitable for housing the small containers 34a are arranged in the circumferential direction. In the case of the inner container storage rack 60, for example, an example in which two rows (double) of the storage portions 62 are arranged in the radial direction is shown. The accommodating portion 62 is a concave-shaped individual accommodating area defined by the partition wall portion 60a, the first connecting wall portion 60b, the second connecting wall portion 60c, and the bottom wall portion 60d. The partition wall portion 60a is a wall interposed between the small containers 34a that are adjacently housed. The first connection wall portion 60b is a wall formed so as to connect the adjacent partition wall portions 60a on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 12, for example. Similarly, the second connection wall portion 60c is a wall formed so as to connect the adjacent partition wall portions 60a on the inner peripheral side of the reagent storage 12, for example. The bottom wall portion 60d is a wall that forms a bottom surface that supports the two partition wall portions 60a that are connected to each other, the first connection wall portion 60b, and the second connection wall portion 60c.

Although not shown in the drawings, the partition wall portion 60a, the first connection wall portion 60b, and the second connection wall portion 60c forming each of the storage portions 62 are formed with a plurality of ribs extending upward from the bottom wall portion 60d, for example. Thus, the container body 50a of the small container 34a to be housed can be supported with a small contact area (for example, substantially in line contact). That is, the same function as the rib formed in the housing portion 58 of the outer container housing rack 56 and the same effect can be obtained. Further, a plurality of rack leg portions 60e are formed on the bottom wall portion 60d. The rack leg portion 60e functions similarly to the rack leg portion 56e of the outer container storage rack 56, and the same effect can be obtained. The rack body 61 is formed with a fixed hook portion 60f that engages with a drive mechanism (not shown) in the reagent storage 12 shown in FIG. 1 to fix the inner container storage rack 60 to the rotation support portion 33A. .. The fixed hook portion 60f also functions as a handle for carrying the inner container storage rack 60. That is, the fixed hook portion 60f can be used when the inner container storage rack 60 is taken in and out of the reagent storage 12, or when the small container 34a is stored and transported to another place. Although not shown, an opening may be formed in the wall forming the rack body 61. By forming the opening on the wall surface, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of the inner container storage rack 60 and reduction of material cost while maintaining the rigidity of the rack body 61. Further, a part of the reagent container 34 accommodated in the inner container accommodating rack 60 can be exposed from the inner container accommodating rack 60 through the opening (ventilation hole). Therefore, the temperature of the reagent container 34 (temperature control) can be easily adjusted through this opening. Further, the temperature of the small containers 34a housed in the inner container housing rack 60 can be easily adjusted (temperature management) through the opening. Although the inner container housing rack 60 shown in FIG. 5 shows an example in which the housing portion 62 is configured to house the small container 34a, the inner container housing rack 60 may include the housing portion 62 suitable for housing the medium-sized container 34b. In this case, the accommodating portions 62 may be arranged in a line in the circumferential direction, for example. Further, the outer peripheral side of the inner container accommodating rack 60 may be the accommodating portion 62 of the medium-sized container 34b, and the inner peripheral side may be the accommodating portion 62 of the small container 34a.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the outer container storage rack 56 and the inner container storage rack 60 are set (mounted) on the rotation support portions 33B and 33A (see FIG. 1) of the reagent storage 12. In the case of FIG. 6, the outer container storage racks 56 are arranged in a substantially annular shape in the circumferential direction of five sets. Each of the outer container storage racks 56 accommodates 10 large containers 34c. That is, the reagent container 12 can store 50 large containers 34c using the outer container storage rack 56. Inside the outer container storage rack 56, five inner container storage racks 60 are arranged in a substantially annular shape in the circumferential direction. Each of the inner container accommodating racks 60 accommodates five small containers 34a in the circumferential direction and two rows in the radial direction. That is, each of the inner container accommodating racks 60 accommodates 10 small containers 34a. Therefore, in the case of the reagent storage 12, 50 small containers 34a can be stored using the inner container storage rack 60. In FIG. 6, an unaccommodated region 63 in which the reagent container 34 is not accommodated is formed in a part of the outer container accommodating rack 56 that is annularly arranged. The unaccommodated region 63 is a barcode attached to the small container 34a accommodated in the inner container accommodation rack 60 by using the barcode reader 22 (see FIG. 1) arranged radially outward of the rotation support portion 33B. Is a transmissive area for reading. The barcode reader 22 can also read the barcode attached to the large container 34c housed in the outer container housing rack 56.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view for explaining the outer container storage rack 56 in a state where the large container 34c is stored in detail. As described above, in the outer container storage rack 56, the storage portion 58 suitable for storing the large container 34c that is the first container includes the partition wall portion 56a, the first connection wall portion 56b, the second connection wall portion 56c, and the bottom wall. It is defined by the section 56d. The partition wall portion 56a is formed with a rib 68a extending in the vertical direction (the depth direction of the housing portion 58), the first connection wall portion 56b is formed with a rib portion 68b extending in the vertical direction, and the second connection wall portion 56c is formed. A rib 68c extending in the vertical direction is formed. One or more ribs 68a to 68c are formed to support the container body 50a of the large container 34c with a small contact area (for example, substantially in line contact). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the ribs 68b and the ribs 68c are provided with inclined contact surfaces so that the large container 34c falls toward the first connection wall portion 56b. As shown in FIG. 7, by accommodating the large container 34c in a posture in which the large container 34c falls toward the first connection wall portion 56b, even when the remaining amount of the reagent contained in the large container 34c becomes small, the remaining The reagent can be collected at a position directly below the container port 50b. That is, the reagent contained in the large container 34c can be easily dispensed and used until the end.

A plurality of rack legs 56e are formed on the bottom wall portion 56d of the outer container storage rack 56 to allow the outer container storage rack 56 to stand in a stable posture. Further, the rack leg portion 56e can also function as a positioning member when the outer container storage rack 56 is mounted on the rotation support portion 33B (stand) of the reagent storage 12. For example, by inserting the rack leg portion 56e into the positioning hole formed in the rotation support portion 33B, the outer container storage rack 56 is accurately and stably positioned with respect to the rotation support portion 33B (reagent storage 12). be able to. Further, the bottom wall portion 56d is formed with a plurality of engagement hole portions 64a to 64c with which engagement pins 74 (see FIG. 8) of the support adjustment member 70 described later are engaged. Details of the engaging hole portions 64a to 64c will be described later. In addition, as described above, the bottom wall portion 56d is formed with an opening (ventilation hole) for adjusting the temperature of the reagent container 34 to be contained.

As shown in FIG. 6, the reagent container 12 can accommodate at least two types of reagent containers 34 by using the outer container accommodation rack 56 and the inner container accommodation rack 60. However, there are cases where it is desired to accommodate more medium-sized containers 34b and small-sized containers 34a. For example, the number of large containers 34c may be 10, and in some cases, it may be desired to accommodate 30 medium containers 34b and 60 small containers 34a. Therefore, the outer container storage rack 56 of the present embodiment may be equipped with a support adjustment member 70 that adjusts the storage portion 58 suitable for storing the large container 34c so as to accommodate the medium container 34b or the small container 34a. it can.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of the support adjusting member 70 (spacer). The support adjustment member 70 has a shorter length in the facing direction (radial direction) between the first connection wall portion 56b and the second connection wall portion 56c than the large-sized container 34c that is the first container having a size that fits in the housing portion 58. It is a member for positioning and accommodating the medium-sized container 34b or the small-sized container 34a which is the second container so as to come into contact with the first connection wall portion 56b.

The support adjustment member 70 is a plate extending substantially parallel to the partition wall portion 56a of the outer container storage rack 56 shown in FIG. 7 (a direction (radial direction) in which the first connection wall portion 56b and the second connection wall portion 56c face each other). It is a shaped member. The support adjustment member 70 is formed with a rib 72 extending in the up-down direction (depth direction of the housing portion 58) so as to be able to contact the inner peripheral side surface 52b when the medium-sized container 34b or the small container 34a is housed in the housing portion 58. It includes a substantially L-shaped frame body including the rib forming surface 70a and the base member 70b that supports the rib forming surface 70a. On the lower surface side of the base member 70b, a plurality of engagement pins 74 that can be selectively fitted into any of the engagement hole portions 64a to 64c shown in FIG. 7 are formed. The above-described engaging hole portions 64a to 64c may be referred to as a first engaging portion, and the engaging pin 74 that engages with the engaging hole portions 64a to 64c may be referred to as a second engaging portion. By engaging the engaging pin 74 with any of the engaging hole portions 64a to 64c, the support adjusting member 70 is erected in a predetermined posture with respect to the bottom wall portion 56d of the accommodating portion 58 (for example, standing parallel to the partition wall portion 56a). It can be positioned and fixed in any posture. Note that, in the case of FIG. 8, for example, two engaging pins 74 are shown, but three or more engaging pins 74 may be formed. On the contrary, if the support adjustment member 70 can be positioned and fixed in a predetermined posture, only one support adjustment member 70 may be provided. As will be described later, since the support adjustment member 70 is configured so that the fixed position can be changed with respect to the bottom wall portion 56d, the number of the first engagement portions is larger than the number of the second engagement portions. ing.

As described above, when the support adjusting member 70 is fixed to the housing portion 58, the bottom wall portion 56d is used. That is, the bottom wall portion 56d has a structure in which the first engagement portion (engagement hole portions 64a to 64c) and the second engagement portion (engagement pin 74) are engaged with each other, so that the accommodation portion 58 is circumferentially arranged. It is not necessary to provide a fixing mechanism for a member for changing the size of the accommodation portion 58, and a space (circumferential direction) necessary for forming the accommodation portion 58 having a function of accommodating the reagent container 34. It is not necessary to secure a larger space than necessary. That is, it is possible to provide the outer container storage rack 56 having a simple shape that can suppress the decrease in the storage capacity of the reagent container 34. Further, since the support adjustment member 70 is fixed using the bottom wall portion 56d that does not affect the accommodation of the reagent container 34, a sufficient contact area between the base member 70b and the bottom wall portion 56d for fixing can be secured. .. As a result, the support adjustment member 70 can be firmly and stably fixed.

The support adjusting member 70 includes a flat reinforcing wall 76 extending in the up-down direction (the depth direction of the housing portion 58) so as to join the rib forming surface 70a and the base member 70b. The upper portion of the reinforcing wall 76 can be used as a grip portion 76a when the reinforcing wall 76 is attached to and detached from the outer container storage rack 56. Anti-slip processing may be applied to the surface of the grip portion 76a. As the non-slip processing, for example, the gripping portion 76a may be subjected to uneven processing, or anti-slip coating (resin or the like) may be applied. Further, an opening through which a finger can be inserted may be formed so that the support adjustment member 70 can be easily gripped when it is handled. Note that either one of the engagement hole portions 64a to 64c that is the first engagement portion and the engagement pin 74 that is the second engagement portion may have flexibility. By making one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion flexible, mutual attachment and detachment can be facilitated. For example, the engagement pin 74 can be made flexible so that it can function as a snap fit. In this case, the support adjustment member 70 can be easily attached and detached, and a firm fixing force (holding force, support force) that maintains the posture of the support adjustment member 70 can be obtained. In another embodiment, the engagement hole portions 64a to 64c may be provided with flexibility. Further, in the present embodiment, the engaging pin 74 is shown as the second engaging portion and the engaging hole portions 64a to 64c are shown as the first engaging portion, but other engaging methods may be used. Further, in another embodiment, an elastic member such as a leaf spring or a coil spring is interposed between the second connection wall portion 56c and the support adjustment member 70 to move the support adjustment member 70 to the first connection wall portion 56b side. You may make it urge to. In this case, the support adjusting member 70 can be more stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 56d, the medium-sized container 34b, and the small container 34a to be housed. As a result, it is possible to further improve the support stability of the medium-sized container 34b and the small-sized container 34a.

A state in which the support adjusting member 70 configured as described above is mounted on the outer container storage rack 56 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the support adjusting member 70 is mounted at different positions (positions 70A and 70B) of the storage portions 58 of the outer container storage rack 56. Further, FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the outer container storage rack 56 showing a state in which the support adjustment members 70 are mounted at different positions 70A and 70B of the outer container storage rack 56. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of engaging hole portions 64a to 64c are formed as the first engaging portions in the bottom wall portion 56d of the outer container storage rack 56, and the weight and the reagent container are reduced. A plurality of openings 64d for adjusting the temperature of 34 are formed. In the case of this example, two circular openings 64d, a circular engagement hole 64a, and an elongated hole shape are provided from the first connection wall portion 56b to the second connection wall portion 56c (toward the radially inward direction). The engagement hole portion 64b and the circular engagement hole portion 64c are sequentially formed. As shown in FIG. 8, the support adjusting member 70 is formed with two engagement pins 74. Therefore, for example, by inserting the engagement pin 74 into the positions of the engagement hole portion 64a and the engagement hole portion 64b, the support adjustment member 70 can be mounted at the position 70A. Further, by inserting the engagement pin 74 into the positions of the engagement hole portion 64b and the engagement hole portion 64c, the support adjustment member 70 can be mounted at the position 70B.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the support adjustment member 70 is mounted at the position 70A and the position 70B in the outer container storage rack 56. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support adjusting member 70 mounted at the position 70A is closer to the first connection wall portion 56b than the support adjusting member 70 mounted at the position 70B. That is, when the support adjusting member 70 is attached to the position 70A, the area for accommodating the reagent container 34 is narrower than when the support adjusting member 70 is attached to the position 70B. Therefore, when the support adjusting member 70 is attached to the position 70A, the housing portion 58 can be adjusted to a size suitable for housing the small container 34a. Similarly, when the support adjustment member 70 is attached to the position 70B, the accommodation portion 58 can be adjusted to a size suitable for accommodating the medium-sized container 34b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer container housing rack 56 including the housing portion 58 formed to accommodate the large container 34c is mounted with the support adjustment member 70, so that the small container 34a and the small container 34a are accommodated. It is possible to change to an outer container storage rack 56 suitable for storing the medium-sized container 34b. That is, the reagent containers 34 of different shapes can be mixedly housed in the single type outer container housing rack 56.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the outer container storage rack 56 showing a state in which the support adjusting member 70 is mounted at the position 70B. The two engagement pins 74 of the support adjustment member 70 are inserted into the engagement hole portion 64b and the engagement hole portion 64c, respectively. In this case, since the engagement pin 74, which is a snap fit, is inserted into the engagement hole 64b and the engagement hole 64c, the support adjustment member 70 is firmly fixed to the bottom wall 56d (outer container storage rack 56). To be done. Further, it is possible to easily pull out the engagement pin 74 from the engagement hole portion 64b and the engagement hole portion 64c in order to change the mounting position of the support adjustment member 70. Further, since the support adjusting member 70 includes the reinforcing wall 76 extending in the direction (radial direction) along the partition wall portion 56a, it is erected on the bottom wall portion 56d in a stable posture. In this posture, the support adjusting member 70 makes contact with a surface (inner peripheral side surface 52b) opposite to the surface (outer peripheral side surface 52a) contacting the first connection wall portion 56b of the medium-sized container 34b with a small contact area (for example, a line). The rib 72 that enables the contact state is brought into contact. The rib 68b formed on the first connection wall portion 56b is formed so as to be inclined so that the reagent container 34 (large container 34c) abuts in a posture in which the reagent container 34 (the large container 34c) falls toward the first connection wall portion 56b as described above. ing. Therefore, the medium-sized container 34b is accommodated in a posture in which the medium-sized container 34b falls down toward the first connection wall portion 56b as in the case of the large-sized container 34c. The ribs 72 of the support adjusting member 70 are formed so as to be inclined at an angle that can realize the posture of the medium-sized container 34b. Further, the ribs 72 support the inner peripheral side surface 52b of the medium-sized container 34b in the line contact state, as in the case where the large container 34c is supported in the line contact state by the ribs 68c of the second connection wall portion 56c. Therefore, even when the support adjustment member 70 is attached to the outer container storage rack 56, the medium container 34b can be easily and smoothly taken in and out of the storage portion 58. In addition, it is possible to reduce rubbing against the medium-sized container 34b and the container label 50d and reduce damage.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the outer container storage rack 56 showing a state in which the support adjusting member 70 is mounted at the position 70A. The two engagement pins 74 of the support adjustment member 70 are inserted into the engagement hole portion 64a and the engagement hole portion 64b, respectively. In this case, since the engagement pin 74, which is a snap fit, is inserted into the engagement hole 64a and the engagement hole 64b, the support adjustment member 70 is firmly fixed to the bottom wall 56d (outer container storage rack 56). To be done. Further, since the support adjusting member 70 includes the reinforcing wall 76 extending in the direction (radial direction) along the partition wall portion 56a, the support adjusting member 70 can stand on the bottom wall portion 56d in a stable posture. In this posture, the support adjusting member 70 abuts the rib 72 on the surface (inner peripheral side surface 52b) opposite to the surface (outer peripheral side surface 52a) contacting the first connection wall portion 56b of the small container 34a in line contact. Contact. The rib 68b formed on the first connection wall portion 56b is formed so as to be inclined so that the reagent container 34 (large container 34c) abuts in a posture in which the reagent container 34 (the large container 34c) falls toward the first connection wall portion 56b as described above. ing. Therefore, the small container 34a is accommodated in a posture in which the small container 34a collapses toward the first connection wall portion 56b, as in the case of the large container 34c and the medium container 34b. That is, the ribs 72 of the support adjusting member 70 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 58 in the same attitude as that of the large container 34c in the small container 34a or the medium container 34b. The angle of the rib 72 with respect to the vertical direction is, for example, 5°. Also in this case, the rib 72 is in line contact with the inner peripheral side surface 52b of the small container 34a, as in the case where the large container 34c is supported in line contact with the rib 68c of the second connection wall portion 56c. To support. Therefore, even when the support adjusting member 70 is attached to the outer container storage rack 56, the small container 34a can be easily taken in and out of the storage portion 58. Further, it is possible to reduce rubbing against the small container 34a and the container label 50d and reduce damage.

As described above, the reagent containers 34 of different sizes can be accommodated only by mounting the support adjustment member 70 on the outer container accommodation rack 56 made to fit the reagent container 34 of a single shape (size). It is possible to change to a different outer container storage rack 56. Further, since the support adjusting member 70 can be selectively attached to a plurality of positions in the accommodation portion 58 of the outer container accommodation rack 56, as shown in FIG. 11, the reagent containers 34 of a plurality of sizes (for example, The large container 34c, the medium container 34b, and the small container 34a) can be accommodated in a mixed state. Conversely, the outer container storage rack 56, which is a dedicated rack for the large container 34c, can be a dedicated rack for the medium container 34b or a dedicated rack for the small container 34a. Further, the outer container storage rack 56 can be a mixed rack of the large container 34c and the medium container 34b, or a mixed rack of the large container 34c and the small container 34a.

As described above, when the outer container storage rack 56 is changed (changed) to the above-described dedicated rack or mixed rack, it is only necessary to select the mounting position of the support adjustment member 70 having a single shape. The management of the member 70 is easy. Further, since it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of outer container storage racks 56 and support adjustment members 70, it is possible to contribute to reduction of manufacturing cost. In other words, if the outer container storage rack 56 for the large container 34c and the support adjusting member 70 are prepared, the outer container storage rack 56 can be used as a rack for the small container 34a or a rack for the medium container 34b. .. That is, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of racks according to the size of the reagent container, or to prepare members (spacers, etc.) for changing the storage capacity of the rack according to the size of the reagent container. It is possible to solve the inconvenience and the inconvenience that the manufacturing cost increases accordingly. Further, it can contribute to reduction of the manufacturing cost of the sample processing apparatus 2 (biochemical analysis apparatus 1) in which the outer container storage rack 56 is mounted, and an accessory for operating the biochemical analysis apparatus 1 (outer container storage rack 56 or The support adjustment member 70) can be easily managed.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the support adjusting member 70 is detachable with respect to the bottom wall portion 56d has been shown. However, when the user wants to fix the mixed pattern of the reagent containers 34, the support adjusting member 70 is fixed to the bottom. It may be fixed to the wall portion 56d by a fastening means such as a screw or an adhesive. In this case, regardless of which mixed pattern is selected by the user, it is sufficient to provide the outer container storage rack 56 and the support adjustment member 70 having the same shape, so that versatility of parts can be improved and cost reduction can be achieved. Can contribute.

In the example described above, the support adjustment member 70 is attached to the outer container storage rack 56 to mix the outer container storage rack 56 with the small container 34a, the medium container 34b, and the large container 34c, or for the small container 34a only. The case where it can be dedicated to 34b is shown. In another embodiment, for example, the inner container accommodating rack 60 is formed into a shape that fits the medium-sized container 34b, and then a support adjusting member similar to the support adjusting member 70 is attached to the inner container accommodating rack 60, so that the small container You may make it possible to mix 34a and the medium-sized container 34b.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the mounting of the support adjusting member 70 can be changed at two positions 70A and 70B is shown, but the number of the first engaging portions is increased and the mounting position is set at three or more positions. May be changed. That is, the container 58 may be applicable to the reagent containers 34 having sizes other than the small container 34a, the medium container 34b, and the large container 34c.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the container storage rack 54, the outer container storage rack 56 and the inner container storage rack 60 in which the storage portions are annularly arranged are shown. In another embodiment, for example, the accommodating portions of the container accommodating rack may be linearly arranged. Also in this case, for example, the support adjusting member 70 may be attached to the housing portion formed exclusively for the large-sized container, and the housing adjusting portion 70 may be changed to the housing portion suitable for housing the medium-sized container or the small container. The same effect can be obtained.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, the above embodiments are merely examples. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the configuration and shape of the embodiment may be partially replaced with other configurations and shapes. Also, the specifications (structure, type, direction, angle, shape, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) of each configuration and shape may be changed appropriately. Can be implemented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Biochemical analysis apparatus 2... Sample processing apparatus 3... Information processing apparatus 11... Sample storage 12... Reagent storage 13... Reaction tank 14... Sample dispensing part 15, 16... Reagent dispensing part 34... Reagent container 34a... Small container 34b... Medium container 34c... Large container 54... Container storage rack 56... Outer container storage rack 56a... Partition 56b... First connection wall 56c... Second connection wall 56d... Bottom wall 56e... Rack leg 56f... Handle Part 57... Rack body 58... Housing 60... Inner container housing racks 64a, 64b, 64c... Engagement holes 68a, 68b, 68c, 72... Rib 70... Support adjusting member 70a... Rib forming surface 70b... Base member 74... Engaging pin 76... Reinforcing wall

Claims (4)

A container storage rack capable of storing a plurality of containers in an array,
A partition wall portion interposed between the containers housed adjacent to each other, a first connection wall portion formed so as to connect the adjacent partition wall portions, and formed so as to face the first connection wall portion. A rack main body having a plurality of storage portions defined by a second connection wall portion and a bottom wall portion,
A second container having a shorter length in the opposing direction of the first connecting wall portion and the second connecting wall portion than the first container having a size suitable for the accommodating portion is brought into contact with the first connecting wall portion. A support adjustment member for positioning,
Equipped with
The support adjusting member is fixed to the bottom wall portion ,
The support adjusting member is provided with a rib forming surface having a rib that contacts a surface opposite to a surface of the second container that abuts against the first connecting wall portion, and extends from the rib forming surface in the facing direction. A container storage rack having a reinforcing wall . A plurality of first engaging portions are formed on the bottom wall portion along the facing direction,
The container accommodation rack according to claim 1, wherein the support adjustment member includes a second engagement portion that is engageable with at least one of the plurality of first engagement portions. The container storage rack according to claim 2, wherein one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is flexible and is configured to be detachable from each other. An analyzer capable of mounting the container storage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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