Automated analyzer and control method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of simplifying the structure of an automatic analysis device. An automatic analysis device according to an embodiment includes a reagent library and a transport unit. The reagent library has an outer periphery installation part in which a plurality of reagent containers are installed, and an inner periphery installation part which is located on the inner side of the outer periphery installation part and in which a plurality of reagent containers are installed. The transport unit transports the reagent containers to the inner periphery installation unit through among the plurality of reagent containers installed in the outer periphery installation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic analysis device and a control method Background Art

[0002] An automatic analysis device is a device that automatically analyzes a specimen (such as blood, urine) to measure the concentration of various components in the specimen. The automatic analysis device mixes a reagent in the specimen and performs various measurements based on the amount of transmitted light or scattered light obtained by irradiating the mixed solution with light

[0003] The reagent storage of the automatic analysis device holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents. Some reagent storages have an outer peripheral worktable and an inner peripheral worktable that rotate independently of each other. In an automatic analysis device having such a reagent storage, a technique is known in which a reagent container lifted by a robotic arm is set (loaded) on the outer peripheral worktable or the inner peripheral worktable from above the reagent storage

[0004] However, in the above technique, it is necessary to provide an entrance corresponding to the outer peripheral worktable and an entrance corresponding to the inner peripheral worktable for the reagent storage so that the robotic arm can enter the outer peripheral worktable and the inner peripheral worktable. Furthermore, it is necessary to control the robotic arm so that it can enter these two entrances. Therefore, the above technique complicates the structure of the automatic analysis device, resulting in problems such as increased costs

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-048166 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to simplify the structure of the automatic analysis device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. It is also possible to define the problems corresponding to the respective effects of the respective configurations shown in the embodiments described later as other problems

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The automatic analysis device according to the embodiment includes a reagent storage and a transport unit. The reagent storage has an outer peripheral setting unit where a plurality of reagent containers are provided and an inner peripheral setting unit located inside the outer peripheral setting unit where a plurality of reagent containers are provided. The transport unit transports the reagent containers from between the plurality of reagent containers provided in the outer peripheral setting unit to the inner peripheral setting unit

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] The structure of the automatic analysis device can be simplified Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a top view showing a configuration example of the first reagent reservoir according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a three-view drawing showing a configuration example of each workbench according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a three-view drawing showing a configuration example of the reagent container according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of transporting the reagent container to the inner peripheral workbench according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of transporting the reagent container from the inner peripheral workbench according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the reagent container and the guide rail according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of each workbench and the reagent container according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of transporting the reagent container to each workbench according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of each workbench and each reagent container according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing an example of transporting each reagent container to each workbench according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a top view showing an example of rotational control of each workbench according to each embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals

[0027] 1... Automatic analysis device, 2... Analysis mechanism, 3... Analysis circuit, 4... Driving mechanism, 5... Storage circuit, 6... Input IF, 7... Output IF, 8... Communication IF, 9... Control circuit, 91... Determination function, 92... System control function, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100G, 100P, 100Q... Reagent containers, 110... Reagent bottles, 111... Opening member, 112... Main body, 120... Adapter, 121... Frame, 122... Engaging claws, 123... Cut surface, 130, 130A, 130B, 140... Fitting grooves, 201... Reaction plate, 202... Thermostatic bath, 203... Specimen plate, 204... First reagent reservoir, 204A... Housing, 204H... Opening, 205... Second reagent reservoir, 206... Specimen dispensing arm, 207... Specimen dispensing probe, 208... First reagent dispensing arm, 209... First reagent dispensing probe, 210... Second reagent dispensing arm, 211... Second reagent dispensing probe, 212... Electrode unit, 213... Photometric unit, 214... Cleaning unit, 215... Stirring unit, 216... Probe cleaning unit, 220... Reagent container arm, 230... Reagent container rack, 310... Outer peripheral workbench, 311, 311E, 321, 321E... Spaces, 312, 322... Partition walls, 315... Outer peripheral guide rail, 316, 326... Protruding members, 320... Inner peripheral workbench, 320A... Inner wall, 325... Inner peripheral guide rail, 328... Tilt member, 330... Shaft, 335A, 335B, 335C, 335D... Guide rails, 400A, 400B... Magnets, 500P, 500Q... Magnetic bodies, 2011... Reaction vessel, 2031... Specimen container Detailed implementation mode

[0028] Generally speaking, according to one embodiment, the automatic analysis device includes a reagent reservoir and a transportation unit. The reagent reservoir has an outer peripheral setting portion where a plurality of reagent containers are arranged and an inner peripheral setting portion located inside the outer peripheral setting portion where a plurality of reagent containers are arranged. The transportation unit transports the reagent containers through the plurality of reagent containers arranged in the outer peripheral setting portion to the inner peripheral setting portion.

[0029] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and repeated descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0030] (First embodiment)

[0031] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the automatic analysis device 1 of the first embodiment. The automatic analysis device 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a driving mechanism 4, a storage circuit 5, an input IF 6, an output IF 7, a communication IF 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0032] The analysis mechanism 2 is a mechanism that automatically analyzes a specimen (such as blood, urine) and measures the concentrations of various components in the specimen. The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a reagent used in a prescribed inspection item in the test specimen or the standard solution. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the optical property value of the mixed solution based on the amount of transmitted light or scattered light obtained by irradiating the mixed solution with light. The analysis mechanism 2 generates test data related to the mixed solution of the test specimen and the reagent as a measurement result, and generates standard data related to the mixed solution of the standard solution and the reagent. The analysis mechanism 2 is an example of the analysis unit (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0033] The analysis circuit 3 is a circuit that analyzes the test data and the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2 and respectively generates analysis data and calibration data. The analysis circuit 3 includes at least one processor. The analysis circuit 3 reads out an analysis program from the storage circuit 5 and analyzes the test data and the standard data according to the read analysis program. The analysis circuit 3 is an example of the analysis unit.

[0034] The drive mechanism 4 is a mechanism that drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by gears, stepping motors, belt conveyors, lead screws, etc. The drive mechanism 4 is an example of the drive unit.

[0035] The storage circuit 5 is a circuit that stores various data. The storage circuit 5 can be a storage medium (such as a magnetic storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a semiconductor memory) that can be read by a processor, or a drive device that reads and writes data to and from the storage medium. The storage circuit 5 is an example of the storage unit.

[0036] The storage circuit 5 stores the analysis program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and the control program executed by the control circuit 9. The storage circuit 5 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test specimen, and stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The storage circuit 5 stores the inspection instructions input by the operator via the input IF6, and stores the inspection instructions received by the communication IF8 via the hospital network NW.

[0037] The input IF6 is an interface that accepts various input operations. The input IF6 is implemented by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a touch screen, etc. The input IF6 can also be a processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to a prescribed operation instruction from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analysis device 1 and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9. The input IF6 converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9. The input IF6 is an example of the input unit.

[0038] Output IF7 is an interface for outputting various data. Output IF7 outputs various data based on the output signal supplied from the control circuit 9. Output IF7 can also be a touch panel or a touch screen that also functions as input IF6. Output IF7 is implemented by a display device, a printing device, an audio device, etc. Output IF7 is an example of an output unit.

[0039] The display device can be a CRT monitor, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, or a plasma display. The display device can also be a processing circuit that converts data related to a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The display device is an example of a display unit.

[0040] The printing device can also be a printer. The printing device can also be a processing circuit that outputs data related to a printing object to the outside. The printing device is an example of a printing unit.

[0041] The audio device can also be a speaker. The audio device can also be a processing circuit that outputs a sound signal to the outside. The audio device is an example of an audio unit.

[0042] Communication IF8 is an interface for communicating various data. Communication IF8 communicates with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via a hospital network NW. Communication IF8 can also communicate with the hospital information system via a Laboratory Information System (LIS) connected to the hospital network NW. Communication IF8 is an example of a communication unit.

[0043] The control circuit 9 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the automatic analysis device 1. The control circuit 9 includes at least one processor. The processor refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD: Simple Programmable Logic Device), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array)). When the processor is a CPU, the CPU realizes each function by reading and executing a control program stored in the storage circuit 5. When the processor is an ASIC, each function is directly incorporated into the circuit of the ASIC as a logic circuit. The processor can be configured as a single circuit or can be formed by combining multiple independent circuits with each other. The control circuit 9 realizes a determination function 91 and a system control function 92. The control circuit 9 is an example of a control unit.

[0044] The determination function 91 is a function for determining various data. For example, the determination function 91 determines a space in the reagent library of the analysis mechanism 2 where a reagent container can be specifically set. The determination function 91 can also determine the distance from the opening formed in the reagent library to the determined space. The determination function 91 is an example of a determination unit.

[0045] The system control function 92 is a function for controlling the overall operation of the automatic analysis device 1. For example, the system control function 92 controls the operation of the drive mechanism 4 to measure a specimen according to a prescribed inspection item. The system control function 92 controls the operation of the analysis circuit 3 to analyze the test data and standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The system control function 92 can also control the reagent library and the robotic arm of the analysis mechanism 2. The system control function 92 is an example of a system control unit.

[0046] Figure 2This is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the analysis mechanism 2 of the first embodiment. The analysis mechanism 2 includes a reaction plate 201, a thermostat 202, a sample plate 203, a first reagent reservoir 204, a second reagent reservoir 205, a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, an electrode unit 212, a photometric unit 213, a cleaning unit 214, a stirring unit 215, a probe cleaning unit 216, a reagent container arm 220, and a reagent container rack 230.

[0047] The reaction plate 201 is a disk that annularly arranges and holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011. The reaction plate 201 moves the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 along a specified path according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The reaction plate 201 rotates a specified amount of angle at regular time intervals (for example, 4.5 seconds, 9.0 seconds) and stops.

[0048] The thermostat 202 is a bath that maintains a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 at a constant temperature. The thermostat 202 stores a heat medium set to a specified temperature. The thermostat 202 maintains the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 at a constant temperature by immersing the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 in the heat medium.

[0049] The sample plate 203 is a disk that annularly arranges and holds a plurality of sample containers 2031. The sample plate 203 moves the plurality of sample containers 2031 along a specified path according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The sample plate 203 is arranged adjacent to the reaction plate 201. The sample plate 203 may be covered from above by a detachable cover.

[0050] The first reagent reservoir 204 is a storage that annularly arranges and holds a plurality of reagent containers 100. The first reagent reservoir 204 moves the plurality of reagent containers 100 along a specified path according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent reservoir 204 is arranged adjacent to the reaction plate 201. The first reagent reservoir 204 may be covered from above by a detachable cover (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0051] The first reagent reservoir 204 has a housing 204A. For example, the housing 204A is formed of a material such as aluminum with excellent thermal conductivity. A rectangular opening 204H is formed at a specified part of the housing 204A. The reagent container 100 is transported between the outside and the inside of the first reagent reservoir 204 through the opening 204H.

[0052] The reagent container arm 220 is a robotic arm that transports the reagent container 100. The reagent container arm 220 holds the reagent container 100 according to the control of the drive mechanism 4 and transports the held reagent container 100. For example, the reagent container arm 220 holds the reagent container 100 placed on the reagent container rack 230 and transports the held reagent container 100 into the interior of the first reagent reservoir 204 through the opening 204H. On the other hand, the reagent container arm 220 holds the reagent container 100 provided in the first reagent reservoir 204 and transports the held reagent container 100 out of the first reagent reservoir 204 (e.g., to the reagent container rack 230) through the opening 204H. The reagent container arm 220 is arranged adjacent to the first reagent reservoir 204. The reagent container arm 220 is an example of a transport unit.

[0053] The reagent container rack 230 is a rack for placing a plurality of reagent containers 100. For example, an operator manually places the reagent container 100 on the reagent container rack 230. The reagent container rack 230 is arranged adjacent to the first reagent reservoir 204 or the reagent container arm 220. The reagent container rack 230 is an example of a placement unit.

[0054] The second reagent reservoir 205 is a storage reservoir that circularly arranges and holds a plurality of reagent containers 100. The second reagent reservoir 205 moves the plurality of reagent containers 100 along a predetermined path according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The second reagent reservoir 205 is arranged inside the reaction plate 201. The second reagent reservoir 205 may also be covered from above by a detachable cover.

[0055] The sample dispensing arm 206 is a robotic arm that holds the sample dispensing probe 207 at one end. The sample dispensing arm 206 moves in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 is arranged between the reaction plate 201 and the sample plate 203.

[0056] The sample dispensing probe 207 is a probe that dispenses a sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The sample dispensing probe 207 moves in the same direction as the sample dispensing arm 206. The sample dispensing probe 207 aspirates the sample from the sample container 2031 and discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction vessel 2011 according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing probe 207 is cleaned in the probe cleaning unit 216 according to the control of the drive mechanism 4.

[0057] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is a robotic arm that holds the first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 moves in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is arranged between the reaction plate 201 and the first reagent reservoir 204.

[0058] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is a probe for dispensing a reagent into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 moves in the same direction as the first reagent dispensing arm 208. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates a reagent from the reagent container 100 of the first reagent reservoir 204 under the control of the drive mechanism 4, and discharges the aspirated reagent into the reaction vessel 2011.

[0059] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is a robotic arm that holds the second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 moves in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction under the control of the drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is disposed between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent reservoir 205.

[0060] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is a probe for dispensing a reagent into the reaction vessel 2011. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 moves in the same direction as the second reagent dispensing arm 210. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates a reagent from the reagent container 100 of the second reagent reservoir 205 under the control of the drive mechanism 4, and discharges the aspirated reagent into the reaction vessel 2011.

[0061] The electrode unit 212 is a unit for electrochemically measuring the electrolyte concentration of the mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. The electrode unit 212 is disposed adjacent to the reaction disk 201. The electrode unit 212 includes an ion selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode (RE). The electrode unit 212 measures the potential between the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode for a mixture including the ion to be measured under the control of the drive mechanism 4. The electrode unit 212 generates test data or standard data representing the measured potential. The electrode unit 212 outputs the generated test data or standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0062] The photometric unit 213 is a unit for optically measuring the concentration of a specified component of the mixture contained in the reaction vessel 2011. The photometric unit 213 is disposed adjacent to the reaction disk 201. The photometric unit 213 includes a light source and a light detector. The photometric unit 213 irradiates light from the light source into the reaction vessel 2011 under the control of the drive mechanism 4, and detects the light transmitted through the reaction vessel 2011 using the light detector.

[0063] First, the photodetector detects the light that passes through the mixture of the test sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 2011. Based on the amount of the detected light, the photodetector generates the test data represented by the transmitted light intensity, the scattered light intensity, etc. Second, the photodetector detects the light that passes through the mixture of the standard solution and the reagent in the reaction vessel 2011. Based on the amount of the detected light, the photodetector generates the standard data represented by the transmitted light intensity, the scattered light intensity, etc. The photodetector outputs the generated test data or standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0064] The cleaning unit 214 is a unit that cleans the interior of the reaction vessel 2011. The cleaning unit 214 is disposed adjacent to the reaction plate 201. The cleaning unit 214 includes a cleaning liquid supply pump and a cleaning nozzle. The cleaning unit 214 supplies the cleaning liquid to the reaction vessel 2011 from the cleaning liquid supply pump according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The cleaning unit 214 sucks the mixture, the cleaning liquid, etc. from the reaction vessel 2011 through the cleaning nozzle according to the control of the drive mechanism 4.

[0065] The stirring unit 215 is a unit that stirs the mixture accommodated in the reaction vessel 2011. The stirring unit 215 is disposed adjacent to the reaction plate 201. The stirring unit 215 includes a stirring member. The stirring unit 215 stirs the mixture accommodated in the reaction vessel 2011 by using the stirring member according to the control of the drive mechanism 4.

[0066] The probe cleaning unit 216 is a unit that cleans the sample dispensing probe 207. The probe cleaning unit 216 is disposed adjacent to the reaction plate 201. The probe cleaning unit 216 cleans the sample dispensing probe 207 after discharging the sample to the reaction vessel 2011 according to the control of the drive mechanism 4.

[0067] Figure 3 is a top view showing a configuration example of the first reagent reservoir 204 of the first embodiment. The first reagent reservoir 204 is adjacent to one end of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and has a housing 204A formed with an opening 204H into which the reagent container 100 can be inserted. The inner peripheral workbench 320 has an inner wall 320A at one end not adjacent to the outer peripheral workbench 310. A shaft 330 is disposed inside the inner wall 320A. The center of the shaft 330 corresponds to the rotation center P.

[0068] The first reagent reservoir 204 includes an outer peripheral workbench 310 on which a plurality of reagent containers 100 are provided and an inner peripheral workbench 320 on which a plurality of reagent containers 100 are provided. The outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320 rotate independently of each other around the rotation center P according to the control of the drive mechanism 4. The outer peripheral workbench 310 is an example of an outer peripheral setting portion. The inner peripheral workbench 320 is an example of an inner peripheral setting portion.

[0069] The outer peripheral worktable 310 has spaces 311 respectively provided with a plurality of reagent containers 100. In each space 311, a pair of partition walls 312 extending in the radial direction of the outer peripheral worktable 310 are arranged. The reagent container 100 provided in each space 311 is supported by the pair of partition walls 312. The partition walls 312 can prevent the reagent container 100 from tipping over due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the outer peripheral worktable 310. The partition walls 312 are an example of a guiding portion.

[0070] The inner peripheral worktable 320 is located inside the outer peripheral worktable 310 and has spaces 321 respectively provided with a plurality of reagent containers 100. In each space 321, a pair of partition walls 322 extending in the radial direction of the inner peripheral worktable 320 are arranged. The reagent container 100 provided in each space 321 is supported by the pair of partition walls 322. The partition walls 322 can prevent the reagent container 100 from tipping over due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the inner peripheral worktable 320. The partition walls 322 are an example of a guiding portion.

[0071] The reagent container arm 220 transports the held reagent container 100 along the direction D1 from the opening 204H toward the rotation center P. That is, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 through the opening 204H and the outer peripheral worktable 310 to the inner peripheral worktable 320. At this time, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 via the partition walls 312 and 322. In the transport path of the reagent container 100 along the direction D1, there are spaces 311 and 321 (idle spaces) where no other reagent containers 100 are provided. The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 through the idle space 311 of the outer peripheral worktable 310 (or between the plurality of reagent containers 100 provided on the outer peripheral worktable 310) to the idle space 321 of the inner peripheral worktable 320.

[0072] Figure 4 It is a three - view drawing showing a configuration example of each worktable of the first embodiment. Figure 4 Indicates being located along Figure 3 the spaces 311 and 321 of the transport path of the reagent container 100 in the direction D1. Figure 4 (A) of is a top view of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320. Figure 4 (B) of is a front view of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320. Figure 4 (C) of is a left - hand view of the outer peripheral worktable 310.

[0073] As Figure 4As shown in (A), the outer peripheral workbench 310 has an outer peripheral guide rail 315 extending in the radial direction of the outer peripheral workbench 310. The cross-section of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 is rectangular and is arranged in a manner that bisects the space 311. The inner peripheral workbench 320 has an inner peripheral guide rail 325 extending in the radial direction of the inner peripheral workbench 320. The cross-section of the inner peripheral guide rail 325 is rectangular and is arranged in a manner that bisects the space 321. The outer peripheral guide rail 315 and the inner peripheral guide rail 325 are located on a straight line. The outer peripheral guide rail 315 and the inner peripheral guide rail 325 are an example of a guiding portion.

[0074] The outer peripheral guide rail 315 may also be arranged in each space 311 of the outer peripheral workbench 310. The inner peripheral guide rail 325 may also be arranged in each space 321 of the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0075] The inner peripheral workbench 320 has an inclined member 328 at one end adjacent to the outer peripheral workbench 310. The inclined member 328 has an inclined surface that is inclined from the upper surface of the outer peripheral workbench 310 to the upper surface of the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0076] As Figure 4 shown in (B), the housing 204A is arranged adjacent to one end of the outer peripheral workbench 310. The opening 204H is located above the housing 204A. The inner wall 320A is arranged adjacent to one end of the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0077] The upper surface of the outer peripheral workbench 310 is located at a higher position in the vertical direction compared to the upper surface of the inner peripheral workbench 320. The upper surface of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the upper surface of the inner peripheral workbench 320 are connected by the inclined member 328. That is, the inclined member 328 is arranged in a manner that eliminates the step difference between the upper surface of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the upper surface of the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0078] The upper surface of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 is located at the same height as the upper surface of the inner peripheral guide rail 325. That is, the height of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 is shorter than the height of the inner peripheral guide rail 325. For example, the height of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 is formed to be 1 / 2 times the height of the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0079] As Figure 4 shown in (C), a pair of partition walls 312 are arranged at both ends of the outer peripheral workbench 310. The lateral width W between the pair of partition walls 312 gradually narrows in the depth direction (the direction from the outer peripheral workbench 310 toward the inner peripheral workbench 320). The lateral width W is the narrowest at the position where the pair of partition walls 312 are adjacent to the inner peripheral workbench 320. The narrowest lateral width W is larger than the maximum lateral width of the reagent container 100. Therefore, the reagent container 100 is transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320 through between the pair of partition walls 312.

[0080] Figure 5 These are three - view drawings showing a structural example of the reagent container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 (A) of this is a left - side view of the reagent container 100. Figure 5 (B) of this is a front view of the reagent container 100. Figure 5 (C) of this is a bottom view of the reagent container 100.

[0081] The reagent container 100 has a shape (conical shape) in which the lateral width gradually narrows from the left side to the right side. That is, the horizontal cross - section of the reagent container 100 has a wedge (trapezoid) shape. The reagent container 100 includes a reagent bottle 110 and an adapter 120. The reagent bottle 110 has an opening member 111 and a main body 112. The adapter 120 has a frame body 121, engaging claws 122, and a cut surface 123. A rectangular fitting groove 130 is formed on the lower surface of the adapter 120. In addition, the horizontal cross - section of the reagent container 100 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0082] The reagent bottle 110 is a bottle for containing a reagent. The opening member 111 is a hollow member formed with an opening through which the first reagent dispensing probe 209 (refer to Figure 2 ) is inserted. The main body 112 is a hollow member for containing a reagent. The opening member 111 and the main body 112 may be integrally formed.

[0083] The adapter 120 is a device that can be detachably attached to the reagent bottle 110. The adapter 120 is attached from the lower surface of the reagent bottle 110. The frame body 121 is a member that fits the shape of the reagent bottle 110. The engaging claws 122 are inverted L - shaped members protruding from the left side surface of the frame body 121. The engaging claws 122 engage with the reagent container arm 220. The cut surface 123 is a surface inclined from the left side surface to the lower surface of the frame body 121. The shape of the cut surface 123 corresponds to the shape of the inclined surface of the inclined member 328.

[0084] The fitting groove 130 is a groove having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral guide 315 and the inner peripheral guide 325. The reagent container 100 is fitted with the outer peripheral guide 315 and the inner peripheral guide 325 through the fitting groove 130 formed on the lower surface of the adapter 120.

[0085] In addition, when the adapter 120 is not attached to the reagent bottle 110, a fitting groove 130 may be formed on the lower surface of the reagent bottle 110. In this case, the reagent container 100 is regarded as the same as the reagent bottle 110. That is, the reagent container 100 (reagent bottle 110) is fitted with the outer peripheral guide 315 and the inner peripheral guide 325 through the fitting groove 130 formed on the lower surface.

[0086] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of transporting the reagent container 100 of the first embodiment to the inner - peripheral workbench 320.Figure 6 (A) is the front view showing the state in which the reagent container 100 is transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310. Figure 6 (B) is the front view showing the state in which the reagent container 100 is transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0087] As Figure 6 As shown in (A) of, while the reagent container arm 220 is in contact with the left side surface of the reagent container 100, the reagent container 100 is transported in the direction D1. At this time, the fitting groove 130 of the reagent container 100 is fitted to the outer peripheral guide rail 315 with a certain margin. Through the fitting, the reagent container arm 220 can accurately and smoothly transport the reagent container 100 along the extending direction of the outer peripheral guide rail 315.

[0088] As Figure 6 As shown in (B) of, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310 from the direction D1 to the inner peripheral workbench 320. Due to the step difference between the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320, the reagent container 100 slides down along the inclined surface of the inclined member 328 via the cut surface 123. At the same time, the fitting groove 130 of the reagent container 100 is fitted to the inner peripheral guide rail 325 with almost no margin. Through the fitting, the reagent container arm 220 can accurately and smoothly transport the reagent container 100 along the extending direction of the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0089] By the rotation of the inner peripheral workbench 320, a centrifugal force opposite to the direction D1 is applied to the reagent container 100 transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320. At this time, the step difference between the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320 prevents the reagent container 100 from being pushed back to the outer peripheral workbench 310 due to the centrifugal force. That is, this step difference can fix the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0090] Figure 7 It is a view showing an example of transporting the reagent container 100 from the inner peripheral workbench 320 in the first embodiment. Figure 7 (A) is the front view showing the state in which the reagent container 100 is transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320. Figure 7 (B) is the front view showing the state in which the reagent container 100 is transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0091] As Figure 7As shown in (A), while engaging with the engaging claw 122 of the reagent container 100, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 in the direction D2 opposite to the direction D1. Due to the step difference between the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320, the reagent container 100 slides on the inclined surface of the inclined member 328 via the cut surface 123. At the same time, the fitting groove 130 of the reagent container 100 engages with the outer peripheral guide rail 315 with a certain margin. Through this engagement, the reagent container arm 220 can accurately and smoothly transport the reagent container 100 along the extending direction of the outer peripheral guide rail 315.

[0092] As Figure 7 As shown in (B), while engaging with the engaging claw 122 of the reagent container 100, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 in the direction D2. The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100 to the outside of the first reagent reservoir 204 through the opening 204H.

[0093] According to the first embodiment described above, the automatic analysis device 1 transports the reagent container 100 not from the "above" but from the "side" of the first reagent reservoir 204. Specifically, the automatic analysis device 1 transports the reagent container 100 held by the reagent container arm 220 into the first reagent reservoir 204 through the opening 204H formed in the housing 204A of the first reagent reservoir 204. On the other hand, the automatic analysis device 1 transports the reagent container 100 held by the reagent container arm 220 to the outside of the first reagent reservoir 204 through the opening 204H.

[0094] That is, the automatic analysis device 1 pushes or pulls out the reagent container 100 held by the reagent container arm 220 in the horizontal direction through the opening 204H. At this time, since the reagent container arm 220 does not need to move in the vertical direction, the motion control or structure of the reagent container arm 220 is simplified. Therefore, the automatic analysis device 1 can reduce the cost of the entire device including the reagent container arm 220.

[0095] (Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0096] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of reagent containers (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) and guide rails (335A, 335B, 335C, 335D) of a modification of the first embodiment. Figure 8 (A) is a left side view of the reagent container 100A and the guide rail 335A. Figure 8 (B) is a left side view of the reagent container 100B and the guide rail 335B. Figure 8 (C) is a left side view of the reagent container 100C and the guide rail 335C. Figure 8 (D) is a left side view of the reagent container 100D and the guide rail 335D.

[0097] As shown in Figure 8 (A) of FIG. 1, a T-shaped fitting groove 130A is formed in the lower part of the reagent container 100A. The guide rail 335A is T-shaped corresponding to the shape of the fitting groove 130A. The guide rail 335A is an example of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0098] The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100A while fitting the fitting groove 130A of the reagent container 100A to the guide rail 335A. At this time, the movement of the reagent container 100A is restricted by the shape of the guide rail 335A so as not to swing not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, the reagent container arm 220 can transport the reagent container 100A more stably along the extending direction of the guide rail 335A. From another aspect, the T-shaped fitting groove 130A and the guide rail 335A can prevent the reagent accommodated in the reagent container 100A from foaming due to the swing of the reagent container 100A.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8 (B) of FIG. 1, a pair of fitting grooves 130B each having a rectangular shape are formed in the lower part of the reagent container 100B. One fitting groove 130B has a shape that is reversed left and right with respect to the other fitting groove 130B. A pair of guide rails 335B are each in an inverted L shape so as to fit with the pair of fitting grooves 130B. The guide rail 335B is an example of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0100] The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100B while fitting the pair of fitting grooves 130B of the reagent container 100B to the pair of guide rails 335B. At this time, the movement of the reagent container 100B is restricted by the shape of the pair of guide rails 335B so as not to swing not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, the reagent container arm 220 can transport the reagent container 100B more stably along the extending direction of the pair of guide rails 335B. From another aspect, the pair of rectangular fitting grooves 130B and the pair of inverted L-shaped guide rails 335B can prevent the reagent accommodated in the reagent container 100B from foaming due to the swing of the reagent container 100B.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8 (C) of FIG. 1, the reagent container 100C is different from the reagent container 100 and does not form a fitting groove 130. A pair of guide rails 335C are each in an inverted L shape so as to sandwich the reagent container 100C from the horizontal direction. In particular, a part of the pair of guide rails 335C is arranged so as to cover the upper surface of the main body 112 (frame 121). The guide rail 335C is an example of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0102] The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100C between a pair of guide rails 335C. At this time, the reagent container 100C is restricted in movement in a manner that does not swing not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction by the shape of the pair of guide rails 335C. Therefore, the reagent container arm 220 can transport the reagent container 100C more stably along the direction in which the pair of guide rails 335C extends. From another perspective, the pair of guide rails 335C can prevent foaming of the reagent contained in the reagent container 100C due to the swinging of the reagent container 100C.

[0103] As Figure 8 shown in (D) thereof, the reagent container 100D is different from the reagent container 100 and does not form the fitting groove 130. A pair of guide rails 335D are arranged so as to sandwich the lower part of the reagent container 100D in the horizontal direction. The guide rail 335D is an example of the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0104] The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100D between a pair of guide rails 335D. At this time, the movement of the reagent container 100D is restricted by the shape of the pair of guide rails 335D so as not to swing in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the reagent container arm 220 can stably transport the reagent container 100D along the direction in which the pair of guide rails 335D extends. From other perspectives, the pair of guide rails 335D can prevent foaming of the reagent contained in the reagent container 100D due to the swinging of the reagent container 100D.

[0105] Figure 8 The pair of guide rails 335D shown in (D) thereof restricts the swinging of the reagent container 100D in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, Figure 5 the fitting of the fitting groove 130 shown in (A) thereof with the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325 restricts the swinging of the reagent container 100 in the horizontal direction. That is, the pair of guide rails 335D has the same effect as the fitting of the fitting groove 130 with the outer peripheral guide rail 315 or the inner peripheral guide rail 325.

[0106] (Second Embodiment)

[0107] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of each workbench and the reagent container 100G of the second embodiment. Figure 9 (A) thereof is a front view of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320. Figure 9 (B) thereof is a front view of the reagent container 100G.

[0108] As Figure 9As shown in (A) of FIG. , the outer peripheral workbench 310 has a protrusion member 316 at one end adjacent to the inner peripheral workbench 320. The inner peripheral workbench 320 has a protrusion member 326 at one end adjacent to the inner wall 320A. The protrusion members 316 and 326 have the same shape (e.g., triangular, semi-circular). The protrusion members 316 and 326 are formed to a specified size so as to lift and fit the reagent container 100G.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9 (B) of FIG. , a fitting groove 140 is formed on the lower surface of the right side surface of the reagent container 100G. The fitting groove 140 has a shape corresponding to the protrusion members 316 and 326.

[0110] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of transporting the reagent container 100G of the second embodiment to each workbench. Figure 10 (A) of FIG. is a front view showing a state where the reagent container 100G is transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310. Figure 10 (B) of FIG. is a front view showing a state where the reagent container 100G is transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0111] As shown in Figure 10 (A) of FIG. , the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100G along the direction D1 while contacting the left side surface of the reagent container 100G. At this time, the fitting groove 140 of the reagent container 100G is lifted and fitted to the protrusion member 316. By the fitting, the reagent container 100G is fixed to the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0112] By the rotation of the outer peripheral workbench 310, a centrifugal force opposite to the direction D1 is applied to the reagent container 100G transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310. At this time, the fitting between the fitting groove 140 and the protrusion member 316 prevents the reagent container 100G from passing through the opening 204H and being pushed back to the outside due to the centrifugal force. That is, this fitting can fix the reagent container 100G to the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0113] As shown in Figure 10 (B) of FIG. , the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100G fixed to the outer peripheral workbench 310 along the direction D1 to the inner peripheral workbench 320. At this time, the fitting between the fitting groove 140 of the reagent container 100G and the protrusion member 316 is released, and it is lifted and fitted to the protrusion member 326. By the fitting, the reagent container 100G is fixed to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0114] By rotating the inner peripheral worktable 320, a centrifugal force opposite to the direction D1 is applied to the reagent container 100G transported to the inner peripheral worktable 320. At this time, the fitting between the fitting groove 140 and the protruding member 326 prevents the reagent container 100G from being pushed back to the outer peripheral worktable 310 due to the centrifugal force. That is, this fitting can fix the reagent container 100G to the inner peripheral worktable 320.

[0115] The reagent container 100G of the second embodiment is transported to the outside of the first reagent reservoir 204 by the same method as the first embodiment. That is, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100G along the direction D2 opposite to the direction D1 while engaging with the engaging claws 122 of the reagent container 100G (see Figure 7 ).

[0116] According to the second embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 has the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 1 can fix the reagent container 100G to the outer peripheral worktable 310 or the inner peripheral worktable 320 by engaging the fitting groove 140 of the reagent container 100G with the protruding member 316 or 326.

[0117] (Third Embodiment)

[0118] Figure 11 FIG. is a diagram showing a configuration example of each worktable and each reagent container of the third embodiment. Figure 11 FIG. (A) is a front view of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320. Figure 11 FIG. (B) is a front view of the reagent container 100P (first reagent container). Figure 11 FIG. (C) is a front view of the reagent container 100Q (second reagent container).

[0119] As Figure 11 shown in FIG. (A), the outer peripheral worktable 310 has a magnet 400A (first magnet). The magnet 400A is disposed at the central portion of the outer peripheral worktable 310. The inner wall 320A has a magnet 400B (second magnet). The magnet 400B is disposed at the central portion of the inner wall 320A.

[0120] As Figure 11 shown in FIG. (B), a magnetic body 500P (first magnetic body) is disposed at the central portion of the lower surface of the reagent container 100P. The magnetic body 500P may be a member formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. Typically, the magnetic body 500P is an iron plate.

[0121] As Figure 11As shown in (C), a magnet 500Q (second magnet) is disposed at the center of the right side surface of the reagent container 100Q. The magnet 500Q may be a member formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. Typically, the magnet 500Q is an iron plate.

[0122] Figure 12 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of transporting each reagent container of the third embodiment to each workbench. Figure 12 (A) of FIG. is a front view showing a state where the reagent container 100P is transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310. Figure 12 (B) of FIG. is a front view showing a state where the reagent container 100Q is transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0123] As Figure 12 As shown in (A) of FIG., the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100P along the direction D1 while contacting the left side surface of the reagent container 100P. At this time, a magnetic adsorption force is generated between the magnet 400A of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the magnet 500P of the reagent container 100P. By the adsorption force, the reagent container 100P is fixed to the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0124] By the rotation of the outer peripheral workbench 310, a centrifugal force opposite to the direction D1 is applied to the reagent container 100P transported to the outer peripheral workbench 310. At this time, the adsorption between the magnet 400A and the magnet 500P prevents the reagent container 100P from being pushed back to the outside through the opening 204H due to the centrifugal force. That is, this adsorption can fix the reagent container 100P to the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0125] As Figure 12 As shown in (B) of FIG., the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100Q along the direction D1 while contacting the left side surface of the reagent container 100Q. At this time, a magnetic adsorption force is generated between the magnet 400B on the inner wall 320A and the magnet 500Q of the reagent container 100Q. By the adsorption force, the reagent container 100Q is fixed to the inner peripheral workbench 320 adjacent to the inner wall 320A.

[0126] By the rotation of the inner peripheral workbench 320, a centrifugal force opposite to the direction D1 is applied to the reagent container 100Q transported to the inner peripheral workbench 320. At this time, the adsorption between the magnet 400B and the magnet 500Q prevents the reagent container 100Q from being pushed back to the outer peripheral workbench 310 due to the centrifugal force. That is, this adsorption can fix the reagent container 100Q to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0127] The reagent containers 100P and 100Q of the third embodiment are transported to the outside of the first reagent reservoir 204 by the same method as in the first embodiment. That is, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100P along the direction D2 opposite to the direction D1 while engaging with the engaging claw 122 of the reagent container 100P. The reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100Q along the direction D2 while engaging with the engaging claw 122 of the reagent container 100Q (see Figure 7 ).

[0128] Here, assume a case where the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100Q fixed to the inner peripheral workbench 320 along the direction D2. In this case, the reagent container arm 220 peels off the magnetic body 500Q adsorbed to the magnet 400B along the direction D2. Then, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100Q to the outside of the first reagent reservoir 204 through the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0129] When the reagent container 100Q passes over the outer peripheral workbench 310, a certain distance is maintained between the magnet 400A of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the magnetic body 500Q of the reagent container 100Q. This distance is larger than the distance between the magnet 400A of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the magnetic body 500P of the reagent container 100P. Therefore, compared with the reagent container 100P, the reagent container 100Q is hardly adsorbed by the magnet 400A and is smoothly transported.

[0130] In addition, the inner peripheral workbench 320 may also have a magnet 400B at the center in the same manner as the outer peripheral workbench 310. In this case, the reagent container 100Q may also have a magnetic body 500Q at the center of the lower surface in the same manner as the reagent container 100P. That is, the reagent container 100Q may have the same configuration as the reagent container 100P.

[0131] In the above case, the reagent container arm 220 transports the reagent container 100Q to the inner peripheral workbench 320 while contacting the left side surface of the reagent container 100Q. At this time, a magnetic adsorption force is generated between the magnet 400B of the inner peripheral workbench 320 and the magnetic body 500Q of the reagent container 100Q. By the adsorption force, the reagent container 100Q is fixed to the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0132] According to the third embodiment described above, the automatic analysis device 1 achieves the same effect as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the automatic analysis device 1 can fix the reagent container 100P to the outer peripheral worktable 310 by the adsorption force between the magnet 400A of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the magnetic body 500P of the reagent container 100P. The automatic analysis device 1 can fix the reagent container 100Q to the inner peripheral worktable 320 by the adsorption force between the magnet 400B of the inner wall 320A and the magnetic body 500Q of the reagent container 100Q.

[0133] (Each embodiment)

[0134] Figure 13 It is a plan view showing an example of rotation control of each worktable in each embodiment. Figure 13 In (A), it is a plan view before the rotation of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320. Figure 13 In (B), it is a plan view after the rotation of the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320.

[0135] As Figure 13 As shown in (A), in the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320, a plurality of reagent containers 100 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the rotation center P. In other words, the plurality of reagent containers 100 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation center P point. With this configuration, a load is evenly applied to each position of the outer peripheral worktable 310 or the inner peripheral worktable 320. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the vibration accompanying the rotation of the outer peripheral worktable 310 or the inner peripheral worktable 320.

[0136] Here, two reagent containers 100 are arranged in the direction D1 (refer to Figure 3 ) from the opening 204H toward the rotation center P. Specifically, in the direction D1, a reagent container 100 is arranged in the space 311 of the outer peripheral worktable 310, and another reagent container 100 is arranged in the space 321 of the inner peripheral worktable 320. In this case, in order to transport the reagent container 100 to the idle space 321 of the inner peripheral worktable 320, the automatic analysis device 1 needs to rotate the outer peripheral worktable 310 and the inner peripheral worktable 320 respectively.

[0137] For example, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the idle space 311 in the outer peripheral worktable 310 at the position closest to the opening 204H through the determination function 91. When the outer peripheral worktable 310 rotates clockwise, the determination function 91 determines the space 311E as this idle space 311.

[0138] Similarly, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the free space 321 in the inner peripheral workbench grid 320 at the position closest to the opening 204H through the determination function 91. When the inner peripheral workbench 320 rotates clockwise, the determination function 91 determines the space 321E as the free space 321.

[0139] Next, the automatic analysis device 1 rotates the outer peripheral workbench 310 through the system control function 92 and the drive mechanism 4 so that the space 311E determined by the determination function 91 approaches the position of the opening 204H (adjacent to the position of the opening 204H).

[0140] Similarly, the automatic analysis device 1 rotates the inner peripheral workbench 320 through the system control function 92 and the drive mechanism 4 so that the space 321E determined by the determination function 91 approaches the position of the opening 204H.

[0141] As Figure 13 shown in (B) of, the automatic analysis device 1 rotates the outer peripheral workbench 310 in the direction DR1 and rotates the inner peripheral workbench 320 in the direction DR2. Through the rotation of each workbench, the spaces 311E and 321E are located in the direction D1. The automatic analysis device 1 transports the reagent container 100 to the space 321E through the opening 204H and the space 311E by using the reagent container arm 220.

[0142] Through the above actions, the automatic analysis device 1 suppresses the rotation distance (rotation angle) of the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320 to the minimum. Therefore, the automatic analysis device 1 can quickly transport the reagent container 100 held by the reagent container arm 220 to the free space 321 of the inner peripheral workbench 320. Furthermore, the automatic analysis device 1 can prevent the reagents contained in the multiple reagent containers 100 from foaming for the multiple reagent containers 100 provided on the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0143] (Other modification examples)

[0144] First, the automatic analysis device 1 may also rotate the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320 so that the specified free space 311 or 321 selected by the operator via the input IF6 approaches the position of the opening 204H. In this case, the automatic analysis device 1 can transport the reagent container 100 to the free space 311 or 321 desired by the operator.

[0145] Second, the automatic analysis device 1 can also determine the distance from the position of the opening 204H to the space 311E or 321E through the determination function 91. This distance can also be the "linear distance" from the position of the opening 204H to the space 311E or 321E. Alternatively, this distance can also be the "rotation distance" (rotation angle) of the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320 required to bring the space 311E or 321E closer to the position of the opening 204H.

[0146] In this case, the automatic analysis device 1 can also change the rotation speed of the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320 according to the above distance through the system control function 92 and the drive mechanism 4. For example, the shorter the above distance, the higher the rotation speed of the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320 that the automatic analysis device 1 makes. Thereby, the automatic analysis device 1 can quickly bring the space 311E or 321E relatively close to the position of the opening 204H closer to the position of the opening 204H. On the other hand, the automatic analysis device 1 can bring the space 311E or 321E relatively far from the position of the opening 204H closer to the position of the opening 204H so that the reagents contained in each reagent container 100 do not foam.

[0147] Third, the automatic analysis device 1 can also determine the free space 311 or 321 (setting space) where the reagent container 100 can be set through the determination function 91 so that a plurality of reagent containers 100 are arranged at equal intervals in a circle on the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320. For example, the determination function 91 determines whether a pair of reagent containers 100 is arranged for each pair of spaces 311 or 321 symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotation center P point. For the determined pair of spaces 311 or 321, when a reagent container 100 is arranged only in one of the spaces 311, the other space 311 is determined as the above free space 311 or 321.

[0148] In this case, the automatic analysis device 1 transports the reagent container 100 to the above free space 311 or 321 through the reagent container arm 220. Thereby, the automatic analysis device 1 can arrange a plurality of reagent containers 100 at equal intervals on the outer peripheral workbench 310 or the inner peripheral workbench 320. That is, the automatic analysis device 1 achieves the effects described above (refer to Figure 13 of (A)).

[0149] Fourth, the automatic analysis device 1 can also transport the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320 in a lifted state through the reagent container arm 220 without placing the reagent container 100 on the outer peripheral workbench 310. That is, the reagent container arm 220 can also place the lifted reagent container 100 on the inner peripheral workbench 320 without contacting the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0150] Fifth, the outer peripheral workbench 310 may also have at least one free space for not setting the reagent container 100. This free space may also be formed in a linear passage shape. This free space may also be formed at equal intervals on the circumference of the outer peripheral workbench 310. Specifically, with respect to the angle θ (°) around the rotation center P, this free space may be formed in θ / 360 (parts) for each angle θ. For example, when the angle θ = 180, 120, 90, this free space is formed at equal intervals in two places, three places, and four places, respectively. The automatic analyzer 1 may also use the reagent container arm 220 to transport the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320 through this free space formed in the outer peripheral workbench 310.

[0151] Suppose that the outer peripheral workbench 310 only has a plurality of spaces for setting the reagent container 100, and the reagent container 100 is set in all of these plurality of spaces. In this case, there is no free space in the outer peripheral workbench 310, so the reagent container arm 220 cannot transport the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320 through this free space.

[0152] On the other hand, when the outer peripheral workbench 310 has at least one free space for not setting the reagent container 100, the reagent container arm 220 can transport the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320 through this free space. That is, the outer peripheral workbench 310 has a dedicated free space for transporting the reagent container 100 to the inner peripheral workbench 320, whereby the reagent container 100 can move freely between the outer peripheral workbench 310 and the inner peripheral workbench 320.

[0153] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the structure of the automatic analyzer can be simplified.

[0154] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In fact, the novel embodiments described herein can take various other forms; in addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The claims and their equivalent content are intended to cover forms or modifications that conform to this scope and spirit.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, comprising: a reagent library having an outer peripheral setting portion for arranging a plurality of reagent containers and an inner peripheral setting portion located inside the outer peripheral setting portion and arranging a plurality of reagent containers; and a transporting portion that transports the reagent containers from between the plurality of reagent containers provided in the outer peripheral setting portion to the inner peripheral setting portion.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral setting portion has a plurality of spaces for arranging the reagent containers, and the transporting portion transports the reagent containers to the inner peripheral setting portion through the free spaces in the plurality of spaces where no reagent containers are provided.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer peripheral setting portion and the inner peripheral setting portion has a guiding portion extending along the radial direction of the reagent library, and the transporting portion transports the reagent containers via the guiding portion.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the guiding portion is a guide rail, and a fitting groove corresponding to the guide rail is formed in the reagent container.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the outer peripheral setting portion has an outer peripheral guide rail extending along the radial direction of the outer peripheral setting portion in at least one space for arranging the reagent containers as the guiding portion, the inner peripheral setting portion has an inner peripheral guide rail extending along the radial direction of the inner peripheral setting portion in each space for arranging the reagent containers as the guiding portion, and a fitting groove corresponding to the outer peripheral guide rail and the inner peripheral guide rail is formed in the reagent container.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5, wherein the transporting portion sequentially fits the outer peripheral guide rail and the inner peripheral guide rail into the fitting groove, and transports the reagent containers from the outer peripheral setting portion to the inner peripheral setting portion.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the guiding portion is a guide rail, and a fitting groove corresponding to the guide rail is formed in an adapter installed on the reagent container.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the guiding portion is a partition wall, and the reagent container is supported by the partition wall.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral setting portion has a magnet, the reagent container has a magnetic body, and the transporting portion fixes the reagent container to the outer peripheral setting portion by transporting the reagent container to the outer peripheral setting portion and using the adsorption force between the magnet and the magnetic body.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral setting portion has a magnet, the reagent container has a magnetic body, and the transporting portion fixes the reagent container to the inner peripheral setting portion by transporting the reagent container to the inner peripheral setting portion and using the adsorption force between the magnet and the magnetic body.

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral setting portion has an inner wall at an end portion not adjacent to the outer peripheral setting portion, the outer peripheral setting portion has a first magnet, the inner wall has a second magnet, a first reagent container provided in the outer peripheral setting portion has a first magnetic body, and a second reagent container provided in the inner peripheral setting portion has a second magnetic body. The transport unit transports the first reagent container to the outer peripheral setting unit, and fixes the first reagent container to the outer peripheral setting unit by the adsorption force between the first magnet and the first magnetic body. Further, the transport unit transports the second reagent container to the inner peripheral setting unit, and fixes the second reagent container to the inner peripheral setting unit by the adsorption force between the second magnet and the second magnetic body.

12. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, The reagent library has a housing adjacent to the outer peripheral setting unit and formed with an opening into which the reagent container can be inserted. The automatic analysis device further includes: a determination unit that determines an empty space in the outer peripheral setting unit that is closest to the position of the opening and in which the reagent container is not provided; and a drive unit that rotates the outer peripheral setting unit so that the empty space is adjacent to the opening.

13. The automatic analysis device according to claim 12, The determination unit determines the distance from the position of the opening to the empty space. The drive unit changes the rotation speed of the outer peripheral setting unit according to the distance.

14. The automatic analysis device according to claim 12, The determination unit determines the setting space for the reagent containers such that a plurality of reagent containers are arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction in the outer peripheral setting unit. The transport unit transports the reagent containers to the setting space.

15. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, It further includes a placement unit adjacent to the reagent library and for placing the reagent containers. The transport unit holds the reagent containers placed on the placement unit, and transports the held reagent containers through between a plurality of reagent containers provided in the outer peripheral setting unit to the inner peripheral setting unit.

16. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, The transport unit transports the reagent containers provided in the inner peripheral setting unit through between a plurality of reagent containers provided in the outer peripheral setting unit to the outside of the reagent library.

17. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, The outer peripheral setting unit has an empty space where no reagent container is provided. The transport unit transports the reagent containers to the inner peripheral setting unit through the empty space.

18. A control method is a control method for an automatic analysis device, and the automatic analysis device includes: a reagent library having an outer peripheral setting unit for setting a plurality of reagent containers and an inner peripheral setting unit located inside the outer peripheral setting unit and for setting a plurality of reagent containers; and a transport unit that transports reagent containers into the reagent library. The control method controls the reagent library and the transport unit in such a manner that the reagent containers are transported to the inner peripheral setting unit through between a plurality of reagent containers provided in the outer peripheral setting unit.

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