JP7224966B2 - automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to automated analyzers.

In automatic analyzers, which generally handle consumables such as analytical reagents, reducing the frequency of replacement/replenishment of these consumables can improve workflow efficiency. For example, with regard to analytical reagents, by increasing the "on-board stability", which is reagent stability during storage in the device, the replacement/replenishment frequency can be reduced. As one means for realizing this, there is a method of providing a cooling function to the analysis reagent storage in order to prevent thermal denaturation of reagent components. In addition to this cold insulation function, it is also important to prevent contamination (contamination) by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that have entered from the outside of the device in order to improve on-board stability. For example, contamination by microorganisms can be prevented by imparting a sterilization function to the analytical reagent storage and keeping the inside of the analytical reagent storage clean at all times. These functions help save time and labor for replacing/replenishing analytical reagents, and are particularly desired in large-scale facilities that handle a relatively large number of samples per day.

JP 2017-219452 A JP 2018-054292 A

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose inventions related to reagent sterilization means for the purpose of improving the on-board stability of reagents used in automatic analyzers. All of these are intended to sterilize "common reagents" that are commonly used regardless of the type of analysis items, such as washing solutions and buffer solutions. Specifically, a sterilization unit is installed directly in the common reagent bottle, and sterilization is performed periodically to prevent contamination and propagation of microorganisms in the reagent bottle. On the other hand, no technical development has been made yet regarding sterilization means for the purpose of sterilizing the analytical reagent storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer equipped with means for sterilizing the reagent container storage in order to prevent contamination by microorganisms originating from the outside of the apparatus.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a reagent container storage that holds reagent containers, a reagent disk that stores the reagent containers and transports them to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and a loading system for loading the reagent disks and reagent containers. Provided is an automatic analyzer comprising an irradiation unit that irradiates a system with ultraviolet light 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 originating from the outside of the apparatus.

The figure which shows one schematic structure of an automatic analyzer. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a reagent container (closed state); FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a reagent container (open state); The external view of a reagent disk. FIG. 4 is an external view of the reagent disk with the lid removed. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the reagent disc with the lid removed; Diagram of a reagent disk. Schematic of the loading system. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the reagent container input section and the loading system. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a reagent container insertion part; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sterilization unit according to Embodiment 1; 4 is a diagram of a mechanical switch ( OFF state) of the sterilization unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a mechanical switch ( ON state) of the sterilization unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a sterilization procedure when using a sterilization unit as maintenance work according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flow chart of a sterilization procedure when the sterilization unit is repeatedly used as maintenance work according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a sterilization procedure when a sterilization unit is used during preparatory operations before starting analysis and measurement according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the sterilization procedure when the sterilization unit is used during the preparatory operation before starting the analysis measurement according to the first embodiment; The figure which shows one installation structural example of the sterilization unit which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another installation configuration example of the sterilization unit according to the second embodiment;

First, the main technical matters studied to reach the means for solving the above-described problems of the present invention will be described. In designing the sterilization 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 explained. Common reagent bottles are generally installed outside the apparatus in most cases so that the operator can easily access them. On the other hand, in many cases, the analysis reagent container is installed inside the device (referring to the reagent container storage described above). Further, in the case of an apparatus for automatically loading/unloading analysis reagent containers, in many cases, the reagent container input area has only the minimum required area for space saving. Therefore, assuming that (i) the occupied volume of the reagent container storage is not increased as much as possible by installing the sterilization means, and (ii) the sterilization means is periodically loaded/unloaded into the reagent container storage, Care must be taken not to increase the occupied volume of the reagent container loading area (hereinafter referred to as reagent loading section) as much as possible.

Next, the possibility of interference with moving parts will be described. As will be described later, automated analyzers often include a reagent drive disk in a reagent container storage that stores analytical reagent containers and transports them to desired locations within the reagent container storage. In this case, care must be taken not to spatially interfere the sterilizing means and related components such as power supply cables with the reagent drive disk, which is the moving part.

Various forms for carrying out the present invention will be sequentially described below with reference to the drawings. The terms "sterilize" or "kill microorganisms" are used herein to mean "detoxify microorganisms" as well as to "kill microorganisms." Moreover, these expressions are used not only in the sense of annihilating bacteria and microorganisms but also in the sense of reducing them. Prior to describing each embodiment in detail, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer common to each embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of an automatic analyzer. A sample transport line 114 within the autoanalyzer 101 transports the sample 104 to a sample dispensing mechanism adjacent to the sample dispensing unit 115 .

Above the sample pipetting tip/reaction container disposal hole 102, the sample pipetting tip holder 103, the reaction solution stirring unit 105, the sample pipetting tip/reaction container station 107 and a part of the incubator 108, the sample pipetting tip/reaction container A reaction container transport unit 106 is adapted to move in the directions of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. A sample dispensing tip/reaction vessel transport unit 106 moves reaction vessels from the sample dispensing tip/reaction vessel station 107 to the incubator 108 . The sample pipetting tip/reaction container transportation unit 106 also moves the sample pipetting tip to the sample pipetting tip holder 103 .

The sample pipetting unit 115 moves to the upper area of the sample pipetting tip holder 103 where the sample pipetting tips are placed, and picks up any one of the sample pipetting tips. After moving to the upper region of the sample and acquiring the sample by aspiration, the sample dispensing unit 115 further moves to the upper region of the reaction container on the incubator 108 and discharges the sample into the reaction container. After this, the sample pipetting unit 115 uses the sample pipetting tip/
Move to the upper area of the reaction vessel waste hole and drop the sample pipetting tip inside the hole for disposal. The incubator 108 has the ability to lock a plurality of reaction vessels and move each of the reaction vessels to a predetermined position on the circumference of the incubator 108 in a rotational motion.

The reagent disk 111 is adapted to hold a plurality of reagent containers 110 , and the rotational motion moves each reagent container 110 to a predetermined position on the circumference of the reagent disk 111 . A reagent dispensing mechanism 109 moves to the top area of a given type of reagent on the reagent disk 111, and then this dispensing mechanism aspirates a predetermined amount of reagent to the top area of a given reaction vessel on the incubator. , the reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel.

A magnetic particle stirring arm 116 (also referred to as a stiller) is set on the reagent disk 111 as stirring means. The arm 116 moves to the upper region of the reagent container containing the magnetic particle solution to be stirred, lowers the magnetic particle stirring element of the arm 116, and stirs the magnetic particle solution by rotating the stirring element. A magnetic particle stirring arm 116 stirs the magnetic particles just before the reagent is dispensed to prevent spontaneous precipitation of the magnetic particles in the solution. After stirring, the magnetic particle agitating arm 116 moves to the upper region of the cleaning cell containing the cleaning liquid and then descends to rotate the magnetic particle agitating element and dislodge the magnetic particles adhering to the agitating element.

A reaction solution suction nozzle 112 sucks the reaction solution formed after a predetermined reaction time has passed since the sample and the predetermined reagent were dispensed from the reaction container, and then supplies the reaction solution to the detection unit 113 . This detection unit 113 qualitatively/quantitatively analyzes the substance to be measured in the reaction solution. The sample dispense tip/reaction vessel transport unit 106 moves the analyzed reaction solution to the upper region of the sample dispense tip/reaction vessel waste hole and places the reaction vessel into the waste hole for disposal.

Note that the sample transfer line 114 and the reagent disk 1 described above are included in the automatic analyzer.
11, incubator 108, sample dispensing unit 115, reagent dispensing mechanism 109, sample
The pull-dispensing tip/reaction container transportation unit 106 and detection unit 113 are referred to as an analysis operation unit.
Furthermore, the automatic analyzer includes a control section 117 and an operation section 118 for controlling the operation of the entire automatic analyzer, in addition to the analysis operation section. 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 includes a display device such as 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 substrate, a semiconductor chip, or a package. When configured by software, it can be realized by installing a high-speed general-purpose CPU in a computer and executing a program for executing desired arithmetic processing. It is also possible to upgrade an existing device with a recording medium in which this program is recorded. These devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is transmitted and received as appropriate.

2 and 3 are schematic perspective views showing examples of reagent containers used in the automatic analyzer of each embodiment. The reagent container 110 constitutes one set of three containers, for example, a magnetic particle solution and two kinds of reagents constitute one set. Each container is composed of a main body for containing a reagent, an opening 303 that allows access to the reagent, and a lid 201 that can seal the opening 303 . The outer shape of the reagent container 110 as a whole is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a shoulder 202, and three openings 303 are aligned above the shoulder and protrude upward. In order to enable opening and closing operations by a reagent container lid opening/closing device incorporated in the automatic analyzer, a round bar-shaped projection 302 is provided at one end of the lid portion 201 , and the reagent container 110 is attached to the lid portion 201 . It protrudes laterally. 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 the 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. It should be noted that the means for reading the reagent container information is not limited to the RFID, and a bar code or other information reading means may be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a reagent container in a sealed state. The opening 303 is closed by the lid 201 in the initial state. In order to reliably 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 reagent inside may evaporate or the reagent concentration may change. Also, if the reagent container 110 is accidentally knocked over during handling, there is a risk that the reagent in the reagent container 110 will spill. These inconveniences can be alleviated by sealing the opening 303 with 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. Lid portion 201 opens from projection portion 302 when lid portion 201 rotates about 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 around the hinge 301 .

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

FIG. 5A is an external view of the reagent disk 111 with the lid 401 removed, and FIG. 5B is a plan view thereof. This reagent disk 111 includes a reagent drive disk 501 (also called 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, a fixed disk 503 (also referred to as a second turntable partition) with a reagent agitation position 508; a loading system 504 that allows mounting reagent containers 110 within the system even during analysis; A reagent container transfer unit 505 (also referred to as a container shifting mechanism) for transferring reagent containers 110 to the loading system 504, and an RFID information reading device 506 (to distinguish from the reading device 403 on the lid 401 described above, an RFID information read-out device B) and a partition plate for separating the spaces between the reagent containers 110 . Here, each space partitioned by the partition plate is called a reagent container installation slot.

As can be seen in the plan view of FIG. 5B, there are reagent dispensing positions 509 on the working path of the reagent drive disk 501 . Reagent agitation position 508 is adjacent to reagent dispensing position 509 and is on the working path of the reagent dispensing pipette. This area of the reagent disc is also referred to as the treatment zone.

Figure 5C is a side view of the reagent disk shown in Figures 5A and 5B. At the reagent stirring position 508, while the magnetic particle stirring arm 116 is stirring the magnetic particle solution inside the reagent container, the reagent dispensing pipette 109 can dispense the same type of reagent into other reaction containers. As a result, it is possible to ensure sufficient time for stirring the magnetic particles, and to perform dispensing and stirring at the same time. Therefore, analysis can be performed without reducing throughput. In FIG. 5C, reagent dispensing location 509 and reagent stirring location 508 are linearly lined up, and both locations are at the same position on the working path of the reagent dispensing pipette. Substantially the same is true if the working path of the reagent-dispensing pipette is circumferential.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the loading system 504 of FIG. 5A. The loading system forms part of a stationary disc located on the inner circumference of the reagent disc, and the system operates upwards and downwards. The loading system may be configured so that it can be withdrawn vertically or laterally, for example when there is a stationary disk on the outer circumference of the reagent disk. In addition, part of the fixed disk is the loading system, which is shaped to allow the exchange of up to five reagent containers, so that two or more reagent containers may be exchanged, or one Alternatively, only the reagent container can be exchanged. The loading system 504 includes a reagent placement unit 601 for loading the reagent container 110 and a reagent actuator 602 adapted to actuate the reagent up/down.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the reagent container loading section and the loading system of the automatic analyzer of each embodiment, showing a state where the loading system 504 is positioned at the top. The reagent container loading section has an opening 701 for introducing a reagent container into the apparatus, and a reagent loading section composed of a space between an upper surface 702 and a lower surface 703 in front of the opening connected to the opening 701 . When the loading system is positioned at the lowest position, the opening 701 is blocked by the shielding member. In this embodiment, a plurality of guide grooves 704 for guiding reagent containers are radially arranged on the lower surface in front of the opening leading to the opening 701 . The guide groove 704 is for sliding the lower end of the reagent container 110 thereinto and guiding it toward the inside of the opening 701. In this example, five guide grooves are provided along the inserting direction of the reagent container. is provided. As shown, five radially arranged guide grooves 704 communicate with five radially arranged slots on the loading system. That is, the radially arranged slots 801 and the radially arranged guide grooves 704 form a completely continuous integrated radial groove.

The operator can insert the reagent container into the slot 801 simply by putting the bottom of the reagent container into the guide groove 704 and sliding the reagent container into the opening 701 along the guide groove 704 while holding the reagent container. An indicator lamp 705 indicating the state is provided above each guide groove. A loader switch 706 is provided beside the opening 701 . Loader switch 706 is a hard switch for raising/lowering loading system 504 and is used during reagent ejection/addition, as described below.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the reagent loading section. As shown, in addition to the guide grooves 704 on the bottom surface of the reagent loading section, guide grooves 802 are also provided on the top 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 while its upper and lower ends are fixed in the upper and lower guide grooves 704 and 802 provided in the input area, it can be inserted into the slot 801 with higher accuracy. Furthermore, the guide groove 802 on the upper surface has a mechanism for opening and closing the lid of the reagent container. , the function is called a half-open function). This eliminates the need for the operator to manually open the lid each time the reagent container is loaded.

An example of the reagent discharge/addition sequence by the operator of the automatic analyzer according to each embodiment will be described below.
First, the flow of continuous reagent loading operation will be described. The operator selects a reagent drain/add request through the host computer. The host computer analyzes the current operational status of the instrument, and if it is then determined that reagent replacement can be performed, the host computer illuminates indicator lamp 705 to signal that reagent replacement can be performed. The operator follows information from both the host computer and the indicator lamp 705 to determine that the reagent can be replaced.

After receiving a reagent ejection request from the operator, the reagent drive disk 501 rotates to move the reagent container to be ejected to a position adjacent to the loading system 504 . Reagent container transfer unit 505 then transfers the reagent container from reagent drive disk 501 to loading system 504 . When the operator presses the loader switch 706 in this state, the loading system 504 moves upward, and the reagent container can be discharged by the operator.

Here, if additional reagent is required, the operator can place the reagent container to be added into the loading system 504 . When the operator presses the loader switch 706 after installing the reagent container, the loading system 504 moves downward. At that time, the loading system 504 once stops at a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 403 (device A). The device now reads the RFID information of the additional reagent container and then registers it with the instrument. When the reagent information is registered, the reagent container is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 .

It should be noted that if the additional reagent container is mistakenly inserted in the opposite direction, 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 actuated upwards to make the reagent container that failed registration ready for removal. In this state, the operator once removes the container from slot 801 and reinserts the container into the guide in the correct orientation.

Example 1 includes a reagent container storage that holds reagent containers, a reagent disk that stores the reagent container and transports it to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and a loading system for the reagent disk and the reagent container. It is an example of an automatic analyzer having a configuration including a unit and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit. In particular, in this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an ultraviolet irradiation unit for sterilization is attached to a reagent container.

FIG. 9 shows a sterilization unit 901 for sterilization in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, all the constituent parts including the ultraviolet irradiation section 902 are incorporated inside the reagent container 110, and the shape of the container itself is the same as that of a normal reagent container. Such a structure makes it possible to load the device in the same manner as a normal reagent container. In other words, there is no need to install a loading unit dedicated to the container, and space can be saved.

Components other than the ultraviolet irradiation unit 902 include a control unit 903 for controlling ultraviolet irradiation of the irradiation unit, a driving battery 904, a mechanical switch 905 for switching the timing of ultraviolet irradiation, and a device for alleviating local heat generation due to ultraviolet irradiation. and a battery level indicator 907 for displaying the battery level. In this way, the reagent container provided with the irradiation section has at least a control section, a driving battery for driving the irradiation section, 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 within the reagent disk 111 constant (eg, 2-10° C.) to ensure the on-board stability of the reagents. Therefore, it is important from the viewpoint of stable storage of the reagent on the device to attach the heat radiating section 906 to the ultraviolet irradiation section 902 to alleviate the local heat generated due to the ultraviolet irradiation.

Next, the switching function of the irradiation timing by the mechanical switch 905 will be described. 10A and 10B respectively show the OFF state and ON state of the switch 905 . As shown in FIG. 10A, switch 905 is OFF when lid 201 is fully closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, it is turned ON when the lid portion 201 is in a half-open state (it is also turned ON when it is fully opened). The switch 905 has a spring 1002 under the projection 1001. When the cover 201 is completely closed, the spring 1002 and the projection 1001 are pushed in to electrically insulate the switch 905 from the control unit. not irradiated.

Here, when the lid portion 201 is in a half-open state, the spring 1002 is released to release the protrusion 1001 from being pushed in, thereby electrically conducting the lid portion 201 with the control portion and irradiating ultraviolet rays. This feature is useful in preventing UV exposure of the operator by the sterilization unit 901, as described below. When using this sterilization unit 901, the operator first places the unit in the guide groove 704 of the reagent loading section with the lid section 201 closed.

Next, when a predetermined process is performed before inputting the sterilization unit 901, for example, by pressing the loader switch 706 after instructing the apparatus to input the sterilization unit 901 via the user interface (UI), the loading system 504 is lifted. 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 by the above-described half-open function, and the switch 905 is turned on. In other words, the ultraviolet irradiation is started only after the sterilization unit 901 is inserted into the slot 801 . This can prevent the operator from being exposed to ultraviolet light by the unit. The number of mechanical switches 905 need not 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 together. For example, in addition to the switch 905, a toggle switch, which is also one of the mechanical switches, may be used together. The toggle switch is mounted on the outer surface of the container so that the operator can freely switch between them, and the ultraviolet rays are irradiated only when the toggle switch is turned ON and the mechanical switch 905 is turned ON. can be

Aside from the mechanical switch, a switching mechanism using sensors such as an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acceleration sensor may be used. A switch using an illuminance sensor turns on the switch when the illuminance falls below a preset threshold. Keeping the threshold below the threshold only when the sterilization unit 901 is inside the reagent disk prevents operator UV exposure outside the reagent disk.

A switch that uses a temperature sensor turns the switch on when the temperature drops below a preset threshold. Similarly to the illuminance sensor, the operator can be prevented from being exposed to ultraviolet light outside the reagent disk by keeping the threshold below the threshold value only when the sterilization unit 901 is inside the reagent disk. A switch using an acceleration sensor turns the switch ON when a constant acceleration is detected. Here, it is assumed that the reagent disk holds the sterilization unit, and then the reagent drive disk 501 is rotated while irradiating with ultraviolet rays. In other words, the acceleration generated when the reagent drive disk 501 shifts from a stopped state to a rotating motion is detected, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated.

In addition to the above, a switching mechanism using wireless communication may be used. For example, after the reagent disk is loaded with the sterilization unit turned off, the remote control corresponding to the unit may be turned on. Moreover, RFID, which is one of wireless communication techniques and is also employed in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, may be used. For example, the RFID tag 203 may incorporate a circuit that switches the switch of the unit when reading the tag information. By doing this, when the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) reads the tag information of the RFID tag 203 during loading of the unit, the switch is turned on. On the other hand, when the unit is unloaded, the switch is turned off when the RFID information reading device 403 (device A) reads the tag information again.

The RFID information reading device 506 (device B) may be used as this switching means. That is, immediately after loading the unit, reagent drive disk 501 rotates and moves to a position adjacent to readout 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 great advantage of switching using wireless communication is that it is possible to switch UV irradiation in an area that is inaccessible to the operator, such as the inside of the reagent container storage.

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

As one means of complicating the logic, there is a method of setting a fixed rule for the switching order of the three mechanical switches. For example, if the surface of the reagent container 110 to which the RFID tag 203 is affixed is called the front/front surface, the ultraviolet rays may be irradiated only when the switch is turned on sequentially from the rear container. When the sterilization unit 901 is actually slid 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 light when the operator accidentally opens the lid 201 .

As described above, in this embodiment, the case of using an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) as an ultraviolet irradiation unit has been described. Although a mercury lamp can be used as an ultraviolet light source, the use of ultraviolet LEDs is more advantageous in terms of space saving. The central wavelength of light emitted from an ultraviolet LED is desirably 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, that is, from 230 nm to 290 nm, which is a wavelength with high sterilization efficiency.

The irradiation light amount of ultraviolet light depends on the current, voltage, and energization time supplied to 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 type of bacteria and the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays used, the amount of irradiation light required for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation. These pieces of information are stored in the storage section 903A of the control section 903 as a table.

From the viewpoint of the sterilization effect, it is desirable that the amount of irradiation light is large. On the other hand, it is necessary to consider the effects of ultraviolet irradiation on reagent components and various components (reagent containers and reagent disks) 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. The amount of irradiation light that allows denaturation to fall within the permissible range is determined by the combination of the reagent used and the irradiation wavelength, and is obtained in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination. These pieces of information are stored in the storage section 903A of the control section 903 as a table. Modification of reagent components and constituent members can be defined by changes in chemical bonds and molecular weights evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and the like. Furthermore, changes in the mechanical properties of the component can be defined by changes in parameters such as hardness and Young's modulus evaluated by indentation tests using a nanoindenter or the like.

In controlling the amount of irradiation light, in addition to the viewpoints of the above-mentioned sterilization effect and denaturation of reagent components/various components, it is also necessary to consider the influence on the temperature environment inside the reagent disk. For example, if the temperature in the reagent disk needs to be kept between 2 and 10°C, care must be taken not to allow the illumination of the LEDs to cause the temperature around the sterilization unit to exceed 10°C. In this embodiment, by attaching the heat radiation part 906 to the irradiation part, it is possible to suppress a local temperature rise. Here, a heat sink and a fan are used for the heat radiation part 906 .

The number of LEDs to be used need not be limited to one as in this embodiment, and a plurality of LEDs may be used for the purpose of expanding the irradiation range. Optical members such as lenses and mirrors may also be used. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit 903 or provided in the reagent container storage. Furthermore, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator to change the mounting position/angle of the LED.

As described above, a mercury lamp can also be used in addition to the LED for the ultraviolet irradiation section. The amount of irradiation light depends on the current, voltage, and duration of power supply to the mercury lamp. As in the case of the LED, for each combination of the species of bacteria to be sterilized and the emission wavelength of the lamp, the amount of irradiation light necessary for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation. These pieces of information are stored in the storage section 903A of the control section 903 as a table. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider denaturation of reagent components and various components in the reagent container storage as in the case of LEDs. That is, the amount of irradiation light that allows denaturation to fall within the permissible range is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the reagent used and the irradiation wavelength.

These pieces of information are stored in the storage section 903A of the control section 903 as a table. 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 provided in the sterilization unit 903 or may be provided within the reagent container storage. Furthermore, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator to change 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 section. From the viewpoint of convenience, it is desirable that the battery can be used repeatedly by charging. Safety, energy density, mass, etc. must be considered in the selection of the battery to be used. This embodiment assumes the use of common rechargeable batteries such as nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, and lithium polymer batteries. Note that the charging work is periodically performed outside the apparatus by an operator. That is, after using the sterilization unit a certain number of times, the unit is unloaded and the battery is removed. Next, the removed battery is placed in a dedicated charger and charged. The charger may be configured so that charging can be performed simply by installing the sterilization unit without removing the battery. Note that wireless charging may be adopted as the charging method.

For charging outside the device as described above, a charging port may be provided within the device, eg, in a reagent container storage. For example, part of fixed disk 503 may be used as a charging port. At this time, the reagent stirring position 508 may be used as a charging port, or a new charging port may be provided. Alternatively, 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, dedicated to the sterilization unit means that the slot is not shared with the analysis reagent container. Note that wireless charging may be adopted as the charging method. The charging procedure will be described together with the operation method of the sterilization unit (described later).

Next, a method for managing the remaining battery level will be described. The remaining battery level can be visually confirmed by the operator using the remaining battery level indicator 907 . Also, the charge port installed in the above-described device may be configured so that the remaining battery level can be checked. As a result, each time the sterilization unit is moved or installed in the charging port, the remaining battery level can be automatically checked by the device. Furthermore, the remaining battery capacity can be stored as one of the tag information of the RFID tag 203 . As a result, the remaining battery capacity 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 GUI of the device and can be checked by the operator.

The operation method of the sterilization unit of this embodiment will be described below. Here, consider a case where the operator uses the unit for equipment maintenance work. In addition, it is assumed that the apparatus is in a so-called standby state, in which no analysis operation or the like is being performed, before this work is performed. Furthermore, it is assumed that the unit is held in the reagent container installation slot in the reagent driving disk 501 and the ultraviolet rays are irradiated while rotating the reagent driving disk. The reagent container installation slot referred to here is not a slot dedicated to the sterilization unit described above, but a slot shared with the analysis reagent container. As an ultraviolet irradiation timing switching mechanism, a case where the mechanical switch 905 using the half opener described above and a switch using wireless communication with the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) are used together will be taken as an example.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flow charts of work procedures, and the subject of the operation is the automatic analyzer controlled by the controllers 117 and 903 and the operator. FIG. 11 shows the case of unloading the used sterilization unit after performing the work once. On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a case where the used sterilization unit is unloaded after repeating the operation until the battery runs out.

First, the former will be explained. When loading the sterilization unit into the apparatus, the operator first instructs the insertion of the sterilization unit on the apparatus UI (S1101). Then, the device checks 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). After confirming this, the operator selects one suitable reagent container and unloads it (Since the procedure for discharging the reagent has already been described, it is omitted here, S1104). After discharging the reagent, the unit is instructed to be loaded again (S1101).

After the device confirms the existence of an empty slot, the operator presses the loader switch 706 (S1105). The loading system 504 is then moved upwards to allow the operator to load 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 cannot be read normally because the sterilization unit has been erroneously inserted backwards and forwards, a warning message to that effect is displayed on the GUI (S1111). Subsequently, loading system 504 is actuated upwards to eject the sterilization unit (S1112). After confirming the warning message, the operator once takes out the sterilization unit from the slot 801 and reinserts it into the guide in the correct direction (S1113).

In the reading of the RFID tag information (S1110), if the information is read normally, the read remaining battery level is checked (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 is actuated upwards to eject the sterilization unit (S1116). After confirming the warning message, the operator discharges the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1117) and charges the battery (S1118). After charging the battery, the sterilization unit is put in again (from S1101).

When the remaining battery level is sufficient, information about 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 driving disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1120). Next, the operator instructs execution of the sterilization operation on the UI of the device (S1121). Then, the sterilization unit moves to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B) (S1122), and the LED is lit by communication with the device (S1123). After the LED is lit, the reagent drive disk rotates according to a predetermined sequence to sterilize the inside of the storage (S1124). That is, the control unit controls the sterilization unit to move to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device 506 (device B), and then irradiate the ultraviolet rays.

After completing the sterilization operation, the sterilization unit moves again to a position adjacent to the readout device 506 (device B) (S1125). Subsequently, the LED is turned off by communication with the device (S1126). After the LED is turned off, the sterilization unit moves 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 (S1127). The loading system 504 is then actuated upward (S1128) to allow the sterilization unit to be removed by the operator (S1129). Finally, the operator takes out the sterilization unit, and this maintenance work is completed.

Thus, after registering the RFID tag information, the controller moves the sterilization unit to the reagent drive disk and commands the execution of the sterilization operation. Further, the control unit moves the sterilization unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B, and then controls the sterilization unit to light up and perform the sterilization operation. Furthermore, after the sterilization operation is performed, the control section moves the sterilization unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B, and then controls the irradiation section to turn off.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a case will be described in which this maintenance work is repeatedly performed until the battery runs out. Here, it is assumed that the main maintenance work was performed in the past and the sterilization unit after use is held in the reagent disk as it is. Also, it is assumed that the LED is initially turned off. First, the operator instructs the execution of the sterilization operation on the device UI (S1201). The sterilization unit is then 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 moves 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 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 charges the battery (S1208).

When the battery remaining amount is sufficient, the sterilization unit information such as the battery remaining amount is updated (S1209). After updating, the loading system 504 is actuated downward (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 lit by communication with the device (S1213). After the LED is lit, the reagent drive disk rotates according to a predetermined sequence to sterilize the inside of the storage (S1214).

After the sterilization operation is completed, the sterilization unit moves again to a position adjacent to the readout device 506 (device B) (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 moves 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 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 is then activated to eject the sterilization unit (S1221). After confirming the warning message, the operator ejects the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1222) and charges the battery (S1223).

If the remaining battery level is sufficient, the sterilization unit information is updated (S1224). After updating, the loading system 504 is actuated downward (S1225) and the sterilization unit is moved to the reagent drive disk 501 by the reagent container moving unit 505 (S1226). This completes the maintenance work. The last updated sterilization unit information is stored in the storage device 119 so that the operator can check the loading status of the sterilization unit and the remaining battery level before the next maintenance work.

In addition, 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 provide a function of displaying a message prompting the maintenance work to be performed on the GUI when a certain period of time has passed since the last maintenance work was performed. In addition to the message display, the device may automatically perform the work when there is no measurement request. As for the battery, if there is a charging port in the reagent container storage (in the fixed disk 503 or in the reagent drive disk 501), if the sterilization unit is moved to the charging port after the work is completed, the battery will be charged before the next work is performed. can be charged. By issuing a command to eject the sterilization unit on the device UI, it is possible to eject the sterilization unit at an arbitrary timing even if the remaining battery level is sufficient. The above is the case where the operator uses the sterilization unit for equipment maintenance work.

Next, the case where the work is performed during the preparatory operation before the start of analysis and measurement will be described. Here, an example is given in which the main maintenance work was performed in the past and the used sterilization unit is held as it is in the reagent disk or in the charging port (if installed) in the storage. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show a flow chart of the work procedure, and the subject of the operation is the automatic analyzer controlled by the controllers 117 and 903 and the operator.

First, as shown in FIG. 13A, when an operator requests analysis and measurement, preparatory operations before starting analysis and measurement start (S1301). 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 (S1302). After that, the loading system 504 moves 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 by the device (device A) (S1304). Here, if the remaining battery level is less than the required 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 ejects the sterilization unit from the loading system 504 (S1307) and installs the sterilization unit with the battery charged (S1310).

If there is no charged battery, the operator presses the loader switch 706 (S1308). Accordingly, the loading system 504 moves downward (S1309), and after that, the sterilization operation is not performed, and the analysis operation is started as soon as the preparatory operation before starting the analysis is completed. When the battery is newly installed, when the operator presses the loader switch 706 (S1311), the loading system moves downward (S1312). In the process, the remaining battery capacity is read by the reading device (device A) (S1313).

Here, if the RFID information cannot be read normally because the sterilization unit has been erroneously inserted upside down, 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 once takes out the sterilization unit from the slot 801 and reinserts it into the guide in the correct orientation (S1316). In reading the RFID information (S1313), if the information is read normally, 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 the analysis operation is started as soon as the preparatory operation before starting the analysis is completed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the remaining battery level is sufficient, the sterilization unit information such as the remaining battery level is updated (S1319). The loading system 504 is then actuated 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 lit by communication with the device (S1323). After the LED is lit, the inside of the storage is sterilized by rotating the reagent drive disk according to a predetermined sequence (S1324).

After completing the sterilization operation, the sterilization unit again moves to a position adjacent to the readout device 506 (device B) (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 loading system 504 and further moved to loading system 504 by reagent container moving unit 505 (S1327). The loading system 504 moves 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 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 the analysis operation is started as soon as the preparatory operation before starting the analysis is completed.

When the remaining battery level is sufficient, the sterilization unit information such as the remaining battery level is updated (S1331). After updating, the loading system 504 is actuated downward (S1332) and the sterilization unit is moved by the reagent container moving unit 505 to the reagent drive disk 501 (S1333). This completes the maintenance work. The last updated sterilization unit information is stored in the storage device 119 so that the operator can check the loading status of the sterilization unit and the remaining battery level before the next maintenance work.

In addition, 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 provide a function of displaying a message prompting the maintenance work to be performed on the GUI when a certain period of time has passed since the last maintenance work was performed. In addition to the message display, the device may automatically perform the work when there is no measurement request. As for the battery, if there is a charging port in the reagent container storage, that is, in the fixed disk 503 or in the reagent drive disk 501, if the sterilization unit is moved to the charging port after the work is completed, the battery will be discharged before the next work is performed. can be charged. By issuing a command to eject the sterilization unit on the UI of the device, it is possible to eject the sterilization unit at an arbitrary timing even if the remaining battery level is sufficient.

The above is the case of performing the preparatory operation before starting the analysis. It is not limited to this, and may be performed when the device is started or when the device is shut down. Alternatively, after a certain period of time has passed since the shutdown of the device, the device may automatically perform the processing. The work process is the same as the flow charts of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

Next, a sequence of sterilization operations will be described. This operation is based on rotating the reagent drive disk 501 holding the sterilization unit at regular intervals while the LED is lit. It is desirable to illuminate the inside of the storage as uniformly as possible by, for example, rotating the reagent drive disk 501 while changing the irradiation angle. Further, as already described, the irradiation range may be expanded by installing an optical member (mirror, lens, etc.) in the reagent container storage. A location where contamination is likely to occur (eg, a location connected to the outside of the device) may be investigated in advance, and the location may be concentratedly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Also, a plurality of types of sequences may be prepared so that the operator can freely select one. Locations that are structurally difficult for light to reach, such as the gap between the bottom surface of loading system 504 and the bottom surface of jacket 402, can be sterilized by activating loading system 504 slightly upward and irradiating with UV light.

As described in detail above, the configuration of this embodiment saves space in the reagent container storage, prevents contamination with microorganisms originating from the outside of the device while avoiding interference with the reagent drive disk, It is possible to provide an automatic analyzer capable of keeping the inside clean.

Embodiment 2 includes a reagent container storage that holds reagent containers, a reagent disk that stores the reagent container and transports it to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and a loading system for the reagent disk and the reagent container. This is an example of an automatic analyzer having a configuration including a unit and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, and is an example of a configuration in which the irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays is provided as a part of the automatic analyzer. In this embodiment, the case where the irradiator is installed 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. FIG. 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 irradiator is installed inside the jacket 402 of the reagent disk. On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows the sterilization unit 1501 installed in the loading system 504 . Also in this case, the number of sterilization units to be mounted is not limited, and may be one or more. That is, at least one illuminator is attached to the loading system.

First, an irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet rays according to the present embodiment will be described. As in Example 1, an LED is used as the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Although a mercury lamp can be used as an ultraviolet light source, the use of ultraviolet LEDs is more advantageous in terms of space saving. The central wavelength of light emitted from an ultraviolet LED is desirably 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, that is, from 230 nm to 290 nm, which is a wavelength with high sterilization efficiency.

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

The amount of irradiation light at which the denaturation of reagent components and various components in the reagent container storage cabinet, such as reagent containers and reagent disks, by ultraviolet rays falls within the permissible range, is measured or calculated in advance for each combination of reagents used and irradiation wavelengths. demand. These pieces of information are stored in the storage device 119 as a table. Modification of reagent components and constituent members can be defined by changes in chemical bonds and molecular weights evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and the like. Furthermore, changes in the mechanical properties of the component can be defined by changes in parameters such as hardness and Young's modulus evaluated by indentation tests using a nanoindenter or the like.

In controlling the amount of irradiation light, in addition to the viewpoints of sterilization effect and denaturation of reagent components/various components, it is also necessary to consider the influence on the temperature environment within the reagent disk. For example, if the temperature in the reagent disk needs to be kept between 2 and 10°C, care must be taken not to allow the illumination of the LEDs to cause the temperature around the sterilization unit to exceed 10°C. A local temperature rise can be suppressed by attaching a heat radiation part such as a heat sink to the irradiation part.

The number of LEDs to be used need not be limited to one, and a plurality of LEDs may be used for the purpose of expanding the irradiation range. Optical members such as lenses and mirrors may also be used. The optical member may be attached to the sterilization unit, or may be provided at any location within the reagent container storage. Furthermore, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator to change the mounting position/angle of the LED. Alternatively, a location where contamination is likely to occur (such as a location connected to the outside of the device) may be investigated in advance, and the devices may be installed intensively around the location.

As in Example 1, a mercury lamp can also be used in place of the LED for the ultraviolet irradiation section. As in the case of the LED, for each combination of the species of bacteria to be sterilized and the emission wavelength of the lamp, the amount of irradiation light necessary for sterilization is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation. These pieces of information are stored in the storage device 119 as a table. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider denaturation of reagent components and various components in the reagent container storage as in the case of LEDs. That is, the amount of irradiation light that allows denaturation to fall within the permissible range is determined in advance by actual measurement or calculation for each combination of the reagent used and the irradiation wavelength. These pieces of information are stored in the storage device 119 as a table. 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 an arbitrary location within the reagent container storage. Furthermore, the irradiation range can be expanded by using an actuator to change the mounting position/angle of the lamp.

Next, the means for supplying power to the sterilization unit of this embodiment will be described. Unlike Embodiment 1, a battery is not used to supply power to the sterilization unit, and power can be supplied directly from the device. Wired power may be used, or wireless charging may be used. Since no battery is used, there is no need to check the remaining battery level before performing sterilization maintenance work.

The switching of the irradiation timing is performed by the control unit 117 without using the various switches described in the first embodiment. However, it is desirable to provide an interlock mechanism to minimize the risk of operator UV exposure. For example, when a sterilization unit is installed in a reagent container storage, an interlock mechanism is provided on the lid 401 of the storage to reduce the risk of being exposed to ultraviolet rays when an operator opens the lid 401 for equipment maintenance work. can be done. Similarly, when the unit is installed in the loading system 504, the risk can be reduced by providing the lid 401 with an interlock mechanism. That is, the loading system should be actuated downwards, and the UV radiation should only be applied when the jacket 402 is completely shielded.

The operating procedure of the sterilization unit is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the operator may perform the sterilization operation as one of the equipment 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 the shutdown of the device. Furthermore, the device may automatically perform the operation when a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous operation.

Next, a sequence of sterilization operations will be described. When the sterilization unit is installed inside the reagent container storage, the operator cannot access the inside of the reagent container storage unless the lid 401 of the storage is opened. On the other hand, if the unit is equipped with a loading system 504, the UV light is applied only when the loading system 504 is at the bottom and the lid 401 is fully closed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above embodiments have been described in detail for better understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

101 automatic analyzer, 106 sample dispensing tip/reaction container transportation unit, 108 incubator, 109 reagent dispensing mechanism, 110 reagent container, 111 reagent disk, 113 detection unit, 114 sample transport line, 117, 903 controller, 203 RFID Tag, 301 hinge, 302 protrusion, 303 opening, 304 sealing member, 401 lid, 402 jacket, 403, 506 device, 501 reagent drive disk, 502 reagent drive disk drive unit, 503 fixed disk, 504 loading system, 505 reagent Container moving 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 Driving battery , 905 mechanical switch, 906 heat radiator, 907 remaining battery indicator.

Claims (8)

a reagent container storage that holds reagent containers;
A reagent driving disk that stores the reagent container and transports it to a desired position in the reagent container storage, and an irradiation unit that irradiates a loading system that mounts the reagent driving disk or the reagent container on the reagent driving disk with ultraviolet rays. and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit,
The reagent container is provided with the irradiation unit,
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The reagent container provided with the irradiation unit is
Having the control unit, a drive battery that drives the irradiation unit, and a switch that switches the timing of ultraviolet irradiation,
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The control unit switches between lighting and extinguishing of the irradiation unit at a specific timing.
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 ,
The control unit controls to switch the switch at a specific timing.
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 ,
The reagent drive disk includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) information reading device A,
The control unit
RFID tag information of the reagent container provided with the irradiation unit is read by the RFID information reading device A, the remaining amount of the driving battery is checked, and if the remaining amount is sufficient, the RFID tag information is registered.
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 5 ,
The control unit
After registering the RFID tag information, the reagent container provided with the irradiation unit is moved to the reagent drive disk, and the execution of the sterilization operation is commanded.
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 6 ,
The reagent drive disk comprises an RFID information reading device B,
The control unit
Control to move the reagent container including the irradiation unit to a position adjacent to the RFID information reading device B, turn on the irradiation unit, and perform a sterilization operation;
An automatic analyzer characterized by: The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 ,
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:

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