WO2007129740A1

WO2007129740A1 - Reagent supplement device

Info

Publication number: WO2007129740A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/059613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshio Sakagami
Original assignee: Olympus Corporation
Priority date: 2006-05-09
Filing date: 2007-05-09
Publication date: 2007-11-15
Also published as: JP2007303879A

Abstract

An automatic analyzer is supplemented automatically with reagent, as required, and the reagent is supplied to the automatic analyzer without bubbling. The reagent supplement device has a reagent storage section (8) for storing a reagent container (22) containing reagent for supplement, and a conveyance section (9) for conveying the reagent container (22) at the reagent containing section (2)(2A, 2B) of the automatic analyzer (1) to the outside of the reagent containing section (2) and collecting the reagent container (22) on one hand, and conveying the reagent container (22) at the reagent storage section (8) to the reagent containing section (2), wherein the reagent storage section (8) and the conveyance section (9) are provided to be able to be attached to and removed from the automatic analyzer (1). Consequently, an automatic analyzer consuming a large quantity of reagent can be supplemented automatically with reagent, as required. Since the conveyance section (9) moves the reagent container (22) on a substantially flush plane and does not moves the reagent container (22) up and down, the reagent in the reagent container (22) can be prevented from bubbling.

Description

Specification

Reagent replenisher

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reagent replenishing device for replenishing a reagent to an automatic analyzer.

Background art

In an automatic analyzer, a collected sample such as blood or urine and a reagent according to a test item are dispensed into reaction containers, respectively, and the reaction of a reaction solution composed of the sample and the reagent is measured. Reagents necessary for analysis are stored in a reagent container with an identification label, for example. This reagent container is arranged on a rotating table in the reagent storage of the automatic analyzer. In the analyzer, when a test request is made, the reagent container containing the reagent used for the test is moved to the sorting position while being identified by an identification label or the like.

[0003] Incidentally, in recent years, the amount of reagent consumption increases as the analysis speed of an automatic analyzer increases, and it is necessary to frequently replace the reagent container to replenish the reagent. Therefore, conventionally, a replenishing reagent storage for storing a replenishing reagent and a reagent transporting means for transporting a reagent container from the replenishing reagent storage to a reagent disc having a reagent used for analysis are provided. In addition, there is an automatic analyzer that eliminates reagent shortages and reduces the burden on the operator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-37171

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, the reagent storage for replenishment and the reagent transport device are useful for automatic analyzers that consume a large amount of reagent and are not necessarily used for automatic analyzers that consume a small amount of reagent. Absent. In particular, in a configuration in which the reagent storage for replenishment and the reagent transport device are provided so as to straddle the reagent disk, an automatic analyzer that consumes a small amount of reagent may be an obstacle. Therefore, it is desirable to install a device for replenishing the reagent according to the automatic analyzer that consumes a large amount of reagent. [0006] Further, since the reagent transporting unit is configured to transport the reagent container in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the reagent disk, there is a possibility that bubbles may be generated in the reagent. When bubbles are generated in the reagent, for example, it is determined whether the tip of the probe is in contact with the liquid level of the reagent. When the liquid level detection mechanism is used, the surface of the bubble is erroneously detected as the liquid level of the reagent. As a result, the reagent cannot be aspirated and the air is absorbed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a reagent replenishing device capable of automatically replenishing a reagent to an automatic analyzer as necessary, and generates bubbles in the reagent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reagent replenishing device that can supply a reagent to an automatic analyzer without any problems.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the reagent replenishing device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a reagent storage unit that stores a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment, and the reagent And a transport unit that transports the reagent container in the storage unit to the reagent storage unit of the automatic analyzer, and the reagent storage unit and the transport unit are detachably provided to the automatic analyzer.

[0009] A reagent replenishing device according to claim 2 of the present invention includes a reagent storage unit that stores a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment, and a reagent container in a reagent storage unit of an automatic analyzer. And a transport unit for transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage unit to the reagent storage unit, and the reagent storage unit and the transport unit are detachably provided to the automatic analyzer. It is characterized by.

[0010] The reagent replenishing device according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the transport unit transports the reagent container on a substantially flush surface.

The invention's effect

A reagent replenishing device according to the present invention includes a reagent storage unit that stores a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment, and a transport unit that transports the reagent container in the reagent storage unit to the reagent storage unit of the automatic analyzer. The reagent storage unit and the transport unit are detachably attached to the automatic analyzer, so that the automatic analyzer with a large amount of reagent consumption can be automatically replenished as necessary. Can do. [0012] In addition, a reagent storage unit that stores a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment, and a reagent container in the reagent storage unit of the automatic analyzer are transported to the outside of the reagent storage unit, while a reagent storage unit A reagent storage unit and a transport unit that can be attached to and detached from the automatic analyzer. In addition, it is possible to automatically replenish reagents as needed and collect empty reagent containers.

[0013] Further, since the transport unit transports the reagent container on a substantially flush surface, the reagent container is not moved up and down, so that a situation in which bubbles are generated in the reagent in the reagent container can be prevented. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an automatic analyzer to which a reagent replenishing device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention is applied to an automatic analyzer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the automatic analyzer and the reagent replenishing device. Explanation of symbols

[0015] 1 Automatic analyzer

11 Analysis control unit

2 Reagent storage

2A First reagent storage

2B Second reagent storage

21 tables

21a center

2 δ Formula Valley ¾S

3 Reaction part

31 Container holder

31a center

32 reaction vessel

33 Analytical optics 331 Light emitting part

332 Spectrometer

333 Receiver

4 Sample transport section

41 racks

42 Sample container

5 Reagent dispensing mechanism

5A First reagent dispensing mechanism

5B Second reagent dispensing mechanism

51 arm

511 Center axis

52 Probe

53 Drive means

6 Sample dispensing mechanism

61 arms

611 Center axis

62 Probe

63 Drive means

7 Reagent shortage detection means

100 reagent replenisher

101 Refill control unit

8 Reagent storage

81 Tape Nore

81a center

9 Transport section

91 First transport mechanism

911 arm

912 Press member 913 Drive means

92 Second transport mechanism

921 Tape Nore

922 Drive means

93 Third transport mechanism

931 arm

932 Pressing member

933 Drive means

10 Collection department

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a reagent replenishing device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an automatic analyzer to which a reagent replenishing device according to the present invention is applied. The automatic analyzer 1 measures the amount of various components contained in a sample by measuring the optical change of the reaction solution consisting of the sample and reagent, for example, a supernatant liquid (serum) in which unnecessary substances in blood are precipitated. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a reagent storage unit 2, a reaction unit 3, and a sample transfer unit 4.

The reagent storage unit 2 has a circular table 21. The table 21 is rotatably provided around the center 21a, and is rotated by a driving means (not shown). The table 21 holds a plurality of reagent containers 22 containing reagents in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 22 moves around the center 21 a as the table 21 rotates. The reagent storage unit 2 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the table 21, and cools the reagent in the reagent container 22 by cooling the inside of the case to a predetermined temperature. The reagent storage unit 2 includes a first reagent storage unit 2A and a second reagent storage unit 2B arranged in the horizontal direction in order to store the first reagent and the second reagent, respectively. The reagent container 22 is affixed with an identification code label having various information such as the type, amount, and lot number of the stored reagent. On the other hand, the reagent storage unit 2 (1A, 2B) is provided with an identification code reader (not shown) for reading the identification code of the reagent container 22. Here, the reagent container 22 has a fan-shaped outer shape in plan view, and is a synthetic resin container in which the fan shapes are connected in the vertical direction, and has an opening on the upper surface thereof. The opening of the reagent container 22 is sealed with a stopper when not in use, and the stopper is removed when the reagent container 22 is stored in the reagent storage section 2 (and the reagent storage section 8 described later).

The reaction unit 3 has a cylindrical container holding unit 31. The container holding part 31 is rotatably provided around the center 31a, and is rotated by a driving means (not shown). The container holding part 31 has a plurality of recesses (not shown) along its circumferential direction. Each recess holds a reaction container 32 for mixing the reagent and the specimen. The container holding part 31 has a light shielding member (not shown) between the recesses adjacent in the circumferential direction, and shields between the adjacent reaction containers 32. Furthermore, the container holding part 31 is provided with openings (not shown) penetrating in the radial direction in the respective recesses, and the reaction container 32 is exposed through the openings. The reaction unit 3 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the container holding unit 31 and keeps the case in a constant temperature bath at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.), thereby maintaining the inside of the reaction vessel 32. Keep the reaction mixture of the reagent and sample warm.

[0021] Here, the reaction vessel 32 is a bottomed rectangular tube-like vessel having an open top, and is a material that transmits 80% or more of light contained in analysis light described later (for example, glass containing heat-resistant glass, Synthetic resin such as cyclic olefin and polystyrene). The reaction vessel 32 is used as a photometric region in which the lower peripheral wall transmits the analysis light. This photometric region defines the thickness of the reaction liquid in the direction in which the light for measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction liquid is transmitted between the peripheral walls.

[0022] Further, the reaction unit 3 is provided with an analysis optical system 33. The analysis optical system 33 includes a light emitting unit 331, a spectroscopic unit 332, and a light receiving unit 333. The light emitting unit 331 emits analysis light (for example, 340 to 800 nm) for analyzing the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 32. This analysis light passes through the opening of the container holding part 31 in the reaction part 3 and passes through the reaction solution in the photometric region of the reaction container 32. The spectroscopic unit 332 splits the analysis light transmitted through the reaction solution toward the light receiving unit 333. The light receiving unit 333 receives the analysis light spectrally separated by the spectroscopic unit 332.

[0023] Although not shown in the figure, the reaction section 3 is provided with a stirring mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The stirring mechanism is for mixing the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 and the sample uniformly. Examples include a contact type in which a stirring bar is inserted into the reaction vessel 32 and a non-contact type using ultrasonic waves. When a stir bar is used, a washing unit for washing the stir bar outside the reaction unit 3 is required. The cleaning mechanism is for cleaning the inside of the reaction vessel 32. For example, the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32 is sucked and discharged, and then the cleaning solution is repeatedly injected into the reaction vessel 32 and discharged. Thereafter, the inside of the reaction vessel 32 is dried and wiped off.

The sample transport unit 4 transports the rack 41 that holds the sample container 42. The rack 41 holds a plurality of sample containers 42 containing samples. The sample container 42 is, for example, a container having an open top such as a test tube. The sample transfer unit 4 is composed of a belt conveyor, for example, and transfers a rack 41 placed on the belt in a predetermined direction. Note that the rack 41 is placed in the sample transport section 4 in a state where a plurality of sample containers 42 are arranged in the transport direction. In the present embodiment, two sample transfer sections 4 are provided in parallel, and the rack 41 is circulated together.

Meanwhile, a reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is provided between the reagent storage unit 2 and the reaction unit 3. Here, the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is provided between the first reagent dispensing mechanism 5A provided between the first reagent storage unit 2A and the reaction unit 3, and between the second reagent storage unit 2B and the reaction unit 3. And a second reagent dispensing mechanism 5B. This reagent dispensing mechanism 5 has an arm 51 and a probe 52. The arm 51 is provided with a base end attached to the upper end of a central shaft 511 erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 51 rotates around the central axis 511 by the rotation of the central axis 511 driven by the driving means 53. The arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 or a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 by rotation. Further, the arm 51 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 511 driven by the driving means 53. The probe 52 dispenses a reagent and is attached to the tip of the arm 51 with the tip facing downward. That is, the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 moves the probe 52 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 51 and moving up and down, and aspirates the reagent from the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 2 by the probe 52, Is poured into the reaction vessel 32 of the reaction section 3.

Note that the predetermined position of the reagent storage unit 2 is a position of an opening provided in the upper surface of the case of the reagent storage unit 2 although not clearly shown in the drawing. In the opening of the case of the reagent storage section 2, the reagent The position of the opening of the reagent container 22 matches with the rotation of the table 21 of the storage unit 2 stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position in the reagent storage 2, the probe 52 is located at the opening of the reagent container 22 through the opening hole of the case of the reagent storage 2, and the probe 52 The reagent can be aspirated from the reagent container 22. In addition, the predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 is a position of an opening provided in the upper surface of the case of the reaction unit 3 although not clearly shown in the drawing. The position of the opening of the reaction vessel 32 coincides with the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3 in a state where the rotation of the container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, when the tip of the arm 51 moves to a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3, the probe 52 is located at the opening of the reaction vessel 32 through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3. Reagent can be injected into reaction vessel 32. Further, another predetermined position where the probe 52 is moved by the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is a washing position. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, a cleaning unit that sucks and discharges the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position to clean the probe 52.

A sample dispensing mechanism 6 is provided between the reaction unit 3 and the sample transfer unit 4. The sample dispensing mechanism 6 has an arm 61 and a probe 62 and is movable. The arm 61 is provided with a base end attached to the upper end of a central shaft 611 erected in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction. The arm 61 rotates around the central axis 611 by the rotation of the central axis 611 driven by the driving means 63. The arm 61 moves to a predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 or a predetermined position of the sample transfer unit 4 by rotation. Further, the arm 61 moves in the vertical direction by the vertical movement of the central shaft 611 driven by the driving means 63. The probe 62 dispenses a sample, and is attached to the distal end portion of the arm 61 with the distal end directed downward. That is, the sample dispensing mechanism 6 moves the probe 62 by moving the position of the tip of the arm 61 and moving up and down, and aspirates the sample from the sample container 42 in the sample transfer unit 4 by the probe 62. The sample is injected into the reaction container 32 of the reaction unit 3.

It should be noted that the predetermined position of the sample transport unit 4 is not clearly shown in the figure, but the opening of the predetermined sample container 42 in the rack 41 in a state where the transport of the rack 41 is stopped in the sample transport unit 4. Position. Therefore, when the distal end of the arm 61 moves to a predetermined position of the sample transfer section 4, the probe 62 is at the opening position of the predetermined sample container 42, and the sample is removed from the sample container 42 by the probe 62. Can suck. The predetermined position of the reaction unit 3 is the same as described above. When the tip of the arm 61 moves to a predetermined position in the reaction unit 3, the probe 62 is located at the position of the opening of the reaction vessel 32 through the opening hole of the case of the reaction unit 3, and the probe 62 Thus, the specimen can be injected into the reaction container 32. Furthermore, another predetermined position where the probe 62 is moved by the specimen dispensing mechanism 6 is a washing position. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, a cleaning unit for sucking and discharging the cleaning liquid is provided at this cleaning position.

[0029] The operation of the above-described automatic analyzer 1 will be described. First, the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 22 stored in the first reagent storage unit 2A is aspirated by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 5A and injected into the predetermined reaction container 32 in the reaction unit 3. Next, the specimen dispensing mechanism 6 sucks the specimen in the predetermined specimen container 42 held in the rack 41 in the specimen transfer section 4 and injects it into the reaction container 32. Next, the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 22 stored in the second reagent storage unit 2B is aspirated by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 5B and injected into the reaction container 32. Here, the reagent in the reaction vessel 32 and the specimen are stirred and mixed by the stirring mechanism. Note that the probes 52 and 62 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 and the specimen dispensing mechanism 6 and the stirring rod of the stirring mechanism are washed in each washing section after dispensing and stirring.

[0030] The above operation is repeated at a constant cycle. The container holding unit 31 of the reaction unit 3 rotates counterclockwise in one cycle (one reaction vessel per lap) / 4 minutes, and rotates clockwise for one reaction vessel in four cycles. Then, when the container holding unit 31 rotates, when the reaction container 32 containing the stirred reaction liquid crosses the analysis light in the analysis optical system 33, the absorbance of the reaction liquid is measured. The absorbance is measured until the reaction container 32 that has been measured is washed and dried (for example, 18 seconds). Washed & dried reaction vessel 32 is used again for analysis

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention is applied to an automatic analyzer. The reagent replenishing device 100 is detachably attached to the automatic analyzer 1 described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the reagent replenishing device 100 includes a reagent storage unit 8, a transport unit 9, and a recovery unit 10.

The reagent storage unit 8 is disposed on the side of the automatic analyzer 1. The reagent storage unit 8 has the same configuration as the reagent storage unit 2 of the automatic analyzer 1, and has a circular table 81. . The table 81 is rotatably provided around the center 81a and is rotated by driving means (not shown). In this table 81, a plurality of reagent containers 22 containing reagents are held in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 22 moves around the center 81a as the table 81 rotates. The reagent storage unit 8 has a case (not shown) that covers the periphery of the table 81, and cools and stores the reagent in the reagent container 22 by cooling the inside of the case to a predetermined temperature. The reagent storage unit 8 is provided with a lid (not shown) that can be opened and closed so that the operator can place the reagent container 22 for replenishment. In addition, the reagent storage unit 8 is provided with a mechanism (not shown) that allows the operator to place a reagent container 22 that has been previously opened by the operator or to automatically open the container. It may be placed. The reagent storage unit 8 is provided with an identification code reader (not shown) that reads the identification code of the reagent container 22.

[0033] The transport unit 9 transports the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 to the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) of the automatic analyzer 1, and the reagent in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B). The container 22 is for transporting outside the reagent storage unit 2 (collection unit 10), and includes a first transport mechanism 91, a second transport mechanism 92, and a third transport mechanism 93.

The first transport mechanism 91 is for transporting the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 to the outside of the reagent storage unit 8 (second transport mechanism 92). The first transport mechanism 91 is disposed in the vicinity of the reagent storage unit 8 and has an arm 911 and a pressing member 912. The arm 911 is disposed above the reagent storage unit 8 and extends in the horizontal direction. This arm 911 moves horizontally so as to be close to or away from the automatic analyzer 1 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Further, the arm 911 moves up and down by the drive of the drive means 913. The pressing member 912 extends downward from the arm 911. The pressing member 912 is formed so as to engage with the side portion of the reagent container 22. That is, the first transport mechanism 91 moves the pressing member 912 by the horizontal movement and vertical movement of the arm 911, and the pressing container 912 moves the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 to the outside of the reagent storage unit 8. Extrude and transfer to the second transport mechanism 92. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the case of the reagent storage unit 8 is provided with an opening through which the pressing member 912 is inserted and the reagent container 22 is pushed out. This opening is opened and closed by a shirt driven by driving means (not shown). [0035] The second transport mechanism 92 is for transporting the reagent container 22 between the reagent storage unit 8 side and the reagent storage unit 2 side. The second transport mechanism 92 is disposed on the automatic analyzer 1 side and has a circular table 921. The table 921 has a horizontal upper surface, and is driven in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2 by driving the driving means 922, and is in the reagent storage unit 8 side and the reagent storage unit 2 side (the first reagent storage unit 2A and the second reagent). Move horizontally to the position between storage unit 2B). Further, the table 921 rotates around the center of the circular shape by driving of the driving means 922. A positioning portion (not shown) for positioning the reagent container 22 may be provided on the upper surface of the tape nozzle 921. This positioning part includes a partition plate for regulating the direction of the reagent container 22, for example.

The third transport mechanism 93 is for transporting the reagent container 22 located outside the reagent storage unit 2 (second transport mechanism 92) to the inside of the reagent storage unit 2. The third transport mechanism 93 is arranged near the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) on the automatic analyzer 1 side, and includes an arm 931 and a pressing member 932. The arm 931 is disposed above the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) and extends in the horizontal direction. The arm 931 is moved horizontally in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2 in the direction in which the first reagent storage unit 2A and the second reagent storage unit 2B are arranged by driving of the driving means 933. Further, the arm 931 moves up and down by the drive of the drive means 933. The pressing member 932 is formed so as to engage with the side portion of the reagent container 22. That is, the third transport mechanism 93 moves the pressing member 932 by moving the arm 931 horizontally and vertically, and stores the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) by the pressing member 932. Extrude outside part 2 (position between first reagent storage 2A and second reagent storage 2B). On the other hand, the third transport mechanism 93 moves the pressing member 932 by the horizontal movement and vertical movement of the arm 931, and moves the reagent container 22 to the second transport mechanism 92 (the first reagent storage unit 2A and the second reagent by the pressing member 932). Push it into the inside of reagent storage 2 (2A, 2B) from the position between storage 2B. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the case of the reagent storage unit 2 is provided with an opening through which the pressing member 932 is inserted and the reagent container 22 is inserted and removed. This opening is opened and closed by a shirt driven by driving means (not shown).

[0037] The collection unit 10 is an opening hole for introducing the reagent container 22. This collection unit 10 In the dynamic analyzer 1, the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92 is provided at a position between the first reagent storage unit 2A and the second reagent storage unit 2B. The collection unit 10 is opened and closed by moving the table 921.

By the way, the transport unit 9 described above moves the reagent container 22 in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the upper surface of the table 81 of the reagent storage unit 8 is almost flush with the upper surface of the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92. Furthermore, the upper surface of the table 21 of the reagent storage unit 2 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the automatic analyzer and the reagent replenishing device. As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic analyzer 1 includes the reagent storage unit 2, the reaction unit 3, the sample transfer unit 4, the reagent dispensing mechanism 5, and the sample dispensing mechanism 6 connected to the analysis control unit 11. These are all controlled by the analysis control unit 11. Various information of the reagent container 22 read by an identification code reader (not shown) provided in the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) is stored in a memory (not shown) in the analysis control unit 11. . The reagent shortage detection means 7 connected to the analysis control unit 11 detects a reagent shortage in each reagent container 22 held in the reagent storage unit 2. The shortage of reagents can be detected by, for example, comparing various information of the reagent container 22 with the past reagent usage amount and calculating the current reagent remaining amount. On the other hand, in the reagent replenishing device 100, the reagent storage unit 8 and the transport unit 9 (the first transport mechanism 91, the second transport mechanism 92, and the third transport mechanism 93) described above are connected to the replenishment control unit 101. The control unit 101 performs overall control. Further, the replenishment control unit 101 is connected to the analysis control unit 11 of the automatic analyzer 1. That is, the replenishment control unit 101 inputs and outputs signals with the analysis control unit 11. The analysis control unit 11 and the replenishment control unit 101 are detachably provided via an interface.

[0040] Here, in the reagent storage unit 8, the operator stores in advance the reagent container 22 containing the reagent that is predicted to run out of reagents. Prediction of reagent shortage is performed by the analysis control unit 11. The analysis item (actual result) analyzed in the past is stored in the memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. Further, the past usage amount (actual result) of the reagent for each day (am'pm), week, month, season, and year is calculated and stored in the memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. The analysis control unit 11 then determines the remaining amount of reagent up to the previous day and the predetermined period (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month). The required amount of reagent is calculated from the estimated number of analysis items according to the reagent usage record, and the amount of reagent currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8 is predicted, and this is predicted by an external output means (not shown). Notify the operator. The operator sees this notification, and stores in advance the reagent container 22 containing the reagent predicted to run out of reagents in the reagent storage unit 8.

[0041] In addition, when the operator inputs the number of predicted samples for a predetermined period (for example, one day) by an external input means (not shown), the analysis control unit 11 determines the input and the remaining reagent amount up to the previous day. The required amount of the reagent for a predetermined period is obtained from the amount of reagent, the reagent shortage is predicted from the amount of reagent currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8, and this is notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown). Good.

[0042] Further, when the operator inputs the expected number of items for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day) by an external input means (not shown), the analysis control unit 11 uses the input and the remaining amount of reagent up to the previous day. The necessary amount of reagent for a predetermined period may be obtained, and the reagent amount capacity currently stored in the reagent storage unit 8 may be predicted, and the operator may be notified of this by external output means (not shown).

When the reagent container 22 is stored in the reagent storage unit 8, the identification code is read by an identification code reader (not shown) provided in the reagent storage unit 8. The read information on the reagent container 22 is stored in a memory (not shown) of the replenishment control unit 101 and a memory (not shown) of the analysis control unit 11. Here, the analysis control unit 11 compares the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 8 with the reagent actually used in the analysis. As a result of comparison, if an analysis item using a reagent other than the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 8 is generated, the reagent may be insufficient, and this is notified to the operator by an external output means (not shown). It may be.

[0044] The operation of the reagent replenishing device 100 described above will be described. During the operation of the automatic analyzer 1, the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage 2 (2A, 2B) becomes empty (including a small amount that cannot be used for analysis). That is, a reagent shortage is detected by the reagent shortage detection means 7 of the automatic analyzer 1. In this case, the replenishment control unit 101 rotates the table 21 of the reagent storage unit 2 via the analysis control unit 11 to move the corresponding empty reagent container 22 to the position of the opening, and releases the opening with a shirter. The empty reagent container 22 is moved into the reagent storage section 2 by the third transport mechanism 93. Extrude outside. At this time, the second transport mechanism 92 is at a position where the collection unit 10 is released (a position near the reagent storage unit 8). For this reason, the empty reagent container 22 pushed out of the reagent storage unit 2 is put into the collection unit 10. After the empty reagent container 22 is taken out of the reagent storage unit 2, the replenishment control unit 101 closes the opening of the reagent storage unit 2 with a shutter via the analysis control unit 11 (collection operation).

On the other hand, when the reagent shortage detection means 7 of the automatic analyzer 1 detects a reagent shortage, the replenishment control unit 101 rotates the table 81 of the reagent storage unit 8 to store the reagent corresponding to the shortage. The replenishing reagent container 22 is moved to the position of the opening, the opening is released with a shirter, and the reagent container 22 is pushed out of the reagent storage unit 8 by the first transport mechanism 91. At this time, the second transport mechanism 92 is in a position near the reagent storage unit 8. Therefore, the replenishment reagent container 22 pushed out of the reagent storage unit 8 is delivered to the upper surface of the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92. After the replenishing reagent container 22 is taken out of the reagent storage unit 8, the opening is closed with a shirter. Next, the replenishment control unit 101 moves the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92 to a position between the first reagent storage unit 2A and the second reagent storage unit 2B, and further rotates the table 921 to store the reagent. Reorient the refill reagent container 22 to enter Part 2 (2A or 2B). Next, the replenishment control unit 101 opens the opening of the reagent storage unit 2 (2 A or 2B) into which the reagent container 22 for replenishment should be pushed via the analysis control unit 11 with a shatter, and the third transport mechanism 93 Push the reagent container 22 for replenishment on the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92 into the reagent storage 2 (2A or 2B). Finally, after the replenishment reagent container 22 is pushed in, the replenishment control unit 101 closes the opening of the reagent storage unit 2 with a shirter via the analysis control unit 11 (replenishment operation).

[0046] Then, when the replenished reagent lot is the same as the previous reagent, the reagent is used as it is for analysis. On the other hand, if the lot is different, the sample transfer unit 4 transfers the standard sample and recreates the absorbance-concentration relationship curve (calibration curve) using the standard sample as necessary.

It should be noted that the recovery operation and the operation until the reagent container 22 is transferred to the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92 in the replenishment operation can be performed simultaneously. Reagent replenishment is not limited to the case where reagent shortage is detected by the reagent shortage detection means 7, but an operator can input the reagent externally. This may be performed when a reagent replenishment instruction is input by force means (not shown).

[0048] Since the positioning portion (not shown) for positioning the reagent container 22 is provided on the upper surface of the table 921 of the second transport mechanism 92, the operator directly attaches the reagent container to the upper surface of the table 921. It is also possible to replenish the reagent storage unit 2 with 22 placed. In this case, although not shown in the figure, a detecting means for detecting that the reagent container 22 is placed on the upper surface of the table 921 and an identification code reader for reading the identification code of the placed reagent container 22 are provided. Then, when the analysis controller 11 of the automatic analyzer 1 informs the operator which reagent is insufficient by the detection of the reagent shortage detection means 7, the replenishment controller 101 detects the empty reagent. The container 22 is collected. Next, the replenishment control unit 101 replenishes the reagent container 22 to the reagent storage unit 2 by the second transport mechanism 92 and the third transport mechanism 93.

As described above, the reagent replenishing device 100 described above is provided in the reagent storage unit 8 for storing the reagent container 22 containing the reagent for replenishment and the reagent storage unit 2 (2A, 2B) of the automatic analyzer 1. The reagent container 22 is transported to the outside of the reagent storage unit 2 and collected, while the reagent container 22 in the reagent storage unit 8 is transported to the reagent storage unit 2 and has a transport unit 9 for reagent storage. The part 8 and the transport part 9 are detachably attached to the automatic analyzer 1. As a result, the amount of reagent consumed is high, and it is possible to automatically replenish the automatic analyzer with the reagent as needed, and to collect the empty reagent container.

[0050] Further, since the transport unit 9 moves the reagent container 22 on a substantially flush surface, the reagent container 22 is not moved up and down, so that a situation in which bubbles are generated in the reagent in the reagent container 22 is prevented. And become possible.

Industrial applicability

[0051] As described above, the reagent replenishing apparatus according to the present invention is useful for replenishing reagents to the automatic analyzer, and in particular, automatically replenishing reagents to the automatic analyzer as necessary. Suitable for

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A reagent storage unit for storing a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment;

A transport unit for transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage unit to the reagent storage unit of the automatic analyzer;

And a reagent replenishing device, wherein the reagent storage unit and the transport unit are detachably attached to the automatic analyzer.

[2] a reagent storage unit for storing a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment;

A transport unit that transports the reagent container in the reagent storage unit of the automatic analyzer to the outside of the reagent storage unit, while transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage unit to the reagent storage unit, and the reagent storage unit And a reagent replenishing device, wherein the transport unit is detachably attached to the automatic analyzer.

[3] The reagent replenishing device according to [1] or [2], wherein the transport unit transports the reagent container on a substantially flush surface.