Container storage device

Abstract

The cooling performance of a container storage device using an electric heating device is improved. The container storage device is provided with: a storage unit that stores a container that accommodates a liquid; and a cooling unit that cools the air drawn from the storage unit and supplies the cooled air to the storage unit, the cooling unit being provided with: a plurality of fins disposed along the flow of the air; and the electric heating device is connected with each of the fins.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device. Background Art

[0002] As a technique for cooling a cold storage box, there is disclosed a method of suppressing power consumption in an automatic analyzer in which a Peltier element is used for temperature regulation of an air-conditioning space using reagents and a cold storage section for cold-storing the reagents (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-201172 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to improving the cooling performance of a container storage device using an electric heating device such as a Peltier element.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the cooling performance of a container storage device using an electric heating device.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] A container storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a storage section for storing a container containing a liquid; and a cooling section for cooling air sucked from the storage section and supplying the cooled air to the storage section, the cooling section comprising: a plurality of fins arranged along the flow of air; and an electric heating element connected to each of the fins.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the cooling performance of a container storage device using an electric heating device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an automatic analysis system.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a container storage device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of heat absorbing fins.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of heat absorbing fins.

[0017] Figure 5It is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of heat absorbing fins.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a container storage device.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a container storage device.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a container storage device.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a structural example of heat absorbing fins and a guide.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a container storage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the container storage device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated description.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] use Figure 1 An example of the overall configuration of the automatic analysis system will be described. The automatic analysis system includes an automatic analysis device 101, a container storage device 102, a rack conveyance path 105, a control unit 107, an input / output unit 108, and a storage unit 109. Each unit will be described below.

[0026] The automatic analyzer 101 is a device for analyzing specific components contained in a specimen such as blood or urine provided by a patient, and is connected to a container storage device 102 via a rack conveying path 105. The rack conveying path 105 conveys a rack 104 carrying a plurality of containers 103 containing liquids (such as specimen containers containing specimens and reagent bottles containing reagents).

[0027] The container storage device 102 keeps the container 103 cool and transports the container 103 to the rack 104 on the rack transport path 105. The container 103 is stored in the storage unit 201, and is held by the container holding unit 110 and transported along the container transport path 111. A gate 112 is provided on the upper surface of the storage unit 201. The gate 112 is opened by the gate opening and closing unit 113 when the container 103 is transported.

[0028] The control unit 107 is a computer that analyzes specific components included in the sample based on the measurement signal transmitted from the automatic analyzer 101 and controls the operation of each unit.

[0029] The input / output unit 108 is a device that receives input of data required for analysis or displays analysis results, and is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

[0030] The storage unit 109 is a device for storing data required for analysis and analysis results, and is, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Slid State Drive).

[0031] use Figure 2 The following describes a configuration example of the container storage device 102. The container storage device 102 includes a storage unit 201 and a cooling unit 202.

[0032] The container 103 is stored in the storage unit 201 , and the air sucked and cooled by the cooling unit 202 is supplied to the storage unit 201 .

[0033] The cooling unit 202 includes a circulation fan 203 , an electric heating element 204 , a heat transfer plate 205 , heat absorbing fins 206 , heat dissipating fins 207 , and a heat dissipating fan 208 in order to cool the air sucked from the storage unit 201 and supply the air to the storage unit 201 .

[0034] The circulation fan 203 generates a flow of air in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The circulation fan 203 draws air from the storage section 201 and supplies the air cooled by the operation of the electric heating element 204 to the storage section 201 .

[0035] The electric heating element 204 is an element that moves heat from one surface to another surface, such as a Peltier element. The amount of heat moved by the electric heating element 204 varies according to the power consumption of the electric heating element 204. A heat transfer plate 205 is installed on one surface of the electric heating element 204, and a heat dissipation fin 207 is installed on the other surface.

[0036] The heat transfer plate 205 is a plate with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum plate or a copper plate. The electric heating element 204 is installed on one side of the heat transfer plate 205, and the heat absorbing fins 206 are installed on the other side.

[0037] The heat absorbing fins 206 absorb heat from the air sucked from the storage unit 201 by the circulation fan 203, and are arranged along the flow of air generated by the circulation fan 203. It should be noted that the electric heating device 204 is connected to each of the heat absorbing fins 206 via the heat transfer plate 205. That is, the heat absorbed by the heat absorbing fins 206 is transferred to the electric heating device 204 via the heat transfer plate 205, and moves to the heat dissipation fins 207 through the electric heating device 204, so that the air passing through the heat absorbing fins 206 is cooled.

[0038] The heat dissipation fins 207 are mounted on one side of the electric heating element 204 , and the heat moved by the radiated electric heating element 204 is cooled by air supplied from the heat dissipation fins 207 .

[0039] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated container storage device 102, a plurality of heat absorbing fins 206 are arranged along the flow of air generated by the circulation fan 203, and the electric heating device 204 is connected to each of the heat absorbing fins 206, so that the cooling performance can be improved. That is, each set of the heat absorbing fins 206 and the electric heating device 204 arranged along the flow of air cools the air sucked from the storage unit 201, thereby improving the cooling performance of the container storage device 102.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the electric heating devices 204 is controlled by the control unit 107 so that the air supplied to the storage unit 201 becomes a preset temperature. The set temperature can be set by an operator via the input / output unit 108. The temperature of the air is measured, for example, by a thermometer provided on the heat transfer plate 205. Alternatively, the temperature of the air in the storage unit 201 can be directly measured by a thermometer provided in the storage unit 201.

[0041] In addition, the electric heating device 204 is controlled so that the difference in power consumed by each of the electric heating devices 204 is within a predetermined range so that the load of the electric heating device 204 does not deviate. For example, each of the electric heating devices 204 can be controlled by the control unit 107 so that the power consumed by each of the electric heating devices 204 is equal. More specifically, the target temperature of each electric heating device 204 can be set based on the value ΔT / N obtained by dividing the difference ΔT (=Tin-Tset) between the temperature Tin of the air sucked from the storage unit 201 and the target temperature Tset of the air supplied to the storage unit 201 by the number N of the electric heating devices 204. In addition, the target temperature of each electric heating device 204 can be set based on the flow rate ratio of the circulating air that flows into the heat absorbing fins 206 and is cooled so that the power consumption is equal.

[0042] use Figures 3 to 5 An example of arrangement of the heat absorbing fins 206 will be described. Figure 3 The heat absorbing fins 206 are arranged in series along the flow of air. It should be noted that the heat absorbing fins 206 are made of a plurality of plates such as aluminum plates or copper plates. Figure 3 That is, the plate forming the heat absorbing fins 206 is arranged in parallel with the flow of air generated by the circulation fan 203. By arranging the plate in parallel with the flow of air, the flow of air is less likely to be disturbed, and the pressure loss of the air passing through the heat absorbing fins 206 can be suppressed.

[0043] Figure 42 shows an example in which the heat absorbing fins 206 on the downstream side are arranged so as not to cast a shadow on the heat absorbing fins 206 on the upstream side. With such an arrangement, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the velocity of the air that contacts the heat absorbing fins 206 on the downstream side.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown in the example, a plurality of heat absorbing fins 206 may be arranged in parallel. By arranging a plurality of heat absorbing fins 206 in parallel, air can be brought into contact with the plurality of heat absorbing fins 206 uniformly.

[0045] use Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another example of the structure of the container storage device 102 will be described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated container storage device 102 is provided with a deflection plate 600. The deflection plate 600 is a member having a triangular prism shape, for example, and is provided to change the flow direction of air.

[0046] Figure 6 The deflection plate 600 is illustrated as being provided at the boundary of the plurality of heat absorbing fins 206. By providing the deflection plate 600 at the boundary of the plurality of heat absorbing fins 206, the flow of air disturbed by passing through the heat absorbing fins 206 on the upstream side is directed toward the heat absorbing fins 206 on the downstream side.

[0047] exist Figure 7 , the deflection plate 600 provided near the upstream heat absorbing fin 206 is exemplified. More specifically, the deflection plate 600 is provided near the most upstream heat absorbing fin 206 in the area where the air flows downward and near the most upstream heat absorbing fin 206 in the area where the air flows upward. By providing the deflection plate 600 near the upstream heat absorbing fin 206, the air flowing into the upstream heat absorbing fin 206 can be increased.

[0048] use Figure 8 Another example of the structure of the container storage device 102 will be described. Figure 8 In the illustrated container storage device 102, a drain 800 is added to the center of the bottom surface of the cooling section 202. When the air sucked from the storage section 201 is cooled, condensation water may be generated on the heat absorbing fins 206. If the condensation water is retained in the cooling section 202, bacteria may grow, so it is preferable to drain the condensation water quickly. In addition, in order to suppress the growth of bacteria, an antibacterial agent may be applied to the heat absorbing fins 206.

[0049] The drainage member 800 is used to drain condensation water, for example Figure 8As shown, it is composed of a combination of a funnel-shaped component and a float. The float has a diameter larger than the hole of the funnel-shaped component and has a specific gravity smaller than that of condensation water. When there is no condensation water, the float blocks the hole of the funnel-shaped component to prevent the inflow of external air. When the condensation water flows into the drain 800, the float floats above the condensation water and the condensation water is discharged from the drain 800. In addition, if the condensation water generated on the heat absorbing fins 206 on the upstream side drips to the heat absorbing fins 206 on the downstream side, it takes time to discharge the condensation water from the drain 800.

[0050] use Fig. 9 An example of the structure of the heat absorbing fins 206 for preventing condensed water from dripping onto the heat absorbing fins 206 on the downstream side will be described. Fig. 9 In the illustrated heat absorbing fin 206 , the shape of the plate 206A at the bottom layer is different from the others, and a guide 900 is added.

[0051] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example, the bottom plate 206A is configured such that the angle between its bottom surface and the side surface of the cooling unit 202 is an obtuse angle. With such a configuration, condensed water reaching the bottom plate 206A is guided to the side surface of the cooling unit 202 along its bottom surface.

[0052] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example, the guide 900 is a member provided between the heat absorbing fins 206 arranged in series along the flow of air on the side surface of the cooling unit 202 and inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Fig. 9 In the illustrated guide member 900 , condensed water guided to the side of the cooling unit 202 along the lower surface of the lowermost plate 206A does not drip onto the downstream heat absorbing fins 206 but is discharged from the drain member 800 via the side and bottom of the cooling unit 202 .

[0053] It should be noted that the drainage member 800 is not limited to Figure 8 The illustrated structure may also be a structure with a solenoid valve or a structure with a backflow prevention valve. Figure 8 The center portion of the bottom surface of the illustrated cooling unit 202.

[0054] use Fig.10 Another example of the structure of the container storage device 102 will be described. Fig.10 In the illustrated container storage device 102, a single heat absorbing fin 206 and a drain member 800 are arranged in the area where the air flows downward, and a plurality of heat absorbing fins 206 are arranged in the area where the air flows upward. Furthermore, the plurality of electric heating devices 204 arranged along the air flow are controlled so that the electric heating device 204 arranged at the most upstream, that is, the electric heating device 204 connected to the heat absorbing fin 206 arranged in the area where the air flows downward, consumes the most power.

[0055] According to use Fig.10 In the structure described above, the air is cooled to the greatest extent in the heat-absorbing fins 206 connected to the electric heating device 204 arranged at the most upstream, so the generation of condensed water is concentrated in the heat-absorbing fins 206 arranged in the area where the air flows downward. In addition, the condensed water generated in the heat-absorbing fins 206 arranged in the area where the air flows downward is quickly discharged from the drainage member 800 arranged below it. Therefore, the generation of condensed water and miscellaneous bacteria in the heat-absorbing fins 206 arranged in the area where the air flows upward is suppressed from flowing into the storage unit 201. In addition, in the heat-absorbing fins 206 connected to the electric heating device 204 arranged at the most downstream, the air temperature is the lowest, so there is also a situation where the generation of condensed water is concentrated. In this case, by arranging the drainage member 800 below the heat-absorbing fins 206 arranged at the most downstream, the same effect can be obtained.

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the constituent elements may be deformed within the scope of the main purpose of the invention. In addition, the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, several constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments.

[0057] Description of Reference Numerals

[0058] 101: automatic analysis device, 102: container storage device, 103: container, 104: bracket, 105: bracket conveying path, 107: control unit, 108: input and output unit, 109: storage unit, 110: container holding unit, 111: container conveying path, 112: gate, 113: gate opening and closing unit, 201: storage unit, 202: cooling unit, 203: circulation fan, 204: electric heating device, 205: heat transfer plate, 206: heat absorbing fins, 206A: bottom plate, 207: heat dissipation fins, 208: heat dissipation fan, 600: deflection plate, 800: drainage member, 900: guide member.

Claims

1. A container storage device, characterized in that: have: a storage unit that stores a container containing a liquid; and a cooling unit that cools the air sucked from the storage unit and supplies the cooled air to the storage unit, The cooling unit comprises: a plurality of fins arranged along the flow of the air; and An electric heating device is connected to each of the fins.

2. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fin includes a plurality of plate members arranged in parallel with the flow of the air.

3. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: On the side of the cooling unit, a guide member inclined relative to a horizontal plane is provided between the fins. The angle formed between the lower surface of the lowest plate of the plurality of plates and the side surface of the cooling portion is an obtuse angle.

4. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A control unit is further provided for controlling the electric heating devices so that a difference in power consumed by each of the electric heating devices falls within a predetermined range.

5. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling unit is provided with a deflection plate for changing the flow direction of the air.

6. The container storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The deflection plate is disposed at the boundaries of the plurality of fins.

7. The container storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The deflection plate is provided in the vicinity of an upstream fin among the plurality of fins.

8. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling unit is further provided with a drain member for draining condensed water generated on the fins.

9. The container storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A single fin and a drain member are arranged in a region where the air flows downward, and a plurality of fins are arranged in a region where the air flows upward. The container storage device further includes a control unit that controls the plurality of electric heating devices so that the electric heating device disposed most upstream among the plurality of electric heating devices disposed along the flow of the air consumes the largest amount of power.

10. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An antibacterial agent is coated on the fins.

Images