Automatic analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic analysis device that generates a reaction liquid obtained by mixing a specimen and a reagent in a reaction container, promotes a reaction by maintaining the reaction liquid at a prescribed temperature, and thereafter detects components contained in the specimen by measuring the light intensity or the like of the reaction liquid, the automatic analysis device having the following configuration in order to provide the automatic analysis device capable of stable temperature control even in a high-temperature environment.　The automatic analysis device comprises: a container placement part on which a plurality of containers for storing the reaction liquid are placed in a row; a heat block having the container placement part; a heater that heats the heat block; a flow path formed along at least a portion of the row of the containers placed in the container placement part so that a gas flows into a first space isolated from the containers; and a gas supply part that supplies, to the flow path, the gas in an area having a temperature lower than that of the heat block during an analysis operation.

Description

Automatic analyzer

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.

[0002] An automatic analyzer generates a reaction solution by mixing a specimen and a reagent in a reaction vessel, promotes the reaction by maintaining the reaction solution at a predetermined temperature, and then measures the light intensity etc. of the reaction solution to detect the components contained in the specimen. It is used in biochemical tests for measuring enzymes etc. and immunoassays for measuring antigens specific to certain diseases in the medical field.

[0003] For the above purpose, the automatic analyzer includes a heat block that can maintain the reaction solution at a predetermined temperature. In the heat block, heating is performed using warm water, a heater, etc. to stably control the temperature of the reaction solution. Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that supplies a temperature-adjusted fluid to the heat block to prevent excessive temperature rise of the heat block. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to perform high-precision temperature control of the heat block, a heat source with inevitably low resolution and high responsiveness is selected.

[0004] On the other hand, this type of heat source has problems such as a small maximum output and a slow heat block startup. To solve this problem, in Patent Document 2, in order to achieve both precise temperature control of the reaction solution and the speed of heat block startup, "the control target temperature Ts1 of the temperature detection means 9 is set to a value lower than the reaction target temperature, and the heat dissipation of the cooling system (101) is used to adjust the ambient temperature around the heat block (100), and the heater (62) provided in the heat block (100) is used for fine adjustment of the temperature of the reaction vessel (60), so that both rapid startup and precise control of the heat block (100) can be achieved" (paragraph

[0035] of the specification of Cited Document 2).

[0005] JP-A-2012-132723 JP-A-2018-009884

[0006] Automated analyzers are equipped with actuators such as motors and solenoids, as well as circuit boards and power supplies to control them, and the heat generated from these components can affect the temperature control of the heat block. In particular, if the ambient temperature around the device is high, the ambient temperature inside the device may exceed the control temperature of the heat block, and the technology described in Reference 2 may not be able to control the temperature correctly.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide an automated analyzer capable of stable temperature control even in high-temperature environments.

[0008] The present invention, in order to achieve the above objective, has the following configuration: an automatic analyzer comprising: a container mounting section for arranging a plurality of containers for containing a reaction solution in a row; a heat block having the container mounting section; a heater for heating the heat block; a flow path formed along at least a portion of the row of containers placed on the container mounting section, through a first space isolated from the containers, through which gas flows; and an air supply section for supplying gas from an area with a lower temperature than the heat block during analysis into the flow path.

[0009] A schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of an automated analyzer to which the present invention can be applied. A diagram illustrating the mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the reaction vessel at a predetermined temperature. A diagram showing the vertical cross-section of Figure 2. A diagram showing the detailed structure of the flow path. A diagram showing the vertical cross-section of Figure 4. A diagram showing the horizontal cross-section of Figure 4. A schematic diagram of the cooling structure of the embodiment. A diagram showing the effect when air vents are provided.

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of an automated analyzer to which the present invention can be applied. In Figure 1, the automated analyzer 100 includes a processing unit (processing device) 101 for processing a sample, an analysis unit 102 for analyzing components in the sample, a control unit 104 for controlling the operation of the entire device, an input unit 105 for the user to input information into the device, a display unit 106 for displaying information to the user, and a storage unit 107 such as a storage medium for storing various information related to the control of the automated analyzer 100.

[0012] The control unit 104, input unit 105, display unit 106, and storage unit 107 constitute a control device that controls the overall operation of the automatic analysis device 100.

[0013] In this embodiment 1, the input unit 105 and the display unit 106 are shown as separate components, but for example, the input unit 105 and the display unit 106 may be configured as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel monitor.

[0014] The processing unit 101 includes a transport mechanism 112 for transporting a sample container 111 containing the sample to be analyzed to a sample dispensing position, a reaction vessel disk 120 capable of maintaining the solution in the reaction vessel 116 at a constant temperature by mounting the reaction vessel 116 in a plurality of openings 119, a reagent disk 122 for holding a plurality of reagent containers 121 containing reagents, and a sample dispensing mechanism 113 for dispensing the sample from the sample container 111 transported to the sample dispensing position into the reaction vessel 116 housed in the openings 119 of the reaction vessel disk 120.

[0015] Furthermore, the processing unit 101 includes a reagent dispensing mechanism 123 for dispensing reagents from the reagent container 121 to the reaction vessel 116 of the reaction vessel disk 120, a disposable dispensing tip 115a mounted on a disposable tip 115a rack 115 for mounting unused tips, and a dispensing tip attachment / detachment unit 114 for removing and discarding used dispensing tips 115a from the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 113, or for mounting unused dispensing tips 115a to the nozzle.

[0016] Furthermore, the processing unit 101 includes a reaction vessel mounting rack 117 on which unused reaction vessels 116 are mounted, and a transport mechanism 118 that transports unused dispensing tips 115a from the dispensing tip mounting rack 115 to the dispensing tip loading / unloading unit 114, transports used reaction vessels 116 from the opening 119 of the reaction vessel disk 120 to the disposal unit (not shown), and transports unused reaction vessels 116 from the reaction vessel mounting rack 117 to the opening 119 of the reaction vessel disk 120.

[0017] Furthermore, the processing unit 101 includes a magnetic separation mechanism 124 that separates magnetic beads in the solution contained in the reaction vessel 116 using the magnetic force of a magnet, a transport mechanism 125 that transports the reaction vessel 116 between the reaction vessel disk 120 and the magnetic separation mechanism 124, and an evaporation concentration mechanism 131 that evaporates and concentrates the analyte components in the solution inside the reaction vessel 116.

[0018] Furthermore, the processing unit 101 includes a transport mechanism 132 for transporting the reaction vessel 116 between the reaction vessel disk 120 and the evaporation and concentration mechanism 131, and an analysis unit dispensing mechanism 133 for dispensing the solution in the reaction vessel 116 after evaporation and concentration to the analysis unit 102 for analyzing the components in the sample.

[0019] The magnetic separation mechanism 124 is located on the rotating orbit 126 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 123. The reagent dispensing mechanism 123 is capable of dispensing reagents into the reaction vessel 116 supported by the magnetic separation mechanism 124, or of aspirating the solution inside the reaction vessel 116.

[0020] The reaction vessel disk 120 functions as an incubator that maintains a constant temperature for the reaction vessel 116 installed in the opening 119, and incubates the reaction vessel 116 installed in the opening 119 for a certain period of time.

[0021] The analysis unit 102 is, for example, a liquid chromatography system equipped with columns and other components for analyzing the components in the reaction solution dispensed by the analysis unit dispensing mechanism 133. The analysis unit 102 performs analysis of the components in the reaction solution dispensed from the reaction vessel 116 by the analysis unit dispensing mechanism 133.

[0022] The control unit 104 controls the operation of the evaporation concentration mechanism (evaporation concentration unit) 131 and the operation of the analysis unit 102. The control unit 104 also calculates the detection results from the analysis unit 102, stores the analysis results in the storage unit 107, and displays the analysis results on the display unit 106.

[0023] Next, a mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the reaction vessel placed on the reaction vessel disk 120 at a predetermined temperature will be explained using Figure 2. It consists of a heat block 201 for maintaining the reaction solution contained in the reaction vessel 116 at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37°C) during the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer, a heater 202 for heating the heat block 201, and a base 203 for supporting the heat block 201. The heat block 201 is also rotatable integrally with the reaction vessel disk 120 and is equipped with a motor 204 for rotating the heat block 201.

[0024] The heat block 201 is equipped with a reaction vessel mounting section 205 on which the reaction vessel 116 can be placed. The heater 202 is provided near the reaction vessel mounting section 205. Power from the motor 204 rotates the heat block 201 via a driven pulley 208 through a belt 207 from a driving pulley 206. It is preferable that the motor 204 is fixed to the base 203 via screws or the like so that the power from the motor 204 is reliably transmitted to the belt 207.

[0025] Furthermore, the base 203 may also be provided with a circuit board for controlling the motor 204 and other electrically operated mechanisms, solenoids (for opening and closing various electromagnetic valves) for operating the automatic analyzer, and heat sources (the motor 204 is one of the heat sources) for dissipating heat generated when the automatic analyzer is in operation, such as a heat sink for dissipating heat from the motor 204 and the circuit board.

[0026] The control unit 104 controls the heater 202 so that the reaction vessel mounting section 205 on the heat block 201 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. The current applied to the heater 202 is generally feedback controlled so that the value of a temperature sensor (not shown) installed inside the heat block 201 remains constant. The motor 204 can be rotated to rotate the heat block 201 to any desired position in order to place the reaction vessel 116 on the reaction vessel mounting section 205 on the heat block 201.

[0027] The fan 209 draws in air from areas with a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat block 201 during analysis (for example, around 37°C). Specifically, since the air near the heat block is heated by the heater 202 and is at a high temperature, the temperature of the air in the area outside the enclosure where the heat block is installed, for example, the air above the heat block at a predetermined distance, for example, 30 to 50 cm or more, is lower than the temperature of the heat block. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, by drawing in the air from this area via a chimney-shaped pipe so as not to be affected by the heat of the heat block, it is possible to draw in air from areas with a temperature lower than the heat block.

[0028] Furthermore, a filter 211 is installed in the air intake port 210 to prevent dust from accumulating in the flow path 212 (described later) and from being stirred up. The air drawn in from the air intake port 210 is blown into the space within the flow path 212 (also referred to as the "first space") by the operation of the fan 209. The flow path 212 is isolated from the space on which the reaction vessel 116 is placed, so that the air does not directly hit the reaction vessel 116 which is placed on the reaction vessel mounting section 205 on the heat block 201, and is configured as a spatially closed space (the first space).

[0029] Next, the configuration of the flow path will be explained using Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2, Figure 4 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the flow path, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the vertical cross-section of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the horizontal cross-section of Figure 4, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure of the embodiment. The air flowing through the flow path 212 is discharged out of the flow path from the flow path air outlet 213. The air discharged from the flow path air outlet 213 is positioned to hit the motor 204. The air discharged from the flow path air outlet 213 may also be positioned to hit other heat sources that dissipate heat during the operation of the automatic analyzer (such as the circuit board, solenoid, and heat sink mentioned above). In other words, it is preferable to configure the system so that the heat source that requires the most cooling (which varies depending on the configuration of the automatic analyzer) is cooled.

[0030] A portion of the air flowing through the flow path 212 escapes through the air outlet 214 into the space below the heat block 201 (also referred to as the "second space"), and is configured to hit the reaction vessel mounting section 205 on the heat block 201 from below. Multiple air outlets 214 may be provided. The air outlets 214 are structured to blow a portion of the air flowing through the flow path 212 towards the space 215 (second space) located below the heat block 201.

[0031] The space 215 is a closed space in which air flows in from one or more air vents 214, and the incoming air is discharged from the air outlet 213. This closed space has a heat retention / insulation effect due to the air inside the space, which helps to suppress rapid temperature changes of the heat block 201.

[0032] Next, the effect of the flow path will be explained. Air drawn in from the air intake port 210 passes through the space in the flow path 212 (the first space) and is discharged from the flow path air outlet 213. The flow path 212 is installed adjacent to the reaction vessel mounting section 205 of the heat block 201, but is positioned separately from the reaction vessel mounting section 205, so the air flowing through the flow path does not directly hit the heat block 201 or the reaction vessel mounting section 205. As the surface temperature of the flow path 212 decreases, the heat block 201 is indirectly cooled by radiant heat transfer due to the temperature difference with the heat block 201 and by heat conduction (more precisely, convection due to the movement of air) by the air present between the heat block 201 and the flow path 212. Since the air does not directly hit the heat block 201, the reaction vessel mounting section 205, and the reaction vessel 116, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 116 from becoming uneven due to evaporation of the reaction liquid and local temperature inhomogeneity of the heat block 201.

[0033] Furthermore, by providing the flow path air outlet 213 near the motor 204, it is possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by heat transfer from the motor 204 to the heat block 201. A portion of the air flowing through the flow path 212 is discharged from the air blowing hole 214 and blown onto areas of the heat block 201 other than the reaction vessel mounting section 205, thereby allowing the heat block 201 to be cooled by convection. Since the area from which the air is blown is away from the reaction vessel mounting section 205 and the air is blown toward the inner circumference of the heat block 201, it is possible to prevent air from flowing toward the reaction vessel mounting section 205, and to cool the heat block while preventing the occurrence of localized temperature inhomogeneities and evaporation of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 116.

[0034] The effect of providing the air vents 214 on suppressing the temperature rise of the reaction vessel will be explained using the drawings. Figure 8 shows the results of calculating the temperature change rate of the reaction vessel mounting section 205 when the air velocity of the air flowing below the heat block 201 is changed in order to investigate the effect of the air discharged from the air vents 214 into the space 215 on cooling the heat block. The vertical axis shows the temperature change rate of the reaction vessel mounting section 205 normalized by the ambient temperature of the heat block 201.

[0035] As a prerequisite for the calculation, the temperature of the blown air is assumed to be 0.9 when the ambient temperature around the heat block is set to 1. The horizontal axis represents the airflow velocity at the bottom of the heat block. Note that, in order to evaluate only the effect of the bottom of the heat block 201, the flow velocity in the flow path 212 and the total ventilation air volume are not changed. From Figure 8, it can be seen that when air is not flowing in from the air supply hole 214 (when air does not flow at the bottom of the heat block 201), the rate of change is 0.965, but when air with a flow velocity of 0.5 m / s is flowed, the rate of change of the temperature at the reaction vessel mounting section decreases to 0.95, and further decreases to 0.94 or less when the flow velocity is 2 m / s or more.

[0036] In other words, by providing the air outlet 214 so that the air flowing through the flow path 212 flows into the space 215, air flows under the heat block 201, and the resulting convection promotes heat exchange, which contributes to the cooling of the heat block 201.

[0037] Furthermore, the air pressure distribution within the flow path 212 is higher on the windward side and lower on the leeward side. When multiple air vents 214 are evenly arranged with respect to the central axis of the heat block 201, if the size (opening cross-sectional area) of all air vents 214 is the same, the airflow on the windward side will be greater than the airflow on the leeward side, which may easily cause localized temperature inhomogeneity. Therefore, by making the air vents on the windward side smaller than the air vents on the leeward side (reducing the opening cross-sectional area), it is possible to reduce the difference in the amount of air blown onto the heat block 201 from each air vent 214 and minimize localized temperature inhomogeneity. Moreover, if there are factors that cause localized temperature inhomogeneity within the heat block 201, such as the ends of the heater 202, it is possible to eliminate localized temperature inhomogeneity by adjusting the size of each air vent 214 and improve the temperature uniformity of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 116.

[0038] 100...Automatic analyzer, 101...Processing unit, 102...Analysis unit, 104...Control unit, 105...Input unit, 106...Display unit, 107...Storage unit, 111...Sample container, 112...Transportation mechanism, 113...Sample dispensing mechanism, 114...Dispensing tip loading / unloading unit, 115...Dispensing tip mounting rack, 115a...Dispensing tip, 116...Reaction vessel, 117...Reaction vessel mounting rack, 118...Transportation mechanism, 119...Opening, 120...Reaction vessel disk, 121...Reagent container, 122...Reagent disk, 123...Reagent Dispensing mechanism, 124... Magnetic separation mechanism, 125... Conveying mechanism, 126... Rotating orbit, 131... Evaporation and concentration mechanism, 132... Conveying mechanism, 133... Dispensing mechanism for analysis section, 201... Heat block, 202... Heater, 203... Base, 204... Motor, 205... Reaction vessel mounting section, 206... Driven pulley, 207... Belt, 208... Driven pulley, 209... Fan, 210... Air intake port, 211... Filter, 212... Flow path, 213... Flow path air outlet, 214... Air blower hole, 215... Space (second space).

Claims

1. An automated analyzer comprising: a container mounting section for arranging a plurality of containers for containing a reaction solution in a row; a heat block having the container mounting section; a heater for heating the heat block; a flow path formed along at least a portion of the row of containers placed on the container mounting section, through a first space isolated from the containers, through which gas flows; and an air supply section for supplying gas from an area with a lower temperature than the heat block during analysis into the flow path.

2. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that the area having a lower temperature than the heat block is an area located 30 cm or more above the heat block, and air is supplied from the area to the flow path via a chimney-shaped pipe.

3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that the container placement section arranges the containers circumferentially.

4. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow path has a gas outlet for discharging gas to the outside of the first space, and at least a portion of the gas discharged from the gas outlet acts as a heat source that dissipates heat in conjunction with the operation of the automatic analyzer.

5. An automatic analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that the heat source is a motor that rotates the container mounting section.

6. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the flow path has an air outlet for discharging the gas outside the first space, and at least a portion of the gas discharged from the air outlet strikes the lower surface of the heat block.

7. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second space adjacent to the flow path, the flow path has an air outlet for discharging the gas from the first space to the second space, and the lower surface of the heat block is located above the second space.

8. An automatic analyzer according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a plurality of air vents are provided.

9. An automatic analyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of air outlets have a larger opening area when the air outlets are located downstream of the flow path than when the air outlets are located upstream of the flow path.

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