Information reading device, and analyzer

Abstract

To prevent spatter of liquid in reading information on a reagent container.SOLUTION: An information reading device has: a container holding unit that can hold a plurality of reagent containers each including an information label in which reagent information is recorded, and can be fixed to a housing of an inspection device; and a reading unit that moves relative to the container holding unit and reads the information recorded in the information labels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information reading device and an analysis device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that includes a first reagent container that contains a first reagent and has first reagent identification information that identifies the first reagent attached to it, a first reading unit that reads the identification information attached to the first reagent container, and a driving unit that moves the first reading unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-59801 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A reagent container that contains a reagent used in an analyzer may be provided with an information label such as a barcode. The analyzer uses a reading device to read the information on the information label.

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, first the reading unit moves from a standby position to a reading position, and then the reagent containers arranged in a circular pattern move to read the reagent information.

[0006] However, if the reagent container moves when the reagent information is read, the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent container fluctuates, and there is a risk of the reagent leaking from the opening of the reagent container (so-called liquid splashing). In particular, if the opening of the reagent container is made large, it is more convenient to take out the reagent through the opening, but on the other hand, liquid splashing is more likely to occur.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress liquid splash when reading reagent information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein comprises a container holding section capable of holding multiple reagent containers equipped with an information label on which reagent information is recorded and capable of being fixed to a housing of a testing device, and a reading section that moves relative to the container holding section and reads the information recorded on the information label. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The technology disclosed herein can suppress liquid splashing when reading information on a reagent container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an analyzer equipped with a reagent information reading device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reaction plate used in the analysis device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a sample plate used in the analyzer of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the information reading device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the information reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the information reading device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a reagent container provided in the analyzer of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a dispensing unit provided in the analysis device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the analysis device of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] An analysis device 10 according to the technology of the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1. A reaction plate 16 used for analyzing samples in the analysis device 10 is shown in Fig. 2, and a sample plate 23 used for analyzing samples in the analysis device 10 is shown in Fig. 3.

[0013] 1, the analyzer 10 has a housing 12. The housing 12 is a box-shaped member. In the drawing, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of the housing 12 are indicated by arrows W, D, and H, respectively.

[0014] 2, a plurality of (8×12=96 in this embodiment) recesses 16A are formed on the upper surface of the reaction plate 16. Primary antibodies are immobilized in advance in these recesses 16A.

[0015] 3, a plurality of (8×12=96 in this embodiment) recesses 23A are formed on the upper surface of the specimen plate 23, similar to the upper surface of the reaction plate 16. Specimens (liquid samples) to be tested are placed in these recesses 23A.

[0016] The analyzer 10 is an apparatus that analyzes components of a specimen placed in a recess 23A of a specimen plate 23. Inside the housing 12, storage sections are provided for the reaction plate 16 and the specimen plate 23, respectively.

[0017] The reaction plate 16 is set in a corresponding storage section in the housing 12. The sample plate 23 is set in a corresponding storage section in the housing 12.

[0018] Further provided inside the housing 12 are a dispensing unit 62 (see FIG. 8), an incubator, a washing unit, an information reading device 30 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), and an analysis unit 68 (see FIG. 9).

[0019] The dispensing unit 62 aspirates the specimen placed in the recess 23A of the specimen plate 23 and dispenses the aspirated specimen into the recess 16A of the reaction plate 16.

[0020] The incubator keeps the reaction plate 16 at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, thereby promoting the reaction (primary reaction) between the primary antibody and the antigen in the sample. The primary reaction produces an immune complex between the primary antibody and the antigen.

[0021] The washing unit discharges a washing liquid into the recess 16A of the reaction plate 16. Next, the washing unit aspirates the mixed liquid containing the washing liquid from the recess 16A to remove impurities within the recess 16A.

[0022] The dispensing unit 62 further aspirates an enzyme-labeled antibody (labeled secondary antibody) liquid from the reagent container 28 and dispenses the aspirated enzyme-labeled antibody liquid into the recesses 16A of the reaction plate 16.

[0023] The incubator further keeps the reaction plate 16 at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, thereby promoting the reaction (secondary reaction) between the immune complex between the primary antibody and the antigen, which is generated in the primary reaction, and the enzyme-labeled antibody.

[0024] The washing unit further discharges a washing liquid into the recesses 16A of the reaction plate 16. Next, the washing unit aspirates the mixed liquid containing the washing liquid from the recesses 16A, and removes unnecessary enzyme-labeled antibodies in the recesses 16A.

[0025] The dispensing unit 62 further aspirates the chromogenic substrate liquid from the reagent container 28, and dispenses the aspirated chromogenic substrate liquid into the recess 16A of the reaction plate 16 (chromogenic substrate dispensing operation).

[0026] The incubator further keeps the reaction plate 16 warm at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, which promotes the reaction (color reaction) between the label contained in the immune complex generated in the secondary reaction and the chromogenic substrate, causing the chromogenic substrate solution to develop color.

[0027] The dispensing unit 62 further aspirates a reaction stop liquid from the reagent container 28 and dispenses it into the recess 16A of the reaction plate 16. This stops the reaction (color reaction) between the label contained in the immune complex and the color-developing substrate.

[0028] The analysis unit 68 projects light of a predetermined wavelength onto the recess 16A of the reaction plate 16. Then, it measures the absorbance of the solution in the recess 16A. By the measurement, it is possible to analyze the sample, that is, to know the amount of antigen in the sample.

[0029] 4 to 6 show an information reading device 30 according to a first embodiment. A reagent container 28 is shown in Fig. 7. A dispensing unit 62 is shown in Fig. 8.

[0030] The reagent container 28 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that contains a reagent therein. Examples of the reagent include, but are not limited to, the above-mentioned enzyme-labeled antibody (labeled secondary antibody) liquid, the chromogenic substrate liquid, or the reaction stop liquid.

[0031] An opening 28A is formed in the reagent container 28. The opening 28A is formed on the upper surface of the reagent container 28. When the reagent container 28 is held in a container holder 32, which will be described later, the opening 28A is located on the upper side of the reagent container 28. The opening 28A is formed over substantially the entire upper surface of the reagent container 28. The opening width W1 and the opening depth D1 of the opening 28A are slightly shorter than the width W2 and the depth D2 of the outer dimensions of the reagent container 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the reagent container 28 also includes a large reagent container 28L (see FIGS. 4 and 5) whose depth is about twice D2.

[0032] A barcode 28B is provided on one side of the reagent container 28. Information (reagent information) relating to the reagent contained in the reagent container 28 is recorded in the barcode 28B. The barcode 28B is an example of an information label.

[0033] 4 to 6, the information reading device 30 has a container holding unit 32 and a reading unit 34. The container holding unit 32 has a holding frame 36. The width W3 of the inner dimension (the inner dimension in the direction of the arrow W) of the holding frame 36 is slightly longer than the width W2 of the outer dimension of the reagent container 28.

[0034] The inside of the holding frame 36 is partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 38 arranged at intervals in the depth direction. The inner depth D3 of each partitioned area 40 is slightly longer than the outer depth D2 of the reagent container 28. The reagent container 28 is set in each partitioned area 40 so that the lower part of the reagent container 28 is inserted into it. This allows the holding frame 36 to hold the reagent container 28 in each partitioned area 40. Since the holding frame 36 has a plurality of partitioned areas 40, the holding frame 36 can hold a plurality of reagent containers 28. The container holding section 32 is structured such that it can hold a large reagent container 28L by adjusting the position of the partition walls 38.

[0035] The holding frame 36 can hold a plurality of reagent containers 28 arranged in a row (arranged in the depth direction in this embodiment). Furthermore, with the plurality of reagent containers 28 held in this manner by the holding frame 36, the holding frame 36 holds the reagent containers 28 such that the openings 28A of the respective reagent containers 28 face upward and the barcodes 28B are oriented in a fixed direction (facing left in the width direction in the illustrated example). This also allows the plurality of barcodes 28B to be positioned in the same plane.

[0036] The reading unit 34 has a drive mechanism 44 and a barcode reader 46. As shown in Fig. 9, the control device 42 controls the drive mechanism 44 and the barcode reader 46. Furthermore, the control device 42 receives data read by the barcode reader 46. The control device 42 and the barcode reader 46 are connected by a communication cable 48.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 44 is disposed below the holding frame 36. The drive mechanism 44 has a motor 50, a drive pulley 52, a driven pulley 54, and a drive belt 56. The drive belt 56 is an endless belt that is wound around the drive pulley 52 and the driven pulley 54. When the motor 50 rotates the drive pulley 52, the drive belt 56 circulates.

[0038] The barcode reader 46 is disposed on the left side of the reagent container 28 held in the holding frame 36, specifically at a position facing the barcode 28B. The barcode reader 46 is slidably held by a slide rail 58 extending in the depth direction.

[0039] The barcode reader 46 is provided with a clamping piece 60. The clamping piece 60 clamps a part of the drive belt 56. As a result, when the drive belt 56 circulates, the barcode reader 46 moves in the depth direction while being guided by the slide rail 58.

[0040] The driving of the motor 50 is controlled by the control device 42. Particularly in this embodiment, the motor 50 is adapted to be intermittently driven so that the barcode reader 46 stops at the position of each barcode 28B of the reagent container 28 held by the holding frame 36.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the dispensing unit 62 includes a dispensing unit body 64 and a plurality of dispensing probes 66. The number of dispensing probes 66 is equal to the number of recesses 16A of the reaction plate 16 in the width direction, and is eight in this embodiment. That is, the eight dispensing probes 66 are provided on the dispensing unit body 64 at intervals equal to the intervals between the recesses 16A in the width direction. Each dispensing probe 66 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the dispensing unit body 64. In addition, the dispensing unit body 64 is movable in the width direction and the depth direction relative to the housing 12. By appropriately combining the movement of the dispensing unit body 64 in the width direction and the depth direction and the vertical movement of the dispensing probe 66, the reagent can be dispensed from the reagent container 28 into the recesses 16A of the reaction plate 16.

[0042] The opening width W1 of the opening 28A of the reagent container 28 is ensured to be wide enough to simultaneously insert multiple, in this embodiment, eight dispensing probes 66. However, during actual dispensing, it is not necessary to insert all eight dispensing probes 66 at the same time, and seven or fewer dispensing probes 66 may be inserted.

[0043] The container holding section 32 is adapted to slide in the depth direction relative to the housing 12 by a sliding mechanism (not shown). This sliding allows the container holding section 32 to be protruded forward, making it easy to set the reagent container 28 in the holding frame 36. Then, with the reagent container 28 set, the container holding section 32 can be slid toward the rear to move it to a predetermined position in the housing 12. When the container holding section 32 is in this predetermined position within the housing 12, it is fixed to the housing 12 by a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0044] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0045] The reagent container 28 is set in the container holding part 32 in a state where it is pulled out toward the front side from the housing 12. The container holding part 32 in which the reagent container 28 is set is pushed toward the rear side of the housing 12. Then, in a state where it is in a predetermined position within the housing 12, the container holding part 32 is fixed to the housing 12 by a locking mechanism.

[0046] In this state, the control device 42 controls the drive mechanism 44 and the barcode reader 46 to perform an operation of reading information on the barcodes 28B of the reagent containers 28. Specifically, the motor 50 is driven to move the barcode reader 46 in the depth direction (the direction of the arrow D) relative to the container holding unit 32. When reading, the barcodes 28B may be read while moving the barcode reader 46 in the depth direction, but in this embodiment, it is possible to stop the barcode reader 46 at the positions of the barcodes 28B of the multiple reagent containers 28 and read the barcodes 28B. Therefore, the reading accuracy is higher than when the barcode reader 46 is moved in the depth direction and reads without stopping at the position of the barcode 28B.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the information in the barcode 28B is read by the barcode reader 46, the container holder 32 is fixed to the housing 12. Since the reagent container 28 held by the container holder 32 does not move, it is possible to prevent liquid from splashing from the reagent container 28. In effect, no liquid splashing occurs in the reagent container 28.

[0048] Particularly, in this embodiment, the dispensing unit 62 is provided with eight dispensing probes 66 corresponding to the series of eight recesses 16A of the reaction plate 16. The opening width W1 of the opening 28A of the reagent container 28 is set wide so that the eight dispensing probes 66 can be inserted simultaneously. Even when using a reagent container 28 equipped with an opening 28A having such a wide opening width W1, leakage or splashing of liquid from the reagent container 28 due to liquid splashing can be suppressed.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the container holder 32 holds a plurality of reagent containers 28 arranged in a row. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a plurality of reagent containers 28 are not held in a row, the information in the barcode 28B can be read by a simple operation of moving the barcode reader 46 in a straight line.

[0050] Moreover, in this embodiment, the container holder 32 holds the reagent container 28 with the opening 28A of the reagent container facing upward and the barcode 28B aligned in a fixed direction (to the left in the width direction). The barcode reader 46 reads information from the barcode 28B aligned in a fixed direction. That is, it is possible to easily read the information of the barcode 28B by the barcode reader 46, and also to easily aspirate the reagent from the reagent container 28 using the dispensing probe 66.

[0051] In this embodiment, the information marker is exemplified as a reagent container 28 having a barcode 28B, and the reading unit is exemplified as a barcode reader 46 that reads this barcode 28B. By using the barcode 28B as the information marker, it is possible to reliably read information with a simple configuration.

[0052] The information sign is not limited to barcode 28B, and may be, for example, letters, numbers, symbols, etc., that represent information about the reagent. For such letters, numbers, and symbols, a camera that captures an image of the information sign may be used as the reading unit, and information about the reagent may be obtained from the image captured by the camera. Even if the information sign is letters, numbers, symbols, etc., the configuration of the reading unit is not complicated, because the information is obtained by reading the information sign as an image.

[0053] The information label is not limited to one that can be read as an image. For example, a tag that electromagnetically records information about the reagent, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, may be used. In this case, an RFID reader that reads the RFID tag may be used as the reading unit.

[0054] In addition, the following notes are disclosed: (Appendix 1) a container holder capable of holding a plurality of reagent containers each having an information label on which reagent information is recorded and capable of being fixed to a housing of the testing device; a reading unit that moves relative to the container holding unit and reads the information recorded on the information label; An information reading device having the above structure. (Appendix 2) 2. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the container holding unit holds a plurality of the reagent containers arranged in a row. (Appendix 3) the container holder holds the plurality of reagent containers in a position in which the openings of the reagent containers face upward and the information labels are aligned in a fixed direction; 3. The information reading device according to claim 2, wherein the reading unit reads the information from the information signs arranged in the fixed orientation. (Appendix 4) 4. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit stops at a position of the information label of each of the reagent containers held in the container holding unit and reads the information. (Appendix 5) The information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reading unit reads the information sign as an image. (Appendix 6) The information reading device according to claim 5, wherein the reading unit reads a barcode as the information sign. (Appendix 7) an information reading device having a container holding section capable of holding a plurality of reagent containers each having an information label on which reagent information is recorded and capable of being fixed to a housing of a testing device, and a reading section which moves relative to the container holding section and reads the information recorded on the information label; an analysis unit that analyzes a sample prepared using the reagent contained in the reagent container; An analytical device having (Appendix 8) a plurality of dispensing probes for dispensing the reagent contained in the reagent container; The analytical device according to claim 7, wherein the container holding section holds the reagent container having an opening of a width allowing multiple dispensing probes to be inserted simultaneously. (Appendix 9) The analytical device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of dispensing probes are arranged in a direction and at intervals corresponding to a plurality of recesses of a reaction plate for receiving the reagent. (Appendix 10) 10. The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the container holder of the information reading device holds a plurality of the reagent containers arranged in a row. (Appendix 11) the container holder of the information reading device holds the plurality of reagent containers in a position in which the openings of the reagent containers face upward and the information labels are aligned in a certain direction; The reading unit reads the information from the information signs arranged in the fixed direction. 11. The analytical apparatus of claim 10. (Appendix 12) The analytical apparatus according to any one of appendices 7 to 11, wherein the reading unit of the information reading device stops at the position of the information sign of each of the reagent containers held in the container holding unit and reads the information. (Appendix 13) 13. The analysis device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the reading unit of the information reading device reads the information sign as an image. (Appendix 14) 14. The analytical apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reading unit of the information reading device reads a barcode as the information sign. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Analyzer 12. Cabinet 16 Reaction Plates 16A Reaction plate recess 23 Sample Plate 23A Recess of sample plate 28 Reagent Containers 28A opening 28B Barcode (an example of an identification mark) 30 Information reading device 32 Container holding part 34 Reading unit 44 Drive mechanism 46 Barcode Reader 50 Motor 52 Drive pulley 54 Driven pulley 56 Drive belt 58 Slide rail 60 Clamping piece 62 Dispensing Unit 66 Dispensing Probe 68 Analysis Units

Claims

1. a container holder capable of holding a plurality of reagent containers each having an information label on which reagent information is recorded and capable of being fixed to a housing of the testing device; a reading unit that moves relative to the container holding unit and reads the information recorded on the information label; An information reading device having the above structure.

2. The information reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the container holder holds a plurality of the reagent containers arranged in a row.

3. the container holder holds the plurality of reagent containers in a position in which the openings of the reagent containers face upward and the information labels are aligned in a fixed direction; The information reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the reading unit reads the information from the information signs arranged in the fixed direction.

4. 4. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading section stops at the position of the information label of each of the reagent containers held in the container holder and reads the information.

5. 4. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading section reads the information sign as an image.

6. The information reading device according to claim 5 , wherein the reading section reads a barcode as the information mark.

7. an information reading device having a container holding section capable of holding a plurality of reagent containers each having an information label on which reagent information is recorded and capable of being fixed to a housing of a testing device, and a reading section which moves relative to the container holding section and reads the information recorded on the information label; an analysis unit that analyzes a sample prepared using the reagent contained in the reagent container; An analytical device having

8. a plurality of dispensing probes for dispensing the reagent contained in the reagent container; The analyzer according to claim 7 , wherein the container holder holds the reagent container having an opening with a width that allows a plurality of the dispensing probes to be inserted simultaneously.

9. The analyzer according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of dispensing probes are arranged in directions and at intervals corresponding to a plurality of recesses of a reaction plate for receiving the reagent.

10. 10. The analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the container holder of the information reading device holds a plurality of the reagent containers arranged in a row.

11. the container holder of the information reading device holds the plurality of reagent containers in a position in which the openings of the reagent containers face upward and the information labels are aligned in a certain direction; The reading unit reads the information from the information signs arranged in the fixed direction. The analytical device of claim 10.

12. The analyzer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the reading unit of the information reading device stops at the position of the information sign of each of the reagent containers held in the container holding unit and reads the information.

13. The analysis device according to claim 7, wherein the reading unit of the information reading device reads the information sign as an image.

14. The analyzer according to claim 13 , wherein the reading unit of the information reading device reads a barcode as the information mark.

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