Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present application provides an automatic analysis device that can suppress the generation of condensation in a reagent refrigeration tank and can immediately discharge condensation water generated by introducing external air. In an automatic analysis device provided with a reagent refrigeration tank that refrigerates and stores a plurality of reagent containers, the reagent refrigeration tank has a drain pipe that discharges condensation water generated inside the reagent refrigeration tank, and an external air introduction path that guides air outside the reagent refrigeration tank to the inside, the external air introduction path being provided along the bottom surface of the reagent refrigeration tank, and an external air discharge port of the external air introduction path being formed to open toward an upper portion of the drain pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, automated analytical devices for biochemical or immunological analysis of samples such as blood and urine have been developed. These devices typically analyze samples by reacting them with reagents, using optical or electrical methods to detect the reactions between the reagents and the sample.

[0003] In such an automated analytical apparatus, reagents for the reaction are placed individually into containers located within a reagent holding compartment inside a reagent cooler. Furthermore, the interior of the reagent cooler is kept cool, for example, at approximately 5–12°C, to stably preserve the reagents.

[0004] In automated analytical devices, reagent cooling chambers typically have through-holes for drawing reagents from containers within them. If hot, humid external gases enter the cooling chamber through these through-holes, problems arise such as a temperature rise within the chamber or condensation forming inside as the incoming external gases are cooled below their dew point. Temperature rises within the cooling chamber are undesirable for stable reagent storage, and condensation can alter the reagent's condition if it seeps into the container. Furthermore, labels sometimes used for reagent identification can be damaged by condensation adhering to them.

[0005] To address these issues, Patent Document 1 proposes an automatic analysis device that directly introduces cooled air into the interior of a reagent cooling box, raising the pressure inside the box to above atmospheric pressure. As a result, the cooled air is ejected from the reagent suction hole, preventing external gas from flowing in through the hole and suppressing condensation inside the reagent cooling box.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-185980 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the reagent cooler described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, if the air introduced into the reagent cooler through the cold air inlet path contains moisture, condensation will occur inside the reagent cooler, and the condensed water may remain on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the reagent cooler.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that can suppress the formation of condensation in a reagent cooling box and can immediately discharge the condensate water generated by introducing external gas.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention includes a reagent cooler for keeping and storing multiple reagent containers cold. The automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the reagent cooler has: a drain pipe for discharging condensate generated inside the reagent cooler; and an external gas inlet path for guiding air from outside the reagent cooler into the interior. The external gas inlet path is arranged along the bottom surface of the reagent cooler, and the external gas outlet of the external gas inlet path is formed as an opening facing upwards toward the drain pipe.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, an automatic analysis device is provided that can suppress the formation of condensation in a reagent cooling box and can immediately discharge the condensate water generated by introducing external gas. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 This indicates viewing from the direction of arrow A. Figure 1 A vertical sectional view of the general structure of the reagent cooler.

[0018] Figure 3 It means from Figure 2 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the approximate structure of the reagent cooler, viewed in the direction of arrow B.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically showing the formation of condensation and the flow of condensate water in the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating the formation of condensation and the flow of condensate water in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the general structure of the reagent cooler of Example 2.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the general structure of the reagent cooler in Example 3.

[0023] Figure 8 It means from Figure 7A vertical cross-sectional view of the approximate structure of the reagent cooler, viewed in the direction of arrow C.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating the formation of condensation and the flow of condensate water in Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] <Example 1>

[0027] use Figures 1 to 5 The automatic analysis apparatus of this embodiment will be described. First, using... Figures 1 to 3 The overall structure of the automatic analysis device in this embodiment will be briefly described. Figure 1 This is a top view showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device in this embodiment. Figure 2 This indicates viewing from the direction of arrow A. Figure 1 A vertical sectional view of the general structure of the reagent cooler. Figure 3 It means from Figure 2 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the approximate structure of the reagent cooler, viewed in the direction of arrow B.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic analysis device 100 in this embodiment is a device that reacts a sample with a reagent and measures the resulting reaction solution. The automatic analysis device 100 includes a reagent cooling box 1, a reagent container 3, a sample dispensing nozzle 303, a reaction table 305, a reaction container conveying mechanism 306, a sample dispensing pipette tip / reaction container holding component 307, a reagent tray 2, a reagent dispensing nozzle 314, a processing unit 315, a detection unit 316, a conveyor line 317, and a control device 319.

[0029] Here, the rack conveyor line 317 is used to transport the rack 301, which can hold multiple sample containers 302 containing samples, to the sample dispensing position, etc. The sample dispensing nozzle 303 is used to draw in the samples contained in the sample containers 302 and discharge them into the reaction vessel 304. The reaction table 305 is a tray for conducting the reaction of the sample and reagents at a constant temperature, the temperature of which is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a heater (not shown) to promote the reaction of the sample and reagents. Multiple reaction vessels 304 are held on the reaction table 305, serving as the site for mixing the samples and reagents and allowing them to react. The reaction vessel conveying mechanism 306 transports the reaction vessels 304. The sample dispensing tip / reaction vessel holding component 307 holds the disposable sample dispensing tip and reaction vessel 304 used in sample dispensing. The reagent tray 2 is a tray for holding the reagent containers 3, and is kept cold by the reagent cooler 1 for stable reagent storage. The reagent container 3 can be accessed by a user or a reagent container delivery mechanism (not shown) by opening the opening and closing cover 5 disposed on the cover 4. Furthermore, a reagent suction hole 6, serving as a through hole for reagent suction, is provided in a portion of the cover 4. The reagent dispensing nozzle 314 is a nozzle used to draw reagents stored in the reagent container 3 within the reagent tray 2 through the reagent suction hole 6 and discharge them into the reaction vessel 304. Additionally, various test reagents (first reagents) for analyzing the sample are stored in each reagent container 3 within the reagent tray 2. The processing unit 315 performs pre-analysis processing of the sample by the detection unit 316. The detection unit 316 uses the liquid that has undergone reaction within the reaction vessel 304 for detection. The control device 319 controls the various operations of the above-mentioned components and performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample based on the detection results performed by the detection unit 316. The control device 319 includes a temperature control unit 318 that performs temperature control of the reagent cooling box 1.

[0030] Next, the overall analysis process of the automated analysis device in this embodiment will be briefly described. In addition, before analysis, the user places the consumables required for analysis, such as reagent container 3, sample dispensing tip, and reaction container 304, on the reagent tray 2 and the sample dispensing tip / reaction container holding component 307 in the analysis device, respectively.

[0031] First, with the blood, urine, or other samples of the subject to be analyzed placed in the sample container 302, the user places the rack 301 into the automated analysis device. Here, via the reaction container transport mechanism 306 of the analysis device, the unused reaction container 304 and the sample dispensing tip are transported to the reaction table 305 and the sample dispensing tip mounting position.

[0032] Then, the reagent dispensing nozzle 314 is installed in a rotatable and vertically movable manner. After rotating and moving above the reagent suction hole 6 provided on the cover 4 of the reagent cooling box 1, it descends and passes through the reagent suction hole 6. Then, the tip of the reagent dispensing nozzle 314, passing through the reagent suction hole 6, is inserted into the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 3 to draw a predetermined amount of reagent. Afterward, the reagent dispensing nozzle 314 rises and rotates and moves above a predetermined position on the reaction platform 305, dispensing the reagent into the reaction container 304 provided on the reaction platform 305.

[0033] Next, when rack 301 reaches the sample dispensing position via rack conveyor line 317, the sample dispensing nozzle 303 is fitted with a sample dispensing tip, dispensing the sample from sample container 302 into reaction container 304, initiating the reaction between the sample and the test reagent. This reaction refers to, for example, using a luminescently labeled antibody that reacts only with a specific antigen of the sample as the test reagent, binding the sample to the luminescently labeled substance through an antigen-antibody reaction. At this time, the mixture of sample and test reagent is agitated by drawing it out within the sample dispensing tip. After this process, the used sample dispensing tip is discarded into the sample dispensing tip waste port 320.

[0034] After initiating the reaction between the sample and the test reagent by stirring, other reagents are sometimes added at specific times to further initiate the reaction. For example, there is a process that further binds the aforementioned antigen to magnetic microbeads that bind antibodies to their surface. Therefore, the reaction vessel 304, which has been placed on the reaction table 305 for a predetermined time, is transported to the processing unit 315 via the first transport mechanism 308. In the processing unit 315, as a pretreatment for the detection of the sample, magnetic separation and stirring of the sample are performed.

[0035] After the pretreatment process is completed, the reaction vessel 304 is transported to the reaction table 305 again by the first conveying mechanism 308.

[0036] Regardless of the presence or absence of magnetic separation, the reaction vessel 304, placed on the reaction table 305, is guided to the detection unit 316 by the second conveying mechanism 309 after a predetermined time. In the detection unit 316, signals from the reaction liquid are detected, the analysis results are communicated to the user, and recorded in a storage device.

[0037] After the detection action is completed, the reaction container 304 is transported to the reaction container waste port 321 and discarded through the second conveying mechanism 309 and the reaction container conveying mechanism 306.

[0038] Next, use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of reagent cooling box 1 is described in detail.

[0039] In the reagent cooler 1 of the automatic analysis device 100, a reagent tray 2 is arranged inside, and multiple reagent containers 3 are arranged on the reagent tray 2. The shape of the reagent cooler 1 is arbitrary, and it is formed into a cylindrical shape with equal distances to the inner wall 7 of the reagent cooler 1 on the same circle. Furthermore, the reagent tray 2 is formed to appear circular when viewed from above, and inside the cylindrical reagent cooler 1, the reagent containers 3 are arranged in a radial circular pattern. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the reagent tray 2 rotates inside the reagent cold box 1 by rotating the motor 8 located outside the reagent cold box 1.

[0040] Therefore, the predetermined reagent container 3, positioned on the reagent tray 2, is conveyed to the area directly below the reagent suction hole 6. In this state, Figure 1 The reagent dispensing nozzle 314 shown draws reagent from the reagent container 3 through the reagent suction hole 6. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, a reagent suction hole 6 is formed in the cover 4, and the external gas and the interior of the reagent cooler 1 are connected through the reagent suction hole 6. That is, a reagent suction hole 6 is formed in the cover 4, through which the reagent dispensing nozzle 314 that draws reagent from the reagent container 3 can pass, and the interior and exterior of the reagent cooler 1 are connected through the reagent suction hole 6.

[0041] In reagent container 3, the temperature of the essentially cooled inner wall 7 is maintained by heat transfer via convection or radiation of air.

[0042] Furthermore, the inner wall 7 is cooled directly by a cooler 9 installed on the outer side of the inner wall 7. The cooler 9, for example, is a Peltier element that absorbs heat from one side and dissipates heat from the other side by applying an electric current. This allows heat to be absorbed from inside the reagent cooler 1 and dissipated to the outside. The heat dissipation side of the cooler 9 becomes an expanded heat transfer surface of the radiator 10. The radiator 10 is vented by a fan 11, thereby cooling the air through forced convection and exhausting it into the heat dissipation channel 12. The heat dissipation channel 12 is an airflow path leading to the outside of the automated analyzer. Alternatively, the cooling of the cooler 9 can be achieved without the radiator 10 and fan 11, using, for example, a water-cooled radiator that uses cooling water to transfer heat.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reagent cooling box 1 has multiple coolers 9a to 9d arranged circumferentially on the lower side of the bottom surface of the inner wall 7. Additionally, in... Figure 2 In the diagram, cooler 9 exists only on the right side, but for simplicity, cooler 9 is omitted from the description of the structure of drain pipe 18 and other structures on the left side that drain condensate generated inside the reagent cooler. Pipe 15 is configured to form an external gas inlet path connecting the portion introducing gas from outside the reagent cooler 1 into the reagent cooler 1 to drain pipe 18. Furthermore, as... Figure 3As shown, the tube 15 is introduced into the reagent cooling box 1 through the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 without the cooler 9, and is arranged above the cooler 9a among the multiple coolers. In particular, when the tube 15 is introduced into the reagent cooling box 1, it passes through the inner diameter side of the drain pipe 18, thus having the advantage that no additional through hole is provided in the inner wall 7.

[0044] The temperature of the multiple coolers 9 is measured by temperature sensors 14 installed near each cooler 9. Using the measured temperature, the temperature is adjusted by the temperature control unit 318 so that the temperature of each cooler 9 is a preset temperature. At this time, the temperature of the cooler 9a closest to the pipe outlet 15a is set to be lower than the temperature of the other coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d.

[0045] When the reagent cooler 1 is directly cooled by the cooler 9, the temperature of the inner wall 7 is uniform in both the vertical and horizontal directions, thus suppressing the temperature distribution of the reagent. Therefore, the material of the inner wall 7 is preferably a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. Alternatively, the cooling of the inner wall 7 may not be achieved by direct cooling from the cooler 9, but by forming a cooling fluid path inside the inner wall 7, through which cooling water flows to cool the inner wall 7, thereby cooling the air inside the reagent cooler 1 and the reagent container 3. In this case, since the temperature distribution of the inner wall 7 depends on the temperature distribution of the cooling water, materials with low thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel or resin, can also be used.

[0046] The temperature of the reagent cooler 1 is measured by a temperature sensor 14 installed inside the reagent cooler 1 or on its inner wall 7. The measured temperature is used to adjust the temperature of the cooler 9 via the temperature control unit 318 to keep the reagent container 3 cool at an appropriate temperature.

[0047] The reagent cooler 1 is insulated by heat-insulating material 13 installed on its outside, making it difficult for heat inside the reagent cooler to escape to the outside, thus creating a structure that can efficiently keep the reagent container 3 cold. The heat-insulating material 13 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as expanded polystyrene or expanded polyurethane foam.

[0048] When the external gas is hot and humid, the external gas entering through the reagent suction hole 6 may sometimes condense on the reagent tray 2 and reagent container 3. Therefore, by introducing external gas into the reagent cooling box 1 to make the pressure inside the reagent cooling box 1 higher than atmospheric pressure, it is possible to prevent external gas from entering through the reagent dispensing hole. In addition, by making the temperature of the introduced external gas lower than the surface temperature of the reagent container 3 or reagent tray 2, condensation on the reagent container 3 and reagent tray 2 can be prevented.

[0049] The air introduced into the reagent cooling box 1 is cooled on the tube 15 and blown out from the tube outlet 15a. At the same time, the condensation generated inside the tube 15 is also discharged from the tube outlet 15a. The tube 15 is cooled by being directly installed on the inner wall 7. In addition, in this embodiment, the tube outlet 15a directly forms an external gas outlet, but when other components such as a wind vane are connected to the front end of the tube outlet 15a, the front end of that component becomes an external gas outlet.

[0050] Furthermore, the longer the flow path of the external gas flowing inside the tube 15, the greater the contact time / area between the tube 15 and the external gas, thus lowering the arrival temperature of the external gas introduced into the reagent cooling box 1. That is, in order to prevent condensation on the reagent container 3 or reagent tray 2, the flow path length of the tube 15 is preferably designed such that the temperature of the air released from the tube outlet 15a is lower than the temperature of the reagent tray and reagent container 3.

[0051] Because the flow path of pipe 15 becomes longer, the pressure loss increases. Therefore, the blower 16 used for air supply is preferably capable of supplying air in environments with high pressure loss. For example, a diaphragm pump, centrifugal fan, or piezoelectric fan can be used. In addition, to prevent dust and bacteria from entering the reagent cooler 1, a filter or similar device is preferably installed before the external gas is introduced.

[0052] The volume of external gas introduced into the reagent cooling box 1 is preferably greater than the volume of air that enters the reagent cooling box 1 through the reagent suction hole and leaks out of the reagent cooling box 1. However, in order to reduce the heat loss due to the introduction of external gas and improve the cooling efficiency, it is also preferable not to increase the amount of external gas introduced to the required level.

[0053] Next, the drainage of condensate in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0054] As mentioned above, condensation occurs on reagent container 3 and reagent tray 2, and this condensation water mixes into the reagent container, which may affect analytical performance and therefore needs to be suppressed. Furthermore, condensation that forms on the walls of the reagent cooler 1 adheres to the inner wall 7 surface for extended periods, thus contributing to the deterioration of the condensation water.

[0055] However, the reagent cooler 1 has a structure that allows intermittent access to the reagent dispensing nozzle via the reagent suction hole 6. Furthermore, since external gas can intrude when the reagent container 3 is removed and placed after opening and closing the cover 5, it is difficult to completely eliminate condensation inside the reagent cooler 1, even if condensation can be suppressed. That is, it is preferable to drain the condensate generated in the reagent cooler 1 and the tube 15 immediately, while preventing condensation from forming on the reagent container 3 and the reagent tray 2, so as not to allow the condensate to remain inside the reagent cooler 1.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the outlet 15a is disposed near the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18, the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 of the reagent cold box 1 is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction, and the drain pipe 18 is disposed on the lower side of the vertical direction of the bottom surface of the inclined inner wall 7 of the reagent cold box 1.

[0057] The following details the structure of the bottom surface of the reagent cooling box 1, the drain pipe 18, the drain outlet 15a, and the pipe 15.

[0058] Pipe 15 penetrates the insulation material and inner wall 7 of the reagent cooler 1, and is introduced into the reagent cooler 1 from outside the reagent cooler 1, running along the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 of the reagent cooler 1. A pipe outlet 15a located at the front end of pipe 15 is formed facing the upper opening 18a of drain pipe 18. Alternatively, the vertical projection of pipe outlet 15a may exist within the range of the upper opening 18a of drain pipe 18.

[0059] The cross-sectional shape of the tube 15 can be deformed; for example, it can be rectangular, circular, or trapezoidal. The tube 15 and the outlet 15a do not need to be one; for example, there can be two tubes 15 and two outlets 15a, or there can be one tube 15 and two outlets 15a. Furthermore, the tube material is preferably a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, which allows for easy direct cooling via the inner wall 7 using a cooler.

[0060] The bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or only the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is inclined relative to the water surface. The bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is inclined such that only a point of the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18 is the lowest point. The bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, while the rotation axis of the reagent tray is perpendicular. Therefore, it is not necessary to tilt the reagent container 3 and the reagent dispensing nozzle.

[0061] The shape of the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is not limited; it can have a groove or a protrusion. However, the surface of the groove or protrusion is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the installation direction of the drain pipe 18. Furthermore, an upper opening 18a with a larger diameter than the main body of the drain pipe 18 is formed at the upper end of the drain pipe 18 where it connects to the bottom surface of the inner wall 7. Moreover, an inclined surface with a gradually decreasing diameter from this upper opening 18a is formed and connected to the main body of the drain pipe 18. Therefore, condensation on the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 near the drain pipe 18 is easily guided towards the drain pipe 18.

[0062] The effects of the automatic analysis device in this embodiment will be explained.

[0063] The external gas introduced by the blower 16 is cooled as it passes through the pipe 15. The pipe 15 is installed along the bottom surface of the reagent cooler 1, thus cooling the external gas to a temperature close to that of the reagent cooler 1. At this time, when the external gas is hot and humid, it is cooled to below its dew point, causing condensation to form inside the pipe 15. The condensed water is pushed out by the blower 16 and discharged from the pipe outlet 15a along with the cooled external gas. Since the pipe outlet 15a is formed facing the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18, the discharged water flows into the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18 and is immediately discharged without flowing on the bottom surface of the other inner walls 7.

[0064] Furthermore, on the surface of the inner wall 7, the surface of the part with a lower temperature compared to the external gas discharged into the reagent cooler 1, and the external gas that enters when the lid is opened and closed during the replacement of the reagent container 3, becomes below the dew point, thus causing condensation. This condensation is guided to the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18 by the inclination of the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 of the reagent cooler 1. Here, the condensed water is discharged in such a way that it is concentrated at a single point at the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18, which is the lowest point of the bottom surface of the inner wall 7. Therefore, when the reagent cooler is viewed from above, compared to a reagent cooler where the lowest point in the vertical direction is annular, the condensed water does not accumulate in a certain amount on the annulus due to surface tension.

[0065] Furthermore, since the pipe 15 is disposed in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the inner wall 7, the condensation water that condenses on the outer periphery of the pipe 15 and on the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is attracted to the outer periphery of the pipe 15 by capillary force generated by the gap between the pipe 15 and the bottom surface of the inner wall 7. The condensation water attracted in this way is guided along the outer periphery of the pipe 15 to the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18.

[0066] Therefore, condensation will not remain on the bottom of the reagent cooler, and the condensation produced will always be discharged to the drain pipe 18, thus keeping the reagent cooler 1 hygienic.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature of cooler 9a, located below the portion extending from pipe 15, is set lower than that of the other coolers 9b to 9d. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Explain the effects that result.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically showing the condensation state of each cooler 9a to 9b as a comparative example when the temperature of each cooler 9a to 9b is set to a constant. Figure 5 This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing the condensation state when the temperature of cooler 9a is lower than that of other coolers 9b to 9d, as in this embodiment.

[0069] exist Figure 4 In this process, the condensation generated inside pipe 15 flows directly into the upper opening 18a of drain pipe 18, located near the drain outlet 15a, and is discharged. Here, when the temperature of coolers 9b and 9c is lower than the external gas discharged from drain outlet 15a, condensation forms on the upper parts of coolers 9b and 9c. However, since the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 slopes towards the upper opening 18a of drain pipe 18, the condensation generated on the upper parts of coolers 9b and 9c is discharged and concentrated at a single point in the upper opening 18a.

[0070] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the temperature of the discharged external gas is lower than the surface temperature of the inner wall 7 on the coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d, making it difficult to fall below the dew point. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, condensation on coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d can be suppressed. This narrows the area where condensation occurs to the cooler 9a and the area around the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18, thus maintaining a larger area within the reagent cooler 1 more hygienically.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, a structure with multiple coolers is provided, but it is also possible to provide only one cooler in the section where the pipe 15 is laid.

[0072] <Example 2>

[0073] Reference Figure 6 Example 2 will be described. Figure 6 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the general structure of the reagent cooler of Example 2.

[0074] In Example 2, the path of pipe 15 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the arrangement is such that it rotates around the central axis of the reagent tray. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tube 15 passes above all the coolers 9a to 9d. However, the temperature of the cooler 9a below the path of the tube 15 closest to the tube outlet 15a, i.e., the path of the tube 15 located on the downstream side, is set to be lower than that of the coolers 8b to 9d located below the path of the tube 15 on the upstream side.

[0075] The effects of the automatic analysis device in this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the path of the pipe 15 laid on the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 can be ensured for a longer period of time, so the external gas introduced from the blower 16 is sufficiently cooled when passing through the pipe 15. Therefore, it is easy to make the temperature of the external gas discharged from the pipe outlet 15a into the reagent cooling box 1 close to the temperature of the reagent cooling box 1, and condensation on the reagent container 3 and reagent tray 2 can be prevented.

[0076] <Example 3>

[0077] Figure 7This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the reagent cooler in Example 3. Furthermore, Figure 8 It means from Figure 7 A vertical cross-sectional view of the approximate structure of the reagent cooler, viewed in the direction of arrow C.

[0078] In this embodiment, the reagent cooler 1 is described as having a drain outlet 15a located near the cooler 9a, and a drain trough 20 and a cover 21 located on the upper part of the cooler 9a. Therefore, the parts that differ from the reagent cooler 1 of the embodiment will be described here, and the description of repeated parts will be omitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, the outlet 15a of the reagent cooler 1 is located near the cooler 9, forming a flow path connecting the outlet 15a to the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18. The bottom surface of the inner wall 7 and the cover 21 above it are present. Furthermore, an external gas outlet is formed through the cover opening 21a and the bottom surface of the inner wall 7. Thus, in this embodiment, the external gas inlet path is formed by the pipe 15 on the upstream side and by the cover 21 and the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 on the downstream side. Additionally, a drain groove 20 is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 at the location where the cover 21 is located, lower than the other bottom surfaces of the inner wall 7.

[0080] The drainage channel 20 is inclined with the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18 being the lowest point. The shape of the drainage channel 20 can be as simple as the upper opening 18a being the lowest point; for example, fins for increasing the contact area between the external gas and the inner wall 7 can also be present on the drainage channel 20. In addition, the drainage channel 20 and the cover 21 can be used to form a labyrinthine flow path to increase the contact length between the external gas and the inner wall 7.

[0081] use Figure 9 The effects of the automatic analysis device in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 9 This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view representing the condensation state in this embodiment.

[0082] External gas introduced from conduit 15 enters the housing 21 through conduit outlet 15a, and is discharged into the reagent cooling box 1 from the external gas outlet at the front end of housing 21 toward the upper opening 18a via the external gas introduction path formed by the gap between the drain groove 20 and housing 21. The resulting condensation is discharged through the drain groove 20 to the upper opening 18a of the drain pipe 18. Here, the distance between the surface of the drain groove 20 and the thickness direction of the cooler 9a is narrower than that of the other coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d, therefore the surface temperature of the drain groove 20 on the upper part of the cooler 9a is lower than that of the coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d. As a result, the temperature of the external gas discharged into the reagent cooling box 1 from near the drain pipe 18 is cooled by the surface temperature of the inner wall 7 on the coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d, thus suppressing condensation inside the reagent cooling box 1 compared to Examples 1 and 2. Furthermore, in the upper part of the cooler 9a, where the temperature is lowest and condensation is prone to occur, the contact area with the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 is increased, and the cooling efficiency of the external gas is increased. Therefore, condensation can be concentrated in this part, and condensation in other parts of the bottom surface of the inner wall 7 can be suppressed.

[0083] In this embodiment, the same effect can be achieved by making the temperature of cooler 9a lower than that of other coolers 9b, 9c, and 9d.

[0084] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. In addition, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment; furthermore, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Moreover, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0085] Symbol Explanation

[0086] 1—Reagent cooler; 2—Reagent tray; 3—Reagent container; 4—Lid; 5—Open / close lid; 6—Reagent suction hole; 7—Inner wall; 8—Motor; 9—Cooler; 10—Radiator; 11—Fan; 12—Heat dissipation channel; 13—Insulation material; 14—Temperature sensor; 15—Pipe; 15a—Pipe outlet; 16—Blower; 18—Drain pipe; 18a—Upper opening of drain pipe; 20—Drainage trough; 21—Cover; 21a—Cover opening; 100—Automatic analysis device; 301—Rack ; 302—Specimen container; 303—Specimen dispensing nozzle; 304—Reaction container; 305—Reaction table; 306—Reaction container transport mechanism; 307—Specimen dispensing pipette tip / reaction container holding component; 308—First transport mechanism; 309—Second transport mechanism; 314—Reagent dispensing nozzle; 315—Processing unit; 316—Detection unit; 317—Transport line; 318—Temperature control unit; 319—Control device; 320—Specimen dispensing pipette tip waste port; 321—Reaction container waste port.

Claims

1. An automated analytical apparatus comprising a reagent cooler for keeping and storing multiple reagent containers cold. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The reagent cooler has the following features: A drain pipe is used to drain condensate that forms inside the reagent cooler; and A tubular external gas inlet path guides air from outside the reagent cooler into the interior. The external gas inlet path passes through the inner diameter side of the drain pipe, thus penetrating the inner wall of the reagent cooler, and is arranged along the bottom surface of the reagent cooler. The external gas outlet of the external gas inlet path is formed as an opening facing the upper part of the drain pipe and is located near the upper opening of the drain pipe. The flow path length of the external gas inlet path is designed such that the temperature of the air released from the external gas outlet is lower than the temperature of the reagent container.

2. An automated analytical apparatus comprising a reagent cooler for keeping and storing multiple reagent containers cold. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The reagent cooler has the following features: A drain pipe is used to drain condensate that forms inside the reagent cooler; and A tubular external gas inlet path guides air from outside the reagent cooler into the interior. The external gas inlet path passes through the inner diameter side of the drain pipe, thus penetrating the inner wall of the reagent cooler, and is arranged along the bottom surface of the reagent cooler. The vertical projection of the external gas outlet of the external gas inlet path is located within the range of the upper opening of the drain pipe and is positioned near the upper opening of the drain pipe. The flow path length of the external gas inlet path is designed such that the temperature of the air released from the external gas outlet is lower than the temperature of the reagent container.

3. An automated analytical apparatus comprising a reagent cooler for keeping and storing multiple reagent containers cold. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The reagent cooler has the following features: A drain pipe is used to drain condensate that forms inside the reagent cooler; and An external gas inlet path is located on the inner diameter side of the drain pipe and guides air from outside the reagent cooler into the interior. The external gas outlet of the external gas inlet path is located near the upper opening of the drain pipe. The flow path length of the external gas inlet path is designed such that the temperature of the air released from the external gas outlet is lower than the temperature of the reagent container. The inner wall of the reagent cooler is inclined at a point toward the upper opening of the drain pipe.

4. An automated analytical apparatus comprising a reagent cooler for keeping and storing multiple reagent containers cold. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The reagent cooler has the following features: A drain pipe that drains condensate generated inside the reagent cooler; An external gas inlet path guides air from outside the reagent cooler into the interior; and Multiple coolers are disposed below the bottom surface of the inner wall of the reagent cooling box. The external gas outlet of the external gas inlet path is located near the upper opening of the drain pipe. The flow path length of the external gas inlet path is designed such that the temperature of the air released from the external gas outlet is lower than the temperature of the reagent container. The external gas introduction path is configured to circumferentially surround the central axis of the reagent cooler and passes above the plurality of coolers. The cooler located below the external gas inlet path on the most downstream side is set to a lower temperature than the other coolers.

5. The automatic analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The upstream side of the external gas inlet path is formed by a pipe guiding from the outside to the inside of the reagent cooler, and the downstream side is formed by the bottom surface of the inner wall of the reagent cooler and a cover disposed above the bottom surface of the inner wall. The external gas outlet is formed at the opening end of the cover.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A drainage groove is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall located below the cover, which is lower than the bottom surface of the other inner walls.

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