JP7502043B2 - Reagent storage and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a reagent repository and an automated analyzer.

In automated analyzers for clinical testing, a certain amount of biological sample such as blood or urine (hereafter referred to as sample) is mixed with a reagent to cause a reaction, and the mixture is irradiated with light to measure the amount of transmitted or scattered light obtained, thereby determining the concentration, activity value, and time required for change of the substance to be measured. The reagent is contained in a reagent container and kept cool in a reagent storage provided in the automated analyzer. The reagent kept cool in the reagent storage is aspirated from the reagent container by a reagent dispensing probe at a timing based on the measurement, and dispensed into a reaction container.

Cooled air is circulated inside the reagent vault to efficiently maintain a low temperature inside the vault. If air is not circulated efficiently inside the reagent vault, it may not be possible to cool the inside of the reagent vault uniformly.

JP 2017-150871 A JP 2009-8611 A

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve is to uniformly cool the inside of a reagent storage unit using a simple structure. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be considered as other problems.

The reagent vault according to the embodiment is a vault that stores reagent containers and includes a tray, a cooling unit, a fan, and a circulation port. The tray is provided with an installation section for the reagent containers. The fan circulates air inside the reagent vault so that the inside of the reagent vault is cooled by the cooling section. The circulation port is provided in the tray and forms a circulation path for the air. At least one of the size and shape of the circulation port differs depending on the installation section in which the reagent containers are installed on the tray.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system to which a reagent repository according to this embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an analysis device of the automatic analysis system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a reagent storage according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a turntable and a tray of a reagent container according to this embodiment. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a turntable and a tray of a reagent container according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the turntable. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a partial tray. FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a partial tray. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an air circulation path in a reagent container according to this embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in the modified example. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9F is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9G is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 9H is a diagram showing an example of a through hole in a modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air circulation path in a reagent container according to a modified example.

Below, the embodiments of the reagent storage and the automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in principle, the contents described in one embodiment are also applicable to other embodiments.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 to which the reagent storage according to this embodiment is applied. The automatic analyzer 100 shown in Figure 1 includes an analyzer 70, a drive unit 80, and a processing unit 90.

The analytical device 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used to analyze each test item, and generates standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 has multiple units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. The processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

The processing device 90 has an input device 50, an output device 40, a processing circuit 30, and a memory circuit 60.

The input device 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and a touch panel, and is used to input data to set the analysis parameters for each test item, and to input data to set the test sample's test identification information and test items.

The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the calibration data and analysis data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the calibration data and analysis data generated by the processing circuit 30.

The memory circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data generation function 31 and an analysis control function 32. The analysis control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data generation function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

Here, for example, each processing function executed by the data generation function 31 and analysis control function 32, which are components of the processing circuit 30, is recorded in the memory circuit 60 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 30 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the memory circuit 60. In other words, the processing circuit 30 in a state in which each program has been read will have each function shown in the processing circuit 30 in FIG. 1. Here, the data generation function 31 is an example of a data generation unit. The analysis control function 32 is an example of an analysis control unit.

In FIG. 1, the processing functions described below are described as being realized by a single processing circuit 30, but a processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the functions.

The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 60. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60, the program is directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device 70 of the automated analysis device 100 of Figure 1.

The analytical device 70 includes a sample disk 5 that holds a number of sample containers 11. The sample containers 11 contain samples such as standard samples and test samples for each test item.

The analytical device 70 further includes a plurality of reagent containers 6, a reagent repository 1 that stores each of the plurality of reagent containers 6, and a plurality of reagent containers 7, and a reagent repository 2 that stores each of the plurality of reagent containers 7. The reagent containers 6, 7 contain reagents that contain components that react with components of each test item contained in the sample. The reagent repository 1 includes a reagent rack 1a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 6 of each test item. The reagent repository 2 includes a reagent rack 2a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers 7 of each test item.

The analysis device 70 further includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on a circumference, and a reaction disk 4 that holds each of the reaction vessels 3 in a rotatable manner.

The analysis device 70 further includes a sample dispensing probe 16, a sample dispensing arm 10, a sample dispensing pump unit 16a, a sample detector 16b, and a cleaning tank 16c. The sample dispensing probe 16 dispenses the sample. Specifically, the sample dispensing probe 16 aspirates the sample in the sample container 11 held on the sample disk 5 for each test item, and discharges the amount of sample set as the analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container 3. The sample dispensing arm 10 supports the sample dispensing probe 16 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The sample dispensing pump unit 16a causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate and discharge the sample. The sample detector 16b determines that the sample in the sample container 11 has been detected when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 16, which has descended from above the liquid surface, comes into contact with the liquid surface of the sample in the sample container 11 held on the sample disk 5. Specifically, the sample detector 16b is electrically connected to the sample dispensing probe 16, and detects the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 by a change in capacitance when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 16 comes into contact with the sample in the sample container 11. When the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 is detected, the sample dispensing pump unit 16a causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate and discharge the sample. The washing tank 16c washes the sample dispensing probe 16 every time sample dispensing is completed.

The analysis device 70 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 14, a reagent dispensing arm 8, a reagent dispensing pump unit 14a, a reagent detector 14b, a washing tank 14c, a stirrer 17, a stirring arm 18, and a washing tank 17a. The reagent dispensing probe 14 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 6. Specifically, the reagent dispensing probe 14 aspirates the reagent in the reagent container 6 for each test item held in the reagent rack 1a, and dispenses the amount of reagent set as the analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container 3 into which the sample has been dispensed. The reagent dispensing arm 8 supports the reagent dispensing probe 14 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The reagent dispensing pump unit 14a causes the reagent dispensing probe 14 to aspirate and dispense the reagent. The reagent detector 14b, as a liquid level detection function, determines that the reagent in the reagent container 6 has been detected when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 14, which has descended from above the liquid level, comes into contact with the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a. Specifically, the reagent detector 14b is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing probe 14, and detects the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 by a change in capacitance when the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 14 comes into contact with the reagent in the reagent container 6. When the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container 6 is detected, the reagent dispensing pump unit 14a causes the reagent dispensing probe 14 to aspirate and discharge the reagent. The washing tank 14c washes the reagent dispensing probe 14 after each dispensing of the reagent. The stirrer 17 stirs the mixture of the sample and the reagent dispensed in the reaction container 3. The stirring arm 18 supports the stirrer 17 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The washing tank 17a washes the stirrer 17 after each stirring of the mixture.

The analyzer 70 further includes a reagent dispensing probe 15, a reagent dispensing arm 9, a reagent dispensing pump unit 15a, a reagent detector 15b, a washing tank 15c, a stirrer 19, an agitator arm 20, and a washing tank 19a. The reagent dispensing probe 15 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 7. The functions of the reagent dispensing probe 15, the reagent dispensing arm 9, the reagent dispensing pump unit 15a, the reagent detector 15b, the washing tank 15c, the stirrer 19, the agitator arm 20, and the washing tank 19a are the same as those of the reagent dispensing probe 14, the reagent dispensing arm 8, the reagent dispensing pump unit 14a, the reagent detector 14b, the washing tank 14c, the stirrer 17, the agitator arm 18, and the washing tank 17a, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

The analysis device 70 further includes a measurement section 13 and a reaction vessel cleaning unit 12. The measurement section 13 irradiates light onto the reaction vessel 3 that contains the mixed liquid stirred by the stirrer 17 or the reaction vessel 3 that contains the mixed liquid stirred by the stirrer 19 to measure the mixed liquid. Specifically, the measurement section 13 irradiates light onto the reaction vessel 3 at the measurement position that is rotating and moving, and detects the light that has passed through the mixed liquid of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 3 due to this irradiation. The measurement section 13 then processes the detected signal to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The reaction vessel cleaning unit 12 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 3 after the measurement by the measurement section 13 has been completed.

The drive unit 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70.

The drive device 80 has a mechanism for driving the sample disk 5 of the analysis device 70, and rotates and moves each sample container 11. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 1a of the reagent storage 1, and rotates and moves each reagent container 6. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 2a of the reagent storage 2, and rotates and moves each reagent container 7. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reaction disk 4, and rotates and moves each reaction container 3.

The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the sample dispensing arm 10, and moves the sample dispensing probe 16 between the sample container 11 and the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also includes a mechanism for driving the sample dispensing pump unit 16a, and causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to dispense the sample. That is, the driving device 80 causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate the sample from the sample container 11 and eject the sample into the reaction container 3.

The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9, and moves the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 between the reagent containers 6 and 7 and the reaction container 3, respectively. The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent dispensing pump units 14a and 15a, and causes the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 to dispense reagent. That is, the driving device 80 causes the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 to aspirate the reagent from the reagent containers 6 and 7 and eject the reagent into the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the stirring arms 18 and 20, and moves the stirring bars 17 and 19 into the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the stirring bars 17 and 19, and causes the sample and reagent in the reaction container 3 to be stirred.

The analysis control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70.

The above describes the overall configuration of the automated analyzer 100 to which the reagent storage according to this embodiment is applied. With this configuration, the reagent storage according to this embodiment has a simple structure and uniformly cools the inside of the reagent storage, as described below.

For example, in order to efficiently maintain a low temperature inside the reagent vault, cooled air is circulated inside the reagent vault. However, in the automated analyzer 100, when reagent containers of different shapes, for example due to different capacities or designs, are placed in the reagent vault, air may not circulate efficiently inside the reagent vault, and the inside of the reagent vault may not be cooled uniformly.

The reagent vault according to this embodiment stores reagent containers and includes a tray, a cooling unit, a fan, and a circulation port. The tray is provided with an installation section for reagent containers. The fan circulates air inside the reagent vault so that the inside of the reagent vault is cooled by the cooling unit. The circulation port is provided in the tray and forms an air circulation path. At least one of the size and shape of the circulation port differs depending on the installation section where the reagent containers are installed on the tray.

The reagent storage 200 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The reagent storage 200 according to this embodiment corresponds to the reagent storages 1 and 2 shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the reagent storehouse 200 according to this embodiment. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the turntable 220 and tray 300 of the reagent storehouse 200 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-X' arrows in Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the turntable 220. Figure 6 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the partial tray 310. Figure 7 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the partial tray 320.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reagent storage 200 includes a housing 210, a reagent cover (not shown), a cooling element 230, a fan 240, a rotating table 220, and a tray 300.

The housing 210 has an opening at the top end and is configured to accommodate the rotating table 220 inside.

The cooling element 230 is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the housing 210. The cooling element 230 cools the reagent storage 200 by being driven by the driving device 80. For example, the cooling element 230 is a Peltier element. The cooling element 230 is an example of a "cooling unit."

The fan 240 is arranged, for example, to surround the rotation axis of the turntable 220. The fan 240 is driven by the drive unit 80 to circulate the air in the reagent storage 200 so that the air is cooled by the cooling element 230.

Although not shown in the figure, the reagent storage 200 is provided with a reagent cover. The reagent cover is a lid that covers the opening of the housing 210. The reagent cover is provided with a reagent suction port (not shown). The reagent suction port is a hole that passes through the reagent cover, and is provided at a position where the rotational path of the reagent dispensing probe and the movement path of the opening of the reagent container intersect. Here, the reagent dispensing probe corresponds to the reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 shown in FIG. 2.

Next, the configuration of the turntable 220 will be described.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the rotating table 220 has a support portion 220a, a bottom portion 220b, and a side portion 220c.

A rotating shaft 220a1 is provided at approximately the center of the support portion 220a. The rotating shaft 220a1 is driven by the driving device 80, and the rotating table 220 repeatedly rotates and stops.

The bottom surface portion 220b is a platform on which the tray 300 is placed. A plurality of reagent containers are placed on the tray 300. In other words, the bottom surface portion 220b is a platform for moving a plurality of reagent containers on the tray 300. For example, by rotating the turntable 220, one of the plurality of reagent containers on the tray 300 placed on the turntable 220 is stopped at a position directly below the reagent aspiration port, i.e., at the reagent aspiration position.

3, 4A, 4B, and 5, the bottom surface portion 220b is provided with a notch 220e that forms a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the notch 220e is formed at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface portion 220b. The position where the notch 220e is formed corresponds to the position of the reagent container arranged on the tray 300. The notch 220e is provided, for example, at the radially outer end of the bottom surface portion 220b and is formed in an approximately semicircular shape. Due to this shape, a gap for circulating air in the reagent storage 200 is formed between the notch 220e and the inner wall of the housing 210. Note that the shape of the notch 220e is not limited to an approximately semicircular shape, and may be any shape as long as it does not cause bias or turbulence in the air passing through.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the support portion 220a and the bottom surface portion 220b have different diameters, and the diameter of the support portion 220a is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface portion 220b. The side surface portion 220c is a surface that connects the support portion 220a and the bottom surface portion 220b, and extends downward from the support portion 220a.

3 and 5, the side surface portion 220c is provided with through-holes 220d that form a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the through-holes 220d are formed in an elliptical shape in the upward direction from the bottom surface portion 220b side in the side surface portion 220c, and are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The positions at which the through-holes 220d are formed correspond to the positions of the reagent containers arranged on the tray 300. Specifically, the through-holes 220d are provided on a straight line connecting the rotation axis 220a1 and the notch 220e, and the reagent containers are placed on the through-holes 220d. In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an example is shown in which the reagent containers on the tray 300 are placed in a double annular shape. Note that the reagent containers are not limited to being placed in a double annular shape, and may be placed in a single, triple, or other annular shape.

Next, the configuration of the tray 300 will be explained.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, the tray 300 is a stand that is placed opposite the turntable 220, and is a stand on which reagent containers of different shapes, for example due to different capacities or designs, are placed. For example, the tray 300 is divided into a plurality of partial trays 310, 320. In this embodiment, a case where the number of types of racks is two will be described as an example, but this is not limited to this case and there may be two or more types.

For example, the tray 300 is divided into three regions, and three partial trays are arranged in each of the three regions. Figures 4A and 4B show a pattern in which two partial trays 310 and one partial tray 320 are arranged. In addition, this is not limited to this pattern, and one partial tray 310 and two partial trays 320 may also be arranged.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, multiple types of reagent containers 311, 321 with different shapes are placed on the multiple partial trays 310, 320. For example, reagent containers 311, 321 with different heights are placed on the multiple partial trays 310, 320. For example, the height of the reagent container 311 is lower than the height of the reagent container 321.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the partial trays 310 and 320. First, we will explain the configuration of the partial tray 310.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the partial tray 310 has a side portion 310a, a bottom portion 310b, and a separation plate 310c.

The bottom surface portion 310b is a platform on which the reagent container 311 is placed. A plurality of reagent containers 311 are placed on the bottom surface portion 310b. In other words, the bottom surface portion 310b is a platform for moving the plurality of reagent containers 311.

3, 4A, 4B, and 6, the bottom surface portion 310b is provided with a notch 310e that forms a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the notch 310e is formed at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface portion 310b. The position where the notch 310e is formed corresponds to the position of the notch 220e. The notch 310e is provided, for example, at the radially outer end of the bottom surface portion 310b and is formed in an approximately semicircular shape. Due to this shape, a gap for circulating air in the reagent storage 200 is formed between the notch 310e and the inner wall of the housing 210. That is, the notch 310e is formed to correspond to the notch 220e, thereby forming a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. The shape of the notch 310e is not limited to an approximately semicircular shape, but is preferably the same shape as the notch 220e.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, 4B, and 6, the side portion 310a extends toward the bottom portion 310b so as to closely cover the side portion 220c of the rotating table 220.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, a protrusion 310a1 is provided at the upper end of the side portion 310a for mounting the partial tray 310 to the turntable 220 by covering a part of the support portion 220a of the turntable 220. When the partial tray 310 is mounted on the turntable 220, the bottom portion 310b of the partial tray 310 is provided on the bottom portion 220b of the turntable 220, and the side portion 220c of the turntable 220 is provided adjacent to the side portion 310a of the partial tray 310.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the side portion 310a is provided with through holes 310d that form a circulation path for air in the reagent repository 200. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the through holes 310d are formed in an elliptical shape in the upward direction from the bottom portion 310b in the side portion 310a, and are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The position where the through holes 310d are formed corresponds to the position of the through holes 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220. In other words, the through holes 310d are formed to communicate with the through holes 220d, thereby forming a circulation path for air in the reagent repository 200. The through holes 310d are an example of a "circulation port".

The shape of the through-hole 310d is based on the shape of the reagent container 311 arranged in the partial tray 310. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, for example, the height direction width of the through-hole 310d is smaller than the height direction width of the through-hole 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220, and the circumferential width of the through-hole 310d is the same as the circumferential width of the through-hole 220d. The method of setting the size and shape of the through-hole 310d will be described later.

3, 4A, 4B, and 6, the separation plate 310c is fixed to, for example, the side portion 310a. The separation plate 310c has a through hole for projecting the opening of the reagent container 311 placed on the partial tray 310 to the upper surface side of the reagent storage 200. The opening of the reagent container 311 is an outlet through which the reagent is taken out from the reagent container 311. The position where the through hole is formed corresponds to the position of the reagent container 311 arranged in the partial tray 310. The shape of the through hole formed in the separation plate 310c corresponds to the shape of the reagent container 311 arranged in the partial tray 310. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the shape of the reagent container 311 arranged in the partial tray 310 is cylindrical, the shape of the through hole formed in the separation plate 310c is circular. In this way, the partial tray 310 has a storage space in which the reagent container 311 is inserted through the through hole of the separation plate 310c and arranged on the bottom portion 310b. The storage space of the partial tray 310 is a portion where the reagent container 311 is placed, and is an example of an "installation portion." For example, the partial tray 310 is formed by integrally molding the installation portion where the reagent container 311 is placed and the through-hole 310d.

The separation plate 310c is a member for separating the space formed by the reagent cover and the housing 210. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the space formed by the reagent cover and the housing 210 is separated into, for example, a convection suppression layer 310c1, which is the space above the separation plate 310c, and a convection layer 310c2, which is the space below the separation plate 310c. The position at which the separation plate 310c is fixed to the side portion 310a is set based on the height of the reagent container 311, which is the reference. For example, the convection layer 310c2 is set to include the main body portion that contains the reagent out of the entire reagent container 311. In this way, the separation plate 310c allows cooled air to circulate in the main body portion of the reagent container 311 in the convection layer 310c2, and air does not circulate to the opening of the reagent container 311 in the convection suppression layer 310c1. In other words, the separation plate 310c suppresses the inflow of air into the opening of the reagent container 311. Separation plate 310c is an example of a "convection suppression section."

Next, we will explain the configuration of the partial tray 320.

As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the partial tray 320 has a side portion 320a, a bottom portion 320b, and a separation plate 320c.

The bottom surface portion 320b is a platform on which the reagent container 321 is placed. A plurality of reagent containers 321 are placed on the bottom surface portion 320b. In other words, the bottom surface portion 320b is a platform for moving the plurality of reagent containers 321.

3, 4A, 4B, and 7, the bottom surface portion 320b is provided with a notch 320e that forms a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the notch 320e is formed at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface portion 320b. The position where the notch 320e is formed corresponds to the position of the notch 220e. The notch 320e is provided, for example, at the radially outer end of the bottom surface portion 320b and is formed in an approximately semicircular shape. Due to this shape, a gap for circulating air in the reagent storage 200 is formed between the notch 320e and the inner wall of the housing 210. That is, the notch 320e is formed to correspond to the notch 220e, thereby forming a circulation path for air in the reagent storage 200. The shape of the notch 320e is not limited to an approximately semicircular shape, but is preferably the same shape as the notch 220e.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, 4B, and 7, the side portion 320a extends toward the bottom portion 320b so as to closely cover the side portion 220c of the rotating table 220.

As shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, a protrusion 320a1 is provided at the upper end of the side portion 320a for mounting the partial tray 320 to the turntable 220 by covering a part of the support portion 220a of the turntable 220. When the partial tray 320 is mounted on the turntable 220, the bottom portion 320b of the partial tray 320 is provided on the bottom portion 220b of the turntable 220, and the side portion 220c of the turntable 220 is provided adjacent to the side portion 320a of the partial tray 320.

3 and 7, the side portion 320a is provided with through holes 320d that form a circulation path for air in the reagent repository 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the through holes 320d are formed in an elliptical shape in the upward direction from the bottom portion 320b in the side portion 320a, and are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The positions at which the through holes 320d are formed correspond to the positions of the through holes 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220. In other words, the through holes 320d are formed to communicate with the through holes 220d, thereby forming a circulation path for air in the reagent repository 200. The through holes 320d are an example of a "circulation port".

The shape of the through-hole 320d is based on the shape of the reagent container 321 arranged in the partial tray 320. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, for example, the height direction width of the through-hole 320d is the same as the height direction width of the through-hole 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220, and the circumferential width of the through-hole 320d is narrower than the circumferential width of the through-hole 220d. The method of setting the size and shape of the through-hole 320d will be described later.

3, 4A, 4B, and 7, the separation plate 320c is fixed to, for example, the side portion 320a. The separation plate 320c has a through hole for projecting the opening of the reagent container 321 placed on the partial tray 320 to the upper surface side of the reagent storage 200. The opening of the reagent container 321 is an outlet through which the reagent is taken out from the reagent container 321. The position where the through hole is formed corresponds to the position of the reagent container 321 arranged in the partial tray 320. The shape of the through hole formed in the separation plate 320c corresponds to the shape of the reagent container 321 arranged in the partial tray 320. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the shape of the reagent container 321 arranged in the partial tray 320 is a rectangular prism, the shape of the through hole formed in the separation plate 320c is a square. In this way, the partial tray 320 has a storage space in which the reagent container 321 is inserted through the through hole of the separation plate 320c and arranged on the bottom portion 320b. The storage space of the partial tray 320 is a portion where the reagent container 321 is placed, and is an example of an "installation portion." For example, the partial tray 320 is formed by integrally molding the installation portion where the reagent container 321 is placed and the through hole 320d.

The separation plate 320c is a member for separating the space formed by the reagent cover and the housing 210. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the space formed by the reagent cover and the housing 210 is separated into, for example, a convection suppression layer 320c1, which is the space above the separation plate 320c, and a convection layer 320c2, which is the space below the separation plate 320c. The position at which the separation plate 320c is fixed to the side portion 320a is set based on the height of the reagent container 321, which is the reference. For example, the convection layer 320c2 is set to include the main body portion that contains the reagent out of the entire reagent container 321. In this way, the separation plate 320c allows cooled air to circulate to the main body portion of the reagent container 321 in the convection layer 320c2, and air does not circulate to the opening of the reagent container 321 in the convection suppression layer 320c1. In other words, the separation plate 320c suppresses the inflow of air into the opening of the reagent container 321. Separation plate 320c is an example of a "convection suppression section."

Next, we will explain the convection that occurs in the reagent storage 200. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the air circulation path in the reagent storage 200 in Figure 3.

When air is circulated to the partial tray 310 in which the reagent container 311 is placed, first, the air in the turntable 220 is sucked into the fan 240 by the rotation of the fan 240, and the sucked air is sent to the space between the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the bottom surface of the housing 210. Next, the air sent to the space between the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the bottom surface of the housing 210 is cooled by the cooling element 230. Then, the air sent to the space is sent to the convection layer 310c2, which is the space between the separation plate 310c of the partial tray 310 and the bottom surface 310b, via the gap between the notch 220e formed in the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the inner wall of the housing 210, and the gap between the notch 310e formed in the bottom surface 310b of the partial tray 310 and the inner wall of the housing 210. Here, the air sent to the convection layer 310c2 is sent into the turntable 220 via the through-hole 310d formed in the side portion 310a of the partial tray 310 and the through-hole 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220. Meanwhile, in the convection suppression layer 310c1, which is the space between the reagent cover and the separation plate 310c, the inflow of air from the convection layer 310c2 is suppressed by the separation plate 310c.

Similarly, when air is circulated to the partial tray 320 in which the reagent container 321 is placed, first, the air in the turntable 220 is sucked into the fan 240 by the rotation of the fan 240, and the sucked air is sent to the space between the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the bottom surface of the housing 210. Next, the air sent to the space between the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the bottom surface of the housing 210 is cooled by the cooling element 230. Then, the air sent to the space is sent to the convection layer 320c2, which is the space between the separation plate 320c of the partial tray 320 and the bottom surface 320b, via the gap between the notch 220e formed in the bottom surface 220b of the turntable 220 and the inner wall of the housing 210, and the gap between the notch 320e formed in the bottom surface 320b of the partial tray 320 and the inner wall of the housing 210. Here, the air sent to the convection layer 320c2 is sent into the turntable 220 via the through-hole 320d formed in the side portion 320a of the partial tray 320 and the through-hole 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220. Meanwhile, in the convection suppression layer 320c1, which is the space between the reagent cover and the separation plate 320c, the inflow of air from the convection layer 320c2 is suppressed by the separation plate 320c.

Next, we will explain how to set the size and shape of the through holes 310d and 320d using the verification results.

As described above, the partial trays 310 and 320 are respectively provided with reagent containers 311 and 321 of different heights due to, for example, different capacities or designs. For example, the height of the reagent container 311 is lower than the height of the reagent container 321. Even when reagent containers 311 and 321 of different shapes are thus provided in the reagent repository 200, it is necessary to efficiently circulate air within the reagent repository 200 to uniformly cool the inside of the reagent repository 200. Therefore, verification was conducted on optimization conditions that would make the volumetric flow rate ratio within the reagent repository 200 uniform overall by adjusting at least one of the size and shape of the through holes 310d and 320d. Specifically, verification was conducted on conditions that would enable the volumetric flow rate ratio to be optimized by suppressing variations in the flow rates to the partial trays 310 and 320.

As a result of the verification, it was confirmed that, for example, the ratio of the area of the gap between the reagent containers and the ratio of the area of the through holes are inversely correlated. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, if the area of the gap between the reagent containers 311 loaded on the partial tray 310 is A1 and the area of the gap between the reagent containers 321 loaded on the partial tray 320 is A2, the ratio of area A1 to area A2 is 1:N. N is a positive number greater than 1. In this case, for example, when the ratio of the area of the through hole 310d formed in the partial tray 310 to the area of the through hole 320d formed in the partial tray 320 is N:1, it was confirmed that the variation in the flow rate to each partial tray 310, 320 can be suppressed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the variation in the flow rate to each partial tray 310, 320, at least one of the size and shape of the through holes 310d, 320d was adjusted, for example, as follows.

First, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the height direction width of the through hole 320d of the partial tray 320 is set to the same height as the height direction width of the through hole 220d formed in the side portion 220c of the turntable 220. Also, in this embodiment, since the height of the reagent container 311 is lower than the height of the reagent container 321, as shown in FIG. 6, the height direction width of the through hole 310d of the partial tray 310 is set to be lower than the height direction width of the through hole 220d formed in the turntable 220. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the circumferential width of the through hole 310d is set to be the same width as the circumferential width of the through hole 220d.

Here, in this embodiment, the ratio of the area A1 of the gap between the reagent containers 311 to the area A2 of the gap between the reagent containers 321 is 1:N. In this case, in this embodiment, the circumferential width of the through hole 320d in FIG. 7 is set narrower than the circumferential width of the through hole 220d formed in the turntable 220 so that the ratio of the area of the through hole 310d to the area of the through hole 320d is N:1. This makes it possible to suppress variation in the flow rate to each partial tray 310, 320.

As explained above, in the reagent storage 200 according to this embodiment, the tray 300 is provided with installation sections for the reagent containers 311 and 321. The fan 240 circulates the air inside the reagent storage 200 so that the inside of the reagent storage 200 is cooled by the cooling element 230. The through holes 310d and 320d, which are circulation ports provided in the tray 300, form an air circulation path. In the tray 300, at least one of the size and shape of the through holes 310d and 320d differs depending on the installation sections in which the reagent containers 311 and 321 are respectively installed.

Specifically, the tray 300 is divided into a plurality of partial trays 310 and 320. A through hole 310d is provided in the side portion 310a of the partial tray 310, and a through hole 320d is provided in the side portion 320a of the partial tray 320. Here, the through holes 310d and 320d are formed to communicate with the through hole 220d provided in the side portion 220c of the rotating table 220, thereby forming an air circulation path. In addition, a notch 310e is provided in the bottom portion 310b of the partial tray 310, and a notch 320e is provided in the bottom portion 320b of the partial tray 320. Here, the notches 310e and 320e are formed to correspond to the notch 220e provided in the bottom portion 220b of the rotating table 220, thereby forming an air circulation path. In addition, the partial trays 310 and 320 accommodate reagent containers 311 and 321 of different heights, and the widths of the through holes 310d and 320d in the height direction vary depending on the heights of the reagent containers 311 and 321. Here, the through holes 220d are the same size regardless of the installation section.

In this way, the reagent storage 200 according to this embodiment, due to the above configuration, can efficiently circulate air inside the reagent storage 200 and uniformly cool the inside of the reagent storage 200 even when reagent containers 311, 321 of different shapes are placed in the reagent storage 200.

Other Embodiments
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment.

Figures 9A to 9H are diagrams showing an example of through hole 300d in a modified example. Through hole 300d is one of through holes 310d and 320d.

In the above-described embodiment, as an example of adjusting at least one of the size and shape of the through hole 300d, a case has been described in which the height direction width of the through hole 310d is set to be smaller than the height direction width of the through hole 220d formed in the turntable 220 in order to suppress variation in the flow rate to each partial tray 310, 320. Also, a case has been described in which the circumferential width of the through hole 320d is set to be smaller than the circumferential width of the through hole 220d formed in the turntable 220. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the position of the through hole 300d may be shifted in the circumferential direction with respect to the through hole 220d formed in the rotary table 220. Also, as shown in FIG. 9B, the position of the through hole 300d may be shifted in the axial direction with respect to the through hole 220d formed in the rotary table 220.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, a plurality of circular through holes 300d may be provided for an elliptical through hole 220d formed in the rotating table 220. Also, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the circular through holes 220d are formed in the rotating table 220 in a line in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, the circular through holes 300d may be provided alternately for the through holes 220d.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9E, when the rotary table 220 has circular through holes 220d arranged in the circumferential and axial directions, the position of the elliptical through hole 300d may be shifted in the circumferential direction relative to the through holes 220d so that the elliptical through hole 300d partially overlaps with the circumferential and axial through holes 220d.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9F, when multiple circular through holes 300d are provided for an elliptical through hole 220d formed in the rotary table 220, the positions of the through holes 300d may be shifted in the circumferential direction relative to the through holes 220d so that the elliptical through holes 220d overlap partially with the circumferential and axial through holes 300d.

For example, as shown in Figures 9G and 9H, through hole 300d may intersect with through hole 220d formed in turntable 220. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9G, when elliptical through holes 220d are formed in turntable 220 aligned in the axial direction, elliptical through holes 300d are formed aligned in the circumferential direction so that through hole 300d intersects with through hole 220d. As shown in Figure 9H, the same is true when through hole 220d and through hole 300d shown in Figure 9G are rotated 45 degrees.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air circulation path within the reagent repository 200 according to the modified example. When the ratio of the area A1 of the gap between the reagent containers 311 to the area A2 of the gap between the reagent containers 321 is 1:N, for example, a through hole 300d as shown in Figure 9E is applied as the through hole 320d of the partial tray 320 so that the ratio of the area of the through hole 310d to the area of the through hole 320d is N:1. Even in this case, the reagent repository 200 according to the modified example can efficiently circulate air within the reagent repository 200, thereby uniformly cooling the inside of the reagent repository 200.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the inside of the reagent chamber can be uniformly cooled with a simple structure.

Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

100 Automated analyzer 200 Reagent storage 230 Cooling element 240 Fan 300 Tray

Claims (4)

A reagent storage for storing reagent containers,
a tray provided with a placement portion for the reagent container, the tray being divided into a first and a second partial tray ;
A cooling section;
a fan that circulates air inside the reagent container so that the inside of the reagent container is cooled by the cooling unit;
a rotating table on which the tray is opposed;
a first circulation port that is provided in the first partial tray and forms a circulation path for the air;
a second circulation port that is provided in the second partial tray and forms a circulation path for the air;
a first through hole that is provided on the rotary table and is adjacent to and communicates with the first circulation port;
a second through hole provided on the rotary table, adjacent to and communicating with the second circulation port, and having the same size as the first through hole;
Equipped with
the first partial tray includes a first convection suppressing portion that suppresses the inflow of the air into a space in which an opening of a reagent container to be placed is located,
the second partial tray includes a second convection suppression unit that is provided at a position higher than the first convection suppression unit and that suppresses the inflow of the air into a space in which an opening of a reagent container to be placed is located,
a length in a height direction of the second circulation port is longer than a length in a height direction of the first circulation port, so that at least one of a size and a shape of the circulation port is different in accordance with the installation part in which the reagent container is installed on the tray;
Reagent storehouse. A notch provided on the bottom surface of the tray;
Further comprising:
The notch is formed to correspond to a notch provided in a bottom surface of the rotary table, thereby forming a circulation path for the air.
The reagent repository of claim 1 further comprising: Each of the first and second partial trays has the installation portion on which the reagent container is installed and the circulation port integrally molded.
The reagent repository according to claim 1 or 2 . A reagent storage according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ;
an analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent in the reagent container stored in the reagent repository into a reaction container and generates analysis data by measuring a mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container;
An automatic analyzer comprising:

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