Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present invention includes: an air-conditioned space (20) using a reagent, which is partitioned from the surroundings; a Peltier unit (1) having a Peltier element (101) that adjusts the air temperature of the air-conditioned space (20); a radiator (111) that cools or heats the Peltier unit (1) with a coolant; a first heat exchanger (12) that performs heat exchange between the coolant that has performed heat exchange with the radiator (111) and air in the atmosphere; a pump (10, 11) that circulates the coolant; a reagent storage portion (30) that stores the reagent in a cold state; a Peltier unit (2, 3, 4) having a Peltier element (102, 103, 104) that adjusts the temperature of the reagent storage portion (30); a radiator (112, 113, 114) that cools or heats the Peltier element (102, 103, 104); and a second heat exchanger (13) that releases the heat of the coolant that has performed heat exchange with the radiator (112, 113, 114).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an automatic analysis device, and particularly to an automatic analysis device provided with a mechanism that performs temperature adjustment of a portion that requires temperature adjustment. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an example of an automatic analysis device that stably adjusts temperature without depending on changes in external air temperature by achieving stable operation of a Peltier element with a simple, space-saving, and cost-saving mechanism, Patent Literature 1 describes intermittently controlling the temperature of a heat transfer module, for example, based on on-off control of a displacement solution solenoid valve, to control the temperature of the heat transfer module.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-26469 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] An automatic analysis device is a device for dispensing a sample solution containing an analysis target substance and a reaction reagent into a reaction container to make them react, and optically measuring the reaction solution. In such an automatic analysis device, for example, a specific living component or chemical substance contained in a living sample such as blood, serum, or urine is detected.

[0008] In order to obtain sufficient analysis accuracy in an automatic analysis device, it is necessary to maintain the temperature of a sample and a reagent used in analysis constant.

[0009] As a method of performing temperature adjustment of a reagent in an automatic analysis device, it is known that the temperature adjustment of a reagent in a pretreatment process of analysis is performed with a Peltier element, and the temperature of the reagent is stably adjusted without depending on changes in external air temperature by using a liquid intermittently flowing through a Peltier element for cooling or heating.

[0010] In this Patent Literature 1, the temperature adjustment of a displacement solution tank in which displacement solution is stored is performed with a Peltier element, but the temperature control is independently performed for each of other portions that require temperature adjustment.

[0011] In an automatic analysis device, there are a plurality of portions that require temperature adjustment at different temperature levels, such as a portion that requires adjustment to a low temperature, and the present inventors and others have made intensive studies and found that there is room for temperature adjustment with less power consumption in all of the plurality of portions that require temperature adjustment.

[0012] The present application provides an automatic analysis device capable of temperature adjustment of a plurality of temperature adjustment-required sections with less power consumption as a whole.

[0013] Technical solution for solving the above problem

[0014] The present application includes various technical solutions for solving the above problem, one of which is an automatic analysis device for measuring the physical properties of a reaction solution after a sample and a reagent are reacted, characterized by comprising: a space for using the reagent, which is separated from the surroundings; an air conditioner unit having a first Peltier element for adjusting the air temperature of the space; a first heat sink for cooling or heating the air conditioner unit with a liquid coolant; a first heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the liquid coolant after heat exchange with the first heat sink and air in the atmosphere; a liquid delivery unit for circulating the liquid coolant; a reagent storage unit for cold storage of the reagent; a reagent storage temperature adjustment unit having a second Peltier element for adjusting the temperature of the reagent storage unit; a second heat sink for cooling or heating the second Peltier element; and a heat dissipation unit for releasing the heat of the liquid coolant after heat exchange with the second heat sink.

[0015] Inventive effects

[0016] According to the present application, temperature adjustment of a plurality of temperature adjustment-required sections can be performed with less power consumption as a whole. The above-mentioned problems, structures, and effects will be described through the following examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an automatic analysis device in Example 1 of the present application and the structure of its temperature adjustment mechanism.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a Peltier unit of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink portion of the Peltier unit of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 4A is a diagram showing the structure of a heat exchanger portion of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 4B is a diagram showing the structure of a heat exchanger portion of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a first heat exchanger of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a C-C' cross-sectional view.

[0024] Figure 7 is a view showing the overall structure of a temperature adjustment mechanism of an automatic analysis device in Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0025] Figure 8 is a view showing the overall structure of a temperature adjustment mechanism of an automatic analysis device in Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0026] Figure 9 is a view showing the overall structure of a temperature adjustment mechanism of an automatic analysis device in Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0027] Figure 10 is a view showing the overall structure of a temperature adjustment mechanism of an automatic analysis device in Embodiment 5 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the automatic analysis device of the present application is described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the automatic analysis device to which the present application is applied is not particularly limited, and for example, various types of automatic analysis devices such as an automatic analysis device for an immunoassay or an automatic analysis device for a biochemical assay can be applied.

[0029] <Embodiment 1>

[0030] An embodiment of the automatic analysis device of the present application is described using Figures 1 to 6

[0031] First, the outline of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device and the outline structure of the temperature adjustment mechanism are described using Figure 1 Figure 1 is a view showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment and the structure of the temperature adjustment mechanism thereof.

[0032] Figure 1 The automatic analysis device 1000 shown in the figure is a device for determining the properties of a reaction solution after a sample and a reagent are reacted, and has an analysis section 500.

[0033] The analysis section 500 includes a mechanism for determining the properties of the reaction solution, and a mechanism for performing a process for reacting a sample and a reagent and a post-process required for determining the properties, and a mechanism other than the mechanism described later. A publicly known structure can be adopted. In addition, a publicly known operation can be adopted with respect to the operation thereof.

[0034] Figure 1 ​​The automatic analysis apparatus 1000 shown also has an air conditioning space 20 for performing a processing operation of a reagent analyzed by the analysis section 500 and the like, a reagent storage section 30 for keeping a reagent used cold, and a control device 50 for controlling the operation of each mechanism described later.

[0035] Among them, the air conditioning space 20 is partitioned from the surrounding space with a heat insulating material 22, and air conditioning is performed in such a manner that the temperature of the air 21 inside is kept constant.

[0036] The air 21 inside the air conditioning space 20 is circulated by a fan 25, and is cooled or heated when passing through the inside fin 23 portion. The inside fin 23 is connected to the Peltier unit 1.

[0037] The reagent storage section 30 is a space for storing a reagent, and the inside space 31 thereof is kept at a lower temperature (for example, 5 to 10°C) than the air conditioning space 20. The periphery of the inside space 31 is surrounded by a metal container 32 of stainless steel or the like, and the periphery thereof is partitioned from the surrounding space with a heat insulating material 33.

[0038] Next, the structure for adjusting the air temperature of the air conditioning space 20 will be described using Figure 2 and Figure 3 In Figure 2 , the B-B' section of Figure 3 , that is, the section of the Peltier unit 1, is shown, and in Figure 3 , the A-A' section of Figure 2 , that is, the section of the radiator portion of the Peltier unit 1, is shown.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 In the Peltier unit 1 shown in , a Peltier element 101 for adjusting the air temperature of the air conditioning space 20 is embedded. The Peltier element 101 can switch the heat generating surface (the surface where the temperature rises) and the heat absorbing surface (the surface where the temperature drops) of the Peltier element 101 according to the direction of the current flowing through the power supply connected to the lead wires (omitted from the drawing) thereof.

[0040] The Peltier element 101 controls the output, that is, the cooling and heating capacity thereof, by changing the ratio of the operation time, that is, the operation rate, by repeating the operation / stop under a constant current. Alternatively, instead of changing the operation rate, the size of the current supplied to the Peltier element 101 can be directly changed.

[0041] Figure 1 The operation rate and the current are controlled by the control device 50 based on the detected temperature of the sensor and the target temperature. The control of the operation rate and the current is performed, for example, by proportional-integral-derivative control (PID control).

[0042] The control device 50 is implemented by having a computer or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) with a CPU, memory, interface, etc., read the program and perform calculations. These programs are stored in internal recording media or external recording media (not shown) within each structure and are read and executed by the CPU.

[0043] Furthermore, the control processing of the actions of each mechanism in the control device 50 can be combined into one program, or each program can be divided into multiple programs, or a combination thereof. Additionally, part or all of the program can be implemented using dedicated hardware, or it can be modularized. Moreover, various programs can be installed to each device from a program distribution server, internal recording media, or external recording media.

[0044] On the side of the Peltier element 101 where the temperature of the controlled object is controlled (on the side of the air-conditioned space 20), Figure 2 On the lower middle side, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 A heat diffusion plate 203 made of aluminum or the like is provided on the ground separated from the heat interface 202, such as grease.

[0045] The heat diffuser plate 203 is connected to the temperature-controlled object via a thermal interface 204, such as a lubricating grease. Figure 1 The base 24 of the internal fin 23.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, on the opposite side of the side of the Peltier element 101 where the temperature of the controlled object is controlled ( Figure 2 (On the upper side), it is connected to the radiator 111 through a thermal interface 201 such as grease.

[0047] The radiator 111 is a component used to cool or heat the Peltier unit 1 with a liquid coolant (hereinafter referred to as circulating fluid).

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat diffuser plate 203, the Peltier element 101, and the heat sink 111 are fixed in a tightly fitted state by fastening the bolts 207 in the holes 216.

[0049] Furthermore, the heat diffusion plate 203 is surrounded by a resin-made thermal interface 204, a heat insulation material 205, and a space 206. Alternatively, the heat insulation material 205 can be replaced with air, and heat insulation material can be placed in the space 206.

[0050] In the Peltier element 101 of this embodiment, when using Figure 1 When the temperature sensor 121 detects a temperature higher than the target temperature, it is energized to ensure that the controlled object side ( Figure 2The middle part is the heat diffusion plate 203. Figure 1 The temperature of the surface of the internal fins 23 on one side decreases, while the temperature of the surface of the radiator 111 on the opposite side increases.

[0051] At this time, via thermal interface 202 and thermal diffusion plate 203, thermal interface 204, Figure 1 The base 24 and internal fins 23 of the internal fins are cooled, and the air in the air-conditioned space 20 of the internal fins 23 is cooled by the fan 25.

[0052] On the other hand, the heat sink 111 side of the Peltier element 101 is heated, and heat is dissipated to the circulating fluid flowing inside the heat sink 111 through the thermal interface 201 such as grease.

[0053] The circulating fluid is the medium used for heat transfer, and pure water or an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is used. Figure 1 In the process, the circulating fluid is pumped by pump 10 through pipe 60 to the radiator 111 of Peltier unit 1. Figure 1 Arrow 410 indicates the direction of circulating fluid flow.

[0054] Figures 1 to 3 In the middle, the circulating fluid flowing in the pipe 60 enters the interior of the radiator 111 through the inlet pipe connector 211, passes through the internal space separated by the partition 215, and flows out to the pipe 61 through the outlet pipe connector 212.

[0055] Within the internal space of the radiator 111, multiple flow paths 214 are formed, sandwiched between fins 213, through which circulating fluid flows. This circulating fluid absorbs heat from or supplies heat to the Peltier element 101, which is connected to the radiator housing 210 via the thermal interface 201. The fins 213 expand the heat transfer area and improve heat exchange performance. Aluminum or copper, etc., are used as materials for the housing 210 and fins 213 of the radiator 111.

[0056] Figure 1 In the process, the circulating fluid heated by the radiator 111 reaches the first heat exchanger 12, where it undergoes heat exchange with the air in the atmosphere after exchanging heat with the radiator 111. Here, it is cooled by the air delivered by the heat exchanger fan 14 and is then drawn into the container 15 by the pump 10.

[0057] For details regarding the first heat exchanger 12, please refer to Figure 4 and... Figure 5 This will be explained in detail later.

[0058] In contrast, in use Figure 1 When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 is lower than the target temperature, the Peltier element 101 is energized in the opposite direction to heat one side of the internal fins 23 and cool the other side of the radiator 111.

[0059] At this point, the circulating fluid, cooled by the radiator 111, reaches the first heat exchanger 12, where it is heated by air supplied by the heat exchanger fan 14. Afterward, it passes through the container 15 and is drawn in by the pump 10, and is then transported through the pipe 60 to the radiator 111 of the Peltier unit 1 as described above.

[0060] The first loop is formed by the pipes 60 and 61 that connect the radiator 111, the first heat exchanger 12, and the pump 10.

[0061] Next, the structure of the reagent storage section 30 and the structure for adjusting the temperature of the reagent storage section 30 will be described.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, Peltier units 2, 3, and 4 are connected to the metal container 32 that constitutes the reagent storage section 30. By energizing the Peltier elements 102, 103, and 104 embedded in the Peltier units 2, 3, and 4 in a direction that cools one side of the metal container 32, the metal container 32 is cooled, thereby cooling its internal space 31 and its contents.

[0063] In addition, for the heat sinks 112, 113, and 114 of Peltier units 2, 3, and 4, a pump 11 is used to deliver circulating fluid for cooling or heating through pipe 62.

[0064] The structures of Peltier units 2, 3, and 4 are the same as those of Peltier unit 1 described above, so details are omitted.

[0065] The Peltier elements 102, 103, and 104 are controlled by the control device 50 in such a way that the temperatures of the temperature sensors 122, 123, and 124 become the target temperatures.

[0066] For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 122 on the outer surface of the metal container 32 of the reagent storage section 30 is higher than the target temperature, the Peltier element 102 is controlled to be energized in the direction of temperature decrease on one side of the metal container 32.

[0067] Similarly, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 123 is higher than the target temperature, the Peltier element 102 is energized in the direction of temperature decrease on the side of the metal container 32. In addition, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 124 is higher than the target temperature, the Peltier element 104 is energized in the direction of temperature decrease on the side of the metal container 32.

[0068] At this time, the surfaces of the Peltier elements 102, 103, and 104 on one side of the heat sinks 112, 113, and 114 heat up and their temperature rises, but they are cooled by the circulating liquid flowing in the heat sinks 112, 113, and 114.

[0069] The circulating liquid flows from the pump 11 through the pipe 62 and is heated in the order of the heat sink 114 of the Peltier unit 4, the heat sink 113 of the Peltier unit 3, and the heat sink 112 of the Peltier unit 2, and reaches the second heat exchanger 13 through the pipe 63.

[0070] In the second heat exchanger 13, the circulating liquid is cooled by the air delivered by the heat exchanger fan 14 and the temperature is lowered, and then is sucked by the pump 11 through the container 16 and is delivered to the Peltier unit 4.

[0071] The second loop is formed by the pipes 62, 63 connecting the heat sinks 112, 113, 114, the second heat exchanger 13, and the pump 11 circulating the circulating liquid.

[0072] On the other hand, in the case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 122 provided in the reagent storage section 30 is lower than the target temperature, the Peltier element 102 is controlled to be energized in the direction in which the temperature on the side of the metal container 32 is increased. At this time, the temperature on the side of the heat sink 112 of the Peltier element 102 is decreased, but is heated by the circulating liquid flowing in the heat sink 112.

[0073] Similarly, in the case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 123 is lower than the target temperature, the Peltier element 103 is energized in the direction in which the temperature on the side of the metal container 32 is increased. In addition, in the case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 124 is higher than the target temperature, the Peltier element 104 is energized in the direction in which the temperature on the side of the metal container 32 is increased.

[0074] The surfaces on the sides of the heat sinks 112, 113, 114 of the Peltier elements 102, 103, 104 are cooled and the temperature is decreased, but are heated by the circulating liquid flowing in the heat sinks 112, 113, 114.

[0075] Next, the structure of the heat exchanger for temperature adjustment of the circulating liquid will be described. Figures 4A to 6 The structure of the heat exchanger for temperature adjustment of the circulating liquid will be described.

[0076] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a view showing the entire structure of the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13, Figure 5 is a view showing the structure of the first heat exchanger 12, Figure 6 is a view showing the A-A cross section of Figure 5 .

[0077] In the automatic analysis device 1000 of the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first heat exchanger 12 having a smaller front surface area and the second heat exchanger 13 having a larger front surface area are arranged side by side in the direction (the direction of the arrow 401) in which the air is delivered by the heat exchanger fan 14.

[0078] Among the air flow generated by the heat exchanger fan 14, the first heat exchanger 12, which is smaller in area, is on the upstream side, and the second heat exchanger 13, which is larger in area, is on the downstream side, and they are arranged in series in a manner to exchange heat.

[0079] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the first heat exchanger 12 is smaller in area than the second heat exchanger 13, and therefore, the first heat exchanger 12 is smaller in heat exchange area than the second heat exchanger 13. Figure 4A

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the first heat exchanger 12 is smaller in area than the second heat exchanger 13, and therefore, the first heat exchanger 12 is smaller in heat exchange area than the second heat exchanger 13. Figure 5 Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the first heat exchanger 12 is provided with an inlet connector 301 and an outlet connector 302 for the circulating liquid, and the second heat exchanger 13 is provided with an inlet connector 303 and an outlet connector 304 for the circulating liquid.

[0081] The first heat exchanger 12 has flow paths 305 through which the circulating liquid flows and fins 306 provided therebetween. In this regard, the second heat exchanger 13 is the same. Aluminum or the like is used as the material of the flow paths 305 and the fins 306.

[0082] Figure 5 In the first heat exchanger 12, air flows between the fins 306 in a direction perpendicular to the paper. The circulating liquid flows from the inlet connector 301, flows in each of the flow paths 305 from the head portion 307, changes the flow direction at the turning portion 309, reaches the foot portion 308 from the flow path 305, and flows out from the outlet connector 302. The second heat exchanger 13 has the same structure as the first heat exchanger 12. Figure 6 Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0083] Consider a case where the temperature around the automatic analysis device 1000 of the present embodiment described above is relatively low, but higher than the target temperature of the reagent storage portion 30, in winter or the like.

[0084] In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air conditioning space 20 is lower than the target temperature, and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 122, 123, and 124 of the reagent storage portion 30 are higher than the target temperature.

[0085] At this time, the Peltier element 101 performs an operation of heating the air conditioning space 20 side, and the circulating liquid is cooled in the heat sink 111 and is transported to the first heat exchanger 12. On the other hand, the Peltier elements 102, 103, and 104 perform an operation of cooling the reagent storage portion 30 side, and the circulating liquids of the heat sinks 112, 113, and 114 are heated and are transported to the second heat exchanger 13.

[0086] At this time, the Peltier element 101 performs an operation of heating the air conditioning space 20 side, and the circulating liquid is cooled in the heat sink 111 and is transported to the first heat exchanger 12. On the other hand, the Peltier elements 102, 103, and 104 perform an operation of cooling the reagent storage portion 30 side, and the circulating liquids of the heat sinks 112, 113, and 114 are heated and are transported to the second heat exchanger 13.​​

[0087] At this time, the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 12 and has been cooled down cools the second heat exchanger 13 due to the positional relationship shown in FIG. 1. Figure 5

[0088] That is, in the present application, because the cooling is additionally performed by the first heat exchanger 12, the heat dissipation amount of the second heat exchanger 13 increases, and the Peltier elements 102, 103, 104 can cool the reagent storage section 30 with a smaller current, that is, with less power consumption, compared to the case where each heat exchanger is independently cooled.

[0089] In addition, a case where the temperature around the device is relatively high, such as in summer, is considered. In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air-conditioned space 20 is higher than the target temperature.

[0090] Therefore, the circulating liquid in the radiator 111 is heated and reaches the first heat exchanger 12, so the air passing through the first heat exchanger 12 is heated.

[0091] Here, the target temperature of the air-conditioned space 20 is lower than the target temperature of the reagent storage section 30, and the cooling load is smaller than that of the reagent storage section 30, so the amount of heating of the circulating liquid in the radiator 111 is relatively small.

[0092] Therefore, the temperature rise of the air passing through the first heat exchanger 12 is also relatively small. Moreover, because the front surface area of the first heat exchanger 12 is made smaller than the front surface area of the second heat exchanger 13, the circulating liquid in the second heat exchanger 13 can be sufficiently cooled, and thus the same cooling as in the past can be achieved.

[0093] In this way, in the automatic analysis device 1000 of the present embodiment, temperature adjustment can be performed with less power consumption than in the past for the air-conditioned space 20 and the reagent storage section 30 that require temperature adjustment.

[0094] <Embodiment 2>

[0095] The automatic analysis device of Embodiment 2 of the present application uses the same configuration as that of Embodiment 1. Figure 7 The same configuration as that of Embodiment 1 is shown with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The same applies to the following Embodiment 1. In addition, Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic analysis device 1000A of Embodiment 2 and its temperature adjustment mechanism.

[0096] In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted. The same applies to the following Embodiment 1. In addition, Figure 7 Hereinafter, the analysis section 500 is omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0097] ​The automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 is configured in a manner that the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 perform heat exchange with air, but in the automatic analysis device 1000A of the present embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12A and the second heat exchanger 13B are configured not to perform heat exchange with air but to perform heat exchange with a circulating liquid.

[0098] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a heat exchanger fan 17 is disposed around the first heat exchanger 12A and blows air in the direction of the arrow 402. In contrast, a heat exchanger fan 14A is disposed around the second heat exchanger 13 and blows air in the direction of the arrow 401. Figure 7

[0099] In the present embodiment, the loop of the circulating liquid is not the two loops as described in Embodiment 1 but a larger one loop formed by a pipe 64A that guides the circulating liquid that has performed heat exchange with the first heat exchanger 12A to the heat sinks 112, 113, 114, a pipe 63A that guides the circulating liquid that has performed heat exchange with the heat sinks 112, 113, 114 to the second heat exchanger 13A, a pipe 65A that guides the circulating liquid that has performed heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 13A to the pump 10, and a pipe 60A that guides the liquid from the pump 10 to the heat sink 111.

[0100] In the present embodiment, one pump 10 and one container 15 are provided, and the circulating liquid that is delivered by the pump 10 enters the heat sink 111 of the Peltier unit 1 provided in the air conditioning space 20 through the pipe 60A.

[0101] Thereafter, the liquid flows into the first heat exchanger 12 through the pipe 61A, performs heat exchange, and then flows into the heat sink 114 of the Peltier unit 4 provided in the reagent storage section 30 through the pipe 64A.

[0102] After flowing into the heat sink 114, the liquid flows into the heat sink 113 of the Peltier unit 3, the heat sink 112 of the Peltier unit 2, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 13 through the pipe 63A. After further performing heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 13, the liquid returns to the pump 10 from the container 15 through the pipe 65A.

[0103] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, and the details are omitted.

[0104] Next, the effects of the automatic analysis device 1000A of the present embodiment will be described.

[0105] First, consider a case where the temperature around the device is relatively low, such as in winter, but higher than the target temperature of the reagent storage section 30.

[0106] ​In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air-conditioned space 20 is lower than the target temperature, and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 122, 123, 124 of the reagent storage section 30 are higher than the target temperature.

[0107] At this time, the circulating liquid in the radiator 111 is cooled and supplied to the first heat exchanger 12A, the heat exchanger fan 17 of the first heat exchanger 12A is stopped, and the circulating liquid in a state almost not heated by the first heat exchanger 12A is supplied to the radiators 112 of the Peltier units 2, 3, 4.

[0108] By such a structure and operation, the circulating liquid cooled in the radiator 111 is directly supplied to the radiators 112, 113, 114 of the Peltier units 2, 3, 4, so that the Peltier units 2, 3, 4 can be efficiently cooled, and temperature control using less power consumption can be achieved.

[0109] Next, a case where the temperature around the device is relatively high in summer or the like is considered.

[0110] In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air-conditioned space 20 is higher than the target temperature. Therefore, the circulating liquid in the radiator 111 is heated and reaches the first heat exchanger 12A, the circulating liquid is cooled by air supplied by the heat exchanger fan 17, and is supplied to the radiators 112, 113, 114 of the Peltier units 2, 3, 4.

[0111] Thus, the circulating liquid cooled by the first heat exchanger 12 is supplied to the radiators 112, 113, 114, so that cooling can be performed with high efficiency compared to a case where the Peltier units 2, 3, 4 are simply cooled, and temperature control using less power consumption can be achieved.

[0112] As described above, the automatic analysis device 1000A of the present embodiment, like the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, can achieve temperature control of the air-conditioned space 20 and the reagent storage section 30 using less power consumption compared to the past.

[0113] <Embodiment 3>

[0114] The automatic analysis device of Embodiment 3 of the present application uses Figure 8 for explanation. Figure 8 is a structural view of the automatic analysis device of Embodiment 3 and a temperature control mechanism thereof.

[0115] The automatic analysis device 1000B of the present embodiment is as Figure 8As shown, a conduit 71 is provided at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 13B. The downstream portion of the conduit 71 is divided into two flow paths 71B and 71C by a partition 75. In addition, the upstream portion of the conduit 71 forms a first air flow path 71A that guides the air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger 13B to the exhaust port or the first heat exchanger 12B.

[0116] In the two flow paths, a first heat exchanger 12B is arranged on one side of one flow path 71B, so that the air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger 13B passes through the first heat exchanger 12B and is guided to the outside.

[0117] On one side of the flow path 71B, a damper 72 is provided to switch the air to be guided into the flow path 71B between the air from the flow path 71A and the air from the intake port 74. The position of the damper 72 is controlled by the control device 50.

[0118] The air intake 74 is located before the first heat exchanger 12B of the flow path 71B, and guides air from the outside of the flow path 71B to the opening of the flow path 71B.

[0119] No components are configured on the other flow path 71C side, and the air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger 13B is directly guided to the outside.

[0120] Consider the case in the automatic analysis device 1000B of this embodiment, where the temperature around the device is relatively low during winter or other times, but higher than the target temperature of the reagent storage section 30.

[0121] In this case, similar to Example 1, the temperature detected by temperature sensor 121 in the air-conditioned space 20 is lower than the target temperature, while the temperature detected by temperature sensors 122, 123, and 124 in the reagent storage section 30 is higher than the target temperature.

[0122] At this time, the circulating fluid that has been cooled in the radiator 111 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 12B via pipe 60, and the circulating fluid that has been heated in the radiators 112, 113, and 114 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 13B via pipe 63.

[0123] At this time, the damper 72 of the duct 71 is set at... Figure 8 Position A. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown by arrow 405, the air drawn into the second heat exchanger 13B by the heat exchanger fan 14B and fan 73 is heated by exchanging heat with the circulating liquid and then distributed as air passing through the first heat exchanger 12B by the heat exchanger fan 14B and air directly exhausted by the fan 73.

[0124] wherein the air heated by the second heat exchanger 13B exchanges heat with the circulating liquid when passing through the first heat exchanger 12B to heat the circulating liquid, and the heated circulating liquid is supplied to the radiator 111, so that the power consumption of the Peltier element 101 for heating the air-conditioned space 20 can be reduced, and energy-saving operation can be achieved. At this time, by appropriately adjusting the rotation speeds of the heat exchanger fan 14B and the fan 73 to distribute the air volume, more power-saving operation can be achieved.

[0125] On the other hand, in the case where the temperature around the time device is relatively high in summer, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air-conditioned space 20 is higher than the target temperature. In this case, the circulating liquid heated in the radiator 111 is supplied to the first heat exchanger 12B. At this time, the damper 72 is set to position B.

[0126] Therefore, the air supplied to the first heat exchanger 12B is supplied from the outside of the duct 71 through the suction port 74 as shown by the dotted arrow 406 in FIG. 4. On the other hand, the air heated in the second heat exchanger 13B is all exhausted through the fan 73 as shown by the arrow 404 in FIG. 4. Figure 8 Figure 8 Therefore, the air heated by the second heat exchanger 13B does not pass through the first heat exchanger 12B, so that the sufficient cooling performance of the first heat exchanger 12B is ensured.

[0127] Therefore, the air heated by the second heat exchanger 13B does not pass through the first heat exchanger 12B, so that the sufficient cooling performance of the first heat exchanger 12B is ensured.

[0128] At this time, the ambient temperature can also be detected in order to avoid frequent operation of the damper 72, and it is determined which of position A or position B the position of the damper 72 is set to in correspondence therewith.

[0129] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, and the details are omitted.

[0130] The same effects as those of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above can also be obtained in the automatic analysis device 1000B of Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0131] <Embodiment 4>

[0132] The automatic analysis device of Embodiment 4 of the present application will be described using Figure 9 Figure 9 is a structural view of the automatic analysis device of Embodiment 4 and the temperature adjustment mechanism thereof.

[0133] As shown in Figure 9 ​​As shown, in the automatic analysis device 1000C of this embodiment, instead of the heat sinks 112, 113, 114 of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1, the Peltier units 2C, 3C, 4C that perform temperature adjustment of the reagent storage section 30 are provided with the air cooling fins 80, 81, 82 and the duct 86.

[0134] Therefore, the heat exhaust from the Peltier elements 102, 103, 104 is respectively transferred to the air cooling fins 80, 81, 82, and further, is radiated to the air flowing between the fins 80, 81, 82 due to the fans 83, 84, 85, respectively. The air containing the heat exhaust from the fans 83, 84, 85 is delivered to the inside of the duct 86. The upstream portion of the duct 86 constitutes a fourth air flow path 86A that guides the air that has performed heat exchange with the fins 80, 81, 82 to the air exhaust port or the first heat exchanger 12C.

[0135] Further, the downstream portion of the duct 86 is divided into two flow paths 86B, 86C by the partition 90.

[0136] Of the two flow paths, the first heat exchanger 12C is arranged on one flow path 86B side, so that the air that has performed heat exchange with the fins 80, 81, 82 passes through the first heat exchanger 12C and is guided to the outside.

[0137] On the flow path 86B side, a damper 87 is provided that switches the air guided to the flow path 86B between the air from the flow path 86A and the air from the air suction port 89. The control of the position of the damper 87 is performed by the control device 50.

[0138] The air suction port 89 is an opening portion that guides air from the outside of the flow path 86B to the flow path 86B, and is provided at a position before the first heat exchanger 12C of the flow path 86B.

[0139] At the other flow path 86C, no component is arranged, and the air supplied from the flow path 86A that has performed heat exchange with the fins 80, 81, 82 is directly guided to the outside.

[0140] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1, and the details are omitted.

[0141] Consider a case where the temperature around the device is relatively low but higher than the target temperature of the reagent storage section 30 in the automatic analysis device 1000C of this embodiment, such as in winter.

[0142] In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air conditioning space 20 is lower than the target temperature, and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 122, 123, 124 of the reagent storage section 30 are higher than the target temperature.

[0143] Therefore, the circulating liquid in the radiator 111 is cooled and delivered to the first heat exchanger 12C. At this time, the damper 87 of the duct 86 is set at position A. By this, the air from the air cooling fins 80, 81, 82 is distributed to be exhausted in the direction of the arrow 406 by the fan 88 directly, and the air passing through the first heat exchanger 12C is distributed to be exhausted in the direction of the arrow 405 by the heat exchanger fan 14C. Figure 9 The arrow 405 shown indicates the air passing through the first heat exchanger 12C. Figure 9 The arrow 406 shown indicates the air exhausted directly by the fan 88.

[0144] The circulating liquid flowing through the first heat exchanger 12C is heated by the air passing through the first heat exchanger 12C therein, and the heated circulating liquid is supplied to the radiator 111, so that the power consumption of the Peltier element 101 for heating the air conditioning space 20 can be reduced.

[0145] At this time, by appropriately adjusting the rotation speeds of the heat exchanger fan 14C and the fan 88 to distribute the air volume, the operation can be performed with less power.

[0146] On the other hand, in the case where the temperature around the device is relatively high in summer or the like, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air conditioning space 20 is higher than the target temperature.

[0147] Therefore, the damper 87 is set at position B, and the air supplied to the first heat exchanger 12C is supplied from the outside of the duct 86 through the air inlet 89 as shown by the dotted arrow 407, and on the other hand, the air delivered from the fans 83, 84, 85 is all exhausted in the direction of the arrow 406 by the fan 88.

[0148] By this, the heated air from the fans 83, 84, 85 does not pass through the first heat exchanger 12C, so that the sufficient cooling performance of the first heat exchanger 12C is ensured.

[0149] In the automatic analysis device 1000C of Embodiment 4 of the present application, as well as the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, the Peltier unit 1 can be efficiently heated, so that the temperature control using less power consumption can be achieved.

[0150] <Embodiment 5>

[0151] The automatic analysis device of Embodiment 5 of the present application uses Figure 10 will be described. Figure 10 is a structural view of the automatic analysis device of Embodiment 5 and the temperature adjustment mechanism thereof.

[0152] As Figure 10As shown, the automatic analysis device 1000D of the present embodiment is provided with the reagent temperature adjustment section 40 of the displacement solution as a section to be adjusted to a relatively high temperature, relative to the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1. Also, the same structure can be employed for the temperature adjustment section of the cleaning solution and the like.

[0153] The displacement solution tank 41 provided in the reagent temperature adjustment section 40 is a container or a spiral tube formed of a metal such as stainless steel, covered with a metal block 42 of aluminum or the like.

[0154] The metal block 42 is connected to the Peltier unit 5, and by cooling / heating the metal block 42 on the side of the Peltier element 105 embedded in the Peltier unit 5, the metal block 42 is cooled / heated, and the displacement solution inside the displacement solution tank 41 is cooled / heated.

[0155] The structure of the Peltier unit 5 is the same as that of the Peltier unit 1 and the like, so the details thereof are omitted.

[0156] The Peltier element 105 is controlled by the control device 50 in such a manner that the temperature of the temperature sensor 125 provided in the portion of the metal block 42 becomes the target temperature.

[0157] The heat sink 115 of the Peltier unit 5 is connected to the downstream side of the heat sink 111 of the Peltier unit 1 of the air conditioning space 20 via the pipe 61 of the circulating solution. The pipe 64 of the circulating solution extending from the heat sink 115 is connected to the first heat exchanger 12D.

[0158] The other structures / actions are substantially the same as those of the automatic analysis device 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, and the details thereof are omitted.

[0159] Consider a case where the temperature around the device in the automatic analysis device 1000D of the present embodiment is relatively low, but higher than the target temperature of the reagent storage section 30, in winter or the like.

[0160] In this case, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 121 of the air conditioning space 20 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 125 of the reagent temperature adjustment section 40 are lower than the respective target temperatures, and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 122, 123, and 124 of the reagent storage section 30 are higher than the target temperature.

[0161] Therefore, the Peltier element 101 performs an action of heating the side of the air conditioning space 20, and the Peltier element 105 performs an action of heating the metal block 42. As a result, the circulating solution is cooled in the heat sinks 111 and 115 and is delivered to the first heat exchanger 12D.

[0162] On the other hand, the Peltier elements 102, 103, 104 perform an operation of cooling the reagent storage portion 30 side, and the liquid circulating in the heat sinks 112, 113, 114 is heated and delivered to the second heat exchanger 13. In this case, the air cooled by performing heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 12D cools the second heat exchanger 13, and thus the heat dissipation amount of the second heat exchanger 13 increases, and the reagent storage portion 30 can be cooled with a smaller current of the Peltier elements 102, 103, 104.

[0163] Thus, in the automatic analysis apparatus 1000D of Embodiment 5 of the present application, as with the automatic analysis apparatus 1000 of Embodiment 1 described above, temperature control using less power consumption can be achieved.

[0164] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the reagent temperature adjustment portion 40 is added to the structure of Embodiment 1 is described, but the effect of saving power can also be obtained in the case where the reagent temperature adjustment portion 40 is added to the structure of any one of Embodiments 2, 3, and 4.

[0165] <Other>

[0166] In addition, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. The above-described embodiments are described in detail in order to easily understand the present application, and are not limited to necessarily having all the structures described.

[0167] In addition, a part of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. In addition, a part of the structure of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with another structure.

[0168] For example, in the above description, the air conditioning space in which the reagent is processed and the reagent temperature adjustment portion are described as examples for adjusting the temperature to a relatively high temperature, but the temperature adjustment of the analysis portion 500 in which the sample is analyzed, and the like shown in FIG. 5 can also be applied in addition to this. Figure 1

[0169] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0170] 1... Peltier unit (air conditioning portion)

[0171] 2, 2C... Peltier unit (reagent storage temperature adjustment portion)

[0172] 3, 3C... Peltier unit (reagent storage temperature adjustment portion)

[0173] 4, 4C... Peltier unit (reagent storage temperature adjustment portion)

[0174] 5... Peltier unit ​

[0175] 10, 11... pump (liquid feeding section)

[0176] 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D... first heat exchanger

[0177] 13, 13A, 13B... second heat exchanger (heat radiating section)

[0178] 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 17... heat exchanger fan (air feeding section)

[0179] 15, 16... container

[0180] 20... air conditioning space (space in which reagent is used)

[0181] 21... air inside the air conditioning space

[0182] 22... heat insulating material

[0183] 23... internal fin

[0184] 24... base

[0185] 25... fan

[0186] 30... reagent storage section

[0187] 31... internal space

[0188] 32... metal container

[0189] 33... heat insulating material

[0190] 40... reagent temperature adjusting section

[0191] 41... displacement liquid tank

[0192] 42... metal block

[0193] 50... control device

[0194] 60, 60D, 61, 61D, 64D... pipe (first liquid flow path)

[0195] 60A... pipe (sixth liquid flow path)

[0196] 61A... pipe (seventh liquid flow path)

[0197] 62, 63... pipe (second liquid flow path)

[0198] 63A... pipe (fourth liquid feeding flow path)

[0199] 64A... pipe (third liquid flow path)

[0200] 65A... pipe (fifth liquid flow path)

[0201] 71, 86 … conduit

[0202] 71A … flow path (first air flow path)

[0203] 71B … flow path (second air flow path)

[0204] 71C … flow path (third air flow path)

[0205] 72 … damper (first flow path switching section)

[0206] 73, 88 … fan

[0207] 74 … air intake (first air intake)

[0208] 75, 90 … partition

[0209] 80, 81, 82 … air cooling fin

[0210] 83, 84, 85 … fan

[0211] 86A … flow path (fourth air flow path)

[0212] 86B … flow path (fifth air flow path)

[0213] 86C … flow path (sixth air flow path)

[0214] 87 … damper (second flow path switching section)

[0215] 89 … air intake (second air intake)

[0216] 101 … Peltier element (first Peltier element)

[0217] 102, 103, 104 … Peltier element (second Peltier element)

[0218] 105 … Peltier element

[0219] 111 … heat sink (first heat sink)

[0220] 112, 113, 114 … heat sink (second heat sink)

[0221] 115 … heat sink

[0222] 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 … temperature sensor

[0223] 201, 202, 204 … thermal interface

[0224] 203 … heat spreading plate

[0225] 205 … thermal insulation material

[0226] 206 … space

[0227] 207 … bolt

[0228] 210 … housing

[0229] 211, 212 … pipe connector

[0230] 213 … fin

[0231] 214 … flow path

[0232] 215 … partition

[0233] 216 … hole

[0234] 301, 303 … inlet connector

[0235] 302, 304 … outlet connector

[0236] 305 … flow path

[0237] 306 … fin

[0238] 307 … head

[0239] 308 … foot

[0240] 309 … turn

[0241] 401, 402, 404, 405, 406, 407, 410 … arrow

[0242] 500 … analysis section

[0243] 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D … automatic analysis device

Claims

1. An automated analytical apparatus for determining the physical properties of a reaction solution by reacting a sample with a reagent, characterized in that, comprises: a space which is partitioned from the surroundings and in which the reagent is used; an air conditioning section having a first Peltier element which adjusts the air temperature of the space; a first heat sink which cools or heats the air conditioning section with a liquid coolant; a fan which is provided in the space and circulates the air in the space; an internal fin which is provided in the space between the fan and the air conditioning section and is connected to the first Peltier element; a heat diffusion plate which is connected to the internal fin and the first Peltier element; a first heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the first heat sink and air in the atmosphere; a liquid feed section which circulates the liquid coolant; a reagent storage section which stores the reagent in a refrigerated state; a reagent storage temperature adjustment section having a second Peltier element which adjusts the temperature of the reagent storage section; a second heat sink which cools or heats the second Peltier element; and a heat release section which releases the heat of the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the second heat sink, is configured so that the first heat exchanger and the heat release section can perform heat exchange.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second heat exchanger which, as the heat release section, performs heat exchange between the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the second heat sink and air in the atmosphere.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: a first loop is formed by a first liquid flow path which connects the first heat sink, the first heat exchanger, and the liquid feed section; and a second loop is formed by a second liquid flow path which connects the second heat sink, the second heat exchanger, and a second liquid feed section which circulates the liquid coolant.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, further comprising: an air feed section which causes air which has performed heat exchange with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to flow, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in series with the first heat exchanger on the upstream side in the air flow generated by the air feed section.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, wherein: the heat exchange area of the first heat exchanger is smaller than the heat exchange area of the second heat exchanger. further comprising:

6. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a third liquid flow path which guides the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the first heat exchanger to the second heat sink; a fourth liquid feed flow path which guides the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the second heat sink to the second heat exchanger; a fifth liquid flow path which guides the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the second heat exchanger to the liquid feed section; a sixth liquid flow path which guides the liquid from the liquid feed section to the first heat sink; and a seventh liquid feed flow path which guides the liquid coolant which has performed heat exchange with the first heat sink to the first heat exchanger. comprises: a first air flow path which guides air which has performed heat exchange with the second heat exchanger to an air exhaust port or the first heat exchanger; 7. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein ​ ​ a second air flow path configured with the first heat exchanger, which guides the air supplied from the first air flow path to the outside after passing through the first heat exchanger; a third air flow path which directly guides the air supplied from the first air flow path to the outside; a first air inlet provided at a position before the first heat exchanger of the second air flow path, which guides air from the outside of the second air flow path to the second air flow path; and a first flow path switching section which switches the air from the first air flow path or the air from the first air inlet to the air to be guided to the second air flow path. including:

8. The automatic analyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a fourth air flow path which guides the air, which has been heat-exchanged with the second heat sink, to an air outlet or the first heat exchanger as the heat radiating section; a fifth air flow path configured with the first heat exchanger, which guides the air supplied from the fourth air flow path to the outside after passing through the first heat exchanger; a sixth air flow path which directly guides the air supplied from the fourth air flow path to the outside; a second air inlet provided at a position before the first heat exchanger of the fifth air flow path, which guides air from the outside of the fifth air flow path to the fifth air flow path; and a second flow path switching section which switches the air from the fourth air flow path or the air from the second air inlet to the air to be guided to the fifth air flow path. ​ ​

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